Radio Radio Party For Their Rights In Montreal

Cafe Campus

Montreal, QC

on Apr 30 2008

Erik Leijon (CHARTattack)

05/02/2008 2:00pm

Acadian hip-hop kings Radio Radio have only been together for a year, yet they've already developed a large enough fanbase to get Cafe Campus jumping for a Wednesday night album launch. In contrast to the recent Wu-Tang Clan show in Montreal which didn't feature the Clan's big players, Radio Radio and their electronic beats cater to a less devout type of hip-hop fan. This was evident when Radio Radio attempted to goad the almost entirely white audience into raising their fists in the air and nearly everyone was either confused or shook a fist with a limp, unintimidating wrist.

Don't misconstrue the less-than-passionate crowd as a knock on Radio Radio's explosive brand of party rap, though, as it works both live and on their new album Cliche Hot. If anything, it indicates just how professional and talented the New Brunswick-based group are, as they still rocked it for a crowd of chin-stroking, arms-crossed indie rockers. By the end of the nearly one-hour set, Radio Radio had definitely taught everyone a thing or two about how to dance while holding a drink in each hand, and how to properly wave ones' hands in the air.

DJ/beat makers Lekx and Tekstyle, along with MCs Jacobus and Timo, executed a fluid set. All four members took turns on the mic and working the beats, which were simple electronic hooks with some light turntabilism. During an earlier interview with Lekx for this website, he compared the group's rapping style to Montreal rap trio, Muzion. Muzion were known for their extremely quick lyrical flow, something I didn't associate with Radio Radio upon listening to their debut record. But in a live setting, Jacobus and Timo rap with the ferocity and speed of a more Americanized hip-hop group.

Coupling the faster, more melodic delivery with lyrics entirely in Shiac (an Acadian dialect that mashes up English and French) really gives their live show a more political edge. It's not a fiercely nationalistic vibe like a Loco Locass sovereignty rally/concert, but it's more a celebration of their uniqueness in a hip-hop world that generally doesn't celebrate such diversity. At one point a miniature Acadian flag even made an appearance.

Shiac might as well have been Japanese for the Montreal crowd, because most of Jacobus and Timo's attempts at encouraging audience participation were met with confusion. The funniest moment occurred when the band asked who among the crowd liked women, only to get silent head-scratching instead of a roar. Thankfully, once the grimy, lo-fi electronic beats kicked in, and all four members were singing and hand-waving during the catchy refrains, everyone understood that Radio Radio were speaking the international language of party. The group also seemed to understand their audience by performing their new single "Cliche Hot" twice, and playing the video before the encore. Even the second performance of the single received loud applause. It's a great song, and the perfect example of the best of Montreal's burgeoning electronic hip-hop scene. Here's hoping Radio Radio and their "tymer" bringing ilk don't get lost in translation when they move on to the rest of Canada.