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The Scenario November 6 2009


Sydney's regular funk, hip hop and dance convention, held on the first Friday night of every month at Melt, 12 Kellet St Kings Cross

Showcasing the world's top party music and live performance from the best hip hop talent, DJs, dance crews, MCs and funk bands, The Scenario @ Melt Kings Cross is the place to go to shed your work skin and step into a world of funk and entertainment.


The party and the dancefloor are the core of The Scenario. Presented by hatonrack in partnership with D2MG hip hop academy and in collaboration with Dancekool and Xposure, hatonrack supports musicians and bboy, hip hop, popping and all other styles of dance through its flagship event.

Thinking of visiting The Scenario? Expect dance showcases and battles, live freestyle MCing and Australia's best DJs and producers on any given night.

Next event Friday 6th November

The Scenario is Sydney's number one party spot. Come and keep the Melt dancefloor hot with the world's best funk and hip hop and party hosts hatonrack, D2MG, Dancekool and:

* Headline Selector DJ Floskel (Germany) - one of Europe's top funk, hip hop, club and battle specialists
* Sydney selectors DJ Naiki, Dave Silva and JPlatnum
* Deja - Sydney hottest ladies of hip hop dance

* MCs Nick Knowledge and Adikkal

Melt, 12 Kellet St, Kings Cross, from 9pm - view google map
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Batucada Sound Machine Hit Australia

January 24th 2009 03:06
Batucada Sound Machine

New Zealand's 13 piece hip hop, funk, samba mash-up group Batucada Sound Machine are bringing their crazy Brazilian percussion based performance to Australia for a week long tour this February. As they explain, "Loosely translated, ‘batucada’ means percussive samba jam, which aptly summarises BSM’s musical roots. BSM began in 2003 when five passionate drummers met once a month in the dimly lit lounge bar of Galatos nightclub in Auckland to experiment fusing 'batucada' with more local beats and influences. Before long, a talented group of diverse musicians had joined in and the band had grown to 13 members".

BSM 2
BSM 2

With the individual members of the band involved in various solo and group projects outside of BSM, you might recognise some of them from earlier works, most recognisably in upcoming MC Hazadus showing his own style of soul infused vocals after years of fame in Che-Fu and The Krates.

If your able to make one of these performances then your in for a sweet night, and from what i've heard and seen in their performances locally and in Europe, you might need to get your boogie shoes on for this one.

Batucada Sound Machine will play:

Feb 12 @ East Brunswick Club, Melbourne

Feb 13 @ The Factory Theatre, Sydney

Feb 14 @ Canival In The City, Canberra

Feb 15 @ Becks Music Box, Perth

Feb 28 @ Music Mountain Matakana, NZ

You can check out more of Batucada Sound Machine at:

www.batucadasoundmachine.com

Really Long Link

...bs
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Jay-Z at Glastonbury
Well, it's happened: Noel Gallagher decided to come out and say that it was 'wrong' for there to' be hip hop at the Glastonbury Festival... and Jay-Z decided to feud it out by mocking Oasis' big hit, "Wonderwall":



We're getting this info from Stereogum, who reminds us that the UK papers are throwing frowny faces at HOVA:

"The Sun pointed out that Oasis are UK festival royalty and Jay-Z is a former New York drug dealer. Wha?"

Now Kanye West is getting into the act by announcing that a track from Blueprint 3 is going to have a little Oasis-burning.


It seems inevitable that hip hop is going to be featured at major festivals around the world... it's officially mainsteam music, there's nothing shocking about "Fuck da polica" and 2 Live Crew just seem funny now.

Them dudes from Oasis have managed to nicely display how out of touch they are with the current trend of music... by sticking their nose up in the air, they remind us of when they claimed that they were bigger than the Beatles, who claimed that they were bigger than Jesus, who claimed that he was bigger than Buddha.

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Suge Knight gets knocked out

May 21st 2008 09:24
Suge Knight gets knocked out at a nightclub
For years, Suge Knight was hip hop's l'enfant terrible, dangling Vanilla Ice off a balcony, threatening Eazy-E with lead pipes, and driving Tupac to his death.

He brought thuggery to music, the figurehead for a musical genre that was immediately defaced by the media as a cover for guns and gangs. Since then, the gangster image has flourished, and Knight, as he's grown older, has lost prominence.

In the past few years, he's split with his remaining allies and gone broke.

And just recently, a patron at a Los Angeles nightclub knocked Suge out.

As one of the clever commenters says:

"Deebo had it coming. Dude’s Granmomma gave him that chain"



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Bill Cosby putting out a rap album

April 21st 2008 11:21
Cosby bebop rap
Don't worry - don't worry!

"“I do not rap on any of these things,” Cosby said Monday. “I wouldn’t know how to fix my mouth to say some of the words.”"

Yes, Bill Cosby is releasing a rap album called "Cosby Narratives vol 1: State of Emergency", but he's getting a whole crew of guest rappers to do the real work.

Sure, it sounds ridiculous, even from me, a kid raised on The Cosby Show, but I can really get down with Cosby's motivation:

"Cosby said the hip-hop music he hears is profane and degrading. His album is “the opposite of what I think is the profanity for no particular reason, the misogyny for no particular reason,” he said. “It really looks at the frustration and the anger that a young man may have.”"

This all sounds quite exciting coming from a man that brought family-friendly comedy to black audiences, leaving the raw for Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy.

When I got a little older, I forgot about the wholesome rye of Cosby and went for the addictive pixie sticks that Murphy was selling. He swore! And made fun of white people! Oh, the funny!

Of course, since then, Murphy has learned how to sell out, just like his comedic classmates Steve Martin and Ice Cube. What happened?

No tracks have been released, but I found this popular music video: "Cosby Bebop"!




What's the difference between Dre and Cosby?

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Cibby threw up a nice post yesterday about a short video I sent him that my boyfriend made with 7 bboys, a bgirl and 2 trickers. I want to give this video as much exposure as I can because I really love it and not because i'm biased either - see for yourself. It sends chills down my spine each time I watch it, the music is fitting and adds to a "film noir"-type mood. It highlights the best that Sydney has to offer both in local artistic and physical talent; the classic backdrop is shown in a beautiful, different light to what you'd normally see during the busy city days and the slovenly nightlife.

sydney street stylin bboy breakdancers bgirl trickers flips corkscrew skb sydney australia


For a moment it doesn't feel like Sydney, but an older, distant place in Europe. Far from the usual picturesque postcards of Bondi Beach, koalas or the Sydney Opera House, the dim glow of the view from the street level is reminiscent of the lifestyles of the same street dancers and trickers in the video - our underground community. Some struggle for recognition and respect from the broader community, others becoming nonchalant after trying for so long.

Enjoy, and show some love

On another note, directly after the end scene in this video, a man was hit by a Lexus at the intersection before the traffic lights turned green. He flipped into the air and landed smack on the pavement, blood gushing out of his head. A rush of pedestrians who witnessed the accident ran to his assistance and to the car that hit him, carrying a bunch of guys wanting to show off after seeing all the filming going on. They were screaming at the people in the car, "DON'T MOVE!!! STAY THERE! WE'RE CALLING THE POLICE!!!" I think the guy who got hit survived, although we're not sure. I hope he is ok, and if he finds this post, please email or comment to let us know you're ok.

Sydney Street Stylin'
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wayne frosty freeze frost
RIP


It was a sad day for the Hip Hop community last Thursday 3rd April (American time, or Friday, Australia time) when one of the pioneers, Bboy Wayne "Frosty Freeze" Frost died at the age of 44 of an undisclosed illness, diagnosed only during the beginning of this year. Speculations about substance abuse and such were dismissed by relatives and friends after being put on life support just last month.

A member of the Rock Steady Crew since 1981, one of the original bboy crews, he was attributed to inventing a move known as "The Suicide" and featured in films such as "The Freshest Kids", "Flashdance", "Style Wars" and "Wild Style".

Frosty Freeze Tribute


The Rock Steady Crew Anniversary from The Freshest Kids DVD
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Return of the Juice Crew

March 17th 2008 09:48
You've got to be kidding me - the Juice Crew is getting back together? Are they starting up the old beefs too?

