We Are FSTVL made its return, for its fourth year last weekend for the late May bank holiday weekend. Bespoke Mag made it’s way down for the Saturday along with 50,000 other House, Drum & Bass and electronic dance music lovers. Held in Upminster, Essex the festival dealt with a real treat in the sunshine with the biggest names in Dance gracing the stage including headliners Fatboy Slim, DJ Fresh and Sigma on the main stage.
The first DJ we saw shelling down Shy FX at 6pm in the UKF tent and unfortunately with the tent being so busy we were stopped by bouncers as we made our way inside so had to find a spot outside. Surprisingly, he opened his set with Giggs “Look What The Cat Dragged In” which we wasn’t expecting from the legend, but we wasn’t complaining! He went into another Giggs classic before mashing up the set with a mixture of Grime, Jungle and Drum & Bass like a true master.
We made our way to the main stage to watch Sigma shut things down. The sun was still shining as the guys played to a busy crowd with the best in Drum & Bass with tunes such as Chase & Status’ “No Problems” their tracks “Lighters” and “Nobody To Love” and more. They killed it for the ravers, especially the Drum & Bass crew with their banging tunes.
Preditah, the Birmingham DJ, who is known for his harrowing Grime beats, but also dabbles in House amongst other genres was the next act up. The UKF tent was still so packed we remained in our nice spot outside. We listened to some of the best tracks in the sunshine of a mixture of beats such as Kano’s “Garage Skank” and Solo 45’s massive festival tune “Feed Em To The Lions”.
We headed to the main stage again to catch the headliner of Saturday’s We Are FSTVL; Fatboy Slim. Known as one of the most prolific and in-demand dance DJs his set was one not to be missed. As we touched the outdoor arena of the main stage we heard the huge track “Eat Sleep Rave Repeat” and the crowd was going absolutely wild. We also heard a re-worked “Praise You”, The Sugarhill Gang’s “Apache” and more whilst lasers blasted across the sky above us and smiley face balls were descended across the crowd.
Lady Lykez takes to the streets of London, Oxford St with DJ Melody Kane for a fun-filled video for new track ‘What Are Those!’ It features a verse from a familiar face from Fire Camp, Face who proceeds to give the track a different edge to it. It’s full of humour and clever wordplay and is co-produced by Lykez herself and Elliot Bradley.
Sticky Blood ft. LDizz – Hop In The Place
Go-to producers Sticky Blood who hail from Sheffield drop a brand new track ‘Hop In The Place’ ft. another Steel City representative LDizz. The new generation Grime MC brings an anthemic chorus and melodic flows coupled with the Grime x Trap vibes and deep bass it unites for one heavy, summertime track.
Chase & Status ft. Novelist – NRG
We heard the audio of this track back in April, and now we get the visuals to boot of the high octane ‘NRG’ track. The electronic music duo are joined by South London Grime MC Novelist who powers through the track with confidence and fire. You’ll be able to catch this on Chase & Status fourth studio forthcoming album. Until then watch the intense video below.
Massappeals ft. Mez – Wheel
Midlands producer Massappeals is on a mission to bring out tracks with Midlands based MC’s. The first one to be released from this is ‘Wheel’ and features an exciting MC, Mez from Nottingham who adds his energetic flows and mean lyrics to the already hype, and soon to be club banger. Watch out from more of these tracks from Massappeals to come with artists such as Snowy.
So Solid ft. Swiss, Asher D, Mega – Baking
So Solid veterans Swiss, Asher D and Mega join together for new track ‘Baking.’ The three drops some solid bars with unmatchable flows over a Dexplicit produced beat. Watch the energetic video to the catchy track below.
North West London rapper K Koke made his return known to the UK rap game with his new track ‘I’m Back Again’, featuring a hook from one of the UK’s brightest talents, Stefflon Don. Despite his career being held back due to unfortunate circumstances, this talented lyricist is making sure nothing will stop him achieving his goals, and this track definitely reinforces that message. It’s a follow-up to the teaser track ‘Living Isn’t Found’ from Koke, which dropped a few days before, talking through social, political and personal issues. These two tracks definitely show us that he has had a lot to think about and is in a reflective state of mind, which will make his comeback stronger, as he is presenting issues that people can relate to. ‘I’m Back Again’ though is more personal for him as he raps about issues holding his music career back: “No nights off, I’m grinding like I’m supposed to fam, sliding from the sirens tryna find us in their police van.”
