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Obedinennaia KastaHip-hop group
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- The Foundation of Kasta: PsychoLyric
- The Birth of Kasta
- Evolution and Expansion
- Rising Popularity and the "Trekhmernye Rifmy" Album
- Continued Growth and Recognition
- Expansion of the Collective: "V Polnom Deystvii"
- Concert Appearances and Video Production
- Formation of Respect Production and Expansion into Solo Albums
- Commercial Success and Continued Recognition
- Legacy and Significance
The Foundation of Kasta: PsychoLyric
Kasta's foundation lies in "PsychoLyric," a group initially formed by two rappers: Vlad and Tidane. In 1996, Shym (Shymy, Shymon) joined the group. PsychoLyric first performed in September 1996, adhering to New York hip hop traditions while delivering lyrics in Russian. They distanced themselves from existing Russian rap, finding few喜歡的 in the "old school" scene.
The Birth of Kasta
In August 1997, PsychoLyric, Basta Hрю (Basta Bastilio), Tekwon, Bely Buddah, Electronik, and Wolf (representatives of various groups and independent MCs) united to form Kasta, a rap collective that rapidly gained nationwide support. Basta Hрю and Vlad initiated the concept of Kasta, with Basta suggesting the name.
Coinciding with Kasta's formation, the "Hip Hop Pati" or simply "Hip-Hop" club movement was established, continuing to this day. Initial events took place at the "DUNCAN" club, later moving primarily to "COMANCHERO." At the inaugural party, the legendary induction into Kasta occurred. The debut tracks "Pervy Udar" (First Punch) and "Khram Khip Khopа" (Khip Khop Temple) were recorded.
Evolution and Expansion
Over time, Kasta's lineup evolved. Basta Hрю and Wolf left the group, while Tidane started a family and work, prompting his departure from PsychoLyric. Subsequent tracks recorded by Kasta ("U podnozhiya gori" and "Oni revnuyut i zaviduyut") further defined their style. Solo tracks from PsychoLyric emerged: "Goryachie truby" (Shymon) and "My berem eto na ulitsakh" (Vlad).
By mid-1998, the activities of Kasta and PsychoLyric became increasingly intertwined. Their movement transcended its initial boundaries. A collective formed around Kasta, including Khameleon (Khameel), Pesochnye Liudi (Jin, Saik), Das (Mityay), Zapadny Sektor (Kaktus, Zmey, Diger, Gaichyk), Karabas, Panama, Kalyan, Sitar, and others. Khameel's first contribution was "Svobodny stil," while Das debuted with "Virus." Eventually, this collective of groups and MCs became known as "Obyedinennaya Kasta." PsychoLyric (Vlad, Shymon), along with Khameel, formed the core lineup.
Rising Popularity and the "Trekhmernye Rifmy" Album
Kasta's songs gained radio airplay, and their events and parties drew larger crowds. On July 2, 1999, the group released its debut album, "Trekhmernye Rifmy" (Three-Dimensional Rhymes), on the Rostov labels "Duncan Rec." and "Do-Re-Mi." The album's title track featured Shymy, Kaktus, Vlad, Zmey, and Khameel. Vlad produced, mixed, and mastered the album using his home studio's limited capabilities. Fourteen MCs contributed to the project, which became a regional success, bringing underground hip hop to store shelves and garnering positive reviews and interviews.
Continued Growth and Recognition
Throughout the fall and winter of 1999, Kasta remained active with performances in Krasnodar, Moscow, and Rostov. Hip Hop Pati events at Comanchero became weekly. In October, they participated in the citywide event "Semiyetie Radio-103" at Rostov's Palace of Sports. A series of club mixes was launched, which continues to this day.
On November 19, they hosted the Southern Russian Hip Hop Culture Festival, featuring performances from Broken Sound (Taganrog), Korpus-Psi (Rostov), MeloMaster (Volgodonsk), Kalyan (Aksai), Basta Hрю (Rostov), Sat (later part of MaryJane, Krasnodar), graffiti by UAM (Rostov), and breakdancing by Ganza Gang (Krasnodar). The event proved successful.
