» CULTURE MAGAZINE | 02 | February / March 2011 «

ContentsGRAFFITIGRAFFITI2 . Starting from Zero

MUSIC FEATURE5 . EJ Von LyrikEleanor Williams - Doing it for the love of music

18 . Jean-PierreUniversal language

GRAPHIC DESIGN7 . Elske Nel

ILLUSTRATION10 . Vincent SammyThe darker side of fantasy

VERSEVERSE13 . SOUL LOVE LOUDLife for sale

p10

p5 p2

FEBRUARY - MARCH 2011 / Issue NO. 2

wordup.ezine@gmail.com

Co-founder / Editor Big Dré

Co-founder / Creative Nash

Contributing Writers Eleanor Williams

Rosh G

Cover photo by Big Dré

2011 Design Indaba Expo

PHOTOGRAPHYPHOTOGRAPHY14 . Flix from BahrainPictures by Gavin Bloys

ARTICLESARTICLES17 . Rosh G - What I know for shhhhh

20 . More dusty than digital: Thesample section - What is the samplesection?We feature Sly & The Family Stone.Who are they and why did we feature them?

EVENTS: 2010 RETROSPECTIVE21 . Highlights from 2010Purest Form. African Hip Hop Indaba. Kool Out Live.DMC SA Champs. DJ Premier.Public Enemy. Vast Aire.

IN EVERY ISSUE1 . Letter from the Editor

24 . Movie Reviews

25 . Music Reviews

27 . In the Mix

28 . Classified

EDITOR’S LETTER

1

To quote the urban poet, William Griffin,

Did you miss us? Well we're back and when wedo it, we do it right!

We have emerged from our self-imposed exile to bring you our latest andgreatest creation.

For your viewing pleasure allow us to present to you our February 2011 issue.

For this issue we have quite the collection of visual artists (Elske Nel,Vincent Sammy and Mr Zero), each with their particular unique talent, specialityand eccentricity. Jean Pierre answers a few questions about his Universalmessage CD, Gavin Bloys displays his skill behind the lens with photostaken while working in Bahrain, and we have contributions by Rosh G andEleanor Williams, (who gives us the inside dope on EJ Von Lyrik’s new album).Soul LOVE-LOUD has a very potent verse for the issue.

We relive some of the best moments of 2010, via a photo retrospective andpay homage to Sly and The Family Stone for their contribution to and influenceon modern music.

Of course there are the regular weird and wonderful happenings at the movietheatre as well as ear candy recommends (erm that would be the musicreviews) but we are proud to introduce our first Classified section, sadly wedidn’t get any plumbing or flower arranging ads (we’re crushed).

Thanks for the feedback and support, keep it coming.

We’re on a mission to recruit more souljahs, so please keep passing alongthe link to view and download the magazine and if you enjoy reading WordUp eZine please send us a message and recommend that your friends(creatively inclined or otherwise) subscribe by simply e-mailing us onwordup.ezine@gmail.com with ’subscribe’ in the subject line.

Onward and upward!

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.comSign up for the eZine by typing ’subscribe’ in the subject line and emailing it to wordup.ezine@gmail.comSubmissions: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.

Sisanda SipamlaWord up! Congrats visually stimulating mag 4realhaven t seen something this graphically pleasingsince levitation graph mag .I m lovin it!Stay Blessed, 1love & Peace

Editor — Thanks for the positive feedback.

Lunga GuzaGreat Magazine, where can I get a hard copy?

Editor — For the time being we re strictly anelectronic mag.

Zenaida MartinI am slightly shocked that the article still made thefinal cut of your publication - and when I get overmyself all I can say is WHAT A GREAT contributionyou’re making.Love the look, the feel, the words & all dat. Pleaseallow me to make MO’BETTA contributions infuture. Now that I am out of my writing hiatus.

Editor — Thanks, we re looking forward to yournext contribution.

PerspektifYo Yo Yo...Big up and thanks for the article you didon me for the Feb. 2010 issue. Overall the ezinewas a very good read, like it a lot.All the best for future issues.Peace, Love and Respect4 the Love of Hip Hop!!!!

Editor — Word up!

The views expressed in Word Up eZine are those of therespective contributors and not necessarily shared by theeZine and its staff.

Word Up eZine welcomes new contributions, but assumesno responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs,illustrations, etc.

Word Up eZine is produced by Word Up Productions CC.

"It's beena long time..."

feedback

GRAFFITI

2

Hungarian graffiti artist/graphic designer, Mr. Zero, started out spraying on walls in 1994 and after a few years of doing tags, outlines, steel (trains) andsome street pieces, he decided to take it to the next level with 3D style. "These 3D forms are my evolution of letters. Other people may think these areflowers, bugs, shells or whatever but they are my letters."He's painted numerous skateboards and canvases since 2002, and had some exhibitions both with his crew (CFS) and on his own. He "found" his ownstyle around 2004 and successfully completed graphic design studies in 2005.The connection between humans and animals is very special to him. His human-animals project is not just colourful and entertaining; it relays seriousmessages through its different characters.

(Starting from Zero)View more of his work at:http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrzero_cfs/

GRAFFITI

What sparked your interest in graffiti?I liked drawing since I first got a pencil in my hand. Like most children I loved to drawcartoon characters, comic book heroes and after that I tried to create my own characters.I remember the first time I did letters was when we mashed some sloe and paintedmetal band logos onto the pavement in front of our house. I did my first stuff witha marker and spray paint in '94 at the age of 12. At that point I became infected withthis 'virus' that gives me the feeling of freedom more than anything else in my life.

Please give some names of the exhibits you did, on your own and withyour crew, tell us which gallery they were held in, what year etc (ifyou can remember).I did a few exhibitions together with the crew (CFS), maybe 5 or 6 at different places.Did 3 expos at the Kiszsinagoga-gallery in my hometown Eger, for one installationwe built a 3D graffiti letter designed by my crewmate 'Hepi'. It was 3 or 4 meters high,made of wood, cardboard and canvas. If I remember correctly we did 2 exhibitionsin Budapest (Hungary), in 2009 we participated in a group expo in Lublin (Poland)during an international jam, I did some more exhibitions with some other guys inthe past as well as a solo exhibit at the Kiszsinagoga-gallery.

What attracted you to graphic design?I've been interested in it since childhood as well. I started out doing some graphicsin Art studio, on my C-64 (old Commodore 64 home computer). It's just anothertechnique I like to use. You can do some cool things with it.

Where did you study design?In my hometown and I just attended those schools to get the papers. These schoolsaren't the best to learn enough about design to be really good at your profession.

So would you say that graphic design influences your graffiti or theother way around?I think they live in a perfect symbiosis. ;)

Are there any pictures that show the evolution of your lettering?Yes, I have some, but I don't like to show them to just anyone... :) I'm proud of someof my past works that helped me evolve to the next level but the present and thefuture are more important to me than the past.

Tell us about the human animal project?I use animal stereotypes to show the character of human beings in certain situations.People may think they're better or smarter than animals... I don't think so. Just lookat some TV shows for example or just open your eyes when you walk the streets,watch them, listen to them. People are the poison of this planet. We kill animals forsport, destroy their habitat, use them for all sorts of laboratory experiments, and wecall what we've done civilization?

Model train - One side of a model train from a collector inNew Jersey who collects different types of model trains andsends them to writers around the world (acrylic + marker)

Wroclaw (A, B, C & D)A combined piece with CFS during the Graffiti

Non Stop/Meeting of Styles jam '07 at Wroclaw(Poland). The concept was evolution, there weremany writers from all over Europe and we worked

on the future visions part.

A

B

C

D

Detail '08 Eger's hall of fame Detail '09 Eger's hall of fame Sofia (Bulgaria) Meeting of Styles '09

3

GRAFFITI

??

