I’ve come across a lot of talented cats but the Cape Town-based Ameen packs so much heat that it is easy to forget any talent that you’ve encountered in the past.

Ameen came from nowhere to command a leading position in the local hip hop scene. His production on chart-topping tracks such as Zubz’ “Part time lover, Full time freak”, Proverb’s “Lets take it back” and “Boogie Down” which stars Nigerian rapper Naeto C, HHP and Ameen himself leaves no doubt in the listener’s mind that you are now rocking with the best!!!

This guy’s work ethic is on point. His hunger and persistence will also ensure that he continues silencing all his haters while shooting straight to the top of the music charts locally and internationally.  Take our word for it!!

He might want to consider a part-time gig as a model …..  Ameen graced our recent photoshoot. Check it out under Collection.

We sat down with homeboy and this is what came of it……

Head Honcho: What’s good homie… how are you living?

Ameen: Progressively! Haha Stayin fresh man!

HH: You had a busy 2009. You worked on many projects with artists such as HHP, Zubz, HC, Danny K, Naeto C etc. Which project was the most surreal for you?
A: I think one of my most momentous projects of 2009 would have to be with Megan C. She came into studio with an open mind and allowed me to go beyond what most folks expect of an Ameen production… She has a very unique voice to which at first I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it, and I’d have to say the most satisfying thing she told me was to not limit her to anything – I found that I could relate on that level cos we both come from very diverse musical backgrounds, so the chemistry was redonkulous!

HH: You’re now rated as one of the top hip-hop producers and composers in the country. Did it come easy? What have you had to do to reach this position?
A: Nothing worth-while comes easy man. Its a game of blood, sweat, tears and determination. It’s the one thing I strive every single day for so to me failure is not an option.
As for this position, I’m never satisfied for too long so I’m still working hard to get to where I aim to be and as long as that aim changes to greater levels, I’m just gonna keep on trying to better myself everyday and giving thanks to The Most High for the strength to continue.

HH: So where and how did the passion for music come about?
A: Music is in everything I experience daily… With every moment there’s a melody to it in my head like the soundtrack to this movie of Life. From the good times, to the bad, the crazy and dramatic, I hear it inside and it’s not limited to a tempo or genre… Its not limited to a culture, place, name, time or attached imagery – Its the closest thing as limitless as God to me.

HH: Who/what are your music influences?
A: Well I guess I’m influenced by what I listen to and that’d be Jamaican Dancehall, Crunk and most Southside Hiphop ( .A. Town muhuhaha!!!), Brazillian Baillefunk, Motown and Soul, G-Funk, Electro, Neo-Soul, Metal, Punkrock, Funk, Turntablism, FutureMusic, Bhangra, Glitch, 90’s RNB, Meditation Music, New York And LA Gangsta Rap, Classical Symphonic concertos, electro, chip tune.. I’m open to anything I find interesting!

HH: Since you’re slap-bang in the music scene …. What would you say is still lacking with our local scene?
A: Apart from good sound engineers, I’d have to say musical diversity lol… I mean these days dudes are JUST doing south, like there’s no need for exploring and doing something fresh that’s just straight up good music that’s new and people innately just vibe to. What I find kinda strange as well is that we have lots of soul singers but not a single good RNB act – where y’all at??

HH:  Which exciting projects are you currently working on?
A: I’m working with a member of the Honcho fam, he’s also a member of my song-writing team and member of JHB crew called MVT, and that’s none other than ma boy Tru. This kid is mad talented. Other projects I’m lookin foward to are Jax Panik (electr pop rock), HC (rap), Shaz & B (funk), a band called White Collar Kiss (Rock), Franki M (RNB), Keeno Lee (funk),Jarred Rickets (?.. He’s got too many ideas to bracket him in a genre lol) and Chad Saaiman’s much anticipated second album (soul/funk).

HH: You recently joined Head Honcho as a brand ambassador…. What is it about the brand that resonated with you?
A: The fact that I couldn’t necessarily attach it to anything…. other labels stereotype u to a group or culture like you wear something and be like “ooh that’s hip hop wear” or “oooh that’s goth” lol.. Honcho’s got a lil’ something for everyone and that’s why it speaks to me.

HH: How do you ‘live progressively’?
A: Day by day a new conquest. Stay focused and be better than your best yesterday.

