one small sound

Dessa

Although people outside of Minneapolis might still reminisce over the Replacements, Husker Du, or even Prince and Morris Day when thinking about the city's musical offerings, hip-hop has always been on the minds and in the souls of its residents. The city's hip-hop rep might still be considered underground on the national level (or, is it), but, people in this town are as passionate about their music as any other -- and, probably more. Would you leave your cozy apartment and schlep through the snow in -30 degree weather to check out local hip-hop on a Tuesday night? If you're from Minneapolis you would.

From Atmosphere and the entire Rhymesayers label (www.rhymesayers.com), Eyedea and Abilities, Brother Ali, Felt, Heiruspecs, and the Doomtree Collective (http://www.doomtree.net/) - this city has a wealth of talented MC's, musicians, producers, and dj's involved in the game. Any of these acts could easily take it to the next level, it's only a matter of time.

The Doomtree collective is a hip-hop crew, yes, but they are also a fast-growing label. Their biggest resident might be critically-acclaimed MC, P.O.S., but, they've also got Cecil Otter, SIMS, Mike Mictlan, Lazerbeak, Paper Tiger, and, the writer and MC I'm here to talk about -- Dessa.

Dessa's debut full-length album, "A Badly Broken Code," was released this past Tuesday. What I've listened to so far is a complex mix of dazzling wordplay and hip-hop production with trace elements of RnB, with more than a few nods to vintage torch singers. Her voice is gorgeous, the production is killer, and, the songs are not only solid, they're inspiring.

Here are a few cuts from "A Badly Broken Code" ala youtube:

Dixon's Girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eQL3BrRqM8

The Crow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JfAnS8mRK4

Alibi (not the best sound quality on this one)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j2A4Lb7RFo


Buy Dessa's album on Doomtree:
http://store.doomtree.net/product/a-badly-broken-code-dessa

Check out Dessa's profile on Myspace:
www.myspace.com/dessadarling