2008

So a December recap of 2008 - It's all a little cliched for me to start throwing up on here my best bits of 2008, so i'll leave that to the guys at BNTL who quite possibly did the best round up of the year online, it made me chuckle, have a butchers, its pretty funny.

So instead of running down the top issues, moments, facts and figures of 2008, I'm going to point you in the direction of those who have truly kept their fingers on the pulse and made blogging a captivating form of expression which has taken over the net this year.

BNTL
A collective of young Londoners (and someone in Birmingham) in the know; giving an insight into Street Wear, Hip Hop, Dubstep and London life. It's witty, pretty well written and the photos are top notch.

Rants Of A Former Robot
Giving a rundown of things stateside, my girl Jenny hits you up with coverage of whatever catches her eye - it's always worth a look especially for her pretty thorough film and TV reviews. Based in Miami this girl knows what's happening in her city and is also pretty much always on point when it comes to fashion and film, a female perspective also makes her blog a refreshing read for me.

The Arab Parrot
The Man, The Myth, The Legend - Arab Parrot is a monster amongst the blogging game! How this guy funds his hedonistic lifestyle of funk and debauchery god only knows, do we really care? No. His photos and witty commentary on nights out in L.A and the Rotten Apple are bloody brilliant, with a dollop of Hip Hop puns and a penchant for 80s movies this guy cracks me up! A particular highlight was his roadtrip post early this month. probably my favorite blog of 2008! Dare I say it!

When it comes to those blogging the music scene, two guys really have led the pack, the infamous DJ Semtex & Butterz have destroyed the blog game in their respective genres of Hip Hop and Grime. You need to watch these guys, Sem is a serious player in UK music, he makes a lot of things happen behind the scenes and works harder than any other DJ and A&R in the country, any young DJ wanting to make it in the industry should watch his moves very carefully. Butterz is a young Grime DJ and correspondent truly making waves in the music game, with the development of Grimepedia, Grime Forum and his own Blog he has taken over from where Prancehall and Hyperfrank left it in 2007 to totally eclipse anything they ever did online for Grime. A talented DJ also, recently gaining his own slot on the notorious Rinse.Fm he's gonna be around for a long time, watch out for him.

They are the people that made the blog game what it is in 2008! A few to mention include DJ MK, Blackdown and Seth Godin.

2008 was a pretty important year for me, I graduated Uni and began my career.

A BIG THANKYOU FOR MAKING 2008 ARE VERY SICK YEAR GO TO THE FOLLOWING:


Cage, Diz, Lady Rach, Padsta, Semtex and the rest of the Dirtee Stank Team for a very big 3 months this summer.

Freewheelin Family - I Owe You ALOT!



Claire @ Timeout

Driving Cabs In B-More

I thought Cappadonna was busy hustling fares in Baltimore??? Well anyways he's obviously put in enough hours behind the wheel in early 08 to squeeze in a few sessions at the studio.



Isn't Ghostface a lovely nice man? Letting pal Cappa wear some of his jewelry in his latest video - 'The Annointing (Slang Editorial Part 2)' - Wu-Tang Forever!

"Wesssssttttttttwoooooooooddd!!!!!"

Regular readers will know I've got love (no homo) for the BIG DAWG Tim Westwood. A legend in the game, Westwood's jumped on the video blog in a real big way, I'm enjoying them, so below is a quick re-cap of the last 3 posts!

Check the previous 3 parts -

No.1


"What was the beautiful thing man, that was for charity and I got paid! So every time I see a homeless person I give them a pound, its going to last all year."

No.2


"Big block baby, understand what that means!"

No.3


"Homeless looking real fly right now!"

"Can I Kick It?"

French Prankstar Remi Gaillard is an absolute legend!

FOOT 2008 (REMI GAILLARD)
by nqtv

Check his other videos here particularly like his real life Mario Kart!

And a little Tribe just for good times!



Shout Out to Street Writer!

Pete With Premo

Pete Rosenberg brother of Paul Rosenberg (the man behind Eminem) catches up with Premo. Check it out.

Adele: 1988

'Adele: 1988' is the latest Mixtape project from Mick Boogie and is about to drop tomorrow.



