La Bruja Brujalicious EP An inspirational figure for young Latin Americans, this talented poet and actress releases her debut album, Brujalicious, a thoughtful effort which confidently combines Hip Hop, Reggaeton and Salsa to create a sensual summer mix. Even though my personal understanding of Spanish is limited to 'una pinta de cerveza de malto, por favor', and much of this album is indeed in Spanish, it still sounds pretty dope even though I've no idea what it actually means. But when La Bruja does switch from her native tongue to English, from singing to rapping, it is seamless and the content intelligent with sharp wordplay. Latino Hip Hop is without doubt more commercially self sufficient than our own, with exponents such Cypress Hill, The Jungle Brothers and Big Pun having a world-wide appeal, yet recent output from this market has been of a disappointingly watered down affair. Which is why the Bronx native makes a welcome alternative, the fact that B-Real, The Jungle Brothers, Jadakiss, Tony Touch feature along with mixing by DJ Precision (The X-Ecutioners) is an indication of La Brujuas reverence. Stand out tracks include the head nodder Fuego, with B-Real laying down some of the finest flows I've heard from him in a while, as well as that is the gangster sounding Beso Peligroso alongside Jada. There is also a cover of Madonnas La Isla Bonita, with Precision including a cheeky BDP sample from 'The Bridge is Over', which if only for this reason makes it more enjoyable than the original. when La Bruja does switch from her native tongue to English, from singing to rapping, it is seamless and the content intelligent with sharp wordplay. - Kane © ukhh.com 1999 - 2006