Ugandan Hip-Hop: New Silas Video (Produced by Magee McIlvaine – Nomadic Wax)
July 30, 2009 | Leave a Comment
In 2009, Ugandan-based emcee Silas aka Babaluku of the legendary Bataka Squad Crew went on a fundraising trip to the US. His goals- to raise sufficient funds and support for his Bavubuka Foundation, a grassroots organization and growing movement on the streets of Kampala. Bavubuka, meaning youth in the Lugandan language, are currently a demographic powerhouse with more than 78% of the Ugandan population under the age of 24. The Bavubuka Foundation was started to support these young people, who must find their way within the sea of corruption, poverty, and instability that is the Ugandan reality. Hip hop has proven to be a powerful tool to empower and educate a resilient young Ugandan generation.
Nomadic Massive Review – By Magee McIlvaine
July 30, 2009 | Leave a Comment
An international hip hop head since…well…before it was cool- I have always been drawn to music that mirrors my own personal experience. Growing up between hectic Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania), gritty Nairobi (Kenya), sleepy Lusaka (Zambia), and the capitol of the Western world- Washington DC- I have always been drawn to the urban sounds the reflect my own nomadic upbringing. But in those days, living in another country did not make it any easier to get away from American hip hop or American Hip Hop-imitation music. Naturally, American hip hop dominated my case-logic (remember those days?), as it did everywhere else (Obvious highlight: Fugees- The Score). When I stumbled onto French super group Saian Supa Crew, the tables began to turn. Saian Supa Crew was the first hip hop crew to solidify my interest and appreciation for hip hop’s various and always unique manifestations through around the world. It was a slippery slope. Instead of going to grad school or ‘growing up,’ I find myself completely and helplessly immersed in the world of international hip hop music and activism. Who woulda known?
Mos Def Review – by Mikal Amin Lee
July 27, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Mos Definite might be one of the most enigmatic figures in hip hop. As one of the members of Black Star (with Talib Kweli) and then as a solo artist, Def was considered at the vanguard of a new movement of independent artists carrying on a tradition of lyricism, soul music, and just plain fun (remember him as the third generation native tonguer on Big Brotha Beat?). As we turned to the new millennium however, the Renaissance man that is Dante Smith branched out further with his pursuits; acting, singing and quickly becoming a rising celebrity/personality beyond the world of independent hip hop music.
That isn’t to say, he had stopped producing music, but subsequent albums “The New Danger” and “True Magic” left many hardcore Def fans wanting, and by all accounts the artist himself in a hip hop limbo, not fully embraced by the mainstream and in some regards disconnected from his core audience.
“The Ecstatic” is somewhat a return to form for Pretty Flaco as sonically and conceptually this feels like a more natural follow to “The New Danger” and by extension a fusion of both that album and his seminal classic, “Black on Both Sides”.
Production from the late great Dilla, Oh No, Neptunes, Madlib, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and the Mighty Mos himself are really the meat behind this project. Whether it’s the vibes on “Twilite SpeedBall” or Madlib’s Beat Konducting the swami like “Auditorium” (with Slick Rick showing his ageless story telling skills….the man has solidified himself as an institution in hip hop) Mos has a haunting, driving soundtrack that is pretty steady throughout. He teams up with Kweli on the track “History” that is such a teaser, you’re reminded of the synergy those two had as Black Star over JD’s Motown era sample. Other stand out tracks such as Embassy, Quiet Dog Bite Hard, and Workers Comp all give you just a little taste of the Mos Def we remember, street smart, world wise, and charisma spilling all over the beat. As a whole, The Ecstatic is a solid album and in some regards similar to Common’s “BE” in that it finds an artist coming almost full circle to his origins while still grounded in their present creative permutation. If you’re wanting “Black on…” part two, stop reading. If you are cringing at the thought of Mos moving further into the experimental realms , take a deep breath. This album is neither, rather its a new beginning, and a pretty good start at that.
by Mikal Amin Lee
Award-winning documentary about youth, hip hop, and politics in Senegal to be screened July 23
July 17, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Ground-breaking film Democracy in Dakar bridges the gaps between hip hop activism, video journalism and documentary film.
