Launched during Black History Month, the album Royalty presents names that we know very well: Corneille, Barnev – Céline Dion’s backing vocalist –, Marieme and several rappers like Sans Pressure, Tizzo and KNLO. This socially oriented compilation was led by Dramatik and its record label, 7and Sky.
Posted yesterday at 11:30 a.m.
Written and produced by around thirty Afro-descendant artists, the 12 pieces of Royalty were released between February 2021 and January 2022. A way to make the compilation shine beyond Black History Month.
All profits were donated to the 1804 Fund, which supports school perseverance among families in need. The artists of the album took advantage of Hooked on School Days, which took place in mid-February, to present a first check for $100,000 to the organization.
The symbolism is strong, but so is the music. Between Afrobeat – which dominates (Dedicated, We are fighting, Stars), the trap (Victory Lap, Paving the way) and even the drill (Without schedule)the compilation is a fair portrait of today’s rap.
The compilation mixes guitar, xylophone, marimba and idiophones of all genres. The generations also mix, as Tizzo meets veteran Og Cyrus, Lost teams up with Corneille and Sans Pressure and Webster work together for the first time in over 20 years.
From the talented Malika Tirolien to the star host Marieme, the presence of female artists is felt on Royalty. With six women, we practically hold a record for a hip-hop album.
But since rap is a music of words, it is impossible to sweep away the message of these Quebecers of immigrant origin. Their reality is described there for more than 40 minutes. “Faced with obstacles, not the right to fold (never). Make way for the show, it’s time to shine, “summarizes rapper Karma Atchykah on leaders.
Despite everything, the album is uneven. The production of Without schedule slightly breaks the musical homogeneity at the end of the album. Then, a few clashes are heard on the voices of Dior. Nothing, however, to undermine the overall quality of this Royalty.
Rap
Royalty
Collective
Discs 7and Sky