Blacksterz

Craic Music - NEW SITE

2010-10-01T22:42:00.007+01:00

This is my new project. It focuses on hip hop sourced from Ireland including downloads, videos, news and much more!

See you on the otherside!

2010-09-20T21:05:00.000+01:00

The FIFTH DFI event of 2010 takes place once again
This time in 'Mischief' on Capel/Parnell Street, Dublin

Line-up as follows:
---
NUGGET VS COLLIE
BONY VS GENISIS
NASH VS JAMBO
JEE4CE VS KDEATH
ROB STEENSON VS LETHAL DIALECT
SIYO VS COSTELLO
KSNATCH VS GWAME
MICKEY GATCH VS L-DEMAN
TWOSHEA VS PHATS
---
with special event
2 vs 2
---
REDZER & NUGGET VS NASH & BONY

The event takes place on SATURDAY 25TH SEPT @ ''Mischief' on Capel/Parnell Street, Dublin

ENTRY: €5

Battles begin at 3pm,please arrive in good time

Subscribe to DFITV for footage of past events

Gangsta's On Their Lipsin Ting

2009-10-29T16:50:00.006Z

Gangsta (Banned from TV) is the brand new video for the lead single off Concrete Jungle (new album) currently set for November release. Scorcher has returned and is set to shock fans with his ‘gangsta’ bravado. Cue lots of gang signs, bling and aggressive looking black males all locked up in a tiny room keeping it gangsta, of course.

It is a sign of improvement that hip hop is being covered on all fronts by emerging home grown talent and the kids should lap up the bad boy image with delight. The vocals are delivered with the same swagger-tastic flavour that fans have come to expect from Scorch.

Scorcher - Gangsta (Banned from TV)

Undoubtedly UK hip hop/grime purists will be slightly disgruntled by the American production style and flamboyant London, ghetto gangstas puffing out their chests for the camera. Although it remains a solid effort in a niche of hip hop that is often frowned upon.

The question is left quite open as to what to expect on the coming album. With Gangsta already banned from television, Scorcher’s artistic direction isn’t clear. The American sound is unlikely to have him classed as one of the UK’s best and it will not bring in major money without television or radio backing. With the November release date looming, time will tell if Concrete Jungle will cement Scorcher at the top.

Scorcher ft. Liam Francis - Lipsin' Ting

Look out for the sneak preview of the Dark Knight video at the end of Lipsin' Ting. Scorcher looks to have had the Sin City treatment, make sure to check ciaranblack.blogspot.com for the full video when it's released.

She's Heating Up!!!

2009-09-03T21:27:00.012+01:00

Competition Time! The audio worlds equivalent to the Champions League draw, ciaranblack.blogspot.com has the exclusive pictures from the draw (Warning: Might fail to impress)
The lovely people over at the irishhiphop.com forum have decided to throw another competition on the site which has emcee's and producers being drawn out of hats (literally) to pair up and deliver the best they can.

(Drawn from hats, told ya!)

A bit of healthy competition is always good to see. The artist's tracks will probably become available to hear in two weeks time, I'll have links to the voting page and will announce the winner up on here as well as irishhiphop.com

(contrary to the picture above there is now an even better line-up)

Producers - - Emcee's

SertOne - - Shapey Fiend
D'Beats - - Butcher Boy
Stop - - I.N.K.
Mr Dapper - - Shakey
Sleepy - - KDeath
Monto - - Dizzy D
Collie - - Redzer
Warren Glifford - - Dexter144

Nu Music Free

2009-07-17T14:29:00.003+01:00

Tallaght man Nu-Centz has kindly uploaded his 2006 unreleased album 'Why Be Modest?' to give fans the opportunity to hear more of his back catalogue. This is undoubtedly one of the best downloads of '09 if you like your Irish hip hop. The three years that have passed since it's recording do not appear to have affected the quality of this LP. Features from Redzer, Terawrizt, Collie, GMC, Rawsoul, Diligenz, Ratman & an exceptional verse from Maverick Sabre should cement this as a classic within Ireland. The production is incredibly tight, Scooby, Danny Diggs, Sub-X and more lend a helping hand to accompany Nuie's style. The beat choice is impeccable and really deserves a listen, Nu-Centz flows with ease and delivers some punchy verses on every track.

You'd be mad to miss this download!

Nu-Centz - Why Be Modest?

1. 4:28 AM
2. Believe
3. My People
4. Do It Again ft. GMC & Collie
5. Open Letter
6. You Got That ft. Maverick Sabre
7. Why Be Modest ft. Rawsoul
8. I'm From
9. It's Love Love Love
10. Listen
11. 1 Sided
12. Take It Back ft. Diligenz
13. Apologise
14. They Say ft. Terawrizt
15. That's Blackroom ft. Redzer & Rawsoul
16. By My Side

Also in other news, I know it's a little late but the sentiment still rings true. Urban Intelligence frontman Lunitic died quite recently and it was a total shock to the Irish hip hop scene. He was suffering from heart problems and died at the age of 24. He has left a long lasting impression with hip hop fans all across Ireland and further afield. Making some of the scene's most memorable tracks and bringing hip hop to audiences who might never have heard an Irish accent rapping before.
I'd like to pay my own respects, as Urban Intelligence was the first time I ever came across hip hop being produced in Ireland. May your music let your memory live on!

(Above: Graffiti at this year's Oxegen, Dan Lunitic R.I.P. can be seen)

For those who don't know much about him, here are some video's taken off Youtube.

R.I.P. Daniel McDonnell (Lunitic)

'1.5' Blacks Free Promo Mixtape

2009-07-04T17:40:00.003+01:00

Blacks new free promotional mixtape “1.5″ out to download now in the lead up to Blacks mixtape release “Sick Individual”, out around August this year. Lots of free tunes worth checking out on this plus the Logan Sama set with Blacks, Little Dee and P Money. Showing he’s still consistently putting in work in the studio as well as on radio. This free mixtape features Jammer, Kozzie, Mischief, Bragz, Germz and production from the likes of Silencer, Nocturnal and more.
Big up Grimeforum supporting this on their homepage, also remember the other OGz members new CDs:

Little Dee - Once In A Blue (July 09)
P Money - Money Over Everything (Aug 09)

Blacks - 1.5

1. 1.5 Freestyle
2. Final Lap ft. Jammer
3. Slump Man ft. Kozzie & Mischief
4. Unforgiven ft. Mischief
5. Can't Beat Me
6. Say Sumfin I Don't Like (Clip)
7. U Man R Dons ft. Mischief
8. My Name Is ft. Brags
9. Is He Real?
10. Don't Chat My Name
11. WW4 Freestyle ft. Germz
12. Logan Sama Set

It's Alot: Pow Pow Vs Merkle Man

2009-07-04T16:49:00.003+01:00

With the weather being so good recently it was inevitable that tempers would flare up too. With the Wiley and Skepta dubs for each other coming to a quick close after their recent collaboration there was an empty space in the clashing arena. Lethal Bizzle and Jammer have been the next two emcee's to step into the spotlight which all started after Bizzle and Ozzie B pasted by the 1Xtra towers.

Lethal Bizzle & Ozzie B on Westwood

Jammer then made it known that he wasn't happy with everything Bizzle had been saying on Westwood, making it clear via Youtube.

Jammer on Lethal & Ozzie's Westwood Freestyle

Shoutout to GrimeDaily who are putting in a lot of work at the moment with the videos. Obviously not to be one sided on the debate they had to go out and get a response from Bizzle who intensifies the situation in this next video

Lethal Bizzle replies to Jammer

With 3 extra video's and this shorter clip of Jammer topless screaming 'Everybody suck ya mudda' It gets a bit much of just hype talking into a camera but the onslaught and name dropping continues

Jammer talking about Lethal B

Lethal B releases the first track aimed at Bacon Dread... I mean Jammer

Lethal Bizzle - RIP Jammer aka Bacon Dread

To Be Continued POW!

The Toxic Base

2009-07-02T17:36:00.004+01:00

OK! Brand new music brought to you courtesy of myself and Cally Callaghan - the Toxic Base team.
If you like dubstep/electro/techno and of course grime & hip hop then you need this podcast in your life.
The first podcast in the series boasts an hour of brand new songs and classic oldies from the electronic scene with gig info and funny chat. Put it on your phone/iPod/mp3 player and spread it around the internet to your friends.

The Toxic Base Podcast Episode 1
(click title above to download)

Tracklisting:
DJ Shadow - Walkie Talkie
The Bug ft. Warrior Queen - Poison Dart
David Holmes - 69 Police
Rusko - 2 N A Q
Leftfield - Phat Planet (Dave Clarke Remix)
Paris - The Devil Made Me Do It
Wiley ft. Giggs & Trigga - Zip It Up
Maverick Sabre - Reflecting
Skepta ft. JME & Jammer - Disguise
The Prodigy - Under My Wheels
Deadmau5 - Slip
NaS - The World Is Yours (Vibesmen Remix)

Enjoy it! And make sure to look out for the second instalment coming soon featuring a talented local guest who's identity shall be revealed during the show.

King Of Grime? It's All A Blur

2009-06-14T14:41:00.006+01:00

North London emcee Skepta has intensified affairs between himself and Wiley by releasing a video titled 'In The Country' aimed the Eski Boy and his decision to leave London to live more quietly away from all the drama.
Skeppy claims it's in retaliation to 'Zip It Up' taken off Wiley's Race Against Time which made a few remarks about Skepta's claim to the King Of Grime.
It's funny to hear the Blur sample on the chorus and if that's really Wiley's house... woah! Shout out to Smokey Barz doing his thing on the camera, he's calling himself Spiel Berg these days if you can keep up with his Twitter page.

GrimeForU(m)

2009-06-13T14:55:00.006+01:00

Shoutout to Grimefourm for continually expanding the scene online, here's Vol 2 of the Grimeforum EP. Featuring production from D-Structo, G-Dub, Mr SnoWman and DJ Spooky.

