High Focus visionary is back with another banger! His latest LP follows the precedent set on "Third Eye Of The Storm"; dope beats and conscious lyrics. You need this...
Back on my Wordplay flex people. Rum Committee's Rag'N'Bone Man's new EP is a refreshing, original and downright soulful listen. Something a little different for your listening pleasure.
Easy people! I've been slipping of late (once again). It's not all doom and gloom though. A few weeks back, I was fortunate to be in attendance as Public Enemy celebrated the 25th anniversary of their legendary debut "Yo! Bum Rush The Show". Further more, I had the massive honour of interviewing the one and only Chuck D for the next issue of Wordplay so make sure you keep your eyes and ears peeled for that!
Boombap was a crazy weekend! Saw some cracking sets from the likes of Four Owls, Kyza, Dr. Syntax, Stig Of The Dump, Prose, Skuff & Inja and shedloads of other heads. The Don't Flop tent served as the setting for jokes upon jokes. They've just dropped a teaser of the battle footage from the weekend; they're definitely not to be missed. I even make a little audience cameo around the three minute mark. Make sure you keep your eyes and ears peeled for when they start landing...
Long time no speak! Apologies for the absence, had a lack of drive/ working too much! Anyways, back to business! Verb T's dropped his new album and it's a peach. Straight Wordplay business here; peep the verbals and while you're at it, subscribe and get yourself the latest issue as it's now landed... http://www.wordplaymagazine.com/2012/10/reviews/verb-t-morning-process/
Time for a Wordplay exclusive! I've been lucky enough to have had a listen to the upcoming new album from Foreign Beggars. It's on a completely different vibe to their older material and bound to have a few Hip Hop heads turning their noses up. Defo still worth a listen so peep the verbals... http://www.wordplaymagazine.com/2012/09/hip-hop/foreign-beggars-the-uprising/
More Wordplay vibes here folks. This time around coming from London based producer Mr. Boss, with features from the likes of Fliptrix, Verb T, Ramson Badbonez, Stig Of The Dump, Dr. Syntax, Dirty Dike...loads of people! Check the verbals...
I swear this series gets better with every addition to the chain. For me, Dubbledge absolutely smashes this to pieces with his trademark humourous bars and delivery style. It's gonna be hard to top but clock the vid to see who's up next...
Hot on the heels of Volume 1, Essa's back with the second installment of his FRMX series. Another free download, it's 5 tracks of fire; nothing short of what you'd expect from Yungun. You should know the deal by now - http://yungun.bandcamp.com/album/frmx2
The title explains it perfectly; this track is well and truly epic! Accompanying the release of their latest single "Dreamers", Jordan & Harley aka Rizzle Kicks have enlisted the help of Professor Green, Ed Sheeran, Hines, Dr. Syntax and Orifice Vulgatron for the remix. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention they've somehow managed to get PHAROAHE MONCH and CHALI 2NA to bless the beat as well. A co-sign from those two is a massive look for RK. Check the track below and make sure you head to http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/dreamers-remixes-ep/id547615083 and cop that ish...
A bit of a Wordplay exclusive for you peeps. It doesn't drop for almost another month but it's good to have the hook up! I still can't get my head around the fact that this guy's been dropping material left, right and centre for a good five years or so but this is his "debut album". Either way its dope! Peep the review - http://www.wordplaymagazine.com/2012/07/uncategorized/ramson-badbonez-bad-influence/
A five-track freebie from one of the sickest tag-teams around. A mix of tracks from their brilliant "Grown Man Business" and a couple from Yungun's "Jack The World", they offer up an alternative sound to some classic material. It doesn't cost anything so get involved...
Taken from the "More Dynamite EP" that dropped a couple of months back, Verb T's got some new visuals for one of the highlight tracks, "Life In A Day". Brief but a banger...
Taken from the forthcoming "The Landing Pt.2", Mr. Boss enlists the lyrical talents of Fliptrix and Verb T for this laid back, head nodder. High Focus are killing everything right now so you know it's gonna bang before you even play it. Make sure you press play though...
