Monday 28 February 2005
Meat and Two Veg
Saturday 26 February 2005
Could Never Be Me, Me
...it's gotta be you, you (to bite of so slightly the wisdom of big mic man Double). A beauty I think you'll agree thanks to http://phil.rucus.net
World of Kano
Rhythm Division Chart
Footsie & DEE - Prang Man (Braindead & Lockdown)
Unorthodox - No Help Or Handouts (white)
Crazy Titch - Singalong (In Da Hood)
DJ Eastwood - The Vision EP (Black Majic)
Unknown - Return Of The Pulse (white)
Slew Dem Mafia & Jahmek The World - Pit & Jam (white)
Slew Dem Mafia - Better Realise/Champions Inna Dis (white)
DJ Eastwood - Eastwood EP (B Line Recordings)
Wiley - Morgue (white)
Thursday 24 February 2005
Record Pool?
Channel U Freshest
2. Twista feat Faith Evans - Hope (239)
3. Savanna - Ok (238)
4. Akala - Roll Wid Us (204)
5. The Game - How We Do (183)
6. K-OS - Crabbuckit (232)
7. Luc Skyz - Fuck With Skyz (243)
8. Haze & SAS - Bad Boys (202)
9. Top T & Danny C - Magic (229)
10. Trick Daddy feat Twista and Lil Jon - Let's Go (199)
Wednesday 23 February 2005
Not So Secret Gig
Lots of Warning
Lady Sovereign ('Random', 'Blah, Blah'), JME ('Serious'), Crazy Titch ('Sing-a-long', 'I Can C U'), Klashnekoff (TBC), Durrty Goodz (TBC), Stush ('Dollar Signs'), Kano, Demon & Ghetto ('P's & Q's' +set), Katie Pearl ('Hey DJ' 'Leave Me Alone'), D Double E & Newham Generals (TBC), Essentials ('Jenny' & full crew set), Roll Deep ('Let It Out' & full crew set), DJ Logan Sama and surprise guests. Plus your hosts for the night mixing up the classics, DJ Ross Allen & MC Riko. More details to follow.
Tuesday 22 February 2005
Heartbreak Avenue
Cup of Rosie B
Monday 21 February 2005
Roll Wid Us
A Knuckle Sandwich
Play The Game
Sunday 20 February 2005
Memories
1. Ruff Squad – They bought the whole crew and had a real vibe about them.
2. N Double A – They were a lively bunch, keeping it real down South.
3. Doogz – He blessed the camera and blessed the DVD.
4. Wiley – There’s a lot of footage that didn’t make it, very interesting, but it won’t be coming out, people don’t need to know about all of that.
5. Clashes – We got lots of battles, Wiley V Kano, Titch V Bruiser… a lot of lyrical content, a lot of jokes so we decided to do the Lord Of The Mics Battle Arena series.
Lord of The Decks 2 and Lord of The Mics 2 are both Coming soon! Also keep posted for Lord of The Mics Channel 4 screening. More details as and when.
NASTY Boys
NASTY Boys
It sure is hard to pin N.A.S.T.Y. down with the majority of the group holed up in the studio, fighting to finish some new tracks off, clips of which are amongst the many other underground works of art featured on this months Deuce CD.
Jammer and Hyper MC, spokesmen for the day arrive (only two hours late) to represent the East London clique commonly referred to as the Nasty Crew, but officially called N.A.S.T.Y. (quite a contradiction in this context as translated it means Natural Artistic Sounds Touching You).
Hyper MC, the elder of the group at 28, explained to Deuce “The name derives from Marcus Nasty, DJ and founding member of N.A.S.T.Y., but we’ve broken the word down and given it a meaning. It explains who we are - we’re natural MC’s, we’re very artistic – no two mc’s sound the same. Our sound is different listen to the sounds been made by Jammer, Terror Danjah, Bigga, Lewi White. And we touch everybody wherever we go…”
“The whole crew thing had been tarnished so we had to come through differently.” Jammer continues. “That’s why officially, we’ve dropped the crew from our name but people still call us Nasty Crew. Crew is just a stigma. So Solid took a personal way of living and expressed it in the wrong way ‘cause that’s not how every black man is.”
So to the N.A.S.T.Y. history lesson. Initially it was made up of just three people - Marcus Nasty, Sharky Major and Stormin.’ Else where was the 187 Crew consisting of Jammer, Hyper and D Double E. With regular shows on Flava FM it was surely just a matter of time ‘til they joined forces?
“Well” Jammer producer, DJ and MC laughs. “They asked us did we wanna join them, and I was unsure about it so said no, we’ll do what we’re doing. But then Double and Hyper decided to join Nasty. I was cool with that and carried on doing by own thing, but down the line when they were working with a record company they approached me to do the production for them and that’s when it all kicked off.”
Production wise, Jammer is the name on a lot of lips, and not just those of the underground music buyers. So impressed were record labels by this self taught kid that his first release, Organise featuring D Double E and Armour, was signed by Locked On. Soon after he found himself working with The Streets.
“We did two tracks with Skinner, It’s All Very Well Son is out at the moment, me and Mike produced it, with D and Monkee emceeing. I did Hold It Down for Skinner as well. Every one always wants to know what Skinners like to work with but he’s just normal, quite cool ya know, ” Jammer says with a shrug.
N.A.S.T.Y’s sound isn’t that dissimilar in formula to that of The Streets. Original, quirky and with a definite identity you feel where they’re coming from. Like many of his peers, garage in it’s traditional form did little for Jammer.
