Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Monday, September 19, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Pac Div- Fallin. Released from the Mania! mixtape. I fucks with it!
Frank Ocean- Novacane. Judge me for diggin this joint and i'll judge you for not and fuckin wit' it by now. This kid is the future!
Tyler, The Creator feat. Frank Ocean- She. This track grew on me, lately I discovered that. It turns out that the kid is really talented not only as a rapper but on the production-end too. Nobody thought he possessed the ability of creating such a good song which is rather musical and transcending than his previous single releases like Yonkers and Sandwiches, which carried a grundgy taste.
Elzhi- It Ain't Hard To Tell. Always been our favourite rapper and an inspiration when it comes to lyricism. Congrats to El for doin justice by the way for executing a monumental classic hip-hop album of all time such as IllMatic.
Pusha-T feat. Tyler, The Creator- Trouble On My Mind. I'm not on Tyler's or Odd Future's nuts, but i'd be crazy for not putting up this one. This joint is a BANGER! Tyler's mad innovative, consistent and stays in his element.
Frank Ocean- Novacane. Judge me for diggin this joint and i'll judge you for not and fuckin wit' it by now. This kid is the future!
Tyler, The Creator feat. Frank Ocean- She. This track grew on me, lately I discovered that. It turns out that the kid is really talented not only as a rapper but on the production-end too. Nobody thought he possessed the ability of creating such a good song which is rather musical and transcending than his previous single releases like Yonkers and Sandwiches, which carried a grundgy taste.
Elzhi- It Ain't Hard To Tell. Always been our favourite rapper and an inspiration when it comes to lyricism. Congrats to El for doin justice by the way for executing a monumental classic hip-hop album of all time such as IllMatic.
Pusha-T feat. Tyler, The Creator- Trouble On My Mind. I'm not on Tyler's or Odd Future's nuts, but i'd be crazy for not putting up this one. This joint is a BANGER! Tyler's mad innovative, consistent and stays in his element.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Ill Skillz in ELLE Magazine
We recently appeared on Elle Magazine's September issue, check it out!
Ill Skillz on that pretty-boy fly shit lol.
Ill Skillz on that pretty-boy fly shit lol.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Throne - Otis or Common + Nas - Ghetto Dreams
Two new videos from Hip hop's prominent cats recently hit the market. Over the top braggadocious offering from Jay Z and Kanye (The Throne) where we see a Maybach getting the nip/tuck in a shocking statement to the world as Jay proclaims "I invented Swag, poppin bottles, putting super models in a cab" etc etc. On the other, Ghetto dreams, Common and Nas take it to the streets...Mr Nasir Jones taking us back to Nasty Nas with a flow we haven't heard in ages.
It's already been an exciting year for hip hop, it's clear there's more to look forward to no matter what your taste is. Stay Ill Skillin!
The Throne - Otis
Common + Nas - Ghetto Dreams
It's already been an exciting year for hip hop, it's clear there's more to look forward to no matter what your taste is. Stay Ill Skillin!
The Throne - Otis
Common + Nas - Ghetto Dreams
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
From The Granite To The Sky With No Limits
To start i'd like to quote the black Jack Johnson a.k.a Flako Bey that's the bidness, he said "We Are Alive In Amazing Times, Delicate Hearts, Diabolical Minds". He says a lot of things really, i think The Ecstatic is very much underrated. Suppose it has much to do with our obsession with grandeur and glamour, that we care less for anything that alludes to reality or requires the sober mind to engage and challenge what is being presented in the music.
As I write this i'm confronted with news of riots in London, which according to reports were initially a reaction/protest of the shooting of a local man in Tottenham. This is somehow overshadowing the Famine in Somalia, currently responsible for the death of thousands of women and children. But in the politics of the world, the crisis in Somalia is of less importance, as it doesn't much influence the bottom line (especially not at a time when the stock value in Frankfurt took a serious knock leaving global markets shook).
But something's got to give. Africans if anything are ashamed of the famine in Somalia, and intrigued by the riots in London. It's like watching a movie. The famine however doesn't help us get over our self loathing and disdain for our neighbours...makes us even less proud to be African.
We're good at being worldly, sophisticated and well informed about new developments and trends in the west...even the east. But don't ask us to be African. We don't even know what that means.
