Strictly DT's Leave A Message mixtape launch
Covering the local hip-hop scene for a couple of years now has given me the opportunity to get to know so many local rappers on a personal level. Its also allowed me to witness their growth, not only as an artist but also just as everyday human being. Strictly DT is one such person/artist that I’ve had the honour to witness grow and evolve over the years.
Saturday 11/11 was the celebration of the release of his Leave A Message mixtape. And it was evident the immense growth DT has gone through as an artist in the past couple years. From becoming an independent artist to starting a family to finding his place in the world, his newfound self has come to realisation in his music and performances.
Set in the gardens of Fremantle Arts Centre, the night was a celebration of music, friendship, love and light. With opening supports from local collective and good friends, F.A.M., AKA Nat Mae, Hyclass and Rae, the night was off to a good start. The trio set the scene for the evening with chill beats, Hyclass’ slick raps and Mae’s smouldering hooks. Hyclass, with Rae as the DJ, reminisced performing a number of tracks from her I NEED U mixtape, which, crazily, is two years old now.
Eventually the Premiss band members started setting up on stage and it was time for the main act for the night. Strictly DT was straight into it, performing the soulful and heartfelt tracks from his latest EP. Being now independent, DT has complete creative freedom, which has translated into poignant music tracks, as well as a personal and engaging performance.
Utilising the skills of bandleader/composer Brendan Scott Grey and the eight piece band to his advantage, the group performed captivating tracks that had the crowd uplifted. Slowly but surely the modest crowd moved closer towards the stage, the set moving into an electrifying performance of Pharaoh Monche’s Simon Says. With the attendance of some “older” family members you could see the bashful DT slightly struggle with THAT hook.
Supports acts such as relatively unknown local singer Nina Rose, emcee/b-boy Rush and even DT’s partner Yaelle, joined him on stage to present their vocal talent to the audience. And a dope posse cut/cover of Shook Ones III including Hyclass, Ruxton and Defyre had the crowd LIT. There was an obvious mutual respect and admiration between DT and his artist friends.
In between rapping tracks from the mixtape, DT told shocking personal stories of pain, loss, prejudice and consciousness. He also performed poems including one from the mixtape called Peace of Light, reminding us that there is always light where there is dark in life.
The Leave A Message mixtape launch was an ethereal affair sharing creativity and positivity with the crowd, leaving them educated and enlightened. DT’s growth as a conscious person and artist is a blessing for everyone who chooses to experience his music. And he’s not too fussed if you don’t cos you know, “whatever happens is meant to happen”.
Saturday 11/11 was the celebration of the release of his Leave A Message mixtape. And it was evident the immense growth DT has gone through as an artist in the past couple years. From becoming an independent artist to starting a family to finding his place in the world, his newfound self has come to realisation in his music and performances.
Set in the gardens of Fremantle Arts Centre, the night was a celebration of music, friendship, love and light. With opening supports from local collective and good friends, F.A.M., AKA Nat Mae, Hyclass and Rae, the night was off to a good start. The trio set the scene for the evening with chill beats, Hyclass’ slick raps and Mae’s smouldering hooks. Hyclass, with Rae as the DJ, reminisced performing a number of tracks from her I NEED U mixtape, which, crazily, is two years old now.
Eventually the Premiss band members started setting up on stage and it was time for the main act for the night. Strictly DT was straight into it, performing the soulful and heartfelt tracks from his latest EP. Being now independent, DT has complete creative freedom, which has translated into poignant music tracks, as well as a personal and engaging performance.
Utilising the skills of bandleader/composer Brendan Scott Grey and the eight piece band to his advantage, the group performed captivating tracks that had the crowd uplifted. Slowly but surely the modest crowd moved closer towards the stage, the set moving into an electrifying performance of Pharaoh Monche’s Simon Says. With the attendance of some “older” family members you could see the bashful DT slightly struggle with THAT hook.
Supports acts such as relatively unknown local singer Nina Rose, emcee/b-boy Rush and even DT’s partner Yaelle, joined him on stage to present their vocal talent to the audience. And a dope posse cut/cover of Shook Ones III including Hyclass, Ruxton and Defyre had the crowd LIT. There was an obvious mutual respect and admiration between DT and his artist friends.
In between rapping tracks from the mixtape, DT told shocking personal stories of pain, loss, prejudice and consciousness. He also performed poems including one from the mixtape called Peace of Light, reminding us that there is always light where there is dark in life.
The Leave A Message mixtape launch was an ethereal affair sharing creativity and positivity with the crowd, leaving them educated and enlightened. DT’s growth as a conscious person and artist is a blessing for everyone who chooses to experience his music. And he’s not too fussed if you don’t cos you know, “whatever happens is meant to happen”.