05 Mar 2015

After a long absence of leave from the music scene, Black Raw Streetz are back with a bang.

The groups showed it was rejuvenated and raring to go with its scintillating mix tape; Bedda Minds, which comprises five songs.

The latest offering is poised to redeem the group from a lacklustre performance by the debut album “Black Raw Mention” released 2008; something they ascribe to poor marketing. To hip-hop heads, in particular lovers of underground hip hop music, the album is worth a listen and a must have.

Not only have the boys’ appreciation of music mellowed over the years, they have matured in terms of aligning their music with contemporary issues to make it relevant.

Slash Mabote, a founder member of Black Raw Streetz is quick to point out that although influenced by American Hip-Hop their music is inspired by the African way of doing things in so many ways.

“Having re-grouped, the movement latest project is set to educate and entertain the general public by way of deliberating on pertinent societal ills and brings hope where there is despair,” says Slash of their line of music.

Track number one, Stronghold is about cruelty, malice meted upon the unsuspecting world by oppressors with insatiable appetite for power. The harmonious lyrical-interchange by the “rappers” in this song is out of this world. There is total display of lyrical prowess; an indication that Black Raw Streetz has surely come of age.

Title track “Bedda Minds” and song Number Two as well as Verbal Apocalypse (Track Three), done in the mold of “Kicking new flavor in the air” by legendary American Rapper, KRS One takes one back memory lane.

Monopoly a single released late last year and part of the album, tackles a myriad of issues among them; socio-political and religious issues. As the voice of the voiceless, Slash says Black Streetz Raw focus is not confined to Botswana but are a global movement with a global perspective.

“We are global citizens so it is our responsibility as poets to be the beacon of hope and whistle blowers in this turbulent world that we live in, hence our chorus “What is going on? In this world”.  ENDS