Amazon.co.uk Review
When Big Brovaz stormed into the charts with the title track from their slick, radio-friendly debut,
Nu Flow they were hailed as the UK's answer to their equally polished and funky "dirty south" counterparts. Except, as some confused critics pointed out, surely these guys (and girls) are a little more Atlanta than Lewisham? With one of the key members (J Rock) originating from the other side of the pond, perhaps it's not too surprising that there's a distinctly mid-Atlantic flavour to much of
Nu Flow, and, after all, the majority of tracks here emulate the kind of R&B pop that dominates the US charts. Sure, there's nothing wrong with that--if you've got the skills and the songs to pull it off, that is. Sadly, Big Brovaz do not. Just watch those
Outkast comparisons fade away with tracks such as the cringe-inducing ballad to single motherhood "Little Mama", complete with a distinct Ali G rapping style. And just check out some of the lyrics to "Baby Boy" ("keep doing what you do / I feel your whole aura"). There are some tracks that show promise, "Summertime" stands out with its funky Latin laced samples and "Gotta Get" has a great chorus that proves Big Brovaz deserve at least one more slot in the charts. Unfortunately, though, nothing on
Nu Flow ever lives up to the promise of its title track. --
Caroline Butler
Description
'Nu Flow' is the debut album from South London collective Big Brovaz. Touted as the UK equivalent to the US' Outkast, Arrested Development and The Fugees, the album mixes UK garage, R&B and hip hop, with other genres creating a unique and different sound. The album also features a version of 'Favourite Things' from the Sound Of Music as well as the quirky waltz based debut single 'Nu Flow'.