IT'S LUSH BY THE WAY

by Mpendulo Mabindisa

One guy that has been making a lot of noise in the Eastern Cape music scene is none other than Lush, yes lo weCapital Effect. We managed to connect with this multi-talented artist and this is how it all went down:

Ola Lush, Kunjani fam?

All good my brother.

Awe, okay man. I downloaded your song "Iphupha ne Xesha" and man, I was blown away and really happy that it was playlisted on 5FM. Take us from the beginning to where Lush is right now.

I got inspired, my moms use to sing, and the texture in her voice was like no other. It was so deep and traditional as at home we grew up to traditional Xhosa customs and family gatherings, my mom also use to take me with to her choir practice at church. I remember the lead singer who inspired me, he's name was Chris from JHB. I had actually started writing and rapping by then and it was around 1996 at the age of  12. It was when I saw the likes of Amagroves, Chiskop and Boom Shaka on our screens, and my first song was titled 'ITS ABOUT TIME' lol.....From there on I never stopped, with groups I assembled and also doing it solo up until I met 'Outsiders' my first serious crew members being Luzuko Makasi, Luvuyo Kaulela, Simbone Inyange and Luckeez Mfowetu in 1999. We pushed hard doing shows all over Eastern Cape, some members had to leave for education and I was left with Simbone and Luckeez. We carried the torch until 2004 when we met Zet Entertainment owned by Zama Jaza, the man who made all of us who we are today because of having so much belief in us. In 2006, I started my own solo route at Silver Getho Productions where I met Nathi B, Mavee and Andile Seskhona. We were unstoppable as we ruled the streets doing shows with huge support from the whole Eastern Cape, I then entered the Nik NAks competition and out of more than 2000 entries I made it to the Top 5 in JHB Melrose Arch. Umhlobo Wenene played a big role in pushing my music, especially Luckeez Mfowethu's show 'Abahlali Abangalali' and not forgetting KC's 'Afternoon Drive' for all the interviews.  After I came back in 2007, I started production and between 2008 and 2010 Simbone went solo and I had an opportunity to produce a song titled 'ADAM' on his first project. In 2008, we formed Capital Effect with Slujah and Beegz, Luckeez and Odwa came in and that was when we recorded our first project. In 2010, I worked with Siseko Kondile and CE on production. Till present we as Capital decided to embark on solo projects to explore as we were solo artists before we formed the crew. So yes, that's where we at. lol.... now that was long. 

You really putting in work man, tell us about the hip hop scene in the E.C.

EC hip hop has always climbed up till today. There is a number of artists who took it further, Manskap, Rhyme Squad , Good Fellaz, Abantu, Khulekani, Gino, Dangatye, Marshals, 100 Pecent Black, Mkapakapa, to name a few.

I wanted to keep this one for later but I'm excited man can't help myself lol, Back To The City, how are you feeling? Already pictured yourself on that big stage yet? Hahaha

Back to the City, I also entered last year 2013 and also made it to the Top 20 and ended up on number 7 but they only needed 5 lol...That was so close, this year the votes are going good so far I pray we make it to the top 5 with effort and pushing hard for campaign though. Prayer needs implementation. 

I know a number of artists that are making great music in E.C and you happen to be one of them. What inspires Lush? and what keeps you going? I know its a rough journey...

I'm mostly inspired by the people honestly. Their day to day triumphs and struggles to make it, their joys and happiness. Mostly, by what God gave me, the foresight to keep elevating no matter the odds, Positive thinkers inspire me a lot and of cause my family, they are everything. 

You rap, sing and produce. Equal love for all of them or there is just one that stands out?

In terms of what stands out regarding my music, honestly its all equal love because none is forced to rule, they all come in different manner lol. Like today I woke up just inspired by rap and yesterday around 3 am I dreamnt of a chorus, woke up and recorded it on my phone just to keep the idea lol...So really I just follow what comes out.

Not so long ago, you did a song with Buntu Jobela. How did that one come about?

