In what is the finale show for the year 2007, Zubz and Tumi will be performing live at Roka Lounge in Milpark, Jozi on Saturday the 29th. Joining Kenzhero on the decks will be New York’s DJ Absolute. You know we up in there!
JZ scoops the big one in Polokwane
From the beginning I couldn’t help but feel that Mbeki was arrogant for even allowing his nomination for a third term. I mean the signs were written for him all the way to Polokwane that Zuma would win but instead of doing the sensible thing and bowing out gracefully, he went ahead and laid the grounds for the most humiliating moments in his career. But I’m glad it’s finally over, and come 2009 only time will tell if Zuma will take the ANC and indeed the country into a new era of change from what the Mbeki critics often describe as the “borderline Stalinist leadership style”. Well that’s if the NPA doesn’t get to him first. And as for Hellen Zille criticizing the ANC delegates for voting the way they did, well I guess that’s what an opposition party is there for in a democracy- releasing publicity stunt much-ado-about-nothing comments about the ruling party.
And oh if you hear us, dearest old ANC, here’s a special request from us all at HHH. If you would like to see these young people showing up at the polls in the next elections, how about sorting out that mess that is the Umsobomvu Youth Fund and making it a little less complicated for young people aspiring to start businesses from scratch. I mean there has to be an alternative way for hardworking, ambitious young people without payslips and 3 month banking statements to access micro and macro loans in order to contribute positively to the growth of their country’s economy. Don’t tell us about rules. Who made them if they don’t work for us? Away with the age of the aloof Oxford School of Economics-educated African leaders nested on ivory towers and out of tune with the man and woman on the street. This country needs change and that means free education, not free condoms.
Razor what?
Gentlemen, we demand to know what this was/is about? Pronto.
Ill Szillz Exclusives
Word is bond it’s gonna be an unforgetable tale of three cities when Cape Town meets Gauteng on the 23rd Dec. at Zula Bar in Cape Town. Catch HHH mainstays Ba4za and Ondaground alongside Ill-Literate Skills, Driemanskap, Nthabi, Reason, Damola, Ras, The Anvillz, Landmynz and DJ Beat Oven, Romx Deluxe and Dimpelz.
Mind Your Head
Join Mind Your Head this Saturday in Jozi once again for another pop culture transcending experience and peep the method. Go here for more info.
Latest on Ras, Ondaground and Last Day Fam projects
Ras has finally released the nationally anticipated Mixtape 07. We have a copy in our possession and might put it up for download if you ask nicely. In the meantime, get it somewhere on the streets of Cap City for free I’m told. Go diggin’.
One thing about HHH is we stay street and stylish so effortlessly- case in point: Ondaground on the (December) Hype fashion spread with dem Koldproduk boys. But what you probably didn’t know is that he’s also putting finishing touches to a mixtape due soon titled “The Plot Thickens”. Motion picture sh*t. Don’t sleep.
Word is Last Day Fam is preparing to release or already has an EP we here at HHH have been waiting with bated breath for. Visit their website here and try to see if you can get a copy. From listening to the samples under their audio section, it might be worth it to take the trouble. Would we lie to you? You can also catch them on Shizniz (e-tv) on the 19th.
HHH store goes online
You must have noticed by now that our online store is up and running. We only accept direct bank transfers at the moment but we are working on a system that will also accept credit cards soon. Thanks to those who’ve already placed orders in the past few days. Your support is much appreciated.
Also we have a merchandise store with a little something for everybody from bags to boxers. We’re working on the baby range for the little HHers. No, serious.
Video: Zubz - Get Out
Now by now some of you must’ve heard about the “Get Out” Zubz video being banned from SABC and Channel O. It seems to me there is a naïve group of people in SA hell bent on censoring any voice other than the “we are the rainbow nation” one. So much for freedom of speech after thirteen years of democracy.
Word on the Street
Just finished listening to this Cookin Soul version of American Gangster featuring Elvis Presley and it’s terrible. Where is the soul?
It’s official Ballerina P is not an atheist okay, leave it alone, son, let it rest. You want proof? Click the link below and peep Prodigy at his most “Godly” we’ve ever heard him since, well, never before, I swear this song would make Rev. Al Sharpton thinking Hip Hop might just be OK afterall.
If you’ve been sleeping on this cat, maybe now is a good time to stop. Maybe.
J Period in S.A.
J Period is in SA and we got our VIP passes. For those of you that don’t know who J Period is, go here for a little bit more on the man and his mission.
Word on the Street
Is this Weezy guy on something or is he on something? I mean this ain’t really the place you’d expect to hear this but uhm I think I’m starting to believe he might go down as one of the top MC’s of all time. For real though HHHers it’s getting hard to ignore this guy. The power of repetition anyone?
