JaeLanMySpaceSpotlight
ISSUE 1
Delinkwentz Nation
FreeE-ZINE
YOUR
Front cover: Photography courtesy of Jakub Dammer
Special thanks to: Transit Clothing, Mercure Perth, DJ Joe Black,
Dialekt, Alex Ford, Sandy Petrovic, Bronwyn Clark,
Cameron Myles, Jason Xa
Photographers: Jakub Dammer, Nancy Bahbah, Sarah Bahbah
Contributing writers: Justine Macdonald, Rochelle Soliman,
Lauren Barrett, Matthew Majka
TABLE of
Music Review360 | Grand Corps Malade
03
06 12InterviewThe Delinkwentz Nation
Myspace SpotlightOur pick
CONTENTS
JaeLanPressure’s on
04
INTRODUCING
Published by:
In association with:
Lauren BarrettAssistant Editor
Kathrine ButlerCopy Editor
Neema Shogun BagherzadehWordplay Facebook
Boz YatesLead Designer
Tricia RayEditor-In-Chief Colosoul Group Inc.
Barui Gankgang NthobatsangMarketing
To whet your appetite for his debut effort, Falling & Flying,
which will be released sometime later this year on Soulmate
Records, 360 has recently made a short mixtape called
Please be Seated available for free download. The mixtape
is basically a six track collection of remixes of artists such as
B.o.B, MGMT, Lisa Mitchell, Broken Bells, Ellie Goulding and Tinie
Tempah. Please be Seated also features a guest appearance
by fellow Soulmate Records star Pez on the remix of the Broken
Bells track The Ghost Inside. How much you’re going to like
this mixtape will depend on how much you like remixes, but
you should definitely check out 360‘s remix of the Lisa Mitchell
track Coin Laundry (retitled Do You Have a Dollar?) which
transforms the original into a meditation on the substandard
treatment that both war veterans and the homeless receive.
If you’re interested, you can download a copy of Please be
Seated here: http://www.360music.com.au/
Cypress Hill fans who have been waiting for their return to
the music scene will not be disappointed with their newly
released album Rise Up. Rise Up is the hip hop crew’s
eighth album.
The record is full of uneven tracks, fusing hip hop and rap with
a way out rock sound. Even though the songs are scattered,
it’s still got the same old Cypress Hill feel to it. Songs on
the track range from an old skool hip hop sound to guitar
induced, head banging beats. Collaborations with Pitbull
and Marc Anthony give prove that Cypress Hill can re-invent
themselves time and time again. Their ability to include rock
without loosing their hip hop trademark is worth mentioning.
For the die hard fans who have been with Cypress Hill since
the beginning, don’t worry there’s something on the album for
you too. Just turn to track No. 7 on the record titled K.U.S.H. As
I said, the album will not disappoint!
360: Please Be Seated
Cypress Hill: Rise Up
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wordplay | issue one |p.3
JaeLanPerth Hip-Hop artist JaeLan has just finished recording
his LP Moment of Silence, due to be released in mid
September. He describes the record as a “positive
jam”, with the main message to motivate people to
be greater than what they are. The LP is a balance
between commercial and underground, he says. “I like
to make records people can dance to, but at the same
time I want to make something they can get a special
meaning from.”
Musically influenced by Tupac, Jay-Z, Mos Def and Lupe
Fiasco, JaeLan says this new record best reflects his
personality. He recorded his first LP Above status quo in
2003, which he says was a very commercial, more pop
flavoured record, but decided not to release it. “I felt like
I wasn’t being me,” he says.
So he started again from scratch and the result is
Moment of Silence, a record which he says is more his
style. “Not many people listen to underground music
but that’s the music that best reflects me and I have
to make the music that’s true to myself,” he says. It’s a
tough road trying to make it as a Hip-Hop artist in Perth,
because the Hip-Hop community is fairly small, he says.