Shit, I've been slipping! Time for a catch up so I'll keep the next few posts short and sweet! First up, the latest Rappertag from one of my personal favourites, Mr. Sayso. This is just pure fire. Bump it...
Probably the standout track from the brilliant "Sound Of Evolution EP", Split Prophet's Upfront MC and DatKid have dropped visuals for "Face It". It's a dope track showcasing the duo relentless lyricism as they body the beat. Bump this loud! South West stand up...
More fire courtesy of Hoochinoo & DFacer. This time around it's the man like Essa aka Yungun and long time collaborator Devise. Both guys drop gems and their choice of tag has got me anticipating #16 bigtime! You know the deal...
The multi-talented Smasher is back with a bang! This time round, he plays the role of producer and offers up his production skills to Wretch 32, Maverick Sabre, Loudmouth Melvin & Black The Ripper. It's a cracking track; the beat carries a head-nodding feel good vibe throughout and the guest vocalists all come through with some heavy 16s. A precursor to his upcoming "Set The Record Straight EP", it's offered for your listening pleasure as a free download. Do the right thing - http://soundcloud.com/smasherofficial/sets/no-sleep-ft-wretch-32-maverick
As social commentators go, you'll struggle to find better than Genesis Elijah. His latest track is an ode to the importance of Fathers. Deep and reflective as ever, he paints a vivid picture. If you're feeling it, grab yourself a copy from http://genesiselijah.bandcamp.com/track/fathers-day Big up Genesis and just for the vibe, big up Pops too...
After dropping the
"Everything's OK EP" a few weeks back, Rewd Adams & The Last
Skeptik have finally blessed us with their full length project, "How Not
To Make A Living". Boasting some of the sickest artwork I've seen for a
while, the tag-team's latest venture is a tightly-woven blend of dope beats and
relentless lyrics.
Rewd’s
rambunctious flows stomp over Skeptik’s instrumentations throughout but it's on
the more laid back tracks like "So Soulful" and "No More"
where "HNTMAL" gains a greater depth. Don't get it twisted though,
"Bring It Back" is the epitome of the energetic delivery that Adams'
has built a steady reputation upon.
I've been
waiting on this project since I first discovered it's conception and without a
doubt, it doesn't fail to deliver! It's an essential listen/ download so make
sure you hit up http://rewdadams.bandcamp.com/ and get involved. You won't regret
it...
Jam Baxter leads the latest chapter in High Focus' guide to global domination. The typically dope, head bobbing, Leaf Dog assisted "Who" and the dark and murky, Pulp flipping "Disco 3000" act as a precursor to Baxter's impending "The Gruesome Features" project, due drop early next month. Peep the tracks below...
The latest addition to Charlie Sloth's Fire In The Booth series comes in the form of Manchester native Blizzard. If you're a Don't Flop fan, you should already know about this guy; he's overly talented. Appropriately, it's straight fire so just bump this loud. DFAFD...
Akala is well and truly back with a bang people! Today sees the release of his latest mixtape, "Knowledge Is Power Vol.1". It's everything and more that you would expect from one of the most honest and thought provoking lyricists around at the moment. Deep as ever, tracks like "Absolute Power", "A Message", "Insert Truth Here" and the title track showcase his incredible narrative skills and require several listens in order to really absorb everything Akala's trying to say.
This is more than definitely worth a listen so make sure you head to iTunes - http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/knowledge-is-power-mixtape/id523452121 or if you want a physical copy, visit http://www.akalamusic.com/. For some reason, the iTunes version doesn't come with the 4 bonus tracks but when you receive your receipt, forward it to helen@mamstore.co.uk, you'll recieve a link to the the extra tracks. Additionally, however you purchase a copy, you'll also get a link for Volume 2 free of charge! Surely an added incentive to invest..?
Prepare yourself for a sore neck folks. The latest release from the BBP camp comes with surefire guarantee that you'll be nodding your head from start to finish. Steady & Efeks (aka Prose) have teamed up with West London wordsmith Crusada to form Kill The Noise; a collective that seemingly offer nothing but the realness.
Their eponymous debut EP is everything you would expect from the trio; clever, intricate wordplay combined with pure, raw, boom bap beats. I've been lucky enough to have had this for just over the week and it's rapidly become the perfect aid for kicking back on these surprisingly decent summer evenings!
