Gavin Byrne, head of Stylistic Murder. Courtesy Image
Earlier this month, three New York hip-hop legends, KRS-One, AZ and O.C., joined forces for a special collaboration, 'Represent The Real' - released on Stylistic Murder, Ireland's "New Old School Hip-Hop Label." Now, the eagerly anticipated music video for the track, created by Nathan Sheridan, has been unveiled.
The single, which is also available on 7" vinyl, is the first official release by the Irish label, owned by Gavin Byrne. Previously known as an event promoter, Stylistic Murder made their first international booking in 2015 - bringing DJ Premier to Hangar in Dublin. They went on to welcome even more hip-hop legends to these shores, including KRS-One, Masta Ace, Lord Finesse, and DJ Nu-Mark, as well as the likes of Hopsin and Tech N9ne.
"It's always been a dream of mine to expand into a full-fledged record label, and when Covid-19 hit and the live music scene was put on hold, the opportunity arose to finally realise this vision," Gavin explains. "Two years later and we are building up to releasing our first single on a 7-inch vinyl with legends of the hip-hop game AZ, O.C. and KRS-One on the A-side and an upcoming single from the legendary Onyx.
"I think it's fair to say that this project is the first of its kind in Ireland," he continues. "I know there have been artists who have got features before from old school hip-hop legends but this whole project revolves around the hip-hop legends and focuses specifically on Boom Bap. I don't think there is anything really like it in Ireland at the moment."
'Represent The Real' was produced by Wax100 and Stylistic Murder, scratched by Ireland's own DJ Flip, and mixed by Eddie Sancho, an engineer famed for his work with the likes of Gang Starr, Nas, KRS-One and Jay-Z.
KRS-One is widely regarded as one of the hip-hop's most influential rappers - rising to prominence as part of Boogie Down Productions, and scoring hits with the likes of 'Sound of da Police'. AZ has also continued to maintain a reputation as an iconic lyricist, since his unforgettable appearance on 'Life's a Bitch' from Nas' debut album, Illmatic. O.C. meanwhile, has been involved with several renowned underground hip-hop groups, including D.I.T.C. and Crooklyn Dodgers
'Represent The Real' is available to order now on 7" vinyl - with the b-side 'A Lil Funk', featuring Onyx - from Bandcamp.
Take a look at Nathan Sheridan's video for 'Represent The Real' below:
