Posts Tagged ‘Hip Hop’

The local rap scene has recently gained a lot of buzz, and a huge part of the credit for that, has to come from Edmonton’s own brand new battle league; Rep Yo’Self. The league just finished its third show, pitting some of the cities hottest talent against one another.

RYSRB debuted October 6th and was founded by local artist Loyal ‘T’, it is open for local talent to come and check out the battle scene. It also gives the host and founder Loyal ‘T’ a chance to look at the up and comers, it is an opportunity for local artists to get into a huge movement. So give Loyal ‘T’ a shout about a chance to get in on something that is poised to go a long way.

RYSRB has been improving in size and quality with every single installment, RYSRB 3 being the best one to date. The league is getting so big, with so much recognition, that for RYSRB 4 they are moving to a new venue Chicago Joe’s, this event will take place April 27th at 7:30PM.

The next installment will have the semi-finals for the RYSRB championship, having two hype battle featuring Timbo Slice versus Bugzy Malone and Herbs versus Max-A-Million. This looks like it will be one of the sickest cards yet, also featuring three other hot battles, highlighted by FAM member Guillotine taking on Flavor’s own Mitchell Lawler.

Here is a quick VLOG from Loyal ‘T’ hyping up the up coming event. Make sure you all buy tickets by E-mailing repyoselfrapbattles@gmail.com This event will sell out and you want to be there.

RYSRB Vlog

For more info check out The Rep Yo’self Facebook page here and their YouTube Page here

Edmonton rapper Toxsic has dropped a second hot EP on the city. Bringing a combination of the dark murder rap his Prequel EP got him known for, and a more mainstream vibe that people can bump to while they party.

Light Speed, Toxsic’s new ep features 5 sick tracks and one video for his song “The Party, The Animal.” Directed by Jeff Eckert. The video has a different sound that I personally really like. A mixture between Toxsic’s usual vicious fast raps, and a singing melody mixed with a hard beat, it has a really new feel to it and is definitely worth checking out.

Light Speed is the bridge between Toxsic’s Prequel EP and his album, and if he has shown this much growth from the already dope Prequel we can only imagine what that upcoming album will bring.

You can download Light Speed here , checkout Toxsic fanpage and his YouTube here .

-Nico Luigi Josepi Miatello, Assistant Manager, Flavor Clothing

YEG Hip Hop had a solid long weekend for Easter. Two dance battles were hosted, What the Funk for the Lockers and Poppers as well as the Break the Silence bboy battle. You can check out some pics here. We also had our own show on Friday with Jo Thrillz opening up for Mitchell Lawler’s debut live performance at the Yellowhead Brewery.

With people showing up before the doors were even open, it was obvious the fans were eager for some solid Hip Hop Entertainment. Thrillz started it off in true goony fashion by coming out in a full on gorilla costume only to later reveal it wasn’t him in the outfit. The joker was using a wireless mic from backstage and came out from behind everyone. His first song for the night was Chicago Style and he killed it, and every song after.

Lawlz came on after a fine introduction by Sarah Dharshi of Bad Bitch Mentality, the night’s host. He started off with MLawlz and the whole crowd joined right in. It may have been a small venue but we packed it in real good! The wave of arms and bodies pumping to the beat was unreal. Mitchell continued on with Lawlerisback and a whole shit load of tracks from his mixtape ‘New History’.

Resonate Music Studio donated a prize package for the night. We were super appreciative of that and I’m sure Pat Grim was too since he won the raffle! Pat now gets 4 free music lessons at Resonate as well as a copy of New History and a Flavor snapback.

The die hards that stuck around to the end got a solid Easter egg. Not a literal one! Just a nice surprise. A ton of rap locals were on scene to show their support and wound up jumping on stage for a cypher to end the night. Self from the Liberators, Kazmega, ID of Locution Revolution, Jo Thrillz and of course, Lawler himself, freestyled to beats spun by DJ Creeasian. For your viewing pleasure, check the video here:

-Wade Stanley Earl Tompkins, Co-Founder, Flavor Clothing

When Flavor first started almost 2 years ago, we were fairly oblivious to the Edmonton Hip Hop community. Bad Bitch Mentality were the first to really introduce us to the scene. From there we did our research and started discovering more and more artists. From our interview with Touch and Nato we got hooked on the rap scene. Eventually we ran into the boys at WACK and all the talented cats painting at the free wall. DJ Creeasian and Jeff ‘Poppin Fresh’ were solid fellas who showed us everything we know about poppin, lockin and breaking.

After being exposed to all these facets, known as the pillars of hip hop, we noticed something. Each pillar is strong and robust; However, they seem to stand alone. Bboys throw an event and only the bboy crowd shows up. A Street Artist puts up a new piece and the only shout outs on facebook are from other painters. The last time I went to a local rap concert, it was full of rappers.

