Inventive French hip-hop.

Parisian hip-hop collective Saïan Supa Crew are obviously dab hands at this rap game. Not that you can understand a word they say (without a degree in French slang), but the density of the ideas and finesse of their delivery speaks for itself. Bouncing from style to style like lyrical toddlers they clamber over backing tracks, throwing shapes and generally showing off. Staccato assaults, laidback swings, Latin, reggae and electro cuts all make an appearance, as do Roots Manuva, Brand Nubian and The Arsonists. And there’s a Johnny Hallyday piss-take too. What’s French for ace? (7/10) Alastair Lee 13 June 03

Saïan Supa Crew – X Raisons, released 16 June 03 on Source Records.

useful link: www.saiansupacrew.com