DJ QBERT SET TO MESMERISE SA HIP HOP FANS

The most documented DJ in the world DJ QBert, is coming to our shores to bless us with his award-winning scratching skills. The New York-based DJ will be hitting up The Assembly in Cape Town on 29 February and Intermission at the Lister Building, Bree Street in Johannesburg on Saturday March 01.

Those who will be attending these shows should brace themselves as Qbert is revered by many in the industry including his accomplished peers. He started his musical career in a group called FM20 with Mix Master Mike and DJ Apollo in 1990. They were playing a show in New York when Crazy Legs saw them and invited them to join the legendary Rock Steady Crew.

Q-Bert was also one of the founding members of the band Invisibl Skratch Piklz. Although there were other turntablist crews before the Invisibl Skratch Piklz, the Skratch Piklz were the first to apply the band concept to turntablism, layering drums, basslines, and scratch solos on top of each other.

QBert, along with other Skratch Piklz, created a series of videos entitled Turntable TV. Now out of print, the first 5 episodes were released on VHS and contained demonstrations, showcases, skits, and other DJ related content.

With 4 DMC titles to his name and a place in the DMC DJ Hall Of Fame, QBert is definitely one DJ you have to see live at least once in your lifetime.

Encore will of course be there covering the event for your reading pleasure.

For more information, visit www.theassembly.co.za

MZEKEZEKE IS MAKING A COMEBACK

Just last night, I was complaining to my other half that the once-exciting kwaito industry is now staid and boring, so much so that a Namibian artist won the Best Kwaito category at the 2007 Channel O Music Awards.

But Lo and behold, the gimmicky knight in shining armour, Mzekezeke aka Mzakes Man, has just ordered another set of bright Dickies overalls from his neighbourhood tailor, which can only mean one thing: he is finally making his long overdue comeback. The masked one, who broke box office records with kasi bangers such as “S’guqa Ngamadolo”, “Akekh’Ugogo” and “AmaBEE”, will be unleashing his crazy antics at the launch of Ekurhuleni’s 2010 Business Plan on March 8, 2008.

The big fan park at Germiston will feature Premier Soccer League teams Kaizer Chiefs and Free State Stars. That game will be watched live by soccer lovers and before the game begins, fans will get a chance of mingling with Mzekezeke and other stars like Nhlanhla Nciza, Lira, Skwatta Kamp, Pro, Kabelo and Arthur from around 10am.

I can’t blame the savvy proprietors of TS Records, Sbu Leope and TK Nciza, for encouraging Mzakes to make a comeback as record sales have been drier than usual at their famed stable since the departure of Ntando and Brown Dash.

NEW VIDEO - JAY-Z'S "I KNOW"

As always we deliver you a dope new video before it hits the music video channels. This is Jay-Z’s new video for the song “I Know” off of the American Gangster album. The video was directed by Philip Andelman and features Zoe Kravitz (yeah, Lenny's baby girl). The video is described as “a surreal, daydream-like blending of four separate and unrelated stories, four unique trips taken on by four girls in one night in New York City.” And Jay-Z makes no appearance whatsoever. Quite creative in my opinion.

What do y'all think of it?

SHOWLOVE LAUNCH

SHOWLOVE, the baddest entertainment and marketing company in Jozi will be hosting an official launch this Friday. We asked the CEO Tebello Motsoane to give us the 411 on this event:

"SHOWLOVE is officially launching its brand Friday,February 29th 2008 at Picasso's, Cnr Commissioner and Harrisson street,Johannesburg at 10pm.

The brand caters to the true hustlers who understand the business of entertainment. We are the headquarters and umbrella of the hip-hop community in Johannesburg, handling events management, artist management, graphic design and various forms of creative and multi-media marketing.

We manage the hottest DJ in the game, Milkshake and the next big thing in local music, Glitterati(Maggz, Morale, Tido and Sean Pages) as well as the the sexiest street team out there, Envy.

They will be joined by Master M,Glen da DJ and the good people at tiltt.co.za. The 29th will be a showcase of where local entertainment should be and where we are are taking it.

Event Details

Venue: Picasso's, Cnr Commissioner and Harrison str, Johannesburg

Time: 10pm

Damage: R60 before 12pm, R80 after 12pm... R100 VIP

DJs: Milkshake, Master M, Glen da DJ... hosted by Glitterati(Maggz, Morale, Sean Pages and Tido)

All we do is SHOWLOVE... so bring your swagger."

