Slovo 22 (english language)

CONTENTS

SLOVO #22

HIP-HOP MUSIC

OTHER MUSIC

003 Sadat X

033 LADI6

005 Black Attack ART & GRAFFITI 007 Chief69 035 Pasha 183 010 Abraham Tekya 012 DJ Spot

KNOWLEDGE

017 Kickit

042 Hip-Hop in Europe

020 MyRapGame

044 Nelson Mandela

027 Reviews

047 The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

Editor: Nelson

Translators: Lea Zasolova Nomadum Mantis

Authors: Nelson Marianna Chief MixmastaFreak

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SLOVO #22

Sadat X is the legendary MC. For over two decades, he has released many great albums, both as the member of Brand Nubian and solo.

Great lyrics and MC's talent combined in his tracks with fidelity to traditions of hip-hop culture. Creativity of Sadat X is the case when the listeners do not have to choose between meaningful lyrics and great music. In his albums we find both something, and more!

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SLOVO #22 I want begin the discussion with the question about the past. In the late 1980s, when the first Brand Nubian LP was recorded, what ideas were distilled in hip-hop? What areas of its development in the future you saw then?

It wasn't complex back then, we just wanted to make an album. We didn't know how it would turn out but knew we wanted to put out good music.

Did the hip-hop contributed to the development of your worldview and interest in philosophy and politics, or rap music became for you a way to express your ideas, which formed the foundation before the beginning of your career?

We just wanted to rap, it wasn't that deep... just wanted to do it.

You have seen the development of hip-hop culture during several decades. What stereotypes hindering its development formed in hip-hop during this time? And what of these stereotypes help its development?

Everybody is a "thug" but there are many people that are smart – you can't judge a person by how they appear.

Often we can find the statement that for ghetto residents of American cities rap and sports are the only ways to change their lives. Has this situation changed over time?

In the ghetto, those two things are the most accessible – rap & sports – and can be feasibly reached.

You worked as a basketball coach and teacher at the school. In your opinion, is hip-hop as a way of people's education effective? Did you use it in your teaching?

Definitely, it's something they understand because they grow up around it and you can incorporate it into the teaching process.

What should the education system look like so that it attracted children and pulled them out from street environment full of problems?

That remains to be seen, we are still working on that!

reflected in every album?

Every album reflects what I am going thru in my life, I have grown more thru each one.

Probably, each MC has lyrics that remain for him crucial throughout their careers. Do you have one?

My verse on "Punks Jump Up" – specifically: "one day on the train I saw these 2 kids talkin".

Recently you made a joint music video called «Impact» with the Russian MC IQ. Tell us about the cooperation with him.

We connected thru Twitter for the collaboration and then I was picked up for a show in Moscow and we were able to shoot the video while I was there.

Have you heard before rap from Russia? What special features you see in it?

No, I hadn't heard Russian rap before the feature with IQ and when I was there for a show.

In different countries, hip-hop gets its own peculiarities. Don't you think some important components of the philosophy of culture, which were created in the very conditions of life in the USA, can be lost?

No, the culture is very strong and always will be here in the USA. Tell us, please, about your plans for the future.

Are there any new albums coming soon?

My last solo album dropped Dec 4th, 2012 and I have 3 more to be released over the next year... One with El Da Sensei called "XL", one called "New York" and one called "Brown Water".

Your wishes to young hip-hop representatives, interested in philosophy of this culture.

Be original and my advice is to keep it in perspective and tell the truth as much as possible.

Thanks to Handle & IQ for the help in the organization of interview.

You have an impressive discography of solo releases. What changes in your personality are 004

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1990s is a period of hip-hop history, which people remember and will recall with delight. Those days were really rich in marvelous MCs and albums they recorded. It is these albums which remain in our memories and attract a new generation listeners of classical heritage.

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SLOVO #22 In that time it was possible to hear gangsta rap, talking about social issues. Today such a combination – a rarity.

Simple clips where people were rapping in worn clothes surrounded by crowds of party-goers are no longer in a fashion. The avalanche of money covered shirts with gold. And now licked plastic people are rapping with their mannered voices to plastic music and endorse in their videos cars, clothes and drink of certain brands. Actually, it's worth mentioning the music itself. Creating hits has always been the goal of many producers. But in the 1990s, this process was connected with the work of funky melodies. The music was much lively, even in old-school period characterized by "dry" bits. And here's one example of a live music, which I want to recall.

Among the many rap groups of the 90s, there were many very interesting ones, which, however haven't left us an extensive discography. Some of them were unnoticed in life, and only after their collapse their records have become titbt of collectors. With the Black Attack the situation was different. Although they did not become hugely popular, their album "On The Edge" became a kind of classic. In particular, in the former Soviet Union the main track of this disc "Heartless", was played on many rap parties. The reason why not the most popular group was in many tracklists of DJs sets is quite simple. Sample, which was the base of instrumental "Heartless" was taken from the title track of to Ennio Morricone the film "Professional". The film's success and unique Morricone's melody, memorable from the first notes, did the trick. But I would not write about the Black Attack, if this were the only reason to pay attention to this team. "Heartless" is not the only track in their discography which can claim to be a hit. Almost every listener who will have to like the style of Black Attack, find in the "On The Edge" album series of remarkable compositions. There are "Bang Bang", "Dirty Money", "It's a Shame" and many others. Why was the Black Attack style so notable? On the one hand, it was one of the variations of gangsta rap, but simultaneously melodic and energetic one. It's not hardcore rap, neither G- funk. Black Attack gave gangsta rap melody of rhythm and blues, but they didn't mix these genres in significant proportions, they only skillfully played with their various elements.

Another feature of the Black Attack were texts. Gangsta rap theme was combined with the description of social problems. And in a number of texts gangster stories were not only the illustrative feature, as in other "journalists of streets" ones, but represented the condemning group's position in relation to what was happening around. Actually, the above mentioned hit "Heartless" tells about murderers, drug addicts and drug dealers, pimps and pedophiles. This is not an easy subject for perception, but it's real life. And this also

makes Black Attack track more valuable.

You may say that they were not alone in all this stuff.

There were plenty of other groups with serious lyrics and interesting melodic music. You can certainly find other examples. However, Black Attack have nothing to lose, as we do, when listening to another good album.

Good albums, as they say, not much happens. One more thing should be noted – the album "On The Edge" sounds holistically. Can it be called a conceptual album in the strict sense of the word? Yes and no. Of course, we cannot say that all the tracks are linked into a one single story. But at the same time they tell us about the various constituents of the world which surround these MCs. And by doing this they connect in a one whole picture, a mosaic of what is happening. These albums have never been in a majority, because the ones which are and were released were so called "casts stereotypes" – albums, which consist of sets of hackneyed phrases and empty verbiage. "On The Edge" is real. You can feel it and it makes it interesting even after all these years.

Releasing this CD in 1997, Black Attack seemed to have started their career in rap. But the group lived for three years. The original membership of John Harper, Butch Mosby and Perry Thierry after the release of their debut disc began to change. The girl Ebony replaced Butch Mosby , and later to the group joined another MC – Atieno Hawkins. But by 2000, the group consists only o Ebony, who recorded with Terry Lovique last single in the history of Black Attack – "What's Going On".

Discography of Black Attack includes one album and five singles, each of those is interesting in its own way.

But of course, "On The Edge" attracts listeners for a half decades after it was released. Even though everyone has his own hip-hop, this record should not be forgotten, even if its popularity is not so high as of many legendary albums recognized by imperishable classic of hip-hop.

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This interview with the member of Universal Zulu Nation - bboy, MC and artist Chief69. This man in hip-hop, in fact, from birth, since his father also is member of Universal Zulu Nation. And his view on culture is based on the perception of hip-hop traditions and philosophy.

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Introduce yourself and tell us about your name.

I am Nelson Seda by birth name, but the name I prefer to be called and I have come to represent honor and spread is "CHIEF69". Like many other hip-hop heads I went through many names as an emcee and writer and one day I stuck with Chief. Then a year or two later I met JAMESTOP who told me about a CHIEF who was a writer in Brooklyn so out of respect for the way things work in hip-hop. I decided to add a number to make my name original and so I won't be confused with anyone 69 was the perfect stamp on the name.

When you began live by HipHop and who inspired you?

I started doing art as a child like anyone else – In middle school began to emcee and write poetry then by high school I started to dance and really be a writer.

What is your hip-hop skillz and what elements you are practice?

I am a Bboy/Emcee/Artist/Community Organizer.

What you can say about hip-hop dance. Can it exist in own manner like breaking, popping, locking?

I feel HIP-HOP DANCE IS BBOYING ONLY – the other dances were not invented through the hip-hop

experience, but rather adopted and innovated and evolved. Don't get me wrong I am a party rocker before I am a BBOY and I dance to all music and will try to dance all styles. Hip-hop dance can't really be classified. It's more of a feeling – you either have it or you don't.

What is your vision of God? My vision of God is all mental – If you believe in being righteous and spiritual and grounded you will find God within – NOT WITHOUT. Why you came in UZN and how long you are member?

I joined the Universal Zulu Nation, because my father joined when it was The Organization. And for me this is an honor as I am so much involved with the Elements and I live near Bronx River in the FORT APACHE section of the Bronx. I have been ZULU forever, because I am from the heavens and my ancestors are me.

What do you think about people that said that hiphop is child age?

People who think hip-hop is childish simply are not educated on hip-hop correctly as for what is truly is.

Hip-hop is a viable social movement and YOUTH driven revolutionary front.

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SLOVO #22 In what part of the world you wish travel?

I wish to travel to SPACE or DEEP EARTH.

Wisdom words for young kids in hip-hop.

My words for the youth are – BE YOURSELF.

What is your favorite music for dancing?

I am a bboy so I love FUNK and HIP-HOP from the 90's a lot.

Do you like international Emcees Rap or you prefer listen in English?

I am Puertorican so I love ENGLISH and SPANISH EMCEEING. Do you have a job or you make money on hip-hop?

I am a teaching artist and make money educating youth and adults in my community on hip-hop. I also sell art and do murals.

Recomend some good books that you read.

Some great Books I recommend are "The autobiography of Malcolm X", "The Gospel of HipHop", "Born In The Bronx", and much much more.

