Today marks the first week at my new work. I love the view outside my office, its so calming. I've got my own cubicle, but its directly in front of my boss's office. So I cant really surf the internet much. Wait, shit.. I'm suppose to work, so I must not access the internet. But its damn tempting. Haha! I've been checking emails like every 15 minutes, and when I dont get a reply, I get so nervous. Out-of-office auto-replys are the worst, they make me worry like hell. And when I do get a reply, I'll take the whole day sometimes, just to reply one. Now I know what it feels like when you're waiting for an email reply from someone. I wish my dad knows how to use email. He's still into letters and mails, which will take weeks to reach him.
I've already planned out all the shows I want to do in 2009. Cant wait to have a fresh new start in the new year. I'm becoming like an organized kiasu freak. I even went to Kinokuniya yesterday hoping to get a 2009 planner. One of the retail crew said, "but it's only 2008 what". Haha! Didnt expect that actually. So I ended up scribbling all the dates and things I need to do on a piece of paper. Now I dont know where it is.
I'm going to be 24 in two weeks time. Damn, I feel super old now. I need a quick getaway, Tioman perhaps, to release some stress with work. No not the new job, its the other work. My mind cant stop thinking about music and the scene. Need some clean white sandy beach with clear crystal water, while I chill and smoke melon-mint flavoured sheesha. Dont be surprise if you see some Tioman pictures up soon. Haha!
Tomorrow I have Floetry with Bless, Sleeq, GOD and Sweetwrappers performing. If anyone of you is free, do come to Earshot Cafe, The Arts House, 6.30pm. If you’re not free, then make yourselves free on 14th June, Saturday. 65 & Hope is celebrating its first anniversary and we’re having a small mini award show. Its going to be fun, so do come. More information will be up soon.
Damn its fun to blog from work. Haha! :D
Friday, May 30, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The one with murtabak...
I cant remember the last time I felt nervous at a show, but last Saturday during Family Affair II, I was super nervous. I couldnt sleep the night before and the whole time I was online on MSN, almost everyone I know who usually come to my show, told me they're not coming. The admission is too expensive, they say. $10 with a free mixtape for a good SG & MY showcase? I think its affordable. But still, most of my audience are teenagers still schooling so I had to understand them.
Left home at 10am that day, to get a carton of mineral water and print some stuff at the internet cafe because my printer was being a jerk. As usual when I reached Chamber, no one was on time for set-up and Roy, the driver, was early. So I left Chamber to pick up the first group of the Malaysian artiste. There were 3 groups btw, and thank god, everyone reached Singapore safely. Then we had our lunch, courtesy of Fai, and the sight of the performers eating together backstage was really nice. I felt proud for a while.
I checked in The Rogue Squadron boys at a hostel while Deena & Ili at a hotel nearby. The hostel was pretty decent, very clean and they have comfortable beds. Then we head back to Chamber and by the time we reached there it was already 5pm. Show was suppose to start in 30 minutes time, but unfortunately we had to delay a little bit. Show began at 5.40pm instead and there was barely any audience. I was worried like hell. Ruxta spinned till 5.50pm, and then slowly while the Proteges were performing, groups of people started coming in. By 6.30pm, the floor level seats were packed.
Everytime at my event, I have this habit of walking around just to make sure everyone is comfortable and feeling good. Its like a habit already and no, I'm not looking for attention. At the same time, I usually check on any performers too. To me, if you're interested in performing or even the scene, you would come and support it. And if you cant, you would probably give a shout-out to the organizers. Well, my style is simple. Like how the saying goes, you want respect, you gotta give respect; you want shows or people to come to your shows, you gotta come and support the others too. That is called manners. Simple right? Nevertheless, it was nice to see some old cats coming down to support the show.
The show lasted till 8.45pm. Highlight to me was of course The Rogue Squadron and Dose Two. There is this crew in TRS, they are called SSK, super crazy performance with witty malay rhymes. Cool. All the audiences stood up for Dose Two who performed last. Not forgetting the SG cats, they all did great and I'm proud of them boys.
