Northwest Division

The latest video from Northwest Division "Those Eyes" is an in-depth and emotional look into Hungry and Junk's relationships between a father and son.
Off the Vancouver based groups latest album R.B.P.H. (2014) - viewhiphop.com

Vancouver Hip Hop group bring forth the new set of visuals for their "Those Eyes" single produced by ENG from off the recent album "R.B.P.H.". - ok-tho.com

Vancouver, BC - The latest video from Northwest Division is one of the deeper tracks belonging to their latest album R.B.P.H. The black and white visuals for “Those Eyes” have Hungry and Junk spitting verses about the relationship between father and son – specifically Hungry dedicates his verse to his son and Junk to his father.

The theme came about unplanned as the two organically wrote their verses to the ENG beat and ended up with the father, son topic of rhyme. “Those Eyes” is an exceptional showcase of the pair’s skills but is also an emotionally relatable reality check. Check the video below.

Northwest Division – Those Eyes
Off their new album: R.B.P.H.(2014) - siccness.net

Northwest Division – Those Eyes
Off their new album: R.B.P.H.(2014)

Household Records
Volunteer Media 2014
Beat Produced By ENG
Filmed and Edited By Kenrick Block - Hip Hop Vancouver

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Northwest Division – Those Eyes

The latest video from Northwest Division is one of the deeper tracks belonging to their latest album R.B.P.H.

The black and white visuals for “Those Eyes” have Hungry and Junk spitting verses about the relationship between father and son – specifically Hungry dedicates his verse to his son and Junk to his father. - rapsandhustles.com

You would be wrong if you thought Northwest Division were just another Hip-Hop group. Don’t take these guys lightly because they are so much more than that, they are a movement. Coming out of Vancouver, BC, NWD is comprised of rappers Junk and Hungry, DJ/beat boxer GBoXX and rapper turned manager Katch. Fresh off the release of their second album ‘R.B.P.H.’, I caught up with Junk and Hungry to find out more about their music and firstly, where they got their nicknames from!

“When I was about 13 or 14 I hung out with a lot of older dudes and started making rap and shit and they asked what do you call yourself?” Hungry tells me. “I said I don’t know, I don’t have a name and they’re like you’re young, you’re hungry, you’re Young Hungry and I thought, that’s the worst shit I’ve ever heard in my life,” he laughs. “There’s no way I’m Young Hungry but it stuck and people kept calling me Hungry and I went with it. It’s just Hungry now, Mike Murder actually gave me that name, he’s my homie, shout out to him.”

Junk then explained how his name came about, “I was about the same age, 13, 14 and trying to start rapping. I was really into sports and shit and I was into partying and experimenting with drugs. I was into rapping as well so my friends kept saying to me you’re such an addict in everything you do, you just go to the extreme. You’re such a junkie at everything; you keep juggling all these addictions you have back and forth. The name Junkie Juggler came out which was kind of obscure and fitting and to cut a long story short I didn’t want to sound like a complete degenerate if I was trying to take rap seriously. Everyone started calling me Junkie and then eventually it was just Junk and that stuck ever since then.”

NWD are currently playing the ‘Close To Home’ tour as headliners and have been the opening act for artists including Action Bronson, Riff Raff and most recently CyHi The Prynce. Being able to share the stage with so many amazing people, I had to ask Junk and Hungry which was the most memorable. “Method Man was pretty fun,” Hungry says and Junk adds “I think my favorite’s People Under The Stairs, both at Fortune and at a show in Victoria about a month ago. Those guys give a good energy out.” The real question is if they had the opportunity to open for anyone, who would it be and the answer is unanimous. “MGK,” Hungry replies. “We’ve seen footage of his live shows and the crowds are just going fucking insane. I think we could really do a good job.”

The guys recently released the first video for a track from the new album and it was a hard-hitting, powerful visual for the song ‘Burn ‘Em.’ Junk explains how it all came about, “The director (Thomas Nijdam) was actually a student at Emily Carr where we did a seminar. He was a student there and he was just really intrigued, he approached us and we started working with him. All our edits, video shoots and cyphers that we host bi-weekly, he does all the filming for that, him and his partner Sage (Watson). We just said here’s the raw footage we’d like you to use, these are the kind of images and he did a really great job.” The video is certainly a great piece of work and NWD are planning to release more visuals very soon. “We’re going to do ‘Those Eyes’ next,” Hungry tells me, “’Fresh Blood’ and even ‘Up Early’ could be a cool one.” “We’re actually planning to do the majority of the songs,” Junk adds. “We already have ‘Women With Tattoos’, that one’s already filmed and we’re releasing that next. We’re gonna try to do 6 or 7 videos at least.”

The Hip-Hop group released their first album ‘Rap Better Party Harder’ at the end of 2012 and they feel they’ve grown majorly as artists between then and releasing the new album a couple of months ago. “We’re more creative,” Hungry explains. “Before we were just rapping verses over beats, our songs didn’t have a lot of direction or concept, we were just spitting bars over beats. This album has more of a concept; we switched it up with some personal tracks. Our live performance definitely grew like tenfold. We live together so we rehearse all the time and practice rap.” Junk goes on to say, “It’s overall stronger, we’re doing more stuff that actually makes a song a song as opposed to just, here’s my verse. We’ve fine-tuned everything over the last year for sure. We’re better in all aspects.”