The Grime Forum E.P. Vol 2
(click for download)

G-Dub - Gloucester resident G-Dub made a name for himself in the Grime scene when Jammer and Neckle Camp vocaled and released his track Jezebel. After this he began to work with both UK and US artists with his most recent hit track in the Grime scene Put Em Up vocalled by Rinse getting radio play from Kiss, 1xtra and Radio One. He is currently workin on other genres with his Funky remix of the classic Roll Deep When Im Here set to be released on Roll Deep Recordings very soon. He can be found at myspace.com/gdubp.

D-Structo - East London producer and MC D-Structo began MC’ing back in 2005 then stepped into production in 2006. D-Structo has seen his productions being played on a variety of stations included KISS100, Rinse FM and 1Xtra. He has worked with artists such as Jammer, Diesel, Cel22 and Trigga. Look out in the next couple of months as we look to get some of D-Structo’s best work available to buy via Grime Digital. D-Structo also produced the Grimepedia theme Who Speak’s which was available to download via the first episode of the Grime Digital Podcast, to catch more of D-Structo’s work check him out on myspace at myspace.com/dstructomusic.

Mr SnoWman - Nottingham based producer and DJ Mr SnoWman was introduced into the Grime scene when he made his legendary remix of Lethal B’s Forward Riddim. This saw Mr SnoWman release a bunch of vinyl before taking a step back from the scene. In the past few months Mr SnoWman has started to make his presence felt with his latest release The Snowstep EP available to buy right now. Mr SnoWman also recently made his debut at Sidewinder and following that joined SRE (Sidewinder Raw Entertainment). Look out in the next coming months as SnoWman has a bunch of releases planned! You can find Mr SnoWman on myspace at myspace.com/mistersnowman.

DJ Spooky - Slew Dem Crew member DJ Spooky completes our line-up for this edition of the EP. Spooky was introduced to the scene when he produced the memorable Joyride which was released on Slew Dem Recordings alongside Da Firing Range back in 2005. Spooky has DJ’d on stations such as Rinse.FM and UrbanFMTV. Spooky is known for his marathon show’s on UrbanFMTV where he regularly runs over four hours playing the best in grime and funky. His own productions vary across grime and funky with infulences from dubstep. Spooky is currently working alongside fellow Slew Dem member G-Man and will be releasing some tracks later on the year. You will also be able to download the Joyride EP from Grime Digital when that launches. Go to myspace.com/spookybizz to hear more from him.

(Producer write-ups have been taken from Grimeforum)

Who's That White Kid?

2009-06-13T14:32:00.004+01:00

Brand new L Dot Man now! The track is called 'Some People' and has L Dot spitting over the Show N Prove 'Ballistic Affairs' beat which Skinnyman was on earlier in the year. Shout out to Jee4ce for hitting me up with this video, expect a multiple emcee remix of the later this summer. Keep checking The Leek Farm's Youtube for exclusive updates.

L Dot Man - Some People (Download)

Never Defeat One, Come To The Stage And I'll Delete One

2009-06-13T13:53:00.002+01:00

Some backstage footage of Ghetto after his recent appearance at Nottingham Students Union. Ghetts gives his opinion on the new Wiley, Bashy and Skepta CD and let's fans know that his new album is scheduled for late Aug/early Sept release.

Freeness Wrapped In Plastic

2009-06-11T16:22:00.003+01:00

Plastician has upped his May 2009 mix for all you fiends out there. The best sounds in grime and dubstep at the minute. Give it a listen and make sure to check him out every Monday from 11pm-1am on Rinse FM

Plastician May 09 Mix

Tracklisting:

Footsie - Big Band
RX feat. Chae Hawk - Malt Liquor
Crissy Criss - Fackin Ell
Jakes - In Tha Place Ta B VIP
12th Planet - Sixty Eight
Jakes - Rock Tha Bells VIP
Nero - Act Like You Know
Seven - Siren VIP
Noah D - Serious
++Gracious Nappa Man K - Migraine Skank (Acapella)++
Benga - Buzzin
Joker & Ginz - Re-up
++Tempa T - Next Hype (Acapella)++
Tempa T - Next Hype (Plastician Remix)
Chase & Status - Mad House
Chase & Status - Saxon
Chase & Status feat. Murs - Mad House
Crissy Criss - Don't Be Scared
Plastician - Retro
La Roux - In For The Kill (Skream's Lets Get Ravey Remix)
Dead Prez - Hip Hop (Instrumental)
Trolley Snatcha - The Future
Doctor - Tek Your Time
Skream - Metal Mouth
The Streets - Blinded By The Lights (Nero Remix)
Jakes & Joker - 3K Lane VIP
Crissy Criss - Kick Snare

Okey Dokey

2009-06-11T14:42:00.004+01:00

Roysta @ The Oak, Portadown - 18th June

Roysta's recent album Thunder Cock has been put online for free download, click the album title for the link to the download page. It's half an hour of the most anarchic music you will find.

Danger Danger! Somebody Send For The Headtop Re-Arranger

2009-06-11T14:23:00.005+01:00

J2K is set to return to the scene in style and I have the short Youtube preview of his next single 'Danger'.
My anticipation levels are high for his next project after his brief appearances on Frisco's Back 2 Da Lab Vol 3. Here's the video, it's looking good

J2K - Danger (Preview)

J2K's forthcoming project is entitled 'Wake Up' featuring the likes of Flowdan, Frisco, Alex Mills & Jammer over 8 tracks. It goes on sale nationwide 13th July and can be pre-ordered from Play.com or Rhythm Division.
You can follow his Myspace for more updates

Forget Your In-Laws, Year Of The Outlaw

2009-06-11T13:44:00.006+01:00

Black The Ripper gives us some freeness here with his new release Outlaw Volume One. Big features on here from the likes of Wiley, Frisco, Dimples and Cookie plus production from Dexplicit, Goodchild, Y.Wizz and Skillz. Make sure you carry on watching BlackMagicTV also!!Black The Ripper - Outlaw Vol 1

1. Black The Ripper - Last Of A Dying Breed (K-Nite Production).mp3
2. Black The Ripper - Floating (Goodchild Production).mp3
3. Black The Ripper - Rock The Boat (War Dot Production).mp3
4. Still Dont Give a Shit Ft Remson (Skillz Production).mp3
5. Black The Ripper - Weedman Ft Dimples (Dexplicit Production).mp3
6. Black The Ripper - Top Of The Compass.mp3
7. Black The Ripper - Day & Night Remix (War Dot Production).mp3
8. Black The Ripper - Midnight Love (Flava D Production).mp3
9. Black The Ripper - Still Not Loving Police Ft Dimples , Cookie & Frisco (Y.Wizz Production).mp3
10. Black The Ripper - Face Your Fears Remix (Ft Wiley).mp3
11. Black The Ripper - Your No Good For Me (Dexplicit Production).mp3
12. Black The Ripper - Words Of Wisdom (Goodchild Production).mp3
13. Black The Ripper - I Grind.mp3
14. Black The Ripper - Your Gonna Love Me (Izzy Green Production) BONUS TRACK.mp3
15. Black The Ripper - Its Bedtime (Skillz Production) BONUS TRACK.mp3
16. Black The Ripper - Underestimated (Goodchild Production).mp3

Deadly Over 140 Beee Peeeee M

2009-06-10T17:04:00.002+01:00

Anyone familiar with GK Radio over the past year is bound to have caught Reload's Grime Time hour after the Blackout session on Tuesday evenings. This female London MC passed by the studio more than once to bless the airwaves with bars. Now Deadly's first video has hit the net, 'Goin On Greezy' is the first single off her new mixtape dropping very soon.
The ex-Mentally Ill Crew member is schooling emcee's taking it back to the classroom in the video.

Check her Myspace for more info

Deadly - Goin On Greezy

Lonely Side Of Life

2009-06-10T16:45:00.003+01:00

I got a Twitter account a while back, I don't post (twit doesn't sound right does it?) but I stumbled upon Chantelle Fiddy's page the other day. @Mr Kenzo got my attention when I noticed he said 'I'd sign Giggs and manage Maverick Sabre'. On closer inspection I even found Miss Fiddy posting Mav's Balcony TV appearance on her blog. Big up to Chantelle, Maverick deserves recognition throughout the whole of England and beyond. Here's the video for anyone who hasn't caught it yet.

Maverick Sabre - Lonely Side Of Life (Accoustic)

Wat The Blogclart!!!

2009-06-10T16:30:00.003+01:00

Summer has begun so it's only right that I return from blog semi-retirement to post up details of a new Klashnekoff blog called Wat The Blogclart!!!.

Not a lot has been heard from the 'Black Russian' in the past year but he puts many issues to rest in his opening post. Confirming his next album 'Back To The Sagas' which will hopefully showcase the same versatility that made him loved on 'The Sagas Of...'. Klash explains how the studio was robbed during the recording process and how he and Smasher all building it all back up again from scratch. Damn, he wasn't lying when he said the past 2 years have been tough!

And to all the Reggae fans Klashy is planning to drop Sound Klash which plans to cover a different sound from his regular style. Big tings agwan for Hackney's ex-Terra Firma member.

Keep checking his blog for updates Wat The Blogclart

Dirty Roy's Resurrerrection In The Form Of Thunder Cock

2009-02-28T02:20:00.005Z

Upon opening a brown envelope that arrived through my post box earlier this week, a sudden urge of giddy excitement erupted inside of me. Not to be confused with the type of excitement children get before Christmas or on their birthday, unless your child would prefer receiving a dead dog rather than a living, breathing one.

‘Thunder Cock’ marks the return of Belfast’s most infamous rapper, Roysta. With 9 albums under his belt and everyone one of them online for free download at Lastfm.com/music/roysta; Roysta embodies anarchism to sickening heights. Judging by the recent outcry from the media and public on BBC censorship, if this album somehow managed to find its way onto the Radio 1 airwaves (I don’t want to imagine its effect on Radio 4 listeners) I am positive the studios would explode and the building collapse completely.

