Socalled @ CMW 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Socalled is a mad scientist rapper armed with an accordian, a Roland keyboard, a beat machine and Yiddish rhymes.

Grade: 95

Comment: Although his look took the crowd by surprise — he's a balding 20-something Jewish dude with an oversized sweater — his massive beats and oddball mix of Yiddish, hip-hop and humour certainly grabbed their attention. Although he makes fun of himself a lot, Socalled is an extremely talented MC, beatmaker and performer.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Dressed like your favourite uncle, Socalled threw all expectations out the window with his white rapper moves, rhymes and know-how. Socalled is able to joke about his heritage, then invite MC's up on stage to freestyle and play along with them. I guarantee you'll never see another show like this one. Ever.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
His beats are reminiscent of avant-garde French hip-hop crew TTC and his lyrics are crystal clear, imaginative and badass at the same time. Socalled was also the first act at the Pop Montreal showcase who had complete control of his various instruments and equipment. Although he usually performs with more players, this MC was fine all on his own.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: S
Nods To Disposible Fashion: S
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: 
Socalled invited Montreal female MC Kizzy and her sidekick up for some freestyle hip-hop at one point. Kizzy added some foul-mouthed, motha-fuckin'-hands-in-the-air action to the show. Giselle Numba One also made a few appearances, singing chorus lines for a few songs of Yiddish folk tunes mixed to beats. When the crowd didn't know exactly what to make of the performance, Socalled would yell out, "We're all Jewish tonight!" and "Sing it like you mean it!" Socalled IS charisma.