2009 artist to watch: Mapei
Pop & Hiss offers a look at some of the artists we expect to make noise in 2009.
Artist: Mapei
Why her? The missing chip between Santogold, Kid Sister and Rye Rye falls into place at last. The Rhode Island-born Mapei got her start rapping at basement parties in Sweden, where she lived for years, and further schooled herself in the gay clubs of her current home in New York. The result? Super-kooky culture jamming on “Roxanne Shante’s Smile.” In smooth deadpan, she references Woody Allen, “Poetic Justice,” Cabbage Patch Kids, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Hooked on Phonics. Spank Rock and Ghostface Killah are fans, as well as Timbuktu, one of Sweden’s biggest hip-hop acts.
What's next? Downtown Records will release Mapei’s debut sometime in the fall. And we’re keeping our fingers crossed for more West Coast dates on the heels of her hot showcase in December at the Avalon.
--Margaret Wappler
Photo of Mapei courtesy Downtown Records
