Hip-Hop

The latest release reviewed

CADENCE WEAPON
Afterparty Babies Big Dada ****

Rollie Pemberton just may have discovered hip-hop's third way. Instead of posturing like a fake-ass gangsta or delivering another ream of right-on but tedious backpacker codes, the young Canadian rapper has managed to keep a foot in both camps. Such stylistic dexterity plays a starring role on his second album, a place where whip-sharp barbs about life, the universe and everything in between are delivered over snazzy, edgy electronic beats and breaks. Pemberton admits he wanted to hit the dancefloor with this album, but it hasn't come at the expense of his killer flow or that showboating sense of sonic adventure that were apparent on the Breaking Kayfabe debut. Check Do I Miss My Friends?, for instance, a track where a doo-wop a cappella kicks off a lyrical tour-de-force full of confidence, wit and not a little swagger. www.cadenceweaponmusic.com   

Download tracks: Do I Miss My Friends?, Messages Matter

© 2008 The Irish Times