Thursday 30 September 2010

Hype Hype

Tempa T, Tempz, Next Hypeeee! Tempa T, an angry frustrated madman who is always an attraction rather than a supplement when he gets on the mic.
Latest single from Chase & Status drops with a rock guitar and Tempa T madness vocals. To be fair, I don't think it quite has the same impact as his other stuff, such as "Next Hype" and "Swing". Maybe he could have taken the tune as a chance to branch away from all the hype and start using some other cool words like excited or buzzing. Nevertheless, this is a jump-out-your-seat-and-throw-a-chair-at-your-niece's-babysitter anthem, can see some unacceptable scenes coming up in the raves soon!

Chase & Status - Hypest Hype (ft Tempa T)


In keeping with the Grime meets Dubstep shambolics, next up is Ms Dynamite. Sultry, sleek, she brings a bit of quality and style  to the table. Far ahead from the "Boo!" days I'm well aware she's been on dubstep bills for a while, and I saw her at Summer Break in Newquay end of June. Big link up for the Dynamitee-ee, featuring on this track from Magnetic Man's self-titled forthcoming album which also features a track with John Legend (can't currently find it on Youtube but search "Getting Nowhere")! It's good crack...

Magnetic Man - Fire (ft Ms Dynamite)


Also have this pretty sick track from back in the day featuring All In One, fire bars letting the punters know that she still goes hard! Check it out

Ms Dynamite ft All In One - On [Click to listen / Right click to download]

And what have I been listening too for nonsense lengths of time this week? Footcrab Footcrab Footcrab Footcrab. It's very catchy from Addison Groove, better known as dubstep's Headhunter. Insane Insane Insane Ininininsane! You have to check it to understand!
Such a meaningless word, I don't think I've ever said "footcrab" until hearing the track. What the hell is a footcrab?

Addison Groove - Footcrab


Also worth checking out his mix on Fact Mag's website...it's hot players!
Addison Groove - Fact Mag Mix


I wanted to upload a picture of a crab but blogger's going on gay so sorry guys. See you soon x (no homo)


9.45am 01/10/10 - Got it!
Footcrab? Guy looks a bit keen?

Sunday 26 September 2010

Town Called Obselete

Thanks to anyone who sent me any music in my inbox, not actually been on the laptop for a while but will definitely check stuff out tomorrow!

My excuse this time is that I been enjoying first week back at uni, Arsenal been playing shit and have not been in great physical and mental states. And I changed course and delayed graduation by a year. Blah, blah, blah. I'll try a bit harder to keep on top of the blog, practice makes perfect and all that!

Anyways, I gave a link in an earlier blog for a set from Torrenttech's Gantzgraf 07/09 set (click here for link) and there is the tune at the end which was pretty huge. The dj himself turns out to be an actual user on the dubstepforum and, after dropping a quick message, got tune id. Here it is....

Andreya Triana - A Town Called Obsolete (Mala Remix)

Scorcher of a tune! Ear friendly female vocals on one of the nicest subs I've heard this year. Hoping for this at the next Subdub, would be pretty intense.

Also worth checking out the Mount Kimbie remix, which is also quite huge and very different, and I'm also aware of the nice original track itself.
Final mention to the compilation it features on. The Ninja Tune XX volume two looks huge! Big line up involved.

Also been listening to a bit of TRG, very much a big fan of the varied sounds in his releases. Favourite right now has got to be Discotek.

Cosmic TRG - Discotek

Finally, another huge track discovered off the Dubstepforum website. Mosca - Nike. Ultimate in chilled music, got the three minute build up before a bit of Funky House meets Dubstep euphoria takes over and it does not disappoint at all!

Mosca - Nike

Anyone in Leeds should grab a ticket for the first Bigger Than Barry this season featuring the weighty Shy Fx and Breakage! Otherwise I'll catch you soon.

Shake Your Eardrum  - Mickey mouse without makeup

Saturday 18 September 2010

Men & Music

So like, basically yeah man was chilling with a couple goonies and then this tune came up on my Youtube on random playlist.

