Che-Fu
Beneath The Radar
Epic/Red Label/SonyBMG

With the likes of Scribe, P-Money, Savage, King Kapisi and The Deceptikonz, New Zealand hip-hop and r'n'b have reached new levels of local and international notoriety. But many of these artists will confess that the current state of New Zealand hip-hop and r'n'b is all due to the pioneers of a scene who helped launch the genre within New Zealand's mainstream. And one of these artists is Che-Fu.

Many of you will perhaps remember Che-Fu from the ultra-funky and ground-breaking band Supergroove and their indelible hit Can't Get Enough. But since the demise of Supergroove in the mid-'90s, Che-Fu has carved the most successful spin-off career, releasing two multi-platinum albums and forging himself as a multi-faceted artist: a vocalist, MC, DJ, producer and now leading his own live band, The Krates.

This, his latest long-player, has been four years in the making, with his family setting the precedent for his life focus since the 2002 release of 'The Navigator.' But 'Beneath The Radar' has seen Che-Fu lose none of his beat-making innovation and lyrical bravado that has made him a pioneer of New Zealand hip-hop and r'n'b.

You cannot go past the pop smorgasbord of 2D featuring The Krates, with its organic-sounding live instrumentation, headlined by Che-Fu's soulful vocals. Mysterious Vibes is also a great showcase of Che-Fu's vocals laced over a deep-based hip-hop beat. Not to be outdone, Che-Fu shows that he can carry his own as an MC in Flax Mat Theory and Mock Battle featuring fellow MCs Hazaduz, Fifth Child and Reborn. And just when you thought Che-Fu was done, he steps behind the decks and scratch-battles with DJ Furious in C-Fury.

With an innovative approach to hip-hop and r'n'b, melding influences from funk, soul and reggae, Che-Fu has once again shown why he is an integral part of New Zealand's urban music. His unconventional approach to beat-making, soulful vocals, intense MC delivery and DJ skills will mean that any fan of urban music will have something to enjoy when they listen to this album.

Leo Varona