By Curtis Mayfield M-H:
Hip-hop outfit Master Wolf launched the new single ‘Never Question The Dopeness’ on May 9 at Redfern’s Hustle & Flow Bar.
The lineup of this “group” varies, as it is the strange brainchild of rapper MC Skinz. It might be right to call Master Wolf his “solo band” as it is a combination of him, a DJ and/or live band.
“At a show nearer to Brisbane you could expect to see me playing on stage with additional vocalists and instrumentalists. But for this tour [NSW and VIC] it will just be me and [DJ] Brother Beans” Skinz tells me via Facebook.
After years of opening for big acts like KRS-One and Grandmaster Flash, along with local hip-hop royalty Bliss n Eso and Horrorshow, Skinz hopes his new music will reach out to fans of “soulful, lyrical hip-hop.”
KryptamistiK, Truth Serum and All Underground Sound are all groups Skinz has been a part of over his almost two decade long run in the rap game. As for the meaning behind the name of the project, well you’ll just have to follow what the man says.
“Master Wolf is the name I have taken to embark on this solo project under,” he explains.
“After seeing a tarot card reader at a solar eclipse in 2012 I decided to change the name to Master Wolf. To represent myself not as a villain but as a teacher or someone who has mastered their craft.”
Though it’s clear he is no stranger to collaborating with other artists, Skinz is feeling after 16 years of being part of a team it’s now time to step out into the lime light solo dolo.
“I have taken it upon myself to write, produce and record all of the album by myself.”
The single, “Never Question The Dopeness”, is a combination of expressive production and multi-syllable lyricism that has just the right amount of catchiness in the chorus.
In the lead-up to the single, which was released through 21st century means on both Bandcamp.com and USB drives, Skinz expressed a mix of enthusiasm and ambition.
“I’m really looking forward to connecting with different audiences around Australia who have never heard of me before.”
Photo: Tammy Silva
