DJ Smutlee - 'Crazy Legs 001'

London DJ's often have a penchant for mashing things up a little bit. As long as the baseline is deep and banging then pretty much few rules apply in the mix. Smutlee is one such DJ. He's hooked up with one of the most acclaimed nights in the UK, Crazy Legs to brings you this monster of a mini-mix. The night comes straight outta Bristol and has played host to a bunch of the World's most infamous. None more infamous than Diplo and the Mad Decent crew who'll be passing through their night this Friday. If you're down there make sure you check it.

Bristol has got a lot of great things going on and I need to reach real soon, hold tight Tom @ Chemical Records.

Smutlee is renowned for his mash-up specials, predominantly fusing Garage, Funky, Grime, Dubstep and Dancehall. There is a whole heap of goodness for your phonetic pleasure in this mix, check the tracklist below and Follow the one like Smutlee on a Twitter vibe HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

TRACKLISTING:

Sticky Feat. Tubby T: Ganjaman
Jammin: Kinda Funky (Wookie Rmx)
Darqwan: Pipe Dreams
Dom Perignon & Dynamite: Got Myself (Together)
Darqwan: Confused?
Dj Zinc: Flim (Skream Remix)
Paleface Vs Sticky: Warlord (Vox Mix)
Zed Bias: Neighbourhood (El-B Remix)
MJ Cole Feat. Digga: Gotta Have It (Funky Dubb)
Twizzle: Sky Diving (Greenmoney "In Da Sky" Remix)
Skream: Fick
D1: Ongie Bongie
R1 Ryders: Rubberband
Radioclit: Africa Emerge W/ Dizzee Rascal: Ghetto (Smutlee Blend)
Dj Q Feat. Natz: Yours (4 Motion Mix)
Fuzzy Logic Feat. Egypt: In The Morning
Fr3e: Tribal Skank
Jalla: Turbulence
Kode 9: Bad 2
Altered Natives: Rass Out
LD: Woodblock
Benga: Emotions
Donae'o: Love To Happen
Mavado: Weh Dem A Do
Aidonia: Bounce (Inflation Riddim)
Toddla T & Herve: Shake It Feat. Serocee (Donae'o Remix)

Kelavision

Check out the first Episode of Killa Kela's youtube channel 'KelaVision'. Kela is one of the greatest beatboxers in the world, he catches up with Faith SFX, breaks down his latest joint with the one and only DJ Craze and shows a little bit of the wonderful world of Kela. The edit is real nice.

Manchester City Legends: Leonardo Shaun Goater MBE

1997 - 2003, scored 103 goals.

Where Respect Is Due...

BOOGIE

Gamepaused?

Check out these heavy T-Shirts courtesy of the Game Paused crew. Keep your eyes peeled over there for some serious business coming very shortly. These guys are ahead of the game when it comes to a lot of things. I'm keeping my lips sealed on this one. Just watch out for their movement.

"We gonna school you real quick"

Busta, Jadakiss, MOP! Live in NYC 2009.



Busta is a real living Hip Hop legend. Still doing it. Who remembers this? I used to run around my school shouting "It's Just Another Case Of That Old PTA" Obviously this wasn't in '91 as I would have been 5 years old, more like 2000 when I was 14.



Leaders of the New School interview in 1991



'PTA'

"It's Alot, It's Alot"

Carly Simon - 'Why'

Out to MK

Butterz @ Rinse with Sir Spyro & JJ

Elijah catches up with the legendary Grime DJ Sir Spyro over at Rinse. Buy his Rinse 07 compilation mix-album here you certainly need that one in the collection.

Rinse FM w/Spyro JJ from Butterz on Vimeo.

