The Goo 1
HIP-HOP JACK MCBAIN CONWAY THE MACHINE FYNCH CURT
ISY It was a big month for Tallaght based rapper Curtisy who released the third single off his upcoming debut album ‘What Was The Question’ titled ‘Last Time’. The rising star of the Irish rap scene also supported British grime legend CASISDEAD at his show in The Button Factory whilst also announcing shows of his own at The Workman’s Cellar in Dublin and Limerick’s Record Room. Dynamic rap/drill duo TraviS & Elzzz dropped their highly anticipated ‘DOGHOUSE’ tape featuring talented Irish acts such as Sello and Monjola. After a year which saw them support huge UK acts like Lancey Foux and Strandz the only way is up for the Dublin duo. TRAVIS & ELZZZ Inchicore’s own Fynch released his debut album titled Youngfella on the 1st of March, a brilliant album that is a love letter to Dublin City. He will also play a number of shows around the release of the album including a headline show upstairs in Whelans on Thursday the 4th of April. It was a good few weeks for rap fans when it comes to gig announcements as we had gig news from global icons to underground favourites. It was a good day to be an Irish Nicki Minaj fan - or an Irish ‘Barb’ as they are known - as the queen of rap announced a show at Malahide Castle on the 6th of July. We also had an announcement from Rap/RnB superstar Kid Cudi who alongside Pusha T will be stopping off at the 3Arena on his ‘Insano Tour’ on the 12th of March next year. The Irish rap scene hit the mainstream across the pond as Kneecap appeared on ‘The Tonight Show’ linking up with Jimmy Fallon and performing ‘Sick In The Head’. The group made a big impact stateside by pulling out of the SXSW festival in support of Palestine due to the festival being sponsored by the US Army. They certainly are continuing to make the country proud on their travels. PAGE 40 Fans of the underground rap scene had something to cheer about as some serious talents announced they will be playing shows in the capital. The main gig I have high hopes for is the return of RiTchie, formerly of Injury Reserve, who would often come to Dublin before they split up and put on some of the most electrifying live shows I’ve ever seen. Now RiTchie is putting out some seriously impressive solo work and will take to the stage at The Workman’s Cellar on the 1st of October. April sees the return of Conway The Machine of Griselda fame who has been announced for a headline show at The Button Factory with support from fellow Griselda alumni Rome Streetz. If you are a fan of that collective or underground rap music as a whole I can’t recommend heading to that show enough. I’m currently listening to... ‘Blue Lips’ by Schoolboy Q: By rap royalty who’s aged like fine wine ‘Blue Lips’ was many years in the making and it was definitely worth the wait. A must listen. ‘Doghouse’ by TraviS & Elzzz: Full of braggadocious lyrics and style. A perfect showing from one of the country’s brightest talents. If you want to have a good time listen to this tape. ‘Vultures Vol. 1’ by Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign: Controversial, Engaging and Exciting nothing you wouldn’t expect from a Kanye West album. One of his best albums in recent years with features from some of the genres finest. Regardless of what you think of the man the quality of this album is hard to deny.