New hip hop albums - SOUNDS FAMILIAR by Baby Gil

Those who say otherwise had better go into hiding. Because there is now one more proof that there is indeed a continually growing market for hip hop music in the country. And I do not mean hip hop of the Eminem sort but Pinoy hip hop as pioneered by Francis M and Andrew E., and as carried on by Death Threat and BB Clan. This new evidence is the hip hop label called Ill Kamp which was launched recently by Universal Records. Ill Kamp, which wants to be known as "A Bedrock of Hip Hop" is starting out with the release of two albums by new acts Fung Zoi and Apokalipsis.

I do not know yet if these groups will have the resiliency and staying power of local rap greats but Universal is pushing the label. If you must know the people there were the same ones behind sales phenomenons like the Backstreet Boys and Jose Mari Chan. But if for nothing else, this bit of news once more says that Pinoy rap is growing, evolving and definitely getting more and more exciting thanks to the constant infusion of new blood from our talented rappers. Not to mention of course that the grand daddys of the genre, Andrew E., and Francis M remain active and very much in demand.

Here now is something about the two new additions.

Dimsum Delight by Fung Zoi: This is not only Pinoy rap. As the title suggests, it is also Chinese. In fact, these guys use a mixture of English, Pilipino and Chinese in the lyrics and with a live band at that. The music content is lighter and more accessible than the usual rap albums in the market these days but be prepared for really strong language in some cuts. Nag-iisa Ka Lang and Forget Me Not are almost love songs but the new spin on the tested novelty tune Pasumpa-sumpa really tells it like the version radio never dared play all these years. There are rationales for Fung Zoi’s existence via Sweet 18 and Huwag Ka Na, raps about timely topics like Pokemon, Text Mate and Phatt Phenomenon and hip hopping star turns from guests BB Clan, Mestisas, 8th District, Madd Poets, Cyphasis, Seeds Pamilya Dimagiba, DJ Arbie and El Latino.

Fung Zoi is a duo made up of Ryan Garcia and Tyrone Paul So. The first single out is Nag-iisa Ka Lang, which is about getting their lost loves back. That does not sound like the usual rap material but artists now feel they can do anything with this genre. Besides, what could be better than a love song if you want to get precious airplay.

Stronger messages abound in the self-titled first album by Apokalipsis. These guys echo the music of early Death Threat and can even get threatening and philosophical at times. How’s Ito ang simula ng aming paghahasik. Lahat ay makinig in the opening cut, the aptly titled Simula. What about the existential Nais Kong Pumanaw. Or check out A.p.o.k.a.l.i.p.s.i.s., which are letters that stand for, hold your breath, Ang Pahayag O Katotohanan at Lirikong Isinulat Para Sa Inaping Sugatan. And the strongest-worded of all, Digmaan. If words could kill then this is the song, or should I say the rap that should do the trick.

Apokalipsis is made up of the youthful-looking trio of Duanesis, Rhyxodus and DJ Savage. It is definitely no airplay for most of the contents of the album but they are also doing the radio bit with a single. The first one released is the party moving Sang Linggo, which is a sort of hip hop, week-long diary for two guys.

Ill Kamp has also announced plans to release more albums soon. Among these are compilations from Masta Plann and Sun Valley Crew and more new acts like L-Smith and 3logy.

News bulletin: Wiseguys concert goes on tonight. Blame it on typhoon Seniang. Wiseguys… cngs gr8st hits, the first major concert by today’s leading boy group did not go on as originally scheduled last Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Music Museum in Greenhills, San Juan. Fans need not despair though, the show goes on tonight, Nov. 8 also at the Music Museum at 8. All tickets for last Saturday’s show will be honored. Treat yourself to this one. These guys sound great and they will be singing popular boy band tunes.