Yep Boy Better Know are moving... the T-shirt business is healthy. JME joined up with Carri 'Cassette Playa' Mundane who's a massive BBK fan and modelled some of her new collection.
Mundane has worked with M.I.A, the British female rapper nearly banned from America for thought crime and New Rave banner wavers the Klaxons. Both have been dressed by and had videos styled by Carri Mundane. She is also Contributing Fashion Editor of SuperSuper, i-D stylist / contributor and recently collaborated with Nicola Formichetti for Dazed & Confused. Our boy Reardon, the i-D don says "Cassette Playa is Nando's, it's grime, it's dang, it's nang, it's day realness, it's major brappage. Fo' sheezy, Cassette Playa delivers both mental and physical vitality while supporting the immune system. It just, you know, feels MODERN." That's so word.
Tuesday, 26 September 2006
JME Does Fashion Week
Saturday, 23 September 2006
Did you know
Barbie's full name is Barbie Millicent Roberts?
This however is Skipper with her picture of Jack Nicholson.
Pitchfork Column
As Martin Clark was on his hols, Nick 'Gutter' Edwards and myself stepped in to cover his Pitchfork column. You can read it on their website now
The London Paper 2
Here's the second London Paper clubs column, I've copied and pasted text below but you can also check it out at their new website here
To 'brap' or 'zoop, zoop. zoop'?
There’s a certain art to both heckling the DJ and showing your appreciation. But for the conscientious clubber, should you find yourself in unfamiliar territory, it can prove tricky knowing what action to take. Five years ago, if a tune came on that made you want to kiss the air or worse case scenario, the drunken fool dancing on your toe, you could get away with crossing that fine line between worship and celebration by raising your hands hallelujah-style to the ceiling. Alternatively you punched the air or shouted ‘bo!’ in Craig David style. However, should said DJ drop a clanger, depending on which part of London you were clubbing in, you’d consider either throwing a bottle in the direction of the decks, chanting‘off!’ or shouting ‘do you do weddings?’Yet the skill of expression in the strobe lighted room has grown far more complex. One clubbers sign of appreciation is now ‘get the hell out of here’ to another. Take for example the ‘gun finger’. Inspired by Jamaican dancehall events where they preferred to fire actual bullets into the air when a song excited them, it’s generally used by the youth and those who attend urban orientated event. It involves pointing your thumb up, while extending your index and middle finger toward the ceiling in a gun-like stance. Use this on Saturday at Fabric, where M-NUS, Richie Hawtin, Heartthrob and Andrew Weatherall feature on the line-up, you’ll probably be alone and considered a high security risk. Here it’s best advised you stick to more traditional cheering and jeering. However, should you head to the UK’s leading battle ground, hip hop night the Jump Off, on Monday 25th at Mean Fiddler, you’ll also have stumbled upon the launch party for new Brit flick, Life & Lyrics. If you don’t shout ‘brap!’, which has replaced ‘bo!’ or adopt a gun finger stance then it will be assumed that you’re giving the contestants, who challenge each other 8 Mile-style in rap contests and dance-offs, ‘air’. Giving ‘air’ involves doing not a lot; just stand still, stare at the DJ or MC, raise an eyebrow for added effect, pull a ‘screwface’ (otherwise known as a scowl) or for the ultimate in airing procedure - leave the room. If you’re eager to test the waters then a safe bet for your new found signals should be cult dubstep and grime night FWD, who celebrate their 5th Birthday tonight at Plastic People, Shoreditch. Boasting pirate radio favourites D1, Slimzee, Geeneus, Hatcha, Youngsta and MC Crazy D among others, it’s unlikely you’ll need to do anything other than show love. Should you want to be really cutting edge, when you hear a track you really like try shouting ‘zoop, zoop, zoop!’ while bopping your head like a battery hen. Thankfully, dancing like your dad hasn’t gone out of fashion yet.
Words: Chantelle Fiddy
It Was Alot
Samurai started off the night with the R&B/ hip hop selection while the club filled up. Next up was Plastician with a firing old skool garage set which got the one finger skank going. Chewy killed it with the funky house selection, playing big tune after big tune. I filmed some of it but the bass is so distorted it will wreck your speaker. Frisco got so excited that he ran for a reload and dashed a brandy and coke in my ear. I was soaked but I got him back when I threw the beer mat I used to mop myself up. It landed on his shoulder and Danny Walker managed to capture the moment of bewilderment perfectly. Pic soon come. The grime selection, courtesy of Jammer's DJ Snatcher came last. Naturally every man sprayed given it was Skepta's b'day. He was so lean that the hypement was off the scale, a lot of slurred lyrics followed which simply added to the good vibes in the dance. Mr and Mrs Adenuga also joined in the show and seemed to be enjoying as much as their sons. With so many Boy Better Know T's in the place, it was hard to know who was family tree but the event was nothing but smiley faces. Big up the dancing crew down the front who even mustered a reload for their get low selection. Dunno what 'that dance' is called, but it's the new one. Trust me.
