Skiggy Rapz
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Skiggy Rapz

Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands | INDIE

Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands | INDIE
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""If you're a fan of Mac Miller, Gym Class Heroes and Lupe Fiasco you'll certainly love Satellites.""

Hij produceerde voor artiesten als Krystl en Eefje de Visser, stond in het voorprogramma van onder andere Kanye West en Nas, vormde met DiggyDex, DJ DNS en Maximus Prime de groep Superjam, gaf les op de Nederlandse Popacademie, speelde op SXSW, sparde met Master Surreal als de Keynote Speakerz en won de Grote Prijs van Nederland in 2003. Vorige week bracht multitalent Skiggy Rapz ook nog eens zijn eigen, nieuwe soloalbum Satellites uit.

Soloalbum is een goede benaming voor Satellites; op het project staat slechts één gastartiest: Tienus, die je kunt kennen als back-up MC van Skiggy, doet mee op de titeltrack. De producties komen allemaal uit de koker van Skiggy Rapz zelf. Op de cover van het album staat hij voor zijn eigen winkel. De reclame op de winkel belooft 13 gloednieuwe tracks, bangende beats, spitfire flows en hooks die je bijblijven. Dat is inderdaad het geval.

De refreinen op het album zijn over het algemeen erg sterk. Door de melodielijnen en de vele zanglijnen klinkt het album toegankelijk, ook voor hen die niet van hiphop houden. Vaak kun je na één luisterbeurt het refrein al meezingen. In tegenstelling tot eerder werk van de MC staan er op Satellites geen samples. Dit zorgt voor een melodieuze fundering, waarop Skiggy ook vocaal gezien goed uit de voeten kan.

Hoogtepunten op het album zijn het mellow SPR*, waarin Skiggy speelt met flows terwijl hij verhaalt over een vrouw die hem laat voelen alsof hij een superster is, en Shilly Tilly, waarop de andere kant van Skiggy Rapz komt bovendrijven. Op een harde productie (inclusief een vocale benadering van Selah Sue’s Raggamuffin) met stevige drums bragt hij erop los:
So don’t be surprised if I’m passing by / I’ll be immortal till the day that I die!
Een track die ongetwijfeld de handjes van de bezoekers in de lucht doet gaan tijdens aankomende shows.

Hey Now doet jammer genoeg wel erg veel denken aan Mac Miller, zowel het refrein als de flows in de verses zijn erg radiovriendelijk. Hetzelfde geldt voor het refrein van Winning Vibes, waarin eurohouse-achtige invloeden zijn te horen. Skiggy beschrijft hoe goed hij zich voelt in de track. In de coupletten bewijst hij dat ook tongue twist flows binnen zijn bereik liggen. In de tweede verse geeft hij op een bijna stotterende manier shout outs naar zijn Superjam familie. In de partytrack Put It On vormt wederom een aanstekelijk melodietje de basis voor het meezingbare refrein. In de coupletten komt Skiggy met speelse flows opnieuw naar voren als degelijke MC.

Vrolijkheid, catchy refreintjes en voornamelijk hele goede producties: de ingrediënten voor een meer dan behoorlijk Skiggy Rapz album anno 2013. De MC draait al heel wat jaren mee, maar bewijst met Satellites nog altijd relevant te zijn. Het merendeel van de tracks luistert heerlijk weg. De poppy insteek waarvoor is gekozen, zal niet bij elke hiphopliefhebber goed vallen. Als je liefhebber bent van acts als Mac Miller, Gym Class Heroes en Lupe Fiasco zul je je zeker vermaken met Satellites. Het is een album waarop de duizendpoot zijn kunsten maximaal tentoonstelt. Voor moeilijke lyrics moet je niet zijn bij Skiggy Rapz. Voor sferische, funky, vrolijke en toegankelijke hiphoptracks wel. Daar waar hij op voorganger Boat Drinks nog een aantal gastartiesten uitnodigde, trekt hij nu de kar volledig zelf. En dat gaat hem bijzonder goed af. Skiggy Rapz heeft met Satellites een prima tweede album afgeleverd. - Hip-Hop In Je Smoel


""It just might be the hip-hop album of the year...it's almost indescribable how good he is.""

