V/A Trikont :: Africa Raps (2001)
I’ll admit that my first impressions of this album were less than fair and hyper-critical. My initial reaction was based on a small selection of tracks that for all appearances seemed to be mining the depths of the American Hip-Hop scene too deeply while ignoring their own potential contribution to the canon. Now that still holds true particularly if I disregard the fact that most of it is done in French and I am at a loss for what the message is but for that fact alone I need to pay closer attention. So I am.
The second and third tracks, Kay Jel Ma and Art. 158, are main reasons that I discounted the album on initial listening. Closely following the production techniques of contemporary Gangsta Hip-Hop in the United States it is difficult to discern the true voice of the artists amongst all the Western vocal artifacts and beats. They make for a disappointing opener to an album with an enormous amount of potential. Thankfully, the album does begin to realize its possibilities.
Gokhi-Bi System, delivers with their track Xaesal which is a blend of traditional rhythms and modern production resulting in a nice stew of world sounds; Metite is similar in that it makes use of an airy stringed instrument, harp-like in nature, to add a much desired lightness. Da Brains is another stand out track and while is slightly less world sounding he compensates with tight production and some rapid fire rap that skitters and zips about the beats like an insect.
There is much to like on this album, particularly if you skim over the eye-rolling tracks and revel in what makes American and African music so vibrant: adaptability.
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