Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
There’s something mystical about performing on the anniversary of a late, great rapper’s death. In the vein of Christopher Wallace, also known as the Notorious BIG, three acts came to the stage on March 9th at the Revival to wear their hearts on their sleeves, hats, and shoulders. Although none of these artists had a chance to meet Biggie in the flesh, his energy enthused them to rock the shy crowd.
Going to a concert of independent entertainers is a hit or miss thing, but hearing that DJ Serious was going to be behind the turntables alongside Empire crew’s DJ Law, I was confident that this was something fresh. J-Twiz approached the stage wearily because of a minimal turnout, but didn’t hold back any of the intensity of his music. The track “Obstacles” was Twiz in high gear; revealing his personal barriers while reaching out to the wall-flowers. In and amongst the constant reminders of his personal dot com, it was clear that this wasn’t the typical “street-life” rapper going on about the dregs of drugs. Being that he’s only 21 years old, his experience base has fed his lyrics but the sense of rocking a live show comes with age.
The hype factor doubled when the Loudmouths strolled onstage. Commencing as a quasi-M.O.P. mock-up, MCs Scandalous and Adam Bomb traded lines back and forth bouncing off eachother. Scandalous has come a long way since first joining up with Toronto’s S.A.R.S. crew and losing in the finals at the Rip the Mic battles two years ago. His stage presence and gusto garner the attention of many fans, with braggadocio lines like, “I’ve got more bars than Richmond and Adelaide.” In one segment, DJ Law scratched between Scandalous’ words like a dialogue between man and machine, adding a sublime texture to the music. Versatility is the biggest factor to an impressive performer, and both Adam and Scandalous flipped seamlessly into ripping rhymes in a mid-west double-time style. Coordinating their arm movements with the emphases and cadences, the two rappers looked like a typewriter imprinting each syllable both lyrically and physically.
After two talented opening performances, it was clear whom most of the crowd was here to see. The Zero Tolerance crew. It was through their push that brought nights like this to Toronto audiences. Knowing that people wanted something new; they put out the group’s first album “Outta Tha Basement.” One part conscious, and one part club-banger, these three guys managed to create accessible music that follows along an intelligent thought-pattern for the most part. The group is in top form when they proficiently entangle the emotional with the perceptive, and they fall off the horse when they extend their hand too far to the dumbed-down party scene. Sometimes the multiple syllable strings of rhymes are mind-numbing, and the sound of hearing the same assonance repeated over and over is no more than an aesthetic choice, revealing little to the listener.
It’s clear that the group’s energy upgrades their music ten-fold. Compared to the recorded tracks, the show put the cd to shame. Usually it is the opposite when an artist makes a record, because the gimmicks of digital alteration assist with lifeless raps and poor breath control. Seeing them live gave special attention to their ability to keep a crowd on their feet. Richie Miles, the in house producer for the group, made a couple of appearances as the lady crooner during the night, exhibiting his vocal talent. The two rhyme specialists, Izm and Sick Tricks, had impressive chemistry, which was clearly shown in the on-stage freestyle session. The rappers and their friend Charlie traded roles as human beat-box and rapper, and the synthesis worked symbiotically. As the clock’s hands moved from one side of the 12 to the other, the new day was celebrated with the aptly titled “Friday.”
Overall, the night was chalk-full of diverse styles and messages, but all of them carried one train of thought: Toronto’s scene is steadily growing in notoriety. In the arrays of different sounds, there is something for everyone. Hopefully there will be a third installment of “The Movement” concert series that brings another group of intriguing artists to the fore.
- John Taboika of The York U News
Great Feel, booty shaking groove;
I write as I listen:
Soothing intro, with a fine off beat kind of groove. I can feel my feet and booty want to shake around as I listen. So groovy it's tough to hear the message of the lyrics in one listen. I will have to download this one. Yeah real funky, and tight. Catchy chorus, but not annoyingly imprinting in any way. I got to go, listen to this song, and you'll know what I mean! A bit of soul, and kindof bluesy. Good studio quality. Play this on a date, and you'll get mad points. Way smooth. If this song were in a movie soundtrack I could see it play while someone is empowered to leave a bad situation, job, abusive spouse, etc. Dig up. Listened to it two times.
Extra Credit: Programming, Melody, Mood, Originality, Best Dance Track.
- Omowale
Kalamazoo, Michigan
October 20th, 2005
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Inspiring......
Love the talk intro. I like the rappers flow over the beat it's nothing I've heard before. The beat is hot! Love the chorus lyrics & melody. The mood of this song is inspiring! I love how you say your not givin it up your livin it up......!!! Everyone should live by those words.
Extra Credit: Lyrics.
- kissylou2000
Queens, New York
October 20th, 2005
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Not given it up...
this joint has a nice hip hop.. feel to it...
the lyrics.. are on point.. definatly ... they have a meaning ya no not like the stuff u hear everyday on your radio...
the production.. has a nice bounce to it... and it goes well with the lyrics...
the mood.. is either laid back .. because of the lyrics.. or party-ish because to the beat...and the singing...
the song all in all .. sound dam near perfect in every way.. the vocals sound good... the beat is hot.. the topic is real.. good work fellaz...
Extra Credit: Programming, Production, Lyrics.
- autorewind
Arlington, Texas
October 18th, 2005
You can find these and many more at Garageband.com. - Worldwide Artist Reviews
Discography
*'Outta tha Basement'~Zero Tolerances' full length debut album released in Canada July 2005.
*"Amped Up"~The long awaited single from the 'Outta tha Basement' LP has recieved medium rotation on Toronto's 89.5 (Project Bounce). As well, it has recieved regular rotation at various Toronto area nightclubs.
*"Drownin'"~Single featured on Toronto MC Artimiss' full length sophmore LP "Cultural Cannabalism" due out in March 2006.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Zero Tolerance is a collaboration of three talented and gifted artists ready to take the hip hop world by storm. The music this group has created can be described as conscious, upbeat and thought provoking. Although their debut album "Outta Tha Basement" would typically be categorized as hip hop, their sound is truly original. This crew demonstrates time after time, their talent and drive to grab the attention of listeners from all walks of life. The two main MC's in Zero Tolerance are Ill Izm and Sick Tricks. They've known eachother since their elementary days and have both been actively pursuing careers as MC's since the age of 12. After years of performing with a live band in the downtown Toronto circuit, they met Richie Miles. Not only did Richie possess a singing voice unlike any other, but he also had a knack for producing top notch instrumentals. Fortunately, there was an immediate chemistry and no time was wasted as they embarked on their musical journey. Since then, the trio have been hard at work on their first group project,"Outta the Basement". In addition, they have aquired venues and organized their own shows in efforts to create a community for developing local artists. They are continuously sharpening their skills and knowledge of hip hop and the music industry, in the pursuit of global exposure.
Links