This just in: Austin, TX label releases new album in early 2013 by Dutch rapper Skiggy (pronounced Skid- jee) Rapz and it just might be the hip-hop album of the year. You heard it here first. All the other MCs can take a backseat because this “White”? dude with the glasses and the golf cap can light it up like nobody’s bizness. It’s almost indescribable how good he is, especially considering his relatively limited recorded output. His first album, Boat Drinks, came out in 2004, and in 2009 he dropped an EP entitled, Bang To The Boogie, but he has appeared on more than a dozen Japanese compilations. He did a showcase show at SxSW in 2011, and has opened for KRS-One and Kanye West. A few of his songs have even been licensed to Jersey Shore and The Real World. Looks like this might be his breakthrough moment in the American market. His flow is rapid-fire and tight as a mosquito’s ass, for the most part, but it’s also smooth as hell when necessary. Some of his vocal style is clearly rooted in the various facets of edgy early 90s hip-hop, as is the eclectic array of beats and tracks he reels out so effortlessly. The opener, “Natural Born,” is a primo opening cut and it readies the troops for what lies ahead, and the super-catchy “Satellites” (featuring Tienus) should be a huge pop single if there’s any musical justice anywhere in this world; and then comes the utterly astonishing “Shilly Tilly,” with a simple but crazy good hook looped into the uber-righteous chorus. Skiggy’s ability to partner the pop side of the songs with his un-pop-like rhyming style is quite noteworthy. He has a keen musical sense and you can hear it on how the songs are constructed. “Shilly Tilly” has such an immediately infectious appeal that I must have played it seven or eight times upon first hearing it. I couldn’t get enough. Then I couldn’t get it out of my head, or the charmingly perfect voice of Astrid Kunst, who sings the chorus. Too bad it’s her only appearance on the album. What’s up with that? Skiggy supplies the beatmaking and incongruously also plays keyboards and guitar throughout. He may have already sold part of his soul to the Jersey Shores and McD’s of the world, but his songs are so good it’s hard to begrudge him a decent living. If The Situation can be a (choke, vomit) multi-millionaire, who the hell are any of us to deny someone with actual artistic skills the opportunity to cash in? This guy is some kind of fucking freak, and I can’t quite figure him out. As my old friend Jack used to say, “There’s not another cat on the planet like him.” - Impose Magazine


""sure to catch the attention of listeners the world over""

European hip-hop is a bit of a strange animal. More often than not, the producers are the ones who receive the most shine. Although, can you blame the United States hip-hop community when we have been graced with beats from such talented cats as Nicolay, Dela, Arts the Beatdoctor, and Fabio Musta – to name a few. When the emcees do get some shine, it’s rare that they are as universally embraced as their beat-making cohorts. It’s a damn shame, too, especially when there are talented artists like Dutch rapper-producer Skiggy Rapz bouncing around the scene. And don’t let his goofy name fool you: His latest effort, Bang to the Boogie EP is a jazzy, funky, and fun-loving collection of tracks sure to impress.

First and foremost, it’s important to know that Skiggy spits in English. With that in mind, you can forget about trying to understand lyrics in a foreign tongue or looking up translations with Babelfish. The thing is, he raps so fast sometimes that you would think he actually is rapping in another language. Quite the contrary, actually. He just has ridiculous breath control, which he displays on nearly every track on this nine-track EP. His electrifying flow is at its best on the title-track and “Sure Shot�. “Bang to the Boogie� is the 2.0 version of a late ’80s party anthem with its funky-ass bassline and braggadocio-filled bars. And “Sure Shot� is equally as funky, but it’s jazzy to boot and boasts a killer hook. Both tracks are highlights for another reason as well – they show off Skiggy’s topnotch production abilities.

This rapper-producer’s energy is as undeniable as it is contagious. But he remains focused when he slows it down, too. On “Today�, he shows he is no one-trick pony over a blend of organs and acoustic guitar strumming. It’s a track very much in line with the work of K’Naan and k-os, both in tone and songwriting. Like those talented artists, Skiggy does not rely on typical song structure. Instead, he might break things down or randomly churn out a bridge from out of nowhere. Although it’s more uptempo, much of the same goes for “Headphones On�. It features another gigantic chorus, this time from multi-talented Tienus, who also co-produced this track and the aforementioned “Today�.

While Skiggy rarely disappoints on here, there are a few missteps keeping the EP from running smoothly. “Runnin’ Out Sole�, both the original and remix by Inf, is a forgetful track that falls short of meeting the standards of its cohorts. Part of the reason for that is the other remix on here features Arts The Beatdoctor transforming “Sure Shot� into a noisy and dubstep-esque burner. His slight moments of mediocrity aside, Skiggy has crafted an EP worth hearing not just by open-minded hip-hop heads but fans of music in general. His blending of genres, up-beat rhythms, and sing-along hooks are sure to catch the attention of listeners the world over. - Potholes In My Blog


""a softer Aesop Rock, with the live instrumentation of Atmosphere""

Outlining laid-back, relaxed rhymes and lyrics with a feverish flow, Dutch rapper/producer, Skiggy Rapz (Marcel Tegelaar), delivers music in a wide array of styles. A difference that isn’t conveyed so much in the actual genre but more so, the technique utilized in his songs, Tegelaar is a flashy and easygoing fellow. And for the most part, his new EP, Bang to the Boogie, is another solid release in his abundant catalog.

