Album: Zimbabwe Legit – House Of Stone

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The politics which exist in the music industry have left many victims, both past and present. One of the most intriguing being the saga of talented duo Zimbabwe Legit, which consists of cousins doomE and Pep. Growing up in their home country their imaginations were captured by Hip Hop music and culture. As they honed their skills and began recording, gaining headway overseas, they eventually scored a deal with U.S. based label Hollywood Basic, also the home of Organized Konfusion and Charizma & Peanut Butter Wolf. Much like their label counterparts, politics reared their ugly head and their debut LP, Brothers From The Mother, never saw the light of day.

Finally, some 12 years later independent imprint Glow In The Dark released the album in its original form. Now with awareness raised and their creative batteries more than suitably charged up, the Zimbabwe repping duo return with House Of Stone.

While it is an album with an eye to the future and examines many of the issues in the world today, House Of Stone also seems to serve as somewhat of a revival or reunion of Hip Hop’s early to mid-90s ‘Golden Era’. Appropriate enough, as ZL are themselves a product of that era. This is no more typified than on the fantastic lead single Where I’m At, complete with somber piano and horn loops. The sonic style of the track is driven home even further with an appearance by Jungle Brothers member Mike G, as the trio talk about their journey in life; their hopes, plans and ultimately what is holding them back.

The old school revival continues on tracks like the exploratory Vicious Cycle, where they are joined by Emskee and fellow ‘Golden Era’ pioneer YZ, to talk about people with low self-esteem using material items and power to fill the void. Emskee particularly shines as he states: “Peace to the core in this time of wack wars/chances of survival are thin like a crack whore/my Main Source is the back door to frontin’/there’s too many hits from squares around that’s nothin”. Meanwhile, the legendary Chubb Rock appears on Wake Em Up, alongside ZL and Vast Aire.

Zimbabwe Legit posses a very unique vocal delivery unlike any heard before, which you would pick up by listening throughout. While there is a certain American cadence to it, as was their primary influence coming up, they still stick to their roots and have their own distinct style. This loyalty to their homeland is no more evident than on the posse cut All Over The Map, where they are joined by the African All-Stars, paying tribute to where they came from while also showcasing several talented artists from their country.

House Of Stone, has a decidedly retro feel to it, which may hold it back slightly, overall though Zimbabwe Legit provide a rewarding listen and prove they haven’t lost their touch after all of those years in hibernation.

Available Through Glow In The Dark Records