Brooklyn, NY—On July 23, the 92YTribeca will host a sneak preview of the groundbreaking documentary Africa Underground: Democracy in Dakar, a film about the role of musical activism in the Senegalese political process. The documentary exposes audiences to a gritty, raw side of Senegalese music and politics, through youth hip hop culture.
Using hip hop music as the primary storytelling device, Democracy in Dakar chronicles the lived experience on the streets of Dakar before and after the controversial 2007 presidential elections. The film follows rappers, DJs, journalists, professors, and others, intimately capturing the fluidity and intensity of emotion surrounding the controversial election.
Global Hip-Hop Artists Collaborate to Support Inspirational Burundian Politician Alexis Sinduhije
July 6, 2009 | Leave a Comment
After Burundian politician Alexis Sinduhije was illegally incarcerated in November 2008, international hip-hop fair trade label Nomadic Wax joined forces with Sinduhije’s party, Movement for Solidarity and Democracy, to create a hip hop music compilation calling for his freedom. Sinduhije was released from prision in March 2009, however the message of this compilation remains relevant as his candidacy in the 2010 presidential elections continues to be highly contested by the Burundian government.
Ian Kamau Mixtape Review by Mikal Lee
July 6, 2009 | Leave a Comment
A good and trusted friend passed me this mixtape, September 9th, by Canadian Rapper Ian Kamau. The mixtape is serving as a warmup and introduction for Ian to a wider audience in preparation for the release of his album proper on (yes you guessed it….) September 9th. In all truth, it is almost an insult to call this merely a mixtape, as Sept. 9th may be one of the most focused and relevant releases for this year. A great blend of the personal and political, the musical and the raw, while having a coherent theme throughout, something you don’t normally find in a mixtape. On first listen you can hear similar vocal tones of Slick Rick in Ian’s voice, but there is no comparisons at all to The Ruler. The seriousness and direct stance of his lyrics compared to the legends more tongue in cheek light hearted manner, Ian’s sharp wittiness comes more scathing, though both share an almost matter of fact way they deliver their own commentary.
The album, er sorry…mixtape starts out with Dear Summer, a brief recount of Ian’s childhood and early manhood leading up to this point. As he starts off melodically riffing to the track, you feel the old soul that Ian tells us he was considered as a youth. His laid back voice and effortless cadence could almost lull you to sleep, if not for the beautiful truth he conveys in living, and living with struggle. When Morning Come, Alarm Call, After the Show (which is a spoken word piece), and Majority Report all give us insight into his perspective on racism, imperialism, and the white supremacist system construct that we all live under and endure. On Alarm Call as he poetically recounts the great migration, and the historical toiling in the lowest dregs of society that Black People have faced some might be quick to say “we’ve heard this story before”. However, Ian’s bouncy rhythms, powerful flow, and unique style better then anyone currently mixes the poetic and emcee seamlessly. His zen-like franknesss, and wit has him playing the dozens against the system unlike most who have been pegged as “militant”. His whole approach is a fresh trail through the well traveled ground regarded as “conscious” music.
Still, the mixtape gives you “Say it ain’t so” a ballad speaking of a young man looking to truly become one as his strongest support system, his mother moves away. The track is a testament to Ian’s talents, as he sings and rhymes, sharing his pain without whining, showing a vulnerability that makes this more then a rap, but a song. On the brass anthem, “April Fools” he turns up the tempo and brings a more open jazz feel, riding the horns and breaking out his own brand of rhythmic dry humor. Aside from some already used beats (its a mixtape, remember?!), the mixtape on the whole, is not a mixtape. Really. This is a project that should have anyone who loves dope music, looking for Ian Kamau and x’ing off the days in their calendar to September 9th.
Written by Mikal Lee
Download the mixtape here: http://www.zshare.net/download/616892724d78a9fe/
www.myspace.com/iankamau
www.myspace.com/freeradicalz
Cape Verde: Small Island Doing BIG Things
July 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Dust off that old Atlas, turn up your speakers and get out your seat. There is a new nation on the international hip-hop scene—Cape Verde. Don’t let its size fool you; artists from this small country are doing BIG things!
