G.I. Joe Killaz

Now that terrorism has become new-millennial chic, it might seem like a cash grab for the world's most notorious terrorist organization-cum-cartoon to return as the hip-hop trio G.I. Joe Killaz. At first it sounds rather absurd that the unbalanced "brain trust” of Cobra are attempting world domination through rap, but it's really just the next evolution of a musical genre currently obsessed with a hardcore street mentality. Forget banging for a block when you can have the whole world on lock. Cobra Commander, the shrouded mastermind and producer of the group, moulds minimal but funky instrumentals for the metal-faced Destro (MC) and the sexy Baroness (MC/singer) to retell tales of their former glory. Their brand of self-described "laser gun rap” focuses on extreme crackpot schemes that would make even Bin Laden jealous, such as magical brainwashing perfumes ("Eau de Cobra”) and the bling-bling fantasy of replacing the world's money with Cobra currency ("Money to Burn”). And, of course, there's plenty of talk of killing Joes, bloody acts that are re-enacted in all their violent glory at a live Killaz performance. Sure, there's room for improvement and the gimmick may have a short shelf life, but for now it's great fun with a solid focus. Besides, if G.I. Joe member Sgt. Slaughter can wrestle to promote the cause, why shouldn't everyone's favourite terrorists get a piece of the entertainment pie? Cobra!