Who is Permanent Head Damage?

 

If you type in NZ Hip Hop into Google not far from the top you will find Permanent Head Damage aka PHD formerly known as The Pot Heads .

These guys are hard not to notice. First thing you notice about them is that they’re everywhere on the net with a massive web presence. The second thing you notice is their presentation. The logo is sick the web site is dope and all their imagery and art work is stunning. Last but not least you notice the music. Open the web page and the first song to play off their Reverbnation widget is an infectious song called My team a fantastic example of their signature double time rap verses and smoothly produced backing tracks.

They have plenty of free music available too. I downloaded their 11 track mixtape off of their website http://www.phdhiphopnz.co.nz/ and its well worth a listen.

If you want to delve further into the music they have 3 albums available on Itunes. http://itunes.apple.com/nz/artist/phd/id421346995 These guys are prolific to say the least.

PHD who are Ryan Lovins (USA)  Jarod Liversedge (NZ) and DJ Selekta Q aka Jaime MacKinnon have been around for ages. I rememeber seeing them on TV years ago as The Pot Heads so they've been earning their stripes and paying their dues like all good music acts must.

Their regime of live shows continues with a fundraiser gig at Aucklands Rising Sun on Friday 20th of April 2012. The gig is to raise money for PHD to tour Australia and they will have a fantastic line up on the night with support from. ★ Pakkz Tha General ★ Sammy Gallows (Christchurch) ★ Envioso ★ Frantik ★ Big Freshh ★ SikeOne ★ DJ's Selekta Q & Oscar H.

So check these guys out and if you’re around go and watch them live at The Rising Sun on the 20th. In the mean timecheck out their latest music video K.O.T.U

 

                      

 

Levi Hawkens Nek Minute song

 

You've seen him on Youtube after he left his scooter out side the dairy and you've seen him on the Jonno project as Mike Mc Minute from 60 Nek Minutes now Levi Hawken is back with the the Nek Minnit Single. He even got to perform it at the Big Day Out. Levi Hawken has gotten a lot of mileage out of this catch phrase but I'm not complaining I love it. I even got the Nek Minute TShirt for my birthday.

 

So who is this guy? Well just watch his 20/20 interview and find out. Not only is he an ex pro skater and amazing skate board bomber but he's a fantastic artist who learnt his chops doing graph on the streets. His strange appearance is due to a disorder called ectodermal dysplasia which effects the cranial structure, gives the sufferer sharp teeth and effects the sweat glands. When I first saw him on Youtube I thought he was a crack head but he doesn't smoke or drink and his only form of transport is his skateboard. This guy is mega talented and his new single isn't to be taken seriously but is entertaining to say the least.

MANTHYNG featuring MC Elroy aka Levi Hawken - Nek Minnit (official single)

 

 

Check out the 20/20 interview with Levi Hawken.

http://tvnz.co.nz/20-20-news/june-23-4247765/video

 

Get JCK on your Android phone with this awesome free App.

Robba N Goblin

 

There's a new rap duo in town and they are called Robba N Goblin. They say whats on their mind and whats on their mind is mischief. So If you like shocking lyrics and bad attitudes and a good dose of the o'l FTW! then this group is for you.

The Cuzzies Ghost Chips

 

We've all seen the drink driving legend campaign on tv with the Maori boys, the ghost chips and the internalising a complicated situation in my head.... yeah you know the one.

Well the New Zealand Hip Hop group the Cuzzies have made a crack up song about it. I stumbled upon this video on Youtube and with 420k hits it seems I'm late to the party. But hey better late than never. What I like about it is the comedy element. They're basically taking the piss out of the Maori stereotype especially in their song I love Hangi and hey they can because they are Maori.

These guys are funny as and I´m pretty sure I've seen some of the same guys with 6 pack abs in J Geek and The Geeks. It's very similar in concept especially with the kapa haka influenced coriography. I´m sure some people will find the racial stereo typing controversial, but you´re probably an egg if you do. Any way without further adieu

You gotta check out Ghost Chips by The Cuzzies

And also I love Hangi by The Cuzzies.

JCK - The Bees Album Review

 

JCK (aka James Castady-Kristament) has been producing his brand of hip hop since 2002 with songs being picked up by radio stations and music TV.  It’s easy to see why he gets so much interest after listening to his latest album, The Bees.

He makes music that stands out from the usual bland, radio friendly pop masquerading as hip hop that seems to be paraded endlessly in the media as the next big thing.  JCK isn’t afraid to step outside the boundaries of the genre and use ideas from other musical styles to craft his songs.

His subject matter is yet another point of difference – dark and edgy, yet at times hilarious (like on the opener Rise of the Emo Clones) it’s refreshing to hear.

There are moments where he lapses into cliché, such as on the track Killer which stands out for its excessiveness and blatant violent overtones, a contrast to the majority of the album.

It’s the tracks where JCK raps about things close to his life, or makes entertaining observations on things he’s seen or pop culture, that show his real talent.

The Bees is an album that takes some time to get into, but overall is worth listening to.