22 Nov 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Ill Semantics - Album review. Ill Semantics- Trillogy

06 Dec 2015 // A review by jck2

Formed in 1993, and hailing from Orakei, East Auckland, Patriarch, Nemesis and DJ CXL are the legendary trio Ill Semantics.

After a 9 year hiatus Ill Semantics have released their third full length album Trillogy. The 20 plus years they've been developing their unique Kiwi Hip-Hop sound has really paid off. Culminating in an energetic album which is an aggressive, commercially viable and immaculately produced masterpiece.

Trillogy – a play on the phrase “trill” meaning both “true” and “real” features a barrage of guests veteran MC’s and rising stars, including Scribe, Mareko, K.One, Sikeone (The Doqument), Tyna, J.B, Nikki Montana, Madis, KD (The Lost Tribe) Giant Killa, Sir T, Ashely Hughes, Flows (Footsouljahs) and more.

This album is tasty, no doubt about it. Containing world class production and song writing with a distinct New Zealand sound that only a few NZ groups actually pull off well. The thing I notice is the blend of aggressive bars and commercial appeal, artfully balanced to entice a wide spectrum of the Hip-Hop community.

The first single from the album, Musik is a feel good song all about the love that one has for music and how music can be the one thing that keeps many people strong and blessed. Musik features the soulful vocals of Grace Ikenasio, a top 10 finalist in X Factor NZ season one, as well as veteran MC K.D (Kilo Delta), from pioneering Hip-Hop group The Lost Tribe.

The album contains 16 tracks that fit seamlessly together to give a high octane, energetic experience with immaculate rap flows and hooky choruses.

Ill Semantics have definitely put their best foot forward with this masterful offering which in my opinion is an instant New Zealand Hip-Hop classic.

Check out the music video for Musik by Ill Semantics.

 

About Ill Semantics

Formed in 1993, and hailing from Orakei, East Auckland, sifting through members until the final line-up consisting of two MC's and a DJ. Patriarch, the nucleus of the group and founding member, Nemesis, New Zealand's most prolific female MC and DJ CXL, 2 x ITF North Island Champion and current DMC #2, beating Auckland's defending champion, P-Money.

Ill Semantics have established themselves over the years as the best authentic and purest Hip-Hop sound to emerge from urban New Zealand whilst still delivering songs that catch radio attention. Ill Semantics first appeared with Dawn Raid on the debut compilation Southside Story in 2000 which was followed up a year later with two songs featured on Southside Story 2: International, Unstoppable and the monster underground hit Verbal Assault which was the #1 song on bFM for five weeks. The success of this song led Ill Semantics to land a number of high profile performances with national and international artists such as Che Fu, Naughty by Nature, Nelly Furtado, and opening for Destinys Child, (Destinys Child's manager was so impressed with DJ CXL that they asked him to continue the rest of the world tour with them, which he unfortunately declined due to studio commitments).

The Ill Semantics name kept growing as they became recognised for their energetic live shows, and was strengthened even further when they collaberated with P-Money on the un-released single, Drop that Ish, which also went on to sit at the #1 spot on bFM for eight consecutive weeks and remaining in the charts for over half a year. Because of its popularity in 2002 it was featured on DJ Sir-Vere's Major Flavors 2 mix compilation.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Ill Semantics

Releases

Trillogy
Year: 2015
Type: Album
Good Musik
Year: 2006
Type: Album
Watching You / Highway
Year: 2003
Type: EP
Theory Of Meaning
Year: 2002
Type: Album

Other Reviews By jck2

Vajra God - EP Review: Linkages
16 Jul 2020 // by jck2
Vajra God as far as I can make out is the alter ego and sexual side of David Patterson aka Esoligh. This EP is about sex and the songs are sexually explicit.
Read More...
The Robba - Album Review: Rob Arthur
06 Feb 2020 // by jck2
Rob Arthur by The Robba is an 11-track album of synth heavy rap songs dripping in The Robba’s very unique sound and style. The Robba is infinitely talented, taking credits for beats, guitar, rapping, singing, mixing, mastering and even making the music videos.
Read More...
Rei - Album Review: The Bridge
06 Aug 2019 // by jck2
With a music career on a continued upward trajectory, 25 year old musician Rei is reaping the rewards of his hard work and dedication to his craft with his third and latest album The Bridge going to number 1 on the iTunes Hip Hop charts.   Self-belief, positivity and connection to his Maori roots is how I would sum up what Rei is all about.
Read More...
Devaur - Album Review: Product Of A Vision
23 Feb 2019 // by jck2
Devaur is a West Auckland Producer and MC who has been dedicated to his craft for over 10 years. Producing numerous projects, music videos and mix tapes including albums for Synteck and Manix not to mention his numerous features and collaborations.
Read More...
Factor - EP Review: Champions of the Digital World
30 Jan 2019 // by jck2
The west side of Auckland is back in full effect with Factor's latest release Champions of the Digital World, which features many of west Auckland's finest MC’s including heavy hitters Pakkz Tha General, Alpha, Dlar, {K.A.
Read More...
Gig Reivew: Wu Tang Clan @ The Trusts Arena, Auckland - 14/12/2018
16 Dec 2018 // by jck2
The most iconic and arguably the best Hip-Hop group of all time graced West Auckland's Trust Arena on Friday night to celebrate 25 years of the Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) album, which they performed in its entirety.  The night started with DJ Sir-Vere and MC JB the War Villain followed by local Hip Hop group SWIDT who dropped tracks from their debut album including Ric Flair and No Emotion In The Wild.
Read More...
Zams Feat Zed Koen - Single/Video Review: New Money
05 Dec 2018 // by jck2
New Money is the hot new music video from Zaman Lewis AKA Zams, featuring rapper Zed Koen New Money brings the new school rules to the ring with their contemporary trap styles. Vibrant cinematography makes this video pop with colour and movement.
Read More...
SWIDT - EP Review: The Most Electrifying
15 Aug 2018 // by jck2
Onehunga's own SWIDT have released their 6-song EP The Most Electrifying. SWIDT's style is in the same contemporary direction as American Superstars J Cole and Migos, but with SWIDT’s exceptional talent of translating their big personalities, humour, wit and vibe to their records.
Read More...
View All Articles By jck2

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • APT.
    ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
    Gracie Abrams
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • SAILOR SONG
    Gigi Perez
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem