Syndicate, hailing from Seremban, is not your average braggadicious, bling bling Hip-Hop duo. While generally representing the Hip-Hop culture, Syndicate has always remained flexible in their musical outputs. Drawing inspiration from music of all genres, both classical and contemporary, Syndicate believes the diversity which exists in music. Ranging generally from rap to R&B and occasionally fusing classical Indian music in their pieces, Syndicate is probably one of the most musically creative and innovative Hip-Hop duos in the independent music scene. The lyrical chemistry between the two dynamic emcees, Pirate and Kay Dee, has resulted in numerous chart toppers and radio faves. While experimenting on their their linguistic abilities and musical diversity, Syndicate has constantly strived in their creative pursuit by fusing different genres of music. Pirate and Kay Dee have indeed utilized their individual talents to craft lasting tracks with their distinct sound and trademark rhythm and poetry..
Pirate and Kay Dee first rose to prominence in 2010 alongside music composer, Jamez Raj, a close associate. Working together as Dhesam 7, the talented trio released a track titled Oru Nodi which immediately caught the attention of the public ears. The melodious track, Oru Nodi, enjoyed great success in radio airwaves which eventually cemented the position of Jamez Raj, Pirate and Kay Dee (then known as Haan Jay) in the Malaysian Tamil music scene. Nonetheless, the common passion for Hip-Hop led to the inception of Syndicate which consists of Pirate and Kay Dee. The idea of Syndicate as a Hip-Hop outfit
worked well as Pirate and Kay Dee shared an uncanny chemistry. This is mainly because Pirate is a trained Carnatic singer while Kay Dee specializes in English rap, drawing his influences from the likes of Eminem and Lil Wayne. Hence, the individual versatility of both this dynamic duo complemented each other well which makes their music unique and diverse. As a Hip-Hop outfit, Syndicate’s formal entrance in the local music scene is through their debut album with Chackram Production, titled “Chackram and Syndicate”. During this period, Syndicate was signed under Psychomantra’s Culture Shock Records. The album, “Chackram and Syndicate” was released on 12th February 2011 to positive reviews. Syndicate con-
tributed three tracks in this album which are Marainthirunthe featuring Crank K.S., Thaali Ready…! and Club’kulle Syndicate featuring Psychomantra. Both Marainthirunthe and Thali Ready…! received a good amount of radio play which leveraged Syndicate’s status as newcomers. Syndicate’s success further enhanhanced
All of these tracks have achieved considerable commerical and online success. While Syndicate has been working silently in the studio by experimenting with their sound, the individual members – Pirate and Kay Dee have been busy working on their solo projects. Pirate has released a host of tracks with composer Shaman,
their reputation as exciting new talents namely ‘Yen Thanthaiye’ and ‘Kumbakoin the Malaysian Tamil music industry. nam Mappilai’. He also recently featured with Rozarians for a kuthu track ‘GramSyndicate’s success in crafting a unique mathu Cinta’. On the other hand, Kay sound led to many new avenues. Howev- Dee, who reinvented himself as he was er, like many Hip-Hop outfits, Syndicate previously known as Haan Jay, made his decided to stay under radar to experi- controversial comeback with the massive ment with their music. In the process of ‘Women Lie Men Lie’ featuring Sheezay redefining their musical belief, Syndicate and Rabbit. Mac of PSYCHO. unit Asia. only released one track – Kette Chemi- Syndicate’s patience has been proving cal and featured in Biz’ Eshwa’s club fruitful as their individual projects have tracks ‘Saamekozhi’ and ‘Kambathu Ko- all achieved great success. Syndicate zhi’ and a couple of tracks with Jamez is scheduled to release their mixtape, Raj, namely Mayiley and Intha Ulagam. CantekMachaBunga, at the end of this year.