Kojey Radical – ‘Footsteps’
Kojey Radical delivers a stunning new visual for his track ‘Footsteps’, from his recently released EP 23 Winters. The dark video shows Kojey battling demons as he talks us through personal struggles, “I was out here trying to make a penny out this hardship,” whilst we see him with a bottle of Hennessey and clips of him in an emotional state. His delivery is also emotionally charged and full of passion as he talks us through a story of the music industry, his parents, and the struggles he sees around him personally. Kojey says of the track, “‘Footsteps’ is a visual depiction of what it’s like to battle with self-doubt within an industry designed to pigeon-hole and categorise. A struggle that becomes more apparent as I grow as an artist and as a thinker.” It’s a great blend of poetry and rap.
Big 6ix ft TE dness – ‘Are You Mad’
Big 6ix enlists another 6 Figure Music artist TE dness for ‘Are You Mad’, where the two spit fire over a hard, trap beat. Big 6ix has worked as an engineer on tracks for the likes of C Biz and Stormzy, and both artists have a reputation in the scene for delivering quality music. ‘Are You Mad’ brings a lulling, almost ghostly beat as the introduction, which turns into an ominous, trap beat as Big 6ix delivers confident, street bars with a solid, fierce delivery as he spits on the hook, “the realist is back, was a King in the trap, just to be a King in this rap, bruv are you made, Imma put this ting on the map.” TE dness switches his verse up with unique delivery, which stands out and shows TE is a step above the rest.
Adian Coker – ‘Krispy’
Adian Coker released his Connect EP on May 20th, but before it dropped he teased us with three out of the six tracks: ‘Aim’ ft Bluey Robinson, ‘Iyamide’s Son,’ and ‘Nothing New’. Now he brings us the visuals for ‘Krispy’. It’s a beast of a tune, with a heavy-footed bass that charges through the song, leading you to bop your head in time with the fast pace. Adian prowls through the track seemingly indifferent to his own ingenious lyrics, eloquent raps, and intelligent wordplay, proving he is in a lane of his own.
Don Strapzy – ‘War Ready’
South London artist Don Strapzy has been hitting us hard with a lot of music recently. His latest track and video, ‘War Ready’, features Strapzy coming for his title and is ready to do whatever it takes. He shows us some of his of his slick wordplay and hard hitting bars coupled with a strong delivery that matches the track’s theme. The visuals show Strapzy filmed behind bars and also some clips in the gym. He talks us through some personal real-life issues and his career, “I’m in the jungle look mr Jungle Book and I’m Shere Khan.”
In other news…
Giggs released a snippet of music on his Instagram, which is suspected to be from his forthcoming album Landlord: “BELIEVE ME PEOPLE,THE NEW ALBUM “LANDLORD” IS COMING. DONT BE IMPATIENT,IVE NEVER EVER LET YOU DOWN,AND LET ME JUST REMIND YOU WHY.” We can’t wait for that!
West Bromwich’s Dapz On The Map is killing it with his latest track releases such as ‘Murdah’ and ‘I Swear,’ showing his adaptability as an artist. We heard the Thomas Mellor produced track earlier this year as the audio was released, and now we get the visuals to match, along with an extra verse added to freshen things up.
Rival – Bright Star
Rival released his album ‘Portrait Of The Underclass’ last week on iTunes and also dropped a track off of there to give his fans a taster. We already heard the intro which was sonically stunning and featured a live band. Now you can listen to ‘Bright Star’ featuring Cameron Bloomfield which sees Rival on his A Game with tough lyrics, sharp flows and a passionate delivery.
Angel – Tongue Song
West London based singer Angel puts a spin on Sisqo’s classic ‘Thong Song’ for new cut ‘Tongue Song.’ This is one sexy song you will expect to be played in the clubs. Angel says, “Just came out the studio with this vibe the other night and needed to put this out straight away.”
