Next offering from Vince Kidd’s forthcoming Sick Love EP dropping 4th November. The ELE mix of Sick Love ft Benny Banks
September 20, 2012
Sneakbo – Zim Zimma [Music Video]
Sneakbo releases the video to his new single Zim Zimma released under Play Hard Records. This one is definately a club track, watch it below.
September 19, 2012
Melanin9 – Organized Democracy [Music Video]
London’s Melanin 9 releases his debut album Magna Carta on 3rd December 2012. He’s built up a reputation as one of the country’s most gifted emcees opening for interntaional artists such as Immortal Technique, Styles P and Wu Tang. Check out the second track Organized Democracy from the new 14 track album.
September 19, 2012
MTV Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown [News]
Hey, I hope you all had a good weekend – I did! Therefore, I am going to kick off with some good news this week. Hackney hip-hop artist Mikill Pane, who has worked with Ed Sheeran and Example, signed to Mercury Records last week. He announced the news via his Twitter and Instagram accounts, saying: “I moved to a new planet today. Proud to announce that I am now signed & I’m on Mercury Records…”
Mikill is said to be finishing his debut album ‘Blame Miss Barclay’,which we should be hearing before the end of this year. Congratulations!
Plan B has been nominated for the Mercury Music Prize shortlist for his third album, which was also the Ill Manors soundtrack – making history as the first ever soundtrack to get a nomination. The judges have praised the soundtrack to his film of the same name, calling it “a brilliantly visceral soundtrack to an angry, troubling and harsh picture of life on the underside of London in 2012.”
Fekky,who previously teamed up with DJ Whoo Kid to release his ‘Come On Den’ mixtape, recently released his video to ‘Bang’ featuring Young Spray and Frisco. He also announced that he will also be working on a joint EP with Slic Vic and has a track with Wretch 32 in the pipeline. Meanwhile, Young Spray took to GRM Daily to release a net video to ‘Away’ – a heartfelt track from the ‘Hard To Kill Vol.2’ mixtape.
Jaja Soze recently released his album ‘The Last Message’. He also dropped the video to his track ‘Street Paradise’, an inspirational jam; which hears him say: “The urban scene just gets nervous every time I speak and when they see me it gets worse they try and kiss my feet.” Jaja also joined Geko for his latest track ‘Slideshow’.
Play Dirty’s Yungen gave us the hard new track ‘Rapstars’, which hears him talks about the life he lives – “independent life no label.” The track is produced by Steel Banglez; sounding like an interesting fusion of rap, rock and electro.
Clixx brought us a beautiful live acoustic version of his second single ‘Only If You Want’, which features singer Jermaine Riley and is from the ‘XX’ mixtape. We should be hearing some new material from Clixx soon; he is definitely one to watch.
Last week K. Koke shot the video to his first official single featuring Maverick Sabre from his ‘I Ain’t Perfect Album’. Speaking on K. Koke’s online TV series, Maverick Sabre said: “I love universal music, music that can connect with everybody no matter what genre. I think there have only been a few rappers over time that can do that well.
“I think the best way through hip-hop you can do that is through pain and struggle. Everybody can connect with that to a certain level. People speak to the people.”
September 19, 2012
Devlin [Interview]
Two years has passed since Dagenham rapper Devlin delivered his debut album ‘Bud, Sweat And Beers’ – now he is back and gearing up for the release of his second album ‘A Moving Picture’. After recently giving us a taster of what is to come with the free download ‘The Director’s Cut’ mixtape, The Wrap Up’s Shireen Fenner headed down to the Adidas HQ to talk about his new single ‘Watchtower’, acting and the realness of his lyrics…
The Wrap Up: Hey Devlin. In the past, you have been associated with O.T and The Movement. What is your background with these two crews?
Devlin: I got involved in O.T when I was growing up and first started listening to grime. The Movement started with me and Ghetts; he’s my friend. Scorcher and Wretch [32] were doing their thing and they were so lyrical, we thought we should come together so we could all bounce off each other and better ourselves. O.T, that’s my family, that’s my management, that’s my boys – I’ll always be O.T.
TWU: How does coming from Dagenham influence the content of your verses?
Devlin: I can only write about what I’ve seen and that is a big influence. I am writing about my upbringing and that inspired me to write a lot of songs. It is the place that made me. That’s all I can be, I just try and do me and a lot of people have got behind me for it.
TWU: Can you talk to us about the video to your latest single ‘Watchtower’?
Devlin: Ed [Sheeran] and me just did a move and it all went wrong. It’s a short film, with a cinematic vibe. Usually you get a video where you’re looking down the camera performing, but this one it was all about the acting.
TWU: Many of your peers have got into acting; is that something you would consider?
