My 'F**ken hell, this is crazy!' Track

"Oh yeah... we back muhf**ckas"

This link and pic comes courtesy of the two lads @ 2DOPEBOYZ, so forgive me for straight jacking this post from them. But I had to cos wooow, this tune is laaarge!

These two fullas really need no introduction, but if you're a bit slow on the ol' rap game, allow me to introduce you to Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek. Together known as the mighty Reflection Eternal. Both well established artists and kill it proper when going for dolo, but when they pair up - woooh! Danger.

This tune is from their forthcoming album, 'Revolutions Per Minute', apparently due out early 2010. 10 years after their first outting, 'Train of Thought'. The track is called, 'Just Begun', and features pretty much the cream of the crop in today's hip hop circles - Jay Electronica, J. Cole and the mighty Mos Def. Everyone pulls the weight and this track is one hell of a tune to end the year off with. Check it out and bump it til 2011.

Get it HERE

Oh, Merry Christmas by the way. I hope everyone kept safe, tried to love a little bit more than usual and spared a thought (or change) to those less fortunate. Hopefully I'll catch you before the years out. Bless!

Step Ya Vocab Game Up

The old school OG Scrabble. Whatchu know about that???

Saturday night 'Scrabble' game with the wifey and the mother-in-law while watching the cricket? I'm on some wild rap rock star sh*t. Haha...

Walking the Walk

People power. Bo!

Throughout the world, hundreds of thousands of people walked against warming. Global warming, that is. The aim: to raise awareness of not only global warming, but to put pressure on the government and greedy businesses around the world to put an end to all their ignorance towards this. Especially now since all the big wigs of the world are meeting in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

My wife, niece and I represented to the maximum at the Sydney rally. We all met up at Martin Place in the city at 1pm and we all marched through the city then into the Botanic Gardens singing, dancing - pretty much partying for our right to fight.

We went in for all of the human race, but we had the Pacific islands close to heart as they are and will be drastically affected. They say in 50yrs there will be no Tonga. Can you believe that sh*t? Well, you better. Places like Tuvalu and Kiribati are already under threat with rising sea levels. Look that sh*t up, folks. It's too scary.

Big up all the people who turned up and went in for the cause. Oh, and those sky blue shoe laces my lovely wife, Shani, is rocking was the theme for the day. I wore mine around my feet like Jesus sandals. Walking on water, baby.

Well Wicked

What's up folks...

This is just a little message for them people who are ummm'ing and ahhh'ing about whether they should go see Wicked the musical. The answer is 'yes'. I saw it again (yes, again) tonight and yeah, I reckon even if musicals and theatre isn't your thing, you would still enjoy it.

My wife and I took our niece and she dug it heaps. She's a young teenager. Who likes Beyonce. And went to see Lady Gaga. So if she dug it, I think most of you will.

Anyway, that is all from Hau's Masterpiece Theatre.

Peace yo!

Random Pic II: American Graffiti

PJay still rockin' New York (Manhattan, to be exact)
photo by yours truly

Random Pic I: Machu Picchu (Peru)

Took us a day to walk there, but it was bloody worth it. Stunning.
photo by the mrs.

Nike & (RED) Connect for a More Than Worthy Cause

Now this is cool. Converse did it and now Nike is doing it (no pun intended). The global awareness of and fight against HIV/AIDS continues. Please read on for more details:

The Nike and (RED) concept is a simple one that invites people to “Lace Up. Save Lives” by purchasing a pair of NIKE RED™ laces. One hundred percent of the profits from (NIKE)RED laces will be split equally between The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which funds AIDS programs that provide medicine for those living with HIV, and football-based community initiatives that deliver education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention. This unique partnership delivers programs that both medicate and educate.

So you know what time it is. Visit http://www.nikefootball.com/RED and http://www.redcampaign.org/ for more information.

