Drapht and Ta-ku , have joined forces with N’Fa Jones and Joyride for this four minutes song reflecting on why they don’t want to go back to the 90s. Seems like kind of a shaky premise for a whole song, but there have been much worse. ‘ Ice Ice Baby ‘ anyone? Which, incidentally, was mentioned as a reason why not to go back. Fair call guys.
When I thought about it, the topic actually makes sense given how much current trends are sampling from the 90s. From the denim, plaid, studs, Doc Martens and beanies that have cemented themselves in the fashion sphere, to new 90s inspired grunge; think Wavves and Violent Soho .
Even though it uses a lot of tongue-in-cheek pop culture references to make it’s point, ‘ 1990s ‘ seems like it’s more a song about moving on and letting the past stay where it is. A well worn concept for many songs and it’s cleverly used here. It’s smooth, well produced hip hop, with a catchy hook and well-constructed phrasing. A celebration of home grown hip hop powerhouses, it’s a relaxed romp through their musings.
Australian Hip Hop cops a lot of flack, and is often considered the realm of hardcore bogans who like their Commodores far more than their girlfriends, but newer artists are pushing boundaries with their production and sound, blending more traditional hip hop with genres like electronica, or sampling and remixing artists that would not generally be considered synonymous with hip hop culture. It is this progression that allows artists like those in this song, along with others like the Hilltop Hoods and Bliss n Eso to challenge stereotypes and cross over into the mainstream, to be appreciated by audiences that would have once dismissed the genre.
’1990s’ is available for free download now on triple j , a rare hip hop find in a sea of indie folk tuneage. It’s a relatively chill initiation into hip hop for those who are scared of the genre, or just a cool track for your Sunday session.
WORDS BY Alex Byrne
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