Link Up TV present this documentary on the journey of UK Rap, its past, present and future.
November 13, 2012
MTV The Wrap Up: UK Rap Rundown
This week was an extremely busy week as on Tuesday myself and The Wrap Up’s editor Maz went to Paris to review No Doubt’s private comeback show; it may not be rap, but it was quality! Look out for the review coming soon. As soon as I hit the U.K I dashed to Wembley Arena for the Red Bull Culture Clash. Although I was shattered, the music and the vibes of the night kept me dancing and hyped at the exciting clash of four sound systems. Shouts to Example, P Money, Lethal B, Chip and Ms Dynamite, just some of the brilliant special guests – and of course a big congrats to Boy Better Know who won the clash…
Jump Off TV had a debate on Monday with the subject revolving around one question; ‘Have the MOBO Awards Lost Touch with its Origins’? Many topics were touched upon, such as why two different genres, grime and hip-hop, were placed under the same category. Being two different types of music, some found it quite offensive that they have been put together. What did you think of the 2012 MOBO’s? Let us know on our Twitter page.
The youngest member of USG, Geko, teamed up with Windy Music’s Ard Adz and Sho Shallow to bring us the visuals to street track ‘Hate On Me’. Sho Shallow also dropped his remix to Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Poetic Justice’, showing his lyrical skill as he discussed his background, his friends, his girl and the haters, adding; ‘rhyming without punchlines to me is just nothing.’
Mic Righteous showed us his light-hearted side when he dropped his ‘Hold It Down’ video which sees him dressed up as an elephant messing about around London – it also has a cameo from a cat as well. This will be on Mic’s new EP ‘Open Mic’.
Fresh out of prison, veteran Skinnyman dropped some fresh, hot bars in his ‘2013’ exclusive freestyle with UK Rap TV. This is the first we have seen of him all year, but in true Skinnyman style he is still on his A-game, spitting lyrics fresh out of his brain there and then.
Blade Brown showed us a life of luxury and how he ‘did it all myself no manager’ as he headed to Dubai for video ‘Life Of Mine’. The track is gearing us up for his new mixtape ‘Bags & Boxes 2’ which will be out on November 30. Blade Brown also featured on G FrSH’s ‘Tell Em’ recently – be sure to check it out.
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!
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
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!
July 9, 2012
MTV Wrap Up – THE UK RAP RUNDOWN
This is my first UK Rap Rundown column; here I will be bringing you the week’s highlights in the UK urban scene – I hope you enjoy it! I haven’t even been back from the BET Awards in L.A a week yet and have already attended a festival – Hyde Park’s Wireless. I was pleased to see underground rappers Political Peak, Sho Shallow and Ard Adz get a packed out tent and an amazing crowd reaction – it proved how well UK rap is doing…
Of course, Sneakbo smashed his set too. Sway did an old school hip-hop style set, with verses from Wu Tang, Tupac and Mobb Deep. Roc Nation signee USG member K Koke also performed on the Sunday supported by his fellow crew members.
In other news, Scorcher has replied to Dappy’s ‘Tarzan 2’ diss which hears him say: “I still roll for my hood and I wear my chain, f**k a Top Boy Scorcher he can’t do the same. Real recognise real, how many albums have you sold to date?”
Scorcher wasn’t too happy with Dappy and replied via an SB.TV video called ‘Rockstar’. The MC dropped punchline after punchline, saying that he is an “underground king, you could never be my equal” and “you could have a mill still look like a tramp.” He also mentions Tulisa and the now infamous tape that her ex-boyfriend leaked to the world.
Personally I liked Dappy’s ‘Tarzan 2’ video; unfortunately he had to re-shoot and re-release the video due to the heavy controversy it received. Props to Scorcher; he went in on the diss track and I feel he is the better man in this situation.
The video that caught my attention last week came from Donae’o. I was at the video shoot for the track ‘YDKAM’ and know there’s going to be a lot more to come from the ‘Party Hard’ singer on his album. He told me: “It’s going to have a lot more hip-hop and R&B, there’s a want for it, so I can put it out.”
The song ‘You Don’t Know About Me’ features some of UK rap’s hardest lyricists, such as Joe Black, Squeeks, Dru Blu, Ratlin and Lethal B.
Another interesting one was the Labrinth produced ‘Watchtower’ by Devlin featuring Ed Sheeran. It is the first single from his forthcoming album ‘A Moving Picture’.