The middle song, “Today,� is an uplifting and reflective piece. Its R&B is enriched by soul-filling singer, Tienus, and here, Tegelaar’s lyrics verse into the positive outlook on life. And while the music’s polished and clairvoyantly optimistic, it never feels fake. On a dissimilar note, the opening title track is all swagger and fun. Borrowing from many artists and ripping Kid Rock’s infamous “Bang to the boogie, said up jump the boogie� line, Tegelaar puts his confidence on full display. And mixing his flow from a speedy race to a back-tracking cool, his skill is never in question.

Lack of coherency aside, the ideas that do work on Bang to the Boogie feature some clear-headed thoughts. Like a softer Aesop Rock, with the live instrumentation of Atmosphere, Tegelaar never shies from bringing his story-telling to the front of the track. Whenever you can combine an impressive drum set, with jazzy horns and even a tempo shift in mid-song (“Sure Shot�) then you are onto something.

The five song EP comes with four extra tracks that find Tegelaar in an even more relaxed state. A couple of remixes and two bonus songs, the songs are highlighted by smoothly delivered rapping. Where the five previous songs showcase a smart and gifted MC, these four extras provide an insightful look into the potential that Tegelaar possesses. Surely, if he continues at this pace, there should be more music and opportunities available.

Fans of Skiggy Rapz’ music are definitely going to appreciate the kind of composure he’s establishing with his music. And for all the head-turning words he pieces together comes along some bright music that just as easily, makes your ear tingles. “Runnin’ Outta Sole� is a terrific pun and play that kicks at the notion of failing to succeed in sincerity. But the irony, with a piano that actually does carry a world of soul, forms a bona fide winner of a song.

When you’ve set the bar at a modest height, the press release offers this as the “soundtrack to your summer,� the goal is worth every inch to attain—such wording suggests a calming glow of sheen. It’s fair to agree that Tegelaar has done well in achieving and surpassing his mark. Next time you’re cruising at night, let the windows down and allow this EP to soothingly take you home. - Adequacy


""If you like commercial rap with a sweet tooth, then Skiggy Rapz is driving in your lane.""

Holland's 2003 Artist of the Year, Skiggy Rapz is an MC/Producer who just might garner some attention in North America, if this nine-song EP is any indication. The disc is a heavily commercial-flavoured set that sees the Dutch wordsmith doing everything from powering through double-time, goofy rhymes over an indie-hop beat on "Headphones On" to pushing out the positive vibes over live instrumentation on "Hands Up." Skiggy makes his it clear he's reaching for maximum radio spins on single "Today," featuring Tienus. This catchy, breezy head nodder is reminiscent of a Matisyahu tune and should be the track that sneaks Skiggy into the mainstream pop market. While clearly not for the hardcore rap fan, if you like commercial rap with a sweet tooth, then Skiggy Rapz is driving in your lane. - Exclaim! Magazine


""the Netherlands answer to the Beastie Boys""

Skiggy Rapz is a Dutch hip-hop artist/producer that is the Netherlands answer to the Beastie Boys late career. - Smother Magazine


""Both fun and full of substance""

Skiggy Rapz proves that there is a way to release a rap disk that is both fun and full of substance. When the Dutch rapper, singer and producer spits about clothes, cars, or posers in the rap game, it's not a way to boost his own image but rather it is in jest.

"On Runnin' Outta of Sole," he raps "I'm a writer but Skizzy ain't no rider, drive a fast car? I don't even have a license." Rapz flow is impressive, shooting out words in sticatto form, never missing a beat. Even if you can't understand a single word he is saying, Rapz is good at slowing down in time for catchy hooks and choruses that make you want to sing along.

With few exceptions the EP credits Rapz with writing and producing all his own material. He has produced for other acts and has opened for Extince, KRS-One, Kanye West and K'naan. His beats have a unique Jazz infusion similar to that of of Lyrics Born. His two remixed songs - one by Inf and one by Arts the Beat Docter- aren't just regurgitated tracks but rather completely reinvented.

