Listen: OK Cobra – Beautiful (Southwest Remix)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Grand Analog- www.urbnet.com/okcobra
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/urbnet/sets/72157621848484855
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slZ7W5gZVVg
File Under: Hip-Hop
Info: The OK Cobra story is a bit of a lurid one. Though one shouldn’t expect much less from Fritz Tha Cat. The notorious gonzo-rap journalist known as much for his drunken late night escapades as for his musical accolades – namely his highly respectable defunct ‘zine In Search of Divine Styler and his long-running Vice Magazine column (ending in the early 2000′s). Yet, the group OK Cobra is where Fritz finds his true passion. Combined with production partner Recordface – the duo return after a 3-year hiatus with their sophomore follow-up to the acclaimed self-titled debut with URBNET Records – their opus – Delirium Tremens.

Confused by the title? If you’re straight edge you’d most likely be – but the idea is essentially the root of OK’s concept. Delirium is a brand of Belgium beer, but it’s also the medical term for severe alcohol withdrawal – a concept that lurks under the surface of much of the album. Their debut, a self-proclaimed ‘shot in the dark’ by the group was a strong indie-hip-hop effort, charting extremely well on Canadian radio. The second go around finds the duo in completely different realms of creativity. While Recordface has spent the off- time incessantly recording and mixing music for films, Fritz wandered to the edges of his own psyche – and grappled with the repercussions.

Before retreating back to their Montreal studio, a space Fritz would stagger to via plane, train, bus, motorhome or thumb, he’d need to combat a few dangerous liaisons first. A hazy period where he’d romanced his lion share of intoxicants, living out of unpacked boxes, drifting in time, hanging out with Schoolly D and to his own account – maybe getting engaged to a fleeting love interest. All bittersweet fodder that makes for the foundation of Delirium Tremens – like a notepad in the mind of a roaming lush.

Album that musically structures Recordface’s beat-big approach to heavy hip-hop production to Fritz’s booming swagger – a lot of dimensions of their character are covered here. Kind of like the phases of an addict, passing thru a range of emotions. Downtrodden to crazy-happy, contemplative and curious to straight confrontational. At 14 songs deep, this is the group’s life story. Two kids from London, Ontario, Canada – surrounded by the inspiration of the Freestyle Fellowship to Cannibal Corpse, MF Doom to Scorn, Donovan to MC 900 ft. Jesus. On the surface a return to their craft, when explored further – a serious letter from the dark side to green pastures.