“Good Kill”: a plea to youth and testament of all people
- Zondra Roy | December 16, 2015
Eekwol’s highly anticipated album, “Good Kill,” is different from anything we’ve heard from her before. It starts out with an instrumental by DJ 2oolman, from Six Nations and a member of A Tribe Called Red. It melds traditional and contemporary sounds that prepare us for Eekwol’s plea to the next generation: “hunt for security, hunt for safety for our kids, hunt for knowledge, hunt for discipline, hunt for success, hunt for longevity, hunt for humility, and hunt for compassion.” This is what she describes as a “Good Kill”, a title that makes reference to receiving her Master’s degree, and Perry Bellegarde, in his speech to the graduates, said that this degree was “a good kill”. This is a moment that transcended this entire album, and gives reason to why we should listen.
The first track hits hard: Pitiful attests to the struggle we all have with ego, how we differentiate “wants and needs” and allow superficiality to mask a “self loathing” behavior – this is a cycle she describes as “pitiful”.
“I will not be conquered”, is a testament to the past, the present and the future that she will not succumb to contemporary forces of imperialism and she challenges her listeners to follow suit. She ends the song with a question to all people: “we need to change, are we going to do it?”
“Born a Guy”, rebels against gender binaries; both politically and aesthically, this satisfies the appreciation for musicality and the contemporary native of women in hip hop and those who do not embody the traditional gender characteristics. She admits, this song is fun and should not be taken too literally.
“Good Kill”, produced by RDS, instantly offers an invitation to Indigenous youth to take control of their lives while addressing the realities that haunt them. Its enticing, dark undertone creates eeriness in the journey.
The haunting sound returns in “Shift”. An alluring approach how she draws you to really think about what she is continuously proposing. It’s motivating; it’s captivating – exactly what I am looking for in a Monday morning jam.
The vivid reality in “Ghosts” both in her lyrics and emotion – the bravery it took to put this song together is enough to inspire.
“Lessons in Cool” – it’s a catchy, fun and engaging song that makes a person just feel really good about themselves. The message is simple: be yourself.
Her album amplifies reconciliation in a way that is best understood – through song and dance. Her album release party can attest to that.
It took place at The Hayloft on Wednesday November 28th in Saskatoon. The sold-out show featured Zoey Pricelys Roy, T-Rhyme aka Tara Campbell, and DJ Heywood aka Sheldon Evacheski. Never have all three local Indigenous female emcees graced the stage together and the energy built up with each performance. Love, solidarity, resiliency and community permeated through the Caswell Hill venue as each artists shared stories of their own adversities and triumphs – it seems family and community are the lifeline for a lot of people. Eekwol’s performance gives everyone a perma-smile for the entire time she is on stage. Her catchy lyrics, her ability to bring people into her world and the way she sends such a tough message in a positive way are what keep people wanting more.