After the success of Viva La Hova Mick turns his hand to a safe middle of the road, middle-england record and flips it with a Hip Hop twist, enlisting the help of producers 6th Sense, The Kickdrums, Garbs Infinite, Remot and nVMe with guest vocals courtesy of Big Pooh of Little Brother, Naledge of Kidz in the Hall and a few others yet to be revealed.

Check the preview video below, when it drops into that Slick Rick it really wets the appetite for what the rest of the project will entail.


Mick Boogie presents... Adele: 1988 from MickBoogie on Vimeo.

Available for free download Wednesday, December 17 so pass through Mick's blog to pick it up and also check out what's going on with one of Hip Hop's finest Mixtape curators and DJ supremos!

The Future Sight Of London: Nico Hogg

You have to check out Blackdown's interview with Nico Hogg, a fantastic piece on a truly amazing photographer. The interview has re-instated my faith in blogs, its a great double post from one of Dub-Step's finest.

Nico Hogg's images truly portray an informed, honest perspective of London's streets, his view and interpretation of the city is steeped in artistic integrity, read the interview here: part 1, part 2. It will truly inspire.

Triffic TV

Since the end of Sopranos and The Wire a massive void has taken some time to fill on the TV front. I've flirted with the West Wing, delved a little deeper with Entourage and neither truly sufficed. I do enjoy the West Wing and Entourage is easy enough viewing and can be quite funny albeit overtly corny, slapstick with no shame. I like the concept, what self-respecting male wouldn't like going to parties, sleeping with beautiful women and giving all his mates jobs in his crew while he sets out to concur Hollywood with little or no effort. West Wing is a whole lot of walking from room to room, an interesting pursuit of the inner-workings of the White House and with Martin Sheen as President adds a nice touch, but neither D.C nor LA truly engross me the way the Sopranos and The Wire captured my imagination for 6 and 5 series respectively.



This however is amazing television, something truly crafted with care and grace, Mad Men is easily the best way to spend the cold, wet, and dark evenings leading up to Christmas. While the credit-crunch nips and bites, stay in, relax and watch a truly gripping, daring drama. Set in 1960s New York, care-free smoke happy advertising executives battle it out for top dog and unprecedented glory. Chauvinism is rife, so is the booze, young PAs get seduced by the suits and slick talking, this is a sexually charged, fast flowing drama of the highest merit. If you haven't watched it; start! A must view for anyone interested in good writing, better acting, wit, humor, slick-suits, fast talking hotshots and the beginning of mass-consumption, mass-media led advertising.

And Thats The Way It Is

Blogs for when I'm feeling creative, twitter for the randomness on road, and lastfm to peep what's playing on the pod. I'm getting my internet game back on track, I've been slipping. WATCH THIS SPACE...



Big Up the ATG crew, The I (L) Haringey is doin alot on the way to work!

TWITTER

I've joined Twitter, my blog has been slowing down lately in a big way, so busy with work and life that its been neglected, stay in touch with THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME on www.twitter.com/tsottc

Albannach

I am going to be having a very scottish new year! Plenty of Irn-Bru, deep-fried Mars Bars, and Super Tennents!



"See You! With your haircut and your O-Level!"

Sunil Pawar

I'm back in London and Thursday nights are alright for arting. eeeerm not sure about the Elton John pun! But I'm back in town, buoyant from some very exciting news today (all will be revealed in good time) and very much looking forward to checking Sunny's latest show.

Sunil is the creative director over at Freewheelin', my old employers (must change the about me blurb) I've been waiting for this show for awhile, a great DJ, great artist and a cool guy to be around.

Kanye On Premo

For me Premo is the best producer, hands down. When I think of "Hip-Hop" A Premo beat automatically comes to mind. Favorite Premo beat anyone??

Dirtee Stankin'!

I worked for Dirtee Stank for a few months over the summer after Uni. It was a pleasure to be surrounded by such talented, creative people. They are the pioneers of this UK Grime game, no one can compete, seriously, Dizzee and Cage and the whole team are the best at what they do in the country. I've been waiting and waiting for the new Gens stuff. I was fortunate enough to hear 99% of the Gens forthcoming album while they were working on it bits and pieces. It's an amazing record which is going to take Grime into a whole new stratosphere. If you check the tags, you can see my previous posts when I went on the Gens video shoot for 'Head Get Mangled' - that is about to blow people away the most amazing Grime video ever made. The setting, the location, the whole concept is amazing.