That said let me draw your attention to this new video by Evidence - Same Folks ft. Fashawn. Shot on the boardwalk on Venice Beach, California where both rappers are from. You may know Evidence from Dilated Peoples "worst comes to worst, my peoples come first". The video starts with DJ Babu telling them "You're Never Gonna Blow Up" as the two are busy burning cd's on a laptop and replacing Walkman batteries. Watch the video to see how it plays out, but more importantly. Pay attention to the lyrics and hear the message. pure skillz!!!!
On the higher end of Hip hop/rap the long talked about release of one of the biggest collaborations in music history has finally hit the market. Pop culture icons, Jay-Z and Kanye West together known as The Throne, have dropped Watch The Throne after teasing fans with the album art and track-list feat some top notch producers like Q-Tip, 88 Keys, Swizz Beats and RZA. Don Jazzy, a Naija boy who recently signed to Yeezy's G.O.O.D Music alongside D'Banj also made the credit list. A great achievement for any African hip hop artist.
The project in itself is quite ambitious. Jay and Ye are both mega figures in the entertainment world. The pressure to out do themselves, real or perceived is daunting. I get a sense that their both very concerned about their legacy and at times very defensive, Ye especially. No doubt this album will be dissected and talked about for a minute as The Throne celebrates it's position as the regal icon of black american excellence. But don't be fooled, if the album didn't live up to your expectation, i'd like to know what you were expecting.
Intro track opens with Frank Ocean "Human beings in a mob. What's a mob to a King? What's a King to a God? What's a God to a nonbeliever? who don't believe in anything, will he make it out a live? alright...alright, No Church In The Wild."
I will ask you to understand that chorus, to put things in perspective as you go through the rest of the album. All I will say is I hope that people don't just ride the hype and actually pay attention to what's being said. And i don't mean quote lines you like, but understand the ideas, thoughts, emotions and messages expressed in the music. don't just skim through it.
you can stream Watch The Throne here: "http://www.prefixmag.com/news/stream-kanye-and-jay-zs-watch-the-throne/55178/"
As I write this i'm confronted with news of riots in London, which according to reports were initially a reaction/protest of the shooting of a local man in Tottenham. This is somehow overshadowing the Famine in Somalia, currently responsible for the death of thousands of women and children. But in the politics of the world, the crisis in Somalia is of less importance, as it doesn't much influence the bottom line (especially not at a time when the stock value in Frankfurt took a serious knock leaving global markets shook).
But something's got to give. Africans if anything are ashamed of the famine in Somalia, and intrigued by the riots in London. It's like watching a movie. The famine however doesn't help us get over our self loathing and disdain for our neighbours...makes us even less proud to be African.
We're good at being worldly, sophisticated and well informed about new developments and trends in the west...even the east. But don't ask us to be African. We don't even know what that means.
That said let me draw your attention to this new video by Evidence - Same Folks ft. Fashawn. Shot on the boardwalk on Venice Beach, California where both rappers are from. You may know Evidence from Dilated Peoples "worst comes to worst, my peoples come first". The video starts with DJ Babu telling them "You're Never Gonna Blow Up" as the two are busy burning cd's on a laptop and replacing Walkman batteries. Watch the video to see how it plays out, but more importantly. Pay attention to the lyrics and hear the message. pure skillz!!!!
On the higher end of Hip hop/rap the long talked about release of one of the biggest collaborations in music history has finally hit the market. Pop culture icons, Jay-Z and Kanye West together known as The Throne, have dropped Watch The Throne after teasing fans with the album art and track-list feat some top notch producers like Q-Tip, 88 Keys, Swizz Beats and RZA. Don Jazzy, a Naija boy who recently signed to Yeezy's G.O.O.D Music alongside D'Banj also made the credit list. A great achievement for any African hip hop artist.
The project in itself is quite ambitious. Jay and Ye are both mega figures in the entertainment world. The pressure to out do themselves, real or perceived is daunting. I get a sense that their both very concerned about their legacy and at times very defensive, Ye especially. No doubt this album will be dissected and talked about for a minute as The Throne celebrates it's position as the regal icon of black american excellence. But don't be fooled, if the album didn't live up to your expectation, i'd like to know what you were expecting.