Tracklistings:

D Double E - Supdadupe
Nocturnal - The Real Best
Joker & Ginz - Purple City
Nasty Jack - One Spliff A Day
Footsie - 3 Plates
P Money - Say Something I Dont Like
Ruff Squad - Nug
Untold - Next Anaconda
Rude Kid - Jack Daniels
Frisco - Ignorant
Rude Kid - UFO Remix
JME - Juju Riddim
Joker & Ginz - Re UP
Ruff Squad - Bring Your Click
Newham Generals - Head Get Mangled Dubstrumental
P Money - P's A Rascal
Jakes - Rock The Bells
Nocturnal - Dont Phone Me
P Money - Grime Scene
Royal T - 1UP (Supersonic Butterz Mix)
D1 - Oingy Boingy
Nocturnal - Vet
Frisco - Say My Name
Maniac - G.R.I.M.E
Frisco - Darkside
Silencer - Dirtbag
Breakman & Newham Genenerals - Just know that
Dready - Invade
Maniac - Thug
Swindle - Swaggeristic
Joker - Holly Brook Park
Chase & Status - Saxon
Joker - 3Klane
Griminal - Its alot
Maniac - Ugly
Esco - 96 Bars
Skepta - Stupid
Scratchy - ??
Waifer - Gunman Skank
Nocturnal - Stop
DOK - Warning
Virgo - Hypnotik
Pay As You Go - Champagne Dance
Dizzee Rascal - Hoe
Footsie - ?????
Silencer - Final Lap
* Next Funky Hype *

download the full set here

"Back to Life, Back to Reality"

A few weeks ago I posted about this fantastic Afro-Beat, Jazz Funk blog called Voodoo Funk. The guy behind Voodoo Funk has crafted this truly inspring documentary about his journey to Africa in search of lost and forgotten vinyl records.

"Take Me Away Fast" Trailer from Leigh Iacobucci on Vimeo.

I really want to visit Africa, I've been secretly yearning for a trip to West Africa, I think Ghana could well be on the cards in the next few years. And for some strange reason, it's drawn me to this classic by Soul2Soul.

Donaeo

Donaeo has been around for some time, and he has certainly been putting in the work over the last year. Everyone is loving this guy's tunes at the moment. His debut album is on the way, he's the King of Funky right now. I'm really looking forward to the album. Not many UK "vocalists" have got it right in the past, I think Donaeo is the exception. Akon has covered his records, he's laid vocals on the new Lethal B track, and he's not at all "wet" in my opinion. 'African Warrior' and 'Party Hard' are serious Funky anthems, but I hope you remember this classic - 'My Philosophy (Bounce)'



Check out the artwork below for his forthcoming album (VIA SEMTEX), the UK has seriously upped the levels in the last four years. Quality control is certainly at it's highest, and the output is strong. Obviously there is a mountain of crap as well, but if you switch on to the right channels and turn off the BS, you can find a lot of heavyweight UK product. A high bench mark has been set and the talent is certainly here, with the self-publicating tools available and the power of "New Media" people are putting in the Promo work and reaping the benefits.

Mz. Bratt - 'Who Do You Think You Are' (Behind The Scenes Footage)

This record was played by Pete Tong a couple of months ago. I was meant to have passed through the shoot but was stuck up North unfortunately. Big up Terror Danjah, Bratt and the whole Soul2Streets clique. Can't wait to see the final video, check out Matt from BNTL for some shots of those in attendance.

This record could do big things for Bratt, not a bad start!

"She don't give a damn who's watching all she wants to do is skank, she loves the Buju Banton and she loves the Shabba Ranks"

This is probably one of my favorite Dizzee Rascal records to date. Produced by Shy FX, it's a massive jump up record with a hark back to Jungle. I can't get enough of this, it's the B-Side to 'Bonkers' which is out today. Go Cop That!

"God forgive me if I bust my nine"

For all those of you who haven't been to a grime rave, don't really get what it's all about, then this is a great video for you. D Double standardly merks and steals the show. I think this is from earlier on in the year, Cameo's birthday bash with a disgusting line up: Flirta D, Badness, D Double E, Footsie, Ghetto, Tempa T, Skepta, Wretch 32...


Disclaimer: One For The Yankee Mandem.

"I get a 100 a verse so put a bid on it, unless you God or got A Cool Kid on it"

This is probably my favorite rap record right now. The Cool Kids' Don Cannon hosted 'Gone Fishing Mixtape' is very serious. You can download it here. This is a remix of their 'Pennies' track, check the original video below.



These guys have been doing it for a while. I first caught them in 2007 at a DJ Craze party called Miami Bass Sessions during the WMC. It was an incredible line up. Scratch Pervets, Craze, Kelver, A-Trak and the Cool Kids. It was a crazy and very messy night. Certainly one of my best party memories of Miami.