On ‘Thunder Cock’ Roysta mixes some of the most twisted lyrics with cult film samples, a plethora of filthy basslines, Angerfist inspired hardstyle beats, head banging death metal and outlandish hip hop. Each song is as shocking as the next and the 10 tracks totalling to only 29 minutes actually suits this album superbly.

With Beastie Boys–like chopped sampling on ‘The Fine Art Of Self Abuse’ we hear Divynals hit, ‘Touch Myself’ over a piano before a shout of ‘Let’s go! Drop the Bass’ and some thumping Dubstep kicks in to blow minds away. Roysta’s sick humour is evident in everything he says on ‘Thunder Cock’.

‘You know you are a sinner,
If you masturbate,
And Satan wants to take your soul away’

When sung over the power ballad piano it raises a definite smile. This is probably the most delicate moment on the album if that makes things clearer when explaining the extremes Roysta goes to on this LP.

On ‘All The Kids Are Into K’ Dirty Roy growls his ode to ketamine in a bizarre Clockwork Orange styled track. His appreciation for Stanley Kubrick’s cult hit is impressive when he starts rhyming in the same manner in which the characters talk within the film. Anyone familiar with inny outty, guttiwuts and gullivers will not be disappointed whenever Malcolm Mc Dowell's ‘ultra violence’ sample combined with banging kick drums pulsates out their speakers.

The sound is raw and truly unadulterated. Parents should be thankful Roysta probably won’t be on their televisions anytime soon because if they thought Marilyn Manson or Eminem were bad then they are in for a surprise. Tracks such as ‘The Venereal Olympics’, ‘Shake Babies Not Ass’ and ‘Confessions Of A Fader’ have some infectiously banging beats to credit Roysta. The verses are attention catching in dark and psychotic ways while the album remains deeply unsettling and scary if taken at face value. It’s the attention to detail that makes this album much more than rancid ideas recorded over loud noises. Much in the same way The Streets spoke to a totally new audience on Original Pirate Material or Dizzee Rascal with Boy In Da Corner, ‘Thunder Cock’ represents, like it or not, some people’s lives.

‘If you drink ‘til you collapse,
And throw bricks at the cops,
And get wapped off your bap
Let me hear you say Thunder Cock’

It is relentless, hardcore, soul destroying music that anarchists will love. This album could well become a guilty pleasure to many through its sheer amount of pop culture references, Bill Hicks samples and grimy feel.

The Dirt Core Death Squad member has returned with a memorable 10^th album, it’s a refreshing and uniquely rewarding listen. When approached with an open mind and a warped sense of humour then this CD contains a vast amount of replay value for the listener. As long as you do not have uncontrollable tendencies to re-enact the events portrayed in the music then I dare you to give the CD half an hour of your life to listen to it once through. Ok that’s it; I’m now off to despair for society.

Shut Ya Bloodclot Mouth!

2009-02-28T01:53:00.008Z

Brand NEW Rob Kelly up for Free Download!

Taken off the brand new mixtape available for free download on St Patrick's Day - 'St Patrick's Day Massacre' features production from Mike Donnelly, Scooby, J57, Show N Prove and features guest appearances from Reef Tha Lost Cauze, Slaine, Frankie Krutches, Memphis Bleek and more.

St Patrick's Day Massacre

#1 (Shut Your Bloodclot Mouth) Freestyle

"Shook Crews Runnin" featuring Reef Tha Lost Cauze (produced by Fat Beats' J57)

Both tracks featuring cuts by DJ Mayhem

Check Rob Kelly's Myspace for all the latest updates on the project, also to hear Rob on DJ Eclipse's famous Halftime Show go to WNYU

Sertainly Sir

2009-02-28T01:18:00.003Z

Sertone is now currently based in Liverpool and steadily banging out more and more for us. Just check his Myspace for his free beat collection downloads and the 4 free varied electronic and hip hop influenced mixes. The Hide & Seek: Found beat tape inspired by Imogen Heap is looking very promising too. His new EP is now available for purchase online on 5 different sites.
If you like your relaxing hip hop instrumentals to just chill to this is perfect.

Sertone - Shades EP

Intro

Get 'Em
TenFour
Yes You Can
Blazed (Interlude)
Spacesoul
Stitch Up (Interlude)
Shades
Gone Pt I (Interlude)
Gone Pt II

iTunes Amazon Emusic Napster Rapsody

The Royce Da 5'9 Zone

2009-02-28T01:12:00.003Z

New video from Detroit emcee Royce Da 5'9. I'll be honest I have slept on this guy for a while, I'll have to go and listen to his past few releases. Storytelling at its best on 'Part Of Me'.

Royce Da 5'9 - Part Of Me

(Watch to the end, ohh baby)

Woo! Woo! That's The Sound Of The Beast

2009-02-12T23:01:00.009Z

‘The new world order just put on a black face’ claims controversial hip hop pioneer KRS-One.

With the largest majority within the hip hop culture for the first time singing praises of newly elected president Barack Obama, the often outspoken award winning emcee has responded critically from the outset.

‘Just because we have an African American president doesn’t mean that he’s not going to continue the Bush agenda. I’m not dissing anybody, but a politician is a politician.”

Without industry backing his message may get lost in the frenzy, while the likes of P Diddy and Jay-Z continue serenading him in the spotlight.

Obama recently said in a tv interview that hip hop is 'insightful' for children today and believes it can be used as a way to encourage kids to achieve greater things.

While P Diddy etc continue telling us to believe in Obama, and Obama telling us to listen to the positive messages in hip hop, KRS breaks the cycle and quite simply states the clear truth.

The focus is back on Obama, KRS-One will continue rapping and earning his way, it's up to Barack Obama to now earn his.

(Oh and if any Hilary fans feel left out...)

The Blackout

2009-02-12T22:33:00.014Z

The Blackout Hosted By Ciaran Black

Tuesday 8-10pm
GK Radio
http://www.staffsunion.com/gkmedia/gkradio/

The Best For The Newest And Freshest Hip Hop/Grime/Dubstep/DnB

The Blackout hosted by Ciaran Black - GK Radio - Tues 10th Feb 09

Playlist:

The Five Blind Boys Of Alabama - Way Down In The Hole
Durrty Goodz - Superhero
Frisco - Say My Name
Tinchy Stryder ft. Sway & Chipmunk Take Me Back Remix
Termzy ft. Nasar & Mutya Buena - Fast Car (Remix) (Prod. S Dot BeatZ)
Rhymes Vital - Gaza (Prod. Sert1)
Rob Kelly - Crazy
Big Punisher - It's So Hard
Chipmunk - Chip Diddy Chip
Shaymin - Game Over
Raekwon ft. Ghostface Killah & Method Man - Wu Ooh
Twisted Method - Rigid Communication
Dot Rotten - I'm Not One Of Them
Rhymes Vital - Gaza (Sleepy Remix)
Supa Kid - Ready For The Kid

http://www.staffsunion.com/gkmedia/gkradio/

The Blackout

2009-02-06T15:02:00.002Z

The Blackout Hosted By Ciaran Black

Tuesday 8-10pm

GK Radio

http://www.staffsunion.com/gkmedia/gkradio/

The Best For The Newest And Freshest Hip Hop/Grime/Dubstep/DnB

The Blackout hosted by Ciaran Black - GK Radio - Tues 3rd Feb 09

Playlist:

Dizzee Rascal – That’s Not My Name

The Prodigy - Invaders Must Die

Crystal Castles - Alice Practice

Rhymes Vital - Gaza (prod. Sert1)

Durrty Goodz - Destruction (Prod. Taz Buckfaster)

Frisco - Say My Name

Newham Generals - Head Get Mangled

Chipmunk - Chip Diddy Chip

Crookers - What Up Y'all?

Wiley - Conspiracy Freestyle

Correkt Minds - No Escape

Skepta - Sunglasses At Night

Terawrizt feat. Redzer - Every Step

http://www.staffsunion.com/gkmedia/gkradio/

Playtime's Over But Is Summer Time Just Starting?

2008-08-27T17:48:00.010+01:00

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.

Crooker's - XLR8R Podcast Exclusive Mix Series

Tracklisting

1. Skream! “Midnight Request Line (Switch Remix)”

2. Boy 8-Bit “The Suspense Is Killing Me”

3. Radioclit “Divine Gosa (Switch Remix)”

4. Edu K “Gatas Gatas Gatas (Crookers Remix)”

5. Don Rimini “Let Me Back Up (Crookers Tetsujin Remix)”

6. BB's “Discommunication”

7. Chemical Brothers “Salmon Dance (Crookers Wow Mix)”

8. Cr**krs “Love To Edit”

9. Adam Sky vs. Mark Stewart “We're All Prostitutes (Crookers Mix)”

10. Aaron LaCrate & Debonair Samir “Samirs Theme”

11. STARTINGBLOCKS “America (Brodinski Remix)”

12. Bart B More “Make Some Noise (Crookers Edit)”

13. Brabe “Hold You Here”

14. Peter Bjorn & John “Young Folks (Diplo Mix)”

I've Got The Same Jeans On.....

2008-08-26T18:47:00.007+01:00

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.

You can download this track at the MJEX Myspace

Messiah J & The Expert - Jean Is Planning An Escape

Kelousy's A Mutha...

2008-08-26T17:42:00.004+01:00

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 pulled off 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.

The Best Of Bobby Bars - Rob Kelly
Tracklisting:

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

http://www.myspace.com/robkelly

"I Want My Gravestone Carved Out Of Amy Winehouse's Teeth"

2008-08-26T14:52:00.004+01:00

"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.

Sights To See This Summer

2008-07-06T17:48:00.002+01:00

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"

The Irish Underground Sessions 41-44

2008-07-06T13:49:00.004+01:00

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!