Intro track opens with Frank Ocean "Human beings in a mob. What's a mob to a King? What's a King to a God? What's a God to a nonbeliever? who don't believe in anything, will he make it out a live? alright...alright, No Church In The Wild."
I will ask you to understand that chorus, to put things in perspective as you go through the rest of the album. All I will say is I hope that people don't just ride the hype and actually pay attention to what's being said. And i don't mean quote lines you like, but understand the ideas, thoughts, emotions and messages expressed in the music. don't just skim through it.
you can stream Watch The Throne here: "http://www.prefixmag.com/news/stream-kanye-and-jay-zs-watch-the-throne/55178/"
Monday, June 20, 2011
Ill Skillionaire: FREE DOWNLOAD!!!
Due to a popular demand we decided to give you guys a leak of our latest single Ill Skillionaire. I personally didn't want to release it out for free coz its supposed to mark out there as our single for our forthcoming new album due in August/September and get ya'll attracted to cop the album and shit, but Flexx insisted, so there you have it!
We paid for the beat! And for the video! So ya'll gotta cop the album when it comes out.
We paid for the beat! And for the video! So ya'll gotta cop the album when it comes out.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
RIP Leon Botha
One of very few South African artist who were celebrated while living. R.I.P 'You showed us nothing can stop us' - Akio Kawahito aka DJ Intelligent Design
Doepelganger Presents Ill-Literate-Skill, live at Voom Voom // Sat. 04 June 2011
Action Pic 1.
Action Pic 2.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
New Ill Skillz Video: Ill Skillionaire
ITS FINALLY HERE! YEAH, THAT SHIT YOU ORDERED...
TURN THIS SHIT UP LOUD WHEN IT BANGS!
TURN THIS SHIT UP LOUD WHEN IT BANGS!
Air Yeezy 2
Firstly, I can't forgive myself for not copping the first-version smdh, at the same time I try to come to terms with it by understanding myself that I was really broke during that period and rather prioritise my monthly bills- wish I had got that Nike deal by then.
But G.O.O.D. news are on the pipeline as the man himself who invented and brought us the 'Glow In The Dark Tour' back in 2008 along with Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell, KanYe West will be releasing a sophomore edition. Although that is a fact and ALSO the fact that I copped the Louis Vuitton KanYe West range, it still doesn't make-up for not scooping the first one on my collection (...yeah I know, moaning-ass sneaker fiend). And if by any chance the Shelflife crew is reading this post, I'M STILL UP TO BUY THAT AIR-YEEZY 1 ON YOUR DISPLAY CUBICLE AT THE STORE.
I believe that he might've made a debut performance with them at the Coachella Festival which took place on April 17, but when I tried taking a good look at the footage by his feet I couldn't spot a better glimpse. KanYe has obviously done and achieved alot in his career, but the reason why I mentioned the 'Glow In The Dark Tour' is because word has it that the concept around the style of the Air Yeezy 2 is adopted from the 'Glow In The Dark' model.
Nuff said! I picked up this pic of it somewhere from the internet. Hope it serves well as a preview, and I am definitely on board for this one.
But G.O.O.D. news are on the pipeline as the man himself who invented and brought us the 'Glow In The Dark Tour' back in 2008 along with Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell, KanYe West will be releasing a sophomore edition. Although that is a fact and ALSO the fact that I copped the Louis Vuitton KanYe West range, it still doesn't make-up for not scooping the first one on my collection (...yeah I know, moaning-ass sneaker fiend). And if by any chance the Shelflife crew is reading this post, I'M STILL UP TO BUY THAT AIR-YEEZY 1 ON YOUR DISPLAY CUBICLE AT THE STORE.
I believe that he might've made a debut performance with them at the Coachella Festival which took place on April 17, but when I tried taking a good look at the footage by his feet I couldn't spot a better glimpse. KanYe has obviously done and achieved alot in his career, but the reason why I mentioned the 'Glow In The Dark Tour' is because word has it that the concept around the style of the Air Yeezy 2 is adopted from the 'Glow In The Dark' model.
Nuff said! I picked up this pic of it somewhere from the internet. Hope it serves well as a preview, and I am definitely on board for this one.
Random Axe: It Gets Better and Better...
