Young Nations : United States of Africa

Artist: Young Nations
Album title: United States of Africa
Year of release: 2010

Zosukuma isziwe "Young Nations" Kunene's sophomore album, United States of Africa, is arguably the best album to ever come out of Africa. Mainly produced by underground beat-maker Draztik, the 15-track album features guest appearances from ProVerb, Incha, Tamasha, Guy Coughlan, Whosane, 985, F-eezy and Ameen Harron.

A true hip-hop feast, the album is filled to the brim with elite hip hop qualities, and Young Nations, who was born in the United States, consciously targets Africa’s hip hop elites. The album is thematically linked to the rise of Africa and generally focuses on the positive stories of the continent.

The album opens with a swag-track entitled “Get it Good Got it Good”, which gives the listener a brief bio of the rapper with the lines; “ I’m Steve Biko fighting for the freedom of our people…My name is the illest, greatest, the famous Young Nations.”

Incha, a young violinist from Durban, then gives Nations a hand on the lyrically-powerful track, “We Won’t Stop”. Of all the great things on this album, Young Nations’ rapping ability stands out. He is a master of the flow - he can rap fast, he can rap slow, and his clever wordplay keeps the listener entertained all the way.

The lead single, “GP (The City is Mine)” is a masterpiece.  The way Nations expresses his views here is simply outstanding. He knows what he wants and how to express it musically. Using rests and partial linking, he delivers some of the best verses I’ve heard in a very long time.

Other noteworthy songs on the album include “Dream” (featuring Guy Coughlan), The Skills” (featuring Proverb), “Dream Gawl” (featuring Ameen), and “Free” (featuring Shange).

Nothing in Africa sounds like this album at the moment; it’s like an installment from another planet.

Cover/Art: 3.5/5 | Sound/Technical: 4.5/5 | “I like it factor”: 9.5/10 MIO rating 4.5/5