Loadsa new video’s to be checking for including Dizzee who's taken it back to the gutter on ‘Graftin’, Kano and Ghetto get swarve on ‘Typical Me’, there’s the SLK megamix for ‘Hype, Hype’ (there’s about three different video’s floating about, honest), Unorthodox ‘No Help No Handouts (featuring the mightly No Lay), Southside Allstars ‘Southside’ (south London’s attempt at a Forward riddim one assumes), Slim Ting Recordings ‘Link Up’ (you’ve already had the behind the scenes), Highly Flammable’s ‘Charge Allstars’ (about time). The remix video for Lady Sovereign’s Random feat Riko, shot over in Elephant & Castle last month. Also Fire Camps ‘No’, which was shot recently and apparently has Lethal B posing as a basket ball coach, Crazy Titch’s ‘Singalong’ (filming underway as we speak, he’s taking over a theatre). And that’s not all… remember Sky channel 467 (It’s the only one you need to remember).
Wednesday, 2 February 2005
Fuck Who?
This arrived in my inbox from a journalist/friend based in New York, Aiko. It might not be grime, but it's grimey... and worth a good read.
"You know I don't do mass e-mailing much, especially not with a political content. But allow me this one opportunity, because not enough is being done with something that's seriously disturbed many people like me: a hip-hop head. a NY kid. an Asian. and more importantly, a global resident.
IF YOU FIT IN ONE OR MORE OF THE CATEGORIES ABOVE, you need to check this. If you believe in god(s) of any
kind, or love the song "We're the World" then also, you want to know this. But, FIRST, please read this excerpt below and decide if you want to read the rest:
"...All at once you could hear the screaming Chinks and no one was safe from the wave...there were Africans
drowning, little Chinamen swept away / you could hear God laughing, "Swim, you bitches, swim"
So now you're screwed, it's the Tsunami / you better run or kiss your ass away, go find your mommy / I just saw
her float by, a tree went through her head / and now you children will be sold to child slavery..."
Now, if you had any reaction, please read on. If you don't think anything of it, thanks for reading. Please feel
free to back to your business. But if it had any impact on you at all, please, I'm personally asking you, to take time and read this whole thing.
***
As many of you may know, that excerpt was from the "Tsunami Song" performed by Ms. Jones & Todd Lynn,
hosts of Hot 97's Morning Show. (Here's the link to the audio clip: http://www.asianmediawatchdog.com/
missjones/extendedtsunami.mp3 )
Those of you who are in New York may have already heard enough about it, but I need you, then, to spread the
word out to the folks outside the city. This is about more than the city. It's about hip-hop. It's about the media
and its appalling power. It's about that good ole topic of ours: RACISM and IGNORANCE.
When the scandal that the said hosts aired a Tsunami parody song, the fact that the song included such racial
slurs didn't reach many people. The fact that it was so graphic and that it suggested that a god would utter a
curse didn't reach many people. THIS IS WHY I'M SENDING THIS OUT.
Though the song was aired not just once but over a few days in a row, and naturally the concerned folks started
jumping on it, not many hip-hop sites dug deeply into this premium news, probably, out of fear of interfarence
with future business dealings.
I'll leave it up to Jay Smooth's site (http://www.hiphopmusic.com), Okayplayer (http://www.okayplayer.com),
and Asian Media Watchdog (http://www.asianmediawatchdog.com) to detail the whole story. But let me just throw out my thoughts and summerize the main problems this incident posed:
- Isn't it SO DISRESPECTFUL that they used "We're the World" as the base song for the parody?
- Since when did "CHINK" become an acceptable word for anyone --especially non-Asian people -- to use so
liberally? I'm Asian, and I don't even use that, for I'm Japanese I might use "JAP" but never that one.
- And that was ON AIR!!! Do words like "NIGGER/NIGGA", "SPIC", ever go broadcast without getting bleeped on a
PRE-RECORDED MATERIAL?
- Yes, people, that's right, remember, this was a PRE-RECORDED SONG. So, why didn't anyone review the
content? Hello? Is censorship still active?
- According to Ms. Jones and Todd Lynn, God would laugh at the disaster and say to victims, "Swim, you
bitches, swim". Apparently I don't share the same god with them.
- After the first airing of the song, IT TOOK AT LEAST 3 DAYS for Hot 97 to give an apology ONLINE: "HOT97
regrets the airing of material that made light of a serious and tragic event. We apologize to our listeners and
anyone who was offended."
- And it took A WEEK AND 2 MAJOR COMPANIES (Sprint PCS & McDonald's) CALLING OFF SPONSORSHIP for Hot
97 to "suspend" the show "indefinitely."
- Not to mention, it personally offends me that Hot 97 and its parent company have yet to let go of Ms. Jones. Is
making fun of Asian people and the disaster victims that light of an issue? Would it have been different, if it
were about black people or white people in tragedy?
- Now, what does the "suspension" mean? It means the hosts are still active members of Hot 97 and its parent
company, and the show might as well resume as soon as people stop talking about it.
- Before the suspension, the company offered that one week's salary for Ms. Jones would be donated to a
tsunami relief charity. I don't know what figure she makes, but I know she's not in Fortune 100, so it's not that
much.
- PLUS, sending money to charity as a form of punishment? Ummm... doesn't that just sound funny...?
- And all this happened at a radio station that claim's to be "the Official #1 Station for Hip-Hop and R&B". Now,
that's dissing music already.
- And all this happened at a New York City station out of all places in the world!
***
Alright, though I have a lot more thoughts, I'ma stop here. But please, do forward this e-mail to people in your address book, esp. outside New York. Spread the word out. Think about what hip-hop means. Think about what New York means. Think about what media do (or more like, don't do). Think about the power relationship of today's racial structure that some seem to belive in.
One,
Aiko"
THE END... or is it?
"You know I don't do mass e-mailing much, especially not with a political content. But allow me this one opportunity, because not enough is being done with something that's seriously disturbed many people like me: a hip-hop head. a NY kid. an Asian. and more importantly, a global resident.
IF YOU FIT IN ONE OR MORE OF THE CATEGORIES ABOVE, you need to check this. If you believe in god(s) of any
kind, or love the song "We're the World" then also, you want to know this. But, FIRST, please read this excerpt below and decide if you want to read the rest:
"...All at once you could hear the screaming Chinks and no one was safe from the wave...there were Africans
drowning, little Chinamen swept away / you could hear God laughing, "Swim, you bitches, swim"
So now you're screwed, it's the Tsunami / you better run or kiss your ass away, go find your mommy / I just saw
her float by, a tree went through her head / and now you children will be sold to child slavery..."
Now, if you had any reaction, please read on. If you don't think anything of it, thanks for reading. Please feel
free to back to your business. But if it had any impact on you at all, please, I'm personally asking you, to take time and read this whole thing.
***
As many of you may know, that excerpt was from the "Tsunami Song" performed by Ms. Jones & Todd Lynn,
hosts of Hot 97's Morning Show. (Here's the link to the audio clip: http://www.asianmediawatchdog.com/
missjones/extendedtsunami.mp3 )
Those of you who are in New York may have already heard enough about it, but I need you, then, to spread the
word out to the folks outside the city. This is about more than the city. It's about hip-hop. It's about the media
and its appalling power. It's about that good ole topic of ours: RACISM and IGNORANCE.
When the scandal that the said hosts aired a Tsunami parody song, the fact that the song included such racial
slurs didn't reach many people. The fact that it was so graphic and that it suggested that a god would utter a
curse didn't reach many people. THIS IS WHY I'M SENDING THIS OUT.
Though the song was aired not just once but over a few days in a row, and naturally the concerned folks started
jumping on it, not many hip-hop sites dug deeply into this premium news, probably, out of fear of interfarence
with future business dealings.
I'll leave it up to Jay Smooth's site (http://www.hiphopmusic.com), Okayplayer (http://www.okayplayer.com),
and Asian Media Watchdog (http://www.asianmediawatchdog.com) to detail the whole story. But let me just throw out my thoughts and summerize the main problems this incident posed:
- Isn't it SO DISRESPECTFUL that they used "We're the World" as the base song for the parody?
- Since when did "CHINK" become an acceptable word for anyone --especially non-Asian people -- to use so
liberally? I'm Asian, and I don't even use that, for I'm Japanese I might use "JAP" but never that one.
- And that was ON AIR!!! Do words like "NIGGER/NIGGA", "SPIC", ever go broadcast without getting bleeped on a
PRE-RECORDED MATERIAL?
- Yes, people, that's right, remember, this was a PRE-RECORDED SONG. So, why didn't anyone review the
content? Hello? Is censorship still active?
- According to Ms. Jones and Todd Lynn, God would laugh at the disaster and say to victims, "Swim, you
bitches, swim". Apparently I don't share the same god with them.
- After the first airing of the song, IT TOOK AT LEAST 3 DAYS for Hot 97 to give an apology ONLINE: "HOT97
regrets the airing of material that made light of a serious and tragic event. We apologize to our listeners and
anyone who was offended."
- And it took A WEEK AND 2 MAJOR COMPANIES (Sprint PCS & McDonald's) CALLING OFF SPONSORSHIP for Hot
97 to "suspend" the show "indefinitely."
- Not to mention, it personally offends me that Hot 97 and its parent company have yet to let go of Ms. Jones. Is
making fun of Asian people and the disaster victims that light of an issue? Would it have been different, if it
were about black people or white people in tragedy?
- Now, what does the "suspension" mean? It means the hosts are still active members of Hot 97 and its parent
company, and the show might as well resume as soon as people stop talking about it.
- Before the suspension, the company offered that one week's salary for Ms. Jones would be donated to a
tsunami relief charity. I don't know what figure she makes, but I know she's not in Fortune 100, so it's not that
much.
- PLUS, sending money to charity as a form of punishment? Ummm... doesn't that just sound funny...?
- And all this happened at a radio station that claim's to be "the Official #1 Station for Hip-Hop and R&B". Now,
that's dissing music already.
- And all this happened at a New York City station out of all places in the world!
***
Alright, though I have a lot more thoughts, I'ma stop here. But please, do forward this e-mail to people in your address book, esp. outside New York. Spread the word out. Think about what hip-hop means. Think about what New York means. Think about what media do (or more like, don't do). Think about the power relationship of today's racial structure that some seem to belive in.
One,
Aiko"
THE END... or is it?
Monday, 31 January 2005
Be Off With U
...To www.rinsefm.com where if you should head to the audio section you can check out recent sets from Slimzee, Dugs and Roll Deep or golden oldies from Pay As U Go, Rossi B & Luca, Agent X and that old mucker Slimzee (again)
Vegetarianism
There's more Fiddy Shot Ya over at www.tofuhut.blogspot.com as we try to educate our American cousins on the love we call grime. Today it's the Riko sequence... watch for Crazy Titch up next.
Sunday, 30 January 2005
Plastic's Plastic
New chart from Rinse FM's Plasticman. You may have also heard him playing out this weekend...
1. Terror Danjah - Nitecrawler
2. Mark One - Plodder
3. JME - Plasticman Dub
4. Macabre Unit - Sense Remix
5. Wiley - Dragon's Stout
1. Terror Danjah - Nitecrawler
2. Mark One - Plodder
3. JME - Plasticman Dub
4. Macabre Unit - Sense Remix
5. Wiley - Dragon's Stout
Saturday, 29 January 2005
Feeling Tense
The new issue of Tense is out next week and includes a 20 page grime special by The Fiddy Cent. As well as 8 pages of fashion featuring Bruza, No Lay, Lady Envi, Mr Wong and Riko there's an introduction to the scene - music and culture, seminal records, key players and playerettes... plus features on Lady Sovereign looking behind the hype and SLK on the rise of crews from outside of east London. http://www.tensemagazine.com/
Crazy Times
Nineteen year old Carl Nathaniel aka Crazy Titch is fast establishing himself as one of the more rampant scholars from the new school of emceeing. Hailing from the UK garage/grime scene, Titch, brother of Durrty Doogz (now Goodz), is putting Boyz In Da Hood Crew duties aside to aide and abet his solo career. And it’s a good move. His debut release, ‘I Can C U’, garnered mass support from the likes of 1Xtra and went onto become one of the years most requested video’s on Channel U. You may also have heard him on 2003’s summer anthem ‘Cock Back’, alongside Riko, Hyper and D Double E, Shystie’s ‘Make It Easy’ Remix with J2K, or current underground smash, ‘Orchestral Boroughs’ with Mr Wong, JME, and Flirta D.