Me and TRS went for supper at Zam Zam. Apparently, they all got love for our local murtabak here. After that, I brought them to Arab St, a usual routine after every event, for some sheesha and vanilla coke. I think they were quite shocked when they saw Singaporeans sitting down on carpets smoking sheesha. But thats how we do it here, nah mean? After that they walked back to their hostel and along the way Hqa had a leg cramp. Haha! I returned back to Arab St to meet Dose Two and the boys and then all of us crashed over my place. Laughed like mad with Alif and Syarif till 5.30am and I cant remember what happened after that. I woke up at 1pm on Sunday with a dead phone and no charger, one of the worst things that could happen.
Until today, I'm still not over the show. It was one of the shows where I didnt expect too much, but the performers made it a memorable one. It was one my best shows. So thank you guys for everything.
I have one more event before I take a short break for more personal things that I need to handle and my own music. Please make yourselves free on 14th June for 65 & Hope Anniversary party cum award show. More information will be up soon or you can check out www.65hope.com. Till then, peace!
Left home at 10am that day, to get a carton of mineral water and print some stuff at the internet cafe because my printer was being a jerk. As usual when I reached Chamber, no one was on time for set-up and Roy, the driver, was early. So I left Chamber to pick up the first group of the Malaysian artiste. There were 3 groups btw, and thank god, everyone reached Singapore safely. Then we had our lunch, courtesy of Fai, and the sight of the performers eating together backstage was really nice. I felt proud for a while.
I checked in The Rogue Squadron boys at a hostel while Deena & Ili at a hotel nearby. The hostel was pretty decent, very clean and they have comfortable beds. Then we head back to Chamber and by the time we reached there it was already 5pm. Show was suppose to start in 30 minutes time, but unfortunately we had to delay a little bit. Show began at 5.40pm instead and there was barely any audience. I was worried like hell. Ruxta spinned till 5.50pm, and then slowly while the Proteges were performing, groups of people started coming in. By 6.30pm, the floor level seats were packed.
Everytime at my event, I have this habit of walking around just to make sure everyone is comfortable and feeling good. Its like a habit already and no, I'm not looking for attention. At the same time, I usually check on any performers too. To me, if you're interested in performing or even the scene, you would come and support it. And if you cant, you would probably give a shout-out to the organizers. Well, my style is simple. Like how the saying goes, you want respect, you gotta give respect; you want shows or people to come to your shows, you gotta come and support the others too. That is called manners. Simple right? Nevertheless, it was nice to see some old cats coming down to support the show.
The show lasted till 8.45pm. Highlight to me was of course The Rogue Squadron and Dose Two. There is this crew in TRS, they are called SSK, super crazy performance with witty malay rhymes. Cool. All the audiences stood up for Dose Two who performed last. Not forgetting the SG cats, they all did great and I'm proud of them boys.
Me and TRS went for supper at Zam Zam. Apparently, they all got love for our local murtabak here. After that, I brought them to Arab St, a usual routine after every event, for some sheesha and vanilla coke. I think they were quite shocked when they saw Singaporeans sitting down on carpets smoking sheesha. But thats how we do it here, nah mean? After that they walked back to their hostel and along the way Hqa had a leg cramp. Haha! I returned back to Arab St to meet Dose Two and the boys and then all of us crashed over my place. Laughed like mad with Alif and Syarif till 5.30am and I cant remember what happened after that. I woke up at 1pm on Sunday with a dead phone and no charger, one of the worst things that could happen.
Until today, I'm still not over the show. It was one of the shows where I didnt expect too much, but the performers made it a memorable one. It was one my best shows. So thank you guys for everything.
I have one more event before I take a short break for more personal things that I need to handle and my own music. Please make yourselves free on 14th June for 65 & Hope Anniversary party cum award show. More information will be up soon or you can check out www.65hope.com. Till then, peace!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The one with a dramatic trailer...
I've made a pretty dramatic trailer for my upcoming event, Family Affair II, feeling epic movie. Family Affair II happens this weekend, 17th May (Saturday), 5.30pm, at Chamber (The Arts House) and admission is only $10 with a free mixtape. I did Family Affair last year with Da Fam and XS.1, and I made a promise to The Rebel Scum that I will do Family Affair II for their whole family. Well, if you're still wondering what the show is all about, its a hip-hop gig showcasing collectives and families in both SG and MY. It will be fun, trust me. Come down if you're free. Besides if you can spend $50+ for Gilles Peterson, what's $10 for good local hip-hop music? Show some love.
The Arts House has been like a home ground for my events this year, and I'm very thankful for that. Martini is so much easier to liaise with and she being an organize freak, turns me into one too. Protege, last month, was one of the most 'on the dot' event I've ever done. I've already planned for some shows in 2009, but still its really difficult to confirm a lot things due to lack of fund. I hope I dont end up giving up.
Anyway, last week I was at the Chamber for Peepshow EP launch. *Kudos to them* The event was hosted by me, and I was also a guest performer with King Kong Jane, another amazing band we should all look out for. I love Colin's (lead singer) energy on stage and the band of course is really good. I performed after that with Funkus, and I totally didnt like my set. I played Saturday (check out the song on my myspace or AMP page), a cover, Same Woman Again and Papa's Got A New Wife. I just thought I was a better host than a performer that night. Lately, I've been feeling that. Peepshow of course took over after that and rocked the evening away. Zaki is a great vocalist, SK is crazy and the rest of the band members compliment each other very well. If you like to check out their music and get more information on where you can get their EP, visit www.myspace.com/peepshowband. I created a new expression/lingo that night, and until now its stuck in my head. And people have been teasing me with it too. *awkward* Haha! Well, only some will understand. :)
Cant wait for Saturday... Hope to see you there! Peace!
Friday, May 09, 2008
The one with one more long post...
There have been so many talks about Singapore Hip-hop lately. Well, I shouldnt exaggerate it, there are a few, but two of them really kind of triggered me to write this and share with you what I think about the scene. One was Imran Ajmain, the founder of Beats Society and the other one was Rizal, founder of Resurgence/Divine Aura/Hip-hop Fellowship (wow, that's quite a mouthful eh). In case you dont know, I'm Freaky Z, and I run 65 & Hope with the help of my lovely friends and loyal supporters.
Let me tell you what I think about Hip-hop. To me, its a culture, but most of all to me its MUSIC. From how you speak, to what you wear, to what music you make. I didn't like rappers who talk about blings, sex, money, guns, and when I first started out, I thought to myself, these rappers are destroying the image of hip-hop. I always like the lyrical and poetic bit of hip-hop music. But I grew out from that mindset. The first gangster rapper I listened to was Dr. Dre. I looooove his music, from the bassline to the sound of his West Coast signature. I started to read about hip-hop, from the Bronx to where it is now, and I personally think that Hip-hop itself have grown so much and now I understand what it is all about. Bottom-line is, Hip-hop is YOU. How you want it to sound, what you wanna talk about, what you want to wear and how you portray yourself as a rapper/emcee. Dont let anybody stereotype what Hip-hop music is. Find your sound, write what you want and do your own music. Hip-hop is self expression.
Imran posted about why Singapore Hip-hop wont really thrive, last two weeks on his website. I read it and I got frustrated at first, especially when my 65 & Hope was doing something for the scene. But he had some points which are true. Its hurts, but its true. I talked about it during Protege, telling every one in Chamber that as long there are people who come to my shows and support the performers, I will still run 65 & Hope and do events. This is one of the ways I can contribute to the scene. The only thing I hate about his post was how egoistically he does not acknowledge the existence of the rappers/emcee here, who are still doing their part for the scene. Then there are people, who kept asking me what happen to Beats Society, and there are soooooo many rumours about what I said. Now I'm gonna say it here once and for all. I dont know what happen and I dont care. For the past 4 years, BS has helped me, groomed me and gave me opportunities, and I'm really thankful to them for that. Now its just me as an independent artiste and 65 & Hope is my baby for the scene. Period.
