Hanif Jamiyl
Krushed Grapes
Bukarance Records
7/10
The title track asks me if I’ve ever had my “grapes krushed.” I honestly don’t know how to answer. I’m not sure if there is a racial/cultural divide at work here, but I have no idea how to interpret that analogy. I do know, however, that more and more I am diving deeper into the world of indie hip hop, and this sexually charged set of 14 tracks is no different. While the beats border on generic Propeller Head hooks, the flow is solid, often reminiscent of Snoop’s humble beginnings, though Snoops chauvinism was far more catchy. I don’t see as many white girls dancing to the irony of this one as much, but that’s neither here nor there.
I can only assume that “getting my grapes krushed” is something sexual, though I can’t tell if it’s more along the negative (blue balls) or positive (hosing down an esophagus.) I do know that with song titles like “Gyrations,” “Wet Dreams,” and “Take It Off,” it’s something that I shouldn’t say in front of my mom. (Sorry again, mom.) Think R&B smooth jams, but not as smooth, so it just comes off as horny dude who happens to be able to rap looking to get it on.
-Jonathan “The Emperor” Yost