Rappertag UK #8 - Jehst

"Jehst, where've you been? It's Rappertag time! Chop Chop!"  The little kid at the start couldn't have put it any better! Billy Brimstone's finally added his link to the Rappertag chain and whilst due to the delay I was expecting a little more, Jehst comes with some heavy one-liners!  You know the deal, check the visuals and find out who's up next...

Progression (Intro) - Jack Flash & Wizard

New visuals peeps!  Jack Flash & Wizard's epic collaborative LP "Progression" has personally been on heavy rotation since its release earlier this year. It's a spectacular blend of Flash's distinct delivery and creative lyricism, coupled with ridiculously infectious instrumentation from one of the finest beatsmiths around right now.  With guest spots from the likes of Genesis Elijah, Stig Of The Dump, Tyler Daley, Sonnyjim, Lunar C, Alec Townsend and Extra Curricular cohort Thabo; it's British Hip Hop, no scrap that, simply Hip Hop at it's finest.

The duo have dropped a short video for the intro track from the project.  It's on some straight Ronseal business; it does exactly what it says on the tin! Simple yet effective, the focus is purely Flash doing what he does best; clearing his throat and waxing lyrical.

Needless to say, you need this in your life. Head to http://jackflash.bandcamp.com/album/progression-album or http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/progression/id493652404 and get your mitts on "Progression" pronto.






Bristol Is Like - Upfront MC

A little bit of South West business for you! Split Prophet Upfront MC takes the limelight with his new track, "Bristol Is Like". The beat's a monster and Upfront comes through with some intricate wordplay. Crank it up, kick back and bump it...

Earth's Axis - Fliptrix

Fliptrix is definitely upping the levels in preparation of the release of his third full solo outing, "Third Eye Of The Storm".  Taken from his Mind Travelling EP, "Earth's Axis" is a mellow, methaphor laced JJ Malone production, with the High Focus head honcho once again delivering verbal gems.

Download the "Mind Travelling EP" from iTunes here - http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/mind-travelling-single/id505937878 and head to http://www.high-focus.com to pre-order "Third Eye Of The Storm".

Smash Anything - Skuff

High quality Hip Hop for free.  Is there anything better?  As a prelude to his forthcoming LP "Destroy Everything", Skuff's offered up 17 tracks on the house in the form of "Smash Anything".  A collection of guest spots and unreleased material, with features from Life, Inja, Si Philli and Dirty Dike; the Delegates Of Culture member is once again on fine form and if this is essentially superfluous material, its looking like "Destroy Everything" could be a very tasty offering indeed.


If you like what you hear, head over to http://skuff.bandcamp.com/album/smash-anything and get yourself a copy.  Whilst you're there, why not indulge and part company with 50p in exchange for the absolute beast of a track, "Feeling Good"?  Skuff flips Nina Simone's classic to great effect and delivers an instant banger.  Not to be missed...

Axis Of Bass - Bath Digital Festival

A little shameless promotion for an act I'm going to be championing for as long as needed! Vision Overground are part of a showcase by BA1:FM this Friday at Komedia in Bath.  Komonazmuk, Dubkasm, Wedge and Al Tourettes complete the main bill for what is set to be a blend of "digital music and visuals by some of the best Bristol/Bath electronic producers, DJs, singers and VJs."  If you're local, get involved! Check out http://komediabath.ticketsolve.com/shows/126523015/events for more info and to book tickets.

New Wave Of Political Hip Hop - The Guardian

Stumbled across this article on The Guardian's music page today.  Journalist Omar Shahid discusses the rise of conscious voices within the UK music scene and speaks to the likes of Lowkey & Mic Righteous.  Its an interesting and well-written read.  Have a gander...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2012/mar/19/lowkey-logic-british-hop-hop

Overdue Catch Up - Caxton Press, Plan B, Fliptrix, Dubbledge & more...

Safe people! Long time, no speak!  Had some family things going on over the last few weeks so I think it’s about time I get Beats & Pieces back on track!  So to keep it quick and simple, in no particular order I’m gonna blitz through a few ‘essentials’ that’ve dropped over the past couple of weeks.

The second track to be taken from his upcoming third LP “Third Eye Of The Storm”, Fliptrix has released visuals for “Wylin’ Out”.  Produced by Leaf Dog, it once again shows that High Focus is rapidly becoming the source of the finest British hip hop at the moment.  Head to http://www.high-focus.com to pre-order “Third Eye Of The Storm” which is due next month.

Plan B returned with the lead single for his upcoming directorial debut, “ill Manors”.  A hard hitting track that adressess a subject with the frankness it deservces, accompanies by a brilliantly edited video to match, it sees Ben Drew casting aside his Strickland Banks persona and delivering the potent lyricism that shone on his debut LP.  Pre-order the "ill Manors EP" here - http://itunes.apple.com/gb/preorder/ill-manors-ep/id506049311

“Eye See You” is the latest track from Dubbledge.  Produced by Metabeats, it’s a deep and thought provoking affair accompanied by creative and artistic visuals. Enjoy…

Manage, Kingpin, emceeKilla, Amy True, DJ Snuff and Profound; collectively Caxton Press have finally dropped their debut project “Shame The Devil”.  Featuring the singles “The Press”, “Why” and the heavy “Running”, the LP is 17 tracks of head nodding beats and complex, conscious wordplay.  Head to http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/shame-the-devil/id481586805 and cop that ish!

A different vibe to the norm, the BBC’s Sound Of 2012, Michael Kiwanuka, has released his debut album, Home Again.  It’s a brief but extremely soulful outing from the 25 year-old and the perfect chill-out LP.  Get yourself a copy from http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/home-again/id501671098

Don't Flop have steadily been releasing battles from their epic To The Test Ten event from last month.  There's far too many battles to post up here with probably double the amount due to be released by the end of March so head to http://www.youtube.com/user/DontFlop and catch up! 

The Quaranteam have dropped a couple of videos to compliment their brilliant free EP.  The visuals for "Carnage" are simple but perfectly effective.  Make sure you visit http://www.thequaranteam.com/ and download it now!