A good friend of mine loves his electro and every time I meet him he will whip out his giant mp4 player and plays me the latest music from the scene. Now I enjoy the odd bit of electro but wouldn't hunt it down. But today I noticed that Crooker's, an Italian collaboration between DJ Phra and Bot have remixed Wiley's follow up single Summertime and I actually quite like it. The video was taken off BigElectro's profile who is ranked 91# most viewed musician on youtube. It's definitely a good look for Wiley who is desperate for more chart success after his recent rants on the RWD Forums. Have a listen, I think it's actually quite good and could see it being a hit in clubs.
Wiley - Summer Time (Crooker's Remix)
Crooker's did an exclusive mix for XLR8R last year, for anyone who missed it first time round you can get it by clicking on the title below.
This came out near the start of August but I never upped it, so thought I would shine a little light on it seeing as Messiah J & The Expert are some of the leading men in Irish Hip Hop
The strict message from MJEX is that 'Jean Is Planning An Escape' is not their first single but it will be on the new album 'From The Word Go' which will be out this October.
Rob Kelly is currently the most requested artist on Beat FM's Fresh 30, to keep him at the top with his new single Jealous, go to Beat FM's Fresh 30 and vote!
Some fresh new info for Rob Kelly fans, taken from his blog on myspace.
"The album is sounding massive, as in mammoth...I'm not exaggerating"
It's being named 'Kell's Kitchen'and the release date is still to be confirmed.Also previous single 'Dropkicked' featuring Slaine has come into a bit of trouble with the record execs for the use of the original Dropkick Murphy's sample.It's been pulledoff iTunes but Rob claims it will still feauture on 'Kell's Kitchen' but with a live traditional band playing the tune.
And finally to all the Beat FM voters and fiends that can't wait until the album, Rob has kindly uploaded The Best Of Bobby Bars mixed by Toronto mixtape DJ Law. You can download it by clicking the title underneath the artwork.
DJ Mo-K Freestyle Do My 1.2 featuring Frankie Krutches + Baby Blue Produced by Mr Green 99 Problems Remix produced by Mike Donnelly Criminal Minded produced by Soundsmith Productions Take A Look produced by Mike Donnelly In The Air produced by Mike Donnelly Bizerkk Produced by Mike Donnelly Throw Down Your Armz produced by Show N Prove Rockstar featuring Frankie Krutches produced by GQ Beats DJ Pudgee P Freestyle Alright Produced by DJ Flip + Freezemaster Slick The Response Produced By DJ Flip, Ads + Freezemaster Slick Do It To It (original version) Produced by Mike Donnelly
"Iris Robinson fucked me in the ass with a strap on, Then I choked the stupid cunt with her own fuckin' tampon Rugged, fucker, living out my dream Me and Max Mosley are into the same scene"
Kinda marks the return of Dirty Roy who has been 'semi-retired since December 06'....
Forget Pete Doherty or Amy Winehouse, Roysta draws influence from gay porn, Columbo and Buckfast while describing his music as sounding like tinnitus. Let's just say he isn't the sort you would invite over to your Granny's on a Sunday afternoon for tea and biscuits.
Roysta's new track "The Stench" is up on his Myspace so if you are brave enough, give it a listen. And yes it is just as rude, filthy, sick and disgusting as you want it to be. You can get all of Roy's back catalogue for free @ Roysta's Last FM Page
And if anyone happens to be in Glasgow on the 16th September, call in and get dirty with him!
One of my favourite artists from the Irish/UK scene Maverick Sabre has put two new tracks for free download up on his Myspace recently. They are taken off his Falling On Deaf Ears E.P. and going on the strength of "The Demo" which Mav released last year for free this E.P. should be be full of wholesome musical goodness. Get up on there and make sure you get the downloads to bang out your systems. "Lost Then Found" would have to be a personal favourite of mine, Mav chronicaling his musical tastes that have made him the artist he is today.
Check his Myspace for the slick new artwork courtesy of Semothy Jones.
All the Irish dubstepper's should know about Skream vs Benga next Saturday at Shine in the Students Union in Belfast. It should be an excellent night, I'll catch you guys up stairs in the Speakeasy fo' sheezy!
The Elements have recently annouced a live event at The Village on Wexford Street, Dublin on the 19th September. Doors open approx 8 O Clock and it's 10 Euro at the door.
If you are having trouble this summer spending money (not likely in my case) or just wanting to see some decent hip hop there should hopefully be a few more popping up over the next while. With the likes of Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Cool Kids, Jay-Z, Erykah Badu and Kidz In The Hall playing here in the past month, we have been treated nicely. Lupe is here tomorrow at the Tripod and The Roots, George Clinton and Snoop D-O Double are lined up for the near future. Check out a few of the following gigs if you can.
One of my favourite 'alternative' hip hop artists Josh Martinez is going on a European Tour with Ireland's very own DJ Flip. Sadly Flip couldn't convince Mr Martinez to play on our shores this summer but if you happen to be travelling Europe this summer and Flip is in town, make sure to pass by!
Make sure not to miss the US Vs Ireland Hip Hop night at Eamon Doran's 12th July. The 20e door price should be well worth the money with such a strong line-up. Imagine Jada & Styles going back to back with Nu-Centz and Jonny Boy. Frank Jez and DJ Ahmed will also be on the decks holding it down for the night alongside DJ Eddy.
The Infomatics will be in Brighton this summer representing Dublin at the Rising Styles Block Party. Boasting a very strong line-up with the likes of Jehst, Sway and Kidz In The Hall playing I've got my fingers crossed for some good weather!