Sir Spyro – Side By Side Remix ft. YGG
Taking on the classic original, Grime crew YGG come on board to spit some bars over Sir Spyro’s track ‘Side By Side.’ Asked by Amy Becker to remix the track for a new forthcoming vinyl EP called ‘RMX,’ it’s also been gifted with some pretty cold black and white visuals. This is set to gooooo off in a rave and will definitely be getting reloaded.
Jorja Smith – Where Did I Go
Jorja Smith has quickly built a name for herself, with all of her releases being strong. Her new one as ever is soulful and slick. Produced by Cadenza, he slows the production down, but still keeps the bass and dance element there. Her daring songwriting skills are present again and this is another element that makes her special.
Even though we heard this song from DVS in 2014 off of his classic UK rap mixtape London Boy American Dreaming, we never got the chance to see the visuals. ‘Forgotten’ is definitely an apt name for the track, as this video was found in SBTV’s archives from 2014. Featuring the vocals of Anthony Thomas, this is a love track dedicated to an ex-girlfriend where DVS talks about the good times they had and how he misses her, “I never knew how much I missed ya, till I was scrolling through some old skool pictures, looking back at all the happy memories we shared, the love we had is gone but the memories are there.” It’s something a lot of people can relate to as well.
North London rapper Coops is back at it with the release of his new track ‘More Time,’ the first track to be taken from his forthcoming debut album God Complex, dropping June 6th. He warms his fans up nicely, helped by his in-house producer Talos, who once again showcases his classic old-school hip-hop influences with a track that is reminiscent of Nas’ ‘NY State of Mind’ and hearkens back to the best of the ’90s era. Coops’ conscious and thought-provoking raps, blend fantastically with his laid-back flow and the relaxed delivery that has gained him worldwide fans and recognition in the music industry. This track is about him airing his thoughts and his observations on topics ranging from religion, the system, spirituality and more. Coops gave some insight into the music he makes: “we are constantly evolving and growing, changing and building upon our opinions and ideas and my music is just a reflection of this.”
Franko Fraize – ‘Only’
Thetford MC Franko Fraize is known for his down-to-earth lyrics, charm and distinct tones and his new track ‘Only’ is no different. He brings elements of drum & bass for this brilliant new track, really showing off what British music is all about – being different and unique. It’s powerful, gritty and street, but also melancholy before the rumbling bassline kicks in. He delivers his raps with emotion and power, and really gets you feeling as though you’re seeing the world through his eyes: “you find that you don’t know what you have got if you don’t know what it’s like to go without.” Franko will be definitely be causing a stir with this hearty, reality track.
Yungen
Yungen captures a summertime vibe for his new single ‘Take My Number’, featuring the sumptuous vocals of West London singer Angel. The UK rap star is trying to get a girl who is “the baddest in the ends,” who although she has a man, Yungen states that, “my home’s better.” Yungen performed the song live at his sold out headline show at Village Underground alongside Angel, causing a storm. Now we get to watch the slick visuals of one of Yungen’s best songs to date, where he’s takes it more down the R&B route, but combined with his wordsmith bars. ‘Take My Number’ is produced by Angel and A.D.P. This is due to be an huge anthem for the radio, clubs and festivals.
SAS
Mega & Mayhem make up SAS ( Streets All Salute) who are veterans in the UK rap scene. They bring us visuals to their heavy new track ‘Alien’, produced by Truth. They rap about people getting bitter and just ignoring them and getting better, but also bring some braggadocious lyrics too. Mayhem raps, “Top 5 starter, I’ll teach you how to ball like Coach Carter, 1 arda, man look up to me like dey father,” letting people know their position in the scene and SAS aren’t to be messed with.
Dave & AJ Tracey are two of the best up and coming, young MC’s and joining forces together makes for one hot track. For the visuals they take it from Paris where footballer Thiago Silver plays for, to Ladbroke Grove where AJ Tracey’s from, to Streatham – Dave’s hometown. This see’s the two show of their lyrical skills as they go back to back on a Prince Rapid and 169 production.
Snowy – Fucked Up
Nottingham MC Snowy drops the visuals to a track off of his recently released ‘Knots’ EP. ‘Fucked Up’ talks through the trials and tribulations of his life over a melancholy, dark beat produced by Riddla. The visuals, beat and lyrics match each other perfectly and you can see it’s been well thought out, check it out below.