What problems in hip-hop you see today?

In hip-hop today I see people not educating enough and no musical diversity.

Your wishes to our magazine.

I send my deep heartfelt regards to the staff and my brothers and sisters in the struggle – ONE LOVE! PEACE!

How you see hip-hop in future?

In the future I see myself much more involved with hip-hop education and I see the culture growing in new areas and gaining our self respect back.

The author: MixmastaFreak

http://www.chief69frc.blogspot.com http://www.reverbnation.com/chief69 009

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Abraham Tekya, also known under the pseudonym Abramz, is rapper, bboy and social activist from Uganda. Member of the duo Sylvester & Abramz (Uganda), Rock Steady Crew (USA), founder and director of "Break-dance Project Uganda".

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SLOVO #22 This guy really believes that people are unable to solve their problems through positive thinking and helping others. He lost both his parents when he was seven years old and, in his own words, all he had at that time was hip-hop. He started rapping in 1992, about the same time engaged in breakdancing. It would seem quite ordinary story, except that fact that Abramz was born and raised in Uganda, one of the most troubled countries in the world, where people mostly survive and live in the constant struggle for a roof over their heads and access to clean drinking water. Despite the difficult conditions and limited access to information, he became one of those who played a major role in the creation and distribution of hip-hop culture at home and on the African continent.

Abraham decided to devote his life to the education and development of local communities and individuals through hip-hop, creating "Break-dance Project Uganda", an organization that uses elements of hiphop and other art forms to promote positive social change and development of social responsibility.

"Anyone can be a part of hip-hop: Indians, Americans, Italians, Christians or Muslims. This is a culture that does not apart you from who you are. In hip-hop everyone can be who he wants to be. There are many traditional cultures, which you cannot change. There is a traditional dance, and it includes three steps. If you're doing a fourth, it is a mistake. So I feel the power of hip-hop: it gives me the freedom, I have the opportunity to come up with something different. I learned how to express my thoughts so that they are understandable to everyone. With rap and breakdance I help other people who find themselves in difficult situations, to regain self-respect and dignity".

Abramz is well known now in his country, on the African continent and abroad. His ideas and actions inspire many leaders of hip-hop culture around the world.

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The author: Marianna Chief Abramz's Soundcloud

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DJ Spot is well known in the Russian hip-hop. He has worked with dozens of rap artists, and made a significant contribution to the development of hip-hop djing in Russia. During these long years in Russian rap a lot has changed. Something became fashionable and something rooted in the past. But DJ Spot remains true own vision of hip-hop culture, in spite of fashion trends. About last years and his new projects DJ Spot told to our magazine.

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SLOVO #22 Your way to participate in the team Black Block to solo works as a DJ is pretty long. Tell us about the major changes in you as a creative person in this period.

Hi everyone! Hello magazine "Slovo"! Well enough to start a banal story for most Russian hip-hop artists.

During his school years, somewhere in the late 90's, I seen enough cool pictures. I started do graffiti, tags, sketches, bombing. Great influence in my works had my neighbor Russian legendary Owl from Fat Capz Crew, the way I draw so far, but not often. At the same time buying some records with hip-hop, such as RunDMC, Afrika Bambaataa, Public Enemy, 2Pac, etc. I started breakdancing. Breakdance in our school was as an elective, the coach himself was working at Top 9, while they not was a world champions. At the breakdance there were a few of my classmates, with one of them, named Scat (Katafalk) we have created a team. We first have to re-read the text of others, both in Russian and in English. Later Scat started do beats. The Internet was not then available for the majority.

Information about recording and making music, there was very little. We recorded on some terrible microphone, tapes, later on the computer. We learned computer programs such as: Cool Edit, Acid Pro. Over time, a team of 2 participants grew into 6 members, someone left – come, in the end we are still together and have remained. Done a lot of tracks, recorded the whole thing on tape and distributed to schools, my friends. At that time we saw one person who invited us to join the Baltic clan, but while negotiations was done we learned that Baltic Clan has ceased to exist. A few years later in 2005 we released the 2006 promo EP on the internet via Gurman Promo Music. Handle and Modu ran this label.

Handing out these discs on performances for free.

Listen this album is not possible now))). Next we record next album, did a shows, but the album was never released because Scat went into the army. Just at this time in 2005, I really wanted to buy a turntable, got a job and earned on my first turntables. Passion for collecting, collecting music I had since childhood, in school year I had about 500 hip-hop tapes. When I was a teenager, I spent already at school discos, camps and lodges. Still collect CDs and vinyl and download rare releases American hip-hop. When I bought turntables, then immediately bought a scratch tools. I learned himself without teachers, lessons engaged scratching and mixing. Team Black Block at the time took a timeout. Since then went to my solo career, what I do to this day, and do not intend to finish.

DJing today can compare with other countries?

Absolutely, now a lot of instructional videos on YouTube, DJs schools. No need to buy vinyl, it replaced the controllers and timecode. DJ has become a lot more but not all do a good career because putting little effort. There are very steep guys whose level is not inferior, as in hip-hop, turntablism and other genres. I think it's all the better if there is knowledge, progress must go!

Do you have a musical education? How it helped you in the creative process? And as far as academic music education meets the requirements imposed in modern music?

Yes, I have several musical formations. Of them is the piano, drums. At one time, I participated in several orchestras and ensembles, performed in various concert halls of St. Petersburg. But I did not go to the conservatory, I enrolled at the University chose another profession. I can say that is not always music school – it's good, who have a craving in music, in any case, will be to deal with it. Music school is a great foundation, but again, that's not for everyone. In my case, I helped my knowledge and ear training in music instruments.

But if you take famous music producers, many have no musical education, but what kind of music they make.

In comparison with the 90-ties of the learning opportunities for DJing in Russia became much more. More became, respectively, and the DJs themselves. As far as the level of Russian hip-hop 013

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Although DJing is not taught at the music school, but there was very many schools of DJing, which have much to teach, I taught myself a couple of years. But the best way is self-realization itself, you can learn everything yourself, using books, videos and more training, I think it's the best way!

Common ailment for DJs around the world – a "scrolling" music at parties under the label of DJing. These people owning minimum skills are not interested in music, do not look for it, do not study, and thereby cause a lot of ridicule to the DJs themselves. What do you think, is there a possibility to solve this problem?

Well start with the classification DJs are: radio DJs, artists DJs, turtablists, mixtape DJs, scratch DJs, club DJs, wedding DJs, etc. Often, it's all kinds of people, many combine several professions in itself. Depending on the profession and depends what you want from.

The coolest it, call them artists DJs who do his set, clearly prepared, with scratch, beat-juggling, live remixes and work with effects. These DJs have their audience, and people clearly know on whose performance go. But Russia is a bit different, sometimes parties organizers invited DJ, not knowing that the DJ to play at all, invited audience such as students, friends, and DJ don't knows which club he goes, what kind of people will be, what format parties

and then have to look at the audience that play and play impromptu. "The good DJ this is a DJ who knows how can as to drive any public" (c) The X-Ecutioners. Many clubs and bars, and often do not need a DJ, simply put the disc with music and people will dance, despite what the public and part of the public do not need them so well, it's the Russian mentality, if not sad. But times go, DJs are becoming more, not only hip-hop DJs already do a scratch, skill level and knowledge grows, competition rises and soon all will be experienced DJs, all of them more and more.

Tell us about your mixtapes and albums?

I worked with a huge number of teams and artists, this year found that the left has over 50 releases with my participation. My primary occupation is to make cuts on tracks and I have already worked with an enormous number of them are artists: Nutso, G-Wylx, Nevsky Beat, Kazhe Oboima, Kravz, Krestnaya Semya, Vitek, Vint and others. I also released several mixtapes, and it was mixed Russian mixtapes and mixtapes for bands and artists, such as: M.O.P., I Diggidy, K'n'R, Stavropol All-Starz, All Rec, Gleb Gardi. There were a couple tribute mixes Guru (Gang Starr), MCA (Beastie Boys).

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SLOVO #22 Are you doing in producing MC? What do you think, how in the Russian hip-hop spread american approach to the creation of hits?

Yes worked, but not for long, so let's say I have served as a producer for artists working with them.

Often hit written by itself, you do not know it myself, it's a hit and that's just fine, but you can make a hit despite the modern standards of music or a bit away from them, to come up with something a little new. In most cases, 60-70 % depending on the rest of the music, the words and promotion tracks. In the United States most popular music is hip-hop, pop rap, house-rap, in Russia it is also popular, but not so much, and on the basis of Russian mentality, get something mixed. If earlier it was enough to show a good song a few people and you could be famous, but now the young artists have to work a lot on PR this track, which is bad, since this energy can be spent on music.

I think that largely missing here is the understanding of how to form the hip-hop hit, namely hip-hop. We often try it "sleek" or pop under pseudo-chanson, thereby achieving popularity with the average consumer. What do you think?

I agree completely, now teenagers absolutely do not know the roots of hip- hop music, they have an overabundance of information, and they themselves do

not want to study music. Also a lot of groups that make "poor quality music" and it is impossible to listen to. I do not like chanson and well know hip-hop culture, and to see the pseudo-chanson hits disgusts me. Well, as earlier in Russia was the Iron Curtain, the country has lagged behind a bit of the world. The older generation of Russian music enough. Until now, that is shown on television and on the radio for many fashion.

Therefore, someone makes this kind of music specially to attract a large audience, and someone in itself is one to whom it is said education, the environment, lack of education, the country and its music.

"Consequently, the disruption is not in closet, and in their heads" M. Bulgakov.

In recent years gradually developing sctatching and turntablizm. But it happens is still quite slow as many listeners as before, this kind of music and it seems totally incomprehensible cacophony. What, in your opinion, contributes to the development of these areas in the Russian DJing and helps attract the youth?

Yes, turntablism genre develops slowly. He took his particular niche. Just competitions in DJing, in Russia it is a local, not big. The level of our scratch artists is far from other countries, but there are units that can show what they are capable. I think everything was okay, as a genre of music that is still very young and developing, over time, he picks up the pace.

DJing is primarily a concert art, because it is alive, he is most impressive. Which DJ's performances have impressed you the most?