The Irish Time's recently reviewed The Infomatic's last performance,
"A three-pronged attack led by the Cool Kids was kicked off in rare fashion by The Infomatics, a rap electronica outfit playing on home soil. The bristling rapping of the two MCs, Konchus Lingo and Mr Dero was counterpointed by grooving bass and samples and some tight, fluid drumming with more than a hint of Jazz by Jorge Laguna"
Well it appears since I've been away Irish Hip Hop has been solidly grinding away with the latest output of Irish Underground Sessions. There have been an influx of new sessions hosted by different people and each is unique in it's style and presentation. Every one of them is worth the download. Personally I'm loving the new direction The Irish Underground is taking, it's great to see the artist's getting involved and hosting shows, highlighting some of the best Irish Hip Hop out. Make sure you get them all iPodded as soon as possible!
Ghetto joined 1Xtra's Mistajam in Maida Vale studios a few days ago to lay down a slightly different performance for the cameras and radio listeners. Joined by a guitarist and a vocalist, Ghetto performed acoustic versions of 'I'm Ghetts' and 'Sing For Me'. Needless to say he killed it. It reminds me slightly of Ghetts last year playing with the BBC orchestra, and it's great to see the compatibility of other genres when mixed with Grime. I got a laugh out of Ghetto schooling Mistajam when it came to knowing the sales of his albums.
Ghetto Acoustic Performance At Maida Vale Studios
Mistajam talks about having camera footage still to come, so I should have some videos of the session very soon! Hold tight!
Ghetto Video Footage Coming Soon
Fatboy Slim & Dizzee Rascal
Haha, A lotta respect to Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) Everyone know's he is the Original Gangsta Tripper! He should be running the Westwood show for real!
This is shaping up to be one of Ireland's best hip hop gigs this year. Atmosphere (Slug & Ant), Brother Ali and Kidz In The Hall all sharing the same stage on the 20th June at Crawdaddy. Ireland's very own DJ Flip will be behind the Wheels of Steel earlier in the evening to get every in the mood for some quality hip hop. For the 20 euro door tax, audiences will certainly be getting a good deal. Doors open at 11.30pm, I advise everyone to try and make this!
Eleven years after becoming the first hip-hop act to put the Twin Cities on the map, Atmosphere has grown into one of the most accomplished MC/producer duos around. Since releasing their 1997 debut, Overcast!, Ant’s ASR-born melodic beats and Slug’s open book and observational style of rapping continues to evolve into hip-hop that’s more honest and textured. And the praise for these Rhymesayers pioneers hasn’t stopped flowing in.
As Rolling Stone once gushed about Slug, “This Minneapolis indie rap hero has potential to spare, delivering taut, complex rhyme narratives with everyman earnestness.” Or as the Village Voice once wrote of Ant, “His dusty grooves are hooky and R&B-informed, and even when they back up Slug's most maniacally depressed rhymes, they never feel heavy-handed.”
Brother Ali has no reservations in saying that he’s “trying to be one of the greatest of all time”. Inspired by golden era legends like KRS-One and Rakim, this undisputed Master of Ceremony began rapping as a means of survival. Growing up albino (colorless hair, skin and eyes, poor vision, and extreme sensitivity to the sun) in a world of cruel kids made it strikingly obvious to Ali that he needed a high-powered way to earn some respect and prestige among his peers.
Though he initially produced his own material, Brother Ali turned to Ant to produce his first two major releases on Rhymesayers. The albums immediately proved popular with fans who had largely been introduced to Ali when he opened for Atmosphere on their national tour for the God Loves Ugly album. Ant's funk and soul inflected beats often matched the gravitas of Ali's rhymes, and now they are finally on stage together in the UK!
Kidz in the hall, the sons of the Golden Era of Hip Hop now take the reigns at the forefront of the next great Hip Hop dynasty. Call ’em elitests, call ’em smart asses or arrogant, but they are definitely one thing for certain, DOPE.
And with more support acts tbc, it’s going to be the hip-hop show of the summer.
Last night on Logan Sama's grime show he had special guests Kano and Random Impulse in the studio. A weezy sounding Kano who had been struck with a bad case of hayfever was in the building for a chat and they played three exclusive tracks from his new album '140 Grime Street'. This is the controversial next album from Kano which he proclaims is his return to grime after his time at 679 Recordings and London Town not doing as well as he had hoped. The much anticipated album features guest appearances from the likes of Wiley, Ghetto and Skepta. The tired sounding Kano managed to spit a few bars in the studio for roughly 5 minutes before dashing on. It's obvious he is trying to go back to his old style and I'm sure it will please long time fans of the emcee. His skills still sound a bit rusty and I think he was slightly nervous at jumping on the grime beats straight away, 'Accapella, No Beat!', but he still held is own and I'm sure he'll be back to his best soon. I've managed to rip the three exclusive tracks, so you can listen to them here.
Kano - Hustler
I'm still not sure about 'Hustler', the chorus doesn't sound far off his London Town sound which he said he was moving away from. Not the greatest of beats and his flow is slightly better than usual, but the chorus lets the song down for me.
Kano featuring Wiley - Anywhere We Go
It's great to hear Kano back to spitting over Wiley beats! Anywhere We Go isn't the strongest of instrumentals, but still sounds refreshing with Kano over it. I was very pleased to hear Wiley's verse at the end as I was worrying whether he'd just feature on the chorus, but nope the eskiboy jumps on and delivers a solid performance. I wouldn't call this tune amazing, but it's a better direction than 'Hustler' in my opinion. It's a lot more grime orientated and shows Kano is not stuck in the 'bait hip hop' 'MC No.1' wastelands any more.