“When I started I’d heard theses 4/4 garage tempos and loops but I’d always think ‘this has been done’, every time a new tune came out. So I started changing up the beats. Our music is different. I try and make beats that haven’t been heard before. I like working with similar minded people like Wiley. Sharky and me have done a version of Brother for Ms Dynamite also. Never give up with your music you see. I’ve been laughed at. They’d say what the hell is this, and I’m like ‘thanks bye’. But those same people come back to you.”
But are they talking the talk without walking the walk? Doug Cooper A&R Manager of J-DID Records who’ve been sponsoring N.A.S.T.Y.’s studio time doesn’t think so.
“N.A.S.T.Y are to London what NWA were to Compton. The mainstream industry need to wake up and acknowledge the importance of acts such as N.A.S.T.Y. and their role in the future of British street music. I’ve been following them for three years and have seen how they’ve developed as artists. Hip Hop is the biggest selling street music in the world and the potential for N.A.S.T.Y. across Europe and beyond is immense and represents a new generation of British voices and views. Their time is coming.”
So now that Dizzee and Wiley have been signed, does Jammer think it’s going to help them?
“In a way Dizzee being signed is good because it opens doors, and the whole scene does well. But Wiley can better him, don’t get me wrong though, it’s because he’s been in this a long time. I wasn’t surprised about the Dizzee hype, cause we’ve known about Dizzee for time.”
But is he the future for this underground sound, Deuce probes Jammer?
“I reckon there was a lot of people doing this before Dizzee even started emceeing. Dizzee stood out because of his voice, and he’s a good artist and everything, but it’s all about messages, the music has to get to that level where it’s been used for a purpose, that’s what we’re about.”
And it’s not just Jammer as a musician that serves a purpose. His group seem to deem him a leader, a wise-man, and his twenty year old dreadlocks are by no means a fashion statement.
“I’m Rastafarian by religion. I try and teach the group to live cool with each other cause some of them are young and a bit small minded. It’s not about smoking weed being a Rasta, it means live good. If you come to my house everything is open so it’s a way of life. That’s why I’m centre of Nasty I think, cause the way of my life is different. Not everyone would have twenty people in their house at two in the morning making tunes. Some parents want to be in bed at 9am. But my house is all about vibes. Me, having locks, is showing I’m proud to be a Rastafarian you have to have your locks for seven years to say you really believe you’re a Rasta and I’ve done that twice already. Bur you don’t need ‘locks to be a Rasta - If you’re a nice person, with God in your heart and you’re not evil you could be too.”
So philosophy and religion aside, to toady’s final chapter – the CD. How would N.A.S.T.Y describe their attempt to woo the readers?
“It’s different types of music, and you need to hear it for yourself. You’ll either like it or you won’t. This is a full squad showcase and I’d prefer it if you liked it but the sound’s new, remember Jammer says - N.E.W.”
N.A.S.T.Y LYRIC
“Society’s crazy nowadays, there’s a lot of yoots on road too quick to blaze, I used to be one of those yoots back in the days, not anymore cause my standard has raised. Now kids are talking ounces and Ki’s instead of thinking about GCSE’s, A Levels and degrees, college and universities, so hear this please. Educate yourself and you will gain wealth, anything militant keep to yourself, a lot of thugs end up in HMP’s, smart one’s end up with PHD’s. Gun crime and teenage pregnancy are on the rise, like STD’s all the yoots are trying to be OG’s, thinking that’s the only way they can earn P’s…Stop it!” Hyper MC
N.A.S.T.Y FAMILY FACTS
D Double E is related to Armour, and the two of them are in a way related to Gods Gift.
Bigga and Jammer are cousins.
N.A.S.T.Y are aged between 17-28.
Producers: Jammer, Lewi White, Bigga Man, Terror Danjah.
DJ’s: Marcus Nasty, Mac 10 and Jammer DJ’s and MC’s as well.
MC’s: Sharky Major, Storming, D Double E, Kano, Monkee, Armour and Hyper MC.
N.A.S.T.Y.’s first single was called ‘Good You Know.’
Other big N.A.S.T.Y tunes include Vice Versa and Day By Day, Feedback, Bird In The Sky, This Ain’t A Game.
Sharky Major and Hyper can both sing. Hyper has just recorded his own version of Snoop & Pharell’s Beautiful.
Saturday 19 February 2005
New Radio Timetable
To help push the scene futher & give everyone the opportunity to sample the new sounds, heres a list of Grime, Dubstep & FWD shows. Some have been removed as they were either strictly oldskool or false advertising but loads have been added.
