Pioneering MC Zev Love X — best-known for his cameo on the Third Bass classic " The Gas Face, " and also known by his recording alias MF Doom — here lays out 17 instrumental tracks that infuse ’70s funk with early-’90s De La Soul–flavored rhythms. The cut-and-paste xylophone, trickling piano, and flute loops are reminiscent of classic Pete Rock and DJ Premier productions, as well as Zev’s early-’90s outfit KMD. True to its title, Special Herbs settles into a stoner groove, and the resultant collection of cohesive instrumentals recalls DJ Shadow’s best work. The subdued scratches on the opening " Saffron " bring the tune’s soothing percussion to life; the bluesy guitar riff on " Lovage " should appeal to both backpackers and b-boys. On " Nettle Leaves, " a serene flute loop hovers atop a grimy snare and bass line. Doom also plucks beats from the racks of fellow underground turntablists DJ Spinna, DJ Cucumber Slice, and DJ Subroc, Zev Love X’s younger brother, who was killed in 1993 and who’s the inspiration for the metal-masked MF Doom persona. Subroc’s " Shallots " is the showstopper, its kinetic guitar jabs sparring with a dense drum ’n’ bass loop.