Kano - I Like It
Hmm I would say Kano has went strength to strength on each track. This would certainly be my favourite of the three. The DaVinChe produced beat is crazy, Kano murks his verses and it sounds very nice. The chipmunk sounding chorus is slightly annoying but I can see it growing on me with more listenings. This is more like the sound I wanted to hear from Kano and hopefully the rest of 140 Grime Street follows on from this track.
With many fans doubting Kano's ability after his recent mixtape 'MC No.1' failed to impress, the question of straight copping 140 Grime Street was an issue. Personally he has just about convinced me it'll be worth the purchase and I'll be in my local HMV/Zavvi this September when it drops.
Great but terrible news for music fans! I know my blog follows a staple diet of Irish Hip Hop and Grime but this needs to be included.
I bought a Prince ticket earlier in the year for his 16th June Croke Park performance. The 125.50 euro tickets were the only ones left so I quickly snapped it up after hearing it was going to be his last time in Ireland and he would be performing his greatest hits! I managed to do this fluid movement of Ticketmaster button clicking without realising I have no-one to go with down to Dublin, any place to stay or the money to back it up. So in a panic I hit everyone's favourite auction site, Ebay, to see if I could shift my ticket (and possibly make a tiny profit to go towards a new iPod, oh baby!) To my horror I was seeing two 125.50 euro tickets going for ten euros... Yes I panicked a little bit and thought to myself, oh well I'll just make the sacrifice and go and see him, I still really enjoy his music and it's only the money that's holding me back. My new iPod and phone can wait. (Believe me, no phone or iPod is complete torture, I've been without them for two months)
But then today, SIX DAYS before he is due to play in Croke Park, it gets announced Prince has cancelled due to matters 'beyond his control'. Now I'm pretty ecstatic at this announcement as I'm getting a nice refund and my bank account will feel a bit more free again but my sympathy goes out to all the die hard Prince fanatics he has upset. I skimmed over a few message boards on the internet and there are quite a few American's with flights, hotels etc booked to come over and see him. Six days before the actual performance is a bit nasty. It's a shame Prince has actually cancelled, his mind seems to be in a different world these days, what with fighting Youtube and seemingly the whole internet to remove all his music and now cancelling this massive outdoor show.
I can only help but feel if I wasn't personally benefiting from him cancelling a concert that I had paid a large sum of money (which I don't really have) to go and see by myself that I would be quite furious. I can only wait and wonder what Prince's next big move will be.... The only thing I can promise is, that it'll certainly be controversial.
No spandex or small insects are involved in Tinchy's latest project. If you have him added on Myspace it will be impossible to avoid the new video for his next single Stryderman.
Tinchy Stryder - Stryderman
The new video for Tinchy's next single has just hit the net. It's quite straight forward, Tinchy with a very nice looking woman, a bit of dancing in front of plain backgrounds, the video is nothing special and I'm not really feeling the song but check it out. Look out for the cameo at the end from everyone's favourite hip hop loving granddad
Oooh the excitement is getting me too hyper, I'm going to need to go out and get some fresh air after this. 29 days now until JME's Famous? hits stores. His debut album Famous? is sure to be a big look for the grime scene. No guest appearances, no gimmicks, this is going to be pure JME! I still think it is a shame that he has fixed up his album cover photo. See Boy Better Woah! for the originally released pic. The tracklist has been released and there are a few classic JME tracks on there along with brand new material. I love buying albums in the summer and having all the time to lie about and listen to them, ohh the excitement!
JME - Famous? Tracklising:
1 - Awoh 2 - 123 3 - Standard 4 - Show 5 - P 6 - Go on my Own 7 - Punch in the face 8 - Road Runner 9 - Ghetto Superstar 10- Famous 11- Power 12- Boogiedown Bass 13- Sun, Sea & Sand 14- Shh Hut Yuh Muh 15- Serious
Random Impulse's highly anticipated second release has hit stores. Featuring hits such as Masks and Suicide, this is surely one of the biggest underground grime releases this year. The artwork is looking slick too! Click the picture to buy the album from Grimestore
Butterz who holds down a very good grime blog has kindly uploaded a second volume for any grime/dubstep/funky/bassline heads.
To download it click the picture:
You can find the tracklisting and more at his page: Butterz Blog
Here's the video for Dizzee's collaboration with Calvin Harris. The less I say about this the better I think. Yes it's a a summer club tune, but being the bare rip off and jumping on Wiley's bandwagon isn't really that cool, and is it just me or does the video look really cheap? Here it is anyway
Dizzee Rascal featuring Calvin Harris - Dance Wiv Me
Hmm a better video of Dizzee recently posted up on Youtube shows Dizzee and a guy in his old estate getting a bit thuggish with each other... Also the guys at the end of the video are an absolute disgrace. It needed to be said!
Session 40 of The Irish Underground is up already. Main man Urbanize taking the reins for a second time and he is doing a very good job of holding down the full 40 minutes of audio. He drops interesting anecdotes between tracks and keeps the tracklist looking very healthy. The only complaint from listeners being that he sounds like a paedophile... But we can overlook that right? Haha, yeah but big up to Urbanize for doing this, I don't think many people would like to record an Irish Hip Hop podcast in a small room amongst the busy London halls of residence! Download the podcast here:
The alternative sounding, Roberto Baggio loving, hip hopster Mo-T has a new interview up on Connected Online. He talks about his new album, his influences and how Carnage (Disfunktional) wets the bed. Mo-T will also be playing at the LIFE Festival in Galway on the 4th July for anyone interested.
