Written By Aida Rashid
Bersamamu Untuk Kali Terakhir
It’s a sad week for fans of the Malaysian hip-hop scene as Altimet announces his departure from the music career he has built for the past 2 decades. However, he seems to be contented with the decision made — a decision that is arguably reasonable considering he’s retiring at his career peak. Not many people can bow out from the limelight gracefully, but Altimet has done just that, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the Malaysian hip-hop industry
His choice of leaving isn’t one that’s in vain, as he has left a sizeable discography of his own worth delving into for the generations to come, and a new addition to that long list — a solo record titled ‘O’ that’s going to be released in December and will be available on digital platforms, and together with that, another single was released featuring Cuurley, or alternatively known with many other monikers including DJ Bo Amir Iqram.
The single called “Bersamamu,” is a fun, jovial track that makes you want to pick up your dancing shoes and jig to the rhythm; a track that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The composition of “Bersamamu” is the lovechild of the collaboration between the two of them; it was produced and arranged by Cuurley with the lyrics written by Altimet. The best thing about the song though, is that if you listen to it closely, a long list of Malaysian music references presents itself throughout the song from start to finish. It feels like a nostalgic walk down memory lane of our local music industry — songs ranging from jiwang, pop, pasca-merdeka to the ever rising indie music wave.
Essentially, the song is an ode to a pretty girl explaining one’s adoration towards her, while lyrically arranged to include familiar song titles of songs we all grew up with. Among the references are, an oldie but goldie Cik Siti Lela Mayang by SM Salim, PerMYsuri by OAG, Aku Skandal by Hujan, Isabella by Jamal Abdillah, Ahmoi Chantek by Hujan, Gadis Semasa by Yuna, Kau Ilhamku by Man Bai, Suci Dalam Debu by Iklim, Sembilu 2005 film soundtrack — Sembilu Kasih by Ziana Zain, Seiring Sejalan by Broery Marantika and Datuk Sharifah Aini, Kamelia by Sweet Charity, a cheeky self-referential point with Kotarayaku by Altimet himself featuring Noh Salleh, and many more. There are also Western references including a list of rappers among others — Biggs, Beans and Memphis Bleek and also a mention of Billie Jean by Michael Jackson. Honoring the late and legendary P. Ramlee & Saloma with “Kalau jodoh tak ke mana macam Saloma dengan Ramlee” marks as the perfect conclusion to the special piece of our musical success and pride.
It’s a catchy tune tied with a high probability of making you smile when you spot the references. Undoubted, we’ll miss Altimet and his work, but he will forever be appreciated for his contribution and influence to the industry which he has plied his trade. Selamat bersara Ahmad Abdul Rahman, dan semoga maju jaya pada masa hadapan.
