DJ Krush

Japanese for "tranquility," Jaku opens peacefully enough, with flutes as graceful as a coasting bird. But you realize the bird is actually circling for prey as the album turns ominous: shuffling, blunted beats assault the traditional Japanese folk music, and songs like "Nosferatu" (with Mr. Lif) conjure up the strangeness of night. Also features Aesop Rock.