My Unsung Hero

Currently listening to: Will I Stay by Colin Munroe

The next few posts are going to concern hip-hop music. I'm trying to prove to Max Gredinger that my pallet is diverse. I know about artists outside of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and Madonna (pre-1986). Let's begin.



I have an ever-developing, indescribably large crush on Colin Munroe.

Since returning to Indiana, I downloaded his mixtape, "Colin Munroe is the Unsung Hero." In an interview, he says he is referred to this because he always considered himself an underdog; he's "never been the biggest kid or the best looking kid." But I feel that there is quite a bit of truth to it outside of the coming-of-age ideal. He appears to be a character actor, constantly a featured act, his name perpetually in parentheses. Other bloggers have described him as one of those always a bridesmaid, never a bride artists.

"Unsung Hero" has been proving for the past year that Munroe is good for way more than a hook. His near to and all solo tracks showcase his versatility. Hell, he whips out the banjo in "Sunday Bloody Sunday." Additionally, Munroe establishes utility by eloquently putting a "revox" of Bob Dylan's "Who Killed Davey Moore?" right after a collaboration with fellow Canadian hip-hop phenomenon, Drake. Outside of this mixtape, he's worked with get-ups from LIGHTS to Izza Kizza to Che Grand. He's a musical chameleon.

But perhaps the most respectable aspect of his music, is Munroe's lyrical prowess. In interviews, he explains that many artists (specific to his genre, maybe) have fallen into the unfavorable habit of singing about what's cool, and "trying to sell cool."He fights this by "telling his own story." And although, it seems cliche in text, you can tell he is genuine. For example, "Piano Lessons" recounts his quitting piano lessons at the age of twelve, and how he was consequently more inspired to pursue music. "I guess it was then that I said they were wrong / that I don't need these skills to help me write a song / I'm fine on my own," Munroe says. He believes that too structured of an environment can turn anyone away from creative expression. Thoughtful concepts like this can be hard to find.

Whatever he's singing about or whoever he's dolling out tracks with, Colin Munroe totally has my heart. 2010 is sure to hold more opportunities for his voice to be heard. His talents are sure to become more widely dispersed, outside of just the chorus. Most recently Munroe can be heard on Statik Selektah's release "So Close So Far." You can also hear Wale and Bun B.



Download the free mixtape here.