Juice Crew reunion poster


That's right... Marley, Big Daddy, Biz and friends are going to rock it on March 21st, otherwise known as Good Friday.

That's the day that Jesus died, only to be resurrected and reform with his old Brooklyn crew, John the Baptist dropping beats while The Carpenter laid rhymes on that noise.

Man, it's almost enough to make me want to take the train to the airport, buy a $2500 ticket, fly for 12 hours to Hawaii, fly 7 hours to Chicago, fly 4 hours to Georgia, get fingerprinted by the TSA...

...aw, forget it. There's no point in getting fingerprinted just to check out the Crew. Besides, I've got a little beef of my own, with aging musicians still trying to pack arenas. Are Juice Crew the hiphop equivalent of The Rolling Stones?

A noticeable loss of Kool G., though... what's with that?

(found on Cocaine Blunts)
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Too bad Australia, you got served!

February 1st 2008 05:47
The night before the first show of the Get Served Tour 2008 was supposed to kick off, there was a lack of buzz around the concert itself. Many I spoke to didn't even realise Omarion, Marques Houston and Avant were coming down to Australia on tour, those who were performing didn't know what was going on, and there was nothing on any of the 'urban' outlets or promoters that hyped it up.

I got a call last Wednesday night from a friend saying he heard it was off. The artists never even left the US, that was the story. Another friend had said from the beginning that it wasn't going to happen, and that another tour organiser had to take over at the very last minute, but everything fell out of place anyway.

The second time you're disappointed by the same thing/people, it's not as shocking; in fact you might even say many anticipate a broken promise.

On the other hand, it's easy for spectators to laugh and point the finger, shaking their heads and muttering condescendingly. I appreciate the effort that goes into pulling together these huge concerts, but maybe the public won't be so hard on the organisers if they had offered a more genuine and realistic explanation than "security reasons".

Who knows. Ironically, we, the fans and tag-alongs were the suckers who got served.
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hilary clinton barack obama
"I got 99 problems but... you ain't one"
Obama's got 99 problems, Beyonce's pregnant, Lil Kim's Sex in the City, 50 Cent and others selling steroids, 360 and the Hewitt controversy

Wow, I been away for so long that there's so much bullshit to talk about. The US Presidential candidates have been interesting to follow here and there, most recently the claims of Obama's camp playing Jay Z's "99 Problems" at his victory party in Iowa as a not-so-subtle insult at Hilary Clinton.

halle berry pregnant
Damn Halle Berry makes pregnancy look good
Speaking of Jay Z, rumours are that he is expecting his first child with Beyonce, going from bootylicious to babylicious (or even more bootylicious) but they're keeping hush-hush about it. The news come shortly after J.Lo announced her long-awaited pregnancy after trying for three years, Britney's trashier sister (didn't think it was possible) claims to be preggers, Nicole Kidman and Halle Berry are also expecting, Christina Aguilera and Monica gave birth to boys and Nicole Richie to a baby girl. Hmmm celebrity baby matchmaking?

Lil Kim spoke out about her beef with Remy Ma and claims she'll always be Queen of the rap game. And the usual crap talk. Look out for her (or not) in the upcoming Sex in the City movie.

Among those under investigations over steroid trafficking are 50 cent, Timbaland, Mary J. Blige and Wyclef Jean. They're all buffed up (except for Wyclef, though haven't really seen much of his skin) so it's easy to assume they are guilty. I was shocked as hell when I first saw Timbaland's biceps.

Melbourne rapper 360 aka Matt Colwell got great media attention after his controversial video outlining his sexual fantasies of Bec Hewitt accompanied with obscene lyrics and gestures. Creative.

Sorry if that was kinda painful I mean boring short news but sometimes when you're bored, scared, lonely or bored, blah blah blah is good.
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Killer Mike Ghetto Extraordinare second album cover
Killer Mike is a rapper brought to fame and fortune by appearing with OutKast on Stankonia, as well as appearing in Idlewild.

He put out an album in 2003 and it got picked up by everyone with money in their pocket, and stolen by people without. He had trouble getting signed and his second album, Ghetto Extraordinare, got leaked through some shady hiphop channels.

Whatever, man, it's in the ether, now.

TSOYA let us onto the news, along with the link to the freshly released album.

Get the album!

Cocaine Blunts also some comments on the album, calling the production a little dated...
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buzz monkey national breakdance hip hop competition canberra
Click to enlarge


Saturday 24th November 2007 at 3:00pm - AIS Arena Canberra

The Buzz Monkey National Hip Hop and Breakdance Championships has been put together to celebrate the new urban dance culture hitting Australia by storm. Dance is one of the fastest growning sports with in Australia and the world.

Come and celebrate one of the biggest urban dance competitions on the Australian dance calender with some of the best hip hop and break dancers around Australia competing for the title of Australia's best and a total prize pool of $25,000!

Also guest DJ's appearances by DJ Samurai, DJ Mathmatics and DJ Rush.

With guest appearances and performances by Joel Turner and the Boyz and BStarz (A popular local ACT Hip Hop Group). Also America's top brekadancers Ronnie, Roland and Frankie Flave as international judges and local hip hop judges and many more celebrity appearances and performances through out the night along with the competition itself.

Ticket are avaliable at Ticketek as of Monday 3rd of September. Be in quick before you miss out

VENUE: AIS Arena Canberra, Leverrier Crescent, Bruce ACT
TIME: 3PM

HIP HOP JUDGES DARRIO - DARRIO STREET
FRANCIS - KULTURE BREAK ACT
TRINA - SHADY CREW | Hiphop.org.au | Dancing.net.au | D2MG Hip Hop Society - Chairperson.

BBOY JUDGES:
FRANKIE FLAVE - KILLAFORNIA - LA
ROLAND - KILLAFORNIA - VEGAS / LA
RONIE - FULL FORCE - VEGAS

FULL CREW COMPETITION.
10 VS 10
$6000 PRIZE MONEY

1 ON 1 HIP HOP AND BBOY COMPETITION
1ST $5000 PRIZE MONEY
2ND $2500 PRIZE MONEY
3RD $1000 PRIZE MONEY
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Monday Night Live Hip Hop

November 5th 2007 04:11
LIVE OPEN MIC MC's
MONDAY NIGHTS @ THE EVELYN

GHOST FIGHT and GIMMICKS......

Live Hip Hop at the Evelyn returns with one hell of a bang. Hosted by Urban Monk (Gunpowder Footsteps album out now on through Obese) and backed by the SS PEcker Rhythm section. All MC's welcome to come and strut it backed by one of the illest live hip hop outfits around. Also feat DJ Newell.
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Haunts and Mules -

November 5th 2007 04:10
Choose mics
Free mp3
Formula Records presents –
CHOOSE MICS (Haunts and Mules)

After perfecting his beat making skills over the past few years Mules (Boltz) has teamed up with Birmingham UK rapper Haunts.
Having toured half the country on both Bliss n Eso “Day of the Dog” and “Get loose” tours last year, the lads have been hard on the grind putting together a mix tape and an album that they believe is "world Class"...

Now residing on the Gold Coast QLD, Haunts and Mules are planning on releasing an all original Mix tape in early Feb 08 followed by an independent album dropping May 08.
This is a little taste of what the lads first release will be all about you can download the song “Gritted teeth” off the forth coming “Choose Mics” mix tape
Here

goldcoasthiphop.com/Gritted Teeth.mp3

Just copy and paste this straight into your browser…


Check out their Myspace

www.myspace.com/choosemics








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swoop hip hop dance workshop


Richard "Swoop" Whitebear will be teaching 2 Masterclasses @ Caramell Dance Studio Camperdown (Sydney) on October 10th.

Swoop has choreographed music videos for the likes of Aaliyah (Try Again) Dr. Dre (Been There, Done That) Will Smith (Wild Wild West)?
and Backstreet?Boys (Larger Than Life). He received the Hip-Hop Choreographer of The Year (Male) at the Hip-Hop Awards (2000).

Other artists that Swoop has choreographed for include Ray J, Brandy, Whitney Houston, Sisqo, Limp Bizkit, Enrique Iglesias, Mary J. Blige,?
Jessica Simpson, Master P, Mario Winans, Boys II Men, Mya, P.Diddy, and Snoop Dogg, and more.

