Camaraderie, Collaboration and Breaking Down Barriers To Entry - #Mabcast 021

08/25/19 • 23 min

Across genres collaboration has always been both inevitable and necessary. However in hip hop perhaps there is a tendency to spread the myth of the lone wolf approach. The 'hustle' and the 'come up' are intrinsically valuable in the story telling of the genre and many successful artists are keen to point out they made it on their own.

In reality hip hop is built on collaboration; Greats such as Outkast, Pete Rock & CL Smooth and Wu Tang Clan have benefitted from friendships under collective names. Artists such as Kanye West have less overtly utilised collaboration; working extensively with long term collaborators like Mike Dean.

This week Jack and Dylan look at some of the collaborative approaches of artists and collectives in Ireland. The DIY ethos is a common feature of much of the hip hop output in the country at the moment and many are replicating the model utilised by the likes of Odd Future and Brockhampton.

Collectives like Gxrlcode and Rejektz Media are made up of not only musicians but graphic designers and videographers. The old adage 'Many hands make light work' proving convincing in the case of both rapidly growing groups.

In the bigger picture the media is quick to fabricate competitive divides between minority and/or female artists such as Cardi B and Nicki Minaj. Being part of a forward thinking collective can further a sense of community and respect, halting any attempts to cause unrest.

All this and more is discussed in the latest episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All this and more is discussed in the latest episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Trailblazing Against All Odds; Dena Anuk$a Talks Gxrlcode, Growing Up A Minority & Confidence - #Mabcast 020

The Mabcast is back and features a guest for the first time in a number of weeks. DJ, rapper and all round creative Dena Anuk$a dropped by Casa Del Mabfield for an in depth chat on her journey thus far.

As the first female guest on the show, it's only natural that the conversation gravitated to the lack of female representation in the hip hop industry in Ireland. Right from the get go, things are tough as a female in the music industry; The lack of representation is evident, the scarce number of female hip hop artists to look up to is disheartening and the lack of opportunities is a real challenge. Couple these issues with the difficulties faced as a minority and it'd be more than fair to say that the odds are stacked against Dena.

Despite these challenges she is releasing quality music, Djing at major festivals like Longitude and encouraging and inspiring other females to put their art into the world. Much of this work in channeled through Gxrlcode - a female collective making waves across the country. Dena talks of her aspirations for the Belfast branch that she heads and upcoming shows they have planned.

Much of the confidence needed to carry through her vision stems from intimidating open mic nights in Istanbul - where she lived for a short time and the support of her friends.

Comparisons are made between the scene in Dublin and Belfast and despite the north's capital being in its infancy it's clear there is an opportunity for it to be moulded into something special.

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Next Episode

CBAKL Returns! Wisdom Is Misery, Ensuring Longevity & Punk Rap - #Mabcast 023

Drawing inspiration from Brockhampton, collaborating with rappers from across the country and the success of 'Wisdom Is Misery'.

The Mabcast has its first return guest this week in the form of esteemed producer CBAKL.

The Portrush beatsmith has had an incredible trajectory since his last appearance on the Irish hip hop podcast and recently dropped his album 'Wisdom Is Misery', to widespread acclaim.

In his first chat on the podcast, CBAKL was keen to grow his presence as an artist in Ireland, ensuring that he develops a solid following at home that can complement his already invested audience online. During his reappearance he confirmed his progress on that front with a stellar new EP with cult favourite Craic Boi Mental 'Last of the Summer Wine' and his ambitions to work with other established Irish acts.

The success of the 'Class Craic Beat Tape' evidences his desire to create a sense of community and awareness amongst Irish artists and producers. The tape itself contains many of the finest producers in the country and provides perhaps one of the only places to source the majority of the Emerald Isle's greatest producers.

The conversation develops and Dylan, Jack and CBAKL discuss the growth of punk rap in recent months and how it is developing against the political landscape, breeding new more socially engaged artists. These emerging trends alongside a bourgeoning Irish scene will only encourage an increasingly eclectic sound coming out of Ireland and beyond.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.