EvilizationT-shirt design

(Nov '09)

Fallen Angel T-shirt design '08Skateboard decks '07 (spray paint, stencil & marker)

Pyrami[n]dsA do-it-yourself paper toyproject by Ciah-ciah fromPoland Feb '09

Don't panic cover & envelope design '08Soulofanewmachine

Graphic design fora website '05

(3dmax & Photoshop)

3D graffiti letter installation in wood, cardboard and canvas

4

EJ Von Lyrik is a ferocious emcee who loves being on stage.Anyone who hasn’t witnessed her lyrical prowess has to checkout one of her shows to experience how she shares her passionfor music with both her established fan-base, as well as those whomerely come out for a night of fun but inevitably end up in aweof her live performance.

It’s this electrifying stage presence that got EJ and her band, TheChampions, spotted by a European festival agent at the Rocking theDaisies festival in 2009. ’’Next thing we knew, we were invited toEurope, so I concentrated on finishing my album in time to promoteit while we were there,’’ explains EJ. The timing was perfect.

Shortly after the SA launch of her 2010 album entitled,The Human Condition, EJ and her band left for a 6-weektour. They performed shows in Germany, Austria, France,Switzerland, and the Netherlands, where they deliveredtheir musically informed lyrical content at a numberof festivals and famous clubs, including the PaleoFestival in Nyon, Switzerland. In France, theyperformed at the very popular Rio Loco Festivalin Toulouse, which showcases an eclectic mixof events, from art and architecture exhibitions,to the very best in world music.

On her return trip she jetted off to the ReunionIslands with Cape Town dance DJ’s ’Mix ’n Blend’to perform at the SAKIFO music festival. After which,

5

FEATUREFEATURE

by Eleanor Williams

“...spotted by

a European

festival agent at

the Rocking the

Daisies festival

in 2009. “Next

thing we knew,

we were invited

to Europe,...”

6

she returned to Switzerland with long time production partner,Grenville Williams, on a Producer’s Exchange projectto record an album with the best Swiss musicaltalent including ’Meisterbeatz’ from the hip-hop crew ’Whodis’, ’DJ Ilarius’, ’MichiScherer’ and ’Fidi’ from the hip-hopoutfit ’Fidi ’n Flink’.

This may have been EJ’sfirst European tour asa so lo a r t i s t , bu ther versatility as anemcee and singer iswell known through-out Europe . She ’sperformed on albumsby German Hip-hopgroup; ’Each One TeachOne’, Pol ish metalband; ’Sweet Noise’ andDutch reggae group’Roots Riders’. Back onhome soil, she’s worked withJosie Field, and popular Skaband, ’The Rudimentals’. Equally asimpressive was her performance as theopening act for Public Enemy’s show in CapeTown at the end of 2010.

’’There’s so much wrong in this world, so much heart acheand pain, which is why I called the album, The HumanCondition’’, explains EJ. ’’The subject matter touches onrelationships, social issues, messages of encouragement,introspection, keeping the faith during tough times aswell as some feel good fun vibes.’’

’’Best of all is [the fact] that my music doesn’t have tobe pigeon holed as Hip-hop anymore. I’ve always lovedmixing genres and on this album the productionflips from Funk to Hip-hop and from Dancehall/Reggaeto Rock. I simply perform music. This means thatmy message reaches a wider audience, from youngto old and black to white,’’ smiles EJ. ’’I love the factthat it has such a cross-over appeal — whether a DJ isplaying one of my songs in a club, at one of my livegigs, or simply listening to my music at home, it canbe enjoyed equally.’’

P roduced by Grenv i l l e Wi l l i ams , i t sinstrumentation is a futuristic blend ofsample based sequences, hard hitting drumprogramming, fat bass lines, old school guitarriffs laced with effects and segments ofpsychedelic keyboards. EJ’s vocal ability remainsextraordinary as she flips effortlessly fromsinging to rapping within the blink of an eye.

Listening to this album, there’s absolutely nomistaking EJ’s ability as a versatile, passionateperformer. In an industry as competitive andchallenging as the SA music scene, she couldonly have done this through her intense loveof music.

“There’s so muchwrong in this

world, so muchheart ache and

pain, which iswhy I called the

album, The HumanCondition”...

FEATUREFEATURE

7

DESIGN

Elske NelElske's design proficiency and her skill behind the lens combines beautifully to present her range of brooches, called Trinket, in the best possible light. Within a short space of time she has managed to garner severalprestigious awards with her variety of skills in the design field (see achievements). Her stall at the 2010 Design Indaba jolted me out of a haze induced by mostly disappointing exhibits. I reckon it's only a matter of timebefore she makes her mark.

The imaginative Ms Nel started working as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator in 2009, after four years of Information Design studies at the University of Pretoria.

In June 2009 she decided to produce her own brooch range because she simply adores them and it's quite difficult to find interesting and unique ones. The brooch project originated from her final year at Universitywhen she had to create a fictionalised brand that specialised in designer brooches. She produced a few mock-ups and the positive feedback was overwhelming.

Her brooches are made of stainless steel, perspex and wood with each one accompanied by its own small handmade mushroom pouch. She loves designing quirky characters and stylised flowers and this range certainlyshows that.

8

Elske's design achievements:

In 2009 she entered the Loerie student awards for the first time and walked away with three Loeries. Her group won a Gold award for their Mixed Media Campaign. She got a Silver Loerie for one of her typographyprojects and a Bronze for a publication design project. In 2008 Elske received silver at the Sappi think awards, for two of her projects and also passed the ISTD awards (International Society of Typographic Designers)with merit.

Elske is inspired by:

Melissa shoes, typography, music and the work of illustrators like Marc Boutavant, Sara Fanelli and Maurizio Quarello.

You can view and purchase these and other designer brooches at: www.trinketdesign.co.za. Elske will also be exhibiting at this year's 2011 Design Indaba Expo.

DESIGN

9

Elske Nel – Typographic Project

DESIGN

10

ILLUSTRATION

“If you really want to hear about it, the first

thing you'll probably want to know is where

I was born and what my lousy childhood was

like, and how my parents were occupied and

all before they had me, and all that David

Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like

going into it, if you want to know the truth.”

The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

DepthCover illustration for 'Something Wicked' magazine – 'ISSUE 5'

Vincent Sammy is a full-time graphic designer andfreelance illustrator who has written and illustratedcomic book stories in productions such as, 'Igubu Zero','Igubu Helix', 'Clockworx' and 'The Outline Project'.He has also illustrated magazine covers and interiorart for 'Something Wicked Magazine', and book coversand commercial artwork for various companies.Alternative worlds, horror, sci-fi, slice of life stories anddark fantasy are his primary subject matter. He hascreated websites for 'Dark Kontinent Productions','Insurrection Studios' and 'Oneironaut' and has a coupleof zombie projects in the pipeline.You can view some of these works and more at:http://www.somethingwicked.co.za/cms/artists_index/sammy_vincent.html

Dogtooth VioletIllustration auctioned off for CANSA cause – 'SA Artists Unite'

MeganCharacter Illustration – Appeared in 'Brian Wood's LOCAL'

The Guitar CaseIllustration for 'Something Wicked' magazine story – 'ISSUE 10'

DeceptionIllustration for 'Something Wicked' magazine story – 'ISSUE 9'

ILLUSTRATION

11

12

CeremonyIllustration for 'Something Wicked' magazine story – 'ISSUE 5'

Genesis LanternCover illustration for 'Something Wicked' magazine – 'ISSUE 8'

ILLUSTRATION

13

VERSEVERSE

Life for sale...Lack of self-confidence turned arrogancemade-made men pull down their pants, theyoung sag their pants as they crave slightestattention from mom/dad.

Good is not the best option, even when itis not for them...we certain stars are planetstoo hot to be touched, as the sun is toobright and is still looking down on everyonewhen the perception of depth is pain, nowyour words are becoming projectors, ideasoverhead....(they go over their heads)...weknow that just because a person will doanything for you, never meant they loveyou....as one person may not even movethe world for you...may not mean they donot love you.....you love you before allowinganybody else to....Mind you I was attemptingto elevate your mood by uplifting your spirits,self worth escalating down a pile of movingstairs....had to snap back to moving stares.

Moving stares that glance at your reality whenmy thoughts had to be user-friendly and Ihad to whisper radio-likened words....Societyis not affected by what we do, but what wesay, that being said, my deeds spoke for me.