‘R.B.P.H.’ is a solid project that showcases NWD’s ability to lay down tracks that appeal to the masses, as well as the more emotional ones with real subject matter and impressive wordplay. Not only are they busy making more visuals and touring, they also take the time out to host a cypher in Vancouver which Junk tells me all about, “It’s been going since last Feb, it’s going really well and we do it bi-weekly. It’s at, shout out Cartem's Donuterie shop, 534 West Pender, shout out to the homie Rags. Basically, we go there and set up a cypher for 3 hours, 7-10 and get kids and older rappers, different levels of talent to sit in a circle. That doesn’t exist in Vancouver anymore, Emotionz used to throw a workshop and have a cypher and I used to go to that and it inspired me to actually create this. We get to brand our clothes and our CDs and the kids really enjoy coming out and practicing getting better. They really appreciate that they have an outlet to be able to do that and express themselves, especially for kids that don’t have a platform to rap, or never had a chance to do it publicly.”

Living together and making music together means Junk and Hungry spend a lot of time together so I had to know if either of them had any really annoying habits. “Junk can be a little intense sometimes, he has high expectations of people which is a good thing, it keeps me on point, keeps me on my game, but it’s a little overbearing at times. He’s working on it!” Hungry smiles. “Yes, I am intense, sometimes I feel like I need to repeat myself with things that should be just done anyways. Everyone’s characters clash, but that’s the point of being a group. I might be too intense and maybe he doesn’t pick up things that I think should be done. It goes both ways, we hate each other, we love each other but we make great music. I wouldn’t wanna rap with anyone else!” Junk laughs.

The new album may just have dropped but NWD are showing no signs of slowing down and fans can expect a new mixtape ‘Stay Sharp’ coming in August. “It’s fun, just bars over some popular beats, Schoolboy Q beats, some famous beats so we can just have fun. Spit some bars over whatever,” Hungry explains. Junk adds, “In our live shows, when we have longer sets, like 30 minutes and it’s all original material, once in a while we do a remix. We throw it in there and I think people appreciate it because they can relate to it because they know it. We’re doing it to keep the fans happy between albums and to ‘Stay Sharp’!”

Vancouver, BC may not be known as a major Hip-Hop city but German-born Junk definitely thinks things are getting better, “The scene has flourished in the last 3 or 4 years heavily, I think people’s lyrics are getting sharper, including our own. I think King Of The Dot, KOTD, which we both also used to battle in, really brought the bar up because it’s so popular to watch, it really brought lyrics to the forefront. So I think everyone considers lyrics to be the most important element of their game.”

With so many exciting things going on, choosing the best moment of their career so far is going to be tough. Hungry goes first, “I have to say it’s having our album release party. It was the funnest show we’ve ever played, people were freaking out and jumping around, it was nuts! We threw weed out and popped champagne on stage, we did a great set where everything was flawless except my voice gave out, I was squeaking, it was terrible.” Both rappers say releasing the new album was a great moment and Junk adds one more thing, “We went on tour with Rhymesayers artist Musab who’s also featured on our album and Abstract Rude who’s been a homie for a long time and is also Rhymesayers. We went on tour with them across the States and then all the way to the Soundset festival which is run by Rhymesayers and had Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Joey Bada$$, Snoop Dogg. That whole day, that whole trip, we were sleeping in vans, no food, selling CDs, that’s my highlight for sure.”

There’s no doubt that Hungry and Junk, as part of NWD, are bringing their A-Game when it comes to the music they are making. Not only do they continue to cement themselves as a part of the Hip-Hop scene in Vancouver, they are making a name for themselves further afield. You can follow NWD on Twitter @NWD604 for all the latest news and be sure to check out the new album ‘R.B.P.H.’ on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/r.b.p.h./id865291969 now!! - Maya's Music Moments

We know how much you guys love to support & empower your very own Vancouver rappers. After contacting them via Fortune Sound Club, we managed to get a small interview with the rap collaboration Northwest Division who immediately agreed to share their love just for YOU:

1. NWD has experienced a lot of growth recently. With your first project released just in 2012, what do you think is what made NWD stand out?

Hungry – I think I would have to say if anything, our live set is where we really stand out the most. We have put countless hours into attempting to perfect, what I think is our own unique style of performance. If you have ever seen our set you will notice that we do a lot of back and forth, bar for bar, double time rhymes where we will literally need to know almost every word of every one of each others verses. To execute this successfully our timing has to be absolutely perfect. I know no other group in the city is rapping like that. I think if you are doing something original that no one else is doing, it’s definitely easier to get noticed.

2. You have defined NWD as a division that collides work & play to create an innovative spectrum of rap & hip-hop. Was this aggregate a planned, strategized combination? Or how did it come to be?