VIDEO - MISSY ELLIOTT'S "CHING-A-LING"

Our girl Missy is back with the club monster "Ching-A-Ling". The music video is the first ever to be shot in 3D. The single is taken from the "Step Up 2" soundtrack.

TILTT BRINGS KICKS TO THE CITY

Our brethren at Tiltt.co.za held a sample clearance sale this past weekend at their new store in Braamfontein, Jozi. As expected, the loyal peeps showed up en masse and jaws were quick to drop when they caught sight of the fresh sneakers on sale.

Knowing that Encore familia likes being abreast with the latest in urban culture, we had a quick chat with the co-founder and director of TILLT, Ruli Diseko, in order to find out if these colourful kicks are really worth the hype. Read on pimp….


Congratulations on the opening of the first TILTT store. How was the store
received by the masses on the first day?

The store was well received, we had all types of people come in for our sample sale; I think what people appreciated most was the variety in the Creative Recreation catalogue. The ladies were particularly excited about our female collection.

What prompted you guys to set up your own store and why in the city instead of a mall?

We wanted to distinguish ourselves with the flagship store, the mall game is just too done right now; our location is splendid; we’re in the glass lofts overlooking the Mandela bridge where the views are great. And being around the urban centre brings that genuine urban appeal to our brands. You really can’t create this feel in the mall space.

Can you tell the Encore readers about the 3 brands in your portfolio?
Creative Recreation is our premium brand, the designs aren’t too formal or athletic, it’s in a totally different category as far as sneakers go, call it Athleisure. The brand originates from LA and has crossover appeal - we have people like Gym Class Heroes, Kanye West, My Chemical Romance … even Ashlee Simpson sporting the brand.

Paez is a laid back between-time kind of slip-on from Argentina with brilliant design and comfortable fit. It is really perfect for coastal weather or just getting around running errands in the city.

We also have String Republic straight from the south of France, based on a classic espadrille. The collection is designed by a collective of well renowned graphic designers from around the world and put together by the celebrated French designer Stephane Bucco.

Will you be opening more stores in other cities as well?

Opening up shop in other cities outside of Jhb is definitely on the cards, but for now we are working on rolling out our outlets in Johannesburg and the greater Gauteng Area. I suppose you could say we’re taking over blocks one store at a time.


**Support your Local Spaza Shop** and visit the TILTT store at 155 Smit Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg or check out www.tiltt.co.za

DJ SBU: "I'M NOT HIV POSITIVE"

Towards the end of last week, bad rumours were emerging from the grapevine that the popular DJ Sbu was HIV positive. The rumour was apparently instigated by a hoax email that was posted on a local news site.

Well, DJ Sbu and his publicist have since swiftly dispelled the rumours through a detailed message that was sent to his TS Records group on Facebook. Below is an extract of this message:

'A hoax e-mail started doing rounds on Thursday night, February 21 which suggested that DJ Sbu, real name Sibusiso Leope is HIV positive. The nasty e-mail was posted on the News 24 website forum by an unknown person who calls himself/herself Mabebeza, and also Mxhosakazi. The message claims DJ Sbu is HIV positive and he confessed on his radio breakfast show on Ukhozi FM.

DJ Sbu has never spoken about his HIV status on Ukhozi FM where he presents Ezasek’seni Breakfast Show. Since the late kwaito singer Zombo declared his status that he was HIV positive, DJ Sbu was on the fore-front of assisting him financially. Together with Zombo’s former boss Arthur, DJ Sbu opened a trust account to make sure that Zombo was getting the best treatment before he succumbed to death last week Sunday, February 17, 2008.

DJ Sbu is saddened by the latest developments which are aimed at belittling his status. DJ Sbu says: “I’m saddened by these latest developments because I was in the forefront of helping the late Zombo. Our government is trying hard to de-stigmatise HIV/Aids and someone nasty is posting a message where they are trying to hurt me and my friends.

“Finance Minister Trevor Manuel and our government are taking the issue of HIV and Aids seriously – they even increased the Budget because they are serious about fighting the disease. It is people like these who are still on the drive of stigmatizing Aids who are making life difficult for those who suffer from the disease.” Health 24, which is a News 24 forum, is used for people who have the disease to encourage each other.