It's a dope listen from the kick off, with Efeks and Crusada delivering nothing but verbal gems; highlighted perfectly on "Fire" and their ode to getting their well deserved props, "Respect Me". The Oliver Sudden assisted "Let's Get Deep" and the Kingpin collabo "The Harder I Rock" add further depth to the soundscape and more weight to Steady's heavy productions. If this isn't enough, the EP also offers up the complete EP in instrumental form; an added gift for all you aspiring MCs/ DJs/ obsessive collectors!
If you know your stuff, then by now you should be aware of the quality that BBP never fails to deliver and their latest venture is no exception. The piece de resistance however is that, if you choose, the "Kill The Noise EP" is available as a free download! Needless to say, head over to http://boombap.bandcamp.com/ now and indulge you ears. KTN, KIM. Kill The Noise, Keep It Moving...
I'm pretty sure 2012 is gonna be the year that Split Prophets get the recognition they deserve. We've already had Upfront's brilliant "Sound Of Evolution", DatKid's debut is due fairly shortly and now a remix album of the collectives' epic "Scribbled Thoughts". Available as a FREE download, it puts a completely different spin on proceedings and offers an alternative perspective to the group's sound. Have a listen and see what you think...
More freeness for you people! Doc Synners has blessed us with his new mixtape, "Still At Large". Mixed by DJ Woody, with features from Kyza, BVA, Leaf Dog, Enlish, Deeflux, Jabba The Kut to name a few; Syntax's lyrical skills are on fine form as ever. This guy's been around for ages and I rate him massively. Make sure you download this straight away. If you know the scene, you don't even need to listen to it first; Dr. Syntax never fails to deliver! Head to http://drsyntax.bandcamp.com/ and get involved...
Bang! Again! Verb T's now dropped his latest EP, "More Dynamite". Weighing in at 5 tracks, produced by JJ Malone, it's the type of fire that you would expect from one of the best lyricists around. It's dope from start to finish but my highlight is definitely the Sonnyjim and Joker Starr assisted title track. Draw your own conclusions. Listen to it below and head to http://verbt.bandcamp.com/ if you're wanting your own fix...
This has got me more than a little bit excited! Taken from the forthcoming "FTLT" (which can't come soon enough), "Cause & Effect" is yet another flawless track from Mr. K-Lash. Apparently, the proper video is in the pipeline so keep it locked for that. There's really little else to say. Crank up the volume and recognise realness...
For those that don't know, get to know! After following up a Warm Up Session that's amassed and incredible 1.5 million views with an epic F64, Ian Llewellyn-Rowe AKA Elro dropped his debut single "Bad News" on Mike Skinner's now resurrected "The Beats" label. His elaborate wordplay and humorous metaphors have won him a whole host of fans throughout the scene. Now he's dropping a mixtape free of charge for your listening pleasure. Featuring production from the likes of Toddla T and Preditah and guest spots from JME, Manga and Coco Marie, it's a cracking listen. A blend of his trademark jokes with a couple of pretty deep tracks, it's a perfect taster for what can be expected from Elro in the not too distant future. Listen to the project in it's entirety below and if you're feeling it, download it from - http://bit.ly/elromixtape
"Red Bull Beat Suite is a homage to the last 25 years of urban beats and electronic music, performed by the Australian Youth Orchestra, premier beat makers, composer Tamil Rogeon and US crooner, Aloe Blacc. Expect nothing less than a unique combination of strings, beats and contemporary soul music."
Time to take a little trip Down Under folks. I guess a little like the grime heads did with the Urban Classic Project a couple of years back, Red Bull have decided to organise a musical mash-up of epic proportions. Taking place amongst the grandeur of the Melbourne Recital Centre, the worlds of classical composition and digital beats collide to create what I'm guessing is set to be a unique visual and aural experience. Check the video below for some brief background info...
