ISSUE 1
JaeLan
MySpaceSpotlight
Delinkwentz Nation
R U O Y
e e r F E
E N I -Z
TABLE of
CONTENTS
03
04
360 | Grand Corps Malade
Pressure’s on
Music Review
JaeLan
06
12
The Delinkwentz Nation
Our pick
Interview
Myspace Spotlight
INTRODUCING Boz Yates
Lead Designer
Lauren Barrett
Assistant Editor
Tricia Ray
Editor-In-Chief Colosoul Group Inc.
Kathrine Butler Copy Editor
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
Published by:
Barui Gankgang Nthobatsang Marketing
Neema Shogun Bagherzadeh Wordplay Facebook
In association with:
360: Please Be Seated
Cypress Hill: Rise Up
which will be released sometime later this year on Soulmate
the music scene will not be disappointed with their newly
Records, 360 has recently made a short mixtape called
released album Rise Up. Rise Up is the hip hop crew’s
Please be Seated available for free download. The mixtape
eighth album.
is basically a six track collection of remixes of artists such as
The record is full of uneven tracks, fusing hip hop and rap with
B.o.B, MGMT, Lisa Mitchell, Broken Bells, Ellie Goulding and Tinie
a way out rock sound. Even though the songs are scattered,
Tempah. Please be Seated also features a guest appearance
it’s still got the same old Cypress Hill feel to it. Songs on
by fellow Soulmate Records star Pez on the remix of the Broken
the track range from an old skool hip hop sound to guitar
Bells track The Ghost Inside. How much you’re going to like
induced, head banging beats. Collaborations with Pitbull
this mixtape will depend on how much you like remixes, but
and Marc Anthony give prove that Cypress Hill can re-invent
you should definitely check out 360‘s remix of the Lisa Mitchell
themselves time and time again. Their ability to include rock
track Coin Laundry (retitled Do You Have a Dollar?) which
without loosing their hip hop trademark is worth mentioning.
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
Lauren Barrett
Justin Macdonald
To whet your appetite for his debut effort, Falling & Flying,
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!
wordplay | issue one |p.3
JaeLan Perth 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.”
I like to make records people can dance to 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
wordplay | issue one |p.5
photography courtesy of DN
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
The
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 weapons How big is the Australian Bboying scene?
How has breakdancing evolved over the years? How have you
The Bboying scene in Oz is quite large, with regular competitions,
adapted to the changes?
jams and performances taking place in the capital city’s.The Oz
Breakin has evolved dramatically over the years. The dance
Bboying scene is made up of about 30 major crews (established
has gone through many phases, from different trend moves
crews that have been around for 5+ years) who actively battle/
each few years, to the mindset, to new foundational moves.
perform/cypher in their own city or go interstate/international.Then
I can only explain the evolution of the dance since I first
there’s a whole lot of up and coming crews who are developing
started dancing. When I first begun dancing, it was in an era
and bringing their own flavor into the scene and representing
where blow-ups, originality and power-moves were a huge
which is awesome!
focus. It was like, who could do the craziest most original
Who are some of your influences?
blow-up movement/freeze/contortionist freeze.
First and foremost my crew Notorious Delinkwentz! They are a
Or, the most amount of spins, or the longest power-move run.
huge source of inspiration for me, we vibe and learn off each
Nowadays, there has been a huge shift and focus on the
other. Michael Jackson without a doubt, James Brown, Frosty’s
music, and taking the dance back to its roots, which for the
cereal aahah
most part was overlooked by a lot of people. It has helped
What music do you prefer to breakdance to?
refine dancers and given a more complete understanding
I love Bboy music. Funk and soul from the 70’s, Jimmy Castor Bunch,
of this dance.For me, adapting to these type of changes has
Michael Viners Incredible bongo band, James Brown, Johnny Pate,
helped me become a better all-round dancer. As long as
The BlackByrds, Bob James. Rap HipHop from the golden era late
people don’t get swept up in trends, then they will add their
80’s early 90’s: Eric B & Rakim, Lords of the Underground, Blade, Das
own individuality to this art. Originality stands alone always.
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.
Have you ever competed in any bboying major competitions?
right time, and surrounding yourself with the right people
If not, do you plan to compete or would you like Notorious
who are there to support what you do is a huge help.
Delinkwentz compete in the future?
What advice would you give to aspiring bboys?