Junk – The work ethic was always there it was just a matter of syncing every individual to his particular niche. In the last two years we’ve all learned a lot from one another. Learning and accepting each other’s strengths and weaknesses has ultimately matured us as a group and in result has made us see the horizons of success. That being said we have learned to put in the effort but not to forget to enjoy ourselves while doing it because essentially, it’s the journey that is the most beautiful thing of all.

3. After opening & co-hosting nights with iconic rap figures such as People Under The Stair, Grieves & Ghostface Killah (amongst others), what do you consider to be a fundamental attribute for acknowledged rap music? Has this evolved over time?

Hungry – I feel like I am still a young hip-hop head so I might not be the best person to ask about it evolving over time haha. I would assume it has a little bit at least. I think the most fundamental quality for music I personally enjoy is authenticity. I can definitely appreciate ignorant shit as well, but my favorite is that real life true from the heart type shit. That’s just my personal preference though. I also think it’s super important to be able to make songs that the average person can relate to. I feel like being able to connect to your audience in that way is a special thing.

4. As of today, do you guys find inspiration in other rappers around the globe? Where do you get your inspiration from?

Hungry – We definitely find inspiration from other artists around the globe. People like Cyhi the Prynce, Rittz, Caskey, Big Krit. Sometimes we will hear a beat ENG or someone made and right away start thinking of concepts and be inspired to write. Also each other. When one of us finishes some crazy bars it can definitely spark the start of another verse. Seeing or playing a really good show can also be really inspiring. I’m sure after we finish touring this summer we will be very inspired to start our next project. I guess you could say we draw inspiration from our life experiences and the people around us.

5. Looking back at where NWD was two years ago, what/whom do you think is the person/thing that mostly contributed to your success?

Junk – It’s definitely not a single person or thing, it’s an accumulation of people and opportunities interconnected at the right moments. Although there are a few key contributing factors, one being Fortune Sound Club. That place probably helped and influenced our success the most in the last two years. Reasons being, the people. Starting from the managers to the busboys all supporting us and giving us the time for us to grow. I mean they give us the city’s best sound system and venue as our rehearsal room. Can’t ask for more. Fortune serves as the backbone to multiple successfully developing entities such as Fanfair, SJS, Timbre and also the group Bestie. There is also a wide but closely-knit range of people who help us be the well-oiled machine that we are becoming. It’s a giant family and everyone does their part. We love everybody there and really appreciate what they have done for us.

6. We all know NWD is releasing its new album “Stay Sharp” in August this year. What are your plans after this? Can your fans expect a potential tour being set up?

Junk – Stay Sharp is pretty self-explanatory; it’s a free digital mix tape that we will release in between albums. This way we don’t keep our fans salivating too long. Haha. The title is exactly what we are doing, we are staying sharp lyrically meanwhile remixing popular songs that we’ve been fans of. This project will also symbolize the integration of Gboxx in our recorded music. Won’t give away too much though. We are recording this mixtape as we speak. As for touring? We are headlining our Close To Home western Canadian tour, while bringing along NWD affiliates J.Dohe & DJ Bates. We are still booking shows for it so hopefully it gets bigger and expands as far as possible. To top everything off, we will be playing the world wide famous Shambhala Music Festival. 2014 has been very good to us.

Posted by: @JuanMarFreile - WinnieCooper.net

Hit up Google and search "Northwest Division," and you come up with two different results: a group of NHL teams, and a group of Vancouver rappers. The Northwest Division in topic here is the latter of the two. Their sophomore album, R.B.P.H (Rap Better Party Harder) contains a hard lyrical exchange from the group's lead emcees, Junk and Hungry, alongside some strong production and a handful of features from Vancity's hip-hop pool, with the exception of Minneapolis rapper Musab.

Junk and Hungry came up in the Canadian battle rap scene where they honed their technical skills, cutting their teeth in a variety of rap battles across Vancouver. In spite of their gritty come-up through the gauntlet of battle rap, Northwest Division maintains a sense of humour about themselves— their album's self-titled video is filled with satirical cocaine use, insinuated murder, and satanic themes.

Although partying is a theme, the drug abused, serial killer vibe just doesn't seem to fit their format; the album shows no sign of devil talk or graphic violence. So what's the connection between the video and their music? Further more, what do serial killers have to do with rap? We sat down with the crew to discuss their battle rap come up, living in Vancouver, and what the deal is with the murder theme in their video.

Noisey: What was it like coming up in Vancouver's battle rap scene?
Hungry: It was a great experience. A lot of fun for the most part, but I remember getting tired of it near the end. We were doing it right when freestyle battles started dying out and KOTD's acapella written format started taking over. It got very competitive very quickly, and since there were only a handful of cats doing it at the time we were both getting asked to do battles multiple times a month. It wasn't a bad thing though because it helped us solidify a name for ourselves within the scene. It got to a point where we both preferred to spend our time and energy writing music, and not rhyming insults. I would say it definitely helped shape our style as emcees and I think we both learned a lot about how important the live performance aspect of rap is - which is something that stuck with us and that we continue to work really hard on.

