Nā mele paleoleo (sometimes "mele paleoleo") is a form of contemporary Hawaiian music that blends hip hop with native Hawaiian rapping.[1] Known as a form of Hawaiian performance poetry, spoken-word performers of nā mele paleoleo are gaining popularity due to rap and hip hop influences.[2] The genre was influenced by emcees including Native Hawaiian activist and rapper, Charlotte "MC Frumpy" Kaluna, along with Joseph "DJ ELITE" Netherland in the late '80s.[3][4][5] Sudden Rush were the first group to record nā mele paleoleo in 1993[1] and became the most notable performers in the genre.[6] Nā mele paleoleo means "songs that speak loudly and angrily" and was approved as an official Hawaiian term because of the advocacy of Don Ke'ala, a member of Sudden Rush.[6] The lyrics are often overtly political, endorsing Native Hawaiian sovereignty.[1][7]
References
edit- ^ a b c Akindes, Fay Yokomizo (2001). "Sudden Rush: "Na Mele Paleoleo" (Hawaiian Rap) as Liberatory Discourse". Discourse. 23 (1): 82–98. doi:10.1353/dis.2001.0001. ISSN 1522-5321. JSTOR 41389595. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
- ^ Ho'omanawanui, Ku'ualoha. (January 1, 2005) The Contemporary Pacific He Lei Ho'oheno no na Kau a Kau: Language, Performance, and Form in Hawaiian Poetry. Volume 17; Issue 1; Page 29.
- ^ Moniz, Melissa. (August 4, 2006) MidWeek Weekend Cover Story: Hip Hop, Island Style. Page 1.
- ^ Wilhelm, Kalani. (July 8, 2009) Honolulu Weekly: Spin Zone, "The Elitist". Volume 19, Number 27, Page 11.
- ^ Wilhelm, Kalani. (December 12, 2012) Honolulu Weekly: Spin Zone, "Technological Elitism." Volume 22, Number 50, Page 11.
- ^ a b Osumare, Halifu (2007). The Africanist Aesthetic in Global Hip-Hop: Power Moves. Springer. p. 143. ISBN 978-1-137-05964-2.
- ^ Hess, Mickey (November 2009). Hip Hop in America: A Regional Guide. ABC-CLIO. pp. 605–607. ISBN 978-0-313-34321-6. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
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