VANDALISING THE BANK

Ma people! It seems I'm destined to celebrate other people's birthday parties for the remainder of this year. And, by so doing, RIZE higher! It's only been two weeks since we did major damage at THE BANK for K.O's birthday party, but we were back VANDAL-eyes-ing the poor little rich spot for Trevor Madondo's do.

I was quite honored to be given the platform to showcase my stuff at an event that was STRICTLY DJs. Being the ONLY live performer of the night either meant I was going to be crowned king by the time the night is over, or get booed of the stage by a mob of angry people who would rather dance than watch some rapper sweat. I was nervous, and thirsty. Do you know how much a bottle of Jack costs over there? They don't call it THE BANK for nothing. Better see your financial adviser before going in fellaz. Speaking of adviser, my ever so gorgeous stylist @NellyLeo wasn't around to smoothen the edges around my look. So, I asked myself, "what would Nelly want me to wear?". I ended up putting together a colour co-ord she would be proud off, but missed the dress-code by a long shot. I was the only dude I saw wearin' some hot sneaks. Which ain't so bad as far as non-conforming goes.

I guess I've postponed the stage long enough. I mean, did I get booed off the stage? Well, I was scheduled to go on at 00:15 am. But it went to 00:50 am (We are still Bantus you know). The audience was packed to capacity, vibing to their favorite house jams. A couple of handshakes later and my manager, a friend, and I were outside McDonald's getting an early morning feast before bed. You can see a few pics of me on and off stage here. Much love to the Vandals @DjSbuOnline and @TrevorMadondo for letting a brother shine. Now, let me get back to polishing this new crown.

Drop me a comment. Vote. Socialise.

Lot's of love.

MarazA.

20.

20 THE ALBUM - TRACK PROFILES (THE BRIGADE)

Alright, the countdown has re-erupted. We are officially weeks away from releasing the album nationally. With that, it's time to give y'all a sneak peak at the craftsmanship that went into making the album. First track for us to dissect is the highly talked about, THE BRIGADE Ft. ProVerb, KoldProduk, Zakwe and Zubz.

This track came about quite curiously. It was mostly a result of me bumping into rappers I liked and respected, and realized that the respect was mutual. I knew however that I wanted this to be epic, so I opted for nothing less than the BEST beat I could find. My old time friend, and one of my favorite producers, Kay Master, provided the perfect canvas for lyrical painting. The first cat to agree to get on the Joint was Proverb. I've been a great fan of this giant since THE BOOK OF PROVERB, and he realised potential in me after Jam Alley Versus. It also helped that dude is just an all-round nice guy! With lines like "Forget a 16, drop 20 there ought'ta be some change/ my thoughts will be deranged coz I fought to be on stage/ so take it from me, go after the fortune leave the fame", the bar had been set pretty high. I then hooked up with Moki from KoldProduk at the MTN HYPE AWARDS Nominees Party, and dude was more than happy to trade digits! After hearing him spit "Don't speak about beef we got mad cow disease and best believe there ain't no antidote" on the track, I knew we had created a monster! I went to Durbs and got my boy Zakwe to drop a hot 8 barz as well. The line "And if you wanna be my fan, woza ng'kwenz' uphephe la" set the right standard for the legendary golden mic holder to start on. Zubz loves starting it on a high note.

Closing off this track was difficult. I mean, how do you even begin after such a lyrical assault from industry heavy wights like Zubz and Pro, kasi lingo crunchers like Zakwe and the urban crossover specialists, KoldProduk? What do you do? You go in with that braveheart mentality. Sharper than the tip of Mel Gibson's sword and more demented than it's owner. So that's the joint! Track 10 off of 20 the album. And what did Zubz and I spit? Well, the album will be in stores in very few weeks, as I'm sure you're dying to find out!


WATCH DA RIZE!


20!

FAN OF A iFANi

I pride myself in being one of the few rappers I know, who is able to admit that they love another rapper's music without putting "but" at the end of that sentence. iFani is one of those rappers I digz!

