Son Siu
Compiled by Bert Hall of the Samoalive News Alliance
In the world of Hip Hop/Rap music, there is an emerging flow of promising young talented MC’s on the rise. But no where do you see any Samoan acts these days making the grade unless you count the OG underground staple Booyaa Tribe who have been around for almost 17 relentless gangsta years. Its time now for the new generation to take on the role, and ready for the challenge is a style unique and concept originary - out steps SonSiu, formerly of the Las Vegas based Hip Hop act – Big Tsunami. Having paid his dues for the past 10 years, Kuinese Lisona “Sonny” Anderson, AKA SonSiu has been working on his solo project for the last year and a half. SonSiu polished his delivery and stage presence while opening concerts for such acts as Lighter Shade of Brown, BoneThugs&Harmony, Skeelo as well as Old Skool acts like One-Way, SOS Band, and War. Performing at car shows also gave him the opportunity to learn that this is where his heart was, in the music. According to him, this is his best work since he has complete control of its content. Collaborating with producer extraordinaire - Killa Kal of LA, and Rob Maile (Rob 500 Mob) of Oakland, they have laid down some of the funkiest R&B flavored hip-hop out of the Vegas Valley since the female trio “702” busted out with “Steelo”. One of the most promising tracks on SonSiu’s “Shake the Earth” debut CD is entitled “Heavent Sent.” In it he tells his adopted son, how much he means to him, and what he dreams for his sons future in case anything should happen to him. Although he isn’t of his own blood he loves his son just the same. It’s a slow mid-tempo groove that is quite catchy, and will have you repeating the hook sooner than you know. Rob 500 adds his melodic harmonies, which is also a coming out in his own right. The deep track, “Letting Off Steam” has a bass line that drops it like its hot! SonSiu lays it down like with authority letting you know that his time has come, with Rob 500 add-libbing like Nate Dogg would. Makes you wanna flip the switches hard, and bump that bass. SonSiu was born in the great Northwest near Seattle, and raised in LA/Orange County. Although having never been to Samoa, he is definitely proud of his heritage and very vocal about it. SonSiu is trying to make a name for himself in Hip-Hop, hopefully the rest of the world will listen. His influences are from the R&B groups of the 70s and 80s, as well as all the great hip hop legends like Melle Mel, Grandmaster Flash, NWA, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, to Snoop Dog. In his own words, the rest of the album is definitely worth marinating to. Several months ago, SonSiu was introduced to the music of Samoan MC’s from New Zealand – King Kapisi, Dei Hamo and Lost Tribe. He was immediately impressed. Dei Hamo catching his ear because of his unique flow, and King Kapisi because he does it all. SonSiu said that he has been entertaining the thought of someday being able to help close the gap between mainstream rap and Samoan Hip-Hop by working with the Usos from other countries. What that means is bringing Samoan rap artists to the forefront to be recognized and accepted for their music. Hopefully the Usos from Kiwiland and Down Under are listening. SonSiu is the son of Nele Siu Leiataua and Marvin Anderson, both of Salt Lake City. SonSiu, is preparing for a Fall '02 Release date