At first, I was a little scared to write up an article about Die Antwoord splitting from prestigious label Interscope, known for signed artists New Kids on the Block and Wolfmother, but I had a nightmare last night where Ninja kept calling me a pussy, while playing out the curb-biting scene from American History X (a common recurring dream in variations).
So, I literally grew the balls to inform our Tiny Mix Tapes “reader” about this news — according to underground music blog Pitchfork Media, Die Antwoord apparently didn’t like the direction Interscope Records wanted to take the group, and then they said some unkind words to the sincere company.
Not that Die Antwoord or Interscope are the bad guys. Interscope did a fine job releasing the group’s first album on the label, $O$, last year. But, bad blood between the two have prompted Ninja, Yo-Landi Vi$$er, and DJ Hi-Tek to release the upcoming album, TEN$ION, originally set to be released on Interscope, via their own label, ZEF RECORDZ.
The album will be released digitally and on flash drives, as Die Antwoord feel that “CDs are like motherfucking VHS.” Also, the first single from TEN$ION, “FOK JULLE NAAIERS,” is available for eyes to watch in video form.
If Die Antwoord are “the future” as they insist, I just hope they don’t go away like the future of ice cream did. R.I.P. Dippin’ Dots (1995-2011).
• Die Antwoord: http://www.dieantwoord.com