stromae

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.

 

 

Artist Spotlight: Stromae

Posted on by Get Set Go

Do you like

  • hard hitting, yet eloquent upbeat French lyrics?
  • learning new and slightly eccentric dance moves?
  • brushing up on your verlan?
  • a mix between rap, spoken word, and singing?
  • expanding your francophone horizons? (we’re bringing Belgium back, yeah!)

Then read on!

Unafraid to confront social convention Stromae juxtaposes addictive upbeat (and danceable) songs with some heavy and thought provoking lyrics. He is the very maestro from which he took his name. Not a French speaker? Not to worry the songs are great on their own but I highly recommend looking up translations of the lyrics because Stromae just lays it down!

Below are my top three songs at the moment  but be sure to check out his latest album Racine Carrée for more.

Alors On Danse – Do you hate your job? Has the day-to-day drudgery and the farce that is everyday life become overwhelming? Well, this song is for you. This is the track that launched Stromae into international acclaim. And forces me to dance whenever I hear it…which may be the point.

Ave Cesaria – This song is the least synthesized of the three and has an effervescent tropical beat. The home style video can be a little dizzying but is endearing and does a great job of showing different points of view as the camera is passed amongst the party goers.

Tous Les Mêmes – Herein are the fun dance moves mentioned earlier. This music video features Stromae acting out male and female roles while he sings from the perspective of a woman. It is awesome. The demented tango he dances with himself (lyrically and literally) is something I feel like we all can relate to.