FYMPS review..

In case you didnt notice, we've added a new link on the side called Reviews! This is where you find lastest reviews of songs, albums and even movies. We just want to share our thoughts with ya'll. We even have guest reviewers just to let you know we're not bias. But still, if you disagree or simple would like us to add your reviews, write to us at 65hope@gmail.com. We like to hear from you... :)


Title: Fymps
Artiste: Freaky Z
Released: December 2007
Label: 65&Hope

"And I dont care about the he say she say
I say, as long as I'm good, I'm here to stay
I'm here to bring light to emcees on the street
Cause without me in the scene there's like no bass in your music
Fuckin empty right?" - Bass Man, Freaky Z

This is it. The cd put out by our nation's favourite superhero, Freaky Z to solidify himself as an established emcee and out to tell his fans that he's in this for the love of his supporters and hiphop as a whole.

This 20 track cd is an all out production by Freaky Z featuring no cameo appearances in the songs and just 2 other producers jumping on the beats side. Why you ask? Maybe it's because this time it's personal. Rauzan (XS.ONE) and Alyph (Sleeq) jumps on board on 'Do The Walk' and 'Kids' respectively with all other productions handled by the main man.

And if you haven't noticed, Freaky Z's productions are nothing short of 'atmospheric'. The beats as far as i can tell fits like a glove to his style and flavour. It's hard to pin point what makes it what it is but you know it's him with just a listen. He brought his A game on this one. Flow/style is varied and on point (it's always a good thing to show your versatility) and the lyrics are mostly direct and personal. You see what makes Freaky Z a true Singaporean Emcee is his way of incorporating all things local into his music. You can find references to many things 'Singapore' in his work. He is all about defining/branding Singapore Hiphop (not in the 'commercial/mainstream' way of course, if you know what I mean).

Tracks like 'Do The Walk', 'Saturday' and 'Same Woman Again' shows the lighter more cheery side of himself while 'Bass Man', 'How I Do It' and 'It's Not Me' projects the darker side of his ying and yang. It's all about balance here in this cd. In other words, Freaky Z wants his listeners to know that he's still human afterall, behind that stage moniker.

At the end of the cd, I find FYMPS to be a well worthy product done. Even though it lacks a different voice (no featured artistes), the overall content of the cd makes up for it. This was definitely made with the fans and love for hiphop in mind. You get to know him a lot better with this and i'm sure hiphop or non-hiphop fans alike will enjoy listening to this. There are too many emcees out there fronting silly fantasies and dreams out there but at times you need something like this to tell the world that not all rap artistes are rich blokes with fast cars and blings.

I demand that you get up from your seat and cop this cd now.

4 out of 5 stars!

- Hafiz, RSG


Other Reviews

POSITIVE

as fun as the man himself, Freaky Z knows how to hit the right note...
- Mr Chan

his song FYMPS is brilliant...
- Nick Chan, MUON


MIXED

a down-to-earth album and definitely a great leap in impovement from the 1st album but lack of varied production sounds and lack of featured artistes. lyrics/content: 9/10, beats/production: 7.5/10, overall: 8/10. honestly, its better to watch the man himself live...
- Azreal, XSTATIX

Floetry February...

Here are the some photos of from Saturday's Floetry, courtesy of Yasin. You can chek out his gallery of photos here. This guys is amazing and we were told that he will be around for upcoming Floetry, so you can expect more great shots from Floetry in March. Yeay! Where has RSG gone to? Hmmm... For other pictures of Floetry, visit here.

It feels good to be back at Earshot Cafe. Eventhough the place is small, we felt home. Floetry March will be happening on 29th March, same time and place. Line-up and flyer will be up soon. Come back here for more updates! Peace!

Rap Vs Poetry

This video was a special feature presentation from episode 1 of Front last week. Freaky Z, Sleeq, Mark Bonafide and many more rappers/poets shared some views about rap music and poetry. It would be even cooler if we could do a Singapore Hip-hop mini-documentary right? Well, maybe in a few years time. Anyway, you could also see some clips from the XS.1 - 'The Regiment Rejuvenates' music video in the footage. How cool is that!

*click to enlarge flyer

Speaking of poetry, tomorrow don't forget Floetry! Public EyeZ couldn't make it for this one, but they will be in the next following ones for sure. On the bright side, we've got our funnyman Freaky Z hosting and performing a couple of songs, Richard J who will be performing with his wicked flow and crazy beats and not forgetting VelvetGroove's soulful music. Plus we have some other guest rappers/poets who will be performing too. And if you're an aspiring rapper/performer, bring your instrumentals along because we're having an open mic session. Be there early to register.

If you dont know how to get The Arts House, the nearest MRT station is City Hall or Raffles Place. It's just a 10 minute walk from the stations and the nearest landmark would be the Parliament House. If you get lost, ask around for directions or simply follow anyone who looks like a rapper. (Might help you!) Show starts at 6.30pm, but we would sincerely advice you to come early as the space is limited. Admission is FREE! Hope to you ya'll there! Much love! :)

Better 2008, hopefully...

It's been a good year for 65 & Hope last year 2007. In just 6 months, we did 3 events. First was the official start at Playden, on 23rd June. We saw XS.1 releasing one of the most anticipated albums in local hip-hop scene, the .XS compilation. The album sold more than 300 copies in just the first day, which is considered a big accomplishment for an underground hip-hop act. We even had old timers like Shade Of Brown, Ishaaq and The Noize Foundation performed to show love for the scene.


Next was Family Affair, the idea of bringing families/collective in Singapore and Malaysia together. The Rebel Scum from KL, was featured and it was their debut performance in SG. They were totally off the hook. Main highlight of the show was Da Fam and XS.1, whom both had different styles and concept of local hip-hop music, but one true love for the scene. Family Affair II will be happening again in April this year.






Last but not least, we saw our most loved (and hated) rapper Freaky Z, having his album release party on 23rd December. Even though he made a boo-boo with the delay of his album, he totally rocked the show that afternoon, quoting from audiences 'one of the best local hip-hop gig; fun and true'. Featuring all his close friends from the local hip-hop scene and not forgetting one of the most talented local bands, Peepshow, all of them showed love for our very own funnyman. The show ended on high note, when every one stood up for Freaky Z's last song and skank-ed to Same Woman Again.

We even had our own monthly show, Floetry, with the help from *scape last year. The show only lasted for two months due to unforeseen circumstances. But that not the end of it! We'll be back with a brand new Floetry at Earshot Cafe, The Arts House next weekend, Saturday. More information about Floetry will be up soon.

Our website, www.65hope.com is now up and here's where you can receive updates (maybe even some juicy gossips) about our very own local hip-hop scene. We are not big event organizers but we love doing shows just to keep the scene alive and growing. If you wish to be part of our shows or even our volunteer team to help out at our events, do email us at 65hope@gmail.com. If you want us to update and come to your shows, we would be glad too. We'll be adding more stuff to this site, so do come back often.

Have a great weekend, and see ya'll next week at Floetry! :)