Hip-Hop Lives in Utrecht (Hiphopleeft.nl feature)

The hip-hop artists of Holland are known for their hippie-like work ethics, cross-collaborations, and unexpected pairings. Hip-hop is evolving, and the epicenter of the blast lies in Utrecht.

Hiphopleeft.nl recently ran an extensive feature on Utrecht’s scene, how it began, and where it’s headed. I even got in on some cross-continental interview action. Boom!

If you English speakers need help on the Dutch, check freetranslation.com.

Poem: Vinyl Ups And Downs

VINYL UPS AND DOWNS

Everyone used to love vinyl.
Then everyone hated vinyl.
Now everyone loves vinyl again.
But in the very near future
Everyone will hate vinyl
Again.

(December 2009)
- LMNOP.com

Skiggy Rapz covers Snow’s “Informer” on 3FM

Let’s face it, 3FM (Dutch Radio) is in love with Skiggy Rapz. They can’t get enough my man! He’s ripped Bang To The Boogie tracks live on air, destroyed a Coldplay / Killers medley, and now he’s doing the impossible…a perfect rendition of Snow’s “Informer.” A licky boom boom down!

Purchase Skiggy Rapz’ Bang To The Boogie EP today for only $8.99, or cop it on iTunes for only $5.99.

Stalk Inf on Twitter

Mr. Sarcasm, a.k.a. Inf, is now on Twitter. He felt it was the most convenient forum for his groupies to stalk his every move. Stated Inf, “My wives refuse to dust and organize my records. I think I can dig up some dark-skinned ‘interns’ on Twitter.”

Just be sure when you solicit him, it’s in 140 characters or less:
http://twitter.com/infonetic

P.S. – The first 10 people to follow Inf on Twitter will receive a free digital copy of his album The Go Round. Just send him a tweet that says, “Smee Again!” and he’ll get you hooked up.

Pax & Pry – “B(ack) Again” Music Video

Pax & Pry pull another trick outta their collective sleeve with this new video for “B(ack) Again.” The track is off their debut album A Day at the Office, which had a limited pressing of 300 vinyl units. All the records are hand-numbered in the Netherlands with love, and I have a handful left of the import for only $14.99. Buy it while you still can!

Pax & Pry – “B(ack) Again”

Skiggy Rapz & Inf – Press Reviews

Skiggy Rapz and Inf have been tearing up the press circuit with their latest albums. Here’s what a few of the critics are saying:

Inf – “The Go Round”

$9.99 MP3 – $11.99 CD – iTunes

“A brief but spectacular instrumental hip-hop record that recalls DJ Shadow, Madlib and RJD2 at their best.”
— Treble

“I haven’t heard stuff this good since the heyday of RJD2.”
— Aiding & Abetting

“Soundtrack for summer anyone.”
— Losing Today

Skiggy Rapz -
“Bang To The Boogie EP”

$7.99 MP3 – $8.99 CD – iTunes

“Skiggy has crafted an EP worth hearing not just by open-minded hip-hop heads but fans of music in general. His blending of genres, up-beat rhythms, and sing-along hooks are sure to catch the attention of listeners the world over.”
— Potholes In My Blog

“the Netherlands answer to the Beastie Boys”
— Smother Magazine

“This is by far the best album of 2009 to date”
— D-Mitch

P.O.S. – “Purexed” Video

I’ve been playing this track a lot the past few weeks, and I wanted to share. This one takes me back to when I was younger and got really excited to see any live show I could find a ticket to.

The video also makes me nostalgic for a Midwest winter. The 70+ consecutive days with triple-digital temperatures here in Austin has me itching to find some cold. I look good in layers.

P.O.S. – “Purexed” (from the album Never Better)

Skiggy Rapz Live on 3FM Radio

Yesterday, Skiggy Rapz was a guest at the Giel Beelen show show on 3FM (Dutch National Radio).

Broadcasting live at 8:15 in the morning, Skiggy proves that not all rappers are lazy. I have admit, I would have been sleeping…

His single “Today” was performed live with his band, plus they covered a song in the Mega Top 50, as required by 3FM. I know covering hit songs can sometimes be a bit cheesy, but they made this a real fun one. Check it out:

Skiggy Rapz – “Today” — Purchase the CD or Digital Single

Skiggy Rapz – “The World We Live In” (The Killers / Coldplay cover medley)

Beyond Race Magazine: Skiggy Rapz Review

Skiggy Rapz proves that there is a way to release a rap disk that is both fun and full of substance. When the Dutch rapper, singer and producer spits about clothes, cars, or posers in the rap game, it’s not a way to boost his own image but rather it is in jest.

“On Runnin’ Outta of Sole,” he raps “I’m a writer but Skiggy ain’t no rider, drive a fast car? I don’t even have a license.” Rapz flow is impressive, shooting out words in sticatto form, never missing a beat. Even if you can’t understand a single word he is saying, Rapz is good at slowing down in time for catchy hooks and choruses that make you want to sing along.

Read More

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The EP is available now on iTunes, and in the Beats Broke store.

New Album Out? YaDamnSkippy! (BRK-5)

June has been a rollercoaster of a month for us.

First, we re-released Skiggy Rapz “Bang To The Boogie EP” after a sample clearance mess on his original single for “Today” (June 9). Then, we hit you with Inf’s infstrumental gem “The Go Round” (June 16). Since we weren’t sleeping much, for some reason we thought it’d be a good idea to release a third consecutive album in the month of June. 

Without further ado, we bring you our fifth catalog release “Vital Function” by YaDamnSkippy! (June 23).

Back in the day, YaDamnSkippy! use to be in a group with Inf called Double Helix. After changing their name to Monotypes, they released an album and broke up.

While we’re still hoping for a reunion, this digital-only solo debut by YDS! will satisfy you until then. It features production from Sense, Arts The Beatdoctor, and Inf – and is on-sale for the low price of $7.99!

“Vital Function” is also available at your favorite digital retailer spots like iTunes, Amazon, and Rhapsody.

As a fun added bonus, the first 5 people to email info@beatsbroke.com with the subject line “Vital Function” will receive a free digital copy of the album!

The game is afoot.