Nā mele paleoleo (sometimes "mele paleoleo") is a form of contemporary Hawaiian music that blends hip hop with native Hawaiian rapping.[1] Known as a form of Hawaiian performance poetry, spoken-word performers of nā mele paleoleo are gaining popularity due to rap and hip hop influences.[2] The genre was influenced by emcees including Native Hawaiian activist and rapper, Charlotte "MC Frumpy" Kaluna, along with Joseph "DJ ELITE" Netherland in the late '80s.[3][4][5]Sudden Rush were the first group to record nā mele paleoleo in 1993[1] and became the most notable performers in the genre.[6] Nā mele paleoleo means "songs that speak loudly and angrily" and was approved as an official Hawaiian term because of the advocacy of Don Ke'ala, a member of Sudden Rush.[6] The lyrics are often overtly political, endorsing Native Hawaiian sovereignty.[1][7]
