Once again curated by Cee and Tiffany Alexis, the mixtape takes you on a journey that perfectly complements the most romantic night of the year. With synth pop from UK alt R&B baritone Kwabs to trap soul from Bryson Tiller, smooth future soul from IAMNOBODI to reggae-infused rock from Joss Stone, minimal indie pop from Banks to moving slow jams from Aussie Jarryd James, thug love songs from Sean Price (RIP) to island vibes from Jonathan Emile, 'The Valentine's Day Mixtape Volume 8' has something for every taste.
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.
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.
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).
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.
The first visual - and first single - from Cee's debut album 'This Is All I Know' is a dedication to the sustenance from the sky - 'Rainy Days'. The feelings of despair when the clouds turn grey can be overwhelming, but the fresh start given via the heavenly earth wash is what truly drives and inspires us. Produced by Sydney, Australia native P.R (Bone, Thugs N Harmony, Evidence, Blu, Onyx - and Notion's single 'Young & Crazy'), the tune features Montreal pioneer D-Shade (Shades Of Culture), and the chemistry between the two MCs is evident as they effortlessly trade verses across the soulful soundscape like they've known each other for years.
The Valentine's Day Mixtape Volume 6: Dream, Believe, Turn Up was inspired by the slogan of last summer's Under The Influence Of Music tour (with Wiz Khalifa, A$AP Rocky, B.o.B., Trinidad James and Joey Bada$$) - something ridiculous and funny, yet current. We didn't even really include many tunes you can 'turn up' to, so hopefully the irony isn't lost.
The second visual from Cee & Dr. MaD's critically acclaimed 'Steps To The Peak' EP has arrived! 'Another Day' - featuring The Movement Fam's Notion and Alaiz's Nox - was shot over at NBS (No Bad Sound) Studios in Côte-Des-Neiges, Montreal, in mid-summer last year.
The video was shot in Montreal on a stormy day in July last year, with the Old Port, Quartier des Spectacles, Benelux Brewpub and annual summer fireworks contest providing the backdrop for Notion's moody anthem. With an uplifting narrative that preaches the virtues of enjoying your youth while you still can, this soulful banger lit up every venue on the tour. Shouts to the Fam Cee, Tiffany Alexis and iLLvibe on the cameo tip.
'Pride On My Cufflinks' is a milestone in the now 30 year old MC's career. The EP showcases both Notion's lyrical prowess and his production skills, all the while soaking up his rollercoaster ride experience of leaving his life in Australia and moving to Canada to pursue his music. The often dark yet sparse soundscapes make way for his potent, thought provoking narratives, garnished with equal parts optimism and concern for the future. Production comes courtesy of the USA's Remot (Kidz In The Hall, K-Os), Hungary's Diaz & Sima, Sydney's P.R and of course, Notion handles the vast majority of the work. The guestlist is as international as Notion himself; Ohio's Copywrite, Southern California's Gravity Christ, Australia's NeeQ, Toronto's iLLvibe and B3auu, the legendary DJ Grouch, and Notion's older brother Cee. This project is the perfect appetizer before Notion drops his debut LP, 'Heart On My Sleeve Music', in summer 2014.
This project is an eight track love letter to the city of Montreal. It was entirely written, produced, recorded, shot and designed in the 514, with the exception of Notion's mixing and mastering in Toronto (he's part of The Movement Fam so it's cool). Dr. MaD's production is enveloped in the art of sampling, with old Soul and Jazz tunes brought to life by his deft chops, dipping them in Hip Hop on the way out. Cee used this sonic landscape to tell real life stories about his experiences in Canada - leaving his home country of Australia to pursue a dream in the great wide north, the tumultuous move to Montreal, dealings with immigration, and his regular battles with fear, doubt and negative energy. Ultimately, it's a story of two artists connecting through the love of music in order to express their 'amour' for the city, the country and the culture of Hip Hop.
The project has been in the works since early 2013, with the official release currently pencilled in for the late summer. Nova Scotian-born Shane Russell of 9Block Productions, a regular collaborator with Cee on many of his projects this year, linked up with the boys to shoot (along with Richard Bastarache), direct and edit the video for the debut single from the EP, 'When The Chips Are Down'. The track speaks on the highs and lows of immigration, starting in a new place, and leaving your family to follow your dream.
The video is here! The first track from the ongoing collaborative EP #Life, #RoadTrippin, dropped today. iLLvibe x Notion x Cee. Cop the audio free at www.hashtaglife.ca.
#RoadTrippin is the first track from the EP, a soulful Hip Hop journey which encapsulates the imminent summer's carefree vibe of a bunch of friends jumping in a car and seeing where the road takes them.
'Comin' Home' was shot in locations around Toronto in the summer of 2012 with Dave Dunville and J Mitchel Reed. The track is lifted from Cee's 'The Indie Experiment Volume 1' mixtape, as his ode to both his homes (Melbourne and Toronto) over City & Colour's haunting gem of a tune.
Cee speaks on his feelings after selling everything he owned to move to Canada to pursue his dreams with his music. Much love to Josh Telfer, Clem Ryan, Notion and of course Tiffany Alexis for all their help with the filming of the video, and huge props to editor Andrew Howart for putting it all together.
So on March 15th, 2011, myself (Cee), Notion and Bekah (as The Movement Fam at the time) filmed our first music video for the tune 'Ain't No Mountain', from Cee & Bekah's 'The Soul Movement Originals' album. After constant setbacks and delays, last year I managed to retrieve the footage from the cameraman, and this year I finally found an editor to put it all together for us. And even though this tune is from an older project and the video was delayed, the message and the song itself hasn't dated a bit. We feel it's only right that on the two year anniversary of shooting the video, we release it for y'all.
For this volume, we included one exclusive track from Cee & Bekah, featuring the homies from Melbourne, A-Diction, as well as a brand new, all French Craig Bruce interlude. As per usual, the cover was handpainted by the homie Glen, all additional artwork, mixing, mastering and engineering was handled to perfection by Notion, while I (Cee) blended the mix, and curated the song selection with my wifey Tiffany Alexis. So it really was a family affair. And it was the first time we'd completed a Valentine's Day Mixtape between Toronto and Montreal.
"What better way to wrap up 2012 (the world might even end tomorrow, who knows?) than to drop an original track for y'all? This song was originally written and recorded in 2007 for my boy's compilation album. It kinda kicked around since then; I tried to finish it a few times, it just never worked. Until now. Weapon X is prolly my favourite MC out of Australia, and one of my biggest inspirations, so it was a blessing to work with dude. Stoked that it came out how it did. Enjoy." Free Download: Cee - My Dreams x Weapon X (Produced by Mack Sitty)
Ah yeah...brand new shit for November, right on time... This cut is from 'The Soul Movement Volume 2' sessions and even though it's more than 4 years old, it's still mad relevant. I got my dude Blest2 to rock with me; I love having other languages on my songs, and this cat - from Athens, Greece - flows the illest that I've heard in any language (aside from English). The classic Non Phixion beat brought out the best in everyone on this tune, and lyrically it nails where I'm at today. Enjoy.
