RudeGRL + CC
RudeGRL + CC is a collaborative hip hop and punk project formed in 2020, consisting of Jenna Dickens (aka RudeGRL, from Basement Jaxx, Sub Focus) and Chris Constantinou (The Wolfmen, Sinéad O'Connor, Adam Ant, The Mutants, One Thousand Motels).
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Background information | |
Genres | Rap rock |
Years active | 2020–present |
Members | Jenna Dickens (aka RudeGRL, vocals) Chris Constantinou (bass guitar, guitar, harmonic, flute, backing vocals) Bunni Morretto (dancer) |
History
Chris Constantinou and Jenna Dickens had some earlier collaboration in writing tracks for Sony, then in 2020 they started the project RudeGRL + CC. Jenna Dickens has a hip hop background and writes the lyrics and sings. Chris Constantinou has a punk rock background and writes and plays bass and guitar instruments and co-produces (Nicholas de Carlo co-produced the album, created the beats & synth arrangements and also mixed the album Like Wow).[1][2] The runner-up to Miss Burlesque 2018 Bunni Morretto is a performance artist and visual element in the collaboration.[3]
The music is described as a blend of post-punk/punk and hip-hop.[4][5] In 2020, they released the album Anthemic Hip Hop (Universal Music),[6] and one of its songs, "Helen Keller", won the 2020 PMA Best Hip Hop Track award.[7] In September 2020, they released the EP Like Wow, noted for confronting subjects like racial abuse, homophobia, addiction, and sexual violence, but also for having a positive message of resilience and recovery.[8][9][10] In January 2021, the band released the single Brand New Cadillac on Cleopatra Records, commented in reviews as an update with modern sonic textures of the 1959 classic rockabilly hit by Vince Taylor.[11][12] In April 2021, they released the EP Killer 16.[13]
Some of the band songs were featured by Iggy Pop[14] and Amy Lamé[15] on BBC 6.
Discography
- Anthemic Hip Hop (2020)
- Like Wow (EP, 2020)
- Brand New Cadillac (single, 2021)
- Killer 16 (EP, 2021)
- Femme Power (EP, 2022)
- Dream Big Live Large Play Hard (2023)
- I'm Good / Goody Two Shoes (single, 2023)
Awards
- 2020 PMA Best Hip Hop Track award for Helen Keller
References
- Dave Collins, Razor Keen - Chris Constantinou, Vive Le Rock, p. 80-84, issue 82, 2021
- Mick Burgess (21 January 2021). "Bass ace Chris Constantinou on his life in music, from Adam and the Ants to Rude GRL & CC, via The Mutants, The Wolfmen and much more". IPA Music. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- Becca J. Hamilton (3 December 2020). "Rude Girl and CC: The roar of queer women of colour". Canal ST Online. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- Octavia Graham. "An Interview with Rude GRL & CC". Cardiff Student Media. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- "Rude Grl & CC – Interview". Lights Go Out. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- "Rude Grl & CC". Firefly Entertainment. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- "PMA Awards - 2020 Winners". Production Music Association. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- Jen Dan (25 November 2020). "Song Premiere: "Like Wow" by Rude Grl + CC". Rebel Noise. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- Mark Cartwright (4 January 2021). "Rude GRL + CC - Like Wow". The Punk site. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- Matteo Sedazzari (25 November 2020). "Rude GRL + CC - Like Wow - Reviewed". Zani. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- "Chris Constantinou Releases Single 'Brand New Cadillac'". Broadway World. 26 January 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- "Single Review: RudeGRL & CC – 'Brand New Cadillac'". Rats on the Run. 28 January 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- "Prepare Your Ears for RudeGRL & CC's Sophomore EP, 'Killer 16'". BuzzMusic. 17 May 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
- "Iggy Pop 2022-05-29 Iggy Confidential". BBC 6. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
- "Amy Lamé - Your early Saturday morning soundtrack". BBC 6. Retrieved 14 July 2023.