Thursday, 20 October 2011

Album Review: Serengeti - "Family and Friends"

David Cohn, aka Serengeti has been releasing albums at an alarming rate since debuting in 2002. Racking up ten solo albums, and a further nine in collaboration with other artists in those nine years, he has established himself as one of the premier artists in underground hip-hop, known for his intelligent lyrics and innovative productions.

"Family and Friends" is no departure for Serengeti, in that he changes his style once again. Most of the album sits over a sparse, simple electronica style allowing his flowing lyrics to shine through. Clocking in at just over half an hour, the record is short, sharp and to the point, never letting itself get too complicated. The album's highlight is "The Whip", the story of a broken down (fictional) UFC fighter, looking to make something of his life again. A stunning song and story, it sits in deep contrast with the upbeat tone of the other ten tracks.

With "Family and Friends", Serengeti has created yet another album of sublime lyrical hip-hop, up there with his previous best work "Dennehy" and "Gasoline Dreams". If he can keep up this quality, another two albums next year won't go a miss.

**** 1/2

Watch: "The Whip"

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