With Tempe's music scene brimming with innovative hip-hop talent, it's about time Arizona represented.
Calle Recordz recently released its first Southwest compilation album, Scorpion Kingz, featuring local DJs, rappers and other hip-hop artists. Among the performers are two ASU students, Fabel and Cocoa Loco, who hope Arizona will become a permanent fixture on the urban scene typically dominated by the tiresome East Side/West Side monotypes.
The compilation features rappers originating from every conceivable location, from Brooklyn to Texas, all self-producing their original sounds.
"There are no rules, you can spout whatever you want," says communication senior and local DJ Cocoa Loco.
This is evident, based on the wide array of style and content presented on the album. Tracks range from one that describes a desolate Mad Max future ("Legend" — Fabel) to one about seafaring space buccaneers ("Pirate Ways" — King Iosua).
The Arizona music scene in general is experiencing a convergence of different influences and styles, and hip-hop is no exception.
"Arizona hip-hop has a mystical feel about it, which is sometimes abstract because rappers move to Arizona with their own perspective of hip hop," says psychology senior Fabel.
Given the variety of ethnic and geographic backgrounds, the album addresses many social issues typically not recognized by mainstream rap.
One track on the album is by Native American rapper Rollin' Fox, one half of the Indian Funk Crew, and part of the San Carlos Apache and Elem Polo Tribes. Scorpion Kingz features the title track off his 2001 solo release Strictly Native.
The track refers to the importance of keeping a native bloodline: "I don't wanna sound racist but I like my own kind, I like a native woman to kick back and unwind. Chillin' in the summertime at the summer dance doesn't have to ask questions 'cause she understands."
King Iosua brings schizophrenic space pirate rap to the table with his track, "Pirate Ways." Lyrics include: "The way of the pirate is what we do, how we roll, wit our pirate styles ya know … arghhhh matey!"
Iosua claims to be the mastermind behind the untapped pirate hip-hop genre and proudly claims being of one mind and 33 personas.
Cut Throat Logic delivers the track "Exspect the Unexpected," with searing lyrics aimed to provoke and enlighten. Cut Throat Logic has co-starred on a Soulfly track, "In Memory Of…" and have opened for Wu-Tang Clan, Pharcyde and Raekwon.
New sounds are in no lack of supply, with Velvet's Trevore featuring an off-beat time scale interweaving eerie guitar riffs. MC Kali, the only female artist featured on the album, delivers sharp lyrics to a Rick James-esc bass line with "Drown Out the Noise."
According to Fabel, "[the name] Scorpion Kingz means you've made it. If you can survive the Arizona rap battle ground, you are considered Scorpion King."
Reach William Ross at william.ross@asu.edu.
