Search - Sudden Rush :: Ku'e

"Ua mau ke ea o ka`aina i ka pono."

makauole | No Kaua`i mai au. | 07/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To start with you should know what Ku`e means, and Sudden Rush put the definition on the front cover. Ku`e is defined as, "To Oppose, Resist: Stand Different." Sudden Rush brilliantly uses their music to put out an important heartfelt message about the plight of the Hawaiians.The CD Ku`e is a blend of Hawaiiana and Hip-Hop. Ku`e is a tribute to the Hawaiian Movement. In Ku`e Sudden Rush mentions many issues that burden Hawaiians such as the use of the US Military to force Hawaii to become part of the US, the government's broken promises, the plight of Hawaiians growing up in a eurocentric society, the attempted genocide of our culture, drug abuse and other issues that are important to Hawaiians. Kue may offend non-locals, depending on how much you know about the US take-over of Hawaii and its effects on the Hawaiian Culture. In addition there may be some locals who take offense to some tracks on Ku'e, especially those who believe in assimilation. In one track Sudden Rush poses the question, "What is a True Hawaiian?" and on the same track they state, "Being born on the Islands don't make you more Hawaiian." And for locals and non-locals alike passive or not who say think of the future, Sudden Rush put a wise saying in one track, "Today is yesterday's future." Tent cities are mentioned in one track. I'm from Kaua'i, so I know if you are local then you know about the tent cities. Go figure, why is a Hawaiian homeless in Hawaii? If you think Lazy, then you are LAPUWALE. Another old saying that pops up in another track is "United we stand, divided we fall."The plight of the Hawaiians is similar to the plight of the Native Americans and that of the African Americans brought to america as Slaves and their descendents. Keep in mind as one track mentioned, "...being part of the Hawaiian Movement doesn't make us anti-Haole. We are anti-exploitaion, anti-oppression, and anti-subjectation..."Ku`e is definitely for all of you who believe in the Hawaiian Movement, both young and old. I was drawn to the message and the use of the Hawaiian language in Ku'e. I personally don't like listening to rap, but the message and the beat are really enjoyable. Unlike gangsta rap, Ku`e is void of profanity and violence. But Ku`e does have all the Hip-Hop beats, don't be surprised if you find yourself dancing to the beats. Just remember to hear the words. I would also suggest Ku`e to non-locals who like Hip-Hop and those who wish to get another view of the Hawaiians, just remember what Ku`e means.Locals know that being a True Hawaiian doesn't mean you have to be 100% Hawaiian blood, and Sudden Rush even raps about their own ethnic backgrounds. There aren't too many pure blood Hawaiians around, but that doesn't mean there aren't a lot of True Hawaiians around.No matter how you feel about the message, there is no denying these guys have talent. I'm just thankful that they used their talents to make Ku`e, and I also hope our young Hawaiians pick up Ku`e and listen to the words.I think the most important message Sudden Rush puts out on Ku`e is a universal message, "Be proud of who you are and where you come from." In my college sociology class the text defined Culture as a group of people with their own language, tools, and customs. Every culture has something to be proud of. Learn yours and be proud.The title track #9 Ku`e is my favorite track. Listen and you'll know why. My Hawaiian CDs cover the spectrum from Traditional to Jawaiian, and I'm happy to have added Sudden Rush to the mix. I love my Hawaiian music.Mahalo to Sudden Rush and their Ohana, also to those that helped Sudden Rush put Ku`e together. Excuse me for any typos. A hui hou. Ka`ano`i(+)"

Hawaiian Rap at its Best

Kai Post | San Diego, CA | 06/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sudden Rush does an excellent job of bringing contemporary Hawaiian issues such as cultural pride and sovereignty to a mainstream audience using the medium of rap music. Ku'e blends English rap lyrics with traditional Hawaiian chants or a unique hip hop dancebeat with a Polynesian flavor to deliver Sudden Rush's message of cultural pride and nonviolent resistance to the annexation by and assimilation into the United States. This is definitely not a knock-off of the sound of the inner cities of the mainland. Ku'e should be in the CD collection of everyone who is Hawaiian at heart."

No Ka Oi Sudden Rush! Way to educate!

Buddy | Miami.Florida | 03/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just have to say that after listening to this CD, I was amazed at the quality of Hawaiian HipHop music. The songs are very well produced, written in a very creative way and blended with what I am assuming are Hawaii's top recording artists. Im suprised that these guys haven't been on MTV yet. If you have to get one CD from Hawaii you need to get this one. I especially like Polynesian Party. That song rivals even national hits. Im proud to be Hawaiian and Im not even Hawaiian.
Cant wait for their new CD.Let me know when it comes out!Aloha"