Beat Nation Trax
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Miss Christie Lee Charles AKA “Crunch”
Track 01: Miss Christie Lee - Experience - 4:18 - 5.9MB.
Musqueam MC raps in Halkomelem, "This music is about my teachings and culture. I also spit raps in the ancient Musqueam dialect. Before creating this type of music I approached elders and received permissions to use our teachings in this modern way and follow the proper protocols."
Bio
Miss Christie Lee Charles – AKA “Crunch”
?i? cap ?ew ?ey ?al' antha sxaxleya? tel ?i? ce:n xwamuthqueam mestayxw
Good day everyone I am sxaxleya? And I come from the Musqueam peoples, with ancestry from Tseilwahtuth (George) and Squamish (Harry) nations. My English name is Christie lee Charles. My grandparents from Musqueam are Mary and the late Percy Charles. Percy was the eldest son of Andrew and Christine Charles. We are the direct descendants of Capilano, whose name you see carelessly used throughout the lower mainland. My great, great, great grandfather was the first documented citizen of Vancouver; his portrait, sketched by a Spanish explorer, now hangs in Vancouver's City Hall. I currently reside and was born in Musqueam but grew up in Tseilwahtuth and around the city of Vancouver with my mother, Maggie Charles, and two older siblings.
With great thanks to my papa, the late Andrew C. Charles, I have been able to learn our cultural history and teachings. Not only did I learn this, I was also able to pick up our Musqueam dialect, which I still study to this day. I use these teachings in all aspects of my life.
On my free time I create conscious hip hop for our Aboriginal youth. This music is about my teachings and culture. I also spit raps in the ancient Musqueam dialect. Before creating this type of music I approached elders and received permissions to use our teachings in this modern way and follow the proper protocols
I currently attend the Aboriginal Studies program at Langara College. Since an early age I have expressed many sides of my creativity through art and film and now through music. I have a mini album titled the Siem Sampler, on which you will find hip hop music relating to Aboriginal youth, culture and teachings. I use this tool as outreach for them. I have performed for the President of China in Beijing and for Chuck D of Public Enemy when he visited Vancouver as well as for numerous communities and venues in and around Vancouver and BC. I’m in the studio working on my new album. Currently I am the Youth Engagement Coordinator for the Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association ( KAYA)
Links
Rapsure Risin
Track 02: Rapsure Risin - Switch, Dip and Flip - 3:38 - 5MB.
Featuring female MC's Carrielynn aka aka Num!nouS, and Theresa aka T Mela_D. Representing the Sto:lo Nation Carrielynn and Theresa spit pop laced concious rhymes that make you think and shake your booty, uniting conciousness with love, balance and rhyme.
Track 03: Rapsure Risin - Down to Ride - 2:28 - 3.4MB.
Another fierce and vibeing track from Rapsure Risin'. Featuring more, "..it's all about the message," philosophy in their lyrics Rapsure Risin' explore urban native youth issues with sweet beats and refrains.
Bio
Rapsure Risin
Attraction to music comes from beyond the mind. This music comes from beyond the mind. A strong belief in walking the earth as a complete human being, with all four aspects intact – Mind, Spirit, Body, Emotions – sets the bar for living that much higher. These aspects are present in all of us. When we are aware and fully conscious of our true presence, we are capable of infinite possibilities. Carrielynn aka Num!nouS, and Theresa aka T Mela_D are indigo children; they have arrived with purpose. An effective way of reaching many people is through the music, the youth hip hop music. Fate brought together Theresa and Carrielynn; the music is bringing the people together. With a strong message of understanding, love, and balance in our lives, these MCs write to inspire furthering development in our journeys. We are here for more than the material, we are here for more than the knowledge, we are here for more than we could ever imagine. Imagine Rapture, being carried away to ecstasy, imagine rising to your highest state of being, imagine Rapsure Risin! These women aim high, and have the drive within them to work towards what they believe in. Believe in these two young women, listen to the music, and discover what it is that you are here for – on earth, that is. Representing the Sto:lo nation in the Fraser Valley, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Rapsure Risin, 2 dope MCs tearin’ up the stages from coast to coast, rippin’ it up in the studio and lovin’ every minute of it.
Links
Kinnie Starr
Track 04: Kinnie Starr - Bela - 2:15 - 5.2MB.
Accomplished MC and poet Kinnie Starr mixes up samples and free form poetry to create hip hop with a feminine edge and half breed love.