Crazy how I met Buntu, saw an update of his about his clan name 'XHAMELA' and I asked him and he confirmed it, I was like "whaaaaat" lol.... From there on we started chatting, I didn't know much about his music but I once saw 'DSO' on stage while we were on Tour in CPT back in 2010 around September with Iintloko Zeenyoka, Yahkeem, Vnec Revolution, Xman, King Lu, Joe Joe. I was blown away by the confidence of their stage presence and delivery, last year we had talks and a song came out. He recorded and sent me to put in a chorus and the song came to life. It's one of my favorite joints believe me, and we still going to work more together. He's a dedicated artist and I respect that, both him and Bongs. There is also Undecided Crew damn that crew is dope and asemancinci amajita they got a great future yhooo, Test I see you. 

Are you open to collabos? Or you did that one only because its BJ himself?

If you can check, as a solo artist I have never released any project but just singles. Basically, people know me mostly off my collabos. I 'm that one artist who believes in that, I believe collabos create friendship and unity among us artists. Lol....but damn they always want me to sing even when i want to RAP hahahaha eish I guess its my own fault nhee. I did songs with Manskap (EC), Iintloko Zeenyoka (EC), Hasty (EC), Buntu Jobela (CPT), Sphura EC, Sensitive, Ngqayi Yakwantu (Uitenhage), Duntone (Uitenhage). DJ TULZ (EC), SOSO Boy (EC), SNH (EC). Blaqseed (PE), Qalazive (PE) to name a few. Now, on process of recording with JAHKONGO (CPT), Nqontsonqa (Grahamstown), Buli (CPT), Truth Exposer (EC), Lord Normz (EC) some are songs I produced. 

Any plans to support your hustle on the standard that you've reached with your music?

The aim is to continue with growth and also on the business side of music as I have no manager or team, but I have to give it to the people damn they give me support so in a way I do feel like I have a team out there. My Facebook , my Mdantsane, Eastern Cape people, ayii bro the support is amazing and they assist me to push more and my wife is the Pillar of it all. The guidance and support she gives me is amazing, I couldn't ask for no better partner. 

Anything that you are currently working on? A project maybe?

I am currently on the proess of recording my album titled 'L4MP' (Love 4 My People). We just wrapped up Normz's album, from recording, mixing, beats to producing, in fact the whole project and Truth Exposers.

Name three South African artists that your playlist can't do without.

South African artists keep growing and the rate of the music being released is so fast that one can't keep up lol......But give me Bongeziwe Mabandla, Kweriz, Odwa we Capital Effect and my current project due for release any time soon lol........

Ifani is doing very well in Jozi, do you think he's paving the way for more Xhosa rappers?

Ifani is a true example of a hard working artist. Indlela ivulekile, sifikile ebhantini and now they know a sample of what we are about as EC in terms of Rap. Big ups to Ifani, I respect him his carrying the flag high but masizame simncedise umjita, EC rappers need to push hard also for the  mainstream because uyedwa ngoku pha, lonto ithi siyadingeka as an army or EC and CPT artists. Driemanskap is there already. 

Okay back to you, most people I've come across know you as just a rapper/singer but not for your production. Is it because you do the rapping and singing so well that they forget the beat lol (jokes) talk to us about your production man and who have you worked with?

Production wise I've produced for Qalazive - (Ziimbi Iindaba), Sensitive - (Thula Sana), Lord Normz's first album and current album due to be released this year, Capital Effect - (Kuyobanini, I know, Getho Youth Remix), Ingoma (my version with Duntone), Travelling (with Siseko Kondile) - Sphura EC - (Kaloku Ndiyakunga) - not released yet, Nqontsonqa and Buli - (Embo) , Couscious from Mtata, Simbone - (Adam), to name a few, and an upcoming song featuring Jahkongo. Some of the song are still soon to be released.

Again, congrats on making it to the top 20 for BTTC 10K challenge. Please share the voting details.

Dankie skeem sam this means a lot, god bless you and your crew and lets make them dreams come true, the time is now. 

