Big Narstie drops the video to his future Grime anthem ‘BDL Skank’ where he gets things tropical. Watch the lively video where Narstie himself shows you how to do the dance. Big Narstie also launched his ‘Base Invaders’ game on Friday where it headed straight to No.1 in the app charts.
Double S – Yana Darg
Double S represents Grime in a perfect way capturing it’s spirit and true form, and his new track ‘Yana Darg’ is an example of this. Produced by The Heavytrackerz, Double S spits over a thundering beat like an experienced mic controller that he is.
Safone goes in hard with his new track ‘Heard Of’ where we see him at a car impound. His skippy flow complements the pace of the beat well, as he talks about how he has Grime that “No one else ain’t heard of…”
Jammz ft Scott Garcia – It’s A London Thing
Scott Garcia released ‘It’s A London Thing’ back in 1997 with MC Styles, and has sampled it for his tune of the same name with Jammz. The bass heavy production lends way for Jammz to spit his commentary about London, whilst the video gives a outlook of some different scenarios.
Toddla T Meets Andrea Martin ft. Silkki Wonda – Always
Toddla T warms up our autumn with this bittersweet brand new track, now with the accompanying video for “Always”. To launch his Steeze label, he teams up with Andrea Martin an R&B icon who is responsible for writing many R&B classics such as En Vogue’s ‘Don’t Let Go’ and Silkki Wonda who brings the patois, making this a chilled out reggae tune.
I’m here to bring you some of the latest tracks and news from the world of UK Rap from the past two weeks. There has been a lot going down musically and more beef has unraveled too.
Yungen & Chip
Let’s kick things off with the Yungen and Chip beef that I touched on briefly in my last column with Yungen’s track ‘Comfy’ where Chip thought he was indirecting him. Things have moved on progressively with Chip dropping his ‘One Take’ freestyle, firing direct shots straight at Yungen.
Now it’s been said there is rat in the Chip camp, due to the fact Yungen already knew Chip was planning to send for him, even though he had told Krept & Konan that he wouldn’t.
Krept tweeted on 20th Feb: “No we will not get involved it’s just Chip gave man his word that he wont diss Yungs and then did smh.”
Naturally Yungen pre-recorded his send, watching and waiting for Chip’s ‘One Take’ to drop and asking him on Twitter to remove it giving him hours. Chip refused to budge and Yungen released his diss track ‘Punk (Shitmunk Diss)’.
It didn’t take Chip long to respond. Less than 24 hours later the video to ‘Michelle Riddim (Lil Clive Diss)’ dropped, showing a laid-back Chip on his own in a smoky booth. His portrayed his calmness, showing Yungen didn’t worry him. The video opens with some cuts from an interview of Yungen bigging Chip up.
It seems Sneakbo is possibly taking Chip’s side, aiming tweets at Konan, which is worrying as Sneakbo and Yungen are meant to be friends… I guess we’ll find out more about what’s going on over the next few days.
Sneakbo: “These rappers get signed & become gangster…Go back to uni mate.”
“You don’t want drama pleaseeeeeeeee @konanplaydirty.”
24 hours later… Yungen is back at it with another response titled ‘Oopsy Daisy Riddim’ and he completely controls the track with bars laced with fire and cleverness.
Chip has responded less than 24 hours later now with another diss track ‘L (Lil Clive Diss 2)’. Things are definitely getting very heated now, as the replies are being made rapidly, and there are no signs of either backing down.
Rax
South London rapper Rax took a hiatus from the music game for a while, but now he is back stronger than ever. Gearing up to drop his mixtape Just 4 You on Friday (26th Feb), he has dropped two tracks over the past two weeks; ‘Money Bee’ feat. Zino Brown, Bonkaz and Dee Pee (Section Boyz) and ‘Four Seasons’ feat. Josh Osho. ‘Money Bee’ opened the doors to the full project and showed an energetic track, full of power and bass that’s lyrically tough. ‘Four Seasons’ revealed a different side to Rax with its relaxed, cool and calm vibe, infiltrated with the rapper’s witty bars. It’s infused with warmth, with the soulful vocals of Josh Osho and a sunny Sax. Watch out for the ‘Four Season’ video this week too.
