Camaraderie, Collaboration and Breaking Down Barriers To Entry - #Mabcast 021

 

Across genres collaboration has always been both inevitable and necessary. However in hip hop perhaps there is a tendency to spread the myth of the lone wolf approach. The 'hustle' and the 'come up' are intrinsically valuable in the story telling of the genre and many successful artists are keen to point out they made it on their own.

In reality hip hop is built on collaboration; Greats such as Outkast, Pete Rock & CL Smooth and Wu Tang Clan have benefitted from friendships under collective names.  Artists such as Kanye West have less overtly utilised collaboration; working extensively with long term collaborators like Mike Dean.

This week Jack and Dylan look at some of the collaborative approaches of artists and collectives in Ireland. The DIY ethos is a common feature of much of the hip hop output in the country at the moment and many are replicating the model utilised by the likes of Odd Future and Brockhampton.

Collectives like Gxrlcode and Rejektz Media are made up of not only musicians but graphic designers and videographers. The old adage 'Many hands make light work' proving convincing in the case of both rapidly growing groups.

In the bigger picture the media is quick to fabricate competitive divides between minority and/or female artists such as Cardi B and Nicki Minaj. Being part of a forward thinking collective can further a sense of community and respect, halting any attempts to cause unrest.

All this and more is discussed in the latest episode.