In these recent heady days, hype spreads like digital swine-flu and new artists are subjected to the sea change of an entire career before ever developing their sound. So to exist outside of the spotlight and develop a sound at once ready for the masses online, yet rooted in the fierce individualism of artists past may seem somewhat of a quaint notion – until you hear Gonjasufi.
If only mystery were a mere marketing tool here, there would be more to tell about the man himself....
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In these recent heady days, hype spreads like digital swine-flu and new artists are subjected to the sea change of an entire career before ever developing their sound. So to exist outside of the spotlight and develop a sound at once ready for the masses online, yet rooted in the fierce individualism of artists past may seem somewhat of a quaint notion – until you hear Gonjasufi.
If only mystery were a mere marketing tool here, there would be more to tell about the man himself. Hearing his singular register, chanting lyrics that oscillate between emotions laid bare and cryptic philosophizing, locks just as many doors as it opens.
At the moment, he stands just outside the spotlight cast on his friends and collaborators Flying Lotus and The Gaslamp Killer, but the sonic brotherhood that exists is implicit rather than as similarities in sound. Drawing from unearthed strains of global psychedelia and merging it with a rejuvenated sense of hip-hop clarity currently distinct to the West Coast, Gonjasufi is more than just a songwriter, MC or performer.
His debut album A Killer & A Sufi recalls moments in love as well as trading sinister threats with enemies, sometimes within the same song. Trading in both the murk of lo-fidelity vintage samples and the concentrated crispness of current West Coast production, A Killer & A Sufi is both a roadmap to the riches of the distant past and a signpost to the future.
The first single, “Holidays / Candylane” was released as a very limited 7" on Nov. 20, 2009, and comes with a 20 page Gonjasufi prayer book (with foil cover print). The 2nd single, “Kowboyz & Indians” will also be released as a limited 7” on January 26, 2010.
Domestic
