Bad Meet Evil

Its been a while since ive had the chance to catch up with a hip hop group and interview them, but now that uni is over for the year i'm more dedicated then ever to jump back on my blog shit and keep it up to date. So to kick off the next series of interviews i've decided to turn to another element of hip hop, street art and street ware. I was fortunate to steal some of Joseph Fonti, founder of Bad Meet Evil to ask him about past works, what the future holds and how the clothing label came about. Check it out below, and if you like what you see head over to www.badmeetevil.com and pick up some fresh threads or head to Facebook to stay up to date with whats new.

Firstly you started Bad Meet Evil in 2010, what was it that made you take your drawings, which at this stage was nothing more than a hobby to something that you wanted to display and distribute on the public scale?

I think it was a combination of two things. Firstly, I’d always loved streetwear- the graphics, the attitude, everything about it appealed to my personality heavily. So naturally, to own my own label was my ultimate ‘dream job’. The other significant ‘kick starter’ was the fact that I could never see myself working for a boss. I don’t like being told what to do or how to do it, so I thought that combining my artwork with a label could be a ‘way out’ of the system.


The name Bad Meet Evil, is one that will come to be a household name in the future. Where did it originate from and what is the philosophy behind it and the label as a whole?

Haha. Cheers for the confidence booster dude. The name was actually inspired by the track, ‘Bad meets evil’, by Eminem and Royce. Back when I chose the name, the duo was really underground, and I thought that track captured my artwork and the essence of what I was doing at the time perfectly. I didn’t know that a year later they’d bring out a commercial album together- that really fucked with my head for a while. In fact, I’m very close to just changing the name of the label to ‘BME’. It’s been known as that for a long time now, and I think it’s time to break free of any associations people might think the label has with Em and Royce. 

Anyone who has followed Bad Meet Evil over the past few years will know of the battle you have put up to the major labels in the industry and various street ware stores around the country. What is it that drives you to push on through when so many stores and labels have rejected you as a designer and as a label?

I wouldn’t say that they’ve ‘rejected me as a designer or a label’. Id say that what I do, and how I do it, is something completely new to what most stores and labels are used to. People are always hesitant to break away from what they know, and street wear/ fashion is no different. I like to show people ‘behind the scenes’, because it’s something that I really struggled to find out about when I was first entering the market. The fact that ‘JRF’ is very closely associated with the label also means that white BME is a ‘brand’, it also has a living, breathing, contactable entity behind it. The majority of other labels like to keep this side of things hush hush. But I believe giving people an insight into the inner workings of what I do allows them to appreciate it on a whole new level. 

In the early days of Bad Meet Evil you did some design work for 360, this would have been an amazing platform to launch BME into the public eye. How did the relationship between BME and 360 form?

I actually went to a gig of his at the Evelyn in Fitzroy one night. It was a really small show, maybe 50 – 100 people? I was hanging out printing tees at the time with a friend of mine, and I decided to print his name on one of the earliest BME designs for shits and giggles. I gave it to him at the concert while he was on stage, and the next day he hit me up on Facebook asking me to do the illustration for his merchandise. And that’s how it all began.

Until the end of 2011 all of the designs had been your work but in early December of 2011 you collaborated with Melbourne based artist, Malicious. What prompted you to collaborate on this work? Was it a challenge to let go of the creative process or did you still have some control over the work?

I was definitely a little hesitant to let someone else have creative control. But I had a gut feeling that Malicious understood the message I was trying to convey, and would do an amazing job. Evidently he did, and ever since I’ve really enjoyed getting other artists on board from time to time. I’m very picky with my collaborations- the artist has to bring something new to the label that hasn’t been seen or done before. Everyone Ive worked with so far has nailed their graphic.

The introduction of color into each of your designs is done in a subtle manner to compliment the black and white design. With this work we can see that color is more present and that the image is on a greyscale base compared to many of your other works which are based on black and white. Was there a reason for changing this formula that had clearly been successful in the past, or is this the style of work that Nick normally produces?

Rik is an amazing artist. He usually works with colour so I told him to go right ahead and do what he usually does. Because I normally work with only black and white, I was really looking forward to doing a piece with colour in it. I love black and white because of the ‘haunting element’ it evokes. It also strips the artwork back to it’s rawest form, and in my opinion, can sometimes convey the most powerful imagery. It also looks dope on white tees.


