Scribe (rapper)

Last updated

Scribe
Scribe New Zealand Rapper 2019 (cropped).jpg
Scribe in 2019
Background information
Birth nameMalo 'Scribe' Luafutu [1] [2] or Jeshua Ioane Luafutu [3] [4]
Born (1979-05-29) 29 May 1979 (age 44)
Christchurch, New Zealand
Origin Christchurch, New Zealand
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper
InstrumentsVocals
Years active2000–2018
Labels Dirty Records

Malo Ioane Luafutu, [1] [2] also called Jeshua Ioane Luafutu [3] [4] (born on 29 May 1979), and better known by his stage name Scribe, is a New Zealand rapper of Samoan descent. He achieved two solo number ones on the singles chart from his debut album, The Crusader , which was released in 2003 in New Zealand and later certified four times platinum. He also reached number one as a featured artist on P-Money's 2004 song "Stop the Music", and in 2010 on R&B singer J.Williams' single "You Got Me".

Contents

Early life

Scribe was born Malo Loane Luafutu on 29 May 1979 in Christchurch, New Zealand to Caroline 'Carol' Luafutu [5] and Fa'amoana John Luafutu. [6] [7] He grew up in the suburb of Philipstown, Christchurch. [8] [9]

Career

With the initial focus on the song "Stand Up", director Chris Graham gave the video for the single the energy of a rock video. He invited music guests, DJs and even the general public to participate in the video. The song debuted at number 6 on the New Zealand top 40 singles chart and soon rose to number 1. The single spent 12 (non-consecutive) weeks at number one. [10]

Dirty Records released Scribe's debut album The Crusader in New Zealand in October 2003 with distribution through Festival Mushroom Records. The album went gold within hours and platinum within days. It sold 60,000 copies in New Zealand, which is four times platinum status in that country. [11]

Scribe followed the success of the album with the limited-edition release of "Not Many – The Remix!" featuring guest vocals from MCs Savage and Con Psy which peaked at No. 2. [10] He then released a new single, "Dreaming" in January 2004; this also reached No. 1. [10]

Scribe took a break from new singles and toured the country on the "Hook It Up" tour before he returned in late 2004 with a new single off P-Money's Magic City album called "Stop the Music", again reaching No. 1. [10]

In 2005 he opened for the Beastie Boys at shows in Australia. [12]

Rhyme Book

Scribe's second studio album, titled Rhyme Book , was released by Scribe in Australia on 29 September 2007 and in New Zealand on 1 October 2007. Rhyme Book did not sell as well as its predecessor. It featured collaborations with New York hip-hop artist Talib Kweli (of Reflection Eternal and Black Star fame) on the track "Be Alright".

The first single off the album in New Zealand, "My Shit", had its video premiere on 12 August 2007 on local music channel C4. "F.R.E.S.H." was the second single released in New Zealand. The first single in Australia however was "F.R.E.S.H.", followed by "My Shit". The third single in both countries, "Say It Again", features Scribe's cousin Tyra Hammond.

Scribe performing at the Big Day Out in 2007 Scribe (380146953) (cropped).jpg
Scribe performing at the Big Day Out in 2007

Scribe is Dead

After a decade hiatus, Scribe released a single titled "Non Attachment" which will feature on the forthcoming album Scribe is Dead, due for release in 2024. [13] [14] [15] This effectively shelving his third album Therapy that was announced in 2011 but never released. [16] [17]

A second single for the album titled "Glowstick" was released at the end of 2023. [13]

Personal struggles and addictions

In 2011, in an interview on Campbell Live , Scribe described how he became addicted to drugs, alcohol and gambling between 2005 and 2007 following lacklustre sales of his second album, Rhyme Book. His addiction led to his family denying him access to money. He decided to pawn off the platinum awards he had won with his debut album. [3]

In November 2011 Scribe was arrested in Wellington for disorder and released after being formally warned. [18] Scribe said his arrest was illegal, but admits he was "dissing" the police, but "their ego couldn't handle it". [19]

Following the assault on cricketer Jesse Ryder in late March 2013, Scribe took to Twitter, implying that Ryder was somehow responsible because his behaviour was not "humble" enough for someone visiting Christchurch. He further noted that "Cantabrians don't beat people up for no reason." [20] Scribe's comments were widely vilified on Twitter and numerous blogs with many posters alluding to Scribe's role in the violent, unprovoked assault on Phil Armstrong in 2004 as further evidence that he condones violence. [21] Ryder later jokingly thanked Scribe for his "support". [22]

In August 2018, Scribe was imprisoned for two months after breaching his curfew and performed in Motueka. He was released on 29 October. He was later due in court on 13 December for methamphetamine possession and breach of protection order. [23]

Christchurch earthquake

Scribe released a remix of his single "Not Many" to show support for the victims of the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. "Not Many Cities" features Scribe rapping in different parts of the CBD's red zone, with altered lyrics such as "I don't know any city" instead of "I don't know anybody". Although his video received positive attention from the media, there was outcry from some Christchurch residents who claimed it was unfair that Scribe was allowed in the red zones when red zone business owners were not.