Check it bro, it's totally awesome...


Miguel ft J.Cole - All I Want Is You


Anyway, my point is that the MALE vocals clearly make the tune as likeable as it is (assuming you like it, if not then erm....) and punters like me are deprived of male vocals in the current era of UK Bass. Off the top of my head couldn't think of one current house or dubstep tune that was made special by male vocals.

After a quick browse I did manage to dig up a banger from Roska.
Roska - Love 2 Night


Also this fine piece fresh from the Hed Kandi mixtape of 2005. Stunning vocals...
Peyton - I'll Rise


Some very well chosen male vocal samples from this deep house classic...
Rainer Truby - To Know You (Click to listen / Right click to download)

Even from pre 2006 underground grime, benefits in male vocals have a place. Hardly as soulful, but quite affective in the setting of the mood for the song

Remson - Sextacy (ft Black The Ripper)

I'm not trying so much to say a woman's place is only in the kitchen, but more that male vocalists should be utilized to add what would be an increasingly rarer touch when considering the high saturation of female vocalists. Maybe a bit of Musiq, Cee-Lo, even JLS on the samples?

Its true...

Thursday 16 September 2010

Faces of Leeds

Who is in Leeds and who is worth keeping an eye out for in the week-to-week offerings of the heart of West Yorkshire

Ramadanman


Ramadanman - Cheer up?


Playing at Acetate @ The Wire, Leeds is the biggest producer/DJ of the  pack. Least talked about among the general crowd, Ramadanman was born in North London and attended (I'm pretty sure he's finished) Leeds University whilst leading an alter ego on the pioneering of UK Bass music. His sound is really varied, from minimalistic to funky there should be something for everyone's taste. I cannot confirm whether his name has anything to do with religion/holidays...

Featuring sample from Ciara's 1-2-Step tune from a few years back
Ramadanman - Grab Somebody


Also check out his Bestimix which is real tight y'all!
Bestimix 23 by Ramadanman

MC Pean

Mc Pean Subdub Room 2
Fire starter every Saturday 7-9pm on Frequency Fm alongside DJ Antix, the Leeds born man can also be caught at a select number of house parties in the Leeds area going over dnb, dubstep and old school jungle as well as his roots in hiphop and grime. Peanie Man is probably the more recognizable with the dreadlocks look (I've since learnt that he cut off the dreads time ago). Pretty accessible people so feel free to converse. Check out Antix and Pean on their latest free mixtape which dropped on Facebook a couple of days ago.

The Yorkshire Samurai's Mixtape

Wachs Lyrical


Taken from the Outlook Website
Former Boddington Halls resident currently at Leeds University is one of the more up and coming producers/DJs as time will eventually tell. Far from a bedroom DJ, he already has vinyl releases under his belt as well as an appearance at Outlook Festival. Currently he's just here and there and don't think he has a residency at the moment but I'm definitely sure there will be advancements in the West Yorkshire region and he will work his way towards the top of promoter's posters. Already seen him play at Vagabondz on a Tempa T headlining night.

 We Fresh by Wachs Lyrical

As well as Facebook, also worth checking out his dedicated thread on www.dubstepforum.com for regular updates on his occurings.

DJ Tango


DJ Tango
Leeds very own DJ Tango was raised by the big darg Tim Westwood himself. DJ Tango is a lot less bombs and trash talk but has the same type of love or hate swagger. Personally I'm a big fan and always enjoy a cheeky set at either Tiger Tiger Tuesdays or Fibre late Thursdays. Definitely more in the direction of hip hop and r'n'b, Tango is more established on his scene and definitely easier to recognise.

Check out some of his mixes on his Facebook group

Monday 6 September 2010

Is That The New Dubstep Ting Yeah? Drumstep, Wah?