On November 27, Kasta triumphed at the annual hip hop festival "RAP MUSIC' 99," winning the Grand Prix. They connected with rappers from across Russia and Ukraine, expanding their network before returning to Rostov in triumph. Kasta's website, www.kasta.ru, was launched, and a second edition of "Trekhmernye Rifmy" was released with an additional track, "Kto budet pit s nami?" The repress sold out quickly, with copies primarily reaching rap enthusiasts in southern Russia and a limited number circulating to other regions of the former Soviet Union.
Expansion of the Collective: "V Polnom Deystvii"
In spring 2000, Shymon launched a weekly rap program on Radio Mirage. It was discontinued after a few months due to the use of slang on live air. That summer, Ob"yedinennaya Kasta recorded a new album/compilation, "V Polnom Deystvii" (In Full Action). Vlad handled the sound production, and the album featured contributions from all of their affiliated groups, as well as Moscow's Y.G. and Zloy (Zloy Dukhh) from Kazan. It became an extension of "Trekhmernye Rifmy" in both form and content. New groups emerged (e.g., Grani), while others departed (e.g., Gaichyk, Das, Dizel). Electronik temporarily ceased performing as an MC, and Zmey left Zapadny Sektor for Grani; Sektor recruited a new member, Mayor. The album was dedicated to Pesochnye Liudi, who were incarcerated during its recording and learned of their involvement primarily through letters. The album was released on CD and cassette by the "Videoservis" label in late October 2000. It marked Kasta's first official album release.
Concert Appearances and Video Production
On September 9, Kasta performed at Streetball 2000 in Moscow. Around this time, a video concept was developed for the track "My berem eto na ulitsakh." Filming commenced on November 1, 2000, with participation from Kasta, Bleknolisnye, Karabas, Tek, Electronik, and others who traveled to Moscow for the shoot. The video was completed over several sessions in three days, with MTV's "Stop-Snyato" present at the filming. Despite winning the "12 Zlobnykh Zriteley" award, the video received limited airplay outside of the hip hop-focused program B_ZONE.
On December 14, 2000, Kasta opened for Bomfunk MC's at a concert in Luzhniki Stadium (Moscow). On December 17, they performed at the Ural Rap Zona festival in Yekaterinburg and participated as judges.
Formation of Respect Production and Expansion into Solo Albums
The Respect Production label was established, and on April 5, 2001, it released "Rep.Runet vol. 1." Throughout the following months and into the summer, Kasta embarked on tours to Volgograd, Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Kharkiv, and Minsk. Simultaneously, they continued recording their first solo album, "Gromche Vody, Vyshe Travy" (Louder than Water, Higher than Grass). The rhythms continued to follow the traditional southern Kasta style, but new instrumentals and mixing techniques were introduced. The album showcased emotional intensity and diversity, featuring introspective lyrics, street anthems, and sharp critiques, catering to both their loyal fans and detractors.
Commercial Success and Continued Recognition
On August 6, 2001, a music video was filmed for the track "Na Poryadok Vyshe" (An Order of Magnitude Higher). It gained popularity and entered the charts on MTV. Respect Production simultaneously prepared to release several rap albums and compilations. This included Ob"yedinenno-Kasta (Grani and Zapadny Sektor) and other groups whose talent and skill stood out in the Russian hip hop scene. Collaboration with DJ Hobot from Da Budz (Moscow) was also underway.
In October 2001, a new rap program launched on Rostov's radio station "Dvizhenie" 104.1 fm. Electronik hosted the program, which aired on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 9 p.m. However, it was short-lived as "Dvizhenie" decided to focus on disco music.
Meanwhile, the "Na Poryadok Vyshe" music video continued to make waves on MTV, spending two months in the Russian top 10 and five weeks in the TOP 20. In early December 2001, Kasta released the single "Na Poryadok Vyshe."
In January 2002, Vlad established Kasta's Moscow studio, "Laboratoriya." In Rostov, Electronik launched a series of night events featuring Ob"yedinennaya Kasta. These "VIP Hip-Hop" events took place at the "Malenky Printz" club. The release of Kasta's album, "Gromche Vody, Vyshe Travy," was repeatedly postponed, leading to frustration, as the album had been ready since November 2001. Kasta announced plans to film another music video for the song "Pro Maksa."
Legacy and Significance
Kasta emerged as a leading force in Russian hip hop, known for their innovative lyrics and distinctive southern style. They
