For a long time it seemed like a fairytale, too good to be true: the Dutch rapper Cilvaringz (Tarik Azzougarhs), a student at the Tilburg Rock Academy, managed to get through to the American hip-hop collective the Wu-Tang Clan. But after a long persistence, he finally succeeds, thanks to a meeting with the sister of Chief RZA. She brings Cilvaringz into contact with her brother, and in 1999 the
… contract is actually signed. Then it will take until 2007 before Cilvaringz's debut is released. It is a remarkable album that stands out not only because of the 'old-fashioned Wu sound', but also because of the content. The disclaimer in the booklet states that all collaborating artists (and there are quite a few) knew nothing about the content of the CD, and their contributions are independent of Cilvaringz's opinions. Tracks such as 'Death To America' and In The Name Of Allah make it clear that Cilvaringz does not shy away from controversial subjects. The world after 'September 11' is the main theme, and Cilvaringz, herself of Moroccan descent, has a voice from the Arab world. But the hypocrisy of his fellow rappers, for example, is not unmentioned. Add to that the extremely extensive DVD, and you have a unique CD. (IV)more