When she fell into pain, she thought thatshe fought for his ears-but he never listened.The more she paid attention to the kitchen-he never ate, full plate, empty chair...burntcandles, romantic-less dinners made way tocold beds. People saw her with stab woundson her back.

'An Autobiography of a Suicide Survivor' -Ntsika Tyatya

E-MAIL: Ntsika.soul@gmail.com

Blog: http://www.soul-loveloud.blogspot.com/

Verse by Soul Love-LOUD

PHOTOGRAPHYPHOTOGRAPHY

14

Bahrain World Trade Centre – Photo by Gavin Bloys

15

Bahrain Financial Harbour – Photo by Gavin Bloys

PHOTOGRAPHYPHOTOGRAPHY

16

The city of Bahrain – Photo by Gavin Bloys

PHOTOGRAPHYPHOTOGRAPHY

My name is Rosh and I'm an addict… Yes,I confess, I am addicted… not to alcohol, or drugs,but to motivational books! I noticed people givingme strange looks when I read those kinds ofbooks. I always get the feeling they are thinking,''Shame wonder who disappointed her?'' But thatof course is only what I perceive they are thinking.And very much later in life I would realise thatwhat you perceive you will believe.

It started after I matriculated when I was a shy18-year-old searching for my true self; as if I hadlost my cute 56kg self (current status: reversethe figure). I was seeking the answers to lotsof questions about self-esteem, relationships,finding happiness and what my role is on thisplanet. I married eighteen years later, gave birthto two laaities and new questions started poppingup whenever I was faced with marital or parentalchallenges. I am a little over a year older than theeditor (in dog's years) and I finally found ananswer, as Oprah Winfrey would say, an ''Aha!Moment''. I call it my: ''Bizarre! Moment'' becauseOprah gets her inspiration in the bath and Isometimes get mine on the throne. LOL.

My obsession with these books made me a bookjunkie. One day, BM (before marriage), an exboyfriend asked me: ''Must you always quotefrom a book, don't you have your own opinion?''He had a point, I realised, long after I read it ina book – the people who influenced you whenyou were a child, were giving you negativesubliminal messages and it was recorded in yoursub-conscious mind. You are now living 'their'lives or what you've PERCEIVED to be true.

While reading the book ''Men are from Mars andWomen are from Venus'' (John Gray), I thoughtI already knew most of what he wrote. I evenwanted to write a book myself and call it ''Mensuffer from Bipolar and Women suffer from

Dementia''. They will produce little Bimbolians.Both parties have different values and each onegives their set of values top priority. All we haveto do is accept one another and respect eachother's values. But we don't. Why?

Because our belief system is created by all thenegative subliminal messages stuck in our sub-conscious mind and we have to RELEASE them.

The answer is in all the books written by the authorsof 'Being Human' (Ramesh Ramkumar), 'The Heartof Love' (Dr John F Demartini), 'You Can Heal YourLife' (Louise L Hay), 'Happiness' (John Kehoe), andmany others say: ''Love yourself''.

In most communities children are taught to loveand respect their parents, grandparents, siblings,aunties and uncles, but they are rarely remindedto 'love themselves first'. It only makes sense tohave self love in order to express love. Louise LHay says in 'You Can Heal Your Life', that sheteaches her clients to solve any problem by lookingat themselves from within. If you look in the mirrorevery morning, she wrote, while saying theseaffirmations, ''I love myself and I radiate self-respect'' for 28 days, you WILL start BELIEVINGit. Sounds cuckoo, but it works. (Of course I triedit... I'm addicted remember?)

Dr John F Demartini wrote: ''What are lovingrelationships? Ones that help you SEE YOURSELF.Where do you discover bonds of affection?WITHIN YOURSELF. And how do you find lastingconnections? By BEING YOURSELF. When youare being true to your heart and what you love,you will attract those who are living in thatmanner''. If everyone believed in themselves,it might be a step towards making the worlda better place. Now that's a ''Bizarre! Moment''.

Respect!Rosh G

17

“...an ex boyfriend asked me: “Must youalways quote from a book, don’t you have

your own opinion?”

What I know

by Rosh G

“...my greatest strength as an MC is thecombination of versatility and longevity...”

FEATUREFEATURE

18

Jean Pierre

Compassionate, humble, respectful...Not usually the wordsused to describe an emcee.

It’s a common misconception that emcees are not everydaypeople. Maybe it’s the glitz and glamour surrounding themore popular ones that make them seem larger than lifeand immune to problems.

Urban music pioneer & former Supadan front man, Jean-Pierre experiences all of the everyday struggles we knowall too well, but somehow still manages to express hisfeelings honestly. Despite the popularity of rap music thatglorifies violence, Jean-Pierre’s music offers a fresh alternativeto this stereotypical perception of Hip-hop.

A Universal Message, Jean-Pierre’s debut album waslaunched at the end of 2009. He worked closely with singingsensation; Garth Links on the album, the result, is a bodyof work that steers Hip-hop music back on course.Some of Cape Town’s top Hip-hop beat makers contributedto the album, providing the 14-track album with theirsignature sound to compliment Jean-Pierre’s socially awareand thought provoking lyricism. At live shows he is assistedby the All Elements Band, which includes drums, guitar,bass and keyboards.

Obviously we’d like to know why you namedyour debut album ‘A Universal Message’ andwhat is the message?The ratio of our existence is 99.999% spiritual and0.001% physical. Therefore our priority should be tosecure the closest relationship possible with our creator.Whether you are Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, etc, isbeside the point. A strong spiritual life is the universalmessage... ’A universal message’ is also the theme ofthe album; of course there is the play on the artwork,the space interludes, and the fact that all the songs carrystrong social messages that are relevant to the majorityof people in the world.

How did you develop and maintaina relationship with the creator?I was raised in a Christian home by two God fearingparents, and my father who is also my hero is a pastorand the spiritual leader of a community. I follow myparent’s example by trying my best to remain spirituallysound and living a righteous moderate existence.

You are spreading the message through music.What's the relationship between spiritualityand sound?In Christianity the earliest trace of a human musician isa man called Jubal, he used music to praise the Lord.Therefore in my humble opinion the original purposeof music was to give thanks and praises to the Lord.

What else is important to you besides the music?What influences you on a daily basis?My compassion for people is what first got me involvedin music. My goal has always been to add a higherquality of life to the human experience for as manypeople as possible. I want to see people live up to their

full potential and realise their greatest dreams andambitions regardless of their circumstances and obstacles.

What do you intend to do through music etcto add a higher quality of life?I hope to inspire people to achieve their dreams.

Who handled the distribute for your album?KMD welcomed me with open arms and I appreciatethe opportunity they offered me.

Another name I see is High Voltage, what didthey bring to the project?High Voltage was responsible for the mastering of myalbum, they also administer my publishing.

Going through the credits it seems like youkept things pretty close to the family, workingwith people you already knew. How did thisimpact the making of the album?Like minded folks engage one another. Workingwith people who were familiar to me, made the processvery smooth because we could engage each other ona very honest and direct manner, so there was nomiscommunication or delays.

The most difficult thing you had to do in orderto grow as an artist and person?Remaining true to myself and, not following musicaltrends and fashion. Here’s an interesting story. I wasspeaking to the music manager of a certain radio stationand he reckons that I should start listening to internationaltrends to keep up to date with what the pop stars andAmerican rappers are doing musically so that I can copythem. I disagree, my advice to other musicians is tofollow your heart, remain original because your sound

is unique to you and it’s what makes you special. It’s adifficult stance to take because that’s not what themainstream wants [to hear] and therefore opportunitiesmay be limited for those who choose to be trueto themselves. But on the flip side, ironically, musicaltrends and fashion are set by people who remain trueto themselves.

Your greatest strength as an emcee?I’m a versatile MC, and I’ve been able to remain relevantfor a very long time. So I’d say that my greatest strengthas an MC is the combination of versatility and longevity.

Any music or philosophy that has influencedyour life?I love Bob Marley’s music. I can listen to ’RedemptionSong’ over & over.

What are some current affairs that havecaught your attention?The decomposing moral fibre within humanity, it’s reallyheart breaking.