DJ NAME/TIME/RADIO STATION/FRQUENCY/WEBSTREAM
FM
MONDAY
X RATED & SLAUGHTER KIDZ: 6PM - 8PM, LAYLOW, 106.9FM
EASTWOOD: 8PM - 10PM, REACT, 99.7FM
RATTLEPACK: 8PM - 10PM, BOSEY, 97.50FM
OT CREW: 9PM - 11PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
SLK: 10PM - MIDNITE, REACT, 99.7FM
SOUTH AGENTS: 10PM - MIDNITE, ONTOP, 95.5FM, WWW.ONTOP955FM.COM
SHOTZ: 11PM - 1AM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
FOREIGN FORMAT: MIDNITE - 2, ONTOP, 95.5FM, WWW.ONTOP955.COM
PACMAN: MIDNITE - 2, 9NINE3, 99.3FM, WWW.9NINE3.COM
ALLBURY: 1AM - 3AM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
TUESDAY
TARGET: 3PM - 5PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
N.A.S.T.Y: 6PM - 8PM, RAW UK, 90.00
PACMAN: 6PM - 8PM, DELIGHT, 103.00FM
BOSSMAN (ESSENTIALS): 7PM - 9PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
ANTIX: 8PM - 10PM, REAL, 99.00FM
DOUBLE O SQUAD: 8PM - 10PM, BOSEY, 97.50FM
ESSENTIALS: 8PM - 10PM, RAW UK, 90.00FM
GLAMMA: 9PM - 11PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
BLACK OPS: 11PM - 1AM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
WEDNESDAY
ZIMBON (ROLL DEEP): 5PM - 7PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
SLEW DEM YOUNGERS: 6PM - 8PM, RAW UK, 90.00FM
SCIENTIST: 7PM - 9PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
N DOUBLE A: 8PM - 10PM, ONTOP, 95.5FM, WWW.ONTOP955.COM
PACMAN: 8PM - 10PM, RAW UK (ESSEX), 91.6FM
SHAOLIN: 8PM - 10PM, FRONTLINE, 93.0 0FM
HATCHA: 9PM - 11PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
MATRIX CREW: 10PM - MIDNITE, ONTOP, 95.5FM, WWW.ONTOP955.COM
HOTFLUSH: 11PM - 1AM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
DARKSIDE: 1AM - 3AM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
THURSDAY
POLICY (SLK): 12PM - 2PM, FREEZE, 92.7 FM, WWW.FREEZEFM.CO.UK
TARGET: 3PM - 5PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
6FT UNDER: 4PM - 6PM, FRONTLINE, 93.0FM, WWW.FRONTLINEFM.COM
LEONA H: 5PM - 7PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
KODE 9: 7PM - 9PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
COMBINATION CAMP: 8PM - 10PM, BOSEY, 97.50FM
RENEGADE BOYS: 8PM - 10PM, REACT, 99.7FM
YOUNGSTER: 9PM - 11PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
AFTERSHOCK: 10PM - MIDNITE, RAW UK, 90.00FM
MERK DEM: 10PM - MIDNITE, FRONTLINE, 93.00FM
DISTANCE: 11PM - 1AM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
NU BRAND FLEX: MIDNITE - 2AM, RAW UK, 90.0FM
STEADY: RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
FRIDAY
ZIMBON (ROLL DEEP): 3PM - 5PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
DJ SIZZLA: 4PM - 6PM, RAW UK, 90.00FM
JAMMER: 6PM - 8PM, RAW UK, 90.00FM
SLK: 6PM - 8PM, LAYLOW, 106.9FM
LOGAN SAMA: 7PM - 9PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
MUSICAL MOBB ROYALE: 8PM - 10PM, LAYLOW, 106.9FM
DOGPOUND: 10PM - MIDNITE, ONTOP, 95.5FM, WWW.ONTOP955.COM
SLAUGHTER MOBB: 9PM - 11PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
SHALLOW HEARTED: 10PM - MIDNITE, LAYLOW, 106.9FM
STILL REAL: 10PM - MIDNITE, REAL, 99.00FM
URBAN LICK: 10PM - MIDNITE, ALL, 96.9FM, WWW.ALLFM.ORG
X RATED & SLK 10PM - MIDNITE, , LAYLOW, 106.9FM
QUIET STORM: 11PM - 1AM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
HUSTLER & KOBK: MIDNITE - 2AM, FRONT, 88.4FM
MERK DEM CRU: MIDNITE - 2AM, REACT, 99.7FM
THE COMMITTEE: 1AM - 3AM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
SATURDAY
ANTIX: 6AM - 9AM, REAL, 99.00FM
ANTIX: 2PM - 4PM, RAW UK, 90.00FM
BLAZIN GLORY: 3PM - 5PM, FRONTLINE, 93.00 FM
LIONESS: 3PM - 5PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
CRITICAL & DELUSION: 4PM - 6PM, RAW UK, 90.00
NORTHSIDERS: 4PM - 6PM, BOSEY, 97.50FM
JASON H: 5PM - 7PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
N.A.S.T.Y: 6PM - 8PM, RAW UK, 90.00FM
PLASTICMAN: 7PM - 9PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
ANNA KISS: 8PM - 10PM, FREEZE, 92.7FM, WWW.FREEZEFM.CO.UK
GEENEUS: 9PM - 11PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
ANTIX: 10PM - MIDNITE, 9NINE3, WWW.9NINE3.COM
HENY G: 10PM - MIDNITE, REACT, 99.7FM
N-TYPE: 11PM - 1AM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
NO MERCY: MIDNITE - 2AM, FRONT, 88.4FM
KRONIK: 1AM - 3AM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
SUNDAY
SOUTH AGENTS: 2PM - 4PM, RAW UK, 90.00FM
SLIMZEE: 3PM - 5PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
FRAMPSTER & L MAN: 4PM - 6PM, ONTOP, 95.5FM, WWW.ONTOP955.COM
MACKIE: 4PM - 5PM, RAW UK, 90.00FM
ROSSI B & LUCA: 5PM - 7PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
VECTRA: 6PM - 8PM, FREEZE, WWW.FREEZEFM.CO.UK
TUBBY, D DOUBLE & FOOTSIE: 7PM - 9PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
ROLLDEEP: 9PM - 11PM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
SEARCH & DESTROY: 11PM - 1AM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
CHEF: 1AM - 3AM, RINSE, 100.3FM, WWW.RINSEFM.COM
INTERNET
MONDAY
GOMES: MIDDAY - 1PM, 3VOOR12, WWW.3VOOR12.NL, (LIVE FROM HOLLAND & ARCHIVED)
MERK DEM: 4PM - 6PM, BLAZE LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
POLICY (SLK): 5PM - 7PM, LIFE FM, WWW.LIFEFM.ORG.UK
