I proceed to give them a call as I wanted to record the entire interview on my pc. There are 4 members in this crew. They are:

X aka Prolific Stimilus aged 21
He used to smoke weed, favourite alcoholic beverage is Black Label and likes to eat vegetarian pizza.
Lolo aged 21
Smokes weed and likes to eat simple foods
Top aged 19
Occasionally smokes weed (swazi or ak47), drinks Jack Daniels, likes to eat raw meat.
Scolay aged 22
Occasionally smokes weed (swazi), drinks Black Label.

I was drinking a bottle of red wine which I purchased from Woolworth's and boy it was smooth. It had a hint of oak and a tickle of splintered pine on my pallet. I spoke to these dudes for close to 1 hour. They had a lot to say. 

The Archetypes are part of the Concentration Camp, a clique composed of other crews such as Groundworks, Bassmental Platform, Audiovisual, Cashless Society and Thabs. 

Although they have not released an album yet they do have experience as some of their members have performed with Groundworks, been on a track with BMP (a 15 minute posse track), one was a member of the Earthlings. They tell me they used to rock at the open mic sessions at Angels (a couple of years ago). They have also performed at various shows around the Western Cape. The members come from Gugulethu and Langa. 

They tell me they have recorded a couple of tracks which were produced by Hamma and Dre. No, not the Dre from Bush Radio's Headwarmer's show. This is another Dre who lives in Gugulethu. They also told me that they are currently sourcing beats from Gemini and Mad Kaptian, however they are open to receive beats from other producers. 

They cite the following albums as huge influences:

Redman - There Is A Darkside
Notorius B.i.G. - Ready To Die
Nas - Illmatic
Black Moon - Enta Da Stage
Organized Konfusion - Stress
Rubberoom 

Some of them told me when I asked them what they thought of kwaito, "It is a shallow genre, anybody can do it, it does not require skill". When I asked what they thought about people saying kwaito being closer to home when hip hop was more of an American thing they said, "The essence of hip hop is from Africa, the story telling aspect, the rhythmic body movements and the cave painting all influenced the birth of hip hop as we know it today."  We also spoke about where they would like to perform.  Some said that they are really interested in going to the UK and Europe, but not forgetting where they come from by performing in various ghetto's around the country.  One of the members shared his dream about performing at a basketball court in Alexandra.  These humble young cats also spoke about their dreams.  Their dreams of getting shit right for their family and friends before leaving this earth.  Lyrically they come with concepts.  One member explained that his verses start from one thing and he builds on top of that until there are many layers.  

They will be performing in Johannesburg on the 22 August 2003 at the CD Warehouse. Although nothing has been confirmed yet it is expected to happen. You can also catch these down to earth brothers at the Fire On The Mountain Festival and at the Yellow Door in Gugs when they return from Jozi. 

Their live performances can range from 30 to 45 minutes.  For their booked shows they have a set stage show, otherwise they say they are game for giving impromptu performances at open mic sessions.  

Look out for their CD dropping soon and we'll have more news about this crew as they do shit.

For booking info:
082-819-3577
084-301-0983

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