Word Up Ezine JunJul 2011 by Big Dre

CULTURE MAGAZINE | 04 | June/July 2011

ILLUSTRATION

14 . Gabriel Moreno

VERSE

17 . Gil Scott-Heron – The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

MUSIC FEATURES

6 . Remy-E

11 . Bubbling Under: Lithal Li, Stan1, B.F.K. 12 . Pilzy Lee

FEATURE

18 . Styles Upon Styles – B-boy The Curse

EVENTS

8 . Photos by Ference Isaacs

24 . Youngsta’s Gunpowder Launch. Kool Out Live. 25 . Paying Homage. Beatbangaz. 26 . The Best of Ekapa Under Ground Hip Hop. Boom Bap Fanatics.

ARTICLES

IN EVERY ISSUE

20 . Hipe

PHOTOGRAPHY

2 . Willem Samuel - Comic Book Rrtist by Toni Stuart 22 . More dusty than digital: Gil Scott-Heron

1 . 27 . 28 . 30 . 31 .

p22 p11

Editor’s Letter Movie Reviews Music Reviews In the Mix On the Download/Directory

p2 JUNE - JULY 2011 / Issue NO. 4 wordup.ezine@gmail.com

Cover illustration by Gabriel Moreno

Co-founder / Editor

Big Dré

Co-founder / Creative

Nash

Contributing Writers

Toni Stuart DJ Raiko WORD UP

EDITOR’S LETTER

The “Game” Being in the “game” has many challenges; getting in, upholding or surpassing set standards and staying relevant are a few that come to mind. Sometimes it may seem easier to get out or give up. To those not willing to surrender, the obstacles we encounter and the lessons we learn along the way are what makes achieving our goals that much sweeter. No matter if institutions that “support the arts” seem to change their minds - as well as tighten their pockets, when approached. Perseverance is key. So keep on moving! Your pursuit is too great to be derailed by minor glitches and disappointments. The late Gil Scott Heron’s career is a great example of triumph over tribulation. His poetry and unmatched influence over a multitude of generations is honoured in this issue. We also say farewell to our own Leon Botha (featured in Word Up issue#1), a talented painter who lived life to the fullest...Rest In Peace. Word Up is proud to welcome onboard, contributing writer, Toni Stuart. Checkout her article on comic book artist, Willem Samuel. The Curse is the first B-boy to be featured, and we get the inside dope on Hipe, a producer with the ‘magic touch’. DJ Pilzy Lee, and Afrikaans rapper, Remy-E, are some of the hardest hustlers out there, we shed some light on their grind. Illustrator Gabriel Moreno provides us with his stunning eye candy. On the gig front, Cape Town is refusing to slow down over this winter season, with a whole slew of events set to drop...so don’t miss out! Special thanks to Ference Isaacs and Maurisha Buys (behind the scenes) for their contributions to this issue.

If you or anyone else you may know is talented, spread the magazine and the word. We welcome all submissions (photos, graffiti, design, fine art, tattoo art, articles, music for reviews, etc.) Please help us make it easier to expose your art. Send all submissions and info on upcoming events to: wordup.ezine@gmail.com Sign up for the eZine by typing ‘subscribe’ in the subject line and emailing it to: wordup.ezine@gmail.com Submissions: Artwork – high resolution PDFs or medium to high resolution (150 to 300 dpi) RGB Jpegs. Articles – 300 to 500 words in a Microsoft Word document.

Our photographic portfolio has been uploaded so check out the link: http://issuu.com/word_up_ezine/docs/word_up_photo_portie. We’ve expanded our list of services to include artist photo shoots. So get at us for biography and press kit photos. Word Up eZine believes that promoting SA artists of all disciplines is crucial. More importantly, with this magazine we strive to present ourselves and those featured in a professional manner. Join the tribe and ensure that our artists thrive, never mind trying to get by. If you haven’t made it into Word Up yet, don’t be mad, just send us your info. The email is wordup.ezine@gmail.com

The views expressed in Word Up eZine are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily shared by the eZine and its staff. Word Up eZine welcomes new contributions, but assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, illustrations, etc. Word Up eZine is produced by Word Up Productions CC.

We are always looking for fresh Mzanzi talent!

Onward and upward!

Big Dré WORD UP

COMIC BOOK ART

by Toni Stuart

comic book artist With lines and brush strokes, Willem Samuel brings to life characters that make us question and look at life from a different angle. Samuel, 28, of Vredehoek, is art director of Supa Strikas – the soccer comic about the world’s greatest football team – distributed in 15 different countries and published in South Africa in The Sunday Times. But for Samuel, the journey of drawing started at the age of six, when he first saw Robotech. It inspired him to pick up a pencil and give life to his own characters. The pencil turned into art classes in primary school and high school, after which he studied Fine Art at Stellenbosch University. “I started painting, but then my lecturer said that what was happening in my sketchbook was way more interesting than what was happening in my paintings. My sketchbooks were the places I really expressed myself,” says Samuel.

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COMIC BOOK ART

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COMIC BOOK ART

He attributes much of his learning and skill to lecturer Anton Kannemeyer, co-creator of Bitterkomix – a subversive Afrikaans comic. “Bitterkomix was the first Afrikaans comic that explicitly, in a graphic way, showed what was going on inside the head of an Afrikaans school boy,” he says. It was Kannemeyer who taught him the basics and discipline of the art form, and under whose guidance he went from “knowing bugger all about comics to doing some pretty interesting stuff”. Samuel’s “pretty interesting stuff” is largely biographical. Self-portraits of a tall, lanky, be-spectacled young man are a constant throughout his work, often questioning the status quo within his own mind, heart and environment. And when Samuel experienced his own journey from a fairly wild rock star student life to embracing Christianity, this too found a home in the frames on his pages. “It definitely had an effect on my art. I used to draw all this blasphemous stuff and I thought this is not cool. People are just trying to shock other people and it’s not cool. My art was so polarised from where the church is. “That’s why I reverted so much to autobiographical work because the best thing I could do was to revert to being honest. The challenging thing about autobiographical work is how honest do you need to be?” he says. “Art was a tool that helped me through the transition – it was not just a case of not drawing ‘bad things’ anymore but how do I make this count?” Samuel’s spirituality is clear in his drawing, but there is no preaching here. Instead, Bible verses come to life in vivid contemporary images and Samuel’s own perspectives and questions find a home. “I think what art is supposed to teach me is that it’s a gift and I’ve been given this talent and I have to make it count. I’m not saying that you try to find meaning in art but that you begin to see a purpose in your life and you realise there is a bigger purpose to this world.” View more of Willem’s work at this blog: http://willemsamuel.blogspot.com WORD UP

R.I.P. LEON BOTHA

Multi-talented artist, painter and DJ, Leon Botha aka DJ Solarize, sadly passed away on 5 June 2011. Leon, an inspiring and spiritual person lived his life to the fullest. You will be missed. WORD UP

FEATURE

Remy-E is a young up and coming Afrikaans hip hop artist who has made his mark all over the Cape Flats. He is an energetic emcee who loves performing and inspiring the youth with positive and motivating lyrics. Remy recently created a huge buzz with his hit song â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tanne innie lugâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which spent 13 weeks at the number 1 spot on GHFMs hip hop top 30 chart.

