HIP-HOP

Yo Majesty's new release is the "punky hip-hop party of the year", says Jim Carroll.

YO MAJESTY

Futuristically Speaking . . . Never Be Afraid

Domino

No matter how hard you try, you just can't see Yo Majesty elbowing their way into the middle of the mainstream hip-hop party. More's the pity, because Florida's Shunda K and JWL B would bring some much-needed diversity to that increasingly lame gathering of rappers flexing their pecs and looking mean for the camera.

Against a rough-hewn and tough-as-nails soundclash, where electro, crunk, sleazy bass and techy-rock all shimmy for attention, the duo let rip with furious anger about religion, politics and sex. It's this lyrical shakedown as much as the sonic ramraiding that makes the album stand out.

Female rappers have tried to out-boast and out-brag their male counterparts before, with mixed results, but few have engaged in the process with the same witty wordplay, vicious intent and fearless bravado. It really is the punky hip-hop party of the year.

www.myspace.com/yomajesty4life

JIM CARROLL

Download tracks: Club Action, Buy Love