Hip-hop continues to emerge from all corners of America. The latest release from north-western indie label Massline Records — distributed by the landmark rap label, Rawkus Records — will be one of the sleeper albums of the year. Bayani is the title of the new full length release from Blue Scholars, the two man team out of Seattle Washington. The crew consists of emcee Geologic and DJ/producer Sabzi, two north-eastern rap artists. Blue Scholars musical journey is travelled with positive lyrics as the two attempt to out maneuver the system and leap over political obstacles.
Listening to this album will put you in a subdued, militant mood as you take in the message of Bayani. They bring consciousness to the party, thump to the marches and
swagger to the sit-ins. Most of the songs have definite themes ranging from immigration, the Iraq war, Marxism, and Baha’i spirituality.
Musically, the two are on some other level, with complex piano arrangements and thoughtful verses. Together they craft a sound that is a perfect backdrop to their all too real songs. The entire album helps Blue Scholars live up to their album title name.
Bayani is a word found in two languages, the Filipino dialect of Tagalog, where it means “heroes”, as well as the Persian tongue of Farsi, where it means “the Divine word”. Blue Scholars are the new heroes, bringing the Divine word to the hip-hop faithful.
Sabzi and Geologic have rocked stages for a few years now, making a name for themselves worldwide and honing their craft.Their mission is to promote true liberty and become servants to the people. With Rawkus behind them, they shouldn’t have a problem achieving that goal.
Article comments
1 - Colin Ricketts
Good review Laron. I am less Hip-hop literate than you, but still loved this album, album. hope they get the success they deserve.