Plan B - Fiddy Interview Part 2

Touring With Sov

My first radio documentary gets aired on 1Xtra at 2pm tomorrow (I think). You can also check it here http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/tx/documentaries. Massive shout to James Miller and all who made it possible.

Bearman - Bear Necessities

London Paper 6

londonpaper6, originally uploaded by chantelle.

On The Scene
Words: Chantelle Fiddy

DUBSTEP

Sat on a Northern line train last week, a suited and booted man was overheard telling a colleague he was going out for a night of dubstep which “has like these deep, bass lines. Mate, they can give you an upset stomach...”

And that’s one of the unique qualities dubstep as an underground scene has to offer; the more recently acquired clientel don’t always have a bloody clue, (well that or they have weak stomach’s), but they sure as hell love the music. If you’re a regular reader of the Sunday papers, style magazines or the music press, then chances are you’ve already come across a mention of dubstep the current genre creeping up the hot lists. Perhaps you’ve already been enlightened. But unlike a lot of buzz words and trends, dubstep isn’t actually anything new, nor is it a passing fad.

Undoubtedly the club night synonomous with the birth and growth of dubstep is FWD which, as you may recall from these very pages, are now in their fifth year of business. Back in the early days at the Velvet Rooms, Charring Cross, when grime wasn’t called grime and dubstep wasn’t called dubstep, Ms Dynamite was the resident mic hogger and DJ’s included Zed Bias and Oris Jay. The crowd were dedicated street music producers, independent record label types, wannabe MC’s and any one else who had dusted UK garage off their shoulder in favour of something gritty and edgey. FWD’s unique selling point was that, musically, anything went. The best in street beats, It was where DJ’s and producers alike went to showcase their latest tracks, many of which were fresh out of the studio that evening. While elements of FWD have changed over the years, it’s now found at Plastic People on Curtain Road for one, this freshness remains imperative to the winning formula.

Tonight, DJ Wonder, responsible for the Dizzee Rascal ‘Respect Me’ track and ‘What’, amongst other underground greats, is the latest in a line of producers having his album launch at FWD. Also on the bill are Benga, Geeneus and D1. Due to the limited space, if you want to guarantee entry and aren’t on a long arse wait outside, go early. An alternative for you tonight, a slighty harder one at that, running from 10pm-6am, is Yardcore at it’s new venue Jacks, Crucifix Lane, London Bridge. Supplying the dupstep, breaks, jungle, breakcore, electronica, acid, hardcore, gabba, dancehall and beats ‘n’ pieces will be Tech Itch (playing his first dubstep set), Milanese, SI Begg, PCM, Warlock, Luke Envoy and MC Mash Clan.

If you’re one of those really organised clubbers put November 24th in your diary, Hospitality At Heaven have roped FWD into Room Three. Doing the honours are Youngstar, N Type, Hatcha, Headhunter, Crazy D and more. Room One and Two on the D&B tip sees High Contrast, Andy C, London Elekricity, Doc Scott, Marcus Intalex and MC GQ.

On a final note, may I reassure you that any sightings of dubstep revellers throwing up are yet to be confirmed.

Essentials The Return!

ESSENTIALS LOGO BLACK WHITE, originally uploaded by chantelle.

Yep, it's official. South London based crew Essentials have got back together. The new line up features Bigrem (formerly known as Remerdee), Jendor, Dott (who's not young anymore, obviously) and DJ Bossman. "We started having problems, politics, arguments and that in August 2005. I also had personal issues going on too. The break up was a long process... but we all wanted to do our own thing for a while. Some people didn't even want to MC anymore. You could call it a re-evaluation period." Rem explained. "Since we broke up fans have been on us, asking why we had to split up. The crew was kind of the backbone to the south scene, so I called up the guys recently to see who was serious and wanted to do business, not just take it for a joke. We have a plan now and we're all moving in the same direction." The new track, So Much Better, produced by Virgo and featuring Snipekeedo, will get an airing on Logan Sama's Kiss 100 show tonight if you're locked. And it's set to get a release soon on Essentials new label, Hazzardous, with a remix from DaVinChe. As for the video, that's already in the bag and will drop on Channel U and MTV Base in the not so distant future. So keep your eyes and ears peeled.

Plan B - Fiddy Interview Part 1

the exteneded war report @ dirty canvas

September time, big up FIP

N Dubz I Swear

Apologies but this is the only version of the video I could find on youtube. I don't care what anyone says, this tune is masssssssssive. Styling aside, If they sort out their promo campaign who knows what could happen.