“It’s pretty hard because there’s not really a big fan
base and there’s not many venues that hold a lot
of Hip-Hop shows for artists, so there aren’t a lot of
opportunities to showcase your work.” But he says
that this is also the reason he has been able to get
exposure. “You get noticed quickly because there’s not
many people doing it.” The only way to make it in the
industry, he says, is to make people listen to you.
“It’s about networking, building up contacts, you gotta
just go out on your own,” he says.
After playing shows at Perth clubs such as Eve,
Metropolis Fremantle, Metropolis City and The Deen,
JaeLan now plans to travel over east, then to New York
and LA to do some shows. It’s been a long road for
JaeLan. “Hopefully it’s starting to pay off.”
by Rochelle Soliman
I like to make records people can dance to
wordplay | issue one |p.5
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Tell me about the Delinkwentz Nation, what are you guys
involved in? Where are you guy located?
The Delinkwentz Nation is located in Melbourne (a.k.a Burn City).
The Delinkwentz started off as a Breakin crew, but now is involved
in and practices the 4 Elements of Hip-Hop: Bboyin, DJing,
Graffiti Art and MCing. I’m living in Perth at the moment but I’m
planning to move back to Melbourne. We operate mostly from
Melbourne. We have crew members in Brisbane and Adelaide,
(myself in Perth), Japan: Tokyo, and South Korea: Seoul. We also
have crew affiliations in Philippines: Manilla and Cebu.
How did you get involved in Bboying? What interested you
about it?
I was in High School the first time I ever got a glimpse of Bboyin.
It was a live performance (seeing anything live always has a bigger
impact on you) held at lunch time in the gym. I got interested
immediately, I never thought you could make your body do such
cool things, toprock, footwork, freezes, power-moves. Who would
have thought that a dance would be created where you spin on
the floor, or dance by crouching on the floor stepping and what not.
Also all the girls were cheering for this one cat breakin, I was like...
hmmm haha
You work with the indigenous hip-hop projects, what are
your goals and what do you wish to achieve with the
indigenous hip-hop projects?
The Indigenous Hip-Hop Projects (IHHP) is an amazing company, we travel all over Australia
using Hip-Hop as a medium to convey health messages and provide opportunities for
youth. Our goals in IHHP is to celebrate the fusion of traditional Indigenous culture and
Hip-Hop, facilitate workshops that provide performance skills, leading up to events with
performance, community strengthening, community educational and health outcomes.
IHHP promotes self expression through movement, music and art, boosting morale and
confidence and promoting positive social behaviors in remote communities. Every time I
go on tours with IHHP I achieve all the above. It is a very rewarding job and I’m very happy
to be a part something so special.
How does choreographed Hip-Hop differ from a breakdance routine?
Interesting question, I don’t believe there is a difference. Choreographed hip-hop or
breakin routine. It is all choreography, which is a predefined set of movements. We just
do choreography within our own dance forms, whether you break or hiphop.
In choreography, you attempt to appear exactly uniform with the person next to you.
Breakin routines/choreography might have more physically challenging movements,
but choreographed hip-hop movements may be mentally more challenging. Both
are difficult. There is however a sub-category that Bboy’s have pioneered. It is called
Commando’s. This is used in a Battle context to strengthen the overall run from your crew.
The Bboy presents an introduction of moves to bring the other person in when battling.
Giving a walk-in-whilst-the-other-person-walks-out effect.
wordplay | issue one |p.7
Before the Hip-Hop stereotype of bling, cars, woman and weaponsHow big is the Australian Bboying scene?
The Bboying scene in Oz is quite large, with regular competitions,
jams and performances taking place in the capital city’s. The Oz
Bboying scene is made up of about 30 major crews (established
crews that have been around for 5+ years) who actively battle/
perform/cypher in their own city or go interstate/international. Then
there’s a whole lot of up and coming crews who are developing
and bringing their own flavor into the scene and representing
which is awesome!
Who are some of your influences?
First and foremost my crew Notorious Delinkwentz! They are a
huge source of inspiration for me, we vibe and learn off each
other. Michael Jackson without a doubt, James Brown, Frosty’s
cereal aahah
What music do you prefer to breakdance to?