Name Dropper Pic II

B-b-buggin out with Jwl B & Shunda K of Yo! Majesty
photo by Sam Clode

Just Did It

Box fresh baby. Just how me likes!

Fish bowl of soul

Could they have some of the the best jobs in the world? Sarah & Lu from Nike
photos by me

Howdy blog crew!

Hoping all are well.

Just wanted to take a little time out to big up a couple of ladies who take time out to keep me tip top dapper form. And to say how appreciative I am that they do so and that I have a life that can be very fortunate at times. I'm blessed with loving family & friends, a wonderful wife and a career in music. Nah, this is far from boasting. It's me taking time out to stop and smell the roses.

Back to the two ladies. They can be seen in the above pic. Their names are Lu and Sarah and they represent one of the biggest and flyest companies out, Nike. They've swung me some gear and yeah, I kinda get geeked when they do so. Haha. But above all that, they are just cool peoples. So here's to Lu, Sarah and Nike. Salute!

Oh, don't forget to check for the new Air Max releases and the Nike Sportswear range right HERE. Boomin'!

Name Dropper Pic I

Me and me mate, Jonno. You may know him as Q-Tip

Wild Thang

Yeah, you guessed it. I'm geeked about this movie.

It's All Love

What do b-boys do when they're not recording or touring? Why play tennis, of course!

Matter of fact, I got it now

Shot caller

Greetings blog crew!

For those who follow myself (@haubrowncow) and Urthboy's (@urthboy) Twitter, you would know that last week we went head to head (PAUSE!) in a game of tennis. This was organised and shot for triple j tv.

Sure it's a predominately white sport and there are no noted Pacific islander players, but hell... the NRL was too once. Look at it now. So with that in mind, I had a go.

One thing I didn't know before heading into the game was that Urthy has had previous tennis experience. Sure it was years ago when he was a kid, never the less, that's more than I had (unless playing guitar with a tennis racket is counted). So needless to say, he handed me a good ol' fashioned hiding (with the help of umpire Gusto of Hermitude with his bias arse). I'm not embarrassed to admit that though. The better man won. True gentlemen sh*t. Haha...

Anyway, here is a couple of pics from the day. Enjoy. Oh, and stay tuned for it to air on triple j tv on both ABC 1 & 2!

Shalom.

(photos by me)

Dem Bonez

What it is, blog crew...

Hoping all are well.

If you haven't seen Bonez's (djbonezblog) blog post about us working together yet, well, this may be some pleasantly surprising news. I have known Bonez for years now. I mean years. It's funny that even though we've moved in close circles, we're just getting to work together.

I've always respected the man as a DJ. I guess cos he comes from the same school / era as myself. He's got the funky & simple (and I don't mean 'easy', when I say that) cuts which I dig. Similar stylings to Danielsan. So you know we had to click when it came to working on a tune.

Bonez gave me a ring one day, said he had an idea, and I was like, "hell yeah... about time you asked me to do something with you!". Haha. So he sent me the beat, I laid down some demos, he dug it and, as you can see from the photo, I came through Bonez's studio and we got busy. Great bloke to work with, too. And yeah, I'm fortunate to work with the top dudes in this country.

So... what does it sound like? Ahhh... you'll have to wait for Bonez's album to be released for you to check it out. I jokingly said I was going to leak it on the net. He wasn't having it. Haha...

Sydney crew! 

Hoping all are well.

If you dig genuine hip hop, then make your way to this event this Friday night (25th Sept.) @ Melt, Kings Cross. Finale is a talented Detroit MC who has worked with the likes of J Dilla, Black Milk and Flying Lotus on his solid debut album, 'A Pipe Dream and a Promise' (out now!!!). If you haven't heard it yet, please get acquainted.

I'll be hosting the night, so come down, say hello, have a drink and witness Finale and one of Australia's premier hip hop producers, M-Phazes,  let it fly.

Click pic for details. Blam!

