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April 8, 2014

MTV The Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

I went to check out Big Narstie’s BDL Tour at the Purple Turtle in Camden last Monday which saw Grime’s finest grace the stage including Big H who was clearly hyped and confident about his clash on LOTM6 with P Money, Big Shizz, Sox, Jammer, Meridian Dan, JME, Footsie, Chronik and Flirta D who got the most reloads of the night.

Let’s talk releases now and I’m going to begin it with my track of the week that I can’t get enough of. This is a brand new one from 23 year old North Londoner Coops titled ‘Chillin’ and has an old skool, boom bap vibe to it, that’s soulful and laid back, with Coops delivering an effortless, chilled flow to match the tracks title and beat. This one will be on his forthcoming mixtape ‘Lost Soul’ and we should expect more videos to be dropping from that.

Youngs Teflon went into No.1 on the iTunes hip hop chart with his latest project ‘The Renaissance’ mixape. Last week saw him keeping the project alive by releasing a video taken from their ‘My Pattern Intro’, the second visual to be released from it, produced by Carns Hill who laid down a hard beat for Tefs to showcase his lyrical style.

South London’s Pak-Man takes it trappy for his new one produced by Cee Figz which is an absolute banger and that could easily be heard in any club. He is joined by Goldie 1 who provides a catchy hook. The tune all in all is a decent one and has got a lot of hits on the video, and hopefully will do well for Pak-Man in the lead up to his new release ‘Legendary’ out soon.

Last but not least Stormzy released a new visual last night which I was really looking forward to, and we know he smashes any cover he does, this one was no different as he coveredBeyonce’s ‘Flawless’ this time around before a new video release on Thursday. Watch it and take in his bars and remember we said to watch out for him, as I predict big things ahead. He also has an EP out soon.

 

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March 25, 2014

MTV The Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

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SN1’s Kyze was released from prison 4 weeks ago after being away for 5 years, he was one of the biggest prospects in the UK rap game, and many thought he was going to be something special. We welcome him back and hope to hear some great new music from him soon, he’s already released some bars which you can check out here…

Disturbing London’s G Frsh premiered a new track last week with his fellow DL artist, singer Sonny Reeves previously known as Dot JR who provides a smooth hook. ‘Falling High’ will be on G Frsh’s forthcoming ‘Alfie’ EP, make sure you check it out.

Stormzy set the Internet ablaze last week as he went to Link Up TV for his Behind Barz after 3 years. This year is set to be a big year for him, I can see him being one of the next to blow, he has it all delivery, flow, content and versatility, plus co-signs from Krept and Youngs Teflon.

Maxsta dropped the video to his first single ‘Got Gassed’ taken from his highly anticipated ‘The Maxtape 1.5’. The lively grime tune see’s Maxsta’s return after parting ways with Sony and stepping into his own lane, creating music from a more adult viewpoint. ‘The Maxtape 1.5’ will see collaborations with Ard Adz, Sho Shallow, Big Shizz, Dot Rotten, Ny and more.

Frenchy Le Boss is (as you probably guess by the name) a French rapper who has lived most of his life in the UK, which gives him a uniqueness. Last week his ‘C’est La Vie’ mixtape was released, 16-track and strong features from some of the UK’s hardest including Young Spray, DVS, Colours, Sneakbo and Squeeks.

I think the video/track of the week has to go to Skepta and JME for ‘That’s Not Me’ for their creativity when it came to shooting the video, giving it a nostalgic and raw feel including cuts of Skepta talking about his forthcoming album ‘Konichiwa’.

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March 5, 2014

MTV The Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

Friday night some of The Wrap Up team headed down to Plan B in Brixton for Grime veteran’s Footsie’s launch party for his ‘King Original 3’ project. The night saw P Money, Big Narstie, Jammer, Big Shizz, and D Double E all touch the mic for a brilliant night. If you missed it, you certainly missed out.

Talking of Newham Generals, D Double E went to the 1Xtra studio for his Fire In The Booth. He shows his versatility in content and flow, going for a laid-back beat talking relationship and break ups to a darker beat for some war talk. Make sure you check it out and understand why he is one of the best.

Political Peak gave us a little bit more of a teaser of what to expect from his ‘Life’s Peak’ EP. The highly-rated Brixton rapper gets us on his vibe and wanting to be ‘Living Life’ more on his wavy track, mixing in some classic DJ Luck and MC Neat’s ‘A Little Bit Of Luck’ at the end.

This video caused a stir last week when it was released, and for a reason too. The official remix video to ‘Don’t Waste My Time’ from unstoppable duo Krept & Konan featuring Chip, French Montana, Wretch 32, Chinx Drugz and Fekky dropped, which saw the two in New York and Thornton Heath in South London. This is going to be a classic for years to come.