MoStack – Gangsters With Banter
MoStack is a rising rapper from North London who has been creating a nice buzz over the past year, with a bunch of videos being released and collaborations with high profile artists such as Tinie Tempah on his album Junk Food. Last week saw the release of his brand new, highly anticipated mixtape Gangster With Banter with features from Yungen, Sneakbo, J Hus and Stormzy to name a few. Its 21-tracks are packed full of clever bars and a hard, Afrobeat sound combined with UK Rap.
He also released an accompanying video from the tape ‘Fuck This Generation (Outro)’. He talks about women, and his life in general, thanking God for another year lived with his family. It showcases his lyrical ability well, and his depth by being able to speak about issues in his generation.
Along with the releases, MoStack also announced his first headline show at the 02 Islington Academy on Thurs 14th April. It will be a night to remember for UK rap fans and will see some very special guests joining him on the stage. Buy your tickets here.
Konan – Last Night In LA
Konan the South London rapper and one half of the rap duo Krept & Konan dropped one of the hottest freestyles ‘Last Night In LA’ as a follow up to Krept’s ‘Last Night In Lagos’. Konan hits us with pure passion and aggression, and of course it’s packed full of wordplay and punchlines. It’s great to see Konan really rip into the track, in one of his coldest to date. To take it all in you may have to rewind the video a few times.
Ocean Wisdom
Out this week is Ocean Wisdom’s debut album Chaos 93 on High Focus Records. It’s produced completely by Dirty Dike, and features from some of UK hip-hop’s finest; Foreign Beggars, Klashnekoff, The Four Owls, Lunar C, Edward Scissortongue & Remus. It’s due to cause some serious damage and be a turning point for hip-hop in the UK. Head over to iTunes now to buy it.
Skrapz
Another show that was announced and one to put in the diary is Skrapz’s ‘The Beginning Of The End’ secret show on Thurs 7th April with support from Nafe Smallz, Mist, Trapstar Toxic and hosted by A Squeezy. See you there!
Ceremony Festival will be closing festival season 2015 for London this Summer. Taking to Finsbury Park in London on Saturday 12th September. Still a baby festival, returning for it’s second year this year, it will bring past, present and future dance music artists together. Part of the Found series, who this Summer have given us four great festivals including Born & Bred, 51st State and the forthcoming United on the 13th September along with Ceremony.
Made up of an amalgamation of seven arena’s with international and homegrown UK sounds that have played an essential role in British club culture. Over 50 artists will touchdown on Saturday to play music from Grime to House to Club Classics and Hip Hop, this festival has something from everyone. I’m looking forward to catching a lot of the Grime acts over on the Tropical stage such as Boy Better Know’s Skepta & JME, brothers Preditah & C4 and Slimzee as well as Todd Edwards, DJ Marky and Plastician
There are some final release tickets left, so grab them while you have the chance!
Eastern Electrics may only be in its fourth year, but the festival has garnered a great following – with this year expanding to 8 stages, catering to varied electronic acts with a very appetising line-up. Taking place on August 1 at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, there are still a number of tickets left that are selling as we speak, so grab them whilst there is still time!
Let’s talk DJs now and who will be playing! The soundtrack to the main stage will see icon Jamie Jones deliver a closing set as the sun goes down. Techno staple Nick Curly from Germany and the man behind Fuse London, Enzo Siraguasa will also be present, along with king of techno house Matthias Tanzmann.
The Big Top stage will see DJ Skream’s brand Skreamizm host and bring some high class DJ’s with cutting edge sounds. Skream of course will be present bringing the beats and vibes along with Boddika, electronic act Midland, Detroits Floorplan, Richy Ahmed and Jasper James.
Black Butter Records a ground-breaking UK label will be taking to the Forest to bring the bass. They will bring UK garage legend DJ EZ who will be cutting up some classics, along with a host of the labels starts such as Mele,My Nu Leng, Woz, Wayward, Applebottom and Tazer. This stage will be definitely not be one to be missed for us as they always bring unique, fresh and exiting sounds.
The Star Of EE Pub will bring some music legends to the stage such as garage star Matt Jam Lamont, as well as The Streets Mike Skinner who will show his skills as a DJ, and UK clubland’s Jon Carter. You will also be able to catch London party starters Michael Bibi, Two and Eight and Capulet along with EE’s protégé Jordan Mina.
Sankeys provide another killer stage for the Ibiza lovers with headliner vIVA chief and Steve Lawler and starring Outcross Records boss and Hot Creations family Miguel Campell along with some of the brightest underground gifted DJ’s from Hamburg’s Sidney Chales to Berlin’s Sante along with Jozef K and Manu Gonzalez.