Have you read any books that help to keepthe vibes positive?I love biographies and African historical literature.

How do you continue being creative witheverything else that needs your attention?We’ve all received a talent or talents from the Lord, andbecause our talents are divine gifts we should show ourappreciation by using them frequently. Of course thereare loads of other things that require our attention so Itry to maintain a healthy balance between my priorities,but that’s not easy at all.

Jean-Pierre with theAll Elements Band

“...ironically,

musical trends

and fashion

are set by

people who

remain true to

themselves.”

FEATUREFEATURE

19

DUSTY FINGERZ

20

Who sampled Sly:

(All images are copyrighted by their respective copyright owners)

Cypress Hill — Insane in the brain(organ)/ Real estate (sampled vocals)

Arrested Development — Peopleeveryday

Public Enemy — Fear of a black Planet/Power to the people/ Air hoodlum

Beastie Boys — Finger lickin good/Sex machine

LL Cool J — Mama said knock you out

Queen Latifah — Dance to the music

Fatboy Slim — Weapon of choice

Big Pun — Twinz

A Tribe Called Quest — Jazz (we got)rmx/ After hours/ rap promoter(drums)

Dr. Dre ft Snoop Dogg — Deep Cover

De La Soul — Eye know/ Say no go

M.O.P. — G Building

N.W.A. — Somethin to dance to

Black Eyed Peas — Weekends

J88 — Stupid *ss liesDel — Worldwide

Digital Underground — The humptydance

Sly and the Family StoneSly & the Family Stone are an American band from SanFrancisco, California who were active from 1966 to 1983.This band was pivotal in the development of soul, funk,and psychedelic music. Headed by singer, songwriter,record producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sly Stone, andcontaining several of his family members and friends,the band was the first major American rock band to havea multicultural lineup.

Brothers Sly Stone and singer/guitarist Freddie Stonecombined their bands (Sly & the Stoners and Freddie &the Stone Souls) in 1967. Sly and Freddie Stone, trumpeterCynthia Robinson, drummer Gregg Errico, saxophonistJerry Martini, and bassist Larry Graham completed theoriginal lineup; Sly and Freddie’s sister, singer/keyboardistRose Stone, joined within a year. This collective recordedfive Billboard Hot 100 hits which reached the top 10, andfour ground-breaking albums, which greatly influencedthe sound of American Pop, Soul, R&B, Funk, and Hip-hopmusic. In the preface of his 1998 book For the Record: Slyand the Family Stone: An Oral History, Joel Selvin sumsup the importance of Sly & the Family Stone’s influenceon African American music by stating "there are two typesof black music: black music before Sly Stone, and blackmusic after Sly Stone". The band was inducted into theRock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

During the early 1970s, the band switched to a grittier Funksound, which was as influential on the music industry astheir earlier work. The band began to fall apart during thisperiod because of drug abuse and ego clashes;consequently, the fortunes and reliability of the banddeteriorated, leading to its dissolution in 1975. Sly Stonecontinued to record albums and tour with a new rotating

lineup under the "Sly & the Family Stone" name from 1975to 1983. In 1987, Sly Stone was arrested and sentencedfor cocaine use, after which he went into effective retirement.However, Sly and The Family Stone were announced asbeing in the line-up for the 2010 Coachella Valley Musicand Arts Festival in Indio, CA., USA.

HistoryThe Stewart family was a deeply religious middle-classhousehold from Dallas, Texas.

K.C. and Alpha Stewart held the family together under thedoctrines of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) andencouraged musical expression in the household. Afterthe Stewarts moved to Vallejo, California, the youngestfour children (Sylvester, Freddie, Rose, and Valetta) formed"The Stewart Four", who released a local 78 RPM single,"On the Battlefield of the Lord" backed with "Walkingin Jesus’ Name", in 1952. The eldest sister, Loretta, wasthe only Stewart child not to pursue a musical career.

While attending high school, Sylvester and Freddie joinedstudent bands. One of Sylvester’s high school musicalgroups was a doo-wop act called The Viscaynes, in whichhe and a Filipino teenager were the only non-whitemembers. The Viscaynes released a few local singles, andSylvester recorded several solo singles under the name"Danny Stewart".

By 1963, Sylvester had become Sly Stone, a disc jockey forSan Francisco R&B radio station KSOL. During the sameperiod, he worked as a record producer for Autumn Records,producing for San Francisco-area bands such as The BeauBrummels and The Mojo Men. One of the Sylvester Stewart-produced Autumn Records singles, Bobby Freeman’s"C’mon and Swim", was a national hit record.

"there are two types ofblack music: black music

before Sly Stone,and blackmusic after Sly Stone"

Joel Selvin - For the Record:Sly and the Family Stone: An Oral History

Sly Stone

2010 RETROSPECTIVEParty people in theplace to be......this is serious business

Metabs, Macho & Planet Earth

The Block of Writers caught in one spot

Kanyisa...love and peace!

Emile YX officiates the emcee battles

DJ Codax cutting upthe competition

Selekta: Hemel Besem vs MC Cole

B-Boy Bennie (winner)and The Curse

Handstand freeze HIP HOP Indabacrew members

Thee Angelo

the turntables

The CamoMingus, Uno and

DJ Eazy finessingB-One tweaks

the controls

Brazuka in full effectRattex, Hipe and

for the launchMingus performs

of his CD

digital music boxHipe with his

The Camo ona solo creep

PURESTFORM

AFRICANHIP HOPINDABA

KOL

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2010 RETROSPECTIVE

SADMC

CHAMPS

DJ Codax

Marv D

DJ Nifftyis number 1

DJ Juice

DJ Calculus

DJ Shameless

the backOn-Q spins behind

in the winners circleHost, Carl Wastie

everything's coolAfter the battle

DJ Azhul

Raiko plays a surprise set DJ Premier in deepconcentration

I run thisPremo's new artist,

Nick JavasUp close with the fans

Peace...I'm out

This guy is feeling it

Skillz, skillz,ILL Skillz that is

DJPREMIER

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2010 RETROSPECTIVE

Believe the hype!

Ready D introduces

the Legends

I'm Public Enemynumber one!

DJ Lord and Big DrePower to the people

Flav...yeah boyeeeeeeee

Cold lampinwith Flavor

Chuck D...

the hard rhymer

DJ Raiko

some fansVast chills with

VASTAIRE

Hey listen... with VastDouble AB

(ILL Skillz)Jimmy Flexx

Handling business

Saturn meets Double AB

Hold up...wait a minute

(ILL Skillz)Tommy Jinx

You know the words

Public Enemy baNNedmember, guitarist Khari Wynn

PUBLICENEMY

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Black SwanRelease Date: 04 February 2011Cast: Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis,Barbara Hershey, Winona RyderDirector: Darren AronofskyClassification: 16LSV, 108 minBLACK SWAN takes a thrilling and at times terrifying journey through thepsyche of a young ballerina whose starring role as the Swan Queen turnsout to be a part for which she becomes frighteningly perfect. Nina (Portman)replaces the prima ballerina for the opening production of the season,“Swan Lake”. But the role requires a dancer who can play both the WhiteSwan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who representsguile and sensuality. Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly but beginsto get more in touch with her dark side with a recklessness that threatensto destroy her.

The Warrior's WayRelease Date: 11 February 2011Cast: Jang Dong Gun, Kate Bosworth, Geoffrey RushDirector: Sngmoo Lee Classification: 16V 100 minThe world’s greatest swordsman abandons his warrior clanto start a new life in the American Badlands in The Warrior’sWay, a visually dazzling modern martial arts adventurewith stunningly choreographed fight sequences and gravity-defying stunts.He arrives to find that his friend has died and the once-thrivingGold Rush town is in shambles, inhabited only by a few dozeneccentrics including Lynne (Kate Bosworth), a beautiful,spirited knife thrower-in-training, and Ron, a worn-out drunk(Geoffrey Rush).In order to make a safe home for the child far from the reachof his murderous clansman, Yang decides to stay on as thetown’s new laundryman, sealing his sword for good.

Fair GameRelease Date: 04 February 2011Cast: Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, Sam Shepard, Ty Burrell, David AndrewsDirector: Doug Liman Classification: 13LVD 106 minA riveting drama inspired by the experiences of real-life undercover CIAofficer Valerie Plame, whose career is destroyed and her marriagestrained to its limits when her covert status is exposed by a White Housepress leak.Valerie Plame (Watts), a covert officer in the CIA’s counter-proliferationdepartment, discovers that Iraq has no active nuclear weapons program,contrary to the belief of many in the U.S. government. Meanwhile, herhusband Joe Wilson (Sean Penn), a former ambassador to Niger, is sentby the State Department to Africa to investigate rumors of the possiblesale of enriched uranium to Iraq. After the White House ignores Joe’sfindings that no such deal took place, and declares war on Iraq, Joewrites a piece in The New York Times outlining his conclusions and ignitesa firestorm of controversy. Fair Game is the gripping account of onewoman’s struggle to overcome a staggering betrayal and reclaim her life.

We review movies currently on circuit and a few forthcoming attractions

MOVIEMOVIE REVIEWSREVIEWS

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The King's SpeechCast: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi, Robert Portal,Richard Dixon, Paul Trussell, Adrian Scarborough, Andrew HavillDirector: Tom Hooper Genre: DramaRelease Date: Fri 11 Feb 2011 Age Restriction: 13LMAAfter the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the scandalousabdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth) who has sufferedfrom a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned KingGeorge VI of England.With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife,Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for herhusband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush).After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment andeventually form an unbreakable bond. With the support of Logue, his family,his government and Winston Churchill (Timothy Spall), the King will overcomehis stammer and deliver a radio-address that inspires his people and unitesthem in battle.Based on the true story of King George VI, THE KING’S SPEECH follows theRoyal Monarch’s quest to find his voice.

Saw 7 3DCast: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Besty Russell, Cary Elwes,Sean Patrick Flanery, Chad Donella, Gina HoldenDirector: Kevin Greutert Genre: Horror, MysteryRelease Date: Fri 18 Feb 2011 Age Restriction: 16LVMA

This February, the most successful horror movie series inhistory arrives in theaters in vivid, chilling 3-D with the releaseof Lionsgate’s SAW 3D.The SAW films follow the machinations of Jigsaw, a terminallyill cancer patient with an exacting moral agenda and a geniusfor gruesome games of survival, “played” with those hebelieves have ceased to value and appreciate the gift of life.As a deadly battle rages over Jigsaw’s brutal legacy, a groupof Jigsaw survivors gathers to seek the support of self-helpguru and fellow survivor Bobby Dagen, a man whose owndark secrets unleash a new wave of terror...The first theatrical feature to be shot exclusively on the cutting-edge SI-3D digital camera system, SAW 3D brings the horrifyinggames of Jigsaw to life like never before.

Just Go With ItCast: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman, Nick Swardson,Brooklyn Decker, Dave Matthews, Bailee Madison, Kevin Nealon,Griffin GluckDirector: Dennis Dugan Genre: ComedyRelease Date: Fri 18 Feb 2011 Age Restriction: TBA

In this movie a plastic surgeon, romancing a much younger school-teacher, enlists his loyal assistant, Katherine (Aniston) to pretend tobe his soon to be ex-wife, in order to cover up a careless lie.Anybody could fall for the object of Danny’s (Sandler) desire –schoolteacher Palmer Dodge. The role is played by Brooklyn Decker,who makes her big-screen debut in the film.Palmer is a really sweet girl, a naïve, compassionate, and hopefulmath teacher. She falls in love with Danny, and he decides this girl mightbe the one for him. So he gets caught up in this whole web of lies totry to convince Palmer that he’s a decent guy.When more lies backfire, the assistant’s kids become involved,and everyone heads off for a weekend in Hawaii that will changeall their lives.

How Do You Know?Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd, Jack NicholsonDirector: James L. Brooks Genre: ComedyRelease Date: Fri 18 Feb 2011 Age Restriction: 13LSMA

Lisa (Witherspoon) is a woman, whose athletic ability is the definingpassion of her life, having been her focus since early childhood. Whenshe is cut from her team, everything she has ever known is suddenlytaken from her.Not knowing what to do, she stumbles toward regular life. In this mode,she begins a fling with Matty (Wilson), a major league baseball pitcher,a self-centered ladies man a narcissist with a code of honor. GeorgeMadison (Rudd) is a straight-arrow businessman whose complicatedrelationship with his father, Charles (Nicholson), takes a turn whenGeorge is accused of a financial crime.Before Lisa’s relationship with Matty takes root, she meets George fora first date on the worst evening of each of their lives: she has justbeen cut, and he has just been served. When everything else seems tobe falling apart, they will discover what it means to have somethingwonderful happen.

John Legend & The Roots Wake Up Label: G.O.O.D. Music, Columbia, Sony MusicFormat: CD, Album Genre: Funk/Soul, Hip-hop, ReggaeProduction: Ahmir ”?uestlove” Thompson, James Poyser, John LegendWe’ve been waiting for this for awhile, John Legend and The Roots eventually collaborating on somekind of project together. Never did we expect it to actually happen, however, a full length album offunk/soul covers of the 60’s and 70’s. The idea behind Wake Up was to capture the spirit of the Blackcommunity that was prevalent in those years, and apply it today’s generation as a whole.While Legend’s own material is held in the highest regard by itself, the music on Wake Up finds himleaving his seducer’s suit hung up, as the songs here have a much broader message. It begins with “HardTimes”, a cover of the Baby Huey & The Baby Sitters track, which will immediately resonate with hip-hop heads thanks to it’s familiar horn section as sampled by Diamond D and Ghostface Killah. As anadded bonus, Black Thought surprises the listener with his own rendition of the song’s message, as theband ”loops” the breakdown for his rhymes. They employ this tactic once again later on in the albumon “Our Generation”, the Ernie Hines classic used for Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth’s “Straighten It Out”,featuring bonus rhymes from none other than C.L. himself. The addition of guest rappers is not needed,but makes things a bit more fun, also adding Black Thought to “Little Ghetto Boy” and Common (cringe)on “Wake Up Everybody”.While this arguably gimmicky approach to selling the idea of this album to the more stubborn hip-hopheads works, Legend’s buttery voice is the true highlight of this record. His twelve minute rendition ofBill Withers’ Vietnam-aftermath track “I Can’t Write Left-Handed” carries eerie relevance to today’s post-Iraq America, as Legend pours his heart out on both vocals and the keys. The only seemingly out of placecover here is that of reggae band Prince Lincoln Thompson and the Royal Rasses’ “Humanity”. Sameera, but a completely different sound than the rest of the record. The original track, “Shine”, caps thingsoff; a poignant addition taken from the Waiting For “Superman” soundtrack.Both The Roots and John Legend have reached a point in their careers where embarking on an offshootproject like this will demand respect, rather than being looked at with cocked eyebrows. Summing it allup, the experiment that is “Wake Up!” works beautifully, providing a stark contrast to anything else outthere in modern R&B music today.

MUSICMUSIC REVIEWSREVIEWS

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These days most album releases aren't great but on the rare occasion you could stumble onto valuabletreasure, (an album with more than 5 good trax). Purist DJs and salty record companies beware: MP3sare here to stay, so get smart or get left. Here are some releases we recommend.

Dice Raw Dice Dilla Pregunta (mixtape)

Label: NoneFormat: CD, MixtapeGenre: Hip-hopThis started out as the ’Dilla Jawns’ project whereThe Roots did incredible reinterpretations of someof J Dilla’s classics. As it was a strictly instrumentalaffair, it's inevitable that someone would hop ontop those beats pretty quickly.That someone happens to be none other thanThe Roots affiliate, Dice Raw, who steps to thechallenge and more than holds his own. Dicewrote and recorded the mixtape in less than aweek. Honestly you can hear that he didn’t takethe same amount of time to craft his lyrics. Notthat this is anywhere close to wack but afterhearing Dilla’s classics so lovingly reinvented,I expected him to put in a similar amount of love.The majority of the tracks bump heavily, as thebeats are based on Dilla classics but take on alife of their own. My only gripe is that the jointsdon’t progress into fully fledged songs. For whatit is, I’d say it’s an easy addition to the heavyrotation list, on the strength of the music alone.

