Picture the Bronx in the 1970s: people flocked to block parties in African-American and immigrant neighbourhoods to congregate around the exciting new genre hip-hop, whose community-based celebrations left all kinds of room for individual artistic expression. DJ turntablists intentionally scratched their styluses against their vinyl LPs with extended, repeated instrumental breaks for hotshot ‘break’ dancers. MCs rapped political, rapid-fire lyrics over catchy musical passages and bass lines that coalesced under one unconquerable, socially conscious banner.

Five decades later, on the opposite coast from hip-hop’s birthplace, is where Mexican-descendant innovators The Neighborhood Kids pick up the torch and keep it blazing bright. TNK illuminates the world around them, refusing to let darkness fall on kids in cages, women’s rights, social injustices and tilted playing fields. TNK’s outrage is a sonic flame thrower as they heat up the beats and melt some ICE. TNK’s rappers Verde and Amon the MC give voice to the powerless while DJ JG, guitarist Niko Rosy, bassist Emerson and drummer Gatoz provide the musical propulsion. Through spoken word and relentless grooves, these Kids are triggering an avalanche of political awakening at a community level. Pure, next level hip-hop. There’s a reason Tom Morello chose them to open his recent US tour.

- Chantal Vitalis