Trained under five different gurus, it is only fair to say Pirate is an established Carnatic singer. While dabbling in classical music gave Pirate the foundation in music, it was introduction to hip hop which brought Pirate to mainstream music. Dhesam 7 and Syndicate provided the avenue for Pirate to experiment with different flavours of music. This ranged from rap, R&B, fusion and classical. His recent tracks with Shaman, such as Kumbakonam Mapillai and Yen Thanthaiye are Classical numbers which shows Pirate diversity. Pirate is known to experiment and innovate his musical style. This can be seen with both his previous and latest ventures. Pirate is currently collaborating with various artists and working on Syndicate’s mixtape.
Influenced by the likes of Eminem and Lil Wayne, Kay Dee has always been innovative in his own music. Understanding the importance of identity as a rap artist, Kay Dee reinvented himself from his previous avatar - Haan Jay. His latest track, Women Lie Men Lie (WLML), is a comeback track after taking several months off from music. The track, WLML, is produced to international standards. Working with Psycho. Unit, the winners of the Best Indian Act in VIMA 2012, Kay Dee managed to grab some valuable experience. Although having released an album with Chackram Production and several singles with Dhesam 7, Kay Dee prefers to remain under the radar while experimenting with his sound and music.
DISCOG
2010
2011
CHACKRAM AND SYNDICATE
ALBUM
ORU NODI Oru Nodi, the first single of Pirate, Kay Dee and Jamez Raj, then known as Dhesam 7. The breakthrough track which launched their careers.
MAYILEY Indian fusioned with Latin, Mayiley is love track performed by Jamez Raj, Pirate and Kay Dee. Once again uniting under the name Dhesam 7. This track was released after their debut album.
Chackram a collaborative ram Produc The album w 12 February reviews. Sy uted three tr which are M Ready...! an cate. Both M Thali Ready amount radi eventually g much neede the local mu
Syndicate featu mekozhi, a club good response
SA
KAMBATTHU KOZHI
The success of Sa batthu Kozhi, Pira alongside Jamez
GRAPHY
and Syndicate is a e album by Chackctions and Syndicate. was released on y 2011 to positive yndicate contribracks in this album, Marainthirunthe, Thali nd Club’Kulle SyndiMarainthirunthe and y...! received a good io airplay which gave Syndicate a ed breakthrough in usic industry.
ured in Biz’Eshwa’s Saab track. The track received e from the audience.
2012
KETTE CHEMICAL INTHE ULAGAM Dhesam 7 released their third single, the infectious Inthe Ulagam. The track achieved considerable success in local radio stations.
WOMEN LIE MEN LIE Kay Dee finally released his own track, Women Lie Men Lie alongside Psycho. Unit’s Sheezay and Rabbit. Mac. The track achieved great success for its provocative lyrics. This track also marked Kay Dee’s comeback as he redefined himself from his previous avatar - Haan Jay.
AAMEKOZHI
aamekozhi led to Kamate featured in this track Raj and Biz’Eshwa.
After a long hiatus, Syndicate released Ketta Chemical. This track is different from Syndicate previous ventures. Fastpaced and explosive lyrics, Syndicate at their finest.
KUMBAKONAM MAPILLAI
Pirate was busy as well, as he released two tracks with Shaman Yen Thanthaiye and Kumbakonam Mapillai. Both tracks brought out Pirate’s hidden asset - his melodious vocal. He featured in Tiban’s Poche, which was placed in music charts.
PERFORMANC MSU Charity Night MSU Shah Alam The One Night 2011 NEUTRAL CLUB
BUKIT BINTANG
UKM Ranggoli Night 2011 UKM Malaysia, Bangi
My Stage 1: Brickfields My Stage 2: Klang My Stage 4: Taman Budaya KL
T
CES AND GIGS MAHSA College Charity Night Old Klang Road
Live Performance of Psychomantra alongside Syndicate Venner Pub & Cafe, AST Seremban
TM presents Everyone Connects with THR Raaga Radio Station - Sunway Carnival Mall, Seberang Prai Kluang Mall, Johor
TRAP 2.0,
HQ Bar, Petaling Jaya
TRAP Birthday Bash Celebritty Club