The hype is steadily building after the Newham Generals tore up the Dirtee Stank Tour, and this preview video for 'Violence' is pretty special, can't wait for 'Generally Speaking' to drop in Feb '09. Big up Pad, Rach, Cage and the Dirtee Stankers!

“Showing off is the fool's idea of glory.”

Just For Kicks

Sung Choi is a streetwear vet, gaining acclaim in the early 90s with PNB Nation he first created Clae in 2001 as a side project of casual skate shoes whilst working as footwear director at Lakai. I like the smart simplicity of Clae footwear, these kicks below are heavy, although a tad on the Prada Shoe side, they are a clean purchase for anyone looking to smarten up their look while adhering to the aesthetics of streetwear.

Clae Parker Mesh

"On Yer Bike Son"

Guitar Hero Obsessives!

Guardian Getting In On The Act

"It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you"

I'll be back with regularly blog action and a re-cap of the last couple of weeks over the weekend.

Pharoahe Monch - 'Welcome To The Terrordome'

I don't think voting for Obama is going to change all that much, its a Brave New World out there and Big Brother is certainly watching.



This is some what of a superficial Liberal revolution taking place right now, but the campaign videos are certainly a lot more entertaining, gwarn Black Sheep!

Where Respect Is Due...

KAWS

"No One On The Corner Has Swagger Like Me"

BIG UP TECK1!!!

"The Revolution Will Be Posterized"

Emory Douglas, a leading member of the Black Panther Party and a very talented graphic artist exhibits a collection of his work at the Urbis in Manchester. I for one am hoping this talented radical comes to London. His collection of work, placed within the context of the racism which blighted Sixties' America is both thought provoking and impressive.




Black Panther: Emory Douglas and the Art of Revolution, opens on Thursday 30 October.

Graf Da Bus Up!

Last night I spent my evening drinking beer and chilling with two of London's heaviest graf artist, Teck1's show on Thursday is gonna be sick, I've got a couple of pics, but promised not to post anything giving away the show.

Check this little video about the Tube & Graf, spotted over at toomuchposse!



Reminded me of one of my favorite UK Hip Hop records of all time.



"If your backs against the wall, turn around and write your name on it!"

Just For Kicks

L.A brand The Hundreds embarks on its first foray into footwear.

I'm feeling these! They have taken on a classic silhouette and incorporated great colours and material to represent a fresh interpretation of a stalwart style for the skate and street scene.

A Tad Too Far?

"Jigga what, Jigga who?"

Tonight on BBC1 @ 10:35pm the 'Imagine...' series follows Jay-Z! The concept behind the program is to offer a candid insight into the lives of those who shape our outlook on the world through art. Alan Yentob spends six months with the Jigga Man, including the build up to the infamous Glastonbury gig, backstage at several of his U.S shows this year and segments in the studio this is one not to miss! But if you do, you can always catch it on the BBC iplayer for the remaining week.

It's A London Thing

Superlatives are often over used, become redundant and thrown out there like nobody's business. But when it comes to UK acts all should be savored and showered upon two of the greatest Rappers this country has ever produced - Rodney P & Bionic. The duo became the mainstay of London Posse and created the greatest UK rap record to date, bar none, if you don't know about 'Gangster Chronicles' then in my book you're simply not serious.


A classic album in every respect, the art work is probably my favorite of any UK release, well maybe it gets tipped by Klashnekoff's 'The Sagas...' and the 'Murda In Parrowdice' 12", but album art work is another story for another day.