What is the process that normally occurs when another artist designs a piece for BME? Who approaches who or are you generally mates with them before commencing work with them?

It varies from artsist to artist. I saw some of Malicious’ work at a gallery and hit him up from there. As for Rik and Ben, I’d always been fans of their work, and just reached out, hoping they’d dig the idea. Sarah and I have been pals for a while, so that one was a little more chill. 


Recently you posted a status on Facebook explaining the pressure that you put on yourself and the expectations you have of yourself. When designing a work how much of an impact dose the public have each design, do they influence the content, style etc.

I definitely consider whether or not my fans will dig what I’m planning on drawing before I start a new piece. At the same time, you can’t please all the people all the time, so I have to find a happy balance between what I think looks dope, and what others will like too. At the end of the day, my artwork is still an expression of who I am, and people are either going to connect with it, or they won’t.

The Mr Squiggles work is one of my favorite designs as it brings back memories form when I was a kid watching it. Its designs like this and the Evil Mickey Mouse, and Ninja Turtles that I so many of your fans love. I feel as though putting these cartoon characters we grew up with as innocent children in a not so innocent situation reflects so the changes we go through from children to adults. What is it that makes you drives you to take these childhood characters and reproduce them?

Yeah I’ve always loved messing with childhood characters. I’m not sure why I do it to be honest. Maybe it’s a subconscious thing. I love the line work for many of these characters- they’re simple but bold. Ultimately I think I’m a massive kid at heart who dosen’t want to grow up. I collect toys and still watch cartoons. Sometimes I really question whether I’m mature enough to run a label.

The Nasty Naz artwork is simply amazing. Naz is one of Hip Hop’s godfathers and has done so much for what we take for granted today. There is no doubt that Sarah McCloskey has done it justice to this image. There are many other figures in the Hip Hop scene that you could have easily chosen weather they be Australian or American. What made you choose Naz over others and can we expect any more BME prints with other Hip Hop greats?

Nas has always been one of the most influential artists in my life. I specifically chose him over others for a number of reasons. I felt that Biggie and tupac, while amazing artists in their own right, had been done to death in the street wear industry. I also think that a whole heap of people just jump on board with the Biggie and Tupac thing, not because they appreciate their music, but more so because society has generally accepted them as being ‘cool figures’. I chose Nas because he isn’t as well known, and for someone to buy the tee, they’d really have to appreciate what he’s done for hip hop, on a ‘real’ level. I basically wanted to eliminate any posers wearing my shit.


It seems as though that every time i check back to the BME Facebook page that you have always got something new on the go weather they be a new set of limited edition pocket tees, space caps or an amazing design for you next tee. So I have to ask whats in the pipelines for the next bit for BME? 

Cogs are turning. Minds are churning. This new shit that I’m working on is going to put anything else I’ve ever done to shame. I’ve got a whole heap of new projects going on at the moment, some of which I’m really hoping will change the industry. I’m just hoping to get everything out on the market before this candle that I’m burning explodes. Fuck it, hey.

Surprise Surprise

Surprise Surprise! Well the Hoods have done it agin and caught us all off guard much like they did at the end of last year when they dropped not one but three film clips for I Love It. To celebrate the launch of the 'Speaking in Tounges' tour the hoods have just dropped their official remix of Drinking from the Sun, 'The Good Life in the Sun'. Its got some funky beats and dope breaks, remixed by Suffa and featuring Black Thought, Chali 2NA, Lotek, Classified, Solo, Briggs, Plutonic Lab and One Above. Its a free download click the link below for your download now.

http://hilltophoods.com/hth/shows

Speaking In Tongues Tour

After the release of their number 1 Platinum album, Drinking from the Sun the Hilltop Hoods are heading out on the road for their only headline tour for 2012 and there bringing a few friends along for the ride. 

Holding down the main support for the tour is Solo on the Mic and Adit on the fader from Sydney's Horrorshow crew. With Horrorshow one of the country's most promising Hip Hop acts with an ARIA nomination, multiple sold out national tours, festivals and international spots under their belt all before they hit the age of 23. Not to mention that all of this has been achieved without the help of a hit single. Horrorshow have built a huge support base as well as gaining critical acclaim for their sharp lyricism and hard hitting production. 

