Dexter's Laboratory: The Hip-Hop Experiment

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Dexter's Laboratory:
The Hip-Hop Experiment
Compilation album by
various artists
ReleasedAugust 20, 2002 (2002-08-20)
GenreHip hop
Length21:12
LabelKid Rhino/Atlantic Records
ProducerKaren Ahmed, Mike Engstrom, Craig Kallman

Dexter's Laboratory: The Hip-Hop Experiment is a compilation album that features songs by various hip hop artists inspired by the Cartoon Network animated television series Dexter's Laboratory. It was released on August 20, 2002, on CD through Kid Rhino and Atlantic Records and as a limited collector's edition green vinyl.[1][2] Its release was accompanied by three music videos for the tracks "Back to the Lab" by Prince Paul, "Dexter (What's His Name?)" by Coolio, and "Secrets" by will.i.am.

Promotion

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In August 2002, Cartoon Network promoted the soundtrack by releasing three music videos from the original soundtrack. The first, "Back to the Lab" by Prince Paul, debuted on August 16 on Cartoon Network's Cartoon Cartoon Fridays block, which was entirely devoted to Dexter's Laboratory that night.[3] Two more followed: "Dexter (What's His Name?)" by Coolio and "Secrets" by will.i.am.[4] To further promote the soundtrack, an advertisement for it was shown before The Powerpuff Girls Movie during its theatrical run and on its home media releases. Ads for the album also appeared in commercials for Cartoon Network and in hip-hop magazines such as The Source and Urb.[4] Promotions included Dexter's Laboratory trading cards, books, and Game Boy products.[4]

Reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[5]
The Village VoiceA−[6]

The Hip Hop Experiment received universal acclaim from critics who reviewed the album. Heather Phares of AllMusic gave the album a positive review, stating that "its only drawback is that it's so short."[5] Coolio, a fan of Dexter's Laboratory, was more than happy to make a song for the soundtrack, stating, "They called me to do a song for Dexter's Laboratory and I didn't really know what I wanted to do at first, but I knew I wanted it to be positive and lively."[4] He then said when it came time for recording he thought it was important to consult the opinions of certain people first: "I had my children in the studio with me. They watch Dexter's Laboratory and they represent the audience for the show, so it made sense to ask them for their opinions. I played them a demo of the songs and they told me what they thought."[4]

Track listing

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Album

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No.TitlePerformer(s)Length
1."Opening Theme"Steve Rucker and Thomas Chase (composers)0:33
2."Secrets"will.i.am3:18
3."Dexter (What's His Name?)"Coolio3:36
4."Love According to Dexter"Phife Dawg introducing Slick & Rose3:53
5."Sibling Rivalries"De La Soul3:28
6."Mandark's Plan"YZ3:30
7."Back to the Lab"Prince Paul2:54

7'' Green Vinyl Single

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A side

No.TitlePerformer(s)Length
1."Opening Theme"Thomas Chase and Steve Rucker (composers)0:33
2."Secrets"will.i.am3:18

B side

No.TitlePerformer(s)Length
1."Back to the Lab"Prince Paul2:54

References

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  1. ^ Dexter's Laboratory: The Hip-Hop Experiment [EP, Soundtrack], ASIN B00006GA3F
  2. ^ Dexter's Laboratory the Hip Hop Experiment [Limited Collector's Edition], ASIN B000N456PM
  3. ^ Gruenwedel, Erik; Jeckell, Barry A. (July 25, 2002). "Rappers Research Revealed on 'Dexter's Lab'". Billboard. BPI Entertainment News Wire. Archived from the original on September 23, 2014. Retrieved 2013-11-05.
  4. ^ a b c d e Hay, Carla (August 3, 2002). "TV Themes and 'Dexter'". Billboard. Vol. 114, no. 31. Nielsen Business Media. p. 12. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved 2012-05-26 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ a b Phares, Heather. "Dexter's Laboratory: The Hip Hop Experiment – Television Soundtrack". AllMusic. Archived from the original on May 23, 2013. Retrieved May 27, 2011.
  6. ^ Christgau, Robert (September 10, 2002). "Consumer Guide: A Very Good Year". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
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