Lastly English Frank is keeping his run of videos going by releasing another video from his forthcoming project ‘Frankenstein’, out March 24. ‘Defining Moment’ sees the South London MC team up with Aydoe Soul for this hard-hitting, thought provoking and candid track.

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February 18, 2014

MTV The Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

There was loads of new music in from the world of UK rap and grime this week. Let’s kick it off with some Valentine’s specials, as there were a quite a few people in the romantic mood. First up was a special Valentines treat on Feb 14 from Dru Blu as he showed his gentler side for his three track EP release ‘Bad Romance’ which is available to buy on iTunes now.

Peckham’s Snap Capone keeps things rolling in 2014 after his much talked about mixtape ‘The Memoir’ which was released in Dec 2013. I was very interested to hear his Valentine’s track, where he used Ashanti’s ‘Foolish’ instrumental to spit some love/lust influenced bars.

Stormyz is one to really keep an eye on, and I loved his video he dropped on Valentine’s day for the ladies. ‘All That Matterz’ uses Justin Bieber’s instrumental and his flow is so fluid and effortless, with his content showing maturity. This is such a big track and one to definitely add to the playlist.

Off the Valentines subject now and moving on to some other great releases this week which saw Shak Corleone record some bars over the ‘Pound Cake’ instrumental. He was asked by his friend R.A who is currently incarcerated to record it, even though many others have done it already. He did do it proper, it’s one of the hardest ones I’ve heard.

This is a massive collaborative track that dropped last week which saw the band Sir Apollo record with producer/rapper Ayo Beatz and lyricists Sho Shallow, Ard Adz and Maxsta. Lead singer Khuddus takes care of the hook for ‘Appreciated’ with Ayo Beatz coming in with the first verse with all the artists talking through what it means to be valued and understood.

Lil Nasty reps East London for his second single off his EP ‘Nasty Piece Of Work’. ‘My Town’ is produced by Teddy and features Griminal. He talks about making ‘that music money’ which he should as he has been putting in a lot of work recently, along with starting his new label Bassheads and more.

DJ Cameo and the Future Grime Music crew are back with the visual for ‘Moonwalker’ which sees Kozzie, Scrufizzer, Saskilla, Jamkay, Brotherhood, Drifer, Dusky and Bookie all spit some solid grime bars, each with their signature flows and gritty lyrics for a fresh new take on grime that’s commercially viable.

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February 11, 2014

MTV The Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

DVS has taken over this week again releasing two videos from his mixtape ‘London Boy American Dreaming’ which went to No.1 in the iTunes hip-hop charts and No.4 in the overall iTunes charts. DVS is one of the UK’s most acclaimed UK rappers, and this mixtape is set to become a classic.

‘The Intro’ was the first video released last week where he tells stories of his life, thoughts and dreams. For the second video release of last week he turned it up and dropped a more upbeat track featuring king of the clubs Sneakbo and Disturbing London’s G FrSH for a motivational talking track with all of them providing a solid verse each.

I’m really looking forward to the release of Peak’s EP ‘Life’s Peak’, which is out on March 4 via iTunes. He shows us what we are due to expect from it as he put out the video to ‘About That Life’ which is the first track to be heard from the project and sees Peak at his finest, doing what he does best, hitting us with some truthful, hard-hitting bars.

The Triple Darkness collective showcase UK hip-hop at its best with intense verses from Black Prophet, Tesia’a Ghost, Ray Vendetta, Ringz of Saturn, Iron Braydz, Cyrus Malachi and Solar Black for their new cut ‘Reanimation’ with perfect visuals to match the dark track. Triple Darkness aim to encourage the youth of today with their lyrics, so listen and learn.

Negash Ali is really one to watch out for this year, with Capital Xtra naming him their ‘New Breakthrough Act’. He has opened for Nas, Damian Marley, Wiz Khalifa and more. He’s due to release his EP ‘The African Dream’ this month on February 17 and recently hit us with the visuals for his lead single ‘Fire In The Sky’.

Cashtastic’s highly-anticipated EP ‘Alarm Clock’ was released yesterday on iTunes and ahead of that to keep people looking forward to it, he released the video to the remix of ‘In The Party’ where he is joined by Stylo G to give it that dancehall feel. Make sure you get ‘Alarm Clock’ now!

Bigz is bringing the sunshine to winter as he lifts us up with new track ‘The Ride Continues’ filled with soul as J Warner sings the hook giving his own version of ‘Gin And Juice’ and Giggs hits us with a nice, laid-back verse with effortless swag. Loving this track.