Of the latter, I loved the performances of the tour DJ Jazzy Jeff, love what and how he plays. Of course I like to look at the gigs DJ Premier and how it works with a microphone. The Cut of the video program from DJ Revolution delighted. Teams of note last appearance at IDA trio Polish DJ Modulators, they have a great album by the way, and performances C2C. And of course, it does not mention Qbert and Mix Master Mike.

That within their own live performances you consider most important, and what you want to achieve in the future?

I think that this preparation, preparation for action. The more carefully you select material for shows, the better you know the tracks, the better will practice on this material, the better the performance. This eliminates the nerves fuss and gives confidence in the statement.

And I would like to give more time to practice scratch elements, dj set preparation, as well as new grandiose ideas and then do it!

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SLOVO #22 http://djspot.ru http://vk.com/djspot1

In your sets you play not just hip-hop. Tell us about your interested styles of music, and the peculiarities of working with them a DJ? In particular genres such as downtempo acid jazz or easy to enter into the structure of the dance DJ set. But music is not for dancing from DJ unsophisticated public hearing was not used?

Most of all I like to enter in the pack of funk, it might just be the track, and maybe a sample of the track, which I 'm going to play next, it's a great welcome and the public love me. Sometimes I add some top track is playing, it can be a melody saxophone, maybe just some breaks, so to speak remix. The whole thing can be a good gash, but you can live with it a bit to make, and it will explode. Certainly not enter very popular genres is not always good, here depends on the format of the party. If you want to play such a classic hip-hop, it will dilute the excellent funk, jazz, downtempo and more.

And on the other shows where people want to dance, play better hits, and mix these hits, as a more modern hip-hop and other genres, even funk and jazz and blues hits there, and you know them well, but not remember who it is, you can come up with a huge number of ideas, people love it. Believe me.

Tell us about your current projects and projects planned for the future. What releases are prepared and what new directions you want to work?

Lately, I try not to talk about their future releases. As the saying goes: "If you want to make God laugh, tell

him your plans". But talk a little about what is ready and waiting in the wings. The last thing I made it official mixtape world famous team MOP Mixtape will be in support of their new album and tour, I hope they will come to Russia. Mixtape will be a bomb of the best tracks of MOP. Just took a little promo video – "Intro" from this mixtape, which you can see on my YouTube channel. Cover design for the mixtape made my girlfriend Jane 26.

Still stand series of mixes hip-hop's golden era, has long wanted, I'll mix up what I love most. This year has come my instrumental album – beat tape, maybe even more than one. His grace a couple of new videos as well as music videos are ready. I hope to finish work on the international mix under the name "Rock Da Spot", which I am preparing for a long time and a release dusty, most artists there are from Russia, but dilute and other countries. As well as a large number of releases hip-hop artists will be my gash.

Thank you very much magazine "Slovo" for the interview. I would like to wish the readers: only listen to good music, to communicate only with good people, self-developing and change lives for the better! A magazine "Slovo" more readers, more interesting issues, and development. Peace!

Thank you for the interview and wish you success and inexhaustible flow of creative ideas!

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Nowadays a lot of people seek how to make money over hip-hop. They create a variety of projects, looking for a team for their implementation, trying to attract sponsors. And still their main goal is to earn money. Some of them have self-criticism, but some make an obvious bullshit. And very small number of associations left in hip-hop that really do develop the Culture. Those who strongly demonstrates the "underground" label often use it as an excuse for the low quality of their own creations, culture ignorance and unwillingness to know anything about it.

The more interesting and enjoyable to look over the news from few labels, portals and creative unions, that really love and try to develop hip-hop culture for its own sake, and not for the sake of popularity or money. One of the most interesting hip-hop associations of those kind in ex-USSR area is Kickit.

The founding date of this Ukrainian team is September 13, 2009. And after four and a half years

of work Kickit reached the level of high scale and versatile label which united MCs, beatmakers, DJs, graffiti writers and photographers from different regions of Ukraine. All of them connected by understanding of traditions and principles of hiphop culture, as like as peace, love and unity, which are the basis of hip-hop. But we'd like to tell more about each direction of Kickit's activity.

Kickit Records is a studio and a record label, which works with Exlibris, The Cancel, Qube Unite, DJ Shon, Sheksta, Dee, Alexjazz, Price, Oneski, Drud, Rclan and Miroman (Ìèðîìåí). Each of them has his own style. Of course, it can be said about many performers. But after listening to releases of any MC or beatmaker above, you will realize that this label really did gathered people, who represent original hip-hop. And they dropped a lot of good stuff. Among the latest – Alexjazz and The Cancel albums, and the new ones from DJ Shon, Zombo and Price are coming soon.

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SLOVO #22 In addition to albums, you can regularly listen to podcasts with various artists tracks and discover interesting music from all around the world. And, of course, videoclips, which also secrete Kickit among other labels, because Kickit's videos have their own content and distinctive atmosphere. What else could be the basis of a brand if not a mark of quality?

Kickit Crew is not limited by studio work, they also giving to fans of hip-hop such cool parties as "Wicked Kickit" and "Kickit Records Night", which already took place in several cities of Ukraine. By the way Kickit Crew were participants of international programs and festivals as "Street Breakers Tour", "One Love Hip-Hop" and "The Break Day 7" and organized Ukrainian qualifying round for "The Break Day 7".

Recording, release albums and podcasts, video production and organization of parties, which

combined all the elements of hip-hop – all this diversity does not exhaust the field of Kickit's team activities. Kickit Art Studio – a special direction, a kind of "wing" label, which unite painters and graffiti writers. And considering the development of contemporary visual arts including in the framework of hip-hop, it is worth to note that Kickit Art Studio – it's not just graffiti writers, but also artists working in many other creative fields. Feros, Dilk, Keno and Arm create logos, album covers, posters, and of course, painting the walls.

As you can see, Kickit is very atypical hip-hop association in our region. And their productivity and availability of its creative concept makes Kickit Crew members even more interesting for every connoisseur of hip-hop. Join and enjoy the beautiful music and videos of representatives of Kickit Crew!

http://kickit.in.ua https://vk.com/kickit https://vimeo.com/kickit https://vk.com/kickitartstudio https://www.facebook.com/kickitcrew http://www.mixcloud.com/kickitrecords http://www.youtube.com/KickitCrewChannel http://kickit.bandcamp.com/album/photoalbum http://thecancelband.bandcamp.com/album/night-light 019

HIP-HOP MUSIC

SLOVO #22

Battles always played an important role in rap music. Battles are the spirit of competition, and the way to hone your skills, and means to gain popularity among the audience. In the Internet era, it has became a major global network platform of sharing creativity of young MCs. Of course, online battles become a tool for development and reaching a new level. MyRapGame – is a unique platform for online battles. It gives a lot of opportunities for both organizers rap battles and for their members. About all the nuances of MyRapGame we talked with one of the creators of this project – Artem Garashko.

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SLOVO #22 Tell us about history of MyRapGame project, its goals and plans.

To understand our history, we should go back to 2005. You can say that history of MyRapGame, just like Russian rap for me, began with my favorite rap band, Bad Balance, for which I have a lot of respect.

Through Bad Balance's fan forum on their official web-site that I accidentally discovered, three of MyRapGame core founders met each other. I really liked that the forum had a lot of active and ambitious young crowd that constantly was battling in "Freestyle" area.

Back then in Russia there were no battle leagues like Versus or the Word; battles weren't popular as now, recording gear wasn't so affordable, and community of emcees was only beginning to take its shape. There were only a handful of serious online rap tournaments: battles of Hip-Hop.ru, the largest Russian community of rappers, and I guess battles on RapWar portal created by RobertRyda (aka Ghostrida in the past).

Also there were not that many emcees who was rapping in audio. Mostly people were challenging each other online in text battles.

On Bad Balance's forum were a lot of rhymers from solo artists to big crews. Dima Wert aka MCWertX was a member of the group called "Alliance". Another MyRapGame founder, Kirill Kasatskiy aka Apostol, was battling as a freelancer.

Back then I did not know how to rhyme and when I saw what all these dudes are doing I just felt in love with rap battling. I was watching them for a while and at some moment I decided to hop in. I started dissing everyone to get attention and to quickly learn how to rhyme.

Somehow it happened that Wert and I got into the battle.

This was the longest and exhausting battle I ever participated in. It lasted like ten rounds and for each round we wrote about hundred bars or more. I felt like this dude never gives up. If I write a few more bars, he will come up with even more. It was tiring battle and after a few rounds it was hard to come up with new punches.

At some moment, we realized it is time to stop it and this is how we became friends. We earned each other's respect and I am forever thankful to Wert as to my first emcee teacher. He is a dope lyricist.

I don't remember whether we dissed each other with Apostol or not, but I remember that I liked this man from the beginning. I had a sympathy for this G from Canada who was rhyming about ganja, guns and hustle. I guess because I was growing up on the south of Russia and I absorbed the southern spirit of fighting and competitiveness. Apostol is an emigrant from Ukraine and he had not exactly the happiest childhood. So, we relate to each other a lot.

Apostol was the first who started to make records. Our friendship began when we started to make songs together.

At some moment, I proposed we create a band of the best emcees from Bad Balance's forum and attack other big community of rappers, Hip-Hop.ru. This is how "Rap Oboyma" a union of emcees from different cities and countries was formed.

Shortly, our text battles grew into audio format. New members joined us, we made our own website, recorded a lot of songs. It was sweat and worry free time, and we were

young and had a huge ego.

Those days in the past now, but our love for the spirit of rap battles with their sick punches and ill rhymes stayed with us forever. Later we began our adult life and all of us got busy with personal stuff. Slowly "Rap Oboyma" stopped to function.

I moved to USA and I did not have time for music. Guys were still rapping for a while and actually this is when they brought their music to a new level. They were constantly battling, their craft was improved, and they started to get recognition. They even had lots of conflicts with people who are famous now in Russia. It was very cool. I guess I let it go in the best moment when we were getting to the peak.

After some time the personal life got a hold of Apostol too.