You recently dropped your freshman album R.B.P.H or Rap Better Party Harder - explain the lifestyle behind the title and what it takes to rap better and party harder?
Hungry: Good question. I would like to think we have always pushed ourselves to have original, interesting flows and clever bars/punch lines and wordplay. Trying to have solid, real lyrics is definitely a focal point of our style. I don't think we necessarily rap better than anybody else. It really isn't about being better than anyone but ourselves in the end. Sometimes I'll be stuck on a verse and then Junk will finish his and I'll hear it and I'm like "damn that shit was fire" and it inspires me to finish mine and maybe even try to go in a bit harder than he did. The "Rap Better" aspect of it really is just a reminder to us, to always strive to be better writers and emcees and never stop trying to improve on our craft. Hopefully at the same time inspiring other artists and emcees to feel the same way.

To me the "Party Harder" just means have more fun. I think sometimes it's easy to forget why we even do music in the first place. For us it's always been because we love it. What is the point of rapping if you aren't having a good time while you're doing it ? We tried to put a kind house party vibe into the record and our live show. I also bartend at a nightclub so pretty much every night at work is a party. Some weeks I end up spending four or five nights in that environment, and aside from serving drinks I feel like a part of my job is to be a good host and try to make sure everyone is having a good time. I think the amount of time I spend there definitely helped inspire that concept. In a nutshell - improve on your skills and better yourself and try to remember it's important to have fun and enjoy life at the same time. Rap Better Party Harder.

The self-titled debut video from R.B.P.H had some mixed reviews because of the cocaine induced, horror film vibe. Was the shock value intentional? Explain the video.
Junk: Intentional? No. It was just what we wanted to do. We aren't concerned with what people may think. It's our art, not theirs. I do understand people's mixed feelings about it and I kind of like the mixed reactions. It means we are making people discuss us and our art which is ultimately a good thing. Do I like serial killers? Love them. Do I like the pain and suffering they have brought to innocent victims and their families? No. But just because I like something that is looked at as evil by some doesn't mean I am. I did have a fascination with killers growing up as a child though, partly due to a stack of serial killer trading cards that I got my hands on. The video is really about capturing our debauchery filled party record with how hard we are murdering every bar we rap. Taking it to the extreme. The serial killer visuals are really a metaphor for "killing shit" as the popular phrase goes. Also it's visually different as opposed to your standard weed smoke, graffiti in alleys with a dude rapping video. Boring.

After you dropped that video you also premiered a limited run of t-shirts with a list of famous serial killers. Can you explain the connection between your music and serial killers?
Junk: We basically made a limited edition piece to go hand in hand with our single. As for the connection? The only one really is that we are using killers as an analogy to what we are doing musically, which is rhyme assassination. Other than that there is none. We don't discuss killers or depict them in our music. If you listen to any of our songs you will know that. Although with all this attention we might just start exploring that avenue.

What kind of reaction did you receive?
Hungry: We received a mixed reaction. Some people were really feeling the idea and concept. A lot of people weren't. We ended up offending a few people, fellow artists that we really respect. So that was unfortunate, but we did win them back over with the next song we released, which was almost the polar opposite of RBPH. I like to think we are versatile like that. At the end of the day it was one run of t-shirts to promote one video. I think we have some other pretty cool ideas for merch and videos and they will all be very different.

You linked with Rhymesayers artist Musab on this album. How did that collab come about?
Junk: Long story short I have been friends with Abstract Rude, fellow Rhymesayers artist and original Project Blowdian member since 05' when my first group and I got the chance to tour across Canada with him. We've maintained a solid relationship since then. So when he called me and asked if we wanted to tour the states with him and Musab last year it was a no brainer. Hungry and I flew to Las Vegas after a disastrous border episode, which included handcuffs, searches and fines but that's a whole other story. Once we were all situated we hopped in the van and begun our working relationship with Musab as well. We really hit it off with him, he was a big fan of our music so it all fell into place. Musab is the motherfucking man. I mean he co-founded Rhymesayers Entertainment. That's amazing as is. I must admit it felt pretty good having him tell us that the only Canadian rap he likes is Drake and Northwest Division.

What do you hope listeners will take from R.B.P.H?
Hungry: We just want people to enjoy the music. We always try to be very honest in our songs and if you know us i think you can hear that. I think it gives you a small glimpse into our lives and what we are about and also a taste of what we are capable of musically. If you love hip-hop and appreciate good beats and rhymes hopefully you will enjoy it. - Noisey/ Vice's New Music Channel - Written By Kassandra Guagliardi

Junk and Hungry spit heat on “Burn Em” over an ENG produced cut as graphic visuals of strife and tragedy fill the screen. But their message is one of triumph and unruliness as they encourage the expulsion of personal demons through artistic expression. - *straight DOPE* - stay up.