“I’m just a product of my environment that comes equipped with a lot of energy, passion and sense of humour,” explains Titch. “With me it’s just Crazy.” And it’s this that’s attracting such an eclectic mix of fans, from kids to NME reading rock lovers.
Recent Crazy outings include joining Lady Sovereign in warming up for D12 on their recent UK tour and commandeering all-out lyrical warfare on Tim Westwoods Radio 1 rap show after a series of showdowns with Dizzee Rascal.
Continuing with his go-getter formula, Titch is putting the finishing touches to his mixtape and DVD series. Set for release in early 2005, Crazy Times will include footage from Ayia Napa, disses, Titch’s yard and a whole heap of shenanigans. He’s also finding time to set up his own label, In Da Hood Records, work on an album, with his next single, the classical magic that is ‘Sing-a-long’ (produced by Crazy Tim), shaping up to be bigger than his first. And for a boy who was described as tone deaf as school, that sure ain’t bad.
Words: Chantelle Fiddy
‘Sing-a-long’ is out on In Da Hood Recordssoon. www,crazytitch.net is under construction.
A version of this article appears in Touch Magazine.
“I’m just a product of my environment that comes equipped with a lot of energy, passion and sense of humour,” explains Titch. “With me it’s just Crazy.” And it’s this that’s attracting such an eclectic mix of fans, from kids to NME reading rock lovers.
Recent Crazy outings include joining Lady Sovereign in warming up for D12 on their recent UK tour and commandeering all-out lyrical warfare on Tim Westwoods Radio 1 rap show after a series of showdowns with Dizzee Rascal.
Continuing with his go-getter formula, Titch is putting the finishing touches to his mixtape and DVD series. Set for release in early 2005, Crazy Times will include footage from Ayia Napa, disses, Titch’s yard and a whole heap of shenanigans. He’s also finding time to set up his own label, In Da Hood Records, work on an album, with his next single, the classical magic that is ‘Sing-a-long’ (produced by Crazy Tim), shaping up to be bigger than his first. And for a boy who was described as tone deaf as school, that sure ain’t bad.
Words: Chantelle Fiddy
‘Sing-a-long’ is out on In Da Hood Recordssoon. www,crazytitch.net is under construction.
A version of this article appears in Touch Magazine.
Friday, 28 January 2005
Nice Fabric
Just in - Run The Road 4th March @ Fabric, Farringdon. Main room Kano, Wiley, D Double E, Riko, No Lay and more tbc. DJ's
Cameo, Mac 10 and Semtex.
Cameo, Mac 10 and Semtex.
Wednesday, 26 January 2005
No Beef Here
Head on over to http://tofuhut.blogspot.com and you'll find a nice D Double E freestyle currently on the upload. Quote of the year so far has to come from Lusitania Dupree who reckons "Grime sounds like God dropping crunk music on a trampoline." Shabby.
Monday, 24 January 2005
A Family Affair
679 Recordings’ acclaimed Run The Road compilation, the first artist-based grime collection, finally hits stores nationwide on January 24th. To coincide with this groundbreaking release, the finishing touches have been made to the brand new website - www.runtheroad.com. The site contains previews of the album tracks from volume one of the compilation series, a gallery of the artists involved and exclusive ringtones and wallpaper.
For budding MCs and producers there is also the opportunity to send in your demos which will not only be posted on the site as downloads , but also the best of which will appear on the next installment of the Run The Road compilation. This is the first of a series of opportunities Run The Road will be offering for new talent. Some of the scene's biggest producers will also be providing instrumentals which MCs can download, vocal and send in to the site, the cream of which will also appear as downloads and on Run The Road Volume II
"The most gifted champions of the scene brought together by essential imprint 679" - Time Out
"As up to date as garage compilations get" - The Guardian
"Even connoisseurs will marvel at the array of exclusive, unreleased tracks" - iD
“The first to hit the nail on the head as to how a grime compilation should be run” - RWD
For budding MCs and producers there is also the opportunity to send in your demos which will not only be posted on the site as downloads , but also the best of which will appear on the next installment of the Run The Road compilation. This is the first of a series of opportunities Run The Road will be offering for new talent. Some of the scene's biggest producers will also be providing instrumentals which MCs can download, vocal and send in to the site, the cream of which will also appear as downloads and on Run The Road Volume II
"The most gifted champions of the scene brought together by essential imprint 679" - Time Out
"As up to date as garage compilations get" - The Guardian
"Even connoisseurs will marvel at the array of exclusive, unreleased tracks" - iD
“The first to hit the nail on the head as to how a grime compilation should be run” - RWD
Camping
Lethal and Fire Camp have been filming their next video for the currently unsigned 'No'. Apparently It looked wicked, all the MCs were set up in a basketball court and Lethal was the coach. Napper was referee and Ozzie B, Knowledge, 2 Face and Clipper were on Fire Camp’s team. Cameos came from Westwood, Gemma Fox, Fumin, Bruza, Terrah Danjah, Slim Ting etc... It will be interesting to see where this one goes given the assumption they've jacked the no hook from Essentials, who like Roll Deep, have been unleashing the diss dubs.
Freeness
First 40 names who email anr@679recordings.com will get free entry for Kano's headline appearence at The Marquee, 1 Leicster Sq…in aid of the Tsunami Relief Fund. Kano onstage at approx 10.15pm. DJ Cameo will be spinning a 30 min warm up set before he goes on. No dress code.
Saturday, 22 January 2005
Scarface aka Kano
He's doing something at a Tsunami benefit gig, I would tell you more except I've lost the details. Hold tight.
Friday, 21 January 2005
Rinse Refurb
Just noticed (thanks to www.drumzofthesouth.blogspot.com/) that www.rinsefm.com has had a refurb. It's rather nice too so be sure to get yourself a cup of rosie, check the audio, profiles, charts and join the forum. Feel like part of the family.
Out Monday
...It's Run The Road. Go to www.runtheroad.com for more info on the worlds first grime compilation...
Thursday, 13 January 2005
Battle Of The Breast
There’s a wave of female MC’s bending the rules and the music establishment over a barrel. Like me you may not remember when British MC Monie Love broke America or when Deborah Harry (Blondie) first rapped bars about hip hop pioneers Grandmaster Flash and Fab Five Freddy on Rapture, a track that took the art of female emceeing to number one in the charts in 1980. But when you think about it, its actually quite sad that until recently we’ve had to look that far back for successful female MC’s. Maybe it’s unsurprising given the reputation of the UK music industry, but while the USA and hip hop have boomed and brought forth multi-platinum selling female emcees to mainstream audiences it’s only now the UK are finally catching on.
It seems thanks to the success of the burgeoning underground music scene and the efforts of mic blazers past and present, more and more female emcees are emerging and challenging both the lyric and history books ultimately spurred through a very real hip hop gene. They’re bringing stories and rhymes fuelled by social climate and stifled opinions. Unknowingly perhaps, but they’re fighting a saturated fantasy world of bling and worse.
In the wake of the success of MC’s like Ms Dynamite, who contrary to popular belief still spits bars like the rest of them (at underground London club night Forward, Dynamite a former resident, turned up unannounced recently to unleash 30 minutes of firing verbals), record companies and the public are opening their ears.
While Shystie has been snapped up by Polydor and Estelle by J-DID/V2, Touch caught up with six of London’s leading ladies on the high-rise…
UZI (Urban Soul Incorporated), 17, South London
Having casually written poetry and MCing for a number of years, UZI joined South London collective N Double A last summer. Their track, Ghetto Living appeared on the first Street Dreams compilation and they can currently be seen spitting on Lord Of The Decks 2, their own Top Boy DVD’s and under 21’s club nights.
I MC because…I’ve got a message to deliver and aside from the music I’ve got talent in lyrics and I want to express that and give that to the people.
MC Style…Real, urban life.
On being a female…I think it makes it harder and you have to prove your point more. You have to justify your talent where as men can get recognised through ego and arrogance. I wish people would just listen to the music.
Musical memory…Recording tunes and listening to the final product, Wake Up is on a conscious tip and that was an amazing feeling.
Fave MC’s…Wiley, All In One, Fury’s my girl, Narstie, L Man and my favourite is Dizzee Rascal.
Drug of choice…I think all music.
Working on…Our raves and our new radio station has just launched, 95.5 On Top FM. I’m doing an R&B tempo track with a beat from Sinister and I’ve just finished the Pum, Pum Riddim, and a tune called Wake Up for the next Street Dreams compilation album.
Tor, 23, East London.
After winning college competitions and linking up with a management team, Tor was signed to Go Beat for a spell before the label moved from Polydor to Island. Instead of compromising her music (and soul) she returned to the studio with a new found vigour and recently appeared on the Split Mic mixtape. While currently talking with various major record labels she continues to play football for Tottenham Ladies.
I MC because…I can’t help it. In east London you either do sport or MC because there’s nothing to do. Pen and paper is accessible, It doesn’t cost anything and if you’re good, you can get credibility for it.
MC Style… I rap but I kind of sing too.
On being a female… It’s helped in a way. If you do what you’re doing and you do it right you’re really going to stand out.
Fave MC’s: I’m feeling Klashnekoff, Talib Kwelli is a big one on the list - I like a lot of different things about different MC’s, flows like Lil Kim’s Jay-Z’s, the boys like Kano…
Musical Memory…Working in New York with Rashad Smith…there’s such a buzz about hip hop there that it makes you work so quick and feel excited to be part of hip hop.
Drug of choice…I don’t smoke or drink anything. I’m a football player too and I’m busy recovering from a leg injury.
Working on…My album, some new bits with Fusion, Rashad Smith, JK and I’ve just started a track with Wonder. I know my best work is yet to come.
Maihem, 18, East London.
Maihem started her career at the tender age of four, playing the keyboards. She began song writing at ten and spitting at 13. Maihem is one of the few females producing a lot of her own beats and is now working with J2K and big boy producer TNT.
I MC because…That’s what I do, it’s me, it my life. If I wasn’t MCing, spitting, making beats I don’t know where I’d be right now, prison or something.
MC Style: Different. I just remember how I used to listen to people like Skiba and wanna learn that rolling tongue.
On been a female…It does and it doesn’t make a difference for the fact that you’re going to get love if you’re good no matter what, but been a female makes you stand out a little more.
Fave tune to date: Scorpion (with DJ Target).
Fave MC’s: Kano, D Double E, J2K and the youngers like Scare Dem.
Musical memory…Meeting J2K, he’s a funny character who brightens up the studio and going to see Erykah Badu live. That was a life changing experience trust me.
Drug of choice: Music, it gets every problem and point across.
Working on: I’ve just realised I’m not an MC, I’m an artist. Every genre is my genre, standard. I’m doing the next Heat In The Street mixtape with J2K and I’m on DJ Target’s Aim High mixtape.
Lady Sovereign,18, North London.
Sovereign’s career launched on vinyl last year with track The Battle featuring Shysite and co. She’s currently working with a host of producers including Medasyn and Sunship. Having just finished a stint warming up for Obie Trice and more recently playing Fabric Live with Dizzee Rascal, Sov is tipped by more than just the industry for the top.
I MC because…It’s all I want to do, Ms Dynamite inspired me. I have nothing to fall back on I just want people to hear me and laugh. I knew I could be better than the swag MC’s I used to hear on radio.
MC Style: Cheeky and random
On been a female… It’s nothing. It doesn’t make a difference it’s how you are, it’s how you spit.
Fave tune to date: A Little Bit Of Ssh! (Out now) or Midget that I’m working on.
Fave MC’s: Anyone who’s cheeky - Flirta D, Missy Elliott, Ludacris, Outkast.
