Two plus two is four, minus one that’s three, quick maths. Meme rapper Big Shaq has been making headlines recently with the release of his first single ‘Man’s Not Hot’. If you don’t already know, the wannabe rapper is a persona created by UK comedian Michael Dapaah. After an appearance on long-running freestyle UK radio segment Fire in the Booth, the fake grime rapper became an overnight internet sensation with the song reaching over three million streams. Comedy in rap is not a new concept, with revered hip hop artists such as Beastie Boys and DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince making us laugh since the late ‘80s. Rap icon Eminem is renowned for his tongue-in-cheek lyrics and nowadays you can be entertained by the dorky antics of Lil Dicky and his Brain. Indonesian comedian Rich Chigga shot to fame following the success of his viral rap track ‘Dat $tick’ and Ugly God mocked modern day rappers with his cringe-worthy debut ‘Water’. Looking to ring in the New Year with a dose of hip hop and humour? You can witness the sheer brilliance of Big Shaq at Let Them Eat Cake, taking over Werribee Park on Monday January 1. Brissie baddie Miss Blanks, local emcee Jordan Dennis and UK rap artist Nadia Rose are all part of the wicked lineup.
Melbourne record label WVS has announced the winners of its first annual Next Gen competition. The nationwide talent search has ended with an impressive array of local hip hop talent including up-and-coming Melbourne artists Mike Wang and Devarn, Geelong emcee Lordholani as well as Sydney rappers Jessica Jade, Kid Pharaoh and Elijah Yo. The roster also boasts the likes of Kirklandd, iiiConic Jose Halftime, Figeuro Jones and wild card pick Vic August who hails from Darwin. Witness the plethora of promising local talent when the winners perform at the WVS Next Gen 2018 Showcase at the Evelyn Hotel on Thursday January 25.
The Next Crop showcase offers an opportunity for entry-level artists to get exposure in our ever-growing hip hop scene. The showcase is a great platform for the next generation of hip hop and rap artists, and this month the event will see US artist Blackheart take to the stage, alongside Mac-Eleven, Young Juiceboxx, Zhane White, Lui, Papi and Jared Bank$. You won’t want to miss the excitement when these young emcees take to the stage at Laundry Bar on Thursday December 14.