Leicester based R&B singer Luke Bingham was also recently joined by Play Dirty’s Krept & Konan for the track ‘Shut It Down’. I really like the beat to this track and Krept & Konan really give the song that hip-hop edge it needed. I predict big things for Mr Bingham; he has the voice, the style and looks to match.
June 1, 2012
Donae’o ft Squeeks, Joe Black, Dru Blu, Ratlin & Lethal Bizzle – You Don’t Know About Me
Donae’o gives us a taster of what’s to come from his forthcoming album Underground King as he brings us a new track off it You Don’t Know About Me featuring some of UK rap’s heavyweights.
March 28, 2012
SB.TV Interview – Benny Banks
679/Warner Records recent signee, Benny Banks is hailed as one of the UK’s rap heavyweights. Shireen Fenner and Maz Halima headed down to The Social in Little Portland Street to see what the rapper had to say about being the subject of diss tracks, Bada Bing and what’s next on his agenda…
M: Who did you aspire to when you started rapping?
I grew up in an older era… like I think American rappers inspired all of us. But over here, Mike Skinner, Klashnekoff and Skinny Man. I listen to a lot of Hip Hop.
S: What track got you noticed by the masses?
I don’t actually know, I think that’s a matter of opinion. Personally I think it was my SB.TV warm up session; that let everyone know I could rap. I would like to think it was that because it was the most meaningful to me – but I don’t actually know.
S: Your roots and experiences in Islington have provided a lot of inspiration for your lyrics, do you think as your situation changes your content will too?
Yeah, that’s the main thing I want people to notice really, the way I’m growing up and maturing. Obviously Bada Bing isn’t the main reflection of Benny Banks; it was just a fun tune init. But I’ve got a lot more music to come. With my content, I’m just going to keep it Benny like, I’m going to be myself, I just want to appeal to a big variety of people rather than just the streets. In general I want to spread it out a bit more, and learn how to word it to make people listen.
M: When did you get signed to 679/Warner and how has life changed since?
November 25 last year. Obviously its changed, but I’m just trying to be the same person, I don’t want to let it get to me. I haven’t made it yet; I haven’t got anything in the charts, when I get their maybe I’ll show off a bit more! But right now I’m still working man.
M: Do people treat you differently now?
I think I get a bit more respect. But I feel like I deserve it so I’m just accepting it
S: Do you think you can get mainstream success without altering your style?
Ummm, in ways, but I don’t really go studio and make a tune specifically for the charts or to attract a certain amount of people. I just write the music and it does its own job. If I keep going with it then hopefully it will just mature. I just got to up my vocab a little a bit, but I’m confident though. I got a vision.
M: You are known for delivering quite dark lyrics in a laid back way. Do you still live the life that you rapped about?
Nah! Course not! Obviously I still mix with the same people I still live in the same area, I just don’t personally do the same things that I did before init. But then again if I wasn’t involved in music maybe I would init. But I’m here now and I’m grateful.
S: You’ve had some beef and been the subject of a few diss tracks… do you expect more of the same as you grow more successful?
Yeah! When a man looks in the mirror and realises he’s underachieving, they get bitter. I’m inspiration for them man, all these diss tracks just make me feel good about myself! None of its true, I’ve never met none of these people in my life, so if they know so much stuff about me, good for them man. I’m getting paid for my music. I dunno man, they’re probably fans! I can’t really comment on people I haven’t met.
M: Which artists and producers would you want to work with this year?
Not in particular, I’m not desperate to work with anyone in general. If I got to work with someone and made a good song… I just want to make good music; I can make good music with someone unheard of.
S: You and K Koke have a strong underground following… do you feel that being a white rapper has helped to an extent?
Yeah maybe, the fact that I am white, possibly, I don’t really agree with that though – I don’t think colour matters. It’s not the 90’s or the 80’s no more but… maybe it helps, but its like ‘why?’ It’s a stereotypical opinion. I just think its talent man. I know there have been some white acts that have been signed like Vanilla Ice or whatever, but I mean come on, I’m not that guy! I am not Vanilla Ice – I can rap. [Laughs] Obviously they’re ‘marketable’ init, I understand the whole marketing thing. But I don’t think it applies to me.
M: Do you think that novelty will ever wear off?