But on another note, it’s really good to see the highly underrated Styles P getting his shine on this year doing features on tracks with some major artists. Peep the videos for Beanie Sigel feat. Styles P - You ain’t ready and Toney Sigel aka Ghostface feat. Styles P - Barrel Brothers
And remember these guys Channel Live? Damn I just got mad nostalgic watching their new video “Hip Hop Nation” thinking back on those Teen Summit days on SABC3 every Saturday mornings in the 90’s.
Hakeem - Goldenstate Royale
While you’re waiting for that Ba4za album that’s two years overdue, here’s two jams from Hakeem’s mixtape, Goldenstate Royale. Due date 7/12.
Anvilz - Mncah
First of all I must admit I’ve been selfish sitting around with this jam in my inbox for the last week or two not posting it for download. It’s off the Beat Oven mixtape due early next year via Roach Inc. More details soon, stay tuned.
Ben Sharpa on December Hype cover
photo courtesy of Pioneer Unit
We don’t always agree with what this magazine says, frankly most times we dont care. Case in point- our boy Mizi perpetuating the myth that moving more copies off the shelves helps grow the Hip Hop culture in S.A. If that money was going to him or somebody who’s actively involved in the culture, that was one thing, but we don’t see how filling up Intelligence Publishing’s coffers is growing anything except their own bank accounts. If you’re gonna support S.A. Hip Hop artists over their overseas counterparts, then you gotta be ready to roll with the punches and that sometimes (if not most times) means making a loss. That’s the whole package- no short cuts. But still this is a first and props must be given where they’re due. Cape Town stand up!
And if you didn’t know, now you know- that’s how dem Pioneer Unit boys rrroll!
World Aids Day
photo courtesy of wwww.stippy.com
Today we remember the real Grim Ripper- HIV and AIDS. I know you probably didn’t think we’d take time to mention it but then you clearly must be new here. Here’s our 2cents worth. If you have a concert- 46664 as a case in point- where men and women are drinking and dancing the night away and claim to be raising awareness on a predominantly sexually transmitted disease- tell me what’s the point? All we’re saying is how many people meet at these functions where alcohol flows freely and drinks are spiked only to wake up the next morning in a stranger’s bed. This hogwash about raising money for HIV/AIDS by any means necessary is risky and exposes a nation gone to war with kid gloves. And just because Mandela endorses something doesn’t make it closed to scrutiny so dont even go there! It’s no secret we went from known for bringing down Apartheid to having the highest Aids infection rate in the world. And you might be cool with the status quo of things with the ANC leadership being the infallible liberators that can do no wrong but damn it we need answers and they better be the truth. Our nation has become morally bankrupt and no Black Economic Empowerment policy can save us from that.
Boogaloos and 4Headz Ent. present…
We’ll be there! We strongly suggest you do the same.
R.I.P. Mr Fats
MC/artist/Hip Hop activist, Mr Fats of the legendary BVK passes on. Read full article here.To Him we belong and to Him is our return.
Official Ba4za’s “The Bruthahood LP” cover
Nuff said!
Book Launch: Ewok - Customized Hype
Bigtingsagwan down in Durbs. For the latest case in point, clearly not content with having released his debut solo project “Higher Flyer for Hire” earlier this year, catch Ewok at his debut book launch for a free performance of his work on Saturday 24th at 6pm, at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music UKZN. Visit his publisher’s website for more details here.
Ba4za : The Bruthahood LP latest
This is a friendly warning, uhm, i mean, reminder: Ba4za’s highly anticipated “The Bruthahood LP” is almost ready. Due date December 2007. Keep it locked for exact dates in your city.
If you’re out in Durbs tonight
[Flyer](untitled.bmp)
Seems like it’s a good weekend for good Hip Hop in all the country’s major cities. Some of Cape Town’s finest MC’s will be at the Gugulethu Sports Complex, Herbie Dangerous and DJ Kenzhero at Roka in Jozi and Big Idea at the Kwasuka Theatre in Durbs. The gig at Prestige College in Cap City seems to have been cancelled though.
Download Ondaground’s “Cyphers from the Underground”
Spread the word HHH is gone bananas. Now this is what I call an exclusive: two classic albums to download for free in one week. Don’t worry about who’s sponsoring this madness, we’re just cleaning out our closset before the big one. We’ve been receiving mad questions about where to get this and other HHH albums, well, they’re officially sold out - a year ago in fact - so here’s your last chance to get yourself a copy. And about “Official Bootlegs” and “Quotes from Notes”, let’s just say we changed our mind and decided you should go looking for it from some loyal fans out there - and believe us there’s plenty of them. And that closes the first Blcklstd/HHH chapter. And when is Ba4za coming out? When it’s out yo chill. Okay don’t get your penties up in a bunch now - soon, real soon. Good things come to those who wait, besides, good music is like good wine - it takes time - well not that Ba4za would know anything about any wine. Anyway, back to the issue at hand…
Tracklist:
- 1.Intro
- 2.Hip Hop
- 3.Run
- 4.To the one that got away
- 5.Ondaground [Skit]
- 6.The plot thickens
- 7.Put your dooks up
- 8.Battle [you wanna?]