Rob Steenson's latest mixtape release has now hit stores. 'Sense Makes Cents' is 19 hard hitting tracks for 10 euros. Considering he has given out two free mixtape releases before now, I urge everybody to go out and buy this! He is one of Dublin's biggest rising stars and makes some quality music. Check his page: Rob Steenson's Bebo Band Page to preview a couple of the tracks off his new mixtape and there are older songs up on there too. You can purchase the mixtape at:
Freebird Records,
Temple Bar (Behind Central Bank) Dublin 2 All City
Crow Street Temple Bar Dublin 2
Abbey Discs Liffey Street Dublin 1
For people outside of Dublin, I should have a paypal link for you soon!
Tracklisting: 1.Story Of Me 2.Waiting… 3.Youve Been Gone 4.The Black War 5.Sense Makes Cents 6.B.E.A.T. 7. Earth A Run Red 8.I Get High ft. Carter 9. Hurt ft. Redzer 10.Toy Soldiers ft. Butcher Boy & Nugget 11.Between The Lines 12.Music & Lyrics… 13.Wakin Up Metropolis ft. Terawrizt 14.Something You Forgot 15.Hot Sex 16.The Genesis (My Fathers Eyes) 17.Victomised ft. Butcher Boy** 18.Summer In Winter** 19.Goodbye
You can download Rob's past mixtapes here for free:
New Nas! We can now hear the 1st single off Nas's new album, it's called Hero and features production from Polow Da Don and guest vocals from Keri Hilson. It's being heavily debated throughout many internet forums and messageboards. Some loving it and others hating it. Personally I think the beat is banging, it sounds like some mad movie score. And it should have a video to accompany it then if it is his first single. I can't wait to see what they do with it. Nas attacks the beat with great vigour and sounds full of life and energy. Keri Hilson's vocals in the background give the track a much more emphatic feel. The lyrics are on point, I originally thought we were going to have some cheap Bonnie Tyler remake song but Nas has proved he still has it in him to create big tracks. With all the controversy surrounding his next release, many think he's trying to stir up attention without musically backing it up, but if Nas can follow the standard set on this track, I think it'll be one of the best hip hop releases of the year. You can listen to Hero here:
While looking through XXLMag's Bangers audio section I also came across a new track from Styles P and Wyclef Jean called 'Understand Me'. I thought it deserved some attention, as Styles has consistently put out great songs for years without much attention. Beat is huge, Styles and Wyclef trade verses with ease and ride the beat perfectly. Catch it here
In other news, Rodney Smith aka Roots Manuva will be reappearing this summer to drop his 4th studio album, Slime And Reason, which is getting released on the 25th August. The first two singles have been announced already, Buff Nuff which is in stores on the 30th June and Again & Again which will hit shops on the 11th August. The video for Buff Nuff has recently landed on Youtube. We see a colourful Mr Manuva partaking in what looks to be an ice cream orgy with some rather freakish females who appear not to be 100% right in the head, maybe they are a 99(flake... ouch) percent? Anyway get your good vibes and positive energy going to this infectious bouncy tune which is sure to have people dancing all summer, Zane Lowe declared it 'Hottest Record In The World', so I guess that means it must be good, doesn't it???
Roots Manuva - Buff Nuff
Damn this needs to be watched! I found this video while surfing the waves of the world wide web and it had me laughing like a maniac all by myself. It's crazy to imagine there are mini Biggie's running about Iraq, busting moves and heads openly on the war torn streets! This guy is straight gangsta!
Blueprint has put his latest musical project up for a free download, he's taken a whole heap of Funkadelic sampled beats and turned it into an E.P.
Click The Album Cover To Download
Blueprint - Blueprint Vs Funkadelic
Tracklisting: 1. Intro 2. Check Mate 3. La La La 4. Off The Top 5. The Day To Day 6. Don't Make Me Laugh 7. Too Funkadelic 8. What Is?
If you need a crash course on some of the stuff Blueprint has put out download this free mix he put together called "The Best of Blueprint". It's basically a collection of a lot of the singles that he has put out over the past several years. The only catch according to Blueprint is "Just make sure you know the words to this shit when i show up in your city! ha!"
Tracklisting: 1. Inhale 2. Lo-Fi Funk 3. Night To Remember 4. Hand Me Downs 5. Mic Control 6. Boombox 7. No Half Smokin 8. Blame It On The Jager 9. Big Girls Need Love Too 10. Fuckajob 11. Hold Mine Featuring The Orphanage 12. Right Place, Wrong Time
Well school's out for summer but if you don't think you'll be able to cope over the summer All City are running a graffiti skills school taught by Jor and Kube. It consists of 4 two hour classes for 50 euros spread over 2 weeks - Including spray paint techniques, blackbook style development and any questions you have! These will be on all throughout summer - There are beginners, intermediate and advanced classes.
Anyone interested should ring 01-6772994 or email All City @ info@all-cityrecords.com
A nice treat for any Rob Kelly or La Coka Nostra fans, here is some live footage back when Ireland shipped across a whole horde of emcee's to Boston for a big Irish Hip Hop event. Terawrizt, CMX and Tanya D were amongst the few that went over. The crowd responds quite well and Slaine even has a mad companion stage diving into the crowd. (Someone hook me up with the footage of the fight that almost kicks off after he stage dives!)
Rob Kelly & Slaine - Dropkicked (Live In Boston)
Head of Prophet Records (Rhymes Vital/SDK/BackGround Sound) Sertone, the Portadown DJ/Producer and Nike Air Max fiend has kindly uploaded a 2 hour mix of Hip Hop, Nu Rave, Grindie and Grime all pieced together lovingly in one neat mp3 entitled 'Surrender' . Click the picture below to download the file.