Talib Kweli & Hi Tek (Reflection Eternal)Revolutions per minute Label: Warner Bros Rec/Blacksmith MusicFormat: CD, AlbumGenre: Hip-hop

Ten years ago, Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek helpeddefine the indie hip-hop movement, with theirself-titled debut LP. Talib’s thought provoking lyricssat perfectly alongside Tek’s moody, lushproduction. It’s unfair though to expect ReflectionE to recreate that old album.

Talib Kweli, who’s always had a lot to say, hasa mammoth 17 tracks to say it on. Hi Tek’sproduction has evolved, morphing into differentstyles of production, while retaining his signaturestyle. The album gets off to a bit of a slow start,with the murky “City Playground” and “BackAgain”. But things get rolling with the track“Strangers”, as Talib and Bun B drop some oftheir best verses. The soulful “In This World” alsomaintains the energy but the album’s shiningjewels are “Lifting Off”, “Just Begun” featuringJ. Cole, Mos Def, and Jay Electronica, with itsflavour jazz loop, propped nicely by the perfectdrums, and “Ballad Of The Black Gold”, whichis Tek’s strongest beat and Talib’s best verses.

With an album so packed with material, theycould have trimmed the fat a little.

What Talib is saying needs to be said and deservesto be heard by many. He and Hi Tek bring thebest out in each other, like Premier and Guru –let’s hope it doesn’t take another 10 years to doit again.

Kelis Flesh Tone Format: CDGenre: DanceProduction: Boys Noize, Damien Leroy akaDJ Ammo, David Guetta, Free School

”We control the dancefloor” is the key linerepeated toward the close in the opening song,‘Intro’, as Kelis makes her intention clear after themorass of thickset analogue keyboards and midpaced looping drum samples fade to black.

The producer credits vary from that point on, withBoys Noize taking control of ‘22nd Century’ andBlack Eyed Peas’ colleague DJ Ammo overseeing‘4th of July’, but the gist of the record remainsthe same—this is Kelis’s bid for your feet, spreadover a clear and concise (Flesh Tone barely makesit over the 30-minute mark) set of songs thatrarely step outside of the fundamental templateof large pop-dance tunes with sketched out lyricalmantras over the top.

”Before you, my whole life was acapella” from‘Acapella’ is a refrain that is part of another highpoint here, which might make Guetta haterssplutter coffee all over their computer monitors,but he manages to pull together something thatat least sounds like it’s yanking Kelis back to herbrassy take on pop.

Arguably, songs that are so clearly aimed at thedancefloor don’t need a greater lyrical depth, andwork best when meshed with simple incantationslike ”emancipate yourself” on ‘Emancipate’.

Some may be quick to dismiss the album in favourof her previous offerings, however upon closerinspection you may find that she has made amore personal album and exposed her all toohuman flaws. ’Flesh Tone’ is uplifting brave andmore importantly, a very danceable experience.

Skye Keeping Secrets Label: Skyewards RecordingsFormat: CD, AlbumGenre: Trip Hop, Soul, PopProduction: Alexis Smith, Ivor Guest, SkyeSkye is a delightful vocalist; she has this abilityof sultry singing that reminds me of a BillieHoliday at times. This album is her 2nd solo effortand for the most part sees her staying closeto the tried and tested formula employed onMorcheeba albums.None of the producers from Morcheeba areenlisted but the sound is very similar, maybe shehad more to do with the sound than just vocals?To say that the album is short by today’s standardsis an understatement. The entire experience iscomplete in just over 47 min. With Skye trimmingall the fat and giving us only the essentials shemakes it an album worth multiple listens.

J Live The best part re-issue Format: CDGenre: Hip-hopProduction: DJ Premier, DJ Spinna, Prince Paul,Grap Luva, etc.Check this out, J-Live, is possibly one of the mosttalented Hip Hop artists ever slept on.I didn’t really appreciate how really nice this was...and still is. I put this album back on the playlist

Black Milk Album Of The Year Format: CD, AlbumGenre: Hip-hopProduction: Blackmilk

It’s a bold statement when you call your latestproject Album of the Year. But for Detroitproducer/emcee Black Milk, his audacious claimsaren’t unwarranted as Album of the Year is onehelluva complete package that is sure to be onmany year-end lists.

Let’s get this out of the way: Black Milk is anexceptional lyricist, but it is the production thatsteals the show on this project. Simply put, BlackMilk’s work behind the boards is top notch. Milkhas a knack to make his drums slap your eardrumssilly as evidenced on the scatting “Round ofApplause” and the album’s opener “365.”

This go around Black Milk makes sure you listento him as a rapper. It’s something he does a greatjob with and obviously focused on when craftingthe album. “Distortion” finds Black lamentingabout how he can’t grasp why bad things happento good people.

He shows off some lyrical dexterity when hecalls upon fellow Detroit rhyme slayers RoyceDa 5’9” and Elzhi for the simply menacing“Deadly Medley.”

But in the end, Album of the Year is anchored byits production. Black Milk can make you nod yourhead until your spinal cord can’t take anymorelike on “Black & Brown” and when he’s ready tosmooth it out, he’ll surround a sweet guitar loopwith another round of potent drums on thealbum’s closer “Closed Chapter.”

Ultimately, if you are a fan of raw production,Black Milk’s Album of the Year absolutely mustnot be missed. His lofty claims aren’t unjustifiedand you’ll find that out courtesy of this 12 trackexercise in how hip-hop should be done.

The title track is delicate guitars, interesting drumpatterns and electronic flourishes perfectlyshowcasing the cerebral lyrics Skye sings and thatsoft ethereal voice.The album opens with the very melodic ”I believe”which sets the tone for most of the 10 cuts. ”Boohoo” switches between melancholic and a bitcheerful, while the stunning ”Not broken” (withlyrics of self belief) is the most acoustic selection.The dark and mysterious ”Monsters demons” ismade that more ominous by skittery beats andfuzzy guitars, while ”Clocks to stop” has a bassline with a Waltz-like sensibility. You’ll love ”Wrongalright” and closing cut ”Exhale” (with beautifulharmonies and reverb-ed guitars).Not everything is soft and ethereal though, ”Theshape I’m in” is upbeat Pop, as is the bouncy”Almost killed me”, the variations in style areskilfully executed and most welcome. The onlyproblem is that she is not famous and the releaseof the CD on her independent label went nearlyundetected by most.Skye is a vocalist who deserves to be heard bymany more ears, we certainly hope that thishappens for her in the near future.

MUSICMUSIC REVIEWSREVIEWS

Various Artists Future Soul Format: CDProducer: VariousPerformer: Various

This compilation of would-be ’Future Soul’ startsoff very strong indeed with the impressive LiquidSpirits. I assume that the outfit consists of morethan one person and the lead vocalist is in totalcontrol with their contribution called ’Destiny’, agood marriage of music and vocals plus a touchof hip-hop at the bridge, stunning.

Next up is the pairing of Georgia Anne Muldrowand Dudley Perkins. No problem with Georgia,she’s got a unique voice and vibe, and once again

Diamond District In the ruff Format: CDGenre: Hip-hopProduction: OddiseeDamn! Oddisee and crew (Yu & XO), make madnoise with this project. Sounding like they’ve beenchillin in Detroit from the way the beats arebanging.Each track catches your attention from the firstspin. ’Streets won’t let me chill’, ’Who I be’, ’Getin line’, ’In the ruff’, pretty much the whole CDhas got those neck snappin beats for the ’true-school’ Hip-hop fiends.It’s the kind of beats that make you wanna crankup the volume to the max and not give a damnif the neighbors call the cops.Nice variation on the album too with some beatsbeing bangers and others having warm basslines with more of a soulful feel. They ride thetrax in a Slum Village type steelo (just with betterrhyming). ’Let me explain’ got serious bump inthe kick drums and is an audio treat for the beatalone, the sung hook is buttery as well! ’The firsttime’ is one of those soulful beats Oddisee isknown for. What a great way to end the CD. Keepyour eye on any projects with the name Oddisee.