New Reviews On F Mag

Pop over to F Magazine.com
where my new reviews are up; Plan B - Live At The Pet Cemetery EP (check the Hadouken remix, ones to watch), DVA Presents Voice Of Grime Vol.1 (love the Sadie track on here), Wonder Welcome To Wonderland (It's still the Gods Gift dub doing it), Bigz - A New Big-inning (Spit Your Game is on some Dipset shit) and Ruff Sqwad - Guns & Roses 2 (Xtra is still blowing up the dances). Whatever your musical preference, there's a load more to get your ears flapping.

Dirty Canvas

image002, originally uploaded by chantelle.

This Saturday with D Double E and Frisco. I only just found out. Lateinthegame.com or what.

Welcome To Wonderland

image, originally uploaded by chantelle.

Tomorrow night Wonder will be launching his album at FWD. I'll be there cause it's the birthday of one of my bosses, Markle Man (not to be confused with Murkle). I did get Jammer to do Markle a drop though.
What more could a man want for his birthday? It's just a shame my job isn't the sort that involves promotion. Happy Birthday anyway. And you can check out some words on and tracks from the album over at www.fmagazine.com.

Goodz With Goods?

Bored of talking about Crazy Titch, attention's switching to Goodz and what his next moves going to be. With his Polydor contact apparently in the bin bag, the plan a few months back was that it was going to get a release on an independent label. I'm not sure whether this label sat on it in the hope that Goodz would get out and actually be able to do some promotion. Maybe they weren't sure what to do with it, after all Goodz has been away for some time. I've heard the album and I've got to say it's good. On a commercial level, I'm not entirely sure how it would have worked, but then I also don't know if what I've heard is the entire product - was the album even finished? It's also worth considering whether all the lyrics will stand up now, after all, they're going to be a couple of years old now and the situation's changed somewhat. Whatever happens to the old material and where ever Goodz does from here on in, hopefully he holds it up and can use this incident to educate the people. After all real's his middle name isn't it?

I Write Bars Till The Milkman Comes

Nah not me but Kano. 'I Write Bars Till The Milkman Comes' is a new freestyle, production by Mikey J. Logan's going to be playing it Monday I believe on Kiss 100, but it will be available as a free download this time next week over at www.myspace.com/kano679. Hopefully they'll be a series of these leading up to the 2nd album coming early spring 2007.

Shh Hut Yuh Muh Part 10

chann, originally uploaded by chantelle.

Shameless RWD

shamelessrwd, originally uploaded by chantelle.

“Fucking, X Factor singing, R&B, half German, wannabe… I’m trying to find Plan B cause I’ve heard that he can rap and that/Allow the sound clashes, all the long talk and the battle raps…” And that’s just the beginning of Shameless’ venomous lyrics which appear on ‘Pass That’, one of the current rap tracks heating up the roads, pavements and alleyways. “He’s only hating cause I’m signed and he ain’t, jealous prick/he says I sold out quick, but he’s only underground cause he’s shit…” Plan B later retorts. But this is no 8 mile attempt to create some hype, it’s a collaboration they laid down following the funeral of a mutual friend, which now features on DJ MK’s album, Above Board.

While the two rappers, who met during their school days, will naturally be deemed rivals, they have little in common bar the predictable likelihood they’ll be compared to Eminem, and influences which range from The Clash to Tupac and Skibba D. “Where I’ve grown up is a hot pot of talent. I play guitar and piano too but my main focus has been the rap, I’ve never wanted anyone to think I can’t rap because I’m some white guy who might go to work listening to Nirvana but bumping Biggie on the way home”, explains Shameless from the studio where he’s laying down more tracks for his debut album, due out early 2007.

East London born and bred, 25 year old Shameless started out initially in punk bands as well as hitting the mic jungle style in his teens, which goes some way in explaining the snappy flow. His recent freestyle, (accompanied by a video), over the Arctic Monkeys ‘When The Sun Goes Down’, generated media attention from Hip Hop Connection to NME. With only a few releases to date, the main attractions being ‘U Never Know’, ‘Concrete Waves’, ‘A Shameless Introduction’ and ‘Bless’, the buzz has slowly but surely building for the next round of proverbials.

“It’s got to the point where I’ve decided to quit my job. I’ve been a shit daytime TV editor for years, I’ve grafted, but It’s not my passion. I’m going to make this music thing one way or another.”

‘Pass That’ is available on DJ MK ‘Above Board’ out now on Antidote.
‘When The Sun Goes Down freestyle’ can be downloaded from www.myspace.com/paddyraggaman

Words: Chantelle Fiddy

A version of this article appears in the new issue of RWD

London Paper 5

londonpaper5, originally uploaded by chantelle.