Only Wert never left the music. He made a mixtape, gathered decent recording equipment and even found time to become a dope sound engineer. He created "Night Sound" recording studio and he still fully booked with orders. Apostol and I periodically were coming back, but soon disappearing again. Apostol recorded a mixtape, I recorded a few new songs, he visited me in Florida and we did something together, but none of it was anything serious and persistent.

In 2010 we tried to really get back into the music industry and we founded www.Mix-Tape.Me project that supposed to be a music publisher and artist promoter. Back then we did not have neither business experience nor brains to make it happen. We did not really know what to do.

Mix-Tape.me was shut down after a year, but a very important event happened for the hip-hop culture that made a fundament of MyRapGame. To promote ourselves we decided to host an online rap tournament (song contest).

Since these rap tournaments are not popular in English spoken internet, I will explain what it is.

Pretty much, rap tournament is a song contest that uses Olympic Games scoring system to determine the champion.

The first round and sometimes the second too are qualifying rounds where emcees submit their songs on a given topic.

For each round organizers tell you the song requirements like topic to rap about, special task, maximum length of the track, sometimes they give you a beat, but usually you are free to use any beat you want.

After the submission of songs is completed a few judges listen to all songs and give points. Usually qualifying round没 are being judged based on like/dislike or 0-1-2 system.

Commenting on tracks is optional at qualifying rounds. This is because the qualifying rounds are really just to sift out the weakest emcees.

After one or two qualifying rounds, 256 or less of the best emcees make to the next round. This is where the things get hot and great songs are being made.

The next 6-8 rounds are pairing rounds. All emcees are being divided into pairs. Usually on the basis of "strong - weak" or "randomly".

The judges at the pairing rounds usually provide comments and assign points to each song based on criteria that is defined by the organizers of the battle such rhyming skill, flow, overall impression, etc. Classic system is 5/5/2 (lyrics, performance, and overall impression).

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SLOVO #22 Emcees battle one on one and whoever is gathered most of the points (or judge' votes) considered a winner and will make to the next round. Only half of emcees get to the next round.

After 6-10 rounds total you get the finals where only two of the best compete and you get your champion.

Rap tournaments have a lot of benefits: this is a big crowd event and you get to show off your skill, get recognition and earn respect from professional emcees; by the time you get to the finals as an artist you already made like 5-10 songs; you get new fans and you improved your skills; and much more.

As an event rap tournaments attract a lot of attention to your website or whatever you promoting as an organizer.

Anyway, we decided to host our own tournament to promote Mix-Tape.Me. We scraped together like $400 for the prize funds. Apostol gathered judges amongst respected and known emcees from the underground. Wert helped us with judges too. I put the website up, we did a bit of promotion and we launched the contest.

We called the tournament "Rap Olympics". We had 335 emcees participating in it and everything went smooth, but that was hell of a lot of work that we did not expected at first.

We automated the process as much as we could, but still there were a lot of manual labor.

Besides technical challenges there were a lot of other work to do such as promoting, hunting for judges, managing the contest and so on, but the technical stuff that's what mostly drank our blood.

At the end, we swore that if we ever do another contest we do it only using an automated platform. At least we should have

a system that allow to upload songs and add them to the rounds table without us.

Around June 2011 situation in Russia changed even more.

There were hundreds or tournaments from small to large.

The largest battle to this day gathered over 9000 participants.

Around that time I was already sleeping and dreaming about making a service to host song contests.

In the first half of 2012 when things got tense in personal life and I really wanted to do something that I'm passionate about I finally decided to give it a shot and founded MyRapGame. I gathered a team of talents that was joined

by Wert and Apostol and the work began.

To get an attention to our service we decided to host a showcase tournament "Rap Olympics II". It was a complete success. We had a big prize fund (over $3k), had famous judges (even had Al Solo from my favorite Bad Balance), made a smoking hot design and did other cool things.

We had 2354 participants who submitted in total 3786 songs (over 90 hours of music). We did not expect such a big success. Our second battle was ten times larger than the first.

It was a good marketing campaign that attracted a lot of users and allowed us to gain trust and respect of the community. People also seen that our platform allows to host large battles.

Presently, we have more than 160 of rap tournaments going on in the same time, including the best in the country, and we have over 18000 professional and upcoming emcees.

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SLOVO #22 Now, I cannot look back at our thorny path without a smile.

We still have a lot to do, but our path is what made us who we are today and gave a solid fundament to go forward.

We are the first and the only song contest platform and the best social networks for people who like rap battles.

MyRapGame was created because of our passion for hiphop and rap battles. If someone would tell me in 2005 that I will have a social network for rap battles I would think he is nuts.

So, what I would like to tell to the youngsters is do not afraid to follow your passion. Don't be shy to experiment and selfexpress yourself through music or whatever you're into. And when people criticize you and tell that you are going to fail, just flip a bird and work even harder.

Strive to turn your favorite hobby into a profession. I believe any socially beneficial skill can be turned into a profession.

It is possible.

Regarding our goals, I can tell that since we founded MyRapGame almost two years ago a lot of things has changed, including our goals.

Before we just wanted to create a platform for rap tournaments, gather all of them in once place and improve the quality of tournaments in general.

Now we are working on connecting artists and brands together. Our platform could be used by brands to host online contest and other projects with artists to draw public attention to the brands.

We are also planning on launching www.MyRapGame.com for all English spoken emcees.

However, our strategies for Russian and English internet is different. Russian emcees familiar with online contest, so we gave them the tools that improved the quality of the tournaments.

In other hand, English spoken emcees are not familiar with online contests and we are facing the challenge of bringing a new kind of entertainment to people.

It just happened that both Rap and Internet was brought to Russia around the same time. Both things stared to pick up shortly after Gorbachev's Perestroika.

So, in Russia rap music begin taking its shape in WWW space and this is why we have so many online contests and "stars" originated from Internet.

In comparison, in English spoken countries people were rapping and battling each other way before Internet was created. In US kids on their way to school are freestyling and battling each other since who knows when. This is why live battle industry in English spoken countries is much more developed than in Russia.

This explains why there is a bunch of rap battle leagues around the world while Russia have only two that were recently founded.

Russia developed a unique experience with online battles and we are planning to share what our country have learnt in the last ten years about hip-hop with the rest of the world.

These are our long-term goals.

Our short-term goals are launching of photo and video streaming, video emcees and dancing tournaments.

Recently, we launched "Release" section that allows people to publish their mixtapes, albums, singles or compilations on our website for free download and promotion.

Besides tournaments we also have rap duels where emcees can quickly battle 1 on 1 or team on team without participating in long tournaments.

We have features that are typical for any social networks (private messages, profile, wall, blog and so on) as well as features made specifically for musicians. For example, uploading cover for each song or embedding the mp3 player to other websites.

We created "Hall of Fame" which is a chart of the best emcees, beat makers and rap crews. Since we have a lot battles inside our network, we decided to create a rating system and charts to help artists promote themselves. The ratings system is another innovation in hip-hop culture that we are proud of.

We are working on launching our third rap tournament "Rap Olympics III". This is going to be an international rap song contest for everyone who raps in Russian language and it is going to be much bigger than everything else we did before.

We will have emcees from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Middle East and other areas of the world. It will have a large prize fund, famous judges, many special contests, big informational sponsors and more.

We invite everyone who raps in Russian to participate and show your skills.

There is a "type" of rappers – battle rappers. And many of the most successful in the battles stay unknown outside of this community and do not write albums. Why it's goes like that in your opinion?

I can answer this with a question. Why after achieving the results in one field, it is hard to break the status-quo and exit the comfort zone? Or simply – why in the morning you don't want to get out of the bed?

Answer is our psychic is inert. It is hard to start and stop things. For example, it is hard to quit smoking once you used to it. It is hard to start going to the gym after a long break, but it is easy to go there on a regular basis. The most successful people in the world are successful because they developed a habit to start and stop things in a right time. We call this habit a will power.

Do you think after five or ten years of rap battling it is easy to jump into something new? You already have fan base that have certain expectation from you, you earned your recognition and respect, you developed your style and format. It is hard to move the trails when the train is moving on them in a full speed. I perceive the rap battles as the school of rap for the ones who are just starting. Everyone who would like to become an emcees should join it.

You will learn how to rhyme and rap, you will develop a flow and a style, it will improve your discipline, and you will be forced to record many new songs, make connections, build your fan base and earn respect from other emcees.

But then you have to go forward if you want to become a professional emcees. From Internet you need to move to live performances, record mixtapes and albums, get to the radio and do a lot of other new things. You will have to LEARN new things, such as marketing and making connections with people. You may even have to change the format you're working in and come up with something new.

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SLOVO #22 You have to become a businessman a bit and move the rapper to the back. You need either to learn new things yourself or get a manager who will take on many of those duties.

A lot of artistic people are just not into that kind of work. So, the reason number one why the rap battlers are not making it big is unwillingness to LEARN and IMPROVE as a person, not just as an emcee.

The second reason I think is conditioned by the environment. Rap battles is a narrow niche. Not everyone likes it. People who are far from hip-hop and don't understand the art of emceeing, often have a wrong perception of rap battles.

For many people rap battles seem aggressive and insultive. They don't feel it, but we can't blame them.

Someone likes to watch boxing, someone likes to watch figure skating. Rap battles is an aggressive and muscular sport. It is a taste preference. You either like it or not.

Third reason is the competiveness of the niche.

Everyone is a rapper these days. Emcees that jumped higher amongst their peers by beating other weak emcees may be considered big in a rap battle community, but at the end of the day they are still weak artists for the general public if you know what I mean.

Overall, rap battles is a cheap way of promoting yourself and quickly learning the art of emceeing. It can give you a good start for your career and if you're smart and work hard you will succeed.

Specific of the battles is quite different from recording album hip-hop music. Many listeners are interested only in rap albums, while others only in battles. How you can see this section?

Album rap provides you with a very broad choice from

the club music to the gangsta rap to the Christian rap or whatever you like to listen, whatever activity you're doing or mood you're in.

Rap battles is more about a skill rather than a mood or style. I personally think that rap battle music is just a sub-genre of rap music, and therefore, it has less followers than rap music in general.

But since you're wondering why people who listen to album rap are not always into rap battle and vice versa, I think it is just a lack of knowledge about hip-hop and rap battles.