Tracklist: Intro - Enter Shikari Sirens - Dizzee Rascal Atlantis to Interzone - Klaxons (Hadouken! Remix) Pow! - Lethal B Interlude 1 - Enter Shikari Sorry Your Not A Winner - Enter Shikari That Boy That Girl - Hadouken! Meatie - White Label Return To Energiser - Enter Shikari The Prayer - Bloc Party (Hadouken! Remix) Interlude 2 - Enter Shikari The Feast - Enter Shikari Heat Up - Roll Deep Pro Nails - Kid Sister Tuning In - Hadouken! Pussyhole - Dizzee Rascal No Sssweat - Enter Shikari Technologic - Daft Punk Touch It - Busta Rhymes Stronger - Kanye West Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk Aerodynamic - Slum Village Aerodynamic - Daft Punk Labyrinth - Enter Shikari Meatie - White Label 2 (Dont Stop) Interlude 3 - Enter Shikari When I'm 'Ere - Roll Deep Bounce - Hadouken!
Sertone is currently residing in Liverpool, make sure you check out his collection of beats at either the Sertone Bebo Band Page or Sertone Myspace Page.
It's that time again Irish Hip Hop fans! The Irish Underground is back again for the 39th session. Hosted by Urbanize (Ireland's Finest Documentry DVD/Celtic Connection Events) We have a full hour of classic Irish Hip Hop songs and some new tracks taken from freshly released albums.
It's the 39th Session since Irish Hip Hop's spiritual leader, Kounter Kulture humbly started putting together downloads back in 2003. Sadly Kounter Kulture was not able to continue the series. Rumour has it he now owns the entire Bulgarian Hip Hop Scene. Thankfully for fans of the show, Nifty and Sleepy have taken the reins and started it back up again and if you want to listen back to previous episodes, check the Audio section on IrishHipHop.com
This session has a very strong tracklisting due to Urbanize's in depth knowledge of the scene and is a good place to start for anyone new to Irish Hip Hop. For others more familiar with the music it's still a good collection of songs to have back to back with the odd muted ranting from Urbanize explaining how Scooby is going to abuse him or how much he hates Rap Ireland and Hiphop.ie!
It's a recommended listen and I can't wait for the 40th episode!
Tracklisting: The Elements - That's The Stuff Nu-Centz - I Believe Jee4ce - Listen Up Close Rob Kelly - Only You Scooby - Old Bird Jonnyboy - Fuck Stereotypes Messiah J & The Expert - The Boys Have Had Enough Intox feat. Butcher Boy & Redzer - Achilles Heel DHT feat. Jambo - End Of Days Ophelia - Revolutionary Correkt Minds - Who'd You Know Maverick Sabre - Do You Feel It Too? Filthy Rich feat. Prozack Turner - Knock 'Em Out The Box
If you are Scooby and want to hit Urbanize up with abuse or just want to find out more about The Ireland's Finest Documentry DVD click the links for Urbanize's Youtube and Urb's Myspace
Two major Irish Hip Hop releases have dropped this month. Tallaght man Intox delivers the 'Rugged Gurrier' LP while native Dub, Jonnyboy has got his album 'The Gospel: According To John' in stores across Dublin. You can pick it up here:
All City Crow Street Temple bar Dublin 2
Abbey Discs Liffey Street Dublin 1
Freebird records Temple Bar
Or alternatively click the images to pay by Paypal.
1.The Gospel (ft.Apogee) 2.Its Alright (ft.Joe Mac & Hazy-Jane) 3.Fearless 4.Fuck Stereotypes 5.Earth Ran Red (ft.Terawrizt & Intox) 6.I Don't Ever 7.Always Remember (ft.Intox) 8.Its All Real 9.The City 10.Childhood 11.Colour Blind(ft. Hazy-Jane) 12.Live For Those Days (ft.Intox) 13.In The Air
1. Introx 2. Rugged Gurrier 3. Stand Up 4. Achilles Heel 5. Nightmare 6. The Rawest 7. When we wake up 8. Token Crunk Choon (Cheeky Bastard) 9. Break Away 10.Take Me Back 11.Chosen Path 12.Reflect 13.Lullaby 14.Outrox
Get Them Now!
And here is a the latest video featuring both artists. And I think Intox's hair in the video proves why he should be the real Redzer of Irish Hip Hop!
Wicklow's wonder producer, Sleepy, has kindly put together a collection of beats for aspiring emcee's to use. He's one of Irish Hip Hop's best up and coming producers in my opinion and his constant deviation from standard beats really sets him apart from other competition. This collection should not be slept on. He's 19 years old and apart from his hair cut he has everything going for him.
Remember to check his Bebo and Myspace pages for new productions
For anyone wondering how Nu-Centz and Rawsoul's Hot Property album is coming along, here's a nice, little interview to put your minds at ease. Yes at ease....
Nu-Centz & Rawsoul - Hot Property Interview
As you can see, it's a deep, introspective and very personal interview given from both fellas. I have to admit Nuie had me laughing out loud whenever he suddenly stands up and just shouts "I think I just double dropped on being a fuckin' icon". Classic interview with the boys and there album is out 'soon'.
In other news, Rob Steenson's new project 'Sense Makes Cents' is near completion. It should be out soon. With over twenty tracks and features from Butcher Boy, Nugget, Nu-Centz, Redzer, Terawrizt, Rawsoul and Piercy it's shaping up to be another great release from the 16 year old fresh off the success of his original mixtape 'What's The Story?!'.
Desperate fans can contact Rob directly at his email: robsteenson@hotmail.com for the first few copies of 'Sense Makes Cents'. I will post up the paypal account as soon as I get the details.
'Sense Makes Cents' will cost 10e and album art shall be up soon. To satisfy your needs, here are two tracks off it, 'Waiting' and 'Black War' will feature on 'Sense Makes Cents' and 'The Lads Are Back!' is a new track from the Sway-Z crew. Rob has confirmed it will not be on his album.
