K-Pop Beyond The Charts: Qwala Of New Block Babyz Teems With 'Tude On 'Big Capital' Featuring 187, Donutman, Halley Stella [AUDIO]

K-Pop Beyond The Charts is an occasional review column highlighting Korea's modern day musical innovators who have yet to find mainstream success.

There isn't another performer quite like Qwala.

Though the South Korean rapper and member of the hip-hop crew New Block Babyz has shades of Eminem and Imani from The Pharcyde, there is an attitude in his surprising delivery that makes him electrifyingly original.

And though all of the songs on his new album "Monsta Truck 2014," released on Thursday, showcase Qwala's unique talents, it is "Big Capital" that is the clear standout track.

Featuring what appears to be a beat built completely with brass instruments and drums, including a deep tuba groove that is the musical center of the song. And as if his own show-stopping performance was not enough, Qwala stacks the deck on "Big Capital" with a high-octane assemblage of talent, including 187, Donutman, Halley Stella and DJ Crokey.

All of these artists bring their "A" game. Not the least of whom, Crokey, cuts up the turntables with a ferocity that makes it feel like 1986 all over again. The overall production on "Big Capital" packs a ferocious punch, with a drum pop reminiscent of that West Coast master of the drum pad, Dr. Dre.

As silly as he often presents himself, Qwala is clearly an artist who isn't afraid to push the limits; one of the songs on "Monsta Truck 2014" even features Ned Beatty's over-the-edge boardroom rant from the 1976 Sidney Lumet film "Network."

Let's just hope the mainstream goes along for the ride. This is the kind of boundary-pushing artist that you want at the top.

Listen to "Big Capital" the new song from South Korean rapper Qwala featuring 187, Donutman, Halley Stella and DJ Crokey RIGHT HERE

Tags
New Block Babyz
Qwala
Monsta Truck 2014
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