- 9.T.S.E.
- 10.Me. myself and him
- 11.Outro
“Tangible Intelligence” tracklist
Okay boys and girls here’s the tracklist to Hakeem’s aptly titled “Tangible Intellience” up for download here. Production by Nyambz, Thir[13]teen and Mizi.
- 1.Intro
- 2.Affirmations
- 3.Finally found you
- 4.Family [all I need]
- 5.Reflection feat. Zubz The Last Letta
- 6.It could only be you
- 7.Love feat. Ondaground
- 8.Tell it like it is
- 9.Not later, now
- 10.Not you
- 11.A Mizi blessing [skit]
- 12.Dirt in the path sweeper feat. Thir[13]teen
- 13.State of mind feat. Staz
- 14.Hotbox feat. Ondaground and Ras
- 15.Black feat. Maliq
- 16.Pretoria [push up ya lighter]
Touchbase Tour: The Return?
Well it’s not really the Touchbase Tour but it’s a little somethin’ similar to get the GP masses buzzing again. It’s called the Get Hyped Roadshow and I think it’s only the pre-quel. Check out the flyer for dates in a loxion near you.
Download Hakeem’s “Tangible Intelligence”
Here’s the first of exclusive HHH downloads featuring Hakeem’s “Tangible Intelligence” debut album. Go ahead you deserve something to take your mind off this bad weather. Look out for Ondaground’s “Cyphers from the Underground”, Maliq’s “Official Bootlegs Vol.1”, AQ & Thir[13]teen’s “Quotes on Notes” and more.
Cap City Mag
The latest issue of dvd-format Cap City Mag, a groundbreaking collaborative effort between Roach Inc. and One Man Design, is now available at the following dealers:
- Hip Hop Joint – Church Street and Sunnyside (PTA)
- Orange Music – Hatfield (PTA)
- Amakipkip (Rosebank, JHB and Menlyn, PTA)
Other than that, get in touch with their street teams in PE, Cape Town, Soweto, Bloemfontein. R20 a pop.
And oh yes, if you’re in die Kaap then head out to the Hype Park Jam at the Gugulethu Sports Complex tomorrow, you should be able to cop a copy there. The event is free.
Party People goes zim
What better way to get into the chilled out summer time vibes than a night with Khenzero’s Party People at Roka on Saturday the 27 October - R50 will get you in.. the rest is just great music and awesome Party People. This edition features Zimbabwean artist and producer Herby Dangerous.
Herby Dangerous, one of Southern Africa’s dopest hip-hop/reggae artists, having been on the scene in Zim as a producer, mc and songwriter Herby soon realised his talent and skill as a reggae artist, destiny was fulfilled when he decided to bounce from Zimbabwe’s political tension and almost non-existent music industry to pursue a career as a producer in JHB, he hook’d up with Bionic who immediately identified the talent and signed a joint venture recording agreement for Herby’s solo records. Six months later, the album “in tune with the movement” is mixed, mastered and blazing ready for release, in the build up to the release Kenzhero has booked herby to headline and wow the audience at the much anticipated Party People on October 27th. This one’s gonna be fire!
Thir[13]teen drops “Post Modern Innovations”
You might have already heard the word on the street, Thir[13]teen of AQ & Thir[13]teen fame has released his debut solo project, “Post Modern Innovations”. Add this jazzy soulful hip hop instrumental album to your collection next to Large Professor’s “Beatz” volume 1 and 2. Copies available at Ritual (cnr. Henry Nxumalo & Bree Str.) in Newtown, Johannesburg and Hip Hop Joint at Sunnypark, Pretoria.
The Sprite Rap Activity Jam ‘reunion’
Let me start by saying I’m tired of complaining about tired rap shows and by no means do I intend to make it a habit to keep reporting on them. It’s just there’s just no way of telling how these things will go if you’re not a sangoma “obhula amathambho” because if i did have such powers, I’d avoid these shows like a cancer. A classic example is in order. The Sprite Rap Activity Jam event at Primi’s in Rosebank’s The Zone last night. Now for all you young’ns who’ve never heard of Rap Activity Jam, in its heydays that was a YFM show cats like Amu, Selwyn and Skwatta Kamp first did thier thang before the record deals and as you will agree with me, before the sound got diluted. The line up was too extensive for me to even remember but as has become the norm at these things with too many acts, it was chaotic. Sounded like karaoke night at some ‘fontein dorpie bar where darkies are (still) not allowed. Maybe it’s because I got there half way through the show but thinking about it now, it’s still beyond me what the hell some of the MC’s were made to rhyme over house beats was all about. Oskido (who left before the show was over) and Rudeboy Paul hosted the whole circus alongside Lee who should’ve just been left to the whole thing herself. A note to the sponsors: just because you have the money to hire a venue and invite a couple of attention-starved rappers to come and make a fool out of themself doesn’t give you the right to host a rap show. To make it worse, I spotted a certain kwaito star in the crowd who just had this look on his face that said “look at these monkeys with funny accents jumping around the stage shouting sweet nothing”. And if he was just there to stroke his ego and remind himself how disorganized Hip Hop in S.A. still is, then he was not disappointed. Morale of the story: Stop killing the culture that we love so much. And lastly, open mics are so 90’s. Let’s get paid.