Thursday, 21 September 2006
Monday, 18 September 2006
Boozehound Barbie
Yesterday was my 26th Birthday. I'm pleased to announce I broke my own toilet hugging record. Here's a brief account of all the toilets I hugged yesterday (and a few bags for good luck)
Toilet 1 = Quite a good location and with suitable surrounding floor space, I was able to lie down on the cold floor inbetween hugging sessions.
Toilet 2 = The door wouldn't shut but I was past caring and didn't want to revert to carrier bag on the street malarki. I could still smell bleach but there was an off putting yellow mark on the toilet seat which made me heave moreso.
Bag 1 = See through. Bad idea. Everyone could see the contents. Someone remarked it looked like I was carrying a piss bag. Look at the face. Bothered? Nah it was fucked.
Toilet 3 = This was very homely albeit not in my home. There wasn't a lot of room to move about and I was concerned with the levels of sound proofing but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.
Bag 2 = Much stronger plastic, could hold more but thankfully I found toilet number 4.
Toilet 4 = Disabled toilets are good for stop breaks but bad on the echo.
Toilet 5 = The worst. The smell was like a rotten flangita. This meant I rid my system of everything and nothing. Some woman gave me a screwface as I came out shaking and sweating. I was so like whatever
Over the duration of my B'day I only managed to stomach a bottle of lucozade at 11pm in the evening. I am very ashamed of my actions. Binge drinking is not big nor is it clever. I didn't get to eat a special lunch or dinner and there was no chance of having my cake and eating it. The only good news is I was worried I'd gone over my Weight Watcher points with the amount of alcohol consumed on Friday and Saturday, the aftermath meant that not only did I rid myself of some of these, I endured a point free day yesterday. Today has been pretty similar with only two pieces of toast consumed. I also have a cold to boot. In short I feel like a piece of turd, stuck in a u-bend, getting flushed time and time again. You will however be happy to know that among my presents were a Barbie and Ken which means I'll soon be able to start making my own series on the blog. Oh the joy.
Wednesday, 13 September 2006
Tuesday, 12 September 2006
Current Pull Ups
And that's got nothing to do with Huggies.
Skream - Summer Dreams
Newham Generals Mixtape
Wiley - Tunnel Vision Vol. 1
Skream - Tortured Soul
Justin Timberlake & TI - My Love
NY & Purple - Fire
Skream - Check It feat Warrior Queen
Terminator - Beef With T
Mary Anne Hobbs - Warrior Dubz
Epicman & Plan B - Pass That
Bigz & guests - Spit Your Game
Kano & Vybz Cartel - Buss It Up
What are you cocking back to, that's the bloody question?
Monday, 11 September 2006
Dirty Canvas
Whoever would have thought it, a grime night at the ICA. Dirty Canvas took over the bar for the first time and as you can see from James' pic, (he writes for Hooker mag, check his forthcoming review too), it was ramo in the main room. Well it was the only room, but you get the point. Collins started off on the cd decks, we forgot to wear our one off Kesh designs which state 'we don't mix', but as per usual I was just keeping her company shouting things like 'what's this tune' or 'yeah, Kano next'. Every little helps I guess. It was a no show from Cameo so Magic was up next with a little help from Purple and G Double. Seemed to have come along a bit since I last heard them. Following that Plastician licked down the dance with his garage selection. He really exemplifies the difference between a dj and a DJ. His selection was firing, tight mixing and not a bead of sweat! How this was possible I do not know. That was the main downer - no air con. As you can see in this pic, sweat patches doesn't even come close to what was going down perspiration wise. I was wedged by the back door next to the decks most of the night, incase the engineer needed to be called. It also turned out to be the perfect excuse to nip out the back and actually breathe for a minute. You couldn't even bust a good gun finger for fear a. you might knock someone out it was that rammed b. you'd deodrant wasn't as effective as you'd hoped. Anyone who'd remained dry soon got dripping once Boy Better Know landed. Skepta and JME were joined by Jammer and his DJ who'd come straight from Westwood's show. The murkle man got a lot of reloads, as did Skippy and Jamie but the swinging dreads had the youngers towards the front (and the man from Holland) going nuts. Ruff Sqwad arrived late so did a 20 min slot which was good but my energy was getting low. I had to go and wring my dress out. Why I chose to wear jeans underneath instead of shorts i don't know. Blame Collins. She said it might look weird with shorts. I looked ever bloody weirder with my hair stuck to my face and jeans half rolled up. I thought I might have lost some weight but the scales suggest not. I shouldn't have wasted my time crimping either, not only did it wilt in the heat but during my DIY salon session, I stood on the crimper and burnt my toe. It's killy off killy to look at mate. Oh well, you can't have everything. Overall a great night, met a lot of myspacers and blog readers, always great to put a face to a name. No trouble either. Bar staff were cool as were the sound guys. One other gripe though, or take it as a final thought... I know it's great capturing moments but am I the only one who's had enough of getting a camera shoved in their face everytime they go out? The front circle around the decks, as you can also see, was all bright lights and flashes. I kept having to bury my head in Zezi's new hair-do to avoid appearing on whatever waste DVD/picture that's being shot. I don't know whether that makes me vain but it's more about killing the moment. Give us some privacy and let's feel like we're in a party. Where did 'what happens at the rave, stays at the rave' go? Or did it never exist? www.myspace.com/dirtycanvas
Sunday, 10 September 2006
Rappers Smile Too!