Along for the ride is none other that none other than the fat controller from the GE Crew, that is Briggs. Hailing from country Victoria he joins this high calibre line up after dropping his debut album, The Blacklist. BRIGGS has been a staple on the local Hip Hop touring circuit. While supporting countless local and international artists BRIGGS has been hard at work on his highly anticipated sophomore album, which is scheduled for release later this year.

It wouldn't be a Hilltop Hoods gig without going all out and when we caught up with Pressure he had this to say.

I remember seeing you guys at the Horden in Sydney when you toured State of the Art on the Still Standing Tour and you came out with the Hilla-Toppa jackets on in the encore, which just blew us all away and I remember going to my mates going what the fuck is going on here. Can we expect anything as big or as mind-blowing on the national tour later this year?

Hahaha Yes defiantly, of course we have always gotta do something new and crazy, something no one else is doing. Thats always been our thing, we always try and do something different. If its something as cheesy as coming out in some jackets that light up then you know. Something that people can take away and have a laugh about or say that was funny or clever or dope you know. We will always try and work something into it. And thats the beauty of doing your own shows in compared to festivals, you get longer on stage you get to crazy things like that and have control of the whole show. Very much looking forward to coming back touring the new album later this year and doing some crazy shit with it.

The Dates

Thursday 28th June – Plantation Hotel – 18+ - COFFS HARBOUR

Friday 29th June – Eatons Hill Hotel – Lic/AA – BRISBANE (All persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adults

Friday 27th July – Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Lic/AA - ADELAIDE T

Saturday 28th July – Splendour in The Grass – Lic/AA – BYRON BAY

Saturday 4th August – Hordern Pavilion – Lic/AA - SYDNEY

Thursday 9th August – Ballarat Uni – 18+ - BALLARAT

Friday 10th August – Kay St Entertainment Complex – 18+ - TRARALGON 

Saturday 11th August – City Hall – Lic/AA - HOBART 

Wednesday 15th August – Station Resort – 18+ - JINDABYNE

Friday 17th August – Challenge Stadium – Lic/AA - PERTH 

Saturday 18th August – North West Festival– Lic/AA – PORT HEDLAND (Tickets will go on sale at 9AM on Thursday 10th May) 

Friday 24th August – Setts – 18+ - MILDURA

Feature Artist Of The Month, April - Pressure Emcee, Hilltop Hoods

After the release of yet another successful record from the Hilltop Hoods, Pressure took some time out to catch up with us and speak all things Drinking from the Sun and Hilltop. Check out part 1 of the interview below and stay tuned for the following parts out later this month.

The three part musical adventure that is, The Thirst is something that you guys haven't really done before, that is a series of short tracks throughout an album. Part one focus's on the past three years or so and what you have achieved since the release of State of the Art. What do you think was your biggest achievement or most memorable moment since the release of State of the Art?

Most memorable moment from State of the art would have to be touring and playing at Glastonbury in England which was a huge highlight for all of us. To play at the biggest and most prestigious music festival in the world. That was an amazing experience we managed to get a crowd of somewhere between 8000 - 10 000 people under a small tent when we actually thought we might be playing to a crowd of 80-100 was amazing.

That must have been an awesome feeling to travel to the other side of the world when you come from a culture that 5-10 years ago didn't have much recognition in its own country never mind world wide.

Yeh its like relating to what you were just saying about The Thirst. I open the album by talking about touring in various parts of the world and how amazing it is to go to a shore where we thought we had no accolades and no one knew us to getting a reception like that it's amazing. Sometimes you have no idea that you are even know in these countries and people come to your shows and know the lyrics to your songs, its a bit of a you gotta step back and pinch yourself kind of thing.

Part two of The Thirst explains what Drinking from the Sun is and how Australian Hip Hop is an underground culture and is drinking from the mainstream above. Do you guys still see yourself as an underground act or a mainstream act that belongs to an underground culture?

I mean the album just went Gold in the first week, I couldn't claim to be an underground act or an underground rapper but i think were true to our roots and make underground music and thats the music we've connected with people for so long and are still prolific in the Australian music scene ten years later.