A few weeks after that, Rizal posted something on his website. He wrote an inspiring post about being an independent artiste. But weeks later, after Protege, he started to voice out differently about what I do for the scene. I spoke to him on MSN, and I didnt manage to convinced him to actually get my point and views. I even offered him if he wants to do a monthly show with me, with what he thinks the scene needs. We were cool that time. But last few days, he posted some other article that really pisses me off. So I'm going to make this really clear for him, and I know he's going to read this, because he spends most of him time at home in front of the PC telling people what he thinks the scene needs.
1) 65 & Hope is not Beats Society, and we dont plan to be an authoritive figure for the scene.
I think there are many other hip-hop organization in the scene right now. Bedsty, DelStellars, Skratch Entertaiment, and the lists go on. I dont have any intentions to stop any of them and ask them to listen to what I say or do. Though it would be really nice if we could work together. So far Bedsty has helped me in some shows especially getting Leo37 and many families, like Da Fam, especially FeeKeeD, has hustled so much for me. DelStellars is having a show on the same day as my Floetry this month, and I'm glad for them. I have no plans to actually stop them or even not support their show. Like you said, the scene does not need one organization to run it. Good for you, you have three organization. Bottom-line is, you want to work with us, we welcome you with open arms. You dont to work with us, then its ok. We will still do our part for the scene.
2) My shows are too long and draggy, and the XS boys are always performing? I never plan for my shows?
Yes, the XS boys are my family and I have to admit, at every one of my shows, I have one or two to represent the family. Same goes for the other families. I've had one each from Da Fam, DSC, WDC and this coming Floetry, Sweetwrappers (RVN) is performing. All I asked for if anybody wants to perform is to email me and if they have a song, attach it. Occasionally, I've personally asked people if they want to perform, and let me be honest here, I've never paid any of the artistes, so sometimes there are some rappers who dont want to perform without payment. I respect that, seriously. About planning, yes, I've made some boo-boo at shows and I thank everyone who shared opinions about them. The first show last year June, was long and draggy. Then Family Affair was good, only less crowd. My album release was very good. Then Definition was slightly draggy and then Protege was the best. We ended the show on a high note. You probably dont know, cause you weren't there. And its funny you talk about what my show needs, when you're the one who needs help with your show at Republic Poly last year. Remember?
3) People feel like aliens attending to gigs, because we all know each other? We are all superstars and our fans are our friends?
Well, you have a point about some of the performers not being so humble. I have to admit, I've met and I know many of them. I think you have some personal grudges with some people in the scene. Instead of writing, you should tell them instead. If you want to talk, I can give u a 10 minutes slot at my show, and tell them what they need to improve on. They probably dont know you see. And whats wrong with having friends as our fans? Thats how it all start, bit by bit, friends will tell friends, and there your music will grow. And I've never made anyone feel like an alien on my show. If you know anyone that feels like an alien coming to my show, tell me, I'll convince them that they're human.
4) Protege - same faces, no new talents? Is there any difficulty in spotting for the new kids?
Yes there is, I dont get to hear any new music from somebody new in the scene. I dont get emails from them wanting to perform. Why should they email me? That's how it works; I email organizers to get shows. Sometimes they will call me, sometimes they dont know. If I want something, I ask, its simple as that. And yes I'm about quality, if they're not good, I wouldn't want to put them on a show and end up people laughing at them. And when I say its not good, it means musically, not in hip-hop term. Protege was
meant for newbies and I did emphasize, anyone can join. My main point is, I want to stop the cycle of performers performing one time and then thats it, go on a hiatus for 1 year or more. I want to keep them moving. After the programme is over, I will make sure they keep moving. I have things lined-up for the 7 Proteges, from videos to EP. I will help these individuals and will give advice to them, as a performer. But its up to them really to listen or not. I will not stop them if they get outside shows, I will not sign them and most of all, I will not stop their creativity. I support good local hip-hop music, no matter what kind of hip-hop. But if they're not good, I will tell them, and its up to them to take it as constructive comment or a diss. Many rappers started out without support and bad music, but we all chose to improve ourselves and work on it.
