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In Senegal, a place where these days you’re almost as likely to see a kid wearing an Iverson jersey as a traditional boubou, hip hop has become massively popular. Superstars in Senegal, rap trio Daara J recently appeared on WNYC to spread the word. While deeply influenced by artists like Grandmaster Flash, their style has older roots — in the tradition of the tassou, a form like rap but much older. They point out that “ya dig” is an African expression and even argue that Wolof is more conducive to rap than English. Cultural echoes from Africa to America and back again — hence title of their new album: “Boomerang”.

On how American rap is understood in Senegal:

It makes sense. The environment effects the people and we can understand that. But, on the other hand, the concept and the message is a bit different because we can’t afford to talk about bling bling while we’re living in a poor country where our priority is to see people satisfying their hunger.
– N’Dango D of Daara J

As you might guess, the interview is wide-ranging and thoughtful. Very much worth the listen. Check it here: mp3 or real

On this side of the Atlantic, casual observers of the industry might say rap here has gone the other direction — pointlessly violent, materialistic, misogynistic. Emerging artists, however, see things a bit differently. Take the enigmatic MF Doom for example:

It bugs me out. Cats are still using the same five curse words. If you take out ‘shit,’ ‘bitch,’ ‘nigga,’ ‘murder,’ and ‘killa,’ mother-fuckin’ record would sound like an instrumental!
– Daniel Dumile in Spin

Or, the lesser known Iomos:

Without knowledge of self it’s like breathing in reverse
So go on with your gangsta, go in with your gat
Your radio and video promotin’ all of that
Nothin– nothin’ to feed the soul
Using images as energy for mind control
Yo you can’t cut through laws that you know you must follow
So I balance that with a side of elevate
So I balance that with a side of elevate
So elevate
– Iomos Marad on “Elevate” from Deep Rooted

The voices of American hip-hop’s future, then, echo the sounds of Senegal today. Boomerang once more.

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