Raheem Bakare the soulful UK singer, takes us on a journey around London and Amsterdam for his new video for ‘Forever You.’ Raheem pays homage to the golden days of R&B, but brings a fresh innovative twist. He is one of the UK’s freshest, rawest and honest talents that is due to be huge. Let Raheem take you on a journey of a broken man, whose fate changes.
Coco ft. AJ Tracey & Nadia Rose – Big N Serious Remix
Three hot Grime MC’s link up for Coco’s ‘Big N Serious’ remix and now we have been gifted the visuals to match. With their 3 different styles and flows, they still all manage to murk the track whilst complementing each other. With Toddla T on production, this one is going to be a future classic riddim for sure.
D Power ft. Frisco & Lay-Z – Like Dem
D Power brings us cartoon visuals for his new track ‘Like Dem,’ which is the 2nd release from his forthcoming mixtape ‘Progress 3’ released 2nd June. The east London MC is joined by Boy Better Know’s Frisco and Lay-Z for this hard new track produced by Audio Slugs.
A2 drops a heavy new track titled ‘Prototype’ sampling Andre 300 for this, but giving it his own take. With components of funk and soul, the South Londoner drops some intelligent and witty bars. Now signed to Disturbing London, he will be releasing his highly anticipated ‘Blue’ project this Summer too, we can’t wait to hear that.
C Cane – My Team ft. Scrufizzer, Izzie Gibbs & Zeph Ellis
North London rapper C Cane is joined by some wicked Grime spitters who drop hot bars over a FGM beat. C Cane provides the hook and the first verse, with Scrufizzer jumping in next, then to Izzie and Zeph Ellis who unfortunately does not feature in the video. These 4 together make for a big tune!
This one is for the South Londoner’s who will fully be able to relate to Ray BLK’s new one ‘My Hood,’ as she explores the relationship between herself and her neighbourhood.
“This track is an ode to where I’m from, It’s a bittersweet song about home. South East is one of the roughest places in London but it rears the strongest people because of that and that’s what makes us special.’ explains RAY BLK. The tracks features Grime heavy-weight Stormzy who is also from South London.
Uncle Mez – Ghetts Spirit
Nottingham Grime MC Uncle Mez goes hard in his new track ‘Ghetts’ Spirit,’ an ode to one of Grime’s hardest; Ghetts. He really channels the essence of Ghetts’ as he spits with such passion and fierceness over a boisterous Deeco produced beat. Mez is putting out a lot of heat and is one to watch out for as he continues to keep rising.
East London Grime MC Rival is due to drop his highly anticipated album ‘Portrait Of The Underclass’ on May 27th. He gives us an insight of what to expect with the intro to the album. We enter hearing a beautifully arranged live band instrumental with blues influences as Josh Bevan gives us the vocals. It then goes into a Grime instrumental produced by Rynsaman, as Rival takes us through a biopic journey of some of his life.
I’m here to bring you the latest and greatest tracks from the world of UK rap. From Haze’s short film and forthcoming album, to Mic Righteous and news of an independent artist signing to a major label…
Haze
Haze is a seasoned hip-hop artist hailing from Croydon. His career began in 2007 with the release of Once Upon A Time, which included a collaboration with SAS, but he’s since worked with Harlem legend Max B, and American producer Harry Fraud. He’s known for pushing boundaries and has been a strong influence on UK hip-hop culture. His new project sees him presenting his music in a more visual way by releasing a short film to accompany his new album. Thinking Out Loud is the title of the short film and 21-track album, both set for release on May 16th. The album will feature Akala, J Spades, Maverick Sabre and Black The Ripper. Haze introduced the project with the video for ‘You Don’t Know Me’, produced by Edixion Beats, giving his fans an insight into the themes that will be uncovered with the full project.
The film will preview on May 11th at Vue Cinema in Westfield, Stratford and you can buy your tickets by heading here.