So why is 'Gangster Chronicles' the greatest British Rap album of all time? Firstly the album set the foundations for the style that truly would dominate the scene today, a move away from the yankeefied voices of the mid 80s of the early rappers struggling to forge their own identity, towards the reggae soaked London patois so regularly used today in a diverse array of MC driven street music. It's a natural progression though, especially for the likes of Rodney P and Bionic, due to the city's relationship with Jamaica and the personal heritage of many UK artists with the island, it was only a matter of time before the slang would morph into a truly distinct London voice. With such a long line of artists working on Soundsystems, the dominance of the Soundsystem culture has morphed into all elements of UK street music from Drum & Bass to Hip Hop the trail always leads to the Soundsystem.

'Gangster Chronicles' not only sparked a change in style, it was also a pinnacle time for many prominent members of the London Hp Hop community. Regular readers will know I have a penchant for posting classic Westwood material, 'Gangster Chronicles' for me is a classic Westwood moment. Very little people recognize the impact Westwood has had over the years on the scene, its often overshadowed by those who only acknowledge the here and now. In 1988 Westwood released the heavyweight single 'Money Mad' on his Justice label before the Posse moved to Island Records' imprint Mango. I first came across Justice when I bought the very first Westwood compilation album, scrawling the sleeve notes I noted the label, delved a little deeper and its heritage is steeped in UK Hip Hop history. Check out this clip of Westwood and London Posse, a feature for BBC Open Space in 1987. See if you can spot the cameo of a certain Trevor Nelson.


London Posse's 'Gangster Chronicles is a certified classic, I could go on and on and develop this post in to a whos who of UK Hip Hop, the history the sound and the development, I won't. Perhaps I cut this post a little short, and what started as a review of the album developed into something else...

London Posse classic - 'Money Mad'


'Hows Life in London'


Cop 'Gangster Chronicles' Here

SHOUT OUT TO SLINGSHOT FOR THE HEADS UP ON THE FOOTAGE!

"If Your Names Not Down, You're Not Coming In!"

Manchester

Just got back from Manchester in time for Match Of The Day. Saw Robinho score his first hat-trick in English football, the first of many I hope, not a bad game today, could have won by 5 or 6! After re-watching the City game I've just flicked over to BBC2 and Oasis' Electric Proms gig is on the box. I used to have a near-obsession with Oasis as a kid.

The reasons for - I was born in Manchester. In an attempt to form any sort of identity in Southern Suburbia, I clutched hold to as many Manchester specific moments of Northern nostalgia as physically and mentally possible for a pre-pubescent boy, who knew a lot about nothing and nothing about everything. This all added to the spice of the North-South divide heightened by the Oasis Blur beef. The Gallagher's are City fans this has added greatly to the mix, me being a Southern Blue and all that. They are also from Burnage, some of my close family live there; around the corner from Sifter's Record Shop (one of the greatest record shops in the world), the famous Chalky White's barbers with its incredible array of pornos, baseball caps and more than one Chris the barber. Pars Wood Shops along with my Gran's house have featured in numerous Oasis clips and maybe a video, although I can't think of which one.

One of my favorite Oasis tracks:


And before I go - ** Some Blog News ** - I've got a few interesting posts in mind, starting to seriously think about some nice little features I want to write, got a lot to do, new job starts next week but before then I'm going to pull out the quill and pad, the pen and paper, the biro and beer-mat and start a new era of new blogs. Oh and more content a long the lines of items and such forth... You know the usual online gems that tickle my fancy and hopefully yours. Chiao.

Mr. Hudson

I'm so pleased for Mr. H, he's rolling with the Good Music camp, been a champion of his and the Library's cause for quite some time, a humble, super talented guy. First came across him when he bigged up Itch FM in an interview several years ago and followed him ever since. He came to the Dizzee No.1 party at Bungalow 8 and the Camden show in the summer, and finally got to meet him after several myspace exchanges a few years ago. The Deal Real guys have worked extremely hard, and let's hope their relationship with Good Music and Kanye's team prospers. It seems Good Music and that whole collective have a real ear for what we are doing in the UK, John Legend and Estelle, Kanye and Hudson, its a beautiful thing.


BTW Consequence has THE best video blog in Hip Hop.

The Man, The Myth, The Legend: SETH GODIN

I AM TRULY INSPIRED BY SETH GODIN

While I struggle to find my niche, my strength, my quality, my art, I engage in the right areas, with the right people, doing the right things. I will develop my own niche in this industry, slowly but surely. I've had some fantastic advice this week, but none better than from this man, I don't know him but he's a genius. Check this below, it's helped me, maybe it'll help you.