Chanillionaire met Chamillionaire for the next issue of Dummy. If you care about whether he takes his grills out to go down on a girl and that kind of stuff, wait for it. Big up Chamillionaire anyway, he was very smiley and looking forward to hearing the verse he laid down on Sway's 'Up Your Speed'.
The London Paper
So this is my first column which ran in The London Paper on Friday. Thanks to the people who messaged me saying they'd seen it. The beauty of freeness! It's going to be every fortnight but look out for other randomness in their. (N.b. If you can't read it on the page, click on the image and chose all sizes when you get on to flickr. The large one should do nicely).
A version of this article appears in Dummy Magazine
Words: Chantelle Fiddy
“…I represent E7 which is in Newham/Any MC wanna test gonna do ‘em/whether it’s inside or outside Newham/Bet you any money I’ll go straight through ‘em…” echo’s D Double E, one third of the Newham Generals, on the mic at club night Forward, reputed for it’s dedication to a grime and dubstep inspired generation. Unlike many grime crews, the three soldier strong Newham Generals (alongside their DJ Tubby), boast not only a small, extremely tight unit, but one that flits easily between the various electronic genres that have taken hold of the underground scene in London, their diverse fanbase growing rapidly as a result. In fact it’s unlikely you’ll find an MC or producer that doesn’t respect, rate or take inspiration from Footsie, Monkey or D Double E, and no doubt why Dizzee Rascal has signed them up to his Dirtee Stank label. “It just kinda happened,” Footsie explains. “We all knew Dizzee from back in the day and we’d rather be with someone who’s doing It and is in touch with what’s going on than hold out for something unrealistic… we’ve actually got a shot (to be heard) this way.” Childhood friends, the three early-twenty-somethings (all funnily enough residing in the borough of Newham), had found earlier street fame with Nasty Crew, the ultimate team that at it’s peak also boasted Kano, Jammer and Ghetto. Leaving to form the Generals late in 2003, they’ve been developing their sound since, each member bringing their own unique style to the table, be it lyrically or at the mixing desk, (Footsie once compairng their individual skills to ‘different types of good weed’). Having completed a tour with Dizzee already, the priority now is putting the finishing touches to their debut album, Generally Speaking, which the Newhams promise will be a self-produced, strictly gritty affair. Then there’s the (delayed) mixtape, Welcome To Newham Vol.1 which is due out any time soon. “We’re not rushing just trust us”, says D Double, a mic legend if ever there was one (check Birds In The Sky and Signal for evidence), speaking on the release that been due since last year. “We’ve been putting the work in for years and we’re not about to stop now. We don’t watch other people, just know we’re raw and ready.”
Saturday, 9 September 2006
Tuesday, 5 September 2006
Dirty Canvas This Saturday
Apologies to the people who've emailed or messaged me on myspace who I'm yet to respond to. This isn't the return of Straight Outta Bethnal (SOB), but SOB are now working in conjunction with Dirty Canvas to push the underground sounds. Helping celebrate their move to the ICA will be Ruff Sqwad, Boy Better Know, DJ Cameo, Hattie Collins B2B Carmen Selektra, DJ Magic and more. Entry is only £6.50 or £5.50 with ICA membership, so it's value for money alright. I predict I'll be propping up the bar given the week I'm having... there's just too much work and too little time. Roll on Saturday!
U Can't Touch This!
OH. MY. GOD. Yesterday I think I got sacked for the first time. Sacking isn't some new road slang for getting jacked, nor is it to do with the act of tea-bagging. Sacking still means losing your job. Ok, I haven't actually lost my job cause I got a whole bag of them ones, but a small slice of pie crumbled. I'm actually quite happy about this a. I'm on a diet. Eating too much pie is waste (and not good for the waist). b. the pay wasn't even touching what the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) deem acceptable c. I've got a new column with The London Paper
who were feeling the blog style,(check Friday's edition). d. I don't want to work with anyone who thinks they can call me and talk to me like I was spoken to yesterday, about something I posted on my blog
Basically people, I'm out of Touch.