Snap Capone
Snap Capone is one of the UK’s most respected rappers and for good reason – starting out as a teenager and gaining acknowledgment in ’09/’10 releasing freestyles and mixtapes as part of the S.I group, they became a pretty instant underground hit. In 2013, his debut mixtape Return Of The Shooter was released and ever since he’s dropped enough projects to firmly secure his position as one of the hardest UK rappers around. We saw the release of the visuals for ‘The Rain’ featuring Dex Man taken from his January 2016 mixtape The Gift & The Curse. The video doesn’t have Snap in due to him being incarcerated but shows another individual playing him. The two rappers take the introspective route lyrically over a soulful, hip-hop beat. Shot on a block, Dex Man raps, “had a bit of hunger, I started getting paid,” taking us through a snapshot of his life. Snap’s verse starts off about his adult lifestyle, “playing in the rain rose gold chain,” and then goes back to his childhood, “I remember playing knock down ginger in them hallways,” in this lyrically hard tune.
Stefflon Don
Stefflon Don has been creating waves in the scene, especially this past year with her remix of tracks such as ‘Lock Arff’ with Inch from Section Boyz, Rae Sremmurd’s ‘No Type’, and Rihanna’s ‘Work’, where she joined forces with Sneakbo to make it their own. She comes hard with her new track ‘Hot Prop’ over a Zeph Ellis-produced track. The visuals are as dope and icy as her bars and really match her hard-edged lyrics and the beat. Her delivery is as powerful and strong as her bars, “don’t ask me no questions, don’t mention my name in your sentence, there’s levels I don’t see progression.” Her image on the main screen in Piccadilly Circus might prove to be a prediction for where she’s headed.
Mic Righteous
Mic Righteous is known for his lyrically hard-hitting, conscious, and sometimes emotional tracks. He’s been compared to U.S rappers DMX and Eminem thanks to his ability to provoke emotion through his storytelling abilities and the delivery in his tracks. He’s been a bit quiet as of late, but that’s because he’s been working on his debut album. We’ve been given a track off of the album, ‘When I Die’ feat. Daf Evan, with visuals to match. The track is the official soundtrack to a new UK indie film out now called Hard Tide. We can see clips of the film in the visuals along with Mic Righteous and his feature singer shot in his hometown of Margate. This is an inspiring and empowering track about going for your dreams and believing in yourself, but also the trials that we have to go through. “I believe I can see my dreams, I close my eyes I’m going blind.” The ambient, melodic beat matches Mic’s bars and Daf Evan’s soulful tones.
In Other News
Sneakbo has signed a deal with Virgin EMI after being an independent artist for 6 years. He’s dropped chart-topping tracks as well as street tracks and future classic mixtapes such as Jetski Wave. Hopefully this deal will take his career to the next level, and see him get the success he fully deserves.
Section Boyz have linked up with one of the biggest names in R&B, Chris Brown, for his new single ‘Whippin.’ Swift from Section Boyz tweeted “Mummy thinks I’m lying about having a song with Chris Brown.” It was quite a surprising collaboration when we got a little preview of it early in April on Chris’ Instagram page It’s taken from the recently released joint mixtape between Chris Brown and OHB, Before Da Trap.
Skepta gave his fans the best bank holiday hangover gift with his brand new video for track ‘Man’ taken from his highly anticipated album release ‘Konnichiwa,’ out May 6th. Filmed by Risky Roadz, it feels like it was shot on a handheld camera, giving it an authentic, nostalgic feel. Skepta and his crew go on a pretty wild night out for this, and end up smashing up a car at the end. Watch the video below…
Fusion – No/Rudeboy
Fusion follows up his last year’s debut ‘Newham’ track which made it’s way onto the Lord Of The Mics 7 compilation CD with new visuals for ‘No/RudeBoy.’ He is a new Grime MC to watch, straight out of East London. Not only an emcee he is creating waves on the producing front too. ‘No’ sees Fusion take it back to Grime’s sonic backbone for a 140 bpm, dirt-laden track produced by Five-Nine. It’s lifted off of his forthcoming 4-track ‘Genesis’ EP.
Shakka – You Don’t Know What You Do To Me ft. Chip
Shakka drops another visual off of his 2015 conceptual EP ‘The Lost Boys.’ The West London artist takes it back to his cultural roots in this cinematic production where we see an elevating African dance. Grime emcee Chip lends a verse to the track, giving it a different edge, and shows Shakka’s ability to blend genres in his music.Of this video, he says, “You Don’t Know What You Do To Me’ talks about infatuation with a girl from the perspective of an average guy.”
