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We live in a day and age where attention is everything- we want followers, we want fans, and we want “friends.” We follow what “trending.” But I think that true artists are able to connect with fans regardless of the hype (or lack of) behind them. At the end of the day, an emcee who stays authentic to him/herself will always trump any gimmicks, tricks, or trends. Everyday/Hearses” by Cha Great and Paradice Sabbie shows these two upcoming artists in their purest forms- having fun and sharing stories through music. Cha Great and Paradice Sabbie dropped their “Everyday/Hearses” project in early Spring. With visuals by Idea Films featuring shots from various locations around Oahu, the music video has generated more than 2000 views on Youtube. Cha and Sabbie do their thing over the classic Bahamadia (Uknowhowwedu) instrumental and bring 90s Hip Hop vibes to 2016. “Sabbie and I met on Oahu. Were both heavily influenced by old school New York styled Hip Hop and decided to make the song together,” said Cha Great. “This is an everyday type of track for me. We all go through ups and down but the purpose is to just put out positive energy no matter what,” said Sabbie. The video also features “Hearses,” a bar for bar verse by the 19-year old rapper. Hopefully we can expect more from the duo. Both are their individual artists in their own right. Cha Great is based in the Bay Area and Paradice Sabbie continues to make music, network, and book shows around Oahu. See more of Paradice Sabbie See more of Cha Great
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Hip Hop is young and grindin’ in the streets of Hawaii! Many people still think we live “behind the trends,” but don’t let the island scenery fool you. Passed all the hotels, resort beaches, and sunny weather, there are neighborhoods like Waianae on the island of ‘Oahu. Despite being one of the state’s poorest areas, the talent and drive is unreal. Waianae is home to many successful entertainers including MCs like I.A. and Krystilez, and world-known comedian Andy Bumatai. Common Difference Hawaii is shakin’ up Hawaii’s music scene with Rap, Pop, and R&B elements! Their hit summer single “Westside Naka” is a growing anthem for many youth and young adults from ‘Oahu’s west side and stands as a prideful Hip Hop banger for Hawaii’s music scene.
Common Difference Hawaii is a Hip Hop trio with all its members having deep roots in Waianae. Ham, Krista Lei, and Dusa were solo artists in the early 2000s and formed their group roughly around 2009. They started with a few collaboration tracks, and as meetings grew more frequent, decided it was only right to form a group. “Originally, it was challenging finding our sound especially being so young and fresh to the music scene, but as we got more serious, we agreed upon our Common Difference. That is our name, brand, and story that we share. Especially being from Hawaii, we know that we are all different. But our differences can bring us together to bring peace and unity to the world,” said the group. With a trendy line-up of songs like “HI City (on DiverseCITY) and “The 50” (on Love vs. Fame) and their latest “Westside Naka” single from their recently released Naka247 EP, Common Difference has always put on for Hawaii. The term “Naka” is slang for the Hawaiian word “Kanaka.” The group has adapted “Naka” to mean “homie” or “comrade.” Inspiration for the Naka247 EP came naturally for the group. “We wanted to represent Waianae, our hometown, and Hawaii’s diverse group of local people. We collaborated with a bunch of other local artists on the track and music video including R&B singer Charence. It feels good to give our people something to be proud of as we shine light on our daily hustle and struggles we face in and out music,” said the group. So far, their Naka247 EP continue to be a success and testament to the group’s hard work and the community they continue to build around them. The group has publishing deals with Rick Ross Music Group and is sponsored by Freelance Brand. Many of their fans, supporters, and fellow local musicians showed tremendous support at their recent show/listening party.“It was a great opportunity to put a show on for the Westside and to also have a good support system going on down here. We have a lot to work for in the future and altogether the party was a great learning experience for each of us. Shout out to everyone who helped out with the event and continue to show support. We love yall. Much mahalo to all our NAKAS!” said Common Difference Hawaii. 
HAM: I always have and will love music. From Kanikapila with uncles and aunties to the rap tracks I now bump to. Throughout my English classes I low key liked to write poems. Technically the few people I used to hear that rapped back when we were in school had inspired me. B-Mac was a homie that I first heard that did it. It sparked a high interest for me in that direction. Then I heard Duce and Dru sing the song "I'm Tired" and my motivation was on too strong to ignore so I tried it out. Duce and I would be in the studio hours on in writing raps.
Krista Lei: My passion for music started at a very young age. I grew up around family members who would do jam sessions at any moment. I can honestly say I learned the basics of music from my uncle Pulu. He had a local band with his friends. Me and my sisters would sit around the table every weekend with our stereo and have jam singing sessions. Each of us would take turns singing a verse. It was so much fun finding how to harmonize with each other. After learning the ukulele, I started writing my own songs and composing melodies off the ukulele. Hip-hop, Jawaiian, R&B, and 80's pop music were popular too. When I met Dusa and Ham, it was easy for me to adapt to any sound they wanted to target on a beat. I started rapping 5 years ago. I used to mess around with it when i was alone, but one day Dusa told me i should try to Rap because I sing fast anyway, and I used to always complain that I wasn't ever able to say everything I wanted to on a singing verse. Haha.
Dusa: My introduction to making music came at a later time in my life, around high school. My homie Dru used to always ride passed my house on his bike. Back then I didn't know him, but one day I asked him if he wanted to play ball with us. From there he introduced me to music. He showed me how to record beats, I picked that up really fast and eventually started making my own beats. Thats how i actually got the name Dusa, its slang for Producer. I use to record other 'Oahu westside rappers like Jacob Who, Merc Majah, Trigga, and Dontez. They used to tell me I couldn't rap with em. But I knew I could do it and proved it by a diss track i made. Dru and I did music together for a lil bit, made 7 tracks together before Ham found out and joined the team.
See more of Common Difference Hawaii on social media and their official website:
www.commondifferencehi.com
*All photos and videos used on this blog are courtesy of the respective artists and sponsors/photographers they work with.
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OTDHipHop is an independent music blog and network, curated by Rapper/Blogger Jehzan Exclusive.
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