Devlin: I really enjoyed it, but it was nerve racking as hell! I’ve always respected anyone who has a pop at anything in their art form. I really enjoyed it. I also thought Scorcher, Asher D and Kano did really well in ‘Top Boy’. Who knows? I might follow in their footsteps one day if the role is right.
TWU: The Dylan and Hendrix versions of ‘Watchtower’ are timeless classics. Was there pressure when creating your version?
Devlin: Going back to what I was saying before, all I can do is me. I’ve had a go; I’ve wound up a lot of old people who are disgusted that me, Ed and Labrinth have even tried to cover the song.
TWU: ‘Watchtower’ is a clear divergence from your general style. Did the alternative instrumental influence what you wrote about?
Devlin: It is a hip-hop beat still. Just because the sound is different, it doesn’t mean you can’t make that sound as crazy, or as different, or as synthetic as possible. You can take those tempos anywhere. To me it’s still a rap song, it just sounds rocky – its rocky rap. The sound of the record definitely influences how you write or what you write. With a concept in mind, I wanted to sit back and look at my life over the last two years in the industry.
TWU: It’s been two years since your last album ‘Bud, Sweat and Beers’. How will the forthcoming album ‘A Moving Picture’ show the evolution of you as an artist?
Devlin: It’s just a natural progression; my sound is a lot more professional and grown. I’ve got two years of being in the mainstream to write about. I’ve played Wembley, I’ve done my own tours and I’ve done things that were a dream up until two years ago. I’ve got a lot to draw inspiration from and a lot of new things to talk about. It’s been an emotional journey and I want to try and capture that in the album.
TWU: Dazed and Confused magazine called you ‘one of the few MCs daring to say something different’. How do you feel about this statement?
Devlin: For a start, I appreciate that. There’s a negative element about my music, not all the time, but everyone’s painting a happy picture out here, I’m just trying to paint the picture that I see. I just try and see things, rather than making a song about a Rolex, or having millions of birds wrapped round me. I can only draw on what I’ve seen and paint the real picture.
TWU: What do you think a UK rapper needs to get a number one?
Devlin: You’ve got to be clever with it. You could have a straight up rap song and I don’t think it would get to no.1. That is why you put the choruses on there for these singles and try and play the game. The more pop you go, the more successful you become. I can’t go that poppy, but make a funky house tune and talk about birds, diamonds and watches; then you’ll end up at no.1. I doubt I ever will.
TWU: Lastly, who would you say is the hottest UK femcee?
Devlin: I’ve not known that many female artists over the years. No Lay and Baby Blue, they’ve been lyrical, they’ve had flows and they’ve been about for quite a long time. If you’re a good looking bird I’m not that fussy. I’m a brunette man…
September 19, 2012
Kings Of The City – The Devil [Music Video]
Kings Of The City return with their brand new video for The Devil. For this track they mix their now familiar blend of Blues and Hip Hop with a harder edge inspired by bands like Black Sabbath and Rage Against The Machine. The Devil is taken from Kings Of The City’s No Guts EP
September 19, 2012
Klashnekoff – Got To Be Right [Audio]
]One of UK hip hop’s finest recently released his Fuck The Long Talk album. Here is one of the tracks off is Got To Be Right produced by Show N Prove.
Listen here: klashnekoff-got-to-be-right
September 19, 2012
Mystro – That Rush [Music Video]
West London’s Mystro has just released his long awaited debut album ‘Mystrogen‘ on his own ‘Don’t Bizznizz’ label. Renowned for his mix of wordplay, punch lines, social commentary and humour, the album released on 10th September reflects his full range of skills. Production contributors include Black Einstein, fLako, Show N Prove and Firstman with features provided by Homeboy Sandman, Junior Reid and Lloyd Brown.
The latest off the album is That Rush, produced by former beatsmith for The Creators Si Spex
September 19, 2012
Maxsta – Pop Off [Music Video]
Fresh from the success of street-track I Wanna Rock, grime artist Maxsta will release his next single Pop Off’on 22nd October. Check the video below.
September 17, 2012
Dru Blu [Interview]
Dru Blu formally known as Don Strapzy is the rapper hailing from Lewisham, South London, who has steadily over years been making a name for himself in the UK rap game. The want to turn his life around is what made him get into music and take it seriously, becoming an inspiration to others. His debut album ‘Fingers Crossed’, is set to be released later this year with features from Young Mad B, King Zion, Professor Green, Davinche and The Thundacatz to name a few. Shireen Fenner talks to Dru Blu about his name, being from South London the message behind certain songs, the UK rap game and more.
Where did the name Dru Blue come from?
My names Andrew and I’m from Lewisham, which is also blue borough. It’s quite simple, that’s it.