ON THE SCENE: CHANTELLE FIDDY

A couple of weeks ago, American rapper Rhymefest met up with Tory leader David Cameron to discuss the merits of hip hop lyricism. What transpired at the end of their discussion was that, unsurprisingly, Cameron was too busy to go clubbing that night with the Chicago MC. Rumours that a disappointed Rhymefest returned to his room at Westminster’s City Inn instead of going out himself are still to be confirmed, but if politicians want to get down with the people, what could be better than a bout of body popping at breaking down barriers? It also poses a bigger question, how many hotels in London actually boast in-house nightclubs? Beyond the M25, a number of towns make do with just that. The demure surroundings of hotels like the Coppid Beech in Bracknell are transformed at night, attracting many locals, singletons, divorcees and residential guests alike, into the smokey confines of the basement where they enjoy the commercial sounds of Essex favourites like Kiss 100’s DJ Jez Wellam. To the discerning clubber perhaps it’s not extremely appertising. But the convenience factor of being able to avoid the mission home, kebab shops and other drunken revellers while knowing you’re waking up in the morning to be served with a full English breakfast, actually justifies visiting a club that resembles the Conservative Club, minus the strobe lights and pop sounds of course, my grandparents used to hang out at. Prompted to investigate further, an internet search didn’t unearth much bar the offer of a corporate hen package, The Great Eastern in Shoreditch and Purple at The Chelsea Football Club Hotel. So is this a niche yet to be exploited in London?

Should Cameron get a window in the forseeable future, he’d surely approve of the Rollerdisco at Canvas, Kings Cross. As well as being popular with the younger generation (UK street stars spotted there regularly include Boy Better Know and Sway), it’s the perfect place to see your mates or work colleague drop hard on the floor. And while they flail, you get to laugh at them with little fear of reprisal - that is until you meet the same fate and go head over cheeks. Music wise, the DJ’s mix up the best in old and new disco, house, garage, hip hop and R&B. Costing £12.50 (including skate hire), it’s open on Thursdays and Fridays but it’s advisable to log onto www.rollderdisco.info and book in advance as it’s usually a sellout and rightly so.

If the above aren’t tempting enough then swinging to the left, Shanty House, a cultural musical merger, launches tonight, 7pm, at the Whitechapel Art Gallery. Featuring global urban music from Brazilian favelas to the Kwaito sounds of South Africa townships, desi, grime, dancehall and crunk, DJ Tetine and bloggers Woebot, Stelfox and Bun-U are guaranteed to keep it fresh. There’s also a film screening of Resistencia, a documentary about Columbian hip hop, and a Q&A with Director Tom Feiling. With an edutainment line-up like that, even Cameron needs to have a word with his PA.

Bearman's Debut Album

bearman cd FRONTsmall, originally uploaded by chantelle.

Out end of November. You need this in your life if there's a remote possibility you have a sense of humour... the rock collabo is especially mosh worthy (I'm on that ting).

Plan B 2007 Tour

I'm there

Fish Go Deep feat. Tracey K

Video to Cure & The Cause directed by Mighty Mo ('Pow') and styled by Richard Shoyemi. Big up both of you, younger generation moving in all directions. This is Out soon on Defected.

Roll Deep Badman

It's the new one from Roll Deep, part of new Trident initiative. Does the contract entail they have to stop chatting gun lyrics from here on in? We'll soon find out... Rules & Regulations Vol.1 is out end of the month. And I'm jet lagged.

Blah Blah

I've literally just walked in the door after being in New York and Philly, visiting our dear Lady Sovereign. Despitely barely sleeping since last Saturday night, I've had the pleasure of joining her on a couple of tour dates and boy oh boy, there were a few surprises. Details on the documentary soon come.

UK 4 BET Awards

Vote for your favourite UK artists at this years BET Awards

Faith SFX Oh My

Gremlin Does Fish Go Deep

Watch out for the official video for 'Cure & The Cause' coming soon, directed by our boy Mighty Mo. In the meantime, who the frig is this Gremlin dude? Sniper E?

The London Paper 4

londonclubs4, originally uploaded by chantelle.

Since writing this column for The London Paper, I’ve actually been paying attention to the clubbing spam in my inbox, the volume of which is beginning to rival the invitations for penis enlargement operations. Gender confusion aside, it seems that charity music events aren’t in need of Viagra and are on the rise of their own accord, as are nights supplying the best new music from around the world. In a strictly journalistic capacity, let me escort. Now, the last time I was at the Proud Gallery in Camden was was for the Young Knives summer fete. Renowned for their secret gigs and rock parties, Proud now seem keen to bring enough urban heat to warm us throughout the winter. This week saw the launch of the Rio Rox/Sagatiba parties, headed up by music journalist Elle J Small’s who, following a trip to Brasil, became entranced by the local sounds. Set to run every other Wednesday until the end of December (the next one being 1st November), it’s free to all. Among those playing the Samba, Broken Beat and Latino House sets are Brasil’s Baille Funk superstar DJ Sandrinho, Lynda Phoenix, Sinden and Ritmos da Cidade, while the Angola Collective demonstrate the art of capoiera. Not ones to shy away from diversity, Proud are also laying on Soul Tips (in association with, believe it or not, PG Tips) every Sunday. Despite the world music, there will be no forgetting you’re in England if you opt for an afternoon with Giles Peterson on the decks, complimented by cups of tea and a selection of vanilla and buttercream cup cakes (I kid you not).

