Bole 2 Harlem Volume 1 

Bole 2 Harlem
www.bole2harlem.com

 Is Bole2Harlem  just another Ethiopian hiphop group? I haven't a clue since we've never heard Ethiopian hiphop before, but the effect is definitely North Africa meets contemporary African-American music. Of course, American black music has had a big influence on Ethiopian pop for decades: James Brown in particular.

 The sound of Bole2Harlem is updated without giving up the funk. There's something about the way Ethiopian horn sections play their saxophones: it sounds so distinct. If you've heard it before, you'll recognize it immediately. 

 The raps tend to be short and aimed at party time rather than the angry, nasty tone we've gotten used to in the USA. Rap quickly gives way to the caterwauling style of singing and ulating for which the Middle East is famous.

 I wish USA rap and hiphop was this much fun.

 Since Bole2Harlem was actually recorded in NYC by folks now living there, perhaps their influence will spread across America - we hope so.