TS Records’ CEO Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza, who is also DJ Sbu’s business partner says: “People should stop abusing websites which are used to chat and people get an opportunity of discussing matters that affect us daily and turn them into personal attacks.”'

H2O IS BIZZACK!!

H20, the boys from Outrageous Records are finally back after a long hiatus. Considering how dope their new joint "Abocherri" sounds, it seems like that break did them more good than harm. Check out his new hot track Encore fam and let us know what you think of it. It is taken from their upcoming album "Reflextions". You heard it hear first!!!

ANDRE 3000 TO RELEASE SOLO ALBUM AND CLOTHING LINE

Andre 3000, one half of the most successful hip-hop groups of all time Outkast, has been a bit scarce since the group released 2006’s Idlewild. Fans of the colourful and charismatic MC and actor will be pleased to know that not only will Andre 3 Stacks be starring in the upcoming comedy “Semi-Pro” alongside Will Ferrell, but he’ll soon be releasing a solo album as well as a new fashion line.

The Atlanta native discussed his Benjamin Bixby clothing line and his upcoming album with New York Magazine.

"[Benjamin Bixby] is a character who's kind of like your uncle, or your granddad," says Andre. "And he has a closet full of experiences and clothes, and he's been around the world." Unlike Outkast Clothing, which is more of a regular hip hop line, the Benjamin Bixby line is expected to be carried in upscale retailers. Andre also says he's been visiting Italian factories and Parisian textile fairs, while taking style advice from Vogue editor and noted fashionista Anna Wintour.

On his yet-untitled solo album, he had this to say: "[Production will be handled by] Organized Noize, myself, and whoever got some heat. You know, I've been producing since ATLiens," added Andre. "Even with music, I never say, 'Well, we [Outkast] got to put out a record every year.' I just want to express any way I can, whether it's film, music, or fashion."

Knowing Andre, we can expect a mind-blowing boundary-pushing album that will challenge a lot of people’s preconceived ideas about hip hop. Can’t wait!

KANYE RELEASES NEW BOOK

The ever-busy Kanye West has just released an entertaining and thought-provoking book titled "Thank You and You're Welcome", which is co-authored by Sakiya Sandifer.

The rapper announced on his blog that the $10 book is an "entertaining volume of "Kanye-isms" - the creative, humorous and insightful philosophies and anecdotes used in creating my path to success. It captures the same wit, playful irony and piercing insight found abundant in my lyrics.(...) In "Thank You And You're Welcome" I deliver my personal message uncensored, without any five-second delay or media distortion."

The book will be available for $10 and pre-orders are possible via his site www.kanyeuniversecity.com.



Extract: GET USE TO GETTING USED - "To most people, the saying 'to use someone', carries a negative connotation. But I don't see it that way. To 'mis', 'over' or 'ab' use someone is negative. To use is necessary. And if you can't be used, then you're useless".

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PRO

By Swagger Girl

The artist formally known as Pro-Kid is a mean-mugging type of dude with an attitude. At least, that’s the kind of personality he exudes. Beneath the surface lies a hardened ex-convict with dreams, brains and, most of all, heart. With only three years in the mainstream industry under his belt, 27-year-old Linda Mkhize has gone from wanna-be street MC to fully-fledged hip hop star, complete with three albums, a fashion label and sneakers. We sat Pro down for a hectic one-on-one about life after Gallo Records and beyond.

Why did you leave Gallo?

I only had two weeks to put together my second album, DNA. So it was not really my album, it’s Gallo’s album. Gallo breached our contract in terms of video and marketing obligations, which couldn’t be met because of the Three Kings concept. It got to a point where I was ready to go back to the streets.

Do you find that you are undermined a lot in the industry?

Yes. They tend to undermine me because they have dealt with plenty of artists who do not have the know-how. I mean, there are recording companies out there that are still offering contracts with formats from the ’80s. You gotta be aware.

Were you not concerned that moving to TS Records, which is predominantly a kwaito and house label, would discredit your work?

I had this in mind all the time. I knew if I made that move that people will be watching. I have outgrown the whole artist thing. The whole thing is about the brand and people like (TS boss) S’bu understand that.

We expected TS to mould you into a kwai-hop artist.

All they asked for was a sound that would allow business for us. The choruses are catchy but the verses are chilly. The detail is in the beat. Mine are classic kasi. Rap is about street life. There must be a streetwise element to it.
.
Do you see yourself as an MC or an m’rapper?

