Music Reviws: Teargas

TEARGAS - Dark or Blue

The title of hip-hop group Teargas's much anticipated third album shows that come hell or high water, it is headed for success.

The words Dark or Blue were chosen by the members as testament to their determination to become one of hip- hop's finest groups. "Dark or Blue" is a common saying in townships and means "rain or shine". In the words of the band members: "Coming from where we come from, we are showing our determination to succeed in what we do, either or!"

It was the trio's second album, Wafa Wafa, released in 2008, that placed the boys firmly on the map. Jampacked with chart-topping singles, the album received much critical acclaim and a South African Music Award for best rap album last year. In the dog-eat-dog world of hip-hop, many doubted Teargas could come back with an album strong enough to match the success of Wafa Wafa.

The popularity of the first single alone is enough to silence the nay-sayers. Titled Go Away, it is a perfect blend of kasi style and hip-hop swag. And the high standard of production has raised the stakes for local hip-hop.

The album's second single came as a surprise for hip-hop lovers. Part 101 is an unlikely collaboration between Teargas and DJ Tira, who is a catalyst of the Durban style of kwaito and house music fast gaining popularity. The song also features the vocals of Liesl from the singing trio Jamali.

Some might see the move to collaborate with DJ Tira as a marketing ploy to sell records, but Teargas's members insist that the process of selecting artists to collaborate with is simply "a relationship thing". "We pick up positive energy from these talents when we meet at events or whatever. It allows us to work well in studio together," they say. The album also features other big names such fellow rapper Pro and HHP, as well as R&B crooner Danny K.

Fans will be glad to know that Teargas are planning to take their music to the international stage. Brave rain or shine to get a copy of Dark or Blue from good music stores. - Keitumetse Segoai