Yes, there has been quite a few major competitions in Melbourne
Don’t forget to have fun when you dance! Be open minded
we have taken a part of and also won. Our biggest break through
and reasonable to what people have to say. Be confident in
as a crew came in 2008 when we took 1st place in the Victorian
anything you do, but Never think you’re better than someone,
State Bboy Championships. Another great experience came at
be Humble. Eat heaps haha
the end of 2008 when we travelled to Japan, Osaka. We entered
What information would you like give to people who are
an event called “Be.Bboy” there was 52 crews that entered, and we
interested in taking some of your workshops or classes?
made top 16 which was very exciting. Australia Represent!
Breakin/Bboy & Bgirl classes are fun and interesting, learn
Where has Bboying taken you? Can you make a career out of it?
some cool moves, vibe with other people. It’s a social thing.
Bboying has has taken me places a never dreamed I would
It’s for both BOYS AND GIRLS! We need some more Bgirl’s
be. First of all I never thought I would ever become a dancer.
representing. Word! I’d like to Thank WordPlay Magazine for
I started dancing when I was 18, so I was already self-
this opportunity, much appreicated.
conscious enough haha, but Bboying and HipHop culture
Shout out’s to my crew Delinkwentz,The Perth Bboy Scene:
has given me a sense of identity and confidence that I
Systematic, Zou Rock, School of Hip-Hop, West-Coast represent!
can do anything I put my mind to. I have been fortunate
Melburn City! The whole Oz Bboy scene.
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
Come down and have fun! Check out the classes @ The School Of Hip-Hop: 236 Railway Pde, West Leederville Thursday nights 7pm until 9pm. by Matthew Majka
wordplay | issue one |p.9
Hip-Hop is Making a New Fashion Statement
written by Lauren Barrett / photography by Nancy Bahbah and Sarah Bahbah / Model Jazlyn Gabriel
Fashion is a statement. It’s also an attitude
hoodies. As Hip-Hop is a sub-culture that is
heri curls, heavy bling and the bona fide
and for a lot of people fashion is their
predominately visual then are artists that
accessory of girls shaking their booty.
identity. Fashion and style is a constantly
are rapping but are wearing skinny leg
However Hip-Hop fashion is now so blurred
evolving commodity and this has never
jeans still defined as Hip-Hop artists? This
that this stereotyped attire that we seem
been as true as with Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop
is the dilemma facing Hip-Hop in the new
to identify with Hip-Hop artists is now not
fashion traditionally compliments the
millennium, a dilemma which brings in to
so stereotypical. Skinny jeans, preppy
confident and wealthy attitudes of Hip-
question whether or not the sound or the
t-shirts and piercings have begun making
Hop culture, as seen with artists such as
fashion makes up the Hip-Hop genre.
its mark on Americas Hip-Hop scene.
The caps will never change, they will always be around in Hip-Hop
Some argue it’s setting a new trend for the industry whereas others say it’s just a passing fad. Hip-Hop
Notorious B.I.G and P Diddy. But Hip-Hop
Traditionally dope Hip-Hop artists in the
artist Young Chozen says this new fashion
fashion is changing and merging with
80’s embodied a comfortable, urban;
statement started occurring around the
a more mainstream style, incorporating
bigger is better kind of style as seen with
time Neptunes/Pharrel and Lupe Fiasco hit
aesthetics of skater and punk. No longer
Run D.M.C, and artists in the 90’s followed
the scene as skater rappers. “They mixed in
is Hip-Hop style defined by urban bling,
suit. When one thinks of Hip-Hop the
the style they got from being skaters with
baggy pants, over-sized t-shirts and
immediate association is one of grills, J
Hip-Hop fashion and from there it’s grown.”
Merging the skater style with Hip-Hop style
Cold Flamez take this new style revolution
take them seriously as artists”. Joe agrees
are artists New Boys and Cold Flamez.
to a totally different level, incorporating
that there has been a change in the
Taking Hip-Hop style to a new level, New
visible facial piercing’s to their look.
Hip-Hop style. “There’s definitely a change
Boys have bought skinny jeans on to the
Without listening to their music, no-one
to a couple of years ago, things aren’t as
Hip-Hop scene, donning bright purple
would distinguish them as Hip-Hop artists
baggy. The guys are wearing tighter pants,
and red colours. Although they have been
because their outside appearance is so
and generally the look is more casual
bagged out for not being genuine
typical to the punk scene. But once the
than over the top”. But as much as the
Hip-Hop artists, they have created a
beats are playing one gets even more
fashion is changing there are some things
name for themselves for being unique
confused. Rappers with piercings and
that will never date. “The caps will never
and daring to be different. Along with the
tattoos? No bling? Is this a new form
change, they will always be around in
skinny jeans their attire also consists of
of Hip-Hop where a merging of genres
Hip-Hop” says Joe. The sneaker and bling
diamond plaid sweats, giving them a
makes them stand out from the crowd?
