Rappertag

Having started down under, the Rappertag series has landed in the UK.  The premise is thus; gone are the days where artists/ MCs gather and freestyle so the cypher has turned digital.  The artists drop their bars and at the end, decide who they want to carry on the lyricism.  Mystro kicked off the British series and called for Ramson Badbonez, who in turn requested Poisonous Poet Tony D to get involved.  Based around such a clever concept, this could be the platform for many an unheard or underrated lyricist to raise their profile.   I'll post the additions to the series but in the meantime, check the first two videos below or visit http://www.rappertag.co.uk/

Be Like Me (Remix) - D Double E ft Snoop Dogg, P. Money & Professor Green

D Double E, P. Money and Professor Green dropping lyrical gems over an infectious True Tiger production should be more than enough to hog the limelight.  However, throw one of the biggest names in Hip Hop into the mix and suddenly it becomes a pivotal moment in the progression of the grime scene.  Following in the footsteps of Diddy with his "Hello, Good Morning" remix, Snoop Dogg jumps on one of my favourite tracks from D Double E's "Bluku Bluku EP" and helps to elevate the scene's status both here and potentially, across the pond.  If this helps to open doors for future collaborations, then perhaps Grime and underground British music can gain the credibility it truly deserves.

4everevolution - Roots Manuva

When Roots Manuva drops an album, it is always a bit of a 'marmite moment' to me.  The likes of "Brand New Second Hand" and "Run Come Save Me" instantly became favourites of mine whereas  to certain extents "Slime & Reason" and more recently his Wrong Tom collaboration "Duppy Writer", never really grew on me.  Apprehensions aside, coupled with a host of positive reviews from the musical fraternity, I decided that it was an investment that needed to happen. From the opening track "First Growth" (the first video below), it quickly became clear that "4everevolution" would quickly inhabit the 'love it' category. It carries the Rodney Smith trademarks; eccentric lyricism and dub-laced instrumentation but seems to have an extra edge over his previous releases.  Several reviews have commented on the potential commercial viability that this album and I genuinely tend to agree with this.  Tracks like the Toddla T produced "Watch Me Dance" and "Beyond This World" could easily be on the radio playlists and if anyone deserves mainstream appreciation, it's this stalwart of the UK music scene.

"4everevolution" is available on iTunes right now: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/4everevolution-bonus-track/id457592019

Still Speedin' (Remix) - Sway ft Kano

"K.A & Sway. Game Over. Blow The Whistle" apparently!  Following the earlier post, Sway's now dropped a 'remix' featuring Kano.  To be perfectly honest, the track's pretty much the same as the original with Kano making a very brief cameo in the middle.  Nothing desperately worth mentioning but it's here for your appreciation all the same!

You - Evidence

Now whilst Beats & Pieces is normally UK orientated, at the end of the day it's all about bringing you guys good music.  Therefore, when I discovered Dilated Peoples member Evidence dropped a new solo project, I had to investigate.  Ev never fails to impress, and "Cats & Dogs" is no exception.  Featuring a stellar guest cast that includes the likes of Raekwon, Lil' Fame, Prodigy, Aloe Blacc and fellow DP associate Rakaa, "Cats & Dogs" is 17 tracks of musical diversity and definitely under-rated lyrical prowess.  One of my personal highlights takes form in the brilliantly edited video below; the DJ Premier produced "You".  With Premo on the beat is practically guaranteed to be a banger and Evidence fully does the soulful production justice. Make sure you visit http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/cats-dogs/id462952476 and check this project out, it's Hip Hop in it's element.

Still Speedin' - Sway

It's the return of Dcypha!!  Despite a few little rumbles from the camp, it's been far too long since I've heard anything from Mr Sway DaSafo.  However, with his third album-proper, "The Deliverance", around the corner, Little Derek has graced us with his superb new effort, "Still Speedin'".  Carrying an anthemic atmosphere and a recycling Black Box's "Ride On Time" for the hook, it seems like Sway is definitely upping the levels in preparation for "The Deliverance".  If the rest of his upcoming project is anywhere near this standard, it looks set to be some of his finest work to date.

YNMIDNY (True Tiger Remix) - Dot Rotten & Scrufizzer/ Lego House (Remix) - P. Money

Due to a continually dodgy Internet connection and personal issues, I've had a little hiatus.  So let's kick things off with a couple of remixes from man of the minute, Ed Sheeran.  First up, is the epic True Tiger re-working of the track that thrust Ed into the limelight, "You Need Me, I Don't Need You".  Featuring Dot Rotten & Scrufizzer, the duo adopt a tag-team approach in order to stamp over the track with such energy and lyrical athleticism that I dare you to resist pressing re-play as soon as the beat ends.  This is by far the most played track on my iTunes right now, I can't get enough of it!  Released for a limited period as part of the "Thank You EP" free download, you might still be able to find it online. I guarantee you won't regret it!

Following closely behind is P. Money's adaptation of "Lego House".  It's another retrospective affair; think "Family" part 2, with P at his emotional and heartfelt best.