Photo Credit : Skye Spence // DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES
Golden-era taste, future-era based. Resistance based-debauchery for (leftist) baddies. Committed to tradition, yet set on innovation, Super Duty Tough Work is a constantly evolving, art-rap ensemble with their intentions set on shaking up the industry and providing offerings that stand in opposition to the homicidal capitalist ideals forced down our throats every day by the ruling class and their aspiring accomplices. Rooted in the tradition of Black American resistance arts, SDTW is known to entertain and inspire while at the same time employing scathing wit and thorough analysis to push their radical politic of revolution, party and bullshit.
Today, the Polaris Music Prize nominated group is announcing their signing with Next Door Records and releasing their first single with the label. Over a staticky, rolling thunder-like drum break and hypnotizing drone synths, “First Strike” comes in heavy and pulls no punches as listeners are struck with what can only be described as quintessential Super Duty Tough Work. The track sees SDTW playing their positions perfectly, laying the foundation for frontman Brendan Grey to get loose with his playful yet provocative style over an uptempo, certified headnod-inducer of a beat. Assuming the role of renaissance painter, Grey paints a vivid picture, positioning himself and his associates at the top of the music, style and taste hierarchy, while admonishing other artists for sloppy brushwork, exploiting their identities for relevance and being too heavily influenced by trends and consumerism. As per usual, Grey’s citation game is unmatched: Mode 2, Monet, Naomi Klein and Nas are just a few influences referenced in this reflection on the intersection of consumerism and creativity in the 21st century.
"As far as the artwork/visualizer is concerned, we really just wanted to create our own reality,” explains Grey. “Kyle Rittenhouse is the embodiment of so many ideas and beliefs that we stand in direct opposition to. So in using his likeness, we're not just showing our dislike for him, we're using him as a stand in for that whole movement. We believe that there are many levels to opposition and many different weapons available in this war. Art happens to be our discipline so we always attempt to use it to further our cause, and create the world that we would like to see, in this case, a world where "justice" is actually served. It's partially tongue in cheek, but it's also not. Like, we're not about to actually kidnap and waterboard anyone, even Kyle, but that doesn't mean we wouldn't like to. I mean, if the CIA can do it, why can't we? And if it's too much for you: it's just a joke. Can't you take a joke? Why is everyone so sensitive these days?”
WATCH / SHARE “FIRST STRIKE” HERE
BUY / STREAM “FIRST STRIKE” HERE
“First Strike” Single Artwork // DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES
MORE ABOUT SUPER DUTY TOUGH WORK
Inspired by the dirty jazz loop sound of 90s east coast hip hop, Super Duty Tough Work are the live incarnation of hip hop culture's quintessential era, appearing as a band (we know, stay with us) but manifesting a sound that’s more akin to something straight out of an MPC or SP-404 sampler. Revered for their methodically curated sets, SDTW mixes laidback rap action and razor-sharp delivery with effortless loops sewn together with surprising transitions, keeping audiences on their feet and salivating in anticipation as to what’s coming next. Simply put: internationalism is the theme, liberation through hedonism is the dream, and satisfaction is guaranteed from the team whose specialty is taking audiences on a journey through a culture where loops are slayed and jewels are the tools of the trade.
After being a live show only act for years, the group released their debut EP Studies in Grey, in September 2019, followed by a cross country tour. Eight months later Studies in Grey received a Polaris Prize nod in the form of a Long List nomination, followed shortly thereafter with a nomination for a Western Canadian Music Award in the category of Best Rap & Hip Hop Artist. The Polaris nod makes SDTW the first Manitoba based hip hop act to be nominated for the prize.