I just met dude a few moments ago, and he hooked me up with the video (Alpha version, we deal with exclusives up in this!) for his latest hit single "Ewe", which is Xhosa for "Yes". You won't be saying no to this dude once you hear him. Especially the joint that got me hooked, the highly controversial "Hola Heita". Looking at this dude's video, one thing is certain: HE IS CONSISTANT. iFani has come to fill a gap left by Pitch Black Afro, the way I see it. He is comical, and does it very well. But one thing that's bad for me about his humor, is that many people will focus on that more than the fact that his lyrics are actually very witty and cleverly constructed. There is a lot more to him than the jokes. The concept of his video alone says a lot.

We're probably gonna have a joint together soon, coz that's what happens when I meet a rapper I genuinely liked. I've got a copy of his album, cleverly titled "i believes in me". I think it's safe to say that, while we wait for 20 The Album to hit the shelves, "i believes in me" will keep us all company.

Click here to go to the guy's facebook page and place an order for his album.

20

ALEX NASH EXHIBITION AND PUMA PARTY

Every era has it's heroes. THIS is the era of sneaker culture. And Nash Money aka Alex Nash aka Mr. Second Son, is my Jet Li. I've been working with this guy on a project for SABC 2, where he designed and customised 11 sneakers, drawing inspiration from the 11 "cultures" (official languages, really) of South Africa for Heritage Day. The end result? Awe inspiring!

Nash arrived in S.A in late August from the UK to work on this project. We had very little time, as delivery was in September, but we pulled all-nighters and got it done. He had an Exhibition on the 15th of October, before he left. It was a collection of his best work, including the SABC 2 Heritage Sneakers, the Lacoste x Alex Nash designs, and a wealth of the sickest Air Max and Air Jordan customs out there. Speaking of AIR MAX, I can't help but respect those drops. Those is legends, and I have a feeling I'm going to be getting myself the Glory Red Air Attack Air Max 1. That's just an epic cut. The Exhibition was brought to us by the good guys at Miller, Vitamin Water and Greyscale. We see you ninjaz! For more pics from the evening, click here.

Later in the evening, my much better half and I headed up the road to THE ALEX THEATRE for the much awaited Puma Suede launch. This was an epic way to end what Nash Money started. Did someone say "Free Bar". I'll have the whole thing! Ahem. I also met Solly from ChannelO who had some bad news for me. And my boy Phiko from Red Bull who had worst news. All I can say is, I'm gonna be getting a lot less sleep. Might have to start complaining soon! Cameras were not allowed at this event though. So no pics. But I'm sure peoples got some snappies with their BB's. My boy Mr. Calibre, whose sneaker game is inspiring, was at both events. So was SCOOP MAKHATHINI! Have you seen this dude's sneaker collection? Nigga got a room for his sneakers yo! Now THAT'S a sneakerfreaker!

This was a great weekend that ended with me making a sick beat on a chilled Sunday. Life ought ta be loved! Peace and happines to you all.

MaraZA
20!

KO's BIRTHDAY PARTY PERFORMANCE

It was a hot night! Someone got older. Someone saw me perform for the first time. Someone undoubtedly had no recallection the morning after. Me? I just did bestest!

My boy K.O from Teargas . . . actually, I'm lying! He isn't my "boy"! He's just a cool cat and we happen to know each other. We haven't hung out enough to refer to each other as "boy" and attach ownership before it. But isn't it irritating how people throw that term around? Back to THE BANK. Someone better fix it because myself, Teargas, Pro-Kid, Red Button, Shluda Da Guru, Soosh, Romz Deluxe and L-Tido BROKE IT when K.O celebrated his birthday! It was a great night that got off to a slow start, but once it got packed, everyone was glad they were there early.

