Ongaku Cafe (The 2000s): AFRA & INCREDIBLE BEATBOX BAND - World Class (September 2008)

A different style of Japanese hip hop group AFRA & INCREDIBLE BEATBOX BAND in the fact that the majority of the tracks features the group beat boxing. Cool collaborations showcasing their Japanese and international flare, “World Class is a pretty solid release!

GROUP: AFRA & INCREDIBLE BEATBOX BAND

ALBUM: World Class

LABEL: Rhythm Zone

CATALOG #: RZCD-46019

DURATION: 53:14

RELEASE DATE: September 24, 2008

In
Spring Bounce
Now You Can See
Seven Nation Army
Quick & Simple
H20
SPVM
Golden Ballers
Nice
Let the Music Take You Higher
Tighten Up
Stavanger Live Edit
What Does That Look Like?
Incrediplo
Out
OMG
Spacy La La_今夜は解放です

DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 30:32

Spring Bounce feat. RYO the SKYWALKER
SEVEN NATION ARMY feat. Chara
Beat Box Training

Reviewed back in 2008:

The human beat box trio known as AFRA & INCREDIBLE BEAT BOX BAND has definitely made some impact on the world. From taking part in the music festival SONAR2005 in Barcelona, the group opened for Ian Brown’s British tour and took part in the Australia Big Day Out and the next SONAR film in 2006.

The group consists of AFRA, Kei and K-MOON and released their second album “World Class” in Sept. 2008 with collaborations with RYO the SKYWALKER, Chara, VERBAL of m-flo, NIPPS and several other notable artists in the Japanese hip hop scene.

What makes this group different from other hip hop artists in Japan is that their music features the group showcasing their beat box abilities for all tracks. The collaboration with Japanese hip hop artist RYO the SKYWALKER for “Spring Bounce” showcases the groups talents but is also a catchy, bass drum-driven track. And you get the Japanese hip hop tracks with Robodau, Shiva and Zoi for the track “Let the Music Take You Higher”.

Showcasing their international flare are English tracks such as “Now You Can see” feat. Fosse and a track produced by Jesse Rose and “Seven Nation”, an all-English track featuring Chara. And for those who want to listen to straight up beat box, there are several tracks included on the album “World Class” with that as well.

DVD features the music video for “Spring Bounce” and “Seven Nation Army” plus a 21 minute beat box training session, including the trio teaching a salaryman how to beat box.

Overall, definitely one of the more unique Japanese hip hop albums that I have listened to. AFRA & INCREDIBLE BEATBOX BAND’s “World Class” is a pretty solid album!

NOTICEABLE CONTENTS:

The insert booklet features lyrics to the tracks and production credits plus a mini flier promoting upcoming Rhythm Zone releases.