The last time I left Touch was when it closed down in 2003. I think. It's hard to keep up cause it's been and gone as many times as it's had new editors. I joined a while into Simon Das' reign, doing mixtapes & underground reviews and features, something I've continued to do until today. Long story cut short like hotpants; Touch Magazine or Paul McKenzie
thinks I'm disloyal and it would seem beyond the realm of employment, for blogging that a recent article about them in the Guardian was inaccurate, wrongly claiming Touch were the only urban publication. What I wrote wasn't/isn't directed at Touch and certainly wasn't intended as offensive to them. This I pointed out. Should another journalist not be acknowledged for submitting a poorly researched story? Apparently not. I learnt yesterday there's no point trying to rationally discuss something with somebody who's quite possibly disillusioned. It generated a barrage of swearing, cursing and questionable remarks. Whether or not you're loyal to a brand/publication, you can't ignore the truth. It makes you look and sound bloody stupid. "I'll go on record and say it again and again..." Yo, cuz, facts remain facts. Go look up RWD, Blues & Soul, Hip Hop Connection, Echoes... Touch are not the only urban publication. I know it, you know it, Comag knows it (and the sales figures). So what, we're all liars? Work with the truth and the truth works with you. I've said it on here before, got a problem ring me and let's discuss it like adults. This isn't road. It's business.
As a result I will no longer be contributing to Touch. And anyone (editor or not), who thinks it's appropriate to tell a contributor of five years... 'bang heads with Hattie Collins and knock yourself out', before putting the phone down, doesn't warrant much more comment. Oh, but will I be getting commission for the advertiser I sent your way a couple of issues back? You can't Touch this, but should you care to find it, the new issue of Touch
is on shelves now.
Thursday, 31 August 2006
Tuesday, 29 August 2006
Who's Your Daddy?
| Your Daddy Is Darth Vader |
 What You Call Him: Old Man Why You Love Him: He's the Mack Daddy |
The Great Weed Drought
This is no water shortage, stop using your hosepipe story, but the weed drought which seems to have hit many sides of London. And it couldn't have happened at a worse time than Carnival weekend. I've been looking for information or possible news stories which would explain the sudden desperation that is taking hold of many cannabis smokers, yet there's nothing out there bar the 5,000 kilos of cannabis taken as a result of a big drugs haul in Denia... and that is hashish. It's hit users so bad there are even requests for dealer details on forums coming from normally sane members of the public, including a number of professionals, not to mention the group emails and phone calls from people you didn't even know had your number. Can anyone shed light... or a number?
Murked By Mummy?
At least I know someone reads... "You may add my comment to your blog please. I am interested to know how can you have non-brands when every item is made by somebody/company therefore that in itself is a branded item. I may only shop at Asda, my sweet, but your jeans will be by 'George' which if I am not mistaken is a brand. As is Asda! Your trainers for instance may well have been made by an 'unknown' company but it will be their brand and logo on the bottom of the shoe! Correct me if I am wrong? In respect of your piece on Lily Allen, I don't think you need to comment anymore on playground politics, you're a big girl - move on. However, I must say I never did much go for your 'retro look' but hey, it's not me going out wearing it, and if it makes you happy, what's it got to do with anyone else. Wear it and be proud! Re: joke about maths instruction - old - heard it before! Nice to see some new updated items on your blog. Your number one fan, lots of love Mummy x
Monday, 28 August 2006
Saving Face
A public school teacher was arrested today at Gatwick Airport as he attempted to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a set square, a slide rule, and a calculator. At a morning press conference, Home Secretary John Reid said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-gebra movement. He did not identify the man, who has been charged by the Met. Police with carrying weapons of maths instruction. "Al-gebra is a problem for us," Reid said. "They desire solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in a search of absolute values. They use secret code names like "x" and "y" and refer to themselves as "unknowns," but we have determined they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with co-ordinates in every country. As the Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, "There are 3 sides to every triangle". When asked to comment on the arrest, Prime Minister Tony Blair, speaking from his holiday resort before the planes stopped flying, said, "If God had wanted us to have better Weapons of Maths Instruction, He would have given us more fingers and toes." Word.
On a more serious note, spare a thought for all the cabin crew who are suffering with the current baggage restrictions. According to me sister, who's an air hostess, rumour from the runway has it a member of staff was suspended today after she was caught smuggling mascara in her bra. The poor lads and lasses aren't allowed to carry products, perfume, make up etc either so if you notice duty free looking over busy with people in uniform, don't be alarmed.
Sunday, 27 August 2006
Not A Bad Look
Naturally I'm referring to Kano being on the front cover of the Time Out Carnival guide with Lily Allen. The inside story by Paul McKenzie, new editor of Touch, is strong too. And that's no Hovis bread selection either. I might write for Touch but I disagreed with some of what was said in the Guardian Media guide about his takeover (everyone knows Touch isn't the only urban publication out there for a start and it was despicable for a report to run with such inaccurate suggestions), but you can't deny the piece has charm.
Anyway, not to detract from the point, Kano also has a new heater that's dropped in time for Carnival weekend. It's the Don Corleone produced 'Buss It Up', which is a collaboration between Kane and Vybz Kartel which was laid down in Jamaica a good few months back. Listen to Logan's show on Monday to hear it or go to bbc.co.uk/radio1 and find Westwoods weekend archive. It's a good warm up for the 2nd album that's due to drop next year, Feb time I think. I'm yet to hear anything else from it but it sounds like there's some interesting production and surprises to be expected.