RIP Grandmaster Roc Raida

The X-ecutioners: (l-r) Rob Swift, Boogie Blind, Total Eclipse, Roc Raida (RIP), me & Precision

Being apart of the hip hop community is like being part of a big family. When some one dies, you are immediately affected. This year we've seen the passing of some great artists - Baatin (Slum Village), DJ AM, of course, Michael Jackson, and now, DJ Grandmaster Roc Raida.

Big fella was and is still a big part of the whole turntablism movement. A true pioneer. Roc Raida is well respected in the hip hop community and has the skills to warrant so.

I had the honour of meeting Roc Raida when he and the X-ecutioners came into the triple j Hip Hop Show for an interview and for them to do what they do best - mash up the turntables. Roc Raida seemed like a very focussed dude yet he still had a top sense of humour. Much like the other boys.

So with all that being said, I do a big salute to Mr. Raida, his legacy, his family and his supporters. Bless up, my man.

The Jacob Giles Sessions Ep. 2

OK folks. On the last entry, I mentioned that myself and Jacob were in the studio when he issued a challenge. Here it is...

The challenge:
Writing 16 bars in 16 minutes.

The result:
Nothing that would feature on 'The Blueprint 4', but it ain't too shabby either.

In this clip, see us through the writing and recording process of this 'untitled' track.
Stay tuned for part two to hear the whole song.

The Jacob Giles Sessions

How's it, blog peoples?

Hoping all are well.

If you don't know the name 'Jacob Giles' - that's cool. But I'm sure you will start to hear that name more often. Who is he? He is a top bloke who also happens to be a talented producer and lyricist. A breath of fresh in this sometime stale scene. He is also one half of 1NFO (long side the man, Nick Knowledge) and the man also has solo ambitions (az a ridah! Hehe...). Oh, if you haven't got the free (yes, free) 1NFO mixtape, get it right HERE!

OK, getting back to it. On my down time, I have been coolin' with Jacob - building, making music and doing some recordings for a side solo project. He has an appreciation for the art of sampling but loves to mix it up with some live instrumentation. So the sessions have been going well as Jacob is an inspirational person to work with. Stay tuned to hear some of that goodness we've created.

During our last session, Jacob laid down a challenge for the both of us, right there and then in the studio. Watch for the next post as to what we got up to. Hold tight, curious crew.

The Roof, the Roof, the Roof is On Fire!

How art thou, blog crew?

Just letting you know about this event coming up real soon. Yes, yes I know. I thought the same thing, too, when my man, Carlos, told me about it. Being on top of a tall'ish building's rooftop on 9/11? ¿Está usted loco, el hermano?

Nah, the brother ain't crazy. Just passionate about his music and city. So what better way to celebrate the two by putting this on? Exactly.

There will be a live band mashing it up and I think guest vocalist and musicians will be joining them on stage throughout the night. Who knows? I may even grab the mic to do my damn thang. Keep me charged off the vodka & soda and that will be more than a possibility.

OK brothers & sisters - I hope to see you there. Bam!

The Memory Lane Edition: APEX RIP

I was digging (do you still call it that when looking at 'em on the computer???) through some old photos and I came across this. Man, what a trip to see it. I totally forgot that I had this. It was taken in a pub in Sydney. A hip hop night.

That's me (duh!) with my man, Angel aka APEX. Him, along with some other crew, were the first blokes we ('we' meaning: myself and DJ Danielsan) met and hung out with in Sydney. We must've met them in the early 90's. Just when the Sydney scene was really starting to create some top shelf hip hop.

It was a quite exciting time (especially cos we were coming up from Queanbeyan & Canberra!). Graff had already established some killer writers & crews in Sydney. Same as DJs. But the MC'ing had lacked a bit of quality and authenticity. Not only in Sydney, but nation-wide. But around this time, things were about to change.

