The Sandspur

Issue date: 4/1/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: COURTESY OF DRAGON ASH

Coming at the world and hitting the Americas hard is a new Japanese rap sensation, Dragon Ash. Their latest album, Viva La Revolution is a mix of pop melodies, gangsta' beats, and creative lyrics. I could only understand half of them, but from what I could make out it was a great album.

Led by Japanese rap mogul Kenji F, Dragon Ash is not only famous but iconic in their native country. They were one of the first people to give the rap culture to Japan. They took some American flavoring and added it to Japanese music to turn rap into mainstream music.

Now, you may have actually heard some of their greatest hits if you are a huge anime fan. Well, congratulations. "Shizuka na Hibi no Kaiden wo" or "The Stair Steps of a Quiet Day" is regarded as one of the best songs off the album. I mean, I couldn't understand it from listening to the CD, but it had a good beat. One of the most poignant lines being the first-translated as "Grass and trees become green."

"Grateful Days", found on the album in English, is a P. Diddy-esque sampling of a simple pop melody with intricately written lyrics. I can see this becoming a hit here in the states. We certainly need something different from the everyday boy bands and angry girl groups. Dragon Ash is it.

Kenji F. is said to have cried while performing the song "Grateful Days" on stage in front of millions. His passion for life and music and performance is beyond belief. Simply beautiful is his vocal styling and English.

I strongly suggest that everyone go out and buy this album. The next big thing is right around the corner, don't be left behind!

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