obsession will always make anyone look
preppy school look. The only symbolic
Joe Nafajai, manager of Perth Hip-Hop
like an authentic Hip-Hop artist and it’s fair
pieces of clothing which classify them as
clothing store Skunk Wear says they simply
to say they too will be around for decades
authentic Hip-Hop rappers are the bling
want to be different “These guys are trying
to come. Changes in the hip world come
and the caps. Hence here we have the
to change the traditional Hip-Hop style
and go, but I think it’s fair to say this
new revolution in Hip-Hop style-merging
and create something new and different,
fashion trend is gaining popularity and
mainstream punk onto the Hip-Hop scene.
which is risky because not everyone will
doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon.
wordplay | issue one |p.11
Justin Macdonald
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.
Phatchance: Mantra could learn a lesson from
B.o.B: Maybe you haven’t heard of B.o.B yet, but with
Phatchance who has decided to stream all the tracks
his debut album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray, about to
from his most recent effort, Inkstains, on his Myspace page.
be released, you probably will soon. His MySpace page is
Phatchance may be streaming his music for free, but it
probably one of the best out there and a shining example
probably won’t be for everyone as his music is darker and
of how to promote a new artist. Not only does it allow you to
has more depth than some other Australian Hip-Hop groups.
stream six of his tracks, including his new single, Nothin’ on You,
But if you like Hip-Hop that’s intelligent as well as being fun to
you can sign up to his mailing list and e-mail alerts, watch his
listen to, you could do a lot worse that listening to tracks like
videos and read B.o.B’s latest tweets. Why can’t all Myspace
Mountain of Glass and Battlescars.
pages be this good?
http://www.myspace.com/mcphatchance
http://www.myspace.com/bobatl
“MySpace page can really help a new artist introduce themselves to the public and build a fan base.”
Mantra: In an age of declining CD sales, a high quality
album in March this year. His page is well designed, but so far
MySpace page can really help a new artist introduce
there’s only one track posted on the site. Hopefully Mantra and
themselves to the public and build a fan base. It’s a real shame
his management will post more than one track in the future.
somebody didn’t tell Mantra this, seeing as how he is a recent
http://www.myspace.com/mantrahiphop
addition to the Obese Records label and released his debut
wordplay | issue one |p.13
Wale: Wale may have released his debut record Attention
Sareem Poems: Most people have never heard of
Deficit last year, but he’s actually been recording mix tapes
Sareem Poems, but it’s not because he’s a new artist. His
and working with people like the Roots. If you’re a fan of the
music just hasn’t received the recognition it deserves. But this
Roots, you should definitely check out Wale’s MySpace page
probably due to the fact that his music is a little bit different
as you’ll probably find a lot to like. The only problem is the
to a lot of popular Hip-Hop; it has a strong soul and gospel
seven songs streaming on Wale’s MySpace page are just
music influence. Fans of Mos Def should definitely take the
snippets, but you should still be able to get a pretty good
time to check out Sareem Poem’s MySpace page.
idea of the quality of Wale’s music by giving them a listen.
http://www.myspace.com/iampoems
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
Thundamentals: Thundamentals are from Blue
my personal favourite, Move It Up, indicate they’ve found
Mountains, NSW and released their debut album Sleeping
a way to combine these two different artists and create
On Your Style last year, scoring minor hits on Triple J with
something very cool in the process. You can check out
their tracks The Mash and My Lady (feat. Ray Brown).
them out on their myspace at: w
Thundamentals list both Nas and Curtis Mayfield as their
http://www.myspace.com/thundamentals
influences, and the tracks posted on their page, including
COLOSOUL ISSUE FOUR IN STORE SOON
Headstrong Company: Adelaide’s Headstrong
personally, Long Time Coming, sounds like it could be
Company also released their debut in 2009, having spent
a really big hit. If you’re a Hilltop Hoods fan, you should
five years working on it. But fortunately for them, the group
definitely give Headstrong Company a listen:
have scored gold with their tracks, as each one is very
http://www.myspace.com/headstrongco
strong. It’s hard to pick a favourite out of their tracks, but
wordplay | issue one |p.15
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Mastering
Artist Management
$30/Hour $600/14 track mixtape
p. 0433 948 520 e. illertimerecordz@gmail.com www.soundclick.com/illertimerecordz Studio located in Cannington