Bio
The Kinnie Starr you already know: MC, singer, poet, actress, beatnik, musicmaker, who was born in Calgary. Became her adult self in Vancouver, and was raised on heavy doses of Zeppelin, Sade and De La Soul's Daisy Age. Discovered she could kick it live one night in NYC (1993), when an open mic called, and the crowd carried her through three blazing encores ("edgy... enchanting," said the New Yorker). Tidy (Canada 1996; U.S.A. 1997) was the first of Starr's four records. Her new one is called Anything (but we'll get there in a minute), which drew critical acclaim from all corners. "An artistic, feminist, angry, well-articulated rant of the highest order," said allmusic.com; "raw, funny and definitely an original," added the Globe and Mail…
Kinnie's full bio and links can be found on her writing page.
Manik1derful – Derek Edenshaw
Track 05: Manik1derful - Stressed Street Rider - 3:58 - 5.5MB.
Native hip hop pioneer Manik's super fast Mc'ing slows down a little for catchy phrases that stay real to this hard hitting original Native hip hop legend. Lyricly hailing from the fresh coast Manik focuses on the lived experience of the streets and what that means for urban Native people.
Bio
Manik1derful – Derek Edenshaw
Manik is a multitalented artist. Most only know him for his amazing skills as an MC. He also works in the promotion field as well as the non-profit sector. He has a few projects on the go as follows:
–Just finished a collaborative project with Hellnback oF Rezofficial and Warparty fame. It is titled the UrRban Buffalos . We are sorting out the details as far as how we plan on releasing it. Watch out for the music video for the song Regret Nothing produced by Bluntologist.
–Have you heard the Manik, Sichuan and Magic Touch collabo titled CUSTOM MADE? We released an animated video for it called Right Now. Look in Manik’s videos if you haven’t seen it. Well we’re recording the sequel and going under the new group name – STARMAKERZ. The shit is heater styles.
–Manik recently took over the Vancouver edition of Put your Money Where Your Mouth Is! Look out for the Body Somebody series!!!!!!!!!!!! This means sick battles the city. jeyah!!!!!!!!
–Drumkeepers Studio got funded for programming this year. That’s an idea that Manik and Magic Touch came up with in association with KAYA (KNowledgable Aboriginal Youth Association). More updates to come.
–Finally Manik is writing for his next solo album called FIRST RED PRIMINISTER!....MORE TO COME ON THAT!
Links
myspace.com/MISTERMANIK
myspace.com/doublesentertainment
Eekwol
Track 06: Eekwol and Mils - The Tree - 3:44 - 5.1MB.
Eekwol and Mils rap about the realities of gangs and their impact in the depths of Cree territory. The Tree uses the symbol of a living organism to call Native youth to live healthier lives, "from the roots to the trunks to the branches to the leaves all together we are planting the seed."
Bio
Eekwol is currently one of the main artists of the independent label, Mils Productions, which she co-owns with her producer/brother, Mils. Through their original music they display their activist roots by living and creating as supporters of both Hip Hop and Indigenous culture and rights. .. Discography 1998 - Innersoulfow self-titled EP.. 1999 - Frequent Flyers of a Higher Science full length 2001 - Innersouflow - Best Kept Secret full length 2002 - Eekwol - Soundsick EP 2004 - Eekwol - Apprentice to the Mystery 2007 - Eekwol and Mils - The List(to be released) And countless features on compilations and other artist's albums .
Links
JB the First Lady
Track 07: JB The First Lady - Unlock - 3:48 - 6.4MB.
Hip Hop mover and shaker JB uses her signature soft but strong rhymes to motivate young people to make healthy choices and to love their beautiful indigenous selves. Unlocking the potential in all of us JB spits sweetly to reveal the beauty in all of us.
Bio
JB the First Lady
JB is a triple threat as an Emcee, director of performance and actor. JB has performed over 100 hip hop shows in and around Vancouver, from clubs to Annual General Meetings for community organizations. She is spreading the words of empowerment and the perspective of urban indigenous women in Canada. She is 25 years old, and hails from the Nuxalk and Cayuga Nations. "Using my words to go upwards/not backwards" are lyrics that describe what JB tries to convey in her music. Hip Hop is her chosen avenue of expression. JB’s music is lyrically motivated with depth, meaning, and positivity like none other. JB reveals a genre of hip hop she calls "Cutie Empowerment HIP HOP". In November 2008 JB released her 1st album Called "Indigenous Love". "Indigenous love" is an album with political raps and love songs. JB first album definitely captures the opinions and expression of young urban indigenous women. JB wants young indigenous women to feel proud, inspired, and to finally see someone on stage that looks like them since there are not too many Canadian indigenous women represented in mainstream media. Lastly JB is likely the first lady you'll ever see b-boxing (making beats with her mouth).
JB was born in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan had the pleasure of living in different cities across Canada. Now calling east Vancouver her home, her acting credits go as follows:
One Day; Life is Random; Youth ink You Know But You Don't; Eastside; The Radio Play; Lost One; All my Relationships; Medicine; As You Like It; The Outsiders.