I understand we all have our own tastes and interests and it’s hard to get out of that shell. That only means that it’s more important for us, the artists/entertainers, to get out of our comfort zone and get involved in the Hip Hop community so that our friends and fans follow our example.

Right now a Rap concert might see 150 people; A weekly bboy battle brings in 50 people. Kurly’s art show last weekend was similar and the Raps on Wax off event pulled a similar draw at the Artery.

 Now, imagine if instead of having segregated communities of Hip Hop, we all put in the effort to support each other. Download some of the local music being made, walk by the free wall sometime and tweet eighbit’s latest piece and scream like crazy at a bboy battle. Our

events could easily triple in size. With larger events comes more renown, more funding and bigger, more exciting venues. We can take this sleepy ‘town’ and build something, build a strong united community where people can’t make up excuses that there’s nothing going on. There will be shit going on all the time. It won’t just be the same old same old either. It’ll be concerts, battles, art shows, competitions, murals and cyphers.

Two weeks ago was Artist Emerge. Last weekend was Kurly’s art show and the hip hop in the park fundraiser Raps on Wax off. This weekend we have our concert with Mitchell Lawler and Jo Thrillz, Saturday is WHAT THE FUNK a poppin’ and lockin’ battle and open Funk cypher. Sunday is Break the Silence a bboy battle at the Kore. Let’s all make a concerned effort to start now and get out to the hip hop community, all of it!

- Wade Stanley Earl Tompkins, Co-Founder, Flavor Clothing

The Liberators seem to have suddenly popped up on the local scene with a showing of experience clearly defined by years of hard work and talent. The truth is, they’ve been around a lot longer and their skill in rap and mastery of vocabulary is some of the strongest you’ll see. With songs like ‘Lude Behaviour’ and ‘Funk Like Us’ you get a clear picture of their oldschool influences and versatility in style and lyrics.

From Edmonton, down to the States and all the way out to Europe, The Liberators are making moves. After listening to their past and current releases we’re excited to hear what they come out with over the coming years.

Bio’s on the B’ys
So’def / Dboy
Age – 29
Born – Edmonton Alberta
Grew up in north B.C. , and in and around Vancouver B.C. till I was 19 years old , moved back to Edmonton and found a spot on the north side when I was 20 , picked up rapping at the same age , making demo tapes and what not , started making beats around the age 23, linked up with The Liberators shortly after that , I released a beat project on July 1, 2011 called Life and Sound , been working with Self and Press here and there on tracks ever since , Doing a bit of music with my man Skip Sanders that I only met until about a year ago , doing some solo stuff as well , and just planning to throw some more beat projects out in the near future , so along the lines of 9 to 10 years deep in a very underground lifestyle towards my music.

Self/Bluest Eye
Age: 22
Born: Edmonton Alberta.
I Grew up in Edmonton but I’ve lived all over. Picked up writing rhymes in school and haven’t really been able to stop really. I’d say I was about 12-13 when I first started like, keeping writtens, and taking time to memorize verses. Began recording when I was like 15. First considered “releases” were with the Liberators, and were called The Spiritual Dilemma, and The What’s Happenin’ EP. I’ve been putting in work with a ton of dudes, from all over. Mainly MASSacre Music from Massachusetts, Veks from California, and Da Shogunz crew out of Holland. Been doing my thing musically for close to 10 years, and my rap style is really undefined to me still. Sort of everything, is what I try to account for in my words.

Presser/John Press
Age: 27
Born: Edmonton Alberta.
Born and raised in Edmonton, AB. Started making beats in 2000. Eventually started the Liberators with my brother, Self. So far we’ve done an album, Spiritual Dilemma; and an EP, What’s Happenin’. I also release my own solo albums under John Press, so far I have two; The Soft Sounds and Near Deaf Experience. I am currently producing a 3rd, As Last Seen, which will probably be out summer 2013.
I like Pete Rock, Large Pro, the Rza and DJ Krush.

- Wade Stanley Earl Tompkins, Co-Founder, Flavor Clothing

Liquor Breath - Screen Cap Courtesy of Vintage Reprise

MC Lovely is a talented femcee, artist, and veteran of the Edmonton, AB Canada hip hop scene. With 10 years of performances + features under her belt, Lovely has developed a unique style and flow that’s garnered her a loyal group of fans.

She works tirelessly to promote and support local talent, lending her efforts and promotional skills to promote “1 LUV” – an idea that’s become the credo of her promotional crew, Ladies United Voice (LUV).

LIQUOR BREATH, directed by Vintage Reprise, is the first single off her debut album THE TRUTH IN TRUE LOVE WAS LIED, to be released in Spring 2013.