GRAND-FLIPPA - ok-tho.com

Northwest Division drop the second video from their sophomore album “R.B.P.H”presented by Household Records and Volunteer Media. Junk and Hungry spit heat on “Burn Em” over an ENG produced cut as graphic visuals of strife and tragedy fill the screen. But their message is one of triumph and unruliness as they encourage the expulsion of personal demons through artistic expression. Check out the video below. - BringYaEhGame.com

Northwest Division drop the second video from their sophomore album R.B.P.H presented by Household Records and Volunteer Media. Junk and Hungry spit heat on “Burn Em” over an ENG produced cut as graphic visuals of strife and tragedy fill the screen. - Spitfirehiphop.com

Listen to Vancouver’s very own NorthWest Division and their recent video for Burn Em. This song was released in their album R.B.P.H. (Rap Better Party Harder), where the four man combo expressed its epic collision of acoustics and fast-paced rapping. NWD is comprised of Vancouver rappers Junk and Hungry, beat boxer/DJ/hype-man Gboxx and rapper turned manager/promoter, Katch. You can download the entire R.B.P.H. album HERE.

Stay tuned for their upcoming album Stay Sharp dated for release in August 2014. –> Follow them on facebook, soundcloud, or youtube for updates.
Share on Tumblr - Winnie Cooper.net

Junk and Hungry spit heat on “Burn Em” over an Eng produced cut as graphic visuals of strife and tragedy fill the screen. Their message is one of positivity and unruliness though; overcoming adversity by creating victory through art and refusing to tolerate negativity. Presented by Household Records and Volunteer Media, check the video below. - Hip Hop Canada - Written By Kass Kills

Check out Vancouver hip hop crew Northwest Division who hard on their grind opening for acts like Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Blackalicious, Swollen Members, Sean Kingston and creating a stir with a new album, “Rap Better Party Harder” coming out soon. - Winnie Cooper.net

Vancouver, BC – Northwest Division comes viciously correct with “R.B.P.H” – the first video from their highly anticipated album Rap Better Party Harder. The boys gave us the exclusive on their gruesome new video where their grimy visuals are a piece of cake compared to the murder that happens on the mic. Check the new video below and be on the lookout for that new album dropping soon. - Hip Hop Canada - Written By Kass Kills

Things get rather sadistic in the new video for “R.B.P.H. (Rap Better Party Harder)” by Northwest Division (NWD). Members Junk and Hungry do their best Dexter Morgan impressions and get rather devilish in their new set of visuals for the lead single to their upcoming album, R.B.P.H. (dropping soon). Beat produced by ENG X Video by EchoCloud. - Spliff Breaks

Vancouver’s Northwest Division have been on a steady come up since their self titled debut album from 2012, last week they give us their first music video from their second upcoming album Rap Better Party Harder. “R.B.P.H.” is gruesome track with an equally brutal video that sets a dark/twisted theme to their Hip Hop anthem, we can’t wait to hear the rest of the album. You can catch these boys at Fortune Sound Club for their R.B.P.H. Release Party May 2nd, stream the music video above!

Posted By @Hermandizzle - Winnie Cooper.net

Recently we had Vancouver rapper Junk from the hip hop collective NWD (Northwest Division) slide through my crib and join myself and @NLAuthorized for our most recent installment of our @SpliffBreaks podcast episode #48. Topics discussed: The meaning behind Junk’s rap name, their new music video RBPH (Rap Better Party Harder) and the feedback it’s been receiving, serial killers, upcoming shows, rap battles, K-OS, House Hold Records, Fortune Sound Club, Shambhala, Outkast and Coachella, Junk’s European upbringing, his father’s musical influence, robes in Whistler and much, much more… Junk also lays down some killer freestyles over some randomly selected beats… Enjoy! - Spliff Breaks

Volunteer Media and Household Records present the debut album from Vancity’s fastest rising up-and-comers, Northwest Division titled R.B.P.H”. The name speaks for itself – Rap Better Party Harder. Emcees Junk and Hungry rhyme like a spray of bullets – quick, fierce and dangerous – and if the damage they do with their verses says anything, imagine how they party. With a steady flow of quality rhymes, production and features, NWD are serious on their grind with this album and they are ready to prove that to Vancity and the world. The boys without a doubt hold their own on a solid 15 tracks but features from Rhymesayers’ Musab, Merkules, Terell Safadi, Aspire, ENG and Osa add the right amount of welcome diversity. This is an album that has truly allowed Northwest Division to show off their unique skills as emcees and song writers. Debut video and title track “R.B.P.H” with it’s dark undertones and satirical serial killer vibe caused quite a stir in the rap community but they certainly aren’t stopping there. Northwest Division is out to grab the attention of the Hip Hop world and they will continue to grind until their names are in the mouths of rap fans and critics everywhere. NWD are serious in demonstrating that not only do they rap better, they party harder – so give it a listen and see for yourself. - BringYaEhGame.com

Interviewed by: @CopaseticSoulz

Tell us about your experience with the Vancouver battlerap scene, how has it affected your music?

It was a great experience. Battle rap was the perfect platform for me to break into a scene where I was virtually unknown and start to get my name out there. I had a lot of fun while I was doing it, as for affecting my music I can say that it without a doubt sharpened my writing and performance game a lot

What are your thoughts about the current state of rap battles and would you ever consider re-entering that world?

