DessaAlthough 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=0eQL3BrRqM8The Crow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JfAnS8mRK4Alibi (not the best sound quality on this one)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j2A4Lb7RFoBuy Dessa's album on Doomtree:
http://store.doomtree.net/product/a-badly-broken-code-dessaCheck out Dessa's profile on Myspace:
www.myspace.com/dessadarling