Swoop has contributed choreography for several Motion Pictures like?Save The Last Dance, Ali, and Marci X , and has appeared in?
13 Going on 30, Austin Powers: Gold Member ,You Got Served & Stomp The Yard. His Film credits also include national commercials?
for Pepsi, Visa, Adidas, and Burger King, and Nike.
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Beyonce rejected by Malaysia

October 2nd 2007 05:28
beyonce tour cancelled malaysia
Beyonce won't give up her little outfits for anyone
Rumours are that the cancellations of Beyonce's Malaysian tour previously scheduled for this November were due to local protests (by mainly Muslim groups, Billboard reports) against the diva. Apparently Beyonce refused to abide by the nation's strict dress code for performers standards which states that female performers can't show skin above the knees and below the tops of their chests.

I really think if you want to go to a country and be there for your fans, why not make the sacrifice like Gwen did and show less skin? No one's going to benefit from you showing a little bit more skin than you're legally allowed in their country, because they've seen it already everywhere else besides in the flesh.
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bliss n eso bullet and a target featuring the connections zulu choir


All I gotta say is... RESPECT!

Bliss n Eso

Return with their latest single:
“Bullet and a Target”
featuring: The Connections Zulu Choir


Bliss n Eso are back with something truly special this time – a collaboration with the Connections Zulu choir, a 21 piece African Choir from the Valley of a thousand hills in South Africa. And the result? Nothing short of extraordinary!

Affected so much by their life changing trip to South Africa earlier in the year with MTV and the Oaktree Foundation, Bliss n Eso where inspired to record a song for charity, donating 100% of the profits to the funding of projects in developing regions of South Africa in the hope of creating awareness and a brighter future for those in need.

The Story:
Hailing from KwaNyuswa, in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, South Africa comes the Connections Zulu Choir – an inspirational group of teenagers and young adults whose songs tell the story of growing up in South Africa. They live in the epicentre of the worlds HIV/AIDS epidemic (over half their population is infected with HIV) and every day they face the challenges posed by high rates of crime, unemployment, substance abuse and extreme poverty. However, in spite of living in such adverse conditions and without any formal training, the choir's musical talent is undeniably incredible.
It had always been a dream of the choir to be able to travel overseas and share their music with the world. Thanks to The Oaktree Foundation, that dream became a reality. In June 2007, the Connections Zulu Choir journeyed to Australia for an amazing three-week music tour. During the tour the choir managed to get together with BNE at Jimmy Barnes' home studio in Sydney and, after a hectic four hour recording session, the foundations for Bullet And A target were laid.

The Cause:

100% of all profits from the sale of this track will go to The Oaktree Foundation, Australia's only youth-run international aid and development organisation. The money will then be channelled through to the Connections Zulu Choir and the funding of other projects in developing regions of South Africa in the hope of creating awareness and a brighter future for those in need.
For more info on the Schools 4 Schools program please check out www.schools4schools.org

" When I saw the video of the Connections Zulu Choir singing I realised that this was really something special… As a singer, and as a human, this was something I really wanted to be a part of."
– Jimmy Barnes

" Going over to South Africa really gave us a sense of reality - It's one thing to read about Africa, or to see the ads on TV but actually being there is something totally different. It's incredibly rewarding to know that I've been a part of something that has the potential to not only create awareness but also to really make a difference."
- MC Bliss

Bullet And A Target Hits Stores October 27

Request Bullet and a Target on radio here:

Nova Melbourne

Nova Sydney

Triple J

Bliss N Eso - Bullet And A Target - Feat: Connections Zulu Choir

Add to My Profile | More Videos
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Lil Jon Australian Tour 2007

September 29th 2007 02:11
lil jon king of crunk
From the Dirty South to Down Under


Showtime Touring and OPP present the official King Of Crunk
lil jon tour australia

GET CRUNKED VOLUME 2 TOUR

Exuberant, loud-mouthed, and regularly seen with a bejeweled pimp chalice at hand, Lil Jon is the charismatic figurehead of the phenomenal Dirty South crunk movement that arose from the Atlanta area in the late 90’s. Without question, Lil Jon is responsible for the crunk movement elevating from a mere contender in the hip hop race, to the leader of the pack, dominating the clubs and charts in the process. Now, with 7 solo albums under his belt and a string of massive hits including “Snap Yo Fingers”, “Lovers and Friends” and “Get Low”, Lil Jon is bringing his energetic live show to Australia in October for the Get Crunked Volume 2 Tour.

Lil Jon started off his career as a DJ spinning at house parties, but eventually graduated to the Atlanta club scene. His notoriety soon landed him on the music-industry fast track, scoring him an A&R gig at Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Records as well as a radio slot on V-103 in Atlanta. Like many a hip-hop producer, Jon’s Djing saw him eventually move into production. He formed his own group, Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz and released two reasonably successful albums, the first in 1997. In 2001, he released “Put Yo Hood Up” which featured the massive club hit “Bia Bia” that went on to break the Top 20 download chart. Just one year later, he would release the album “Kings Of Crunk” which featured the breakthrough hit “Get Low” with the Ying Yang Twins which charted across the world. But in 2004, Lil Jon produced a track that would put him on the map as one of the essential go-to producers in the world. The track was “Yeah” by Usher which skyrocketed to Number 1 on the US Billboard Chart. This was quickly followed up with production duties on another Number One hit, “Goodies” by Ciara. Lil Jon has gone on to work with some of the biggest names in the business including R. Kelly, Snoop Dogg, Pitbull, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes and Xzibit.

Not only is Lil Jon one of the most in demand producers and performers in the world, he is also a clever businessman who has released a successful energy drink called Crunk Juice, and his own range of sunglasses for Oakley. He has also appeared in “Scary Movie 4”, “Date Movie” and was a regular guest on Dave Chappelle’s “Chappelle’s Show”.

Don’t miss the opportunity to get crunk with Lil Jon!!

TOUR DATES & TICKET DETAILS
Saturday October 6th – ADELAIDE, Thebarton Theatre Tickets from www.venuetix.com.au

Friday October 12th – PERTH, Metro City (Over 18 only) Tickets from Moshtix 1300 438 849 www.moshtix.com.au and Kali Clothing (Carousel and Whitfords)

SYDNEY TOUR DATE AND VENUE CHANGE

Due to a change in Lil Jon’s schedule, there has been a venue and date change for Lil Jon’s Sydney show. New venue details and the date change are as follows:

Thursday October 11th – SYDNEY, Space Nightclub, Liverpool St, City

Tickets purchased to the Saturday night show at Luna Park are valid for use at Space Nightclub on Thursday night. Tickets can still be purchased via Ticketek 13 28 49 www.ticketek.com.au or at the door. Alternatively, tickets can be refunded via place of purchase.

Sunday October 14th – MELBOURNE, Billboard Nightclub Tickets from Ticketek 13 28 49 www.ticketek.com.au / Billboard Nightclub 03 9369 4000 www.billboardthevenue.com.au / Restless Entertainment 03 9426 0800 events@restless.com.au / www.grooveon.com.au

SYDNEY, MELBOURNE & ADELAIDE TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 21st SEPTEMBER, 2007

PERTH TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 1st OCTOBER, 2007
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TALIB KWELI & SCRIBE Australian Tour 2007

September 27th 2007 12:31
talib kweli scribe australia tour
Click to enlarge
TALIB KWELI, SCRIBE
with ZEPH AND AZEEM

TOURING AUSTRALIA IN OCTOBER
TICKETS ON SALE NOW

In news sure to electrify hip-hop fans and music lovers Australia-wide, Illusive Entertainment & Frontier Touring are thrilled to announce that Talib Kweli and Scribe will be hitting our shores in October to co-headline shows in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane.

This amazing rap/ hip-hop pair will be performing material from their respective new albums, with both Talib Kweli and Scribe each having ascended the lofty heights of solo success.

Talib Kweli has become a solo hit since his days in Black Star with Mos Def in the late 1990s. He was even named by Jay-Z and 50 Cent as one of their favourite rappers – high accolades for the Brooklyn native. Kweli firmly established himself as a tour de force in the world of rap music with his debut album Reflection Eternal in 2000, and has since become both a critically acclaimed artist and music industry stalwart, establishing his own record label Blacksmith Music.

