We have another Polish Christian Rap spotlight written by Rafal Elmer. You can read our first right here & second here! This article is a compilation of a few reviews of CHH artists’ music in Poland.
Slightly edited for clarity and brevity*
CUKIER (Sugar) – NOWE CZASY (NEW TIMES)
Sugar burst onto the Polish Holy Hip Hop scene quite unexpectedly in 2019. The artist caught my attention, as well as the listeners’, with a unique style of selecting musical backgrounds, an uncommon vocal tone, and most importantly, solid skills both in sound production and singing. Warsaw native’s first standout music video was “Kim on jest” (“Who He Is”). Intrigued by that single track, I eagerly awaited the LP to fully assess and possibly appreciate the talent of the capital city’s MC. I wasn’t disappointed.
His initial full-length release, “Kim on jest,” as well as subsequent “Nowe pieśni” (“New Songs”), stand out with delicate, minimalist sound, built upon a solid drum framework and hard-hitting bass.
It’s difficult to find comparable discographies among Polish artists in the contemporary Christian music scene in Poland. Perhaps the only artist who stands out from the broad mainstream with a style similar to Cukier’s is Pharrell Williams. However, it is impossible to group these artists together in terms of both craftsmanship and lyrical interpretation. This rather daring comparison can only serve readers who expect a quick characterization of Sugar’s stage persona in the text and his unique discography.
As for the new releases from the domestic Steeped label (a collective of gospel artists, musicians, sound engineers, and, above all, worship leaders), Cukier’s albums seem to shine the brightest. Let’s not forget that recently, on June 8th, we received his latest LP titled Nowe Czasy (“New Times”) with the hit single “Benny Hinn” as the promotional track for the release.
After an initial listen to the album, I understood that the Warsaw native is making strong progress. On the record, we can find not only the characteristic gospel groove but also offbeat raps, melorecitations, and surprising skits. You should definitely familiarize yourself with Cukier’s work and the accomplishments of the entire Steeped label.
Listen Cukier Below:
ANATOM – AUTONOMIA – THE GREAT AUTONOMY OF POLISH GOSPEL RAP
I awaited Anatom’s second album release with anticipation. It is worth emphasizing that not only due to its similarity to my own worldview (although certainly not identical), but also as a counterpoint to Tau’s marketing dominance in the Christian rap scene in Poland. With a certain degree of curiosity and a hint of defiance, I undertook the review of Anatom’s latest work, the only one to date fully promoted by Bozon Records, the artist who, by the way, left the ranks of the mentioned Bozon label, embarking on an autonomous creative path.
Considering the youthful artistic freshness, considerable technique, persistence, as well as clarity of views, and a well-defined creative path Jakub (Anatom) has shown throughout his career, he has long been a candidate for legitimate releases.
Endowed with stage charisma, vocal talent, and a unique rap style, the rapper proved to be a full-fledged companion for Tau’s artistic endeavors. It is worth mentioning Anatom’s first album, initially intended for a wider audience (then known as B.A.K.U), titled Get to Know Me, which was released by Urban Rec in 2014. Since then, the artist has performed many concerts, visited the USA for the production of a music video, and has repeatedly supported the most popular rappers in Poland, eventually returning to gospel values.
Listen to Anatom Below:
TAU – REMEDIUM: ABOUT AN EXCELLENT ALBUM BY A CERTAIN RAPPER FROM POLAND APPRECIATED BY LECRAE
First and foremost, I would like to emphasize that Tau’s work has always sparked my interest as a rap listener and as a converted individual seeking content that builds spiritual awareness. When Tau, known as Medium at the time, released his first album, Teorie równoległych wszechświatów (Theories of Parallel Universes), through Asfalt Records in 2011, the production didn’t capture my attention. I quickly forgot about the promotional posts for Medium’s debut, as well as the singles that, in my opinion, were filled with boring quasi-philosophy and metaphysics. Looking back, my indifference was also influenced by the fact that the musings presented in the singles, as well as the word choices in the lyrics and their delivery, didn’t align with my aesthetic preferences or religious beliefs.
However, Remedium (Remedy) – Tau’s artistic debut – caused quite a stir among my acquaintances from the underground scene of so-called Christian rap, and it also sparked ideological debates on social media and thematic portals.
The album, on a first listen, eludes objective judgments as it delves into spheres that many perceive as highly personal and unsuitable or even unfit for discourse in the world of phonographic fireworks. Many forum opponents put forth arguments that made fun of Remedium, as well as the artist’s statements and worldview. The significant majority of comments, both virtual and from the so-called neighborhood bench, were favorable towards the album’s content and praised the artistry of the debut.
I won’t be original if I admit that Remedium bears the marks of an outstanding record. Is it safe for an amateur reviewer to evaluate a “work” that has deeply divided rap audiences in Poland so highly? Certainly, there will be voices of opposition to my observations and opinions expressed in this analysis, and authors who are opposed to my worldview will undoubtedly accuse me of favoring Tau. I must now argue my claim by directing your attention, to Tau’s rap-vocal skills and the recognition of his creative endeavors by none other than Lecrae himself, who is one of the guests on the Polish artist’s album.