I love Bboy music. Funk and soul from the 70’s, Jimmy Castor Bunch,
Michael Viners Incredible bongo band, James Brown, Johnny Pate,
The BlackByrds, Bob James. Rap HipHop from the golden era late
80’s early 90’s: Eric B & Rakim, Lords of the Underground, Blade, Das
EFX, Nas, Nice and Smooth. I could go on forever so i better stop. If
you don’t know these artists yet, go get at them, these artists are the
foundations and extensions of what Hip-Hop music is REALLY about.
Before the Hip-Hop stereotype of bling, cars, woman and weapons.
How has breakdancing evolved over the years? How have you
adapted to the changes?
Breakin has evolved dramatically over the years. The dance
has gone through many phases, from different trend moves
each few years, to the mindset, to new foundational moves.
I can only explain the evolution of the dance since I first
started dancing. When I first begun dancing, it was in an era
where blow-ups, originality and power-moves were a huge
focus. It was like, who could do the craziest most original
blow-up movement/freeze/contortionist freeze.
Or, the most amount of spins, or the longest power-move run.
Nowadays, there has been a huge shift and focus on the
music, and taking the dance back to its roots, which for the
most part was overlooked by a lot of people. It has helped
refine dancers and given a more complete understanding
of this dance.For me, adapting to these type of changes has
helped me become a better all-round dancer. As long as
people don’t get swept up in trends, then they will add their
own individuality to this art. Originality stands alone always.
Before the Hip-Hop stereotype of bling, cars, woman and weapons
Have you ever competed in any bboying major competitions?
If not, do you plan to compete or would you like Notorious
Delinkwentz compete in the future?
Yes, there has been quite a few major competitions in Melbourne
we have taken a part of and also won. Our biggest break through
as a crew came in 2008 when we took 1st place in the Victorian
State Bboy Championships. Another great experience came at
the end of 2008 when we travelled to Japan, Osaka. We entered
an event called “Be.Bboy” there was 52 crews that entered, and we
made top 16 which was very exciting. Australia Represent!
Where has Bboying taken you? Can you make a career out of it?
Bboying has has taken me places a never dreamed I would
be. First of all I never thought I would ever become a dancer.
I started dancing when I was 18, so I was already self-
conscious enough haha, but Bboying and HipHop culture
has given me a sense of identity and confidence that I
can do anything I put my mind to. I have been fortunate
enough to travel and tour to nearly all corners of Australia
with IHHP, create a dance crew from scratch, represent with
the Delinkwentz interstate and internationally. It’s truly been a
Blessing. You can make a career out of dancing/bboying. It
can be hard at times, but if your passionate and ambitious
about anything you do you can make a success out of
yourself, Smart decisions, being in the right place at the
right time, and surrounding yourself with the right people
who are there to support what you do is a huge help.
What advice would you give to aspiring bboys?
Don’t forget to have fun when you dance! Be open minded
and reasonable to what people have to say. Be confident in
anything you do, but Never think you’re better than someone,
be Humble. Eat heaps haha
What information would you like give to people who are
interested in taking some of your workshops or classes?
Breakin/Bboy & Bgirl classes are fun and interesting, learn
some cool moves, vibe with other people. It’s a social thing.
It’s for both BOYS AND GIRLS! We need some more Bgirl’s
representing. Word! I’d like to Thank WordPlay Magazine for
this opportunity, much appreicated.
Shout out’s to my crew Delinkwentz, The Perth Bboy Scene:
Systematic, Zou Rock, School of Hip-Hop, West-Coast represent!