The Irish Underground 44 - Hosted By Urbanize

1. Elements - Exclusive

2. Maverick Sabre - Seeing Red

3. Messiah J And The Expert- Something Outta nothing

4. Filthy Rich - Breathe

5. Rob Kelly - Dropkicked

6. Jee4ce - On The Rise

7. Nucentz - Open Letter

8. Class A'z - Everytime

9. The Infomatics - Lost Soul

10. Correkt Minds - To The End Preview (Feat 4real, Maverick Sabre)

The Irish Underground 43 - Hosted By Dreadroom

1. Nugget - Loser

2. Ri Ra - W'duntdat

3. Ay Cee Interviewed by Urbanize (Dreadroom Style)

4. Ay Cee - Chattin Hard

5. Collie - Cool Water

6. Intox - Outrox

7. CMX "Interview" (Dreadroom Style)

8. CMX - Newest Addition

9. Tanya D "Interview" (Dreadroom Style)

10. Tanya D and SDK - Let it Flow

11. Redzer "Interview" (Dreadroom Style)

12. Redzer & Tera - Everystep

13. Dread Room and Associates - Smash Mush *Irish Underground Exclusive*

The Irish Underground 42 - Hosted By Collie

1. The Bin-Man - Victim Of The Wank

2. The Product - Dapper Gent

3. Hot Property - Why Be Modest

4. Chance - The States

5. Jonnyboy - The City

6. Jambo - Round 4 Round

7. Clarkey - Working Class Lifestyle

8. Rob Kelly - Uh-Oh

9. Creative Control - I'd Give My Right Arm

10. Lunitic - Addicted To Fame

11. Infomatics - The Chase

12. Capt. Moonlight - OCD

13. Mo-T - Little Little Rashers

14. Redzer- Streetlife

15. Scary Eire - Truncheon Song

The Irish Underground 41 - Hosted By Redzer & Terawrizt

1. Fade Away - Maverick Sabre

2. Memories Of You - Nucentz

3. Progress - Dave Dread (from SDK)

4. Persevere - Terawrizt

5. Whiskey Didnt Help - GMC

6. Bottle Talk - Collie

7. Achilles Heals - Intox, Butcherboy, Redzer

8. Urban Diss - Rob Kelly

9. Suck These Nutz - Class A'z

10. Back To Reality - Rob Steenson

11. Hackers - Nucentz, Redzer

"It Sounds Sweet Like A Symphony"

2008-06-15T19:20:00.004+01:00

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!

Who's Your Daddy?

2008-06-15T18:59:00.004+01:00

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.

Check here for tickets:
[www.ticketmaster.ie]

Near FM Sessions in association with Axis Ballymun presents Terawrizt & Redzer.

With performances from The Red Labels, Room 44 and Garry O'Brien.

Doors open 7:00pm, Thursday the 26th of June.

Tickets available now @ Axis Balllymun road (€10).

Over 18's only.

New Resident At 140 Grime Street?

2008-06-10T21:31:00.005+01:00

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.

Royally Flushed Down The Toilet

2008-06-10T15:32:00.003+01:00

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.

Look Out! Here Comes The Stryderman!

2008-06-09T21:44:00.004+01:00

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

I Can't Believe It's Not Butterz!

2008-06-08T21:37:00.003+01:00

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!

Mind The Gap!

2008-06-08T20:30:00.004+01:00

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 Irish Underground: Session 40

Tracklisting:
Joey Soss – Call Me

Ri Ra – Clash In

Maverick Sabre – One Youth

Captain Moonlight – Dirty Cunts

Collie – Not Living

The Elements w/ Karen – The Cycle

Nifty - Evil Streets

Scary Eire – Dole Q

Rob Kelly – Cool It Down

Infomatics – Wake Up

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:

Rob Steenson - What's The Story Mixtape

Rob Steenson - Takin' The Piss

The tracklistings for both mixtapes are on his Bebo Blog

Heroes, Ice Cream Orgies And Funk? Where Else Would You Get It!

2008-06-08T16:22:00.006+01:00

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:

Nas - Hero featuring Keri Hilson (Prod. Polow Da Don)

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

Styles P featuring Wyclef Jean - Understand Me

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!"

The Best Of Blueprint

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

School's Out For Summer!

2008-06-08T15:29:00.002+01:00

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

Surrender Is Sertain

2008-05-29T15:05:00.003+01:00

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.

Kulture Vultures

2008-05-21T12:16:00.003+01:00

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!

Get the Irish Underground Session 39 Here

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

Legal Intoxication For The Youth

2008-05-18T22:06:00.003+01:00

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.

Jonnyboy - "The Gospel (According to John)" Tracklist

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

Intox - Rugged Gurrier Tracklist

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!

Jonnyboy feat. Intox - Live For Those Days

"I Never Sleep Cause Sleep Is The Cousin Of Death"

2008-05-15T18:28:00.004+01:00

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.

Get Sleepy's 'Beat Tape Volume 1' Here

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!

Rob Kelly feat. Slaine - Dropkicked

RiRa - 25 'O Clock In The Morning

Grimetro Season!

2008-05-15T17:55:00.002+01:00

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.

Dizzying Heights?

2008-05-14T09:58:00.005+01:00

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.

www.stoptheguns.org

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

"Logan's A Genius And He's Even Schooling Seniors - Ask Tim!"

2008-05-14T09:15:00.003+01:00

There have been two major free downloads this month in the form of Logan Sama's Oneaway Style and Boy Better Know's Microphone Champion Volume 1

You can grab the Logan Sama "Oneaway Style" Here. Pictures from the live event can be seen at Kiss Fm's Site.

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.

Boy Better Know - Microphone Champion Volume 1

Star In The Hood

2008-05-14T08:58:00.003+01:00

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.

Tinchy Stryder - Stryderman (Trailer)

"It's Like Everytime I Touch A Mic, I Reach Out And Try To Touch A Life"

2008-04-02T17:27:00.002+01:00

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

Soulja Boy Can't Dance Like Me!

2008-03-30T18:44:00.004+01:00

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!

Wiley feat. Skepta - Rolex Sweep (The Dance!)

Stay Class-A San Diego!

2008-03-30T17:54:00.007+01:00

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!

Check out his blog at:
Urbanize's Blog

Liar Liar Pants On Fire!

2008-03-30T17:41:00.002+01:00

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.

Dizzee Rascal feat. Bun B - Where's Da G's?

Boy Better Woah!!!!

2008-03-20T13:26:00.002Z

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?

"Your Always On The Internet Bitching Bout The Scene, But When Anything Happens Your Nowhere To Be Seen"

2008-03-20T13:02:00.002Z

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.

Darling Isn't He A Nu-Centz!

2008-03-12T17:38:00.004Z

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.

Rawsoul's Bebo Band Page
Nu-Centz Bebo Band Page

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.

Click the link if you are a Kweli fan: Mick Boogie & Talib Kweli - The MCEO Mixtape

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.

Foreign Legion Myspace

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

Are You Grimey Enough?

2008-03-04T22:06:00.007Z

OK! Breaking news today is that after Kano's contract at 679 Recordings not being renewed he has come out in an interview with 1Xtra and said he wants to return back to his 'roots'. He will be releasing a brand new album in April entitled '140 Underground Street' which will hopefully showcase his grimier flows once again.
It's funny reading on a lot of the message boards people doubting Kane's intentions of returning to the scene. Whether he has 'fallen off' or not, one things for sure and that is it'll certainly rattle up a few emcees and up the quality output levels. Personally I can't wait for the return of Kano even if he did refuse to be labelled a 'Grime MC' in the past. Fingers crossed from now on his work will be 'grimey enough'.

Ghetto is back again with the third leaked track from his eagerly anticipated 'Freedom Of Speech' album. The track is called 'Who's Got?' and features a Wiley sample on the chorus.
"Who's got lyrics? Me not Wiley/ Who's got bars? Me not Skepta!"
It's louder than stampeding elephants and Ghetto is spitting with such venom that I'm going to get a blood test to see if I've caught anything.
I'm seriously thinking that Ghetts has surpassed the hype he received for 'Ghetto Gospel'. As long as the production stays on point which I'm positive it will with Lewi White and Smasher behind the boards, I see this shaping up to be one of, if not the best grime release yet.

Ghetto - Who's Got?

Remember 'Freedom Of Speech' is out 10th March 2008!

After an image of Wiley's new album cover leaked onto the internet, the Eski-Boy promptly uploaded the official 'Grime Wave' album cover to his myspace page. Aren't the colourful letters lovely?

And probably my favourite remix of Wearing My Rolex so far has to go to Blacks. It's actually just a mix DJ Initial put together and was uploaded onto Black's Myspace, but the tune is still nonetheless very heavy. Check it out at Black's Myspace

Lastly a nice little article I noticed up on XXLMag.com's pages:
"A 19-year-old man was arrested in Brookville, Florida on Sunday (February 3) for singing a Lil Boosie song with explicit lyrics in the presence of children. According to Tampa Bay’s News 10, Amy Churchill, the children’s mother, called the police to report that Christopher Holder was yelling out profanities a he walked with two younger kids on Brookville’s Gordon Loop. An offense report notes that Churchill explained that she did not think her children should have to hear that sort of language. When deputies arrived, Holder explained that he was just singing a song by Baton Rouge artist Lil Boosie. The report revealed that Holder himself told the deputies that he didn’t believe that children should have to hear profanity either. Nonetheless, he was taken to the Hernando County jail and charged with disorderly conduct. It is unclear which Boosie track Holder was singing."

All I could think when reading this was, why hasn't Boosie been arrested yet?

Bringin' Trouble To Ya Stereo-ereo-ereo

2008-03-03T17:45:00.002Z

For the latest Irish hip hop songs being played every week make sure you check out Mugsy's hip hop show on CueLK Internet radio every Wednesday night live from 20:00-22:00 on CueLK Radio. If you miss the two hour long show there is a listen back feature that hosts the shows for a week after.