I do not aim to be a role model in the scene, I just want to help and of course be recognized for some good that I've done. When people talk about Singapore Hip-hop, I want my name to be the first few they mention. Its been the same goal ever since I started performing. With 65 & Hope, I want to do shows, because personally I think gigs/events are one of the best ways to get your music out to the public. Other than that, I have a home studio available for recording, I can do some beats for rappers and I can help spread the word about your music on my site. That's all the contribution I can give to the scene. I've realised that being an independent artiste is better and music can never be a full-time job to some.
Many rappers keep talking about Nas's album title, Hip-hop Is Dead and keep relating it to the state of hip-hop in the scene. I think you're all stupid. It was just a way of him getting some promo about his album. Hip-hop is not dead, and it will not die. Its just the mind of an emcee. Our hip-hop scene is growing and it will grow bigger. And for as long as I run 65 & Hope, I will contribute to the scene. I dont care what hip-hop music you do, if its good local hip-hop music, you have my full support.
As for you Rizal, you're more talk than action. You're taking thing too seriously, that it's no longer fun my friend. And I thought you said Hip-hop should be fun? Well, if you like to debate with me more, I can arrange a slot for us both to talk about hip-hop scene in Singapore at one show. Lets speak publicly. Holla!
Let me tell you what I think about Hip-hop. To me, its a culture, but most of all to me its MUSIC. From how you speak, to what you wear, to what music you make. I didn't like rappers who talk about blings, sex, money, guns, and when I first started out, I thought to myself, these rappers are destroying the image of hip-hop. I always like the lyrical and poetic bit of hip-hop music. But I grew out from that mindset. The first gangster rapper I listened to was Dr. Dre. I looooove his music, from the bassline to the sound of his West Coast signature. I started to read about hip-hop, from the Bronx to where it is now, and I personally think that Hip-hop itself have grown so much and now I understand what it is all about. Bottom-line is, Hip-hop is YOU. How you want it to sound, what you wanna talk about, what you want to wear and how you portray yourself as a rapper/emcee. Dont let anybody stereotype what Hip-hop music is. Find your sound, write what you want and do your own music. Hip-hop is self expression.
Imran posted about why Singapore Hip-hop wont really thrive, last two weeks on his website. I read it and I got frustrated at first, especially when my 65 & Hope was doing something for the scene. But he had some points which are true. Its hurts, but its true. I talked about it during Protege, telling every one in Chamber that as long there are people who come to my shows and support the performers, I will still run 65 & Hope and do events. This is one of the ways I can contribute to the scene. The only thing I hate about his post was how egoistically he does not acknowledge the existence of the rappers/emcee here, who are still doing their part for the scene. Then there are people, who kept asking me what happen to Beats Society, and there are soooooo many rumours about what I said. Now I'm gonna say it here once and for all. I dont know what happen and I dont care. For the past 4 years, BS has helped me, groomed me and gave me opportunities, and I'm really thankful to them for that. Now its just me as an independent artiste and 65 & Hope is my baby for the scene. Period.
A few weeks after that, Rizal posted something on his website. He wrote an inspiring post about being an independent artiste. But weeks later, after Protege, he started to voice out differently about what I do for the scene. I spoke to him on MSN, and I didnt manage to convinced him to actually get my point and views. I even offered him if he wants to do a monthly show with me, with what he thinks the scene needs. We were cool that time. But last few days, he posted some other article that really pisses me off. So I'm going to make this really clear for him, and I know he's going to read this, because he spends most of him time at home in front of the PC telling people what he thinks the scene needs.
1) 65 & Hope is not Beats Society, and we dont plan to be an authoritive figure for the scene.
I think there are many other hip-hop organization in the scene right now. Bedsty, DelStellars, Skratch Entertaiment, and the lists go on. I dont have any intentions to stop any of them and ask them to listen to what I say or do. Though it would be really nice if we could work together. So far Bedsty has helped me in some shows especially getting Leo37 and many families, like Da Fam, especially FeeKeeD, has hustled so much for me. DelStellars is having a show on the same day as my Floetry this month, and I'm glad for them. I have no plans to actually stop them or even not support their show. Like you said, the scene does not need one organization to run it. Good for you, you have three organization. Bottom-line is, you want to work with us, we welcome you with open arms. You dont to work with us, then its ok. We will still do our part for the scene.
