21 July marked another milestone in the local hiphop community. "Resolution Soulz", the first hiphop compilation in Singapore was released under the Mouse Records label.
There was absolutely no hype surrounding this release, which was understandable because hiphop in Singapore isn't as well received as the other local genres here. However, the few hundred strong hiphop community came in throngs to support this cause.
Following a short press conference with the media, the acts that were involved in the album gave a short performance that serves as a preview to the album. "Resolution Soulz" features familiar acts as Illogix, Azianize, Marvel-Z and Humbug. It also showcased a new group from out of nowhere and reportedly from the west side of our sunny island, Cappo Regime.
They razzled and dazzled the audience with witty lines and great showmanship. Although the audience was supportive of the event, the scene is in need of more support from the various other media. With this release, the scene is slowly but surely reaching out to the rest of the masses and defying the stereotype that hiphop is all about sex, drugs and booze.
Azianize are KGB, Garuda and Izdyll
Members of Azianize have been in the hiphop scene since 1996. KGB was formerly from the group Breakneckz, Garuda and Izdyll were formerly from Ashkkar (later known as Arachnickz). All of them have performed in numerous gigs locally and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Their influences include Puff Daddy, Death Row rappers and Wu-Tang Clan.
Humbug featuring B.O.B & Messiah
Young and talented rapper, Humbug, whose influences include Snoop Dogg, Krayzie Bone, Master P and Tupac, had been studying in Melbourne, Australia and is presently back home serving his National Service. With a common interest in hiphop music, Humbug collaborates with Messiah and B.O.B to contribute a track to this compilation album.
Illogix are T-Gore, Shogun, J-Boy and Lady V
Formed back in 1998, Illogix was derived from the terms 'ill' and 'logix'. 'Ill' is often referred to in hiphop as having the right qualities, while 'logix' simply means the science of reasoning. To Illogix, hiphop is a platform for them to express their thoughts and feelings confronting issues closest to their hearts. If they were to categorize their music, they would prefer it to be known as "Conscious Hiphop".
Marvel-Z
Marvel-Z, formerly from the group The Regiment, started listening to Public Enemy, N.W.A, Ice-T and other rap artistes since 1991. after forming The Regiment with two other members in 1996, Marvel-Z had numerous performances, including with local DJ Ashidiq, reggae band Bushmen and Malaysia's popular hiphop group, Poetic Ammo. His present influences include Mos Def, The Roots, Common and Tupac.
Cappo Regime are Izrafil, Archilles, Young Hera, Loki, Bartleby and Bless Kisyren
Cappo Regime is made up of six very close friends. Their common interests are skateboarding and music. Defining hiphop as a form of self-expression, Cappo Regime chose this genre of music as their 'tool' to express themselves and share their views. Being the youngest and newest group in the album, they hope their bond will take them to a higher level in the local hiphop community.
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