Artist: Uru
Title: Uru
Genre: Hip-Hop-Rap-Rock-Blues-Pop
Label: Tantrum Records
Website
Media

Uru, short for Uruaku, which means essence of wealth, is one extraordinarily talented young lady. The meaning of her name fits like a glove, or should I say, if the shoe fits wear it? She plays every instrument under the sun and sings with conviction and strength on her self-titled release. These are strong words but well deserved. She earns all the accolades with ease, as her musical journey is a testament to her name and the spiritual ancestral meaning behind it.

Seventeen tracks is a lot of music and she does not leave one stone unturned on this ambitious endeavor. Her styles range from hip-hop ("You Know!?") and rock ("Curse") to traditional African rhythms and dialect ("Udu...Someday"). I think she is a very intelligent artist; she presents herself with style and distinction on this recording and keeps your interest throughout the entire CD. She also has a prolific message in a hidden song at the end of the CD, which serves as a global HIV/AIDS awareness anthem.

This is all good stuff from a woman that is on mission to deliver her thoughts and ideals to you personally through her art form. If you are really listening to Uru, she has a lot to offer... great diverse music with a spirituality that reaches out to humanity while touching upon our history ("Pharaoh") and modern day issues ("Wrap Up - The Condom Song"). Besides utilizing her many talents, she employs the great drummer Aynsley Dunbar, who has played with many luminaries throughout his career.

Uru just rocks your soul to the core, even when it is not rock music; it still rocks in every way.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

January 1, 2005

01. Pilot (1:14)
02. Step (4:25)
03. Pharaoh (3:07)
04. Rock-a-bye (6:48)
05. You Know ... (2:52)
06. You Know!? (4:02)
07. Curse (3:57)
08. Udu ... Someday (4:13)
09. Belle (5:36)
10. Hummin the Blues (5:24)
11. Bia (1:29)
12. Help Me Up (5:38)
13. Tonight (4:38)
14. Spirit (0:59)
15. Bethlehem (5:41)
16. Where I Stand (5:17)
17. Wrap Up - The Condom Song * Hidden Bonus Track

Rating-8.5

Credits:

Uru-All vocals, percussion, piano, keyboards and all other instruments
Aynsley Dunbar-Drums
Mel Brown-Bass
Alastair Greene-Guitars