"Maybe you can't make money doing what you love

The thing is, it's far easier than ever before to surface your ideas. Far easier to have someone notice your art or your writing or your photography. Which means that people who might have hidden their talents are now finding them noticed...

That blog you've built, the one with a lot of traffic... perhaps it can't be monetized.

That non-profit you work with, the one where you are able to change lives... perhaps turning it into a career will ruin it.

That passion you have for art... perhaps making your painting commercial enough to sell will squeeze the joy out of it.

When what you do is what you love, you're able to invest more effort and care and time. That means you're more likely to win, to gain share, to profit. On the other hand, poets don't get paid. Even worse, poets that try to get paid end up writing jingles and failing and hating it at the same time.

Today, there are more ways than ever to share your talents and hobbies in public. And if you're driven, talented and focused, you may discover that the market loves what you do. That people read your blog or click on your cartoons or listen to your mp3s. But, alas, that doesn't mean you can monetize it, quit your day job and spend all day writing songs.

The pitfalls:
1. In order to monetize your work, you'll probably corrupt it, taking out the magic in search of dollars
and
2. Attention doesn't always equal significant cash flow.

I think it makes sense to make your art your art, to give yourself over to it without regard for commerce.

Doing what you love is as important as ever, but if you're going to make a living at it, it helps to find a niche where money flows as a regular consequence of the success of your idea. Loving what you do is almost as important as doing what you love, especially if you need to make a living at it. Go find a job you can commit to, a career or a business you can fall in love with.

A friend who loved music, who wanted to spend his life doing it, got a job doing PR for a record label. He hated doing PR, realized that just because he was in the record business didn't mean he had anything at all to do with music. Instead of finding a job he could love, he ended up being in proximity to, but nowhere involved with, something he cared about. I wish he had become a committed school teacher instead, spending every minute of his spare time making music and sharing it online for free. Instead, he's a frazzled publicity hound working twice as many hours for less money and doing no music at all.

Maybe you can't make money doing what you love (at least what you love right now). But I bet you can figure out how to love what you do to make money (if you choose wisely).

Do your art. But don't wreck your art if it doesn't lend itself to paying the bills. That would be a tragedy.

(And the twist, because there is always a twist, is that as soon as you focus on your art and leave the money behind, you may just discover that this focus turns out to be the secret of actually breaking through and making money.)"

"I'm Having A Relapse"

Now many might find this a little disconcerting, it may even shatter my reputation but i've never been Eminem's biggest fan. I rate his technical ability highly and the way in which he has forged hit record after hit record is second to none. However for several reasons I've never really been engrossed by the MC who put Detroit on the map. Eminem's novelty value possibly undermines his greatest works and the bandwagon that rolled on through, sweeping up every teeny bopper, Hip-Pop lover and angry white boy forced me to cross the tracks. It may well have been musical pretense on my part forcing sniggers and hip hop snobbery, in fact, IT WAS MUSICAL SNOBBERY.

While the class room was banging Eminem, I was rocking EPMD. When push comes to shove I must admit he is an incredible lyricist, perhaps its the concepts that made me once doubt him. In reality though I've never liked what everyone else liked purely because everyone else liked it. I was always digging for something different, something possibly better. Away from all the secondary school hype and me being me; I can now fianlly concede that dude is truly a master wordsmith, a heavy hitter on the mic, as good as, if not better than, anyone else to do it... I'M GLAD HE'S BACK.

This one certainly snuck right under the radar, rumor has it the new album 'Relapse' will drop some time in '09.



Does anyone know who produced the beat? To me it sounds like a Timbo production, I'm feeling this, it's alot.

Classic Freestyle Compilation, Surely This Will Convert Any Doubter, Or Perhaps I'm Preaching To The Converted, Any Doubters Even Out There??

"Nothing But Rats & Mice Round Ere"

Where Respect Is Due...

ROBERT FRANK


You can check out the photography of Robert Frank alongside the images of Christopher Wool and Wade Guyton in the 83rd edition of Parkett. For those that aren't familiar Parkett is a leading chronicler of contemporary art, and with over 80 issues its a classic for the coffee table.

