Kasta - Cream of the Hip-Hop Crop
The cream of the crop? Well, that’s subjective. But it is fair to say that Kasta are one of, if not the most, popular act in Russian hip-hop. And rap music, while not as popular in Russia as elsewhere in the world, is a fast-growing genre. Moreover, Kasta have to be given credit as pioneers. The trio from Rostov-na-Donu has been around since 1996 – a time when homegrown hip-hop was still very rare.
These days Kasta are a well-known band. Their numerous albums have achieved an impressive level of commercial success and their songs regularly feature on movie soundtracks and the like. The song ‘Goryachee Vremya’ (see the video below), which featured on the soundtrack for the 2002 action hit AntiKiller, was a particular boost to their fame.
But Kasta dislike suggestions their music has become mainstream. At a Moscow concert they said with obvious distaste, “Some people say Kasta make pop music,” hoping for a negative reaction from the crowd. Naturally, their fans indulged them.
Kasta’s songs do the range of social issues, relationships, episodes from life, their beloved home town and, of course, the occasional, obligatory track about themselves. Their mix of catchy samples, which sometimes draw on famous Russian songs to great effect, are combined with sharp, eloquent and clever rhymes. It’s a pleasing combination and doesn’t push too many boundaries, but pop music it is not, at least not in the same way as western hip-pop. Their music is still too down-to-earth, honest and real to be given the ‘dishonor’ of being labeled pop.
You can buy Kasta’s albums at any music store or kiosk in Russia. The 2002 release “Gromche Vody, Vyshe Travy” or the 2003 album “Chto Nam Delat v Gretsii” are both good options. You can also try hunting for their music on Russian shopping sites or occasionally even on Amazon. There are also some songs available on Kasta’s website and various Russian mp3 sites. Finally, if you ever have the chance to catch Kasta live, don’t miss it. They put on a very entertaining and professional live show.
These days Kasta are a well-known band. Their numerous albums have achieved an impressive level of commercial success and their songs regularly feature on movie soundtracks and the like. The song ‘Goryachee Vremya’ (see the video below), which featured on the soundtrack for the 2002 action hit AntiKiller, was a particular boost to their fame.
But Kasta dislike suggestions their music has become mainstream. At a Moscow concert they said with obvious distaste, “Some people say Kasta make pop music,” hoping for a negative reaction from the crowd. Naturally, their fans indulged them.
Kasta’s songs do the range of social issues, relationships, episodes from life, their beloved home town and, of course, the occasional, obligatory track about themselves. Their mix of catchy samples, which sometimes draw on famous Russian songs to great effect, are combined with sharp, eloquent and clever rhymes. It’s a pleasing combination and doesn’t push too many boundaries, but pop music it is not, at least not in the same way as western hip-pop. Their music is still too down-to-earth, honest and real to be given the ‘dishonor’ of being labeled pop.
You can buy Kasta’s albums at any music store or kiosk in Russia. The 2002 release “Gromche Vody, Vyshe Travy” or the 2003 album “Chto Nam Delat v Gretsii” are both good options. You can also try hunting for their music on Russian shopping sites or occasionally even on Amazon. There are also some songs available on Kasta’s website and various Russian mp3 sites. Finally, if you ever have the chance to catch Kasta live, don’t miss it. They put on a very entertaining and professional live show.
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