It didn't pain me as much as I thought to put a picture of Lily Allen on my blog either. I do skip her video's on TV because I get worked up when I see what happens to the guy. I don't know why, but I just feel if it was a man doing that to a woman in a video it would cause a storm of criticism and if we want equality via media, it has to apply to both sides. Anyway, my post about her a while back (n.b quick recall all she did was diss my jacket and I made a joke about it on here cause It was a pretty swag insult) provoked a fair bit of response, both here and elsewhere, and people still ask me if there's a part 2 to the story. Well there were a few progressions. Lily Allen called me a wastewoman (on the post) for a start. She also sent me a message on myspace, the day I went on holiday to Greece (note to myself; that needs a post of it's own), suggesting I'd made the toilet incident up. The message also suggested that If I had a problem we should sort it out. I didn't reply as I don't have a problem. I wasn't too pleased with a. being called a wastewoman or b. her suggesting I made it up for fun (that would be an overly weak bit of hype) but I'm not into playground business. My relaying of the story was never intended as a spanner in the works. Nor a criticism of her - I don't even know the girl. Likewise It was nothing to do with the diss being a big deal. I just wanted to highlight the most shallow cuss I'd ever experienced. It bought great amusement, trust me. Understandably if she genuinely didn't remember (for whatever reason) she might have been pissed thinking I was trying to put a slur on her image, but given I don't touch coke and wasn't off my head on the alcopops, there's little doubt in my mind (I wouldn't have written about it otherwise). What was really interesting was some information that sprung to light afterwards. Another comment in her message was along the lines of i've never heard of you before, but according to a mutual associate of ours, she actually suggested she was familiar with my work and couldn't understand why I was writing such things. Said associate suggested she phone me if she was bothered but she obviously wasn't cause I haven't heard a peep since. Should I have received a phone call, I would have asked her where she gets her eyeliner from. That's one thing she's definitely got on lock in my books. I also know that some of the people who commented on the post have since received flack from various people connected to Lily Allen or best friend Miquita Oliver for revealing their own gak accounts or gossip. Since that however, there's been so much juice that's surfaced in the tabloids and other sources that it makes what was written on here overly boring. Naturally I'm interested as much as the next person, Ms Allen seems like a character and a half but the tide will continue to turn if the attention detracts too much from her music. Doing an Amy Winehouse and slating everyone in the game is never a good idea. Being real is one thing but sometimes being real qualifiies as rude, unjust and unprofessional. Let us not forget in this industry, you never know who's friends with who. It's all too easy to get caught up in the hype. I notice that love for Lily Allen in the underground is fairly strong, and although I was a tad surprised given the response Lady Sovereign got (and she's far more genuinely street), I'm not entirely adverse to her music either. I was surprised the album was only 37 minutes in length but their were a couple of tunes on it I would give a reload. Just don't expect to hear gunshots too.
Bonfire Of The Brands
A religious part of my Sunday is the Sunday Times, the Style supplement more specifically. This morning we rejoyced that Paul Flynn had a column on the opening page, only to find out he's filling in for a week. Hello? Somebody sort this man out a regular slot! Next to open my eyes was the double page spread on Neil Boorman (my Straight Outta Bethnal partner). I've mentioned his forthcoming book, Bonfire Of The Brands on here before (someone called him a slimy c**t, can't say he's greased me in any way, shape or form, quite the opposite in fact), and this article documented in brief his mission (ridding his life of everything branded) and details of the burning which takes place on September 17th (let's hope he gives me a Birthday present then). When I first met with Neil, I didn't view him as label obsessed, but since reading his blog and talking with him I've realised it's because we all are really. Today raised some more food for thought - literally - even buying Tesco Finest can be deemed buying into a lifestyle, so surely that can also apply to Tesco Value? One request on Boormans blog is to find non-branded innersoles for his non-branded trainers, I'm imagining his life is going to prove difficult. Will he have to start making much of his attire? Perhaps he'll need to further his culinary skills in order to satisfy his love of dips and start making these fancies from scratch? The debate as to what does and doesn't qualify as a brand could rage forever. Does wanting to live a non-branded lifestyle thus make you part of another world of cliche's and assumptions? Think how many times the word hippy gets attached to someone who chooses to live off the land. It's made me start thinking about my own choice of brands and my reasons for owning them. I don't know if I'm going to like what I'm about to write but here goes nothing... Neil Boorman I dedicate this to you in the name of research. www.bonfireofthebrands.blogspot.com
Sony Ericsson W900i - It's white. That why I chose it as my upgrade. The music player also seemed quite a bonus. And it matched my watch.
Guess watch - It's white. It seemed unusual and I loved it. I bought it in America last year as a birthday present. I actually prefer it to the Chanel one. And it's £3,000 cheaper.
iBook - Everyone in media uses Mac's don't they? And I don't like PC's.
Trashy Lingerie vest - It's an underwear shop in LA that you pay entry to get into. I liked the colour combination. It was cheap and a reminder of my trip. It did make it into Style a few months later though.
Non-branded jeans - Woohoo. One bonus point for me. I was probably broke and mum goes to Asda.
iPod - When I got it there wasn't an alternative. And who didn't want an MP3 player when they hit the market.
