Abstract Artform (1/2 of Living Proof w/Doodlebug of DIgable Planets)

"Halifax’s Classified might be trying to establish himself as the preeminent writer of hip-hop songs tied to our national identity, but Winnipeg’s Abstract Artform might just give him a run for his money.


The group, fronted by MC and producer Shea “Kid A” Malcolmson, fuses live jazz and soul-like music with vocal delivery familiar to fans of groups like Jurassic 5. Their “I Am Canadian” single from 2010’s His Story In The Making is a hit waiting to happen while other cuts share and celebrate life in a Prairie capital. Upcoming full-length As The Crow Flies is their second in as many years and the third since 2008’s Prairie Kid. The band’s work ethic has garnered them consecutive appearances at the taste-making NXNE festival, a 12-month stay on the Chart college lists, and a slew of other appearances and opportunities.


With easy flow, great instrumentals, and lyrics worth turning an ear to, Abstract Artform should be must-play material for any Canadian hip-hop fan." - Canadian Musician Magazine

His Story in the Making, the second album from Abstract Artform (aka producer/MC Kid A, aka Shea Malcolmson), delivers on the promise hinted at on Prairie Kid. From the easy groove of Winnipeg (feat. Fashawn) to the funked-out Old School (feat. Flo Soul) to the hooky Hip Hop (Is What I Was Doing), Kid A establishes himself as a self-deprecating, clever wordsmith who isn’t afraid to let his Prairie roots show. There are no bitches ’n’ bling tales of excess here, either; Steady At It is a refreshing reality check about the financial struggles faced by Canadian artists, hip hop and otherwise. - UPTOWN

MANITOBA SINGER/SONGWRITERS UP FOR INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING PRIZE

March 8, 2011

Several Manitoba singer/songwriters are finalists and semi-finalists in this year's prestigious International Songwriting Competition.

Jaylene Johnson's song "Handsome," co-written with Winnipeg-based producer/songwriter Chris Burke-Gaffney and Halifax-based sister act The Keats, is a finalist in the country category. Her song "Joy," co-written with fellow Winnipegger Arun Chaturvedi, is also a semi-finalist. Last year, two of Johnson's works were in the finals. Johnson also co-wrote The Keats' song "Give Me A Ring," which is up for an East Coast Music Award, and contributed to Eagle & Hawk's Juno-nominated album, The Great Unknown.

No stranger to songwriting accolades, Scott Nolan is a finalist in the Americana category for his song, "Trial Separation." A video for the song is in the works while his new album, Montgomery Eldorado, hits streets on April 28 via Transistor 66.

Round out the Manitoba finalists is Abstract Artform's Shea Malcolmson, who is up for the prize in the R&B/Hip-hop category for the outfit's song "Here We Are," off their album Prairie Kid.

Cat Jahnke landed two songs in the list of semi-finalists, which also includes locals Ian La Rue, Katherine Penfold and Gerry Atwell, and Bubba B the MC (Robert Wilson, Adrian McLean, Byron Foster).

This year's ISC attracted over 15,000 entries from over 100 countries, judged by top artists like Tom Waits, Peter Gabriel, Rihanna, and Regina Spektor as well as industry big wigs like Amanda Ghost (President of Epic Records) and Ric Arboit (President Nettwerk Music Group).

Fans can get in on the ISC action by voting for their favourite songs until March 31 at songwritingcompetition.com. Winners will be announced in late April or early May.
FINALISTS
Shea Malcolmson (Abstract Artform) - "Here We Are" | R&B/Hip-hop
Jaylene Johnson, Chris Burke-Gaffney, Sharlene Loveless, Jolene Keats - "Handsome" | Country
Scott Nolan - "Trial Separation" | Americana - Manitoba Music MARIA

CHARTAttack #5 debut for Hip-Hop - CHARTAttack

Our album debuted at $4 in the Hip-Hop category for Earshot! Thanks for all the support! - Earshot!

Canadian artist Abstract Artform and Doodlebug (of Digable Planets notoriety) come together as Living Proof. The duo will be dropping their debut, self-titled album on June 30th, 2015.

Hailing from the countrysides of Winnipeg, Abstract blends his raspy, “back porch rap” style with hip hop icon Doodlebug’s smooth, Grammy award-winning Philly flow to create a unique group on a mission to share a simple message: hip hop is alive and well.

Can’t wait for a taste? Check out this lyric video for “Classic.”

Living Proof is now available for pre-order. - Say Hey There Music

Winnipeg, MB – Don’t miss this dope new video from Living Proof (Abstract Artform and Doodlebug) featuring Toronto vet Thrust. “Electric” is the second single off LP’s EP debut, which is available on iTunes and Bandcamp (where you can also download the instrumentals). The album launch party is going down July 31 in Winnipeg at Le Garage. The “Electric” video was edited by F.O.L. with still photography provided by David Andrén. Check out the video now after the jump link below. - HipHopCanada.com