HH: Where will AMEEN be in 5 years time?
A: With a sound from 2020

Name: Muhlaba Muhlare

Occupation: Wintel Server Analyst (Standard Bank)

Style Icon: I like the general hip hop look but if I have to be specific Kanye West is the man. The sneakers, the shades, the sweaters, the one item bright colour top and the hair styles, just to name a few. Plus Amber Rose as his accessory. I can live like that anytime.

Things I cant live without:
5. Music. Who could live without it?
4. God. Although I don’t really go to church that much, but I talk to him all the time.
3. My Kid brother. He’s my best friend; he’s always been my best friend.
2. My Laptop and my USB memory stick. They connect me to the world.
1. My drive and ambition to succeed. If I dint have any, life would be worthless.

Life motto:
I want more money.

Okay…. so not only did Lil’ Wayne have last year’s top-selling hip hop album, the maestro has nubbed another title to boast about in his rhymes. According to his tour manager Weezy F. Baby staged 78 concerts in the past year and brought in approximately $42 million (+/- R370m) making his tour the best-earning rap tour.

I guess more money for that syrup (*** cough, cough**) then!

Ill Skillz and Head Honcho have been holding each other down for a minute now…… There’s no Cape Town hip hop outfit that epitomizes the philosphy behind our brand more than these fellas. Just like us they are on the come-up; they are hungry, mad talented, ambitious and dream of a global takeover.

On a personal level, I’ve been riding with Jinxx and Flexx for yonks. Personally, I am proud to see their metamorphosis into a well-rounded hip hop duo with a captivating live show. As you might know, the guys just released their lyrically-potent debut album Off The Radar. We sat down with the guys to get insights on their upcoming local and international tour, their debut album and why they’re the No.1 Cape Town hip hop crew.

What’s going on fellas?

Tommy Jinxx: Ill Skillin’, gettin buzzay and berserk! I guess it’s always been like that for us.

Jimmy Flexx: On the grizzly making progressive moves to get Ill Skillz out, everywhere. Off The Radar!!!

Off the Radar, your debut album is finally out. I know that it’s been an intensive labour of love. How does it feel to finally have a lifelong dream come to fruition? And what’s the feedback from the masses so far about the album?

TJ: It’s definitely a breath of fresh air, especially after a long roller-coaster ride through peaks and valleys. However since its here now we’re expecting to achieve greater things as a reward. And peeps as well are appreciating us more and respect our hustle, now that we’ve finally managed to release the music we’ve introduced long ago via gigs.

JF: I feel a sense of accomplishment. It’s a great feeling. Cape Town is a very strict Ol’lady and tends to make the hustle twice as hard. All the hardships we’ve been through in this city are what make us appreciate this extraordinary time so much. The response from the masses is inspiring and motivates us to push harder.

Who did you guys work with on the album and what creative elements did they bring to the table?

TJ: Our artist features include Archetypes, Ben Sharpa, Driemanskap, Nonku Phiri and ETC Crew. On the production-end we dominantly featured Planet Earth, including Nyambz, Mizi, Ootz, Max Magnum, Slabofmisuse and Ill Skillz Playas, our full band who contributed some live elements. We basically arranged a mash-up of sounds and transcended genres ranging from boombap to jazz, soul to rock, glitch-hop then back to boombap. And we ultimately proved to be very versatile when it came to our lyrical execution.

Your new video for your jump-off single “Rocoflo” has got the internet buzzing. What’s the concept of the video and what are your plans for it?

TJ: Initially I had just envisioned a black n’ white video, after I was inspired by Blackstar’s ‘Respiration’ video and Jay Z’s ‘99 Problems’ one. But in general thinking we wanted to capture the essence of hip-hop and take it back to the streets, now look what we have now.

JF: Yeah mayne, we had to contribute something fresh yet nostalgic to remind the old and new cats what Hip Hop is about. We wanted to take it back, guerrilla style. Captured a few dope scenes around the city, kept it street like where we be at and bam! Vuzu put it on their site, Channel O said bring it on, and BET is waiting (watch this space).

Let’s go back a bit ….. Give our readers little backgrounds on yourselves. Where did you grow up? When and how did you fall in love with this art form we call hip hop?

TJ: Well, Uno was a shy dude born & bred in a rough township called Gugulethu. Also quite a diverse and left-field kinda kid who happened to meet Hyphen from Archetypes while in high school, and had introduced into him to the local hip hop scene and became hands-on since there on. I grew up inside of him all these years and made him realise he’s potential as a rapper.