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FEATURE

The emcee born Remy Alard in September of 1987 was raised by his mom in Devon Park, Eerste River. After matriculating from Malibu high school he worked at a grocery store where he was greatly inspired by friends who emceed and free-styled in Afrikaans. This was ‘new’ to him as he listened exclusively to US hip hop. Remy quickly adopted Afrikaans rhyming and started practicing so he could display his skill to his colleagues at work. Taking their feedback as constructive criticism gave him the confidence to go public with his art. During his second semester at Northlink College he discovered Afrikaans rap wasn’t too popular with the students. But after hearing a BVK song on radio he believed that Afrikaans rap wasn’t just a gimmick. To his surprise Remy soon learned that Afrikaans rhyming had existed for longer than he had anticipated and that it had been practised in his own community for quite a long time. In 2006 he formed a group with some friends, called GMC. They worked well together and performed on several stages as well as winning a competition at the Suid-Ooste Fees, hosted by BVK in 2007. In 2008 producer and Cape Awake Records founder, Chris Scholtz , approached Remy to join their ‘Skrikwakke’ Afrikaans project. This gave birth to his hit ‘Uittie Eerste Rivier’, a track produced by Cape Awake co-founder Jacque ‘G’ Noble and it established a working relationship between the two. The launch of the compilation in 2008 created the perfect platform for Remy to build his reputation. He made good use of the opportunity to perform all over the Cape Flats and became a firm favourite in the community. In 2010 Remy along with his friend and partner Jacque “G”, worked on his debut album ‘My plek’. One of the album’s gems is the track ‘Tanne innie lug’. The album also contains other hits such as ‘Tuis oppie Flats’, ‘Hoe lyk hulle’ and ‘Ons moet mekaar help’ which was featured on the soundtrack of a documentary. When not active in musical pursuits his interests include roller-blading, skate boarding, BMX bicycles and video editing. His editing skills are displayed in the preview videos for ‘Uittie Eerste Rivier’, ‘Tanne innie lug’ and ‘Tuis oppie Flats’.

“...after hearing a BVK song on radio he believed that Afrikaans rap wasn’t just a gimmick.”

To hear Remy-E’s music, check the following links: http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/remyalard http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/remye To purchase his CD send an email to capeawakerecords@yahoo.com Bookings and any other information contact: Jacque @ Cape awake Records on 084 412 8915

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PHOTOGRAPHY

B-boy The Curse – Photo by Ference Isaacs WORD UP

PHOTOGRAPHY

Lisa Boyd – Photo by Ference Isaacs

Adam Williams & Terry Sauls – Photo by Ference Isaacs WORD UP

PHOTOGRAPHY

About Ference Isaacs 1. Tell us a bit about yourself. I am a technician by trade and I’m also an avid part time photographer that loves the outdoors, amongst my peers I’m seen as the life of the party. I like anything and everything that enhances and uplifts life and wellbeing. 2. How and when did the shutterbug bite? My interest in photography started at the tender age of 12 after seeing my father’s collection of film camera’s and photographs he has taken around the world, after showing some interest in photography he then gave me a few lessons in the art of photography which to this day I still enjoy. 3. What is your camera of choice? My camera of choice would definitely be a Canon 7D, ooh and on my wish list a Canon 1D MK iv, but in the meantime I’m happy with my Canon 50D :) 4. Do you manipulate your photos in any way? I do manipulate my pictures just depending on the mood I like to use Lightroom 3 software and occasionally Photoshop. 5. What’s your favourite movie/series etc? My favourite movie would undoubtedly be the Due date & favorite series House MD, The Mentalist, Lie to me. 6. Favourite food? Favorite food hmmm... all seafood, Subway, Kuai and a good curry. 7. Anything else that you follow with a passion? (cars/clothes/etc) what’s your favourite. I also like fashionable clothing; interior decorating and I like to collect wrist watches. 8. Whose work inspires you? There are a few photographers whose work is truly amazing and inspiring: Ansel Adams, Peter Lambert photography, John photography. Nikotien Long – Photo by Ference Isaacs WORD UP

BUBBLING UNDER

Lithal Li Lithal Li aka Lady Lithal the lyricist, song-writer, performer, emcee, bassist, and soul-singer, embodies the spirit of empowered Cape Town Hip-Hop. Following on from sisters such as EJ Von Lyrik, she finds a balance between hardcore rap and the beautiful sounds of soul. Having worked with many musicians, singers, emcees, producers and bands in the past, the potential for growth is ever present. She has been an active emcee on the scene for some time and has featured on tracks and projects by the likes of 7ft. Soundsystem and Biscope.

Stan1 Stanwin Abrahams aka Stan1 is the hottest new son of Cape Town. The young dreamer is sharing his stories by carving his destiny the only way he knows how ...singing. Stan added the expertise of Reigncloud entertainment to his soulful sound and suddenly found he was able to achieve greater things. He paid due diligence by growing his reputation amongst his peers and if internet stats, hits, tweets and local buzz are anything to go by, it won’t be long before Stan1 is an international commodity.

This Lithal Lady had some time last year to work on a solo EP at the Red Bull Studio, with tracks produced by 7ft. Soundsystem and her own brother, a budding producer, whose beats have as much in common with 90’s trip-hop as raw real hip-hop.

Ill Skillz featured him on ‘Coolest in the city’ a track that was the #1 Hip hop track on 5FM for 3 weeks. Stan was also featured on Ernie B St Clair’s ‘Tonight, a track that held #1 status on the SA top 10 of both Heart and GHFM. The list of artists he has collaborated with includes Master Lu fka Crazy Lu, John Robinson (USA), Prokid, J.R and Jack Parow.

For audio treats click on the link: http://soundcloud.com/red-bull-studio-ct/lithal-li-plant

Hear Stan1’s music at the link: http://soundcloud.com/stan1-baby/tracks

B.F.K

aka Brownian-Flowkid Inspired by artists such as Eminem, Busta Rhymes and DMX, he started rapping at the age of 13. “At high school I was freestyling and people were saying that I had great potential for a music career”, says B.F.K. He recorded his first project with best friend EVO, at the age of 15, using a very basic setup. The reception to that project was mixed but they felt they had something special. His previous projects include an untitled mixtape dropped around 2004 and the ‘Wax 2009’ mixtape. He’ll be releasing two projects in 2011. The first titled ‘I want you to know’, with production by EVO and J-Beatz and the second is ‘The Instrumental’ mixtape where he tears up several of his favourite instrumentals. Brownian-Flowkid concludes: “As for the future...WE’RE IT!” Check out the sounds at this link! http://www.reverbnation.com/brownianflokid WORD UP

Pilzy Lee

FEATURE

“I play hip hop, overground and underground... emphasis on beats.”

