Few musical groups have a bigger destiny to fulfill than Soulico. The Tel Aviv-based DJ collective make danceable hip-hop featuring American, Palestinian and Hebrew raps. The opening track of their new album blends verses from Ghostface Killah, the Jewish MC comedian Tomer Yosef and the Palestinian rapper Saz.
The weight of the politics might overwhelm less savvy musicians, but Soulico keeps the mix of beats and world-music sounds at the forefront.
The title track is a stark juxtaposition of Gypsy fiddle riffs and electronic club rhythms, topped with a dollop of snide femininity courtesy of Rye Rye, a 19-year-old American rapper from Baltimore.
"S.O.S" opens with the moody swagger of an Arabic nay flute. Then it sustains a mellow guitar vibe behind a duet by California rapper Pigeon John and the glamorous Latin diva Ceci Bastida.
On "Politrix," Soulico acknowledge the complex web of human relationships that drives issues of justice: "Politics are inevitable," raps Del the Funky Homosapien. "You can't go far without someone you know knowing someone who owns the car. Then someone who owns the gas knows someone else who knows me."
Thankfully, Soulico stops short of preaching answers and lets this excellent music speak for itself.