Pops Ghostly, Fullscreen, Blue Bishi, and Hamstar formed what they call PO PO, a rather unique band from Philly. It might be unlike anything you’ve ever heard. It might be too post-modern for you. It might even freak you out. But I can assure you that after listening to Dope Boy Magick, your range of music will make a healthy expansion. PO PO can be linked as the source of “post-hip hop,” a genre unseen by many.
From what I’ve picked up, a more fitting genre title is “world psychedelic lo-fi grunge rock.” In “Final Fight,” you sense the worldliness from the zingy, echoing, Middle Eastern winds. The psychedelic flavor arises out of the grungy, offbeat vocals and resounding guitar reverbs. I always question the usage of lo-fi sound recordings, but here it adds punk and grunge to the framework.
All this may send you running for some pure music, but don’t even think about it. Consider this: PO PO’s self-titled album was written and recorded in their basement with full intensity. Intensity derived from alienation, racial discrimination, and thus a harsh childhood. Consequently, the group’s unique concoction of dramatic sounds portrays their previous reality marked by hostility. With this in mind, try understanding PO PO’s music as a pure expression of inner intensity to get the full effect.