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Blending Hawaiian chant and English lyrics with hip-hop's gritty dance beat, Sudden Rush creates a polished, urban sound on songs that explore topical Hawaiian issues like sovereignty, drug use, and cultural pride. This is no weak imitation of rap music, but an exciting, innovative hybrid enhanced by guest appearances from many of Hawaii's most prominant names.
Employing the space and freedom of rap music, Sudden Rush bombards the listener with a stream of provocative ideas. They indict our government for injustices against Native Americans, Africans and Hawaiians.
Founded in Hilo in 1992, Sudden Rush comprises Don Ke'ala Kawa'auhau Jr., Shane K. Veincent, and Caleb Richards.
"A lot of people thought the music and the message wouldn't go together," says Kawa'auhau who raps in Hawaiian and worked as a Hawaiian language teacher at Hilo's Punana Leo school. We're all part Hawaiian and the sovereignty issue is at the forefront, and we felt we could reach people who maybe don't like to read about it, through the medium of music. The message is be proud of who you are no matter what race, and respect the traditions and culture and look at what happened in the past without dwelling on the past. So we try to tell the story of our history the best we can so that we can learn how to move on.
Avoiding the demeaning, violent imagery and harsh language of underground rap, Sudden Rush focuses more on a positive message. "After I got into entertaining and teaching, I realized musicians and teachers have a responsibility about what kids listen to," Kawa'auhau continues. "We shouldn't glorify violence, but we shouldn't hide it because it's out there. Most of the guys who do the gangsta rap thing have lived it, that's what they know. But they should use what they've learned to keep other people out of what they've been through. I think our stuff is positive and we think it's a good message for the kids. On our first CD there were some songs with a little swearing here and there and we decided to either take it out or mix over it. There's no swearing on our second CD. I'm happy we did that."
While all three love Hawaiian music they chose the medium of rap as a way to express important ideas and reach kids. We got into Hip-Hop because its been a culture in itself and grew up with its influences shaping our lives. MC's, DJ's, Graffiti, B-Boys. We've been through it. The rhythm and beats move you, and you can really say what you mean without much restriction. There's a lot more you can play with as far as telling a story, you don't have to keep it confined to a short song.
Adapting an urban, primarily African-American music form to Hawaii, they have striven for an authentic sound. "When we first got together we didn't want to imitate anybody, or copy anybody," explains Kawa'auhau. "There's a code in rap that you're supposed to rap about what you know, keep it real. We talk about what we're familiar with."
Adding some heavy local talent to the mix has contributed to Sudden Rush's allure. Keali'i Reichel, Willie K., Fiji, Natural Vibrations, Gabby Pahinui (courtesy of Panini Records), Amy Gilliom, Ehukai, Bu La'ia and Augy T. amongst others. Have all been featured on Sudden Rush projects. The trio has also been blessed with the opportunity to work with other artists including but not limited to Ocean, Ho'onua, Sean Na'auau, B.E.T., Damon, H.H.B., Sistah Lei, Sly Dog etc. and the list goes on.
Sudden Rush also had the privelage of gracing the stage at Reggae on the River on the same lineup that included such reggae greats as the famous Marley Family, Spearhead, Sly and Robbie, Lucky Dube, Steel Pulse and more. They've rubbed elbows with some of Hollywoods biggest names at the Fox Teen Choice Awards in a segment called up and coming groups to watch for, and have headlined at various concerts and venues throughout the west coast.
With there projects selling well all over the state the group is looking forward to expanding their influence. "We want to produce other people because there's a lot of talent here in Hawai'i." The group is now looking to break into the industry on an international level and is sure to keep pushing the envelope thus setting the standard for what is to be expected from Hawaii's Hip-Hop scene. "When we first started doing this we were not sure if people would like it. Now we know our goals are attainable, we've just got to push."
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