MUCKY ALLSTARS: 6PM - 8PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
DEFIANCE (MUSICAL MOB, EAST CO. & SLK ON ROTATION): 8PM - 10PM, MANIC, WWW.MANICFM.COM
VADER: 8PM - 10PM, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
VECTRA (SLK): 8PM - 10PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
BULLET: 8.30PM - 10PM, JAM, WWW.JAMRADIO.CO.UK
MERK DEM CREW: 10PM - MIDNITE, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
TUESDAY
BAD MAN ZEE, 4PM - 6PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
RENEGADE BOYS: 6PM - 8PM, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
SAMMY P: 6PM - 8PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
GRAVITY: 8PM - 10PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
VECTRA(SLK): 8PM - 10PM, VENOM, WWW.VENOMFM.TK
EASTWOOD: 8.30PM - 10PM, MAJOR, WWW.MAJORFM.COM
BLACK OPS: 10PM - MIDNITE, MANIC, WWW.MANICFM.COM
HIGHGRADE: 10PM - MIDNITE, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
ICEY D: MIDNITE - 2AM, BLAZE LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
WEDNESDAY
TIMMID: 2PM - 4PM, MANIC, WWW.MANICFM.COM
6FT UNDER: 4PM - 6PM, BLAZE LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
GREEF: 6PM - 8PM, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
FLAMES SYNDICATE: 6PM - 8PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
FIRE CAMP: 8PM - 10PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
RICOCHET/MK: 8PM - 10PM, UNITY, WWW.UNITYRADIO.CO.UK
SCANDALOUS UNLIMITED: 8PM - 10PM, MANIC, WWW.MANICFM.COM
ANNA KISS: 10PM - MIDNITE, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
DOUBLE J: 10PM - MIDNITE, DANGER, WWW.DANGERFM.COM
ICEY D & MALLOY: 10PM - MIDNITE, URBAN TINGZ, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
M2J: 10:30PM - MIDNIGHT, UK RUMBLE, WWW.UKRUMBLE.COM
THURSDAY
BAD MAN ZEE: 4PM - 6PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
YOUNG HOODZ ENT.: 4PM - 6PM, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
SCARE DEM CREW, 6PM - 8PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
SPECIAL DELIVERY: 6PM - 8PM, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
VECTRA: 7PM - 9PM, BLAZIN, WWW.BLAZINFM.CO.UK
SICK SENSE: 8PM - 10PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
STRECHINALD B2B CLARKSON, 8PM - 10PM, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
EN I & RENEGADE BOYZ: 10PM - MIDNITE, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
MACABRE UNIT: 10PM - MIDNITE, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
VIRUS SYNDICATE: 10PM - MIDNITE, UNITY, WWW.UNITYRADIO.CO.UK
FRIDAY
LICKAL E: 4PM - 6PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
PROFFESOR JS & DOWNSHIFTER: 4PM - 6PM, BREAKS, WWW.BREAKSFM.COM
HOTFLUSH: 5PM - 7PM, PYROTECHNIC, WWW.PYROTECHNICRADIO.COM
CAPS & AFTERSHOCK: 6PM - 8PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
LICKSHOT: 8PM - 10PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
SPECIAL DELIVERY: 8PM - 10PM, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
BLAZIN GLORY: 10PM - MIDNITE, BLAZE LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
K1 & GUESTS: MIDNITE - 2AM, UNITY, WWW.UNITYRADIO.CO.UK
SATURDAY
DOUBLE J: 2PM - 4PM, DANGER, WWW.DANGERFM.COM
HOTFLUSH: 2PM - 4PM, BREAKS FM, WWW.BREAKSFM.COM
BLITZ: 4PM - 6PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
REP YOUR MANOR: 4PM - 6PM, MANIC, WWW.MANICFM.COM
LICKAL E: 6PM - 8PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
SLK: 6PM - 8PM, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
FINAL MENTALITY KLICK (FMK): 7PM - 9PM, AXE, WWW.AXEFM.CO.UK
MERK DEM: 8PM - 10PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
VIRUS SYNDICATE: 8PM - 10PM, UNITY, WWW.UNITYRADIO.CO.UK
BULLET: 9PM - 10.30PM, JAM, WWW.JAMRADIO.CO.UK
SUNDAY
SLAMMER PEE: 11AM - 1PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
Y. NASTY: 2PM - 4PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
6FT UNDER: 4PM - 6PM, MANIC, WWW.MANICFM.COM
MERKURY: 4PM - 6PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
TNG: 4PM - 6PM, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
D&G: 6PM - 8PM, MANIC, WWW.MANICFM.COM
EASTWOOD: 6PM - 8PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
MR MOZZY: 6PM - 8PM, UNITY, WWW.UNITYRADIO.CO.UK
SLK: 6PM - 8PM, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
AFTERSHOCK LORDZ: 8PF - 10PM, VENOM, WWW.VENOMFM.TK
N.A.S.T.Y: 8PM - 10PM, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
FIRE YOUNGERS: 8PM - 10PM, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
DYNASTY: 10PM - MIDNITE, BLAZE-LIVE, WWW.BLAZE-LIVE.COM
SLAMMER PEE: 10PM - MIDNITE, URBAN FM, WWW.URBANTINGZ.COM
The Truth
UK publishers are missing out on many aspects of Britishness and ordinary British life – by not taking enough notice of ethnic minority writers. Speaking last week in London at the launch of a network to promote diversity in publishing, the award-winning author Diran Adebayo told his multi-ethnic audience that there were nuances and expressions of life in the UK that could only be expressed through black British eyes.