Shortly after the remix's release, Scribe announced that he was working on a third album, titled Therapy but was later shelved.

Family

Scribe is the cousin of other prominent Samoan New Zealand musicians Ladi6 [24] and Tyra Hammond of The Opensouls. [25] His father is Fa'amoana John Luafutu, who wrote the 2022 film A Boy Called Piano , directed by Nina Nawalowalo. Scribe's brother Matthias Luafutu is an actor. [26] [27] Scribe, Matthias and their father John also collaborated with Tom McCrory and Nina Nawalowalo on the stage play A White Guitar in 2015, which was an autobiographical story that did an eight-city sold out tour in 2016. [28] [29] [30]

Discography

Studio albums

YearAlbumPeak chart positionsCertifications
NZ
[31] 		AUS
[32]
2003 The Crusader
  • Released: 16 October 2003
  • Label: Dirty
112
2007 Rhyme Book
  • Released: 1 October 2007
  • Label: Dirty
49
TBAScribe is Dead
  • To Be Released

Major album guest appearances

Singles

YearSinglePeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
NZ
[10] 		AUS
[35]
2003"Stand Up"/"Not Many"1—
  • RMNZ: Platinum [36]
The Crusader
"Not Many – The Remix!"/"Stand Up"221
2004"Dreaming"/"So Nice"123
2007"My Shit"4— Rhyme Book
"F.R.E.S.H."2430
"Say It Again" (featuring Tyra Hammond)——
2011"Not Many Cities"36—Non-album single
2022"Non Attachment"Scribe is Dead
2023"Glowstick"
"—" denotes a single that did not chart or achieve certification
YearTitlePeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
NZ
[10] 		AUS
[35]
2004"Stop the Music" (P-Money featuring Scribe)17Magic City
2010"You Got Me" (J. Williams featuring Scribe)1—
  • RMNZ: Platinum [40]
Young Love (Collector's Edition)
"Fresh Boyz" (Nesian Mystik featuring Scribe)——99 A.D.
"Christmas Wrapping" (Dominic Harvey featuring Scribe)6—
2015"The Pigeon Song" (Guy Williams featuring Scribe)2—

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bic Runga</span> New Zealand singer and songwriter

Briolette Kah Bic Runga, recording as Bic Runga, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist pop artist. Her first three studio albums debuted at number one on the New Zealand Top 40 Album charts. Runga has also found success internationally in Australia, Ireland and the United Kingdom with her 1997 song "Sway".

Zed is a New Zealand pop rock group, which formed as Supra in 1996 in Christchurch by Ben Campbell on bass guitar, Nathan King on lead vocals and guitar, and Adrian Palmer on drums. In 2000 they added a second guitarist, Andrew Lynch. Their debut album, Silencer (2000), peaked at No. 1 on the New Zealand Albums Chart; while their second album, This Little Empire, reached No. 3. Their top 10 singles are "Glorafilia" (1999), "Renegade Fighter" (2000) and "Hard to Find Her" (2003). They toured New Zealand, Australia and United States before disbanding in 2004. They have reformed periodically including in 2017, 2019 and 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">P-Money</span> Musical artist

Peter Wadams, better known by his stage name P-Money, is a New Zealand hip-hop DJ and producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Savage (rapper)</span> New Zealand rapper

Demetrius C. Savelio, better known by his stage name Savage, is a New Zealand rapper and a former member of hip hop group the Deceptikonz. Savage was the first New Zealand hip hop artist to have a commercial single achieve platinum certification status in the United States. The "International Breakthrough" accolade of the Pacific Music Awards was created in his honour. Savage also has applied his recognisable voice in the electronic dance music space with 5× platinum hit ''Freaks'' with Timmy Trumpet, and 4 times platinum hit ''Swing'' with Joel Fletcher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stevie Wonder discography</span>

American musician Stevie Wonder has released 23 studio albums, three soundtrack albums, four live albums, 11 compilations, one box set, and 91 singles. His first album, The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie, was released in 1962 when he was 12 years old, and his most recent, A Time to Love, was released in 2005.

The Exponents, formerly The Dance Exponents, is a New Zealand rock group led by vocalist and songwriter Jordan Luck.

