Photo: Supplied
The most electrifying boys are back.
It’s not like they haven’t been releasing music, however it has been a long 6 years since SWIDTs last full length album, but this body of work just goes to show you can’t rush greatness, and all good things require patience.
I feel like there are two distinct camps of SWIDT fans. Those who love their heavy hitting anthems, such as ‘312’, ‘CONQUER’ and ‘Little Did She Know’.
Then there’s the fans that love the boys for the conscious lyrics displayed in ‘BUNGA’, ‘No Emotions In The Wild’, and ‘PREACHER MAN’.
This album achieves the impossible, offering something to please everyone, whilst remaining unapologetically authentic in their message.
The ninth Track, ‘PROTOCOLS’, has the potential to ruffle some feathers, but I assume that was potentially the goal here.
The single details both the highs and lows of following post-colonial Tagata Moana traditions that have evolved over time through the introduction of capitalism in the Pacific.
Lyrics depicting gifting money to other families during trying times. In Samoa we often refer to this as Fa’alavelave. This expression of affection can at times lead to financial strain.
As Spycc says, “it’s perplexed that the root of all our customs and traditions is respect even if it means you’re buried in debt”.
The mere implication of dissonance towards this practice can lead to strife with older generations and the track really highlights the frustrations of many young Pasifika people.
It does this all while acknowledging their understanding of the reasons why these and a number of other protocols exist within our society. The execution here is masterful, and powerful, and I really can’t get enough of it.
The boys are known for not shying away from the difficult talanoa, and this album expands on that while still making you shimmy, it’s honestly really impressive.
Smokeygotbeatz, Jamal, DUSTY, GHOS and a handful of other producers have come together and created such a diverse soundscape.
We have to make special mention of ‘BEEP BEEP’. Two years ago Smokey submitted this beat to Timbaland to feature on his Twitch stream, where he left quite the impression, and it’s great to see this track come to fruition with SWIDT.
Looking to the list of features, there isn’t a guest on here that feels out of place, everyone fits in and does their job, adding to the overall sonics of the project.
A standout was the appearance on ‘MONEY BAGS’ of late UK rapper and producer, Jevon, who passed away in March of this year.
Hearing his verse and being reminded of the loss was tough, however I’m grateful that he is immortalized in such a phenomenal single that displays his talent and love for the craft.
In the early 2000s, Dr. Dre alluded to the release of a project we know today as Detox. Due to many unforeseen circumstances, the album has become mythical within the Hip-Hop sphere as over 20 years later it is still unreleased.
SWIDT’s long awaited album has avoided this dreaded fate, and has done so in a spectacular fashion.
They were never a phase, and this body of work is another testament to the legendary status they hold within the music scene.
Like the boys say, “Ain’t nobody got it like the crew.”
