NZ MUSIC MONTH - The Hiphop Post, Part One #404

It's so exciting to see such a huge hiphop movement happening in New Zealand right now. Even though, at present, it's somewhat 'on trend' to like hiphop, I think anything that elevates the artform can't be a bad thing. After the production sessions I attended last year with Young Guru I really got the sense that building a hiphop profile in this social climate, or any profile for that matter, was about creating a movement. The heroic approach of one person 'making it' on their own no longer applies. But did it ever really apply? I don't know. From what I've seen, behind any person who is the 'face' of something there's a big team working extremely hard in the background - this means every aspect of the artist, i.e graphic design, management, styling, endorsements etc., is dissected and perfected to produce optimum results. But putting a team together for sake 'putting a team together' doesn't necessarily equate to success. I see a few talented hiphop acts coming through that have right drive, but haven't appropriately assigned aspects of their act to the right skill sets. However, that's something that comes with time and I can't wait to see how these 'movements' start to translate when the right fit is found. Hiphop as a genre is still very young and it's inception into the music world has been so penetrating in terms or culture. Hiphop is an even younger genre here in New Zealand - we haven't got that huge 'lasting' legacy. That makes it even more exciting because what will become part of that legacy is being made right now. For New Zealand music month I thought I'd share a few of the acts I think have real potential. Have a listen to the songs, and don't just stop there - really listen to the lyrics. Research the people. Critique their design. Observe the styling. Look at their story. Hiphop is more than a ghetto base drop and harsh expletives. Go on, give it a go.

1. Diaz Grimm
I have no doubt this guy is going places. He's got the right team behind him; it's all about refining it. You can't kick this guys positivity. 
MORE INFO: Facebook , Twitter , G7NG , Odd

2. CTFD [calmthefvckdown]
CTFD are some of the sickest up-and-coming producers. Their beats make me want to get off my ass and ghetto grind. In all seriousness, do your research and check out what these guys have been up to. They're owning it.

MORE INFO: Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud

3. Winston Anthony
I dig this guys perspective.
MORE INFO: Facebook , Twitter 

4. Loui the ZU
One of the best crossover tracks I've heard in a very long time. 

MORE INFO: Facebook, Twitter

5. RaizaBiza 
This guy drops such sick verses but his feature on this song is my favourite by far.

MORE INFO: Facebook, twitter,

Part two coming tomorrow.

Morgs

People to Watch - Hanging at OD's Studio #402

Yesterday I went and had a look at Owen Dippie's studio, who I found about last time I was in New Zealand. I was just going in to have a look at his art but ended up staying for a long time talking about New York and how New Zealand is just a little bit small. We talked about the criticism you get when you voice your goals to someone and how essential it is to know the 'right' people #lifetalks. OD is going back to New York very soon to hopefully paint the worlds biggest portrait of Biggie Smalls. But this time he's looking to get it recognized by the right people - aka Jay-Z and his clique. How f**king cool is that?! A dude from Tauranga just going for what he wants - pretty awesome. Watch this space because OD is about to hit it big.

Morgs

New Music From a Kiwi in NY - Janine & the Mixtape, Hold Me #401

Check out this new track from Kiwi Janine & the Mixtape.  Janine relocated to Brooklyn NY last year and has been killing it with the songwriting. You might remember I did a post on the awesomeness of Janine & the Mixtape last year - have a look if you want to know a bit more. Check out the latest track, Hold Me (it pulls on the heart strings a little).

Morgs
NEW ZEALAND MUSIC MONTH

The (Delayed) Weekly Wrap - See You Soon NZ #400

Hold the phone! This is my 400th post.

1. I'm coming back to New Zealand next week. Isn't that exciting?! Apart from the whole 'winter' thing. Eff that! I literally came to Cairns with a guitar and 5 changes of summer clothes. Am I going to die when I get off the plane? I think so.

2. I dropped my Ipod on the ground and it has giant cracks in the screen and little shards of glass sticking out of it - but it still works. I'm too attached to it to get a new one, is this a problem?

3. This is my 400th post. What the what?!

4. There is currently a cyclone over Cairns at the moment. Not sure how I feel about that. I'm still going running in the morning :/ . After surviving Hurricane Sandy in NY I really just look at other storms like, bitch please.

5. When I was driving the other day I missed a gear and stalled in front of a police officer. Twas quite Scilarious (that's scary + hilarious).

6. Truth time: Can't wait to get back to working! It's been 2 days since I ended my band manager duties here. And, I'm going CRAZY with nothing to do.

7. As a side note: thanks for reading my nonsense. I see all of you in my blog stats! Just hit 1/20th of a million pageviews for this year, what the actual shit. Lulz.

Morgs

p.s I created this really elaborate photobooth picture that I was going to use for this post but I decided against it. It was too weird. But if you feel the need you can see it here. Eff I'm classy.

The Weekly Wrap - Laugh At Me Not With Me #399

Proud Kiwi Moment - Marriage Equality #398

'Tis a great day to be a kiwi. Well done New Zealand, well done.
THIS IS BEAUTIFUL. I may have shed a tear.

Morgs

The Weekly Wrap - A List of Helpful Things & Some About Me #397

Welcome to Australia The xx

1. This list of "30 Other Things Every Woman Should Know By 30" is pretty stupid yet pretty right. Relish in its 'correctness' then bitch face at its 'gushyness'. If you're a guy, I'm sorry, here's a picture - enjoy it.

2. Amanda Bynes.

3. Even though I'm well aware I don't look like Naomi Campbell this song makes me feel like Naomi Campbell. I catwalk the shit out of life when it comes on in my earphones. True Story. 

4. And if that song makes me feel like Naomi Campbell then this song makes me feel like Bill Gates but with way more 'swag'.

5. Alright, story time. I have become so brilliant at poaching eggs (I know that's cocky but deal with it). The other day I poached the perfect egg. I placed it ever so beautifully on my slice of multigrain toast. As I was carrying my plate to the table I stumbled and my brilliantly poached egg flew off my toast and onto my computer keyboard. Yes the yolk was runny, and yes it did go everywhere. I would liken it to someone burning down the Garden of Eden. Now, a day or two later, my computer is finally starting to feel normal and I discover an ant colony now lives below my fingertips [insert lion roars here]. 

6. Remember Joesph & Maia from last weeks Weekly Wrap? Well they now have a video out for their first single. Be a good chap and have a watch?

7. I feel this cool right now.  

8. Work. It's always a funtime, isn't it?  

Morgs