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A landmark figure in the New Zealand hip-hop scene since its origins, Feelstyle (aka Picasso aka Kas), has, with the help of production partner Submariner (Che Fu, Ermhen, Mark De Clive-Lowe, Dam Native, King Kapisi, Sola Rosa, Dimmer), delivered what is perhaps this country's most definitive, and certainly most unique, hip-hop statement. Beginning his rapping career in Wellington back in 1987 (participating in this country's first ever MC Battle 'Taita' - and the days winner over Upper Hutt Posse), Kas also did stints in early pioneering outfits Rough Opinion (under the name RIQ), The Overstayers (under the name Conscious Navigator with DJ Raw and King Kapisi), before spreading his creative wings to include Auckland - working with the likes of Ermehn (rhyming on "Walls Of Steel" in Samoan for the first time) and establishing his first connections with Andy "Submariner" Morton. 1997 saw another name change, Field Style Orator, and a Phunk Republic tour with Dam Native, Kosmo, DJ Raw and Fiso (the latter three establishing themselves as The Footsouljahs), then finally relocating to Auckland to assist King Kapisi on his 'Savage Thoughts' debut (featured on "Screems From Da Old Plantation" and "Second Migration"). Now simply Feelstyle, and with guests slots for the likes of the Major Flavours series, Bic Runga, Soane, Che Fu, Manuel Bundy and House Of Downtown keeping his flame burning bright, work began in earnest on the masterpiece that would come to be known as 'Break It To Pieces'. The combination of Kas' unique bilingual flow (English and Samoan) combining humour with darker more mysterious cultural matters, Submariner's sonic beat mastery and manipulation (far removed from the more traditional DJ-based backing), plus a list of guests that include Mark De Clive-Lowe, Kaidi Tatham (Herbaliser "live" band, Bugz In The Attic), Spikey Tee (Bomb The Bass, Agent Alvin), Shayne Carter (Dimmer), Ahmen Mahal (Rhombus), Savage (Decepticonz), Juse (Woodcut Productions), DJ Raw (Footsouljahs) and Son Tan (Lost Tribe), this album goes way beyond being simply another New Zealand hip-hop record (not that there's anything wrong with that of course!), instead establishing itself as an album that has no comparison in the world of pop music today. That alone is truly something to celebrate, but when the album in question is as damn fine as this one, New Zealand music genuinely has something to celebrate. A world class effort (in both originality and sound), this magnificent album from Tha Feelstyle comes with the highest Smokecds.com recommendation. Absolute respect to its makers! |
