TheKnuBlack - Ohana

Published Wednesday 31st January 2018
TheKnuBlack - Ohana
TheKnuBlack - Ohana

STYLE: Hip-Hop
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 167959-26344
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album

Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

New Jersey hip hop act TheKnuBlack (also known as TKB and previously Out Of The Blue) consists of KnuOrigen and Kay Sade and the duo's second full length release is a pleasingly complex affair. Experts in delivering organic hip hop that continually morphs from one mode to another, TKB (we'll call them that) have a sound and style that is hard to pin down but this makes for an intriguing listen with minimalistic beats and soulful sounds forming the backdrop to KnuOrigen's intricately fast rapping and Kay Sade's heartfelt and introspective vocals. Lyrically, TKB keep things cryptic which refreshingly means that the listener has to fully engage in the process in order to interpret meaning from each track. However, the underlying message of hope found in God is woven throughout this release via fleeting faith-related lines that pop up now and again whilst the likes of "The Kids That Can" and "The Friend (Hokage)" have more straightforward themes of rising up against adversity and recognising true friendship respectively. Short interludes nestle amongst full length tracks meaning that TKB have packed this fascinating offering to the gunnels with both content and diversity.

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Sample Track Listing:
1. 01 TKB [Listen]
2. 02 Santiago [Listen]
4. 04 You Belong With Us [Listen]
6. 06 The Kids That Can [Listen]
7. 07 Standby (Interlude) [Listen]
8. 08 The History Machine [Listen]
9. 09 Bougie [Listen]
10. 10 Letterman [Listen]
11. 11 The Friend (Hokage) [Listen]
13. 13 Colors Of The Wind (feat. Caylody) [Listen]
14. 14 Lilo (Bantu Party) [Listen]
15. 15 Yang [Listen]
16. 16 Poetry [Listen]
17. 17 Finesse 2.0 (feat. Ruslan & Byron Juane) [Listen]

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.

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