HIP HOP/RAP

Whenever religion, politics, and hip hop collide, the result is always something to look for. So it is with Phoenix-based rapper Arhythmatik, whose clever, creative beats and words never tip-toe around controversial or taboo topics, without resorting to the language or vulgarity of some other artists. A devout Mormon, producer, emcee, underground musician, and father of three, Arhythmatik is a satisfying blend of seemingly different influences and experiences.

Arhythmatik has been very involved in the LDS music community and is hoping to bring together LDS hip hop artists all over Utah and the West to create a monthly concert showcase, and is releasing one song a month for the next 12 months. For an interesting interview with an ambitious, principled rapper, read on. Read the rest of this entry »

Definit and Young Sim – My Life

Click here to buy the album!

When I was 13, my best friend Travis and I stumbled onto an Isaac Hayes record, which set us on a path of searching out funk, soul and R&B artists of the ’70s. Needless to say, when Dr. Dre began sampling George Clinton songs in the early ’90s, we quickly became big fans. With that disclaimer of my biased love of ’70s funk, soul and R&B of the ’70s, it is no surprise that I knew I would enjoy the album My Life by Young Sim and Definit, the opening song sampled “Ain’t Nothing But The Real Thing” by Marvin Gaye; but when I heard the soul classic “Give Me Your Love” by Vermettya Royster, sampled, I knew these guys loved the same hip hop roots as I, and that I was going to REALLY love this album. Read the rest of this entry »

Young Sim, honorary Linescratcher, and Definit‘s new album, My Life, is now available for download on iTunes.  We will be reviewing it in the upcoming weeks.  Stay tuned and keep listening!

Those of you interested in the growing LDS hip hop scene will no doubt find something to love in the music of Maurice Dew. Maurice is a witty, smart rapper originally from Colorado, who has been making a name for himself in Phoenix, Arizona. Maurice, a returned missionary who has started his own record label, Pioneer Productions, has an active online presence, and frequently blogs about politics, the music industry, and current events. He is currently promoting his second album, For the People, and has answered a few questions for Linescratchers.

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HIP HOP

The Salt Lake Hip-Hop scene, including Definit and Linescratcher Young Sim, has recently been featured on the front page of the Utah Daily Herald. Expect big things from these young men!

Click here to read the article.

RAP/HIP HOP

I’ve known Young Sim for a few years. His songs reflect who he is- hardworking, optimistic, and uplifting. Sim has been pursuing his dreams in the Salt Lake Valley, introducing his own brand of positive “feel good” rap onto the scene. This interview definitely shows Sim’s character. He is an intelligent and political young man as well, and the thing I like best about him is that he’s truly trying to make a difference in the world around him. He mentions the beginnings of hip hop culture, the corporate structure in the Music Business, and being yourself. He talks about his life on his MySpace page, if you want to know more about that, and I definitely recommend two songs, “We Grindin” and “Respect Me.”

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