Archive for ‘News’

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November 7, 2012

MTV Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

I headed down to venue Under The Bridge in Fulham last Thursday to watch Tinchy Stryder’s one man show. Considering we haven’t heard that much from Tinchy recently, his supporters came out in full force to watch him, letting him know they weren’t going anywhere whist they wait for his new album ‘Full Tank’ to be released soon…

I hit Scala on Saturday night for Harry Shotta’s birthday bash. It was a night to remember as artists from Skibadee to Flirta D took to the stage and got the crowd hyped up. If you didn’t go, you missed out!

Awards season has fallen upon us once again and this year we saw the MOBO’s being held in Liverpool on Saturday. Sadly I didn’t make it down, but Plan B deservedly won Best Hip Hop/Grime Act as well as Best Male.

The Urban Music Awards nominees have also been released, with Sneakbo up against Dot Rotten, Smiler and Maxsta in the Best Newcomer category. Best Male Artist sees Sneakbo, Smiler and Maxsta nominated again, this time up against Wiley and Devlin amongst others.

Best Hip-Hop nominees went to Professor Green, Plan B, Maxsta, Dizzee Rascal, Sway and Lady Leshurr – this category has definitely got some tough competition. Klashnekoff’s ‘FTLT’ album is up against Plan B’s ‘Ill Manor’s and Krept & Konan are nominated alongside Clement Marfo + The Frontline and Rizzle Kicks for Best Group.

Mic Righteous brought us the 13th segment of GRM Daily’s new Daily Duppy’s series last Monday, spitting some honest bars. A few days later he then told us the ‘Thoughts Of A Dying Man’ in his brand new hard-hitting track produced by Red Skull Beats; he also released the accompanying video where we see him getting stabbed.

Speaking of deep videos, Youngs Teflon told the story of ‘Mellisa’ through a new video, showing a harsh love story which ends in the worst way possible.

Benny Banks premiered his new track ‘Trouble’ last week which samples late singer Amy Winehouse. The video was also released and sees Banks and his team in Amsterdam.

East London producer Steel Banglez met with longtime collaborator Cashtastic for his brand new track ‘Wafey’ which also features rapper Margs. The video dropped last night so make sure you check out this banger.

Charlie Sloth made Joe Grind and Steelo’s new track ‘Obstacles’ No.2 on the hood heat chart of his hip-hop show. This will be on the pair’s forthcoming collaborative album ‘Steel Grinding’, so make sure you look out for that when it drops.

Until next time!

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October 31, 2012

MTV Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

Winter is officially here! The clocks have turned back and the weather last week was unbelievably cold. Myself and The Wrap Up’s editor Maz braved the cold on Monday for Clement Marfo + The Frontline’s show in Camden, where they were supported by Charlee Drew and Josh Kumra. The collective are known for their rowdy shows and this was one of the rowdiest I have been to yet! The audience got soaked as usual by Clements water throwing antics and there was a big moshpit before Clement tore off the ‘no stage diving’ sign and jumped off the stage…

On Wednesday night I was invited to Tzar’s listening party for his new joint project with VersA Beatz, ‘XO.VS’ at a luxury penthouse in Westminster. We were treated to drinks and a spectacular view as everyone including rappers Bigz, Smiler, Mega and Mayhem sat down and listened to the full-length project, which is an ode to the high life and true love for luxury possessions. The two are already working on a follow up to the project, so watch out for that.

Benny Banks warmed up for Pusha T last week, and although I wasn’t there, he performed his new track ‘Trouble’ which is currently floating about online.

The video to K. Koke’s first official single was released – and what a moment it was. The video was more like a mini movie, a tale of struggle which showed Koke’s ability to appeal to a more varied audience but without losing his authenticity. Rappers can learn a lesson from this, as he shows you don’t have to compromise who you are.

Steel Banglez got the first play of his new track ‘Wafey’ on DJ Target’s show last week; of course it featured Cashtastic who works with the East London producer on a lot of his own tracks. We also hear some bars from Margs.

Young Don and Fekky had a few releases last week. Young Don released the video to his collaboration with Fekky called ‘ Gwup Boyz’  from ‘The Weather Man’. The 13-track mixtape was released last week and features UK rap peers such as J Spades, Squeeks, Ard Adz, Sho Shallow and more. Fekky also dropped the video to ‘No Worries’ featuring Slic Vic – look out for it.

Political Peak released the video to ‘Times Have Changed’ featuring Tayong off his ‘Dreams 2 Reality’ mixtape that also came out last week. The 19-track free download includes features from DVS, Jaja Soze and Exo and is definitely worth a listen.