UK RAPPER SWAY TO HEADLINE RAP IRELAND’S 3RD BIRTHDAY MOBO AND BET AWARD WINNER SWAY DAFASO TO PLAY DUBLIN JUNE 1ST
Leaving behind his trademark Union Jack bandana for the first time in his career, Sway Dasafo will make a once-off exception, replacing the Union Jack with a Tri-colour bandana when he visits Dublin’s Radio City Nightclub to celebrate Rap Ireland’s third birthday.
Celebrating a year which has seen the Rap Ireland brand soar, most recently as part of Rihanna’s international tour, Sway is teaming up with one of the strongest forces in the urban music industry in Ireland.
“He exudes a level of charisma matched only by Ludacris on a global scale.” – Stylus Magazine
“His supersonic flow frequently dazzles, yet he remains intelligible and intelligent throughout” – MoJo
“Strikes a winning formula of DIY integrity and big bucks sheen” – Q Magazine
With a grassroots support that spreads far beyond the London streets from which he hails, Sway will be giving Irish fans a rare glimpse of what has propelled him to international acclaim, not least the awards that have been pouring in from MOBOs to BETs.
Sway is the latest guest to grace the stage at Radio City, where Rap Ireland have recently showcased grime star Lethal Bizzle (POW) and chart-topper Jodie Aysha (Heartbroken ft T2), along with a selection of the best in local talent, from Maverick Sabre and D-Child, to the up and coming Millionaire Boyz, who are currently on tour with Irish rock group Republic of Loose.
Price is 20 Euro at the door and Doors Open 10.30pm - 02.45am
Finally I can't believe I am only getting round to posting up these videos now. Probably the biggest Irish Hip Hop track the year 'Dropkicked' by Rob Kelly and Slaine gets video treatment. The transatlantic video is a good look. And the Irish Hip Hop grand daddy RiRa has had his classic '25 'O Clock In The Morning' stuck up on youtube now too. Have a look!
I have to make it clear from the beginning I won't be mentioning the word 'grimetro' again. We don't need any more sub-sub genres of music! Grime is small enough as it is without fools like me trying to segregate it further, so yeah, just thought I'd make my point at the beginning rather than the end. Well as the summer fast approaches, everyone is trying to anticipate the next summer hit and the artists are trying to make one. With the recent success of Wiley's 'Wearing My Rolex' getting to number two in the official charts, other grime emcee's have been jumping on the electro bandwagon all of a sudden.
Dizzee Rascal feat. Calvin Harris - Dance With Me
Dizzee has got a big collaboration with Mr Calvin 'I Get All The Girls' Harris lined up for a summer release. It is getting quite a few spins on radio at the moment and will probably end up in the top 20 nearer the time. I'm not really feeling it, Dizzee sounds uninspired and think the beat is weak. Have a listen and decide for yourselves.
Lethal Bizzle - Keys To My Bentley (Prod. D'Explicit)
Another major rival of Wiley's is dropping a electro influenced tune this summer too! Lethal Bizzle with the help of the one of the UK's hottest producing talents at the moment, D'Explicit, have teamed up to deliver a song about women stealing more stuff from men on nights out. Maybe Bizzle hopes he'll get a Bentley sponsorship deal from this? Anyway I think the beat is heavy, even if Lethal's lyrics are blatantly ripping Wiley's off it still sounds good in the club.
Ribz feat. Skepta - I Know You Wanna
I'm not sure who produced the beat behind this track, but it sounds ok. I enjoyed this track too, but I don't know how long it will be before the novelty factor wears off. Another tune for the clubs and surely going to be blasted out along with 100's of other electro songs with grime artist vocals over them. Enjoy.
Just watch as Dizzee tries to teach American's "British Slang". I don't know whether I'm on a 'hate Dizzee' type flex at the moment, but I find this insanely boring and stupid. There is no need for him to be going to America to tell them how the British say 'gun'. I was hoping he'd pull this off in a funny manner and possibly come with a few good phrases and appear funny. Instead Diz looks like he is seriously trying to teach Americans about how to say gun over here. Why oh why? With 13 fatal attacks already this year to teenagers in the UK and Steven Bigby's murder just days ago. I don't think it's right that Dizzee is over in America and I use this lightly 'glorifying' guns. I don't want to get caught up in a big debate of 'glorification' of guns etc but is there really any need for Dizzee to have videos about UK slang and only mentioning guns and nothing else? I personally think it's idiotic and don't really accept it.
Dizzee Rascal - British Slang
Big Up Roll Deep with their Badman video last year.
Yeah and still on the 'hate' Dizzee vibe, here's the audio from Dizzee on DJ Green Lantern's show over in the US. He's spitting over 'I Get Money' while bigging up 50 Cent in between. Standard stuff from Diz and I've heard much better. I had to laugh at the end when the clowns on Sirius start shouting 'I get money, euro money'. Do they even know what currency Dizzee deals in? It's quite basic flows from Dizzee and the beat just doesn't suit him. I have backed him for ages saying he's just trying to do his thing out in America. My opinion is starting to change. Hopefully this is just a phaze Diz. Please let it be just a phaze!
Dizzee Rascal - I Get Money Freestyle on DJ Green Lantern Show
Tracklist: Ghetto - Top 3 Selected Ghetto - Mountain Ghetto - Wear My Own Garms Freestyle Skepta - I Spy Skepta & JME - Pulse Eskimo Freestyle Badness - Suck Out Newham Generals ft Badness - Merked Again Footsie - Prangman Tempa T - Battle Riddim Jammer - Murkleman Jammer - Wooo Oiii Jammer - Skankin Ting Dexplicit & Tony Matterhorn - Dutty Wine Griminal - It's Alot P Money - What Did He Say P Money - Don't Jump OGs - Get Down Nasty Jack - Logan Dub Nasty Jack - Burn You Tinchy Stryder - Line Em Up Tinchy Stryder ft Chipmunk - Sorry U R Chipmunk - Who Are You Frisco ft Double S - Skengman Mode Double S - From Day Durrty Goodz - Standard In The Hood Katie Pearl - Turn It Up Doctor - Gottaman Doctor - Calm Down Flowdan - Jah War Riko - No Body Test This Corner Cemetery Warriors - On The Roads Killa P - Killa Trim - Say It Ain't
It features most of the big people in the scene and just can't be overlooked. Shout out to Logan Sama for putting this together as a free download. He said in an interview recently he hopes to put out more free downloads later in the year. Remember to check his show on Kiss Fm every Monday night 11pm-1pm
The Boy Better Know release has been tearing up my iTunes recently. I would say iPod but due to the unfortunate event of me losing it on a bus (Yes I Am An Idiot) I now have no mp3 playing device, so iTunes is my next best thing. Believe me though, this is a free download from the Boy Better Know camp but that does not mean it is poor quality. Every emcee with possibly the exception of Jammer are on fire here. They bring new and old verses and Maximum's mixing is some of the finest grime mixing you'll hear. The dubs are excellent and we even get to see some sly lines at Wiley from Skepta and shots fired at The Movement with Ghetto, Wretch and Scorcher all getting called out. I urge everyone to get this now and give it a listen.
I must sincerely apologise for taking so long to update my blog. It's been quite a busy few weeks with A Levels etc. I'm off school (supposedly studying) and I hope to get back into the swing of things quickly! There has been a lot I need to touch on again and I think it's best to start with the grime scenes very own Tinchy Stryder. He has released a video to his new track 'Breathe'. It's quite similar to his past videos but the tune is nice so it's all good. On another note, the chain he wears in the video couldn't be good for his neck, I think I'd be in pain after wearing that for 3:21 minutes. Here's the video.
Tinchy Stryder - Breathe
Remember to check out Stryder's new Blogspot for all the latest news surrounding him. It's updated quite regularly and apart from the bigging up of Man United winning the Premiership it's a good read.
The trailer to his next video 'Stryderman' has also gone up. The video has been completed and should be out soon. Until then you've got a sweet little trailer to wet your appetite.
Redzer and Terawrizt's song 'Every Step' taken from The Drink Money Mixtape has been given a visual makeover courtesy of ElmViz. Beat produced by Ratman and it's a very good track. I'm feeling the simplicity of this video. There's nothing to over the top about it, it is quite a simple but effective idea. And not being blinded by Redzer's hair is always a positive in my books too, big up on the black and white contrasting!
Remember you can buy the Class A'z 'Drink Money Mixtape' HERE
The dancing crazes at the moment are everywhere, so it's only right Wiley's 'Wearing My Rolex' gets one! Well actually it's Skepta's remix 'Rolex Sweep' that Jammer is busting moves to here, but in 1Xtra's massive live event in Coventry earlier this month I noticed both Wiley and Skepta performing these actions to their songs. Hmm this appears to be easier than any Soulja Boy or Michael Jackson dance routine that I have witnessed before so I'm kinda happy. Although in saying that, it will probably still take me a year to master all that flexing knowing my dancing skills. Be prepared ladies for when I hit the dance floor!
One of the biggest releases from Irish Hip Hop in a good while has to be The Drink Money Mixtape by the Class A'z. A project combining the skills of Nu-Centz, Redzer, Terawrizt and Rawsoul with Ratman behind the production desks surely has to have people salivating at the mouths. A few tracks had leaked in the weeks before release and now the whole thing is out to buy on Tera's website. So make sure you hop along and get your credit cards at the ready as it's getting rave reviews already across the internet.
You can purchase The Drink Money Mixtape by Class A'z - HERE
Release dates for stores across Ireland haven't been released yet, but I will post them as soon as I hear news, until then Paypal is your only option.
The Class A'z along with Jee4ce are also on the bill for the next Skinnyman gig in Dublin on the 5th April in the Vaults. Show starts at 9pm. Tickets are e17.50 inc booking fee and are available at Tickets.ie or City Discs/Temple bar and now All City. I.D. required
Redzer and Terawrizt will also being playing a gig next month showcasing many of the tunes off their latest release at The Hub on the 19th April. The Silence, Cullo, Leiko, Gina & Young Dub are all on the line up also for a night the promises to be some good craic.
The Hub, Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 Saturday the 19th of April 8pm till late (Admission €7) I.D. is required
And before I go I feel I must mention another member to the blogsphere, a northern resident of our shores, Mr Urbanize has now started his own blog which will hopefully add a new dimension to the 'scene' he so fondly loves. In between his huge rants you might come across something of interest haha. Love ya Urb!
The latest video from Dizzee Rascal has just dropped. 'Where's Da G's?' is the next confirmed single off the Maths And English album and the video features a slick looking Dizzee vibing in Houston, Texas with a lot of Houston natives including their very own Bun B who features on the track. 'Where's Da G's?' was one of my favourite tracks off Maths And English, I thought it merged the southern crunk style with London's grime very sophisticatedly but I'm slightly unsure about the video. Yes it's very polished and looks ready to hit all the BET's and MTV's in the US but does Dizzee need to follow the same mould as all the other US artists? Personally I think there are a lot of concepts he could have ran with on this one and he just went down the same road as many US artists before him. I do however like the neat touch at the end whenever he puts on the shades that allow him to view everyone in the house for what they are. Still unsure really what the point of cutting Pimp C's verse out of the song was, (I think they recorded him in the video also) but ah well, it's good to see Dizzee doing what he wants, so big up on that.