Def Wish Cast were really leading the way (although, honestly speaking, I wouldn't have admitted that back then. Haha...). Their unrelenting bboy style was really creating a buzz and the west Sydney-siders carried the torch for all the hardcore massive.

A duo named The Fonke Knowmaads were doing their thing, too. They had a really developed sound that was pretty much inspired by the east coast US hip hop. Their style and approach to music was almost on the other end of the scale to what DWC were doing. So there was a broad spectrum beginning to develop in ol' Sydney town.

Filling in the gaps were Crews like Voodoo Flavour, Illegal Substance, 046, Black Hand, Noble Savages and of course, Sound Unlimited Posse (which was created after Westside Posse disbanded). SUP were the first local hip hop outfit to be signed to a major label. Well, weren't there some lessons to be learned there???

A trio I admired from afar, Urban Poets, were about to expand into a ground breaking collective called Easy Bass. The crew consisted of IllPickl, JU, a young DJ Leeroy Brown, a baby Sleeping Monk & a well-skilled kid named Simple. Then there were us guys who were close affiliates. APEX, Mr. Clean, Simonitor and myself (amongst others). They were a very talented bunch of people and mad inspiring to be around.

Easy Bass released a tape called 'Space Programme' in '96. Man, it was as fresh as an immigrant just getting off the boat. High quality beats, rhymes and cuts. The whole package. You'd be hard pressed trying to find a copy of it, though. It had a limited press, but damn if you find yourself one... pass me a dub!

Now back to this particular photo. It must have been taken around '06 or '07. Unfortunately, APEX passed away last year in '08 from a motor cycle accident. Crazy sh!t. I thought I'd post this photo up here in salute to a tough man who was very capable on both the mic and the beats (and apparently the hands. Bam!). I'm sure he'd be happy to know that the Parra Eels are going great guns at the moment.

Much blessings brother.

Since I'm on a memory trip buzz, gotta send universal daps & pounds to my KOA crew, Dr. Phibes, Blaze, Kavi, Katalyst and MC Trey.

For more photos from this night with APEX, head to the Koolism myspace by clicking right HERE!



* All this is from memory. And you know, the ol' think tank ain't like what it used to be. Haha...

** Nothing wrong with my eye in this photo. Just trying to style on ya. Where's my Slick Rick eye-patch?

Old Time Goodness

OK, here's the gist. For those who know me, know I'm a biiig London Posse fan. If you have not heard of them, please click on that teeny weeny 'x' box at the top corner of this page.

For those who are hip to the game, you will at least recognise one of these rude boys in the car (notice I said, 'rude boys'. If I had said 'sad fulla', you would have sited the driver. Who is DJ & radio personality, Tim Westwood).

The bloke you should be familiar with, is the dude in the dark glasses. That, my friends, is one of England's... hell... one of the UK's finest MC's ever (in my humble non-living-in-the-UK opinion). Bionic. Even speaking with fellow former London Posse bad man, Rodney P (see me name dropping, right? Haha...) one time bout Bionic, he, too, agreed that Bionic was in a league of his own.

The bloke to his side on the beatbox, is founder of London Posse, Sipho (RIP). Apparently talented as hell, too. The footage I have seen of him on the ol' vocal percussion tip... yeah, he got the skills to definitely pay the bills.

Anyway, here they are, just chillin' in the back of some dodgy car lettin' it fly. Even though they're in casual mode, I reckon this kills 70% of artists' efforts today. Remember, this is like mid to late 80's. Proper.

Tims: Can They Get Much Tougher?

What was traditionally a hikers & workmans' weapon of choice, this label became the statement of a whole new generation and culture. It started in the hood then it went world wide. The classic footwear of thugs, dealers, stick-up kids, b-boys, gangstas, preppies and hip hop lovers. Timberlands. Can they get much tougher than that???

I was in the snow this week (Falls Creek, to be exact) and I wore my pair. The same pair that allowed me to comfortably tackle the very same track the Inkas did hundreds of years ago before me (and counteless other tourists) to Machu Picchu (which, for the geographically challenged, is in Peru).