Given the fact it's set to happen tomorrow, I realise hopping on plane bound for Melbourne just isn't going to happen! Luckily, the whole event is going to be streamed live tomorrow for your viewing pleasure. Head over to http://www.redbull.com/beatsuite for whole heap of videos and previews for the event as well as links to where and when you can watch the drama unfold. Aditionally for the Twitter wielding, you can keep up to date by following @redbullAUS and the hashtag #beatsuite
Bang! New Verb T people! "More Dynamite" is taken from his upcoming EP of the same name, due to drop next Monday (the 14th). Featuring Sonnyjim & Joker Starr, the trio take turns to deliver some heavy verbals over JJ Malone's head-nodder. Make sure this time next week you head to http://verbt.bandcamp.com and get yourselves a copy!
I really should have posted about this a few weeks back but better late than never! Whatever you're doing on the 14th-16th September, you need to cancel those plans immediately as pretty much the entire UK scene are descending on Peterborough for what's set to be 3 massive days of pure, unadulterated heaven for Hip Hop heads! Don't Flop have their own stage for a 32 man tournament over the weekend; screenings of Hip Hop docs and films, a whole host of paraphernalia and a line-up that boasts the likes of (deep breath) : MYSTRO, PHI LIFE CYPHER, THE FOUR OWLS, BUGGSY' KYZA SMIRNOFF, MC MELL'O', RAMSON BADBONEZ,FLIPTRIX, VERB T, SCRIBLAH DANGOGH , LONDON ZOO, DIRTY DIKE, JAM BAXTER, LEAF DOG, BVA MC, REVEAL, SONNYJIM, CAXTON PRESS, IRON BRAYDZ, DR SYNTAX, SKUFF, M.A.B, ED SCISSORTONGUE, RONNIE BOSH, MR KEY, RUM COMMITEE, SPLIT PROPHETS... I could go on. There's a whole heap of stuff to add to the mix but its just so much easier if you head to http://www.boombapuk.com and read it all there. The second set of earlybird tickets go on sale tomorrow (May 5th) for a measly £45 (that does include entry and camping for the entire weekend!) so unless you're stupid in the face, GET INVOLVED!!!!
Just a quick heads up about Plan B's directorial debut. Out 6th June, "iLL Manors" is looking like another worthy addition to Mr Drew's rapidly expanding repertoire. Check the trailer and come to your own conclusions...
I'm pretty sure Supar Novar is one of the most underrated and hard working artists around. He seems to be putting out mixtapes and albums left, right and centre. The latest of which "Forever" (to me some of the best stuff he's dropped recently), is offered up for your listening pleasure free of charge. Produced solely by long time collaborator Show N Prove, it features some sick production and dynamic lyricism alongside guest spots from the likes of Dappy, Genesis Elijah, Stylah, Logic & Neon Hitch. This is well worth a download people so have a listen below and if you're feeling it, head to http://www.mediafire.com/?ea562n5d5f87n2f
New video from the High Focus supremo for the Kerem Fraiche produced "Drifting" It's yet another set of visuals to compliment Fliptrix's brilliant new album, "Third Eye Of The Storm". I'm not going to say much else; there's a big review further down the page if you want my opinions. Just kick back and bump it...
The SB.TV camp have been churning out F64's at a stupid rate this season. The latest from Mikill Pane is something you have to get your ears around. Ever the maverick, its refreshing to find someone that always seems to push the boundaries and perceptions in order to create something new. Pane is a gifted lyricist and if you haven't already downloaded it, make sure you look for the link on the right to his latest EP, "You Guest It". Different makes a difference...
Easy people! I've been a little slow in keeping you in the picture when it comes to the UK Rappertag. There's been three new links since the last post. Cappo, Konny Kon and Fallacy all respectively smash it and Fallacy's choice for the next spot has got me smiling big time. Should be something special. You know the deal...
After donning a mask and adopting an ornithological
alter-ego to play his role in one of last year's finest LPs (The Four Owl's
"Natures Greatest Mystery" if you've been sleeping), High Focus' head
honcho is back in the solo spotlight with his third full outing, "Third
Eye Of The Storm".