Any producers or emcee's wanting to have their tracks featured on Mugsy's show can hit him up at:
pmcmullan@vodafone.ie
mugsyrap@hotmail.com

You can also catch Mugsy at Contagious in The Orchard, Letterkenny every Saturday night, where he plays the latest hip hop and r'n'b tunes. Admission is 5 Euro and all drinks are 3 Euro. Free passes are available at the bar.

Oh Em Gee! It's GMC

2008-03-03T14:16:00.005Z

I've got bits and pieces of Irish Hip Hop news for you now.
Starting with Cork's very own GMC. His second yet to be titled album is nearing it's release date soon. Building on the success of his debut, 'Diggin' A Hole' which can be bought here: GMC - Diggin' A Hole, we will get to see a more mature and refined album promising to deliver a 'different approach' from the last.
An old tracklisting for the album says there will be 15 songs.
1. When I Come Back
2. Elephantitis
3. The Jig (Feat. Collie)
4. You're One Of My Kind (Feat. Nu-Centz)
5. The Ultimate Biggedy Banger (Feat. Nu-Centz and Rawsoul)
6. Tears In My Eyes
7. Sorry and Thank You
8. Hold U
9. Happy Out (Feat. Bubba Shakespeare)
10. Fade In (Feat. J-90)
11. Do It Again (Feat. Nu-Centz and Collie)
12. Champyan Luvvah
13. Where's My 20 Euro? (Feat. Bony)
14. The Lonesome Boatsman (To be renamed) (with Buachall Dána and more...)
15. Home

But it is rumoured a track called 'Shiny Filth' featuring Bony has been recorded and will feature on the album, along with a track called 'Suspicious' which is story driven about a female and a phone call.
Artists already on the album are as follows: Bony, Collie, Rawsoul, Nu-Centz, Andrea Nicole, Bubba Shakespeare, Anto Yau. With more to be confirmed (I'm looking at the tracklisting and not seeing some of the recently confirmed names?)
Check his profile for latest updates on the album and new music @
GMC's Myspace
GMC's Bebo

GMC featuring Nu-Centz & Collie - Do It Again

Hip hop's favourite dreadlock sporting, psychedelic tripping, musical Irish man has kindly uploaded his debut EP called Dave SDK - The Chalk And Cheese EP. It's 7 songs all produced by Dave SDK and Nookie featuring appearances from Rhymes Vital, Stop and Linda Mc Grath. It was produced back in late 2005/06, and is totally free, so what's your excuse not to listen to it?

Urban Intelligence, one of the heavyweight Irish Hip Hop groups released this EP years and years ago, it's been resurrected due to the magic of the internet and you can get the download of their classic EP, Urban Intelligence - Hip Hop Is Oxygen EP
Tracklisting:
Hip Hop Is Oxygen
Magnificent Wordplay
A New Flow
What You See Is What You Get

Deee Siii Faaa!

2008-03-03T11:42:00.004Z

I actually only noticed this download this morning while floating around the world wide web. I feel ashamed with myself that I havn't spotted it earlier, but here it is anyway for anyone who is in a similar position to myself.
It's Sway's latest mixtape, called 'The Dotted Lines Mixtape'. It was made available by Sway for free download, all you have to do is register your name, email address and city for it to be yours. The catch? You get a few updates about Sway's album 'The Signature LP' which is apparently being released on 05/05/08 if his word on the last track is anything to go by. Not much information has been leaked about the new album yet, except for the odd 'It's shaping together nicely' remark. So I guess The Dotted Lines Mixtape will have to satisfy all your Sway Dasafo needs between now and May, unless you are living in mainland Europe where you can catch him supporting Chamillionaire all through March up until April.

Get the mixtape here: Sway - The Dotted Lines Mixtape

Sway featuring Ian Brown - Illegal Attacks (Remix) Video

The Godfather Of Wot U Call It?!?

2008-03-02T18:00:00.002Z

The Godfather of the Wot U Call It scene has possibly reinvented himself in a new stylish twist. Merging electro with grime on the track 'Wearing My Rolex', he breezes over Bless Beat's infectious instrumental with ease. I'm really enjoying the track and it's got stacks of crossover appeal. Reports are that Atlantic have snatched up Wiley on a record contract and will be putting out his single. Let's hope that Wiley can last a little longer at Atlantic than he did at Big Dada even if he isn't getting 50/50 anymore.

Wiley - Wearing My Rolex

Already other artists are jumping on the beat. Mz Bratt giving us her version of events and Skepta joins Wiley for a great sounding remix.

Mz. Bratt - What Would You Do?

Wiley & Skepta - Rolex Sweep

The official single 'Wearing My Rolex' is released on the 28th April 2008 on Atlantic Records

007 - License To Speak

2008-02-26T21:28:00.004Z

Oooh 10th March is drawing ever closer now! Not only do we have Benga's "Diary Of An Afro Warrior" dropping, but Ghetto's "Freedom Of Speech" will be released as well! I can't believe it's 5 days before St Patrick's Day as well, do these guys have no souls?!?! I'll be stealing other people's Guinness all day it seems because these are two albums not to be missed out on.
"Mountain" is the first track to be leaked from the forthcoming CD. In my opinion it is sounding great and I can't wait for the Lewi White and Smasher exclusively produced CD. Ghetto is sounding as hungry as ever and the beat is fresh. Roll on the 10th March, it can't come soon enough.

Check the clip of Mountain

Second thing I need to touch on is the hype surrounding the recent Kanye West blog. The teddy bear fetish fiend posted up a video of Dagenham's very own Devlin and Dogzilla spitting for the Practice Hours DVD. The blog can be found here "Kanye West's Blog". He entitled the post "Gangster Rap" which was a slightly unusual name and has had many tongues wagging across the forums. Make your own minds up how you feel about the situation. I don't think Devlin or Dogzilla came across badly enough in the video to warrant Kanye to post it as a joke, and even if he did it's still giving them a good level of promotion. It's nice to see some Americans actually enjoying it too, so I believe it to be a success, whether Kanye's intentions were good or bad. I have to laugh at the talk about whenever Kanye arrives back in the UK, getting Devlin to run up into the studio and battle him. Oh and for any gamblers, Devlin would slaughter him. But mucho respect for Kanye for keeping his eyes open to the Grime scene and shining a bit of light on it.

Also Devlin has posted up a 4 track E.P. with the astoundingly original name of "Devz E.P." It can be downloaded here: "Devz E.P."
All four tracks are brilliant and it's a very sweet little taster before his album "Bud, Sweat And Beers" gets released. Make sure to keep an eye out for more downloads at OT Recordings

Fancy Some Late Nite Fishing?

2008-02-26T18:54:00.005Z

I've just posted a whole heap of videos for everyone to get stuck into and enjoy a few minutes ago, but this one was a little special. I thought Benga & Coki's anthem 'Nite' deserved it's own little write up.
Undoubtedly Dubstep's biggest tune last year (or this year depending on if you want to argue the release date with me but I'd rather not go into that right now, thank you) has been given some visual wizarding treatment. Giles Peterson's Track Of The Year 2007's video has been met with a reception that rivals that of a damp squid (Note to self: Step Your Joke Game Up).
Check the video out, I would tend to agree the person who thought up this idea must have had their water supply spiked and it would definitely be stronger than the salty waters this murky dweller roams through. The tuneage is good though, so just close your eyes if the multi legged, pulsating damp thing is too much for you.

Benga's album "Diary Of An Afro Warrior" will hit stores across the country from 10th March

Videos! They Are Like Pictures Except They Move!

2008-02-26T18:25:00.002Z

Here's some of the latest Grime & Irish Hip Hop Video's at the moment.

So even if you don't like listening to the artists, if you have slightly perverted tendencies for watching the following male performers with your sound down, watch away!

Ghetto - Top 3 Selected

Lethal Bizzle - You'll Get Wrapped feat. Ghetto

Skepta - In A Corner

Slimting, Double O, Jammer, Gritz & Badness - It's Alot!

Nu-Centz, Terawrist & Redzer - Sin City

Mo-T - Damned, Dying, Dead.

Fade To Black

2008-02-24T18:45:00.006Z

Looks like I managed to just creep through the back entrance and straight back onto my own blog again. After my internet being down for what felt like an eternity I'm back.

I do come bearing many gifts too. (What did you expect?!?!)

Firstly we've got the Durrty Goodz Takeover Show ripped. Thanks to the lovely people at Grimegenre.com

Durrty Goodz 1Xtra Takeover

He takes over Semtex's show, it contains lots of new freestyles and hand picked musical choices from the man himself. If you are a Durrty Goodz fan it's a must and if you aren't.... it's still a must.

Next present for all the long time suffering Blacksterz Blog Readers is the latest offering from President T. Truthfully I haven't heard that much from him at all. I know he used to do more in the past and I loved the track with JME "Heard What I Said" but it had me wondering what he was doing currently. Well he has released a long awaited promo download for fans and people not in the know entitled "Back Inna Da Face Vol 1". He keeps things very grimey and sticks to his unique flow. Check it out and cross your fingers it doesn't take as long before his next release!
President T - Back Inna Da Face Vol 1

Chipmunk's latest CD "League Of My Own" is out now to buy and here is a nice little remix from arguably the Grime scene's most promising young artist. The remix features Double S, Ice Kid, Maverik and Griminal. Have a listen it's a big track.

And the last of my pressies on my return to the world wide web is a compilation of tracks put together by DJ Mad Vybez. I'll be honest I haven't listened to it yet so I'm not sure if they are mixed and if they are all instrumentals, but judging by the name I of it I think it's a sound enough guess to say it's all the instrumentals in one megamix. I'm going to check it out and have a listen because the tracklist is looking sweeter than a nut. Get it here:
DJ Mad Vybez - Beats Not Bars Vol 1
Tracklist:
Maniac - Devil
Rapid - Top 3 Selected
Mega Mc - Dangerous Liaisons
Benga & Coki - Night
Skepta - Fucking Widda Team
Skepta - Bumberclart Badman
Wiley - Gangsters
Wiley - Chance Us
D Structo - Chosen Path
Virgo - Puzzle
D Structo - Real Talk Refix
Mad Vybez - Grime Inc
Davinche - Megadrive
Scream - Request Line
Skepta - You Dead Pussy
Wiley - Dark Waters
D Structo - Ghost In The Walls
Low Deep - Upside Down
Plastician - Trippin' Refix
S.K.I.T.Z Beats - Battle Riddim

Happy now?

