international rap

Mix Tape Monday: Spitfire Rap

Posted on by Get Set Go

Hi all! Is it Tuesday already? Yikes! Here’s my second mixtape featuring rappers and poets from all over the world (for the first one click here.) Better late than never right?

Flávio Renegado – Minha Tribo é o Mundo. This rap has an addictive, groove worthy sound that conjures up good feelings. Watch him rap with a slight smile on his face and start planning your next trip to Brazil.

Diams – Ma France à Moi. Infamous French rapper challenges stereotypical images of France. The video is haunting and powerful but to get a better sense of the continuous flow of the track listen here. Also check our her Confessions Nocturnes for some throw back girl power.

Beenzino – Dali, Van, Picasso. Need some sophistication in your life? How about some Korean chill hop with jazz piano? Because Beenzino’s track comparing to rap to art is just what the the doctor ordered. Continue the haute culture chill session with Aquaman.

Stromae – Dodo. Wait, this isn’t a rap? Is it? Belgian rap/pop artist takes the familiar tune of a lullaby and transforms it into a song about a child growing up in a family with domestic abuse. Yeah…its heart breakingly incredible. Watch Formidable and Le Rap C’est Simple.

What else? Add to my list  and share your favorite international rappers below. Or listen to the mix tape playlist here.

 

 

Mix Tape Monday: Best Served Cold

Posted on by Get Set Go

 

My roommates are constantly amazed (or afraid) of my imperviousness to the summer heat. Yep, I’m one of those crazy people that wears long pants and drinks hot tea on a midsummer day. But just to prove I’m not actually a vampire…..here’s my secret list of chill and slow jams (of all genres) for your listening pleasure. Trust me these artists are way too cool to ever break a sweat. For maximum effect keep chilled and serve over ice.

Zion.T – Eat. Everything about Zion.T pretty much defines cool. The lyrics, the instrumentation, the music video all ooze a clever craftsmanship and class. Figure out why his glasses are cracked you’ll know what I mean. Can’t get enough? I can’t blame you. Listen to Two Melodies, Babay, and Zero Gravity.

Pompeya – 90. Stop standing in front of the open freezer and let the cool dreamy sounds of this song (by Russian indie band Pompeya) wash over you instead. Continue the arctic chill with Slow and Power.

Boy – We Were Here. This Swiss and German duo create some icy ethereal harmonies (complete with poetic lyrics and some sly use of cards) that will transport you to Alpine state of mind. I also adore their track Little Numbers.

MC Solaar – Caroline. Heartbreak should always be served cold and this Senegalese giant rapper delivers with this ill fated love story. “Life is a game of cards, Paris a casino, I play reds…hearts, Caro.” Nouveau Western and his humorous Victime de la Mode are both studies in prowess.

Thornapple – Don’t be deceived by the psychedelic rock intro, this song soon settles into gentle yet haunting lullaby but be ready for more twists and turns! My love for this Korean band knows no bounds try 남극 and …시퍼런 봄.

 

Any other songs you know that are the definition of cool? Post them below!

Be sure to check out the Mixtape Monday playlist to listen to all the tracks I’ve posted.

Mix Tape Monday: Reppin’ Rap

Posted on by Get Set Go

In my high school years I would stumble across the occasional amateur rap battle or two during lunch or between classes. I attribute the excitement of those fleeting moments of grass roots rap to the birth of my love of rap (and previously mentioned amateur beatboxing dreams).

The songs listed are much better than anything I ever heard in high school and way beyond my own ability (oh to be able to lay down such cutting and clever rhymes!). While I still can’t rap (well) I can at least listen to these songs, nod along, and practice a line or two.

 Ok or maybe not.

Salome MC – Price of Freedom. Both an artist and a musician this Iranian lady writes some rebellious rhymes covering everything from society, artistry, and ever present existential ambiguity. Like this? Try  Gonahe Vojod.

Swings – Fallin (feat Jay Park). The self titled “Punchline King” of South Korea lives up to his name with some hard hitting lines. Feeling this? Try 이겨낼거야 2 (Victorious 2)  and 달리자 (which also features many other famous Korean rappers).

Ana Tijoux – Somos Sur (feat Shadia Mansour). This French-Chilean rapper has been all over NPR lately and rightly so! I love her tracks 1977 and Shock as well.

Supersci – All Year Next Year. The 60’s almost Beatles-like electric tune to this Swedish rap group’s song immediately caught my attention. Want more? Listen to On The Grind.

Cut Killer– Nique la Police. This track mixed with Edith Piaf’s classic “Je ne regrette rien” speaks volumes about the tension surrounding modern French identity. Duly famous for the gorgeous shot it was used in the film La Haine (which go see now if you haven’t).

Shing02 with Nujabes – Luv (sic) Part 2. For all you smooth, chill beats lovers out there Shing02 is for you. Anime watchers out there may recognize him from Battlecry the theme of Samurai Champloo. There are six parts to the Luv(sic) set. Check out the full set here.

 

Whew! I may have bit off more than I can chew. There is a ton of excellent international rap and hip hop to choose from so stay tuned for updates. In the mean time leave your reactions or suggestions below!