Matthew Saunoa is a New Zealand pop singer who rose to musical fame as the winner of the third season of New Zealand Idol in 2006. After winning the third season, his winner's single, "Hold Out" topped the New Zealand Singles Chart, however it did not secure Saunoa an album contract with Sony Music. In 2007 he appeared on Pop's Ultimate Star. He has experienced drug and alcohol addiction, and in 2023 he was imprisoned for over six years for injuring a police officer in a deliberate hit-and-run.

<i>Rhyme Book</i> 2007 studio album by Scribe

Rhyme Book is the second studio album by New Zealand rapper Scribe. It follows on from his 2003 award-winning album, The Crusader. It was released on 29 September 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Shit (Scribe song)</span> 2007 single by Scribe

"My Shit" is a song from Scribe's second studio album, Rhyme Book. It was the first single from the album in New Zealand, and the second in Australia. The song was released in both countries on 11 August 2007. The song's lyrics contain references to the end of the world.

Vince Harder is a New Zealand R&B/pop recording artist and producer. He is most notable for the 2008 song "Everything" with P-Money, which reached number one in New Zealand on the New Zealand Singles Chart in 2008. In May 2010, he released the single "Say This With Me" which peaked at number 39 on the singles chart.

"Stand Up" is the debut single by New Zealand rapper Scribe, from his 2003 album, The Crusader. It was released as a double A-side with "Not Many".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dreaming (Scribe song)</span> 2004 single by Scribe

"Dreaming" is the third single from Scribe's debut album, The Crusader. In New Zealand, it was released as a double A-side with "So Nice". Lyrically, the song is about Scribe's childhood aspirations. It had commercial success in New Zealand and Australia, appearing on the singles charts of both countries, and topping the former.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stan Walker</span> Australian-born New Zealand singer

Stan Walker is an Australian-born New Zealand singer, actor, and television personality. In 2009, Walker was the winner of the seventh season of Australian Idol. He subsequently signed a recording contract with Sony Music Australia. In December 2009, Walker released his debut studio album, Introducing Stan Walker, which included the hit single, "Black Box". The album debuted at number three on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). It also appeared on the New Zealand Albums Chart at number two and was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ).

Joshua Elia Williams, known by his stage name J. Williams, is a New Zealand R&B recording artist and professional hip-hop dancer. He made his musical debut in 2008 with "Blow Your Mind" which peaked at number 13 on the New Zealand Singles Chart. In early 2009 his debut album Young Love was released with the single "You Got Me" featuring Scribe. It was certified platinum and became the #1 selling single of 2010 in New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Not Many</span> 2003 single by Scribe

"Not Many" is a hip hop single by New Zealand rapper Scribe, taken from his debut album, The Crusader. It was released as a double A-side with "Stand Up".

Zoe Fleury,better known by her stage name Zowie, is a singer-songwriter and drummer from New Zealand. Zowie has toured with artists Katy Perry, Mark Ronson, The Kills and Peaches. She was previously called Bionic Pixie. She later changed her name to Zowie, and released her debut single "Broken Machine", which entered the Top 10 on the Official New Zealand Music Chart. Her debut album, Love Demolition, peaked at number 31 on the New Zealand Top 40 Album chart. Fleury is also one half of the duo 'The Bengal Lights', playing the drums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Julia Deans</span> New Zealand singer-songwriter

Julia Mary Deans is a New Zealand singer-songwriter best known as the lead singer of rock band Fur Patrol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ladi6</span> Musical artist

Karoline Fuarose Park-Tamati, known professionally as Ladi6, is a New Zealand recording artist of Samoan descent. She spent six months living in Berlin and touring Europe in both 2010 and 2011. Her debut album Time Is Not Much debuted at number 4 on the New Zealand Top 40 Album chart. and her second album The Liberation Of... debuted at number 6 and was certified gold. Her single "Like Water" was certified platinum in June 2011. She has won many awards, including Best Female Solo Artist and Best Urban Hip Hop Album at the 2011 New Zealand Music Awards and Best Urban/Hip Hop Album at the 2009 New Zealand Music Awards. The current line-up of the wider Ladi6 group is Ladi6, her partner Parks and Julien Dyne. Ladi6 has been called "New Zealand's answer to Erykah Badu".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marlon Williams (musician)</span> New Zealand singer-songwriter (born 1980)

Marlon Williams is a New Zealand singer-songwriter, guitarist and actor based in Lyttelton, New Zealand. Primarily known as a solo artist, he works and tours with his backing band The Yarra Benders and first came to attention as front-man of The Unfaithful Ways and for his collaborative work with musician Delaney Davidson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Internet Money Records</span> American record label and record producer collective

Internet Money Records, often credited as Internet Money, is an American record label and record producer collective. It was founded in 2015 by American record producer Taz Taylor, who serves as the chief executive officer (CEO). The producer collective consists of Taylor himself, Nick Mira, Spaceman, DT, HANEZ, Cxdy, E-Trou, JR Hitmaker, KC Supreme, MJ Nichols, Pharaoh Vice, Census, Paryo, Ryder Johnson, and Birdman Zoe. A blend of a YouTube channel, a record label, and a producer union, Internet Money is a medium for producers to sell instrumentals, as well as an aggregator for producers and creatives.