“White people are very fascinated with topics such as racism or Empire because that is something they can get involved with at the same time,” he said. “But there are generations of black British people who aren’t interested in the Empire. That may be something that happened to our parents but it doesn’t interest us in the same way. We want to read about everyday life.”
He gave the example of Terry McMillan Waiting to Exhale, about a single black women awaiting a worthy male partner: “I tried to sell the concept to a couple of national newspapers but they weren’t interested. If it had been about racism then it would have been different. Then years down the line along comes Bridget Jones’s Diary, about being a single white female, and everyone gets excited.”
He said the industry needed to wake up if it was to appeal to a new generation of readers.
It is this culture that the network hopes to change, inside out. It aims to promote the status and participation of people from diverse ethnic groups in all areas of publishing – from editorial to sales to issues affecting authors and end users. It also seeks to stage regular debates, to support those working in the industry and those seeking to enter.
The launch was embraced by some of the UK’s leading publishing houses – the very people to which it makes its appeal. It follows last year’s Decibel/Bookseller survey ‘In Full Colour’, which concluded that the publishing industry is predominantly a “white, male, middle-class” culture.
Margaret Busby, co-founder of publishers Allison & Busby Ltd and one of the first black women in UK publishing, was also a speaker at the event. “As Toni Morrison (pictured) said to me 15 years ago when we discussed our mutual experiences as black editors and the necessity for more black people to be integral to the whole process: ‘It’s not about patronage, we’re talking about the life of a country’s literature’,” she said.
DJ Feta
Friday 18 February 2005
Wizzzle
Geeneus aka Wizzbit, is coming back with some killer new beats after a long studio break. Listen out to stuff with Syer, No Lay and Riko amongst others.
Where For Art Thou Quotes
JAMMER:
“When I started (producing) I’d heard theses 4/4 garage tempos and loops but every time a new tune came out I’d always think ‘this has been done’ . So I started changing up the beats. I try and make beats that haven’t been heard before. That's why our music is different."
(Producer, ex-NASTY Crew, 2003)
RIKO:
"Stay calm, don't switch use composure blud, use your head to battle through cause you're the Chosen One, nuff man-a-strive for peace of mind, but keep an open one, the ruddy road upon the journey blud has just begun."
Target & Riko 'Chosen One' (Aim High), 2003.
DANNY WEED:
"We can’t get jobs. I’ve had jobs but I can’t imagine doing a nine to five again, I can’t do nothing else but make tunes, What else can we do?"
(Producer/DJ, Roll Deep, 2003)
CRAZY TITCH:
"I got an idea, how about we just call it garage. Let’s make it simple. When you say grime it does carry bad things, if I’m a yout and I’m going to a grime rave, what mentality do you think I’m going with? It’s a crime rave. I’m going to be grimey. People don’t understand the power of words."
(MC, In Da Hood Recordings owner, 2004)
TARGET:
"We can live as we are but we want to live nicer. We want to live the good life so you've got to aim high."
(Producer/DJ/Aim High Recordings owner, 2004).
NO LAY:
"I don’t want anyone to think I'm Ms Dynamite or Shystie, I’m not on this female, girl power, MC tip. Don’t get it twisted I’m not rude and disrespectful, but if I’ve got something to say I’m just going to say it.”
(Lyricist, 2005)
LETHAL B
"Can you call it (part of) gun culture? I don’t know why this keeps getting related with garage and not other music. We need a conclusion or it's always gonna be there.”
(MC/Lethal Bizzle Records owner, 2002)
BRUZA:
“Mos Def, he’s my style icon because he’s like a gentleman. If I had the p’s I probably would attempt that kind of look.”
(MC, Aftershock camp, 2005)
KANO:
"I used to play for a couple of pro teams like Chelsea, when I was young. I was about 11 and then Norwich later on. Football, I was good, but maybe my heart wasn’t in it because my heart's in music.”
(MC/producer, NASTY, 2004)
D DOUBLE E:
"Life’s getting harder, I got responsibilities that need looking after, gotta make money nowadays I'm a father, got a beautiful daughter that's getting older faster, she looks like me, it’s me she takes after, when I look at her sometimes it’s just laughter, she loves up music and thinks she’s a dancer…"
(MC, Newham Generals, 2003)
DOOGZ:
"Big up all of my soldiers in a-da army, from you respect and love Bob Marley, Garnett Silk and Mohammed Ali, Peter Tosh and Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther, King to da Junior, I still hate Malcolm X’s shooter..."
(MC, Boys In Da Hood)
WILEY:
“The majors and press can’t kill this cause it will go on regardless. Everyone learnt lessons from garage. If I had the scene in my hand, it would just be everyone on radio and you can’t stop pirates, you can try, but no, you can’t. As long as people are been heard the scene will grow.”
(MC/Producer/Promoter, Roll Deep, 2004)
SADIE:
“He came over to me so sweet, I gave him all of my time, the way he’s so down for me, he really blows my mind, I’m feeling you I’m so sure, this vibe I got you can’t ignore.”
‘So Sure’ (Aftershock) 2003.
EARS:
"Damn I miss those happy days, they don’t come much but when they come they come and as quick as they come they go, happy days it might seem dumb but I wonder if they’re under Gods control, those happy days…”
Ears ‘Happy Days’ (Run The Road, 679 Recordings) 2004
RATTY:
“Tell us what you wanna see and I bet you we’ve got it. Our theory is no one can deny us access, we’ll try get through anywhere.”
