Yet another Kiwi talent, Ladi 6 first came to prominence as part of New Zealand’s first recognised female hip-hop outfit, Sheelaroc. She’s won loads of awards back home and collaborated with the country’s finest (Fat Freddy’s Drop and Shapeshifter, that is), and this debut album from 2008 is getting a timely re-issue for the global market through those purveyors of excellently soulful music, BBE.
Girl got range. Give Me The Light opens with nods to splashy, jazzy ‘90s hip-hop, Ladi 6 getting her rap on, before we move into smooth poppy soul on Call You Out. Did someone say Winehouse? Comparisons are inevitable but not unenviable. Besides, the aforementioned range ensures she ain’t no copycat – wonderfully hushed tones or seductive sultry moments showing off her skills, as on the slow and delicious Down & Out. Not too dissimilar to some vintage Jill Scott, it’s about as good as soul music gets these days.
Question takes it down to classic funk-infused chugging, beautifully soft and natural and with pleasing licks of ‘70s flavour in its Rhodes and synth injections. The sassy rap skills return on the bold sounds of Jacknife, while closer More Than Fake edges her towards dancefloor territory in a lazy broken beat kind of way with some gorgeous bass drops and a welcome bit of rhyming from her cousin Scribe.
Her charm and talent is undoubted, but in a crowded market it remains to be seen whether this wonderful yet unchallenging album will make a mark. The main point to remember is, though, that it’s damn nice to listen to.