Would love to collaborate with: Dizzee, Wiley, Outkast.
Drug of choice: Hash. It gives me the giggles.
Working on…Bare tunes, mixtapes, dubs. I’ve just finished a remix for The Streets next single with Tinchy Stryder, Kano and Donae’o. I’m set to go on tour with The Streets later this year.
Lady Fury, 17, East London.
It was when Fury started entering competitions at under 21’s raves like Young Man Standing that she got noticed and now she is the only female MC regularly booked for Eskimo Dance’s and Sidewinder. Formerly a member of East Connection, she now sits with her mentor Maxwell D and The Musketeer family while aspiring to become a youth worker.
MC Style…Angry and real.
I MC because…it helps me express myself, I like music and I like writing bars. I was a very shy person and MCing helped me overcome it and gave me confidence.
On being a female…It’s still more about talent in this game than sex or race.
Fave MC’s…I only started listening to MC’s after seeing Dynamite fuck up EQ, that made me want to do it, so her, she murked the rave in two seconds. I also like Heartless and Pay As U Go.
Raves and clashing… I clashed Gift’s sister, Q-T once, she sent for me but I’m not in it, I’ve got a bigger picture and being negative isn’t going to benefit me. I find at raves people either go mad or they stare, like their a bit shocked or something.
Drug of choice…Trainers. Decades are the lick now, not Nike, you gotta move with the times. I like the old skool look, with adidas you can come different, you can just cover your body with clothes or you can have a look. I’m an individual, you get me?
Working on…Tracks, keeping up profile on radio. Gash featuring Demon, Murk Dem my first solo and Tools So Small are all out in shops.
Rzarector, 20, East London.
Also representing The Musketeers, Rzarector only began MCing 18 months ago driven by her frustration at only being able to sing to her television. It was through ongoing work experience (from the age of 16) with Commander B on Choice FM that she hooked up with mentor Maxwell D and Fury.
MC Style…Bashy but lowkey.
I MC because…I can’t sing. I just want to be happy with what I’m doing and what music I’m putting out.
Being a female…People get excited when they know you’re a female MC, but it’s not a big thing. It doesn’t bother me, I don’t see a difference.Fave MC’s…I won’t go home and listen to pirates, I rate a lot of people in the game but I don’t really have inspiration. I would like to collaborate with Kano though if I could. He’s big.
Inspiration…People that piss me off, I try not to but that’s what I find myself writing about, especially HO’s. I’ll remember if
you’ve done me wrong in the past and you’ll know the lyric is about you without me calling your name.
Fave track to date: Mine and Fury’s version of Terror Danjah’s Cock Back.
Drug of choice…Bless. Strictly high grade boy.
Working on…Our show on Flashback 99.3fm, Tuesdays, 8pm, The Musketeers album. I’ve laid down tunes I haven’t even named that are in the pipeline to be released.
It seems thanks to the success of the burgeoning underground music scene and the efforts of mic blazers past and present, more and more female emcees are emerging and challenging both the lyric and history books ultimately spurred through a very real hip hop gene. They’re bringing stories and rhymes fuelled by social climate and stifled opinions. Unknowingly perhaps, but they’re fighting a saturated fantasy world of bling and worse.
In the wake of the success of MC’s like Ms Dynamite, who contrary to popular belief still spits bars like the rest of them (at underground London club night Forward, Dynamite a former resident, turned up unannounced recently to unleash 30 minutes of firing verbals), record companies and the public are opening their ears.
While Shystie has been snapped up by Polydor and Estelle by J-DID/V2, Touch caught up with six of London’s leading ladies on the high-rise…
UZI (Urban Soul Incorporated), 17, South London
Having casually written poetry and MCing for a number of years, UZI joined South London collective N Double A last summer. Their track, Ghetto Living appeared on the first Street Dreams compilation and they can currently be seen spitting on Lord Of The Decks 2, their own Top Boy DVD’s and under 21’s club nights.
I MC because…I’ve got a message to deliver and aside from the music I’ve got talent in lyrics and I want to express that and give that to the people.
MC Style…Real, urban life.
On being a female…I think it makes it harder and you have to prove your point more. You have to justify your talent where as men can get recognised through ego and arrogance. I wish people would just listen to the music.
Musical memory…Recording tunes and listening to the final product, Wake Up is on a conscious tip and that was an amazing feeling.
Fave MC’s…Wiley, All In One, Fury’s my girl, Narstie, L Man and my favourite is Dizzee Rascal.
Drug of choice…I think all music.
Working on…Our raves and our new radio station has just launched, 95.5 On Top FM. I’m doing an R&B tempo track with a beat from Sinister and I’ve just finished the Pum, Pum Riddim, and a tune called Wake Up for the next Street Dreams compilation album.
Tor, 23, East London.
After winning college competitions and linking up with a management team, Tor was signed to Go Beat for a spell before the label moved from Polydor to Island. Instead of compromising her music (and soul) she returned to the studio with a new found vigour and recently appeared on the Split Mic mixtape. While currently talking with various major record labels she continues to play football for Tottenham Ladies.
I MC because…I can’t help it. In east London you either do sport or MC because there’s nothing to do. Pen and paper is accessible, It doesn’t cost anything and if you’re good, you can get credibility for it.
MC Style… I rap but I kind of sing too.
On being a female… It’s helped in a way. If you do what you’re doing and you do it right you’re really going to stand out.
Fave MC’s: I’m feeling Klashnekoff, Talib Kwelli is a big one on the list - I like a lot of different things about different MC’s, flows like Lil Kim’s Jay-Z’s, the boys like Kano…
Musical Memory…Working in New York with Rashad Smith…there’s such a buzz about hip hop there that it makes you work so quick and feel excited to be part of hip hop.
Drug of choice…I don’t smoke or drink anything. I’m a football player too and I’m busy recovering from a leg injury.
Working on…My album, some new bits with Fusion, Rashad Smith, JK and I’ve just started a track with Wonder. I know my best work is yet to come.
Maihem, 18, East London.
Maihem started her career at the tender age of four, playing the keyboards. She began song writing at ten and spitting at 13. Maihem is one of the few females producing a lot of her own beats and is now working with J2K and big boy producer TNT.
I MC because…That’s what I do, it’s me, it my life. If I wasn’t MCing, spitting, making beats I don’t know where I’d be right now, prison or something.
MC Style: Different. I just remember how I used to listen to people like Skiba and wanna learn that rolling tongue.
On been a female…It does and it doesn’t make a difference for the fact that you’re going to get love if you’re good no matter what, but been a female makes you stand out a little more.
Fave tune to date: Scorpion (with DJ Target).
Fave MC’s: Kano, D Double E, J2K and the youngers like Scare Dem.
Musical memory…Meeting J2K, he’s a funny character who brightens up the studio and going to see Erykah Badu live. That was a life changing experience trust me.
Drug of choice: Music, it gets every problem and point across.
Working on: I’ve just realised I’m not an MC, I’m an artist. Every genre is my genre, standard. I’m doing the next Heat In The Street mixtape with J2K and I’m on DJ Target’s Aim High mixtape.
Lady Sovereign,18, North London.
Sovereign’s career launched on vinyl last year with track The Battle featuring Shysite and co. She’s currently working with a host of producers including Medasyn and Sunship. Having just finished a stint warming up for Obie Trice and more recently playing Fabric Live with Dizzee Rascal, Sov is tipped by more than just the industry for the top.
I MC because…It’s all I want to do, Ms Dynamite inspired me. I have nothing to fall back on I just want people to hear me and laugh. I knew I could be better than the swag MC’s I used to hear on radio.
MC Style: Cheeky and random
On been a female… It’s nothing. It doesn’t make a difference it’s how you are, it’s how you spit.
Fave tune to date: A Little Bit Of Ssh! (Out now) or Midget that I’m working on.
Fave MC’s: Anyone who’s cheeky - Flirta D, Missy Elliott, Ludacris, Outkast.
Would love to collaborate with: Dizzee, Wiley, Outkast.
Drug of choice: Hash. It gives me the giggles.
Working on…Bare tunes, mixtapes, dubs. I’ve just finished a remix for The Streets next single with Tinchy Stryder, Kano and Donae’o. I’m set to go on tour with The Streets later this year.
Lady Fury, 17, East London.
It was when Fury started entering competitions at under 21’s raves like Young Man Standing that she got noticed and now she is the only female MC regularly booked for Eskimo Dance’s and Sidewinder. Formerly a member of East Connection, she now sits with her mentor Maxwell D and The Musketeer family while aspiring to become a youth worker.
MC Style…Angry and real.
I MC because…it helps me express myself, I like music and I like writing bars. I was a very shy person and MCing helped me overcome it and gave me confidence.
On being a female…It’s still more about talent in this game than sex or race.
Fave MC’s…I only started listening to MC’s after seeing Dynamite fuck up EQ, that made me want to do it, so her, she murked the rave in two seconds. I also like Heartless and Pay As U Go.
Raves and clashing… I clashed Gift’s sister, Q-T once, she sent for me but I’m not in it, I’ve got a bigger picture and being negative isn’t going to benefit me. I find at raves people either go mad or they stare, like their a bit shocked or something.
Drug of choice…Trainers. Decades are the lick now, not Nike, you gotta move with the times. I like the old skool look, with adidas you can come different, you can just cover your body with clothes or you can have a look. I’m an individual, you get me?
Working on…Tracks, keeping up profile on radio. Gash featuring Demon, Murk Dem my first solo and Tools So Small are all out in shops.
Rzarector, 20, East London.
Also representing The Musketeers, Rzarector only began MCing 18 months ago driven by her frustration at only being able to sing to her television. It was through ongoing work experience (from the age of 16) with Commander B on Choice FM that she hooked up with mentor Maxwell D and Fury.
MC Style…Bashy but lowkey.
I MC because…I can’t sing. I just want to be happy with what I’m doing and what music I’m putting out.
Being a female…People get excited when they know you’re a female MC, but it’s not a big thing. It doesn’t bother me, I don’t see a difference.Fave MC’s…I won’t go home and listen to pirates, I rate a lot of people in the game but I don’t really have inspiration. I would like to collaborate with Kano though if I could. He’s big.
Inspiration…People that piss me off, I try not to but that’s what I find myself writing about, especially HO’s. I’ll remember if
you’ve done me wrong in the past and you’ll know the lyric is about you without me calling your name.
Fave track to date: Mine and Fury’s version of Terror Danjah’s Cock Back.
Drug of choice…Bless. Strictly high grade boy.
Working on…Our show on Flashback 99.3fm, Tuesdays, 8pm, The Musketeers album. I’ve laid down tunes I haven’t even named that are in the pipeline to be released.
Hitman Hyper (NASTY)
And model...
Where have you been? I heard you’d moved over to the world of Gospel?
Oh my days! Serious? That’s not true. You know what it is, I was sorting out some personal problems but that’s all good now so I’m ready, the scene’s in trouble now. I’m back with passion, got lots of tracks, a mix CD…I’ve been talking to Heat In The Street and they may be taking it over, finishing if off.
What’s going to be on that?
Me spitting fresh bars over hip hop and garage beats.
Are you singing on it that’s what we want to know?
Oh my days! You never know.
Your Pharrell Beautiful bootleg was too much but you never bought it out, you going to put it on there?
I’ve got bigger things coming than that.
So are the bars changing?
I’ve stepped up my game, if people think they’ve already had the best of me they’re wrong. There’s a lot more coming.
While you’ve been away a lot of talent has come through is there anyone in particular you’re watching?
I’m not really watching anyone cause everyone’s doing their own thing. Listen to the tune we’re doing today ‘The Link Up’, listen to the message in the 8 bars, I feel in this scene I’m very underestimated. I’m the hitman.
Describe Hyper?
I’m a very serious brother, very focused, but you know be good with me I’ll be good with you.
And the NASTY Crew album, is that for the streets or are you looking bigger?
I’m not sure, I think we’ll just wait and see what happens but you know it’s going to be off the hook.