My definition of an MC is someone that battles. I don’t battle anymore so I see myself as an m’rapper. I discovered the vernac challenge in the bedroom.

Why don’t you battle anymore?

A lot of people asked me to stop. The dumb thing about it is that you are only as good as your last battle. So it’s advisable to bow out instead of fall off.

You have been caught up in beef in the recent past, but now it’s quiet. What’s going on on that front?

People are tired of beef, especially when the artist is only beefing in order to make a name for himself, at your expense. People think wa fosta (forcing matters)!

It seems that you are held to a higher standard, compared to other vernac rappers?

With many of these cats, you don’t see the art of writing. Pattern forms flow, which forms a lyric. Flow forms a message. You can pick out the metaphor, punch lines, wordplay, etc.

What makes this album - Dankie San - different from the others?

It took me only four to five weeks to make because I just wanted to redeem myself after DNA. The whole drive was that I have been here a minute, let me show you!

Your album is conspicuously missing any collaborations, why is that?

Yeah, vocalists only. I said: “No, ma’gents, I got this!” I had to kill the expectation of Maggz on every album. But there is more to come. Remixes and mixtapes.

Who supplied your beats?

Omen, Dome, Semi-Tone and I-V League.

We’ve noticed that you have a clothing line out. What sets your clothes apart from other celebrity designs?

Initially we wanted to make the T-shirts available only to convicts, because we are looking at society at a conscious level - the sidelined ratio of society. So to show my love for the people, we attached a Braille effect to the Pro logo. Disabled people also have it hard.

How did the sneaker collaboration with Loxion Kulcha come about?

I am the first m’rapper to have a sneaker line. They approached me for a co-branding licence, which was claused only to footwear. Which gave me a chance to later pursue clothing.

What’s your ultimate goal?

To expand and extend hip hop. Musically, there is very little activity to the point that an 11-year-old would like to be one of us. We lack that element that was dominant when we were younger, in the early ‘90s. I would also like to own a charity club and go from artist to activist. Now that’s the definition of a legend.

After your brief stint on the dance show, Jika Majika, can we expect to see a lot more of you on TV?

No, acting is not for me. I like that real-life shit. You can expect a documentary, though, about making the album.

Who appeals to you at the moment?

Lil’ Wayne is nice. He is very street. You have to listen to Tha Carter II. Reason is fresh as well. Not a gimmick. Skye Wonder is also hot.

For Dankie San merchandise, call the mobile shop on 078 1922 986. Alternatively, check out www.proonline.co.za

Who's Hustling Right? Interview with Nicole from Verses

By Jermaine Stallenberg

In our second edition of “Who’s Hustling Right?” we cast a spotlight on an inspiring Cape Town-based lady whose poetry evenings have magnetized and brought together CT’s creative fraternity. Nicole, founder of Verses, is a driven woman whose sole objective is to illuminate the talent of cultural expressionists i.e. poets, MCees & singers. Encore tracked her down and got insight into the mind and spirit of this young impresario.

What's fresh Nicole? Well done and a huge congratulations from the
Encore family on Verses 4 year anniversary. Is there anything in particular that this 4th year anniversary makes you think of saying to the readers, some of whom have loyal patriots of your movement?

Thank you! It seems that these four years have passed in the blink
of an eye, a clearing of a throat, a verse of a poem. More than 1500
artists have shared this platform and more than 7000 audience members
have been inspired by Verses during these 4 years. What can I say...My
baby has grown and I feel like a proud mother!!

What was the initial reason behind Verses when you kicked it off four years ago, and what motivated you to pursue it?

I, myself, am first a spoken word artist and then, the organizer of
Verses. Four years ago there were just no consistent platforms for
spoken word artists to gather to express themselves, so I decided to
create one, and so Verses was born. The reason I decided to combine
spoken word with a live music element, is because I've always felt that
there is a natural cross over between lyric writing and poetry. I also
knew that for the event to be sustainable, the audience needed some
variety.

What has kept you going for four years and what challenges have met along the road?
Eish...passion, passion, passion! My biggest challenge so far...I have a
very demanding 9 to 5, doing marketing for Cape Town Tourism and I am a
single mother of a beautiful 8 year old daughter and in the beginning,
it was really hard trying to juggle the organizing and marketing of the
event, my 9 to 5, mothering and finding the time to just breathe. Now,
I've learnt that it's entirely possible to do it all...just don't forget
to breathe!!

