After seven months of recording and causing much anticipation, Zambian born Hip-Hop artist, C.R.I.$.I.$. has released his much anticipated third studio album called "Mr. Swagger."
Zambian born Hip-Hop artist, C.R.I.$.I.$. has released his much anticipated third studio album called "Mr. Swagger."
In January 2005, he released the first Hip-Hop album in Zambia. Going against the grain, the album 'Officer in Charge' was in English as opposed to the local language music that people were used to. Today, he is hailed as a pioneer and is refereed to by his fans as the Zambian King of Hip-Hop.
Four years and two albums later, comes his newest offering, 'Mr. Swagger.'
C.R.I.$.I.$. rates this record as his favorite of all the projects has worked on.
"The album sounds like The Incredible Hulk having sex.” He further stated that, because this is a new sound, there is no better explanation to describe it.
"The sound is a mixture of Pink Floyd (Dark Side of The Moon)/Dr. Dre (The Chronic 1992) and Andre 3000" says C.R.I.$.I.$.
It opens with the orchestral "Lights, Camera, Action' a song that clearly show's the artists creativity as him and 'Diamond Chain' guest artist 'Camstar' display a simple yet very intelligent way of creating lyrics. The song makes a grand opening for the album as it catches the listener’s attention. With C.R.I.$.I.$. developing his singing talent, him and Levins share the chorus on this epic opening for the album. The song promises to be a street anthem.
"Hold Me Down" is a stand out club banger that see's the rapper using a singing style as opposed to the typical rap. The song heightens as it goes and so does the second verse after the bridge. Upcoming rapper, Camstar also appears on this song with a catchy rap just before the song closes down.
Other notable songs are the monstrous "Electric Boogie" which is currently enjoying radio play in Zambia and beginning to be recognized worldwide. The song is reminiscent of 90's Hip-Hop but in a modern way. It sounds like a Mixture of George Clinton's Parliament Funk with a modern sound that is reminiscent of Deathrow Records at its peak.
On the song 'LSK City (Lusaka),' the rapper describes his birth place Lusaka, Zambia. The song alone can be handy tool for tourists. Without the existence of this song on the album, it's very difficult to know that the rapper is not American. The rapper uses the song as an identity of where he is from.
Helicopters, Chaos, Police and an emergency call are the opening sounds on the Exile assisted "Connected." The beat is a mix of Crunk and West Coast Hip-Hop as the chorus cuts in with Singer/Rapper 'Exile' doing his thing. The song talks about people that want to take credit for other people's success. It addresses jealousy, greed and the evil that men do.
The song 'Radio' finds the rapper reminiscing about a lady that he misses most. While driving through the city, he get's on the phone to ask the DJ to dedicate a song to the lady as he raps ..."you know what? I'll address you as my queen, if you let me be the crown coz, I just want to be around you." The songs lyrics touch on a lot of reality. While the rapper also sings the chorus, it is the unexpected execution that lifts the song up. Being able to do everything including the production only confirms why others refer to him as the full package.
"Going to Bollywood" is one of the album's exceptional tracks as it blends Indian and Egyptian sounds in one. Singer/Rapper 'Exile' makes another appearance here. The wicked combination between him and Mr. Swagger leaves listeners wishing for a Best of Both Worlds type of album. The two are undeniably great together. The song finds the two men making a trip to Bollywood to find that beautiful Indian Goddess. The rappers knowledge of the Indian culture can clearly be heard as he raps "...If I could, I would build you the Taj Mahal/and give you the cash, the cars...." The song is catchy, fast paced and will easily become a club favorite. It has street appeal while still catering to the commercial market. This is a skill that few rappers such as The late Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Dr. Dre and Jay-Z etc. have been able to achieve in the game.
After a fun filled journey of songs, the album finally closes with a Michael Jackson dedication called "Sing Another Day." The song features one of Zambia's top singer's K'milion, with the guitars being handled by Uncle Rex, one of Zambia's top guitarists. C.R.I.$.I.$. clearly chose to work with the best on this album. "Sing Another Day" has been described by many as one of the most honest dedications made for The King of Pop. The songs gives the listener a clear picture of Michael Jackson's influence on the artist. C.R.I.$.I.$. almost sounds as if him and MJ had known each other. It is a sincere effort.
The album, 'Mr. Swagger' takes many unexpected turns but yet still, sounds together. It is a must have for anybody that is into collecting music with longevity. This album is for today, tomorrow and it is a blueprint for the future. Get it if you haven't already.
