For a while now on the ACT hip hop scene, D&F have been making more LOUD noises than Brick Tanner. We approached them a while back to see if they would be keen to spit some rhymes for a video for LL. For us hip hop heads with just a cam and a dream, their enthusiasm and support for the idea was really surprising at first. Looking back however, we can now see that they brought this enthusiasm, dedication and love to each aspect of their music and what it represents.
This zeal for rap is really illustrated by their live shows - their stage presence and devotion to the crowd are second to none. The symbiotic relationship between the crew and the crowd is obvious at each and every show and is reflected in terms of the hollas and energy the crowd relentlessly give back – the D&F crowds are always loose, loud and rowdy!
We got to film an exclusive Dazed &Flawlezz cypher (what seems like an eternity ago now) but until the hot fiyah from the vid is edited and up we hope you’ll enjoy this interview with the boys. Don’t forget to share the love and go and see a show next time they’re in your area. And now you know.
Much love!!
LL crew
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My favourite track on the last album is ‘Fallen Angel’. You mention that you don’t make raps to make money, you make rap without money. I believe that your love for hip hop is really reflected throughout your album. With this in mind, what do consider the main barriers to being an artist are? Having to hold a job down at the same time or other sacrifices you have to make?
Dazed
Like anything it has its ups and downs. Sometimes you love it so much and it's all you want to do, and sometimes you're sick of it and you wonder whether it's worth all the effort and time. Barriers? I used to have problems with rhymes sometimes as I was cautious of how much to show or "expose" myself in a track, as my rhymes are very "heart on the sleeve". Do people really want to hear about how shit you feel when so-and-so happens to you?
Now I'm just like whatever. I'm being me and you can either dig it or not. I used to work full-time and I had hardly any time for music once I juggled everything else in my life. I was going crazy as I had no creative outlet. I work part time now so I have time for myself to get busy, but with that comes less money but that's a sacrifice I've chosen. I'd rather be happy getting by making music instead of having heaps of cash and not happy at all.
Flawlezz
Holding down a job as well as trying to create a name for ourselves musically has always and always will be one of the toughest obstacles an Emcee in particular must face. There's hardly any money in underground hip-hop anywhere in the world but it turns out, that’s the way we like it. No money = no bias and no bias = pure fundamental thoughts over authentic original beats.
In short, we're just like thousands of artists out there who pour their heart, soul and profits into every track and live show. None of us have been blessed with a silver spoon like some who shall remain un-named for the time being....haha. We worked hard for our small fan base and they are as loyal as they come. I'd like to stress just how important they are to us in everything we do!
Fallen angel sheds insight on how we came to be personally. A few struggles we faced as children and some we still face today. It's one of our personal favourites and a track that solely reflects our attitude towards "good" music. It’s true, "we don’t make money from raps, we make raps with our money.
I guess the biggest issue we've faced besides funds, is the issue of blending in the scene. A lot of artists have got to where they are by playing it safe and conforming with the general idea and "flow" of Aussie hip-hop. We're far from that in many ways. Our beats are different, our flows are different, and our attitude on a whole is quite different to your average oz hip hopper. I know it sounds cliché to claim we're different, but anyone who has witnessed our shows will be inclined to agree I'm sure.
Also on barriers, I'm not sure about Dazed's opinion on the matter, but I'm very aware of the fact that a lot of people take "Flawlezz" the wrong way and out of context which lead to hostility within a few scenarios. My name is more of a goal for me to achieve personally, and at the same time is something that suggests impossible standards and constant improvement. I’m not now, nor do I feel I will ever be "Flawless", hence the double "z". So for those insecure, know I'm not labelling myself better than you! Lol.
Ok lets get philosophical. What do you think the Oz hip hop scene will be like in 10 years time? How does this compare with how you'd like it to be?
Flawlezz
Ah, Philosophical. My favourite state of mind (laughs). I see Oz hip-hop becoming stronger every year. I love it. I feel that even though some purists will disagree, groups such as the Hoods and Drapht have paved the way for acceptance within the general populous. Groups such as LC and Brad Strut have set the scene in the underground.I've found through my personal experience that different walks of life enjoy different forms of hip-hop which is important to maintain a strong form of both an underground and mainstream scene.
It goes without saying that I would love to see a lot more diversity and acceptance within the market. I know first hand how difficult it can be releasing your first LP. In my own imaginary future, labels would show diversity and empathy towards crews that have the talent but not the resources to follow through. And by the same token, sign passionate and talented artists as opposed to mates, Ha!
Dazed
Shit, I remember seeing the 'Hoods in '03 to a crowd of 50 or so dudes and now they're playing sold-out shows at Festival Hall with heaps of screaming fans. That was only 6 years ago and I never would've thought of that, so thinking 10 more years ahead would be crazy. It's growing at a rapid rate.
I guess as long as there's artists keeping true to themselves and making quality music (ie not selling out), and there's fans to buy the product and go to shows then it'll be good. If anything I hope that these new wave of fans actually understand that hip-hop is a culture that a lot of people take seriously, and do research to acknowledge that the scene is nothing new; it's been around for 20 odd years in the country and know of groups like AKA Brothers, Def Wish Cast's etc and what they did. If they can respect the past then the future will be dope.
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