THE LAST KINECTION – NEXT OF KIN
Indigenous Newcastle group The Last Kinection use hip-hop in a fashion seem to have been forgotten in the mainstream and that’s to speak loudly about social issues. They continue this on their powerful second offering Next Of Kin. The tone of the album is set on the introductory track with a message by aboriginal pastor Uncle Ray Minniecon before launching into Find A Way. Crew member Nay lays out her singing chops in the opening chorus before displaying her rapping credentials with her double time flow over a huge beat and a dirty dub step synth. The trend continues throughout as the influence of breaks, dubstep and other electronic music pervade a number of tunes on the album, as does themes of acceptance of multicultural diversity and rising up from adversity. It’s not all seriousness though as the album is sprinkled with the odd party tune such as the reggae tinged Happy People which features UK import Lotek. The guest list also includes slam poetry champion Omar Musa on the track Together, Ozi Battla on the old school hip hop homage 1995 amongst others. Next Of Kin is a valiant effort by The Last Kinection and it’s wonderful to hear a group that have something to say that’s more important than the usual hip-hop bravado.
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