Every year in October, a jury consisting of some of Norway’s best trained ears (artists, journalists, label representatives etc.) convene at by:Larm’s head office in Oslo. They are there to take on the difficult task of choosing which artists will be in the Jury’s Selection.
After listening to hundreds of demos, discussing, arguing and passionately fighting for their favorites, the 20 jurors select a few artists who really stand out in the crowd to play at by:Larm. These are all new, up-and-coming artists who are working towards a breakthrough.
This year, the main jury in collaboration with a specialist hip hop jury have selected more artists in the genres hip hop and rap than ever before. The jury feels that these seven artists represent the various sides of Norwegian hip hop of today, from R&B inspired productions to Norwegian trap music, and the young talent that is emerging in this genre.
“When we listen through the nearly 1000 demos that are submittet each year, we get a good insight as to what’s happening in Norwegian music and what tendencies are prominent”, says Joakim Haugland, by:Larm’s head of festival programming.
“This year, the trend that stood out the most was the big increase in hip hop artists that had submitted their demos. And that the quality amongst them was higher than before. Together with the main jury and the expert hip hop jury, we have selected seven artists who we feel deserve extra attention from both audiences, the music business and the press”
So here they are, the seven Norwegian hip hop acts booked for by:Larm 2015, as part of the Jury’s Selection!
Click on each artist to visit their artist page, or read more and listen to their music below.
o Cezinando
o Ivan Ave
o Kenneth Engebretsen feat khat/hashish
o KUUK
o Mats Dawg
o Onge $ushimane & Kobe-wan Kenobi
o Unge Ferrari
CEZINANDO
Cezinando is an 19-year-old rapper and producer from Oslo. He made his debut entering the Norwegian hip hop scene with the album “framtid:sanntid”, following numerous guest appearances with well known Norwegian acts such as Jaa9 & OnklP, NastyKutt, Big Ice and Raggabalder. During the last three years he has built a solid fan base, and now he’s set to release his second album “Multiskitzo”.
IVAN AVE
Known for his jazzy sound and introspective lyrics, Ivan Ave is an established MC in the Norwegian hip hop scene. International listeners are now tuning in to his latest EP “Low Jams”, produced by Stones Throw artist Mndsgn. The EP was described by Okayplayer.com as “an enveloping head nodder that peppers irresistible grooves with vivid double-entendres and exists in the same elusive strata of true school perfection occupied by Nas’ debut Illmatic LP.”
KENNETH ENGEBRETSEN feat khat/hashish
Kenneth Engebretsen made waves in the Norwegian rap underground with his 2012 mixtape “Baksiden av medaljen”, and the cult hit video “For Groruddalen”, which quickly became something of an anthem for the east Oslo boroughs. Since then, Kenneth has established himself as a live force to be reckoned with, opening shows for Action Bronson and local rap royalty Lars Vaular and Tommy Tee. He is now set to release his full-length collaboration with production duo khat/hashish, who also doubles as DJs/“backing band” live.
KUUK
With dirty lyrics, dancers and crazy stage outfits, KUUK is an explosive, aggressive and confrontational live act, offering a dark and promiscuous insight into the minds of the two front girls. KUUK’s live show was described by a critic as “Two mean girls playing bass fueled rap that has the power to incite riots should the mood change, live KUUK is as aggressive and confrontational as any punk band and I hope they stay that way”.
MATS DAWG
Mats Dawg is a rap artist rooted in northern Norway, based in Bergen alongside fellow members of the indie label NMG/G-Huset (Lars Vaular, Store P, Jonas V etc.). His out-of-the-box lyrics and a wide vocal range has caught rap enthusiasts’ ears for years. He’s made a name for himself through mixtape releases and collaborations with label mates, as well as northern rappers like Joddski, Klish, Oter and RSP. The “Daogen” EP is his first solo release.
$USHI X KOBE
Onge $ushimane and Kobe-wan Kenobi joined infamous trap group Yoguttene on stage in 2014 for what was considered one of the highlights of the Øya festival by international media. The rap music scene of Bergen has been an innovative force in Norwegian hip hop the last few years, and the sudden rise to regional fame of $ushi & Kobe, driven by energetic live performances and party enhancing trap songs, indicates that they are next in line. Dubbed «Norway’s next big export», they have worked with producers such as Kvamkollektivet and Drippin.
UNGE FERRARI
Unge Ferrari, one of the most exciting Norwegian newcomers to look out for in 2015, grew up listening to everything from Craig David and Usher to G-Unit. With his music, he aims to take listeners high and far into space by combining futuristic 808-beats with melodic R&B in the intersection between hip hop and pop. His first project will be an upcoming EP in collaboration with JNS MSC/Soul-Division and producers Castiel, AxXe and Filip K.
Next week, on Thursday November 13, we’ll reveal the other 17 artists of the Jury’s Selection 2015. Ordinary festival passes will be on sale from this date, and we’ll celebrate by offering you a special Christmas discount. So stay tuned!
To see all artists booked for by:Larm 2015 so far, click here