What's been your biggest achievement with Verses thus far?

There is no single event that stands out in my mind and I think that's
the beauty of Verses. Every single session has at least one performance
that has you going...Oh my...!!! And I've always maintained, both with
my performances and with Verses, that if it touches just one person in
the audience, or in the case of Verses, also makes the difference to one
person stepping up to that mic...I have done what I set out to do!

I attended your 4th year anniversary show at Zula and you featured a guy called Omekongo wa Dibinga, who in my opinion was quite a refreshing addition to the usual Verses bunny-chow. I am compelled to hear your take on his strong words about there being a scarcity of real 'poets'. Did you at that point feel that he was referring to Mzansi poets including yourself?

Verses bunny-chow...hmmm?! Anyway...that piece BLEW ME AWAY! It is
everything I have always wanted to say at the beginning of every Verses
Session! I definitely did not take it personally and am well aware that
the tendency towards the type of 'poetry' he was condemning is
universal! There is nothing worse than someone behind the mic who
strings together phrases that make no sense in the hope that they will
sound profound!

Which poet would you currently regard as the hottest property in
Cape Town?

There is no one poet that I can single out, probably because
poetry/spoken word is so subjective. However, there are a couple of
names who are consistently growing their craft...including Jitsvinger,
Perspektif, J7 and Za.

What is your opinion on the current state of poetry locally and abroad? And do you think poets now command the same respect as MCees?

Oooh...don't get me started on this whole debate! Ok, for the 1st part
of your question...poets internationally definitely have many more
opportunities for making a living through their craft than we do in SA.
If we take out the making money thing and focus on just pure talent and
tenacity...SA is right up there with the best of them and our poets are
in hot demand in the international arena.

What is your take on the music industry and how can poetry become a
a notable contributor to Mzansi's stifled music 'biz'?

Poetry can only really become a contributor when stores are actually
willing to take the risk and stock it! I released a spoken word album
last year where most of the tracks are spoken word and music, but none
of the music stores wanna stock it...because they don't understand it!
So, just like with so many other things, there needs to be education,
education, education aimed at the broader public who will then create
the demand and stores will have to stock our stuff!

What are your plans for the next years of your bizzy calendar?

I like to keep things hush hush, building anticipation, but I will whisper that plans are afoot to take Verses national...

Sister, thank you very much for taking time to chat to us, we look forward to hearing a lot more provoking, spirit-replenishing poetry in 2008. Is there perhaps a verse that you can leave the Encore fam with?

Here's an excerpt from one of my pieces...

The beginning of love is like time wearing slip slops and dragging its
heels along the sand/
To the sounds of Herbie Hancock, The Blue Note Bands and definitely some
Ella/
Sun-kissed skin waiting in anticipation for the loving to begin/
Even with love in other seasons you still feel the flow, the glow of
blood warming skin against skin/
Mmmm...nothing beats the beginning of love

TAKING U BACK - TLC: DIGGIN' ON U

Since it's Valentines day, we present to you the ultimate hook-up track: TLC's classic joint, "Diggin' on U". Yeah, let this song take you down memory lane. I sure miss these chicks.

If there's someone that you are feeling out there, send them to Encore and just simply ask them to listen to this song. The rest will be a wrap. Promise!

VIDEO - DJ SBU: IN MY TIME/LOVING YOU

Mzansi's No.1 hustler gives us a glimpse into his life with this cool video.

THE GRAMMYS COVERAGE

So the Grammys went down last night and our man Kanye killed it as usual with an energetic performance of "Stronger" as well as a moving rendition of "Hey Mama". He rounded up his evening with 4 Grammys but once again he missed out on the Album of the Year award.

Kanye performing "Hey Mama"

Another highlight of the evening was Amy Winehouse's performance which was broadcasted live via satellite from London; the songstress also scooped Record of the Year, one of the biggest awards at the show.

Although Tina Turner & Beyonce's collaboration was heavily touted it didn't live up to all the hype. It was however interesting to see the two divas strutting their stuff together.

