War3 Karakt3z Release New Series & Music Videos

Vredenburg's legendary War3 Karakt3z recently hit the web with two brand new music videos in support of their latest series 'Liefde of Jokes'.

The group founded by Goku who also forms part of the Major Playaz Dancerz along with various members, has accumulated 360 downloads on Soundcloud in record so far, with 'We Made It' (Ft. Big Twist, Ivaan & Lazy B) peaking at 43 downloads.

With various music videos by it's producer Goku and other members of the group, rappers Ivaan, Lazy B, Maikes, Ponkie, Vicky and Gax have collaborated on various songs, namely with one of their latest 'Let Me Love You Alright'. 

Following their album 'Bruin Boks', comes the newly released 'Liefde of Jokes' along with Goku's very own 'Bloed Maan' which features appearances by artists Young Bliss, Wizel & Lionel Koordom.

 

Collectively these two projects have blossomed with stand out tracks such as 'Teenage Pregnancy' and 'Ek Sal Altyd Down Vijo Wees' receiving the most downloads on Soundcloud so far, after last month's 'Die Is Dai Love Song' which takes the cake within this series peaking at 22 downloads so far.

The song was therefore followed up with a music video, in addition to Goku's own 'Goku Ain't No Wana Be' which debuted as a music video before the actual song release online, in order to build anticipation of the concluding stages of the 'Bloed Maan' series. The music video is shot in their home region of Louwville as Goku appears walking along the railway line, a picture perfect scenery for an emotional music video. The video has accumulated 36 views on YouTube so far, the highest of the latest releases with 'Let Me Love You Alright' and 'Die Is Dai Love Song' trailing at 24 views each.

The groups most viewed video remains to be their hit song 'Wie Sal' on 209 views after it's release 9 months ago.

Click here to watch:

•  'Goku Ain't No Wana Be' YouTube | Mobile
•  'Die Is Dai Love Song' YouTube | Mobile 
•  'Let Me Love You Alright' YouTube | Mobile

or Download: 

•  'Goku Ain't No Wana Be'
•  'Die Is Dai Love Song'
•  'Let Me Love You Alright'

'I Am West Coast Hip-Hop' Initiative Releases Smartphone Application

An initiative started to help promote the local Hip-Hop scene has now grown into a more reliable source of entertainment, but will this improve its success? The question stands.

Branded as 'I Am West Coast Hip-Hop', this initiative is something some might already be familiar with. With it's establishment earlier this year on Facebook, the promotional efforts of this brand has accumulated 93 likes on Facebook so far, extending it's roots to Twitter to ensure a greater public reception.

So far the likes of War3 Karakt3z, Legacii, Big Twist, Ill Scripts, BALLERGANG & Tha Real U have risen to acclaim in this scene with constant mention on it's social networks. The initiative aims to help build and improve the South African West Coast Hip-Hop platform and has seen various newcomers such as EM-K, Wild Boys, AB, Lazy Cats & WBMG receive their much deserved attention as well. With arrangements such as a collaborative show known as 'West Coast Hip-Hop Night' proposed on the 1st of June this year and the 'I Am West Coast Hip-Hop Radio Show' on local community station, Radio West Coast (93.2fm), the initiative has grown to invest more and more in developing it's artistry. Theses attempts however have proven to be unsuccessful, but might improve as new plans are rolled out.

The latest plan from this initiative is the 'I Am West Coast Hip-Hop BlackBerry Application' known as 'Weskus Hip-Hop by SwagCity' on BlackBerry App World. While this application was developed by it's sister project, SwagCity, a mobile music website established for the same purpose, the partnership in this smart-phone application could prove to be one worthy of recognition.
The announcement for this plan was made two months ago in August, as SwagCity later shut down for maintenance to relaunch it's services on September 24th. The relaunch would include the application apart from the changes made on the music website. However part of this plan was later postponed due to pending status of both the vendor registration and application release by BlackBerry's Developer division.

The application finally hit the Research In Motion's smartphone online store this week with an announcement made on Saturday the 19th of October. Features from this app include, content from the West Coast Hip-Hop initiative's Facebook page, articles from two of West Coast Hip-Hop's media sources, Startouch Magazine and Lyrics & Truth, and the Top 20 newest releases from the West Coast on partner mobile website, SwagCity.

To download the App, search 'Weskus Hip Hop' in BlackBerry's App World search

• Like 'Weskus Hip Hop' on Facebook
• Follow '@IAmWeskusHipHop' on Twitter

Saldanha Bay Rappers Have Bigger Plans

In case you haven't heard of WBMG, lets take this time to introduce them to you. Rappers Hentaz, Cido, MadDogg & Yung Aiaya are the next big thing in Diazville. Together this collective of teen swagstars form the WBMG. While they might be quiet to the online scene, they've been around town to town doing shows in anticipation of their mixtape releasing later this year. 


A few weeks ago, this announcement was made prompt by of the group's leading men Yung Aiaya, who revealed the title as 'Friday The 13th'. While the group only has two songs online, their debut with 'You To Fine To Be Alone' accumulated 11 straight downloads and 14 plays after a year of release. Okay, that's nothing to brag about but anyway...

Whist every name progressing in Saldanha Hip-Hop seems to be a teenager, the current heavyweights Ill Scripts have confirmed the rumors of their proposed mixtape as well. Rapper, INSANE mentions that the supposed 'Cloud 9' mixtape (which we assume will obviously have another name) is scheduled to release by the end of the final school term, this being the month of November & December.

The mixtape is said to be a compilation of all Ill Scripts latest releases and could feature some interesting things from the Fantasy Productions team. Included will be new unheard releases, but we can already point out the fact that majority of these will be remade cover versions such as their latest release 'All Me' by OVO Sound & Young Money rapper, Drake.


Currently the Scripts have six releases out and about, five of which are on KasiMp3. In total the group achieved 809 downloads on KasiMp3 alone, minus the 135 for rapper Junio A!'s 'Light Up Freestyle' alone (therefore a total of 674), with their June comeback release 'Cast My Eyes' peaking at 236 downloads. The group currently holds the Most Downloads In A Day record for the West Coast with 101 downloads in 17 hours and is the most downloaded group within the South African West Coast Hip-Hop music scene, after their local brothers, BALLERGANG, a group of which INSANE also belongs to.

5 Things Happening In West Coast Hip-Hop

Over the last few months, the West Coast Hip-Hop scene has seen some changes occur. Some were noticed yet some might still be ignored as many happen to be uninformed. If you one of those who don't know or maybe you haven’t been paying close attention, take a look below:
 
 
1. Internet Exposure

 
With artists like Goku from War3 Karak3tez, Big Twist, Tha Real U and Legacii on Soundcloud and Reverbnation, Internet exposure has surely increased. Three months ago, Tha Real U released 'Underground Kings' which quickly became one of the top downloaded songs in West Coast Hip-Hop, by reaching 100 downloads in a day.
Apart from this, Goku has released a series of music videos online which accompany those of Bizzy and Zayo, as well as the Major Playaz.
 
Other than this Tha Real U happened to release a music video as well. For the coast, this kind of exposure not only helps artists but it sheds light on the West Coast Hip-Hop community as well. Online releases help artists get recognised locally and Internationally quicker and more conveniently.
 
Last year mobile-site Swag City, was released in favour of this, so that locally people can download songs without having to hassle with computers, looking for links on Google or better yet not knowing where to find music.
 
 
2. Collaborations
 
Recently Big Twist collaborated with Goku. This created a banger along with Ivaan and Lazy B who previous also appeared on one of Goku's songs. Not only did this song ('We Made It') show how West Coast Hip-Hop steps things up, but so did Tha Real U's 'That I'm Dreaming' and 'Long Nights' which got newcomers Jempas and Lee Rick further involved in music.
 
General and Young Fl!p gained access to the Hip-Hop scene as well when they debuted on Big Twist's first mixtape, along with Prospect and Double D which gained added recognition. These collaborations show how West Coast Hip-Hop is transforming.
The scene is no longer monopolised by a single group of artists or band, but diverse, with different perspectives, styles and influences.
 

3. Started From The Bottom
 
Like everyone in the industry, you have to start somewhere even if it is the bottom. The past year has seen this happen. Not only did Twist come out of his shadow, but so did Tha Real U who happened to be a mash-up DJ.
 
Legacii, Illscripts, WBMG, also formed. These three groups soon started making music with a passion and are yet fighting for some exposure. With so many artists popping up out of no where, the West Coast community might soon see a revolution take place. While other artists remain unknown, the little light that has become the platform for West Coast Hip-Hop has helped artists grow and release more and more songs. With this comes better sound quality, lyrics and production quality.
 
Although most artists pushing songs these days are underground and newcomers, their support structures are constantly expanding. It's might just be a matter of time until their music is everywhere.
 

4. The Platform
 
Before 2013, West Coast Hip-Hop lacked a serious platform. Artists seem to be hidden in all places, some are popular yet the notorious, remain notorious. This reality however is starting to change. With Facebook pages and groups, websites like Swag City and communication structures between artists through these tools, West Coast Hip Hop now has a growing platform open for new artists and ready to support existing artists.
 
One problem though. Somehow there's always a disadvantage and this is it: some artists are promoting self with old, outdated procedures, rather then modernising and keeping up with the new platform. Not only do they aim at creating fan-bases or added support for themselves, they do this with no intention of building up the West Coast Hip-Hop community.
 
Networking tools like Facebook groups/pages, Websites etc... depend on the whole communities involvement to become an true success. Not only do artists gain exposure, while they lend exposure, they also help the whole West Coast Hip-Hop scene gain exposure and this will either help them cutback at trying to win fans cause they'll naturally gain support, or cause them to fade out if the scene becomes quickly populated.
 

5. Performances

Recently Big Twist and brand, started hitting a few popular venues. With performances springing up in local places, West Coast Hip-Hop is becoming much more engaging.
Although some regular performances do happen in the West Coast community, they seem to be aimed at one area, particularly a certain fan-base to please the supporters of a certain group. This is remarkable as fans will keep coming back for more, but it doesn't get the Hip-Hop scene to expand into unheard regions of the coast.
 
The group, ILLSCRIPTS took on this attempt however, by performing in a local High School Talent show, which scored them 2nd place. Not only does this performance help debut the group, but it also informs the general community about the emerging Hip-Hop scene within its community.
 
While some Hip-Hop artists (unknown to us) do also perform in popular places, it is yet a mystery on how their music actually engages with the public.
 
It is said that more events are being planned for West Coast Hip-Hop artists, especially the thought of possibly seeing some of these current power-forces work together. Will that happen? and is this even possible? For now we have no idea, only the Lord knows.

 

Why Would Shaloma Make A Diss Track?

The song is both a linked artistry of Saldanha rapper, Jempas & Saint Helena Bay Conscious/Christian rapper, Tha Real U. Following preceding works of Tha Real U, the fact that a Conscious Rapper released a diss track seemed to leave many in arrears.

Shaloma however in contrast to its normal distribution online, released this song locally as it dealt with an internal issue within West Coast Hip-Hop.

 Two months ago, newcomers ILLSCRIPTS, a Saldanha Bay rap group, released 'Ons Is Bevok', a diss track aimed at Major, one of the West Coast's more acknowledged rappers, known for his works in the public favourite former rap group, Major Playerz.

The songs reception has been moderate, although it is widely-unfamiliar locally, it's greatest success saw ILLSCRIPTS debut on YouTube with 182 views so far.

Following Real U's latest official release 'Underground Kings', remarkably known for receiving 100 downloads in one day, the song briefly concludes with the statement that: those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who remain humble will be exalted, a Biblical scripture from Luke 14:11.

 As 'Underground Kings' was released as an indirect message aimed at artist particularly on the West Coast, Shaloma Muzik extended this theme with 'Lord Have Mercy' as a direct message to the newcomers.

ILLSCRIPTS' Junio A! & Lil' Sain became the prime example, reason being is that they are personally know by the duo. As Real U's 'Underground Kings' did not reach the Saldanha Bay rap group as consciously as it should have, 'Lord Have Mercy' was released to educate the group with a more direct approach.

The evidence of the link between the two songs is found in the structure of the song as 'Underground Kings' and 'Lord Have Mercy' both start with Real U lyrically rapping in the first verse, standing out the second and then concluding the song with a dramatic message-based third verse.

In both cases the third verse was recorded to clarify and provoke a powerful statement.

Perhaps the center focus behind 'Lord Have Mercy' should be where Real U's says "I'm the educator and I'm teaching it, close your eyes homie I'm about to start preachin' it, Lord have mercy upon these rappers who have no idea what real Hip-Hop is." This metaphor corresponds with the controversial line in Real U's song "will you quit rapping sh*t?! Like you got something better today." Evidently Real U is provoking rappers to add sense to their lyrics and not rapping for public impression. It's clear that Shaloma's intention was to promote consciousness by bring the issue regarding the ILLSCRIPTS' recorded diss song into light, rather than insult the artists on a mic.

Twistyle Muzik captured this rather well with the release of 'Keep Pushing.' The song features Lee Rick, a artist significantly known for his verse in 'Long Nights' - the breakthrough song for Conscious Hip-Hop on the West Coast.

The second verse in 'Lord Have Mercy' is painted by Jempas. He concludes with a powerful line, "You asses think it's insane but for yal it's all just in vain." Vanity is a large issue regarding Hip-Hop culture as a whole in these modern times, the rap duo thus formulated a inflicting message in these two songs about how the West Coast should not be pushed into the same situation. Jempas describes ILLSCRIPTS as "lil’ Chihuahuas tryna bark out loud" asking for mercy as they don't understand the implications of their actions, and quiet frankly have no idea what the underground industry is about, this lyrically suggested through the second verse. He uses a threatening tone of voice and lyrics to ensure that Shaloma Muzik will stop at nothing to awake a conscious system of listeners within its community and hopefully globally.

» Click here to read the connected article concerning 'Underground Kings.'
 

External Links:

» To download 'Lord Have Mercy (Junio A! & Lil' Sain Diss)' visit swagcity.wen.ru using your Mobile device.

» Click here for song lyrics to 'Lord Have Mercy (Junio A! & Lil' Sain Diss)' on Metrolyrics.com.

Big Twist To Release 2nd Mixtape

Following the quiet delayed release of 'Twistyle Mixtape', Big Twist doesn't stop there. The Vredenburg rapper has found inspiration to create a follow up mixtape subject to be released next year. The title is yet unknown, the same applies to the amount of songs and artists it might feature but Twist suggest that it might be a second edition to the previous mixtape.
 

The content however is guaranteed to be mind blowing. Twists intendeds to deliver a message as to how life is being a teen rapper and ensures it will be 20 times better then the current tape.

 

He plans to give Twistyle artists a framework to build their artistic careers. Through the 2nd release a variety of instrumentals will be used instead of self-produced - enabling a quicker and more convenient production procedure for the team.

To download 'Twistyle Mixtape' visit: www.bigtwist.tk.