Less demure, but perhaps the perfect place to get tanked up with your boss, (on his or her credit card), after work tonight, is at Heatwave, who take on the Shoreditch massive from 8pm- 2am at the Pool Bar. Having left the Rhythm Factory, their new residency continues with the tried and tested dancehall, reggae, soca and desi formula. Also in the Ditch this weekend, Radio 1’s Bobby Friction is holding the fort at 333, well the basement at least, with his bag of Asian beats set to resound through the lower echelons on Saturday night as part of the Neu Noise line-up.

If however, after reading about adopting 3rd world children all week, you’re feeling even more guilty than usual about a weekend of debauchery, head to Emergency Breaks, part of the Oxfam Music Festival, taking place this Saturday at Brick Lane’s 93Ft East. Plugged as a ‘full-on sensory experience’, they’re all about ‘raising cash, raising awareness and raising the roof.’ As well as a set list that includes Rodney P & Skitz, Atomic Hooligan, Ali B and Dub Pistols, you can expect break and burlesque dancers, fire-eaters, magicians, and the ‘mind expanding visuals.’ As to whether anything will prove as mind expanding as the visual I’ve just received from hairygrandma.com, remains to be seen.

Lady Fury

I rang Fury the other day and, (cause we get down like this), I started shouting 'oi dog breath, hollllla'. I repeated this about five times, waxing lyrical, when I clocked the girl who I was talking to was Welsh. She wasn't impressed. But I thought it was just one of Fury's mates screening her calls (cause that's how she gets down). She assured me she wasn't Fury and neither was Fury there so I said 'wrong number, sorry' and kicked back. The Welsh connection proceeded to ring my phone all day leaving messages like 'bitch' and 'leave me alone' (errr like helloooooo). When I got hold of Fury on her other number the story deepens. Turns out Fury had locked off the old number about two months ago, and no word of a lie, digit for digit, t-mobile have parred off this Welsh girl with Fury's old number. When the Welsh link rang me again, I told her she was indeed insane but should perhaps contact her mobile phone contractor if she gets a barrage of calls asking for Fury. Thankfully she hasn't rang back again and the only Welsh in my day to day life remains with Dan Stacey.

Sov & Missy

sovconcert, originally uploaded by chantelle.

They've teamed up on the remix of 'Love Me Or Hate Me' and you can download from Pitchfork here


Other Sovereign news, the video for the single 'Love Me Or Hate Me' is currently number 1 on TRL and is riding high on American itunes. It's also received plays on Ugly Betty, The O.C and Oxygen's upcoming Bad Girls Club. It's even on EA's ultra-hot new underground street racing video game, Need for Speed, to be released November 1st. As if that wasn't enough Love Me Or Hate Me is also the lynchpin behind the exciting multi-million dollar music-based national television, radio, print, and online campaign for Chocolate, the ultimate mobile phone introduced in the U.S. this summer by Verizon Wireless.

The album lands there on 31st October (still no word on the UK release mind you) while the American tour kicks off tomorrow. Quite a touch, she's also lined up to appear on the David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel shows.

Who needs the UK afterall?

Welcome To Wonderland

octside, originally uploaded by chantelle.

Rollin With The Nines

I think this is out on DVD now. Personally, I preferred it to any of the other similar films of recents years. Dunno why, it was more graphic, perhaps more unrealistic in parts but love the way it was filmed and the strong female role.

Here's a piece I wrote on it for i-D...