Kweli’s socially-conscious style of rap has earned critical praise, with Rolling Stone claiming that he “earns the respect he gets”, and that “on his own… he shone far brighter than anyone expected”. Filter Magazine likewise proclaimed that “Talib’s magic has always been presenting his socially conscious message in a flow that makes you say “Word!” instead of “What?””

Kweli’s last album, The Beautiful Struggle, contained the popular collaboration I Try, with Mary J. Blige, and showcased his star-pulling power and collaborative skills, featuring production from the likes of Kanye West and The Neptunes.

The new album, Ear Drum, again highlights Kweli’s serious rap-style, a real alternative to the gangsta rap genre. Fans of Kweli’s unique, brash, attitude-adjusting style will relish the opportunity to see this rap visionary in the flesh, performing pounding tracks from his new album Ear Drum.

Scribe has likewise enjoyed immense success since he shot to stardom with the release of his debut album The Crusader in 2003. The Crusader spawned a steady stream of hits such as Not Many, Stand Up and Dreaming, and spent over 75 weeks in the ARIA Top 40 charts. The tidal wave of Scribe’s popularity resulted in him being voted Australia’s second favourite rapper, losing out narrowly to Eminem, by Rolling Stone readers.

A veteran of music festivals such as Big Day Out, Splendour in the Grass and the Falls Festival, Scribe’s energetic, crowd-pleasing, roof-raising style will be familiar to Australian audiences. 3D World declared “Scribe certainly has a stage presence and is one artist that is able to straddle the ground between the underground and the commercial ease”!

Scribe has previously performed with artists such as the Beastie Boys and Lupe Fiasco on their Australian tours, so stepping up to co-headline with Talib Kweli will be no sweat for this seasoned performer. According to Fasterlouder.com.au, at Lupe Fiasco’s gig at the Metro Sydney, “Anyone who had just walked into the venue would have thought that [Scribe] was the main act on the bill by the way the punters reacted… Scribe was the perfect hype act!”

Fans will get to see long-anticipated new material from Scribe’s forthcoming sophomore album, Rhymebook, as well as outstanding tracks like Not Many, which went gold in Australia and quadruple-platinum in New Zealand.

Supporting these two amazing artists will be experimental hip-hop duo Zeph & Azeem. Straight out of San Francisco, this duo have been steadily building a reputation as one of the most underrated hip-hop outfits in the US, and are currently gaining radio airplay in Australia on Triple J. Described as an infusion between “the sound of retro funk, blazing percussion, dub penetration, soul, dance hall and of course slamming hip hop” (M8), Zeph & Azeem are sure to convert a new legion of fans across the nation.


TALIB KWELI, SCRIBE, ZEPH & AZEEM AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Sunday October 07 - The Forum, MELBOURNE (Over 18s)
Ticketek 132 849 or Ticketek

Wednesday October 10 - Metro City, PERTH (Over 18s)
Moshtix Ticketing 1300 GET TIX (438 849) or Moshtix

Thursday October 11 - HQ, ADELAIDE (Over 18s)
VENUE*TIX (08) 8225 8888 or Venuetix, B Sharp Records

Friday October 12 - Enmore Theatre, SYDNEY (All Ages)
Ticketek 132 849 or Ticketek

Saturday October 13 - The Arena, BRISBANE (Over 18s)
Ticketek 132 849 or Ticketek
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I thought 50 cent would quit

September 20th 2007 13:31
50 cent kanye west graduation curtis
Kanye vs. Fiddy


He doesn't get it. Jay Z claims that the difference between Kanye and 50 is that the victor focused on the art, on creating good music while the chump change was more commercial in his approach, focusing on numbers and sales.

"Graduation" sold 957,000, while "Curtis" only had 691,000 fans in the US. I couldn't give a comparative analysis or review because I wouldn't even bother downloading 50's stuff. Would he keep his word, claiming he would quit the game if Kanye sold more albums than him? Maybe. But only in terms of rapping (if that's what you can call it). He's a businessman, he's got other stuff he can focus on. Cancelling his European tour recently as well as some performances in London (one of which was an awards ceremony where Kanye won Best Hip Hop act), it seems like it may be going in that direction.

Fiddy told MTV.com: "I feel like Kanye West is successful because of me," he said. "After 50 Cent, [hip-hop fans] was looking for something non-confrontational, and they went after first thing that came along. That was Kanye West, and his record took off."

Right. Maybe they were just looking for something better?

Look, I'm not hating so much on 50 as a person because I don't know him. He seems like a smart guy, he's probably better off focusing on the business side of things rather than the art. I'm not a huge fan of Kanye either, I'd like to see him do more original stuff rather than doing the obvious copy and paste with the samples in virtually all his tracks.
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Snoop digs Amy Winehouse and goes solo

September 1st 2007 12:35
Snoop solo ego trippin
Snoop is going solo on his next album Ego Trippin' because he doesn't need "no guest rappers, no singer, nothing. Just Snoop Dogg." Inspired by the non-rehabilitating and eccentric Amy Winehouse, Snoop just wants his fans to get to know him intimately. Armed with hitmaker Pharrell, this should be an interesting LP, more so than if he were to collaborate with Gwen Stefani or Fergie.

"When you listen to James Brown, he did it by himself. Curtis Mayfield, by himself. Of course they did collaborations, but the [songs] that matter they did by themselves. I don’t think people have got all of me yet. Doggystyle was about 95 percent of me. But I wanted Tha Dogg Pound on my album. This record, even if this record don’t sell, that might be a blessing. It needs to get back to [letting people know] who you are. I don’t know whose record I’m buying right now because it’s so many people on it. Is it a compilation? What is it?”

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This marks the 2nd time Earl Simmons has been linked to cruelty to animals. In 2002, X pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in New Jersey for reportedly neglecting 13 pit bulls.

I am sickened by the unspeakable, horrendous and cold-blooded behavior that took place in Earl Simmons home. Is not HIS responsibility to ensure his animals are properly cared for? I am shocked that the PHOENIX (Reuters)- Maricopa County Sheriff, Capt. Paul Chagolla has not issued a warrant for his arrest. Regardless if he was home or not the suffering animals were in his home dying and buried in his yard.
ANY EXCUSE is TOTAL Bullcrap! A sick and unfeeling person would leave his vulnerable animals and not attest to their well being?

How many people leave their pets for months and not know they are dead or dying?
HULLO? How could he NOT Know?

Trespasser
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50 cent bullets interview

One of the more interesting interviews I've read in a while was SPIN.com's chat with Curtis "50 cent" Jackson earlier this month. The reporter's smart comments were shielded and reflected so well that you begin to realise just how smart 50 really is. Politically savvy, an intelligent businessman with the balls to tell it like it is (when it comes to subjects other than him); however, interviewer

Fiddy denies he's a role model but strongly believes he's "inspiring to people". The interviewer challenges his claims of using guns and being shot, and asks how 50 can rap about being in the streets when he's living in a mansion. 50 credits all the bad things to happen in life to his mom's passing:

To me, after my mom passed, everything, literally, that went wrong, went wrong because she wasn't there. If I wanted to go to the park, and it would start drizzling, it was happening because my mom wasn't there -- because everything good came from her.

... to which the reporter replied, "But she was a drug dealer?"

Gold.

When the Don Imus incident came up, 50 was quick to divert the attention from himself and Hip Hop and label it as a racial issue. He made ridiculous statements dissing underground rapper Ghostface, and equated popularity (measured in albums sold) with talent -

You're actually hurting the art form, if your music isn't urgent enough to drive people to buy it, you're hurting the art form. You're just another shitty release on the schedule.

Fiddy also spoke out on Oprah's catering to the 'white women' crowds to which the interviewer remarked:

But isn't the majority of your audience white kids? Aren't you thinking about them when you're making a record?

I think I really like that SPIN guy...

Read the whole interview HERE.
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KRS-One's son commits suicide

July 11th 2007 03:58
The title sounds harsh to me but I can't think of any other way to put it. It's always tragic when you hear of events like these, and my condolences go out to the family and friends who are affected by this tragedy. I couldn't find any pictures of him, all articles had either none or one up of KRS-One (real name Lawrence Parker).