Until next Monday!

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October 23, 2012

MTV Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

Last Monday I hit the Jazz Café in Camden to catch one of the world’s best DJ’s, Jazzy Jeff. DJ’s Emily Rawson and Big Ted kept us entertained, spinning some old school jams as we waited. MysDiggi gave a witty performance and Blak Twang came on afterwards to show the crowd what UK hip-hop is all about. Jazzy Jeff gave us an outstanding performance mixing some modern hip-hop with classic tracks…

Azealia Banks was in London for the Mermaid Ball gig recently and Shystie was there to support and perform with Azealia, who later tweeted: “Shystie is better than any female with a mic in her hand right now”. Last Monday Shystie and Ms Banks got to shoot the video to their track ‘Control It’ and I can only imagine how great it’s going to turn out. With not many female collaborations as it is, these two have great chemistry and this is going to show on screen. I can’t wait to see the video!

Giggs told the world who he wanted to help settle his frustration last week since his release from prison, as he tweeted: “Da cover drive chick need to bring that sexy body over here, always wining up her self on TV stressin me out when I was locked up, she owes me”

Giggs also revealed his first video since his hiatus, ‘What N****s Want’; it was the moment a lot of people, including myself, had been waiting for. The track is set to be on his album ‘When Will It Stop’ which is due out next year.

Now it’s time to look at some standout tracks and videos from the week. Manchester rapper Lyrican enlisted 15-year-old USG member Geko to feature on his new track ‘Falling Down’.  Geko also had his own track that came out last night, which hears him talk us through some of his life and trials and tribulations in ‘From Young’.

London MC Melanin 9 who has a reputation for his conscientious rhymes and intelligent wordplay has a new release called ‘Landslide’. This is following on from his recent video ‘Organised Democracy’ off his new album ‘Magna Carta’ which is due for release on December 3.

Young Spray dropped the video to ‘Forgiveness’ from his ‘Hard 2 Kill Vol 2’ mixtape, which is out now. Mr. RTM’s new mixtape ‘Realer Than Most Vol 3’, hosted by Mykal Million will be also be dropping very soon, so look out for that.

Tonight I’m off to see Clement Marfo + The Frontline at Barfly in Camden for their headline show, and from what I’ve seen from them before, it’s definitely not one to miss. I’ll fill you in on what went down next week…

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October 17, 2012

K Koke – An Insight [Documentary]

The heat on K Koke is growing in the UK and worldwide, making him the first UK rapper to land a deal with Jay Z‘s label Roc Nation. His latest offering Turn Back features vocalist Maverick Sabre and is set to be released November 25th, with his debut album I Ain’t  Perfect out early next year. In this documentary Koke talks to video director Emil Nava for an 18 min deep insight through his journey and his career, the highs the lows, his family & much more.

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October 16, 2012

MTV Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

It’s been a busy week for me as I headed to various events that were happening around London, one of which being RWD’s 11th birthday party on Saturday. Room 1 saw sets from DJ Target, Logan Sama, Fonti and Bushkin as well a live set from Boy Better Know. Room 2 saw a hip-hop takeover as DJ Semtex and Shortee Blitz and others spinned the decks. I saw a few familiar faces in the crowd, including Clement Marfo and Roll Deep’s Manga…

In news, it seems that Wiley has signed another album deal for his upcoming album ‘The Ascent’, which is said to be released in February next year. Tracks on the album will include his hit No.1 single ‘Heatwave’ and second single ‘Can You Hear Me (Ayayaya)’ featuring Skepta, JME and Ms D. Standout features on the tracklist include Emeli Sande, Angel, Kano, Chip, Ice Kid and a mysterious line up of seven grime MC’s – I wonder who will make up the magic seven?

Fans were disappointed when Giggs delayed his video release by a day for NY who released her album yesterday, proving what a good friend he is. Watch out for the video ‘What N****s Want’ tonight at 8pm as it will be released via Rap City TV. I know I’m excited to hear what Giggs has in store, are you?

Charlie Sloth recently announced on his BBC 1Xtra show that he had a meeting with the MOBO’s bosses and they had agreed to let ‘The UK Rap Anthem’ be performed live at the award show. This reminds me of the epic moment when Tinchy Stryder’s ‘Game Over’ was performed for the first time there. ‘The UK Rap Anthem’ was made to celebrate the power and variety of the UK rap scene in 2012 and unites rappers from across the UK together on one track. It includes Mic Righteous, English Frank, Madhat McGore, Shotty Horroh, Flow Dem and more.

Rap City released ‘The Trap’ movie, a 48-minute piece written by Arnold Jorge, aka A Squeezy. It features UK rappers J Spades, Dun D, Margs and Fekky. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s definitely worth a watch.

Joe Black surprised me with a mixtape last week! I didn’t expect there to be a ‘Realionaire 1.5’; I expected the north London rapper to jump straight to number 2. His first ‘Realionaire’ mixtape caused quite a buzz last year and I can’t wait for the next one. In the meantime, check out the free 20-track mixtape featuring some of rap’s heavyweights including Blade Brown, Squeeks, Margs and Fekky.

In other news, Dru Blu told everyone why you can’t mess with him and his ‘Clique’ as he spat some heavy bars over the original G.O.O.D Music instrumental. We also saw two other videos be released recently; one was Cashtastic’s ‘Alarm Clock’ and the other saw Political Peak release the video to ‘Jump Off’.

Until next week!

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October 12, 2012

The Trap Official Movie ft. Arnold Jorge, J Spades, Dun D, Margs & Fekky

Rap City bring you The Trap a 48 min movie written by Arnold Jorge aka A Squeezy and also features UK rappers J Spades, Dun D, Margs and Fekky.

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October 9, 2012

MTV Wrap UP: UK Rap Rundown [News]

Nas was in London last week to play three intimate shows and brought Wretch 32 and George the Poet for support, which saw them both perform at one of Nas’ shows in Shoreditch, showing the exceptional lyrical talent the UK has to offer…

Meanwhile, one of UK raps most talked about artists at the moment will soon have something new for us; J Spades is hitting the studio tonight as he announced on Twitter that he will be finishing off an exciting new track: “Studio tonight to finish up that new  ‪@REAL_JSPADES and ‪@WackaFlocka tune! ‪#Bricksquad ‪#MMMP! ‪#MMMP2 coming soon!” As he mentioned in the tweet, his new mixtape ‘More Money More Pagans 2’ will be coming real soon.

Chip also took to Twitter to tell us when his anticipated mixtape ‘London Boy’ is due out and also revealed details on the next project that he has in store for us: ”‪#LondonBoy 25th December !!! FREE MIXTAPE ‪#PizzaBoy feat. ‪@MeekMill up next… Shutting the clubs DOWN!!!”

I previously filled you in on Rapper Tag UK; an online cypher that started with Mystro. The last one ended with M9 aka Melanin 9; their latest video is up now and sees Hackney MC Cyrus Malachi spit some bars. It is also Rapper Tag’s first birthday – we wish them many more years to come!

As well as K. Koke’s ‘Pure Koke Vol. 3 ‘dropping last week, the USG rapper also got airplay for his debut single ‘Turn Back’ featuring soulful singer Maverick Sabre. The track is about his struggles and samples Sting’s track ‘Shape Of My Heart,’ which Nas also used on ‘The Message’. The video will be dropping soon.

USG boss Squingy was joined by members Exo and Lefty to bring us the theme tune ‘Money On My Mind’ to the forthcoming movie ‘Fedz’. The soundtrack will also include tracks from J Spades, Giggs, Margs, DVS, Joe Black and more.

South London’s Colours Miyagi has returned from a short hiatus to bring us a brand new track ‘Burn’, showing us that even though he has been away, listeners are “locked down now I’m back”. His lyricism and flow has developed into something more special; other rappers can learn a thing or two from this one.

Political Peak has dropped two tracks this week in the lead up to his ‘Dreams 2 Reality’ mixtape. ‘Wise Up’ was the first one to be heard featuring Ard Adz and Blacker. The next was ‘Dreamin’, an emotional track featuring former Sugababes member Keisha Buchanan who add a nice touch to the song with her strong vocals.

Until next Monday!

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October 2, 2012

MTV Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]

He has been one of my favourite rappers for over a year now, since the release of ‘Yob Culture’ and my first meeting with him last summer at the filming of the UK BET cypher. Mic Righteous has announced that he will be releasing an EP called ‘Open Mic’ in January and after his immensely impressive SB.TV session last week, I know this may well be the best we have heard from him so far…

He has also asked the True Tiger boys to remix his first single ‘Ghost Town’, which I expect will have a dubstep sound.

Cashtastic was busy on Saturday night as he shot the video to his new track ‘Alarm Clock’, tweeting: “Gunna wake the game up wid ‪#AlarmClock both song and video”, he tweeted this along with pictures from his Instagram account to give his fans a taster of what is to come.