Beatsmith

The Art of Beat Making "Believe"-Vinroc from Vinroc on Vimeo.

The Roots & Lil' Wayne

Where Respect Is Due...

SEBASTIAN KRUGER

So Fresh & So Clean

Australian brand Rittenhouse have created a truly fantastic varsity jacket. I shall be hunting one of these down as soon as the paychecks come in. I've been after a varsity jacket for a short while, looking for a subtle item, not a varsity jacket in the BAPE or Starter mould and this is perfect.

Where Respect Is Due...

DAVID FLORES

"Big Up Nick As Well, He's Doing Alot"

A sneak peak at the RBK Lounge in Shoreditch.



So Butterz is running a little competition for the JME show on Friday; pass through his blog to enter.


It's gonna be pretty big, I'm gonna reach, schedule permitting. You can also check the hottest chick in the game there - Mz Bratt is doing alot.



Big Up Terror Danjah, Mz Bratt & Elijah.

Just For Kicks

Atmos in Japan exclusively released these heavyweight kicks today. They also have a pretty impressive shop in Harlem that I reached when I was last in the Rotten Apple. The staff and collections are always on point. You should check their little blog in my list on the left, it features new bits and pieces that are about to hit the NYC store. I'm not really a big fan of Nike's ACG range but this Urban Night Pack is heavy. The Wildwood's are doing alot. I love the mix of colours.

While Most...

Of these other British artists are obsessed with trying to crack the American market, Dizzee is straight destroying it Down Under.

SEMTEX TV - DIZZEE RASCAL & SEMTEX: LIVE ON TOUR PERTH, AUSTRALIA from DJ SEMTEX on Vimeo.
Check Semtex's blog for more footage and updates.

Where Respect Is Due...

KEVIN LYONS

Smiling Faces

When I was at school and stuck in a rut; homework due in on Monday, detention beckoning and no where else to turn, I used to seek solace in the radio. Sunday nights were all about Giles Peterson. I listen to his show occasionally on the BBC iplayer (not nearly enough or as much as I used to) and once again he's lifted me out of the depths of the emotional abyss. His show is my favorite radio show around, he's got me through some hard times. I lost everything off of my external drive and have only just come to terms with it, I've distanced myself from music for sometime, just so the fleeting memories of records gone by would surpass and I'd no longer loathe myself for not backing up, burning and copying the endless musical trail of my youth. I've jumped back on the musical train, I never really got off, but now I've decided to start from scratch, build back up the temple of rhythm and return to the fountain of knowledge that is the radio. Giles has cheered me up no end.

I've been in a bit of a rut recently, not to go into too much detail, it's not that interesting and I don't use my blog to reveal my deepest emotional and mental struggles. But i've been caught in limbo, fed false dawns and since woke up to realize I need to start making things happen. I'm working freelance at the moment, to me and you that means: bits and pieces, when and where needed and for no money. It's all good though cos it's another achievement, another notch on the working bed post, the contact list is building and it sets me apart from the drones of suburbia. HOWEVER, I can go on penniless no longer. It looks like I'm going to have to swallow my pride and get down the recruitment agency. Call me Mr. Temp to Perm! While I wait for the proverbial career start, job of joy, workload of wonder, I must stack some serious cheddar. Bar work, office errand boy, you name it, I'm gonna do it. Just until the job offered becomes a reality, tomorrow is a new day, a new dawn, thanks Giles you've helped me see the light, start the journey and put a smile on my face.

I'M LOOKING FOR A DESIGNER

TO GIVE MY BLOG A MUCH NEEDED LICK OF PAINT... COMMENT IF YOU'RE INTERESTED.