For the Back To The City votes kindly sms BEATMCS - LUSH to 32541 sms cost R1 (you can vote as many times you like) also use this link to vote online once a day http://www.backtothecityfestival.com/p/vote_13.html

Anywhere we can get your music?

http://bozza.mobi/LUSH - Music Link

http://www.beatmagazinesa.co.za/lush-by-the-way/ - Profile

http://www.heavywords.co.za/audio/863-lungisile-mdunyelwa-iphupha-nexesha - Publications

https://www.facebook.com/LushweCapitaleffect?fref=ts - Facebook

Any words of inspiration to the brothers and sisters out there hustling?

Continue to dream and make it a reality. Remember those who dare not to dream will live an ordinary life but dreamers view the world with a different eyesight. Be careful of your surroundings when you are hustling, always put god first in everything you do. Put respect in front, in everything you do, respect people no matter how mean they are towards you. The world we live in today can easily distract you from your goals, protect your mind and surround your self with positive beings. Let there be light in your direction. CAMAGU. 

Thank you for your time my brother and all the best for the 10K Challenge, bring it home.

Ndiyabulela.

HIP HOP SESSIONS: GOOD? BAD? WASTE OF TIME?

by Mpendulo Mabindisa 

After attending almost every hip hop session in Cape Town, I've had so many questions in my mind, which some of them I never failed to answer. Hip hop sessions are where most talented artists got discovered from, and its still a place where most promoters go to when searching for fresh new talent. In the last year, I attended sessions and noticed that people were coming out in numbers to watch artists perform. Some say people only come out because its free as we know most hip hop shows with entrance fees don't do that well in attendance. Nevertheless, people come out on sessions and that is good.

What gets to me, is seeing artists doing the same thing, performing the same songs for the whole year and getting the same reaction. I fail to see growth on most artists, don't get me wrong I don't say artists are not growing out there. There's a few that have elevated to the next stage, which is paying shows, events, festivals etc. but as much as we are getting new faces on sessions every month we need more artists breaking into the next stage. Recently, I asked my self a question "Are hip hop sessions still helping artists or we are just stumbling in the same place, doing the same thing and we just don't see it?". I was lucky enough to bump into people that were willing to share their views and understanding in response to this question. This is what they had to say:

SABZA

The purpose for sessions is to help up-and-coming artists get their names "out there" so I guess since they are still doing that, they are "helping" artists. But it's up to the artist to grow and progress which is very hard in Cape Town because Cape Town hip hop is not an industry but a scene - there aren't a lot of paying shows here so artists because they love performing and still want to take their craft to the people, go back to performing there. So it would be silly to blame the artists and it would also be silly to blame sessions for anything. Sessions are what make Cape Town hip hop "raw" in that you start there and prove yourself to heads first before you can progress further. Or at least, in a perfect world. 

ELLO: Well, I'm going to be as honest as I can. Hip hop shows are not what they used to be or must I say are not doing what they are supposed to be doing. In my own understanding, they are suppose to help an artist grow and expose those who still want grow. What we see these days is the same line up show after show. Same people, it doesn't matter if there are 2 events on the same day still we going to see the same people we see on sessions doing the same thing. That being one of the reasons why you'll never see me again, I can't spend all my money and time to see same people performing same songs.

MADIRA: To be honest, sessionS are still helping upcoming artists. Remember, sessions are where peoplget motivated and inspired. So for upcoming artists, its helping a lot. For those who have been doing it for long, I think they are driven by desperation. Most cats are so desperate to perform due to shows being scarce. I feel that established artists should use sessions when they have something new to offer that will open spaces for the young'uns/upcoming artists to be recognized. Today you can't see a difference between a show (Paying) and a session. It's because what you see at the sessions is what you will get at the shows. Mad-Era #Team_Huslin

CYCASTIQ

Personally, I haven't been to sessions for a long time now as I didn't see much they did for me on a personal level but for others they might have been good so to answer your question, no they not doing  much. We now live in an era where technology is very influential and everything is on the internet so MCs feel like what's the point of going to a session with a few people from your hood to perform your music while you can get on the net and share links to your music and reach thousands of people at once. With that being said though they still are necessary in preserving the true culture of hip hop because after all it did start in those sessions and many MCs were born there so its basically a 2 way stream as to which is the greatest between the two Cyber world or the Streets, I take cyber though.

