– THE MILITARY COUP –

It’s pretty rare to talk of a “hook” on a traditional Chinese piece of music; let alone one that’s been sampled and used over a mumble-rap track. But thanks to producer, Wheezy, I have that opportunity.

Who You Foolin – the closing track on Gunna’s recently released, Drip or Drown 2 prominently features the work of Tong Li. The traditional Chinese stringed instrument, the Guzheng, used on her piece, 伶人歌, is sampled throughout and brings a level of class and sophistication not usually afforded to this genre of music.

The Gospel according to Google Translate (anyone who’s ever used it will detect the sarcasm in my voice here) tells me that 伶人歌 translates from Chinese into “Deaf Song” in English. Which may or may not be true. It may or may not be close. It could mean “a finger up the bum” for all I trust Google Translate.

Nevertheless, if correct, Gunna’s vocal delivery is well-matched as the escalation in his vocal tone gives life to his complaints regarding the sort of criticisms one might volunteer for temporary deafness for to protect oneself against.

Drip or Drown 2 is out now.

MORE FROM THIS WEEK’S MIX:

VULTURE ST TAPE GANG: PRETTY
RESAVOIR: ESCALATOR (DEMO VERSION)
THEO CROKER: SUBCONSCIOUS FLIRTATIONS AND TITILLATIONS
PREFAB SPROUT: I TRAWL THE MEGAHERTZ

You can find all of the tracks reviewed above in the 45 Revolutions per Minute playlist below or click to access the 45 RPM Playlist on Spotify itself.

If you like what you hear (or even if you don’t), please engage in dialogue with me @45rpm_Reviews on Twitter. And, if you’d like to receive updates weekly, please subscribe to the email list to get these recommendations sent to your inbox weekly.

– SV –