JF: Born at St’ Mary’s, Umtata…bred in De Aar -Guguletu, Malunga Park. Paid my dues in Cape Town. Peace to Driemanskap & Archetypes, Breeze (Groundworx). Growing up in a shebeen crib, I would say I have quite a musical background, can’t remember not hearing loud music at my spot. Got into the game in 04, Native Yard and been with I.L.S since 05. Hip Hop Wins!!!

You guys are currently revered as Cape Town’s illest hip hop crew…. I for one know that this status you currently enjoy didn’t come easily….. What are some of the challenges and learning curves that you guys have experienced?

JF: It’s a great honour and a lot of pressure to be seen as CPT’s hope at being represented in the mainstream, as an urban, “underground” outfit with international appeal, I mean Slum Village, Mos Def, Wordsworth they’ve seen our talent as a crew if not individually, and it’s only the beginning. Ill Skillz represents Cape Town, SA, Africa true school Hip Hop! The grind has never been easy, lack of resources, flaky people – the works. But we’re here…Off The Radar!

What have been your career highlights?

TJ: It has to be definitely the 2008 Euro Tour, had a chance to rub shoulders with Slum Village, Phat Kat, EMC, Torae, Marco Polo and Qwazaar. Releasing the Battle of Gugulethu Vol. 1 compilation in 2006 also proved to be quite remarkable. And to date, our ‘Off The Radar’ debut album has set milestone in our career. What you say Flexx?

JF: Finally putting out the album is definitely at the top, everytime a listen to it i have a new favourite cut. Another moment I won’t forget was Mos stepping outta the booth and giving me a pound after hearing my verse on “Dancing In The Rain” a track he features on for the Pangaea project. I was humbled. Then there was the I Luv Hip Hop tour and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation gig, man it’s a great time to be alive in Cape Town. I’m grateful.

What exciting things can your fans expect in the coming months?

TJ: We currently putting together an international tour for September/October, in US and across Europe, then back here in SA for a nationwide tour with an outfit from the US during November. We gonna drop 2 to 3 videos for our singles from the ‘Off The Radar’ album as well, also handing a mixtape for DJ Raiko.

How do you “Live Progressively”

TJ: Dope raps, dope sneakers, donning that Honcho shit!

JF: Carpe Diem! Extraodinary times make Extraodinary people. Progressive Living, its great!

Follow Ill Skillz on Twitter and Facebook; just search Ill Skillz. Also visit www.myspace.com/illskillzmusic.

]]> http://headhoncho.co.za/2009/08/cape-town-rap-duo-got-ill-skillz/feed/ 5 http://headhoncho.co.za/2009/06/next-to-blow-aka/ http://headhoncho.co.za/2009/06/next-to-blow-aka/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:39:46 +0000 nick http://headhoncho.co.za/?p=577

In South Africa’s much hyped-up hip hop scene, it is always cool to hear a fresh new voice with a brand new perspective. These days, there’s one dude who seems to be on everybody’s lips. He goes by the name of AKA. Formerly part of the teen rap group Entity, which released a single album through Creative Kingdom Records, AKA has grown as an artist and has his eyes set on the local hip hop throne.

As a member of the prolific production ensemble IV League, AKA is well-positioned to achieve exactly that. We sat down with this Cape Town-born lad to get the 411 on his career, his dreams and everything in between.

Whats up my dude, how are you living?

I’m easy man, life is looking up. You know what they say, “live progressively”.

How’s the first half of the year treated you?

The first half of the year has been fresh. My goal for the year was to get everybody buzzin’ bout my music, and so far, im not doing too bad.

You’ve created an incredible buzz with your hit single “Do it, do it”. How did the song come about?

Well, the song is really just about taking control of you and your surroundings and making something happen for yourself. When we finished the beat, we were like,”ok, let’s roll with this” because we knew we had something special. I’m just happy people enjoy it when they hear it.

You’ve also released a remix featuring Maggz, JR and Slikour. How has that version been received?

The remix has done exceptionally well. YFM up in here in Jozi played the s**t out of the original, and 5fm picked up on the remix and ran with it just as hard, and that’s national baby!

Lets take it back a bit… give us a little background on yourself.

I was born and raised in CPT until I was about 6 years old, then my family moved to Jozi. I guess I consider myself more from JHB now than CPT, but I always know where home is…

How did you end up in the music business?

In 2002 I started my first year of high school at St Johns College, and that’s how my friends and I formed a group called “Entity”. We were signed to Creative Kingdom Records in 2004, and we released our debut album. The group ended up disbanding and I formed IV League with my two colleagues and decided to, excuse the pun, “do it” on my own, Lol!

