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Many band-oriented live rap acts make outrageous claims to be a blend of various styles, whether it's funk or jazz or metal, but often it seems they just barely touch those genres sonicly, and in the end they are ultimately still hip-hop. The reasons for their deceptive practices are not always clear. Maybe they're trying to artificially broaden their appeal and sound more eclectic. Who knows. But this definitely can not be said for Junkyard Empire; their sound draws equally from hip-hop and its cultural great-grandfather, jazz, while doing a disservice to neither and honoring both. Take away the vocals, it's jazz; take away the instruments, it's rap. Put them together and it's a genuine hybrid of the two, a sort of compressed timeline which traces the roots of black music in America from its origins to its most recent culminations.
Junkyard Empire crafts a truly original flow and energy, mixing socially and politically conscious lyrics with an intelligent musical backdrop. The result is a product both classic and nouveau, both familiar and avant-garde. Perhaps if Marty McFly had been an MC instead of a guitar player, went back to 1945 instead of 1955 and spat Public Enemy lyrics over Coltrane, it might be comparable to this.
As a testament to their greatness, the ensemble has now secured a weekly gig at the Black Dog Cafe in Lowertown, St. Paul. It's free with a suggested donation at the door, and they always bring surprise guest artists, such as Toki Wright and El Guante. Definitely make it a point to get out and see them, and keep an eye out for them on the lineup at future MillCityScene.com presents events.
Check out their Myspace and see for yourself.
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