Kubus - “Buiten Westen”
General Description
Artist/Band: Kubus
Album Title: Buiten Westen
Year: 2004
Dutch Beat Master.
How I Got Into This Music
Well.. Last year I was pleasantly surprised by a new band called Opgezwolle. Wha? Opgezwah? Yep, this is pure Dutch and if you don’t speak the lingo, there’s no use for any further explanation of the name. Opgezwolle is a Dutch rap group and their music really got to me (so why didn’t I review them earlier? Life’s full of mysteries, deal with it..) Their lyrics are frigging great but what really made me pay attention were the beats.. The Beats Rule! The man, Kubus, is the main supplier of the beats and sounds.
And out of nowhere: Buiten Westen. Last summer the single Buitenbad was on TV and that got me totally hyped! Then I forgot about it, as usual. Luckily, the second single came out about six weeks ago and that triggered me to have a serious listen. Oh, and the titles are in Dutch of(f) course ;oP
Tracks that got my attention:
Koppensnellers
Crazy ass electro driven beat with excellent vibes from the man Jawat
Buitenwesten
Man.. This shit is unbelievable! Kubus with rapper Duvel put an Indian sound with smooth flowing lyrics. This shows and proves a mature rap production that can hold its own with the American and British sides.
Spaanse Peper
Just when you think you can start guessing what to expect..
Buitenbad
What can I say? This is ultimate brawn, guts, no fear.. Rico makes everyone get out the pen and paper to take notes and Kubus.. aww, man!
Oefenen
Ghostly sounds with nice lyrics from Ty
Alice
Another great instrumental!
Conclusion
Okay, there aren’t a lot of Dutch rappers that have made an impact on the international stage, except “Holiday Rap”, and this country is still trying to cope with that embarrassing legacy.. But these last couple of years, Dutch rap and rapping in the Dutch language has been getting recognition and respect, thanks to artists like Extince, Brainpower and the granddaddies of the trade, the Osdorp Posse. Out of nowhere a band like Opgezwolle and a beat producer like Kubus arrive on the scene and show us the next level of professionalism. Out of nowhere? Naahh.. these guys have been working hard and the fruits of their labour are sweet! Kubus is a force to reckon with and any smart rapper from the States or the UK should pay attention.
Rating: 
