The Rough Guide to African Rap

Various Artists (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 16, 2004)
• Original Release Date: February 3, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: World Music Network
• ASIN: B00016UZ9O
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #233,691 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
For many Americans, The Last Poets constituted their first exposure to topical poetry recited against an urban soundscape. But in Africa, there are many spoken traditions and these are being reinvented via vamps lifted from local styles and/or augmented by imported grooves. The verbal content depends on the social realities confronting the artists. Manu Dibango's version is redolent of Parisian artifice, but Nigeria's Unsung Heroes and Ty, with a more hardcore social situation and the outspoken example of Fela Kuti ever before them, are more confrontational. Reggie Rockstone from Ghana takes this influence a step further by using one of Fela's actual sax riffs. Another interesting variable is how language rhythms mutate the weighty, emphatic staccato typical of American hip-hop. X Plastaz from Tanzania work in polyrhythms that could give a more by-the-book practitioner an aneurysm, while Mabulu of Mozambique's conscious rant, set against flowing Marrabenta guitars, sounds downright sweet. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clash Of The Hip Hop Civilization, April 13, 2005

By	V. Dacus (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I know Samuel P. Huntington said there would be more and more interaction between "The West" and Developing Nations, but who would have thought that would spill over to Hip Hop?

Each song has it's unique blend of traditional rhythms mixed w/ rhymes you may not even understand. Nontheless, one can not deny the potential these artist display, from South Africa's popular Kwaito sound, to Tanzania own X-Plastaz who have held true to Masai culture over a fly beat. And who can front on Ghana's own, Reggie Rockstone, the God Father of HipLife?! The only thing missing from this classic Cd is a dedication to the great Fela Kuti.

All in all, this CD is for the open minded.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Pretty Cool Cd,, January 9, 2007

By	David A. Smith "Brian2009" (Webberville, Mi, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

this was a pretty good disc it had alot of good songs and was enjoyable to listen to.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great compilation, November 20, 2006

By	Food Fan (New York) - See all my reviews

There is a variety of sounds - different styles of rapping mixed with different local/tradtional sounds. Several of the artists have socially concious messages, e.g. critique of corrupt institutions.