For sure its evident that through out Drinking from the Sun you can still feel the connection between the tracks and the audience can relate to the tracks.

Yeah well that's it I just think that the matter of making music for yourself and making honest music and i think that it will always connect with people.

Part three of The Thirst is really interesting and most exciting part of the album for myself. The outake at the end of the track says, "from day one we were writing two albums". Firstly when is the part two going to drop? and secondly why did you you decide to write two albums at one time instead of focusing all your efforts on one album?

Basically we wanted to do a double album, I can't give you an exact due date on the next album as I don't know the due date just yet, but its kinda like a to be continued … but i can say that the next album will be out much sooner than the three year gap between State of the Art and Drinking from the Sun.

Was there a reason that there was a three year gap between releases, was it that you wanted to take some time to get away from the music or that we were just going to take our time to perfect this next one?

Nar its funny people are like its been three years since the last album where the hell you been and I'm like were been touring our arses off for a year and a half and then worked rock solidly in some respect weather Suffa was out digging or debris was looking for cuts or practicing scratching. But we were working on that album for a year and a half. A lot happened in that year and a half as well where we went physically away on tour. We did a tour with Eminem, the Big Day Out tour and a tour in Canada we made a DVD and so many other day to day things that unfortunalty is a business element that comes into it when you run your own label and taking care of everything else. We took one month off each in that three year period and after that we worked our arses off cause people don't hear from you in a while the just think that your sitting on a beach somewhere having a holiday but your not.

How was the tour with Eminem I'm sure that it would have been an amazing experience to play with someone of that calibre, I read the interview with Rolling Stone and it seemed as though you sort of got pushed to the side but I'm sure that it would have been an amazing feeling.

Yeh I've actually been an Eminem fan since my ruckas days and i really dig a lot of his music, not all of it but i do dig a lot of it. So to be able to play support for him and who is actually the biggest entertainer in the world at the moment period was just an amazing experience. Its defiantly one of those once in a life time experiences that will be with us for ever.

The Kings are Back

After the release of State of the Art in 2009 the Hilltop hoods certainly set themselves a challenge. It was filled with tracks that were beyond ace and crowned them not only royalty in the Aussie Hip Hop community but Kings. The question left to ask is how could the Hoods step up to the plate and take things up yet another level to top State of the Art. 

Drinking from the Sun is the sixth studio album from the Hoods and is by far the deepest, darkest and most diverse yet. The sounds of the first single off the album, I Love it ft. Sia follow that much of the first single from State of the Art, Chase That Feeling. It has to be the most radio friendly track on the album, however its almost certain that several other tracks on the album will get high rotation across the airwaves, starting with the track that immediately follows I Love It, Lights Out. Lights Out is a clear choice for a future single with huge potential for the second film clip for the album. 

It is clear that on several tracks on the album the Hoods explored new grounds to prove how deserving they are of the title, Kings of Aussie Hip Hop. The track The underground takes it back to the early days with a beat and lyrics that are very much underground, proving that even the best of the game can take a simple old school beat and turn it into a classic. On the opposite end of the scale sees the track Speaking In Tongues which is filled with a jazzy, bass heavy beat. The contrast between these two tracks just goes to show exactly why the Hoods are not only holding all the keys to the kingdom but Rattling The Keys To The Kingdom.

The track Shedding The Balloon is filled with extensive reverberation and solid rhymes from Suffa. Pressure however kills it on the track Good For Nothing which is fuelled by a strong guitar beat which has huge potential with their live performance and guaranteed to be a crowd favourite. Personally I wanna see the hoods take a full band on tour with them or at least Plutonic Lab.

The list of other artist's who contributed to the album do nothing but enhance to the fullest the tracks in which they feature on throughout. The list includes the amazing vocal talents of local Adelaide artist Sia who features on the lead single I Love It. The likes of Lotek, Black Though, Chali 2na, Classified and Solo, One Above and a K21 remix of the track Good for Nothing yet agin show the how the Hoods have raised the bar with their latest release.