Dela Changes of atmosphere Format: CDGenre: Hip-hopFeatures: Talib Kweli, J-Live, J. Sands, Supastitionand BluProduction: Dela

French producer Dela released his debut album(after 2 mixtapes), ’Changes of Atmosphere’. Asa newcomer to the majority of listeners, his statuswas mostly unknown. Yeah, we’ve seen goodtrack lists before, that doesn’t always translateinto an album. But Dela did an excellent job here.

Every track has a cohesive sound that masterfullyblends into the other. This is the main factor

DJ Premier Year Round Records: Getused to us Label: Year Round RecordsFormat: CD, AlbumGenre: Hip-hopProduction: DJ PremierWhen Premier drops a compilation like YearRound Records: Get Used To Us, it’s up to the“us” in the title (meaning the emcees) to holdit down.One of the highpoints of the record is “Ya DayzR #ed”, a posse cut featuring Royce Da 5’9,Freddie Foxxx, and a still-killing-it Lady of Rage.Foxxx also nails the album’s best solo cut on“Gang Starr Bus”, gifting him a circa-’92 Premiertrack that invokes a sense of deja vu. KRS-Oneand Grand Puba remember a similar time on“5%”, recalling rap’s relationship with the godsand earths in the 80’s and 90’s.The new talent also shines. Nick Javas does anadmirable job impressing Premier on “OppurtunityKnoccs” – Also lookout for Dynasty and Khaleel.On “Hot flames”, Khaleel’s distinct southern drawlmeshes perfectly with Premo’s east coast drums.While there’s a lot of emcees on this record,that’s it’s only downfall, sometimes making ithard to keep track of who’s who. Nevertheless,Premier delivers the quality in stax, setting up hislabel nicely.

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about a month ago and each time I listen to it,I’m amazed at just how fresh it still sounds!

J-Live is an absolute genius at what he does.Recording his first album, ’The Best Part’, duringhis college undergrad years (he recorded it at 19/20!). It’s a refreshing blend of old-school andprogressive hip-hop, backed by extraordinarylyricism, storytelling, and substance.

On this album J-Live overdosed on dopeness, asthere are way too many trax that are classic. Check,check, check,... ’Don't play’, ’YES’, ’Them that’snot’, ’Kick it to the beat’, ’Wax paper’, ’Getthe third’, ’R.A.G.E.’, ’True school anthem’ andthe title track. Subject matter goes across varioustopics but the storytelling is always there,whether he is doing braggadocios rhyme orrelaying a personal experience. On ’Wax paper’he utilises his knowledge of turntablism to weaveall the relevant terms and constructs a story thatmakes sense.

To me he epitomizes the true MC in every way.He’s got the braggin raps, conscious rhymes, wittywordplay and crazy flow, the ability to rhyme atany tempo and sound fresh, got concepts fordays and chooses beats that suite the topic.For an idea of my thoughts on the albumcheck the classic cut ’Timeless’. Just in case youmissed it the first time around he includes thesingle that propelled him to underground stardom,’Braggin writes’.

Whether or not J realises, he has achieved thathard to earn and often elusive, longevity thatother MCs wish they had. I highly recommendyou purchase this classic album and have funwith it for the next couple of years. 2CDs worthof hip hop phatness.

proves why she stands out of this batch. Dudley’scameo appearance doesn’t disturb, interrupt orintervene, so it’s all groovy. It should be mentionedthat the 2 are featured on this track by a bandcalled The Society. Another winner!

Dessy Di Lauro’s ’Shout out’ gets the feet tappingwhile giving affirmations to the sistas. Upliftingmessage and ably assisted by who-ever is herbacking band, that’s winning track number 3. UKveteran, Omar resurfaces on Future Soul with hisafro-jazz celebration, ’It’s so’. The party is in fullswing and if you not moving, by now, you mustbe in a graveyard.

I don’t know who V is but I like his style. No kineticrhythms to steal the focus from his vocals. Thesong is awash with chords and a deep bass linepunctuated by a simple percussive slap. Jill Scotthandles the outro with a very short cameo. Waytoo slick. Leah McCrae, who is capable of timetravel it seems, takes us on a journey back to thesounds of the Jackson Five. Nicole Willis and TheSoul Investigators make you pay attention. Brigetteperforms just like the name of her track, ’Star’,and rounds off the presentation. Is it future soul?It is but you can enjoy it right now! Hopefullythese unofficial compilations are ongoing.

that makes me regard it as a jazz-rap classic,not to pigeon-hole it.

Dela didn’t skimp on lyricism either when hecreated this line-up. With veterans like J-Live,J. Sands (of Lone Catalysts), Talib Kweli, andSupastition, and very strong contributions byrelatively newer cats like Blu and Naledge, plusa slew of lesser known artists, you definitelyknow the album’s gonna have some variety.

It has that in abundance but nearly every track,even if it has no rapping, fits into the cohesivejazz-rap theme so well that there’s not a singleskippable track on here. Remixes aren’t myfavourite way to end an album, but...

Talib Kweli Gutter rainbows Label: Blacksmith Music, Warner BrosReleased: 25 Jan 2011Genre: Hip-hopProduction: 88-Keys, M-Phazes, Shuko, Ski Beatz,S1, KHRYSIS!, 6th sense, Marco Polo, etc.

When it comes to Talib Kweli you either love himor hate him. However no one can deny that he’scontinuously served heads with considerableportions of good music. Unfortunately, eachrelease has been somewhat less impressivethan the last.

This year the BK emcee is back on his own withGutter Rainbows. The M-Phazes produced titletrack makes for good listening, anthem soundingbeat with reality based story telling. “Survival ofthe fittest/ by any means necessary/ got us callingdrug dealers revolutionaries”. Have to admit Talibhad my attention on the album with lines like “Allthese rappers looking mad in photos/a saddisplay of braggadocio/quality makes up forwhat I lack in promo”. Lyrically, Kweli seems tobe as potent now as the first time I heard him.

The production on “Gutter Rainbows”, is a hit ormiss affair. S1 comes correct with the jazzy “Waitfor You”, one of my favourites. Khrysis on theboards with the heat on “I’m on One”, findingKweli spitting some of his hardest verses over sumearly 80s type hip-hop beat. Marco Polo bringthat energy on “Palookas” and Maurice Brown, anewcomer to hip hop production, ends the albumwith the smoothed-out, laid back approach on“Self Savior.” Chace Infinite makes an appearance,forcing Kweli to take it to another level.

Of the 14 tracks, most are handled quite capablyby Kweli, with Jean Grae adding a hot verse on“Üh oh”. While most (egg)heads maintain theirhate on Talib for no logical reason, this albumproves to be a solid offering.

Gangrene (Alchemist + Oh No)Gutter Water Label: DeconReleased: Nov 2010Genre: Hip-hopProduction: The Alchemist, Dr No & DJ MuroGood music is still being made, you just have tosearch for it a little. You’ll find that things are moreweird and wonderful than ever.Gangrene is the group project of Oh No and TheAlchemist, Dr No being Madlib’s younger brotherand ALC, one of the most seasoned producers.I didn’t read any production info, just loaded thealbum onto my cell phone and had it on repeat.Pretty soon I gravitated toward my favourite joints.I checked the info afterwards and it just sohappens that most of my favs are produced byThe Alchemist: “Boss shit”, “Not high enough”,“Chain swinging”, and “Breathing down your neck”.Oh No finds unique (also see trippy) samples andtwists them into something usable, while Alchemistkeeps his sound on par with the work that puthim on the map. They managed to bring out thebest in each other and form something cohesive.To me Dr.No’s got the better verses though.The guest list consists of classic emcees, both oldand new. Raekwon kills on the title track (Co-produced by that crate digger of note-DJ Muro),while Planet Asia lends his voice to, “Get into somegangster shit”. Fashawn and Evidence bothcontribute solid verses on “Wassup Wassup”.While this is an album where the beats are betterthan the verses, it ain’t no thang when the beatsare this dope.Hip-hop is not dead and a little Gangrene may justbe what the doctor ordered.

