Blog - The Movement Fam, Independent Hip Hop Record Label - Toronto + Montréal
Released right on time for the upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend in Toronto (February 12th to 14th), the newest b-ball anthem "SWISH" came about when theory, a TMF affiliate, visited Montreal over the summer in 2015. Notion provided the sample-laden banger from Toronto, and Cee and theory hit the lab in MTL which resulted in the catchy NBA dedication.
This EP marks a return to form for the Aussie MC/entrepreneur, as he explores both the dark and light elements of his psyche - from the uplifting title track to the dedication to his lady on "KeepMyBabyWarrrm", from reflections on his 420 enthusiasm on "UsedToBeHiiigh" to exploring the gender injustices on "MansWorrrld" with Montreal legend D-Shade, from celebrating life on "LoveLoveYalll" with brother Notion to a deeply introspective moment on "AmaliiiaRodrigues". SVNTY6's moving production is steeped in soul samples and is most certainly some of his best work to date, ranging from hopeful and optimistic to melancholy and reflective.
The second single from Cee and SVNTY6's collaborative EP, "Be Better", samples Ms. Rodrigues' classic "O Xaile de Minha Mãe", a song Cee discovered a decade back during Spanish lessons. He had sent the song to around ten different producers over the years, and only SVNTY6 had been able to flip it right.
The lead single, "Holdin' Hands", grabs you as soon as the snare hits with its heart-wrenching sample and Notion's personal, introspective lyrics where he tracks his musical journey and professes his gratitude for his fam and his supporters. Crafted by production team DiazSima based out of Budapest, Hungary, the single conveniently drops on Notion's birthday (November 8th) as a gift to both himself and fans of real, conscious Hip Hop.
Communicating exclusively via email and text, the project was inspired by SVNTY6's recent battle with depression. His motto, 'Be Better', became the mantra and in turn, the title of the project. Steeped in soulful samples, hard hitting drums and funky breaks, SVNTY6 channeled his positive energy into the production to give Cee a canvas to talk through his own demons via a lens of positivity.
Listen as we delve into the wonderful and mysterious world of sampling. Say what you like, but sampling will never go away; it's too unique, inspiring and dope to ever let a couple lawsuits stop the true Hip Hop heads. It's too ingrained in the essence of the genre to let go. Where possible, you should always try to clear your samples or use royalty free ones. But c'mon, if you get busted that means you're making enough noise and you're doing something right. Good on ya. For all of us who haven't been chased down by lawyers because your MPC game is too fire, here are a few quick tips and guidelines to get you there.
Two years ago today, Cee and Dr. MaD released their debut collaborative EP 'Steps To The Peak'. Alaiz x The Movement Fam. This was the first proper EP either artist had dropped; Cee had given us a bunch of mixtapes and some loosies as a solo artist in the past few years, while MaD had dropped a ton of singles and digital-only EPs.
Celebrating the better part of a decade between 2002 and 2011, 'Feature Game Vicious Volume 1' contains some of the highlights of Cee, Notion and other TMF artists' guest verses and solo tracks that appeared elsewhere - never all in one place, until now.
The big homie Definition dropped 'LvlUp' featuring TMF's Cee and Notion, with the Fam Digital Junkie on the cuts. Cover art by iLLvibe. Produced by Fingaling.
Made from 100% combed and ring spun cotton, the Beer & Other Shhh logo looks majestic on the front, with a custom printed tag on the inside and a fresh BrewHeads logo on the back by the neck (so folks know how you roll).
Cee recently took his passion for beer a step further and teamed with good friend Scott Cole for Beer & Other Shhh: The Podcast, and now the pair roped in Montreal sound engineer/comedian Joey Two-Wolves for Beer & Other Shhh TV!
In June 2014, Cee and Notion went on tour around Ontario and Quebec with Montreal's Clarity and The Bodega Brovas (Travii 7th, Keynote and Headkrack). The boys originally connected in person for the first time at A3C in Atlanta back in 2010, and it wasn't long before they collaborated on a song. They figured that since they were stuck in a van together for a while, they may as well shoot a video for the joint.
Hip Hop & Breakfast | Brunch x Music
What could be better than Beats and Bacon on a Sunday afternoon?
Join us for the Toronto edition of Hip Hop & Breakfast!
Cee has taken this a step further and teamed with good friend Scott Cole for Beer & Other Shhh: The Podcast! Available via iTunes right now - with new episodes every other Wednesday - the first episode includes an introduction to the two beer enthusiasts, a review of a wicked Montreal blanche beer, and more cussing than every existing beer podcast combined.
It's been a quick minute since we dropped a Notion solo joint on the people, so we figured it was about time. Produced by OhNo Da French out of, well, France (now based in the UK), 'Vaxxine' is a haunting, dirty escapade filled with raw bars and off beat drums all peppered with Nosh's signature introspective realness.
Notion is not only an MC and a producer; he's also a very talented audio engineer. His mixing and mastering skills are essential to the label, and to the art we produce as a whole. His signature sound emanates throughout every project we've released since 2008, and has gone on to truly define The Movement Fam's aural direction. So we're extremely excited to announce that Notion is now offering his services outside of the immediate circle - to artists anywhere in the world. Shouts to the internet.
After being the supporting act on their last four tours - to Canadian legends and American veterans, no less - the aptly titled 'Get A Tour Up Ya!' sees the expat Aussies finally cement themselves as viable names for the top of the marquee. We partnered with Toronto's Digital Junkie, a mash up DJ and all around top bloke (who you may remember from our Port Hope Jazz Festival headline set last summer), to bring an amped, fun yet laid back vibe to the stage with none of the typical attitude that can come with Hip Hop tours. We chose regional Ontario for this tour as the major cities are so spoiled for choice - why not show some love to the towns who show so much love to us?
Curated by Cee and Tiffany Alexis, 'The Valentine's Day Mixtape Volume 7: High In Lust' features cuts from the likes of the smooth Elijah Blake, the incredible Kwabs, indie pop starlet Banks, the soulful Jack Garratt, British production team The Code, the amazing SOHN, fellow Aussie MC AllDay, OVO's Majid Jordan, the sultry Doja Cat, the powerful Paolo Nutini and even a feature from Cee and Aria Zenua on their Illmind-produced love song 'No Conversation' (from Cee's internationally charting 'This Is All I Know' 2014 debut LP).
For our first show of 2015, Cee and Notion, alongside the homies Urban Havoc (Barrie), King (Ottawa) and more, are rocking the 'Wild For The Night' event out in Belleville, ON on Saturday January 31st, courtesy of Stylin' Flow! Get down!
The homie J-Lah is a producer/DJ/fashion designer out of Toronto, and he laced us with the soundscape that became 'Wrecked'. A haunting sample kicks off the club-oriented, 808-drenched cut, with tongue-in-cheek tales of intoxication courtesy of Cee and Notion. And for those familiar with internet hilarity, the cover art is a variation of the Really Stoned Guy meme - it's definitely not an old pic of either of the boys...
Quebec representative JPolo hit us with the more soulful production of the two joints; 'Still The Kid' is a slow groove sample-based cut that sees Cee and Notion on their usual TMF ish - double time flows over the eerie synths allow the kids to flex a little, all the while letting y'all know where they came from.
