Afrofreque, Fresh Soul Frequencies

Here at Hip-Hop Alive! I try to show you guys every side of the Hip-Hop game, not just the mainstream type of Hip-Hop, but also the less known underground, fusion, and soul types of this Genre. I love being able to hear unique blends of Hip-Hop and other genres (Gym Class Heros). I also just love bringing you guys new twists on the style like The Cool Kids, or Colin Munroe. See for me Hip-Hop is all about expressing yourself and going against the mainstream. Doing what you want and how you want, and getting it out to the people. Hip-Hop is supposed to be 100% original!

Thats why I want to let you guys know about this unique group I got wind of the other day. They go by the name of Afrofreque. They are a Hip-Hop/Funk/Soul/ type band. They have a very unique sound and style. I love the fact that they remind me of The Roots, but just barely. You cant really compare these two groups too much or you will be underestimating the true originality of this Austin, Texas based group. They implement a smooth set of samples, and original beats, along with nice hooks, and a mix of reggae sound as well as positive conscious lyrics to there music. In that way it's hard to honestly classify this group or link them to any other and I think thats what makes them great! They really are a fresh new twist on Hip-Hop!

The Group is headed by MC Tigre Liu and consists of band members Fumi Sugawara, Micheal Hale, Claude 9, John Siebenthaler, and DJ Resinthol. They are from Austin, Texas. Their recently released Debut Album is intitled "Fesh Soul Frequencies". It features 10 orginal tracks, that are all unique and creative in their sound. Tigre Liu is also a very good rapper, with a smooth flow. proven by lines like "And thats a word for yo motha maine/Pass it on to your brotha maine/ My advice will be simple and plain" and “Audio frequency, breathing life into your section / Austin Texan, imagine my complexion as a smooth emcee / Roughneck and enough to glide through any city.”

Fresh Soul Frequencies:
Track Listing
1. Illumination (5:12)
2. Natural Fact* (4:42)
3. Ice Age* (5:06)
4. Whatcha’ Gonna Do* (3:10)
5. Cool Breeze (6:10)
6. Born Soul (6:49)
7. Wildstyle (4:29)
8. Furthermind* (3:21)
9. Comin’ to the Surface* (5:45)
10. Smooth & Sweet (4:25)

The first song is intitled "Illumination" and it is a great song! It starts out with some unique funk sounds, and then MC Tigre Liu starts his flow. Its about how the music can Illuminate your soul! Trust me their music can do just that! The flow is sick on this song, defiantly not expected from a group like this. Also the mix of funk sounds, and techno style samples make this a great song! Overall this album is very good! "Cool Breeze" is another very good song, along with Ice Age. I really think everyone should take a listen to this group. They are defiantly one of the many reason I love Hip-Hop. They bring a unique and individual sound and style to the genre which is what Hip-Hop should be about, instead of bitches and hos!


Afrofreque - Live | Hip Hop | Soul
Website | MySpace | FaceBook
Fresh Soul Frequencies at GigaCrate.com

This group is defiantly going to be added to my artists to watch for in 2008! (along with Colin Munroe since I forgot to put that in my last post, sorry!) I really think they stand a chance of becoming very popular over the next year! For the overall rating of the album I think I might give it a 3.5 out of 5 mics, they unique sound and style defiantly help get it this rating, although I think they defiantly have room to improve their music. I cant wait to see how they do!

Artist: Afrofreque
Album: Fresh Soul Frequencies
Label: Earthbound Music
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Mics
Notes: Artist to watch for in 2008!, Fresh new sound!