I think Portishead is closer to AJ than alot of abstract hip-hop.. and
just because Beth uses melody (that is, sings instead of raps) doesn't
change the fact that P's hip and hop are quite abstract.
Check out the scratched trumpet solo (brief, but there) on "Pedestal"..
The Lalo samples, which have been noted.. the "rare-groove"-esque
instrumentation (wah-wah, sampled horns, rhodes, hammond) that is found
on most every track to one degree or another.
Also, check out "A Tribute to Monk and Canatella", and the remixes
that P have done for MoWax, "Rusty James" and "Portishead plays UNKLE".
Respect,
--Brad
952shelton@alpha.nlu.edu