Kanye lighting up the show during a performance
Beyonce showing her best asset
Ashanti & Nelly got their cute couple on
Chris Brown making an entrance
Another cute couple: JD & Janet Jackson
Jay-Z & Kanye share a moment
Nas & Will.i.am
Snoop & Nicole from the Pussy Catt Dolls
Tina Turner & Beyonce
Nas & Kelis show off the controversial title of the rapper's upcoming album

KANYE WEST, AMY WINEHOUSE WIN BIG AT GRAMMYS

What’s up people, I know some of you are looking forward to watch the 50th annual Grammy Awards on TV tonight but I’m gonna have to spoil things by announcing some of the winners already. Yeah, that’s just how we do it on Encore, we break stories while the rest of the Mzansi media still tries to figure out what happened.

Music's biggest night got underway as the ever-elegant Alicia Keys sang and played piano along with the performance by Sinatra, who appeared in black and white on a video screen, a pairing reminiscent of Natalie Cole's "duet" with her late father, Nat King Cole.

But it was Winehouse and West who really came out triumphant; Winehouse led the field with five wins, while West scored four. But both were shut out of the album of the year Grammy, which unexpectedly went to Herbie Hancock's Joni Mitchell covers album, "River: The Joni Letters," in the biggest upset of the night.

Winehouse, who was nominated for six Grammys, won best new artist and song of the year for "Rehab." The artist's performance via satellite from London was the most anticipated of the evening, and she did not disappoint, belting out "You Know I'm No Good" and "Rehab" in her trademark beehive hairdo and high heels. Immediately afterward, she won record of the year for "Rehab," breaking down in tears as she was mobbed by members of her backing band and her family.

Winehouse has been plagued by substance abuse issues in recent weeks, for which she entered rehab. Her visa to attend the Grammys in person was initially denied by the American embassy in London, who reversed their decision late last week, but not in time for Winehouse to make it to Los Angeles.

West, who led the field with eight nominations, won four Grammys, including best rap album for "Graduation." "A lot of people said hip-hop is dead," he said. "The art form wasn't popping like that anymore. I wanted to cross the genres and show people we can still express ourselves with something fresh and new."

West performed "Stronger" with help from Daft Punk, who he samples in the track, and then shifted into a heartfelt, sung tribute to his mother Donda, who died suddenly last fall. Tina Turner and Beyonce teamed for a glitzy segment, culminating in a duet on "Proud Mary," while the Foo Fighters were accompanied by the fan-voted My Grammy Moment contest winner, violinist Ann Marie Calhoun, on "The Pretender."

If you want to catch all the action and drama, tune onto M-Net at 8:30pm.

REVIEW - SLIKOUR'S VENTILATION MIXTAPE VOL. 2

Slikour is by no means the greatest rapper on planet earth. However, what he’s good at is the execution of creative music ideas that often set a new path that many soon follow. Slikour is a visionary who reminds me of a young Quincy Jones. He is the one dude in local hip hop that is audacious enough to finance his own music projects without the assistance of majors, because like any other true entrepreneur he believes in his product.

On his highly underrated solo debut “Ventilation Mixtape Vol. 1”, Slikour assembled a star-studded cast of burgeoning local rap stars and producers in a manner that had never been done before in the past. With his second offering, he uses the same recipe but to much better effect. Friends such as Tumi, Mr. Selwyn, HHP, Maggz and RJ Benjamin lend a helping hand; this welcome solidarity ensures the well-roundedness of this hip hop opus. The musicality of the album is impressive; Slikour refuses to submit to mediocrity by going as far as enlisting the likes of the Thokoza Youth Choir for a track and by using the services of some recognizable international producers.

Standout tracks from this splendid album include “Showbiz” featuring Tumi, “All the Way” featuring Spex, Nothende and Selwyn and “Fallin”. However, it is on the first single “Dreamer” that he impresses me the most. Featuring the mesmerizing RJ Benjamin on vocals, Slikour takes advantage of the magnetic beat to pour his soul out. He waxes lyrical about some of the economic issues that have enslaved black people for ages. He raps, “Jews, Indians stick together so they lead/we hate ourselves, we endorse overseas”. I know for certain that this track has touched many and it easy to hear why.

Overall, this is an album that every hip hop head, and anyone else that appreciates good music, needs to have in his or her music collection.

One.

AMERICA'S RICHEST BLACK CELEBRITIES

A new Forbes magazine list has been released ranking the highest paid African-American celebrities.

Oprah Winfrey tops the list, with an overall net worth of $2.5 billion. Oprah made $260 million between June 2006 and June 2007, according to the magazine. Her revenues come from a number of successful enterprises, including her daytime talk show, magazine, satellite radio channel, Broadway show and newly-announced cable network slated to debut late next year.

Tiger Woods ranks second on the list, with $100 million banked within the list’s June 2006 to June 2007 time frame – more than any athlete in history. At the rate he’s going, Forbes estimates Woods will become the world’s first sports billionaire within a decade.

Rounding out the top 10 are Jay-Z with $83 million made between June 2006 and June 2007, 50 Cent ($33 million), Kobe Bryant ($33 million), Shaquille O’Neal ($32 million), Michael Jordan ($31 million), Will Smith ($31 million), Beyoncé ($27 million) and LeBron James ($27 million).

The question is: where is Mr. Sean “Diddy” Combs?

VIDEO - LIL WAYNE PERFORMING GOSSIP

Just to remind you why Lil Wayne is regarded as the FUTURE.

50 CENT & DE NIRO SHARE VIBE COVER

For their Hollywood Issue, Vibe decided to give the cover to 50 Cent & the legendary Robert De Niro who star in the upcoming flick Righteous Kill alongside another luminary, Al Pacino. The film should be out later this year.

INTERVIEW – STREET JOURNAL’S SIYA

By Sivu Nobongoza

I got to chat to one of South Africa’s top talents, Siyabonga Ngwekazi. Man ooh man does this boy know how to flip the script. Driven by passion to the core, Siya is internationally known and locally respected. The guy you see on TV is the guy for real. He’s easy going and ready to set his print on the Hall of Fame. This is what he had to say in short….

Growing up, did you always want to be a presenter?
Actually on the contrary, I always wanted to be an academic. I wanted to be an accountant. Growing up in PE, it was one of the professions that it was acceptable to be. At school I had a passion for basketball. I used to watch Jam Alley and things, but I never imagined I’d make it to Jozi.

So you’re from PE…
Yeah. I was born KwaMagxaki, but grew up in New Brighton.

Would you say that, the fact that you articulate yourself well in English and Xhosa, in your presenting has played a big role in catapulting your career?
Mosdefinitely! It isn’t even a character I play. It is who I am! It is vitally important for us to learn our native tongues or else they will become extinct. I give credit to SABC for giving us the opportunity to reserve our culture and languages. We need to retain our mother tongues as not to lose ourselves.

You’re well traveled. Where have you been and what would you say is your No.1 destination?
I’ve been to every continent except for South America. In North America I’ve been to New York, Chicago, L.A, Washington DC… just to name a few. In Europe, I’ve done London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam etc…but with all the places I’ve been, as a black man there is no place like home, Joe, with our load-shedding and all. (Note to Readers: Siya just came back from China)

We did a poll and Street Journal came out tops with 80% of our readers choosing it as their urban culture program of choice. Why do you think that is?
That’s a no-brainer! We (Street Journal) offer the viewers the non-regular viewing: that being your arts & culture; we mix it up with your regular: that being your favourite stars, music and all that jazz; and then give you some of the content you want: some of that international flavour and some local flavour. I think what we have goes beyond locations, camera angles, and the music we present. It’s about shaping and building Mzansi!

What other duties to you have on Street Journal?
Apart from presenting the show, I’m also my very own stylist. I have a partner, Bianca who sits down with me and we decide what works and doesn’t. I used to also write my own scripts, but with all the responsibilities that come with the job, I no longer do that anymore.



Like many great visionaries, you don’t have all your eggs in one basket. What else are you involved in?
Street Journal, Sports Buzz, SASOL Soccer Scene, Spike (a Volleyball program), Ama kip-kip (clothing label) Smirnoff Experience (where he basically follows Akona Ndugane around the world with Smirnoff.)

Who are your favourite SA recording artists?
Prokid, Tumi & HHP. I have a lot of respect for their delivery as well as how they’ve maneuvered themselves within the industry. Tumi managed to get into the limelight some time ago. HHP has recently bowled everyone over, but it seems like there are a lot of haters who aren’t to keen to see a kasi boy like Prokid make it out there. (Note: Haters; Pro’s gonna make you eat your words)

With everything you do, when do you get to chill and what do you do?
I hardly ever chill. As you can see I have a lot of work to do. But a day chilling with me would start with me sleeping in till late. I’d wake up, do my laundry, upload some music; I probably won’t wash unless my honey’s coming over (Note to readers: Sorry Ladies he’s taken), then I’d chill out with her for the rest of the day.