Under the guise of DJ Clone and DJ Zandee, her sets are a fusion of Dub step, grunge and rap infused beats (Underground Hip Hop). From the dusty towns of self determination and personification, Pilzy Lee was bitten by the venomous fangs of the Beat! Her sound is considered dark and uneasy, “...like melted wax on the eardrum”. “What sounds good to me, feels good to my soul. It is honest music, bang your head against the grain type music. This sound is art, with a hip hop influence”. She rates Immortal Technique as “one of the greatest lyricists next to Hymphatic Thabs of course.” We connected with the insane instrumentalist to get the inside scoop on Ms Lee.

for a advertising agency. At 5pm I call it a day. I then spend the rest of my day in music.

What’s your connection to Fuse Academy? Fuse Academy is an initiative by Nomneni Mdhaki and Zinhle Jiyane (DJ Zinhle), that aims to equip female DJ’s with skills (mixing, branding and managing), with hopes of ultimately blurring the lines between female/male “artists”. Nomndeni, Zinhle and I met at Witz Tech and kinda hung out together. So when they started the academy I was taking pictures for their events and had no real interest in DJing. I was actually offered a bursary of sorts, and once I got started, the world kinda made sense to me. Under the guise of DJ Zandee, DJ Clone and the fam. I feel blessed to have had such an awesome opportunity.

How long have you been in the game?

Pilzy Lee is female (not that it makes any difference) a DJ and producer.

I’ve been doing my thing (officially) since 2009. And each year the passion, the love, the lust for music leaves me breathless.

What is a typical day like for you?

Albums or mixtapes you have released?

I wake up at 6am hit the snooze till 7am (by then semi awake) and off to work as a Graphic Designer

The {{{off beat}}} beat tape is my third beat tape. The first: The future is funk Galore

Who is Pilzy Lee?

Photo by Still Skill

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{

FEATURE

Second tape: Transversing the esplanade I’ve also done a couple of mixes • The Crayola Black DJ Mix Tape 1 and Two (some mash ups) • Illegitimate Children (more mash ups and some stunts) • Min Mix ole skool hip hop (mixing almost 20 tracks in 12:33 minutes) • Currently finalizing my next mix called earlgreytea&thicklips (easy, instruments based tracks, Sunday type tracks) Coming up • rooibostea&darkeyes (haven’t yet figured what will be on that yet..hmmm?)

Tell us about the {{{off beat}}} tape. With everything that is going on around me, there are things that force one to react. So this tape is exactly that, a reaction. It is the gathering of ALL my ‘heart tracks’ (check out Happy feet). On the real though, the tape is a collection of “on the ground” hip hop beats. It has words by Professor Griff (Public Enemy), who talks about the state of hip hop today and what it takes to “operate” in this industry. The message like the tape is timeless. It also has sampled tracks, and drops by South Africa’s most revered hip hop artists, producers and graff artists; Gogga, Smerf-illes and J Pusher, just to mention a few.

The artwork for your mixtapes caught my attention, who does the design? I do most of my artwork, and rely on an array of artists to bring my ideas to paper. Still Skill for their mad photography skills, the Subetha Team for an endless fountain of inspiration (I should bottle and sell it...lol). The rest is just browsing through the Internet and running into things that make me take a second look.

How important is it to keep putting out your own product? The track “What you doin it for?” by Last Dayz Fam is my mantra. And if you can answer that question with absolute conviction and confidence there is no limit to where you can take your art. In putting your own product out you retain your identity, you push yourself and when you are continually dissatisfied with the view, you push to get to the next level.

Do you have a specific target audience when creating your mixtapes? Hip Hop heads. But in my mind, I see this head perched on the edge of the bed putting on his/her sneaks and headphones. He/she stands up looks in the mirror, fixes his/her cap and presses play. He/she goes about his/her daily chores with my music as the sound track for the day.

Are you doing any other projects, besides your mixtapes? Yeah, I got a couple of mixes up my sleeves as far as beat tapes are concerned, I’m promoting the {{{off beat}}} tape and am back in studio playing around with my new toys.

What are you using to make you beats/mixes? I use fruity loops, audacity and gold wave...

Your favourites for the list below Music: recently ran into Q-bert (AND I AM BLOWN AWAY by what the instrument (decks) can do). Movies: Gothica, Requiem for a dream, Sin City Animation: Samurai Champloo, Sponge bob Books: Currently reading The Ninja by Eric Van Lustbader Food: I love tripe cooked by my mom... oooooo she hooks it up!!!!

Discography?

2011 Film Screening Hip Hop Documentary Lyricism and other skizms [12 Feb 2011] 2010 Cocktail Soccer [30 Oct 2010] Dtox Sundaes – Stylin [10 Oct 2010] Clem’z B-day braai/chill out [02 Oct 2010] Style vs Fashion [26 Sept 2010] Dtox Sundaes – Come out and play [12 Sept 2010] Spring Showdown [4 Sept 2010] Ol Skool Flava [28 May 2010] 2009 Medicine Rare dio [ ] 2011 min mix lo skull hip hop mixd by pilzy lee http://www.mediafire. com/?5h4vbxa4rlc7w0d 2010 Illegitimate children born out of wedlock http://www.mediafire. com/?fn25g9w430ovjk1 Crayola black DJ mix tape 1 http://www.mediafire. com/?tjtyzyl5yd0 Crayola black DJ mix tape 2 http://www.mediafire. com/?mmyzmtvd5jy Mash up tracks Cant Chant.mp3 http://www.mediafire.com/?vyzqpecan4ze6sk Massy got Zapped_One Dropp.mp3 http://www.mediafire. com/?eix3axs1j4n373s Links www.pilzylee.wordpress.com Facebook search Pilzy Lee (profile and group) Projects (free downloads)

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ILLUSTRATION

Preparing his exhibition in his studio

Gabriel Moreno Illustrator, engraver and painter based in Madrid, graduate of Fine Arts at the University of Sevilla in ’98. Since then he worked at different design studios and ad agencies in Andalusia. In June 2007 he displayed his portfolio of works and after being selected amongst 20 new talented illustrators, by the London based magazine Computer Arts, he started a successful career as an illustrator.

Rafa ‘11

Elena ‘11

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ILLUSTRATION

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gabriel Moreno does beautiful work with the most basic materials: a pen and a brush.â&#x20AC;?

First individual exhibition, conducted in Madridian art gallery Fastcool, which emerged due to the need to go a step beyond his commercial work as an illustrator.

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ILLUSTRATION

First individual exhibition, conducted in Madridian art gallery Fastcool, which emerged due to the need to go a step beyond his commercial work as an illustrator.

Gabriel Moreno does beautiful work with the most basic materials: a pen and a brush. His illustrations begin in black and white, and then Moreno builds on them, adding layers of color and images of places, various objects and people, usually tattooed into the skin of the subject. Flowers, birds, and faces

organically expand from his subjects, as if a great flood of creativity, or a dream, is pouring out of them.

publications, last August he did the cover of the Los Angeles Times Magazine.