Randy Hubbard Parker, 23, son of KRS-One was found in his Atlanta apartment last Friday, 6th July from a gunshot wound to the head, authorities stated. Simone Parker, KRS-One's wife and Randy's mother, released in a public statement that her son's death was due to his long-time battle with "severe depression".

There will be a private memorial held in Florida on July 18, which would have been Parker's 24th birthday. Rest in peace.

Well I guess I'm out on my own
With this condition it won't be long
Before for sure my little sanity's gone
I'm livin off of nuttin, losin my home
Kids in the street, wife alone
I want to sell this very microphone
But then my friend the light was shown
It came through my inner cellular phone
Get up and get out my spirit will shout
Commitment is what love is really about
No down and no out, just up and about
I think I'm gonna take the spiritual route
Then I woke up....

KRS-One - Woke Up


krs-one
KRS-One
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keith murray nobody do it better
Keith Murray's new track, Nobody Do It Better featuring Tyrese & Junior is his first single off Rap-Murr-Phobia (Fear Of Real Hip-Hop) through KOCH Records. The long-awaited album after over 4 years of drama in Murray's professional life since his last album (he had a punch up with two employees from his former label Def Jam) will also feature his Def Squad colleagues Erick Sermon and Redman, scheduled to be released on July 31st.

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jean grae chicken noodle soup

The South African MC jean-ius makes fun of modern popular rappers by going 50 IQ points lower in this freestyle spoof over a Chicken Noodle Soup beat. Remember that crazy song and dance that got everyone including Chris Brown hooked? It was later replaced by the Aunt Jackie craze.

Catch her on Talib Kweli's new album Eardrum, dropping this July/August.

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Nas can't forget about you video
Nas
I've been digging this track for a while. From the rich lyrics dripping with hints of Hip Hop history to the catchy soulful chorus sung by Chrisette Michele that samples Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable" classic in this Will.I.Am produced track, Nas' "Can't Forget About You" is reminiscent of the good old days and has been promoted to one of my main ringtones.

Peep the vid:



Lyrics:

[Nas- Verse One]

There comes a day in your life
When you want to kick back
Straw hat on the porch
When you old perhaps
Want to gather your thoughts
Have a cold one, Brag
To your grand kids on how life is golden
So I’ma light a cigar in the corridor of the crib
Pictures on the wall of all the things that I did
All the money and fame, 8 by 10’s
Of the whole rap pack inside of a big frame
Colliding with big names that could’ve made you career stop
All that, and your man is still here, and I’m still hot
Wow, I need a moment ya’ll, See I almost felt a tear drop

When was the last time you heard real anthem?
Nas, the millionaire, the mansion
When was the last time you heard your boy Nas rhyme?
Never on schedule, but always on time.

[Chorus- Chrisette Michele]
These streets hold my deepest days
This hood taught me golden ways
Made me (truly this is what made me)
Break me (not a things gonna break me)
These streets hold my deepest days
This hood taught me golden ways
Made me (truly this is what made me)
Break me (not a things gonna break me)
Oh, I’m that history, I’m that block
I’m that lifestyle, I’m that that spot
I’m that kid by the number spot
That’s my past that made me hot
Here’s my lifelong anthem
Can’t forget about you (Can’t forget about you)

[Verse Two]

Can’t forget about the old school
Bam, Cas, Mel lie Mel flash,
Rocks steady spinning on they back
Can’t forget when the first rap Grammy when to Jazzy
Fresh Prince, Fat Boys broke up,
Rap hasnt been the same since
So irregular, how it mess you up when Mr. T became a wrestler
Can’t forget about Jordan’s retirement
The shot Robert Horry hit to win the game in the finals kid
Some things are forever, some things are not
It’s the things we remember that gave the world shock
They stay in a place in your mind so snug
Like who the person was with whom you first made love

When was the last time you heard real anthem?
Nas, the millionaire, the mansion
When was the last time you heard your boy Nas rhyme?
Never on schedule, but always on time.

[Chorus]

These streets hold my deepest days
This hood taught me golden ways
Made me (truly this is what made me)
Break me (not a things gonna break me)
These streets hold my deepest days
This hood taught me golden ways
Made me (truly this is what made me)
Break me (not a things gonna break me)
Oh, I’m that history, I’m that block
I’m that lifestyle, I’m that spot
I’m that kid by the number spot
That’s my past that made me hot
Here’s my lifelong anthem
Can’t forget about you (Can’t forget about you)

[Verse Three]

Unforgettable, UnSubmittable I go by N now, just one syllable
It’s the N cuz' the game tied is the same vibe
Good times had right after James died
That’s why the gangsta rhymers ain’t inspired
Heinous crimes help records sells more than creative lines
And I don’t want to keep bringing up the greater times
But I’m dreamer nostalgic with the state of mind
The past the past, enough of it aight then
Nothing gives me chills like Douglas and Tyson
Or Mike when his talk was live
Or when he first did the moon walk on Motown's 25

When was the last time you heard real anthem?
Nas, the millionaire, the mansion
When was the last time you heard your boy Nas rhyme?
Never on schedule, but always on time.

These streets hold my deepest days
This hood taught me golden ways
Made me (truly this is what made me)
Break me (not a things gonna break me)
These streets hold my deepest days
This hood taught me golden ways
Made me (truly this is what made me)
Break me (not a things gonna break me)

That's why darling it's incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I'm unforgettable too
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This event is 9 months in the making by Alex Proimos. Two-thirds of Washington D.C.'s Low Budget Collective, Oddisee and Kev Brown are hitting Aussie shores this September. Chilled, jazzy Hip Hop is a refreshing break from all the crunk junk and crap hop out these days in the mainstream. I'm not completely dissing the commercial, I like it too sometimes and am always on the lookout for the freshest beat to dance to, but if you're at work and sneaking in headphones or cruising in your moms car, these guys should be on your playlist.

Now I know some other sites are against putting up press releases and would rather write up their version but hey, those writing the press releases worked hard and might like their work shown on a prominent website like Hiphop.org.au

You can download six tracks HERE made available exclusively as part of their Australian Tour. Interviews and giveaways to come later!

oddisee and kev brown australia tour manning bar sydney university
Click to enlarge

Since their early production on DJ Jazzy Jeff's “The Magnificent” till now Oddisee (Halftooth Records) and Kev Brown (Up Above Records) infused us with their chilled melodic almost cosmic beats and jazzy chords. Whether its via their production and/or features these two have attracted listeners keen to hear the sounds and lyrics reminiscent of the classics from Gang Starr, Pete Rock / CL Smooth, J. Dilla, The Roots, Slum Village and DJ Premier.

Hailing from Washington D.C. and as part of the Low Budget collective, Oddisee and Kev Brown, leave their mark by taking us back to the days when hip-hop was in the goldern era. From their collaborations with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Talib Kweli, J-Live, De La Soul, Raheem Devaughn, Wordsworth, Kenn Starr, Asheru and Little Brother, its clear that Oddisee and Kev Brown are taking us back to the hip-hop roots and progressively introducing the entire hip-hop community to a fresh and innovative style that has universal appeal.

Only through a lack of publicity and promotion have Oddisee and Kev Brown remained hidden underground for so long, although Oddisee’s production on Wordsworth’s “Mirror Music” and Kev Brown’s remix of Jay Z’s “The Black Album”, entitled “The Brown Album” garnished them an early instant respect and a worldwide buzz. Rather than seek to parade in the spotlight these two maestros would happily sit back in the shadows and let their music speak to the masses, which has certainly been the case in their respective recent highly acclaimed/borderline classic studio albums, “Foot in the Door” by Oddisee and “I Do What I Do” by Kev Brown.

For the first time Oddisee and Kev Brown will make the long journey to captivate an Australian audience by performing a two hour live show at The University of Sydney’s Manning Bar, September 5th 2007, with the support of fellow Australian producer/DJ M Phazes.
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krs one marley marl hip hop lives review

If you haven't copped this album or heard the track "Hip Hop Lives (I Come Back)" from these two great Hip Hop philosophers, then check it.