Other stages include The Switchyard where global underground goddess TINI will be bringing some special DJ’s such as Detroits Godfather of house Delano Smith, techno maverick Jichael Mackson and more. XOYO & Sink The Pink present Gloria’s Cabert with DJ’s Mag’s breakthrough producer of 2013 Citizenn bringing the beats, The 2 Bears, Horse Meets Disco and more.
The VIP area will hear a hip hop set from Miguel Campell, Kuible will be playing disco classics, EE regular Matt Tolfrey will go back to back with Geddes and many more will be bringing the vibes all day.
FULL LINE UP
Eastern Electrics Main Stage
Jamie Jones / Joris Voorn / Cassy /Matthias Tanzmann / Guti (Live)/ Nick Curly / Enzo Siragusa
Skreamizm hosts the Big Top
Skream / Boddika / Midland / Robert Hood presents Floorplan / Richy Ahmed /Jasper James
tINI and The Gang in the Switchyard
tINI / Bella Sarris / Delano Smith / Jichael Mackson (Live) / Seb Zito & Rossko / Die Holländer
Sankeys
Steve Lawler / Miguel Campbell / Sidney Charles / Santé / Jozef K / Manu Gonzalez
Black Butter Records in The Forest
DJ EZ / Melé / My Nu Leng / Applebottom / Woz / Wayward / Tazer
XOYO & Sink The Pink present Gloria’s
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (DJ Set) / Citizenn / Crazy P (DJ Set) / Lil Louis / Severino / The 2 Bears (DJ Set) / Joshua James
Star of EE Pub
Matt Jam Lamont / Mike Skinner / Jon Carter / Waifs & Strays / Jaymo & Andy George / Ryan O Gorman / Michael Bibi / Two and Eight / Capulet / Jordan Mina
VIP
Kubicle (Disco) / Miguel Campbell (hip hop set) / Mat Tolfrey & Geddes b2b / Remi Mazet / Robert Outch / Andrew Baxter / Johnny Hunter
She is the name on everyone’s lips right now, from industry experts, to music artists, to fans; Little Simz is killing it right now. Keeping the heat on her (which isn’t hard for her), the 20-year-old North London rapper drops the video to ‘The Hamptons’ which is another visual taken from her critically acclaimed E.D.G.E EP. The video truly captures the meaning and ethos of the track that is produced by Da-P (Soulection) and features cameos from singer Kali Uchis and Ricky Bricks from THC.
Yellows and Paigey Cakey both from the Alwayz Recording camp joined forces for Yellows new track ‘Cake’. The two MC’s play on the meaning of the word cake, from the sweet food, to money, to a women’s soft disposition over a bassy, lively beat, with the pairs vocals complementing each other from Yellows deep tone to Paigey’s sweet one. This track will be on Yellows’ forthcoming mixtape ‘No Ego’ watch out for that one!
Black The Ripper’s new track introduced us to his forthcoming project too, ‘Outlaw Volume 2 ‘which is due to be released at the end of August. In true Samson style we see the lyricist spit some realness about his thoughts from the music business to life in general in ‘I Don’t Feel Nothin’, “Industry don’t like me, but I ain’t here to make mates”. On the hook providing us with vocals is Tayong.
South London’s Youngs Teflons has shown a lot of other people up who have attempted to remix Drake’s 0-100, as last week he released a video putting his own spin on it. He has some serious wordplay on this track and an effortless, natural flow that really proves why he is one of the most rated lyricists about. Listen to these clever bars properly and take in what Tefs is saying.
Dot Rotten released his anticipated mixtape ‘Interview’ full of diverse but brilliant tracks from start to finish. With various and varied artists featuring such as Abel Miller, Lady Leshurr, Stylo G and more, the tracks cover numerous subjects from the music industry, label issues which he sets straight, women and more. Dot has again created a work of art which you can download over at minarmydownloads.com.
We’ve been hearing a lot from the Disturbing LDN and Parlophone rapper G Frsh as of late, as he gets us ready for his forthcoming EP ‘Alfie’; slated for an August release. He gave fans a present in the form of a free download for new track ‘The Hardest Part’ which of course sees G hitting us with some hard bars, and Sonny Reeves (also signed to Disturbing LDN) providing him with the vocals over a laid back beat.