Why did you change the name from Don Strapzy to Dru Blu?
I changed my name because it was holding me back, there were to many political problems with that name. I couldn’t get certain shows, and DJ’s weren’t supporting. I just changed it before I got bigger and it became more of a hurdle.
What was it like growing up in South London?
It’s my home, it was good, it was all right, I’m not going to lie. Of course it was a bit rough at times but that’s what makes me who I am.
Do you think its influenced you music, life and beliefs today?
Yes of course. Things I’ve seen and things I’ve been through influences me and what I write about. Most of my memories are within South London.
Tell us about your involvement in MC contests around South London.
When I was growing up when I was in school, I used to clash certain people, and go to youth clubs and that all over South London. It was quite competitive, but it was good.
You write some thought provoking songs such as ‘Survive’ and ‘She’s Gone’ so what is the motivation behind them, and are they based on real events?
‘She’s Gone’ was because I lost my niece, my sister’s daughter, which was a very emotional time and I used that to write about it. The verse was about a girlfriend, which was just so more people could relate to it. The tune was dedicated to my sister and daughter. ‘Survive’, was because it was a cold winter and you always see homeless people on the streets, and it made me realise how lucky we are. A lot of us complain about how hard life is sometimes, but were very lucky really. There’s people out there that are struggling much harder than us, so that’s what it really was, ‘Survive’ was for the homeless people and we did it for the charity Broadway, and just gave everything to them.
Thematically what does your music talk about normally?
I’m quite versatile, I talk about a lot of stuff, sometimes banter or it might be more emotional deep stuff, also football people know me for my football I love football. There’s a new dream team coming out soon as well. I prefer to write about more emotional stuff
What was the first hip hop song you ever listened to?
Ohh flip. Probably Eminem to be honest, Jay Z I can’t really pinpoint it.
Music means something different to everyone, but what does it mean to you?
It means hopefully the opportunity to get rich. Other than that music is life, everyone listens to music, whether your rich and your famous or your poor and your struggling, you still listen to music. It’s a worldwide language, it doesn’t matter how you’re living your life. Music is very important to me; I would listen to it even if I wasn’t a rapper. It’s a way for me to vent my stresses and express myself.
If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?
I’d be out here, probably have to go and get a job somewhere. I used to do football which I still like, I got my coaching badges so I’m qualified as a football coach, so I’d probably be doing that. I used to do it before music.
What was your dream as child growing up?
To be a professional footballer
You’re using your music to try and turn your life around, but why?
I’ll be honest, I was going down bit of a bad road at one stage in my life, when I was in school and just come out of school. A lot of my friends are in jail and some of them are dead, and it’s like music was my chance to change my life around. At one point I couldn’t go to certain areas, there was people that I had issues with over stupid things, and now through music I’ve managed to link up with a lot of people from a lot of different areas. It’s given me a career path, I’m serious about my music, it’s realistic to me. If my music wasn’t going anywhere I’d be the first person to say it’s not working and go and get a job. It gives me something to focus on and concentrate on, and get away from the roads. Instead of sitting on the block and doing nothing, I’m here doing a video shoot.
Do you class yourself as a role model?
It would be nice to be looked upon as a role model, but that’s a lot of responsibility, I wouldn’t describe myself as a role model, everyone is human and can make mistakes. It would be nice to influence young children and other people for positive reasons. I want to be rich, I don’t know if I want to be a role model. It’s a lot of responsibility, when your out there you have a responsibility to your listeners to act in a certain way.
If you could work with anyone, who would it be?
Jennifer Lopez or Alicia Keys, nah I’m joking. Musically Adele or Jay Z as a rapper or Eminem, other than that Coldplay. I’ve worked with the majority of UK rappers. I rate Exo from USG I like the way he moves and his music.
How do you see the UK rap scene progressing?
It seems very healthy at the moment and it’s progressing well. It’s in a good state, and its important to artists like myself to cross over soon. It’s very congested at the same time, you have to look at yourself and separate yourself. People from overseas are watching us.
Who would you predict as the artists that will crossover?
K Koke is signed to Roc Nation and has got a big buzz. Benny Banks is doing well; his last single did really well. Cashtastic. There is a handful of artists who I think are on the fence, and this is a very important year and will show who’s ready.
What can we expect from you next?
This is an exclusive for you lot. I got one single “Living The Dream’, which is releasing in Australia. Warner Australia wanted it. I got my ‘Let Me Loose’, single dropping in June, I shot the video the other day so that will be out on TV in a couple of weeks. My next single is featuring Professor Green, I don’t know when that will be, but there’s loads of stuff coming. Just keeping busy, my name will be popping off anyone who wants to know about my name change just YouTube Dru Blue vs Don Strapzy to find out why.
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