Something which we at The Bottom Of The Atlas noticed very quickly when the track listing for the album came out was the three part musical adventure that is The Thirst. Each of the three parts of The Thirst exhibit short rhymes accompanied by samples that are nothing short of an challenge. This narrative which runs throughout the album finishes with the line " from day 1, we're making two albums" which poses the question, do the Hoods already have their next project in the works? Perhaps the reason why they took three years between releases was because they were working on two projects from day one. Who knows though only time will tell. However lets enjoy what we have now rather than speculate on what will come next. 

There is no question that Drinking From The Sun is some of the Hoods finest work to date. There is no reason why this album could not sit on the shelf in your local record show next to global heavyweights in Hip Hop. It is unlike any other Australian Hip Hop album that you have herd before. Go grab your copy of Drinking From The Sun from your local Oz Hip Hop store, Soul Clap Records and sit back and enjoy the tunes. 

Referance: musicfeeds.com.au

Hauie TV Episode 1 - Hilltop Hoods

Check out Hau's latest project Hauie TV. Its an online show that celebrates and focus's on all things hip hop in the Australian scene and overseas. With exclusive behind the seance's footage, interviews and rhymes. To kick it all off Hau catches up with Australia's biggest outfit none other than the Hilltop Hoods who will drop their sixth studio album, Drinking form the Sun this friday. Not much more to say other than check it out and stay tuned for episode two.

Funkoars Vincent D'Onofrio Tour!

With nothing less than the force of a moving freight train the almighty Funkoars hit back onto the scene last year after a 12 month hiatus and delivered their new album, The Quickening. Their album launch saw them leave a trail of hangovers right across the country in no less than 18 cities. It is no surprise that the Funkoars are hitting the road agin after standout shows in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Fat As Butter (Newcastle) and Sprung. However this time there stepping it up a notch with the sprit of Law & Orders Vincent D'Onofrio and bringing him along for the ride!

Check out tour dates and ticket info below. 

Sun 11th March TAS Breath of Life Festival • Launceston

Fri 30th March ACT The Tradies Club • Canberra

Sat 31st March NSW Entrance Leagues Club • Bateau Bay

Tue 24th April VIC Esplanade Hotel • Melbourne

Fri 27th April WA Bar120 Hillarys • Sorrento

Sat 28th April WA Rosemount Hotel • Perth

Fri 4th May SA The Gov • Adelaide

        

Sat 5th May NSW Annandale Hotel • Sydney

Thu 10th May VIC Wheelers Hill Hotel • Wheelers Hill

Fri 11th May VIC Pier Live • Frankston

                                    

Fri 1st June NSW Great Northern • Byron Bay

Sat 2nd June QLD The Zoo • Brisbane

Pre Order Drinking From The Sun Now through Sol Clap Records!

Its already been said that the Hilltop's new album Drinking From the Sun will be one of if not the biggest release in Australia for 2012. So for all of you thinking of pre ordering to make sure you get your hands on it as soon as it drops then make sure that you do it through Sol Clap Records. The ship world wide so that the international fam don't miss out. Check below for details and get on the shit asap! The track listing for the album has also just been realised check below for the full listing as well. Visit http://www.soulclaprecords.com/ now.

1. The Thirst Pt. 1
2. Drinking from the Sun
3. I Love It Feat. Sia
4. Lights Out
5. Living in Bunkers Feat. Lotek & Black Thought
6. Speaking in Tongues Feat. Chali 2na
7. Now You’re Gone
8. Good for Nothing
9. Rattling the Keys to the Kingdom
10. The Thirst Pt. 2
11. The Underground Feat. Classified & Solo
12. Shredding the Balloon
13. The Thirst Pt. 3
14. Good for Nothing (K21 Remix)

Golden Era Mixtape 2012

Monday night saw the release of the second mix tape form the Golden Era crew. The mix tape shows the talent within the Golden Era label. The free mix tape is avaiable for download now on the Golden Era site now. However I know that many of you prefer a hard copy of music whenever possible so if you head over the JB HI-FI website and pre order the Hilltop Hoods forthcoming album, drinking from the sun. 

The album was completely mixed by ADFU and hosted by none other than Briggs. With a remix of the first single from the Hilltops new album, I Love It Ft. Sia and their second single Rattling The Keys To The Kingdom as just a few of the highlights of the mix tape. The mix tape also sees a awesome complication track with Debris, ADFU and Reflux on the track Remain Classic. We also see Briggs and Vents team up for the first time to create something less than a banger, Forget All About. Make sure you download the mix tape and cop that hard copy through pre ordering form JB! 