"To me, sessions are really helping, because I take them as a tool to sharpen the art." - NDLULAMTHI

LARRY

The state of hip hop development is hideous and its more of benevolent, artist aren't getting paid for performances, that's killing motivation. Artist that are getting paid either they got a good management team that handles all the A&R duties. The moment you demand your own rights from a promoter which they can't meet they becoming dingy towards you. As well artist turn to fail undertaking enterprises, form an ensemble where there's discussions, about unity, creating easy platforms for artist accessibility(database to be specific). Entertainment is no promenade but a cut throat industry, and very few artist are successful in Cape Town other than that Hip Hop here is retrograde. That's just my point of view.

DIZZ

It's all up to the artist, that's just how I feel about it. It's what you as an artist do with the platform given to you. I know artist with skill but are too arrogant to use sessions to gain the popularity and fan base they need because they want to get paid. The industry has sold us the idea that its easy to blow, they just didn't tell these dudes that before blowing up you need a fan base. Hard work and a positive attitude bro, there is too many expects and very little rappers who can actually penetrate and hold their own at sessions.

MINKY

As for me, I don't feel the urge to attend a hip hop session because it seems like its a just a place for a bunch of friends to catch up and bond. If ubani uyaya then sure thing nobani uzoya screw whoever is on the line up, but somehow they do help artists in terms of building a fan base i think..That's just how i see it.

STEVEINHIO

I'm not an artist or something big in the music scene, I'm just a big fan. In my own opinion sessions are good for beginners, people who wanna horn their skills and make a name for themselves. Your more established artists should however avoid these sessions and get a good PR person who will make sure they get paying gigs.

MZK

I think they are helping, especially for young and upcoming artist because that's where they test their skill of rapping, nurture their skills and launch their new songs.That's where most of us started performing and gained confidence.It's also a great platform to network with other artists. Hip hop session are a good platform, where artists can gather and socialize. It's a platform where everyone from every corner is welcom to perform and expose themselves to the public and also get a chance to showcase their latest projects..All in all I think they still benefit some other people.

MEET THE FUTURE OF CAPE TOWN HIP HOP: WAH-LI

by Mpendulo Mabindisa

Catching up with the freshest kid on the block. I had some time with the man himself to discuss, the past, present, and the future. Check it out:

Awe fam, Ugrand?

Awe bra. I'm all good.

So who is Wah-Li?

Well, Wah-Li is a 19 year old kid from the streets of Delft South. He's a very ambitious young fellow. He's just like any other teenager out there but with a bit more edge to him. Always going out of his way to achieve his goals which are often ''BIG'' and ''UNREALISTIC'' to many. Which kinda makes him a bit special lol.

It's quite clear that you doing something right, last year you made it to the finals of Rawkus which many believe you should've won, now you made it to the top 20 MCs for the BTTC 10K challenge. Take us through your journey.

Yeah, as I said I'm a person who's very ambitious. I'm forever setting goals for myself and people around me. Seeing us in a better place, and me being that kinda person I grasp at every opportunity that comes my way and make the best of it. Unfortunately I didn't win the Rawkus competition because I think most people were certain I'd win which wasn't the case. I lost through votes and I hope #BTTC2014 10K Challenge won't be a case of de javu. But I got over the loss the same day because it never helps crying over spilt milk. Not to sound egotistical but I know I'll go further than Rawkus anyway irrelevant of what happened there.

I've noticed that you have mad love for Proverb's music. Does his music inspire you in a way or you just simply relate to most, if not all of his songs.

Hahaha. Uhm, I believe I've lived some of his experiences during his teenage life meaning I relate to most of his recent songs. Me knowing that there are certain things I have in common with him always inspires me to reach further heights and believe in myself more than I did the previous day.

Any other South African cat you put up there with Proverb on your playlist?

Yeah, there are a lot of cats I listen to. It's not just 'Verb. I listen to Mothipa a lot as well. But I mostly listen to ''Spaza'' which some people find strange seeing that I rap predominantly in English.