Kiss For Logan
If you're awake at 2am and can access London's Kiss 100FM then tune in to hear Logan Sama's takeover. Quite possibly the biggest vocal DJ on the scene, can the legal airwaves handle his fresh front? Alternatively log onto www.rinsefm.com or 100.3FM, Fridays 7-9pm (not 9-11pm) to catch him minus the censorship (new diss dubs landing be warned).
Monday, 10 January 2005
Some Fave...
ALBUMS OF THE YEAR...
Roll Deep - Creeper Mixtape Vol. 1 (Roll Deep Recordings)
Klashnekoff - The Sagas Of (Kemet Entertainment Records)
Bossman - Street Anthems Vol. 1 (Essentials)
Various - Run The Road (679 Recordings)
Wiley - Treddin On Thin Ice (XL Recordings)
Twista - Kamikaze (Atlantic)
Fried - Fried (London)
Dizzee Rascal - Showtime (XL Recordings)
Usher - Confessions (Arista)
Various - Lord of the Mics (Hotheadz Entertainment)
SINGLES OF THE YEAR...
Lethal B - Forward Riddim (Lethal Bizzle/Relentless)
Trim, Riko, Wiley, DEE, Footsie - Boogeyman (White label)
KT and Kano - Leave Me Alone (Paperchase Recordings) P Jam & D Double E - Anger Management (White)
Target feat Riko, Discarda & Dog-Z - Critical (Aim High)
Crazy Titch - I Can C U (Aftershock)
Roll Deep - Poltergeist Relay (Roll Deep Recordings)
Lady Sovereign feat Riko - Random (Casual Records)
The Streets - Fit But U Know It Rmx (679 Recordings)
Oris Jay - Quaker Notes (Texture)
Roll Deep - Creeper Mixtape Vol. 1 (Roll Deep Recordings)
Klashnekoff - The Sagas Of (Kemet Entertainment Records)
Bossman - Street Anthems Vol. 1 (Essentials)
Various - Run The Road (679 Recordings)
Wiley - Treddin On Thin Ice (XL Recordings)
Twista - Kamikaze (Atlantic)
Fried - Fried (London)
Dizzee Rascal - Showtime (XL Recordings)
Usher - Confessions (Arista)
Various - Lord of the Mics (Hotheadz Entertainment)
SINGLES OF THE YEAR...
Lethal B - Forward Riddim (Lethal Bizzle/Relentless)
Trim, Riko, Wiley, DEE, Footsie - Boogeyman (White label)
KT and Kano - Leave Me Alone (Paperchase Recordings) P Jam & D Double E - Anger Management (White)
Target feat Riko, Discarda & Dog-Z - Critical (Aim High)
Crazy Titch - I Can C U (Aftershock)
Roll Deep - Poltergeist Relay (Roll Deep Recordings)
Lady Sovereign feat Riko - Random (Casual Records)
The Streets - Fit But U Know It Rmx (679 Recordings)
Oris Jay - Quaker Notes (Texture)
Sunday, 9 January 2005
Bashy Latest
Seems the blog is reaching far and wide and Bashy's been made aware of my Dear Deidre letter. Published on here a while back it contained my views on his diss track and ever the feminist, I questioned the featured lyrical slaughter of Wiley's sister. I received a phone call and respect to Bashy for handling my views like a man and appreciating my position (I once had a death threat for saying someones tune was like a plate of soggy sprouts instead of the advertised artichoke). While we may still not agree on the content of the afore track it was an interesting debate. Check back here for the full transcript soon (permission granted). He also informed me that some wires have got crossed and that the mixtape wasn't actually funded by a government scheme. Retraction then. And while I still don't think the Ur Mum Vol 1 mixtape showcases Bashy's potential (his concept work is much better) It's sold out already, the yoots dem obviously loving it. I'm assured the album will be more to my liking so look forward to hearing less bad boy hype and more quirky wordplay.
Recent Charts
1. Wiley Kat – New Era (White)
2. Shola Ama – With U (Aftershock)
3. Top T & Danny C feat Supplier - Magic (Aim)
4. D Child V’s Desert Storm – Lose My Breath Rmx (White)
5. DaVinChe – Dirty Canvas EP (Paperchase)
6. Dr Venom – Egyptian Riddim (More2DaFloor)
7. East Connection – Link Up/Desert Storm (White)
8. Aftershock Recordings presents Road Sweeper EP (Aftershock)
9. Aftershock Recordings presents Fully Conditioned EP (Aftershock)
10. Virgo – Monster/Resolution (White)
Compiled by Sparky @ Rhythm Division, Roman Road, Bow E3. You can listen to audio in this chart at www.rhythmdivision.co.uk
1. Wiley – Ice Pole (White)
2. EL-B – EL-Breaks Vol. 3 (Ghost Studios)
3. No Questions Vs Vandetta – I Don’t Care (White)
4. Kano – P’s & Q’s (679 Recordings)
5. DaVinChe – Dirty Canvas EP Vol. 2 (Paperchase)
6. Unknown – Walked Outta Heaven refix (White)
7. Lethal B – Forward Riddim Rmx (Relentless)
8. Jill Scott – Golden (Wookie Remix) (Promo)
9. Donna Deep – Lovin U Remixes (Jaycel)
10. Aftershock feat Shola Ama – Without U (Aftershock)
Compiled by Cameo @ Uptown Records, D’Arbly Street, W1. You can listen to audio in this chart at www.uptownrecords.com
2. Shola Ama – With U (Aftershock)
3. Top T & Danny C feat Supplier - Magic (Aim)
4. D Child V’s Desert Storm – Lose My Breath Rmx (White)
5. DaVinChe – Dirty Canvas EP (Paperchase)
6. Dr Venom – Egyptian Riddim (More2DaFloor)
7. East Connection – Link Up/Desert Storm (White)
8. Aftershock Recordings presents Road Sweeper EP (Aftershock)
9. Aftershock Recordings presents Fully Conditioned EP (Aftershock)
10. Virgo – Monster/Resolution (White)
Compiled by Sparky @ Rhythm Division, Roman Road, Bow E3. You can listen to audio in this chart at www.rhythmdivision.co.uk
1. Wiley – Ice Pole (White)
2. EL-B – EL-Breaks Vol. 3 (Ghost Studios)
3. No Questions Vs Vandetta – I Don’t Care (White)
4. Kano – P’s & Q’s (679 Recordings)
5. DaVinChe – Dirty Canvas EP Vol. 2 (Paperchase)
6. Unknown – Walked Outta Heaven refix (White)
7. Lethal B – Forward Riddim Rmx (Relentless)
8. Jill Scott – Golden (Wookie Remix) (Promo)
9. Donna Deep – Lovin U Remixes (Jaycel)
10. Aftershock feat Shola Ama – Without U (Aftershock)
Compiled by Cameo @ Uptown Records, D’Arbly Street, W1. You can listen to audio in this chart at www.uptownrecords.com
James From Luton
No idea who this guy is but he phones people up and gets some nice audio clips.
Check out James and JME http://s16.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=067QY47TPMN990NLO3LBWUE6SG or James and Trim http://s16.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2JHSQCXD9KM8Z24RFM9G1IKJLX or James and Flirta D http://s7.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3JVAEUWK0KN3J29NVV3KFMY806.
Check out James and JME http://s16.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=067QY47TPMN990NLO3LBWUE6SG or James and Trim http://s16.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2JHSQCXD9KM8Z24RFM9G1IKJLX or James and Flirta D http://s7.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3JVAEUWK0KN3J29NVV3KFMY806.
Channinja
Lesson 1 - When entertaining Canadian grime fans in your yard, do not attempt unblocking your sink with acid, especially if they have serious asthma. Lesson 2 - do not then ask them if they want a sandwich brandishing a knife bigger than their manhood.
Friday, 7 January 2005
Danjah Mail
If you sign up to the 1Xtra weekly mail out you will already have seen this. Every week a 1Xtra DJ will write to you and this week’s special 2005 mail is from the in-demand producer and 1Xtra presenter, Aftershock’s Terror Danjah.
“Wha gwan, I’ve spent Xmas & New Year behind the computer making music which is sad…but good. I’ve been doing tracks for Kano, Wiley and Lethal B’s albums. Doing the Aftershock M1X Show with Bruza, Triple Threat and Scratcher has been firin’ – we’ve had Shola Ama, Sway and Roll Deep on as guests and we’ll have more in ’05. In April we’re going to do a DJ Clash with all the big DJs on the garage scene. You know that will be massive! My prediction for this year is that vocals are coming back which means it’ll bring the girls back and make the music accessible and more diverse than just the MC thing. Aftershock are taking on new singers & we gonna be big so check the show every Friday night 2-6am, and if you miss it you can listen anytime online to our UKG M1X Show at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/garage." And there you have it.
“Wha gwan, I’ve spent Xmas & New Year behind the computer making music which is sad…but good. I’ve been doing tracks for Kano, Wiley and Lethal B’s albums. Doing the Aftershock M1X Show with Bruza, Triple Threat and Scratcher has been firin’ – we’ve had Shola Ama, Sway and Roll Deep on as guests and we’ll have more in ’05. In April we’re going to do a DJ Clash with all the big DJs on the garage scene. You know that will be massive! My prediction for this year is that vocals are coming back which means it’ll bring the girls back and make the music accessible and more diverse than just the MC thing. Aftershock are taking on new singers & we gonna be big so check the show every Friday night 2-6am, and if you miss it you can listen anytime online to our UKG M1X Show at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/garage." And there you have it.
Diary Date
"SMOOVE PRESENTS For the first event of 2005, SMOOVE LIVE has invited none other than KANO to the stage for his first ever live London showcase. On FRIDAY 28th JANUARY 2005 and perfectly timed in anticipation of his forthcoming debut album, Kano will perform heard and unheard material to present his journey past, present and future. And of course this will include 2004 breakthrough track ‘P’s & Q’s’. The hit that took Kano from bedroom to bedlam as it spurred him into the grimelight amid a media and fan frenzy, with journalists chatting and girls chatting up. It is therefore no surprise that Kano has been targeted as the one to watch for 2005, as the press & public response has fired a very exciting light for this young MC from East London. From the first time his pen touched paper at the age of 16 when he wrote ‘Boys love Girls’ he has gone on to write and produce a contemporary catalogue of tracks that combine exceptional talent, creativity and vision. Now a leading member of the N.A.S.T.Y crew he has said farewell to his pirate status and gone on to support the Streets on a UK Tour, has a pending debut album for release in 2005 and now a very exclusive live performance at London’s leading urban club night SMOOVE. As well as being accompanied by his handpicked MC team, he will perform a 45 minute concert style live PA in the club’s infamous BOX to include ‘Boys love Girls’, ‘Leave me Alone’, ‘P’s & Q’s’ plus new tracks ‘Brown Eyes’ and ‘Typical Me’. Supported by resident DJ MASTERSTEPZ, BIONIX, CHOPPER and MAC 10 on the decks and D DOUBLE E, DEMON, GHETTO, WILEY & KT on the mic, this will be a UKG event to make musical history." See you there. Doors open at 10.30 till 5am. Dress Code is strictly no trainers, hoods or caps £15 / £12 NUS, Ministry of Sound, 103 Gaunt St, London SE1 6DP.
Aim High 2 - The Press Release
DJ Target – Aim High Vol. 2 CD & DVD. Released: January/February 2005 (Aim High Recordings)
It’s been wanted on road for time, and now the warrant is out for the latest installment in the Aim High saga. After the success of Aim High Vol. 1 last year, DJ Target returns to quench the streets appetite with the second mixtape from his series.
The 28 track CD showcases a range of lyrical talent including Bruza, Riko, Sadie, Kano, Wiley, Crazy Titch, Gods Gift, So Solid Kids, Wile Out Onez and many more over never-heard-before productions from Target and Roll Deep’s Danny Weed, with Wiley and Natty P also contributing a track each to the package.
For the first time Aim High also presents a no holds barred bonus DVD. With nearly two hours of exclusive footage to boot, it features freestyles from the biggest MC’s on road, live performances, behind the scenes with Roll Deep in Belgium and Dizzee Rascal in Miami, run-ins with the law, street legends on the Deuce magazine photoshoot as you’ve never seen them before… and the rest.