Fliptrix's debut "Force Fed Imagery", whilst a
little rough around the edges, showcased a raw energy that made him stand out
from the masses as one to watch. His follow up, the brilliant "Theory Of
Rhyme", was a much more polished affair and cemented Fliptrix's standing
in the Hip Hop community. Following the lateral progression, the latest LP sees
Fliptrix at his most composed and lyrically enlightening. Seemingly maturing as
an artist and individual, he has crafted a body of work to stimulate both mentally
and sonically.Right from the off, the personal and lyrical evolution is
evident.
Over Chemo's moody, synth-laden composition, "The Storm"
finds Fliptrix addressing society's neglect of its natural environment before
progressing to the chilling "War To Your Door" suggesting "So
it's war that they dabble with/ Act like a mans flesh comparable to
mannequins". Deep stuff!
Passing through the almost hypnotic stylings of
the Dilligence produced, Ramson Badbonez and Jam Baxter assisted “Frontline
Terror”and the first single “Mind Travelling”, Fliptrix maintains the
intelligent and thought provoking wordplay; epitomised perfectly on “Me Against
The World”. Over Jon Phonics mellow harmonies and rhythmic drum patterns,
Fliptrix discusses the loss of his grandfather, encapsulated poignantly with
the lines, “Time is precious/ Better use it to define its worth”.
As “Third
Eye…” nears the halfway line, a few guests are invited to add an alternative
direction the LP’s journey. Farma G nonchalantly floats over the heavy drum
loops of “Soundscapes”, delivering the standard lyrical gems you would expect
from the Taskforce camp and “Third Eye Sight” finds Jehst stamping his
trademark verbal swagger over Naïve’s beat. My personal favourite of the three
clustered collaborations is “Walk This Way”. Chemo’s reggae/ dub production
suits Buggsy down to the ground but taking Fliptrix out of his normal comfort
zone sees him up his game and adds a whole new dimension to the project.
After
Leaf Dog’s anthemic, no doubt herbally induced anthem “Wylin’Out”, pianos take
the lead. The simple loop and boom bap percussion of “It’s No Lie” is a simile
laden ‘head-nodder’,which is quickly followed by another personal favourite,
“Nothing’s Quite As It Seems”. Based around another ‘ivory tinkling’ sample,
Fliptrix and Verb T’s gruff and smooth respective sounds once again complement
and strike balance with each other as they always seem to.
As the album draws to
a close, the levels surprisingly rise once more. “The Essence”, another
standout, is Fliptrix at his reflective peak. Over Kontigo’s spiritual
instrumentation, Fliptrix laments “So I’m pissed with the piff and a Rizla with
griz in/ Missing the days when we were just kids ‘n/ Man it’s all so far from
this, what happened?” This is then followed with Fliptrix verbally painting the
picture of his perfect “Paradise”. Where the album kicked off with a sombre
vibe, Chemo decides to sign off with an uplifting guitar and infectious drum
loop combination. Albeit a brief affair, “Sun’s Down” is a triumphant, “made it
to the other end of the tunnel” conclusion; perhaps a nod to the musical
journey that has been partaken by the listener. “It’s alright now, I’ve seen
the sun dawning/ It’s early morning plus the rain ain’t falling”.
Despite some
heavyweight production and stellar cameos, “Third Eye Of The Storm” is Fliptrix
at his absolute prime. He seems to have discovered an innate ability to be
questioning mortality one minute then celebrating his ‘horticultural habit’ the
next, without losing any credibility. It appears that Fliptrix is in a place of
musical tranquillity, perhaps having spawned from the success of “Nature’s
Greatest Mystery”, and the way in which he twists and turns the narrative
through a blend of sounds and subjects depicts an individual that is at one
with his art form.
