Velassaru, Maldives

Whattup guys,

Well aight.. i know its been close to 10 months since my last post, but hey, with Twitter, Facebook and all the spam you get in a day from BlackBerry Messenger, I know ya'll can forgive me. Its been a crazy year so far for Kartel Records, and its all starting to pay off right now. Look out for Sakti, Ila Damiaa, SonaOne and Altimets releases all coming out real soon. We've also got the Made Men compilation dropping which will also feature Richard J, MicBandits, Thaitanium and Dandee. Watch this space.




Recently though, I managed to get away from the KL hustle and grind for a show in, paradise! Thanks to my management YZ International and the wonderful people at Universal/Per AQUUM Retreats, together with Stylustiks, I was invited to perform at Velassaru, Maldives.








I've got to say that I've heard so much about Maldives prior to this trip, but nothing could have prepared me for the beauty that I was about to witness. We got hooked up with the a real 'ballin' villa right above the ocean and I swear to you I jumped into the sea from my balcony, the minute I got up in the morning, EVERYDAY during my stay there. LOL. Here are some shots that we took for ya'll.

The Stylustiks party only happened on the 4th day of our stay, and it was rocking! Big shout out goes out to all the guests that joined in on the fun and also to everyone that came to the island just for the event.




The party was off the hook! Stylustiks was on point as usual..while I was jumping off the podium every 5 seconds to get on the floor with the crowd. Maldives was most definitely a high point in 2010...and the only way it can be topped, is to go again! Hahah...after all its only a 4 hour flight! One Love Velassaru!

Do it Duit Official MTV

Kartello Hello!

Happy New Year peoples! Check out our latest music video, directed by Atomsky and produced by Phuture Phlow Films. Big shout out to Johor Tourism for the support!

August Magazine Men Of The Year 2009

August Magazine recently named me as one of their 'Men Of The Year' for 2009, and together with the other recipients, graced the cover of the December issue. It came as a pleasant surprise when Rubin Khoo of August contacted us to be part of this, but to put smack up front on the cover, I am humbled :) . By recognizing Joe Flizzow, I believe August Magazine is recognizing Malaysian Hip Hop too, so, big ups and thank you for continuing to support our local music industry! Kartello Hello!

Project E.A.R. - South East A (Music Video)

Kartel Records' Joe Flizzow, Malaysia's AF1 ambassador, featured in a special collaborative music project with Nike Malaysia

Project E.A.R - South East A with Thaitanium, Joe Flizzow, Moots Pop Shuvit, Jamir Slapshock, Daly Ahli Fiqir, Dandee, Big Calo and Joe St. Loco

30 is the new 20

Catch Kartel Records rising star, SonaOne on stage with music provided by DJ Cza and DJ Iman. Friday, 16th October 2009, Cloth and Clef, Changkat Bukit Bintang KL. Flizzow is turning 30! No Cover Charge. Lets go!

KL Dragons Vs Brunei Barracudas

We headed into town yesterday to catch the KL Dragons kick off their Asean Basketball League campaign at the MABA Stadium against the Brunei Barracudas. We arrived just as the teams we're warming up and the energy and atmosphere at the venue was pretty wild. A number of corporate figures, celebs and socialites were spotted courtside, all rooting for KL's first professional basketball team. Check out these pics right here.

KL Dragons warming up with their drills..

The teams unofficial hype man, getting the spectators riled up.

Players shaking hands before the start of the match.

KL's Jamal Brown above the rim.

The Brunei team clearly dominated the first three quarters and at one point had a 30 point lead. The fourth quarter was much better though, as KL attempted a comeback and the game ended 76-94 in favour of Brunei.

See you court side on the 31st for our second home game.

Despite the loss, the KL Dragons have much to be proud off and the same goes to the ABL. Its really great to see people coming together, showing their love for their city and this is no doubt a start to a new chapter in Malaysian basketball. Shout outs to team owners Datuk Wira Dani and Mr. Rueben Emir Gnanalingam, ABL chairman Datuk Tony Fernandez and everybody involved in making this happen.

With team President and owner Datuk Wira Dani


With Dapne Iking and friend at the post party.

ALL THE BEST FOR THE NEXT GAME, GO KL!!!

XBerry Party At Sunway Pyramid

Kartello Hello! Whats good peoples? Aight for real this time, I'm back on the mutherloving blog and this time we here to stay. I promise ya'll that I will blog about each and every event/show that Kartel Records will be involved in the future. Real talk.

