REVIEW: Aotearoa Nobody Does It Better By Dam Native

(Heart Music)

3 1/2 out of 5

It always seemed like it would be one of those mysterious, mythological ‘lost albums’ in hip hop history - but iconic Dam Native return with a sophomore album some 15 years after the classic KDRU (Kaupapa Driven Rhymes Uplifted). Aotearoa Nobody Does It Better plays like a gift - an offering back to the country and original Dam Native fans, some of whom have gone on to be MCs themselves to carry on the tradition. Recorded over a five year period, and produced entirely by Rob Lundon and Bryson Campbell (Blackman), the 10 track offering has a much more focused and openly personal Hyper D on vocals. However, it does sound dated at times (‘Rebel’, ‘The Son Part II’), and as a listener you tend to think is it too little, too late. There are some amazing, timeless tracks though, like ‘Sirens In The City’ with Tyna (who delivers perhaps his best verse to date). ‘The Majestic’ and ‘Cracked It’ are also standouts that let you in to D’s world - a world where hip hop is king, and the oneness of self, spirit and environment seeps through the speakers into your soul, reassuring you that the high points on the album will remain highs for years to come.

Review by Mark Thomson.