Pioneer Unit

Make sure you tune into Trace Your Roots, a 13 part SABC 1 series documenting indigenous knowledge systems and African cultural practices to see how they apply to the modern African.

Produced and Directed by Isaac Chokwe aka Krook’d, with original music by Ben Sharpa, DJ Raiko and Soweto Kinch.

The first show will be airing on SABC 1 on 20th August at 18:30.

Join the Facebook group for updates and more info.

What better way to start the week than with a fresh new banger from your boy Rah!

In the wake of the xenophobic attacks, Rattex and Jaak got together to record a track that warns Africans not to be divided by language or culture.

For those of you that don’t know, ‘Pasop’ is the Afrikaans word for ‘watch out’ or ‘beware’. ‘Lumka’ is the same word in isiXhosa.

Check it out…

Pasop (Lumka) - Rattex Ft. Jaak - MP3 - (5.59MB)

Pasop (Lumka) - Rattex Ft. Jaak - ZIP - (5.52MB)

That’s how we rrrrrrrrrroll!!

If you’re in Cape Town this Saturday 24th May, come down to Mercury Live (43 De Villiers Street) to support Pioneer Unit in an international battle royale against Diddi Yang Records from Namibia.

Most of you already know Ben Sharpa and KONFAB, but you have to come and check out our newest signing, The Realist. Trust me, you’ve never heard anything like it!!

It’s gonna be a crazy evening full of suprise guests, giveaways, open mic battles and general chaos.

Here’s the info… see you there!…

The Lineup..

……………………………..
Pioneer Unit:
Ben Sharpa
The Realist
Konfab
……………………………..
Diddi Yang:
Die Vegas en Parow Show
Wyte Bread
Anonamystix
 ……………………………..

Beats all night will be presented by none other than DJ QUAKE (Choice Records)

Host for the night will be Johnny Steaknife

Special-Guest Performances by: Enmity (Band); Garlic Brown and the new Spaza sensation, Rattex.

VJ: Digital Lama

• Open-Mic MC Battle!!
• Free HeadKnocks Gear up for grabs
• Awesome Visuals
• Drink Specials all night

Tickets are on the door only.
R30 before 10.30 | R40 Thereafter

Doors open at 9.

Not only is Rattex the Mixtape King of South Africa, he’s also the hardest working man in SA Hip Hop, putting in work every day to bring the people what they want!

Check out Rah’s remix of Akon’s Smack That. The track originally featured Eminem but this time it’s all Rah.

Smack That (Remix) - Rattex - MP3 - (3.56MB)

Smack That (Remix) - Rattex - ZIP - (3.53MB)

That’s how we rrrrrrrrrroll!!

Rattex is fast becoming the Mixtape King of South Africa - and the bangers just don’t stop!

Check out Rah’s remix of Young Jeezy’s Soul Survivor featuring Akon and Sizzla.

Soul Survivor - Rattex - MP3 - (4.64MB)

Soul Survivor - Rattex - ZIP - (4.45MB)

That’s how we rrrrrrrrrroll!!

Another day, another FREE download! Check out your boy Rah on a remix of This is Why I’m Hot by Mims. The remix also features the vocals of reggae legend Junior ‘One Blood’ Reid.

This is Why I’m Hot Remix - Rattex - MP3 - (3.86MB)

This is Why I’m Hot Remix - Rattex - ZIP - (3.76MB)

That’s how we rrrrrrrrrroll!!

Today we’ve got something for the ladies - don’t front, we know you love Chris Brown! Check out the spaza remix with your boy Rah! If you’re a dude, download it for your girl!…

Kiss Kiss Remix - Rattex - MP3 - (5.08MB)

Kiss Kiss Remix - Rattex - ZIP - (5.02MB)

That’s how we rrrrrrrrrroll!!

We’ve got another Spaza banger for you to download for FREE!.

Check out this brand new remix of Cape Town (iKapa) featuring Ma-B and El Nino from Driemanskap. The original track is on Rattex’s newly released 7784 Mixtape.

Cape Town (iKapa) Remix - Rattex Ft. Driemanskap - MP3 - (3.99MB)

Cape Town (iKapa) Remix - Rattex Ft. Driemanskap - ZIP - (3.95MB)

That’s how we rrrrrrrroll!!

Attention all MXit heads!!

Rattex has 3 tracks on the MXit Music Audition Charts so go and show some love and get voting!

Look out for Hamba Nam, Hip Hop Love and Me No Play. We’ll be adding most of the tracks from Rah’s new EP, 7784, over the coming weeks so keep it locked for more info.