Now back to the matter at hand, last Saturday, the XBerry Party was held in conjunction with the launch of the 8520 Curve which went on sale for rm888 on that day only.

I got to say that the phone looks pretty tight, I managed to get a closer look as my brother DJ Iman and B Boy Flip copped a couple for themselves. I wont trade it for my Bold though, but I got to say the track pad that replaces the ball might just function better in the long run.


Anyways, I had a blast performing at the event, the sound system sounded fairly good (which can be quite rare in KL ) and my Subang peeps were there to rock it out in the crowd. DJ Iman was with me onstage and Kartel's shining star, SonaOne spit a couple of verses on the last two joints before we wrapped up the show.


Shoutouts to everybody that came through and helped make it a memorable night! Peace! And props to www.budiey.com.... i had to grab that pic man. Thank you!

Kartel Records presents Take You To The Future

Kartellohello peeps,

I know its been awhile since I updated my blog so here's a little update.
As some of you might know, I performed at the inaugural Shout! Awards last night.
We had some problems getting the props on stage - and those of you who saw the performance would have guessed why.
But nonetheless, everything we planned came through and I felt that I gave a good performance for the fans.

I also wanna thank of all you for voting for me for the Flava Award. Much love and respect!

Kartel Records will be having a showcase next Saturday (25th July 2009)
Check out the flyer above for details on who's performing and when and where.
Entrance is free and everyone is invited.
Hope to see you all there.

That's all for now!

One love
Joe Flizz.

Thank you all!

Joe Flizzow Shout! Awards Facebook Shoutout!

Vote for me online at http://www.shoutawards.com.my/

or by SMS:

Type sms SHOUT (space) D4 and send to 33399 to vote for Joe Flizzow for the Flava Award.

Type sms SHOUT (space) E3 and send to 33399 to vote for Joe Flizzow for the Break Out Award.

Thank you for your support!

DJ Cza and Joe Flizzow Taiwan Tour 2009

YZ International Birthday Blowout

Joe Flizzow x Air Yeezy on JUICE Mag

AWHATUP.COM LAUNCH PARTY JOE FLIZZOW INTERVIEW

Mad props to Thaitanium for holding us down.
Source

Interview with JUICEOnline.com

Sometimes it’s more than having a great career start, but it’s about timing as well. Joe Flizzow and Malique came out at the perfect timing when they released their debut Whuttadilly? back in 1999. It was fresh, and underground hip hop was huge then, so there were plenty of cred for the Too Phat duo. Whatever took place along the way, there’s one thing that is for sure - the boys are Malaysian legends. The entrepreneur of Kartel Records, Joe Flizzow recently released his debut solo album called President. It was a long wait but JUICE is mad happy for him. We even flew to Jakarta with the man as reported last month, and now we’ve arranged this chat for you. Here’s our ditty with Joe Flizzy about Blackberry, Harith Iskander, sotong bakar and Yeezy.

Hello Joe. How has your week been?
Whattup JUICE, it’s been good. Been working hard and partying hard. No complaints though. (smiles)

That’s cool. Congrats on the album release. So, do you smell AIM wins for President this year?
Thank you! We’re very happy to be having 7 nominations in 5 categories so from a label’s point of view, it’s a great start to the year! It’s crazy that both Malique and I dominated the Best Hip Hop song category. I hope they’ll make it open to all languages next year. As for winning on the big day, whatever happens, happens. A lot of talented acts will be up in the mix so I guess we’ll see how it goes.

Definitely. Your label Kartel is doing so well now, especially with the Kartel Hitmen hitting up clubs in town. What else can we expect from you? Joe Flizzow shoes?
It’s great to see the family grow stronger, with more DJs and more of our regular nights getting recognition. As for diversifying our business, I think it’s only natural that we have a foot in other areas and fields. Joe Flizzow kicks? We’ll have to wait and see.

We just witnessed the release of Jin Hackman and MicWrecka’s album release. What do you think of the new generation of hip hop artists?
Jin Hackman, Kraft, Dose Two, Caprice, SonaOne. These are some young cats that definitely have the talent and fire, plus an understanding of the whole culture too. It will be interesting to see which one of them will push the envelope and come correct with a really balanced album and polished act. At the end of the day, when you’re an artist, success is measured by sales. Who is gonna be the next big thing? Kartel Records will have the answer to that question soon. No doubt.