When it comes to music, Cape Verde is home to more genres than one can count. Google ‘CV Music’ and you’ll find more information than the white pages. Given its rich musical history, it’s no small wonder that when the Diaspora first brought hip hop back to the islands it spread quicker than H1N1.
CV Hip Hop blends rich island rhythms, hard-hitting beats, and razor sharp lyricism. Think Talib Kweli, mixed with Buena Vista social club, topped off with a sprinkle of your favorite club banger. Oh, and with a lyrical mélange of English, Portuguese, CV Kriolu, Dutch and French.
For CV MCs and DJs hip-hop transcends music. In 2006, East Coast artists formed The Movement a collective dedicated to musical collaboration and community activism. Here is where you get out your pad and pen… their lineup is deep (Think Wu-Tang). Here’s the scoop on two of my favorites:
CHACHI
Chachi reps hard for Cape Verde’s 11th island—Rhode Island. The man’s resume is STRONG. Chachi has graced stages across the country with some of hip hop’s best. You don’t have to take my word for it. In 2007 VIBE magazine voted him one of the hottest new MCs state-to-state and in 2008 he was crowned the Champion of 106 & Park’s Wild Out Wednesday. For Chachi it’s not all about the mic. Out of the studio and offstage, he is a dedicated father, coach and youth advocate in Pawtucket Rhode Island.
Check out the video for his new track ‘Freedom Rings’ and keep your ear to the streets because his debut album About Time is schedule to drop this summer. For more info join his email list at (www.chachihiphop.com)
SHOKANTI
If Chachi is Domino, Shokanti is one of those brown packets of ‘In the Raw’ sugar they push at Starbucks. Shokanti’s music radiates raw CV flavor. Shokanti spits solely in CV Kriolu. His lyrics paint pictures of past, present and future. Remember the first time you heard Nas’ ‘N.Y. State of Mind?’ (Much respect to king of Queensbridge) and were transported to the streets of Queens? Shonakti’s music is kind of like that, except instead of grey stoops and stairways he reflects about the dusty streets of CV and the poverty of his homeland. Check him out at (www.myspace.com/shokantimusic)
Written by Jason Azevedo for Nomadic Wax
Canadian Hip Hop Artist And Activist Ian Kamau
July 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
I listen to a lot of mixtapes (and there are more and more coming out these days!) and I actively avoid a lot of mixtapes. I have heard a lot of solid (and horrible) mixtapes this year, coming from all over the place. Some notable mentions of some of the best mixtapes I have heard this year include:
• Narcy’s ‘Stuck Between Iraq and a Hard Place’ (http://rapidshare.com/files/39464916/narcicyst-stuckbetween-9athome.zip),
• Oddisee’s ‘Diamond District- in the Ruff’ (which is straight fire) ( http://www.zshare.net/download/58639724e3cf086e/ ),
• K’Naan & K-Salaam ‘You Can’t Buy This’ mixtape (Amadou and Mariam and K’Naan collabo banger) (http://2dopeboyz.okayplayer.com/2009/03/05/knaan-you-cant-buy-this-mixed-by-k-salaam-beatnick-mixtape/),
• Jehst’s ‘Mengi Bus Mixtape’ (www.myspace.com/mengibus ), and others (Munetsi form zimbabwe had a dope one as well).
That said,(www.myspace.com/iankamau)’s new mixtape ‘September Nine’ has been playing in my car stereo, my headphones on subway rides, in my mind when I don’t have a stereo available, non stop since I got it. This mixtape is deep. It doesn’t even feel like a dope album. It feels like a classic. Murdering verses and melodies on mainstream beats, Ian Kamau is truly one of the dopest and most internationally minded and progressive artists I have heard recently. I don’t even want to say any more. You all need to download this mixtape (its free!!!!!) and see for your selves.