The album officially hits record stores on Tuesday, 25/08/09
NOTE: For those living overseas, please be patient as the album takes a longer time to be delivered to iTunes. It takes on average, 4-8 weeks for any record to be delivered there.
However, should you want to order a copy directly from Diamond Chain Services, please use the following contacts:
If you'd like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with C.R.I.$.I.$. aka Mr. Swagger, please contact Crystin Stephens.
Crystin Stephens (P.R./Artist Manager-Diamond Chain Services)
Email: contactcrisis@myspace.com
Website: http:www.crisis-hiphop.com
Cellphone: +260976767410
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
C.R.I.$.I.$. aka Mr. Swagger-Biography
About C.R.I.$.I.$
2006-Brath Award for best Zambian Hip-Hop artist.
15,000+ CD's and Cassettes sold in Lusaka alone, C.R.I.$.I.$.’s album Officer in Charge (released January 2005) was the first hip-hop record to be produced and released in Zambia by a Zambian artist. His second album The Diamond Chain Mixtape reached another milestone by becoming the first Zambian Mixtape to be released commercially in Zambia.
2008-Released the album called, ‘Designer.’ C.R.I.$.I.$. isn’t showing signs of stopping as he continues to venture out of Zambia and into the international Hip-Hop market.
BEGINNINGS:
He grew up listening to all genres of music.
At age 10, began his hip-hop obsession. After hearing “The Message” by Grand Master
Flash and The Furious Five, C.R.I.$.I.$. knew that hip-hop was his passion and it was this track that inspired him to begin rapping.
EARLY INFLUENCES:
Big Daddy Kane, Boogie Down Productions, NWA, LL Cool J and Dr. Dre, C.R.I.$.I.$. believes he can bring a different taste to contemporary.
EDUCATION:
He went up to College where he later dropped out after doing the Foundation course in the Institute for Management of Information Systems (IMIS) at the Zambia Insurance Business College Trust in Lusaka, Zambia.
CAREER:
Joined Mondo Music, a label that was once Zambia’s’ biggest record company. With them, he made his professional debut release on a compilation called “The Rhythm Nation Project (Yo-Yamba).” His song, ‘The City’ was rated as the best written song on the compilation. In 2000, he left Mondo to pursue his music career independently.
That same year, progress was made as he was featured on a compilation called “Harambe Dope Sessions” that was licensed to South Africa’s DIY Records along with other artists such as Hoodlum, Cashless Society, Mizchief and many more.
ON THE RISE:
2001-He auditioned for a modeling job and became the face of Mosi Lager, a brew produced by South African Breweries and marketed throughout Africa. He appeared on billboards, television ads and all of their print and electronic media.
2002-2004, The Voice of America, a radio and television station based in Washington DC, appointed him as the coordinator of their Hip-Hop Connection Fan Club, an organization that runs youth developmental programs.
IN THE KNOW:
In 2004, he dared to enter a rap battle that aired live on South African Broadcasting Corporation Losing to South African rapper Snazz from Cashless Society for a controversial third place spot.
C.R.I.$.I.$. gained the recognition he needed to continue to pursue his hip-hop career. With his rising fame in Zambia, he signed a deal with a local distribution company, Solid Rhythmz and together, they released his hit album “Officer in Charge” making him the first Zambian to release a Hip-Hop album in that country.
With such success and a significant achievement for Zambia’s Hip-Hop industry, he quickly gained recognition across seas. He signed on with an artist management team called Clavel Inc.
March 2005-Featured in Future Music Magazine in a review written by Tim Oliver and two months later, he became the first Zambian invited to perform at the Channel-O Video Music Awards.
Inspired by his aunt who was suffering from cancer, in 2006 C.R.I.$.I.$. helped raise funds for the Breast Cancer Trust (BCT) foundation by holding a benefit gig at Lusaka’s Club Phoenix. The show was a success and according to the BCT (Break through Cancer Trust), he was the first musician to ever take this step in response to their cause.
GOING INTERNATIONAL:
2007 was a big year for C.R.I.$.I.$. that began with him being featured in the UK’s Computer Music Magazine: issue 112 (May 2007), receiving a great song review by industry insider Ronan MacDonald.
That same year, he appeared on a mixtape by Jay-Z’s disc jockey DJ Green Lantern, entitled MySpace Monster Mash. C.R.I.$.I.$. and he later appeared on the 2007 mixtape by British disc jockey, DJ Ames, called US-UK Takeover which also featured other artists such as Craig David, Lil’ Wayne & many more.