Nice. Do you think the good ol’ days of hip hop gigs will ever be relived again?
I sure hope so, but it won’t be the same. Back then, the peeps that went to the hip hop gigs were probably the only ones that were down with hip hop. It was so alien to the masses back then that we found solidarity and a sense of family-hood at a hip hop gig, regardless of which part of town you’re from. The beef … well let’s just say it came hand in hand ‘cos hip hop is like that. Regardless of whether you’re an MC or graff writer, you’d always wanna get out on one another. That’s the beauty about it. Unlike back then, when you couldn’t get enough of hip hop. Nowadays, everything is hip hop and everybody is suddenly an authority when it comes down to the subject matter.

We feel you. What’s this about Harith Iskander being one of the pioneers in the KL hip hop scene?
Word! Let it be known that I schooled ya’ll on that one. (Yes, Joe was telling JUICE about Harith during dinner in Jakarta) Nah, actually when it comes to hip hop, of course you can’t forget groups like Krash Kozz and Naughtius Maximus, as they laid the foundations in the early 90s. A lot of people don’t know that breakdancing was already around in the mid 80s with crews such as KL City Breakers already pop locking and tearing up the lino mat. Harith Iskander was one of the pioneer b-boys! Respect!

Dope stuff there. OK, we can’t help but notice the old school Blackberry you’re using.
(Laughs) T-Bone and I got our Blackberry pretty early so we still got the side scroll one and it’s a real chunky-analog looking Crackberry. I love it, though recently I got the new Javelin. I wouldn’t say I’m tech savvy, but I do get the standard must haves – iPod, PS3, LCD TV, GPS for the ride and Apple MacBook. No robots or Sony Aibos for me yet though.

We’re sure you will one day. If you have to choose 1 thing to eat for the rest of the year, what would it be?
Sotong bakar at the poolside of Lake Club. Straight fire!

Oooh take us! But before that, what’s one album you would have with you anytime of the day?
Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z. Might be a bit cliché, but at least I copped it when it came out in ‘96 at Virgo, 1Utama.

You’ve been quite a jet-setter. Where are you heading next?
It’s been a busy, but pretty happening couple of weeks. Just came back from Jakarta for 2 shows and was recently in London for another. After that, we had Sunburst and Amsterdam for the New Skool Rules conference. Then I think I’ll try and get away to Pulau Rawa for a few days before the grind starts again.

You da man la Joe! What would you do if you were the real president?
I’d sit down with Obama and we’ll have a long conversation before we swap Blackberry pin numbers.

Terence C couldn’t spit a rhyme for JUICE, could you do one for us?
I could talk more about your kind, but I hate to elaborate
I’d rather concentrate on running a conglomerate
Study KLSE and foreign exchange rates
KL emcees say I’m the rapper they love to hate
KL city is where I was born so I represent
So KL backs me when Flizzy run for President
Kartel for government, this game we govern it
I will release the incarcerated with a Kings pardon man
Oh sorry please pardon me. I cannot stop stuntin’ man
That’s impossible like getting girls to leave my apartment
They love me like department stores and compliments
Meet me after shows and we will probably get intimate
Yes I know they into it I guess I am intuitive
This is real talk no bull all legitimate
Haters still rocking cheap wool I’m in cashmere
Catch me if you can muthafu*&^ I’m Frank Abagnale
(Verse 3 ‘Running’)

Peace!

Joe Flizzow’s album President is available at all major music stores around the country. He recently released his album at Ghetto Heaven @ Zouk on 31 March 2009. Hit up joeflizzow.blogspot.com now!

Image YZ International

Reproduced from JUICEOnline.com

*Mad props to Kevin Yeoh and JUICE for continually showing mad love to me and the entire hip-hop scene.

AWHATUP.com Launch Party @ Club Ibiza, Bangkok

Kartellohello peeps!

If you've been following my blog, you'd have known by now that I was in Bangkok recently for AWhatUp.Com's Launch Party. It was fantastic and we totally killed it out in BKK!!

Here are some snaps for all your kartellohello.com heads:
















Mad love and respect to Thaitanium for making this happen!

And don't forget to visit awhatup.com for the latest in Asian hip-hop.

One love,
Joe Flizz.

The Netherlands Experience - NSR 2009!

KartelloHello peeps!