Nike Trainers - A present from an American journalist who I helped on a story. I don't really buy Nike in the UK because it's too expensive and when it comes to clothes I'm actually quite tight although I once spent £60 on a denim skirt. They saw me coming.
Oxford English Dictionary - Does this qualify as a brand? I'd rather swear by Oxford than an unofficial imitation.
RSPCA Socks - Another gift but the RSPCA brand does suggest I care about animals. I do. But I haven't done much to help unless you count handing in a dog I found wandering the streets of Shoreditch. The weekend I had Foxy Brown was like I had a child. Allow that.
Body Shops Moisturiser - I trust the brand. I admit it. When I pay £6 for an illuminating moisturiser from the Body Shop I expect to radiate from E2 to SE1.
Disney Calendar - Honestly I got it for the double line spacing. My schedule is hectic and warrants room to move. Like I ever write anything on it.
Samsung TV - It was the cheapest option although I did trust it more than the alternative I'd never heard of.
adidas jumper - It was FREEEEEEEEE.
Party Pooper
There were alot of parties and good club nights on this weekend, but I haven't been to any. I should have gone to The Legion or perhaps 93 Feet East and thrown signals while Wiley clashed Ghetto and Scorcher. Couldn't. Muster. A. Movement. There was never a strong chance of me going to watch Boy Better Know at 333 either. R U Dumb? I've not being back there since Straight Outta Bethnal got 'too underground' for them... so underground that Teens Of Thailand are booking the same acts that we put on monthly to around 650 people a time? Hyprocrisy? There's a lot of it out there it seems. Good luck to Boy Better Know all the same. And while the weekend is still young, relatively speaking, I still have no intention of heading out. You may not care why, but this is my blog and I'll do what I want. Quite frankly I can't be arsed. I've got a stack of work to do and little desire to socialise. I enjoy my own company, is that such a bad thing? I laugh more at my own jokes for a start. I definitely feel a stronger urge to get wild if things are getting me down or I have no money. That's not to say I've become rich overnight, far from it, but my career has taken some unexpected twists and turns which are, to an extent, allowing me to dejunk my life. I've been bored for too long but no longer feel much need to do what I've come to know, or more to the point, what I felt was expected of me. While I continue to champion underground sounds I like, the truth is, and I think we've touched on this before, I'm not as excited as I was once. This is for a number of reasons, but I don't want to blame the music, something I've found myself doing of late. It's me. I've got older and my priorities, interests, reality and future are ever-changing. I haven't got time for certain attitudes or certain people, nor do I have time to embrace excuses or celebrate so much with so little meaning. It's not like the story of the grime DJ who starts playing funky house, it's about embracing a whole lot more. And hopefully that 'more' will allow you to open your mind and raise your arms to the ceiling once again too.
B Team
Caught up with Plan B a couple of times this week. He's recording a four track, live EP as the next release. It's going to include 'No More Eatin' and three new cuts. Ny was there to lay down some backing vocals and got to meet Shameless who's reppin on one of the tracks too. If you haven't yet heard their collabo from MK's mixtape, Pass That, you can download it from myspace.com/time4planb. Next up was the video shoot for the NME favourite, No More Eatin', down at the Black Island Studios. All the extras were fans from myspace or my crew from Live Magazine/Live Recordings, which was nice. They were a bit stiff on the first take so I suggested some moshing but was not expecting the levels of rowdiness that then ensued for the next 5 hours. It was great to see the girls giving as good as the guys. A few pairs of glasses were broken, someone got winded and there were a lot of bruises to follow but good fun had by all. A lot of the hip hop kids hadn't moshed before and cheesy as it may sound, it was a beautiful thing to see fans of all ages, shapes, colour and musical preference united. I think that's probably what makes Plan B unique as a young artist. The Roots and Manuva have achieved this before and to an extent so does Sway, but B's fusion of Nirvana and Radiohead inspired music with the full band, coupled with rap, seals it that little bit more for me. At one point the director asked me to stand directly behind Ben to prevent anyone jumping on him. Like. A. Mug. I. Said. Ok. BATTERED! Big toe on left foot dead out. I decided to leave it to the pro's after that and caught up with Sem, Cassell, Andy, Beni, Lyric and Danielle Senior before blagging a cab home. Sure everyone slept well (even the band who were heading to Reading to sleep on their fun bus for the first time). I'm just praying now that the final cut doesn't show me getting murked by some of the angriest, moshing, Plan B fans known to man. Big up all of you.
