Stormzy is the one everyone is talking about and this freestyle has even got Skepta tweeting it out. For his Wicked Skeng Man Freestyle part 3, Stormzy freestyles some hard bars over a grime instrumental showcasing his unrivalled lyrical ability.
May 8, 2014
Coops (@CoopsOfficial) – Blessings [Music Video]
Coops is definitely one to watch and has already opened for Nas at the 02, GRM Daily have also titled him with this. After track Chillin, Coops is back with the 2nd track off his forthcoming mixtape Lost Souls. Blessings was premiered on Vibe Magazine and features Rexx and is reminiscent of a 90’s Queensbridge hip hop track.
‘Good kid mad city, where I’m from it’s mad gritty, don’t think Kendrick could survive!’
May 8, 2014
Ed Sheeran – Multiply Ed Showcase at Koko [Review]
Ed Sheeran was certainly a busy man over this bank holiday weekend as he showcased us some tracks from his album ‘X’. 3 days and 3 cities was the theme for the ‘Multiply Ed’ gigs where he went from Ipwsich to London to Dublin doing half an hour to an hour and then 2 hour sets, literally dashing off stage at each to get to the next one.
Not wanting the crowd to feel shy and uneasy he began with a favourite among many ‘You Need Me’ which was a pretty long version and lasted nearly ten minutes with Ed showcasing his rapping skills too.
He lead into track ‘Don’t from the new album ‘X’ which was showcased in April on Saturday Night Live, and said to be about a cheating, famous, female.
Before going into ‘Lego House’ he announced he would be playing old and new material so everyone would feel comfortable and could join in with what they new. Very thoughtful of him.
The mood went quite somber as Ed asked people to be quiet for ‘Tenerife Sea’ a new one on the album, and another love song. Instead of cheating this one is about how in love he is and was inspired by someone after going to the Grammys.
‘One’ was another new one off his forthcoming album and a fresh one on people’s mind as he released a black and white acoustic video of the song last week as part of a campaign the Suffolk born singer is doing, releasing an acoustic video a week in the lead up to the album.
Other tracks included the more lively ‘Drunk’ which was another fan favourite and one most people knew the words too and the moving ‘A-Team’ where a fan fainted near the front and he sang to the audience asking for security to help the person. He ended on single ‘Sing’ another recent release, produced by Pharrell and asking the audience to sing all the way home, and when they wake up in the morning.
I love how Ed Sheeran is a one-man show, with just himself, his guitar and now a looper pedal, which worked fantastically well for him at this show, and really showed how dedicated he is to make his shows purely about his amazing talent. There are not many people that could captivate crowds that big with just themselves.
Words: Shireen Fenner
*published on SBTV on Tuesday 6th May 2014
April 30, 2014
Mumdance (@mumdance) – Take Time (ft. @Novelist) [Audio]
Mumdance announces a new release on Rinse the Take Time EP out June 16th, which sees the producer draw upon his long-standing love of grime, crafting a tightly coiled, ten-ton heavy club riddim, all frostbitten drums and shockingly stripped-back midrange, powerful enough to carve a rift deep into the mix. You can now listen to one of the tracks Take Time featuring the quick-witted vocal play of rising London MC Novelist, whose bars dart swift and sharp through the track’s acres of frozen space.
April 29, 2014
MTV The Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]
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.
Until next time…
April 27, 2014
Benny Banks (@mrBennyBanks) Ft. Ryan Keen – See Me Now
I’m liking this new one from Benny Banks and we can see his evolution on this one, keeping his real life raps but in a more experienced and grown up way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwz42NuLy_0
April 27, 2014
Melanin 9 (@Melanin_9 ) – Colours [Music Video]
London’s Melanin 9 is releasing his EP High Fidelity 31st May on his own Red Snow label, and releases a brand new bonus cut Colours from it.
April 23, 2014
Peak (@ItsPeak_) – Say About Me [Audio]
South London rapper Peak is due to release his mixtape, Brixton State Of Mind on May 5th, and gives listeners a preview of what to expect from it as he drops new track Say About Me.
April 22, 2014
Ratlin (@RATLIN) – Fire In The Streets [Video]
It was only right Mozarts Ratlin got involved in Charlie Sloth’s Fire In The Streets as he definitely always brings that heat. Ratlin is due to release his Summertime In Mexico 2 mixtape soon.
April 22, 2014
Skore Beezy (@SkoreGoodFellaz) – Fire In The Streets [Video]
Skore Beezy is one of the most talented up and coming rappers to emerge from the UK and he takes to the streets to give Charlie Sloth some fire.
pixiewithapen 