I would have to say, I think KOTD has made battling the most popular it’s ever been in the history of rap. It is absolutely insane how big the scene is right now and it’s only gonna keep on growing. The emcees that compete live and breathe the culture and the demand from the fans has never been higher. It’s pretty incredible. I have no plans to return in the near future but I will always be huge fan. Shout out to my boy La Sparka !

What was the motivation behind uniting with other local artists to create NWD? And how do you see your role inside the group?

We never really sat down and said “hey lets form this group” It just kind of happened naturally. We had all known and respected each other for years before NWD. Katch has been one of my best friends since I was 14. We had also all been part of failed groups in the past. I think we really jus wanted to try to make some good music without having to deal with all the negative things that sometimes come with being in a group. We started making songs, realized there was chemistry and never looked back really. My role within the group is pretty straight forward: Rap. Write songs, record and perform them. Be an entertainer.

In your bio it says you were a troubled youth headed down the wrong path, what about your past has changed you for the better? How did you come to the realization that you needed to change?

I was into some pretty standard juvenile delinquent stuff. Nothing too serious. Skipped school til I got kicked out. Smoked tons of weed, and drank tons of booze. Shoplifting, breaking and entering, stealing cars, selling drugs etc. I was just a little shit. I’m not sure if any of those things have changed me for the better, they have definitely given me some perspective though. I think after I got arrested a few times I eventually started to realize I was being an idiot and that if i ever wanted to have a life and be successful at anything I was gonna have to smarten up real quick. I started focusing a lot more on rap and entered almost every battle I could to keep me occupied and help me avoid doing dumb shit. About a year after that I found out I was gonna be a father and that was it for me.

What kind of impact has your son had on your music?

He definitely motivates and inspires me more than anyone. There are songs I never would have written if he had not been born, and I’m sure there will be a lot more. His mom and I split custody and I work nights, so it does make scheduling things like studio time and rehearsals a bit tricky. Everybody else kind of has to work around my time with him. Sometimes I won’t be able to play certain shows etc. I have to leave for a few weeks this summer to tour not sure how that’s gonna work out yet. At the end of the day I love being a dad and wouldn’t trade it for anything. I would like to think one day he will be able to look back and listen to all of the music I’ve made and there will be some kind of story there he can follow.

Which artists from Vancouver have had the biggest influence on your style of music? Who are some of your favorite local hip hop artists today?

Growing up I listened to a lot of Sweatshop Union. Also a couple of groups that don’t exist anymore like Main Offenders and Ink Operated. When i was around 17 or 18 I had a group with Mike Murder and Engineer called “Animal Crackaz” Those guys definitely influenced my writing style a lot. Also people like Kaboom, Kyprios, Emotionz. Checkmate and concise. I would have to say my my favorite emcee out of vancouver right now is Shad. I was feeling SonReal's new project a lot also.

R.B.P.H just dropped, tell the people about the album.

We tried to have a lot more fun with this album and i think it is a pretty diverse project. There is range of different styles on there from double time to just straight punch line bars. Everything from Golden era type boom bap joints, to industry club banger type shit, ignorant party rap and also a few very personal songs. I think there are a lot of good beats and a lot of good rhymes on the album, but we’ll let people decide that for themselves. Its important for us to always be real in our music and I think we do a pretty good job of that. You are really just gonna hear us rapping about our lives for the past 2 years and if you know us at all it should be pretty easy to hear that.

Where are you taking NWD, what are your plans for the future?

We have a couple big shows/ opening slots in the next coming months. We just opened for Ghostface for the 3rd time. May 2nd is our album release, May 6th we opened for Hopsin, May 21st People Under the Stairs. June 5th we are teaming up with KOTD to host a freestyle battle. June 7th were opening for one of my favorite artists right now, Cyhi the Prynce. We have played so much in Vancouver though i think our goal is to start doing more tours and playing outside of the province. At the end of July we will be headlining a 10 date Western Canadian tour. In August we play Shambhala music festival. We’re all very excited about that. We have a 6 track mixtape already written that we will be releasing in August also and we have already written a few tracks for our 3rd album which will hopefully be out next February.

Great stuff, we look forward to hearing your new music, thanks for talking with us - Hip Hop Vancouver

Vancouver, BC - Volunteer Media and Household Records present the debut album from Vancity’s fastest rising up-and-comers, Northwest Division titled R.B.P.H. Everything from Golden-Era type boom bap joints, to industry club bangers, ignorant party rap and also a few very personal songs are what it has to offer. If you’ve had the privilege of seeing Junk and Hungry perform live, you’ll know how strong their chemistry and team spirit is and this absolutely translates over to their recorded work as well.

There is a welcomed amount of diversity on the production front but it’s not exactly a baby’s ass – meaning there are a few bumps. The album is bold, dark and hardcore. Lots of distortion and gritty sinister sonics make up the majority of the beats but the old school sample based joints feel out of place peppered in with these modern synths and bowel moving bass. But props to them for paying tribute to an era we all love and experimenting a bit. It would have been so epic though to have the entire album follow the tone set by the opener “Work.” It felt so right. Overall though the beats are some of the best we’ve heard this year and the production is ultra polished.