Those who interested in rap battles are very open minded people and they usually listen to a lot of different music.

The funny thing is that after you used to hear a quality rap from the skilful underground rappers you just can't listen anymore to the mainstream BS that they feeding you on the radio and TV. You become more selective.

You turn on the radio and after listening to those "junk rap" you be like "wow, how the heck did you make it with your lame rhymes and flow?".

Rappers that did not graduate from "battle school" usually have much less developed technique and skills than the battle emcees. Their rap often sounds like reading poems on the beat. Who would want to start taking a bus again after driving a car?

But I guess the average listener who cannot distinguish a bad rhyme from a good one does not care much about it, but the fans of rap battle music usually have a higher standard in music quality than the average listener, because by listening to emcees who constantly improve their craft they developed a good ear for it.

When people who like rap, but never heard of rap battles, listen to some good songs made for the battles they like "wow, this is cool, I can actually listen to that".

In your opinion, what do you consider a high quality rap tournament?

Criteria of success number one is having a talented organizer on your team (aka manager / coordinator) who can: make a plan and follow it; effectively communicate and get along with all kinds of people; can explain his thoughts well in written and verbal language; multi-task and manage all processes; be a leader who can be strict and flexible in same time with his colleagues; negotiate with sponsors; and much more.

If you neither have experience nor such person, but have a big desire to make your battle, I could give a few advices, but it is a not a point of this interview. Whoever is interested in this can find some information on our website.

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SLOVO #22 I consider the battle to be of a high quality when: famous emcees participate in it; participants trust the organizers; there is plenty of respected judges to provide more or less adequate judgment; rounds are being completed on time without big delays; organizer stand up to his promises; when after the battle people ask for the next season.

And, of course, there must be lots of scandals, disses and intrigues. After all, it is a show and entertainment.

"Rap Olympics II" was not without mistakes. We gained lots of experience from it and hoping to use it in our next, third season.

Feature of most battles is given theme of track. And in many cases, the theme is pretty simple and limited artist. How do you feel about popular topics in battles?

I'm totally cool with it. I've seen stupid topics, but in general they're decent. Some topics are extremely difficult and make you work hard and do research which is good for the brains.

For example, on one battle I had to make a song called "Collective Unconscious". I had to literally go online and study what the heck it is, because I was always skipping psychology in the school.

In the same time, I don't want sound like a boring school teacher. I want to be an emcee and make a song that will entertain people. How can you make it interesting to rap about collective unconscious? It is not an easy task as you can see.

Topic for a song and a deadline nurture a lyricist and a discipline in the artists. If you can't come up with good lyrics for the given topic, what kind emcee are you? Or – if you fail to make a song on time, you're out.

Most importantly, emcees should not forget how to come up with his own songs when no one pushing them. It happens with the best ones too.

Having a topic also allows judges to distinguish the best from the rest. Music is too subjective thing already and if you allow everyone to rap on any topic it will be more difficult to judge.

It is very interesting to see how emcees are exploring the topic, but without one it is hard to see one's creativity and originality.

What are the opportunities and obstacles for the development of the battles you see?

I see tons of opportunities. I'm glad that in my country new projects are being created that move hip-hop forward, such "Versus" battle league and "Word" battle league. It is a time to bring rap battles from internet to live.

In Russia the rap battles going to get to the next level.

They're going to attract attention of the businesses and organizers as well as emcees going to explore the

monetization opportunities.

Also I'm looking forward further development of video emcee and dance battles.

The rest of the world I'm hoping can enjoy the MyRapGame hosted rap tournaments that we are planning to introduce.

These are all great opportunities for the teenagers in both worlds to explore their passion in the music.

I'm not sure about the obstacles in development of the battles. I think there is none. A lot of people are involved in this industry already. You can't stop the avalanche while it is moving.

As far as MyRapGame, I hope we will have enough dedication and patience to implement all our ideas.

What role of the battles, apart from the competition and entertainment, you see?

It plays educational and upbringing roles. In 2005 when I started to rap, I was 19 years old and soon many things became not important to me. I started to invest my time into my growth as an artist and I stopped spending time on the streets.

Young people have a lot of energy and the ages from 15 to 25 are probably the most risky. A young soul faces the reality and sometimes it can be painful. Many things can confuse and disappoint young fellas.

I personally knew people that were close to me who could not cope with the reality and made irreversible mistakes. They gone now.

I think it is better that one uses rap music to vent out his aggression or incomprehension. It is better to challenge other emcees through improving your craft rather than smashing people on the streets or doing drugs.

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SLOVO #22 There is a lot of crazy things around that can distract and confuse a young fellow. Being musician is an alternative path that motives you to improve and move forward in life.

I'm proud that MyRapGame helps young kids in this way. We gave them an environment where they can self-express, find like-minded and learn how to respect yourself and others.

What happened during the work of MyRapGame?

What nuances you saw during that time and how it affected on your perception of your own project and battles as a whole?

A lot of things has changed. I cannot fit everything into one article.

From a personal aspect I grew up a lot as an individual and businessman and learnt many things. Many mistakes was made and many sleepless nights was encountered.

If I would be doing another start-up I would at least do four things: start from seeking the investors, more thoroughly would be choosing the team, left the job and rent a place where all team members could live and work.

Also probably I would hire a chief, housekeeper and a sport trainer to watch team's health.From a perspective of battles, our perception has been changed a lot. I will tell you a story to explain it.

One time I asked my godfather to teach me how to ride a bike. I was a kid and was not even going to school yet.

I had a bike with two wheels and the back wheel had two smaller wheels that were providing the support to the bike, so it won't fall.

I thought he will take his time to train me or at least gives me instructions how to do it, but it was nothing like that. He unscrew the small wheels, threw them away and told me to go ahead.

I was scared, but it was even scarier to back up. In those

evening I smashed my knees and palms to the blood, but I learnt how to ride a bike.

This is how we have been growing MyRapGame all this time. We were learning how to stay on our feet.

Now, after almost two years of work in this niche, our intuitive actions turned into a system. We learnt all ins and outs of the rap tournaments: feel the crowd, developed methods and tricks of organizational work, learnt how to negotiate with varieties of people and much more.

I would like to emphasize that people know only three of our names simply because we are always in sight, but the success of the project is an achievement of our entire team as well as all people that were and still helping us.

Using this opportunity, I would like to say hi to all of our people and thank each of you for all your hard work and dedication! Without you MyRapGame would not exist.

At the end, I would like to thank Slovo for this interview. It was an interesting experience. You brought up good questions that allowed me to look back and reflect on our path.

Also on behalf of MyRapGame I thank you for your support of "Rap Olympics III". We are proud to have you as a partner.

We invite all emcees who rap in Russian language to participate in our third international rap song contest, Rap Olympics III. I wish you a good luck, a lot of interesting articles and readers!

With respect, Artem Garashko CEO of MyRapGame

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HIP-HOP MUSIC

SLOVO #22

Last year was rich with interesting hip-hop releases. A lot of MCs have released new albums, including legendary music veterans. Given the number of albums that are exciting to recommend, it would be impossible to talk about each and every one of them. That's why we suggest you short reviews of the best albums of 2013, in our opinion. In addition, we give you a large list of albums that also, in our opinion, are worthy of your attention, and among which many listeners will find worthy records for their own personal collections, even though we have not included all of them in our review list.

The U.S.A We will start off with albums that stay on top of all the charts for the longest time: Eminem – "The Marshall Mathers", Jay-Z – "Magna Carta Holy Grail", Kanye West – "Yeezus" è Snoop Lion – "Reincarnated". The most interesting albums from the list are Snoop's work in his new role and of course, Jay-Z. Snoop has come up with some sort of mixture of rap, reggae and pop music, that surprisingly turned out to be very vivid and emotional and not "flat" at all, even though it was very unexpected of such blend. By the way, Snoop Dogg took part in funk-hop project with Dam-Funk called 7 Days Of Funk. At the same time, when it comes to other hyped albums from the world of

mainstream, Kanye West came out with an album that isn't as strong as its promotion. Jay-Z's album is way more interesting, although without anything new or shocking. Just like Eminem's LP that isn't bad at all, which isn't surprising – this rapper doesn't do bad music, but must notice- his older albums are way bolder.

There are some other good MCs that worth mentioning, even though they are not as popular as their music colleagues that have been mentioned above, they still gain popularity very fast. There is Joe Budden with this great album "No Love Lost" and young J. Cole with the EP "Truly Yours". J. Cole released a full LP earlier this year, but this EP is more interesting in our opinion, that's why it's mentioned on the list.

In the world of mainstream we'd like to highlight Kid Cudi's work called "Indicud" that was promised to be something that's never been out before. And it was just like that exactly. This album is nothing but an experimental work, and as any other experiment, it caused a lot of talk.

And of course, we cannot ignore the man once known as "one of the brightest representatives of the underground", and now, when his name is brought up, nobody really puts him in any of categories. The man whose name is Talib Kweli. Last year he released two LPs – "Prisoners of Conscious" and "Gravitas".

Both albums are very solid, and it's hard to choose the best.

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Speaking of the returning veterans, among a big number of their new albums, we selected a few. Mainly we'd like to concentrate on Fredro Starr's new disc – "Made in The Streets", fully produced by The Audible Doctor. The sound of the album is not your typical Fredro sound, that's why his style and his style has change a whole lot. That is not a hardcore rap record, more like an album that creates a deep thinking atmosphere with its sound, regardless of the rapping itself.

We cannot pass by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony new album – "Art of War WWIII", because it's been ages since they released a full LP. You can sense their common signature style blended with the new age beats, creating the atmosphere of a "bouncey melodic west coast-esque Bone Thugs-N-Harmony" we all love. For those who are interested, we would recommend you solo records of Bizzy Bone – "Revival" and Krayzie Bone – "The Quick Fix – Level 1 EP".

Another one loud and long awaited comeback was LL Cool J's – "Authentic" LP. Sure, the "authentic" in the title doesn't mean the man we heard on records from back in the day. This record is good, there is nothing that screams out "pop music" but at the same time nothing that reminds us of the old school. And to be honest, hardly anyone was waiting for it to be like that.

