After bursting onto the music scene in 2004, this year marks the return of up and coming hip-hop artist Kidd Skilly with his latest release "Bhangra Chick." Of Mexican-Indian heritage, this versatile artist hails from Michigan, Detroit and has been working his magic in both the UK and US markets.
His new release "Bhangra Chick" (video below) is an interesing experiment and shows an artist who is at ease with his multi-cultural identity. Starting out with a little reminder of his chartbuster Nachna, the new song has a nice laidback groove to it. The lyrics are in English and Punjabi and the track has the makings of being a club favourite with its addictive hooks. Not shy to try out unusual combinations, you'll notice that he uses the traditional Indian harmonium to great effect. Who said you can't have the best of both worlds?!
His video features the Michigan State University Bhangra Team busting out some moves while his entourage of hip-hop dancers do their thing alongside. Duality seems to be a recurring theme - in sound and presentation. I'm not the biggest fan of Bhangra but it was fun to listen to an artist who is aware of trends and tastes today, instead of being stuck in a formulaic sound with the staple dhol and booming vocals. With all due respect to the masters of bhangra, this new infusion of young blood can only bring mainstream and Asian music closer.
He is scheduled to release a brand new track with popular favourite Akon and if that's anything to go by, you know that this artist is leaving his mark. If you watch and listen to the Bhangra Chick video carefully, towards the end, you'll see a snippet of what's to come with Akon's singing out "Yo Skilly! I'm in your neck of the woods now..." LISTEN UP to Kidd Skilly. Read more on his website: www.MySpace.com\KiddSkillyMusic and www.KiddSkilly.com
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