A multinational concern from the UK, this hip hop trio have their origins in Liberia, Nigeria and Scotland. It is somehow appropriate their debut is titled Dead – either deeply ironic or keenly visionary given the game of chance that is the life most of their original countrymen tackle on a daily basis.
This being so, it comes as no surprise that the tunes are littered with titles such as Just Another Bullet, War and Hangman. There is also the empowering child like redemption song of Am I Not Your Boy. Elsewhere you will find a resilient two fingers to the narrow-minded and shallow, whose thoughts are confined to mocking and whose arguments are deserving of ignominy. You can almost forgive the Young Fathers for the opening refrain, “Come in G” as No Way develops into a staunch urban war cry. Low reciters life’s misfortune in the style of Red Hot Chilli Peppers and has the disconcerting missive “Marriage in a gas mask.”
The variety in the Young Fathers cannon is thrilling as it mixes a range of styles. Dead deserves to be touted for being a focused attempt by a trio setting off on their adventure with ambitions to make a memorable point. This may result in a degree of renown and not be consigned to indifference and oblivion.
Taken on its merits, Dead demands several listens for being a brilliant synthesis with the smoothness of Seal and Kanye whilst spitting the venom of NWA or Public Enemy. Peculiarly then, Young Fathers sound regal even if they are rapping about tramps like us who were born to pay. Terrace chants and smooth groove stand side-by-side. A bold step forward.
BY BRONIUS ZUMERIS
Best Track: War
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: CYPRESS HILL, CONTROL MACHETE, MASSIVE ATTACK
In A Word: Nimble