Aim High Vol. 2 serves as further evidence that Aim High Recordings is continuing to write the blueprint for the underground musical take over. The brainchild of DJ Target (renowned through his work with the influential Pay As U Go Cartel and Roll Deep Entourage who recently signed to Relentless), the label stands firm at the forefront of ones of Britains most exploratory and innovative scenes.
Watch, listen and learn.
RRP: £14.99 Aim High Vol. 2 is available from all good independent stores.
For further information/press enquiries on DJ Target or Aim High Recordings, please contact djtarget@hotmail.com
Also available from Aim High Recordings:
Aim001 – Pick Yourself Up feat. Wiley, J2K, Riko & Breeze
Aim002 – Poltergeist
Aim003 – Chosen One feat. Riko
Aim004 – Poltergeist Rmx (Terror Danjah)
Aim005 – STDS feat OT Crew
It’s been wanted on road for time, and now the warrant is out for the latest installment in the Aim High saga. After the success of Aim High Vol. 1 last year, DJ Target returns to quench the streets appetite with the second mixtape from his series.
The 28 track CD showcases a range of lyrical talent including Bruza, Riko, Sadie, Kano, Wiley, Crazy Titch, Gods Gift, So Solid Kids, Wile Out Onez and many more over never-heard-before productions from Target and Roll Deep’s Danny Weed, with Wiley and Natty P also contributing a track each to the package.
For the first time Aim High also presents a no holds barred bonus DVD. With nearly two hours of exclusive footage to boot, it features freestyles from the biggest MC’s on road, live performances, behind the scenes with Roll Deep in Belgium and Dizzee Rascal in Miami, run-ins with the law, street legends on the Deuce magazine photoshoot as you’ve never seen them before… and the rest.
Aim High Vol. 2 serves as further evidence that Aim High Recordings is continuing to write the blueprint for the underground musical take over. The brainchild of DJ Target (renowned through his work with the influential Pay As U Go Cartel and Roll Deep Entourage who recently signed to Relentless), the label stands firm at the forefront of ones of Britains most exploratory and innovative scenes.
Watch, listen and learn.
RRP: £14.99 Aim High Vol. 2 is available from all good independent stores.
For further information/press enquiries on DJ Target or Aim High Recordings, please contact djtarget@hotmail.com
Also available from Aim High Recordings:
Aim001 – Pick Yourself Up feat. Wiley, J2K, Riko & Breeze
Aim002 – Poltergeist
Aim003 – Chosen One feat. Riko
Aim004 – Poltergeist Rmx (Terror Danjah)
Aim005 – STDS feat OT Crew
Run The Road
679 comp, Run The Road, compiled by our Martin Clark and Dan Stacey, has hit the streets. Currently available in Rhythm Division and Uptown, pop in or log on and have a word with Sparky or Cameo to get your copy. HMV, Virgin and co soon come. Seems we're been spoilt - there's also a website in the mix. Check www.runtheroad.com to hear the tracks, enter comps, get some news... a site to keep watching too.
Words from Riko
We were all wishing his return but how many of us actually thought it would happen? Not many. Yet Roll Deep’s MC Riko is officially back for 2005, the case against him having been dropped in late December. To say the big man is chuffed would be an understatement “to be back for Christmas when you’re faced with spending 10 of them inside makes you wake up. Thanks to all the supporters and everyone who helped in my defense.” He's currently murking Lethal B and filming the video to the Random Rmx with Lady Sovereign. You can also catch some new exclusives on Aim High 2.
Wednesday, 5 January 2005
Kanos Not Ramping
Happy New Year to all and it's a good start for Kano who storms into the BBC Entertainment tips for the top poll in 3rd place, ahead of The Game in 4th position. Check the article here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4138731.stm
The winner will be announced on Friday. While we're talking Kano his next single, Mic Fight, will be out Feb 14th.
The winner will be announced on Friday. While we're talking Kano his next single, Mic Fight, will be out Feb 14th.
Tuesday, 21 December 2004
Risky Roadz
A big shout out to our crew at Rhythm Division for this one. Possibly the longest music DVD, ever, climaxing after about four hours of unadulterated interviews, rave footage, radio sets, freestyles, music videos and more. Among those featured are Ruff Squad, NASTY, Roll Deep, East Co, J2K, Essentials, Bruza, D Double E and many more. We caught up with Sparky, one half of the DVD team, to find out more…
“You can expect a lot of fun with Risky Roadz, it’s a look at the scene but when I watched a lot of DVD’s they made it look very serious and I wanted to capture what people are really like, their silly moments. There’s a lot of people I knew from before – like NASTY, half of them I grew up with at school, so no one’s putting on acts. And it’s nearly four hours long (it was seven but we cut it), it took us ages to edit it but we had so much footage and we didn’t want to waste it. We’ve got so many people on there - every big MC, every big rave, Young Man Standing, Beats 2 Battle, we have tried to incorporate everything, even people over at the park hanging out. My highlight would be seeing the energy and people that are keen, it really shows. There’s a few people who weren’t really interested when we started it and couldn’t be bothered to meet up but watch what happens ha ha. This is the first of many, we’re even talking about a Risky Roadz deleted scenes ideas…we’ve already started working on part two so keep your eyes open this year.”
You heard it here first. Pick up Risky Roadz online at www.rhythmdivision.co.uk or from all good independent record shops. RRP: £16.99 and worth every penny.
“You can expect a lot of fun with Risky Roadz, it’s a look at the scene but when I watched a lot of DVD’s they made it look very serious and I wanted to capture what people are really like, their silly moments. There’s a lot of people I knew from before – like NASTY, half of them I grew up with at school, so no one’s putting on acts. And it’s nearly four hours long (it was seven but we cut it), it took us ages to edit it but we had so much footage and we didn’t want to waste it. We’ve got so many people on there - every big MC, every big rave, Young Man Standing, Beats 2 Battle, we have tried to incorporate everything, even people over at the park hanging out. My highlight would be seeing the energy and people that are keen, it really shows. There’s a few people who weren’t really interested when we started it and couldn’t be bothered to meet up but watch what happens ha ha. This is the first of many, we’re even talking about a Risky Roadz deleted scenes ideas…we’ve already started working on part two so keep your eyes open this year.”
You heard it here first. Pick up Risky Roadz online at www.rhythmdivision.co.uk or from all good independent record shops. RRP: £16.99 and worth every penny.
Sunday, 19 December 2004
Festive Pow
The Forward Riddim is out on Monday but in the name of all things Christmas, check out http://www.leerees.co.uk/callingboyz.mp3 for a carol style rendition. If you fancy something less light hearted log onto http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1 and listen back to Tim Westwoods Saturday night show. An hour or so in you'll be delighted to find the Pow showcase. I think it's fair to say calling out Wiley, Trim, Riko and Godsgift on air was a rather stupid move - one would take it, given his bars and lack of sense, that Lethal's currently unaware Riko will be back very soon. Murkage? You bet. Change of pants? Maybe.
Farewell '04
I recently appealed for people to come forth with charts and here are some of the best replies (but where are my ladies at?):
Martin Clark, Journalist, London, England. “2004 was the year when grime snuck up to the lazy, sterile mainstream, jacked its phone and left it stunned on the floor wondering what in Eski's name hit it."
1. Target & Riko "Chosen One" (Aim High)
2. Digital Mystikz "Give Jah Glory" (Tempa)
3. Kode 9 ft Daddi Gee "Sign of the Dub" (Hyperdub)
4. Roll Deep (Danny Weed production) "Let It Out" (679)
5. Terror Danjah ft. Trim, Wiley, Riko, D Double E and Footsie "Bogeyman" (Roll Deep recordings)
Jacob, fan, Singapore. “I’m probably the most remote grime fan you’re going to get contact from so I thought it might be worth sending my end of year top 5...”
1. Terror Danjah ft. Trim, Wiley, Riko, D Double E and Footsie "Bogeyman" (Roll Deep recordings)
2. Lethal B – Pow (Lethal Bizzle/Relentless)
3. Ruff Squad – Raw2TheCore (White)
4. Gemma Fox & 2Face – Gone (P)
5. Essentials – Jenny (DaVinChe Mix) (Paperchase Recordings)
Derek Walmsley, writer, location unknown.
“With record sales been low and there being very few compilations on the high street, underground DVD packs are essential viewing…”
1. Roll Deep – Shake A Leg (dubplate)
2. B Live – Merkers (dubplate)
3. Terror Danjah ft. Trim, Wiley, Riko, D Double E and Footsie "Bogeyman" (Roll Deep recordings)
4. Shystie – Woman’s World (P Jam Remix) (P)
5. Essentials – K Dot (Paperchase)
Jeff, fan, Seattle, USA.
“…haven’t been this excited about music since the early 90’s shoegaze movement! I’m stuck in Seattle and access to anything beside The Streets and Dizzee isn’t available much. My son always dances and claps to the smooth sound of DaVinChe and Kano ‘Leave Me Alone.’ My current fave would have to be Wiley and Kano ‘Special Girl’ (we’re a little behind here), anything involving Kano is brilliant, hope an album comes soon…”
Thank you to all the underground supporters and readers inna this – whichever part of the globe they’re from. It’s nice to know we’re reaching far and wide. It’s a beautiful movement to be involved in and 2005 looks set to be even brighter and star filled than the last.
Martin Clark, Journalist, London, England. “2004 was the year when grime snuck up to the lazy, sterile mainstream, jacked its phone and left it stunned on the floor wondering what in Eski's name hit it."
1. Target & Riko "Chosen One" (Aim High)
2. Digital Mystikz "Give Jah Glory" (Tempa)
3. Kode 9 ft Daddi Gee "Sign of the Dub" (Hyperdub)
4. Roll Deep (Danny Weed production) "Let It Out" (679)
5. Terror Danjah ft. Trim, Wiley, Riko, D Double E and Footsie "Bogeyman" (Roll Deep recordings)
Jacob, fan, Singapore. “I’m probably the most remote grime fan you’re going to get contact from so I thought it might be worth sending my end of year top 5...”
1. Terror Danjah ft. Trim, Wiley, Riko, D Double E and Footsie "Bogeyman" (Roll Deep recordings)
2. Lethal B – Pow (Lethal Bizzle/Relentless)
3. Ruff Squad – Raw2TheCore (White)
4. Gemma Fox & 2Face – Gone (P)
5. Essentials – Jenny (DaVinChe Mix) (Paperchase Recordings)
Derek Walmsley, writer, location unknown.
“With record sales been low and there being very few compilations on the high street, underground DVD packs are essential viewing…”
1. Roll Deep – Shake A Leg (dubplate)
2. B Live – Merkers (dubplate)
3. Terror Danjah ft. Trim, Wiley, Riko, D Double E and Footsie "Bogeyman" (Roll Deep recordings)
4. Shystie – Woman’s World (P Jam Remix) (P)
5. Essentials – K Dot (Paperchase)
Jeff, fan, Seattle, USA.
“…haven’t been this excited about music since the early 90’s shoegaze movement! I’m stuck in Seattle and access to anything beside The Streets and Dizzee isn’t available much. My son always dances and claps to the smooth sound of DaVinChe and Kano ‘Leave Me Alone.’ My current fave would have to be Wiley and Kano ‘Special Girl’ (we’re a little behind here), anything involving Kano is brilliant, hope an album comes soon…”
Thank you to all the underground supporters and readers inna this – whichever part of the globe they’re from. It’s nice to know we’re reaching far and wide. It’s a beautiful movement to be involved in and 2005 looks set to be even brighter and star filled than the last.
Saturday, 18 December 2004
Vital Crewtistics
From the MOBO Magazine archive:
Many people thought that 2001 and the success of the award winning So Solid Crew was a passing phase. How wrong can you be? In musical chronicles 2002 will go down as the year of the crew and it’s days are far from numbered… MOBO takes charge and weighs up the crew appeal.
SO SOLID (Independiente)
How many members? Debatable, changes with the seasons/afro height and depends on how many newbies they recruit from the continent. More famed members include Mega ‘never without an afro comb’ Man, Romeo (um mine), Harvey (Mr Alesha Mis-teeq), Asher ‘banged up’ D, Oxide and ‘b-b-b bound for the reload’ Neutrino.
