Top 1 Selected - Lowkey

It was bound to happen. Ghetts aired his grievances about being left out of MTV's Top 10 and seemingly directed his anger at certain people that featured instead of him.  Of all the people that could have responded, there was only one person I wanted to hear. I don't need add anything, the track speaks for itself.  Lowkey's easily top 3 of any list and his comments at the end of the track just go to show why he's on another level to most.

Anuvahood Trailer

Adam Deacon's latest project, Anuvahood, sees him flip the perspective of previous films such as Kidulthood and Shank and take a more light hearted approach to youth culture.  There seems to be a lot of familiar faces throughout and whilst its highly unlikely to be a cinematic masterpiece, I'm sure it'll draw in crowds come 18th March.

Deep Covers Project - Skuff

Delegates Of Culture member Skuff recently dropped his " Deep Covers Project", described as "...an ever changing project of cover versions and rip offs..." Whilst I feel this isn't as strong as his collaborative project with Inja (the cleverly entitled "Skuff & Inja Show"), Skuff's raw and rough sound works well over tracks made famous by the likes of Jay Z, LL Cool J & Outkast.  And at everyone's favourite price (nothing), its definitely worth a download.  Hit up http://skuff.bandcamp.com/album/deep-covers-project for more info.

Darkness - Kings Of The City ft Klashnekoff

I'd never heard of Kings Of The City before I came across this track but I'm definitely feeling this one.  It's a very mellow guitar led track yet carries a darker twist to it that's mirrored by the vampire-like vibe to the video.  After long absence and to me a slightlty disappointing return with "Back To The Sagas", Klashnekoff seems to be on point with his recent features, with this track being no exception as he glides effortlessly over the beat with the final verse.  What makes the track evern better is that it's being offered as a free download on KOTC's website so check http://kingsofthecity.co.uk/ and get yourself a copy.

Who's On The Panel - Ghetts

Following the fallout from MTV's Top 10 MCs, one particular exclusion took his disagreement to the next level.  Despite some of the placements being more than questionable, for someone that openly said he wasn't too bothered about not featuring only hours before he dropped the video, do we sense a case of sour grapes?  Regardless, Ghetts managed to crash GrimeDaily's YouTube channel by releasing this track showing he still draws the fans in.  This man loves controversy - "If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't know who P. Money was".  He comes with some bold statements that only add fire to the debate with twitter once again blowing up over the whole Top 10 list. Surely there's bound to be some repercussions from this...

MTV Base - Top 10 UK MC's of 2010

So MTV Base last night aired their Top MCs of 2010.  Judged by a panel of 'experts' including Logan Sama, Ras Kwame, Charlie Sloth & Chantelle Fiddy, they based their decsions on things such as chart and underground success, popularity, impact and influence on the scene, critical acclaim, MCing ability etc.  The choices sparked mass debates across Twitter with MCs and fans alike questioning the choices.  There are shedloads of better MCs that should be on the list but if it was based on last year's buzz alone, Sway, Ghetts, Tinchy Stryder & Wretch 32 should probably get a mention and I cannot fathom how they decided that Chipmunk & Lowkey are on the same level - just check "The Warning" to realise that Kizzy owns Chipmunk and should be so much higher on the list. Enough of the ranting though, here's the final 10. See what you think.

10. Lowkey/ Chipmunk
9. D Double E
8. P. Money
7. Devlin
6. Giggs
5. Wiley
4. Professor Green
3. Skepta
2. Dizzee Rascal
1. Tinie Tempah

Unorthodox - Wretch 32 ft Example

After being shortlisted for BBC's Sound of 2011, it would seem that this year is Wretch 32's turn to tackle the mainstream.  After top 10 sucess with "Traktor", I feel his follow up track "Unorthodox" is lacking something.  Whilst it has commercial stamped all over it (perhaps down to the almost sacrilegious sample of The Stone Roses "Fool's Gold") and the now radio-friendly Example on the chorus (who to me is definitely more at home rapping than singing), it is far too rounded and misses the rawness that I feel makes Wretch 32 one of the country's best lyricists.

Jungle (Remix) - Professor Green ft Maverick Sabre, Klashnekoff, Wretch 32 & Malik

Having been a fan of Professor Green since I caught him supporting Plan B and got his Lecture No.1 mixtape a few years back, I was a little sceptical about how his major label debut would fair.  It turned out to be one of my favourite albums of last year, with such an eclectic range of beats and sounds coupled with the clever wordplay and sense of humour that sets Green aside from a lot of MCs. Personally, "Jungle" was the one of the stand out tracks to me and after stumbling across this remix, it only gets better.  Maverick Sabre's unique tone already offered a different edge on the original version but by adding three of the sickest MCs the UK has to offer; Klashnekoff, Wretch 32 & Malik (of MD7 fame), the track deepens and elevates to another level.

And So It Begins....

Let's keep this short and sweet. Without trying to slap a tag or name on it, British urban music is a massive love of mine. Since finishing Uni, I've lacked a creative outlet and figured that this is the best way for me to channel my thoughts. Expect to find my opinions on new tracks, albums, videos, news and all other nonsense related to the British music scene. Welcome to Beats & Pieces....