Umm.. nah! Its like… if a white girl goes in the club and starts doing the duttywine, she’s going to stand out, cause its more of a black girls thing to be good at dancing. Obviously rap started with Run DMC and them people there, not a white guy. It originates from a black background init so if you see someone whose not black doing it then they’ll probably always stand out.
M: Bada Bing has a very different sound compared to what you normally bring to the table. Can we expect more of that sound?
Well I don’t plan to stop having fun so… I’m sure I’ll go back to the studio and make another fun tune. Like I said that tune was just for jokes, it’s not my kind of music, it’s not me. But it was fun init. And to me, it doesn’t sound too pop or commercial, but I know it’s very different for me. But I liked doing it. I would make something like that again; if I could make something better I’d follow it up.
S: You, Joe Black and Squeeks make a strong team. What can we expect from you lot in the future?
The takeover. Just expect good music, I can’t guarantee the charts but the music is always going to be good.
M: Can we expect an album from you this year?
Defo defo! I can’t tell you anything about what’s going to be on there though! But there’s definitely going to be an album. It’s going to be very exclusive, nothing like no one else’s. Ideally it will be out in the summertime.
S: Have you had any crazy twitter fans?
Yeeeeeeeah! I get weird messages man, some weird messages… But I think everyone does though man. I get loads of messages from people asking me how to rap. Obviously I can’t tell them how to do that, its just natural init. The funniest tweet I got was the other day… this girl… big up this girl man! You know you can search your name to see if people are writing about you yeah? She wrote ‘I still remember Benny Banks tryna chatting me up on the street last year’. I do not chat girls up on the street, I’m 24 man, my kid is 4, I haven’t done that since I was 17! I tweeted her saying ‘Big up you for making that up’. She replied and tried to be cheeky, but it was just funny.
M: Wrapping up, what can expect from Benny in the far away future?
A house in Dubai, a big Rolls Royce [laughs]. Nah, just progress. As long as I’m making progress it’s all good. I’d like to achieve my dreams that we all have… But as long as I’m still relevant in 5 years I’ll be happy. I think keeping relevant is what matters.
November 8, 2011
My first interview for Flavour Magazine – Bigz: Bigger and better than ever
Flavour talks to Bigz who has come back with a bang, following his recently released mixtape “Quantum Leap.’ Lyrically one of the best rappers in the scene and one of the most respected. His single ‘I Just Want The Paper,’ has been receiving massive air play, and has been included in Radio 1Xtra DJ Twin B’s, ‘Best Of British.’ Flavour’s Shireen Fenner sits down with the big man to talk
How would you describe your personality?
Bigz is Bigz, God fearing, try to be wise, practical joker. I like laughing. I care about my family. I’d like to think of myself as a really honest and genuine person. I play the big brother figure to a lot of people.
You’ve been in the scene for a long time putting in work. Whilst you have always had a fan base, why do you think you’re starting to get a lot more recognition now?
It’s got a lot to do with consistency; I’ve put in a lot of work. I’ve got better people involved now as well, better management and generally a better situation. I’m feeling good; I’m feeling the music I’m making. I’m feeling like everything is working in my favour because everything is good right now, and it will continue to get better.
You’re no stranger to tragedy. How have events in your life shaped you into the artist you are today?
It makes you mature very quickly. It makes you think about your situation and life. It made me think about what I wanted to do in life, music has always been my first love and my passion, and so I’ve channeled it from a negative into a positive. You never get over these things, people say do you ever get over it, no you don’t, you just learn to get on with it. It’s made me a better person and a better artist as well. You have to live in order to be able to talk about your experiences. An artist has to be an entertainer, but there has to be a message and a story, I think a lot of people are interested in my actual story, because there is a lot to it.
In your home country of Nigeria, there have been problems based on religion and ethnic boundaries. Do you believe music can be a positive force for change? And do you intend on using your music to bring about change?
A lot of people say that religion is a problem, but a lot of it has to do with money as well. It’s like what Lauryn Hill said, ‘It could all be so simple, but you choose to make it hard.’ I do want to use my music to make a change. I feel like I do try to put an overall positive message in my music. Whatever religion you are it doesn’t matter, we all believe in God. Ok some don’t, but everyone has to love one another. Love and respect for other human beings only brings you back good, what you put out you get back.
To read the rest of the interview click here
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