It’s telling that the very first words out of the Hoods’ mouths on their seventh album are “We’re still here.” Walking Under Stars sees them staring down mortality – not only in terms of the group’s expiry date (I’m a Ghost, The Thirst Pt. 5), but through personal turmoil and triumph. MC Pressure (aka Daniel Smith) openly discusses his nine-year-old son’s battle with leukaemia on several tracks, most notably the emotive solo ballad Into the Dark, which stands as one of the most resonant and powerful moments they have ever recorded.
Elsewhere, Brother Ali and Dan Sultan certifiably nail their guest spots on Live and Let Go and Rumble, Young Man, Rumble, respectively; but never overshadow the Hoods themselves. Smith, MC Suffa and DJ Debris perform – collectively and individually – as vitally and boldly as ever, delivering outstanding flows over snappy, atmosphere-driven beats. Don’t call it a comeback – the Hoods have, indeed, been here for years. What you can call it, however, is one of the year’s finest hip hop releases; regardless of nationality.
2014 marks 20 years since the group formed, and releases as consistent and enthralling as this indicate that they are far from done.
BY DAVID JAMES YOUNG
Best Track: Through the Dark
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: JIMBLAH Phoenix, HORRORSHOW King Amongst Many, L-FRESH THE LION One
In A Word: Vital