Not so long ago, you were on Hectic Nine9 with your crew mate promoting your new joint with J Loyd. How did the song come about?

Basically Rap Legion & Jay Lloyd are part of BarcodedMusic. Most heads listen to our music and say: ''Now that's Real Hip Hop''. As such as we were trying to broaden our fanbase by bringing RnB into it (Jay Lloyd) and reach a bigger market. Not just be limited to heads. But we don't compromise on lyrics though, never!

Tell us about your relationship with Principles?

Well Prince is a friend and a brother above being our manager and producer. He's the mastermind behind Wah-Li, Maximum & Rap Legion

With the beef that's been going on between Philly and Delft cats what's your take on it?

Delft and Philly have nothing to do with anything. Niggaz got their own beef which they'll sort out their own way.

The 10K challenge, must be exciting to be in the top 20 nhe?

Flip it's super exciting but equally scary at the same time. I mean we're talking about the top 20 in SA out of thousands of submissions.

You couldn't win Rawkus because of votes. You need votes to make it to the top 5 of the 10K challenge, any new strategies to get more votes?

It's like I said before I lost because of votes and I hope that won't happen again. Nah I'm silent about my strategy. But I know my people got my back. Shout out to them. Respect and much appreciation. God bless.

Please share all the voting details with us.

To vote via SMS:

''BEATMCS - WAH-LI'' to 32541. R1 per SMS. Vote via SMS as many times as you want

To vote online:

http://www.backtothecityfestival.com/p/vote_13.html scroll down to the very end. Click next to my name then vote.

What do you think of Cape Town hip hop scene? And if you had to change one thing about it, what would that be?

We have too many people complaining about the scene but none of 'em doing nothing about it. We have enough artists to make it anywhere but we lack seriousness. That's what i'd change about it. Niggas need to start acting professional.

How can people get hold of you?

Is it safe to give out my number? Hahaha emails address: anelab2r@gmail.com & barcodedmusic@gmail.com. Tweet me @WahLi_Barcoded. Facebook: Anela ''Wah-Li'' Mrubata

Any shoutouts?

Shout out to everybody showing love to a brother and my team @BarCodedMusic. I knows there's a long list of such people and it's unfortunate that I can't name you all because people might hate me if I leave their names out so i'd rather say none. I hope ya'll understand though. And also shout out to all the radio stations playing our music. Highly appreciated, stay blessed ya'll. Peace

DLA'S PROMISE TO VEGITA

The past few weeks have been far more interesting for the Spaza scene in Cape Town. The Philippi based MC Invisible Virus released a diss track titled "DS Hoe" aimed at Buntu Jobela. The song made it to everyone's play list and built some kind of pressure for Buntu's camp to respond. Surprisingly, Dla from Driemanskap was also invited on the response record or invited himself who knows, and came through with his verse.

Everyone had something to say, as comments were flying. Vegita, who is another MC from Phillippi and an ex member of M4M Crew that consist of DSO's Buntu Jobela and Rheebongs not leaving out Pincode announced that he would be also joining in on the beef releasing his own diss record. That sparked even more interest and we were all wondering who he will be dissing. The Big Weazy produced record dropped and Vegita was dissing Both DSO and Dla. It was fun, I loved all the records and I was ready to move on from all of it. Few days ago, I saw Dla's status saying he will be releasing a diss record aimed at Vegita. Like everyone else I was surprised and Dla seemed sure about his decision as he also went on to comment on Vegita's status telling him to expect the diss record from him soon. Earlier today, Dla posted a status letting people know that he hasn't forgotten about Vegita and will be dropping the diss record soon.

Like everyone else I'm patiently waiting for Dla's diss record to the 100 Bars rapper "Vegita". Big question is, "When will this beef end?"

Take it from where it all started, download all the diss records and we will share the new one from Dla once it is available.

