Outlandish are a three man hip hop crew, from Denmark, where they are huge and regularly win MTV Europe Awards and the Danish equivalent of the Brits, not mention reaching No.1 in Germany. Their forthcoming third LP, Closer Than Veins is getting a big push from their label, SonyBMG, in the UK.
Judging by last night's totally rammed gig they will be very successful: bear in mind Outlandish have had no promotion or marketing in the UK, bar some big ups from Bobby & Nihal on Radio 1, Asian Network and a gig at Nihal's Bombay Bronx clubnight.
Yet there were queues from 2pm in the afternoon. And much of the audience - admittedly young - reaction was verging on hysterical. I'll be honest, their sound is a bit too light(think Black Eyed Peas), there's no grit or edge, but what I do find interesting is their voice and perspective.
Although Outlandish are Danish, they have roots in Pakistan (Waqas), Morocco (Isam) and Honduras (Lenny - big up your Dilla tshirt, I want one!) and sing/rap in their mother tongues as well as Danish and English. (If I'm more into them because of their cultural background and etnicity, than their actual sound, does that make me RACIALIST??)
For me the highlight of the gig was the multicultural mix. Girls in hijabs (hair coverings) with MTV dance moves (not the really lewd kind) screaming 'I want to marry you' at the sight of the ultra smooth Isam. The knowledge of lyrics and songs was incredible too. Isam has a beautiful, singular voice, no wonder he melts the heart of any girl he gazes at. Waqas rapping in Hindi/Urdu, before launching into hip hop panto, 'wave your hands in the air' was another highlight thanks to the incongruity of hindi/urdu hip hop. But why should it be surprising? I find myself asking.
There was a definite sense of young muslims, and asians latching onto Outlandish, because they provide a meaningful, positive voice, when muslims especially, are being demonised every day by our dear government and meeja. anyhow I'm off to beat myself up for being a racialist like, Jade Goody.
Big up to Indy @ Radio 1 for sorting the tickets.
