Sukie Lee - "Yog Ua Zoo Xav" Album Review
With the classic feel and smooth lyrics in Sukie Lee’s debut album “Yog Ua Zoo Xav”, it is clear that this rising Hmong American singer/songwriter has lived life. This is an album I will be listening to, decades from now.
Here’s why.
April 2013 was the first time I heard the name Sukie Lee. He was selected by The Kong & Shu Project and their team as one of the twelve rising, original Hmong music artists featured on the Hmong Music Forward, Hmong Music For Education CD, created to fund Hmong National Development education scholarships.
After taking a listen to his contribution, “Tos Tag Kis” (track 2 on debut album), for some reason, there was something about the Tulsa, Oklahoma singer/songwriter that I just wasn’t grasping. And I didn’t know what it was.
"...it is clear that this rising Hmong American singer/songwriter has lived life."
Fast-forward eighteen months.
I grabbed a copy of “Yog Ua Zoo Xav” this past July 4th and after three months of indulging in it, I could finally send Sukie and Shu Lor (music producer behind the album) this message:
Each song has such a unique character and message. Just when the music hits you, Sukie's lyrics and voice kicks in like no other artist out there. And then the music rolls back in. Truly, this album is an incredible example of when two talented artists collaborate and share their passion with us listeners on a silver platter.
I mentioned lyrics. Are you into lyrics?
If yes, keep reading. If no, keep reading.
Oh. My. Goodness. Sukie knows how to control his pen. He is able to beautifully blend complex, intricate Hmong words and phrases with the common lay language only you and I use today. I’m still trying to figure out if he’s really 29 (like he claims).
His Hmong and his lyrics blew me away. Proof:
Yog ua zoo xav
Yav tag peb yog ib tse neeg xwb
Yeej tsis muaj koj pab kuv pawg
Yog ua zoo xav
Peb yog ntaj ib hnab xeeb [taug] ib lub lwg ntshav
Peb sawv daws los ntawm ib tug yawg
-- From Track 11, "Yog Ua Zoo Xav"
I think the best part of Sukie's song lyrics is that they are so poetic where my ears want to hear more, but also so sweetly simple that I stay fully engaged and not lost in translation.
As a whole, "Yog Ua Zoo Xav" is a feel-good album. It’ll make you open your sunroof, drink some bottled lemonade (no beer), bite into crisp, red grapes, all while driving down the North Crossing on a chill night as the music lathers itself on your eardrums. (True story.)
It’s an album that’ll make you reflect upon your own life and change you for the better.
It’s an album you'd play for your nieces and nephews.
And then pass it on to them years from now.
"...so poetic where my ears want to hear more, [...] so sweetly simple that I stay fully engaged and not lost in translation."
The first time I heard of Sukie in 2013, I didn’t know what to think.
After hearing his debut album, I realized that “Tos Tag Kis” was just one small piece of a much larger puzzle. I needed all the pieces before I could really understand the music of Sukie Lee, an incredibly talented artist who shares the troubles, loves, and experiences in life through beautiful lyrics and music.
I’m so glad I have all the pieces now…until his next album, of course.
If I could choose only one song, it would be…
The title track, “Yog Ua Zoo Xav.” It gets me every time and I have to hold back the tears. Don't tell me I didn't warn you.
What You Should Know About Sukie Lee
- Has only been singing and writing songs since 2010
- And has already impacted Hmong communities around the world with his huge contribution in the popular 2011 original song, “Hmoob Lub Kua Muag” by Hmong of Oklahoma Collaboration <--- Click on the song title if you have no idea what I'm talking about
- Is a passionate b-boy who was featured in the 2011 documentary, “Among B-Boys,” a 7-year project showcasing the journey of Hmong b-boys
- Creates music to show what the power of unity and the power of good sounds like in the Hmong community
To purchase a copy of "Yog Ua Zoo Xav," click on the image.
Connect with Sukie:
Facebook
YouTube
Sukie's Upcoming Events:
Hmong Southeast Puavpheej New Year Celebration, Newton, NC
November 27 – 30, 2014
Feature Guest Artist, Destiny Concert, Hickory, NC
November 29, 2014
Hmong International New Year, Fresno, CA
December 26 – January 1, 2015
SUPPORT ORIGINAL HMONG ARTISTS.