My set was short-lived, but the memories permanent. I got the show off to a great start (Or so I was told) and Pro-Kid, L-Tido and Teargas kept the lava smoldering for the rest of the evening. Everybody seems to know One Foot In The Game now. So, it wasn't hard. But look out for the new single "Shelela". We will be shooting a video for it soonest. For more pics from the Birthday Party, click here. You'll notice I had on my DC Base Hi-Tops which I've been raving about ( SUPRA HUMAN). I love these shoes, but at 3 am in the morning when I got home, even they had to have less feet in them. Slept like a baby on Chloroform.

Once again big up to my . . . uhm . . . fellow rapper . . . and . . . ALL ROUND GOOD GUY (yeah, that's very true) K.O for seeing another successful year. Y'all cat's is here to stay!
So am I!

MaraZA

KICKING THE BLUES MONDAY #2

Now if you've been reading this blog for the past few weeks, you probably will have guessed that I'm quite loyal to Nike Dunks. I'm trying to build a formidable collection of Hi-top Dunks by June next year. But a hot sneaker is a hot sneaker. And these Supra Vaiders pictured above, are sizzling!

There are so many counterfeit versions of Supras flying around that it was kind of difficult for me to give the brand it's much deserved props when I first saw it. It's like a Louis V bag: guys like me never really know which one is authentic (those bags are particularly ugly though). But upon further research, abroad, I noticed that there is world of Supra out there. These guys churn out sneakers yo! They have so many flagship sneaks, in so many different colorways, yet the creativity stays constant. The Vaider, pictured above, is my favorite Supra thus far. I love these, and the light gray colorway should soon have a special shrine on my cabinet, next to my Dunks. The thing with most Supra sneakers is that they're practical. The ones flying around the most in South Africa are those rainbow/smartie colored ones, which would lead one to think it's a strictly teeny-bopper brand. Thee two pairs featured here affirm it's position as a brand for the big boys.

The last picture brings tears to the eyes of any sneaker loving father. Nothing would bring a man like myself more joy than to be rocking a hot pair of these Vaiders at Zoolake on a Saturday morning, while chasing my little boy (who just learned how to walk) in his OWN pair of BABY SUPRAS. Honestly, that's a good look from these guys.

Peep the next issue of hot sneaker finding next Monday. Peace, Love and DUNKS!

FREESTYLE FILEZ - JHB CBD

I've been getting a few challenges for a battle (yeah, really). From sober people. Which is weird. The thing with battles, which is the same with everything that's about immediate satisfaction, is that they're more enjoyable when they're a gas station on your journey towards a bigger destination. And I've passed that gas station ages ago! Why should I walk backwards . . .

I've uploaded a freestyle I did last night (recorded by Mason at the Colosseum i JHB) coz that's something I still do, and still understand it's importance towards the growth of an artist. What is it? Well, you get to practice. More than anything, practice is important. Keeping your brain on it's musical toes. It's also very entertaining for the consumers of your music, and does not seek to specifically degrade another artist. Battles aren't bad. Making battles your ultimate destination IS. There is so much more to be achieved from making great timeless music as opposed to being involved in one forgettable street battle. Besides, if people like us, who have been in it for a while, start hogging the spot in the battle scene, what are the upcoming kids gonna do to sharpen their skillz?! And who are they going to look up to and aspire to be, if their idols are in the same cipher as them? Battles may give you street cred, but they don't make you a great artist. You have to leave the cipher to find out what it means to be a good musician.


So peep the freestyle above and enjoy the genuine mistakes and off-the-top lyrics. The album will be available for purchase in a few weeks. Support local music. I will upload the lyrics, as soon as I've figured them out, on my youtube channel. Follow me on twitter and facebook to see what others are saying about this freestyle. Leave a comment here as well. Click here for more of my music.

20!

KICKING THE BLUES MONDAY #1

I cannot begin to stress how much I love the Nike DUNKS. This has to be my favorite sneaker of all. The practicality of the package just mesmerizes me. As opposed to AF1's, which can often be too bulky for my liking, the Dunks also come in a trendy "skinny" fit, perfect for skinny jean deans like myself. Plus, like the legendary Air Force 1, they're a joy to customize.