Saturday, 26 August 2006
Green Party
GREEN PARTY
Words: Chantelle Fiddy
With Eminem too busy signing off divorce papers, it’s going to be down to the UK’s own Professor Green to fill the skinny white guy size 9’s and keep whooping arses 8 Mile style. “I’m quite a negative person, quite down on myself,’ says the lanky 22 year old. “That’s why I try and make a joke with life and people – including myself.” One of those who’ve felt the wrath of his bitter sweet comedy is his new label boss Mike Skinner, who promptly snapped Green up to The Beats following an impressive warm up slot on the last Streets tour and commendable lyrics on The Mitchell Brothers ‘Routine Check Remix’ (lines including ‘why even try to spit, Mike your rhymes are about as tight as Jordan’s vagina is’ or ‘why is a millionaire crying about women, Mike dry your eyes and stop whingin’’). In Green’s case, this form of reverse psychology has paid off time and time again, his number of consecutive wins at UK battle ground The Jump Off, still unbeaten and his fan base ever increasing. “Way too many people, especially in hip hop, aren't laughing at themselves, they're trying to be gangsters but the gangsters I know aren't rapping.”
Raised by his grandmother on a council estate in east London, Green’s by no means a stranger to the complexities of inner city adolescence or street life itself, previously doing what he had to do to make money. “I’m not complaining,” he explains during a rare moment of seriousness, “but it’s not been easy. My mum had me when she was 16, and she left when I was a year old, she's kind of been there throughout my life but not much. And my dad, don’t even get me started on him. I’ve not had a call since I was about 18.”
It was around this time that Green began arming himself with war discourse, scribing lyrics in his head about random strangers that sat across from him on the train, working out ways to cuss them, or practising on his friends until he felt ready to step up to the live stage. At last years international Power Summit in the Bahamas, Green, the unknown outsider and only British representative, mocked his way through every heat to reach the final. Reports had it that by this time Green had won over many of the American audience who went on to cheer for him as he took on the man regarded as the Worlds best (battle rapper), Jin. “Some people didn’t think it was fair that he didn’t have to go through the other rounds like I did, but he won… just. It was a learning curve before because I’d never battled in that environment before and it gave me a chance to show people what I can do. I’ll definitely be going back again this year.”
There have naturally been the doubters who wondered whether Green could make the transition from freestyling to song writer, but there’s no denying his ability to incorporate his competitive and quirky style into verses. Evidence already available for perusal include the remix of The Streets ‘When U Wasn’t Famous’, (the video starring Jodie Marsh obviously of assistance in garnering Green some serious heat), his mixtape The Lecture #1, showcasing his ability to deal with a broad range of subject matter and beats, and his debut limited edition release, ‘Stereotypical Man’ (also produced by Skinner), which has become a collectable slab of green vinyl. “The pressures really on now to deliver the album. It might now be out till next year, we’ll just have to wait and see. I’m not going to rush for anyone. That’s why me and Skinner get on I think, we’ll argue about a track until we have the best product. And my albums going to be my best, I know that at least.”
Professor Green Lecture #1 and Stereotypical Man are out now on The Beats. www.myspace.com/professorgreen
A VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE APPEARS IN DUMMY MAGAZINE www.dummymagazine.com. Buy it!
Friday, 25 August 2006
Thursday, 24 August 2006
Tuesday, 22 August 2006
Frag A Man Down
Ladies, It's this fraggin' Saturday if you want to go hit on Logan Sama and check your refleco in the mirrored shades. I haven't yet seen them in person, so I do hope Kiss 100's Sama reps them to the fullest. Blindin'
Introducing: LaCrate and Amanduh Blank
Blues & Soul meet Aaron LaCrate, 30, B'more gutter music producer and CEO of Milk Crate Records alongside vocalist/rapper/girl about town and nu-wave style icon Amanduh Blank, 23... Words: Chantelle Fiddy.
UD: First off, what's Baltimore gutter music?
Aaron: It's a new musical genre, like crunk on crack. I've spearheaded it, the gutter music project was Amanduh Blank, Spank Rock, me, Low Budget (who's a great DJ). We grew up with Baltimore club music and it was getting popular in Philly so we decided to do a mixtape featuring a heap of exclusives. It got a lot of press and created a lot of attention for everybody. We're like the next generation of Baltimore club beats, Amanduh rhyming over it is different, they normally just have chants.
UD: What's the crowd like who go to these nights?
Amanduh: It is kinda fashion. Every city is different, west London is fashion crowds but Philly is more hood. You get a diverse mix of kids.
UD: We have problem here putting on grime events, is that something that happens over there?
Aaron: It's the biggest form of music in Baltimore and people do get fucked up in some clubs but it's your typical urban experience.
Amanduh: I feel we stick out more when we're in the UK at parties, it's just different, like the way i look everyone in Philly looks this way with the door knocker earrings and loud hair and make up. There's a huge difference in the dancing too, I'd like to go to a dancehall club over here cause I reckon that's where people really get down. No one in Philly stands around trying to look cool, there's limbs everywhere, it gets really sweaty.
UD: Have you been surprised by the success of Spank Rock in Europe?
Amanduh: I've known them before they were Spank Rock, when Niem? had dreadlocks, it was just like 'damn'! He's like my best friend so I was joking around with him and had some fun, the song ended up coming out cool and going on the album.
UD: Has the mixtape helped you get remix work like Alesha's 'Superficial'?
Aaron: Pretty much yeah, the music just hit pretty hard over here cause UK dance records, like Shut Up And Dance had a massive influence on Baltimore club music when it started. They were getting played in all the clubs over there. It's kinda come full circle.