Tell us about IV League. The crew is known as the country’s most prolific hip-hop production outfit. How do you fit into the whole scheme of things and what’s the working relationship like?

Me, Kamza and Buks have great chemistry when it comes to making music, and that makes our working relationship real easy. We all produce together, but I also double up as an artist. We really haven’t even hit our peak yet, so watch this space.

The music industry is paved with many challenges… tell us about the ones that you’ve faced.

The biggest problem I’ve faced is the fact that there is not enough food for everybody to go around when you doing things independently. We can’t just shoot video after video like artists with majors behind them can. Another thing working against me is that doing Hip Hop in English can be a real challenge, but I guess the only way to overcome these circumstances is by making undeniable music, and that’s what we do.

The local hip hop industry has evolved a lot since the early days….. What’s your take on it and do you see a South African artist/crew breaking into the international scene anytime soon?

Firstly, let me say that there has been a considerable amount of growth, but we need to realise that we are far from where we need to be when it comes to competing on an international level. There are only a handful of artists who one can safely say are ready to grace the international scene and make us proud.

The streets are talking and word is you’re working on your debut album. What can we expect from it and when is it dropping?

It’s dropping next year, and it’s going to be the best Hip Hop album of the year, quote me on that.

No doubt! How do you “Live Progressively”?

By making sure that when I go to sleep tonight I’m closer to living my dream than I was yesterday. Hustle Hard, Hustle Large.

Please finish the following sentences for us:

Joburg is in its own bubble.

Local celebs are just that, local.

My dream is being wealthy beyond my years

“Do it, do it” is the tip of the iceberg

My idol is Michael Jackson because he’s the greatest of all time

Head Honcho is for people who lead, not follow.

Haters are the best publicists.

Groupies are one of the many perks of the job

My favourite album is The Blueprint (the first one) because it made me want to rap.

My favourite verse is 3^rd verse from Jay-Z’s”U Don’t Know”…Give it a listen.

Respect! Check out AKA’s hit remix “Do it, do it” featuring Maggz, Slikour and JR on 5FM nationwide and look out for him performing at a club near you!

10 Greatest Party tracks

by DJ VIGI Lante

DJ VIGI Lante, or Vigi as he’s simply known in Joburg’s elite hip hop social circles, possesses mad skills on the decks. At least 3 nights out of the week, he’s responsible for making all the super-fly ladies and gents who frequent Joburg’s premier clubs such as Crazy 88, Platinum and St Tropez get down till the wee hours of the morning. Unlike many hip hop DJ’s, VIGI takes pride in local rap; his sets usually feature hot singles from the likes of JR, HHP and others. If you’re in Joburg and see this dude’s name on the roster have no fear – you’re in for a great time! He’s undoubtedly the most exciting name in the game right now. Here’s his list of the Top 10 hip hop tracks that get a party jumping:

1) DJ UNK – 2 Step

Typical crunk track that has you dancing to its lyrics which happens to be a dance move. Young or old, anybody can do it.

2) Memphis Bleek – Like Dat

When you hear this song, you know what time it is….get on that dancefloor.

3) Snoop Dogg – Drop It Like Its Hot

Snoop n Pharell did this one for the ladies on a gangster tip. Makes the ladies always want to drop it like its hot.

4) Queen Pen – Party ain’t a party

An old school classic that makes you wanna party til the break of dawn.

5) Lil Wayne – Go DJ

Sets the mood as a DJ, electrifies the mood. The track builds up both the crowd and DJ and is a classic Lil Wayne track.

6) Jay-Z – Do It Again

Classic Jay-Z sing-a-long club banger yet gangster

7) Cassidy – My Drink N My 2 Step

Speaks for itself. It optimizes a typical night on the dancefloor.

Busta Rhymes – Touch It

The perfect collaboration-Swizz Beats production with Busta’s creative delivery. He starts off slow and picks it up, like a rush of ecstasy

9) Bonecrusher – Never Scared

It’s both a party and gangster track. guaranteed to have both males n females dancing and singing.

10) MOP – Ante Up

Both white and black, male and female. This joint will have you screaming and jumping, makes you just wanna lose it.

For more information on VIGI or for booking enquiries contact info@showlove.co.za.