Currently he has worked with virtually every major national agency, and is starting with his first commissions and international expansion. He has worked with numerous national and international

gabriel@gabrielmoreno.com http://www.gabrielmoreno.com http://www.gabrielmorenogallery.com http://www.facebook.com/GabrielMorenoIllustrations

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Flowers, birds, and faces organically expand from his subjects,...â&#x20AC;? WORD UP

VERSE

Verse by Gil Scott Heron

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised You will not be able to stay home, brother. You will not be able to plug in, turn on and cop out. You will not be able to lose yourself on skag and skip, Skip out for beer during commercials, Because the revolution will not be televised. The revolution will not be televised. The revolution will not be brought to you by Xerox In 4 parts without commercial interruptions. The revolution will not show you pictures of Nixon blowing a bugle and leading a charge by John Mitchell, General Abrams and Spiro Agnew to eat hog maws confiscated from a Harlem sanctuary. The revolution will not be televised. The revolution will not be brought to you by the Schaefer Award Theatre and will not star Natalie Woods and Steve McQueen or Bullwinkle and Julia. The revolution will not give your mouth sex appeal. The revolution will not get rid of the nubs. The revolution will not make you look five pounds thinner, because the revolution will not be televised, Brother.

There will be no pictures of Whitney Young being run out of Harlem on a rail with a brand new process. There will be no slow motion or still life of Roy Wilkens strolling through Watts in a Red, Black and Green liberation jumpsuit that he had been saving For just the proper occasion. Green Acres, The Beverly Hillbillies, and Hooterville Junction will no longer be so damned relevant, and women will not care if Dick finally gets down with Jane on Search for Tomorrow because Black people will be in the street looking for a brighter day. The revolution will not be televised. There will be no highlights on the eleven oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock news and no pictures of hairy armed women liberationists and Jackie Onassis blowing her nose. The theme song will not be written by Jim Webb, Francis Scott Key, nor sung by Glen Campbell, Tom Jones, Johnny Cash, Englebert Humperdink, or the Rare Earth. The revolution will not be televised.

There will be no pictures of you and Willie May pushing that shopping cart down the block on the dead run, or trying to slide that color television into a stolen ambulance. NBC will not be able to predict the winner at 8:32 or report from 29 districts. The revolution will not be televised.

The revolution will not be right back after a message about a white tornado, white lightning, or white people. You will not have to worry about a dove in your bedroom, a tiger in your tank, or the giant in your toilet bowl. The revolution will not go better with Coke. The revolution will not fight the germs that may cause bad breath. The revolution will put you in the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat.

There will be no pictures of pigs shooting down brothers in the instant replay. There will be no pictures of pigs shooting down brothers in the instant replay.

The revolution will not be televised, will not be televised, will not be televised, will not be televised. The revolution will be no re-run brothers; The revolution will be live. 17

FEATURE

StyleS upon

Meet Brandon, one of South Africa’s dopest dancers, known as B-boy The Curse. He’s been racking up accolades in the B-boy battle arena and representing S.A. internationally for the past 10 years. He decided to make dancing his career and within a short space of time, has become one of the country’s top dancers, working alongside the late Mr. Fat on DSTV’s The Hip-Hop Show. Mr. Fat was so impressed by his dancing that The Curse was handpicked to become a B-boy for Brasse Vannie Kaap. This meant he toured extensively across SA and Europe. The exposure to the international arena inspired him and ignited his competitive spark. In 2006, 2007 and 2010, after countless stage performances, the hard work finally paid off when he and his crew (Hand Break Turn) were crowned National Break-dance Champs. This opened up doors for the group to participate in the Humanitarian B-boy World Cup, held in Paris, France. Photo by Ference Isaacs

Hand Break Turn and Ubuntu B-boys combined as one unstoppable force and clinched the top prize. In 2007, Brandon and crew auditioned for AFRIKA! AFRIKA! Dance Circus. “There were contortionists, fire eaters and all sorts of other bizarre acts all around us. We were in a corner, standing around a boom box and doing our warm-ups. But we knew that exposure throughout Europe was an opportunity that would make us financially stable. A few months later we were globetrotting, off to places like Amsterdam, Switzerland, Berlin and then London. They also asked us to do the 2008 season. We do corporate gigs when we’re not on tour, also promotions in stores, appearing in ads and any other opportunities that arise.” While many use the limelight and awards to propel their own future, he decided to use his clout as a dancer to make a change in his community of Eersteriver. Hand break Turn started organizing events in the community hall on Saturday afternoons. These soon developed into workshops for aspiring B-boys and DJs. We chatted briefly with him. WORD UP

FEATURE

What’s your earliest memory of b-boying?

Have you always been a dancer?

I got introduced to break dancing when I was in primary school. I was in grade 6 (I think). I saw a guy doing windmills at the after school dance which was held every Friday, I didn’t know what the name of the dance was but I knew what the move was.

No, I wasn’t into dancing. I only started after executing my first power move which was the flair. That was the gas to my motor and has continued ever since. The gas just never runs out.

How long did you battle before you got to the top level?

Me and Benny from Immortal Style entered a 2 on 2 battle and were brainstorming for a name; we ended up with “The Gift and The Curse” but didn’t use it. As time passed I still didn’t have a stage name, I thought about it and just took the name “The Curse”.

To be honest I’m still trying to get to that level. I remember that I had been competing for 3 years not knowing my reason for competing. All I knew was that I had to compete and be the best at what I did... meaning I had to win!

Where did the name ‘The Curse’ come from?

“All I knew was that I had to compete and be the best at what I did...” Photo by Ference Isaacs

COMPETITION TITLES (national and international): • • • • •

Photo by Ference Isaacs

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1st Solo Pro 1on1 S.A Break Dance Championship ‘10 1st S.A Hip Hop Cup 2 vs 2 Break Dance battle ’10 1st Sportscene Street Credit Break Dance 1on1 battle ’10 1st Jump off – 2 vs 2 battles - London Feb’ and Mar’ ’08 1st Humanitarian French b-boy Cup ’06 (Hand Break Turn/ Ubuntu) 1st Freestyle Session Cape Town ‘07 1st African Hip Hop Indaba Break Dance champs South Africa ‘10 1st African Hip Hop Indaba Break Dance champs South Africa ‘07 1st African Hip Hop Indaba Break Dance champs South Africa ‘06 1st Shut up just Dance South Africa ‘06 1st Shut up just Dance South Africa ‘04 1st African Battle Cry South Africa ‘08 1st African Battle Cry South Africa ‘05 1st African Battle Cry South Africa ‘04 1st 2on2 Battles South Africa ‘09 1st 2on2 Battles South Africa ‘05 1st 2on2 Battles South Africa ‘04 1st Breezin’ 1on1 Battle ’06 1st Hip Hop Legends 1on1 Battle ’06 WORD UP

FEATURE

Believe that! Cape Town born Wayne Lee Robertson is infamous for his classic sample-based boom bap style and impeccable sense of composition. Having started in 1995 he is fast becoming the go-to producer after having worked with South

Africa’s heavy hitters namely: Driemanskap, Rattex, Ben Sharpa, Jaak, Imbube, Zubz, Young Nations, Proverb, Nemza, Malik G and Tumi. Internationally artists such as John Robinson (US), Mode9 (Nigeria) and Euphon (US) have had classic productions from him. His skills have seen him provide the backdrop to TV documentaries and adverts with Godessa, Cellblock, the late Mr. Fat of Brasse Vannie Kaap and the late great Mr. Devious. On the real though, Hipe is a busy man but we managed to slot in some of our questions

Photo by Shaun Robertson

between the many projects that maintains this beat makers in demand status.