Invisible Virus - DS Hoe 

www.datafilehost.com/d/f3af1888

Rheebongs - DS Hoe Response feat. Dla

http://bozza.mobi/Rheebongs/music/DS%20Hoe%20(Response)

Vegita - Isgwebo

http://www.datafilehost.com/d/e9aa5901

TIMO COMING BACK WITH ANOTHER ONE

Most of you know him as Taycee Da MicZilla's hype man when he started. Most of you know him as Mr "My album is Halaal". Most of ya'll know him as Mr "Smokers Section VOL.1". Ladies and GENTLEMEN I'm talking about the GUY who brought you the "BLACK SATURDAY's and every sunday HELD it OWN with the OPEN MICS with TIMO. I'm Talking about A Rapper/Poet/Actor/­­Voice Over Artist/ entrepreneur/ Disk Jockey yep he also goes by the name of #Best|Rapper|DJ• A beast on the Decks, messed up HIP HOP DJ. South African Hip Hop Music Awards (SAHHA) nominee also Australian MSF TV documentary Award Runner Up. Mr TIMO ABDUL AZIZ PAHAD.

Real name Themba Jekubeni born in a small town in the Eastern Cape Called Cala "eRounin' now currently residing in Cape Town working with AliceLibo Music who is crew members to the late "Taycee da MicZilla" RIP, Mtezman the Gux KING PROUCER and Bangsta the SUPREME DREAM TEAM.

Timo has recently joined forces with a veteran who has been behind the scene for names like Maxhoseni, Mr P Pzho Non Stop and most of the prominent underground hip hop acts from Cape Town.

Timo adds " its been 3 weekend since I started working with PaperWork and the Rap Game was too disappointing for me to come back since I got a new talent which was Deejaying and it worked better".

Timo adds" PaperWork gave him a beat which had been in his catalog for more than 9 years, this beat went to Jo-Burg and Cape Town artists, everybody was feeling the beat, but no one could rap on it. Which shows that this BEAT was waiting for me!!!

I had a listen to this beat and immediately I was blown away. I took it home next weekend laced my vocals and I had a listen... After it played a small voice said "this is it!!".... I'm ready more than ever this TIME!!!!!

This single marks the RETURN of Timo Abdul Aziz Paha as the Vocal Chord Machine

This BEAST of a SINGLE will be LAUNCHED on the HEADWARMAZ show, Cape Towns best HIP HOP show, Bush Radio 89.5 on APRIL 4th 2014, at 22hOO after that we shifting it to every PROVINCE and every city!!!

Tell everybody the #vocalCHORDmachine is COMING, Major SALUTATIONS to the PEOPLE behind the #vocalCHORDmachine MOVEMENT

Look out for my single titled #vocallCHORDmachine (Produced by PaperWork)

HASHTAG #vocalCHORDmachine its a MOVEMENT

Connect with the #vocalCHORDmachine on:

Twitter: @Timo_Abdul

Facebook: Timo Abdul Aziz Pahad

Free music below

Dazz Flexxx & Timo Abdul - Extreme LEVEL (Prod. PaperWork)

http://­­kasimp3.co.za/115070

Taycee - 21 Gun Salute ft 21 EMCEE's (Prod. Mtezman) 

http://­­kasimp3.co.za/114744

Timo Abdul - Winners Ft Vegita, Bangsta & Mtezman (Prod. Mtezman) 

http://­­kasimp3.co.za/111762

Sharks - Awuzundenza nix ft Mtezman, Bangsta & Timo (DRIEMANSKAP DISS TRACK) 

http://­­kasimp3.co.za/113192

Timo Abdul - HIP HOP ft Bangsta & Mtezman (prod. Mtezman) 

http://­­kasimp3.co.za/109685

Timo Abdul - Vendetta (prod. Mtezman) 

http://­­kasimp3.co.za/43779

Timo Abdul. - iStory sika Bra T (prod. Mtezman) 

http://mp3twit.com/­­l5r

Timo Abdul - My album is halaal (official Music Video) 

http://­­www.youtube.com/­­watch?v=tslCOVAZeLw

#vocalCHORDmachine

BIG WEAZY INTERVIEW

by Mpendulo Mabindisa - 25 March 2014

I had a convo with Big Weazy and he chopped it all down for us, his plans hopes and dreams. Check it out:

Yo Weazy, How are you fam?

All good fam, God's keeping me alive.

