Random and K-Murdock - Forever Famicom

There are three words in existence that when put together create magic.  When read or spoken this incantation has the power to instantaneously transport any individual back in time.  Recollections vary from person to person of course, but in general the outcome remains the same.  Waves of memories and emotion will wash over the individual in an unstoppable flood of nostalgia.  Those three words are Nintendo Entertainment System, and this column is about two artists who combined forces to harness the energies summoned by those words to produce one magnificent album.

Only a short time ago in a galaxy exactly like our own a man named K-Murdock received a package in the mail containing two albums by a rapper named Random.  At the time K-Murdock was hosting an underground hip hop show on XM radio called SubSonic, and Random was hoping to get his music played on air.  One of the two albums, entitled Megaran, made a distinct impression on K-Murdock based on its use of music sampled from old Mega Man videogames.  In short order he communicated his desire to collaborate with Random on some new music.  It was at this point that Random realized that K-Murdock, host of SubSonic, was also the ace-producer K-Murdock of Panacea fame.  The two quickly bonded over their love of hip hop and videogames, and eventually the album Forever Famicom was born.

There are no two ways about it; Forever Famicom (which I will refer to as FF) is a special album.  Musically speaking, it holds a rather unique position.  While it is true that there have been other groups who have utilized classic video game music to flavor their own creations (for example Ripple favorites Urizen) as well as groups who perform straight cover versions of video game music (see the Minibosses), FF goes about things differently.  Historically K-Murdock’s productions have been labeled as “feel good music”.  This description holds true on FF where he expertly combines the sampled video game music in each song with drum beats, background vocals, assorted sound effects, and new orchestration to create lush soundscapes that envelop the listener like a warm blanket fresh from the dryer.  I guarantee that even people who do not recognize the video games the sampled music originally came from will find themselves involuntarily humming the tunes after only a couple of listens.  They are that memorable!  Once you get your head around the music, it’s time to address the other half of the equation.

Random is one of my favorite rappers.  He has been for a couple of years now, and he shows no signs of relinquishing his title.  Similar to K-Murdock, Random first came to my attention when I read a review of his Megaran album.  I recommended the album to a friend based on that review.  He bought it, listened to it, and immediately forced me to sit down for my own run through.  To say that I was impressed would be a massive understatement, and I have been buying up everything Random has put out since that day.  What I enjoy most about Random’s work is the same thing I enjoy about all other great lyricists’ work.  He not only has the ability to convey universal truths through autobiographical stories, but he can also deftly weave together fictional elements to create a story that sucks the listener in like a high end Dyson vacuum. 

The songs that make up FF effortlessly blend these strengths together to produce a work that can be appreciated by a wide range of people.  After reading my opening paragraph, did you immediately start listing off the great Nintendo games that you loved in your head?  Well chances are Random loved them too, and he conveniently runs down a cleverly composed list of titles on the song “Epoch”.  Instead of the classics do you fanaticize over current video games?  Listen to album standout “For the Gamers” where Random and featured guest rappers In80 and Schaffer the Darklord eloquently align themselves with the hardcore gaming crowd who strive for every gaming achievement to the detriment of sleep and their work.  Don’t like games at all?  That’s cool.  Songs like “Dream Master” or “The Girl With the Makeup” are there for you.  “Dream Master” tells the tale of how Random’s mother sacrificed and bought him a Nintendo Entertainment System in an effort to keep him off the streets of Philadelphia.  “The Girl With the Makeup”, my personal favorite song on the album, is about Random falling in love with the first girl he knew to wear makeup, only to foul up the relationship by desperately trying to be something he was not.  Everyone, without fail, can find something to relate to in both of these songs.  Still not satisfied?  How about something off the wall?  Try “Double Dragons” on for size.  That’s right.  A song about the events that unfold in the videogame Double Dragon, and it is just as awesome as you imagine!

I said it before but it bears repeating.  Forever Famicom is a special album.  It has established a near permanent spot in my music rotation since its release date last year, and it does not appear that it will wear out its welcome.  Was it my favorite album of 2010?  That depends on the day, but it was definitely my favorite hip hop album of the year, and I know for a fact that the album ended up on many other peoples year end lists as well.

Seriously people…there is a song about Double Dragon.  Who can argue with that!?

-- Penfold

Buy here:  Forever Famicom
Buy here mp3: Forever Famicom