"Hip means to know
It's a form of intelligence
To be hip is to be up-date and relevant
Hop is a form of movement
You can't just observe a hop
You got to hop up and do it
Hip and Hop is more than music
Hip is the knowledge
Hop is the movement
Hip and Hop is intelligent movement"



I thought I'd add in Cibby's review of the album:

Hip Hop Lives is the album that fans have been eagerly awaiting for 20 years now… it marks the end of one of the earliest hip hop beefs around, between KRS-One and Marley Marl. Critics were sniffing out the potential of this album back in the day, but, now, in 2007, Marl and The Teacha have finally let old habits die and collaborated.

It’s a response, apparently, to Nas’ album, Hip Hop is Dead, and several tracks on the album suggest that KRS-One wants to push it back to the good spot. The G-Thang Spot, if you will.

But I felt that this album is a more paternalistic record from these two… KRS-One lays it down in ‘I Was There’, essentially pointing out to all the young rappers out there, fronting and perpetrating, that him and Marley Marl were getting it all started, back in the day.

And on that note, it feels a little too preachy at times… KRS never fails to shine on mic, with that deep, monstrous voice, and rhymes that feel so established that it’s like they’ve been extracted from some ancient Nubian texts. While he may have the credentials to lecture us to death, is that what you really want to listen to?

Eh, I can forgive a little bit of angry-father from The Teacha to get a head full of those Marley beats… reminds me of that old Juice Crew stuff, with a darker, more ominous tone. It’s all good, though, and, thankfully, the skits are kept down to an absolute minimum, and are easily skipped on the CD.

It took a long time for the feud to be settled, but KRS and Marl have finally put out this album… years too late, several pounds too far, and at a time when them young kids in the club are going ‘KRS-Who?’… nonetheless, it’s an album that deserves praise for its sheer craftsmanship, like watching a old, gnarled carpenter making a beautiful chair out of maple.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Roc Tha Block 3: All Star line up
Roc Tha Block 3: All Star line up


What a line up. You rarely see a line up like this in Australia. Personally I'm not a fan of Akon's and I was surprised to hear that Naughty by Nature were his support act, because I grew up on Hip Hop Hooray, Holiday, Jamboree and OPP to name a few. But Akon is B.I.G right now, and still has many fans worldwide despite THAT incident with the Pastor's under-aged daughter in Trinidad and Tobago.

Then add The Game, Juelz Santana and MiMS Pitbull & Sisqo to the line up and that's a jam packed show, along with a few other local support acts, one of which will be Israel, my contacts tell me.

Last year Roc Tha Block delivered ALL artists - Jay Z, Ne-Yo and Rihanna, which is an incredible line up, so this year should run just as well.

Beware of all the supposed "after parties" where these artists will be appearing, and to get the REAL info, keep checking hiphop.org.au.

Hurry, tickets are running out fast! Tickets from Ticketek and Ticketmaster for the Sydney show.

MELBOURNE
SATURDAY 11 AUGUST
VODAFONE ARENA

SYDNEY
SUNDAY 12 31st AUGUST
SYDNEY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

ADELAIDE
MONDAY 13 AUGUST
ADELAIDE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

roc tha block akon the game juelz santana mims naughty by nature
Click to enlarge
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bobby brown tour australia sydney melbourne perth
The New Edition rebel formerly known as Mr Whitney Houston is touring Australia in a few weeks time. This guy is so bad, even Osama wanted to put a hit on him - but that's because Osama was deeply infatuated with his ex-wife Houston, as published last September in Harper's Magazine by Kola Boof, one of Osama's former sex-slaves.

He made headlines a few months ago for threatening British TV Host Jamie Campbell after Campbell joked about having gay sex with the artist. Brown was getting fired up:
"You said to me, I haven't even tried any sex moves on you yet. Yet? What the f*** you mean, 'yet'? I'm a grown-ass man. Yet? On live TV I will f*** you up. Trust."



I wonder if Brown will make headlines in Australia in a similar Xzibit fashion (see post HERE).

Teeny boppers will recognise "My Prerogative" and not like it as much as the cover version, while club hoppers will be more familiar with "Thug Lovin'"; the new jack fans, however will be hanging for "Every Little Step" and the New Edition tribute.

bobby brown new edition
New Edition: Those were the days. Look at those suits!

He's been called "King of Stage", "Brown Bomber," and “The Bad Boy of RnB”, amongst other illustrious monikers. However, by any title, singer, songwriter, producer and performer Bobby Brown is a certified superstar. Since his solo debut in 1985, Bobby has earned himself a legion of fans internationally, selling millions of records globally in the process.

Now for the first time in over ten years, Bobby Brown returns to blow Australian audiences away with a series of live and intimate showcases with his band.

Thanks to Xposed Media, Hiphop.org.au readers can WIN A DOUBLE PASS to see Bad Boy Brown when he hits up Sydney on Friday, July 20th. Check the Competitions forum for more details.


TOUR DATES & TICKET DETAILS


Thursday July 19th – MELBOURNE, Metro Club Tickets from Ticketek

Friday July 20th – SYDNEY, Enmore Theatre Tickets from Ticketek

Saturday July 21st – BRISBANE, Mercury Tickets from Ticketek

Sunday July 22nd – PERTH, Metro City Tickets from Bocs Ticketing & Kali Clothing (Carousel and Whitfords)
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shantan wantan ichiban stolen records sunsets fbi 94.5
Vote or Die!


So I'm biased. It's not just because I work with ShantanWantanIchiban that I'm helping him in his campaign to dump toxic radio and vote for his Hip Hop radio show, Stolen Records on Sunsets at FBi 94.5FM (Sydney). It's because I dig the music he plays (well majority of it) but most of all, I like his local and international celebrity and lesser known guests coming into the studio and ripping live solo or battle freestyles, talking about random topics and what not. What really entertains me are the cheap shots, defensive comebacks and outrageous claims.

Shantan Wantan Ichiban Stolen Records on Sunsets Fbi 94.5FM
Shantan Wantan Ichiban: Dump Toxic Radio!!!
Campaigning against cardigans and wack music, SWI insists on dropping records from all kinds of Hip Hop-related or influenced genres, from many different countries. It's good to see a lot of local artists being given exposure on this volunteer-based not-for-profit radio station, who really minimise on the amount of ads they play; to show my support and enthusiasm for this, I signed up as a passionate supporter during their fundraising drive. I turned down the free tickets to 13th Son's show as I had plans for that night, and a free cd which I have access to at work but instead, requested that guest MC NickKnowledge, a friend of mine from good ol' UNSW spit in German about man-boobs. Sorry Nick, that was a tough one, and I would've struggled too.

So to keep this guy on air, keep the great music flowing with all his awesome guests, foghorns and BRAAAAppp BRAAAApppping, vote for Stolen Records at www.urbanmusicawards.com.au. Just look at that e-flyer! Now isn't that enough to sway your vote? To get to know Shantan, listen in on Wednesdays, 6-8pm EST or stream it from the FBi website.
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Only ONE more week people until voting for the 2007 UMAs are closed. Last year the event copped a lot of flack for having really surprising results and IMO, it was a reflection of the lack of reach the UMAs 2006 had. It's funny how people refuse to vote and boycott the Awards, then complain about the results... why do they contribute their opinions at the wrong time? It happens all the time when public voting is concerned.

So take the time to vote if you're really passionate about the industry, music and scene and show your support for the people who you think deserve the recognition. Go to www.urbanmusicawards.com.au and be heard! Oh and for Hiphop.org.au readers, you can win a double pass to the event! Just check the Competitions forum for more details.

Just a note to all the people (there's only a few) who have been having trouble voting and all that jazz, please make sure you click on the verification link in the confirmation email which could possibly end up in your Junk Mail inbox before you start voting, otherwise you can't vote! And to the people who are claiming that its rigged, I am telling you that it is definitely NOT and stop passing judgment so easily.

rhinos urban music awards 2007 win tickets double passes


The Australian and New Zealand Urban Music Awards are back for the second year at Sydney’s iconic, Luna Park on August 14. The awards are shaping up to be one of the hottest nights on the calendar with loads of local and international artists scheduled to attend. The awards night will be held in association with major naming rights sponsor rhino’s energy drink and will also include support from international label, Marc Ecko watches and Xbox 360.