K. Koke had a special surprise for fans last night as he had them guessing on Twitter what his ‘#KokeSurprise’ was. He then released a net video to a track called ‘Warning’, announcing that he would be releasing ‘Pure Koke Vol 3’, writing: “THE LAST PUREKOKEVOL3……… AFTER THIS IAINTPERFECT 2 D WORLD USG ATEAM RCA/ROC”. The last of the Pure Koke tapes will be out tonight at 8pm, so make sure you look out for it.

Last week we heard a bit more of what was to come from Giggs – I know I am definitely excited to hear some new music from him soon. He tweeted last Monday: “WHEN WILL IT STOP” still coming soon…” He also shot a new music video last Monday, so we should be hearing and seeing some new material from him in the immediate future.

Political Peak gave us a video of the behind-the-scenes action for his forthcoming video ‘Jump Off’ and then released the audio to the track. The club banger comes from his forthcoming ‘Dreams 2 Reality’ mixtape.

I spoke to him about the track, which sees him take a different approach his usual style: “A producer from Philadelphia came over to London to work with me. He showed me his sound that he’s got going on out there – then ‘Jump Off’ was created. The song is basically about bad girls getting treated like good girls.”

Youngs Teflon has been working hard and recently released the ‘Wrapping Ain’t Dead’ video from his ‘Tr!ll!n’ mixtape. The south London rapper has called on some UK heavyweights such as Skepta, NoLay, Joe Black and Squeeks to help him out with the free 16-track mixtape

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October 1, 2012

Starboy Nathan Explains Going On X-Factor [News]

A lot of people were shocked when they saw Starboy Nathan hit their screens on X Factor. The views were mixed as many took to Twitter and even got the subject trending, some people having respect for him for doing and others having a lot of bad things to say.

Last night a lot of people tuned in to see who would be exiting the show, and Starboy Nathan was of them. He immediately took to Twitter to post a video explaining the reason why he went on X Factor in the first place, answering a lot of peoples questions of his motive.

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September 24, 2012

MTV Wrap Up – UK Rap Rundown [News]

Hey guys. It looks like winter is back; hopefully my news will cheer you up on this gloomy day! On Saturday night (22nd) I went to the East Ender Festival in Shoreditch where newbies such as the Bakery Boys, XO Man and Joel Culpepper joined some old-school heads like Blak Twang, Mystro and TY. I had a chat with TY about why events like these are important to the scene… He said: “Hip-hop events like this are important because in a time when mainstream pop-rap is so readily accessible in the charts, you need somewhere where the real lovers of all forms of hip-hop music can see artists from all over the world on the same stage.”

Saturday’s co-hosts Supa Dupa Fly said: “It’s important to put out quality hip-hop from the UK. Having legends TY and Blak Twang on the line-up made it really special for us. We plan to do more events like this – watch out for the Jazzy Jeff show at Jazz Cafe on October 15!

The booking of Doom had nothing to do with us, but its big shame and let down for the audience that he did a no-show. This just makes us want to support British music even more – TY, Blak Twang, Big Ted and Emily Rawson saved the day!”

I also picked up Mystro’s debut album ‘Mystrogen’ from him on Saturday night. The album reflects the set of skills he is renowned for; it is witty, humorous and has a great mix of wordplay, punch lines and social commentary – I think it is set to be a classic. It’s now available from all good digital outlets and includes features and production from Si Spex, Show N Prove, Mr Thing, Big Al and Homeboy Sandman.

Let’s take a look at tracks and videos of the week now. Genesis Elijah released ‘Underground King’, an honest and hard-hitting track where he spits his views on the music industry. Klashnekoff alsoreleased his highly-anticipated album ‘F**k The Long Talk’ last month and last week he gave us one of the tracks ‘Got To Be Right’ produced by Show N Prove to stream.

Ard Adz and Sho Shallow were due to open up for the Maybach Music Tour earlier this month; sadly, it was postponed. However, the pair covered their track ‘Actin Up’ with a version of their own in true Windy Music style. The duo also visited Link-Up TV for a session, giving us some deep and honest bars.

Melanin 9 released a video to his second track ‘Organized Democracy’, which is also a trailer for his ‘Magna Carta’ album which will be out on December 3.

Lastly, USG’s boss Squingy released the video to ‘Deeper’ from his ‘Wrighty’s 1st Son Part 2’ mixtape. I was a part of the video shoot so see if you can spot me in the visuals…

Until next week!

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