For hardcore hip-hop fans, the disk might come off as a little poppy, but if you view it from a different perspective you'll see that it's an enjoyable listen. The first single off the EP,"Today," has a K'naan-esque breakdown between flows, where Skiggy sings instead of just rapping. His vocals are reassuring, and are passionate and calm all at the same time. On "Today," Rapz comforts the listener "No matter where we go, we make it home we gotta lay our head like a rolling stone and we know its gonna be okay."

Skiggy's disc showcases a wide-range of talents, and is an antithesis to a one-dimensional artist. If you're looking for a good time and an interesting vibe then Skiggy Rapz is worth checking out. - BRM


""Sounds more accessible than ever""

Bij zijn ep-presentatie in EKKO moest Skiggy Rapz nog slecht nieuws verkondigen (vanwege een niet geclearde sample in single ‘Today’ moesten alle ep’s teruggehaald worden), maar inmiddels schijnt de zon alweer volop in huize Rapz. De ‘Bang To The Boogie Ep’ is opnieuw uitgebracht, inclusief een andere versie van ‘Today’, mede ingezongen door maatje Tinusz, en de radio toont ook weer belangstelling. Dat snappen we, want op deze ep doet Skiggy een stapje weg van de pure hiphop, die hij met Keynote Speakerz maakte en klinkt zo toegankelijker dan ooit.

De Utrechtse rapper/producer Marcel Tegelaar (aka Skiggy Rapz) schreef al in 2003 de Grote Prijs van Nederland categorie hiphop op zijn naam en bracht met het prijsgeld het album ‘Boatdrinks’ uit, wat hem ook in Japan enige bekendheid opleverde. In Nederland kennen we Skiggy Rapz de laatste jaren vooral van produceerwerk voor de albums van Diggy Dex en de samenwerking met Master Surreal als Keynote Speakerz.

Nu is het weer tijd voor solowerk, waarmee Skiggy naar onze mening zeker een groter Nederlands publiek kan aanboren. Zijn watervlugge rap-stiel is onveranderd, maar gastvocalisten (naast Tinusz ook voormalig Leaf-zangeres Annemarie aka Anny) zorgen voor pakkende zanglijnen en refreinen en de nummers ademen naast hiphop ook soul en funk. Het geheel is erg goed geproduceerd, damn catchy en mag ook gerust zomers en poppy genoemd worden. Ook productioneel noteren we een opvallende link met het in januari gestopte Leaf: er zijn twee songs mede geproduceerd door Tinusz en eentje met hulp van Joni Scholten, die ook bas speelt in Skiggy’s live-band.

‘Today’ is ook in het nieuwe jasje goed op smaak, maar boet zonder die onweerstaanbare Bill Withers-sample wel in aan zeggingskracht. Niettemin blaakt de single van de radiopotentie, wat overigens ook geldt voor het met fijne samenzang en orgelspel gezegende ‘Headphones On’. Gelukkig wordt er ook meer up-tempo gemusiceerd, zoals in het heerlijke ‘Runnin’ Outta Sole’ dat nooit de soul uit het oog verliest en kan bogen op zang van Annemarie en funky beats. Het opgewekte ‘Sure Shot’ (geen Beastie Boys-cover) biedt ook live feestgarantie en de vier bonustracks zijn eveneens raak: we tellen nog twee nieuwe songs en fijne remixen van Inf en Arts The Beatdoctor.

De ep is met die vijf songs en vier bonustracks een beste voorbode van het album ‘Bang To The Boogie’, dat later dit jaar uit moet komen en waarvan we zeker op basis van deze swingende ep wel wat verwachten. Live wordt het materiaal met zangeres en vier goede muzikanten ook prima uitgevent. Wees dus niet verbaasd als je Skiggy Rapz straks terughoort op 3FM en ziet op het Bevrijdingsfestival en Lowlands 2010. - Music From NL


""Song of the Week" (Sure Shot)"

Skiggy Rapz is zo’n rapper van wie je niet wílt geloven dat hij gewoon uit Maassluis komt. Marcel Tegelaar spreekt Amerikaanser dan 50 Cent en Eminem samen en rapt zijn hersenspinsels zo soepel als vloeibare bakboter. Daarnaast produceert hij de met soul en jazz overgoten hiphop ook nog eens helemaal zelf. Het opzwepende Sure Shot, van zijn nieuwste EP Bang to the Boogie, bewijst dat het niet gek is dat zijn muziek al tot in Japan verkocht wordt. - REVU


""This is by far the best album of 2009 to date""