UD: Would you work with someone you weren't into if the money was right?
Aaron: For me remixing is different, what we do is nasty, hard and disgustingly horrible, so if someone wants me to do that to their tune, if you wanna pay me to do that then I'm gonna do what I do. If I can put a pop record out with 'mother fucker' with gun shots and explosions then cool.
UD: How did you both meet?
Aaron: It was about two years ago and we just clicked, we had a similar sick sense of humour and we could vibe.
Amanduh: I couldn't work with someone I didn't share those things with.
UD: What's your background, cause you seem to have come from nowhere?
Amanduh: I haven't been in it too long, Spank Rock really got me into it and since the mixtape I've been on some remixes, I'm in a band as well so I've performed with them. I'm just an attention whore, I'll do anything to be on stage.
UD: What's a typical set for you?
Aaron: They'll be Baltimore classics mixed with a lot of my own stuff.
UD: And Milk Crate is your label?
Aaron: The mixtape came out in November 2005 and that was the first proper release, before that we'd put out stuff randomly. Milk Crate was originally a fashion label which me and my girlfriend run, that's been out here since '96.
UD: Plans for the music?
Amanduh: Lots of shows and making new music. I'm looking forward to going to Russia, I plan to shop.
Aaron: 'Blow' is out now featuring Amanduh and I've done the gutter remix of 'Smile.' I've known Lily before all this, she represents something that speaks to a big demographic.
UD: Worst live experience?
Amanduh: I was doing a show and these girls who didn't like me stood at the front, booing me under their breath. But it was cool, cause I still got their money so they could get the fuck out. Generally I just don't like people standing, staring and looking at their Blackberry. It's like why did you bother coming out?
For more info www.myspace.com/amanduhblank, www.myspace.com/aaronlacrate and www.milkcraterecords.com.
Sunday, 20 August 2006
Wednesday, 16 August 2006
Some MOBO Nominations
Best Song: Beyoncé, feat Jay Z - Deja Vu, Corinne Bailey Rae - Put Your Records On, Gnarls Barkley - Crazy, Mary J Blige - Be Without You, Ne-Yo - So Sick
Best International Female: Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Mary J Blige, Nelly Furtado
Best UK Female: Alesha Dixon, Beverley Knight, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jamelia, Keisha White
Best International Male: Chris Brown, Jay Z, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Pharrell
Best UK Male: Kano, Lemar, Nate James, Plan B, Sway
Best Hip-Hop Act: Akala, Busta Rhymes, Kano, Kanye West, Sway
Best UK Newcomer: Corinne Bailey Rae, Fundamental 03, Lady Sovereign, Plan B, Soundbwoy
Tuesday, 15 August 2006
Wednesday, 9 August 2006
GHETTO 'I WISH I NEVER' (See the full thing in the latest issue of Dummy Magazine. Biginthegame.com ya see)
Words: Chantelle Fiddy
I Wish...
Went on a tune called Desert Storm...
When you're new in the scene you get tricked into doing things. I hear the tune in the studio and played loud I thought It could do something big but then I heard it the other day and I was pissed off.
Cut my hair...
I used to have a big afro, check the back of my mixtape, you'll see the pictures. I'm not going to grow it back though, I grew it in jail and it was easy but I can't grow it like that on road.
Took so damn long to write my verse today…
I wished I'd collected the Prangin' Out Remix beat and written it before cause when there's a lot of people in the studio it's bare jokes and I can't concentrate. I like my bars to be on fire.
Visited Scorcher late last week...
Cause I didn't get there on time last week I had to go back to the jail house and visit him yesterday which meant I missed my probation meeting.
Missed Probation...
Man if I hadn’t missed probabtion there’s wouldn’t be a warrant out for my arrest now. I'm on probation for a series of things mostly driving, driving and driving.
Went on certain DVD's...
People shit on you, they'll try make you look a certain way, they just put the hype bits on, that's how they see Ghetto, they don't see Ghetto in a normal, jokey way. I've calmed down a lot and I'm serious now.
Lost this one bet...
The girl bet heads and put it this way, two minutes later I was butt naked and it was unfair, she got to keep all her clothes on while I walked around my house like that, mum downstairs and everything.
Clashed Napper...
Why did I do that? Is he in my league? No. I can't watch myself you know, I don't know what's wrong with me. Back when I first came out of jail and clashed I was like 'if I lose i'm gonna fuck you up' but it's not that now.
Started smoking weed...
It’s so hard to get off it, I'm off it now but at certain times when I'm stressed or need inspiration i think 'ooh just one draw', but it doesn't help. I've started to dream again and I feel nice. I'd forgotten what dreaming was like.
Lashed this chick bare back...
She knows who she is: the hood bicycle about five years ago. Having unprotected sex in the heat of the moment isn't the one, but I'm alright and I'm more responsible than I used to be. I don't like lashing certain girls still, I'm a fly guy.
Ghetto 2000 & Life Vol.1 is in all good independent record shops now.
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