To vote for Rattex just follow these easy steps…

1. Log in to MXit (if you don’t have MXit Music added as a contact already, add it via Tradepost)

2. Once you’re in MXit Music, enter Charts & Voting

3.… then MXit Auditions

4.… then Voting

Scroll down the list until you find Hamba Nam, Hip Hop Love and Me No Play and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also preview the tracks for free before you vote.

Your vote is important! If any track gets 500 votes it is entered into the MXit Playlist. Once it’s there you can download the entire track for just 250 Moola (R2.50).

That’s how we rrrrrrrroll!!

It’s that time once again! Another FREE banger from Rah-Rah aka Ratteezy aka Rattex!

In this track Rattex raises the serious issue of women abuse. In 1998 there were around 50,000 cases of rape reported to the police in South Africa. The actual number of rapes was much higher as many are not reported.

The track is a remix of Sizzla’s Haffi Get It (Nah Rape) on the Inspector Riddim. Rah’s message is that women are our mothers, sisters and daughters - real men don’t rape women. Seeeeeen!

Haffi Respect (Nah Rape) - Rattex - MP3 - (4.1MB)

Haffi Respect (Nah Rape) - Rattex - ZIP - (4.1MB)

That’s how we rrrrrrrroll!!

We’ve got another Spaza banger for you to download for FREE!

Rattex is on fire at right now,,, everything he touches turns to gold. Check out Love Hip Hop, a track dedicated to the one he loves - Hip Hop!

Love Hip Hop - Rattex - MP3 - (4.1MB)

Love Hip Hop - Rattex - ZIP - (4.1MB)

That’s how we rrrrrrrroll!!

This is the official Rattex remix of I’m So Hood by DJ Khaled from We the Best. The original track featured T-Pain, Trick Daddy, Rick Ross and Plies. Other remixes of this track have featured Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe and Birdman.

Download the Rattex Remix…

I’m So Hood (Remix) Ft. Rattex & T-Pain - MP3 - 4.99MB

I’m So Hood (Remix) Ft. Rattex & T-Pain - ZIP - 4.94MB

Watch the original video:

Watch the remix video:

That’s how we rrrrrrrrroll!!

As promised, we’re going back through our archives to bring you FREE downloads from Drudge Dialect Vol. 1.

This time it’s Last Emperor by aNon. We used a traditional Chinese music sample which goes perfectly with the theme of the track. Check it out…

Last Emperor - aNon - MP3 - (3.3MB)

Last Emperor - aNon - ZIP - (3.39MB)

That’s how we rrrrrrrroll!!

We’re going to be uploading a whole lot of FREE MP3s from our archives over the following weeks so keep it locked and tell your friends!!

We’re kicking off with a classic joint from the one and only Artikulate KONFAB. This track is off the Drudge Dialect Vol. 1 Mixtape and it’s called It Rocks…

It Rocks - KONFAB - MP3 - (4.19MB)

It Rocks - KONFAB - ZIP - (4.19MB)

That’s how we rrrrrrrroll!!

Rattex was in the studio yesterday recording tracks for his forthcoming album Bread and Butter. While we were busy we thought we’d bless you with some FREE MP3 love, so check out Me No Play - Fresh Spaza goodness, straight out the lab!

Me No Play - MP3 (5.14Mb)

Me No Play - ZIP (5.07Mb)

That’s how we rrrrrrrrrrrroll!!

Brand new FIRE from your boy Rattex!!

As promised, check out the latest in our series of FREE MP3 downloads leading up to the release of Rattex’s debut solo album, Bread and Butter. This one is called Hamba Nam.

Download either ZIPPED or straight MP3:

Hamba Nam - 3.3Mb - SendSpace (ZIP)

Hamba Nam - 3.3Mb - zSHARE

Hamba Nam - 3.3Mb - RapidShare

Hamba Nam - 3.3Mb - Badongo

That’s how we rrrrrrrroll!!

Rattex has been hard at work on his new album, Bread and Butter. It is scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2008. Expect production from Hipe, Nyambz, Planet Earth and Ameen.

We don’t want to keep you waiting that long so we’re going to be releasing a series of FREE MP3 downloads leading up to the release, so keep it locked.

The first track, RnD, is a club banger that’s gonna keep you bouncing to the unique and infectious sound of Rah’s spitfire lyrics.

Download RnD from zShare

That’s how we rrrrrrrroll!!

We just got a copy of the new Cape Town Beats compilation CD on Jarring Effects in France.

Pioneer Unit licensed four tracks for this compilation which features others artists such as Sibot, Constructus Corporation, Markus Wormstorm and Felix Laband.