Melburn City! The whole Oz Bboy scene.
by Matthew Majka
Come down and have fun! Check out the classes @ The School Of Hip-Hop: 236 Railway Pde, West Leederville Thursday nights 7pm until 9pm.
wordplay | issue one |p.9
Fashion is a statement. It’s also an attitude
and for a lot of people fashion is their
identity. Fashion and style is a constantly
evolving commodity and this has never
been as true as with Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop
fashion traditionally compliments the
confident and wealthy attitudes of Hip-
Hop culture, as seen with artists such as
Notorious B.I.G and P Diddy. But Hip-Hop
fashion is changing and merging with
a more mainstream style, incorporating
aesthetics of skater and punk. No longer
is Hip-Hop style defined by urban bling,
baggy pants, over-sized t-shirts and
hoodies. As Hip-Hop is a sub-culture that is
predominately visual then are artists that
are rapping but are wearing skinny leg
jeans still defined as Hip-Hop artists? This
is the dilemma facing Hip-Hop in the new
millennium, a dilemma which brings in to
question whether or not the sound or the
fashion makes up the Hip-Hop genre.
Traditionally dope Hip-Hop artists in the
80’s embodied a comfortable, urban;
bigger is better kind of style as seen with
Run D.M.C, and artists in the 90’s followed
suit. When one thinks of Hip-Hop the
immediate association is one of grills, J
heri curls, heavy bling and the bona fide
accessory of girls shaking their booty.
However Hip-Hop fashion is now so blurred
that this stereotyped attire that we seem
to identify with Hip-Hop artists is now not
so stereotypical. Skinny jeans, preppy
t-shirts and piercings have begun making
its mark on Americas Hip-Hop scene.
Some argue it’s setting a
new trend for the industry
whereas others say it’s just
a passing fad. Hip-Hop
artist Young Chozen says this new fashion
statement started occurring around the
time Neptunes/Pharrel and Lupe Fiasco hit
the scene as skater rappers. “They mixed in
the style they got from being skaters with
Hip-Hop fashion and from there it’s grown.”
The caps will never change, they will always be around in Hip-Hop
written by Lauren Barrett / photography by Nancy Bahbah and Sarah Bahbah / Model Jazlyn Gabriel
Hip-Hop is Making a New Fashion Statement
Merging the skater style with Hip-Hop style
are artists New Boys and Cold Flamez.
Taking Hip-Hop style to a new level, New
Boys have bought skinny jeans on to the
Hip-Hop scene, donning bright purple
and red colours. Although they have been
bagged out for not being genuine
Hip-Hop artists, they have created a
name for themselves for being unique
and daring to be different. Along with the
skinny jeans their attire also consists of
diamond plaid sweats, giving them a
preppy school look. The only symbolic
pieces of clothing which classify them as
authentic Hip-Hop rappers are the bling
and the caps. Hence here we have the
new revolution in Hip-Hop style-merging
mainstream punk onto the Hip-Hop scene.
Cold Flamez take this new style revolution
to a totally different level, incorporating
visible facial piercing’s to their look.
Without listening to their music, no-one
would distinguish them as Hip-Hop artists
because their outside appearance is so
typical to the punk scene. But once the
beats are playing one gets even more
confused. Rappers with piercings and
tattoos? No bling? Is this a new form
of Hip-Hop where a merging of genres
makes them stand out from the crowd?
Joe Nafajai, manager of Perth Hip-Hop
clothing store Skunk Wear says they simply
want to be different “These guys are trying
to change the traditional Hip-Hop style
and create something new and different,
which is risky because not everyone will
take them seriously as artists”. Joe agrees
that there has been a change in the
Hip-Hop style. “There’s definitely a change
to a couple of years ago, things aren’t as
baggy. The guys are wearing tighter pants,
and generally the look is more casual
than over the top”. But as much as the
fashion is changing there are some things
that will never date. “The caps will never
change, they will always be around in
Hip-Hop” says Joe. The sneaker and bling
obsession will always make anyone look
like an authentic Hip-Hop artist and it’s fair
to say they too will be around for decades
to come. Changes in the hip world come
and go, but I think it’s fair to say this
fashion trend is gaining popularity and
doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon.
