MP3 C.R.I.$.I.$. - designer

C.R.I.$.I.$. is a new phenomenon on the HipHop arena whose fresh and innovative East/West Coast beats with slick lyrics and smart mix of instruments guarantee to break through your expectations and beyond.

17 MP3 Songs
HIP-HOP/RAP: East Coast, HIP-HOP/RAP: West Coast Rap

Details:
2007 was a big year and a new beginning for C.R.I.$.I.$. A Zambian born hip-hop artist whoâs talent already conquered the African continent and whoâs name is now becoming widely recognised across Europe, America and rest of the world is here to claim his crown as a King of Rap.

During 2007 C.R.I.$.I.$. was invited to perform at a number of events in London, including The Oxjam organised by the UKâs biggest charity organisation Oxfam.

The U.K.âs Computer Music Magazine: issue 112 (May, 2007) produced a great song review on his work by the industryâs insider Ronan MacDonald. In the same year, C.R.I.$.I.$. was selected to appear on a mixtape by Jay-Zâs disc jockey, DJ Green Lantern, called MySpace Monster Mash. He later was offered to appear on yet another mixtape US-UK Takeover by the British Disc Jockey DJ Ames, featuring a number of great hip-hop artists such as Craig David and Lilâ Wayne & Lovely.

In January 2008 the artist made his first European TV appearance as he took part in the Hugo Urban Rules music workshop, organised by none other than the Hugo Boss in conjunction with MTV.

In March 2008, C.R.I.$.I.$. released his UK debut album Designer under the independent record label Clavel Inc UK.

The Designer is probably the first hip-hop record out of UK that is a cut above the rest. The distinctively unique style of beats and music compilation adopted by the artist, as well as the sleek lyrics promoting a non-guns and non-drugs culture, makes it a none other but C.R.I.$.I.$.â own brand of sound. The style could be compared to the East/West Coast hip-hop, but also throws in that rich R&B, Jazz, Rock and Pop flavour blended into one.

C.R.I.$.I.$. has a most fascinating family background and is claimed to be a direct descendant of the Great Chief Mwata Kazembe of the Zambian Lunda People. The first born in a family of five, C.R.I.$.I.$. grew up listening to a variety of a local African and Western music. When he was ten years old, The Message by Grand Master Flash and The Furious Five has made a profound influence on a young musician; and from that moment on he knew that Hip-Hop was his passion. Later influences from other artists like Big Daddy Kane, KRS One, NWA, LL Cool J and Dr. Dre, helped C.R.I.$.I.$. to realise that he could bring something uniquely different into the contemporary Hip-Hop arena.

After graduating from the Institute for Management of Information Systems (IMIS) at the Zambia Insurance Business College Trust in 1998, he joined Mondo Music, once Zambiaâs biggest record company. With them he made his debut professional release on a compilation called The Rhythm Nation Project (Yo-Yamba).

In 2000 he left Mondo to pursue his independent music career and shortly after that his song Playaz Worldwide (Takinâ Over) was featured for a compilation called Harambe Dope Sessions licensed to South Africaâs DIY Records along with other high profile South African rappers.

A year later C.R.I.$.I.S. became the face of Mosi Lager, a popular brand produced by South African Breweries and marketed throughout Africa. During the companyâs big advertising campaign, he gained a swift recognition, appearing on billboards, in television ads as well as in various prints and electronic media.

During 2002-2004 The Voice of America appointed him as the coordinator of their Hip-Hop Connection Fan Club, an organization responsible for the developmental of programmes for the youth. Within that same period, he signed a three year publishing deal with Sony Music: South Africa headed by Jay Savage.

In 2004, C.R.I.$.I.$. entered into a rap competition that was aired live on South African Television. He did well by making through into the final. From that experience C.R.I.$.I.$. gained the solid recognition that he needed to continue his Hip-Hop career further. With his fame on the rise in Zambia, he signed a deal with a local distribution company Solid Rhythmz and in January 2005 released his first Hip-Hop album Officer in Charge. Because of his album was such a success and a significant achievement for Zambiaâs hip-hop industry, he quickly gained an international recognition.

In March 2005 the artist was featured in Future Music Magazine, receiving a good review from the industryâs guru Tim Oliver. Two months later he was invited to perform at the Channel-O Video Music Awards.

In 2006 inspired by a tragedy in the family, C.R.I.$.I.$. helped to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Trust foundation in Lusaka, Zambia by holding a gig at Lusakaâs Club Phoenix. The gig was a success and, according to the B.C.T., the artist was the first musician to ever take this step in response to their cause.

With over 15,000 albums sold in Lusaka, Zambia alone, his album, Officer in Charge was the first Hip-Hop album to be produced and released in Zambia by a Zambian artist. More recently, his album The Diamond Chain Mixtape reached another milestone by becoming the first Zambian mixtape to be released commercially in Zambia. After winning the Brath Awards for Best Zambian Hip-Hop Artist in 2006, C.R.I.$.I.$ has never shown any sign of slowing down. Today he continues breaking down barricades to venture past Zambia into the heights of the Western markets and on the road to find his place amongst the most talented and best hip-hop artists in the world.

People who are interested in Jay-Z Dr. Dre Linkin Park should consider this download.