Fresh from his ‘Lost Soul’ mixtape release, North London’s Coops keeps the work rate levels high and drops another visual from the tape ‘Rap Masterclass’ which seems to be set in Amsterdam. Produced by Talos, this is another banger with an old school hip hop vibe from a very talented and rising lyricist that a lot of people are calling one to watch. Coops matches laid back flows and beats to deliver us something special.
Now if you haven’t heard of Potter Payper, honestly I don’t know where you have been. Fresh from his incarceration, he is back to tear the streets apart as he shows why he is one is one of the most respected MC’s as he takes to Charlie Sloth’s studio to give him a Fire In The Booth. His wordplay and flow is exceptional, and this is the standard other rappers need to be looking too. From Drake’s‘0-100’ to Robin Shulz remix of ‘Waves’ instrumentals, he keeps the levels high.
Blue Borough’s (Lewisham) Dru Blu takes a totally British phrase ‘Let’s Avit’ which is commonly used at football matches or by people to mean ‘let’s have a good time’ in excitement as the name for his new track. Great to see UK artists capturing their British roots and essence, and Dru entertains too with the visuals for the track. Nice work!
Big congratulations are also in order for Krept & Konan who flew out to LA for the BET Awards 2014and bagged the award for Best International Act: UK. They beat Dizzee Rascal, Ghetts, Tinie Tempah, Rita Ora and Laura Mvula.
Last week was all about the ‘one to watch’ rapper Coops who has turned a lot of heads with his new mixtape release ‘Lost Soul’ with rave reviews and a lot of positive talk about the North London artist. Coops along with producer Talos have built a sound reminiscent to the golden 90’s era of hip hop. His style is well balanced and hard hitting, neither too road nor too conscious. With an at times almost conversational flow and easy to relate to content, once paired with the classic hip hop feel of Talos’ productions the overall effect is very satisfying.
He also dropped a new video to one of the tracks ‘So Cold’ featuring Benny Banks and Sophie Faith on the vocals. Make sure you download ‘Lost Soul’ for free now!
Little Simz is also another artist here that has blown up in the past months and everyone is raving about. She is on fire right now, recently opening for Schoolboy Q in London along with various other shows and accolades. After releasing the audio to ‘Bars Simzon’, she treated us to the Simpsons themed video last week. Her skippy flow, coupled with passion and raw energy makes you admire her and want to hear more. Look out for her E.D.G.E EP coming June 16th.
The most consistent rapper in the game right now again released another cover freestyle…can you guess who I’m talking about. That’s right after dropping his net video two weeks back, Stormzy took to his hometown of Croydon to shoot the video covering Drake‘s 0-100 inviting anyone who wanted to, to go down. He has definitely caught the attention of a lot of people, and his fan base is evidently growing weekly. I think it’s time for a full length project now from him…
Young Mad B released a 5 track EP ‘The Practice’ a series of tracks all done recorded acoustically. Back in November last year a video was released of ‘Big Homie’ done as an acoustic version, and it’s great to see Young Mad B taking this route and showing some diversity. I personally love hearing rappers recording tracks with instruments and live bands.
This is looking set to be one of the hottest collaborations in music and fashion this year…unfortunately for us girls it’s only menswear (sigh). UK grime’s hot boy Skepta will be teaming up with one of the most exciting menswears designers, Nasir Mazhar which in a few weeks time Red Bull Catwalk Studio will be unveiling for London Collections: Men.
Bursting onto the scene in 2008, Mazhar cut his cloth first and foremost as a milliner and fast became a recognised name with his signature box peak bully cap. In 2012 he launched his first ready to wear collection for SS13 – a mix of men’s and womenswear that he presented as part of New Gen. Mazhar consequently moved onto the official catwalk in SS14 and since then has been touted as one of Britain’s most exiting exciting young designers from everyone from the likes of Vogue to Dazed & Confused.
North London rapper Skepta needs little introduction. One of the original founders of the Boy Better Know crew alongside his brother JME, he is widely considered a UK grime veteran who pushed the genre through from the underground to the mainstream.
The collaboration between the two artists is a natural one with Mazhar using music as an inspiration for his work and specifically grime artists as the musicians of choice to provide the soundtracks to his presentations. The pair have recently been in Red Bull Studios creating a unique soundtrack for the show at Victoria House on Tuesday 17th June, which will also see Skepta walk in a jacket designed in collaboration with Nasir.