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February 6, 2014

MTV The Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

Cashtastic is one of the hardest working rappers in the UK, never releasing track upon track for the sake of it – he seems to have a plan. He recorded his first song at the age of 10 and now is only in his early 20’s. I have a feeling the ‘Alarm Clock’ EP (released Feb 9) is just going to warm us up for the release of his debut album. ‘Red Handed’ is the first release to be heard from the EP and really shows off Cash’s skills as a lyricist and artist.

Yungen turned 22 on February 1 and to celebrate he released a video for his fans, reversing roles and giving them a present! ’22 (Cake)’ produced by ADP is a fun track which sees Yungen partying with his boys in a flat and just enjoying life. I hope he got what he wished for on his birthday. ‘All I want for my birthday is some cake, cake, cake…’

South-East London rapper Benjamin A.D is one that I was surprised at myself for not paying enough attention to, as he definitely deserves it. ‘No More Drama’ is the opening track off his ‘Acknowledgments’ EP, which hears him talk about wanting a stress free life. The C-Major produced track is different; not a straight hip-hop beat, but flits into dubstep.

Another South London rapper is also back with his first track of the year. Joe Grind released a lyric video for song ‘Speaking English’ – this track will be on his forthcoming EP ‘Episode 3: Better Late Than Never’.

One of my favourite tracks off the ‘Class 90’ album is ‘Tell Em’ which sees Big Shizz and Kay Wills from the Rascals being joined by one of North London’s finest, Squeeks, along with vocals from Goldie 1 and Big Swingz. This collaboration has really worked so well together and for me will remain a classic – check out the video HERE.

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January 28, 2014

MTV The Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

Fire In The Booth has really been on fire last week where we heard two epic freestyles. First up was from OGz representative P Money who is set to clash Big H in the forthcoming clash series Lord Of The Mics, who he aimed some exclusive, fresh war bars at. The beats were courtesy of Swifta Beater and Preditah.

One of the UK’s most famed rappers Tinie Tempah was the second one this week to go on the show showing why he climbed to the top and that he can really spit flames silencing a lot of people and getting some stuff off of his chest. He used a few instrumentals including Pusha T’s ‘Numbers On The Boards’, Drake’s ‘Pound Cake’ and Krept & Konan’s ‘Don’t Waste My Time’.  Make sure you check both of these out.

It was good to hear a new track from Manchester lyricist Rio who collaborated with producer Rymez who is behind a few of Wiley’s hit records and talented singer/songwriter L Marshall who always does justice to a track. I’m really feeling this on so make sure you go and have a listen to ‘Hideout’.

An East London rising rapper Shockers is joined by two heavyweights in the scene Ghetts and Joe Black who collaborate with him on ‘Bally On’ a track off his recently released mixtape ‘Shocktown’ which featured other respected names such as Squeeks and Young Marv. With these co-signs it will help strengthen his name in the scene.

D Dark has been around for a little while now and this year I think he’s really going to turn a lot of heads as I can see him experimenting more and a lot more hunger. Take note of his new one ‘F*** About’ which will lead him into his forthcoming big single due to drop soon.

For me Mynature is one of the most honest and best lyricists in the UK at present. His first track of the year ‘Spin Em’ cements this as he shows off his incredible flow, switching it up midway to an old skool jungle one effortlessly and back again. His content is very real and thought provoking, with a confidence on this tune that one that no other rapper can touch him.

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January 21, 2014

MTV The Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

This duo are an unstoppable force and 2014 begun with a whole host of artists remixing their hit track ‘Don’t Waste My Time’ including Lady Leshurr, Shystie and A.Dot, Dru Blu, Youngs Teflon, Bonkaz, Stormzy, Swift and many more.

Krept & Konan made another power move last week, flying to New York to visit the Bad Boy head office where they became the first UK rappers to film for Diddy’s Revolt TV. I can’t wait to see the footage, and we can only expect bigger and better things from them this year.

Giggs released the video to ‘Mr Kool’ featuring soul legend Anthony Hamilton; it’s my favourite track from his ‘When Will It Stop’ album. I guess he’s really not stopping for anybody, as him and Lolo also released the video to their track ‘Gangsters’. Lolo, who hails from Memphis, enlisted the South London rapper to feature on her soulful track to give it that Bonnie & Clyde edge with his bars.

After the success of his first track ‘What You Got’ to be heard off his ‘The African Dream’ EP that is slated for a release date of February 17, Negash Ali returns with his lead single ‘Fire In The Sky’ produced by Focus and featuring a hook from Siff.

