Dynamite Rap by Snoopy: A Wild Ride Through 1988 Belgium’s New Beat Scene
Let’s get one thing straight—this album is wild. Released in ‘88 under the New Beat Sound and N.B.S. Records label, Dynamite Rap by Snoopy isn’t just an album; it’s a time machine back to when Belgium was cooking up some of the freshest electronic beats on the planet. It’s raw, unpolished, and packed with vibes that make you wanna move even if you’re sitting at your desk reading this.
The whole thing screams DIY energy, which makes sense given the credits. Rebel X and Vector S were basically doing everything here—writing, arranging, mixing, the works. And Dynamite? That voice slaps hard. Oh, and shoutout to Patrick for the artwork because it fits perfectly with the chaotic-but-cool vibe of the record.
Now let me tell ya about two tracks I can’t stop thinking about:
First up, “Dynamite Rap (Italian Street Mix)”. This version feels like walking into a neon-lit street party somewhere in Milan circa 1988. The bassline hits so deep it could knock over a stack of records, and there’s this relentless drumbeat that keeps pushing forward like it has no chill. What sticks with me most though is how they layer those synths—it’s not perfect, but that’s what makes it feel alive. You know those songs where you don’t really understand all the lyrics but still find yourself shouting along? Yeah, this is one of them. By the end, you’re outta breath and kinda confused why you’ve been dancing alone in your room.
Then there’s “Dynamite Rap (Dub Version)”, which flips the script entirely. If the Italian Street Mix is the life of the party, this one’s the mysterious dude lurking near the DJ booth. It strips things down to their bare bones—echoey vocals floating over minimal beats, giving off major late-night vibes. It’s hypnotic, man. Like, you put this on headphones while staring out a rainy window and suddenly you’re in a moody European film. The way they play with silence between sounds? Genius. Feels intentional, like they knew exactly what they were doing—even if the rest of the tracklist gets a bit messy.
Looking back, Dynamite Rap might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some parts are rough around the edges, sure, but isn’t that part of its charm? Listening to this album feels like catching lightning in a bottle—a snapshot of artists experimenting without caring too much about perfection. Honestly, I think we need more music like this today. Something raw, something weird, something that doesn’t try too hard to impress.
Oh, and here’s a random thought to leave you with: Did anyone else notice how Snoopy never actually rapped once on this entire album? Food for thought.