Skiggy Rapz recently released his Bang to the Boogie EP on Beats Broke Records (based here in the U.S.). Skiggy hails from the Netherlands and connects with the likes of Arts the Beatdoctor and Pete Philly & Perquisite - other upcoming Dutch artists beginning to infiltrate the States. I don't know what it is about the Netherlands, but the vast majority of what I hear from the region is hands-down amazing. I downloaded Bang to the Boogie off of itunes the day it came out (May 12th) and listened to the album roughly 10 times in a row. The record is put together extremely well - the beats, rhymes and vocals all flow perfectly. If I had to loosely compare his style with anyone else in the game, I'd have to say it reminds me a little of Sleep (of Oldominion). The album release is nicely timed for the spring season and will surely be in rotation throughout the summer. The beats and rhymes collectively fit perfectly with the nice weather - something you can chill out to at the beach with a couple of friends or drive around to with the windows down. Toss this EP in the deck when you're in a good mood and it's sure to uplift your spirits even more. The nice thing about Skiggy is that he's made the entire album available to stream for those wanting to give it a listen before purchase (found below). Do yourself a favor - next time the weather is beautiful outside and you've got some time to kill, grab a six pack and toss on Skiggy's new EP. This is by far the best album of 2009 to date. - D-Mitch


""Summer-Worthy Tracks""

It’s been a while since Skiggy dropped his last EP “Boatdrinks�, so let’s not get into the usual compare-the-old-with-new review style and just check out this EP on it’s own.

As it should be, the release is very well timed. Spring is already in full effect here considering the weather and BTTB fits it well. Venturing into a more musical side of hiphop, Skiggy delivers a fresh and cheerful blend of summer-worthy tracks. Uptempo beats with uplifting melodics are combined with Skiggy’s signature content-filled raps to make a solid feelgood EP. The guys get proper lyrical lines and the girls get hooks they can sing to.

Also featured on the EP are Tinusz and Annemarie of the happy-go-lucky band Leaf, and remixes are done by Inf and Arts The Beatdoctor. - The Beats


Discography

Skiggy Rapz - "Ready For The Fire" (2013 Single)
Skiggy Rapz - "SuperHoney" (2013 Single)
Skiggy Rapz - "Satellites" (2013 LP)
Skiggy Rapz - "Satellites" (2013 Single)
Skiggy Rapz - "Circle Round" (2012 Single)
Skiggy Rapz - "What's Cookin' Good Lookin'?" (2012 Mixtape)
Skiggy Rapz - "Talk To You Soon" (2010 Single)
Skiggy Rapz - "Bang To The Boogie EP" (2009 EP)
Keynote Speakerz - "Record" (2007 LP)
Keynote Speakerz - "It's Like That" (2006 EP)
Skiggy Rapz - "Boat Drinks" (2005 LP)

Photos

Bio

Skiggy Rapz (pronounced "Sikd-jee Raps") is a Dutch-born rapper and producer who's developed a glossy, love-filled mix of hip-hop and pop. With his crisp, rapid-fire flow combined with catchy hooks, Skiggy creates hip-hop that is simultaneously underground and commercially viable. His most accessible album to date, Satellites, was released in 2013.

Before his first album Boat Drinks (2004) was even realized, Skiggy Rapz won the Grote Prijs van Nederland (Grand Prize of the Netherlands), a national award for emerging artists. In 2007, he released the full-length Record as a member of Keynote Speakerz with Master Surreal. Skiggy also produced three albums for Dutch rapper Diggy Dex, and in 2009 he co-produced Diggy Dex's "Slaap Lekker," a number-one single in the Netherlands featuring Eva de Roovere.

In 2009, Skiggy Rapz released the Bang to the Boogie EP on Beats Broke. The EP highlights his blending of genres, upbeat rhythms, and singalong hooks.

Skiggy Rapz hit a licensing windfall in 2010 when MTV, VH1, and FUEL TV latched onto his growing buzz. His songs have been featured on programs including Jersey Shore, Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, and The Real World. Skiggy has produced commercial tracks for McDonalds, Martini, and Samsung, and he has licensed tracks to over 15 international albums since 2005.

Recently, Skiggy Rapz performed in Chelyabinsk and Ekaterinburg, Russia, and Oslo, Norway, and he officially showcased at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas in 2011. He has toured extensively as a solo artist and as support, backing Diggy Dex and fellow Dutch producer Arts The Beatdoctor (SXSW and Poland in 2009). Skiggy has also opened for notable hip-hop legends KRS-One, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Guru, Nas, and Kanye West.

On October 5th, Skiggy Rapz debuts "Circle Round," the first single off of Satellites, at a showcase at the Sugar Factory in Amsterdam with the video launching online. The track will be officially released in the United States on Tuesday, October 9th.