Hip-Hop is Making a New Fashion Statement
wordplay | issue one |p.11
Phatchance: Mantra could learn a lesson from
Phatchance who has decided to stream all the tracks
from his most recent effort, Inkstains, on his Myspace page.
Phatchance may be streaming his music for free, but it
probably won’t be for everyone as his music is darker and
has more depth than some other Australian Hip-Hop groups.
But if you like Hip-Hop that’s intelligent as well as being fun to
listen to, you could do a lot worse that listening to tracks like
Mountain of Glass and Battlescars.
http://www.myspace.com/mcphatchance
B.o.B: Maybe you haven’t heard of B.o.B yet, but with
his debut album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray, about to
be released, you probably will soon. His MySpace page is
probably one of the best out there and a shining example
of how to promote a new artist. Not only does it allow you to
stream six of his tracks, including his new single, Nothin’ on You,
you can sign up to his mailing list and e-mail alerts, watch his
videos and read B.o.B’s latest tweets. Why can’t all Myspace
pages be this good?
http://www.myspace.com/bobatl
Hello and welcome to Wordplay’s MySpace Spotlight. With each issue, we’re going to shine
the spotlight on a handful of up and coming and obscure Hip-Hop artists’ MySpace pages
in the hopes of introducing you to some cool new music.
“MySpace page can really help a new artist introduce themselves to the public and build a fan base.”
Just
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Mantra: In an age of declining CD sales, a high quality
MySpace page can really help a new artist introduce
themselves to the public and build a fan base. It’s a real shame
somebody didn’t tell Mantra this, seeing as how he is a recent
addition to the Obese Records label and released his debut
album in March this year. His page is well designed, but so far
there’s only one track posted on the site. Hopefully Mantra and
his management will post more than one track in the future.
http://www.myspace.com/mantrahiphop
wordplay | issue one |p.13
Thundamentals: Thundamentals are from Blue
Mountains, NSW and released their debut album Sleeping
On Your Style last year, scoring minor hits on Triple J with
their tracks The Mash and My Lady (feat. Ray Brown).
Thundamentals list both Nas and Curtis Mayfield as their
influences, and the tracks posted on their page, including
my personal favourite, Move It Up, indicate they’ve found
a way to combine these two different artists and create
something very cool in the process. You can check out
them out on their myspace at: w
http://www.myspace.com/thundamentals
Wale: Wale may have released his debut record Attention
Deficit last year, but he’s actually been recording mix tapes
and working with people like the Roots. If you’re a fan of the
Roots, you should definitely check out Wale’s MySpace page
as you’ll probably find a lot to like. The only problem is the
seven songs streaming on Wale’s MySpace page are just
snippets, but you should still be able to get a pretty good
idea of the quality of Wale’s music by giving them a listen.
http://www.myspace.com/wale
J. Cole: Just like B.o.B, J. Cole is another up and coming
Hip-Hop artist who has taken the time to put a lot of effort
into their page. Cole’s page has plenty of streaming tracks
and videos and well as a regularly updated blog. Cole is
signed to Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation, and his music is pretty
similar to Wale’s, so if you’re looking for something new and a
little different, you might want to check out J. Cole.
http://www.myspace.com/jcole
Sareem Poems: Most people have never heard of
Sareem Poems, but it’s not because he’s a new artist. His
music just hasn’t received the recognition it deserves. But this
probably due to the fact that his music is a little bit different
to a lot of popular Hip-Hop; it has a strong soul and gospel
music influence. Fans of Mos Def should definitely take the
time to check out Sareem Poem’s MySpace page.
http://www.myspace.com/iampoems
Headstrong Company: Adelaide’s Headstrong
Company also released their debut in 2009, having spent
five years working on it. But fortunately for them, the group
have scored gold with their tracks, as each one is very
strong. It’s hard to pick a favourite out of their tracks, but
personally, Long Time Coming, sounds like it could be
a really big hit. If you’re a Hilltop Hoods fan, you should
definitely give Headstrong Company a listen:
http://www.myspace.com/headstrongco
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wordplay | issue one |p.15
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