Guilty Simpson OJ Simpson Label: Stones Throw RecordsReleased: 17 May 2010Genre: Hip-hopProduction: MadlibGuilty Simpson is an emcee with skills that alsohas a knack for working with some of the dopestproducers in the game. From his work with J Dillato Black Milk, Guilty gets it in. As always, Madlib isa busy man, dropping more releases than No Limitin the 90’s. The LP OJ Simpson brings the duotogether as this is Guilt’s album produced exclusivelyby Madlib. As another release in the long line ofhip-hop’s super-producer/emcee collaborationsthe question is, does it live up to history?

Frankly, OJ Simpson begins slowly with twounnecessary introductions. Once the album kicksinto full gear, it makes you wonder why theydelayed the start. The lead vocal track, “OJ Simpson”comes off well, with Guilty flowing perfectly overa Madlib head nodder. After two more interludes,the album continues with “New Heights”, anotherdope track that reminds the listener of a mid 90’sWu Tang banger. With no letting down, “Karma ofKingpin” follows and again grabs the listener withboth a fantastically sampled beat and nasty GuiltySimpson flowing effortlessly. The decent “CoronersMusic” follows, but does not hold a candle to thestandout track “Back on the Road Again”. Theessence of the track is in the sick sample and beatgiven for Guilty to flow over as he describes thetour life. As it continues with “Hood Sentence” and“Cali Hills”, OJ Simpson, slows down a littlemusically, but maintains its fine work. Theproduction on the album is extremely strong andconsistent with every track vocal track being anaudible treat. Other tracks to check for include thedope “Scratch Warning”, “Outside” featuring StrongArm Steady, the dope by criminally short“Trendsetters” and tunnel banging “100 Styles”.The only weak track is “Mic Check 313”, which isnot a terrible track, but is just weak in comparisonto the rest of the tracks.

Though it may be seen as a positive as the albummoves along, I found the bevy of interludesinfuriating. OJ Simpson is a 24 track LP, with 11interludes/intermissions, some of which are twoto four minutes long. Most tracks are followedby one or two interludes that serve to just stopthe flow of the album. Ninety percent of theinterludes are skippable, which makes themunnecessary. Otherwise, OJ Simpson is musicallydope, with a collection of engrossing beatsperfectly matched to Guilty Simpson. Though thealbum’s namesake is a pariah, this OJ Simpsonis well worth bringing into your home.

Submit your CD/mixtape/project for review.Email us on wordupezine@gmail.com formore info. Are you a musician, rapper, singer,producer, DJ, promoter or publicist? Do youhave some info that Word Up should publish?Make sure you add us to your mailing listsand break us off with your latest tracks.PLEASE do not attach mp3s to emails, theywill be deleted. If you are sending mp3s, weask that you provide the links to downloadthem. Not everything will make it into Wordup Ezine because we’re some picky peoples.Keep the info coming and we'll keep youentertained.

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

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Upcoming events:

Marc Lottering - Not in 3DDate: 1 Feb - 26 Feb 2011Venue: Baxter Theatre, Rondebosch, Cape TownTime: 8pm - 9:20pmCover: R70 - R80

VersesFirst Session of the year on Wednesday, 23 Februaryat MOJO in Station Road Observatory.Cover: Still only R30!Email: freshvserse@hotmail.com or

call 072 283 8315 for more info

KOL presents The Jazz Note -Hip-Jazz NightDate: 19 February 2011Venue: Club Voom VoomTime: 9pmCover: R30The best of jazz and Hip-Hop on stage, live!

Opening HoursFri 25 Feb 2011 from 10h00 - 20h00 (On-site tickets sales close at 19h00)Sat 26 Feb 2011 from 10h00 - 20h00 (On-site tickets sales close at 19h00)Sun 27 Feb 2011 from 10h00 - 18h00 (On-site tickets sales close at 17h00)

Admission CostsAdults R60 Pensioners and Students R40Scholars and Children R30 Kids under 10 FREE

Tickets available at the door or from Computicket (Sales open 1 February)

February - March 2011

A celebration of the 23rd anniversary ofSouth African hip-hop pioneers and oldesthip-hop group, Black Noise, showcasingperformances and footage of songs fromthroughout their career.

Also showcased will be some of the hottestMCs, singers, break dancers/b-boys, krumpers,lockers, poppers and new-school hip-hop fromthe Cape Flats, as well as some guests fromthe USA.

Date & Time: Saturday, March 19 at 11:30pm- March 20 at 2:30am

Venue: Baxter Theatre, Rondebosch,Cape Town

Cover: R50 (tickets at Computicket)

BLACK NOISEANNIVERSARY& SHUT UP JUSTDANCE BATTLES

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Directory

Design

BrandVerse Communication Agency

BTL AdvertisingBrandingGraphic DesignOnline AdvertisingWebsite & Mobisite Design

Contact: Gavin BloysCell: +27 (0)76 709 5023E-mail: brandverse@gmail.comWebsite: www.brandverse.co.za

Word Up Productions

Graphic Design & Photography

Contact: Andre or NatashaTel: +27 (0)21 591 2932E-mail: wordup.productions@gmail.com

Recording Studio

Arsenic Lab

Vocal Recordings, Beats & Mix-downs

Contact: ArsenicE-mail: arsenicbeats@gmail.com

For Sale

Hip-hop Vinyls - Various Artists

Contact: Baron

E-mail: baronxselector@yahoo.com

On the Download:Burni (Godessa) and Wasun - Talking DrumzFor all heads who enjoy "conscious" trax, here's a link to a song by Burni(Godessa) and Toronto based activist/emcee, Wasun...enjoy!http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5Z3QW4RR

XO (X Rate & Ootz) - Nauts N Crosses Podcast II Now available forDownloadFeaturing Zubz, Battlekat, pH, Nthabi, Eli, Reason, Headbanger, MrCRUNNING TIME - 29:13http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ZJR0GWOGhttp://www.sendspace.com/file/uxjr89

Deejay Calculus Hip Hop MixThis SA DMC Finalist presents a 31 minute long mix including MOP's "Cold asice", "Tear It Off" by Methodman & Redman plus many more. You can copthe mix here: www.divshare.com/download/11513237-662 (You'll find lotsof his other mixes on the same page)

Jay Z - “Beirut Gangster” Remix Album (Mixtape) (Free Download Link)For every big album that drops, a million remix albums follow, most of whichusually suck. So, digging through a collection of old music, the dopest andprobably slept on remix of American Gangster was found. Enjoy! Follow thefree download link.http://www.sendspace.com/file/o817bo

PAPERCUTT presents KHULI CHANA - Motswakoriginator - 'THEQUICKTAPE'. (A short 10 min. DJ mix/sample of the album is what we calla "QUICKTAPE") FREE QUICKTAPE DOWNLOAD available atwww.papercutt.co.za/mixtapes

Nu MadvillianHere’s a preview of two new Madvillain tracks, in the form of a short snippetfrom Stones Throw’s latest Peanut Butter Wolf-mixed podcast, a “50-minute mixof current & upcoming Stones Throw Records for 2011.” Download the whole thing— which also features tracks from Madlib, James Pants, Dam-Funk, and morehttp://www.stonesthrow.com/news/2011/01/stones-throw-podcast-64

ROBOT ROBINSONFor those who remember The US MC John Robinson visiting in 2010, here'sthe cover of his new project, ROBOT ROBINSON: John Robinson + Robot Koch[Album in stores March 4th CD/LP/Digital]Get a SNEAK PEEK HERE:http://soundcloud.com/projectmooncircle/pmc074-robot-koch-and-john-robinson-robot-robinson-snippet

ININ THETHE MIXMIX

Upcomingevents:

March 2011

If you'd like us to promote your

gig, album releaseor any other event,

please e-mail the relevant info to:wordup.ezine@gmail.com

Kings of Leon - Live In Cape TownDate: Thursday, March 24Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pmVenue: Cape Town StadiumFor more info, visit computicket.com