Also, at the moment there hasn't been much to talk about, well except for Jazzy B's latest offering "Rambo".
I don't know why, there is not much excitement in the air about this release. Although it was highly anticipated, (3 years since Romeo was released), many fans appears to have been let down. It has been 3 years since Romeo, wow! 3 years! Soorma, Yaari still get massive play from me. For Rambo the reviews are mixed. I can't say that I hate the entire album, I just didn't like the title track "Rambo".
Sometimes I can't get the lyrics "Rambo Rambo" out of my head when I wake up to the time I go to sleep. I was not too impressed with the video either, PR (public relation, not planet record) stunt here was that, Rambo is the most expensive bhangra video ever made. Really? How does one know this? Has every artist disclosed their bills? The most expensive video pre-Rambo may have cost $10,000 but Rambo may have cost $10,000.50. So by defenition it could very well be the most expensive video ever made. Just my 2 paise though.
The actual song starts of great, I really like the sarangi on the hiphop loop, then it switches to desi/hiphop with Jazzy's verse. Then switches back and forth between Kanwar (desi rapper) and Jazzy. In my opinion Kanwar never really did add anything to the track, his voice, his persona did not do Jazzy justice. After looking at his face on the video, the hard lyrics Kanwar kicks do not sound believable. Jazzy needed someone like Bohemia, Kamla Panjabi or Deep on that track, perhaps a remix?
Kanwar's "Rendho Rendho" has become a running joke amongst many Panjabis here in Toronto. I can only imagine him performing live and some drunk dudes yelling "Rendho Rendho" before he even utters one word.
Jazzy is a great artist, however with this release I think he has taken a few steps back instead of elevating from the track Romeo. For instance, if he had released "Kaun Nachdi" with the "Streetology" remix now, it would have done wonders for this album. Streetology remix blends hiphop and desi very nicely and the video ain't bad either. However, the Rambo video has me rolling my eyes a lot at some scenes.
I still don't know why bhangra hasn't been able to fuse desi-hiphop properly and not make it sound awkward.
Overall, aside from this track, the album will grow on you. Some of the skits are hilarious, it shows Jazzy's humorous side and he pulls it off well. Jawani, Jatt are stellar tracks and his flow on Glassy, and especially 'I Love You' is ridiculous. Keep the CD in your car and trust me after a few trips you'll start repeating a few tracks.
Production is usual Shinda, nothing to write home about. The production sounds the same as it did on previous albums but it doesn't distract from Jazzy's vocals, it does the job. But I think its time Jazzy should let others produce for him. Its only makes for interesting music for the fans and he can afford to experiment unlike other artists.
In conclusion, releasing Rambo as the single was not a very good choice, but who knows in India it might do well, they should have stuck with more clubish/girl-friendly song like "I love you" or danceable like "Glassy".
