Lyrical soul, love and humour in Wairoa

THE KING AND THE CHIEF: American born Zach Stark (left) and Wairoa man Ratima Hauraki make up hip-hop duo Rugged and Wylde whose album The King and the Chief is a finalist in the Waiata Maori Music Awards finals. Picture supplied

There’s humour in Wairoa hip hop duo Rugged and Wylde’s new lyrical soul video Surfaces.

There are Mark Twainish shots of Wairoa River; of R&W’s Zach Stark and Ratima Hauraki chowing down on their burgers as their eyes track (presumably) the object of their affection.

Outside a panelbeater’s corrugated iron shed the pair’s band perform the song’s warm-hearted hybrid of Pacific smooth and undulating hip hop beats.

The song opens with an arrangement by bass player Francis Ormond and guitarist Charlie Tekahu that recalls the oceanic sound of Fleetwood Mac’s 1968 guitar-based instrumental Albatross. In the video Ormond taps drummer Anaru Cooper on the shoulder and hands his bemused bandmate a toy drum kit.

Hauraki’s creamy voice opens the song.

“Crazy/ I don’t even know her name, this lady/ She’s always on my mind/ Maybe . . . is there a small chance or a probability/ you could be mine?”

Stark picks up the narrative.

“Fell in love with your surface/ I love you when you work it, girl/ we don’t need a purpose/ ‘cos it’s nice about the urges.”

Then Susan Tipuna kicks in with husky-velvet vocals, hits the high notes and takes it to another level. Oosh.

When the song is over, Stark runs into the frame.

“Did you like the song at least?” he implores through cupped hands. “Could Rugged get your number?”

Watch and share the video here

Download it from Soundcloud at www.goo.gl/DpKbX5

Fall in love.

It’s nice about the urges.