Black Lagoon (BL) is back.
Four years after receiving local and national attention off
their hit single “Star” from their debut independent album “The Pimp Bones LP,”
the Detroit hip-hop group has recently released “Fever,” the first single from their upcoming
sophomore album “Certified Stars.”
While some would argue BL missed a golden
opportunity to capitalize on their popularity by not immediately following up
on “Pimp Bones,” the group believes their experiences during the past 48 months
have, “turned boys into men.”
“We really set up our bases -- how we want to perceive
ourselves as a group,” says Kaingoe, who along with Amadeus and Empact comprise the trinity.
During the time between recording albums, BL has
performed across the country promoting their music and message, including cities like Atlanta, Chicago and Portland. Empact says going on the road was the best thing for them as it became
“a growing process not only musically but personally,” as the group persevered
through financial and personal difficulties while keeping the show on the road.
Kaingoe battled through a cancer scare between albums, but
assures fans he is now in good physical health and ready to forge ahead.
In addition to vibing with hip-hop lovers in other American regions,
the BL members say they spent considerable time examining the world of rap
music in general and studying other forms of music such as jazz and house music with intentions that their musical growth will not
only represent Detroit positively, but expand the entire hip-hop genre.
“We are students of music in general -- not just hip-hop
music,” Amadeus says.
As for hip-hop music in Detroit and across America, BL says
it’s time for some more diverse voices.
“Music is oversaturated -- period. No one comes with
something that stands out,” says Kaingoe, who believes that too many are
copycatting the styles of Jay-Z or TI and not being themselves.
“(They’re) going off the media perception of what hip-hop
is,” says Empact, who adds that “Certified Stars” -- in addition to being the name
of their album -- is a movement to bring a new infusion of creativity and energy intended
to take hip-hop and music to a new level.
“BL is going to (show) the world what hip-hop identity is,”
Empact says.
The group says the album will touch on everything from
partying to politics. The album was set to be released last winter, however
several songs were leaked on the Internet, forcing the trio re-record tracks. The new album is
expected to drop this summer.
The group hopes “Fever” will become a hit in the
club just as “Star” has become a staple song for
local Chicago steppers and ballroom hustlers.To promote the hot club track, BL has created a martini called "Fever" consisting of Hypnotic, Ciroc vodka, Patron tequila and a splash of grenadine.
“It’s the definition of fever put into a drink,” Empact
says.
BL will have an opportunity to perform “Fever” along with
other songs as part of the What’s Next on the Menu tour on May 8 at St.
Andrew’s Hall.
For local fans that haven’t seen BL in a while, Empact says
the group will not disappoint.
“We’ve know (the fans) have been waiting,” Empact says.
“It’s worth the wait.”