Tell the readers who Hipe is. I’m Hipe aka HIPERDELIC in-house producer for Pioneer Unit Records. I’m sure they’ve heard of me or heard something I’ve produced. Been working with everybody in and around Cape Town since the late 90’s and have touched base with acts on other continents as well.

I know your dad was always supportive of your music aspirations. How much of an impact did that have on you achieving that goal? He helped me buy my first drum machine, the little Roland Boss DR-5, by selling some of his old tools. So yeah, he played a big role in me developing musically and he still is supportive to this day.

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FEATURE

“Nowadays man, cats drop an email listing what they would like, I cook it up and send it through.” What do you think is the key to your success as a recognized producer? Besides [the fact] that I’ve been doing this since the 90’s, perseverance.

Some guys tend not to listen to other producers music. What helped you become a more versatile producer? I’m a fan [of music] first, so I listen to everything. Well not everything, but I try to be open minded. I would say it’s my love for music in general man. I mean, I don’t just bump hip hop, like they say too much of anything is bad for you, nah mean? So I pull out a Bohannon, Steely Dan or a Min Shaw record when chilling and zone out.

Was Unreleased Records crucial to your breakthrough in Joburg? Definitely, with them being well recognized it was like butter. Shout out to Draztik & Young Nations!

What’s the procedure when an artist approaches you for beats? I’m always making beats. Usually artists come through and listen to the joints in my archives and leave with what they like. I’ve never built a beat around anyone. Nowadays man, cats drop an email listing what they would like, I cook it up and send it through. That’s money in the bank.

Will you be working on your own album anytime soon? Yeah, I’ve been busy with my solo for years now. It never gets done because I’m always jumping on projects and push it aside. It’s about 8 tracks deep. So yeah, look out for HIPERSPACE dropping soon (hopefully).

If you had the choice to work with any artists who would that be? I’ll work with anyone as long as the money is right.

We saw you banging beats live onstage with Rattex, any plans to gig more frequently?

Music links: http://soundcloud.com/hipe http://www.reverbnation.com/hipe

Well Dplanet has been pushing me to do more live stuff, even though I prefer being locked away in the HIPErbolic chamber. But I will [mos def] be on stage with the Pioneer Unit artists.

Video links to tracks Hipe produced: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5tgmvQb1lA (Jaak – Sweet) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzV4PNvhqiU (Rattex – Welcome To Khaltsha) Photo by Shaun Robertson

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DUSTY FINGERZ

More dusty than digital: Gil Scott-Heron Gilbert ‘Gil’ Scott-Heron (April 1, 1949 – May 27, 2011) was an American poet, musician, and author known primarily for his work as a spoken word performer in the 1970s and ‘80s, and for his collaborative soul works with musician Brian Jackson. His collaborative efforts with Jackson featured a musical fusion of jazz, blues and soul music, as well as lyrical content concerning social and political issues of the time, delivered in both rapping and melismatic vocal styles. The music of these albums, most notably ‘Pieces of a Man’ and ‘Winter in America’ in the early 1970s, influenced and helped engender later African-American music genres such as hip hop and neo soul. ScottHeron’s recording work has received much critical acclaim, especially for one of his most well-known compositions ‘The Revolution Will Not Be Televised’. His poetic style has been influential upon every generation of hip hop since his popularity began. In addition to being widely considered an influence in today’s music, Scott-Heron remained active until his death. Scott-Heron began his recording career in 1970 with the LP ‘Small Talk at 125th and Lenox’. The album’s 15 tracks dealt with themes such as

the superficiality of television and mass consumerism, the hypocrisy of some would-be Black revolutionaries, and white middle-class ignorance of the difficulties faced by inner-city residents. In 1979, Scott-Heron played at the No Nukes concerts at Madison Square Garden. The concerts were organized by Musicians United for Safe Energy to protest the use of nuclear energy following the Three Mile Island accident. Scott-Heron was dropped by Arista Records in 1985 and quit recording, though he continued to tour. In 1993, he signed to TVT Records and released ‘Spirits’, an album that included the seminal track ‘Message to the Messengers’. The first track on the album criticized the rap artists of the day. Scott-Heron is known in many circles as “the Godfather of rap” and is widely considered to be one of the genre’s founding fathers. Given the political consciousness that lies at the foundation of his work, he can also be called a founder of political rap. ‘Message to the Messengers’ was a plea for the new generation of rappers to speak for change rather than perpetuate the current social situation, and to be more articulate and artistic.

In 2002, he appeared on the Blazing Arrow album by Blackalicious. After being paroled, Scott-Heron began performing live again, starting with a show at SOB’s restaurant and nightclub in New York on September 13, 2007. On stage, he stated that he and his musicians were working on a new album. In April 2009 on BBC Radio Four, poet Lemn Sissay presented a halfhour documentary on Gil Scott-Heron entitled Pieces of a Man. In November 2009, the BBC’s Newsnight interviewed Gil Scott-Heron for a feature titled The Legendary Godfather of Rap Returns. Scott-Heron released his new and first studio album in sixteen years, ‘I’m New Here’ on independent label XL Recordings on February 9, 2010. It attracted substantial critical acclaim. The album’s remix, ‘We’re New Here’, was released in 2011, featured reworking of material from the original album by English music producer Jamie xx. It was also very well-received by music critics. Scott-Heron died on the afternoon of May 27, 2011, at St. Luke’s Hospital, New York City. WORD UP

DUSTY FINGERZ

Gil Scott-Heron was sampled by: Mr. N**** by Mos Def samples ‘Legend in His Own Mind’

“One of the most influencial and rebellious voices of our time”

My Way Home by Kanye West feat. Common samples ‘Home Is Where the Hatred Is’

Do You See by Warren G samples ‘Bicentennial Blues’

Language by Spacek samples ‘We Almost Lost Detroit’

The Scandal: Then & Now by Abstract Tribe Unique samples ‘Pardon Our Analysis (We Beg Your Pardon)’

The 6th Sense by Common feat. Bilal samples ‘The Revolution Will Not Be Televised’

Intro/Outside Perspective by John Robinson samples ‘We Almost Lost Detroit’

What a N**** Know? (Remix) by KMD feat. MF Grimm samples ‘Pieces of a Man’

On My Way Home by The Kid Daytona samples ‘Home Is Where the Hatred Is’

“RIP GSH...and we do what we do and how we do because of you.” Chuck D

“He influenced all of hip-hop”.

Why Is That? by Boogie Down Productions samples ‘H20 Gate Blues’

Eminem

“I just learned of the loss of a very important poet...R.I.P., Gil Scott-Heron. The revolution will be live!!”.