They need no intro around my circles, but incase you didn't know you have a helluva task to find out more about these fellas- Sean Price, Guilty Simpson and Black Milk are Random Axe. They've all released a couple of dope cuts and some classics under their belts such as Jesus Price Superstar, Ode To The Ghetto and Tronic just to name a few, all respectively.
If I anticipate a project, then you should too- its not an order but rather an alert. I've been a real fan of these cats individually and from the tracks i've heard so far, "its about go down, Basement!" #YoungMoneyPunchline lol
I've picked up some interviews taken while they did a listening session for the album, just for an inside scoop.
Oh guess what?!! They dropped a new video as well for their latest single, "The Hex". Check it out too.
If I anticipate a project, then you should too- its not an order but rather an alert. I've been a real fan of these cats individually and from the tracks i've heard so far, "its about go down, Basement!" #YoungMoneyPunchline lol
I've picked up some interviews taken while they did a listening session for the album, just for an inside scoop.
Oh guess what?!! They dropped a new video as well for their latest single, "The Hex". Check it out too.
Odd Future: HOT.ASS.BEAT.CLAP
It is very clear and undisputable at this stage that Odd Future have invaded and dominated the cyber-space world, becoming the latest sensation. I'm a fan of Odd Future and I have a very genuine support for them mainly because they are very innovative, not afraid to be themselves, authentic and hold-no-bars.
Now on a random night while I was in London, internet's faster than a mofoka :-), and i'm just thrilled and excited to learn more about these kids, leading me to surf through all kinds of their footage and I came across one of their clips which just surfaced through another light on their existing shine. Believe-it-or-not, I must've watched this clip for like over 50 times, and it cracks-me-the-fuck-up as if i've seen it for this time.
To me it seems like a parody whereby Tyler, The Creator and Earl Sweatshirt are acting out a mini-tale about how they started working but in a very satirical way. I'm sure when you look at it, it'll will likely ring-a-bell of how some pop-artists geek over their shit when it turns out to be really wack.
Hahaha...fuck it! Anyways, peep it out, brace yourself... its KAK funny.
Now on a random night while I was in London, internet's faster than a mofoka :-), and i'm just thrilled and excited to learn more about these kids, leading me to surf through all kinds of their footage and I came across one of their clips which just surfaced through another light on their existing shine. Believe-it-or-not, I must've watched this clip for like over 50 times, and it cracks-me-the-fuck-up as if i've seen it for this time.
To me it seems like a parody whereby Tyler, The Creator and Earl Sweatshirt are acting out a mini-tale about how they started working but in a very satirical way. I'm sure when you look at it, it'll will likely ring-a-bell of how some pop-artists geek over their shit when it turns out to be really wack.
Hahaha...fuck it! Anyways, peep it out, brace yourself... its KAK funny.
Paying Homage Ill Skillz // Mingus // Camo (5th Floor) 30 April @ Voom Voom CPT
Back in 2009, Mingus aka X The 24th Letter invited Ill-Literate-Skill along with Camo of 5th Floor to feature on his solo debut album titled 'Beneath The Underdog' . So we wasted no time by gathering and conceptualizing for the track, and while we were at that phase, it seemed very obvious for what makes us common, our ideologies concerning the music industry and where we as artists are standing within it.
So, 'Paying Homage' became the final concept and title for the song, since we're fans of the original hip-hop music and our influence of it rooting from the old-school/golden-era, we as one of the few left to still represent it through our own music, felt the responsibility to acknowledge the originators of the art-form. It was only right!!! I'd like to also take this opportunity to send a special shoutout to the likes of DJ Kool Herc, POC, Groundworks and 5th Floor. Thank You for laying the foundation for us.
Here you may download the track for free, also featuring DJ Big Dre on the cuts: http://soundcloud.com/mingus-x24th/11-mingus-paying-homage-ft-mc
Further on, Mingus intended to put it out as his next single from the album, so on the 30 April 2011 we had a show at Club Voom Voom in Cape Town which initially was dedicated to Pay Our Homage to the originators and also aimed to raise funds enabling to shoot a video for it.
Shoutouts to DJ Big Dre's site .... for the photos. This is how it basically went down.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Skillz That Pay Da Billz - 24 Hour Project // London Red Bull Studios // 2nd Series Promo Video
Waddup Township! Waddup World!
