Some people say, the scene is dead. We think its the rebirth.
UPCOMING EVENTS!HOPE AWARDS | 14TH JUNE | CHAMBER | 2.30PM
Formed by acclaimed home grown rapper and producer Freaky Z, 65 & Hope is a movement promoting independent hip-hop in Singapore. Witnessing the works of his former collective/label, Beats Society, Freaky Z became inspired to create personal opportunities that’ll lead to his own brand of local hip-hop. Realizing that in Singapore, hip-hop music is evidently more of a scene than an industry, Freaky Z aims to highlight the positive side of the local hip-hop culture to the Singapore public, and even reaching out to those overseas.65 & Hope got the ball rolling in June 2007, organizing an event in conjunction with the compilation CD release, by the premier underground hip-hop collective, XS.1 The Regiment. Both the event and compilation received rave reviews and it sparked new ideas for the team to further develop 65 & Hope. Later in September 2007, 65 & Hope produced yet another successful event, Family Affair, which showcased families and collectives from both Singapore and Malaysia.With the good start, 65 & Hope evolved and expanded. The team launched a hip-hop series, Floetry, in November 2007 and it ran until June 2008. The series will make a comeback throughout 2009. Later in 2007, 65 & Hope had their second CD launch with the release of ‘Fymps’ by Freaky Z. The CD also received fine reviews by hip-hop audiences and two of the singles from that album were selected to be in the Noise Singapore compilation. The first single also entitled ‘Fymps’ is currently the theme song to promote Noise Singapore 2009, in TVCs at Suntec, Takashimaya, and Heeren.In April 2008, 65 & Hope organized Protégé, a rap talent search program and platform for new talents to showcase their hip-hop music and a chance for them to record their very own EP. The program is set to end with a final round in December 2008. The success of Family Affair led to the second installment, Family Affair II, that took place in May 2008 and it is set to continue as an annual event. The team created history in local Singapore hip-hop when they held the 1st Hope Awards, an award ceremony that acknowledges the efforts of all active Singapore hip-hop music artistes and collectives. That was the first time an award event was ever organized for the local hip-hop community and the event is also set to take place annually.With the success of their events, they aspire to bring the scene to greater heights with an even broader range of programs. Early 2008, 65 & Hope launched their official website dedicated towards promoting anything local and hip-hop. The team will also launch their online radio, TV and mini magazine in early 2009. There will also be more and fresh, series and events in 2009 and the team is already planning for one of the biggest hip-hop events, Rhythm & Poetry 09, the 10th year anniversary of Singapore hip-hop which will transpire on the 6th of June 2009 at The Arts House. Mark your calendars people!Expect more upbeat changes to the local hip-hop scene from them. As long as 65 & Hope is still standing, there is still hope for the scene. Hip-hop is not dead; definitely not in Singapore!