Most likely to say: We got so many haterz blud, messy blud, say how we gonna split this doe’ between all 967 of us blud?
Famous lyrics: Two multiplied by ten plus one, Romeo dunn!, I got 21 seconds t-t-t!
Interesting facts: Their debut album They Don’t Know went double platinum in two-and-a-half weeks, two members of So Solid are Cypriot recruits, Harvey was nearly a big league footballer, they’ve collaborated with Beenie Man on his new album, producer Mr Shabz, is the brother of one of The Reelists.
Chart successes to date: 21 Seconds, Ride Wit Us, Haterz, They Don’t Know.
Biggest selling single: 400,000 (21 Seconds)
Highest chart position: No. 1 (21 Seconds)
Most likely to pull: Most would argue Romeo (Harvey’s attached), but then who would turn down double trouble with the Twinz?
2002 Achievements: Friday night show on Kiss 100 FM, only one member got sent down, no one was cautioned for smoking cannabis, So Solid on the acclaimed Jools Holland show, they weren’t dropped after a year like most UK artists, their no-trouble appearance at Oxide and Neutrino’s MTV 5 Night Stand gig raising the question why are So Solid tours still banned?
Best quotes of 2002: “I got a lot of groupies but I just deal with it. I hear I got a lot of mums are into me too” (Romeo keeps it real), “my dreams are déjà vu blud, all of ‘em, everything we’ve done here has been predicted y’ get me” (Mega getting spiritual), “I’d love to get Moe on a track, he’s so underrated”, (Harvey quashes the rumours of any beef with Heartless Crew).
MORE FIRE CREW (Go Beat)
How many members? Only three, Ozzie B, Lethal B, Neeko, (sticking a tongue out to any one who thinks to be in a crew you need a Saddam style army).
Most likely to say: Oi! Who’s that More Fire Crew? Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi!
Best lyrics: Um… Oi! Who’s that More Fire Crew?
Interesting facts: They’re all under 21, So Solid have made a tune cussing More Fire (why? Who knows), Ozzie is the supposed cousin of Dizzee Rascal from The Roll Deep Crew, they’re all from Walthamstow, they met and learnt their trade at a community workshop,
Chart successes to date: Oi! Who’s that More Fire Crew?
Biggest selling single: 80,000 (Oi!)
Highest chart position: 8
Most likely to pull: Ozzie B because he knows the Sugababes who are bound to have lots of crew member-hungry friends. Also looks like he’s cute enough to introduce to your mother (rewind - my mother has just choked).
2002 Achievements: Did an advert for the government reworking vocals of Oi! to encourage people to vote, all got Avirex jackets, took the streets to Top Of The Pops, showed all those East London promoters that they were indeed worth more than £50.
Best quotes of 2002: “When this guy said nah you aren’t worth £50, we were in the studio and boy we were thinking about rhydims and decided to make a tune about it” (Lethal on the mindblowing inspiration for Oi!), “I don’t really like garage. You see our music is bashment not really garage. Just new flava’s” (Lethal sets the record straight cough cough), “would I do a duet with Britney? Yeh. I will do one with anyone,” (Neeko having a daydream), “We’re from the ghetto man but it doesn’t mean we are trouble.
Find something constructive to do - there need to be more facilities in the community” (Ozzie B gives the authorities a wake up call) “We aren’t down with free advertising. If you want me to wear Prada it’s cool but I’m keeping it” (Neeko – you tell them boy!).
THE HEARTLESS CREW (EastWest)
How many members? Three. Mighty Moe, Bushkin and Fonti. (A trend in small numbers is developing it seems fellow crew watchers!)
Most likely to say: Our hearts in a de music, it’s a crisp biscuit, yagga yagga yo.
Famous Lyrics: Hearttttt-lessssss we got it going on, original hype, we got the vibe ya’ll!
Interesting facts: Warmed up for D-12 and Eminem in Miami, Heartless are best described as a sound system as they play music from all genres (including Kylie classics), they all DJ, MC, produce, Moe is Arabic and a talented artist, Fonti, the main DJ, is grade 6 at guitar and was a barber during his school lunch breaks but wanted to be a Maths teacher, Bushkin used to be a Legal Clerk, Heartless Crew have a joint bank account and have shared ownership of a Space Cruiser.
Chart successes to date: Heartless Theme, The Crisp Biscuit Mix compilation.
Biggest selling single: 47,000 (Heartless Theme)
Highest chart position: 21
Most likely to pull: Well they’re always together so a hit for one is a hit for all.
2002 achievements: Signed to 1Xtra’s digital radio station, a rather nice album deal (rumoured at near half a million squidders!),
Best quotes of 2002: “The rules with us are simple. Manners, being courteous and having respect come above everything else” (Moe explains why they’re perfect husband material), “Anytime you put on music you can be rocking, which is why we say our hearts are in the music” (Fonti on the Heartless philosophy), “Have you seen Planet Of The Apes? Mad Max? Demolition Man? That’s what we’re moving towards. We are always looking to be together, with our wives and kids, We want a castle…it could be a commune I suppose” (Bushkin on the Heartless empire).
Many people thought that 2001 and the success of the award winning So Solid Crew was a passing phase. How wrong can you be? In musical chronicles 2002 will go down as the year of the crew and it’s days are far from numbered… MOBO takes charge and weighs up the crew appeal.
SO SOLID (Independiente)
How many members? Debatable, changes with the seasons/afro height and depends on how many newbies they recruit from the continent. More famed members include Mega ‘never without an afro comb’ Man, Romeo (um mine), Harvey (Mr Alesha Mis-teeq), Asher ‘banged up’ D, Oxide and ‘b-b-b bound for the reload’ Neutrino.
Most likely to say: We got so many haterz blud, messy blud, say how we gonna split this doe’ between all 967 of us blud?
Famous lyrics: Two multiplied by ten plus one, Romeo dunn!, I got 21 seconds t-t-t!
Interesting facts: Their debut album They Don’t Know went double platinum in two-and-a-half weeks, two members of So Solid are Cypriot recruits, Harvey was nearly a big league footballer, they’ve collaborated with Beenie Man on his new album, producer Mr Shabz, is the brother of one of The Reelists.
Chart successes to date: 21 Seconds, Ride Wit Us, Haterz, They Don’t Know.
Biggest selling single: 400,000 (21 Seconds)
Highest chart position: No. 1 (21 Seconds)
Most likely to pull: Most would argue Romeo (Harvey’s attached), but then who would turn down double trouble with the Twinz?
2002 Achievements: Friday night show on Kiss 100 FM, only one member got sent down, no one was cautioned for smoking cannabis, So Solid on the acclaimed Jools Holland show, they weren’t dropped after a year like most UK artists, their no-trouble appearance at Oxide and Neutrino’s MTV 5 Night Stand gig raising the question why are So Solid tours still banned?
Best quotes of 2002: “I got a lot of groupies but I just deal with it. I hear I got a lot of mums are into me too” (Romeo keeps it real), “my dreams are déjà vu blud, all of ‘em, everything we’ve done here has been predicted y’ get me” (Mega getting spiritual), “I’d love to get Moe on a track, he’s so underrated”, (Harvey quashes the rumours of any beef with Heartless Crew).
MORE FIRE CREW (Go Beat)
How many members? Only three, Ozzie B, Lethal B, Neeko, (sticking a tongue out to any one who thinks to be in a crew you need a Saddam style army).
Most likely to say: Oi! Who’s that More Fire Crew? Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi!
Best lyrics: Um… Oi! Who’s that More Fire Crew?
Interesting facts: They’re all under 21, So Solid have made a tune cussing More Fire (why? Who knows), Ozzie is the supposed cousin of Dizzee Rascal from The Roll Deep Crew, they’re all from Walthamstow, they met and learnt their trade at a community workshop,
Chart successes to date: Oi! Who’s that More Fire Crew?
Biggest selling single: 80,000 (Oi!)
Highest chart position: 8
Most likely to pull: Ozzie B because he knows the Sugababes who are bound to have lots of crew member-hungry friends. Also looks like he’s cute enough to introduce to your mother (rewind - my mother has just choked).
2002 Achievements: Did an advert for the government reworking vocals of Oi! to encourage people to vote, all got Avirex jackets, took the streets to Top Of The Pops, showed all those East London promoters that they were indeed worth more than £50.
Best quotes of 2002: “When this guy said nah you aren’t worth £50, we were in the studio and boy we were thinking about rhydims and decided to make a tune about it” (Lethal on the mindblowing inspiration for Oi!), “I don’t really like garage. You see our music is bashment not really garage. Just new flava’s” (Lethal sets the record straight cough cough), “would I do a duet with Britney? Yeh. I will do one with anyone,” (Neeko having a daydream), “We’re from the ghetto man but it doesn’t mean we are trouble.
Find something constructive to do - there need to be more facilities in the community” (Ozzie B gives the authorities a wake up call) “We aren’t down with free advertising. If you want me to wear Prada it’s cool but I’m keeping it” (Neeko – you tell them boy!).
THE HEARTLESS CREW (EastWest)
How many members? Three. Mighty Moe, Bushkin and Fonti. (A trend in small numbers is developing it seems fellow crew watchers!)
Most likely to say: Our hearts in a de music, it’s a crisp biscuit, yagga yagga yo.
Famous Lyrics: Hearttttt-lessssss we got it going on, original hype, we got the vibe ya’ll!
Interesting facts: Warmed up for D-12 and Eminem in Miami, Heartless are best described as a sound system as they play music from all genres (including Kylie classics), they all DJ, MC, produce, Moe is Arabic and a talented artist, Fonti, the main DJ, is grade 6 at guitar and was a barber during his school lunch breaks but wanted to be a Maths teacher, Bushkin used to be a Legal Clerk, Heartless Crew have a joint bank account and have shared ownership of a Space Cruiser.
Chart successes to date: Heartless Theme, The Crisp Biscuit Mix compilation.
Biggest selling single: 47,000 (Heartless Theme)
Highest chart position: 21
Most likely to pull: Well they’re always together so a hit for one is a hit for all.
2002 achievements: Signed to 1Xtra’s digital radio station, a rather nice album deal (rumoured at near half a million squidders!),
Best quotes of 2002: “The rules with us are simple. Manners, being courteous and having respect come above everything else” (Moe explains why they’re perfect husband material), “Anytime you put on music you can be rocking, which is why we say our hearts are in the music” (Fonti on the Heartless philosophy), “Have you seen Planet Of The Apes? Mad Max? Demolition Man? That’s what we’re moving towards. We are always looking to be together, with our wives and kids, We want a castle…it could be a commune I suppose” (Bushkin on the Heartless empire).
Tuesday, 14 December 2004
DJ Tubby - Old
Here's one from the 2003 archive...
DJ Tubby
Slush
Braindead
*****
Formerly famed for his cutting house activities Tubby is now making more of a mark as a producer and DJ. Previous releases have been noted but Slush mashes his past offerings into the vinyl crematorium. For those not turned on by past releases like Whatever, don’t push Slush to the side. Cue it up and head for the volume button instead because this is not what you might class a traditional Tubby sound. It’s Braindead productions like Slush that are surely providing the solid proof that Tubby and sometimes partner in crime, Footsie, are names that will be climbing the underground hierarchy in the 2004. Slush, which features on the recent Smoove compilation, Street Beats, has naturally been battered by big boss man Slimzee over the last six months and on release at Christmas, a set without this will be like your old dear serving you Turkey without the gravy. Sort it out love.
Q&A
How long have you been producing for?
About two years now. I’ve had some bits out on the down low and Whatever, that was quite big. I did a Lil Kim booty a few years back In the Planet Phat days but I never put my name to that either. Slush is the biggest thing I’ve done myself so hopefully this tune will get the label out there.
What happened didn’t you own Planet Phat?
I did own it in the end but it wasn’t working out, It was costing too much. I had to quit so now I’m concentrating on the producing. I DJ out too but I’m one of those people who prefers to be in the background.