(DVD producer/distributor, Lord of The Decks/Mics, 2004).
CAPO:
“We’ve ended up creating a monster that’s stomping its way out of a cage living its own life. We’re trying to promote the streets because for too long the industry have looked at us but won’t do nothing about it. It’s about us people at a street level forming a united front and getting this thing rolling cause we can make this what we want it to be.”
(DVD producer/distributor, Lord of The Decks/Mics, 2004).
WONDER:
“I use a Mac and a keyboard, just get your own style and do your own thing. My sounds unique but based on garage and influenced by garage.”
(Producer, 2003)
TINCHY:
“She’s one of those girls that knows she’s looking more than nice, even on a bad day I’m looking more than twice, her eyes, it’s like they’re hypnotising all these guys…”
The Streets ‘Fit But You Know It Rmx’ (679 Recordings), 2004.
DEMON:
“You don’t wanna bring armshouse, I’ll bring armshouse to your mums house, you don’t wanna bring so beef, bring some beef you lose some teeth…”
Lethal B ‘Pow’, Relentless Records, 2004.
DIZZEE:
“We’ve always been those type of people who never quite fit in with the system, we disrupt, we are disruptors.”
(MC/producer, 2002)
JAMACKABI:
“I got a big family but a lot of them don’t even know what I do…I am looking forward to making money and getting some recognition though.”
(MC, 2002)
LADY FURY:
“Doing this it helps me express myself, I like music and I like writing bars. I was a very shy person and Mcing has helped me overcome it and gave me confidence.”
(MC, 2004).
TOR:
“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.”
(Singer/rapper, 2004)
SOVEREIGN:
“I found a Sovereign ring once, actually I stole it from a mates boyfriend who was been horrible to her. It was just glistening saying 'Louise take me', he shouldn't have left it lying around. After that i started getting loads, I'd ask for them for Xmas, birthday’s... but then they all fell off my hands because my fingers are so skinny.”
(MC, 2005).
GEENEUS:
“Theres too much emphasis on naming music. It's what I feel in my body, its what comes out. I don’t care what its called.”
(DJ/Producer/label owner/radio station co-owner, Pay As U Go, 2003.)
SLIMZEE:
“I don’t think I’m big. Michael Jackson, that’s big. I haven’t even mixed for ages. I used to be into beat matching, I’d fit b-lines around each other. No one used to do that back in the day but me and G… But if I want something badly I’ll do it, I can do it all again. We’ve put our whole lifes into this.”
(DJ, Pay As U Go, 2003).
TERROR DANJAH:
“I’m working on albums, that’s what the scene needs now.”
(Producer/Aftershock Records owner, 2004).
Thursday 17 February 2005
This Is London
Log onto http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/competitions/ and win tickets to see Sovereign at a private gig taking place at the BT Tower tomorrow night.
Wednesday 16 February 2005
Hold Your Own
B&S Underground Dance is a monthly column dedicated primarily to commentary on the culture that we’ll hereby refer to as grime (although offshoots get the odd look in). Although it’s only two pages a month, it’s two pages thankfully not dictated by PR’s, record labels or anyone else. That’s not to say UD is adverse to their involvement, not by any means. It would be foolish to say otherwise given how many artists are now being picked up by record labels and such. But UD will not fall prey to that machine. (Make of that what you will).
The big question seems to be ‘if you don’t like something’ or ‘if it’s negative’ why write about it? Well, are you mad? This is where we must re-define our roles. I am in no way suggesting my opinion or commentary is more valid than that of the next man, but it is just that, mine, and it’s my job to give that. For the last three years, in various publications, I have showcased some of my favourite musical moments, more time about grime, because that’s where music journalists differ. You have those that are in it for the money (if you find it call me) or those that simply love it and can’t think of a better way to spend their working days and nights. We all know this column doesn’t even buy me half an ounce of bless, so no one’s tripping.
While trying to push the exciting times that we’re in, In the past and more recently I’ve also found the need to draw attention to issues that have rattled my cage; the rise of homophobic lyrics in grime, the treatment and portrayal of women both behind the scene and within the music, then there’s the grim reality of clashing… we could go on. Why? With the hope that by drawing such issues to attention people will stop and think, even if they don’t agree. I recently read the following anonymous quote ‘the grime scene has so much love it over-writes the hate.’ Whether or not this is true only time will tell.
But surely it’s time the scene took some responsibility for its actions.If you think you’re being shut out, are you shutting yourself out? No one has gone clear yet, there’s a lot of work to do and while clashing may make you big on road, If you’re going to clash respect the game and the rules, something seemingly forgotten. As for violence that doesn’t help anybody and if we’re being real, people are lucky half of what goes on isn’t reported. Then there’s the music - don’t leave yourself open for accusations or ridicule because as the scene grows so does the interest in it – we do and will report the talk. Once you put your music and yourself out, you’re open to negotiation. Prepare yourself for criticism and for the love – both can and will effect you in equally effective ways.
Again, without going into too much detail I don’t think I’ll need to bullet proof my office XXL/Source style just yet, but maybe we should all take a minute to sit back and reflect. And if you're thinking of phoning my phone to complain about something you've read, maybe think again next time. I hold my own.
And there’s a big world of grime out there.
Peace.
