Introducing the mighty 'Kurnel MC'.
Nelsons very own Kurnel MC aka Luke Epepara has been on the scene for a good seven years now. He heads Nelsons very well known Hip Hop and Funk Band Master Pilot and plays a crucial role in the relentless breakbeat outfit Funk 'N' Slo Cuts . He was also a regular collaborator with Auckland Down Beat/Hip Hop group Mr Boinkin and the Mank before head honcho Leslie Boinkin headed for the sunny shores of Australia.
The Kurnel is one of the hardest working MC’s I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet and when he says, "he’s generating an enviable reputation around New Zealand as one of the countries finest MC’s" …he aint kidding.
I saw him playing with Funk 'N' Slo Cuts back in 2007 at a Bar on Auckland’s 'K Road'. He was stuck in a Corner with DJ Ryan Bheir (You probably know him better as the smooth headed keyboard operator of Nelsons golden child “Minuit”). At this gig he was MC'ing over break beats.
I listened in and watched for a while, then went out side with the crew from Mr Boinkin and the Mank for an hour or so. All the while the tunes were pumping through from Funk 'N' Slo Cuts . I couldn’t distinguish his flawless relentless flo from a professional recording, although he was performing live. The guy went on all night. He must have a memory like an Elephant to keep it up for that many hours. He kept that club pumping into the wee hours. He probably recited the equivalent of the content of ‘War and Peace' while he was on the mic. I couldn't really fathom how on earth he did it. “This guy is a machine” I thought. Hell he's beyond a machine he's freaking Superman on speed.
Master Pilot did a dope video back in 2001 for their song Lyrical Technicians which displays the caliber of musicianship Kurnel MC springs from. He is probably most well known however from his collaboration with Mr Boinkin and the Mank on the NZ On Air Funded video for Swing It. Swing it, I have to say, is not The Kurnels usual bag of tricks, but I admire the fact that these cats don't take themselves too seriously. There’s nothing I dislike more then ego tripping rappers with disdainful hateful attitudes, which is almost the norm for many. The Kurnel MC is not of this Ilk and is one of the many reasons why I find his work appealing.
Check out Kurnel MC’s band Masterpilot’s video from 2001 Lyrical Technicians.(Kurnel MC is the one singing the chorus with the massive Afro.)
Check out 2007's collaboration between Kurnel MC and Mr Boinkin Called Swing it.
The Kurnel MC truely stands out among the many. I suggest you go hit Kurnel MC up on his facebook and become a fan, because you don't want to miss out when one of his many projects comes to your town.
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kurnel-MC/28001466076
Peace out.
James Castady-Kristament is in the alternative rap group JCK. Check out their music videos below.