It's a shame I'm looking more than a little gone in this pic backstage with Tony Vegas and Craze (and I think) Craze's Girlfriend.



I probably shouldn't have baited myself up like that. It was a few years ago now, and well fuck it, it was a sick night!

Asher Roth on Later with Jools Holland

Sunday Sessions - Movado feat. Alaine - 'Heart Beat'

Perfect record to see you through your Sunday.

Bashy on ITN!

Big up Bashy! He's on his grind.

Camden Crawl 2009

A couple of weeks back over here at Ecko we hooked up with RWD Magazine and hosted a heavy night at the Jazz Cafe. Unsuspectingly, after a few beeers, I had to do an impromptu interview with Texas Hip Hop artists Damaged Good$. It was my first ever video interview, I was half cut and I didn't have any questions ready, neither did I really know too much about the group so to be honest, it's pretty crap. Check out the Tim Westwood faux pas hand gestures. "FALL BACK"



Chantelle Fiddy is a vet and she puts me to shame.

Ace Boon Coon feat. Rick Ross & Young Dro - 'Fruity (Got Me Gone)'

This is a heavy track for all of you who do not know who Young Dro is, take a listen here


"Stupid, Stupid, Stupid, Fruity, Fruity, Fruity"

VIA THE FADER

T La Rock - 'Breaking Bells' (12-Inch Version - 1986)

Out to Moonstar

Mumdance Feat. Jammer & Envy - Live in Prague

This set is incredible. Download & Listen to it here.

Mos Def - Casa Bey

Mos Def - "Casa Bey" - The Ecstatic - 6.9.09


This is a cool video, very simple. Mos is a legend, a true Hip Hop great. After seeing the MF Doom 'Stan' video, of Mos in the studio reciting Doom lyrics, I can't help but think that this has a slight Doom edge to it, especially the production.

VIA SEMTEX

"Oooahhhh Ooooahhh"

Inja feat. Fallacy & Skinnyman - 'Hat Low'

It appears that Inja's switched up his sound since the days of hosting Rawganics in Cambridge. This is very much on a Grime-tip but I really like this track. It's not surprising to me that the "UK Hip Hop" scene is moving in this direction. The Grime guys have totally blown the old skool era out of the water and surpassed anything they've done prior in terms of raising the levels of exposure and the 0's on the end of the bank balance. This can be accounted for in that the majority of the Grime scene have developed and grown throughout the rise of the Information Age. Thus they have really utilized their fan base online. The post-modern sound of minimal electronic harshness is a product in every way of this new futuristic age, and as a result tends to be driven by the online demographic.

Anyway back to the track. Inja hooks up with two absolute stalwarts of UK rap in Fallacy and Skinnyman. Fallacy alongside Fusion created one of the truest club bangers the UKHH scene has ever produced, and his flow has always been a little on the Garage grime side of things. With Skinny you've got one of the forefathers, a true Don on the mic who has seriously put in the grind over the years and created one of my favorite Rap albums of all time. That includes our American brother's across the pond. Skinny has always had the ability to switch up the speed and rap his heart out.

I first heard this track on DJ MK's 'London Go Hard' mixtape in February and the video is dope. I really like the crazy CCTV monster cam, but what does let this down is the girls dancing. I just don't see the need for them to be in there.

"Roll that shit, Light that shit, Smoke it"

Mystro of NaturalBornSpittaz catches up with Devin the Dude backstage at his London show recently. Devin teaches you how to roll a blunt!



This is the preview for the full interview, in association with NaturalBornSpittaz and Pepamill.

Tempa T - 'I'm About I'm About'

Business Over Bullshit

Great interview with Bobby Ray aka. B.o.B.

Man Like Me - London Town (remix feat. JME & Rude Kid)

Voodoo Funk

I'm a big fan of 70s African music. A lot of what I've listened to and learnt about is based around the legendary Fela Kuti and the subsequent off-shots of what he pioneered throughout the Western World. Now often it's a little passe to state "oh I love Fela, that whole Nigeria sound is so dope" but at times you just have to praise and pay credit where credit is due.