If you are interested, here is the link to a good review of Ian Kamau’s mixtape by fellow canadian emcee and activist The Voyce: http://praiseandwarship.blogspot.com/2009/06/september-nine-mixtape-review.html
Download the mixtape here: http://www.zshare.net/download/616892724d78a9fe/
And check out Ian Kamau’s blog’s, sketches, and other podcasts here: http://www.iankamau.podomatic.com
Video clips-
Ian Kamau jamming with K-OS:
Ian Kamau doing the spoken word outro to fellow Canadian (by way of Rwanda) emcee Shad K:
Ian Kamau Spoken Word piece live at the Toronto Manifest Festival:
A second Spoken Word piece from Ian Kamau live at the Toronto Manifest Festival:
Magee McIlvaine for Nomadic Wax
Les Lions d’Afrique: Spring 2009 USA Nomadic Wax Tour
July 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Let me describe the scene:
One aging silver minivan, a rotating cast of Senegalese and Zimbabwean musicians, one South African violinist/tour manager/driver; an intern toting a video camera; a marimba (xylophone) set, a djembe, amps, turntables, suitcases, merchandise, and camera equipment.
Three weeks straight, rain or shine. Can you picture it now?
Through April and May, Nomadic Wax traveled from Boston to Connecticut to New Jersey to DC and back, helping to put together the Spread the Word Tour. Backed by the Chabvondoka band, the tour featured Zimbabwe’s biggest names in political protest and hip hop, headlined by artists Comrade Fatso and Outspoken the Alpha Intellect , and spearheaded by violinist Verity Norman. It also featured guest appearnces from Zimbabwean music legends like Chiwoniso and DoomE of Zimbabwe Legit. Near the end of April, we were joined by Wageble <hyperlink www.wageble.com>, one of Senegal’s most legendary crews, on their first US tour.
After numerous shows, back aches and leg cramps and hours on the highway, Nomadic Wax has two music videos of the tour in the works, which will be released shortly. It was an honor and a privilege for us at Nomadic Wax to take part in this tour alongside some of Africa’s finest hip hop acts.
Comrade Fatso and Outspoken both have critically acclaimed albums available now through Nomadic Wax. Check out Comrade Fatso’s blog about the tour, and keep an eye out for Wageble’s upcoming album to be released this summer!
Click here for two articles (in French) about the Wageble tour:
http://www.kingsize.sn/Chronicles.aspx?ArtNo=8085
http://www.kingsize.sn/News.aspx?ArtNo=8165
Magee McIlvaine for Nomadic Wax
Comrade Fatso & Outspoken (alongside Mohammed Yahya and Poetic Pilgrimage of the UK) on Boston College radio, Part 1:
Comrade Fatso & Outspoken (alongside Mohammed Yahya and Poetic Pilgrimage of the UK) on Boston College radio, Part 2:
Outspoken, Eye-Witness (Wageble), and DoomE Right (Zimbabwe Legit) live on WPFW FM Radio in Washington DC, Part 1:
Outspoken, Eye-Witness (Wageble), and DoomE Right (Zimbabwe Legit) live on WPFW FM Radio in Washington DC, Part 2:
Outspoken performing his ‘Freedom Train’ poetry piece:
Freestyle Cipher at the Trinity College International Hip Hop Festival (www.trinityhiphop.org) in Hartford, CT. featuring Outspoken, Themba on percussion, Baay Musa (Senegal), and Hired Gun (Brooklyn):
Outspoken performing alongside other artists from around the world during the freestyle jam session on the first night of the Trinity College International Hip Hop Festival (www.trinityhiphop.org):
Themba Mawoko performing an acoustic set on the Marimba, part 1:
Themba Mawoko performing an acoustic set on the Marimba, part 2:
Themba Mawoko performing an acoustic set on the Marimba, part 3:
Outspoken alongside Readnex Poetry Squad, K’Naan, Baay Musa, Hired Gun, Self Suffice, and other artists at the 4th Annual Trinity College International Hip Hop Festival (www.trinityhiphop.org):
Outspoken at the DC international hip hop BBQ, part 1:
Outspoken at the DC international hip hop BBQ, part 2:
Outspoken at the DC international hip hop BBQ, part 3:
Outspoken at the DC international hip hop BBQ, part 4:
Magee McIlvaine for Nomadic Wax
