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 DARRAGH MURRAY talks to hip hop legend TOM SHIMURA – popularly known as LYRICS BORN – about his forthcoming Australian tour and his views on the health of contemporary hip hop.
It is safe to say that Lyrics Born has somewhat of a love affair with Australia. He’s been one of the most visible international hip hop artists to make the journey out here over the past two decades, even choosing to record his live record, Overnite Encore, over successive nights in Sydney and Melbourne back in 2005. At the prospect of returning to Australia, Lyrics Born is enthusiastic.
“It has been about 18 months since my last Aussie tour. I love the country – plain and simple. I believe I was one of the first American hip hop artists to consistently tour there and I've always just clicked with Australia,” he says.
His latest record, As U Were, was released in the latter half of 2010 and represents a distinct change in direction for the Quannum Projects stalwart. Talking about his changed approach evident on this record, Lyrics Born acknowledges his exploration of new angles.
“I decided it was time to hit refresh on my browser. It was time to challenge myself musically again,” he states, “ I was listening to a lot of early ‘80s synth pop, hip hop, dance and experimental music while making this record, particularly David Bowie, Talking Heads, Kraftwerk, and Afrika Bambaataa. It was a sound that maybe I had dabbled with in the past, but I decided to dive into on this album.”
Our conversation turns to the state of contemporary hip hop, and Lyrics Born, whose long career has seen him traverse many of the different trends within the genre, is candid about its current health.
“On some days I love [hip hop], on others, I feel differently. I still love the pace at which it moves – ultra fast! It keeps people on their toes in that regard. I love the styles, the competition, and the way the art form has morphed into so many sub-genres over the years. It's truly remarkable what a juggernaut it's become in worldwide culture in just a few decades.
“Some days, however, I do wish mainstream hip hop had more depth, but then again, I guess I feel that way about mainstream music in general. In some ways, hip hop has become a victim of its own success. ”
We touch on the controversies dredged up by the likes of OFWGKTA and Tyler The Creator, whose style of hip hop has been accused of misogyny and homophobia. Despite remaining non-committal, Lyrics Born notes that that similar accusations have always existed against popular music at some time, regardless of genre.
“I'm not really sure. I feel art reflects the spirit of society, and vice-versa. I do feel certain genres that haven't been institutionalised, or are still considered young by musical history standards, tend to all receive the same kinds of criticism. Doesn't mean it isn't valid or invalid. I remember punk and metal getting the same treatment as a kid. It was [called] ‘violent’, ‘aggressive’, ‘misogynist’, and ‘advocated drug use’.”
However, the sombre mood does not fail to undermine Lyrics Born’s eagerness to put on a good show when he returns to Brisbane this month, stating wholeheartedly that fans can expect special treatment.
“I'm bringing out the entire Lyrics Born mixed review featuring Joyo Velarde on vocals and it's gonna be awesome! I just want people to come in and have a great time. We don’t intend to do anything other than tear it down!”
LYRICS BORN hits The Hi-Fi on Wednesday Jun 15 with supports from Dexter, FDEL and DJ Katch (Resin Dogs). Tickets are available from www.moshtix.com.au. For more check out www.lyricsborn.com.
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