The Red Bull Soundclash was one of the radest music events to happen to Joburg. How many of you can say you've seen Tumi Molekane with his shirt off? Exactly. It was that kind of night. This week, the Tumi and the Volume frontman released a new joint called Candle (which you can download HERE) that is his own take and rejig of an Abdullah Ibrahim song. To paraphrase a friend's remarks upon hearing the song: jazz and hip hop don't always (have to) mix. But you be the judge. In the meantime, here's a throwback from the Red Bull Soundclash. Here, Tumi and The Volume cover The Spice Girls' Wanna Be (sorry about the audio issues but shout out to fabkash5 for even uploading it):
Scrambles 4 Money presents Talk Is Cheap was really fun. But you don't have to take our word for it. Here's the video for the most talked about round of the night. The dates for other battle video releases are in the image up top. Be sure to subscribe to the Scrambles 4 Money youtube channel or at least hook them up with a like-nyana on facebook so they can keep bringing us the battles and keep not charging us Rosebank club prices just to get in. Here's Tumi and One-L:
Scrambles 4 Money Presents Talk Is Cheap. Yes ma'am. We know it's super early to be plugging this event, seeing that it only takes place almost a month away from now but better early than late. So, we all saw how things went down between Gin-I-Grindith and Mo Katalyst when they went head to head. If you didn't, you can peep it HERE. This time around, August 18 will see Tumi Molekane go up against One-L. But that's not all. Snazz-D will battle Fungus, then Fusion vs Safar I, Adamus against Hymphatic Thabs and T.OP vs Jaz. I don't know about you but all these rappers are worth every cent of the cover charge - R30 - and more. It almost feels like a concert, doesn't it? Except someone is going home with their tale between their legs. Anyway, here are the deets: the battles take place at Grayscale on De Kort Street in Braamfontein as usual on August 18. Doors open at 7.30pm. Since the store space is small, there will be a limited number of people allowed through the doors so if you want to see some lyrical ass whippings, try to be there earlyish. Also, who is your money on?
PS: The date of the battles keep being moved so if it gets changed again then go shout at Gin-I-Grindith. I dare you. Teehee.
There's a reason why there are so many musical odes to the DJ. Think "last night a DJ saved my life" or "God is a DJ" or "Thank you Mr DJ" for using Lifebuoy soap. No, we're kidding about that last one. We have a lot of love for mam'Yvonne. Anyway, the South African leg of the Red Bull Thre3style competition will take place at the Alex Theatre in Braamfontein on 23 June. No, it's not some kinky way to get you off or give you wings - get your mind out of the bedroom.
Actually, it's a worldwide DJ competition that was started 5 years ago in Drake and Eternia's home country but is now in its third year as an international event. It tests spinners on technical ability as well as badassness. That's an actual word, don't question it. It's called Thre3style because all the DJs have to choose a minimum of three genres or styles that they will use to showcase their talents in 15-minute rounds.
Judged by a panel that includes the legendary DJ Ready D, Richard The III and Kid Fonque, the South African DJs that will participate include DJ Raiko (pictured), Fletcher, Das Kapital, Redwood, Switch, Soosh, Tha Cutt and White Nite. Don't ask us why no female DJs are in the mix. Whoever wins will walk away with the title and the opportunity to represent South Africa in the world finals in Chicago later this year.
The Jozi event will be hosted by Tumi Molekane. We're not sure why Red Bull has decided to use musicians as hosts in their events when there's actual presenters who can do great jobs too but that's a post for another day. Tickets are R70 at the door and the judges will also play their own sets once the king of the decks is crowned.
Look who's taken a page out of the J. Cole school of songs? All teasing aside, Reason's newest joint that sees him, ahem, singing his chorus, is really dope. Produced by Ootz, 15 Grand is all Reason says he needs to feed his seed, get his cheese and get his dreams. Like Cole, Reason taps into the side of him that brings him down to the truimphs and trials of the ordinary joe's level and makes him relatable. In case you hadn't figured it out by now, Reason is also the newest signee to Tumi Molekane's Motif Records label. To prove the deal has been sealed, T From The V jumps on to the end of this joint over The Clipse's Popeyes (Popular Demand) instrumental. However, the real star of the show is Reason on 15 Grand. theblagg is really stoked about this joint. What do you think?
So they didn't win the best rap album SAMA (Amu did), so what? They still have a dope video out. Here is Asinamali (Zulu for "we have no money")for those of you who haven't seen Tumi And The Volume's new jam.
What's that? A remix in your Christmas stocking? First of all, what are you doing with stockings blaggers and blaggettes? Ha! Anyway, the remix to the IV League Papa banger, Victory Lap, dropped on Thursday. On it AKA features Tumi Molekane, Hip Hop Pantsula and Amunishn.
Our girl Hypress over at Wonted has the download link if you wanna hear it. So click HERE and have yourselves an opinionated, I mean merry little Christmas.
On Friday night Dude and I were watching SABC 1's Live. The music show has become something of a chore to watch for some of us who often work in this industry. And yes, that's even with Sizwe Dhlomo at the helm. So imagine our surprise and delight when we saw Tumi Molekane (of Tumi and the Volume) open the show?
He started off a cappella and the super talented group The Soil joined in on vocals and beatbox. Sounded dope. We're like wait, is this Kanye's Power? Nope. It was Tumi's clever take on the Ye joint. Dude stares at me as I reach for my drink. He says, 'did Tumi just say 'we take our seeds to school to get deflowered??'"
Well, no. Actually, according to his blog, Tumi said "we put our seeds into school they get deflowered." We immediately got that he was referring to the Jules High School rape travesty. So we listened more attentively. And wondered if anyone else was "getting" this. Seems not if Tumi's post-performance interview is anything to go by. T from the V told Sizwe he was "provoked" to write this song when he came back to South Africa from touring. So Sizwe filed that under "Don't Ask" and moved on to a question about Tumi and international audiences. Yeah, he hasn't been asked about that before.
Anyway, theblagg knows not everyone could grasp what Tumi the Jordanite (theblagg's new term for someone who is obsessed with Air Jordans) spat. So we asked the sista's from afriPOP! for the track. And here it is. The song is called POWA - we assume it's a nod to People Opposing Women Abuse - and it's an eye-opener. Think about it, "when Mandela dies, who gon' really care about us?"
The good folks at Matchboxology sent us the word. And now we're telling you. So if you're a fan of good music head on over to The Alex for a great night. Here, in Matchboxology's words, is the deal:
MOTIF RECORDS, SHOWLOVE and LEVI’S® ORIGINAL MUSIC PRESENT:
TUMI LIVE REMIXED
On 30th July, Live at The Alex Theatre, Braamfontein - Johannesburg. Tumi Live Remixed is an added jewel to poet/MC Tumi’s crown as the country’s foremost live Hip-hop performer. From the inception of his career on Joburg’s bohemian spoken word circuit, through his ongoing stint as front man for the band The Volume to his mounting rep as a solo artist, Tumi’s delivery on stage and on record remains unparalleled. Long before live bands became the standard Joburg artist’s accessory, Tumi had already changed the game in advance, establishing his Modus Operandi as the MC for whom every and any drum beat could be rhymed to . It’s the very reason why his name in Europe is the best known out of this generation of South African musicians. And it’s also why when the 90 million plus viewers watched Shakira perform Hips Don’t Lie at the FIFA World Cup kick-off concert, it was him they saw spitting a new verse Wyclef would be envious of.
In keeping with his reputation as an innovator, Tumi will take from the familiar and create something singular. Live Remixed amasses music from his critically acclaimed solo debut Music from My Good Eye as well as his 2010 SAMA-nominated Whole Worlds (best Hip-hop, best album cover). But there’s a twist. Live band in tow, Tumi will flip these songs his fans have come to know and love into versions never heard before, and most likely never to be played again.
And for added diversity some of the most respected names across the urban scene will jump into the seamless flow of the set, recreating on stage what a mixtape would sound like with an added live dimension: From behind the decks C-Live, Master M and Romz Deluxe will ensure the energy stays at peak level. Look out for Hype Awards’ 2010 Best Newcomer AKA, MC and member of prolific production outfit IV League. There’s also a word in from Yesterday’s Pupil, an entire rock-electro band unto himself on whose debut album Errors of Enthusiasm Tumi also appears. And the Juno award-nominated South African/Canadian, singer/songwriter Zaki Ibrahim with whom Tumi has a long standing working relationship beginning with her contribution to his first album will bring her captivating ethereal vocals to the proceedings. As will the afro-soul powerhouse that is MXO. Also a long time collaborator of Tumi’s, he’s hard to miss on Whole World’s current single Family Plan. The video for it is available exclusively on the Levi’s® Original Music Facebook page (Please see the link http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150239723990585&ref=mf)
Be part of a memorable and original live music experience that promises spontaneity, eloquence and innovation in what is fast becoming Johannesburg’s premier live music venue, the Alex Theatre.
From asking around on which sneaker is everybodies favourite, Jordans have featured heavily in a lot of the answers. So while perusing through Kronks collaboration pieces with Nike, we figured who better than "Mr-I-been-rocking-Jordans-since-I-was-thirteen" himself Tumi, to school us on Jordan-heads. Oh, and he also tells us about some of his near future moves too. Oh and yes, he also struggles (a lot) with how to pronounce theblagg and the ethos behind what we do - it's ok though, we're not mad. It was endearing. Plus you can't be mad at someone who smiles in the face of a drunk heckler making a bum of himself. Peep and don't sleep!!
Ok, maybe it's just The Ordinary Girl who is obsessed over Superwoman and Swizzy's new baby mama, Alicia Keys. How dope was her 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Concert set? The best by far. Yes, even that last 5 seconds of her collab with Blk Jks on Brenda Fassie's Too Late For Mama that we got to peep. Thanks a lot SABC.
Before you start giving us the side-eye. We know Tumi was wack. We don't know why he got his collabo on with Shakira - who knew one was allowed to dry hump a monitor on stage? We don't know why he was dressed like a reject from Mashamplani. We don't know why he sounded more Pras than Wyclef and we don't know what's going to happen now that the Americans and Colombians have left. So many questions, not enough answers. Let's just hope a rap version of Waka Waka, featuring T From The V doesn't surface.
If we had that Karen Civil kinda money we'd spend our 9 - 5 time unpacking why we're not too thrilled about Tumi's stage antics. But we don't. So you'll have to settle for us being a day late and a Rand short if you want the full breakdown. In the meantime, smile at the mommy:
PS: Get at The Ordinary Girl if you know where (and more importantly, how much) the soon-to-be Mrs Beatz's top can be bought.
UPDATED TO SAY: WE'VE GOT VIDEO!!!! Giddynessoverload!
Embedding was disabled for the real high quality stuff. Sorry.
Dominique, Osmic and their friends are at it again. The cause for many a head's excitement, the annual Back to the City, will be held next week Tuesday (April 27) in Newtown. This Freedom Day Festival is an all-day hip hop gig featuring some of the country's biggest names in hip hop.
Above: Archetypes
Expect to see "live music, street art, break-dancing, art installation, skateboarding, film, street soccer, street fashion, gaming, speakers and panel discussions." That means you can watch graff masters do their thing while the likes of Archetypes, Illiterate Skills, Driemanskap, Reason, Mothipa, Zuluboy, Prokid, Tumi, Kenzhero and the Music Atlast DJs are on stage.
Above: Ill Skillz
The Back to the City Freedom Day Festival is from 10am to 11pm on 27 April under the bridge next to Ritual Stores on the corner of Bree and Henry Nxumalo Street in Newtown. Entrance is R50.
In case you haven't noticed, WE LOVE TUMI!!!! Ahem...it goes without saying. I mean anyone who can maintain rocking Jordans since he was 13 is alright in our books. So you know when he hit the stage at the second Hype Awards, EbonyWoman sprung into action using her Superphotography-100x-zoom-function-able-to-download-on-computer-what-you-saw-vision...power...thingy. So courtesy of EbonyWoman's power, here's Tumi performing Usain Bolt (why oh why do bad titles happen to awesome songs?) and Bambezela featuring Brickz and Zaki Ibrahim.
Read The Ordinary Girl's review of the Awards over at The Mothership
Awesomery courtesy of http://colour-filimi.blogspot.com/
So I drag my feet to the monitor and push the on button. The computer lights up and I think maybe Mondays are not so bad. The office is deserted and I have Fifi singing “my good eye, beautiful eye… beauty, music from my beautiful eye” on my mind. A topless Tumi greets me with mic in hand from the desktop background and I think: man, I love my job. And how did I get here? Well, a dream led to this. I start racking my brain about whether I still have the Tumi EP of the same name. Those songs were boss and most of you only know the joints that The Volume played live and made SA staples once Tumi and The Volume was born. Tumi (possibly my favourite emcee as you’ve figured by now) broke his discography down in the twitterverse: RT @Herimbi: A dream led to this. Bless. 12:28 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
First CD I ever recorded was called TAO of Tumi... an EP/showcase. it was done with/at Flowerpot Studios. "Never Deny You" came from that.12:31 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
2nd was an offiacial EP, the only Vinyl I have ever pressed. "A Dream Led To This" featd These women, yvonne, innerview, she spirit fancies.12:34 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
3rd on the list was a super dooper rare disc of both "Tao of Tumi" and "a dream led to this" EPs, this was when the Volume got started.12:36 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
Then came the "at the Bassline" with Tumi and the Volume. 76, Yvonne, People of the light. first T.V appeareance Phat Joe Show 2002.12:39 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
I was kinda in now, featured on some Rage compilations, poetry appearances & was doing the rounds in peoples cribs via Backstage, Mojo, etc12:44 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
"once upon a time in africa" Fro pick, Zubz's "heavy 8" "sex, drug & alcohol" with Verb some of the better things that came from features.12:49 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
TATVolume 2nd & 1st studio album was labour intensive. u felt it in the music, not as lively, but well thought out. best thing I have done.12:50 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
this is what really took us out of the country for real. countrywide tours in Canada did France, U.K, Belgium, Switzerland...12:52 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
Then started MOTIF RECORDS with a close friend, did a compilation KE SHO CASE SHOWCASE featured little known Knaan & FIfi, Duo live, Syntax12:57 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
was preparing to do Fifi album when close friend messed with my girl and shit collapsed. Business pear shaper, heart in disarray.1:00 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
I went to Amsterdam to do a poetry tour (with Ntshiki Mazwai) dont worry nothing happened. lol! and the poetry did not heal me. I was mad.1:02 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
came home to some beats and a very lonely studio. Started "Music From my Good Eye" this album saved me.1:05 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
try and picture recording yourself, listening back, mixing stuff as GPS to the parts of your heart scattered all over the world.1:08 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
Got some SAMA nominations, which ordinarily dont mean much to me but to know that I did that record on my "own" as a "I will survive" shit!!1:09 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
oh yeah did what I think is the best mixtape to ever coem out of S.A with DJ PapercuTT, went on the road with him and smashed!!!!!1:13 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
the last 3 years. HHP ruled. Prokid brought excitment (aside from that 2nd album of his). Skwatta vanished. Slikour arrived. Motswako....1:18 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
.....was almost a movement. (the Motswako dudes never seemed comfortable with Jabba at the top) so that fizzled.1:19 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
Zubz made great music, Wish he would leave already. and now...... things get glitzy babeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!1:23 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
Da L.E.S is a great kid, cool entertainer, stylish but NO mc. U dont need to know how to rap to be a successful rapper.1:27 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
Jozi, Maggz, Morale make everyone involved in the last three years of hip hop nervous. and that is great... the REFRESH button is important1:28 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
It would be nice to lose to an mc WHO CAN ACTUALLY FUCKING RAP. what does Usain Bolt do when the guy walking behind him gets the medal.1:31 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
Worse song I have ever done was "never take it for Granted' feat Arno Carstens. and trust i could rerelease that and smash with it.1:32 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
I am not saying I am Usain Bolt. I am just saying, I Run hard & everyone in the stadium is saying "why is that big dude running so hard?"1:34 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
When you hear that from the stands, all you doing is running for ur own health. my point? I do it hard cuz I'll get sick if i am not sick.1:37 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
Just for the record, this was supposed to be a retrospective. No bitching. I dont want anyone saying we are underrated or not appreciated.1:39 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
There r things you can control and things u cant. How else you explain Arthur's career, jokes!! Just b FUCKING GREAT AT UR ART. dont hate.1:42 AM Aug 31stfrom TweetDeck
