Song of the Day: Emmsjé Gauti - Strákarnir

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. This week, we are featuring songs by artists performing KEXP's broadcast at Kex Hostel in Reykjavik during Iceland Airwaves. Today’s featured song is “Strákarnir” by Emmsjé Gauti, a 2015 self-released single.

Emmsjé Gauti - Strákarnir (MP3)

Iceland's hip-hop scene has never been stronger than it is today. In the late 90's, one or two bands might have been emulating American exports like the Beastie Boys, but recent years have seen artists of rap and hip-hop dominating local record sales and festivals. This year's Iceland Airwaves lineup is full of both current stars and up-and-comers like Shades of Reykjavík, Cell7, Úlfur Úlfur, Gísli Pálmi, Reykjavíkurdætur and GKR. Among them is Emmsjé Gauti (as in "emcee" Gauti), who at 26 is considered a veteran of the scene. In his early teens, Gauti Þeyr Másson began rapping and, in 2010, broke free with his solo debut. He's since made a name for himself by recording several of his own albums, working with countless other artists and performing highly energetic live shows (often backed by members of Agent Fresco). On his latest track, "Strákarnir", Emmsjé Gauti kicks back with "the boys".

Kick back with Emmsjé Gauti as he performs live this Thursday on KEXP's broadcast from Kex Hostel during Iceland Airwaves. Tune in at 11:30 AM Pacific Time on Thursday, November 5th, at 90.3 FM in Seattle and worldwide at kexp.org, where you can also watch live streaming video of all performances during KEXP's broadcast. Find out more information here.

Find out more about Emmsjé Gauti through his Facebook page, and check out the official video for "Strákarnir":