And, finally, DMX, who only released one single last year, but what kinda single was that! "Don't Call Me (feat. Rakim, Shontelle & Aleks D)". That is THE hit.

The track has nothing to seize upon nor pick on, but at the same time it has something that catches your… ear. Mad rap style from DMX, so thick and aggressive it can bring

out emotions from every single person on this planet.

Rakim is exceptional, Shontelle's vocal is perfect and Aleks D's solo is on point as well. This song got the extra point for that!

We should also mention southern rap that came out with some new songs from the old veterans.

A new album from MJG is out. It's called "Too Pimpin" and it is fabulous and melodic. Lord Infamous from Three 6 Mafia – has also released his rough "Scarecrow Tha Terrible 2". Unfortunately, the album became the last for him as he died suddenly. Lord Infamous Rest In Peace.

Another good release was Z-Ro's EP – "Tripolar". Z-Ro himself came down to the point where he's got his own unique style where rap meets melodic vocals and everything blends together.

And last but not least, we cannot not mention a great LP from young generation southern rapper Ace Hood – "Trials & Tribulations".

From experimental to sentimental there is something out in each and every sub-genre of instrumental music. There is Araab Muzik – "For Professional Use Only" – mixtape full of cool beats, proving us once again that a real master treats his MPC like a full on instrument.

K-Def – "One Man Band" Ayatollah – "Avant Garde" Emancipator – "Dusk to Dawn" Havoc – "Beats Collection vol.1"

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These four releases show us different sides - from classic hip-hop beats to jazzy and hardcore.

And finally, two experimental CDs – RJD2 – "More Is Than Isn't" and Blue Sky Black Death – "Glaciers".

Bother are extremely interesting and both are showing us a great blend of hip-hop and another bunch of different genres. Blue Sky Black Death though is a little more exciting and noticeable, knowing the fact how far they're moving away from traditional hip hop and how wide they are moving the borders of this genre.

Among new era hip-hop there are a lot of artist who don't really fit into no sub-genre. And here we are talking not only old experimentators, mixing and playing around with music, but even MCs and producers who have their own views on rap music.

Among popular ones- Tech N9ne and his label Strange Music. This label has released a whole lot of stuff past year. The most interesting ones though are Tech N9ne – "Something Else" and "Therapy EP", along with Prozak'a – "We All Fall Down".

The last one remind us of a new fresh view, that Everlast has, where rap and rock music gets along very well.

Among experimental music and independent hip hop there is Cannibal Ox, hands down. Their new "Gotham" is a legit proof. If you listen to this release, you will catch yourself thinking that hip-hop can truly be different from "classic" or "traditional".

Sole, with his two albums "Crimes Against Totality" and "No Wising Up No Setting" not only is noticeable with its alternative sound and the way of performing, it also explains its own views on politics and social reality.

Sadistik is famous for his psychological deep lyrics, that make him stand out from the crowd of rappers. Not only his lyrics but music as well show his special mood

on his latest LP "Flowers For My Father" – another sensational and great record in his discography.

Dessa from Doomtree is making the history in American rap music. Not only in "female rap" section, but in rap period. Her amazing albums and original videos made her have thousands of followers all across the globe. "Parts of Speech" is on top. She sings a lot on this record, even more than she actually raps. Still, this album has a strong hip-hop feel.

Among the crews who focus on the vocals and live instruments we'd like to mention The Foreign Exchange whose new album "Love In Flying Colors" has become very different from the rest- it brought hip-hop back to where it's supposed to be. Last couple years the crew left rap standards and found its peace in singing. But this particular record they are back to MCing! This release is very melodic. And still, the brightest experiment among the rest is no doubt the debut of The Uncluded (Aesop Rock) and a folk singer Kimya Dawson. Organic blend of these two is very unusual to the listener's ears. "Hockey Fright" is a must listen for all the fans of hip-hop music.

Another album that worths a mention is Jon Connor's "Unconscious State". This MC is worth some good attention. He is very organic in this rap world. At the same time people are attracted to his unusual gothic visual style and his mixtape that mentioned Eminem.

We feel like his career has only begun.

Another debut is from Black Roses (Gavlyn, Topdime & DJ Dubplates) – "Awakening". Girls power crew that is bilingual as well – Spanish and English is something everybody must check out. Amazing hiphop and tons of expectation for the future.

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HIP-HOP MUSIC

SLOVO #22

When it comes to "underground" hip hop, the best releases of the year were: Vinnie Paz – "Carry On Tradition EP" Slaine – "The Boston Project" Blaq Poet – "Blaq Death" Ill Bill – "The Grimy Awards" Virtuoso & Snowgoons – "CoVirt Ops Infantry" The Godfathers – "Once Upon a Crime" Apart from the bomb beats mixtape, Havoc has recorded a very dope album called simply "13". At the same time another veteran Papoose came out with "The Nacirema Dream" that really has that "it's so 2000" feel. The two LPs indeed have something in common.

The Wu-Tang Family gave us a whole bunch of new delicious albums. They are all amazing, as always.

Which is the best one? Well, it's definitely a matter of taste.

Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge – "Twelve Reasons To Die" U-God – "Keynote Speaker" Almighty – "The 2nd Coming" Cappadonna – "Eyrth Wynd and Fyre" Solomon Childs – "Wu–Tang 4 Life 2" & "Wu–Tang 4 Life 3" Killah Priest – "The Psychic World Of Walter Reed" Hanz On – "Hannibal The Great"

Finally, the almighty list of the best underground releases. Mainly, those are classic sounding albums of honorable MCs and beatmakers. It's pointless to compare these ones. Some have more original sound, but mostly it's that good traditional hip-hop. Quality definitely promised.

Guilty Simpson & Small Professor – "Highway Robbery" Hannibal Stax & Marco Polo – "Seize the Day" Kyo Itachi & Dirt Platoon – "War Face" Locksmith – "The Green Box" Marco Polo – "Newport Authority 2" Neek The Exotic – "Hustle Don't Stop" Ohmega Watts – "Pieces of A Dream" Phillie – "Welcome To The Detroit Zoo" Professor A.L.I. – "Emerald Manifesto" Q-Unique – "Marvels Team-Up" R.A. the Rugged Man – "Legends Never Die" Ras Kass – "BARMAGGEDON" Reks – "Revolution Cocktail" Serial Killer – "Serial Killers Vol. 1" (mixtape) Ransom and Statik Selektah – "The Proposal" Trinity – "20 In" Ugly Heroes – "Ugly Heroes" Words & Rhymes – "Refuse to Die" Yusuf Abdul Mateen – "Rhyme Dawah”

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These releases also worth mentioning, even though we have not included them in the list above. But once again, it's just a matter of taste. Some listeners may find something outstanding here as well. Anyway, the more albums we all listen the more pleasure we get! Enjoy!

7 G.E.M.S. – "Golden Era Music Sciences" Above The Law – "The A.T.L. Crime Files" Big Twins – "Thrive" Big Twins – "The Infamous QB – On the Grill" Billy Woods – "Dour Candy" Black Milk – "No Poison No Paradise" Blue Sky Black Death – "Euphoric Tape" Boho Fau – "Bohemian Rhapsodies" Brotha Lynch Hung – "Mannibalector" Brother Ali & Jake One – "Left In the Deck" Bubba Sparxxx – "Pain Management" Buddha Monk – "The Dark Knight" Bun B – "Trill O.G. – The Epilogue" Chamillionaire – "Reignfall EP" Chamillionaire – "Elevate EP" Copywrite – "Carbon Copy's Phony Art Pub Scam" Crooked I – "Apex Predator" Danny Brown – "Old" Daz Dillinger & WC – "West Coast Gangsta Shit" Delton 3030 – "Event II" Dom Kennedy – "Get Home Safely" Durag Dynasty – "360 Waves" Esoteric & Stu Bangas – "Machete Mode" Eve – "Lip Lock" Everlast – "The Life Acoustic" LMNO & Evidence – "After The Fact" Freddie Gibbs – "ESGN (Evil Seeds Grow Naturally) " Gensu Dean & Planet Asia – "Abrasions" Goodie Mob – "Age Against The Machine" Goondox – "Welcome To The Goondox" Grayskul – "Zenith" Hieroglyphics – "The Kitchen" Homeboy Sandman – "All That I Hold Dear"

Homeboy Sandman – "Kool Herc Fertile Crescent" Hussein Fatal – "The Interview – It's Not a Gimmik 2 Me" Inspectah Deck and 7L & Esoteric – «Czarface» J. Cole – "Born Sinner" J. Cole – "Truly Yours 2 EP" Jean Grae – "Dust Ruffle" John Robinson & Kyo Itachi – "The Path Of Mastery" Krizz Kaliko – "Son Of Sam" Kutt Calhoun – "Black Gold" Mathematics – "The Answer" MC Eiht – "Keep It Hood EP" Murdoc – "Operation Restore Lyricism" N.O.R.E. (aka P.A.P.I.) – "Student Of The Game" Oddisee – "Tangible Dream" Prodigy And Alchemist – "Albert Einstein" Psych Ward – "More Slime" Raekwon – "Lost Jewlry (EP)" Rite Hook – "From the Wrong" Roc Marciano – "Marci Beaucoup" Silent Knight – "Busy Is My Best Friend II EP" Skeezo – "Face Value" Slum Village – "Evolution" Smif-N-Wessun – "Born and Raised ÅÐ" Stevie Stone – "2 Birds 1 Stone" Statik Selektah – "Extended Play" Styles P – "Float" Termanology – "G.O.Y.A. (Gunz Or Yay Available) " The Doppelgangaz – "Hark" The White Mandingos – "The Ghetto Is Tryna Kill Me" The White Shadow Of Norway – "Nightmare Concert" Vast Aire – "A Space Iliad (EP)" Wale – "The Gifted" Young Noble & Deuce Deuce – "Fast Life" Young Noble & Gage Gully – "The Year of the Underdogz" Young Jeezy – "#ItsThaWorld EP"

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OTHER MUSIC

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Contemporary music is more and more electronic. Electronic sound elements fill hip-hop, neosoul, RnB and even rock music. Vocal music has undergone a change during the twentieth century and became unrecognizable. From very soft and soaked with live sounds and tones to often completely synthetic, where one can recognize a living person only by the voice of the singer itself. And only if it will not poisoned by excess of auto-tune.