Vodka Mixer?

2008-02-06T21:10:00.000Z

Evenin'

Ever feel dumb for sitting smiling all on your own? Well as I stare into the laptop screen typing up this blog, I am grinning like some insane clown after throwing 14 custard pies in the faces of 6 clowns and the ringleader while managing to keep my balance tightroping with a unicycle. Yes joyful is a word definitely up for consideration at the moment to describe my mood, because sitting right next to me as I type, are my new best friends. Mr. Pioneer CDJ 800 MK2 and Mrs. Denon DNS 1000, throw in a nice little mixer and an audio interface and Blacky's a happy chappy!

Although it feels right the timing could not be worse, with exams and essays all to be written up at this very moment in time, my heart might just tear in two! So quickly without much thought I tried recording a very short little grime mix for any willing ears!

Playlist: 1. Klashnekoff - No Escape (Refix)
2. Get Set - Kano
3. That's Hype - JME
4. Hype Hype (DJ Wonder Remix) - Lethal Bizzle
5. Colder - Wiley

Destined To Be?

2008-01-30T23:56:00.000Z

Deliquent's My Destiny is only now getting it's official release on the 25th February. This song has been out for quite some time, I even played it back in 2006 on my show for 1Xtra. Judging by the success of T2's Heartbroken I am silently hoping that big things will happen for this song too. It's too upbeat and cheery to dislike and the video was only officially completed the other day. Make sure you go out and support it because I love it!

There is also a free Delinquent Mix Cd up for download, get it here...

Delinquent Mix Cd Vol 1

The self titled 'Godfather's of Bassline' can be found @

http://www.myspace.com/delinquentuk

Hmm I'm away to sleep now, sitting up doing media dissertations late and having to get up at 7 in the morning does bad things to good people

Blacksterz

Rackin' Tapes Raund Bonnie Wee Scatland

2008-01-27T13:30:00.000Z

More freshness free for you lovely people! Straight off the Scottish streets Tapedekrok Records have thrown together a wonderful mixtape consisting of many different artists, including one of my personal Irish favs, Jee4ce. Make sure you check this out.

TAPEDEKROK VOL 1

http://www.sendspace.com/file/s8b6ck

Here's the tracklisting:

1. Intro
2. Jee4ce - ASBO Music
3. Warrior Bone - Reachin'
4. ZX81's - Don't be a Hero
5. Matchstick Men ft Lingo Scott - The Show
6. Fresh MC - Flip the Skool
7. OJ Loops - Leprechaun Slumper
8. 1SP - Questions
9. 10dB - For the Kids
10. Jee4ce - Deadwax (Freestyle)
11. Whys - Word Song
12. Reachout - Seeds in the Wind
13. Fresh Famous - Casio Beat (Demo Version)
14. B-Burg - Mountain Bike Charlie
15. Jay Large - How's things change
16. Phoenix Down - Little Fingers
17. Whys - Rise Crispy's
18. Icarus - Stream
19. 10dB - Happy Feat
20. Whys & B-Burg - Super Nasty Ghetto Stank Ass Funk
21. Ambiant De Zaaj - Pulso Alterio
22. Outro

If you like it, drop them a comment @

www.myspace.com/tapedekrokrecords

It also has a Bit Torrent link so seed the album for as long as possible.

For further music by the big man himself Jee4ce, check

http://bebo.com/jee4cemusic

Jee4ce - ASBO Music

OJ Loops - Leprechaun Slumper

Ya Dun Already Know Tha Score!

Blacky

Everybody Loves Gingers!

2008-01-24T20:24:00.000Z

Freebies! Oh yes this is totally free (apart from whatever you pay to be connected to the internet) and it is very good! I'm not talking about me coming to your house and hitting pots and pans with a wooden spoon, which is good and free...
I'm referring to Redzer, one of, if not Dublin's best emcee. His album has officially sold out across Ireland, so the kind chappy has uploaded his album on the internet for anyone who missed it.

http://www.redzer.ie/Dublife.zip

If you right click the above link and Save As, you will have his album, don't forget to unzip it after it's downloaded.

The quality might surprise people who haven't paid that much attention to Irish artists before, hopefully it will be eye opening and enlightening. UP DE IRISH HIP HOP YEO!

Don't forget to pay your respects to the big man either, catch him at -
http://REDZER-DUBLIFE.bebo.com
http://www.myspace.com/redzerdublife

Easy!

Blacksterz

Grime Music Tree Bearing Sweet Fruit

2008-01-24T19:52:00.000Z

It's still winter but the Grime Music Tree is bearing some sweet fruit already! Griminal, P Money and Double S all putting their current mixtapes up for free download! Holy smokes I hope you guys have your rapidshare premium accounts at the ready, this type of kindess doesn't come along too often, and after hearing Frisco nearly burst into Skengman Mode on Rinse last Tuesday I think you should be grateful of these free downloads haha. So what are you waiting for.... get to it!

Double S - Busy With The Bars
Griminal - I Got Bars Volume 1
P Money - Coins To Notes Volume 1

Enjoy it!

Blacksterz

The Rubber'Ban' Man

2008-01-13T01:21:00.000Z

Hip hop seems to be in the hour of crisis at the moment with just about everyone taking shots at it. All I am hearing these days is “hip hop is dead” or “it promotes violence” you know the usual hassle we true hip hop heads get harassed with everyday! It’s all been said before, but a new topic has been raised recently thanks to Mr. Russell Simmons, Founder of Def Jam Records.

Simmons is calling for three words, ‘ho’, ‘bitch’ and ‘nigger’ to be censored in rap music. Quite clearly this triggered a huge debate in terms of censorship within rap music and was eye opening of a sort. People stand clearly divided on this one, some choosing to side with the censoring, others saying there should be no such thing in hip hop.

To understand it fully we have to look back and see that hip hop started as an outlet for the oppressed to be themselves, it was not constrained in any way. People had the freedom to express their creativity and say what they liked. Hip hop was a unique way for people to express themselves without having to feel the pressures of society weighing down upon them. Groups like Public Enemy and N.W.A used this to great effect and turned hip hop into a political tool for the downtrodden. No longer were they a class without a voice, hip hop’s solidarity allowed a true message to shine through, without the government or media being able to manipulate it. Yet the founder of the same record label that was putting out Public Enemy’s uplifting songs has turned his back on hip hop and announced he wants a ban on specific words.

Now to be fair with Russell, hip hop has changed dramatically since the early 90’s as we can all very much testify, but do we really need to compromise our art form because of the change? I believe there is an argument for the banning of these words. Taking into consideration the social pressures to conform and how commercial hip hop has become in recent years I still think Russell has a point. The words he is looking to abolish do not show any creativity, actually they are the opposite. They are degrading, derogative and offensive. The N-word in particular disrespects the pain and suffering black people across the world suffered at the hands of racist oppressors. Surely this word is unnecessary in music and common everyday use, unless it is to strictly make a point, and with it being used frequently it gives us all the more reason to ban it. I find it shows an ignorance in the artist who says the N-word in every other sentence, and I cringe whenever I hear so called ‘conscious’ emcees such as Talib Kweli and Common using it frequently. It only serves as a purpose of keeping a divide between races, with all due respect, I do think we should acknowledge the pain and suffering black people all over the world went through, but the N-word does not honour their ancestors in any way.

Although there is the argument that by censoring these words in rap that we are in some way damaging the integrity of hip hop. Words such as ‘ho’ and ‘bitch’ are used daily on the streets and the “street life” is being portrayed through the music. These words are a reality and what we see in the music is reality. If we limit emcees to what they can rap about then we are missing an important element within hip hop, the right to express yourself fully.

I think KRS-One summed it up beautifully on the Classic joint recently when he said,
“Rappers spit rhymes that are mostly illegal, MC’s spit rhymes to uplift they people Peace, love, unity, and Havin’ fun, these are the lyrics of KRS One”.

When it comes down to it, we have had an influx of ‘hip pop’ rappers that are only out to make money and are talking about the same damn clichéd hip hop subjects of guns, money, women without displaying any love for the art. They are the ones that should be banned and abolished from hip hop, they are not needed and every unnecessary expletive they use tarnishes the art form. Whether you agree with the ban on the words or not is up to you, but when it comes down to it, even without a ban, should we be including these words in hip hop?

Blacksterz

Puretone Interview

2008-01-13T00:54:00.001Z

So tell us a bit about yourself Puretone, how did you get your name and what are you bringing to the Irish Hip Hop scene?

Pure Tone, half man half amazing, yes that's me now commonly known as the TONE...
All me self hyped, self proclaimed KING, and yet everybody is mad as if they can do it better than the TONE! Been in this hip hop thing for 6 years, promoting,managing, emceeing, just being a hustler but for the last two years doing it for a deeper purpose and that's for GOD! At the moment I am a man that has a lot to say having seen a lot of stuff happening both locally and internationally. I mean by now you should know who makes the most noise in Dublin or rather in the hip hop scene in Ireland. The Tone is the answer for those who are ignorant enough not to know. Born in Zimbabwe, moved here in 2000 and immediately joined irishhiphop.com and then stepped into the live side of it in 2001.

As a hip hop promoter I have worked with so many artists that everybody recognizes in Ireland as the for front of Irish hip hop. Every recognised name in Irish hip hop has had a Pure Tone experience at some stage in their rap career. Some have had beef, some have been partners in various projects, some I have promoted, some have been good friends and most just want to be the Tone. It's all to me what I mean as a Pure Tone experience. You ain't even Irish hip hop if you don't have one. I mean who else can put 38 live acts on one stage in hip hop these days!