Trying to avoid bent coppers, on-road beef and a showering of bullets while shifting your crack stash is like any other day in the gritty depths of London’s underworld, believe it or not. And new gangster flick, Rollin With The Nines, which includes cameo’s from musical hero’s Dizzee Rascal and Kano, is going to show the cinematic world how deep things can really go. “We wanted to make a movie that shows the hidden side of modern Britain while incorporating the underground scene we were heavily involved in ourselves during the 90’s”, explains Pikki, the thirty one year old co-writer, producer and all round man of the Nines. And you’re certainly not going to want to pick up a gun after watching it. Potential shock value aside, having incorporated a comedy element, some familiar local faces including Vas Blackwood (Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrells), Robbie Gee (Snatch), the overly-amusing Terry Stone and Billy Murray (better known as Eastenders Johnny Allen), Rollin’ With The Nines has already managed to scoop the 2005 Raindance Film Festival award for Best UK Feature ahead of release. “We’ve made a ground breaking experience that you’ve gotta respect. I want people to be entertained but appreaciate a good movie from a road perspective.” And one of the most interesting ingredients in their formula is the role of leading lady, Naomi Taylor. “Women are usually portrayed as the weak link, but women are way more more powerful than they’re given credit for. You can’t really diss them and get away with it anymore.” Watch and learn gents.

Belboy Does Dirty Canvas

benselling, originally uploaded by chantelle.

Well his name's not Bel or Del, it's Ben, Ben Reardon. He's a top bloke and editor of i-D to boot, which at the tender age of 16 is some achievement (Ok, so i lied about his age). It was Dirty Canvas on Saturday and Reardonius, Deano and Jezebel made quite an entry, shape throwing all over the bar. I wasn't in the mood for raving on Saturday, I'd nearly lost my voice and I was tired (probably from my night out on Friday), so opted to stand at the back of the room guarding the merchandis. What with the ICA becoming a no-smoking venue we had to sneak outside so Reardon ended up being the perfect stand in. He actually sold more copies of Gun & Roses 2 than me (I sold NONE until the end of the night when we were clearing up) and shifted some Dirty Canvas T-shirts (me, NONE although I gave a few away). Sorry Dave/Magic. They made me do it. Turns out Reardon was doing deals to, felt sorry for the kids on minimum wage I expect. Given I was willing to pay his bus trip home, maybe i-D need to up their rates too. It was a good night anyway, not as hype perhaps, but it did the job. Hyperfrank, know idea who she is but think she was the bird with chicken feet, has a nice review on her page www.hyperfrank.blogspot.com. It's better coming from a raver than me cause I'm a dead out old woman in this. Girl Better Know. Even the Mai Tai cocktails messed up James from Hooker more than me. I couldn't be bothered to walk to the bar after two. Water it was, straight from the bowl of the toilet. I kid thee.

Warrior Dubz Party

Warrior Dubz party, originally uploaded by chantelle.

Bloody good stuff. Check out my review over at www.fmag.com, go to underground index and it's right there.

How Best To Cover Up

fulla.13, originally uploaded by chantelle.

My memory is good tonight, I wrote this piece on Islamic fashion about three years ago for The Voice's Woman2Woman, a now non-existent supplement...

Words: Chantelle Fiddy

Islamic fashion aficionados are amalgamating religious honour with a new style that expresses individuality while leaving the traditional look of yesteryear trailing behind…

I have never worn a veil. I need not cover any part of my body unless I so wish, as I’m neither governed to by religion or otherwise. But a growing number of the worlds female population are choosing of their free will to do so.

The rising popularity of Islam is pairing hand in hand with a new wave of fashionistas, a generation of women who, with the help of forward thinking design houses, are able to wear a traditional or liberal interpretation of the Muslim dresscode, in a modern manner. The basic rule of covering the body from head to toe still applies but age old design basics are out.

“The hijah is hip again!” Mirvat, an excited 19 year old student in Abu Dhabi told me on a recent visit. It reminded me of my own joy which accompanied the second coming of leg warmers. The hijab, like 80’s paraphernalia, had become associated with less endearing connotations, although the hijab’s reputation was somewhat bleaker than a reminder of Fame. The hijab was not only unfashionable but was seen to reflect backwardness and to an extent, militancy.

“Any colour I want I can get now and nearly every designer has a range.” And Mirvat wasn’t wrong. Even a quick scour of the local mall gave evidence not only of women out to buy, but of women covered with a dazzling array of chic, rainbow coloured clothes, teamed with the latest accessories. The current ranges blend Islamic standards with a broad appeal of Western styles, and inspiration taken from the international fashion world of fabrics. Islamic chic also makes it easier for women to work in the modern sector with hemlines rising and old looks adapted.

“People can get good cuts to their clothes, more flattering, while still having respect. The head scarf I like to wear as it signals my faith, but now you can wear them in a more trendy way” Mirvat continued. “Three, no even two years ago their wasn’t half as much choice for us…There was also a lot of trial and error when it came to which designers to follow.”

The majority of the fashion designers, who are making a constant effort to diversify the burga or the hijab, are women themselves who feel there’s not enough choice in the market.