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OTHER MUSIC

SLOVO #22 However, change is inevitable. And it is logical that an electronic sound, matching the modern era of computer technology, is spreading in music. It is important to keep live emotions in music. And it pleases that there are singers who are successful in this way. One of them is LADI6.

This young representative of the music scene of New Zealand has already received the honor to be compared to Erykah Badu. Is there much more pleasant compliment for an R'n'B singer? I think not. And I must say that the comparison is not accidental. LADI6 has a great vocal with velvet tone. But at the same time, if we compare her to great Erica, we should do it regarding a new generation of musicians and listeners. LADI6 music is much more imbued with the electronics trend whereas in Erykah Badu's there was no at all. But just what I wrote about above, namely the ability to combine the electronic sounds and vivid emotions is inherent to LADI6. And this is an important difference between her and the music of many of her colleagues of the genre who transformed the formerly melodic style associated with the traditions of blues and soul, in a plastic dance background.

During the work on three albums LADI6 developed her own style, working with different genres. She can be named a typical representative of the youth generation. She grew with hip-hop, with the lapse of time becoming interested in other styles of music.

Despite the music she used to dance. As a teenager,

lived for some time in Africa, what had a beneficial impact on the future of her formation as a singer. As a result, she came to the alloy of styles, among those there are neosoul and RnB, and even more abstract genre – urban. the variety of stylistic labels on the contemporary music scene left many of them without sense, because the difference between the number of very narrow sub-genres is minimal and difficult to distinguish. And therefore, I would not pay much attention to all the nuances of the music genre of LADI6. What is important is that she represents one of the options for the development of contemporary vocal music, this vast scene from RnB to neosoul. And this version is very good, and therefore worthy of attention.

Acquaintance with her work should start with the recently released album «Automatic». This record not only demonstrates LADI6 style at the moment, but will certainly be a starting point for its development in the future.

The article was prepared with the support of the label RDS RECORDS www.rdsrecords.ru

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Tiron Elena (Promo & PR) tiron@rdsrecords.ru

http://ladi6.com

ART & GRAFFITI

SLOVO #22

April 1, 2013 died the Russian artist Pavel Alexandrovich Pukhov.

Tragic obituary hides the story of a man who is not known by many, and seen by very few people. Graffiti, street art, in all its diversity, and painting was Paul Pukhov's sphere of creativity, better known as Pasha 183.

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ART & GRAFFITI

SLOVO #22 Personality of the artist is not only interesting for his work, which many considered one of the brightest in the Russian street art. His personality reflects the art itself and its current state. Pasha 183 story raises questions about important and crucial issues, binding street art topic with social reality.

Fashion on street art has attracted the attention of spoiled children who do not only have no problems, but also lack ideas and they are devoured by boredom.

Crowd of the alike "creators" has transformed street art into a big word with rotten content. A lot of indistinct images, equally vague competitions and fests, and even more vague taggers of all ages, also considering themselves representatives of street art.

It is not necessary to argue about the origins of street art or to compare it with graffiti, and demonstrate how it has grown from graffiti. This has already happened.

And the fact that graffiti in its purest form grew weaker by now and street art is quite distanced from it is another story. Much more interesting is the question of on what stage art ceases to evoke in the viewer the emotions and thoughts and becomes just the technology of space decoration. In fact, it's the question of "toothless art". A chorus of voices is already screaming that not all art is to talk about problems. Problems, they say, are a lot without it. We have to demonstrate something positive.

Of course, if art becomes a servant of any one subject,

even up-to-date, and "imposed" by society, its degradation occurs. Art becomes a servant of the political order. But much faster its degradation occurs in the opposite case, when under the label of ubiquities positivity art becomes equivalent to a popcorn and club drunken party. The value of this art quickly becomes equal to the value of advertisement of washing powder, because no real emotions it will not call. No clear comments on specific activities you will not get, all the words will be reduced to "nice" and "our city has become brighter". And the funny thing is that in this case street art in a moment becomes the servant of policy. How? Power use "positive" trend of street art, monopolizing the very sphere and pushing in the marginal unit protesting artists. This is a special case of the implementation of the motto "divide and conquer".

What does all this have to Pasha 183? Frankly speaking, the most essential. Pasha was one of the few artists who are engaged into social Street art. At the same time his works are not pushed to the level of primitive leaflets with slogans. It was just fine arts – subjects that stimulate thinking. Actually, like any other art, a fine, and street art in particular, includes two components – form and content. Very rarely in the works of contemporary artists there is a harmony of these components.

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Pasha had it. It was the example when a great mastery of technique (form) and developed imagination led to the creation of images, with a clear message. It is what "technologists" working on art “domestication” fear.

After all, the art of "form", which is in majority, does not make you think. It just abstractly pleases an eye. Art, turned into a set of slogans, is safe because of its primitivism and wretchedness of form. It has no idea, and it merges with millions of advertisement signs on every fence. All these errors escaped Pasha 183. I do not know how he formulated for himself this problem. I do not know whether he specifically was looking for its solution or find it intuitively, in the creative process.

The main thing is that he did it.

Pasha himself said in an interview with French journalists that positive works did not bring him so much pleasure as sharp protest ones. He explained this by saying that "anger in soul", even when joy is in the works. Yes, very popular was his work with glasses where lamppost became a shackle. Or chocolate "Alenka" of concrete slabs. But there were works that are not just of interest and a smile of satisfaction, but prompted what accumulated in humans. This, of course, are the images of riot police in full growth on the doors of the subway station, near which, in 1991, these riot police stood in reality, and people broke through their ranks. And through the images people also broke and beaten painted riot police. What is it – an art installation

or psychological experiment demonstrating the real attitude of people to government dogs? Most likely, it's so skillfully painted art installation that it becomes a catalyst of thought and actions of a spectator! The ability to create a situation for his work many artists lacks. Well, someone did not need it, they are not interested in it, because feeding is not art, but what corrected and sanctioned by the authorities.

You can arbitrarily argue about what art should be. Art itself for no one “must”. It becomes a must, finding its carrier – artist, musician, writer. And there are a lot of views on how it should be. Needless to say that absolute objectivity in their assessment cannot be. But still, in my opinion, one should remember the above mentioned harmony of form and content. Today we have the dominance of form over content. And it is certainly not the most important, yet one of the reasons "squeezing" the youth from the scope of thinking over reality and protest against unhealthiness of this reality.

Reality is replaced by a bright form. Relevance of this discussion is manifested in terms of popularity of "urban hacking". Works of Pasha 183 prove that protest and informative images also can be a perfect decoration alongside with a "positive" images. And that is exactly what is, in my opinion, one of the most important issues in the debate about urban replanning.

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ART & GRAFFITI

SLOVO #22

And then there are more and more voices on the need to improve the surrounding area, but to make it better so that the internal grayness remained, painted in pink on the outside. But ask yourself a question – after losing of the message of art and the author's opinion on any issue, whether it is not converted into the technology of consumer's choice? When the artist crosses the edge beyond which he or she from potential Pasha 183 becomes real Nikas Safronov?

These questions are not in the financial interest of the artist. Not that they should get paid for their work.

This is a special case of the global issue of values, principles and objectives of the specific person. And the answers can only be individual. In 2005, the year 183 Pasha made the film "The Tale of Alenka 2005", in which he also demonstrated his attitude toward authority, and towards mass "culture". Nothing new, of course, he did not say, because the theme is not new, and none of us will “discover America� in it.

And many, seeing a movie, say that Pasha presented in it anger and destruction, vandalism, rather than a

real alternative. But with numerous works he presented an alternative when anger is subordinated to thought and art. And it attracts no matter how much you agree or disagree with his views.

The fact that the personality and creativity Pasha 183 provokes many questions raised above, in my opinion, is the best compliment to the artist. Although artists who express their views do not need compliments. He still remains the same. Pasha, after talks about him in the Western media, began to be called a "Russian Banksy". And today, no article is complete without mentioning this. Pasha himself understandably did not like such comparisons. He was and remained Pasha 183. 11.08.1983-01.04.2013

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http://www.183art.ru

ART & GRAFFITI

SLOVO #22

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ART & GRAFFITI

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ART & GRAFFITI

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KNOWLEDGE

SLOVO #22

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KNOWLEDGE

SLOVO #22

Hip-hop is a new trend in interdisciplinary researches. More and more scientists from all other the globe appeal to this theme realizing that hip hop took root in a global universal culture. Moreover, it's a culture of the young which affects the personal formation of a new generation and serves as a means of self expression.

All it has paid attention of sociologists, philosophers, culture, politics and arts critics to the phenomenon of hip-hop.

This book is unique because it's the first one of that kind in Europe.

Twenty one researches from different countries scrutinize hip hop culture through the prism of historical, ethnic, class, gender and pedagogical aspects and also the peculiarities of hip hop

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development in transforming postcommunist societies of Eastern Europe.

How was hip hop spreading from west to east and from the centre to the outskirts? How is it connected to American origins? What local features has it acquired over the years of its development in countries and regions in Europe?

The answers to these questions you will find in this book. For anyone interested in hip-hop culture and the social sciences, the book will become a bright discovery!

Amazon.com

KNOWLEDGE

SLOVO #22

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KNOWLEDGE

SLOVO #22

Last year died one of the greatest representatives of the twentieth century – Nelson Mandela. The name of this man represents the history of the twentieth century. One of the pages of this story, but the page that reflects the problems and contradictions, which don't disappeared today.

Details of the biography of Nelson Mandela have been described repeatedly. And he always had a lot of enemies, alleged for him numerous crimes. But there are much more people who said Nelson Mandela was a hero. Someone sees his heroism in the struggle against apartheid. Someone - in his personal qualities that enabled him to withstand twenty-seven years imprisonment! All this, of course, is worthy of respect. But bearing in mind the history of the last century, and actually the whole human history, full of bloody struggle for power, the personality of Nelson Mandela stands out not for participation in the struggle, but victory over their own greed and lust for power. How many state leaders do you call in the human history who have voluntarily abandoned their posts?