Meet BRASS MONKI. Apart from NASH MONEY, this dude is my favorite customizer in the world. I've been trying to get a pair of customs from them for a while, but for their commission price tag (around 400 pounds. That's more than 4 bricks) I haven't been able to come up with a sneaker concept that will be worth the moolah, effort and wait. One of the reasons I love them so much is the two sneakers pictured above. Their COMIC RANGE. These guys got their illustrations ON POINT YO! I love Wolverine AND The Flash and when my two favorite comic icons are on my favorite iconic sneaker, it's not hard to understand why life is beautiful. THE FLASH DUNK is an awesome colorway for Dickies khaki shorts, or even pants with a plain white Tee. Perfect for evening outings. The Wolverine one just screams Zoo Lake on a Sunday. Nicely fitted skinny jeans (crisp denim blue) and a plain or minimal detail white Tee (Proper size and fit) should complete the outfit. Honestly, these are too expensive for me, but with a bit of patience I can surely save up properly for one pair. So, to help me (and yourself) choose, go on my Facebook Page or follow me on twitter, and let me know who takes it for you? Is it Mr. speedster THE FLASH, or the near-immortal animal WOLVERINE?

Having the worlds fastest superhero on a shoe that's a joy to run in is quite a dope punchline if you know what I mean. But, in the end, I think Logan's regenerative powers will make this WOLVERINE DUNK last that much longer. So, for now, Adamantium wins!

IF AGE MATTERS, HE IS 12 YEARS AHEAD

I try and keep my blogs to 1 picture/video per post, but sometimes a point needs to be made. If you're a rapper/musician, look at yourself now . . . then look at where you were exactly 2 years ago. Any difference? If there isn't, you really need to read this . . .

On Thursday the 13th of November 2008, US mega star (he was a mega star then, at least) THE GAME put his beef with 50 Cent on hold to come to South Africa to bless the masses and drink unnecessary amounts of Vodka on stage (It does not matter that it may have been water, it matters that he wanted us to think it was Vodka). The Standard Bank Arena was packed! Real Gobhoza was there, E-TV's Showbizz report was there . . . hell even Daily Sun was there - pause for Daily Sun headline:
"THE GAME : CURSED BY EVIL MICROPHONE"
But what people ended up speaking about in the weeks after the event was not The Game taking his shirt off, it was not the over-sized white T-shirts and denim shorts on stage: it was about a 10 year-old boy who went on stage and took copious amounts of shine from The Game, literally. I'm talking chains and all!

Picture No. 2 above shows Mbekezeli, now known as Gamebuoy, on the shoulders of his idol at the concert two years ago. A lot of talk followed; was he just a copy? Is he a phony marketing scheme by the show's organizers? Will he ever release? Is he any good? I laugh. Picture No. 1 shows Gamebuoy as he is today. A fully fledged artist. A young beast that many will make the mistake of undermining. A hustler. A rapper, well-worth listening to. In two years, this kid has gone from bored haters' tea-time subject to THE FACE OF FUBU SOUTH AFRICA, and his album isn't even out yet! Music industry online recently did an article on him where I was mentioned as a contributor to the lyrics of his upcoming album. I'm really happy about this but let me tell you, Gamebuoy MADE the song! This young dude has a delivery so commanding, so immaculate, so perfect that I felt ashamed. Why? Coz I knew that, although I may have wrote the song, I could have NEVER made it sound that good. What we have here is an artist. This kid is dedicated to his craft. I've hung out with him a couple times, and all he wanted to do was rap! In an age where most of us rappers wanna see money in our accounts before picking up the mic, Gamebuoy is a breath of fresh air.

So let this be a lesson to y'all. Let it be known that if you become stagnant, young diamonds that look up to you will quickly outshine you! I'm very happy to be associated with this dude. Very happy that his album is coming out AFTER mine. Very inspired by him. Very happy that South African Hip Hop has gone this far. He may be 12 years old, but he is 12 years ahead of the competition! Don't sleep on him. FUBU, Moshito and the National tour are just the beginning. Shout out to Tsotsi Taal Productions for looking after my young new friend.

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