African Underground: Depths of Dakar

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:11:54 -0500

After hip-hop burst out of its Bronx beginnings, it hopped a plane to Africa, where it has fused with countless local traditions and languages. One of the epicenters of the growing movement has been Senegal, where in the 80s rap began to flood the soundscape of the bustling capital, Dakar.

In Senegal, Afro-Cuban rhythms once echoed the pulse of independence-era optimism, when rural families flocked to the cities for jobs that turned out to be scarce. Hip-hop has since become the soundtrack for the highs and lows of their children's urban experience.

This album is the long awaited followup to African Underground: Hip Hop Senegal. Enjoy this feast of hip hop featuring guest appearances from Antibalas, Dub is a Weapon, Fu Arkestra, Subatomic Sound System, Escort, Jim’s Big Ego, Group Saloum, and Murphys Law. The record you hear is a collaboration between Senegalese MCs and top-shelf US talent.

New Music From African Underground: Depths of Dakar on Calabash Music

African Underground: Depths of Dakar