2) My shows are too long and draggy, and the XS boys are always performing? I never plan for my shows?
Yes, the XS boys are my family and I have to admit, at every one of my shows, I have one or two to represent the family. Same goes for the other families. I've had one each from Da Fam, DSC, WDC and this coming Floetry, Sweetwrappers (RVN) is performing. All I asked for if anybody wants to perform is to email me and if they have a song, attach it. Occasionally, I've personally asked people if they want to perform, and let me be honest here, I've never paid any of the artistes, so sometimes there are some rappers who dont want to perform without payment. I respect that, seriously. About planning, yes, I've made some boo-boo at shows and I thank everyone who shared opinions about them. The first show last year June, was long and draggy. Then Family Affair was good, only less crowd. My album release was very good. Then Definition was slightly draggy and then Protege was the best. We ended the show on a high note. You probably dont know, cause you weren't there. And its funny you talk about what my show needs, when you're the one who needs help with your show at Republic Poly last year. Remember?
3) People feel like aliens attending to gigs, because we all know each other? We are all superstars and our fans are our friends?
Well, you have a point about some of the performers not being so humble. I have to admit, I've met and I know many of them. I think you have some personal grudges with some people in the scene. Instead of writing, you should tell them instead. If you want to talk, I can give u a 10 minutes slot at my show, and tell them what they need to improve on. They probably dont know you see. And whats wrong with having friends as our fans? Thats how it all start, bit by bit, friends will tell friends, and there your music will grow. And I've never made anyone feel like an alien on my show. If you know anyone that feels like an alien coming to my show, tell me, I'll convince them that they're human.
4) Protege - same faces, no new talents? Is there any difficulty in spotting for the new kids?
Yes there is, I dont get to hear any new music from somebody new in the scene. I dont get emails from them wanting to perform. Why should they email me? That's how it works; I email organizers to get shows. Sometimes they will call me, sometimes they dont know. If I want something, I ask, its simple as that. And yes I'm about quality, if they're not good, I wouldn't want to put them on a show and end up people laughing at them. And when I say its not good, it means musically, not in hip-hop term. Protege was
meant for newbies and I did emphasize, anyone can join. My main point is, I want to stop the cycle of performers performing one time and then thats it, go on a hiatus for 1 year or more. I want to keep them moving. After the programme is over, I will make sure they keep moving. I have things lined-up for the 7 Proteges, from videos to EP. I will help these individuals and will give advice to them, as a performer. But its up to them really to listen or not. I will not stop them if they get outside shows, I will not sign them and most of all, I will not stop their creativity. I support good local hip-hop music, no matter what kind of hip-hop. But if they're not good, I will tell them, and its up to them to take it as constructive comment or a diss. Many rappers started out without support and bad music, but we all chose to improve ourselves and work on it.
I do not aim to be a role model in the scene, I just want to help and of course be recognized for some good that I've done. When people talk about Singapore Hip-hop, I want my name to be the first few they mention. Its been the same goal ever since I started performing. With 65 & Hope, I want to do shows, because personally I think gigs/events are one of the best ways to get your music out to the public. Other than that, I have a home studio available for recording, I can do some beats for rappers and I can help spread the word about your music on my site. That's all the contribution I can give to the scene. I've realised that being an independent artiste is better and music can never be a full-time job to some.
Many rappers keep talking about Nas's album title, Hip-hop Is Dead and keep relating it to the state of hip-hop in the scene. I think you're all stupid. It was just a way of him getting some promo about his album. Hip-hop is not dead, and it will not die. Its just the mind of an emcee. Our hip-hop scene is growing and it will grow bigger. And for as long as I run 65 & Hope, I will contribute to the scene. I dont care what hip-hop music you do, if its good local hip-hop music, you have my full support.
As for you Rizal, you're more talk than action. You're taking thing too seriously, that it's no longer fun my friend. And I thought you said Hip-hop should be fun? Well, if you like to debate with me more, I can arrange a slot for us both to talk about hip-hop scene in Singapore at one show. Lets speak publicly. Holla!
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