Friday, 5 August 2016

King: The Mixtape - Rabbit


Rabbit (Kennedy Ombima) is now a household name in the hiphop industry in Kenya and across the continent. Back in February 2011, he released 'King: The Mixtape' when it became apparent that he was destined for the top in this game. This was after he had a number of chart topping tracks such as 'Mtu Hivi Hivi','Kwa Jam Nakam' and 'Staki Kukuona'. I managed to come across this mixtape and i must say Rabbit did a splendid job on this one. Below is my take on the various tracks that can be found on this mixtape and why i feel he is indeed 'king'.



1. Intro (2:26)
Rabbit introduces us to this mixtape with a poetic piece presented as a spoken word in which he rhymes about his journey to get into the music industry. He displays his poetic side in this piece, being one of his other artistic talent. A great intro to set the mood right for what he has to offer in the latter stages of the mixtape.

2. Hatari (3:05)
"Mi ndio king wa Nairobi", thats the declaration Rabbit makes on this track as he steps out through this hobby of his to prove to the world why he says so. Usher's 'Hot Tottie' provides the beats to this track.

3. Simba ft Jorma of Lonely Island (1:52)
Rabbit may have been the new kid on block back then but he came out to show his fans that he is able to attract collaborations with other artistes from around the world. Great collabo it is with the multi talented Jorma Taccone of the Lonely Island from New York.

4. Mungu Niaje (2:56)
This track is basically set as a prayer and he takes this opportunity to thank God for his life, talent and all the blessings which he has received from Him. Rabbit also remembers to ask for forgiveness for all the times he has gone wrong. The chorus for this track borrows from the first four lines of the Lord's Prayer. Great beats to this track picked from 'Kiss my Ass' by Jadakiss, but quite an irony considering the message given out by Rabbit on his track.

5. Successful (3:43)
We all want success in our lives as much as there are challenges that do come our way as well as new problems coming with success. In light of these, Rabbit raps about how he has to tread carefully and cautiously in his pursuit for success. Drake's track 'Successful' provides the beats and chorus for this song.

6. Soko ft Oddinary (3:20)
The sequencing of the bars between the two artistes in an alternating manner after every couple of bars is quite fascinatting. On this track these artistes rap about the everyday happenings in the music industry mostly on the hiphop side and how they have come to conquer the market.

7. Ufalme (2:15)
Rabbit comes out to show the world why he considers himself as 'King', which as he explains is through his diversity as a poet, musician and storyteller.

8. Tumaini ft Karolle (4:12)
This track encourages us to never give up but follow our dreams. It also gives us hope of success and the ability to overcome problems. A very positive message is brought out on this track by Rabbit and the great vocals of Karolle on the chorus makes it more appealing to listen to.

9. Ni Vipi ft Jinx and Fant (4:27)
A dancehall feel is brought out on this track which is quite an entertaining collaboration and can easily pass as a party anthem. The artistes rap about the fun side of doing music with quite some good use of witty rhymes, wordplay and metaphors that make the track an interesting listen.

10. Wewe ni Special (3:16)
This is a track for the ladys in which Rabbit raps about how special the lady is to him, with lots of compliments to the woman whom he seems to be in love with. A good break it is from the previous hard hitting tracks. This track was produced over the beats of "Special" by Musiq Soulchild.

11. Mtu Hivi Hivi (3:57)
From the whole mixtape this must be the most popular track as it played on major radio stations and its video shown on almost all music tv show. It was a big hit back then and i guess no much analysis can be given on this one. All i can say, this was a a good one that helped bring out Rabbit more into the limelight of this industry.

12. Skit (Koshi) (3:06)
Rabbit meets a friend on the streets and they start chatting about one of his close friends and big fan whom they call Koshi. He narrates a story of how Koshi was to catch a rat that would be used in the making of the "Mtu Hivi Hivi" video. It is very hilarious.

13. Kam na Kunaenda ft Oddinary (3:31)
These artistes rap about how they have come into the scene and want to take over the industry by storm. They talk of how low quality stuff has flooded the industry and state that they are here to change all that.

14. Mtaani (1:43)
Rabbit tells us about life in the ghetto and how it is a struggle for those living in such places but despite such challenges and hardships, he brings out a message of hope that one day things will be okay. The beats of Ace Hood's "Guns High" came in handy in the making of this track.

15. Always made it (2:05)
Rabbit takes time to thank God for enabling him accomplish so much that he has always wanted to do in his life and also tells us about how he plans to achieve his future dreams. The track is done over the beat of a track with a similar title by Camron featuring Vado.

16. Ugonjwa ft Oddinary (2:30)
Most rappers like to show off how good they are in what they do and this was an opportunity presented to Rabbit and Oddinary to do exactly that. The beats used on this track are from the song "I'm Ill" by Red Cafe featuring Fabolous. The mixtape signs out on that note with Rabbit getting to blow his own trumpet and he does it undoubtedly well.

Overally, my favorite tracks include Tumaini, Mungu Niaje and Successful. Keep it up King Kaka, you did a good job on this one and i would recomend it to anyone who loves good music. Its a mixtape that you can play over and over again without getting bored.

Sunday, 5 June 2016

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

Tuesday, 11 August 2015

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

Friday, 26 June 2015

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.

Thursday, 11 December 2014

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.