The popular Montenegrin hip-hop duo Who See, after a six-year discography break, recently released a new studio album called "Kako jeste i kako je mologo". The project brings an abundance of interesting material that they have been preparing for years Dejan Dedovic, better known as Dedduh, Mario Djordjevic aka Noyz.
They worked on this album for a long time, the corona additionally affected the fact that fans of their music waited a long time for "Kako jeste i kako je molo". During that time, many more songs were created than they needed for the album, so the sound itself changed on it.
"We worked all this year, it never stopped. A lot of songs were made, but we did that final cut three times... Each time the album looked different to us, with a variety of styles, from reggae to modern boom-bap rhythms. The last section ruled, and from that came the title "How it was and how it could have been", Dedduh explains in an interview with "Vijesti".
During all these years on stage, their rhymes have become recognizable. About how difficult it is sometimes to find the right ones that can follow the story and that initial idea, because in their songs not a single verse is accidental, Dedduh reveals:
"Sometimes harder, sometimes easier, but a way is found. It's lucky that our tongue is good for our tail. And there is no shortage of inspiring stories and events either, so there is something to rhyme with," he claims.
This project also stands out for its striking collaborations. The new album features some of the biggest names from the regional music scene, among them Edo Maajka, Senidah, nigga, Random, Alejuandro Buendia, Baby Motorola, Katarina Bogićević, while the production, in addition to the popular duo, is signed by Django HiFi collective.
“As you have noticed, the production of this album took some time. We had a tub. We will meet these lovely people backstage and discuss possible collaborations. This time we gathered some people who have personally loved Who See for decades and they didn't hate to fit into our songs", the rapper explains how difficult it was to "persuade" his colleagues to contribute to the new album of the Who See duo.
The album is currently published on their YouTube channel, but it can be listened to and downloaded from music platforms. When asked what about publishing houses, whether rappers are still an alternative for them, Dedduh answers:
"The album exists on all known and unknown online platforms, and for the first time we released it under our own label 'Klapa muzik'. Rappers are not an alternative to publishers, but we still decided this way".
The latest album Who See not only combines current styles and old school rap, but also brings authenticity, specific humor and a deep review of social moments through rhymes. This album exudes originality and sincerity, which makes it particularly appealing.
Immediately after the release of the album, the track "Radio" stood out, which fans characterized as the most interesting on the album. In the past, it was radio stations that made hits, but today there are fewer and fewer people listening to this media. With the song "Radio" Dedduh and Noyz paid tribute to this medium in a way.
"We respect and cherish radio as an institution. It would be devastating if such a medium were to die out. You are right, the world of music and other things developed through radio. This 'Radio' of ours is simply an idea of a TV show conceived in a collage-type radio program, and as a whole it satisfies the form of a song because everything is in verse. For us, it's an original idea, and I can see that it's being listened to nicely," boasted the rapper.
Dedduh and Noyz are known for their specific sense of humor, which is recognizable in their lyrics. Their rhymes often contain witty and intelligent puns, creating a refreshing dose of humor that is sure to make listeners laugh. At the same time, their songs contain deeper messages and criticisms concerning social issues and current events. Through their rhymes, Who See brings a refreshing look at the world around us, expressing their views and providing the audience with a musical experience that is both entertaining and engaging.
Thus, in the song "Betonjerka" they brilliantly incorporated the recognizable beginning of Montenigers' hit - "Duka Diesel". On the same track, in addition to Podgorica rapper Random, they were joined by the founder and member of Montenigers, Niggor. But with this song, precisely through the lines spoken by Niggor, they also remembered their deceased colleague and pioneer of hip-hop in this area - Dalibor Andonova Grua.
Even though the audience compared them to Montenigers from the start, Noyz and Dedduh were not afraid of how the fans would view their tribute to their review.
"'Betonjerka' is a kind of homage to that famous rap group that we all listened to and whose lyrics we still know at any time of the day. We have always been followed by that parallel and then there is no other choice but to pay attention to them, and Montenigers fans are also our fans.
We inherited them. Niggor is an old friend and he was glad that we made this story," said Dedduh.
This song carries perhaps the strongest message on the album: "when you drink, don't even drive a car from Kremenko". Aware that the majority of their audience is made up of young people, Dedduh and Noyz wanted to point out to them with this song that it is very important to be a conscientious driver. Dedduh claims that their own experience did not inspire them to make "Concrete Mixer".
"We are conscientious drivers, and for the sake of young people, we use every opportunity in the media to recommend it. Many of our texts talk about or at least mention a traffic situation through a positive or negative example. The messages are clear to people who listen to our music," he believes.
Even Montenegrin rappers have not escaped the current trends in rap and rap - autotune, and the mentioned effect appears in some of their songs on the new album. However, this was not their way to follow current trends, they claim.
"With or without autotune, we are definitely like lightning", says Dedduh.
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