Nominations for these highly anticipated awards include the following nominees: Best Female Artist Jade McRae, Best R&B single ‘5 days of rain’ from Deni Hines and Best New Talent includes New Zealand’s Tyree. The nominees also feature winners from last year’s awards who are hoping to clean up again, the Hilltop Hoods who are nominated for Best Hip-Hop group and Figgkidd who is up for Best Male Artist.

The UMAs are proud to announce a major international sponsor, rhino’s energy drink, who will be the naming rights sponsor of the 2007 UMA’s. rhino’s have a long standing relationship with the Hip-Hop and R&B music scene around the world and see the UMA’s as the perfect alignment for their brand.

The rhino’s Urban Music Awards will be presented by Australia’s Number 1 Saturday Music TV show Eclipse Music TV. The event encompasses the genres of Hip-Hop, R&B and acknowledges both Australian and New Zealand urban artists who are making their mark in this growing industry. The 2007 rhino’s UMA’s have returned to Sydney with a brand new structure, great new venue and completely revised voting system.

‘The result will be a tighter, more dynamic event treated more as a theatrical production than a concert.’ Jade Harley- Event Producer.
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Xzibit calls Rove racist

June 27th 2007 05:51
xzibit
The pimp ridin' X
Long story short, Xzibit had supposedly agreed to appear on Rove Live with Michael Buble but pulled out because of 'a simple misunderstanding on Xzibit’s behalf', says a Channel 10 representative.

The Pimp My Ride host was apparently told by a production crew member: “you know we came a long way just having you on the program” to which he too offense, then “went out the front door hopped in my sh*t and rolled out”, he says on his blog titled “Rove the Racist”. Later he added, "maybe Rove isnt a racist, Just ignorant to what his staff is doing in his behalf." Maybe...

It would have been good to see X on the Rove show, though I don't watch it, I would have turned to [insert video site here] a week or so later to check out the footage.

Oh well I'm seeing him tomorrow night.

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50 cent vitamin water
Fiddy says "Drink healthy, kiddies."

Smart investment. Fiddy owns 10% of the shares in drink company Glaceau and Coca Cola has paid $4.1billion for the Vitamin Water drink, Formula 50. He's expected to make even more money from the sale to the beverage giant... looks like he can stop making records or mixtapes and just live off water. NO really, Fiddy, please stop.

The commercial is below.

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Ken Hell Truck

Damn. That's what I thought when I heard Ken Hell's latest track TRUCK! produced by Byron Bay babe (haha) Styalz Fuego. No doubt this damn catchy track will reach out to the more commercial crowd in Oz but can they take the aussie accent? I'll admit this is the first I've seen and heard of this fusion of cultures and styles and I'm digging the beat HARD (especially 'cause I'm a dancer and Bay Area is my favourite style). I don't know if this song will break through the cynical and fickle crowds and if you don't feel it well cool, but if you do, show your support and request airtime for Hell's TRUCK! No, it ain't Truck, its TRUCK!

I don't know what it means either

Brave move, a lotta haters probably already expressed their thoughts...

Here's the vid. TRUCK!

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Battle State Sydney '07

June 21st 2007 01:33
Battle State front

Battle State back


Sorry I'm very Sydney-biased when it comes to my posts and events, but there's a lot going on so promoters and anyone who knows about a Hip Hop event, feel free to shoot it to my email but it would be more efficient if posted up yourself! It's free promo so why not take the time.

Anyways this weekend we've got Battle State in Sydney which is a Hip Hop dance and bboy comp. And it's FREE ENTRY!

BATTLE STATE

23rd June Sat 11:00am - 1:00pm
Sydney Exhibition Centre
All Ages Event
FREE ENTRY

BBOY BATTLE & SHOWCASE CONTEST - ALL STYLES
Presented by Wickid Force Breakers/Unitd Styles

2 on 2 Bboy Battle - 1st Prize $750.00
Hip Hop Crew Showcase Competition - 1st Prize $750.00


Where: Sydney Exhibition Centre (apart of The National Careers & Employment Expo)
Time: 11:00am (sharp!) - 1:00pm - Crews need to arraive by 10:30am to sign in/warm up.
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I only found out about this film last night after I watched Planet Bboy. It's so great to see two Hip Hop documentaries included in the Sydney Film Festival, especially one that's homegrown.

Words From the City wire MC sydney film festival

Word up! From multi award-winning Adelaide dwellers Hilltop Hoods, through story-teller Fijian/Australian MC Trey from Sydney's outer west, to the snappy politics of inner-Melbourne's TZU, this evocative documentary explores the energetic and vibrant culture of Australian hip-hop. Focusing on the verbal and lyrical virtuosity of the performers - including Wire MC, Downsyde, Layla, Koolism, Bliss'n'Eso and Maya Jupiter - the filmmakers match the vernacular they document with a smart visual style. Travelling across the country over a long hot summer, capturing the MCs at festivals, gigs, recordings, and just hanging out, the film is infused with a great sense of place, and a distinctly Australian combination of casualness and urgency. Not just for fans of Hip Hop (who will love it!), this film is for anyone with an interest in the vitality of language, politics and attitude.

Words From the City wire MC sydney film festival
Wire MC (right) at home in Redfern, Sydney, NSW


WORDS FROM THE CITY, a feature documentary about hip hop in Australia directed by Natasha Gadd and Rhys Graham, will be screening at the Sydney Film Festival this Friday, 22nd June 2007 followed by the official after party, WORD UP at the Metro Theatre, George Street, featuring local artists Bliss N Eso, Foreign Heights and Wire MC.

For tickets, go to Ticketmaster (or ph: 136 100) or online via the Sydney Film Festival site & search for WORDS FROM THE CITY and WORD UP.

Check out the official WORDS FROM THE CITY website for clips and more info.
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It said the title was too long so that's the condensed version. The full title is:

Calling all Hip Hoppers, Body Rockers, Show Stoppers, Lockin' Poppers, Floor Moppers and Window Shoppers!

psycho crazy janet leigh shower scene
I'm going CRAZY! This is what I look like every morning...
Let's face it. This blog gets a lot of hits, but rarely gets updated (my fault completely). It's about trying to focus energy on just a few things rather than spread it out, but in the end I realised that this blog is one of those few things that should have a lot more effort put into it. But I can't do it by myself. I'm going crazy!

SO... I'm just saying, if there's people out there with opinions, who wanna write even just a post or two whenever they feel like it, then feel free to come up in here and share your thoughts.

Just click on SUBMIT A POST to the left (to the left). Easy.

It'd be good and we'd all appreciate some fresh insight, new information and regular updates. But I'll try my best. Promise.

P.S. It's been great weather for Laksa!
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Cam'ron's Rhyme Book

June 5th 2007 00:39
Sometimes the internet just makes you laugh.
Because somewhere out there, is someone who has planned and created something so funny that you can't help but crack up at it's precision and creativity.

The best, and most recent example I found, comes from Oh Word which claims to have found Cam'ron's Rhyme Book. Here it is in all it's glory.
Cam'ron's rhymebook
I voted... for dipset
These are the pinks that i hate

Best friends 4ever
Custom Camborghini


Click on them and enlarge for a clearer view. My hat goes off to Oh word for this.

Also, apparently some of these lyrics are actual Cam'ron lyrics, such as,

Heart throbs and villians
Dipset rob Civilians
Harlem Globetrotters
Gold Lampin'
Robin Williams


"Killa" Cam is just too much comedy for me.

Chux
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Che Fu East Coast Tour

May 31st 2007 05:10
NZ Hip Hop Icon Che-Fu will tour the East Coast June 21st - June 24th 2007

CHE FU hits Australia's east coast for a long awaited tour June 07. A unique blend of Hip Hop beats, with Rastafarian reggae influences, it is the soulful vocals that have earned most acclaim and make Che-Fu's sound world class.

Front man for multi platinum group 'Supergroove' in the mid 90's. Che then went on to become one of NZ's most successful male vocalists with again multi platinum albums in '2b S.Pacific' and 'Navigator'. Che has recently released "Beneath the Radar' and 'Hi-Score' - 'The Best of Che Fu' adding to his impressive body of work.

