[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to ASIAN2 – “Country Road”

September 27, 2007 by Dennis Amith 

GROUP: ASIAN2

CD SINGLE: Country Road

LABEL: SONIC GROOVE

CATALOG #: AVCD-16136

RELEASE DATE: September 5, 2007

DURATION: 12:03

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1. Country Road
2. AFRICA
3. ASIAN VIBRATION [acoustic ver.]

“Country Road” the latest CD single from five member hip-hop group ASIAN2 is out and the latest CD single is catching attention as the song is heard on the commercials for Fuji FinePix, Sapporo Brewery and also on Asahi Broadcasting segments.

ASIAN2 is a hip-hop and band that consists of TATSU, TWENTY “20″ as the MC’s, KENSUKE on guitar, SHOJI on bass and HIDEO on drums.

So, unlike other hip-hop artists that use drum machines, samples and electronic productions and many in Japan having an East Coast US flavor to their music, ASIAN2 does their own music in a funk/rock style and incorporates synth that gives a orchestra style of feel.

For those wondering if “Country Road” or “AFRICA” are cover songs (that have been covered on several Japanese CD singles), they are not.

The first track “Country Road” features a smooth, funky, earthy commercial hip-hop of Japanese flavor. Definitely not in your face style of hip-hop music but funky no less.

The second track “AFRICA” features also a funky, earthy style but is more direct in the bands message of its lyrics as they express their feelings of Africa with kids infected with HIV, millions of refugees and how in other countries, people have coffee and toast on Sunday morning but people in Africa are not that fortunate.

The third and final track “ASIAN VIBRATION ~acoustic ver.~” is another version of their fourth CD single with the music in all acoustic guitar.

The CD insert features the music lyrics of the three tracks.

I have to admit that I enjoyed the latest CD single from ASIAN2. By using rock/funk music with musicians and not going the urban beats or punk sound that many hip hop groups are doing in Japan, it’s cool to get something different.

ASIAN2 offers an alternative for those who want to experience Japanese hip-hop but in a different musical light.

Although some may dismiss “Country Road” as hip-hop that is very commercial because of its light, funky and earthy feeling, because the music is done in that way, I enjoy the different style and their music overall on this CD single. Check it out!