RBK Lounge

Shout out to Mz Bratt, Terror Danjah and Butterz for passing through the RBK Lounge this afternoon. Mz Bratt is doing alot right now, Terror is a grime vet and Butterz is the biggest grime blogger in the game. Pictures and a Video will be up asap. My camera is so swag, it ran out of battery (my fault) but the torrent of abuse it has been dealt over the last couple of years hasn't helped the cause. I've been looking back at some old photos I took with it when it was fresh, they are actually quite good, the ones I've posted are beyond embarrassing. I'm not a photo blogger, but my blog would be more appeasing on the eye if the images came out how I envisioned them to (if that makes any sense)

I need a new camera and then I wouldn't be so reliant on other people, when Butterz sends his stuff my way, it'll be here. I need to get my technology game up to speed, iphone and a new camera are high on the list of priorities right now.

Wretch 32

http://www.mediafire.com/?ydq1mtznhg2
'Wretchibition' offers you a candid insight into who Wretch 32 is as an artist. With short interview segments shedding light on Wretch's past for the newcomers alongside classic material and new bits and pieces this is a heavy tape for both the newcomer and Wretch's already established fan base. It certainly wets the listeners appetite for the debut album, I'm not going to go too deep into what the tapes saying, just download it and enjoy. Oh and more importantly make sure you go and cop 'Wretchrospective' on October 6th.

Check out Wretch's Blog and hit him up on Myspace

BOMB DOWN BROADWAY

The people over at Zoo York put together a BMX race through New York City. A heavy concept, simple and perfectly executed.

Stumbled across it via the bible - HYPEBEAST.

A non-jibberish, kinda interesting, possibly entertaining blog post will be coming this week. (I hope)

Time Out - The 40th Anniversary

A little piece I did for Time Out on Fats Shariff aka Fatsarazzi. The issue is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the magazine and the theme running throughout this week's publication is that of 'Heroes'. You'll notice Dizzee on the cover, he was one of London's 40 Heroes who makes the city what it is today! It was a pleasure to be involved with such a legendary publication both going there with Diz and then getting the chance to write for them was also great, Time Out is an internationally recognized publication, covering 23 individual cities!!

I Miss My Year In The States

"...In A Gun Battle, Real Badman We Nah War With Nunchuckle"

Shout out to Wan-Cee

Shystie - 'A Milli Freestyle'

Shystie is a sick female MC, I'm feeling this. I quite like her bars over the Bassline track at the very beginning as well. UK Female MC's always give the guys a run for their money, big up Estelle, Ny & Mz Bratt.

"Now I'm Thirteen, Smokin' Blunts, Makin' Cream"

So The Notorious B.I.G bio-pic is soon to be upon us. Now I do hold reservations with regard to this film, however, with the success of '8 Mile', this could be just as important a film for Hip Hop. Yet, one must remember the awful Fiddy bio-pic, I've got a feeling 'Notorious' will fall somewhere in between the two movies. I hope not, as Biggie's debut album 'Ready To Die' is my favorite rap record of all time. His depiction of those early years before rap are so vivid, providing its own unique cinematic experience for the listener. I know a lot of people have questioned Biggie's integrity as a "real" hustler, especially in the wake of Nick Broomfield's documentary, and those questions are going to duly arise once again. This could be a great film, not of 'Goodfellas' or 'Casino' proportions, but in terms of Rap Cinema it could be epic. I do have my doubts and will view with a smash of salt and the most sincere of skepticism. Lets hope it does both Biggie and his music the justice they deserve.

"Me And My Music"

Me And My Music

UK Rap is in a great place at the moment, better than it has been in a long time. Back in the day when I was at school, I used to live and breathe UK Hip Hop from like 2000 onwards I've been all about it. Clearing out my old room yesterday I had to take down the posters and flyers off the wall, some classic UK promo up on there; it made me reminisce. I used to want to break into the UK media and music game so badly and I have since accomplished some of my dreams (no homo) not all of them I must admit but I have worked on classic UK rap records, put on heavyweight nights, and been schooled by pioneers in the scene. I'm not gonna lie, my love has somewhat diminished in recent times, but now the scene is as healthy as its ever been in my opinion. Although, those of the "Kung Fu" era and before will doubt this, I truly do believe its as good now as when Task Force, Jehst, Skinny, Braintax et all were leading the way making their own classic records with a uniquely British take on Hip Hop. I understand that their sound is distinctly different from the sounds of today, the influences and parameters have certainly changed, but London is doing a lot right now.