He also performed at numerous events including the Oxjam, an event organized by the charity organization Oxfam. It is one of the UK’s biggest charity events aimed at ending poverty in developing countries.
C.R.I.$.I.$. returned to Zambia in 2008 and began working on his second album, DesignerĖ, released in March 2008.
He is also involved in work by the International Labor Organization (I.LO.) along with the International Organization for Migration (I.O.M.) and the United Nations (U.N.). These organizations have teamed up and developed an anti human trafficking song on which C.R.I.$.I.$. is one of the key voices and has been quoted in the United Nations monthly journal. The video is expected to air worldwide mid 2009.
IN THE WORKS:
With his own label now, the artist has began developing careers for up and coming musicians. Musicians under the Diamond Chain stable include, Ray Gramz, D-Roots, Levins and newcomer, Camstar.
2009 looks exciting for the label as it will soon be releasing it’s second Mixtape called Diamond District, after which the new C.R.I.$.I.$. album titled ‘Mr. Swagger’ will follow. Release dates are yet to be announced.
DISCOGRAPHY
1996
Red Light Spells Danger (first professional recording) released on the Zambian market and sold on cassette as a single after the artist was discovered by former Zambian disc jokey DJ Mo-Funky.
1999
The Rhythm Nation Project, Yo Yamba (Was co-producer of this ground breaking project that helped revamp Zambian Music).
2000
Appeared on Zambian artist Jane Osbourne’s song “Muzamuona” as guest rapper/vocalist
2000
Playaz Worldwide (We Taking Over) featured on South African compilation, Harambe Dope Sessions.
2005
Officer In Charge (his debut album) was the first hip-hop album to be released in his home country of Zambia.
2006
C.R.I.$.I.$. Presents The Diamond Chain (the first mixtape to be commercially released in Zambia).
2007
DJ Green Lantern Presents Myspace Monster Mash (Bring it Back Rewind)
2008
Designer-His first international release under the new independent label, Clavel Inc.
ALBUM AVAILABLE ON iTunes. Search for: C.R.I.$.I.$. and buy now.
Also available through www.cdbaby.com on: http://www.diamondchainmusic.blogspot.com
WEB: http://www.crisis-hiphop.com (Official Site under maintenance)
Alternative Website: http://www.diamondchainmusic.blogspot.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/06crisis06
E-mail: diamondchaincs@gmail.com
ARTIST BOOKING CALL: +260976 767410
My Pad: Lusaka
Birthdate: May 27
I graduated from: Other
Identity: Black/African
2006-Brath Award for best Zambian Hip-Hop artist.
15,000+ CD's and Cassettes sold in Lusaka alone, C.R.I.$.I.$.’s album Officer in Charge (released January 2005) was the first hip-hop record to be produced and released in Zambia by a Zambian artist. His second album The Diamond Chain Mixtape reached another milestone by becoming the first Zambian Mixtape to be released commercially in Zambia.
2008-Released the album called, ‘Designer.’ C.R.I.$.I.$. isn’t showing signs of stopping as he continues to venture out of Zambia and into the international Hip-Hop market.
BEGINNINGS:
He grew up listening to all genres of music.
At age 10, began his hip-hop obsession. After hearing “The Message” by Grand Master
Flash and The Furious Five, C.R.I.$.I.$. knew that hip-hop was his passion and it was this track that inspired him to begin rapping.
EARLY INFLUENCES:
Big Daddy Kane, Boogie Down Productions, NWA, LL Cool J and Dr. Dre, C.R.I.$.I.$. believes he can bring a different taste to contemporary.
EDUCATION:
He went up to College where he later dropped out after doing the Foundation course in the Institute for Management of Information Systems (IMIS) at the Zambia Insurance Business College Trust in Lusaka, Zambia.
CAREER:
Joined Mondo Music, a label that was once Zambia’s’ biggest record company. With them, he made his professional debut release on a compilation called “The Rhythm Nation Project (Yo-Yamba).” His song, ‘The City’ was rated as the best written song on the compilation. In 2000, he left Mondo to pursue his music career independently.
That same year, progress was made as he was featured on a compilation called “Harambe Dope Sessions” that was licensed to South Africa’s DIY Records along with other artists such as Hoodlum, Cashless Society, Mizchief and many more.
ON THE RISE:
2001-He auditioned for a modeling job and became the face of Mosi Lager, a brew produced by South African Breweries and marketed throughout Africa. He appeared on billboards, television ads and all of their print and electronic media.