The 23-year-old has already worked with Chris Brown and Jadakiss and opened for Ne-Yo, Nas, Damian Marley and Wiz Khalifa. Expect to hear more from him this year.

South East London rapper Snap Capone released his 24-track mixtape ‘The Memoir’ last month and last week dropped the video to ‘Gangster’s Tale’ from there. Snap Capone is rated highly in the scene and this year I’m looking forward to seeing his progress and what is to come from him.

Two members of USG last week released music. The first was Exo who gave fans a free mixtape of 18 tracks which saw features from DVS, Scorcher, Ard Adz, Sho Shallow and more. You can get ‘The Best Of Exo Vo.1 from Hood Tapes for free now.

Manchester based Geko and youngest in charge got influenced by Mic Righteous for his track ‘Mind Games’ – instead of a pen, he talked about headphones and a bed… you’ll have to listen to it to understand.

Until next time!

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January 17, 2014

Krept (@kreptplaydirty) & Konan (@konanplaydirty) Will Be The First UK Rappers To Feature On Revolt TV [News]

Krept & Konan recently flew to the New York to make some power moves, one of them being the first UK rappers to be on P.Diddy’s Revolt TV.

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Revolt TV is the mogul’s TV network and features the biggest names in hip hop from Rick Ross to Ice Cube. For Krept & Konan to be on their is such a big move and really shows how these two are a force to be reckoned with.

They also met up with French Montana who was on their official remix to Don’t Waste My Time. We can only expect big things from the rap duo this year…I can’t wait.

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January 8, 2014

MTV The Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

2014 has begun with a bang in the world of UK rap. Firstly lets begin with Krept & Konan whose show we attended at 02 Islington Academy on December 28 and featured guests included Chip, Yungen, G FrSH and Sneakbo who performed ‘Jetski Wave’, Gracious Kthe ‘Migraine Skank’ and Wretch 32 ‘Traktor’ for us. The crowd went absolutely mental especially for ‘Lord Forgive Me’, ‘M.D.M.A’ and ‘Don’t Waste My Time’.

At the end we were treated to the first listen of the official ‘Don’t Waste My Time’ remix featuring Chip, Fekky, Wretch 32, French Montana and Chinx Drugz. The audio is now out now and has got a wicked response, with French also putting another remix with Lil Durk on his ‘Coke Boys 4’ mixtape which is amazing for a US artist to take a UK track and cover it also keeping the hook the same. This will help the guys get recognition out in the US and 2014 should be bigger for them than 2013. (They were also on 1Xtra’s Hot for 2014 list).

Yesterday another remix dropped of ‘Don’t Waste My Time’ this was from Play Dirty member Yungen and Play Hard’s Sneakbo. Yungen spits, “Krept and Kon didn’t bother put me on the remix, won’t catch me bitching cuz their my n****’s.”

Two South London native’s Sho Shallow and Ard Adz have really got off to a good start this year dropping their new mixtape ‘Salute Me Or Shoot Me 2’ which is 20 tracks deep and include features from Goldie 1, Jaja Soze, Wholagun and STP with production from Ayo Beatz, HT Beats, Westy Beats and more. Before the tape dropped they also released a video off there, ‘Laugh Out Loud’, warming everyone up for it.

Young Adz is one I’ve been keeping an eye on for some time as he is very talented and I think has a bright future. Last year hip-hop legend Jadakiss also noticed him and signed him to D Block Europe. Young Adz has begun the year in the right way and that’s dropping some new material in the form of new video ‘#HellaThings’ and hopefully he has lots more lined up for us.

DVS took to channel PressPlay to announce that he has moved the date back only by just over a week for his new mixtape ‘London Boy American Dreaming’ to January 13. He also revealed the track listing which has some big collaborations and got me quite excited, they include Ard Adz, Sho Shallow, Sneakbo, Youngs Teflon, Wretch 32, Young Spray, Krept & Konan, Squeeks, Joe Black, G FrSH, J Spades and more. Although dropping at the beginning of the year this may be one of the best 2014 has to offer, we’ve got to wait a whole year to see!

Three of the STP team from South London also dropped a banger for us last week. This street track titled ‘Heaven Or Hell’ refixed Luniz ‘I Got Five On It’. With Mitch and Timbo handling the verses and Cass the hook they definitely did the song justice.

I also want to shout out Scrufizzer who over the last week has delivered two songs on his Soundcloud. He really deserves to do well as his consistency and quality of work has always remained solid. He released a preview just over a minute long of perhaps his next single produced by Preditah ‘Flow Don-Don’, which sounds great. He also put out a more mellow full track ‘No Need 2 Rush’ with a West Coast vibe on the production and sees him talking about love.

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