JME's debut album has been on the lips of many for ages ever since the success of his huge 'Boy Better Know' mixtape series. Latest rumours suggest it will drop around April/May time and the latest track to leak from his album Famous, 'Standard', can be heard on his myspace here: JME'S Myspace Another track called 'Show' also from Famous is up on his myspace too. So what has JME being doing apart from playing Gears of War and videoing himself on an Apple Mac with strange affects applied to his face? Well actually he has had his photo taken.......
Maybe not as impressive as it first sounds but....... apparently it's his new album cover for the album 'Famous' and if it is, LOL (laugh out loud - hold tight all the text talkers!) Far from looking hard, tough or anything strong, JME is cross eyed on his album cover! I'm really hoping this is the actual cover art too. Messageboards and forums are going wild, with a lot of people disliking it, but I think it's really clever and just highlights how down to earth JME really is. He still isn't afraid to mess about and have a little fun and I don't think it's too in your face either. The subtle cross eye is perfect! Have a look, what do you think about it?
Following those immortal words of Mr. Jee4ce that ended his Deadwax freestyle taken from the Tapedekrock Compliation Album that was a free download HERE I feel it's necessary to show my face tonight at the Pavillion for one of the first Irish Hip Hop events of 2008 in Belfast. And because my conscience is still burning from missing the BCB Breakers event last month I'll be there in all my glory tonight. Marc Stretch (Foreign Legion) has travelled all the way from Oakland, California to host the Open Mic Night tonight in Belfast. And 'ITF World Scratch Champion 2003' DJ Flip will spinning tunes behind the wheels of steels throughout the night. Shoutout to Suspectpromotions for organising this, it should be a great night. Hope to see everyone there!
Doors: 9pm and £5 in
Also freshly confirmed news that the legendary Public Enemy will be coming to Dublin this spring to perform their classic 1988 album “It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back” in full at Dublin’s Tripod on May 25. With the likes of Edan, Lupe Fiasco, De La Soul, RA The Rugged Man and Jay-Z all confirmed to play in Ireland over the course of the year, we certainly are spoilt for choice over the coming months.
Now I refuse to make any apologies on this post! Today is a political outrage and I know I should keep that to a minimum on my blog but it's gone too far! No not George W Bush or the latest video of a US soldier throwing puppies off cliffs in Iraq, it's the UK's very own Chancellor Alistair Darling's new policy to raise prices of alcohol to stop under-age binge drinking and crime... It will rise over 6% percent of the inflation rate and this is due to take place the day before St Patrick's Day. I'm really thinking I should break into the House's of Parliament's liqour cabinet and rob them of every alcoholic product they have. I hear they have like 9 pubs inside there too! Happy days!
The new album cover for Nu-Centz and Rawsoul's joint collaboration album 'Hot Property' has been released. They have obviously been following Urbanize's business strategies, the phrase 'sex sells' comes to mind. But who is complaining here?!?! My only worry is the young lady's face as I'd give the back of her a straight ten out of ten. There must be some reason the don dapper's have only rated her a 9! The album's appears to be nearly complete and the release date is imminent. With guest features from New York rapper Wordsworth (MTV's Lyricist Lounge show) and Craig G of the "Juice Crew" (one of America's pioneering Hip Hop groups of the early 90's) the album is shaping up very nicely. Until then you can check the latest music at there Bebo Band Pages.
Talib Kweli and DJ Mick Boogie have teamed up for a free mixtape release courtesy of illRoots.com. It features fresh and exclusive material from the BK emcee himself, Strong Arm Steady, Jean Grae and more. With guest shots from KRS-One, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes & Ne-Yo along with many others.
Oh and I urge anyone who is anyone to try and make this gig. Last summer whenever Skinnyman came to Spring & Airbrake he tore up the place (after keeping everyone waiting). He's a great live performer and I'm not just saying this because he gave me two wine glasses full of Buckfast while live on stage...
Skinnyman with some inspirational words (haha)
New flyer for the Secret Knock Tour with Foreign Legion and DJ Flip. Other nights include: 20 Mar: Marc Stretch & Flip @ The Pavillion Belfast 22 Mar: Marc Stretch & Flip - Tivoli Theatre Dublin 23 Mar: Marc Stretch & DJ Flip - Trinity Rooms Limerick 25 Mar: Marc Stretch & DJ Flip + Collie - Liquid Lounge, Cork 26 Mar: Foreign Legion & Flip - Whelans Dublin,Ireland, Dublin
It's sure to be a classy night, so make you head down if you can.
And I have purchased myself a lovely 4 Day Blue camping ticket for Oxegen this summer. All major acts like Rage Against The Machine, Prodigy etc are getting everyone into a frenzy already. Someone who might just slip by most people is the self confessed, "genuine trainhopping, jailbirding, cowboying, carnival working, migrant farm picking, occassional tramping, near-fatal heart attack surving, old hobo." Ok Ok it's not hip hop or grime... but it's still extremely enjoyable music and I thought I'd try and broaden some people's horizons whether they like it or not.
Seasick Steve performing at Belladrum Festival in Scotland
A good friend of mine loves his electro and every time I meet him he will whip out his giant mp4 player and plays me the latest music from the scene. Now I enjoy the odd bit of electro but wouldn't hunt it down. But today I noticed that Crooker's, an Italian collaboration between DJ Phra and Bot have remixed Wiley's follow up single Summertime and I actually quite like it. The video was taken off BigElectro's profile who is ranked 91# most viewed musician on youtube. It's definitely a good look for Wiley who is desperate for more chart success after his recent rants on the RWD Forums. Have a listen, I think it's actually quite good and could see it being a hit in clubs.
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