Third3ye - Levitate

There was an article in UK newspaper The Times recently, a grudging acceptance of the hypothesis that hip-hop has been the most significant creative wave within the last fifty years of popular music. But what is hip-hop? I won't get into that, but it has grown to be as diverse as to allow us acts such as Third3ye - with their spiritual take on the genre which they call "Earth Raps". I am sure these guys would love to be a commercial success, but they are clearly not targeting that outcome over creating music that is an authentic representation of their politics, their spirituality and of course their creativity. And that it makes it even more ironic, that an act that delivers such a broad-based attack on current societal norms has such potential crossover popular appeal. Third3ye started with MC's Angelo King and MeloDownz, but has since grown to include DJTORU and producer Ben Jamin'. Although "Levitate" is interesting from a textural production perspective, it is not my favourite track off "On3ness", their 2014 album. However, as a song/video combination it is a high point. FishNClips have done a superb job on this video. Third3ye is one of my favourite hip-hop acts of the last few years. Have a listen to some of the song links below. I am especially fond of their collaborations with Edward Waaka (Edward is now on the Revolution label). There is a good live review/article on the band from blog "When Did You Fall In Love With Hip Hop" linked below as well. It captures the band well. I have bought everything the band has given us so far. Go, listen and love Third3ye's version of the hip hop revolution.

"Butterfly" http://third3ye.bandcamp.com/track/butterfly

"Out of this World" http://third3ye.bandcamp.com/track/out-of-this-world

"P3ace" http://third3ye.bandcamp.com/track/p3ace-feat-edward-waaka-prod-swervinmervin

"Crystal Cloud" http://third3ye.bandcamp.com/track/crystal-cloud-prod-edward-waaka

"Catmandu" http://third3ye.bandcamp.com/track/catmandu-prod-miek-sneak

On3ness album link: http://third3ye.bandcamp.com/album/on3ness

http://whendidyoufallinlovewithhiphop.com/2014/04/29/review-third3ye-the-kings-arms-auckland/

The Times (UK) article (subscription): http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/science/article4431552.ece

Third3ye - Levitate (Official Video)