While many have fallen away, new talents have emerged and the stalwarts are as strong as ever. Here are a few of those doing it right now, alongside what I think of them, some have been featured here before, others haven't - I'll keep it brief:

Roots Manuva
Performed tonight on Jools Holland and his latest record 'Slime & Reason' is as good as anything he has done before, the most consistent recording artist in UK Hip Hop.
Newham Generals
Soon to take Grime and Street Dance Music (for love of a better phrase) to a new plateau.
Wretch
The most talented wordsmith in the country, steadily building a strong following, with unique videos and style to boot, his album 'Wretchrospective' released October 6th is about to break new ground for Hip Hop in this country.
Dizzee Rascal
He's had a No.1 record, pioneered music on an independent level, and simply taken UK Rap to new ground, places, hemispheres, and defined what a British rap is to a whole new generation of kids across the country. Whatever you think of him, he is the greatest rapper to ever come out of the UK, I for one must admit he has done more for UK rap than any other artist, and I still rate him higher than Rodney P, Skinny, Roots Manuva and all the early pioneers just for the simple reasons that he's achieved more than any other rap artist in this country, ever. However you grade that; money, exposure, awards, RECORD SALES.
Sway
He changed how the UK Hip Hop and Grime scenes function, he was the King of the Mixtape. Taking that work ethic and independent ethos to full releases, his second album is set to be bigger and better than anything he's done before, Lil Derek is certainly doing more than O.K.
Sincere
He's been around for a long time, features with Wan-Cee, killed the Itch FM mixtapes back in the day and definitely put in his ground. Now doing it independently he's one to watch, built up a wealth of industry contacts, making moves on MTV Base etc and all on his own label, Y.E is gonna be pushing boundaries, hooked up with Natty on a heavy track he is one to watch.

I could go on and on, about several other artists, but this is a quick blog post and I haven't really thought too much about it, so here are a couple of videos of those less known above, I've missed so many artists out, but thats whats good about our scene right now, its flourishing. Whether grime or rap, it doesn't matter... as long as the swagger is there and the beats and rhymes are on point, I'll continue to support, and will always hold hip hop in this country in high regard... eeerrrrmmm maybe a classic UK Hip Hop post could be on its way... for now enjoy the vids, and hopefully you've enjoyed the rambling rant.

Sincere feat. Natty - 'Once Upon A Time'

Newham Generals - 'Westwood Freestyle'

Wretch 32 - 'Punctuation'




DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG WAS INSPIRED BY MARK HENRY'S HEAVY TRACK AT THE TOP OF THE POST.

Silverlink feat. Jammer & Badness - 'The Message Is Love'

"SHA TAP!!"

Silverlink ft Jammer and Badness - The Message is Love
by DirtyCanvas

Funk Master Flex Speaks Out On The Black Gary Glitter

All I can say is "WOW!!!!!!" Funk certainly doesn't hold back on the issue, and I for one am extremely pleased he so strongly voices his anger and disgust at Kelly. More people in positions of prominence within the game need to start exerting anger on youtube, regardless of the issue, people need to step up and let us know what they really think about people, issues, whatever. Flex is on one in this clip, if I was Kelly I'd stay clear of the Big Dawg Pit Bull and Hot 97.

The RBK Party

We launched the Reebok Lounge last night. It was a wicked event, the space is fantastic, check some pictures below. I wasn't too trigger happy last nightwith the cyber shot, I'm sure Fats will have some pictures floating about soon for a better perspective of who was there etc. I need to sort out a new camera, and some photography skills might come in handy.










Dude's poncho is pretty crazy - Mexican streetwear at its finest.

I'm feeling very rough today, the booze was flowing fast last night, apologies for any drunken behavior I am not aware of. Shout out to Fats, Kish, Adam Deacon, the New Era girls, Terror Danjah, Mz Bratt, Gwilty and everyone else who passed through. Mz Bratt told me to check out this interview of her, I saw the second part first and this one is just as entertaining. Big up Butterz, always comes correct. She's a great artist and I hope the rest of her tour with Count & Sinden goes well, she deserves a lot of success.

Mz.Bratt Interview Pt.1 from Butterz on Vimeo.