James Hackett

I have performed as a somewhat decent Rapso artist. I wouldn’t have even tried to hold a mic if it wasn’t for these 5 performers which hold a lot of weight in influencing the decisions that led me to attempt to walk a Rapso path. In my humble opinion they should be some of the starting points when thinking of Rapso music.

Ataklan

My Ataklan CD was stolen from me which left me really sad, (honest) but Ataklan was probably one of the first Rapso Artists that offered something interesting sounding to me that was like hip hop but poetically expressed in my own tongue which I liked so much. Ataklan has a lot of good music throughout his 3 albums which includes a number of memorable songs such as “Flood”, “Spanish Fly” and “Naked Walk” to that Morvant song.

The power of his word: I still like Spider Jam (maybe cause of the comic reference) but it’s still pretty clever taking cultural icons and mixing them up with foreign influences.

Ozy Majiq

Brilliant. Listening to the things Ozy thinks up shows him standing on his own as a true poet and an artist when it comes to Rapso. He continues to inspire me with some of the things he tries and up and comers should pay attention to what he does.

The Power of his word: Ozy has a number of memorable tracks but I particularly like this freestyle he did in transit.

Nacha Dama/Make it Happn

First time I came across Nacha he was kind of unassuming, then he stepped into a freestyle battle with some other local Hip Hop performers and held his own with timing, style and lyrics in a trini tongue, that pretty much blew my mind. What sealed it was seeing him do a set of his music, guitar in hand; someone one to keep an eye on.

The Power of his word: If you come across Nacha’s music (now going by the name Make it Happen) listen to the song Ghetto Child and Small Man. Thought provoking lyrics.

Kindred

Dis trini could flow was pretty much an anthem in my head at the time this song came out. Kindred were the first in my mind to bridge from what Resistance and others before had started to younger minds like myself bringing Rapso in a contemporary setting. Even though Kindred are not on the performing scenes these days, they were influential for what they have done.

The power of their words: Yuh hatta burn to learn.

3 Canal

Who would forget 3 Canal’s blue storming into the Rapso landscape. The imagery and creativity they have brought to Rapso landscape has propelled them to the premiere position. I don’t think I need to speak much about what most people know about them.

The Power of their words: Yeah blue was huge but for me Talk yuh talk is one of the biggest reasons to love Rapso from 3 Canal.

There you go my 5 reason. If you liked these guys should maybe take some time to check out their latest projects. Visit their facebook profile, show them some love, visit their shows let them know how you feel about their work. Say something. Bless!