The Underground King, AKA Big Sima, has just released a new EP in collaboration with Boomtown, a follow-up to 2022's full length album, Stereotypes Of A Polynesian Misunderstood. Big Sima has been relentlessly busy making a name for himself over the last few years, and that work ethic has seen him win support slots for Busta Rhymes, Bone Thugs 'n’ Harmony, Guru (Gangstarr), Mobb Deep and Cypress Hill. He has also enjoyed guest appearances with Dolphin Friendly, Summer Thieves, and the mighty Tiki Taane, appearing alongside the latter in his award-winning documentary, Tiki Taane In Session With CSO. 

Collaboration is certainly the name of the game on this EP, Early In The Peace, with production credits going to Lee Prebble, Thom O'Connor, and DJ Nazarite. First track Growth features an outro by talented Otautahi-based Neo Soul vocalist, Tay Renee, and also features saxophonist Theo Hertzig and beats by DJ Nazarite. The opening bars of Growth reminded me of De La Soul, in an excellent way, and I was immediately enraptured by the fantastic lyrical flow. For me, masterful lyrical flow is what separates good hip-hop from bad, and for my money, it simply doesn't get any better than this. Growth is an anthem of strength and positivity, with a chorus that has me utterly hooked, the superb singing voices adding contrast to the spoken word delivery. Tay Renee's beautiful contribution brings the song to a close.

Second track Aotearoa, featuring Emile McKenzie, has a tasty intro courtesy of some slinky guitar and subdued keys, soon joined by silky smooth vocals. The chorus is another that's all hook, simply the title sung repeatedly, with fire and passion. A song of adoration, and of hope. Emile McKenzie also guests on Pluto, which kicks off with some deliciously phaser-washed guitar, sliding into an upbeat, danceable groove. That magnificent lyrical flow is once again ably demonstrated, with yet another hook-riddled chorus. A playful sax and trumpet back-and-forth play off transitions into a beautiful harmony that sees the song to its end.

The next song, Damn, is the only one to not feature a guest vocalist. Overall I'm strongly reminded of Salmonella Dub by the feel of this one, with its dub-like feel, and again I'm struck by the extreme hookiness of the chorus, and the flow... apologies for harping on about it, but it really is that good. Final track Gone By Morning again features Emile McKenzie, a sweetly smooth guitar/keys/vocal intro leads into the most chilled-out and mellow of the five tracks. This song flows like liquid caramel, the kind of song that's a perfect soundtrack for moving 'Netflix & chill' into the next, more bedroom-orientated phase. An excellent light mood, to round out this splendid musical offering.

Big Sima & Boomtown will be touring throughout August, visiting Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Wanaka, and Queenstown, to promote Early In The Peace. Make sure you get tickets nice and early, this will be one tour not to be missed.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Horror Story
• 3
  Fraser Ross
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  Michelle Rounds
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  The Boondocks
• 8
  Late to Chelsea
• 9
  Springloader
• 10
  Baconfoot

• 
  Nadia Reid @ Loons, Lyttelton - 16/11/2024
• 
  Pull Down The Sun @ Franks Bar, Whanganui - 15/11/2024
• 
  Elidi @ Franks Bar, Whanganui - 15/11/2024
• 
  Infinity Ritual @ Franks Bar, Whanganui - 15/11/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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