You can't judge a book by its cover, as the cliche goes. However, one look at Yuns' "Storyteller" CD (http://www.yunsmuzik.com) - the portrait of the white rapper in a straw hat - is enough to let you know that he isn't packing a .45. "Storyteller" redefines contemporary hip-hop; it breaks the rules while still fitting within the framework or accepted commercial sounds of the genre.
On one level, "Storyteller" is genuinely good pop music; "Hands Up" and "Radio" are among the catchiest tracks you'll hear from any musical style this year. On another level, it's a brave piece of work, flowing with a healthy, love thy neighbor attitude that has been completely lacking from rap.
Yuns sounds nothing like his contemporaries, black or white; his rhyming style is upbeat and melodic, and it'll remind you of no one. At a time when rap has been plagued by a cookie-cutter mentality, Yuns has ignored the formula of his peers to venture on his own.
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"So happy to be alive," exclaims Yuns on "Hands Up," and it's sentiment that feels revolutionary in hip-hop. No violent angst, no petty jealousies, no grim portrait of the present or future. There's this theme of hope that drifts through the tracks; even on a tune that could've been somber like "After the Rain," Yuns comforts listeners with "Everything's going to be alright." What a change of pace that is!
The Pacific Northwest isn't known for its rappers; one wonders how much of a hip-hop scene there is in Seattle. But this wonderfully crafted and emotionally calming record just might change all that.
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READERS COMMENTS
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I believe that Yuns is a master at his talent. He has totaled drawn me in as his audience. I keep listening to his tracks and each time the message is that much stronger. He has reached out to all age levels with his radio friendly voice/sound/messages. He deserves that chance to be heard on air. I hope anyone out there that has the ability to help this BOY do the right thing. Give this Northwest artist the chance to share his words with everyone!!!!! I feel he has the artistry to blow up the airways if given the chance!!!!!
------------- Author: flavor
30 August 2005
Yuns is one of the worst rappers I've ever heard. 10 stars for this crap? You gotta be kidding me. People who don't like music like Yuns.
------------- Author: tonydanza
15 September 2005
LET ME START OFF BY SAYING THIS " I NEVER POST COMMENTS OR BLOGS" NOW, I 1ST HEARD "STORYTELLER" ON OUR LOCAL VOTECH SCHOOL RADIO STATION, CALLED AND FOUND OUT WHERE TO PICK IT UP, BOUGHT AT RETAIL PRICE(NEVER DO THIS EITHER)
"PLEASE SEE CONTINUED"-
------------- Author: THEKMSFOUNDATION
14 January 2007
NOW - I CAN'T STOP LISTENING. NOT ONCE LIKE MOST MUSIC I LIKE BUT ALL THE DAMN TIME.I OWN A NON-PROFIT & HUSBAND OWNS 4 BUSINESSES IN THIS INDUSTRY! NO RAP FROM SEATTLE IS LIKE SAYING WE DONT HAVE COFFEE STANDS ON EVERY CORNER. YES THE LYRICS SPIT BY YUNS ARE UNPRETENTIOUS AND RIGHTOUS, NOT AN EASY ACOMPLISHMENT TODAY. BUT YOUR ARTICLE DID ACOMPLISH 1 THING, I RESPONED, SO I NOTICED!
------------- Author: THEKMSFOUNDATION
14 January 2007
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