2002-2004, The Voice of America, a radio and television station based in Washington DC, appointed him as the coordinator of their Hip-Hop Connection Fan Club, an organization that runs youth developmental programs.
IN THE KNOW:
In 2004, he dared to enter a rap battle that aired live on South African Broadcasting Corporation Losing to South African rapper Snazz from Cashless Society for a controversial third place spot.
C.R.I.$.I.$. gained the recognition he needed to continue to pursue his hip-hop career. With his rising fame in Zambia, he signed a deal with a local distribution company, Solid Rhythmz and together, they released his hit album “Officer in Charge” making him the first Zambian to release a Hip-Hop album in that country.
With such success and a significant achievement for Zambia’s Hip-Hop industry, he quickly gained recognition across seas. He signed on with an artist management team called Clavel Inc.
March 2005-Featured in Future Music Magazine in a review written by Tim Oliver and two months later, he became the first Zambian invited to perform at the Channel-O Video Music Awards.
Inspired by his aunt who was suffering from cancer, in 2006 C.R.I.$.I.$. helped raise funds for the Breast Cancer Trust (BCT) foundation by holding a benefit gig at Lusaka’s Club Phoenix. The show was a success and according to the BCT (Break through Cancer Trust), he was the first musician to ever take this step in response to their cause.
GOING INTERNATIONAL:
2007 was a big year for C.R.I.$.I.$. that began with him being featured in the UK’s Computer Music Magazine: issue 112 (May 2007), receiving a great song review by industry insider Ronan MacDonald.
That same year, he appeared on a mixtape by Jay-Z’s disc jockey DJ Green Lantern, entitled MySpace Monster Mash. C.R.I.$.I.$. and he later appeared on the 2007 mixtape by British disc jockey, DJ Ames, called US-UK Takeover which also featured other artists such as Craig David, Lil’ Wayne & many more.
He also performed at numerous events including the Oxjam, an event organized by the charity organization Oxfam. It is one of the UK’s biggest charity events aimed at ending poverty in developing countries.
C.R.I.$.I.$. returned to Zambia in 2008 and began working on his second album, DesignerĖ, released in March 2008.
He is also involved in work by the International Labor Organization (I.LO.) along with the International Organization for Migration (I.O.M.) and the United Nations (U.N.). These organizations have teamed up and developed an anti human trafficking song on which C.R.I.$.I.$. is one of the key voices and has been quoted in the United Nations monthly journal. The video is expected to air worldwide mid 2009.
IN THE WORKS:
With his own label now, the artist has began developing careers for up and coming musicians. Musicians under the Diamond Chain stable include, Ray Gramz, D-Roots, Levins and newcomer, Camstar.
2009 looks exciting for the label as it will soon be releasing it’s second Mixtape called Diamond District, after which the new C.R.I.$.I.$. album titled ‘Mr. Swagger’ will follow. Release dates are yet to be announced.
DISCOGRAPHY
1996
Red Light Spells Danger (first professional recording) released on the Zambian market and sold on cassette as a single after the artist was discovered by former Zambian disc jokey DJ Mo-Funky.
1999
The Rhythm Nation Project, Yo Yamba (Was co-producer of this ground breaking project that helped revamp Zambian Music).
2000
Appeared on Zambian artist Jane Osbourne’s song “Muzamuona” as guest rapper/vocalist
2000
Playaz Worldwide (We Taking Over) featured on South African compilation, Harambe Dope Sessions.
2005
Officer In Charge (his debut album) was the first hip-hop album to be released in his home country of Zambia.
2006
C.R.I.$.I.$. Presents The Diamond Chain (the first mixtape to be commercially released in Zambia).
2007
DJ Green Lantern Presents Myspace Monster Mash (Bring it Back Rewind)
2008
Designer-His first international release under the new independent label, Clavel Inc.
ALBUM AVAILABLE ON iTunes. Search for: C.R.I.$.I.$. and buy now.
Also available through www.cdbaby.com on: http://www.diamondchainmusic.blogspot.com
WEB: http://www.crisis-hiphop.com (Official Site under maintenance)
Alternative Website: http://www.diamondchainmusic.blogspot.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/06crisis06
E-mail: diamondchaincs@gmail.com
ARTIST BOOKING CALL: +260976 767410
My Pad: Lusaka
Birthdate: May 27
I graduated from: Other
Identity: Black/African
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