Lord Jazz Hit Me One Time by Lords of the Underground samples ‘Peace Go With You, Brother’

Daylight Into Me by Lushlife samples ‘Grandma’s Hands’

Usher

“one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met”. Angel by The Game feat. Common samples ‘Angel Dust’

Jamie Byng Scott-Heron’s UK publisher

Ready 4 Whatever by 2Pac samples ‘1980’

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DJ Raiko holding it down

EVENTS

Youngsta, DJ Steady Lee & Thee Angelo

Rapid fire flow.

Jitsvinger Your host Uno

Kool Out Live Youngstaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gun Powder Launch

The Fresh Prince

Jits and Burni Blitz ting Dave Chislett conduc the workshop

in Nike Airz

DJ Steady Lee & Youngsta

Crosby

Tanneman

Ghetto Youth

Nama Xam and Perspektif

Shameema, Jits and Burni

Remi-E

Lee Ursus & Nikotien Long

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EVENTS Metabs Arsenic & Azuhl

Simone & Natasha DJ Emi

Bronwyn & Shannon DJ Eazy hosting

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ready D, says Azuhl & E20

Ill Skillz with Camo

Hyphen

Beat Bangaz

Paying Homage

Miss Celaneous & Patty Monroe

Mingus Metabs and Arsenic Big Dre & Reza

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EVENTS Raptile

Bonzaya...shining

Big DrĂŠ

The Best Of Ekapa Under Ground Hip Hop

Crosby - effortless performance

Boom Bap Fanatics Natasha Tafari

Garlic Brown

Metabolism Pinkie and De Bruin

ETC with Mingus & Uno

Abstract Fathom WORD UP

MOVIE REVIEWS

We review movies currently on circuit and a few forthcoming attractions

Cars 2 In Disney Digital 3D™ Voice Talent: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Jason Isaacs, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Thomas Kretschmann Director: John Lasseter Release Date: Fri 08 Jul 2011 Genre: Animation, Action Classification: TBA Star racecar Lightning McQueen and the incomparable tow truck Mater take their friendship to exciting new places in “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Mater finds himself torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret mission orchestrated by master British super spy Finn McMissile (voice of Michael Caine) and the stunning spy-in-training Holley Shiftwell. Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. The fast-paced fun includes a colorful new all-car cast, complete with menacing villains and international racing competitors.

Scream 4

Jumping the Broom

Ek Joke Net

Cast: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere Director: Wes Craven Genre: Horror Release Date: Wed 06 Jul 2011 Classification: 16LV

Cast: Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine, Meagan Good Director: Salim Akil Genre: Comedy, Drama Release Date: 15 June 2011 Classification: TBA

Cast: Andrew Thompson, Christel van den Bergh, Solomon Cupido, Morné du Toit Director: Stefan Nieuwoudt Genre: Adventure, Comedy Release Date: Fri 24 Jun 2011 Classification: 10LVMA

In Scream 4, Sidney Prescott, now the author of a self-help book, returns home to Woodsboro on the last stop of her book tour. There she reconnects with Sheriff Dewey and Gale, who are now married, as well as her cousin Jill (played by Emma Roberts) and her Aunt Kate (Mary McDonnell). Unfortunately Sidney’s appearance also brings about the return of Ghostface, putting Sidney, Gale, and Dewey, along with Jill, her friends, and the whole town of Woodsboro in danger.

After a humiliating one night stand, fast-rising corporate lawyer Sabrina Watson vows to “save her cookies” until she gets married, and asks God to help her find Mr. Right. Then a chance meeting with promising young Wall Streeter Jason Taylor becomes a whirlwind romance and Sabrina is sure she’s found her soul mate. When she’s offered a career-making transfer to China, Jason proposes to Sabrina despite having known each other for just six months.

The newest installment in the acclaimed franchise that ushered

in a new wave of horror in the 1990s is written by series creator Kevin Williamson and directed by suspense master and director of the first trilogy, Wes Craven. The film stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Rory Culkin, Anthony Anderson, Adam Brody, Mary McDonnell, Marley Shelton, Nico Tortorella, Marielle Jaffe, Kristen Bell, Anna Paquin, Lucy Hale, Shenae Grimes, Aimee Teegarden and Brittany Robertson.

But when Sabrina’s well-educated, Old Money parents, Claudine and

Greg, meet Jason’s down-to-earth postal worker mom Pam for the first time at the Watson estate on Martha’s Vineyard, the gaping class divide raises hackles on both sides. And when Pam produces the broom that she and her late husband jumped over at their own wedding, Sabrina’s offhand dismissal of the age-old tradition reinforces her future mother-inlaw’s belief that the Watsons think they are too good for the Taylors. The head-on collision of the two families causes a weekend filled with hilarious mayhem.

You’re a normal citizen minding your own business. You’re pulled into a situation by a strange character that is turning your reality upside down. The thought that this cannot be real does cross your mind, but before it sinks in your emotions are pushed beyond your control. You’re at the point where that innocent citizen you were, feels like a dream from another lifetime, and that’s when this weirdo exposes the truth. As he points out the hidden movie cameras that surround you, it

sinks in that you just fell for it, like you never thought you would. “Ek Joke Net!” follows and re-invents a long South African history of candid camera films. From the shoe salesman with a foot fetish; the drunken driving instructor and mistaken celebrities at the airport to the terrifying Haunted House: the gags are made for the big screen!

GREEN LANTERN Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Tim Robbins, Jay O. Sanders, Taika Waititi, Angela Bassett, Jon Tenney, Temuera Morrison Director: Martin Campbell Release Date: 22 June 2011 Classification: 10LV

***Giveaway*** Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is running a PIXAR PROMOTION to celebrate Cars 2. Basically, all Pixar Titles will be made available at special retail prices. We have 5 THE INCREDIBLES and 5 A BUG’S LIFE Blu-Ray discs up for grabs. Simply e-mail us at wordup.ezine@gmail.com and tell us who the main character is in Walt Disney’s Cars 2.

Bringing the enduringly popular DC Comics superhero to the big screen for the first time, “Green Lantern” stars Ryan Reynolds in the title role. In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan. Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. WORD UP

MUSIC REVIEWS

These days most album releases aren’t great but on the rare occasion you could stumble onto valuable treasure, (an album with more than 5 good trax). Purist DJs and salty record companies beware: MP3s are here to stay, so get smart or get left. Here are some releases we recommend.

Jazzy Letters to a King Free EP

the M-Phazes produced single “Clap”, a typical Monch observation of Social Ills that can be related to by various ethnic groups across the board, backed by a visually picturesque short-film Music Video. The Exile produced laid back track “Evolve” was the first stand out for me, a soulful combination of music and rhymes, which compliment each other perfectly. Monch features some heavy weight beat smiths currently providing backdrops to the Independent Hip Hop scene, which he does justice to, unlike some more relevant backpacker rappers utilizing the same sound.

