After 15 years at the coalface of Australia’s underground, hip hop community, MC Skinz – one of the most underrated but most consistently active MCs in the country - has seen it all.
Now emerging with his first ever, solo project Master Wolf, Skinz has finally arrived on his own via a career that’s seen him supporting legendary international artists such as KRS-One, Grandmaster Flash, Chali2na and Cut Chemist (Jurassic 5), Lyrics Born, Mystro, Foreign Beggars and Homebrew.
Here are Skinz' Top 5 five MCs he likes to freestyle with.
1. Nikzman (KryptamistiK)
Yes, he is my partner in rhyme from KryptamistiK, but I can honestly say without any bias that this man is one of the most talented freestylers I have met thus far. This is confirmed by the many, many hours we have spent bouncing back and forward, always pushing each other to take it further.2. Abra (Brahman MC - KryptamistiK)
His natural talent in freestyling led him to being invited on stage with KryptamstiK, eventually becoming our official hypeman and on stage support. When he, Nikzman and I get together there is no stopping the cypha, on or off stage.3. Roman MC (Bullhorn)
I have had the privilege playing lyrical tennis with Roman on more than a few occasions now, usually at a show or festival down the back of the crowd somewhere where we can hear each other's rhymes. His ability to throw down flows in practically any style at the drop of the hat makes him one of the most dynamic cypha buddies.4. Jeswon (Thundamentals)
Unfortunately I did not get to kick any freestyles with this man while supporting Thundamentals at The Zoo (Brisbane) recently, but from the few occasions in the past few years when I've had the privilege there is no doubt that Jeswon is completely at home in a freestyle cypha. He demanded that everybody in the circle be at least clapping or beatboxing if not rapping. I never forgot this and later included it as a point in my yet to be released track 'Cypha Etiquette'.5. Practically Anyone From The Big Village Collective
Ok, yes, I'm getting lazy with this one, and in this case 'last but not least' goes without saying. I'm talking about Rappaport, P Smurf, Mikoen, Ellesquire, Verbaleyes... all of them! These guys are freestyle athletes thanks to their years of going around the country doing Sketch a Rhyme, improvised-lyrical creativity at its finest.With a debut album, 'The Driving Force', to be released on his own independent label, KathartiK Records, in September, Master Wolf's debut single is ‘Never Question The Dopeness’; check the trippy clip largely created at Earth Frequency Festival 2015.
Catch MC Skinz now on the road – as a guest of Beanstalk Records with psychedelic wordsmith Skurge and MPC busking king Mars Madness – with renewed vigour as Master Wolf.
Master Wolf Tour Dates
Sat 25 Apr - The Milk Factory (Brisbane)Thu 7 May - Hamilton Station Hotel (Newcastle)
Sat 9 May - Hustle & Flow Bar (Sydney)
Sat 16 May - Horse Bazaar (Melbourne)