All the guest appearance feel like they serve a purpose as well – rather than just having features for the sake of collaboration. Merkules – rap’s Rihanna (seriously, is there anyone more in-demand for features right now?) makes an appearance on the track “Fresh Blood” and ENG & Osa, Terell Safadi and more all contribute to the the album in a positive way.

Junk and Hungry’s rapping has a heavy emphasis on double time but there’s also the occasional punchline that smacks you in the teeth, too. They keep it balanced, though and speed up and slow down so that you’re not completely overwhelmed and left in the dust. Listening to Junk execute this style is like watching Einstein tackle math equations. It’s insane. He’s unbelievably precise and accurate, never missing a syllable. Hungry on the other hand is like the little brother, or the apprentice for the most part. He’s not on the same level and you hear the effort in his flow when he pushes the pace.

The album has that “hard work and perseverance pays off” attitude but the boys still confess that they like to party – maybe a bit too much. On "Fuck Ya Life” Junk raps:

“Had a lotta’ shots plus premium lager, and the piña coladas and tequila with vodka / Got so drunk dry heavin’ it all up, till I need a doctor to be feedin’ me water”

You could (and you probably should because it’s something special) sit and listen to this album sober, alone, at home on the couch and focus on the lyrics. And while this is one way of doing it, it’s clearly meant for after hours and the weekend. When the boys rap, their voices become part of the beat and everything just gels together. Their fast-paced, high tempo flows fit into the groove so well, almost like another percussive instrument. You could be Jim Lahey’d (totally wasted) and just nod your head to it not focusing on the words and not giving a damn and the songs would still be as powerful. Then maybe you catch part of the hook when they slow it down. R.B.P.H encourages you to just let go and party harder.

While they might come across as complete savages, Junk and Hungry also show their more human side on songs like “Palm Trees” and “Those Eyes.” Songs about family and relationships, the struggles of daily life and basically stuff that we all go through. These are a nice change of pace and also allow the two emcees to express a different side of their lyrical abilities.

Rap Better Party Harder pretty much sums it all up in the title. This is a party album and you should probably be double fisting while listening to it. It paints picture of the night club and makes you want to imagine you and your friends in VIP “bottles coming make sure the waiter gets tossed 100.”

Don’t we all wish we had fat knots in our pockets on a Friday night to be able to pull off such a stunt? But Junk and Hungry make it seem all possible because while they are clearly certified sickos, their work ethic is unrivalled and you hear that in every song. So yeah, maybe we can order Belvedere instead of Smirnoff next week. Rap Better Party Harder has that hustler’s spirit that Hip-Hop is so famous for and these two emcee’s motivation is infectious.

Written by Max Dishaw for HipHopCanada - Hip Hop Canada - Written by Max Dishaw for Hip Hop Canada

Vancouver, BC - Originally published April 29, 2014 – Volunteer Media and Household Records present the debut album from Vancity’s fastest rising up-and-comers, Northwest Division titled R.B.P.H.

The name speaks for itself – rap better, party harder. Emcees Junk and Hungry rhyme like a spray of bullets – quick, fierce and dangerous – and if the damage they do with their verses says anything, imagine how hard they party. With a steady flow of quality rhymes, production and features, NWD are serious on their grind with this album and they are ready to prove that to Vancity and the world.

The boys without a doubt hold their own on a solid 15 tracks but features from Rhymesayers’ Musab, Merkules, Terell Safadi, Aspire, ENG & Osa add the right amount of welcome diversity. This is an album that has truly allowed Northwest Division to show off their unique skills as emcees and song writers.

Debut video and title track “R.B.P.H” with it’s dark undertones and satirical serial killer vibe caused quite a stir in the rap community but they certainly aren’t stopping there. Northwest Division is out to grab the attention of the hip-hop world and they will continue to grind until their names are in the mouths of rap fans and critics everywhere. NWD are serious in demonstrating that not only do they rap better, they party harder – so give it a listen below or cop it on iTunes here and see for yourself. - Hip Hop Canada - Written By Kass Kills for Hip Hop Canada

R.B.P.H. – HOUSEHOLD RECORDS & VOLUNTEER MEDIA

If you’re up on your rap but aren’t too sure what’s happening in your backyard, rest assured there’s a lot more action than you’d think. To start off, we recommend checking out the hardworking guys from Northwest Division and their second album, Rap Better Party Harder (R.B.P.H).

The young crew has replicated their self-titled debut’s lively spirit and loaded this sophomore release with sharp wits, playful lyricism, clubby-fun party vibes and beats reminiscent of the boom bap era. The imagery throughout the album is passionately sculpted by emcees Ian “Junk” Tonino and Sean “Hungry” Norgan, with production from GBoXX.

From start to finish this project hums with energy and is held together by the classic element of hip hop storytelling; from vulnerable and personal tales of yearning for loved ones while on tour and suffering through family heartbreaks in “Those Eyes”, to a gravelly, almost venomous-style delivery from Hungry and Junk in the catchy “Fresh Blood” – with scratching and a lyrical style similar to that of ‘Bless and Destroy’ off of Swollen Members’ Balance with lines like “I’m a demon in the flesh/blood leaking from your ears.”