Check out the whole GE crew live on The Hip Hop Show with Hau below.

triple j Hip Hop Show - Golden Era Records Cypher 2012 by allaussiehiphop

I Love It x3

After producing an album that was truly "State Of The Art" that pushed the limits of Australian Hip Hop once agin some may ask the question weather the Hoods will be able to out do them selfs agin? Well if the release of the Hilltop Hoods new single "I Love It" Featuring Sia and produced by One Above it has held down the number 1 spot on the Australian iTunes Hip Hop Charts doesn't do it then releasing not only one killer video for their first single from the forthcoming album "Drinking From The Sun" but three insane clips should show how the Hilltop Hoods are going to push the bar higher once agin with the release of "Drinking From The Sun"

The three film clips were directed by three different directors who through their clips all convoy a unique interpretation of the single however in one way or another each connecting reference still exists between them. 

Animal Logic is one of the worlds leaders when it comes to design, animation and visual effects, all of which can be seen in their version of the song. The direction that Animal Logic chose to take with their film clip was to allow the viewer to see the world through the eyes and imagination of a child. We see the transformation of turntables into fascinating landscapes and entryways into and underground imaginative worlds.

The second version of the song was brought to life by Blue Tongue Films. Directed by Nash Edgerton we see the Hoods embark on a journey through a majestic rainforest equipped with all that they need. This version of the song has a real professional film feel to it, more as though it was the opening scene to a full length feature film. It is a truly magical interpretation of the song. 

Carl Allison and Nick Kozakis took a very dark approach when shooting their version of the song. Shot guerrilla stype on a tight budget we see what some would call a more traditional hip hop or old school film clip as the Hoods roam the highways picking up unfortunate hitchhikers. 

Hilltop Hoods New Single!

Did you forget to tune into Tripple J's breakfast show this morning to catch the new Hilltop Hoods single, Love It, Featuring Sia and produced by One Above? Or did you catch it, and thought I have to hear that agin? Well here it is! Enjoy.




Love It will officially be released on Friday the 25th of November. The Hoods will be supporting Eminem on his Australian tour and tickets for the second Sydney show go on sale tomorrow so make sure you get in quick as its sure to sell out. The new album Drinking From The Sun is due out in February 2012.

Vents Marked For Death Film Clip

3rd Film Clip from Vents sophomore album "Marked For Death"

Hilltop Hoods Return to the Stage

Its been sometime since the Hoods have been on stage since they have been busy in the studio recording their new LP Drinking from the Sun, due out early February. Hilltop Hoods are headlining at Garfinkles on the 19th of November before they head over to Canada for a few days to play three gigs. They will then return to Sydney and Melbourne as support for Eminem on his Australian tour. Eminem has just announced that both Sydney and Melbourne however a second Sydney show has been announced so make sure that you get in quick as tickets will sell out agin (tickets on sale November 16). The national Big Day Out tour is the next stop where you will get your first taste of Drinking From The Sun. All Tour Dates are below and don't forget to head over to our Facebook page to keep up to date with all things Hip Hop

Hilltop Hoods Western Canadian Tour
Thurs 17 Nov – BC – Club 9one9, Victoria
Fri 18 Nov – BC – The Legion, Tofino
Sat 19 Nov – BC – Garfinkels, Whistler

Hilltop Hoods With Eminem
Thurs 1 Dec – VIC – Etihad Stadium, Melbourne w/ Eminem SOLD OUT
Fri 02 Dec – NSW – Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney w/ Eminem SOLD OUT

Hilltop Hoods – Big Day Out
Sun 22 Jan QLD Gold Coast
Thu 26 Jan NSW Sydney
Sun 29 Jan VIC Melbourne
Fri 03 Feb SA Adelaide
Sun 05 Feb WA Perth

Hilltop Hoods Update

Of late there hasn't been much movement from the Hilltops but this is all set to change with the release of a new single from their forthcoming album Drinking from the Sun due out February 2012. Hilltops have also been announced to play at Big Day Out 2012 and are opening for Eminem when he plays in Sydney and Melbourne.