CD REVIEW: Savage Sun

Posted July 2 at 06:48 PM

The title speaks volumes on “The Art of Being Alive”, the latest CD from St. Louis-by-way-of-Stockton rapper Savage Sun. He implies that it can take artistry and dedication just to make it through the day.

That idea is reflected on the deep beats and dark subject matter of the album, which opens with a wheeping string progression on “We Keep it Movin’.” “We keep it movin’ though our eyes are burnin’ / just as determined as this world is turning,” Savage Sun rhymes. “Requiem Aeternus” describes the rapper’s feelings about the death of his father, while on “Skybound” he rhymes about remaining committed to his art despite the challenges he faces.

Of course, some alternative rappers have gone through this type of self-exploration before. If you’ve listened to Atmosphere or Sage Francis, you’ll recognize the sound, feel and sense of struggle on “The Art of Being Alive.”

Still, for the most part, hip-hop tends to stay in da club and away from life’s more serious subjects. It’s refreshing to hear another voice taking rap in a different direction. - Ian Hill / 209Vibe editor