*Taken from current issue of B&S, on newstand now*
Channel U Chart
20 130 Marga Man - Butterz Friend
19 170 S.D.M - Nuthing Can Stop Us
18 204 JAYME F/T NAILA BOSS - BLUE JEANS
17 142 Fresh - Realion
16 185 Sincere - Thats Not Gangsta
15 083 Ja Rule f/t Fat Joe and Jada Kiss
14 090 Nate James - Set The Tone
13 184 Ruff Squad - Anna/Backdown
12 165 Diplomats - S.A.N.T.A.N.A
11 161 E.S - Number 1
10 022 Akon f/t Styles P - Locked Up
9 159 Mitchell Brothers - Routine Check
8 141 Fusion - Greatest Show
7 068 SLK - Hype Hype
6 162 Sway - Flo Fashion
5 155 Slimtings Recordings - The Link Up
4 172 Kano - Typical Me
3 097 Southside Allstars - Southside
2 198 Lethal B - No
1 183 The Game f/t 50 Cent - How We Do
Tuesday 15 February 2005
I Wondered Why You Stared
I had two wisdom teeth out today. I am in a lot of pain. This picture is helping slightly along with my legomen.
Keep It Up
Bow Down and Pull Up
http://www.lilo.net/~martin/loganJan2005.mp3
Monday 14 February 2005
Schlong
X Marks The Spot
It's Magic
Happy Valentines Day
Sunday 13 February 2005
Vice Feature
Big up Matt Mason from RWD on this one. Check it online at www.viceland.com. Still not a big fan of grime watch though. Twats.
Bully Boys
Blues Family Tree
Essex boy Logan Sama has been on the circuit for a few good years and is now recognised as one of the most important DJ’s on the pirate circuit, championing the new vocal sounds. His future looks rosy too – despite the fact his career has only earned him a measly £100. While the legal station jocks secure their positions (you can smell the fear more-so since Sama was asked to cover some late night slots on Kiss FM), Osama Big Logan (as his friends call him) continues to do what he does best… bring through the next big tunes.
Q. Who is Logan Sama?
The best there is at what I do.
Q. What differentiates you from other DJ's, if anything?
The music that I
play.
Q. How did you start out?
In my dad's gym in the loft going through his tape collection aged 5.
Q. Explain your rise in the scene?
I'd done a handful of guest shows on a local pirate called Plush FM. Rinse FM gave me my first ever regular show in April 2002 and I kept turning up every week with as much new music as I could get my hands on. Anything more than that I can't explain. People seem to like the music I play, and for that I am grateful.
Q. Biggest obstacle faced/facing?
The fact that this isn't the best scene to be in if you want to earn a living.
Q. Achievements?
Getting on Rinse.
Q. Ambition?
To look out over the decks and see 10,000 people having a good time.
Q. What are you working on at the moment?
My selection. Always working on that.
Q. Are you the new dubplate Godfather?
No, that's Slimzee.
Q. How do you remain neutral playing clash tunes?
By playing both sides and letting the people listening decide who won. My opinion isn't worth anymore than that of the listeners, so I just report what's being recorded.
Q. So come on, are you in Roll Deep?
It's a family tree situation.
Q. Tips for 2005?
That's a hard question. Tips for what? Chart success? Underground emerging talent? What do you class as success? I don't want to blow up too many people working on the underground, because lazy A&R's just read these things and make calls with their cheque books before people are ready to actually make albums. But people like Trim, Bruza, JME, Frisco and Ruff Squad have shown they are more than capable of making an album over the past year. There are literally too many people who are talented to list. I always come off air as well being annoyed I forgot to play a certain tune, and it's the same when people ask me to do charts or give "tips". There's too much talent to remember it all. Everyone I play on my show I think has talent. I don't play for my listeners, I play what I want to hear, so that means if I play a track on my show it's what I'd want to listen to if I was listening to the radio. I'm useless because I like so much music that I usually forget to play people's tunes on radio due to the volume of music about, and it takes me about three hours to do a simple top 10, and even then I feel bad for leaving out tunes.
Q. Best thing about what you do?
Having access to music I love.
Q. Worst thing about what you do?
Having empty pockets.
Hip Hop Correction
Elsewhere in the media for Lady Sovereign fans as well as my piece in Tense check out articles in Rip & Burn and Good For Nothing (the new mag from the old Sleaze team). Good For Nothing also feature Bruza and Kano.
Dizzee's African Remix
Dirty Beats
The opening page of the Tense feature and a bit of useless trivia, this picture was taken at my first Dizzee Rascal interview in 2002 for Touch Magazine, just prior to I Luv U coming out on white label. I still think the pictures of him and Wiley together on this day will remain in my personal faves. I saw XXL, when they chose to run a piece on Diz, had used one of these very shots. I have to say It was a really strange (but good) feeling. I just wish I had a key to photgrapher David Tonge's safe because there's still a number of shots from that shoot that I haven't seen.
Whitechapel Carry On
Whitechapel Project Space, 20 Fordham St, London, E1 1HS Tel. 02073776289: 07748235428: 07808732340 Open Sat - Sun 1-6pm.
Tsunami Track
Crazy's Trailor
Saturday 12 February 2005
Running To The US
Friday 11 February 2005
Style File
BRUZA "Get me?"
Who would you like to put in new clothes?
Any chick but I wouldn’t mind putting Lady Sovereign in a dress, no one’s seen her in a dress have they? I’d give her a lesson or two, a nice tight fitted red dress that goes loose at the bottom with a nice pair of red heels, some jewels and a glittery handbag.
Style icon?
Mos Def, he’s like a gentleman. If I had the p’s I probably would attempt that. These photoshoots I’m doing are opening up my mind, I bought my first shirt the other day. My mum was happy too.