Through working with Red Bull Catwalk Studio, Mazhar is able to take his vision to a new level and host his dream after party, a full Nasir experience, at the Metropolis strip club in Bethnal Green. Together with Skepta they are curating their ideal line up featuring an all-star line up of artists – stay tuned for more details to come.
Last spring saw Coops release his debut mixtape ‘What Do You See’ and become Choice FM’s (now Capital Xtra) ‘breakthrough act 2013’, allowing him to open for Nas. This year he is set to release his ‘Lost Soul’ mixtape on June 2 and recently dropped its second single ‘Blessings’ which was co-signed by Vibe Magazine. He brings an old school feel to this hip-hop track that sounds like it could come straight out of New York as he showcases his immense lyrical ability, referencing J Cole and Kendrick. The video shows the ‘gritty’ surroundings of his hometown in North London where he is from, giving the realities of his world.
East London lyricist Pepstar brings a hint of reggae to new track ‘OHYH’ as he brings it in with Sizzla’s ‘Solid As A Rock’ with the lyrics, ‘You can’t keep a good man down’ – this relating to the rest of the track with the theme of life challenges and how we respond to them. The harsh beat matches the stark black and white electric video rather well. Pepstar will be releasing his new EP on May 22 which is called ‘Dark Days Bright Nights’ which this track is set to be on. He is due to perform at the Houses of Parliament soon too… exciting times ahead for him.
Stormzy is an artist I’ve had my eye on, and last week he dropped his ‘Wicked Skeng Man’ freestyle which gained him fans in Skepta, Krept, JME and more. He has shown how diverse he can be with laid back tracks such as ‘All That Matterz’ and this one showing how his lyrical ability is first class.
Yellows is part of the Alwayz Recording crew, home to Chip, Paigey Cakey, G Money, Dotstar and more. His name has been a firm fixture in the underground scene for a little while and his work rate is strong, having already released two mixtapes, an EP and an online series. His latest release ‘Together’ features a verse from Shalo (also part of AR) and the title embodies the message of the track, about team work and supporting each other. This track really allows Yellows to show us his different flows as he starts off with a nice laid back one with the beat kicking in then switching it up showcasing his variety and skill.
I’m back after a short hiatus and the bank holiday weekend to bring you guys what’s been going on in the world of UK rap every week. I’m going to kick things off with talking about G Frsh’s new video ‘Falling High’. Now you have probably heard the song as it was heard on Radio 1 tastemaker shows such as Zane Lowe and Mistajam. Shot in black and white in an East London undertakers bodes well with the whole feel and lyrics of the track, while helping us understand G Frsh and his journey. The track features his fellow Disturbing London label mateSonny Reeves, who provides the hook.
These boys are really something special when it comes to music, and they are called the Rascals. Made up of four lads Kay Willz, Big Shizz, Tempz and Merkz, all in their teens and who gained their first successes at the ages of 12 and 13. They recently released their ‘Class 90’ album, which was an absolute smash and featured some of the best UK talent such as Big Narstie, Squeeks, Dru Blu, Double S and more. They return after not long with a brand-new single called ‘So High’ which was given it’s first spin by Zane Lowe and is due for release on June 15.
Brixton’s Peak is one hardworking man, and the grind doesn’t stop when it comes to releasing EP’s, mixtapes, and videos. As well as his consistency, his tracks are quality too, which means he is a super-talented dude! This new track is the first I believe to be heard from his forthcoming tape ‘Brixton State Of Mind’, giving us a glimpse of what to expect. Google Peak ‘Say About Me’ to listen to this new one.
Original Triple Darkness founding member Melanin 9 is due to re-release his 2007 mixtape ‘High Fidelity’ strictly on vinyl on his own ‘Red Snow’ label. He will also add the instrumentals to the tracks, with new artwork and a bonus cut ‘Colours’ produced by Loopholes. As well as adding the bonus track he also shot a video to ‘Colours’, adding some new freshness to the whole project.
Clothing brand Supply & Demand launched a competition a few months back where they asked the public to vote for a song for five British artists which they would then go on to shoot a music video for. They decided on ‘See Me Now’ for Benny Banks featuring Ryan Keen. The video was released last week and for me really showed Banks development as an artist and lyricist; his real life raps seemed more knowledgeable and the sound matured.
pixiewithapen 