10 Greatest Hip Hop Party tracks

by DJ Leo Large

For a place that is regarded as the ‘original’ home of South African hip hop, Cape Town hasn’t produced too many superstar DJs with a loyal following. Other than DJ Ready D and DJ Hamma, CPT has a serious shortage of mainstream hip hop DJs who bring numbers to the clubs. Enter Leo Large. This dude is quickly entrenching himself as the de facto Cape Town hip hop prince. You’ll find him spinning his tunes at top clubs such as Bambu, Fashion TV, Bang Bang Club and many others. A firm favourite of varsity students, Leo causes irreparable damage on the dance floor. Here are his picks for the greatest hip hop party tracks of all time:

1) Dirt Off Your Shoulder – Jay-Z

“Don’t forget that boy told you. Get, that, dirt off your shoulder.”

Love the way he created that song. Check: Fade to Black.

2) Money In The Bank – Swizz Beatz

Even broke girls can break it down to this one. Swizzy at its best. The way he pitched his own voice, ha!

3) Da Rockwilder – Method Man & Redman

The only hip hop track you cannot cut half way…

“Lala-la- lalala-lalaaaa!!”

4) Get Low – Lil’ Jon & Eastside Boyz

Please don’t worry about the lyrics and just get crunk! Ok?

And while you are busy don’t forget to point at that window and the wall

5) Nothin’ – N.O.R.E

“Homeboooay… I came to party, oooooh!“ It’s a classic and that Indian flute in the beat is just dope.

6) Get It On The Floor – DMX

One of the greatest Swizz Beatz and DMX collaborations. The two monsters at work.

7) Drop It Like It’s Hot – Snoop Dogg

“I got the rolly on my arm and I’m pouring Chandon. And I roll the best weed cause I got it going on.” Just love it!

4 My People – Missy Elliott

From house to hip hop – everybody just loves it.

9) Headsprung – LL Cool J

The beat, the beat and the beat. Timbo the KING.

10) Break Ya Neck – Busta Rhymes

Busta’s flow is just insane and Dre really surprised me on this one.

For more information about Leo Large visit www.leolarge.com and for booking enquiries contact booking@leolarge.com.

10 Greatest Current Hip Hop Party tracks

by DJ Milkshake

What can we say about Milkshake? He’s the most energetic DJ out there. He’s 5FM’s hip hop mix DJ, he’s the hardest working hip hop DJ in the country at the moment and he has successfully transcended regional boundaries. He’s more than just a fly Joburg DJ; his killer appearances in parties as far afield as Durban, Cape Town and East London have entrenched him as the man that you need to call if you want your hip hop dance floor filled up. DJ Milkshake is undoubtedly the most popular hip hop DJ in the country right now and knowing him, he won’t be letting that title fade out just yet! Here’s his list of the 10 Tracks that are blazing the dance floors real heavy this winter:

1) Beyonce – Single Ladies

This one makes all the ladies feel single and act single!

2) Akon – I’m so Paid

All the people making money or trying get money go crazy fo this!!

3) Soulja Boy – Kiss me thru the phone

Hot beat, hot hook, hot song!

4) Keri Hilson – Turning me on

This very sexy song makes ladies dance and fellaz drool…

5) Lady Gaga – Pokerface

This is a great sing-a-long for everybody!

6) Flo Rida – Right Round

Flo Rida still makes everybody dance, this upbeat song really gets people going.

7) Jamie Foxx – Blame it

This song speaks for itself!

Black Eyed Peas – Boom Boom Pow

This track has a sic beat and the flow gets you amped up!

9) Pitbull – I know you want me

Pitbull always know how to make you feel like you understand his Spanish, so we dance!

10) Kid Kudi – Day ’N Nite

This track is going down in history, or should I say the remix will. Dope sing-a-long!

For more information about DJ Milkshake, visit www.milkshake.dj

Maggz

One of Joburg’s nicest MCees, Maggz, has finally dropped his debut solo album. Aptly titled “The Break Out”, the album comes on the heels of classic mixtapes that have had Joburg and the rest of the country salivating in anticipation for a full album. Well, the wait is over! Grab yourself a copy of “The Break Out” at a fine store near you and if they don’t have it burn their house down (just kidding kids). We’ll holler at Maggz for an exclusive interview with HH for your pleasure.

Q-Tip - The Renaissance

Q-Tip’s highly anticipated second solo album has just hit the streets. It follows on the heels of his gold-selling debut Amplified (1998). Production for The Renaissance was entirely handled by Q-Tip with the exception of two tracks produced by the late J-Dilla, while the album also features contributions from such artists asNorah Jones, D’Angelo, Raphael Saadiq and Amanda Diva.  This is a must-have for your music collection.