Natasha Hynes

Have you heard of Montreal's Farm Team yet? If not, you will. This team is all about putting out quality Hip Hop, R&B and Dancehall music. The opening track "Flawless" starts off with a stewardess welcoming her passengers (listeners) on board. Incidentally, both "Flawless" and the third track "Cutting You Off" are the albums first two singles; they're receiving regular rotation on K103 radio. This CD was dropped off at our office a couple of months ago and it literally disappeared. So this review is a bit late, though it's never too late to write about first-class vibrations. The rhythmic steady beats are continuous with little variations. "I Lose" starts with a cryptic intro as do a few other selections. What really grabs me on this CD is the fine vocal harmonies and superior production values. Support local music and check this Farm out.
http://www.orcasound.com/orc/features.php?s=1&id=1339 - ty at www.orcasound.com

Montreal gives birth to yet another hip hop collective with Farm Team's mixtape launch on Friday, May 13, at Club One. This night of artists featured on the CD Escape to Paradise includes performances from M.O., Dre, Natasha Hines, Nikole Kaye, Kysshus, Rani and more. Doors open at 9 p.m., and tix are $8 at the door. - Scott C of the "Montreal Mirror"

Best Hip Hop Act

1. Farm Team
2. Paco and Pesh
3. Offsides
4. Eye 2 Eye
5. M.O. of FAMN
6. Northern Lights
7. Euphrates
8. ICM
9. Butta Babees
10. Shades of Culture

Looks like ICM have a good hold on bragging rights, with no less than half of the top 10 affiliated with their extended family (Eye 2 Eye, Offsides, Paco and Pesh, and Euphrates are all relatives). Shades of Culture still managed to make the list despite the absence of any new recordings, or live appearances, showing that hip hop love is everlasting. Butta Babees and Northern Lights have some fans out there who clearly want to hear more, and the relatively new Farm Team collective, who may rival ICM for sheer numbers, takes first-place honours in this year's poll.
- Montreal Mirror

The Hard Rock Café, Montreal, got a little taste of Hip Hop, R&B, and Dancehall last Friday night as The Farm Team, Montreal's newest urban collective rocked the Hard Rock to a sold out crowd. Wiz Kilo and Kidd along with their backup dancers set the tone for the night with their energetic brand of Pop / R&B although it was strangely familiar, does anyone know if Justin Timberlake is in town? Like most shows this one started late, people including myself started getting a little anxious and the drinks at the Hard Rock do not come cheap. The crowd finally warmed up when The Farm Team took the stage for a nonstop "move your body or get out" set of songs from their debut album and yet untitled sophomore release. Fueled by the energy of the crowd, The Farm Team flowed from song to song, expertly building a tight set. Highlights included Nikole Kaye's sassy performance of "Fascination" with Rani who surprised the crowd with an inspired electric guitar solo. Rani's mellow acoustic version of his single "Wanna Get Away," chilled everyone down but that much needed rest was ended abruptly with an energetic performance by Reason. Natasha Hynes' sweet voice took the crowd back with her old school jam "In My Life" which featured rhymes from the newest member of the team, a female MC by the name of Katana Montana. M.O. A.K.A. Mr. Personality; had the crowd on their feet all night long performing "Grind Mami" with Fatboy and "Money Done" with Kysshus, Farm Team's Dancehall chanter. M.O. capped of the evening with his current single "Flawless," eventually inviting everyone in the building onto the stage. I decided it was better that I just stay where I was.

- L.L. Jackson (orcasound.com)