Indigenous Music : A List Of 9 Reasons You Need To Start Listening, Now
Simple Reviews of Indigenous Musicians throughout Canada and America. In no particular order
Have you ever wanted to expand your music catalog? The artists below, are the front runners of a boom. Some are featured in MTVs Rebel Music series and overall a great start to a new collection. Anything from Pop to a unique spoken word/hip-hop mash up these artists are the ones to follow and when you hit the Indigenous music rabbit hole you will find more and more insanely talented artists. You will hear so many influences on each track that derive from their upbringing. Plus, six degrees of separation runs rampant in this list. All either knowing or working with each other in some way and truly support their community together. Unlike the Ridicules Six movie that Adam Sandler is peddling, these nine are more than qualified to teach you about their culture and you should listen.
1. Frank Waln- Born Ready EP/ Rap
With an EP that includes Songs like AbOriginal and Born on the Rez. Waln is a well-rounded rapper preaching about growing up on the Rosebud reservation, protesting oil pipelines and the pain of generational racism. He also brings two hoop-dancers with him to live performances to help enhance and tell his story.
https://frankwaln47.bandcamp.com/album/born-ready-ep
2. Tall Paul- Tall Paul & Skywalker: Taurus the Bull EP/ Rap
Tall Paul is not only extremely talented, but talk about a humble human being. David Chappelle liked him so much he made a special trip to watch his performance. Did you hear that, Chappelle the elusive comedian left his sanctuary to watch Paul. Tall Paul is fighting demons and lived a short life of crime, only to regroup, find himself and move on. He collaborates with other artists a lot and his beats are very smooth. Oh and yes, he is tall.
https://soundcloud.com/tallpaul612
3. Gyasi Ross- Isskootsik - Spoken Word/ Hip-Hop
Isskootsik loosly meaning- Before Here Was Here. It is the brain child of Cabin Records, K Records and Ross who is an author, lawyer and activist. He took stories from his life and that of his surroundings to create an unbelievably cool 16 tracks. Everything from historical sound clips to voice mails left by a hateful woman mixed with the sounds of Native America. It is an experience, one that will educate, motivate and entertain.
http://shop.krecs.com/products/klp257
4. Inez Jasper- Burn me down/ Pop
Although Inez sings at times about tough subject matter, her tracks are really quite joyful. Her poppy beats are reminiscent of Kylie Minogue. Dancing round a room with your mouth gaping open in its purest form. Jasper is a registered nurse as well, so if you want to rave and learn about the circulatory system, you got your girl.
5. Supaman- Gorilla/ Rap
Supaman is incredible, he is in full regalia when performing and plays EVERYTHING. He is also rapping about his Christian beliefs. Supaman walked away from a record deal so he wouldn't compromise himself as a husband or father. That doesn't mean his rhymes are any less intense, so watch Pray Loop Song and marvel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0jq7jIa34Y
6. Tribe Called Red- Nation II Nation/ Electronic- DJ
Three strapping men make up this group and they added a talented hoop-dancer named James to their performance. You could call them the Sybil of this list using everything from electronic, traditional powwow, reggae, hip-hop, vocal chants and drumming. Even though Tribe Called Red has so many influences, it doesn't come off as messy. They are proud to be political, making sure it is known were the lines need to be drawn. Get out your glow sticks and DANCE!
https://soundcloud.com/a-tribe-called-red
7. Naataanii Nez Means- Two Worlds/ Hip- Hop
Means has lived a hard life already and he's 23, which is his main content. Losing his father who is a pillar in the Native American community (Russell Means) and the rough treatment that even a progeny deals with when you are Native American in America.
https://soundcloud.com/nataanii-means
8. Lighting Cloud- Indigenous Angels/ Rap
There are two members of this group and they are hopelessly in love. MC Red Cloud's raw rap style and Crystal Lighting's electronic music met and it became clear they needed to collaborate. They are securing their spot as the Native Bonnie and Clyde (without all the crime).
https://soundcloud.com/lightningcloud
9. Yaz Like JAWS- Yaz Like Jaws/ Rap
There is not much out about this up and coming artist, but he is big in the fashion world. The MC for a lot of Native fashion shows he does make sure to rep the good things his community is doing. Yaz's voice is extremely clear and his words are NSFW, be warned.
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