CD Reviews

If there is a sub-genre blending social consciousness and mainstream sounding rap, then Sin of Sins is its Australian leader.

From the opening of the first song, Scared when my Time Comes, from his latest album, Voice of the People, the sorts of rappers who influence SOS are obvious. Eminem, Dr Dre, 50 Cent, D12; those are the sorts of artists SOS listens to and learns from, plus they are his top friends on MySpace.

But there is one pertinent difference between their music and his, the social awareness and passion. Sin of Sins is a man with some strong social views, and he is definitely not afraid to let them be known through his music. Example in point – The second song on the album, More justice, Australia. SOS puts forward his view on the Australian justice system with authority, as can be seen with the lyrics “Maybe y’all should have a look at Singapore, the people there don’t ignore the law, in Singapore, people who break the law get beaten, people who kill people get killed.” Certainly strong sentiments that not everyone will like, but they come straight from the heart, the head and the soul. And that is what I like; a rapper who doesn’t glorify the bad things in life, but about his passions and views. To be able to do that is a talent, and it is one Sin of Sins has certainly mastered.   

Australian hip hop, in my view, has held the proud distinction of having some of the most genuine, socially conscious hip hop in the world. And it is somewhat reassuring that trait is set to continue with artists like Sin of Sins making a name for themselves in the industry. I must also say the artwork on Voice of the People is some of the best I’ve seen in a long time.

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