Links
Daybi
Track 08: Daybi - Sam Revere - 4:02- 5.6MB.
Artist and skilled hip hop performer Daybi lays slick beats while revising histories to reflect Aboriginal worldviews and experiences. This track rips from the Beastie Boys to tell the story of an up and coming MC.
Track 09: Daybi - Delorion - 2:42 - 3.7MB.
Another poppin' and smooth track from Daybi, long standing Native hop hop artist. R and B inspired refrains punctuate some honest reflections and spitting rhymes from this hip hop master.
Bio
Geoff Pranteau – AKA Daybi
Bombay Records drops a bomb of an album for the Canadian hip hop masses. “First Contact” has been over a year in the making and represents a collaboration between producers, musicians, vocalists, artists, designers and beat makers from across Canada who have united behind this leading Native Cree performer and multi-talented artist known simply as Daybi (pronounced day by).
Known for his work with the acclaimed Slang Blossom Group, Daybi drops his debut solo project bringing together a vast network of artistic partners. On this album he teams up with a well – crafted team of Canadian talent well known and emerging across the country: Moka Only (Swollen Members), DJ Kemo (Rascalz), Sean Dimitrie, P‐Nut (Dead Indians), Denzal Sinclaire. Dj Kaem, Tumivut, Spen Zilla, Myka Nyne and NYC’s finest, King James, Gab Ekoe, Illustrator Zodak and Orick Terry.
His unique story as a creative Cree Nations artist has taken him across the country over the years, as well as into the realm of fatherhood inspired by the presence of his son. Daybi struggled as an Aboriginal youth in a broken environment, which made it more difficult for him to achieve his goals. However, the adversity motivated him and made him more curious about the world. These qualities, including his sense of self-sacrifice and dedication to his work, have led him down this long road as an artist. His communication and influence in the Native youth community is more overwhelming and evident among his fan base. With his music and educational approach, he represents a much-needed voice for a new generation of Native culture.
Daybi’s film experience from writing and directing a CBC-featured Aboriginal short film, Neutral, was evident in his self-made video for the opening cut on the album Navigator. DJ Kemo’s smooth jazz beats and Daybi’s cool rhymes set the tone for the rest of the album, a rich showcase for his clever spoken word rhymes describing his stories and experiences of growing up as a Native youth in Canada. Daybi’s skilled rhymes fly on musical collaborations with an array of talented musicians. His main collaborator and long time-fan, Moka Only, has his hand in a number of tracks including the club favorites Co Sign and There We Go. The album also features a diverse collective of Canadian artists, including jazz maestro Denzal Sinclaire on piano as well as fellow First Nations` producer Sean Dimtrie.
First Contact has a wide range of modern electronic hip hop styles, touching on influences ranging from Jazz to Indie Rock and giving the album a wide appeal to Canadian Radio as well as a potentially wider audience of music lovers. Daybi’s already loyal Aboriginal following has taken him across the country in every direction. The album will be supported with a multi-date national tour featuring his live hip hop show with backing musicians, adding a strong performance to a package that will surely launch Daybi as a household Canadian name after the album release.
Links
Ostwelve / Ron Dean Harris
Track 10: Ostwelve - Silence Breathes - 5:01 - 6.9MB.
Ostwelve's dark rhymes are a warning call, a world out of balance will crash and burn without restoring indigenous knowledge values. Subversive and conceptual Os unique brand of activist laced hip hop has been inspiring audiences for years thanks to this early hip hop leader.
Track 11: Ostwelve - B.Medicine/Baphela Bantu - 4:20
A fresh track from Ostwelve inspired by his travels in South Africa, this track gets back to Os' roots writin' rhymes as medicine, from this Musqueam MC. Telling it like it is Ostwelve's tracks are poems and prayers aiming straight for the spirit and the heart.- 6MB.
Bio
Ron Dean Harris (Ostwelve), was born in the Sto:lo Territory of BC (Fraser Valley) in 1979. He grew up with grandparents until he was 13, when he took his journey from his small town home into the city of Vancouver to find hip hop and himself. His path led him to various hip hop jams, after-hours parties and street ciphers at an early teen age. Before moving into the city, music was always an integral part of his life, with a mother who played percussion, a father who played guitar and many uncles and grandparents with musical love and talent.
Ostwelve's full bio and links can be found on his writing page.
Video
An interview with Ostwelve by Skeena Reece
Co-curator Skeena Reece talks with Ostwelve at the Redwire Magazine office about sampling indigenous music and about cultural ( Musqueam ) protocol in both traditional and contemporary music. Responsibility in music, concious lyrics and personal growth of creative expression are touched on as well as the process of creating rhymes. Skeena and Ostwelve also talk about Os' recent trip to South Africa writing with Zulu Boy and his work with indigenous media, prophecy and knowledge.
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