Put on your sh!t kickers and kick some sh!t.

Red & Yellow & Pink & Greeen...

Blog crew!
Hope all are well.

As I said, I was in Canberra & Queanbeyan (what up 2620?!) over the weekend. Caught up with some writer crew, Seth (KOA) & Whiske (SLY) at a wall in Canberra. Needless to say, the weather was bloody freezing, but these guys are troopers. Some burgers and beers in the system and they're ready to rock.

Here are some pics from the one wall they did. Pearlers, don't you agree?

Local Lads Unite!

D'Opus & Roshambo 'gettin' it in', as the popular rap saying goes.

Blog massive - what's happening?

Was in Canberra / Queanbeyan over the weekend (well, I'm still here as I write this). Was also in Bega. Quite an up and down affair - emotionally. Funeral, birthdays, test matches, graffiti extravaganza... all of that.

Anyway, what I wanted to blog about, was the fact I was coolin' with D'Opus & Roshambo (and Axe Acklins on the surprise tip) in the Mercury Lab studio. They played me some tunes they were working on for their upcoming album. I feel honored that people allow me to check their music out before the rest of the public do. And then ask for my honest, humble opinion. Awww shucks...

There were some real gems there. The boys are working hard and experimenting a lot, which, I think, is always a good thing. They have a few guest you will know, and few guest you might not. One of them you will recognise, will be me! That's right - yours truly will be doing what he does best. The ol' rappedy raps. Was that meant to be surprise? Dunno...haha. Hope not. Cats out the bag now. Stay tuned.

Also, stay tuned for some pics from my boys painting like it's the 1980's.

Bless up!

Wu-Tang Fans Unite: Viva la Revolution!

Had to post this just for the cover alone. Classic.

Producer / DJ, Memory Man, gets his hands on some old Rae (and crew) verses and then remixes 'em. blends 'em and all o' that good sh!t with some top notch results. This oughta tie you over til Rae's album, 'Only Built For Cuban Linx Pt. II', gets released next month. Yikes! I'm excited.

DOWNLOAD

Big up the 2Dopeboyz for the linkage. Bo!

Getting On With the Don

What it is, net massive?

Hoping all are well. Been a long time. But here I is.
Dropping in to let you know that I have succumb to the Twitter madness. Yep - jokes on me after saying that I would never get an account. Haha. Ahhh well...

So Twitter crew, join me here:
@haubrowncow

Oh, if you're wondering about the photo - me too. Haha. Nah, that's my brother Trev doing what all dons do. Sit back and sip on them freshly grounded coffee beans. Big up the Tyranny crew in Windsor, Melbourne. Top shelf business.

Til next time...

The King of Pop - There is None Higher!

By now, you would of heard about the tragic death of Michael Jackson. Crazy sh*t man.

No long spiels here. Just a big thank you, MJ. For the music, the fun, the dancing, the innovation and the all round entertainment.

Blessings and long live the King.

Check out my man's tribute mix to Michael jackson, 'Man or the Music'. Get that vibes happening.
Click on the smooth criminal.

Big Pimpin' in S-Y-D

What's up peoples?
Been away from this for a bit. I know, I know... I'm slack with it. But I will come back more often. Trust me.

OK, news. One of Sydney's favourite local music supporting radio station, FBi Radio, is facing financial hardships. SO the great people of the Sydney hip hop scene have agreed to get together for a massive show that will hopefully raise some money to help out.

It will be huuuuuge. Check the flyer for the line up (and details). Crikey! So yeah, if you're in Sydney (or it's surrounding city and towns), come enjoy the music and vibes and feel good that your money went to help a great radio station that is supporting the local music scene.

Oh, I will be doing a SOLO set - performing some tunes I have been working on on my down time. Interested???

Back On My Bullsh!t

Just like how Busta eloquently put it for his new album title.