First of all, uBig Weazy yini? Are you just a beatmaker/producer?

I'm a music producer (Hip Hop/RnB/Dancehall), I'm a founder of One Le Familia Music Group which is a recording label I co-own with my girl friend who runs our administration work and a close friend R-Warra aka Mr West coast who's my assistance engineer and a beatmaker. Big Weazy's Classics is a businessman.

Take us through your beat making process?

Well it all depends on what I'm producing, first I run FL Studio 9 for my all my beats with a lotta VST's and drumkits from the world's proclaimed producers. I'll run you through how I produced my latest single "Legendary".

I sampled a record by Rose Royce - Love Don't Live here Anymore... I chopped it, turned up the tempo by few percentage and pitch shifted it by +700 (Stretching Method: Auto). I needed to take care of some few frequencies, which a lot where on the low band. I used an REQ6 which is wave equalizer: reduced my low frequency at 60Hz by -17, reduced at 334Hz by -9.4, reduced at 1610Hz by -1.3, boost at 6124Hz by +1. I applied another EQ, SSLEQ which is my favorite when it comes to boosting specifically on the high shelf: I turned the filter button on around 20Hz with the analog on and there was a bit of muddiness at the low mid frequency so I just reduced it by -1.88 at 500Hz, gave a boost at 3500Hz by +2.27 and gave another boost of +1.16 at 8000Hz. Since there high got a lil bit sharp on the ear after this I had to apply a C1 compressor with -22.1 Threshold, ratio 3.12:1, very slow attack and high release. I also felt that I didn't need to play a lot of instruments on this sample so I needed an fx that will accommodate the dry spaces so I added an Rverb Stereo with medium room size, high predelay, and a lil bit of wet/dry mix which was 9. The last fx was the Wave S1 Imager Stereo, this worked very well and made the sample wider and accommodating the space I heard.

I went to work on my favorite part of that beat which is my drum pattern, the tempo being 84BPM. I need this to sound as if it was being played by a real live drummer and percussionist with rolling drums to create the excitement to the listeners. It was hard to accomplish but with patients it did. You will realise that it the drum changes on the hook, I did that after the vocals were recorded to give it the rnb feel...

I also played a a finger Jazz Bass from Hypersonic with low tone and EQ... On the bass I applied an REQ4, boosted by +8 at 60Hz (Bell), reduced by -3 at 350, at 850 I gave it a boost of +9 and lastly gave another boost at 5000Hz by 10.1... I know this may sound weired but I needed the bass to be smooth. I then used RCompressor which is also a wave plugin, Threshold -6.0, ratio 6.1:1, Gain 3.1, attack at 0.50 and a release at 660. The last instrument played there is a Orchestra and Choir which is from my personal synth, Nexus 2: I ddnt need to do too much on this as Nexus have built in knobs to use (which also save CPU), I only applied an REQ6 to cut the low band and hard compressed it hard with a ratio of 7.13:1 and threshold of -24.3.

Arrangement and mixing plays a big part when working on a beat, never settle for less or get lazy...

Man, you arrived in Cape Town few years back and things just started happening for you. So besides making dope beats, what is it that you doing and other producers in Cape Town are not doing?

I relocated to Cape Town in October 2012 (big thanks to Slash who introduced me to Matic whom introduced me to Vegita and Ntsikane who gave me a place to stay for 3 months)... I had a plan, the plan was to make sure that beatmakers seize to exist and I did just that coz it's time for real producers and the only way to do that is putting your business affairs before friendship and work hard: study.

I heard you produced one of the joints on Driemanskap's upcoming album, How true is that?

Well, I got a call from Elnino early this year confirming that my joint made it to the album but I don't know what's going to happen to it now that I've produced a joint where Vegita disses Dla and DSO.

Not so long ago you mentioned that you in Studio with Kanyi. Take us through your sessions with her.

Ahhh man, it was a great 12 hour session which took 2days to finish recording. Unfortunately they didn't deliver financially so I got rid of the data and there's no track no more.

So what do you think is lacking in the Cape Town hip hop scene?

