14 May,2010 11:55 AM IST | | Shree Lahiri
The GUIDE chatted up with Rap band 3rd Degree about their upcoming performance and their new album, which will be India's first hip-hop album
They may be called 3rd Degree but their music is anything but torture. The Rap trio came together and formed the band in 2003. They are now all set to release India's first Hip-Hop album in September. For their upcoming performance, they have planned a lot of Hip-Hop and Dance Hall music.
u00a0
The band consists of Alistair Hatton (Koncett), Aikin Bonafide (Sean) and Pinaki Ratan (Phenom). Currently based in Goa, these DJs are doing what they do best --u00a0 "rapping and keeping it real, unlike some of the so-called rappers here in India."
"We used to take part in the Rap battle in Delhi where we are originally from. Even diplomats and people from the embassy used to come and showcase their skills at these events," recounts Pinaki. "We were one of the major ones there and though, we did not win, we had quite a fan following," he smiles. And the rest as they say is history.
Not content with just sticking to music, they have also branched out to start their own record label and clothing company. 3rd Degree Records aims to introduce mainstream Hip-Hop that originated from India to the rest of the world. They also run 3rd Degree Clothing, which is India's first line of Hip-Hop clothing and was started a decade ago. Their designs are influenced by international urban art incorporated within the Indian street culture.
The band is also gung-ho about their upcoming performance in the city and the Pune audience. "I love Pune and especially the fact that the crowds are so appreciative. If they like the music, they are very open about it and they show it. We have been accepted as a family, and we love coming to Pune, " Pinaki concludes.
ON: 8.30 pm onwards
AT: High Spirits, Koregaon Park.
CALL: 9860576260
History of rap
The genre of Rap evolved from the African Americans. It originated in West Africa and when the slaves were brought to America, the captives fused American music with the beats from Africa. It evolved into a street art and spread though schools and street corners. Neighborhood block parties in New York started featuring them as well. In the 90s, the form of Gangsta Rap took the US by storm, thanks to the sensational lyrics focusing on street violence, sex and drugs.