I'm back from my South American trip. All organs intact, swine flu-free and more worldy than ever before.
Just thought I'd tell you.

You'll here more about it and more as I get back into the groove of things.
Hold tight, all area crew!



BTW: That pic was taken outside a chicha (traditional Peruvian beer made from corn) brewing spot outside Cusco, Peru.

That's Not a Battle. This is a Battle!

Man, the limbs I would give to have been at this clash. Two of the baddest dancehall DJ's to run the place hot going at it. Ninjaman (in the great Rick James shiny suit) vs. Supacat (in the gangsta khaki suit and table napkin head dress). Ya large.

Kinda makes 8 Mile look like Opra's Book Club readings.

PULL UP!

Do Yourself a Favour II: Information Jakeknowledgy

Oh, how times have changed. Get a new album at the click of a button? Yeah, many sides to that story but we'll save it for another time.

But since it is as easy at that nowadays, then there is no excuse to not get this album. Especially since it's free! I know you like free stuff, you cheap-skates. Haha...

Behold the project of bilingual MC, Nick Knowledge, and arthouse movie critic and MC/ producer, Jacob Giles. They have united to form Information Jakeknowledgy. This is new and refreshing sounds on the local front. Tired of that typical 'Aussie' sound that has seemed to really get out of control? Yeah, me too. Oh, and there is a guest MC on 'Man Made Mountains' that you should check. He's bloody tops!

Do yourself a favour and dowload this at Hat On Rack.
Did I mention it was FREE???

Another Stella Example of Why Alcohol & Drugs Shouldn't Be Around Cameras

I like Beanie Sigal. A lot in fact. And in this video, he does what he does and he does it extremely well. Especially the Boot Camp Click name checks. Slammin'.

But I posted this video for you guys to check because of the dude in the hat who looks like Scarface circa '91 (Geto Boys 'Scarface', not Tony Montana 'Scarface'). The extended handshakes, the puckered lips, the clenched jaw...c'mon, man. You telling me he's not succumbing to the almighty vibes of a disco biscuit? Haha.

That's why, when it's time to getting to' up from the flo' up, make sure there are no cameras around. Which is definitely damn near impossible to do nowadays.

As embarrassing for him as it is, it still makes for great viewing. Kudos, big fella. You made my day.

Do Yourself a Favour I: Check out Lakonic

OK, if you don't know - get to know. I've been going on about this guy for a while now.

Very few get my attention like this dude. Sure he has a few creases he has to iron out (and work out for himself), but give him a few years on mics and stages and in booths and he will outshine most.

He hails from a small town in Victoria (what's up, Broadford?!). Don't sleep, folks. Do yourself a favour.

Check for his tunes (especially 'Firing Lines') at his myspace HERE.

Cocaine is a Hell of a Drug

True, Puff. You might only be on your third glass of Ciroc, but you're probably on your sixth line of that good ol' Colombian marching powder.


However Mr. Combs, I will give it to you for that 24k laptop. Kudos.
Puffy: 1 - Hauie: 0

D*ck head of the Week: Jim Jones

OK granted. We don't know what exactly went down here, but aye... any video or recording that reinforces Jimmy Jones as being a loud-mouthed d*ckhead is OK by me.

Allow Me to Re-introduce Myself

Microphone check one two - what is this?

Is this on? Wondering if any one will read this? Do folks still blog and stuff anymore?
Hmmm. It's all good. I'm going to do this anyway. Haha...

Welcome, family. I will be just filling this blog up with all things Hau - music, lifestyle, thoughts etc. Original, right? Haha. Well, it's up to you to read it or not.

Anyways, might as well start off with a picture of me so you know who the hell is typing this business.


By HauieBeast

Ahhh yes... big up Cole Bennets for that pic.

OK then... stay tuned for some exclusive stuff, normal stuff and other stuff.

Aiiight...chill.