About 2 years ago, I reviewed an album called Soulstice by Shapeshifter. My favourite track off their album “In the Rain”, featured a vocalist from New Zealand called Ladi6. I had this on repeat for quite a while and I still enjoy listening to it today because of all the elements it provided, especially the vocals.

Finally, after 10 years of backing up and touring with the likes of Shapeshifter, Scribe, Fat Freddy's Drop and Opensouls, the NZ soulstress and  Queen of hip hop, Ladi6 (MC Karoline Tamati) has just completed her highly anticipated solo album, Time Is Not Much. A mix of soul, funk, dub and reggae – the vocals by Ladi6 have a rhythmic hip hop quality, while keeping it soulful at the same time. The album was recorded with artists such as Scribe and Sepalot. Time Is Not Much is a real showcase of her vocal talent and song writing skills. Taking a risk with her solo album and stepping away from the success she found with groups such as Sheelahroc and Verse Two - Ladi6 (Karoline Tamati), has spellbound thousands of fans around the world, and more recently in Australia, with her laidback, velvety voice, earning her comparisons to soul queen Mary J Blige.

The first time I listened to this, it felt like I was listening to a woman who had gone through a lot in her time - the ups and downs of success, friendship, relationships and the challenges of the music industry. The opening track, “Give Me The Light” launches into a funky beat with Ladi6’s voice moving between soul diva and hip hop chic with attitude stylized vocals. Getting into a smoother rhythm is the next track called “Call You Out” followed by “So Far” which in my opinion is one of the better tracks off the album. "Walk Right Up" is just the right mixture of reggae and dub, while Ladi6 shows her more sensual feminine side with “Down & Out”. The one track that fully stood out for me in this album was “Question”, showcasing her amazing songwriting skills, emotion and melody. Time Is Not Much, the album title is simply an experimental mid-interlude that runs for a couple of minutes. “Dark Brown” and “Jackknife” combine the same elements of a funky electro-esque beat along with the background vocal talents of Scribe. The last track, “More Than Fake” is an epic track over thirteen minutes long combining pretty much all aspects of her album in the one track.

In conclusion, I found this to be a very enjoyable album, easy listening and I would definitely be at any gig held here in Perth that included Ladi6 on the lineup. If you like your soul music with a hip hop edge from New Zealand, this is definitely an album for the collection.

For comments in this review, check out -

http://www.teknoscape.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=43877

Tracklisting
1. Give Me the Light
2. Call You Out
3. So Far
4. Walk Right Up
5. Down & Out
6. Question?
7. Time Is Not Much
8. Dark Brown
9. Believe Me
10. Jacknife
11. More Than Fake