International Hip Hop 1 Items

Rising out of the bong haze, Thai master Juu4e is back with his second solo album for EM Records. Fusing hip hop and trap with a pan-Asian blend of influences and samples from the traditional and pop musics of his native country, as well as the musics of Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan and other regions across the continent, “Crazy World (Baka Sekai in Japanese)” is an ambitious and sonically adventurous album alive with unexpected juxtapositions, deft production, irresistible grooves and a joyous heart. A true solo album, all the tracks here are performed/arranged/produced by Juu4e, with the final mix provided by Young-G of stillichimiya/OMK. With a versatile and playful vocal style, Juu4e delivers thoughtful, positive lyrics and intriguing imagery, dealing with issues both local and global, old and new, with themes of celebration as well as social criticism. Featuring a cover of a Taiwan pop classic by Teresa Teng, “Crazy World” is available on Cd/lp, and comes with informative liner notes and English translations of the lyrics. Cover art: Shinsuke Takagi (Soi48/OMK).

Liner notes by Takehiko Sato (Riyo Mountains) + English text & lyrics