Noize MC x Ballantine’s

On July 7, 2016, for just one evening, Noize MC presented a unique show — Noize MC’s Hip-Hopera, based on the ancient Greek myth of the great love between Orpheus and Eurydice. This bold experiment combines hip-hop, theatrical drama, and classical aesthetics, produced with the support of the Ballantine’s brand.

The main idea of the performance is to explore timeless questions through a modern language. The author of the music and lyrics, Ivan Alekseev, stated: “This is a story about love, loyalty to oneself, and difficult choices. We interpret the myth with elements of hip-hop culture and create a multicultural space where antiquity and modernity coexist.”

The show, directed by Yuri Kvyatkovsky, transports the classic myth into the realities of today’s world, where the underworld becomes a psychedelic nightmare and a musical battle serves as an analogy for Orpheus’s ancient competition. Audiences can expect a blend of deep meanings and dynamic rhythms. The legend of Orpheus and Eurydice intertwines with themes of show business and the hero’s inner struggle.

The music for the hip-hopera was created from scratch, with minimal use of samples. The project involved a live instrumental ensemble, and the lyrics and beats were crafted in collaboration with DJ Stufford. On stage, representatives of hip-hop, such as ST, Dunya, and RE-pac, performed, each bringing their own style and making the production truly multifaceted.

For Noize MC, this was his first experience in creating a large-scale work where each track is organically woven into the overall narrative. As the artist notes, working on such a project turned out to be easier than making an album: “Each song is a part of the story, and the plot suggests the creative task.”

The central idea of the show is “Be true to yourself.” This is not only the message of the main character but also a manifesto for the entire production. Themes of mistakes, losses, and faith in one’s ideals resonate with contemporary realities, making the project relatable and understandable for every audience member.

The show was inspired by the success of the cult musical Hamilton and became an important milestone in the musician’s creative career. It is an attempt to integrate hip-hop into new genres and present it on stage in a format that impresses with its boldness and innovation.