We’re really proud to represent Cape Town to an international audience on such a prestigious label. The compilation has already been getting airplay across Europe and we’re looking forward to breaking ground in new territories.

Front cover (click for larger image).

Back cover (click for larger image).

That’s how we rrrrrrrrrrrroll!!

Crosby recording How Could It Be (click for larger image).

Go to the Pioneer Unit Myspace page and download How Could It Be by Crosby aka DigiAnalogue for FREE!

How Could It Be is super tuff Dancehall/ Dubstep/ Hip Hop mash up featuring the heavy vocals of one of Gugulethu’s finest.

Click the Download link under the track’s name on the Myspace music player (it’s the first track)…

It’s a free ting!

That’s how we rrrrrrrroll!!

I got so excited about beginning production on the new video for Go and Ask (Hamb’ubuza) that I decided to do a remix.

I was talking to El Nino earlier about making some hard, dark club bangers for Driemanskap in order to give them a bit more crossover appeal. I’m not sure this remix is particularly radio-friendly, but it’s definitely a banger.

You can check it out on my Myspace page. It’s the first track in my player.

Check out Welfare State of Mind on Bush Radio 89.5fm on Saturday, just after 2pm. Mikko will be playing the track.

El Nino & Dla recording

That’s how we rrrrrroll!!

Check out this Ben Sharpa & Kingpinn (R.I.P.) remix of 50 Cent’s I Get Money. After hearing I Get Gully by Papoose, I thought it would be a good idea to have a remix that represented a different paradigm - 50 and Pap got money and guntalk covered after all.

Before you get too excited, it’s a montage of photos, not a proper video.

That’s how we rrrrrrroll.

We’re proud to announce that the premiere graffiti supply, streetwear & sneaker desination in South Africa, Shelflife, are now stocking Pioneer Unit merchandise and music.

Get down there to grab yourself the limited edition ‘Shield’, ‘How We Roll’ and ‘Kill Ya Sound’ t-shirts (as seen on TV). You can also get the hottest Hip Hop album in SA right now, Planetary Assault.

Check them out 119 Loop Street (1st floor). Call (021) 422 3931 or 082 293 5034 for more details.

That’s how we rrrrrroll!!

Just in!

Pimp your phone with Planetary Assault ringtones (truetones). Simply send an SMS to 38990 (South Africa only) with the code that matches the track you want (see below). You will receive an SMS with simple on screen instructions.

01_

• Song: Hamb’ubuza (Go and Ask)
• Artist: Driemanskap
• Code: PU3 (SMS this code to 38990)
• Type: Truetone
• Cost: R10

02_

• Song: How We Roll
• Artist: KONFAB Ft. Jaak
• Code: PU4 (SMS this code to 38990)
• Type: Truetone
• Cost: R10

03_

• Song: Kakalaki
• Artist: TOP & Macho
• Code: PU7 (SMS this code to 38990)
• Type: Truetone
• Cost: R10

That’s how we rrrroll!!

Hey everyone,,,

Firstly, apologies for postponing the original launch party. I hope no one turned up at the Bang Bang club last week!

Anyway, we’re sorted again. This time the party is at The Roosevelt (160 Bree Street) on the 29th August. We really like The Roosevelt. For any of you that haven’t been there before, it’s chic and intimate, without being boojee.

We chose the date for two reasons. Firstly it’s month end so everyone’s gonna be paid. Secondly, it will mark the end of the annual Hip Hop Indaba so you can think of us as the unofficial afterparty.

We’re really excited. It’s not often you get to hear so many of Cape Town’s finest MCs jamming in one place at the same time. Don’t get it twisted though, this party isn’t just for hardcore ‘heads’ (Hip Hop aficionados), we’re gonna make sure it’s a proper party for everyone ‘cause that’s how we rrrrrroll!! :)

Don’t forget to invite your friends!…

Planetary Assault launch party on Facebook

See you there!

D_

The Planetary Assault CDs have come back from the manufacturer so we’ve got stock. If you’re in Cape Town contact us and we’ll arrange to get you one.

We’re still working on physical distribution in South Africa so make sure you go into your local music store and demand that they get stock - it really does work!

We’ll announce extensive international digital and physical distribution in the near future. Hold tight!

That’s how we rrrrroll!!

Catch the brand new exclusive Dplanet remix of Into the Black by Ben Sharpa on Mary Anne Hobbs’ Experimental show on BBC Radio 1.

Go to Mary Anne’s page on the BBC Radio 1 website and Click the ‘Listen to the show’ link.

The show will be online until June 15th so don’t sleep.

That’s how we rrrroll!