For a lot of people, banjo music invokes a response similar to Homer Simpson when he shouted, “Aaah! Hillbillies!” Granted, a lot of banjo music like bluegrass originated in the hills. But there is far more to bluegrass and banjo music than a bunch of guys in dirty overalls, as Gangstagrass proves.
Gangstagrass is a five-piece band that is the unlikely union of hip-hop and bluegrass. How did that come to be? According to Rench (guitar, vocals, beats), “There are a lot more people out there with Jay-Z and Johnny Cash on their playlists than you think.” On their new album No Time for Enemies, the band continues the marriage of hip-hop and bluegrass while exploring the timely topics of race and politics. Of the current state of the world, Rench said, “Too many people are seeing each other as enemies when they could be communicating and finding common ground.”
What’s really noticeable about these songs is the lyrics. The first two songs – “Freedom” and “Affirmative” – come across as protest songs. In the first song, the lyrics address slavery, segregation and police. The clincher comes in the chorus, “Ain’t gonna wait no more to get this freedom.” No matter your station in life, hearing that might make you want to put your fist in the air. “Affirmative” continues the theme and the chorus feels a lot like a 60s soul protest song, “Oh yeah. That’s affirmative. Ain’t nobody gonna stop us now.”
It would be enough that the band combines two genres that seem to have little in common. However, part of the triumph of this band is in their unique ability to bounce between tones and moods. Some of these songs, like “Ain’t No Crime,” are perfect for your party playlist. In this song in particular, you hear rapid-fire vocals similar to Chali 2na and you can’t help but move to the music. On the other end is “Hard Times Come Again No More,” which feels similar in sound and mood to a Carolina Chocolate Drops song.
As with any bluegrass album, you’ll hear some musicians that are excellent at what they do. You hear it especially in the banjo in songs like “What I Am.”
The lyrics on this album are more political than on previous albums by the band, but music has a long history to responding to the socio-political situations at any given time. As a result, the lyrics provide a lot of food for thought. And that’s the point. The members of this band do a tremendous job of fusing traditional bluegrass sounds with hip-hop vocals and beats. In the process, they give the listener a unique experience.
