THE SCENE - is buzzing, alternative and much more autonomous than a decade ago. Music is the subject matter. There's so many more people doing things these days compared to the mid-1990's and so many new ways in which to promote as well. DNA are a hip hop group who have a 5 track release called 'Syxnotites - Frequencies'. All independently produced and released songs in the Greek and Cypriot dialect. Reality as seen from perspectives of rappers Decayer Lygas and MegaHz.. One thing that distinguishes DNA not only on a local level but also from many groups in Greece is their use of 'laika' popular Greek loops. This is a good thing as most people want to sound like globalized r&b /hiphop blueprints. I have always advocated music should be that which expresses the people making it - whatever instruments or beats this may mean. In the process HipHop itself becomes more planetary - more diverse and expressive. But it's not only the sound, but also the subject matter that makes this a rather unique reflection of Cypriot reality. Imagine tuning into a radio dial and finally finding what you have been looking for all these years. More info on this release and many others can be found at www.hiphop.com.cy

As innovative as it feels to Western ears, this Cypriot ensemble's cross of Mediterranean modes with hip-hop stylings quickly proves its own logic. Because they keep melody a feature of rhythm, DNA's traditional stringed instruments can slip seamlessly into pointed rap beats and tongue-tripping flows.