Pharoahe Monch W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) Reviewed by DJ Raiko

Format: Free Download Genre: Soul/ R&B

Fresh-voiced singer/songwriter Jazmine “Jazzy” Bailey sends a love letter to her fans with her latest project, Letters To A King, an ambitious EP where Jazzy does covers of R&B/Soul music legends like Roberta Flack, Minnie Ripperton and Sade. Jazzy’s voice is a smooth light fluttering above producer Cornelio Austin’s sort of futuristic beats. No denying her interpretation of these classics is unique. On “Love To Love You”, Jazzy has managed to make the song (in certain moments) seem like an obsessed lover’s cling while still sounding light. Youthfulness is a theme throughout Letters with Jazzy’s gentle delivery, never straying from a pop sound. “Feel like making love”, features Bryan “B.J. the Chicago Kid” Sledge. The skilled Sledge anchors this duet with stylish soul. He’s vocals are fantastically understated so as not to overpower. With “Sweet Love” she grazes the earthy track allowing the listener to get lost

in the deliberate melody, revisiting her vocals from time to time. “No Ordinary Love” is moody, featuring more harmonies but with the proper touch of anxiety. Jazzy makes falling in love feel like flying, calmly aching onto the track with a quiet passion that surprisingly grabs at the heartstrings. Stripped down and thumping, Austin’s production sounds like an actual heartbeat, or the dopest boy in school banging out a funky beat on the lunchroom table. “Love Hangover” sounds like a dreamsequence. Here Austin is his most galactic. We can’t decide if we are actually in the clouds, or just really still drunk on love. Jazzy sounds entranced, gliding around the tune like the sweetest afterthought. Letters to a King is whimsical yet decidedly Hip Hop with its revamped bounce. Jazzy’s sprightly soprano sticks out just enough to keep us interested in what she has up next.

Label: Duck Down Records Format: CD, Album Genre: Hip Hop

Being a fan of Pharoahe since I first heard his introduction to the scene some 20yrs ago through the Rap duo “Organized Konfusion” I have found myself constantly putting this multi talented Mc in my top 5 of all time. His signature asthma adapted flow, undeniably brilliant word play and hands down marvellous delivery, has concreted that thought into something that I doubt will change any time soon. W.A.R is his latest offering and although it is very hard to compare his music today, to that of his earlier offerings, there is definitely that virtuosity present, which still solidifies him in my top list. With a career spanning 20 years it’s obvious the beats have progressed, as has the flow, but the content of familiar subjects like record industry letdowns, political treachery and downfalls of the common man are still very much present on the album. The Album moves like the social commentary that made Golden age Hip Hop so appealing. Tracing back to his raw, upfront rhyme schemes that lacked slightly on his last release “Desire”, Monch manages to pull you in throughout the album, a feat that seems almost impossible these days through mainstream rap releases. First track to hit was

A great balance of features and Monch himself carry the album seamlessly, with help via a in your face hook from fellow revolutionist Immortal Technique, to the soulful crooning of Little Brother’s Phonte as well as Mr Porter and the undeniable captivating Jill Scott. Great lyrical support from Styles-P, fellow partner in rhyme, Jean Grae and Detroit’s powerhouse rhymester: Royce the 5’9’ more than add to the standard Monch has established over the years. Over all W.A.R. is a great album, an eclectic taste of music with perfect variety to keep the listener locked in… with very few lows, if any?

Disclaimer: Reviews are the opinion of the reviewer and not that of Word Up Productions.

Maybe you heard of Aloe Blacc because of his hit single, “I Need A Dollar”. But Aloe’s been around the block, first debuting in the late 90’s as one-half of Emanon, a group formed with west-coast heavyweight producer, Exile. This was years ago - Aloe debuted with his solo album, 2006’s ‘Shine Through’, a much slept on album, despite it being solid. On it he displayed his talents as he took an effortless trip through the various genres of urban music. On ‘Good Things’, he narrows he scope and is more focused on classic soul. The whole album reminds me of the 70s, definitely inspired by the work of Isaac Hayes and Stevie Wonder in its instrumentation with horns and guitar work being very effective. He works exclusively with producers Jeff Dynamite and Leon Michaels and incidentally all the instruments on the album are played live, nothing was sampled. Thanks to the runaway single, all eyes are on Aloe, with folks assuming that this is the debut album of an artist who sings soul music. He does it so well that I’d rather he did it exclusively. It’s not spoiled by label interference, suggesting that the album have a more “modern” sound. He’s found his niche and guns for it with breezy tracks like ‘Take me back’, “You Make Me Smile”, or “Good Things” that will keep you listening. “Miss Fortune” and “Politician” are the types of tracks you’d have expected John Legend to cover on ‘Wake Up’ but I find that other selections do remind me of Lenny Kravitz.

Aloe Blacc Good Things Label: Stones Throw Records Format: CD, Album Genre: Funk/Soul

Oh great! Another rapper turned “sanger”! Thankfully Mr. Blacc doesn’t need his vocals to be auto tuned, he can actually sing...who knew?

However, where Aloe really grabs the listener is with his more emotionally packed numbers. The ominous flavors of his Velvet Underground’s “Femme Fatale” or the heavy love song “If I” go right for the jugular. Aloe Blacc showed versatility on ‘Shine Through’, but really nailed it with ‘Good Things’. One thing’s for certain, with such a wealth of talent, Good things are sure to happen. WORD UP

MUSIC REVIEWS

Blueprint Adventures In Counter Culture

how he has evolved and is reaching out into new genres, incorporating emotions found in jazz or blues over an instrumental that could provoke pure inspiration or put you to sleep... depending on your take.

previously unreleased or only digitally available works from the time up until 2008. One of those tracks is, ‘Yeah yeah yeah’ a favourite of mine from his 30 track heavy Beat tape ‘First Spacesh!t On The Moon’.

There will be two camps, some fans eager to follow Blueprint’s evolution into new musical territory and others who will be more resistant to change. If you’re a fan of Greenhouse Effect and Blueprint give it a listen chances are you’ll like the writtens even if the beats don’t appeal to you. Be that as it may Blueprint’s mantra can be found in the line where he states “don’t switch it up just put it out, for those of us who don’t turn our radios on!”

This album is more of the flavour found on that beat tape. Its beat heavy and sends the bump factor into the stratosphere. Some tracks that got my attention on the first listen are: ‘Drops’, ‘Lullaby’, ‘Humming’, ‘One quarter’, ‘Thats right’, ‘Poten’, The boombap style of ‘Chapter4’, the synth vibes on ‘Mirror box’

Label: Rhymesayers Ent. Format: CD Genre: Hip Hop/Alternative Blueprint is a rapper that isn’t appreciated by the casual listener. That’s no problem though he’s always got a lot to say, taking his career into his own hands and always having mainstream radio firmly set in his sights.

No doubt it will be in high rotation with everyone who loved ‘First Spacesh!t On The Moon’. Essential listening!