Right about now we're in London getting buzzay and totally berserk as most of ya'll know. Preparations for the 2nd Series of our 'Skillz That Pay Da Billz - 24 Hour Project' are underway... can't wait!
I'm quite nervous though I must say and anxious at the very same time. Flexx and I are currently finishing-up our writing process and DJ ID is helping out alot with some admin. So Grateful! And you, the reader/fan/friend/ are anticipating for this big initiative. So so so grateful!
But for now we wanted to hit you up early enough with a promo video, just so that you have insight on the environment we're blessed with over here that will enable us to accomplish this project. Check out the video clip below, directed, shot and edited by Akio Kawahito aka DJ I.D.
We appeal for your support, keep us in your prays and thoughts, this entire initiative won't be possible without your participation.
And therefore, let us stay in touch via www.facebook.com/ill-literate-skill; www.myspace.com/ill-literate-skill; www.twitter.com/IllSkillzMusic; and also, later we gonna be updating you about our schedule for Ustream which will go out live every now and then, so you may witness the recording process.
Shoutouts to ya'll! God Bless! Stay Ill Skillin.
Right about now we're in London getting buzzay and totally berserk as most of ya'll know. Preparations for the 2nd Series of our 'Skillz That Pay Da Billz - 24 Hour Project' are underway... can't wait!
I'm quite nervous though I must say and anxious at the very same time. Flexx and I are currently finishing-up our writing process and DJ ID is helping out alot with some admin. So Grateful! And you, the reader/fan/friend/ are anticipating for this big initiative. So so so grateful!
But for now we wanted to hit you up early enough with a promo video, just so that you have insight on the environment we're blessed with over here that will enable us to accomplish this project. Check out the video clip below, directed, shot and edited by Akio Kawahito aka DJ I.D.
We appeal for your support, keep us in your prays and thoughts, this entire initiative won't be possible without your participation.
And therefore, let us stay in touch via www.facebook.com/ill-literate-skill; www.myspace.com/ill-literate-skill; www.twitter.com/IllSkillzMusic; and also, later we gonna be updating you about our schedule for Ustream which will go out live every now and then, so you may witness the recording process.
Shoutouts to ya'll! God Bless! Stay Ill Skillin.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Whatchu know about the Money-Making Jam Boys?
Whatchu know about the Money-Making Jam Boys?! Ha...
This Philly-bred crew consisting of Black Thought, STS, Truck North, P.O.R.N. and Dice Raw was assembled from plenty of collaborations they had made previously for The Roots albums. Look what we have now, they had compiled a mixtape in association with 10 Deep Clothing brand titled The Prestige: Jam Boy Magic.
Now here's a video for their single called 'Judgement Day'. Holla back if you feel that i've put you on.
This Philly-bred crew consisting of Black Thought, STS, Truck North, P.O.R.N. and Dice Raw was assembled from plenty of collaborations they had made previously for The Roots albums. Look what we have now, they had compiled a mixtape in association with 10 Deep Clothing brand titled The Prestige: Jam Boy Magic.
Now here's a video for their single called 'Judgement Day'. Holla back if you feel that i've put you on.
Pac Div Mania! Teaser
If you dig a little deeper you'll discover some good hip-hop music. All we do is allow to be spoon-fed by the bullshit industry who have muscle and control for what they feel should be commercial enough to bombard our screens and radio airwaves.
This is Pac Div Kid! Today they are releasing I think their 3rd mixtape titled Mania! I can't wait to get my hands on it. Here's a teaser right here!
Dr. Dre's Detox: Is What We Ordered Finally Here???
I came across this new track + video recently by the West-Coast master-mind Dr. Dre. The track is called 'I Need A Doctor' and it features Eminem and Skylar Grey.
If my knowledge serves me right, it might've been the song they performed at this year's Grammy Awards. Peep it out though, its very kinda emotional too.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
J Dilla: 'Sill Shining' Documentary
Just thought i'd remind ya'll, its J Dilla Month. Next time a Dilla beat plays through your speakers, make sure you turn that shit up!
Word on the streets is that a new documentary about J Dilla is coming out soon and its titled 'Still Shining'. Peep the trailer below:
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