The new way to switch a set from Dubstep to Drum & Bass. Or simply that new, greezy sound that the urban kids of the 2000s are now producing. I'm a fan, I'm a big fan. Personally don't think there is hardly enough being produced as it seems more as something producers occasionally. Certainly I don't think it's come to the forefront with a dedicated set of artists creating and putting out the sound.
In no random order, let's take a look at what I've been taking a look at. Or you can watch some Jersey Shore, I'm impartial to either.

A tiger mask. Who are we to say it won't trend? (From Tumblr)

Shake Your Eardrum...

Rusko - Hold On (Sub Focus Remix)

Just to get the baitness out of di way. In fairness, half my peopledem could not correctly identify the genre of this piece, and therefore I still have an abundance of gold stars I couldn't give out. Big remix over an already big tune. Big tune, by a big artist, given a big remix by a big artist. Big things!!! That Duurty South-ish snare roll does help things to get a bit on top also.



Dirty Deeds - Lose It (Drumstep Remix)

Dropped in around 55 mins into the Fabio and Grooverider's Radio 1 show (29/08/10) show after a jump up dnb track it was epic. I had to go outside and high five somebody. The build up is so misleading. It seems to be dropping into a bit of trance like dnb and then just turns into some madness. It's like pressing a lift to enter an elevator, and then falling into a hole and turning up inside a brothel.
Not heard of the artist before but he has another track played called Captain Planet VIP which is soul destroyingly good as well. Be sure to check out the rest of his Soundcloud! This kind of stuff is seriously potent.

 Dirty Deeds - Lose It (Drumstep Mix) CLIP DDIG #007 by DirtySynergy

Reso - Warmachine

A lot more breaky than the other two, I heard this one first. Reso, when I first heard of him, was announced as the future of dubstep and this tune shows his versatility. Still an unfinished track, I've had a brief search and not seen anything more updated.

 WarMachine (Work in progress) by Reso

Taxman - Look What You've Done

Taxman, big boy artist from the Ganja Records crew (run by DJ Hype) is notorious alongside artists such as Original Sin and Sub Zero for blessing us with the mad jump up dubstep we love to get sweaty and hear people MC to. Well, I do anyway. The influence is clearly visible in this jump up vs drumstep vs jungle triple threat combination and the end product is sublime. The drumstep touch would be especially key to move a crowd as I think the slowing down in tempo is crucial!



Hakka - Badman Killa

This track is bad to da bone. The rasta vocal and dub influence make it the most mellow of all tracks but it is nevertheless far from mellow! You can find Hakka as an active member on Dubstep Forum which is precisely where I got it from. 1300 plays and a whole load of comments also oust this one as a banger. Check it playas...

 Hakka - Badman Killa (Drumstep) by Hakka

If one more person listens to another drumstep track after pondering over the post then my work is done. But raise your glasses and hope for more bangers for winter fall 2010! I think the neighbours are getting bored of me blasting out Nicki Minaj as well.

Sunday 5 September 2010

How Does Dubstep Affect Your Actions?

Basically, just seen this rude video on Youtube of some cool "Airborne Ninjas". What they do is impressive no lie. But the fact that the moves were performed with the backing track of Skream's "Rutten" and not "Eye of the Tiger" just make it more emotional. Both the track and the song.



Dubstep in general makes me screw the face and behave antisocially, think about life and why I have no girlfriend, bounce the head, pump weights faster and improve my self esteem by listening to the tracks my peers talk about.
This is obviously dependent on the vibe of the song, but not in a million years will Borgore, Distance or Benga make me attempt a backflip. But each to their own. I just wanted to post the video!

For example, when I first heard this....



I could of sworn I felt like this....

The future fighting the past! (Taken from pinktentacle.com)

Except maybe with some kind of Robot Wars flamethrower in the right hand. Can't wait for the full version of this remix as well. For the Leeds crew, Borgore is lined up for Bigger Than Barry @ Mint Club for Tuesday 26th October. Got this from the Facebook group found here. Scenes similar to Holby City are expected.

The Future Of Dubstep - Future Garage?

 I must sound like Mystic Meg trying to read into all these trends with my uncultured adjectives....

