Art Of War: The First Chapter...

ARTISTArt Of War
TITLEThe First Chapter...
FORMATCD
LABELReelistic Records
CAT CODEAOW-0001
BARCODE9319505817510
DISTRIBUTORObese Records



ART OF WAR - "The First Chapter.."


Melbourne-based label Reelistic Records, in conjunction with Obese Records, are set to heat up the Australian hip-hop scene on September 11th 2004, dropping the debut album from underground crowd-pleasers Art Of War. Their first full length effort, "The First Chapter", is the long-awaited follow-up to their "You With Us/I Hate You" 12" single - a proven favourite amongst DJ's and radio hosts across the nation. "The First Chapter" is full of the raw, passionate aggression that Art Of War have come to be widely known and respected for, but this album also shows a lyrical depth to MC's Minas, Chris L & Burna not often seen in locally-made hip-hop. On the production side of things, Burna takes things to the next level, combining his love for the dirtiest of raw, gritty hip-hop with a level of professional clarity matched by few. Huge, dramatic soundscapes sit comfortably alongside club-bangers and underground anthems. The album also features Ciecmate (Revolver MC Champion), Newsense, Rhys & DJ Gala of The Hospice Crew, Tornts (also of Broken Tooth Entertainment), Bigfoot, Billy Bunks and the rest of their Hired Goons family, spitting venom to smash up the industry.

Art Of War formed in 1996 when Burna, Chris L & Minas met at high school in Melbourne's North West. The three became friends through their love for hip-hop music, at a time when none of them knew many other people who shared this passion. They immediately started working together on beats and raps, and have continued to do so ever since. The group have been heard since their early days spitting freestyle raps and unreleased tracks on PBS 106.7FM (Steppin 2 The AM/The Formula/Hitt'n Switches), JJJ 107.5FM (The Hip Hop Show) & RRR 102.7FM (Wordburner) along with countless underground hip-hop radio shows across the country. The younger generation will also be familiar with them from their appearances on Channel 9's Hot Source program.

Art Of War had succeeded in building a name for themselves before they'd released a single track, having performed a steady string of live shows in support of such acts as Hilltop Hoods, Bias B, Lazy Grey, Reason and many, many more. In 2001 DJ Kilo (of the Untouchables aka Sophistacutz) joined the crew, adding his cuts onstage and later in the studio. In doing so adding the final piece to the Art of War puzzle. Prior to the release of their "You With Us/I Hate You" 12", the crew were known for two tracks they'd already released on Obese Records - "Bring It On" from the "Culture of Kings 2" compilation, and the classic "Slob My Knob" from the "Obesecity" compilation. Minas is also well-known for his verse on one of the country's all-time favourite posse cuts - "The Life That We Lead" from Reason's "Reography" album, and for his role co-hosting Hitt'n Switches radio on PBS 106.7FM (Australia's longest standing hip-hop radio timeslot) from 2001-2003. Art Of War can also be heard rapping on the new After Hours album "A Hero's Turf". Look out for future appearances on albums by The Hospice Crew, Muphin & Plutonic Lab, Mortar (Clandestien) & Brothers Stoney. And if that's not enough to keep you going, the much anticipated collaborative album from Melbourne super-crew the Hired Goons is only just around the corner...

The Art Of War boys have performed over 100 live shows over the last 5 years and don't show any signs of slowing down. "The First Chapter" is set to change the face of Australian Hip-Hop music. Are you prepared for War--- Tags