Soul.Id: The Soul of Hip Hop

Tari Danawidjaja, Contributor, Jakarta

Rating: *** out of *****

Artist: Soul.Id
Album: Soulfidelis
Recording Company : PT EMI Indonesia
Featured Single: Idola

For a country like Indonesia where hip hop is as well known as pop, it would be a tough job to make this type of music known. In the last ten years, the rap/hip hop scene in Indonesia hasn't grown that well. Indeed, it would take a great effort to bring it alive.

Iwa K is one of Indonesia's best known rappers who succeeds with hits like Kuingin Kembali and Malam Ini Indah. Years later, newcomers like Sweet Martabak, Neo and many others are joined the scene.

Recently, Saykoji -- another rap group -- made a bang with the hit single So What Gitu Lho?, which took off across the country. In fact, the term "So What Gitu Lho" became very popular among young and old alike.

Along with these rap groups, not-so-new-kids-on-the-block, Soul.id finally released their second album titled Soulfidelis. The original group consisting of Endru, Glenn and Maurits released their first independent album in 2004 under Soulid. After finishing their second album in early 2005, Maurits passed away and Glenn joined the Indonesian Idol contest, leaving only Endru.

To salvage the unreleased album, Endru recruited hip hop scene 'old-timers', Nukie, Gilang and Juanita. Soulid was thus resurrected with the new name Soul.id.

With 15 songs, the album is a mix of hip hop, rap and R&B. There's no particular difference between one song to another. The ear-rapping sound continues throughout the song with similar beat and music.

Still, you'll be happy listening to slow tracks like Miss Me, Ratu and Sunday Sore. The three songs have more color -- though some have similar beat -- and their voices bring melodic spirit to the songs. Ratu will leave you with a groovy feeling, and the rap is definitely not an overdose, so as with Sunday Sore.

Idola is definitely a catchy single and there's no doubt you'll be singing along after listening to this one. Continue to Supa Mc2, which sounds more like other hip metal sounds with guitar riff, plate scratch and rap dominating the song. The remix of Kuingin Kembali, which is produced in a more down-beat tempo, help you lay back after listening to the heavy rap beat. Meanwhile, Rasyid offers a similar hip hop beat but with a Middle Eastern touch. It is unique and brings another color to the album. The Indonesian-English lyrics continue to dominate the tracks, proving that the mix makes great combination, not just catchy, but also keeping Indonesian alive.

Performing in front of fans and friends on Saturday (12/11) at Score, Cilandak Town Square, Jakarta Selatan, the group was shooting their best performance. They were supported by Yacko- Indonesian rapper girls, Souljah and Iwa K.

Idola, the hit single, drew whoops and cheers from the crowd. If you're into hip hop/R&B, or just a hip hop beginner, Soulfidelis might be a great album to fill your hip hop/R&B soul.