What do you think need to happen for SA artist to get more recognition to boost their careers in SA?
Mzansians need to have access to disposable income. Also artists need to register themselves as their own companies. There are too many guys in this game who are getting run down because their product isn’t registered. If you look at the US, those guys have a company for everything, from production, for clothes, for ideas, for this and that… We’re too busy waiting for someone else to do it for us. Cat’s here, need to work harder and get their work out there so that the record companies can see that they have a following.

The only way you’re going to do that is to get you product out there and the companies can see your following. Look at the Mixtape regime in the States. Once people know your product then the record labels will give you marketing spend, because they can identify with your target market. Also, more South Africans need to start buying homegrown products. There’s a lot of good stuff out there, but everyone shrugs it off, because its from here. They’re never going to know unless they buy it.

What can we expect from you in the near future?
I’d like to put a whole lot of focus on my fashion label, Ama kip-kip. I don’t think there is enough being done in SA for Men’s fashion and I’d like to play a role in changing that. I also would like to go back to my hoe town and give motivational talks to young people. I want to give back what I was given and show them that they too can make it.

INSPIRATIONAL VERSES EXCHANGED

By Qhama Dayile

Taking poets from the mud huts of KZN and then waltzing through to
the USA and back again to Cape Town on the last Wednesday of every
month you would swear that the Verses Poetry session's clock works
differently to mine.

The session on the 29th January was one for the books. Nicole Moody brought to her stage custom-made poets whose style can be found only at Verses: Plan Be, from the United States, who also featured on the Verses album, delivered his unique and truthful yet playful rap lyrics to the chilled-out audience. Za mesmerized the audience with her very sensual voice and got lost in time. Jitsvinger zapped us with his flexible style of writing, humbled energy, honesty on stage and his skill to bounce between guitar and rhyme. Together with The Khoi Khonnexion they delivered old and new sounds in sync.

Omekongo wa Dibinga delivered his bold statements with confidence and his articulate nature made the Zula audience eager to see him perform at the Spier Poetry Exchange. Cape Town seems to be taking poetry around the clock and even the unexpected power cuts don’t seem to put these true artists on a power trip.

Inspiring Voices held at the Ikhaya Lodge on Friday, 31 January, was also a
night to remember. The event blessed us with the sweet sounds of Alan Funk's
leading vocalist Nhoza as well as those of Ntsikelelo, the creator of Inspiring Voices. The ubiquitous Jitsvinger was also in the house again, and he delivered his soulful sermon as per usual. Jitsvinger again put the house alight.

The following day all poetry lovers made their way to Stellenbosch winelands for the long-awaited Spier Poetry Exchange. The show hosted writers and performers from various corners of the earth. The international delegation was supported by a renowned contingent of Mzansi artists such as Napo Masheane, Odidi Mfenyana, the legendary Gcina Mhlophe, the rhythmic directions of
Mandla Mbothwe, the 'Om te lewe is Onnatuurlik' writings by Gert Vlok
Nel, the beautiful 'Dub Mama' Enerstine Deane and Jacque Coetzee.

We salute all the artists and poets who made their voices heard!

SIYA INTERVIEW COMING SOON!

Whats good y'all? Most of you have probably heard of Siyabonga Ngwekazi, the charismatic presenter of SABC 1's popular urban culture show "Street Journal". Well, our man Sivu Nobongoza had an interesting chat with him on what's really going down in his hectic life. Check out Encore tomorrow for the full-length interview.

Nuff said!

NEW JAY-Z TRACK

"Ain't I" was recorded a while ago but has only surfaced recently. Produced by Timbaland, Jigga addresses his haters and foes. The joint appears on DJ Clue's new mixtape "I Am Legend" and it surfaces amidst the rumours that Def Jam is in the process of dismantling Roc-A-Fella Records.

GLOW IN THE DARK TOUR

Kanye West is going on a super-crazy worldwide tour and he has roped in his favourite pals Rihanna, Lupe Fiasco & NERD to make history with him. This ish will be crazy; hope he makes another stop in Mzansi.

Good artwork by the way!