DAARA J – “Boomerang”
Wrasse Records, 2003

Wow! This album has been tearing up Africa and Europe for the past year, and now that it’s finally available in the U.S. I can see why. Daara J is one of the top hip-hop groups in Senegal (previously home to MC Solaar). But just saying “West African hip-hop” doesn’t do justice to this ground-breaking album. Tying 21st century raps back to the ancient tasso tradition of rhythmic poetry, with stops at acid-jazz, Cuban son, dancehall reggae, French sidewalk music, old-school soul, Arabic pop, and even folk music along the way, Daara J has crafted an album with surprisingly broad appeal.

Like hip-hop but not world music? Try this. Like world music but not hip-hop? Try this. Like both? Then you’re really in for a treat. Lyrics are in French, Wolof, Spanish, and English.

Simply outstanding. Play, play, play!

Try ‘em all! Fo’s picks: 1, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11

1. machine-gun French rapping over traditional walking rhythm, quiet samples
2. relaxed tempo: mellow Cuban guitars & flute, hard-edged Spanish vocals
3. relaxed mix of r&b, Parisian, dancehall; words in French & English
4. fast staccato vocals with an Arabic-chant touch, great percussion
5. medium urban groove softened by guitar, guest vocals by Rokia Traore
6. midtempo, vox in several styles (hiphop/ragga/soul), atmospheric back track
7. more of a straight-up hiphop track, except for the mellow acoustic guitar…
8. nice 70’s soul groove mixes well with rapped portions, guest vox by China
9. catchy groove with heavy reggae flavoring, cute samples, horn section
10. urgent rap over low, churning groove, cool chant-like bits at start & end
11. relaxed and funky, with a roots-reggae refrain
12. loud dancehall-style vocal, 3 styles of elec guitar layered in backing track
13. remix of track 2 featuring Sergent Garcia

[ Fo ] – 12/2/2004