The themes of the texts are a reflection of society and civilization

Studio Radio Katakomba has been helping Montenegrin rappers for more than a decade, and soon a third mixtape will be released under their label. According to the rapper and producer Nemanja Đorđević Necke it was conceived as an opportunity for some new performers from Budva and Montenegro to get the opportunity to record and publish a song in cooperation with older colleagues who provide them with technical conditions. In addition to the first five Radio Catacombs that they make up Dobbla Galiot, Jollanda and Necke, the rapper from Podgorica can also be heard on the new mixtape Grey, El, Kangaroo, Forsè, and soon this label will cooperate with Sky Wikluhom from the cult group Bad Copy, as well as Vuk Jovanović Thespian, Mark Lewis i By random.

"The previous two mixtapes, according to the conditions in which they were created, did well on a local level, but I think that with this third one we are definitely raising the game to a higher level," Necke, who is in charge of matrices and production, tells Vijesti, and reveals how much Today, it's hard to bring something new through the beat rapped by hip-hoppers:

"I threw myself in all directions. I write songs, record, produce, and also DJ in addition to rapping. Making beats started alongside writing lyrics back in my high school days, and I have to admit that I still enjoy it even though I'm a self-taught musician. Now I'm learning to play the bass guitar, and a little chords on the keyboard because I want to experiment as much as possible in music, which is a big field of magical possibilities for me. So in every respect, originality is a priority for me compared to following trends," he notes.

In recent years, the rap scene in Montenegro has been growing, and although there was a lull during the corona, Necke announces "some new kids".

"They are freed from the obstacles that we had in terms of equipment that is more available. I have to mention the Kmower2 Run team from Podgorica, which gave birth to some new rappers-flashers, and raised the production to an enviable level. Quality requires continuity and space at festivals, as well as space in the media. Unfortunately, I think that rappers themselves need to understand that a lot of work and effort needs to be invested, both in the songs themselves and in the videos and marketing," advises Necke. He also referred to the fact that, in recent years, rappers have been replaced by rappers.

"Trep is a subgenre of rap and I wouldn't separate it out. Music evolves, different directions mix, and whether we like it or not, there will always be. If we look back, it was also said about punk, that it is not music and that it is not rock and roll, but in the end it turned out that it really is. In our country, rap and trap are still alternatives, while in the whole world they are mainstream music, and that's how the media treat them. Along with all this, we also have balkaton-trep-reggaeton-turbofolk, which was very well received. Well, I wouldn't comment on that," Necke said honestly.

At the beginning of the 90s, when rap as a direction took root in our country, the themes in the songs were murders, the mafia, while today, rap/rap songs mention expensive cars, drugs and the like.

"The themes of the texts are a reflection of society and civilization. Social criticism was once expected from rap, today the game has shifted to bragging about expensive things. For me, the message that the song carries has always been important, although rap is also posing - who is cooler, who has a bigger face. I can't judge that need to prove yourself as long as it's interesting, sarcastic and makes you smile. However, simply listing expensive cars and clothes has become a manner recognized as "FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT". But it was never my cup of tea. I've always preferred storytelling and good lyrics. There are a lot of examples where strong emotions and deep themes reached a wide part of the audience, so I would say that every product has its buyer", concludes Necke.