A two minute “alcoholic anthem”, this video features MC Lovely and Jaide dousing the camera (and everything else) in booze of all sorts, while telling tales of an explosive girl’s night out.
Keep your eye out for the new album, and much more to come from this talented rapper.

MC Lovely feat. Jaide – Liquor Breath

Video link:

Directed/Produced by: Vintage Reprise
https://www.facebook.com/VintageReprise
Produced by: Chris Nickerson aka Loophole
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by: Sonik @ Musicbox Studios

Media links for MC Lovely:
lovelyjunglist@hotmail.com
www.facebook.com/ladiesunitedvoice
www.reverbnation.com/mclovely
www.twitter.com/lovelyvandusen
www.youtube.com/ladiesunitedvoice

Although it’s not hitting news headlines every day anymore, the Idle No More movement is still holding on strong. In small part from artist like Rellik who are showing their support through the medium they do best.

Check out Rellik’s newest single Idle No More, which has a catchy beat and lyrics, with a profound message: our natural resources belong to us, not foreign corporations.

- Wade Stanley Earl Tompkins, Co-Founder, Flavor Clothing

Motive Music is proud to present the SECOND SONG LEAK off Gee Wunder & BMoney’s collaboration album “The Connect” titled ”Step Up” (Prod. BMoney Grenier). this single follows up the previously released record “The Grind” (Prod. BMoney Grenier) which was the title single off Gee Wunder’s “The Grind” (Street Album 5). 

“The Connect” LP Synopsis:
In an attempt to bridge the Canadian  urban music community from Western to Central Canada Gee Wunder (Future Beats) and BMoney Grenier (Da Workaholics)are proud to present “The Connect” LP. An effort which combines several original tracks produced by and featuring the dynamic duo.  Gee Wunder, a Toronto rap veteran, was fortunate enough to hear of BMoney, a Toronto to Alberta transplant, after a musical business trip to the #YEG in 2010.  As they say ‘real recognize real’ and “The Connect” is the result of this common musical ground.  Gee Wunder and BMoney bring you some of the best hip-hop coming out of Canada. With a soulful, jazz meets gritty, trap influence Gee Wunder provides knowledge that will get you paid, while BMoney provides singing that will get you laid.  Witness…. “The Connect”.


“The Connect” LP will be available for sale on I-Tunes via Motive Music/Fontana North on February 19, 2013.
DOWNLOAD “Step Up” [DJ_Pack] HERE: https://www.box.com/s/dnberxxfd1xcihx7e7ad
Feel free to post the above content on your blogs and websites.
For more information on Gee Wunder, his group The City and his Motive Music Label and Artists check out:
http://geewunder.com

http://youtube.com/livemotivators

http://www.bmoneygrenier.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheBmoneygrenier

- Wade Stanley Earl Tompkins, Co-Founder, Flavor Clothing

Flavor has been gettin’ around, and in a good way! We have always strived to be out there working with our community. Whether it’s chillin at a cypher with Un1ted one, Creeasian and the other bboys, sponsoring Rep Yourself Rap Battles or just doing little shout outs on our page, we’re out there checking out the scene.

Lately we’ve hooked up with Resonate Music Studio for their band of the month promo. The basic strategy is to help out some of the indie bands and artist out there with a free recording and music video. In return the bands help with shout outs of the promotion, Flavor and Resonate.

The first promo we got our little paws on was for the month of February. Our very own Mitchell Lawler was featured and to no one’s surprised, he killed it! This is his first original beat and with the quality we seeing here I’m glad it won’t be his last.

The Showcase was recorded and produced by Resonate, and as you can see in the video, Dunna performed it live while Lawler was rappin’ it. Have a looksy, share this with your friends and if you’re interested in applying to be the band/artist of the month send an email here: studio@resonatemusic.ca

-Wade Stanley Earl Tompkins, Co-Founder, Flavor Clothing

Mitchell Lawler has released yet another video off his first mixtape, New History. This video, shot and directed by Flavor Productions, has already generated a lot of hype on youtube, resulting in a tonne of views and likes. As one of Edmonton’s up and coming artists this level of production is something you can expect a lot more of from Lawler. I believe it is safe to say that this is just the beginning.

I was there for the entire shoot, a lot of thought and effort was put into it. Countless shots were done and re-done until we got them all perfect. Something as simple as a 4 second clip can take an hour to be recorded and even longer to edit.

To get all the detail you see in the video, we ended up shooting in a variety locations, including Lawler’s home and The Downtown Library Parkade. Multiple takes were needed in both places, but the end result was clean.  The shots in Lawlers house required some crisp shooting and a lot of camera movement to keep it exciting.

For Mlawls, we introduced lights that we’ve never used before. You can see their effect in the crisp and contrasted basement shots. Furthermore, the lights help with the stronger colour tones you see in the vid.