Pairing hip-hop with rock and roll dates as far back at least to Run DMC and Aerosmith’s “Walk this Way” but presently the idea runs the risk of turning into something akin to the Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock school of rap-rock, which mercifully appears to have run its course in popular music. Thankfully, that’s not at all the case with Blakroc because The Black Keys truly transform into a tight, aggressive and authentic hip-hop session band rather than a rock band trying to fake its way through a forced genre shift.

Patrick Carney’s boomy snare hits and thumping bass drum serve as the backbone augmented by Dan Auerbach’s cool guitar riffs.  Dash’s contributions are apparent with overall Roc-a-Fella sound that bleeds into many of the tracks.  Aurbach’s signature bluesy sound keeps the tracks in check, giving them a raw and old-school feel.  There’s a fullness and soul apparent on many of the tracks due to the soulful and blues oriented nature of The Black Keys.  It’s not surprising a band so well rooted in the blues and R&B could make the transition to modern hip-hop.  It’s also no stretch to say the beats on Blakroc are absolutely sick, dirty and stand up to whatever scrutiny comes at them.

Each song takes on the shape and sound of the guest M.C. and the lyrics drift from the lighthearted ode to a certain female body part – “Coochie” featuring Ludacris and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard who’s track was recorded years ago before he died and later purchased by Dash – to the more dramatic “Ain’t Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo)” featuring Mos Def and Jim Jones.  They get funky as hell on “Dollaz & Sense” featuring RZA and Pharoahe Monch which features a sample of RZA’s somewhat awkward guitar playing setting the groove for Auerbach to play around.

There’s simply no denying how buttery smooth the beats are on this album.  And when they bring in the sultry Nicole Wray on background vocals your knees simply buckle.  Her sultry pipes shine on “What You Do to Me” giving the tune a classic feel and sound.  While there’s an aggressiveness to the tracks it’s never angry and the rappers don’t yell at you.  This is not rap- metal in the least, but there is a good helping of dirty, screaming guitar riffs and organ driven melodies that give the album a raw and forceful sound.

Auerbach is all over this album, on guitar, keyboards of all types, bass guitar, percussion and vocals always crafting the melody and keeping everything sounding genuine.  If you love hip-hop this album will not disappoint, and if you’re like me and only tend to dabble in that world this album is completely accessible and will leave you wanting and hoping for more.

Below is the first of 11 videos that have been posted to YouTube which document the creation of the album.  I highly recommend checking all of these out because they give such a cool inside look at the behind the scenes events that culminated with this album.