International Hip Hop 296 Items

The work of Malcolm R & Waseem started with “Peace, Love, Unity and having Fun”, the Hip-Hop motto according to Krs-One. Malcolm R, involved in the social processes of his country of origin (Chile), moved to Munich Germany to pursue better education. By participating in Munich’s Rap scene he got to know Waseem and DasDing (DSDNG), a collective of Mc’s, Dj’s, B-Boys/Girls. Waseem, also an activist, invited Malcolm R to join the collective marking the starting point of their first projects together. From that moment on their common work flourished with the necessary spirit and resources to produce their first professional work in the form of “The Motherland EP”, which refers to the search for justice and to the roots of these two Afro-Latinamerican MC’s. Malcolm R & Waseem also feature some local and international musicians/activists, giving this project a wider spectrum to the perspective of people looking for a better future - in their motherland or as immigrants.

Jahmal Padmore’s debut solo album, Esparonto, arrives via Telephone Explosion Records on May 28th, 2022. Padmore has been honing his producing, songwriting, and drumming skills since 2007, working with artists like Mstrkrft, The Carps, Just John and Brendan Philip. This extensive studio & collaboration experience has primed Jahmal for a standout debut, one that encompasses the diversity of his past musical work. Esparonto is a stunning collection of ten post-Afropunk R&B tracks that are languid, sexy and wry.

There is an undeniable sense of self-reflection that runs throughout Esperanto. Lyrics about distant regrets, ego detachment, and unconditional self-love are reoccurring, sung through Padmore’s signature lyrical croon. “... I can’t give you the things you need, without forsaking a part of me,” sings Padmore in the chorus of album opener Sorted, perfectly encapsulating the overarching vibe of Esperonto. Guitarist Benja’s foggy haze of abstract jazz chords provide a welcoming and warm atmosphere required for such deep contemplation.

Esperonto kicks it up a notch on the more hip hop-leaning tracks. Operator (ft: Matthew Progress), Ingestion (ft: Keita Juma) and Pretty are all rife with energy, with the latter taking the cake as the song most likely to be stuck in your head for the next 10 months, at least! The classic combination of a sample pack-worthy beat and a massive chorus are at work here. The song begins with the lyrics “I can’t help it if god made me pretty,” setting the hook for a stadium-sized chorus where Padmore proclaims “My ego gets me high/My ego tells me who I really am.” A follower of spiritual guru Ram Dass, Padmore appears to be one step closer to his goal of enlightenment, and is not ashamed of it.

The album closes with “So Cold,'' its most delicate track and a perfect come-down after such tireless self-evaluation. The epic crescendo sees Padmore repeatedly announcing “I’ve lost myself.” It’s clear that he has shed some unnecessary facets of his personality and is ready to move forward. Recording at Telephone Explosion’s Studio Z, the trio of Padmore, Benja and OBGMs drummer/keyboardist Colanthony Humphries began with lengthy jam sessions which eventually became the cores of each track. Padmore plucked the most progressive bass and percussion

elements from the sessions and added samples to create Esperonto’s uniquely live aesthetic. The album was then mixed by Louis Cremades at House Of Balloons (The Weeknd) and mastered by Kevin McPhee at East End Mastering.

Esparonto’s title is drawn from the name of the constructed language that Polish ophthalmologist L.L. Zamenhof created in the late 1800s. On this album, Padmore constructs a musical language all his own, with songs firmly rooted in R&B that expand to include elements of jazz, ambient, house, hip hop and pop. After years of holding space for other artists and productions, Padmore’s thrilling debut is a clear proclamation from an artist who is ready to step out of the shadows and into his own light.

Bad Boy Chiller Crew is a bassline collective from Bradford in West Yorkshire. The group began by uploading comedy and prank videos online before making music influenced by the UK bassline scene which rose to prominence (particularly in the Yorkshire region) during the 2000s. In November 2021 the band could be seen in their own reality TV documentary, broadcast on Itv2. This is the groups second album release (first on the Relentless label) - a 20 track mixtape style CD available at reduced dealer price. Strong support across all streaming platforms, alongside radio support (R1, Capital, ILR playlists & features). Press ads, features, interviews & reviews across music mags, tabloids & broadsheets. Online & social media activity.

The latest album by Santaworldview, who became famous with “rapstar 2024” and is gaining popularity among the younger generation, is now available on long-awaited Cd/lp! In addition to songs produced by Stuts, Wilywnka, and other splendid guest artists, the album also includes a single song arranged from the soundtrack of the anime “Cowboy Bebop”. This is a new masterpiece of Santaworldview, who has grown not only as a rapper/artist but also as a human being.

Osaka-based emerging bath music label "Oke Music Factory" is back with a release after two years, featuring a collaborative track by Neibiss and Pasocom Music Club!

Having collaborated on several tracks before, the chemistry between these two artists is already proven. The track boasts a solid bassline while seamlessly incorporating ambient elements and an upbeat Amen break, creating a unique blend that perfectly complements Neibiss's relaxed, bath-themed rap. The skillful composition brings an unexpected sense of calm, making it a perfect fit for all bathing facilities. The mastering was done by Naoya Tokunou, and the cover design was created by Neibiss's own ratiff.

Brazilian Hip Hop, with a golden-era glint and a 20-strong cast is given fresh impetus on Ela Partiu, 24 year old rapper Laiz"s breakout recording on Agogo Records.Glowing with Pan-African collaborations, and rooted in Laiz"s love and appreciation of magical realism, tropicália and Brazilian music old and new - think Tom Zé and Marcelo D2 - Ela Partiu features Sudanese trap-rapper Zeyo Mann, Ghanian percussionist and singer Eric Owusu (Jembaa Groove, Pat Thomas) and produced by young.vishnu & Pachakuti, from the up and coming crew, and Laiz"s label mates, The New Love Experience.