I really like this dude, he’s been a favourite of mine for many years but as time passes he sounds so disgruntled. I’d love to see him channel his energy into beats that are a touch livelier. The 80’s flavoured ‘Fly Away’ is a track that lives up to that...sum what. It’s so drenched in 80s influence it sounds like it could’ve been made in that period. I don’t know, at the same time Print gotta be himself that’s what I like about him. He doesn’t do happy-happy music, preferring to keep it honest. Some tracks like ‘Keep Bouncing’ or ‘Go Hard or Go Home’ could easily fit in on his previous album, others, like ‘Wanna be like you’ and ‘So alive’ feel like a whole new artist, stepping further away from the typical rap song formula. Print is definitely evolving. Taking his unhappiness with the current state of the industry and funnelling it into a new sound that is so different yet so rooted in the culture he clearly resents. ‘The Clouds’ is grown man talk with that trademark on point and relevant subject matter we know Printmatic for. Its spacey sounds supported by punchy beats are a great listen, arguably the albums high point. I didn’t enjoy everything on here but realise that artists have the freedom to evolve and explore. Blueprint created an album that sounds retro yet modern simultaneously. Not restricting his work to an audience of Hip hop, Blueprint uses his abilities as an artist to create atmosphere and feel. ‘Welcome home’ is a great example of

Most tracks are done in less than 2 minutes, some interludes in less than 30 seconds. It’s safe to say that the format follows that of a beat tape. ‘Loose bells’ is one of the illest joints on the album. It’s Afrobeat rhythm influence, is updated to a hypnotic future groove monsta... Nice! ‘Sluggish thing’, comes right back with the neck snap and bass lines...staple food for headnodders the world over. A repeated synth sound is it’s driving force.

fLako The Mesektet

three man group, each with their own key set of talents. The EP is in preparation for the LP S.P.T.A. (Said Person of That Ability), pronounced spitter. “Home or Away”, produced by newcomer Korede, is a piano driven track where J-Live trades rhymes with well…himself. Live even goes as far as to call himself out as the DJ to “bring it in” and commences to lay down some nice cuts. The lead single and video, “The Way I Rhyme” (feat Boog Brown), once again features Korede on the boards, this time coming with a different sound, but still authentic. J-Live lays down the chorus from “It Takes Two” as these two solid emcees trade verses. Foreign Exchange’s Nicolay provides the backdrop for “How I Feel”, an ode to J-Live as a DJ. Anybody who spins for a living can relate to what J-Live is saying, as the song could have been called “How We Feel”, representing the mind state of the DJ community. “Undivided Attention” switches gears from melodic to slightly more up-tempo, and NY’s new “It” guy, Homebody Sandman, trades verses with J on “Fitness”. The EP rounds out nicely with “Calculations”, featuring Oddy Gato spitting over a melodic flute and snapping snares. If there is one word that describes J-Live, it’s consistent, as throughout his career he has never failed to provide fans with solid hip-hop music. Will Undivided Attention gain J-Live a horde of new fans? Probably not, but it’s only a precursor of what’s to come on S.P.T.A.

fLako, Chile born and now living in both Berlin and London is one of Europe`s top producers at the moment. He has contributed tracks and mixes to various labels but for many he’s undoubtedly a name to watch in 2011.

Just like the sun god, uprising producer fLako uses ‘The Mesektet’ to end the cycle of darkness and prepare for his own rebirth, marking the end of an era in his style of production and moving forward into new musical directions, which he already started to explore on his ‘Mini Toolbooth EP’. This release includes a collection of

“Quadrivium” is the first of several projects from Eric Lau to be released in 2011. The release is made up of 20 instrumentals, and features a more edgy side to Lau’s production. Each track was painstakingly crafted before being mastered by infamous engineer Tim Debney. The new offering is pleasantly more aggressive and bumpable, if there is such a word. It’s more of that ole boom bap that’s been evading the radio in recent years. Eric Lau is back with another big batch of boom-bap. The kind that would make Pete Rock proud. By channelling the drumming influence and storytelling nuances of Dilla, Eric carries the torch for Jazz based production into the future.

Label: Project Mooncircle Format: CD Genre: Hip-Hop/Instrumental/Glitch/Electronic

‘The Mesektet’, in ancient Egyptian mythology, is one of the two solar boats used by the sun god ‘Ra’ to travel through the cycle of night and day and carry the moon across the sky. It is told that he died every dusk, had to fight the dark forces of the underworld and bring light to the dead souls as he passed through – just to be reborn in the morning.

this release marked the resurgence of the stripped back soul style and was followed swiftly by his debut EP. He released his debut album “New Territories” in 2008 on Ubiquity Records to critical acclaim. After a two year absence Lau returned in 2010 with a new EP titled “Kilawatt: V2”, as the second installment of the producer series released by Kilawatt Music. The release was received positively by both critics and fans. On the 27th September 2010, Lau released his 20-track instrumental LP entitled “Makin’ Sound”. He quickly followed up “Makin’ Sound” with “Quadrivium”, another 20-track instrumental project, featuring music inspired by the John Martineau book of the same name.

Submit your CD/mixtape/project for review. Email us on wordup.ezine@gmail.com for more info. Are you a musician, rapper, singer, producer, DJ, promoter or publicist? Do you have some info that Word Up Ezine should publish?

J Live Undivided attention Label: 3TP (Triple Threat Productions) Format: CD Genre: Hip Hop

Eric Lau Quadrivium

There is rarely an artist that is so much more than just an artist. Case in point is J-Live. Going on nearly 15 years in the hip-hop game, J-Live is an emcee who never succumbed to the mainstream, never dumbed down his lyrics or production, and remained true to what is now referred to as “authentic hip-hop music”. The Undivided Attention EP is no different, but takes a slightly different approach. J-Live approaches the EP as a

Label: Kilawatt Music Limited Format: LP & Digital download Genre: Hip Hop/Instrumental/Glitch/Electronic Eric Lau is a music producer and DJ from London, England. His production style is characterized by heavy drums, often unrecognizable samples and a mixture of live and sequenced instrumentation.

Make sure you add us to your mailing lists and break us off with your latest tracks. PLEASE do not attach mp3s to emails, they will be deleted. If you are sending mp3s, we ask that you provide the links to download them. Not everything will make it into Word Up Ezine because we’re some picky peoples. Keep the info coming and we’ll keep you entertained.

He first gained exposure with the song “Im Fine”, WORD UP

IN THE MIX

Upcoming events:

June - July 2011

Fuse Box This month DJ Azuhl features Cape Townbased producer Arsenic. Date: 30 June 2011 Time: 9pm

Snazz D

Venue: Mercury Live Cover: R20

Bad for business One of the finest underground hip-hop artists on the continent, Snazz D, returns with his highly anticipated solo album entitled ‘Bad For Business’. Early word is its traditional, golden-era orientated boom bap! [OUT NOW!]

Co/Mix exhibition Date: 30 June – 14 July 2011 Venue: Thomas Pringle Hall, National Arts Festival, Grahamstown

VERSES The next Verses Session showcases two of Cape Town’s hottest acts - YOUNGSTA and BLAQ PEARL (with her phenomenal band). Prepare to be entertained and inspired! Date: Venue: Time: Cover:

Wed 29 June 2011 MOJO, Station Road Obz. 8pm R30

If you’d like Word Up Ezine to promote your gig, album release or any other event, please e-mail the relevant info to: wordup.ezine@gmail.com WORD UP

IN THE MIX

CLASSIFIED

On the Download: