Something Borrowed/Something New

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):

theblaggTV: RedBull Thr3estyle Battle Quick Recap

 We know its a tad bit late to drop this recap on ya'll but we figured "hey, we have the footage so why not let you see it right?". Plus we wanted to give Tha Cutt props for winning the Redbull Thr3estyle Battle.  So here you go guys, peep the video below.

Red Bull Thre3style

Picture by Pioneer Unit's awesome Spo0ky 

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.

Spotted By theblagggcam at Red Bull Beat Battle

Saturday night in Newtown was crazy with the Red Bull Beat Battle taking place at Bassline. Dude attended and this is what he got a few pics of the people who attended. peep them below.

Krump Queen at Red Bull Beat Battle

With a few titles under her belt (including Krump Queen), Bianca aka Snow, is the only female in the Royal Fam Kings group. RFK and seven other crews (which vary in style from pantsula to b-boying) will take part in the Red Bull Beat Battle dance competition that takes place at The Blue Room inside Park Station this Saturday night. Get your tickets at Computicket

Father Creeper... Is My Name

Image via Studio83

You guys remember that? Ja no, Simunye grooves indeed! Anyhoooooooo...

Our girl Mel over at Red Bull sent the word about a creepy crawley. Ok, it's not reaally a creepy crawley, I just wanted that word association in your head. Now that I have it... It's official, Kasi Crawl, an all-day event featuring 30 acts on 4 stages is happening on Vilakazi Street in Soweto on 6 November. What's more, you can find dope designers and a variety of food to choose from at the festival.

Here is what Mel told us:
"The street festival will have 4 stages each hosted by a local icon from the worlds of House, Hip Hop, Dancehall and Kwaito. The Party People stage will be presented by the ever-popular Hip Hop scholar and innovator, DJ Kenzhero; on the Music Light Love stage will be Black Coffee, an ex-Red Bull Music Academy participant and world record holding DJ (he played for 60 hours with one arm); the African Storm stage will be hosted by curators and reggae dancehall legends, Admiral and Jah Seed and finally, on the Keep Soweto Alive stage you’ll find House, Kwaito and the kicking sounds of ‘kasi’.
In addition to the music, Red Bull Kasi Crawl will host local fashion designers African Mutu Arts, Thesis Social Jam, Street Pop and Beading Dancer, who will have stalls at the festival. There will be a beer garden and a variety of food vendors such as Chisa Nyama and restaurants like Sakhumzi and The Shak."

Be there from 11am. Entrance is R20.