Part 1 – Amsterdam

As some of you might already know, I recently represented Malaysia at the New Skool Rules Hip Hop/Rnb conference in Rotterdam, Netherlands. When my manager, Yaniz Merican told me the good news I was elated, because this meant that we would be flying into Amsterdam!

Checking-in at KLIA assisted by the helpful MAS staff.

The 12½ hour flight on MAS went by really quickly as we were attended to by the friendly staff on board MH016. I had more than sufficient leg-room space and the excellent in-flight entertainment kept me happy and contented throughout the length of the flight. Not to forget - I manage to catch some well deserved shut-eye!

On board flight MH016 en route to Amsterdam for the NSR Convention!

We finally arrived safely at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and took the train to Central Station which is situated directly opposite the Victoria Park Plaza. After checking into our hotel, we headed straight to the Van Gogh Museum. I was in awe of Starry Night and the Rembrandts were simply amazing!

Fresh off the flight at Central Station

We also took the opportunity to visit the Rijksmuseum which is the largest museum in Amsterdam. Parts of the building were under renovation but we still managed to get a look at many interesting exhibits that were on display. The building that houses this museum was an architectural marvel overlooking the many canals that can be found in the city.

In front of Rijksmuseum

I was particularly impressed with the elevated sense of the urban culture the city of Amsterdam enjoys. A lot of people on the streets were clearly influenced by the urban movement and you could see fantastic pieces of graffiti all over the city.

One of the many graffiti artwork that can be found around Amsterdam.
Check out the Air Yeezy's!

Since we were in Amsterdam, it was only right that we did the obligatory canal boat tour! The tour brought us through the many inner-city canals and harbors. We got a glimpse of the many boathouses moored along the canals. Did you know that there are now boathouses that have been converted to hotels that you can stay in? I would love to give it a try one day.

A view of the canal

Our stay in Amsterdam was further made more comfortable and convenient with the presence of a fellow countryman, my friend and ex-breakdancer Achaap, who is currently residing in Amsterdam. He doubled up as our tour guide and being somewhat of a local himself, he brought us to places not usually frequented by tourists which really gave me a good perspective of the sort of the local lifestyle in Amsterdam.

with Achaap and his fam in Amsterdam

Part 2 – Rotterdam

After two days in Amsterdam (which literally flew by!), we were off to Rotterdam for the main reason for our tour - the New Skool Rules Convention. We were joined by fellow BumSquad DJs Phat Phillie from Croatia, Criscokidd from Houston and BumSquad President Latin Prince.

Me, Latin Prince & Phat Phillie!

With DJ Latin Prince. Representing the Bumsquad DJs and Blackberry Nation worldwide!

I felt proud to be the only Malaysian and Asian representing at the convention. Being the only person rocking the Air Yeezy’s definitely helped too! Especially whilst in the presence of legendary hip-hop icons such as MC Shan, DJ Tony Touch, Fredro Starr, Bishop Lamont and hundreds of other movers and shakers in the hip-hop world.

With Aftermath Ent. artist Bishop Lamont!

The NSR convention was held in 4 different locations, the main one being in the Maassilo in Rotterdam South. Other locations included the Factory 010, Baroeg and LCC 't Klooster. We had to commute between these locations to participate in the various activities.

Outside one of the convention locations

Being interviewed by Vibe Magazine! Watch out for that interview.

It was certainly a global gathering of the hip-hop community and we had a good interacting and networking session amongst each other. The workshops and talks that I attended really inspired me with a renewed and refreshed outlook towards hip-hop as a culture, an industry and a business. I will definitely be applying some of the things I learned at NSR to my day-to-day undertakings!

With Yaniz, my manager.

After the conference ended, it was finally time to say goodbye to the Netherlands. We flew back using MAS and although it had only been 6 days since we left Malaysia for Amsterdam, it was certainly a great feeling to be greeted by the friendly smiles of the MAS staff as we boarded our flight home. I now understand why the award-winning MAS cabin crew is considered to be the best in the world. The warmth and sincerity shown towards me and my tour-mates by the MAS staff and cabin crew was certainly reflective of their “Malaysian Hospitality” ethos and made the long journey between Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam (and back!) a most memorable and pleasant one!

With the lovely stewardesses on MH016!

Shoutout to all them NSR peeps and also a special shoutout to Malaysian Airlines!

One Love!

Joe Flizzow.