Koolism - Part 3. Random Thoughts

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  • Canberra's MC Hau and DJ Danielsan (Ichiban) - also known as Koolism, are quickly becoming recognised as Australia's premier hip hop duo since making waves with their debut album Part One, released back in 2002. Now in 2004 Koolism return with a new album - Part 3 Random Thoughts which is released through Katalyst's Invada Records - a label commited to releasing funky beats, old skool funk flavours and turntablism as seen on releases like Katalyst's own "Manipulating Agent", "Agent Manipulated and Dynamo Production's "Analogue". The intro Ground Level gets things underway and for those who are unfamiliar with Koolism at this point, this is where the boys introduce themselves to you - Hau the MC - "the larger and more aggressive looking of the two does most of the talking" - he likes to remind you where he comes from "Polynesia", while DJ Danielsan takes care of the beats with dubby basslines and awesome scratch techniques. Raph & BVA better known as the MC's from Mnemonic Ascent feature on On Deck - a meeting of minds representing from Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide all rhyming on top of Danielsan's funky rhythms. On Deck has been lifted straight from the Straight From The Art compilation - a collection of Australian Hip Hop and the first to be released on a major label. BVA returns with 1200 Techniques MC Nfamas to appear on Stage Presence paying homage to the Oz hip hop scene with their party style lyrics combined with funky basslines and uprocking beats. Considering the vocals were done in three different studios, the resulting tune turned out nicely. Already getting high rotation on Triple J radio is Warm And Easy featuring the Riddim Killa Rodney P - an uptempo b-boy rocker destined for the club ("with a bottle full of bub!"). Adrenalin is a staple tune of the Koolism live set with Daniel bringing out the tough electro styled beats and rhythms out for Hau to get loose on the mic. Hau is an MC known for his uplifting feel good rhymes on record, but he's also renowned for his freestyles, which I have been a witness to. Like many MC's he's known to drop some wise ass, brag and boast lyrics and he puts these on Know Hau paying homage to the likes of Dres of Black Sheep and Schoolly D. Danielsan too gives it up for the old skool with a beat perfect for a "Saturday night" jam. The title track of the album comes about from Hau jotting down whatever thoughts he had in his head while looking out the window one day and it's here he tackles issues about war and terrorism, child molestation and his point of view about mainstream hip hop artists infiltrating the scene with meaningless lyrics. Finally, the pair close off the album with their classic tune Koolism Is going back in time to bring an 80's electro disco vibe to this joint. If you don't know the boys by now, this tune will explain it all. Hau is even nice enough to include some of the lyrics on this track in the liner notes for listeners to sing along. Random Thoughts is a progression from Part 1. MC Hau shows off his versatility as an MC combining feel good lyricism, party style rhymes with in your face diss raps and socially conscious messages while Danielsan compliments him with catchy rhythms, funky basslines, b-boy style breaks and perfectly timed scratching. Most importantly is being able to see them do it live and rock a show getting people to shake arses, jump up and raise their hands in the air. Random Thoughts will be featuring in my CD player for a long time.
RA