The album also features Rhymesayers’ Musab in the laid back, horn-filled “Border Patrol” and the boys sample Southern heavyweights UGK’s “One Day” in the song “Up Early”, which features another Vancouver rapper, Terell Safadi, who brings a mellow flow; making it a perfect song to listen to while you take a drive to the beach in the summer.

The album ends with the infectious and bangin’ self-titled track , which is coupled with a gruesome and gothic music video you can catch on their YouTube channel. The song “R.B.P.H.” shows off the entire album’s worth of skills; quick-spitting, rhythmic wordplay, and of course creative beats from the group’s DJ and producer, GBoXX.

Fitting in well with your playlist between Yelawolf and Rittz, the next time you go to a rap show in town, chances are these dudes will be the openers and you’ll want to know what you’re bobbing your head to.

By Katharine Sawchuk - BEATROUTE - By Katharine Sawchuk

Album Review: Northwest Division
R.B.P.H

So much of Vancouver rap is mediocre and it can often be hard to decipher the real talent from the cats who continuously rock the opening spots for bigger names. Luckily, Northwest Division has not only been seen opening crowds for the likes of Action Bronson, Devin The Dude, Riff Raff and Ghostface Killah (to name a few) but they also hold it down on the rhymes with raw talent.

It’s obvious these guys know what they are doing. Their album titled R.B.P.H – or Rap Better Party Harder – has MC’s Junk and Hungry absolutely murdering the mic at all cost. Did you know these guys started out as battle rappers? Ya, it’s true and it definitely shows through their vicious attacks on every verse. Junk is on fire. This guy could rap circles around the majority of Vancouver “heavyweights”. Don’t believe me then check out “Burn Em”.

“Handle a ring, bed of a king is where I’m sleepin’/ and even if I’ll never be rich, shit/ ‘cause it ain’t about the money, it’s about a good life that you ain’t takin’ from me”

Dude is nice with it but it’s tracks like “Women With Tattoos” – the ode to the hot chicks with ink – where Hungry shows his strong skills through storytelling rhymes.

Did I mention features? Hot damn. Merkules adds a verse to “Fresh Blood” and the contrast of all three rappers is sick. Another Vancity artist, Terell Safadi jumps on a verse for “Up Early” – seriously West Coast. That track you wanna bump in the whip, cruisin’ in the summertime.

Household homie Aspire adds to the obligatory gettin’ high track, “We Stay High” while the most impressive feature comes from Rhymesayers’ artist, Musab, on “Border Patrol”.

Overall, the production is on point, the raps are even tighter and well, Vancity rappers have a new reason to step their game up. Rap Better Party Harder? If this is how these guys are rapping, it’s almost scary to imagine how hard they party.

By Bella Winters - Abort Mag

Vancouver, BC – Back with some new visuals from their album R.B.P.H album, Northwest Division dedicates their latest to the honeys covered in ink. “Women With Tattoos” shows Hungry and Junk nestled between a handful of fly shorties, kicking it in a tattoo shop.

Bright colours on the bodies of some babes might have stolen the show if the boys didn’t flow so hard. NWD drop their verses over a Darkone beat and believe they came as correct as ever. Check out the video below. - HipHopCananada

Vancouver, BC rap group Northwest Division release there first mixtape. Hosted by one of Vancouver’s most prolific men on the decks DJ Flipout, “Stay Sharp” packs a heavy punch into six tracks while Junk and Hungry come with the fierce rhymes that feel so natural. The two artist spit over some of the industry’s hottest beats from Schoolboy’s “There He Go” to Rich Homie’s “Type Of Way” - Capcityhiphop.com

Northwest Division sharpen their skills on their latest project and first ever mixtape, hosted by one of Vancouver’s most prolific men on the decks, DJ Flipout.

Stay Sharp packs a heavy punch into six tracks while Junk and Hungry come with the fierce rhymes that feel so natural. They spit over some of the game’s hottest beats from Schoolboy’s “There He Go” to Rich Homie’s “Type Of Way”. - Rapsandhustles.com

Vancouver, BC - From their most recent and well received album, R.B.P.H (Rap Better Party Harder) the boys of Northwest Division drop the appropriately corresponding video for “No Sleep.” The track was produced by ENG with video edit by Thomas Nijdam.

Visuals that resemble the sights of a psychedelic drug trip, Junk and Hungry go in with rapid fire rhymes making the whole video experience a trip in itself. No psychedelics necessary, just sit back and enjoy the ride. - Hiphopcanada.com

Vancouver, BC – Northwest Division are keeping their blades edged and rhymes sharper, proving that their is no rest for the wicked-on-the-mic.

Released on Christmas Day, Junk and Hungry give the gift of a 5-track mixtape titled Stay Sharp 2 – hosted by Mat The Alien.

Take a listen below.

http://northwestdivision604.bandcamp.com/album/stay-sharp-2-hosted-by-mat-the-alien - Hiphopcanada