The more I hear from this upcoming Chess Records tribute album, Everybody Knows I’m Here, the more excited about I am. If you flipped over imbi’s take on “Mannish Boy,” take a listen to the latest take, Downsyde, Harts, and Flewnt’s collaboration on a cover of Howling Wolf’s “Poor Boy.” Their version, called “Po’Boy”, brings an urban edge to the track. If you prefer a more traditional cover, the double A-side single also features Harts’ solo version.
I really like what the version with Downsyde and Flewnt brings to the song though. I’m pretty sure if Howling Wolf were still alive, he’d embrace the rap and beats that freshen up his iconic tune and bring the message into the 21st century.
Downsyde member Optamus says their version delves into the “connection with young people through hip-hop and youth culture,” and the “importance of representing a young voice and, particularly, a young voice and struggle,”
“It’s really important and unique that we are able to do the song that tells a similar story to that of my people, but from the other side of the world how many years ago,” added Flewnt. “That is a big, major part of us doing the song and what will draw attention to it.”
“Particularly First Nations’ youth in this country are more likely to go to prison than to graduate high school, and we have systemic problems that are not being fixed and are not being faced,” Downsyde said. “I believe our job as hip hop artists from years ago … and having a voice … is that we have to bring that discussion to the table.”
“I hope that it challenges a few perspectives of what people might think of Australia or what they even think goes on or what the society looks like,” confirmed Flewnt. “There are a lot of hard challenging moments, for a lot of different people, from a lot of backgrounds … I think having that sort of story being out on an international level is more than important and vital to the survival of our culture.”
Everybody Knows I’m Here drops on May 6. Given what we’ve heard so far, it’ll be epic. Visit the album’s website to preorder your copy.
Image used with permission from Chester Records