Fashion house, Libas Design state on their blurb “women no longer have to choose culture over couture. They can now be fashionable while maintaining their culture…Our designs demonstrate that covering our bodies can be quite stylish…By intertwining today’s fashions with yesterdays modesty we can bring pride and confidence to all women…”

And it’s a big market.

The renowned Sri Munawwarah Design offer garments with a difference. Jubah are available considerably shorter than the traditional robes and complete with matching bottoms to allow freedom of movement. Dresses have come a long way too, catering for the diversity of tastes born within the community. One of their previous collections had taken inspiration from Laura Ashley. Headscarves are also available in prints, ready to be tied in many styles to give a contemporary twist.

Affluent Muslim women continue to grow ever fond of Hermes scarves as well as other prestigious designer brands including Gucci and Dolce and Gabbana.

The rapid success and expanse of the market is proving indicative of what’s to come. In the UK the number of Muslim students enrolling on fashion courses has soared in recent years. During the late nineties, the college of North West London reported 30% of the course to be Muslim. Such figures are apparent across the country.

So then, it’s somewhat ironic that while Muslim women the world over are now in a position to be in vogue, countries such as France, home of course to eclat capital Paris and six million Muslims, are banning the wearing of the hijab to schools. President Jacques Chirac has proposed a law that would codify the prohibition nationally, a “secular code” as he puts it.

But It’s Turkey that is said to have the biggest clash between haute couture and religion. Despite the country being overwhelmingly Muslim it’s also immovably secular.

Another backlash has come from Muslim women themselves. The increasing diversity in the cultural make-up in parts of the World has seen more Eastern destination succumb to Western trends. In countries like Dubai, where the previously uncommon site of a woman in shorts and a T-shirt seem to be ever blatant, many female students and young women have reverted to more traditional dress of their ancestors.

Religion and fashion have never been combined to such debate, applause or critical acclaim as now. While designers the world over have been influenced by - and borrowed from - the East for decades, now the East are claiming back what they know best - the eye awakening beauty of how best to cover up.

DICTIONARY CORNER:

HIJAB – Literally it means concealing, protecting, and is used to refer to the head cover/scarf, of the Muslim male or female.
HUJUB – Cover, wrap, a woman’s veil.
JILBAAB – A loose fitting garment covering the entire body, so that the shape of the woman is defined but hidden, including the head, face and hands.
NIQAB – A face veil worn together with the hijab.

To Veil Or Not To Veil?

fulla, originally uploaded by chantelle.

I was watching Tony Blair sweating, saying there's a problem with wearing a veil when I remembered the Fulla Doll. Egypt is just one country which has seen sales of the Fulla, an Arabic version of Barbie, overtake sales of the original girls toy. I have not, in all fairness, been listening much to what the government or media have been saying about Jack Straws recent comments regarding Islamic dress. When France banned the hijab, I was disgusted but thought 'that could never happen here.' Due to the right wing views that infiltrate many echelons of French society, it was surprised but not shocked. Had anyone suggested a public vote of this kind in the UK, i'd have gone as far as to say 'never'. I understand England is not half as liberal or multi-cultural as it's portrayed to be. You only have to visit villages in, for instance, rural Bedfordshire or Norfolk, neither that far from London, to find the token black or Indian family - that's if you see a non-white face at all. I'm not saying this account for people's ignorance, yet still it seems, many of the UK population still live in what many of us dwelling in London would deem the dark ages. A combination of this ignorance interwoven with fear and propoganda, apparently warrants 50% or more of us to agree with the banning of the veil (not most news programmes don't even mention 'hijab', PC's way out of the window). I was going to look at the various arguments supporting this case until I came across a clip of George Galloway doing his recent Respect Party speech. Think he says it all... well a lot of it. I'm currently looking for a good deal to go to the middle east, perhaps Abu Dhabi, love that place, so if anyone see's any cheapness, holla. Thanks. P.s. Has anyone been on holiday to Oman?

George Galloway at Respect Conference - 14th Oct 2006

I'd recommend watching the whole thing on youtube.com

Rio Rox

Rio Rox, originally uploaded by chantelle.

Tomorrow night this is me. And it's not just for the free cocktails. Rio Rox @ Proud gallery and bar, The Gin House, Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8AH (between chalk farm and camden tubes). Weds 18 Oct, 7pm-1am (bar is open all day for drinks)
DJ Sandrinho, flying in from Rio to play authentic baile funk, Sinden
Kiss FM, Ritmos da Cidade Live samba, Lynda Phoenix with Sheyi on percussion, Carmen Selektra & Martelo AKA The Shower Rangers
Angola Collective live capoeira http://uklovesbailefunk.blogspot.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/ellejsmall for more info.

Best Hoodie Award

jeremyshoodie, originally uploaded by chantelle.

goes to Jeremy for this little, I mean big, number

Jammer & Wiley?

jammeronhoodie, originally uploaded by chantelle.