Bruizer ‘Get Me’ is out now on Aftershock Recordings and Shock To The System (the Aftershock mixtape) follows shortly.
RIKO
Who would you like to put in new clothes?
Jerome, as in Gods Gift. I’d put him in a boiler suit, a white one probably. His style is alright but he could do with some tidying up, he doesn’t care though.
Style icon?
David Beckham. He has class and that’s never a bad thing.
Riko feat Dog-Z and Discarda ‘Critical’ is out soon on Aim High Recordings. Also look out for Lady Sovereign feat Riko on the ‘Random’ remix.
NO LAY “I don’t want anyone to think Ms Dynamite or Shystie, I’m not on this female, girl power, MC tip. Don’t get it twisted I’m not rude and disrespectful, but if I’ve got something to say I’m just going to say it.”
Who would you like to put in new clothes?
Jay-Z, I’d get rid of the Hawainan shirts but when he does the English look he does good.
Style icon?
I wouldn’t say I have one, I don’t think style varies that much these days though it’s how you put stuff together. I don’t mind looking pretty but I’m not into glamour really.
No Lay ‘Unorthodox Daughter’ is out now on Run The Road Recordings.
LADY ENVI
Who would you like to put in new clothes?
Anyone who was a bit plain or needed sprucing up. Actually I’d love to re-style Van Damage, he’d be a good model to try a new look on.
Style icon?
I love individual people like Gwen Stefani and Kelis.
SLK ‘Hype Hype’ is out Feb 28th on Smoove/Ministry of Sound
MR WONG “I’m just a talented mother fucker who wants people to bump their heads.”
Who would you like to put in new clothes?
You, yeah, Chantelle Fiddy. Rags I said it, I’d dress you in a dominatrix suit with a whip ha ha ha. Yeah PVC catsuits all the way with a gimp mask. Leather is air though, got to be shiny PVC.
Style icon?
I don’t really have one, I just dress how I dress. Christina Milian always looks good though.
Mr Wong ‘Getting Stronger Mixtape Vol. 1’ is in all good independent record stores now.
Smoove Records Launch
Lunch with Logan
A SIDE: THE VOCAL CHART
Riko & Godsgift - Dead That
JME - Serious
Wiley ft. Sadie - The One
Trim - Badboy Trim
Skepta - Private Caller 2005
Roll Deep - When I'm Here
Carmen Reese - You Got Me (D'Explicit remix)
Carly Bond ft. Purple - My Life
Wiley ft. JME & Ears - Grim
P Jam - Compass
B SIDE:THE INSTRUMENTAL CHART
Wiley - Sidewinder
FT - Gype Logan VIP
JME - Logan
Lowdeep - So Right Now
D'Explicit - I Just Got Off
Danny Weed - When I'm Here
Jammer - Shanguli
J Sweet - Curb
Plasticman - Section 7
Skepta - Private Caller 2005
Thursday 10 February 2005
Quick Reminder
Conflict DVD
Eskimo Dance 1-4 DVD’s
Lord of The Mics Vol.1 & 2.
Lord of The Mics
Aim High Vol. 1 & 2
Practice Hours
Risky Roadz
Shock To The System Vol. 1
Logan Sama Mix CD
Bossmans Street Anthems Vol. 1
Dizzee Rascal – Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal – Showtime
Wiley – Treddin On Thin Ice
Various – Run The Road
Various – Smoove Street Beats
Various – Garage Anthems 2005
Thursday 3 February 2005
Touch Me
Wednesday 2 February 2005
Disgustingly Shocking
Tim & Barry Do Whitechapel
Opening Tuesday 8th February 6 -9pm, 12th - 27th February 2005...
Cult magazine HARDCORE IS MORE THAN MUSIC has been described by ex- US President Jimmy Carter as 'an irreverent force in the game of street politics'. For Whitechapel Project Space, editors Nina and Nendie present a film celebrating the interactions and collaborations that make HIMTM so unique. 'BEZERK' brings to life a radical and warm voice in the innercity, of private production and public exhibitionism. Combining the raw energy of the hardcore punk of Neurosis, and cutting edge Garagefrom Wonder, and the social interaction of journalist William Shaw and artist Jeremy Deller, HIMTM advocate a social rebellion through rampant cross-fertilisation.
Alongside 'BEZERK' - a film made by Nina and Nendie over the last two years in America and covering much of the magazine's collaborations with teenagers in London - Whitechapel Project Space will show social and cultural archives collated by Turner Prize winning artist Jeremy Deller, and photographers Tim & Barry. Presented for the first time in the UK, Jeremy Deller's 'This Is Us', constitutes an archive of the musical output of the residents of Redhook, NY USA, and Appenzell, Switzerland. These intimate audio portraits, formulated into familiar compilation CD's, link a pluralism of underground and marginal musical production.
Perhaps the best known photographers of the Underground Garage/ Eski Scene and regular i-D contributors, Tim & Barry have built up a uniquely personal and investigative relationship with the most allusive and progressive artists in London. Their vast photographic archive that charts the rise of an underground movement, gives unrivalled insight into London's music world set to Mixtape 2, a live project featuring artists such as Wonder and D Double E.
Whitechapel Project Space
20 Fordham St, London, E1 1HS
Tel. 02073776289: 07748235428: 07808732340
Open Sat - Sun 1-6pm
W H I T E C H A P E L P R O J E C T S P A C E
In association with Studio Voltaire
Living In The Grime
Eyes On U
Fuck Who?
"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?