Part 1 – Amsterdam

As some of you might already know, I recently represented Malaysia at the New Skool Rules Hip Hop/Rnb conference in Rotterdam, Netherlands. When my manager, Yaniz Merican told me the good news I was elated, because this meant that we would be flying into Amsterdam!

Checking-in at KLIA assisted by the helpful MAS staff.

The 12½ hour flight on MAS went by really quickly as we were attended to by the friendly staff on board MH016. I had more than sufficient leg-room space and the excellent in-flight entertainment kept me happy and contented throughout the length of the flight. Not to forget - I manageto catch some well deserved shut-eye!

On board flight MH016 en route to Amsterdam for the NSR Convention!

We finally arrived safely at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and took the train to Central Station which is situated directly opposite the Victoria Park Plaza. After checking into our hotel, we headed straight to the Van Gogh Museum. I was in awe of Starry Night and the Rembrandts were simply amazing!

Fresh off the flight at Central Station

We also took the opportunity to visit the Rijksmuseum which is the largest museum in Amsterdam. Parts of the building were under renovation but we still managed to get a look at many interesting exhibits that were on display. The building that houses this museum was an architectural marvel overlooking the many canals that can be found in the city.

In front of Rijksmuseum

I was particularly impressed with the elevated sense of the urban culture the city of Amsterdam enjoys. A lot of people on the streets were clearly influenced by the urban movement and you could see fantastic pieces of graffiti all over the city.

One of the many graffiti artwork that can be found around Amsterdam.
Check out the Air Yeezy's!

Since we were in Amsterdam, it was only right that we did the obligatory canal boat tour! The tour brought us through the many inner-city canals and harbors. We got a glimpse of the many boathouses moored along the canals. Did you know that there are now boathouses that have been converted to hotels that you can stay in? I would love to give it a try one day.

Our stay in Amsterdam was further made more comfortable and convenient with the presence of a fellow countryman, my friend and ex-breakdancer Achaap, who is currently residing in Amsterdam. He doubled up as our tour guide and being somewhat of a local himself, he brought us to places not usually frequented by tourists which really gave me a good perspective of the sort of the local lifestyle in Amsterdam.

with Achaap and his fam in Amsterdam

Part 2 – Rotterdam

After two days in Amsterdam (which literally flew by!), we were off to Rotterdam for the main reason for our tour - the New Skool Rules Convention. We were joined by fellow BumSquad DJs Phat Phillie from Croatia, Criscokidd from Houston and BumSquad President Latin Prince.

Me, Latin Prince & Phat Phillie!

With DJ Latin Prince. Representing the Bumsquad DJs and Blackberry Nation worldwide!

I felt proud to be the only Malaysian and Asian representing at the convention. Being the only person rocking the Air Yeezy’s definitely helped too! Especially whilst in the presence of legendary hip-hop icons such as MC Shan, DJ Tony Touch, Fredro Starr, Bishop Lamont and hundreds of other movers and shakers in the hip-hop world.

With Aftermath Ent. artist Bishop Lamont!

The NSR convention was held in 4 different locations, the main one being in the Maassilo in Rotterdam South. Other locations included the Factory 010, Baroeg and LCC 't Klooster. We had to commute between these locations to participate in the various activities.

Outside one of the convention locations

Being interviewed by Vibe Magazine! Watch out for that interview.

It was certainly a global gathering of the hip-hop community and we had a good interacting and networking session amongst each other. The workshops and talks that I attended really inspired me with a renewed and refreshed outlook towards hip-hop as a culture, an industry and a business. I will definitely be applying some of the things I learned at NSR to my day-to-day undertakings!

With Yaniz, my manager.

After the conference ended, it was finally time to say goodbye to the Netherlands. We flew back using MAS and although it had only been 6 days since we left Malaysia for Amsterdam, it was certainly a great feeling to be greeted by the friendly smiles of the MAS staff as we boarded our flight home. I now understand why the award-winning MAS cabin crew is considered to be the best in the world. The warmth and sincerity shown towards me and my tour-mates by the MAS staff and cabin crew was certainly reflective of their “Malaysian Hospitality” ethos and made the long journey between Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam (and back!) a most memorable and pleasant one!

With the lovely stewardesses on MH016!

Shoutout to all them NSR peeps and also a special shoutout to Malaysian Airlines!

One Love!

Joe Flizzow.