There I was taking a closer look at Jeremy's hoodie when I spotted this. Could it be Jammer & Wiley?

Barbie @ Last Years BET Awards

DSCN3385.JPG, originally uploaded by chuanjia.

It's a big look. For the first time ever, the BET Hip Hop Awards have included an award for Best UK Artist. The list of nominees (in no particular order) are Sway, Kano, Plan B, Dizzee Rascal and err Blak Twang (thought this might have gone to TY or Klashnekoff). Voting will take place on both the 1Xtra and MTV Base website and will close on Friday 27th October at midnight. The votes from both sites will then be counted and the winner will be announced on November 1st. Log on and it looks like you can vote more than once if you're stuck for choice (or verge on groupie status) 1Xtra
and MTV

Fmagazine.com In Your Ear Piece

Since I got Skreams album I've been listening to it more than Justin Timberlakes. I've been underground editor for fmagazine.com for a while now and I don't think I've hyped it enough. Online is the today, tomorrow and future and it's innovations like f, (which stands for filter), making it exciting. Each month you can read about and listen to the newest albums out. Because you can hear it, we don't need to tell you what it sounds like (something I'm rubbish at/don't like anyway). Instead you can read facts or a bit of tat. Genre's covered on fmagazine include R&B, drum and bass, Hip Hop, dancehall, rock and pop, but don't expect a strictly commercial repertoire. You can check it for yourself over at www.fmagazine.com. Check the index or flick through the pages as your leisure, there's some videos too. My newly added selection features Wiley 'Tunnel Vision Vol.1', Various 'Max Power Booty Bass', Mary Anne Hobbs 'Warrior Dubz', Semtex 'Grime Wave', Various 'Africa Plays On', Aftershock 'House Of Lordz Vol.1' and Aaron LaCrate and Hollatronix 'B More Gutter Music'.

Evolution of Dance

I wish I could say this was Dan Stacey but it's not. Grime MC's need to up their stage game if they think they've got moves.

Dirty Canvas

DCFlier14Oct, originally uploaded by chantelle.

Only one week to go... the countdown is on!

The London Paper 3

londonpaper3, originally uploaded by chantelle.

Rave and hardcore aren’t the only trends creeping back on to the London scene. With garage and grime events few and far between, funky house (other wise, but not so commonly, referred to as ghetto house), is fast becoming the night diet of choice for those lacking a staple portion of dance music with an urban twist. Classic tunes are getting a new lease of life thanks to the newly acquired punters, while even the grime artists themselves are taking inspiration, Dizzee Rascal revealing earlier this week that he’s recorded a funky house-esqe track for his forthcoming 3rd album. DJ Chewy, of leading underground music and lifestyle magazine RWD, puts it partially down to the number of girls funky house attracts. “They’re fed up with male dominated clubs. People are heading back to the dancefloors where there’s a lot less inhibition and attitude.”

Unfortunately many of the newer and smaller-scale promoters have been unable to sustain successful events, primarily due to security issues and fears that currently surround anything remotely black music related – even conscious rapper Lupe Fiasco’s sell-out gig was cancelled last week following a previous, unrelated shooting at Scala. DJ Double O, who heads up Apple which frequents a different bar for each promotion, found that despite speaking with police and securing their presence, his last event due to take place on September 30th was pulled. “It just seems none of these places want funky house nights anymore. It doesn’t matter whether it’s in a rougher area, Bank, or Clerkenwell.”

But bigger brands like Defected, a leading label and major party throwers, are lapping up the resurgence. This Saturday they are providing the ultimate funky house experience as they take over Canvas in Kings Cross, with DJ’s including Junior Jack & Kid Crème, Martin Solveig and Dennis Ferrer. They’ll also be a PA of one of the powerful tracks currently on the circuit, ‘The Cure And The Cause’ by Fish Go Deep featuring Tracey K (www.myspace.com/fishgodeep). Having bubbled away for the last year, championed by the likes of Danny Tenaglia, Liquid People and Kenny Dope, with a new found fanbase to boost sales, it looks set to do greater damage than initially predicted when Defected release it on November 27th. Toni Tambourine, Press and PR Manager for Defected sees the trend continuing to grow. “Once garage DJ’s started picking up these house tunes we noticed a difference... It’s exciting times, the big DJ’s are playing a lot of the older tunes and It’s going to be really interesting for us to see how things change at our events in the next six months.”

If you’re still up for more when their doors shut at 6am then it’s not a long wait for Wrong @ Herbal, Shoreditch who start proceedings at midday on Sunday. An all-dayer which includes a roof top BBQ, retro games and plenty of funky house, let’s hope the only thing that isn’t missing this weekend is the sunshine.