Artists and beatmakers here is lazy, they talk too much but work less...I ain't saying the rest of em ain't doing nothing but making music in your lab is not enough, get it out there and build connections coz Cape Town is gifted.

Is it the reason why you moving to Jozi?

Plenty of em, I make peanuts in Cape Town... I'm limited coz of spaza. You see, in Cape Town you get to a point where you feel stuck and can't move anywhere and that's exactly what's happening to me right now. I mean I need to sell more trap/rnb/crunk beats like I sell fast my boombap beats.

Okay, give us more info about your move to Jozi. Any big names you will be working with soon there?

A lot but I aint gon share that right now, all I can say is Jozi will be invaded and vandalized.

You once mentioned that your family has been supportive ever since you have started making beats. How important is that to you?

It's very important and a blessing, I remember when I had to tell my folks I don't wanna go to varsity no more... They were like "are you sure?" And they accepted that and been supportive since day 1. You can get love anywhere but you can never get the love your mom and pop's give you, I'm blessed

Name one Cape Town artist you enjoy having a studio session with?

All of those I've worked with, I respect all my clients and in order for them to keep coming back and pay for my service they have to enjoy themselves too... It's always a two way thing, One Le Familia Music Group value every paying and non paying client the same way.

There were a couple of words thrown at you for your involvement on the BJ/I.V beef, well I think its only because you produced "Isigwebo" by Vegita which surprised a number of people and you were open with your views regarding the beef. Any message to the people you might have offended?

Well my involvement was to prove loyalty over money, I'm not going to apologize... This game don't need soft hearted people that cry over lost battles and disses.

The #SueMe term, tell us a bit about it. Is there a meaning behind it or you just being cool lol?

Hahaha, I gots 4 trademarks... The french, "This is another Big Weazy's Classics", "Big Weazy let em know Classics are better than Hits, Sue Me" and "And now for my next number I'd like to return to the Classics". Sue Me is taken from the other trademark which means exactly that, Sue Me for being dope I just don't care coz I can handle whatever you bring on me coz I aint gon fade out over negative words.

V.I.G, when is his project dropping? And what plans do you have for him? He's really dope by the way, and a good performer.

VIG got fired from the label, we had big plans but the kid forgot what he came to do in Cape Town and started lazing around. Being dope don't get you fans these days, working hard and respecting your art does that.

So Weazy, any message to Cape Town producers? Share the special recipe man lol

I'm leaving soon, y'all will shine again #Respect to Mananz though (Beast)... Recipe? Hahahaha I can't even explain how come up with these crazy ideas.

Where can people get hold of you?

Like my page:

-Big Weazy's Classics on facebook - http://soundcloud.com/leclassics - weazythabosz@gmail.com -onelefamiliamusicgroup@gmail.com - onelefamiliamusicgroup.blogspot.com - OneLeFamilia BigWeazy's Classics on facebook

And yo, I heard your latest joint titled "Legendary" featuring various artists, how did that one come about?

Im an opportunist, I saw a lot of guys don't appreciate the love they get from the sisters who support the art we claim to love so someone needed to stand up but I needed guys who can deliver and everyone did.

Since its about the sisters in Hip Hop, any last words to them?

Keep supporting, ignore idiots who call you bad names.

Test Ntsini - Standard One [Album Review]

The project sounds great. For a project coming out from the township to sound this good, it just proves that artists are putting in some work and they are taking their craft seriously. This project from Test is a perfect example.

It is the Test Ntsini that most people know, spitting inspiring raps in vernac. He is backed by fresh beats from young producers that are still on their come up, and its high 5 to Test for giving them a chance, they did great.

I'm still finding it hard to say which song is my favorite, they all sounding very nice and well written. With the positive message on each song, I feel like my mother deserves to own a copy of this project.

Test is a great lyricist, with this project he just proved that nothing has changed in fact he just grew as an artist and lyricist. All the featured artist also didn't disappoint, from the lady with a very beautiful voice "Embo" to the kid with the hard hitting raps "Lyf Sentence", every one gave in their best.

Tracks: 15

Originality : 4/5

Lyrical content: 4.5/5

Rating: 4/5