References

  1. 1 2 "King Kapisi supports Scribe's 'racist' arrest claim". ONE News . Auckland, New Zealand: Television New Zealand. Fairfax. 21 November 2011. Retrieved 14 April 2012.
  2. 1 2 Te Koha, Nui (30 September 2007). "Taking refuge in rhyme". Sunday Herald Sun . Southbank, Victoria, Australia. Retrieved 14 April 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 van Beynen, Martin (29 January 2011). "Scribe comes clean on his addictions". The Press . Christchurch, New Zealand: Fairfax New Zealand . Retrieved 14 April 2012.
  4. 1 2 "Scribe's quake-inspired remake goes viral". The Press . Christchurch, New Zealand: Fairfax. 8 September 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2012.
  5. ↑ "Interview with Caroline Luafutu". natlib.govt.nz. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  6. ↑ Stephenson, Sharon (15 July 2022). "The filmmaker who helped tell the harrowing story of rapper Scribe's father". Stuff. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  7. ↑ "'Brought me to tears': Luafutu family finds redemption from state care trauma". NZ Herald. 1 June 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  8. ↑ "Five revelations from Scribe's new doco". NZ Herald. 1 June 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  9. ↑ "Scribe". Christchurch City Libraries. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 New Zealand Charts
  11. 1 2 "New Zealand album certifications – Scribe – The Crusader". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  12. ↑ Beastie Boys, Scribe @ TheHordern Pavilion, 27/01/05 – February 3, 2015 FasterLouder Retrieved 10 September 2015
  13. 1 2 "Stuff". www.stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  14. ↑ "Scribe drops first single in more than a decade - Non-Attachment". 15 December 2022.
  15. ↑ "'I couldn't do it if I wasn't clean' - Scribe writes his own future". RNZ. 16 December 2022. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  16. ↑ Beynen, Martin van (29 January 2011). "Scribe comes clean on his addictions". Stuff. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  17. ↑ "Scribe sought by police over drug charges". RNZ. 16 August 2017. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  18. ↑ "Rapper Scribe arrested on Wellington's Courtenay Place". stuff.co.nz. 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  19. ↑ "Scribe gets support from King Kapisi". 3 News NZ. 21 November 2011.
  20. ↑ Gillies, Abby (1 April 2013). "Scribe's Jesse Ryder tweets spark controversy". The New Zealand Herald . Retrieved 25 September 2014.
  21. ↑ "Radio man beaten up at Scribe Christmas party". NZ Herald. 30 May 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  22. ↑ "Jesse Ryder thanks Scribe for 'support'". 3 News NZ . 3 April 2013.
  23. ↑ "'I've made a lot of mistakes' - Scribe teases 'amazing news' after release from prison". Newshub. 30 October 2018. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
  24. ↑ Jenkin, Lydia (October–November 2008). "Ladi6 – Our Leading Ladi". NZ Musician. 14 (6). Archived from the original on 23 May 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2011.
  25. ↑ "Inspire Me: Tyra Hammond". nzgirl. Retrieved 16 November 2011.
  26. ↑ "Kiwi father and son star in blockbuster Ghost in the Shell". thecoconet.tv. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  27. ↑ Anderson, Vicki (6 August 2021). "Actor finds new light starring in 'brutal' film Coming Home in the Dark". Stuff. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  28. ↑ Thompson, Tulia. "Faith and Feeling in A Boy Called Piano". Pantograph Punch. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  29. ↑ "'Brought me to tears': Luafutu family finds redemption from state care trauma". NZ Herald. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  30. ↑ "The White Guitar". The Conch. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  31. ↑ NZ Charts – Scribe
  32. ↑ Australian Charts – Scribe
  33. ↑ ARIA Chart – 2004
  34. ↑ "New Zealand album certifications – Scribe – Rhyme Book". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  35. 1 2 Australian Charts
  36. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Scribe – Stand Up / Not Many". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  37. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2004 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  38. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – P-Money feat. Scribe – Stop the Music". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  39. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2005 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  40. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – J.Williams feat. Scribe – You Got Me". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 21 June 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.