“Third Eye Of The Storm” is thoughtful, honest and
encapsulating music at its finest. If you consider the 3 EPs that dropped in
the run up to the LP’s release, the 22 tracks combine to create Fliptrix’s best
project to date. It goes without saying you need this in your life! Make sure
you head to www.high-focus.com
to get a physical copy or if don’t wish to rely on our country’s efficient
postal system, hit iTunes and download a copy now - http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/third-eye-of-the-storm/id518022413
HIGH FOCUS TAKEOVER
THE SOUL CELLAR,
SOUTHAMPTON
Reaching the tail end of The Four Owls
tour and to celebrate the release of "Third Eye Of The Storm", the
High Focus team converged on the South Coast to take over The Soul Cellar for a
night of hectic Hip Hop. I don't think it would be sacrilege to suggest that
High Focus can now be mentioned alongside the likes of Low Life,YNR etc as
heavyweights in the scene; they're gradually taking over the world, its merely
a matter of time! Fliptrix, Verb T, Jam Baxter and Dirty Dike all delivered
some epic solo sets (including the mandatory stage diving) before the Owls took
flight and tore the place down. Although I forgot my proper camera, amongst the
madness I managed to get a few videos of the the action on my phone. There may be more to
come but my Internet is on a go-slow and three hours to upload a three minute video
is long! Enjoy...
To break the norm and avoid the overused stereotypical adjectives, I'm keeping this plain and simple. The video for the latest track to be lifted from Rewd Adams & The Last Skeptik's album "How Not To Make A Living", entitled "Everything's OK", is cool. Maybe prefix that with "too" in order to accentuate but it oozes cool. Peep the visuals and you'll understand. The track's due out on 7th May so keep your eyes peeled
Mr. Edwards is definitely putting in the work recently. After delivering a brilliant episode with Logic, SB.TV once again delves into the vast talent pool that British Hip Hop has to offer. The latest Warm Up Session casts Poisonous Poet Reveal into the spotlight and to be frank, he absolutely smashes it! I don't think any amount of my verbals could do it justice so hit play now and realise the realness...
Despite forever being labelled as Ed Sheeran's mate, Mikill Pane has been putting the work in of late to showcase how gifted an individual he is in his own right. His latest project, "You Guest It" features the likes of Example, P. Money, Paloma Faith, Yasmin and the aforementioned ginger nut. There's some pretty impressive material on offer here, FREE OF CHARGE, so make sure you visit http://www.mediafire.com/?emmvz2rm8vk121o and get your own copy...
This is absolute fire! Logic steps into a new level of limelight courtesy of SB.TV and hopefully it's massive audience realises the sheer lyrical genius that Logic oozes! Surely a F64 has to follow...
New Doc Synners people! Taken from his forthcoming "Still At Large" mixtape, "I Need A Break" is an unusually dark and gritty Pete Cannon production and boasts a brilliant guest spot from Mr. Sayso. Both Syntax and Kyza smash it and definitely bodes well for his upcoming project!
"I Need A Break" is being offered as a free download so make sure you head over to http://drsyntax.bandcamp.com/ and get yourself a copy and keep it locked for more info on "Still At Large" as it when it emerges.
Fliptrix is raising the levels right now! With his third LP "Third Eye Of The Storm" due to drop Monday, he's delivering the final instalment of his EP series, climaxing with"War To Your Door". This time production comes courtesy of Mr Boss & Runone and once again, Fliptrix absolutely smashes it!
South West stand up! The latest material to come out of the Split Prophets camp takes the form of DatKid's "Home By 8". I've rated this guy since seeing his SouthBlessed freestyle (make sure you look for that!) and his brilliant guest spot on the Prophets "Scribbled Thoughts" LP. Datkid's flawless delivery compliments Baileys Brown's head-nodding instrumentation and is yet another reason to keep your eyes on this guy and future material from his forthcoming album, due next month.
High Focus are slowly taking over the world. Another pre-cursor to his impending third LP, Fliptrix has dropped a little reminder of what can be expected at the end of the month. Taken from the "Wylin Out EP" and production courtesy of fellow Owl Leaf Dog, "Rah That's Sick" is a beast! Fliptrix's rapid-fire flows absolute demolish Leafy's infectious beat and is yet another reminder of the sheer quality coming out of this camp at the moment.
I've probably said this before but there's nothing better than when you stumble over someone you've never heard of before and their music is on another level. Enter stage-left Aks. The South London MC dropped his "The Bus Stop EP" about this time last year and after hearing one tune from it on a Chemo compilation, I had to hit up iTunes. It's 8 tracks of dope beats, relentless lyrics and by far the best £4.49 I've spent in ages.