Was there an idea or plan behind Slush?
Not really, I was just in the studio with a Slush Puppy, Cherry flavour I think it was so I called it Slush. I am going to revive Slush Puppy’s, I’ve decided, I should be sponsored by them - a different flavour for different inspiration. I guess I am a bit cold like a Slush Puppy still haha.
Why do you think Slush is blowing up more than anything else you’ve done?
Because I let people cut it, I don’t normally give stuff out but Slimzee has battered it since I made it eight months ago and he put it on the Smoove Street Beats compilation. Karnage and that have all cut it now, for Karnage to cut it was a big thing cause I didn’t think it would be his kind of thing.
Who or what is Braindead?
That’s mine and Footsie’s label. Me and Footsie work together but we have our own studio’s so there’s a lot of solo stuff. We called it Braindead because that’s what we are…it’s got something to do with the amount we smoke. Sometimes people get a bit fresh, have a couple of pulls, five minutes later they’re in a corner. I’m 25 and I’ve been smoking since I was 10 or 11 so I just control it now.
What have you got coming up?
War Wid with Footsie and D Double E, Pass The Test and Scars, all on Braindead. Is it time to roll another one yet?
Words: Chantelle Fiddy
DJ Tubby Rinse 100.3FM Sunday nights 7-9pm. For more info on DJ Tubby contact Live Agents
A version of this article appeared in Deuce Magazine
DJ Tubby
Slush
Braindead
*****
Formerly famed for his cutting house activities Tubby is now making more of a mark as a producer and DJ. Previous releases have been noted but Slush mashes his past offerings into the vinyl crematorium. For those not turned on by past releases like Whatever, don’t push Slush to the side. Cue it up and head for the volume button instead because this is not what you might class a traditional Tubby sound. It’s Braindead productions like Slush that are surely providing the solid proof that Tubby and sometimes partner in crime, Footsie, are names that will be climbing the underground hierarchy in the 2004. Slush, which features on the recent Smoove compilation, Street Beats, has naturally been battered by big boss man Slimzee over the last six months and on release at Christmas, a set without this will be like your old dear serving you Turkey without the gravy. Sort it out love.
Q&A
How long have you been producing for?
About two years now. I’ve had some bits out on the down low and Whatever, that was quite big. I did a Lil Kim booty a few years back In the Planet Phat days but I never put my name to that either. Slush is the biggest thing I’ve done myself so hopefully this tune will get the label out there.
What happened didn’t you own Planet Phat?
I did own it in the end but it wasn’t working out, It was costing too much. I had to quit so now I’m concentrating on the producing. I DJ out too but I’m one of those people who prefers to be in the background.
Was there an idea or plan behind Slush?
Not really, I was just in the studio with a Slush Puppy, Cherry flavour I think it was so I called it Slush. I am going to revive Slush Puppy’s, I’ve decided, I should be sponsored by them - a different flavour for different inspiration. I guess I am a bit cold like a Slush Puppy still haha.
Why do you think Slush is blowing up more than anything else you’ve done?
Because I let people cut it, I don’t normally give stuff out but Slimzee has battered it since I made it eight months ago and he put it on the Smoove Street Beats compilation. Karnage and that have all cut it now, for Karnage to cut it was a big thing cause I didn’t think it would be his kind of thing.
Who or what is Braindead?
That’s mine and Footsie’s label. Me and Footsie work together but we have our own studio’s so there’s a lot of solo stuff. We called it Braindead because that’s what we are…it’s got something to do with the amount we smoke. Sometimes people get a bit fresh, have a couple of pulls, five minutes later they’re in a corner. I’m 25 and I’ve been smoking since I was 10 or 11 so I just control it now.
What have you got coming up?
War Wid with Footsie and D Double E, Pass The Test and Scars, all on Braindead. Is it time to roll another one yet?
Words: Chantelle Fiddy
DJ Tubby Rinse 100.3FM Sunday nights 7-9pm. For more info on DJ Tubby contact Live Agents
A version of this article appeared in Deuce Magazine
New Articles
On shelves now is the new Touch magazine which features a piece I've done on Ciara (no one trick pony this Fiddy girl) and introductions to Crazy Titch and Baby Blue. Also inside Ludacris, Destiny's Child, 2004 review, Frankee (hello why?), Bugz In The Attic, Farnsworth Bentley, The Game, Xzibit and a whole lot more. Over at B&S we're talking Ashanti, 25 years of hip hop on wax (serious props to the Proc on this, smacked it like he sexing it), Sam Cooke, my underground dance column and the rest. Upload soon come (once they're off shelves, big up, employers check blogs you know).
Tofuhut Action
Apologies for lack of updates but it's been kinda manic in the run up to Christmas. One man has been particularly willing to divert my attention - John over at Tofuhut. My lack of knowledge over all things slightly techy, such as MP3 hosting which is the subject we're getting to, prompted John to offer his services. It's like a Delboy and Rodney situation, I supply him the serious MP3 grime armshouse, reviews and some, thus edutaining the American and overseas cousins, and in turn my hit counter raises through the roof and make it look like people do actually read my blog. Shit the bed. I know. Genius or what. So without further ado, I advise a trip to www.tofuhut.blogspot where you can find tracks (hosted for a short time only and with permission), plenty to read and the opportunity to further open your mind to new music. Get me?
Sunday, 5 December 2004
HMP Calling
Just got a phone call from HMP Brixton where Riko is counting down the days until his trial. The big man's keeping his head up and has found some solice in the drama classes he's been occupying his time with. They recently did a play, Shakespeare and Sinatra, which was a big success. I couldn't get tickets unfortunately as it was sold out but reports were good. A bit of online investigating would suggest that prison governor, Mr Podmore, has turned Brixton around with his arts policy and family facilities. Let's hope so as until recently this was one of the UK's worst prisons. Anyway, more on all of this soon. For now I'll leave you with a Riko tip for aspiring aggi mic masters: "If you’re coming through now you have to stand out, sound like you can really murk someone and want to murk someone. Be about something different." Word.
Sadie & Terror
The very attractive Sadie Ama with Terror Danjah at East Co's video shoot. Terror's mixtape drops very soon, well before Christmas at least. Until then you'll be able to hear tracks on Logan Sama's show, Rinse 100.3FM, Fridays 7-9pm. www.rinsefm.com
Me and Snow White aka Sov
A tad old still, we'd just had a marathon Hollyoakes session one Sunday lunchtime at my place. While I may look like I'm promoting the Tanning Shop I'd just returned from Miami where I was doing V for Smash Hits (so gully). I'd also been in the Middle East for two weeks previously so I'm sure I've got loads of nasty skin disorders brewing as a result. Apologies to Lady Sovereign who in turn looks like Snow White.
Outside Wiley's
Someone posted this on the internet a year or so ago and I still find it funny... but maybe it's just me
Love To Hate
“Is Wiley overrated?” When Tense magazine editor, Toussaint Davy, put this question to me my initial reaction was ‘what a freaking idiot.’ Well, Mr Davy my question to you would be “Is Wiley underrated.” After much thought I decided I’m not going to try and argue Wiley as an iller sound boy than Nas, or a more adept studio hand than Timbaland, but what I will do is speak from the heart. To me Wiley not only symbolises the music and culture that has become me, but he is it. And I live for this shit.
He was there for the birth of Rinse 100.3FM which today is more important in the rise of my favourite music than any legal station. Wiley was there for the birth of the Pay As U Go Cartel (PAUG) who lets face it, turned UK garage on it’s head. The reason the old UKG establishment couldn’t hold them down was because we wanted them. We wanted a new energy, fresh sounds, more bass, more bite, more lyrics. Wiley and the Cartel bought all of those things as did the new skool movement that followed. When Wiley produced Know We and the MC’s laid down their bars it was on. Wiley’s production and MCing became of equal importance. A few years on when Wiley unleashed Eskimo it was officially the start of something bigger than perhaps we’d imagined. With the lyrical game having been seriously upped, we’re talking real verbal dexterity, rap credentials, Eskimo became the anthem that signalled showtime and propelled MC’s into the limelight. The buzz was that electric it was like you could feel it in your blood. It’s what myself and clearly many others, had been waiting for. We wanted to be part of this.
The trends that he’s spurred in hindsight are countless. No one knows this better than Wiley. Everyone wants to ride his beats, clash him, MC with him, put him on their line up, on their radio station… Wiley has aided in bringing through countless new MC’s including Dizzee Rascal (there’s little doubt Dizzee would have blown, but Wiley did help him get there that bit quicker), Tinchy, and now Trim. Then there’s the DVD’s, the thousands of white labels sold from his car boot and his debut album for XL Recordings, Treddin’ On Thin Ice which won’t be coming off my stereo for a long while. And still, nothing fuels me more than watching the crowd react to his anthemic rhymes.
It’s for all of this and more that I give thanks to Wiley and why it’s unlikely you’ll ever be able to convince me that he is overrated. (It’s also why I’d like to tell Tous Davy he’s a big piss stain for any derogatory comments he’s made). Yeah, he tends to be late all the time (I’ve waited three days), he isn’t reliable, hey, he might not even show up for your interview (I've lost count of how many jobs of mine he's flopped). But as I've learnt over the years, with Wiley you just can't take it personal.
Words: Chantelle Fiddy
This opinion piece was written in ten minutes for Tense Magazine, unsurprisingly Tous Davy decided not to publish it.
He was there for the birth of Rinse 100.3FM which today is more important in the rise of my favourite music than any legal station. Wiley was there for the birth of the Pay As U Go Cartel (PAUG) who lets face it, turned UK garage on it’s head. The reason the old UKG establishment couldn’t hold them down was because we wanted them. We wanted a new energy, fresh sounds, more bass, more bite, more lyrics. Wiley and the Cartel bought all of those things as did the new skool movement that followed. When Wiley produced Know We and the MC’s laid down their bars it was on. Wiley’s production and MCing became of equal importance. A few years on when Wiley unleashed Eskimo it was officially the start of something bigger than perhaps we’d imagined. With the lyrical game having been seriously upped, we’re talking real verbal dexterity, rap credentials, Eskimo became the anthem that signalled showtime and propelled MC’s into the limelight. The buzz was that electric it was like you could feel it in your blood. It’s what myself and clearly many others, had been waiting for. We wanted to be part of this.
The trends that he’s spurred in hindsight are countless. No one knows this better than Wiley. Everyone wants to ride his beats, clash him, MC with him, put him on their line up, on their radio station… Wiley has aided in bringing through countless new MC’s including Dizzee Rascal (there’s little doubt Dizzee would have blown, but Wiley did help him get there that bit quicker), Tinchy, and now Trim. Then there’s the DVD’s, the thousands of white labels sold from his car boot and his debut album for XL Recordings, Treddin’ On Thin Ice which won’t be coming off my stereo for a long while. And still, nothing fuels me more than watching the crowd react to his anthemic rhymes.
It’s for all of this and more that I give thanks to Wiley and why it’s unlikely you’ll ever be able to convince me that he is overrated. (It’s also why I’d like to tell Tous Davy he’s a big piss stain for any derogatory comments he’s made). Yeah, he tends to be late all the time (I’ve waited three days), he isn’t reliable, hey, he might not even show up for your interview (I've lost count of how many jobs of mine he's flopped). But as I've learnt over the years, with Wiley you just can't take it personal.
Words: Chantelle Fiddy
This opinion piece was written in ten minutes for Tense Magazine, unsurprisingly Tous Davy decided not to publish it.
Mixtape Mania
“Mixtapes are now the newspapers of the ghetto. Everything you want to find our is there.” DJ Whoo Kid
The birth of the mixtape goes way back when. For most of America’s hip hop history it has been one of the strongest forms of underground currency. In the 1970’s the mixtape documented a DJ’s Saturday night set, but now the stock has risen, a tool used by the streets and major record labels for testing new tracks and artists while also allowing signed artists a chance to retain their street appeal.
Yet it’s only now that we have a mixtape explosion in the UK, largely no doubt to new technology and it’s relatively low cost. But also we must thank Fifty Cent. Two years ago his mixtape blew him up overnight. Eminem heard it, a deal was done and the mixtape became lodged in the guerilla marketing psyche.
In the UK we’d been catching on, although a little slowly. For example rave packs have long served as a way of supplying the city sounds to the suburbs and beyond.
But in hip hop circles it was Estelle’s 2003 ‘Diamond In The Rough’ debut that woke people up. A then unsigned artist, her mixtape was mistaken by many as the work of a major label. Shortly TNT released the equally impressive ‘Heat In The Street’, a 30 plus track mixtape showcasing his new artist J2K. Other, now leading street brands, soon followed suit, all with unique formula’s.
Lord of the Decks boasted a CD and DVD of exclusive grime cuts, interviews and freestyles, My Boyz dealt with American and UK hip hop exclusives, Split Mics laid the finest UK MC’s on commercial hip hop instrumentals while Target used Aim High to promo his label’s plan for the future.
“The demands getting bigger (for mixtapes), especially with the DVD’s and outside of London too…” Target explained.
“I have no idea how many bootlegs there are out now. It’s helped my career, a lot of people didn’t know what I was doing before, I’ve definitely got remixes and work off the back of that…They even knew of us in Germany, Amsterdam and Miami. That was a shock.”
XL Recordings weren’t oblivious either. Dizzee Rascal, soon after scoping the Mercury Prize, was roping in the aid of Semtex to deliver the Piece Keepers series feauturing CD and DVD freestyles, performances and new tracks.
So it’s actually been our relative lateness to mixtapes that is working in our favour. Many of our mixtapes are actually still mixed, keeping an element of emphasis on the next generation of DJ (good recent examples include Bossman’s ‘Street Anthems’ and Rossi B & Luca’s ‘More2DaFloor’ where we are treated to some superior scratching, tight beat matching and slick mixes). The majority of UK mixtapes are also focusing on new, unsigned talent, further aiding the burgeoning UK music scene, rather than what the majors record labels are paying them to include or what we’ve all heard before.
But just like CD’s have led to the near extinction of tapes, it’s likely the DVD Magazine and DVD mixtape will continue to rise in popularity. Soon we may see DJ’s going from the streets to major label deals, endorsing licensed compilations, UK Mixtape Awards (America’s Annual Mixtape Awards is now in it’s 8th year), or how about some major bootlegging?
“I think it’s going to go the same way as in America. Everyone will know to get mixtapes to get the freshest music. It might even help push up vinyl sales” Target concludes.
But for every mixtape artist, DJ and record that crosses over to the mainstream, it’s safe to lay bets that they’ll always be countless street scientists ready to continue with the preservation the streets number one medium of expression, the mixtape.
Words: Chantelle Fiddy
A version of this article appears on noiseup.com. You can also check DJ Target's mixtape rules or enter the competition to win Aim High 2 on the site.
The birth of the mixtape goes way back when. For most of America’s hip hop history it has been one of the strongest forms of underground currency. In the 1970’s the mixtape documented a DJ’s Saturday night set, but now the stock has risen, a tool used by the streets and major record labels for testing new tracks and artists while also allowing signed artists a chance to retain their street appeal.
Yet it’s only now that we have a mixtape explosion in the UK, largely no doubt to new technology and it’s relatively low cost. But also we must thank Fifty Cent. Two years ago his mixtape blew him up overnight. Eminem heard it, a deal was done and the mixtape became lodged in the guerilla marketing psyche.
In the UK we’d been catching on, although a little slowly. For example rave packs have long served as a way of supplying the city sounds to the suburbs and beyond.
But in hip hop circles it was Estelle’s 2003 ‘Diamond In The Rough’ debut that woke people up. A then unsigned artist, her mixtape was mistaken by many as the work of a major label. Shortly TNT released the equally impressive ‘Heat In The Street’, a 30 plus track mixtape showcasing his new artist J2K. Other, now leading street brands, soon followed suit, all with unique formula’s.
Lord of the Decks boasted a CD and DVD of exclusive grime cuts, interviews and freestyles, My Boyz dealt with American and UK hip hop exclusives, Split Mics laid the finest UK MC’s on commercial hip hop instrumentals while Target used Aim High to promo his label’s plan for the future.
“The demands getting bigger (for mixtapes), especially with the DVD’s and outside of London too…” Target explained.
“I have no idea how many bootlegs there are out now. It’s helped my career, a lot of people didn’t know what I was doing before, I’ve definitely got remixes and work off the back of that…They even knew of us in Germany, Amsterdam and Miami. That was a shock.”
XL Recordings weren’t oblivious either. Dizzee Rascal, soon after scoping the Mercury Prize, was roping in the aid of Semtex to deliver the Piece Keepers series feauturing CD and DVD freestyles, performances and new tracks.
So it’s actually been our relative lateness to mixtapes that is working in our favour. Many of our mixtapes are actually still mixed, keeping an element of emphasis on the next generation of DJ (good recent examples include Bossman’s ‘Street Anthems’ and Rossi B & Luca’s ‘More2DaFloor’ where we are treated to some superior scratching, tight beat matching and slick mixes). The majority of UK mixtapes are also focusing on new, unsigned talent, further aiding the burgeoning UK music scene, rather than what the majors record labels are paying them to include or what we’ve all heard before.
But just like CD’s have led to the near extinction of tapes, it’s likely the DVD Magazine and DVD mixtape will continue to rise in popularity. Soon we may see DJ’s going from the streets to major label deals, endorsing licensed compilations, UK Mixtape Awards (America’s Annual Mixtape Awards is now in it’s 8th year), or how about some major bootlegging?
“I think it’s going to go the same way as in America. Everyone will know to get mixtapes to get the freshest music. It might even help push up vinyl sales” Target concludes.
But for every mixtape artist, DJ and record that crosses over to the mainstream, it’s safe to lay bets that they’ll always be countless street scientists ready to continue with the preservation the streets number one medium of expression, the mixtape.
Words: Chantelle Fiddy
A version of this article appears on noiseup.com. You can also check DJ Target's mixtape rules or enter the competition to win Aim High 2 on the site.
Wednesday, 1 December 2004
My real i-D
Some vigilant associates have noticed that myself and Hattie made it into this months i-D magazine. Relegated more like. I shouldn't play, we were very pleased to get all up in the gloss and that, complete with Free Riko vests and an entourage of MC's backing us (dare I say we looked kinda fly). But the contributors would have made the 250 had the work experience not miscounted (note 269 in the 250 list alone), hence penultimate page. Oh well. Glass half empty or half full? I'm a half full kind of girl, yet I can't deny my 'oh fuck it' outburst when I saw they'd switched some of mine and Hattie's profile text around. For the record, I'm not the hip hop ya don't stop, I am in fact the thesaurus loving grime guru. Well at least we got that cleared up. I haven't had much time to get personal or update my profile, so for those that wanna know, here are the real answers...
Name:
Chantelle Fiddy & Hattie Collins
When were you first in i-D?
Fiddy: A late arrival I surfaced in the ’04.
Collins: In 2002.
The work we do is…
Individually we write lines, create verse, play with words and aim to bring street culture at home and abroad to the forefront of every publication that will have us (bar the Daily Mail).
The five words that best describe me are…
Fiddy: A thesaurus loving grime guru
Collins: Hip hop ya don’t stop
My greatest achievement so far is…
Fiddy: Living in E2. One day I’ll make it to Bow E3, one day…
Collins: Been on Crossroads…the first time round
25 years ago I was…
Fiddy: Waiting to happen
Collins: Only five and kicking arse on BBC2’s Play Chess. Actually it was a draw but hey.
The best advice I've been given is…
Fiddy: Keep your eyes open and legs shut (thanks for that Hattie)
Collins: Be reliable and keep it real.
The best thing in my life is…
Fiddy: Hattie Collins
Collins: Chantelle Fiddy
My greatest hope for the next 25 years is…
Fiddy: That grime is still as good, I’ll give up smoking, find my way with words oh and that Hattie Collins retires and I reign supreme! Ha ha ha!
Collins: For World peace, happiness for all man kind, the end to homelessness and that I finally win Miss World.
The last time we celebrated was…
Not that long ago
And it was for…
The MOBO awards
We celebrated with…
Crazy Titch and lots of Bacardi cocktails
And we wore…
What we wore is immaterial but as you are so nosey Collins stole the show in a saucy Basque and not a lot else while Fiddy donned a quiff, an exquisite PPQ dress and some shoes that cost £15 from Diva on Bethnal Green high street.
Nobody knows we…
Live together
We move our feet when we hear…
Lethal B ‘Pow’, Riko ‘Don’t Want U Back’, Terror Squad ‘Lean Back’, Mr Wong ‘Orchestra Boroughs’, anything by Lil Jon, Roll Deep, and the ladies from Fury to Foxy.
We love the smell of…
Clean pants, hi-grade, Body Shop’s Coconut Body Butter and fresh vinyl.
Our favourite drink is…
Mojhito’s
We had the time of our life's when we…
Were whisked to Puerto Rico for five days to interview the queen of hip hop, Missy Elliott, for 45 minutes…between us.
Name:
Chantelle Fiddy & Hattie Collins
When were you first in i-D?
Fiddy: A late arrival I surfaced in the ’04.
Collins: In 2002.
The work we do is…
Individually we write lines, create verse, play with words and aim to bring street culture at home and abroad to the forefront of every publication that will have us (bar the Daily Mail).
The five words that best describe me are…
Fiddy: A thesaurus loving grime guru
Collins: Hip hop ya don’t stop
My greatest achievement so far is…
Fiddy: Living in E2. One day I’ll make it to Bow E3, one day…
Collins: Been on Crossroads…the first time round
25 years ago I was…
Fiddy: Waiting to happen
Collins: Only five and kicking arse on BBC2’s Play Chess. Actually it was a draw but hey.
The best advice I've been given is…
Fiddy: Keep your eyes open and legs shut (thanks for that Hattie)
Collins: Be reliable and keep it real.
The best thing in my life is…
Fiddy: Hattie Collins
Collins: Chantelle Fiddy
My greatest hope for the next 25 years is…
Fiddy: That grime is still as good, I’ll give up smoking, find my way with words oh and that Hattie Collins retires and I reign supreme! Ha ha ha!
Collins: For World peace, happiness for all man kind, the end to homelessness and that I finally win Miss World.
The last time we celebrated was…
Not that long ago
And it was for…
The MOBO awards
We celebrated with…
Crazy Titch and lots of Bacardi cocktails
And we wore…
What we wore is immaterial but as you are so nosey Collins stole the show in a saucy Basque and not a lot else while Fiddy donned a quiff, an exquisite PPQ dress and some shoes that cost £15 from Diva on Bethnal Green high street.
Nobody knows we…
Live together
We move our feet when we hear…
Lethal B ‘Pow’, Riko ‘Don’t Want U Back’, Terror Squad ‘Lean Back’, Mr Wong ‘Orchestra Boroughs’, anything by Lil Jon, Roll Deep, and the ladies from Fury to Foxy.
We love the smell of…
Clean pants, hi-grade, Body Shop’s Coconut Body Butter and fresh vinyl.
Our favourite drink is…
Mojhito’s
We had the time of our life's when we…
Were whisked to Puerto Rico for five days to interview the queen of hip hop, Missy Elliott, for 45 minutes…between us.
Rotten Diaries
Various -Blooks Presents Rotten Diaries - DVS Mixtape
DVS Crew's Blooks has selected twenty seven freestyles and new tracks for this compilation. Flirting between a variety of new UK hip hop and grime acts, those that made the cut include Slew Dem, Esco, DM, Raw Ones, Ears and Blooks himself. Although this doesn't standout as much as some of the mixtape competition, it will be a first glance for many into another batch of street disciples.
DVS Crew's Blooks has selected twenty seven freestyles and new tracks for this compilation. Flirting between a variety of new UK hip hop and grime acts, those that made the cut include Slew Dem, Esco, DM, Raw Ones, Ears and Blooks himself. Although this doesn't standout as much as some of the mixtape competition, it will be a first glance for many into another batch of street disciples.
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