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.
Sunday, 22 October 2006
The London Paper 4
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
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?
Wednesday, 18 October 2006
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.
Tuesday, 17 October 2006
Belboy Does Dirty Canvas
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
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
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?
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?
Rio Rox
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.
Jammer & Wiley?
There I was taking a closer look at Jeremy's hoodie when I spotted this. Could it be Jammer & Wiley?
Monday, 16 October 2006
Barbie @ Last Years BET Awards
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
Tuesday, 10 October 2006
Fmagazine.com In Your Ear Piece
Sunday, 8 October 2006
The London Paper 3
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.
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.
Thursday, 5 October 2006
Saturday, 30 September 2006
Log On
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
Wednesday, 27 September 2006
Tuesday, 26 September 2006
JME Does Fashion Week
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.
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.
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