Indigenous artists often find themselves confined by the stereotypes of their culture, singing about frybread, powwows, and life on the reservation. While these subjects are appreciated for their representation of Indigenous culture, they can make it challenging for other Native artists to be taken seriously in the broader music industry. Enter T H R O N E, an American hip-hop/jazz duo breaking barriers and reshaping the narrative. T H R O N E: Redefining Indigenous Music with Hip-Hop and Jazz Fusion
Comprising YVHIKV (pronounced yuh-hey-guh) of the Mvskoke (Creek) tribe and Hayatheus, or “H,” a German-Jew from Charlotte, North Carolina, T H R O N E formed after a serendipitous meeting at a recording studio three years ago. Since then, the duo has collaborated to create a fresh and soulful vibe that stands out in the Native American rap scene.
A New Sound in Indigenous Music
T H R O N E, along with many other pioneering Indigenous artists, is breaking the mold and allowing Indigenous voices to be heard in original and compelling ways. Unafraid to experiment, their discography spans experimental rap, jazz, dubstep, boom-bap, and more, showcasing a remarkable range of styles.
While their versatility is impressive, it’s their soulful/jazz tracks that truly shine. H’s smooth rap style and cadence, reminiscent of Isaiah Rashad with occasional lyrical flair akin to Conway the Machine or Benny the Butcher, pairs perfectly with YVHIKV’s influences drawn from Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill. This stylistic blend is evident in tracks like “V for Vanity” and “The Lodge” from their 2022 album, Lionfish.
Highlights from Lionfish
Lionfish is a masterclass in melody, lyricism, and meaning. From start to finish, the album captivates with its unique soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics.
“The Lodge” features a classic blues instrumental, modern basslines, and snares, transporting listeners to a 1940s jazz club with a contemporary twist. “Hell is for Children pt. 2” exudes a dark, dreamy, horror movie vibe, complemented by YVHIKV’s haunting voice and H’s smooth cadence.
One standout track, “Mitzvahs,” samples “My New Love” by The Delfonics, also famously used in Mac Miller’s “Here We Go.” This solo track by H showcases his smooth bars and wordplay, flowing effortlessly over the beat.
The Future of T H R O N E
T H R O N E is redefining Indigenous music, breaking stereotypes, and paving the way for other Native artists to be original with their content. Their experimental approach and seamless fusion of genres make them a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
I highly recommend giving T H R O N E a listen. With a diverse discography, there’s bound to be a track that resonates with you. Keep an eye on these two talented artists as they continue to innovate and inspire. The future looks bright for T H R O N E, and you won’t want to miss what comes next.
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Source: https://www.theclackamasprint.net/featured/t-h-r-o-n-e-expands-indigenous-music/