HHH is for the chirren…and Darfur!
Hakeem recently performed at the Ramushu Community Hall in Atteridgeville at an event hosted by the Tshwane Child Welfare to raise awareness on drug abuse amongst the young’ns. Unfortunately we ain’t got any pictures to post but it suffices to say, “HHH is for the chirren!”
Then on Saturday the Bassline is where it was at. Big shout to big brother Tumi and Gift of the Givers for putting the Darfur charity show together. Prior to that, PSA’s featuring several popular S.A. personalities were shot which were played on a screen behind the perfomers on stage. This event was particularly close to our hearts because we felt not enough is being done by the global Hip Hop community to raise awareness on the civil strife in Darfur. Check out some of the pictures of Hakeem, AQ, and Ondaground tearing it up below and contributing their bit to the cause. The line up was quite diverse and also included Tumi, HHP, Siphokazi, Koldproduk and many others.
Download Cap City Mix
Yeah, “it’s a jungle out there” tryna sift the real from whackness ain’t it. Okay, so you say you like it deep sometimes? Well, go ahead and dig in here. 15-track blazing Cap City Mix courtesy of AQ and yours truely (HHH).
Tracklist:
- Thirteen - My place
- Killa M - 012
- The Anvillz - Pass it to your manz
- NuLegendz feat. Killa M - Outlaws on the run
- Blak Lez - Freestyle
- Maliq - Afrikan Express
- Ondaground - Women
- Thirteen - How i see things
- Hakeem - Look at you now
- AQ & Thirteen - Trouble in the water
- Damola - The Bundgy
- Hakeem - Vele
- Maliq - Get Looz
- The Anvillz - ?
- NuLegendz - ?
Hip Hop meets Soccer
Once again, mad props to Roach Inc. for putting together another dope event, this time in the form of the 1st annual Spring Day Hip Hop meets Soccer event. The ladies came out and the rappers and producers from Cap City and Jozi battled it out on the soccer ground for a change. Who won? It doesn’t even matter, just be there next time! But if you must know - Hip Hop won!
2nd Annual Women in Hip Hop
Big up to Roach Inc. for throwing a dope show to celebrate women in Hip Hop doing their thing this side of the planet. The event was hosted by HHH’s own Hakeem and Maliq, much to the delight of the ladies(“,). S.A. needs to watch out for that Cuba girl, sista got rhymes for days, don’t say we never told yall.
Stay phly
Pta Vs. Jhb showdown
So you wanna know how it went? Dope line-up, whack show. I mean how do you pull that off whith some of finest MC’s in Gauteng on the bill. All I know is Hip Hop promoters need to up their game major in this country. From the promoting of the show to the sound qaulity at the venue.Go big or stay home. You’ve been warned.
Download The E.P.
Download Ba4za’s E.P released in 2004 but still fresh as hell. Compliments of HHH, you’ll thank us later!Just a little something to get yall prepared for the main course due later this year.
A taste of things to come
Now if you dont do anything else this weekend, get yourself a copy of the latest Hype magazine issue. Firstly, Ba4za’s first single “Let Go” produced by Ootz is featured on the mix CD hosted by Cap City beat extrodinaire, Nyambz.
And if you still haven’t seen Ondaground perform live and you’re wondering what’s all the fuss, check out the interview as Simma goes behind the MC, the man, the drama.
And finally, if you’re in in the evening and still own a radio, catch Hakeem and The Anvillz’s N’veigh (Mr. 30 G’s) on T-bo Touch’s show on Metro FM between 18H00 to 22H00 CAT.
Stay phly
“The Brothahood LP ” due summer 2007
Yep, boys and girls, it’s gonna be one hot African summer. The long awaited follow up to Ba4za’s debut The E.P, aptly titled “The Brothahood LP” is due for nationwide release and online internationally this summer. But when exactly? September 11 maybe, um, inshallah. Yeah, yeah, we know what yall thinking. Same day as Kanye’s “Graduation”! Yeah that’s right, bring it on, competition us none haha! For real though yall better have our money!
Stay tuned for more details, soon as some final issues are sorted out with our distributors.
Stay phly
