Urban Vault caught up with one half of the Netherlands based Hip Hop duo EllMatic & MpDrees24, who recently dropped their album PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT, accompanied by the visual for the track ONE STEP AT A TIME

With the ‘One Step At A Time’ video single EllMatic and beatsmith MpDrees24 announce the release of their ‘Practice Makes Perfect’ album. Expect nothing but sixteen original 90’s-infected boom-bap rap tracks with guest spots by the likes of BlabberMouf, Christmaz, Ntan, Malev Da Shinobi, and other like-minded artists.

The project started when EllMatic moved to the city where Drees lives. During this period they were both searching for inspiration to make some dope music. They got together and instantly the connection between vocal and sound felt like a smooth combination. First, they wanted to make an EP but they ended up with a full-length album. The motto was, quote:

“We don’t stop until it’s perfect!”

And so they took the time to work on the album until they thought it was ready to present it to the world. The title of the album ‘Practice Makes Perfect’ is based on this story. It also includes a message. That if you want to become good at something you have to learn by repetition. The more you practice the better you’ll become.

What is your name?

My real name is Lukas but people call me Ell (L).

Where are you from?

I’m from Heerlen, a city in the south of the Netherlands. It was the wealthiest city before the mines closed. After that, it became, as they called it, a junky city. Now it’s slowly rising again.

How long have you been making music?

I have been making music for almost 19 years now. In 2001 I wrote my first rhyme and I never stopped.

Tell us more about your latest album with beatsmith MpDrees24 ‘Practice Makes Perfect’.

We started this album in 2017 right after I released my first solo album titled “Face the Blank Page”. At my release party, I was on stage with the legendary KRS-One and I got so much energy and inspiration out of it that I picked up my pen the day after and started my new project with Drees. First, it was an EP but we needed another banger. Then we decided to go for a full album and we promised each other not to stop until it’s perfect. Now, 3 years later, we are proud to present “Practice Makes Perfect” on a golden platter. You don’t have to do anything, just sit back and enjoy the ride!

The album is available on digital platforms and limited vinyl. How important is a physical release (for you) in 2020?

Very important! Especially the vinyl part. Nowadays music is so easy to share and download, its good that technology is going fast and making our lives easier. However, I am from the old-school and for me keeping the real vinyl, etc. is priceless. It proves of my work as well as the blood, sweat, and tears I put into. One day I can show it to my grandchildren.

Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?

I started as a member of the Dutch Hip Hop crew Het Verzet. With members such as BlabberMouf, Ntan, dOOkie, dOOp, and Astro. Here’s a few next to my crew: Upfront from Split Prophets, Malev da Shinobi, Christmaz, NFX, SQB and others from Fat Flava Music.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

I would like to do a collabo with Res One from Split Prophets, with the Snowgoons, with Realidad Mental and with La Base. I hope to be on a track one day with maybe Onyx, Large Professor, Funkdoobiest, and headz who actually came to me, telling my shit is dope after hearing me dropping bombz! Like Heltah Skeltah and Krs-One. Always dream big!

What inspires you when you make your music?

A dope beat. When i hear the right one i get an explosion of ideas and my creativity is running wild. I also surrounded myself with artists, i get inspired by their enthausiasm and style.

How have you ended up in the music industry?

After releasing the “Greatest (S)hits” album with my crew Het Verzet I started my solo work and that’s when i got fully into the music industry. It’s a bitch!

What do you think of the music industry in 2020?

It’s a bitch!

What do you do when your not making music?

Next to my steady work in the healthcare section I spend time with my Polish girlfriend and my French bulldog named Lola. For years now I’m interested in topics about the universe, UFOS and other dope ass phenomena. I’ve spent a crazy amount of time searching for the truth damnit lol!

Facebook, Twitter or Instagram?

Insta!

In a few words sum up your thoughts about Urban Vault and what we’re trying to do?

I believe you guys are doing a good job by giving upcoming artists the chance to show their art and give music lovers the opportunity to find a artist they gonna love and they feel related to in some way.

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music…

Thanks for introducing me to your followers. Stay safe everybody!

EllMatic & MpDrees24 – Practice Makes Perfect via iTunes/Spotify

‘Practice Makes Perfect’ is strictly limited to 300 copies on black vinyl through HHV Records

www.facebook.com/ellmatichvz
https://instagram.com/ellmatic_hetverzet
https://instagram.com/mpdrees24