From Lewsic and his mate J, here are two random finds out of the EU that were seemingly never released. The first is a project from a Dutch hip hop/dance act Tasta Flava whose only single, an adaption of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car", was released in 1998. Written by Dutch rapper Andy Ninvalle, I don't think it got a very wide release - possibly owing to sample clearance issues - and almost everywhere was billed as being by Lumberjack featuring Tasta Flava. The label CNR Records was well-known, boasting homegrown artists such as Flip Da Scrip and even some big names such as 2Pac.The style is mostly smooth and funky pop-rap music with female vocals though "Everyday" and the very melodic "Love Is Calling" are both seemingly R&B/soul songs. The second is an unreleased project from Naila Boss, a UK underground rapper mostly known for her appearance in the top 10 hit “You Should Really Know” with The Pirates and Shola Ama in 2005. I usually don’t post straightforward hip hop music but I was actually quite surprised that I liked this artist; it’s not hardcore by any means but some great UK rap before the advent of mumbly fast rapping and awful grime music. There’s not much in-depth information about her but she hailed from Hackney and released her only solo single “La La La” in 2004.
Tasta Flava: Fast Car (CDr, Promo) (CNR Recordsm 1998)
Fast Car (Acapella) 3:51
Everyday 4:15
Fast Car (Radio Version) 4:06
Got Me Waiting 4:23
Another Way 5:49
Madd Flava 4:10
Love Is Calling 6:49
Bad Boy (Nog Zonder Jozien-Version) 3:48
Everyday 4:15
Fast Car (Radio Version) 4:06
Got Me Waiting 4:23
Another Way 5:49
Madd Flava 4:10
Love Is Calling 6:49
Bad Boy (Nog Zonder Jozien-Version) 3:48
Naila Boss: Never Underestimate The Name (Album Sampler) (La Boss Records, 2004)
I Am The Boss 3:35
Luv Crazy 3:55
No Way 4:56
What 4:29
La La La 3:14
Luv Crazy 3:55
No Way 4:56
What 4:29
La La La 3:14