Smokey The Ghost & Reqteq Create Ambient Hip-Hop Album 'BARZAK' With 15 International Musicians

Bangalore rapper Smokey The Ghost and Moroccan music producer Reqteq have helmed the release of the "ambient hip-hop" album 'Barzak', featuring 13 international artists from countries including India, South Africa, and the Philippines. The 9-track project was created during their participation in the OneBeat residency programme in Florida, where they collaborated with fellow residents and blended traditional instruments from Africa, Europe, and Asia with electronic music.

Showcasing a mix of moods ranging from serious and deep-meaning (the instrumentals) to fun and satirical (tracks like 'Buggy Bugs'), the album's true merit lies in how Smokey The Ghost's distinct Indian-flavoured rap style combines with the international palette. While the new-age feel of the first track may mislead one off, 'Barzak' soon breaks into a multi-cultural parade where hip-hop beats flow into dhol rhythms and hooks played over African timbres for a unique fare in the genre.

Check out 'Barzak' below and follow Smokey The Ghost and Reqteq for more information.