House of Stone Lays Down African Hip-Hop Foundation
September 13, 2009
For those who say rap has become nothing but shallow, commercial and
offensive, Zimbabwe Legit’s album, House of Stone, is here to prove
otherwise. Characterized by easy going tempos and well layered
melodies, House of Stone is pleasantly reminiscent of an old school
hip hop aesthetic. However, it’s the uncomplicated delivery of a
powerful message that really makes the album noteworthy Hip hop isn’t
dead; it’s just been overshadowed by an abundance of industry
dispensed, mediocre rappers.
In “Take Back the Mic (KHZ Remix),” a winding, almost menacing melody
crescendoes with confident lyrics that blame the industry for the
deterioration of hip hop. This track isn’t simply hating on the
mainstream; its assertions are earnest, backed by savvy lyrics that
critically flip pop references unto themselves: “Take it to the steps
of City Hall/We need to clean up Rap City cause it’s shitty y’all.”
Far from being self conscious about the assertions it makes,
(“Nowadays hip hop seems strange, like a relationship that done
changed”), the track doesn’t make attacks just for the sake of making
them. Instead, it takes a deep look at how hip hop has become
commercialized, thereby making clear this urgency behind taking hip
hop back to its roots. All of a sudden the song is over, when the
music just cuts off instead of fading out. In a stupor of silence, the
listener is left to process all the words that have been said. I
really appreciate the way the track focuses on being effective instead
of aggressive. Leaving cheap shots out of it, the track really gets to
the heart of matter with lyrical content that truly is legit.
Following a similar path, “Vicious Circle: Aka the Struggle” laments
hard times, but without bitterness. Jazzy and full of rich
instrumental sounds, the beat instantly caught my attention. Laced
with some truly evocative images (there’s a rose of concrete growin in
every corner”), the stories of the struggle become more than an old
cliche. I want to hear more about the girl “with the life full of
drama” because she’s characterized in a realistic, personal way. It’s
this kind of detail with which Zimbabwe Legit crafts narratives that
make their songs seem to speak words of truth.
The most noteworthy feature worth mentioning is the focus on
internationalism that runs through the album. In addition to national
pride, Zimbabwe Legit celebrates Africa and all its countries can
contribute to hip hop as an international genre. An interlude titled
Mfowethu, lays rich vocals over a solid, steady, snare and creates a
wonderful combination of sound in a mere 50 seconds. In “All Over the
Map” featuring African All Stars Maggz, Kenny Majozi and Ziggy-Lah,
rapping in multiple languages is just one of the talents this
collaborative track has to offer. The beat is multifaceted and the
lyrics thought provoking in terms of how African artists and others
approach pan African identity. Overall, House of Stone successfully
accomplishes an ambitious project; to portray realities that the
members of mainstream world have overlooked in the past. Classic
beats, insightful lyrics and a multidimensional approach to rap music
result in unique creations that build a new bridge between Africa and
hip hop. This bridge is one I think many hip hop fans should enjoy.
Written by Camille Gutierrez for Nomadic Wax
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