Becky Hill ft. Little Simz – Back To My Love
Becky Hill is a name you will know especially if you listen to dance music, as she’s collaborated with Oliver Heldens on ‘Gecko (Overdrive), Wilkinson on ‘Afterglow, Rudimental on ‘Powerless,’ MK on ‘Piece Of Me’ and more! It’s great to see her release her own material and really get to shine. ‘Back To My Love’ shows off her unique, strong sensational vocals, whilst Little Simz adds a wicked verse to add a little something extra.
Stormzy – Scary
This is the first track expected to be on Stormzy’s forthcoming debut album, and will give his fans the chance to really understand a lot about him. ‘Scary’ is produced by legendary Grime producer Sir Spyro, who provides an eerie beat to match Stormzy’s barrage of attack bars. It’s confident and cocky and the delivery matches the power of his lyrical, intricate bars.
It’s been a while since we last heard from one of UK rap’s most respected artists, DVS, who hails from Brixton. At the moment he’s incarcerated, but he’s still managed to release a brand new visual for us. It’s a follow-up to 2013’s ‘Passion’, that’s now seen as a classic in UK rap. Produced by Steel Banglez, who also produced the first one, it has a similar laid-back instrumental-based production. The visual starts with a guitarist playing along the river, switching to cuts of Brixton, and an old fashioned TV with clips of DVS playing. He talks about his life, and where he sees his position in the scene in his poetic style of rapping.
Logic feat. Mighty Moe and Maverick Sabre
Logic is well known for the political and social stance in his own music, as well as with his People’s Army crew, and this new one (‘I’m Not An Alien’) is no different. The track blends roots with of rap, and features Heartless Crew’s Mighty Moe, who steps in to provide Logic with a verse and Maverick Sabre who adds the roots vibe on the hook. Maverick uses Sting’s ‘Englishman In New York’ as inspiration, but switches it up, talking about humans being aliens. The track talks through matters of immigration and equality. Logic spits in his opening bar, “the people trying to keep out the immigrants are immigrants,” giving you something to think about.
Fekky feat. Giggs
As soon as you hear that South Londoner’s Bu Bu Bang Fekky and Holloman Giggs have a track out together, you know it’s going to be huge. Whilst we’re waiting for Fekky to drop his highly anticipated album El Classico, he gives us a teaser of what to expect with new track ‘Gossip’. Two of the best UK rappers on one track is a lethal and deadly combination, and they have a natural chemistry, with their flows and bars working well together. The black and white visuals create a dark and cold setting, matching the sinister beat, with the clips flashing between tower blocks, a room with a pool table and a meat truck. The menacing bars and quotable lyrics, “what’s all the gossiping ting, nigga’s know my style, I’m a boss in this ting,” will make this a fast favourite in clubs and on the festival circuit.
Yungen
Yungen gets serious as it seems he has a lot to get off of his chest for ‘Off The Record 2’ – a sequel to the 2012 track, both of which were produced by Steel Banglez. Showing a more vulnerable side to his personality, it feels like we get to know the real Yungen, with no barriers. He talks us through the problems and situations in his life such as his brother doing a 12-year stretch, giving his house to his sister, not wanting to be in Krept & Konan’s shadow (but of course stating it’s Play Dirty till the death and showing love), Tinie rating him, and how other rappers name for fame.
Tremz
Liverpudlian rapper Tremz is one to watch out for. His new cut ‘Nightmare’ features lyrics talking about Elm Street, with flames in the visuals and camouflaged wear with ballys and masks to give it a deathly, dark and looming feel. Tremz’s intense tracks and trademark hard bars, along with his accent, gives him a unique edge. This, along with his trappy-edged tracks, will give DJs no reason not to give him spins in clubs and on the radio.
In other news – Giggs announced on Instagram via a short video clip, that his brand new albumLandlord will be coming to us very soon… I think we can expect Youngs Teflon & Gunna Dee to make an appearance.
pixiewithapen 