“Flemish hip-hop? Sorry, not good enough.” That was the headline in De Standaard that got the collective Flemish hip-hop movement's back up. Duo Safi & Spreej, from Ghent/Mechelen, didn't lose any sleep on it and amongst all the tumult around the article they promptly threw top-single ‘Herinner Mij’ onto the ether. Tit for tat, we call that. Today the two are the only Belgian hip-hop act to have a contract with the Dutch Top Notch label (De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig, The Opposites, Gers Pardoel), by the way, they share that honour with Flemish troubadour Guido Belcanto, and a collection of Flemish Rap Awards on the mantle.

Debut ‘Ter Plaatse, Rust’ is overflowing with catchy hooks, sharp and mature lyrics skilfully draped over varied beats, and latest single ‘Vandaag’, - that, just like ‘Herinner mij’, has shot over the hundred thousand views mark on Youtube – easily attains that same high standard. These guys are clearly out to show the Northern neighbours a thing or two with new longplayer ‘Fase 2’.

For their release party in AB, Safi & Spreej bring along Antwerp's Eigen Makelij posse, with Tiewai in the lead, he who dropped a bomb last year in the form of solo EP ‘Ilawo’. So get ready for an night of grand cru Flemish hip-hop!