Abbas - Angabanga (2014)

One of my favourite kenyan MC has been Abbas. His prowess in freestyling and cyphers has always left me in awe. Abbas Kubaff aka Doobeez released his first solo album titled 'Angabanga' on 16th April 2014 and this was an opportunity to show the world what he has to offer musically as an individual which i believe he managed to achieve. Below is a list of tracks available in this album. There are also a couple of skits included.

1. Intro (0:45)
2. Angabanga (2:58)
3. Mo Faya ft CLD (4:15)
4. Tikakinyaku Remix ft Johny Vigeti and Ibra da Hastla (3:47)
5. Boom Boom Boom (4:04)
6. Doobeez Did ft Kantai,CLD and Bamboo (3:38)
7. Kerea (3:21)
8. Fresh ft Kimya (3:27)
9. 2050 ft Maleek and Chiwawa (5:12)
10. Dunia ina Mambo (4:32)
11. Baadae ft Chiwawa (3:41)
12. Monkey Music (3:43)
13. Crossfire (3:11)
14. Kamasutra (3:30)
15. Bizzy (2:59)
16. Siasa ft Johny B and Kitusewer (5:29)
17. The Love ft Kaz (4:13)



Among the producers who worked on this album is Hiram on tracks like Mo Faya and Monkey Music. Abbas offers us his usual word play and inteligent complex rhyming pattern that he is known for. The usual incorporation of Sheng even makes it more appealing as most Kenyans are able to easily relate to the content of his tracks.
It also brings out the ability of Abbas to work with diverse musicians and be able to make great music. Worth noting also on one of his tracks is his use of the kenyan classic song Dunia ina Mambo by the Cavaliers Band, mostly remembered as the theme song of the 1990's tv series known as 'Tahamaki' which aired on KBC tv.
My best track in the album, i'll go with 'Doobeez Did'
The album is available on-iTunes

Sheria - Zakah album

This 11 track album was released earlier this year on the 28th of February. Zakah is a member of the Ukoo Flani Mau Mau crew. I listened to the album and my summary was as below and am sure you will agree with me once you listen to it as well.

1. 21 Gun Salute (04:46)
This track brings in a 'dancehall meets hiphop' feel and has incorporated the signature style of Ukoo Flani, the coastal wing of the Mau Mau crew.

2. Fyam (03:57)
This is a lovely track and it generally highlights the kind of life those who live in the ghettos of Eastlands, Nairobi face.

3. Hiphop Culture (04:01)
I love this track as well and it comes with a message that tells of the importance that hiphop has in the society especially when it comes to street education. Ghetto life teaches alot to those who go through this tough life. Leaders are also encouraged to have a good vision for their people so that all can have good living standards.

4. Hiphop Mlangoni ft MG (04:25)
This track can make a good club joint. As the title goes...'hiphop mlangoni', so let's all embrace hiphop, welcome it into our lives and enjoy what the culture has to offer.

5. Kumeharibika (04:07)
Bien of Sauti Sol has been featured on this track and he comes in with a very catchy chorus. This track highlights the injustices existing in the society such as corruption, exploitation, conflicts among others.

6. Mawazo (02:30)
Brings out those kind of questions that a person could be having in his or her mind in relation to their life, especially those with dependants and has to work hard to fend for the family.

7. Mic Check (03:59)
MG and Zakah come out to state they are in the industry to take over and run the show and they wont relent in their quest.

8. Ruka kwa Hewa (04:24)
One of my favourites in this album. I just love the beats, the bars. Its all done well. Lots of punchlines and word play. Some great hiphop right there.

9. Sheria (04:21)
Another track where Zakah portrays his eloquent rhyme scheme and brings about the message of how laws, rules and regulations help to govern the society.

10. Sunshine (04:01)
It takes a dimension of love and shows the other side of  Zakah doing everything to impress his lady whom he want to give her a love which is one of a kind. This is a track for the ladies which talks of how strong the feeling of being in love can be.

11. Tathmini (03:42)
Features CLD on the chorus and the theme of this track is to shed light on issues of HIV/AIDS in the society. We are reminded of the need to live right and to follow proper advice and avoid bad company.

This is one lovely album that is a true representation of Kenyan hiphop. So lets support the artistes in their endeavours for them to feel their art is being appreciated. You can access these tracks on Amazon.com

Hiphop Hook up - Femcee Edition

The kenyan hiphop scene has been dominated by male emcees. It is believed male artistes are more aggressive compared to their female counterparts.
This month's hiphop hook up is dedicated to the female emcees also christened here as femcees.
Among the performers will be MC Sharon, D-Mima, L-Ness, Samantha, Sage among others.
For the best of what kenyan femcees have to offer, make a date to attend this months hiphop hook up at Sarakasi Dome this Saturday, 27th June. The show kicks off at 2pm all the way to 7pm and the entry fee is only ksh. 300.

K-Shaka - Mwisho wa Mwanzo album launch

They may have faded out of the limelight in the recent past, but they are still hiphop heavyweights in kenya's music industry. Kalamashaka are back again and they will be launching their latest album Mwisho wa Mwanzo: The End of the Beginning, this Jamhuri day 12th December 2014 at the Tree House on Museum Hill from 8pm.
Tickets for the event are selling at ksh.1000 for advance and ksh.1200 at the gate. They are available online on ticketsasa. The show promises to be big after an impresive performance they staged at the SawaSawa festival in which those in attendance were given a teaser of what to expect in the new album as well as some of their classic tunes. According to Oteraw, the album is meant to mark the end of the bad side they have been known for which has tainted their image and staggered their careers and be a fresh beginning in their lives.

Below is the track list;
1. Intro (02:39)
2. Toka Mbali (04:57)
3. Guess Who (01:02)
4. Moi Avenue (03:23)
5. Maisha Mabovu (01:38)
6. Mchezo sio Kitoto (02:37)
7. Lead Someone (01:11)
8. Pain (0:46)
9. Aste Aste (0:54)
10. Disppear (0:52)
11. Garbage ka Moshi (03:08)
12. Skit-Mashujaa (03:27)

The album is avaiable on Waabeh
Lets come out and show love and support for K-Shaka.

Abbas - Ghettoholic

Abbas Kubaff aka Doobeez has released his 3rd album titled Ghettoholic. He released the 22 track album at a colourful event which was held at Club Cubano Greenspan Mall on 27 September 2014 and was graced by big artistes in the industry including Khaligraph Jones, Bamboo, Kristoff, English and Chiwawa. Abbas has been in the game for almost 20 years now and has been synonymous with his rhymes, punchlines, word play and also his consistency in the game. Another launch of the same album was also done at the October edition of hiphop hookup held at Sarakasi Dome on 11th October. The album is available in selected stores and online through amazon and iTunes

So grab your copy to get some dose of real hiphop......Kaaang Kaaang Music!!