Skepta V Devilman PART 2

And then there's part 2...

Skepta V Devilman

PART 1 of the Lord of The Mics 2 clash... Although a lot of the clashes on said DVD are waste, to the eyes and ears of a 26 year old female at least, it's worth purchasing for Jammer's facial expressions and this clash alone. Fuda Guy and Craze 24 also surprise too. So please
Support this DVD, help Capo and Ratty earn money to keep them in fresh creps and ensure Jammer gets his cut so he can put out his album next month. It's not a laugh or a joke.

Lady Sovereign - Love Me or Hate Me

The latest and without a doubt the most expensive video from Lady Sovereign. Nice to see the ghost of her hamster Jentina making an appearance too.

Wotless

It's a revolution. Join the Plastician and friends on a night out. Not for the faint hearted, you're guaranteed not to forget it in a flash. Keep it wotless.

Boy Better Know Do Vienna

Keep watching for the break dancing... it's ALOT

Jay-Z & Bleek Ridin' Pow

Earlier this week at The Royal Albert Hall. Even Nicole Kidman was shockin out. It's a big look for grime and can't be forgetting Dexplicit. Zooooop!

Log On

WAXING LYRICAL: LOGAN SAMA
Words: Chantelle Fiddy

He's the latest edition to the Kiss100 family tree and resident at 333's Straight Outta Bethal. Meet and greet the one like DJ Logan Sama...

People love to hate Logan Sama: Agree or disagree?
LS: I can't think of more than about 3 people. So I would disagree. The address of Kiss100 is on the website and I do a live show. No one's been waiting outside so far.

Before grime I was...
LS: Wondering why Garridge wasn't as good as the stuff I was enjoying between 96 and 2000 anymore, and what to do with all these Roll Deep tunes that weren't even close to 138bpm.... and then it all clicked one day.

You're resident at Straight Outta Bethnal, describe a Logan Sama set
there?
LS: Mobbish served with a side order of oneaway.

Favourite tunes at moment?
LS: My dubs are like my children, I couldn't pick a favourite over the others. I am secretly proud of the response a few of them are getting over the others though.

Most memorable DJing experience (funny would be good)?
LS: Technically I had finished my set, but it was all one big booking anyway... but standing on a giant gazebo in a park on a cold night in Belgium with Skepta, JSD and a Plast(ered)ician working his way through his second litre of Vodka, while Jammer got a disgusting reload spitting Murkleman bars over Smack My Bitch Up. Surreal yet it all made perfect sense somehow.

What are you working on?
LS: Crushing all those who oppose me.

Last book you read?
LS: Last week I read a history of Vlad Tepes, Gates of Fire which describes the battle of Thermypolae and I re-read the Watchmen hardback graphic novel, which I make a point of doing every few months.

If you had to write a personal ad, what would it be?
LS: Is that where you use all those acronyms like GSH? And people blame the internet and text messaging for the death of the written English language? I ell-oh-ell in their general direction.

Do you think Shoreditch is full of pricks?
LS: Only on the 4th Friday of every month.

To piss off Logan Sama you should...
LS: I would say tell people not to give me tunes, but that ire wore off and now it is more amusing than anything. So probably it would have to be people who don't bathe properly before they come to a rave, that always bothers me these days. There's no need. I'm asthmatic, so the last thing I need to be tasting when I am trying to gasp for air in a skunk smoke filled club is sweaty pits.

Who gets more groupies, MC's or DJ's?
LS: MCs. DJs don't actually get booked enough to get groupies.

Has a ladyboy every tried it on with you when you've been abroad? What
would you do?
LS: Pause

What's coming up
LS: Ripperman - Rubble EP and Wiley - Gangsterz are both out now on my Adamantium Music imprint in conjunction with their respective labels. Scorcher - Chance Us and Skepta - Autopsy will be out in April. Narstie & Solo - Brushman is coming out in May. My mixtape will finally come out in April now that the studio I recorded half the tunes in is back up and running. And I am going to be doing some CD releases with Skepta, Wiley, Scorcher and Ruff Sqwad. And for all you holiday goers I am doing the first ever 100% new Grime compilation CD for you to take to wherever it is you are flying to get drunk and collect STDs like Pokemon cards this summer. So not much from me really.

Where can we hear you?
LS: On Kiss 100 doing the world's only 100% Grime radio show every Monday night 11pm GMT on FM radio in London, DAB, Freeview and Sky Digital Nationwide, and online worldwide at www.kiss100.com,

For more info check out www.myspace.com/djlogansama or www.logansama.blogspot.com

Plan B Video Excluse!