Those can almost be counted by the fingers of one

hand. And among them – Nelson Mandela. Do not forget that he came to power not in a democratic country, and, taken into consideration the level of his support from the black majority, Nelson Mandela could without problems become another dictator, that are countless in Africa. But he took the opposite path, proving that his struggle was aimed at achieving liberation and democracy, rather than swapping names of masters and slaves.

Perhaps you say that it is an apologetic essay.

Maybe you will remind me that Nelson Mandela was tried for terrorism, and that the ANC headed at the time by him killed many people, including not guilty ones. I'll say that murder remains murder.

And they can be justified by laundering them with great aims, but you will not be able to justify them for the killed in front of their loved ones. Again and again, these murders will be committed. In the name of different purposes. But the sins of the Nelson Mandela were not denied by him. And he never imagined himself a saint, unlike many killers "officially" canonized in this status.

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KNOWLEDGE

SLOVO #22 Nelson Mandela was not God. He was a human.

Man, who challenge the dictatorship. And these people are always admired by those who are open-hearted to freedom! Nelson Mandela could not achieve all his objectives, as no one revolutionary could. Yes, he crushed the main enemy – apartheid. But he did not destroy racism as a phenomenon even in a single country. And he could not keep South Africa from the abyss of corruption, which is the base for the formation of dictatorship and fanaticism, including racism.

Nelson Mandela with his own authority repeatedly saved the country from collapse. As Mahatma Gandhi saved India. But it's impossible to build a future authority on entire authority.

People have to take responsibility for themselves and not rely on the deified hero. And it's hard. To do this you need to think, not to raise hatred in itself. Hatred grows easier. To stop its whirlwind is impossible. What will happen to South Africa next?

Mind understands when revolutionaries come from the hungry and poor. Understands when they come from the eager to power. But to understand why he came from the son of a chief

of the tribe, who received at the time the best education in South Africa, and who had every opportunity to get on well in the future, pure rational understanding is not much to understand.

Not much because it requires faith and understanding of intangible personal principles, values and ideals! Few people understand and accept this not mercantile rationality. And for that, the person of Nelson Mandela is also worth paying attention to.

Many people, many of culture, science, business and politics addressed to his personality. He was a symbol of resistance to xenophobia. He still remains. Along with Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Malcolm X, who began his journey in the fight, as a black racist, but overcame hatred for real equality and liberation. This is the purpose of the lesson bequeathed to us by these people – the struggle for freedom, not change the names of slaves and masters, and self – enslavement of hundreds of stereotypes.

Nelson Mandela 18.07.1918-05.12.2013

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KNOWLEDGE

SLOVO #22

Sacramental phrase of Gill Scott-Heron and the same name of the song say that the revolution will not be televised. Nevertheless, we constantly see on TV imitation of the revolution, its illusion image with which the audience is manipulated. And the song by Gill ScottHeron not only tells about what substitute revolution on TV, but also hints at the possibility of selling the illusion of revolution in the media. You can see in it another important issue – process of forming attitudes towards the revolution through the media.

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KNOWLEDGE

SLOVO #22 Abstract thinking develops in a person if he is working on it purposefully. Otherwise, it still remains in embryonic form as the one of a small child. And in this case the man is very easy to manipulate. When he sees concrete signs of infringement of their rights, he is unhappy. For example, the chief underpaid his salary. But as soon as the same infringement of rights takes place within the whole country, the specifics are lost, and the person perceives it as an abstract process. With the development of critical thinking, he or she is able to work with abstract and generalized models. Otherwise, people just watching television, where the thought process behind it is operated by propagandists.

And the consumer absorbs only the end product. In fact, continuing to talk about everyday problems, and to express their discontent with their immediate superiors, he can talk about the opposite about the government, because the TV said that "it will be worse when they come to the opposition, funded by all conspiracies – from the U.S. to the alien".

Today, conspiracy theories are popular. Where does the popularity of such hypotheses derive from? She has two bases: the centralization of power in the hands of the big players (MNCs, states, international units) and the desire to find a simple answer to complex questions. There is substantial evidence of specific economic and political collusion of aforementioned players. But for evaluation must have a minimum basis of economic, sociological and political science knowledge or highly developed critical thinking. When it is, then it is possible to realistically assess the facts and draw analogies. And in this case the person is talking about and clearly demonstrable analyzed collusion.

For example, the oil lobby, nuclear, pharmaceutical, tobacco, military, etc.

However, much easier to paint a picture in which involved hundreds of "all-powerful ruler of the world", who together decide the fate of the world in all areas and on all issues. In the confirmation participants give us above facts as well as economic collusion and different mythology. And regarding the mythology, as is known, disputes are meaningless, because it is a matter of faith rather than rational basis. Such mixing of facts and beliefs make these theories very comfortable for manipulating people. After all, they can now be explained of any process and any problem by shadow conspiracy. And thus direct their discontent at a convenient channel of inactivity. For when in theory there is no clear specifics applicable to local problems, and cause some troubles declared group omnipotent people, and resistance at the local level is presented as meaningless, and globally it remains impossible. As a result, it all comes down to the retelling of the theory and detection of the presence of a "global conspiracy", new "ultimatum to Chamberlain".

Gebels – father of modern propaganda, said that the more fantastic the lie is, the easier it convinces the masses. No wonder all the modern media and popular culture in general is built on the values of sensation. And the most yellow "sensation" become hugely discussed. That's against conspiracy megatheory few have a simple question. Why, if the world has divided into a new order, it does not work as a totalitarian machine without a single failure and crisis, but still retains a lot of confrontations and conflicts? After all

conflicts and crises bring profit only some of their players.

And another – a loss. But if the owners have some peace, it is in their interest - the existence of the world order, working without failure, and giving maximum profit at minimum cost. And the second question – have you ever seen at least one leader who would have enough money and power?

None. Each of them wants to become even more powerful and richer. And so between them is only possible collusion on specific issues, but not a permanent monolithic union, because in this case all the participants identified immutable framework. And inevitably will be those who try to beat the other, thus putting an end to the conspiracy.

Why all this talk? In addition, some people with these theories try to quickly and simply explain the world order, but it makes logical conclusion that you need to strive for freedom, including from various conspiracies. And in this case, no matter if I believe in these theories or not – we have one goal – freedom.

But there is a completely different way of using these theories – inciting hatred at its most squalid "cave" forms – racism, subservience to the state, etc. A lot of examples, in particular the history of the last few years. Thus, people living under a dictatorship, are dissatisfied with it, and support the revolution against the dictatorship. But when they see a revolution in another country, rather than to support their brothers and sisters, they bought it as a cheap propaganda that supposedly these revolutions are made by corporations, "west", "Islamists" and anyone else, just not real problems prompted people fight. It turns out that at home we see a problem and assume that they can cause resistance, but the neighbors that cannot do. Only if "the Americans organize". Naturally, after such brainwashing using the same conspiracy theories, instead of international solidarity, we get the same hatred of our brothers, who are presented as "servants of conspiracy".

Reasons for revolutions – social problems and long-term stagnation generated by dictatorship. All this leads to a decline in all spheres of life and the marginalization of the younger generation, which is already at birth is limited in its capabilities.

Born in clan close to government agencies – will be a successful businessman, government clerk and anyone else.

Born in clan separated from power – will stick to the masters of life for two percent of the value created by you. Here's a description of the situation of "ghetto", territorial, economic, political, cultural and psychological.

Why not revolutions occur in Denmark or Sweden?

Because there is a social system is based on another principles, and although there is no perfect system , there are much more opportunities for everyone, including the poorest, that allows him don't become an outcast. But in Egypt, Syria, Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, where the government is corrupt and divided among clans, the marginalized breed from generation to generation. And these people have no choice but to support anyone, just somehow try to change the situation. And of course, in the wake of all these complex problems fanatics often come to power who promise paradise on earth, and the solution to all problems.

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KNOWLEDGE

SLOVO #22 For again the same as in the estimation of the real world situation, and in the assessment of ways to solve real problems , it is necessary to understand the nuances. But are all ready to seek knowledge? No, many people want to get a simple answer to all questions. It and give various fanatics and propagandists, as the simplest answer – show enemy responsible for all the evils. So there are guilty of all Jews, Muslims, Americans, immigrants and someone else. In this case people are hidden in the shadow of real culprits – the control system, that is the state. Of course, the state is also not arise by themselves. They are created and maintained by the ordinary people. And thus the responsibility also lies on these people. But "people" as a collective whole is an abstract concept. There is no monolithic nation, social group, culture or humanity in general. Within each of them has a different group of people and specific identity.

Therefore, understanding the processes responsible for certain specific populations, we must not forget the need to change specific systems. Change their most active people.

And those for whom freedom is not an abstract value, but very specific degree of empowerment for life and development, should support these changes.

Ukrainians today are fighting against a corrupt dictatorship, who is backed by dictatorship of the neighboring country.

Among the protesters are many very different people. And those whom I would support most of their views and ideas.

And those whom I would not support in almost anything.

There and "left" and "right", and people without a specific

"political flank". That is not important. It is important that their enemy – one of the many incarnations of the dictatorship. And where there is a dictatorship – there is no freedom. And the conspiracy does not need to look behind the people standing in the streets for their own ideals and their own future. This is behind the backs of those who sit in their government offices. Even if only because they have far more opportunities to build any conspiracies. Do you believe in global political conspiracies, or certify the fact only local and absolutely provable, also in this case does not matter. It is important that your brothers and sisters die under the blows of a faceless machine power. A person is a child of freedom.

Power system – a child of iron rule, erasing human individuality in each of its element. That attitude toward freedom – a key factor to divide people in society throughout human history. Some aspire to freedom, seeing it as the basis of opportunities to exercise their initiative. And others want to give up their freedom to the state, thereby getting rid of the responsibility and voluntary becoming obedient slaves. Do not become gears in this iron mechanism, having exchanged their individuality, principles and values to propagate out of the TV set, which shows under the guise pseudo objectivity "horror chaos of change" thus proving the necessity of maintaining the status quo power. Otherwise, «Revolution Will Be On Televised», replacing the reality of pink picture on the screen at the same time preserving and strengthening the dictatorship in everyday life.

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