| Tied Up Part 2 Ethical feat. Daniel Merriweather  via YouTube |
| Chop Em Down Ethical feat. Young Sid  via YouTube |
Head on My Shoulders (Ages Turn) feat. Bradd Marquis via YouTube |
On My Throne via YouTube |
My Letter feat. Bradd Marquis via YouTube |
Talk of the Town via YouTube |
MTC mini movie (11m 19s) 18.7mb |
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In a world where hiphop is perceived and pigeonholed by categories and stereotypes, one man dares to shatter the restraints of any box the world tries to put him in. Described as “honest”, “real” and “straight up”, Ash Hughes AKA Ethical chose this MC name to reflect his personality and the beliefs and values he holds dear. A Taranaki Young Achievers Award Winner, (for his success in hiphop,) he is the latest signee to Move The Crowd Records.
Ethical’s mastering of tone and delivery is enough to put some of the best MCs to shame. His level of clarity is even better. Anyone who has recorded with him has been privy to this talent, but limited releases mean these abilities have not been exposed as they should. From his unparalleled lyricism on Speed of Sound 2 through to his guest appearances on Young Sid’s The Truth album, as well as various other critically acclaimed releases like Breakin’ Wreck Wordz It’s A Monster; Ethical’s talents will stun you.
His humble approach to his music is reminiscent of his general demeanor – Ethical never set out for pop star status. A socially conscious MC who has never been scared to speak on injustice, he has a keen interest in helping the youth and believes music can touch everyone.
Ethical’s hiphop resume includes many a highlight including accolades on the battle circuit – he was a Taranaki champ - as well as live performances as a support for various big names such as Dizzee Rascal, Sage Francis, De La Soul, Mobb Deep, Ying Yang Twins and Busta Rhymes – just to name a few. Not to mention a whirlwind tour of Asia with the legendary Grandmaster Roc Raida in February and March of 2007
His Album Age’s Turn features a host of verbal-napalm tracks weaving in and out of sonic beds laid down by producers Cochise, Emile, Shuko, FBI, Juse, Unknown and his longstanding production partner, Des Davis. Ethical describes his E.P and subsequent album as “a great mash up of who I am. The beats are eclectic, and how I pictured my album beats would be, and the rhymes are me”
A dictionary defines ‘Ethical’ as, “pertaining to, or dealing with morals or the principles of morality; pertaining to right and wrong in conduct.” It is to this definition that Ash ‘Ethical’ Hughes has adapted his career, using his name as his mantra for success as he strives towards the age-old desire to ‘keep it real’.