You've just released your first single 'Set It Off' from your debut album 'Prescribe Me A Soul'. Are you pleased with the current reaction to it?

Nah in a way I am pleased but just like before, radio are acting like they don't know what time it is. But nevertheless we press on. It's like Corey Red says to get airtime these days you have to pay for your promo or lay with homo. I ain't gonna lay with them radio presenters, it ain't happening. I mean the streets will still know about me 'cause I am the hype just like every emcee now knows the single is out. The reaction I wanted is simple... Get people in the notion that 'The Tone' is back and he is setting it off! I am heading for that MOBO that's what I want from the album. Not to be signed or sell millions I mean I know it will sell cause the industry's rejection of me has lead me to this direction of being self sufficient and provide for myself what I need. I also wanted the people to know I can deliver and I did a track for the commercial fan not the fan who views me as a deeper entity to this rap thing.

Oh you are probably wondering why the MOBO? 'Cause no Irish act has won one. I want to be the first and I truly believe even the British need Puretomania and so does America and the rest of the world.

And the beat is by Proud another person living in Dublin with big ambitions for Irish Hip Hop. Did you reach out to him for the beat or did he contact you?

Proud is like the little talented brother I never had. He will probably surpass everything I do 'cause he is learning from the best around him. Our families have history and so from the day go, I was working with him. Even when he was with Unique I was there. But kid is growing and kid is blazing he got that HYPE factor! So anyway I demanded a beat and he demanded recognition for it so we both reached out!

He's definitely making moves within the scene, is there anyone else out there at the moment that you rate?

Leiko and Maverick Sabre. These two are major talented but I think as it stands for
me my top ten is

1.PURE TONE!
2. No one
3. No one

4. No one
5. No one.....I am your top five and should be
6. Assassin
7. Leiko
8. Maverick Sabre
9. Nucentz/RIRA
10. Skangstar Family/ Millionaire Boys

It's just the way it is and all the rest are just wannabes.

With a number of live events under your belt and a few radio appearances, which do you get more of a thrill from, performing live or being in the studio?

I rock pavements, stages, I'd rock your world at a live gig. I love being live. Before studios that's what people had. That's the hype of an icon!

I think it's fair to say you are the most 'dissed' man in the history of Irish hip hop with 11 recorded disses if I'm correct? Why do you think you are such a target to other emcee's?

I have like 20 something disses, I think for some it's a phase. They love and hate The Tone! I don't reply I don't find any of them worthy yet. I think I am target 'cause I have that recognition thing going on in their minds, diss The Tone and you defo a IHH head or something. Then some try to test me, for instance Collie and Kounter Kulture are the only two that stand out as good tests. I didn't fail I shrugged them off as I should maintain my Puretology status of not responding to haters!

You certainly haven't been a stranger to run ins in the past, with history concerning KRS-One, Collie and The D.H.T. boys. How are things looking at the moment with you and beefs?

I know it seems I like these beefs but I really don't ask for it. I have one popping up every week. Enemies are a thing of beauty 'cause they make you watch your steps and never slip. At the moment the O'Liffey Family are my number one priority 'cause of what they represent and believe me I ain't hating I am taking them out! Nah just messing, but Flip and (Rob) Kelly should stop masturbating to my business. I know they find pleasure in talking bad about me but they should sip that chill juice and stay away from me. It's all love dudes, we will do some tracks together

Also is there any truth behind the rumours you and Rob Kelly had a slight altercation in the studios during the recording of 'Set It Off'?

Not really, they are two separate incidents and don't confuse this with the Wes D'Arcy one. Yeah we use the same studios and the same producer once in awhile, that's how he heard "Set It Off" before everyone else, typical fan. But we had an altercation in Stephens Green. Quite interesting and nah I didn't punk out but I could feel his fear. I am guarded by angels man you can't do nothing to me. This was a week before "Set It Off" and I told him I would mention him in the track which I did. I also told him I won't stop using him as an example of what is all wrong with
Irish hip hop and he just walked out and left. I mean what would he do? I am The TONE. You can't beef with TONE! It's all love I tell you. Give it few months you will hear I recorded a track with the guy and see pictures of the 30 year old wannabe rapper coming to church with me. That big kid needs to re check his music and confide with me. I'll teach him how to stunt!

It's interesting that you named your debut album, 'Prescribe Me A Soul', as you've reached out to prominent figures in the gospel rap scene in Ireland. What would you say has attracted you to that smaller niche of hip hop?

Was born doing Gospel but unlike many dudes these days who are talented I still keep my faith intact with he who was gracious enough to give me second chance when I didn't deserve it. Oh yeah and KRS One's fakeness made me realise hip hop as just empty and shallow with a lot of misguided values. In a way through it I am also finding myself and that's the effect I want Puretomanina to have to those who are touched by it hence the album title. There is a lot of pain, emptiness and a lot of questions but the album provides for a prescription. Look around you, it's like a sickness. Did you read about Saigon this week or the the RZA and Wu-Tang stuff and you telling me hip hop has a soul? Wait till the album drops.

Is there any confirmation on collaborations for 'Prescribe Me A Soul' as I know you've been in talks with Akala and the MOBO nominee Jahaziel?

Give it time, it's never confirmed until the tracks are done and on the track list of the album. I also have a lot of options. Some major heavy weights. I am the hottest hip hop act from Ireland.

Anything else you want to tell your fans?

My fans are my team. My success is their success so I say let's set it off. PURETOMANIA is the movement they are all waiting for LETS SET IT OFF!

THE TONE IS OUT!

Interview By Blacksterz

The latest single from Puretone is released and able for purchase at http://www.indiestore.com/thetone

Tinchy Stryder – Star In The Hood Album Review

2008-01-13T00:51:00.000Z

If grime was the football world, Tinchy Stryder would be like your Theo Walcott’s, early Michael Owens and Wayne Rooneys of today. He has had hype surrounding him from a very early age. You could be misled into thinking he is a lot older than he is, because as Tinchy’s debut album drops, he has just turned 20. This is the same emcee that has featured on Wiley’s debut album back in 2003, has put out numerous mixtapes with and without his crew, Ruff Sqwad, had the successful street single ‘Underground’ and apparently was on the scene from 12 years old. Here was me thinking child slavery had been abolished.

Luckily torn ligaments or pulled hamstrings don’t usually ruin an emcee’s career before it has begun, so Tinchy might just make the Grime FC starting eleven. To be honest I wasn’t sure how this album would turn out. The first two singles, ‘Breakaway’ and ‘Something About Your Smile’ were nice, but didn’t offer the same rawness as we were used to from the young Bow E3 native. So it was to my delight when Dirty Danger’s sick production kicked in on the first track with the album titled name. The beat sounds like someone has sprinkled griminess on Kanye West’s ‘Takeover’ instrumental. Tinchy comes on spitting like he is ready for war, thankfully no emcees get dissed. We don’t need no Jay-Z/Nas career ending songs at the moment thank you very much.

It has to be said Tinchy has been blessed with some great beats for this album. Da’Vinche, Dirty Danger, Rapid have managed to keep the sound grimey but still accessible to hip hop fans. Surprising to some but the best track on the album was produced by a girl, GoldieLocks. I’ve been saying it for ages that GoldieLocks is one of the hottest producers out there at the moment. Hopefully this track will give her the recognition she deserves. Her verse was razor sharp and can’t fail to make you smile,
“Now I’m a bit electro, and he’s more grime, So I guess you think I love fashion and he commits crime,”
Did I mention she is a bit of a looker also?

Tinchy shows his versatility on Star In The Hood spitting over 4x4 beats with a straight club type song ‘Dance 4 Now’ and then switching it up on ‘Workin’ For Days’ where he gets introspective and speaks on black slavery and how he isn’t “feeling the minimum wage”. It’s a shame ‘Not Like Me’ comes across like a weaker version of ‘Underground’ with a strange telephone noise constantly buzzing. And on ‘Catch ‘Em’ it needs to be listened to if only for the worse gun noise ever used on a song, check from 2:10 onwards.

Guest appearances have been kept to a minimum with Ruff Sqwad featuring on only one track and it works well that way. Tinchy has made a grime album that sounds like a grime album, something which still seems hard for most artists to pull off. So a big ‘brap brap’ should be issued to the Stryder for not only pulling off a great sounding album, but for also having the balls to go through with it. I can’t wait to hear him next time round, that’s as long as he doesn’t break his leg and get stretchered off the pitch.

Blacksterz

Lethal Bizzle – Back To Bizznizz Album Review

2008-01-13T00:28:00.000Z

Second time round for Lethal Biz and music fans will pleased to know there is no Pow, Piddy Pow, PPP Pow or Pow Part 14 Riddim on the tracklisting. Surely a positive sign, and it’s a whole 1 minute 15 seconds before the first Pow is uttered! Shock Shock Horror Pow! Ok I’ll try and cut down on the Pow’s for the rest of the review, it’s already beginning to look like Lethal’s lyrics book. Now with all jokes aside, Lethal is very easy to criticise for the simplicity of some of tracks. But no-one can deny he does have the ‘hit making’ ability that he’s always raving about. And as expected the beats on Back To Bizznizz are energetic and if played in a pensioners home is likely to get them bouncing off the walls like a 5 year old after downing pints of Sunny Delight, Red Bull and Coke mixed into one sugary cocktail. Lethal sticks to what he is good at on tracks like ‘Mr’ and ‘Bizzle Bizzle’ with the bouncy beats and infectious chorus hooks. And when Lethal gets it right it is the ultimate turn up and blow out your speakers music.

