#NowPlaying 2 - J2K & Ayo

Monday saw the release of the latest installment in J2K's #NowPlaying series.  #NowPlaying 2 finds the Roll Deep & A-List member, alongside producer Ayo, drop 8 tracks of 'free-ness', with both parties on fine form.

Tracklist

1. Through The Fire
2. Break Free
3. Get Down
4. Let Me Know - ft Cherri V
5. Set If Off
6. Never Know
7. Hey Young World
8. Talking To Me

Download #NowPlaying 2 here: http://www.mediafire.com/?38j4jgicusj9j0z

Google Chrome Advert: SB.TV

It seems that Jamal Edwards and his SB.TV empire are rapidly gaining the exposure they truly deserve.  After recently being the focus of the T4 documentary "From Bedroom To The Boardroom" (which according to Twitter is being lined up to become a 5-part mini series), Edwards is once again thrust into the television limelight as one of the stars of Internet giant Google's latest advertising campaign for their 'Chrome' browser.  The brilliantly edited advert offers an express insight into the history, progression and meteoric rise of SB.TV.  Couple that with a prime time slot during the first commercial break of the latest series of X Factor and suddenly SB.TV enters the living rooms of nearly 13million households around the country.  Now that's a good look!   

Apologies People!

It's safe to say that I'm getting pretty sick of seeing this screen.  Not only does it mean I can't update the site as much as I would like but I'm missing my music fix! According to the 10,754th technical support member I've spoken to, the problem should be resolved this weekend so fingers crossed Beats & Pieces can head in the direction I want it to. Apologies if any posts seem a little dated, I'm trying to catch up. Hold tight!

Speaks Volumes - The IRS

Lewisham based trio Ed Strong, King Kaiow and Superb, a.k.a The IRS, have dropped their much anticipated second LP, "Speaks Volumes". At 15 tracks deep, their second proper outing hosts features with Stig Of The Dump and Rewd Adams, alongside production from the likes of Pete Cannon and Wizard.  Highlights include the infectious head-bopping beat of "Ruin";  the brilliantly funny third verse on "Show Me The Money", the explosive "End Of My Tether" with Stig and my personal favourite, the Wizard produced "Just Got Home".  Make sure you have a listen to the album below and if you haven't visited http://theirs.bandcamp.com/album/speaks-volumes and parted with £4 afterwards, I would recommend you arrange yourself a hearing test immediately; it's a beast!

More Riot Opinions - Skriblah DanGogh & Genesis Elijah

As I mentioned yesterday with the Reveal track, there have been plenty of people venting their opinions on the events of the past week.  Below are interesting and educated offerings from what I feel are two of the country's finest MCs, Skriblah DanGogh & Genesis Elijah.  Both artists deliver powerful lyrics and valid points and perhaps alongside Reveal, help to offer a little more understanding about the recent rioting and looting.

Download Skriblah's "Riot Freestyle" here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/hns8pw

You Need Me, I Don't Need You (Remix) - Ed Sheeran ft Wretch 32 & Devlin

Fresh on the heels of the original version comes the remix of Ed Sheeran's latest release "You Need Me, I Don't Need You".  Shot by the guys at SB.TV and featuring Wretch 32 & Devlin, the remix goes to show the versatility of Sheeran as he more than holds his own alongside two of the scene's more metaphorically creative lyricists.  Ed recently suggested on Twitter that he may put the instrumental out as a free download in order for more artists to get involved.  One such artist that has already taken up the challenge is 'Little Derek' himself, Mr Sway DaSafo.  Perhaps a little too quiet recently for my liking, Sway comes hard with his signature humour and punchlines, proving there will always be a void when he drops off the radar. Check out his effort below.

A Change Is Gonna Come (1Xtra Live Lounge) - Maverick Sabre

Not a lot to say about this one really; one of my favourite artists at the moment, putting his spin on one of my favourite songs. Maverick's destined for big things and with an upcoming album and UK tour in October, his stock is bound to rise.  Check out http://www.mavericksabre.com to discover more and visit http://www.gigsandtours.com/gat/event.asp?e%7Cartist=MAVERICK+SABRE&e|promoter=372&n|artist=null&resultsperpage=50&filler1=gigsandt&filler2=search&orderby=date%2Ctime for tour dates.

I Predict A Riot - Reveal

I Predict a Riot 2011 by RevealPoison

After recent events in the capital and around the UK, Twitter was alight with comments from the music fraternity.  After so many people denouncing the mindless acts of violence and aggression, it almost seemed inevitable that someone would musically address the situation.  As social commentators go, you'll be hard-pressed to find someone more adept or poignant than Poisonous Poet, Reveal.  Flipping the Kaiser Chiefs "I Predict A Riot", Reveal discusses the events that spawned the outbreaks and his opinions of the following days' development.  The second verse is built up of rhyming comments he posted on his Twitter as the violence spread.  It's a honest and frank account of the events of the past week and goes to prove that Reveal is one of the country's finest narrators. The track is available as a free download so grab yourself a copy.

Reveal also featured on Newsnight earlier this week alongside Kelvin Mackenzie, former editor of 'The Sun'.  Despite the narrow mindedness of two of the guests, Reveal manages to talk a lot of sense so make sure you check out his contribution to the debate below.