Che will play Cesars Brisbane 21st June, Cooly Hotel Gold Coast 22nd June, Great Northern Hotel Byron Bay 23rd June, Solbar Coolum 24th June. Tickets can be purchased at www.oztix.com.au or text your name to 0423 321 863 or email name to vg@verygood.com.au to win free tickets.
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Urban Prophetz Entertainment & Power Music Presents...

URBAN OVERLOAD HIP HOP/RNB TALENT COMP 2007

OFFICIAL CALLOUT FOR ENTRIES:

WHEN: 22nd June (Only 3 Weeks Away!)
TIME: from 9pm
WHERE: Sydney City RSL (Level 3, George St, Syd City)
COST: Free to Enter Competition


Prizes for each category (Hip Hop & RnB):

- $100

- Hip Hop TV Interview

- International Mixtape Spot (gets promoted overseas)

You MUST register for the comp first (email jay@urbanprophetz.com or phone 0405 766 783). NO ENTRIES WILL BE TAKEN ON THE NIGHT. As there is an open bar at the venue this will be an 18 event (including comp entries).

Guest Judges Include:

- JOSEPH GATEHAU (also guest performer)

- 3D WORLD MAGAZINE (Homebase)

- HIP HOP TV


So even if you don't win, you will be getting some mad exposure and potential promo opps just by performing on the night!

Also Performing:
URBAN PROPHETZ, NJE, SAVAGE POETZ & MORE!!!

Door $13 (performers free) 18 ID Required
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I got the heads up regarding a video of Big Daddy Kane recently.

Big Daddy Kane, for those of you young enough to think pokemon was cool shit about 7 years ago, is one of the most acclaimed artists ever to have graced hip hop.

I would’ve said “was” one of the most acclaimed artists, 'til I had the opportunity to see a video of the Smooth Operator himself drop a couple verses in front of a crowd. He’s not the slim dude he used to be, but he’s still rocking all that pimp stuff he used to.

Watch the video…



The guy is a genius, and still has both the swagger and lyrics to serve most emcees I've seen.

Chux is out
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Akon dry humping 14 year old on stage trinidad tobago concert
Akon: I swear she looks at least 18
I've never liked Akon (whose real name is Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam). In fact his voice pierces my ears and stabs my brain with his shrilly, chipmunk noise; his hooks lame and pop-catchy, etc.

At a concert in Trinidad and Tobago, he lied about a dance competition in which the winner will get a trip to Africa, just so he could get some girls up on stage to dry hump. Too bad the girl he chose was under-aged AND a pastor's daughter, who condemned the incident.

So who's to blame? There's always going to be some finger pointing. The girl had snuck into an 18 venue and dressed accordingly, but regardless of the "victim's" age, that kinda behaviour is just nasty. Sure, Janet Jackson and other artists engage in similar crowd-teasing and audience participation entertainment but they do it with a bit more class and more seductive techniques rather than wham bam thank you m'am.

Trinidad and Tobago Express recalled:

"Akon would have his way with the petite young lady: turning, twisting and even flipping her body, while mimicking sexual positions and acts all over the stage for three consecutive rounds.

His DJ, Virgin Islands native Benny D, even joined in during the second round and together they sandwiched the young lady on the floor of the stage. In the end, Akon declared himself the winner, even though the crowd adjudged that his female volunteer had won the contest."


The evidence is HERE:

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snoop dogg australia mtv awards
Sorry Snoop, you're too bad for Oz
It's all over the news that The Doggfather himself, Snoop is denied entry into Australia where he was to host the MTV Australian Video Music Awards. The most interesting aspect to this news are the comments on American website SOHH.com:



"How can a country that was established as a prison colony have the audacity to ban anyone from entering because of a criminal record."

"Racial profiling by countries like Australia. Its disgusting. Not surprised.They are very anti-immigrant along with Britain they represent one of the worst xenophobic countries especially with people of color."

Funny because it's true. Oh what was that you say? It's election year?
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New rivalry: Ciara and Rihanna

April 23rd 2007 00:32
Ciara Like a boy
I'm liking Ciara a LOT more now after seeing her last two videos. For the first time in a long time my eyes bulged and my heart skipped a beat when I saw her muscle arms decked with fake tattoos. Love it, wish I could pull it off. She's coming closer to "cool" in the scene, way ahead of Beyonce but still far behind Justin Timberlake IMO.

Looks like there's a mad rivalry going on between C and Rihanna, mainly because Rihanna looked like she was tryin' to get with Bow Wow, Ciara's ex, a few times here and there. Ciara went nuts one time during rehearsal when one of Rihanna's tracks came on, and yelled at her dancers that she'd fire anyone in future if they played a song by 'that no-talent' girl.

Rihanna is pissing a lotta girls off, but I don't care if she makes Beyonce jealous 'cause I can't stand that screeching, overplayed diva anyway. She's saying goodbye to SonyBMG and starting up a label with her long-time beau Jay-Z, prolly make an album together *puke*

My vote goes to Ciara!
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Des'ree Kissing You
Des'ree
Soulful Des'ree is suing Beyonce for ignoring copyright laws when she covered "Kissing You" on her B'Day album.

No clearance had been made due to disputes over Des'ree terms for using her song (which she also wrote), which prohibited any change to the song title and the filming of an accompanying video. Beyonce had recorded her version and shot a video regardless, which ruins the song in both ways IMO.

Be's version, titled "Still In Love (Kissing You)" lacks the same depth and emotion expressed in the original version, added stupid typical lyrics and the video shows a bikini-clad Be rolling around on the beach. She's completely trashed the song. I'll curse in my head.

Des'ree is seeking at least US$150,000 in damages.

See for yourself - the videos are below:

Des'ree - Kissing You


Beyonce - Still In Love (Kissing You)
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Justin Timberlake to play pro golf?

April 20th 2007 03:44
justin timberlake golf
Justin up against Tiger Woods?
Now the media is buzzing with rumours that Mr J.T wants to take a break from his music career to play golf professionally.
"Golf fanatic Justin - who plays off a six handicap and is a member of Los Angeles' exclusive Sherwood Country Club - is determined to fulfill his ambition [of becoming a professional golfer] and is practicing as much as possible.

His aim is to make it into a pro event - just for a tournament or two. He practices every day, has a coach and takes his clubs wherever he goes."

They say he's pretty good and practices everyday, and wants to hit up a tournament or two. That'll bring a lot of the girls and kids into golf... Justin you better come down to Oz first!
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jin tribute virginia tech
Jin was quick to record a tribute to Virginia Tech victims
Virginia Tech. Added to the growing list of school shootings. I don't wish to elaborate or give my thoughts on the matter, but reflect. And reflect while listening to Jin's tribute to the lives lost on April 16th, 2007.

Listen HERE.

Oh and if you speak Cantonese, be sure to check out Jin's latest album, ABC (American Born Chinese). My Australian Born Chinese friends love it, even though they don't listen to Hip Hop. It's relevant, it's down-to-earth and hell funny.
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Oprah Finally Hosts Hip Hop Forum

April 19th 2007 05:17
Oprah Townhall Meeting Russell Simmons Common Hip Hop Forum
Russell Simmons and Co. on Oprah
Oh how absolutely refreshing to see an open forum on Hip Hop finally making it to a mainstream TV show. Oprah hosts the overdue Hip Hop Townhall Meeting, headed by Russell Simmons, in response to tv and radio show host Don Imus' racial and gender slurs early this April. Imus had commented on the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship calling the Rutgers University women's basketball team as "nappy-headed hos" and "Jiggaboos".

Imus later apologized but was fired a week later by NBC for his remarks, with Rosie O'Donnell protesting in support of Imus on free speech grounds. I'm not surprised.

It's about time that Hip Hop was addressed on a wide scale and non-superficial level, discussed with as much intellect as there is publicity. It's time to reaffirm the positives of the Hip Hop culture, the responsibility of parents, artists and record labels; to recognise the real problems and treat these issues with as much effort as there is being put in others like climate change and incurable diseases.

Here's the complete Oprah segment in 4 parts.

Part 1



Part 2



Part 3



Part 4

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