24 August 2010
What started as a family hip hop crew in Canberra 18 years ago (withMC Hau and his cousins forming Tribe Ledda L) has since transformed into the successful rap group, Koolism. MC Hau and DJ Danielsan make up the duo and have six EP’s, five studio albums, two nominations at the Australian Dance Music Awards and one ARIA in 2004 for Best Urban Release under their belt.
Koolism’s fifth studio album is named after a traditional Tongan underground oven, The ‘Umu. Filled with personal anecdotes, letters and photos, The ‘Umu is a substantial contribution to the Australian hip hop scene while staying true to their heritage. Not only does The ‘Umu pay tribute to the boys Tongan background both in the title and it’s contents, Hau and Danielsan have used hip hop to comment on Australian society; with opinions on the good (see Movin’ which praises all things Australia), the bad (Turning Back talks of Danielsan's anger and confusion with religion) and the ugly (Can’t Stand It comments on racism in Australia).
The album peaks early with I, Have Not. The pounding drums and gospel-like backing vocals on this track mixed with simple synth lines bring the album to a spiked peak at number six. Unfortunately, Have, Have Not is the album's definitive highlight and the genius of the track only leaves you wanting more from the seven remaining songs.
Withstanding the four aforementioned tracks, The ‘Umu has a few other standouts. Jam Hot samples Johnny Dynell’s original of the song but pays tribute to both Beats International’s version and R. Kelly and Jay-Z’s Fiesta Remix in their lyrics. Danielsan is a wizard on the decks and Koolism make this song their own without bastardising the original. The track Lovely is inspired by a Dizzee Rascal lyric but we’ll let you find out which when you buy your own copy. This track includes some hilarious backing vocals and one spritely instrumental where the bass and guitar merge into a thumping post-tribal beat. Hau’s vocals rap clear as day throughout, without losing that hip hop swagger he made famous in his first album asKoolism, Part One – Paralax View.
The ‘Umu is an intelligent hip hop collection, DJ Danielsan and MC Hau are talented and honest in their song structure, lyrics and instrumentals. Sadly, the album peaks ahead of time and we are left chasing that same feeling in a second climax.
The 'Umu is out September 3 2010 through Invada.
The album peaks early with I, Have Not. The pounding drums and gospel-like backing vocals on this track mixed with simple synth lines bring the album to a spiked peak at number six. Unfortunately, Have, Have Not is the album's definitive highlight and the genius of the track only leaves you wanting more from the seven remaining songs.
Withstanding the four aforementioned tracks, The ‘Umu has a few other standouts. Jam Hot samples Johnny Dynell’s original of the song but pays tribute to both Beats International’s version and R. Kelly and Jay-Z’s Fiesta Remix in their lyrics. Danielsan is a wizard on the decks and Koolism make this song their own without bastardising the original. The track Lovely is inspired by a Dizzee Rascal lyric but we’ll let you find out which when you buy your own copy. This track includes some hilarious backing vocals and one spritely instrumental where the bass and guitar merge into a thumping post-tribal beat. Hau’s vocals rap clear as day throughout, without losing that hip hop swagger he made famous in his first album asKoolism, Part One – Paralax View.
The ‘Umu is an intelligent hip hop collection, DJ Danielsan and MC Hau are talented and honest in their song structure, lyrics and instrumentals. Sadly, the album peaks ahead of time and we are left chasing that same feeling in a second climax.
The 'Umu is out September 3 2010 through Invada.
No comments:
Post a Comment