Lethal’s repetition of choruses and similar sounding beats over the years have led to criticism, that is why it’s refreshing to hear him experimenting on Back To Bizznizz. These experiments take Bizzle into the ‘grindie’ territory, a phrase coined by Statik after he put out a mixtape earlier in the year consisting of Indie mixed with Grime. Lethal must have picked up on this because he employed Statik to produce ‘Boy’ which features rocker heavyweights, Babyshambles on the chorus. With Kate Nash singing on ‘Look What You Have Done’ and the big guitar sample on ‘Babylon’s Burning The Ghetto’ Lethal is clearly expanding his horizons and creating a larger fan base for grime. I’m not sure if the whole ‘Grindie’ term will take off, or if it is actually even any good. Parts of Statik’s mixtape worked and parts didn’t. ‘Look What You Have Done’ was the only track out of the three guitar based beats that I actually liked, it’s certainly still in the experimental stages, but has the potential to grow.

If anyone can remember back to Against All Odds, it had moments that were probably best left forgotten about. Where Lethal tried his best to be introspective and it just came across as him talking shit over a lame beat. This time round Lethal seems to have learnt from his mistakes. Well sort of, you see on ‘My Eyes’ he slows things down to try and express himself. Truthfully Lethal isn’t really a lyricist so he would be better just sticking to the hype tunes, but ‘My Eyes’ is an improvement on Against All Odds’ attempts. ‘Reflecting’ is more what I would like to hear from him if he is going to spit about his emotions. The sweet chorus and relaxed feel to the beat makes you, in Lethal’s words, “feel good”. Lethal also paints a vivid picture of his car stealing days on ‘Police On My Back’. The use of the sample sounds great and he rides the beat with ease. And obviously no outing of Bizzle’s would be right if there wasn’t that one big grimey tune. So Lethal brings in help in the form of Ghetto on ‘You’ll Get Wrapped’. Ghetto must be the most sought after emcee at the moment, he’s on fire and his verse on this track is proof.

Lethal puts in quite a performance on Back To Bizznizz and shows he is slightly more versatile as an emcee than on previous outings. Although he still doesn’t wow you with any of his lyrics, which could put some people off, he does make great hype music. With the indie market also being targeted on this album I can only see bigger and better things for the Bizzle. As long as he doesn’t get carried away and become out of his depth in a crossover between music scenes then I think Bizzle could prosper between now and his next album. Who knows we might even hear a few more rehashes of Pow between now and then!

Blacksterz

Durrty Goodz – Axiom E.P. Review

2008-01-13T00:16:00.000Z

With Axiom being Durrty’s second official solo release to date you could easily be mistaken for thinking he is new to the scene. This could in some ways favour Durrty better, as the surprise factor might shock you at the expertise on this CD. But this talent hasn’t come easy because his career has been anything but smooth up until now. With being caught up in murder trials to seeing his half brother, Crazy Titch, getting locked up, his name is quite justifiable as his ‘Goodz’ have most certainly gotten dirty along the way.

With all that behind him, he is back with a bang and fully focused on Axiom. Warning emcees and telling the listeners to ‘Keep Up’ over a bouncy DVA beat. On ‘Weather Man’ Durrty proves why he is one of the UK’s hottest talents, his skills range beyond simply spitting straight 16’s. The catchy choruses he displays on ‘Weather Man’ and ‘Boi Dem’ are very important, especially in the grime scene if you want to progress.

It’s Durrty’s versatility that makes him so likeable and versatility is the exact word to sum up Axiom. It is a completely refreshing listen. With only 9 tracks and hidden song at the end, Durrty doesn’t leave any room for filler, not that there is any. It’s concepts on tracks like ‘License To Skill’ and ‘Switching Songs Pt II’ that make Durrty Goodz so exciting. On ‘Switching Songs Pt II’ he flips flows over the best garage and grime instrumentals with ease and he turns the grime scene into a James Bond film on ‘License To Skill’. With Bigz being a Blofeld character trying to assassinate Durrty as he rushes to his studio where his Pro Tools are at. Can I just say to any film directors out there, I would pay good money to see this story turned into a film! Step On It!

This is definitely up there for one of the best releases of 2007. Emcees better take note of this E.P. as a guiding light when releasing material. (Yes You Wiley!) There isn’t a bad track on the CD except possibly for ‘The Youngers’ after a few listens because of the annoying high pitched voice. Other than that it truly sounds like Durrty has wanted to make each song chart single quality. He has set the standards very high for himself on Axiom, and if he can better it on his official album release we could very well be witnessing the new King of Grime. Until then I’m going to turn up the bass on my speakers and blast ‘Boi Dem’ out of them until either his next release or my system blows up.

Blacksterz

Ghetto – Ghetto Gospel Album Review

2008-01-13T00:12:00.000Z

Peace be with you, you may now be seated. Ghetto is back with his own gospel but is it worth spreading the ‘good word’ about? Truth be told I think I got caught up in all the hype surrounding this release. Dizzee was dropping Maths & English and Wiley was releasing Playtime’s Over just as Ghetto leaked the album cover images.

So it was a good time for grime and the internet was going slightly nuts for the new Ghetts release. With a heavy single on rotation and a top class remix of it, I can’t deny my excitement levels were slightly higher than usual. Things were looking up because the tracklist didn’t appear to show Elton John or crappy US Hip Hop on the bill. Sadly my prayers (Gospel – Prayers? Anyone?) weren’t answered fully.

No the Rocket Man isn’t singing on the choruses of any songs, but the latter problem sadly pops its ugly head up. It is a criticism Ghetto is constantly faced with and I like to stay away from the hip hop/grime debate usually, but it cannot go unnoticed on Ghetto Gospel. Tracks like ‘Closed Thing To Heaven’ and ‘Hero’ have the most cringe worthy samples possible. Bonnie Tyler’s ‘I Need A Hero’ doesn’t need any more publicity thank you very much. On a realer note, it is lazy from a producer’s point of view because it’s too easy to loop well known songs and sell it based on the popularity of the original. Kudos lost for that basic mistake when it comes to creativity.

That said, Ghetto Gospel does start well with Ghetto’s hard hitting intro blazing straight into ‘Top 3 Selected’. The best song on the album by a stinking hot mile. Things take a turn for the worse after ‘Menace’ the dramatic Scorcher beat, because we have the annoying ‘Hero’ followed by ‘Drivers Anthem’ which sounds similar to ‘Menace’ without any of the extravagance Scorch captured the first time round.

I quite like ‘Touch The Sky’ Ghetto rides the beat well, even if it does have a Pinky & Perky cameo in it. Mr Slash produces the next two tracks ‘C P B’ and ‘Just Don’t Know’ which are great beats allowing Ghetto to express himself clearly.

I can understand Ghetto’s appeal to grime fans because he is more lyrical than most, but after a whole CD of him I feel drained. His voice can be wearing and isn’t as easily accessible as other artists for example Kano. Ghetto Gospel feels like it is stuck between being a Dipset CD and a grime mixtape, so the outcome isn’t very fulfilling as it lacks any real direction. With a new mixtape said to be in the works and Rapid behind the production desk on every track you would be as well to wait until then. I expect to see you next Sunday, peace be with you.

Blacksterz

Kano – London Town Album Review

2008-01-12T12:55:00.000Z

London Town is the latest offering from the East London native Kane “Kano” Robinson. It’s now his second time round and he boasts a bigger and better line up with the likes of Vybz Kartel, Damon Albarn, Kate Nash, oh yeah and a guy called Craig David, all making appearances. Proclaiming on the album titled track,
“It sounds like grime but a little slower, I’m a lot wiser a little older.”
It’s a very true statement. Kano now has the experience of putting out his debut album and two successful mixtapes. But has he put what he has learnt into practice is the probing question. And the answer is partly yes and partly no.
What I notice firstly with London Town is that the production levels have been upped and it sounds a much more polished and rounded album. Totalling in at 53 minutes with 11 tracks and a hidden one, it seems Kano is purposely trying to avoid having any filler. This is all good as long as he delivers on every track, but that potentially is where the problems lie depending on the listener’s expectations.
On my first listen through I wasn’t overly impressed with London Town, it felt underwhelming. I desperately wanted a new ‘Reload It’ track with Kano spitting fire at a fast pace, possibly another anthem like ‘Typical Me’ and an emotionally charged rival to ‘Nite Nite’. These expectations weren’t met. But what we have to realise is Kano isn’t trying to churn out another carbon copy of ‘Home Sweet Home’ even if it was a great. He is progressing as an artist and trying to further himself musically and commercially. So even though Kano isn’t emceeing over the rawest grime beats on London Town, that doesn’t necessarily make for a bad album. And it’s to my great pleasure that London Town grows on me the more I listen to it.
‘Fightin’ the Nation’ is a definite stand out track, with Kano spitting some of his deepest bars over an acoustic guitar. And it’s whenever the drums kick in you realise just how good a song it is. It needs to be heard to be appreciated fully. Blur and Gorillaz front man Damon Albarn makes his presence felt with the production on ‘Feel Free’ and proves he can produce hip hop/grime just as well as he can when it comes to Britpop. Kano displays his great talent of capturing the listener’s attention on ‘Over And Over’ with his laid back flow. He breezes over the brooding beat and turns it into one of the album’s highlights.
Sadly I think ‘Bad Boy’ belongs on one of his mixtapes rather than London Town. The southern hip hop drums sound played out enough for American artists never mind UK emcees rapping over them. ‘Me & My Microphone’ sounds messy. Kano tries his best and his lyrics only just save it, because Kate Nash doesn’t fit as nicely as she should. And that is about the height of my complaints with London Town.
It is actually a very solid album and finishing it on the beautiful ‘This Is My Life’ followed by the hidden ‘Grime Emcee’ is a superb way to end. Don’t expect a testosterone filled grime album from Kano, but then he didn’t really do that first time round either on Home Sweet Home. If you approach London Town with an open mind and appreciate it for what it is musically rather than grime content then I think you’ll enjoy it. This is not to be slept on, and with its release being the same day as Kanye West & 50 Cent it might just get overlooked by people, but it undoubtedly stands alongside them if not above them. Now hurry along to your local record store kiddies!

Blacksterz