Check out Voodoo Funk for some incredible mixes which are bound to get you in the groove. Another great place to start as an introduction to Afrobeat is this Nigeria 70: Lagos Jump compilation.


Not so long ago I passed through The Empowering Church in Dalston to see one of Fela's sons; Femi play. It was an incredible night in an awesome setting. The Empowering Church in Dalston is pretty much London's home to authentic Afrobeat, with a bi-monthly night 'Afrobeat Vibration' playing host to a whole heap of artists and musicians from London as well as the odd special guest from further a field.

Street Talk Episode 4

Kevin Whorington of Whores Never Learn comes with the fourth episode of Street Talk. It's doing a lot and it's cool that someone out of the London Creative Community and Street Scene is doing something a little different and intelligent. I like it. Check it below.

STREET TALK EP4 from Jama Noor on Vimeo.

Standard (ATL Boutique)

With the world becoming ever smaller, no longer are trends necessearily unique or bespoke to geographical locations. Every major city is now full of three or four "Sneaker Boutiques" selling often the same clothing lines, brands and kicks. Often these carry various low-key t-shirt brands from that town or city, sneaking them on to the end of the nearest Stussy rail. But what is unqiue and a raretity is service without a snigger. So many of these shops are full of protentious "I know more than you, I'm therefore cooler than you, where art thou's BAPE and BBC? assistants". London is guilty of more than filling its qouta of poncy scenesters self-gratificating through denouncement of unsuspecting consumer. The Standard in Atlanta is different. I strolled in on a quiet Thursday afternoon, greeted by two helpful assistance or store owners devoid of all pretence.

Walking me through the rails, the lines and brands, showing me the latest stock, telling me what's new in, what I might like and shooting the breeze on London, the A and clothing in general, my experience held a lasting impression. They know their stuff and are happy to help you, but this might just be an accentuation of Southern Hospitality into Sneakerdom, but needless to say, moments like these truly are enjoyable. I'm a consumer, I'm a fan, and I like to enjoy my shopping experience and discuss without hype or "oneupmanship" with those in the know.




Testament to their service with a smile was how they treated the 5 or 6 "heads" who qued for the Air Yeezy's. They put on a Breakfast Of Champions!



The new Alife's had just dropped that day, I made sure to cop a pair.

New York Dolls - 'Subway Train'

DMG$ Interview For Converse Music

Two weeks ago I caught up with Damaged Good$ aka DMG$. Two great rappers from Texas and a wicked producer from Dalston. Great combination. Kicked it with them for about 45 minutes before their soundcheck. They killed it, despite the mixed crowd and technical difficulties. Check the interview and footage below:

Exclusive Damaged Goods interview from Orange Dot on Vimeo.

The Reset

The other weekend the guys at Nike teamed up with the rising brands of the UK and put on an expose of British talent at the 1948 store. More things are needed like this to bring the people of London together. I didn't cop any Trapstar but my A.IN.T Slick Rick Tee and ALL CAPS Hard Times Tee are both doing alot. It was a cool little event, good tunes, nice people, sun was out, garms were fresh.

City Rats

I was actually quite looking forward to this film. Released on the 22nd April it documents some rather niche elements of London life. Then I found out Danny Dyer is in it. This drags the levels of anticipation down dramatically, but probably still worth a watch.

"Ain't I, Ain't I, Ain't I, Ain't I Got It Going On"

I've been meaning to post long extensive blogs about how amazing my life is, and how much better it is than yours. But business gets in the way, work prevails, and as narcissistic and egotistical as I can be, in this age of "Hey Look At Me" I've sort of toned it down. Follow my twitter for that kinda of OG Flamboyance.

Atlanta was a once in a life time trip. Shout out to Derek for holding it down and putting up with me for a week, Flip for being really cool and letting me roll with him on his interview. The Fourth Ward for being extremely gully but also incredibly hospitable. Pals is my kinda bar, Gangsta Pill, Fish and the real OGs, the Chicken Trap hustlers, Magic City for the best strip club in the world and all that good shit. I've got a couple of detailed posts coming but for now admire the pictures with gleeful envy. I wish I was an actual photographer, because Derek took me to places I really shouldn't have gone and I don't think many other Londoners roll down Simpson Road and kick it at The Grand Hustle studios...