Don't get me wrong, "dubstep" exists in a million to the power of x different trends. Whilst I enjoy something out of all of these, I wouldn't be suprised if the future garage/ 2-step sound is the one that survives the longest. Obviously if you never digged garage you might disagree, but that's a whole new pack of biscuits...

Joy Orbison's Hyph Mgno undoubtedly remains the largest track to come out of this (because I said so) but by no means is he the best or only producer of the sub-genre. Whilst I'm certain that there are probably a fuck load of producers in the game working on this sort of material, I'll focus on what's passed through my eardrums.

George FitzGerald

First signing to Joy's Doldrum Label, have to say his name is hardly sexy and would be more in place at Bristol's Division 2 Chess League. The music though, oh boy, it is sexy. His biggest riddim "Don't You" has a driving bassline and is definitely a collector's item. It was also featured on Scuba's Sub:stance which got a very positive review at Resident Advisor.

 Don't You!!? by George FitzGerald

Latest anthem on Soundcloud is doing it also.

 Groove Theory - Tell Me (Remix) by George FitzGerald

Synkro

I would describe him as being nicer than Burial but darker than Joy Orbison - his music, that is. I'm sure he's got banter but he's also German and some people may take offence to that. He's put out quite a bit of material this year and I would recommend checking them all out because they are pretty versatile and I'm convinced there is something for everyone in his productions. My favourite from him right now is called "Everybody Knows". I actually don't know where them vocals come from funny enough, sound a bit like Brandy. Hot tune bro!



Pariah

I first heard him on the Mary Anne Hobbs (peace be with her) show and, after searching him, realised hype around him on the forums who think of him as the Lionel Messi (if Orbison is Tevez). This guy has some fire fire fire fire music. In fairness I have absolutely no idea how much coverage he's getting because I haven't really been to the necessary clubs, but with uni kicking off in less than a month I'll be distributing slaps if his work isn't getting playtime. Definitely my favourite of the artists mentioned, his work already sounds timeless and I've yet to hear it outside my bedroom. Time will tell, but I think everyone will know him by Christmas.

Orpheus is definitely his most popular work. When I first saw it on Youtube, I was pretty put off by the Lloyds TSB horse lol, I didn't feel like listening much! But I totally dig the vocals really. Always nice to hear a woman begging (jokes).



Crossed out is getting released tomorrow! Another one of those post hype skanking tunes where you can pretty much wade to the rhythm. Like Bob Marley said: Easy skanking.



Joy Orbison

Yep, you guessed it! Seriously, I was going to do Cosmic TRG but he's an electronic slut (in a good way) who has dipped his finger in many sub genre sauces. This is the last time I write Orbison until he drops a new EP or I see him live and shake his hand or something epic like that.
Since I've written a bible on him in comparison to everyone else I'll just stick a few toons that aren't so obvious to get an ear on.

Missus probably won't get released because it has a Ne-yo sample and them Americans are expensive dudes and, lets be honest, no one wants to sample Gareth Gates or any other dry English singer. Tune doe!



To be fair I prefer the Jose James original but I heard and loved it way before I knew he had a remix. When I play it to everyone who heard neither, they always prefer this as well sooooo you know...



Also check out some of Joy's motherfuckin' mixes man, they're free homie! If they're not free then...boy, init.
DLDRMS001[Click the name for the linkz]
BRSKR01 Disco Mix

Just to give you the 401 (or is it 101?) the first weird mix name is just a shortened version of Doldrums (Joy's label) and I have no idea what the second one is. Both written in the style of how music labels release their vinyls, basically label code and release number e.g. (SHKURED008).

Peace out bros, show love to hoes.

Saturday 4 September 2010

Pauly Dizzle - Jersey Sure!

The man himself


Out to all the Jersey Shore crew! Anyone who's watched a few shows will know what I am addressing, anyone who doesn't needs to get involved and find out!



Banger. Gym, tan, laundry, fist pump. No joke I've done a bit of research and the guy DJs worse than Steve Aoki drunk. I can safely bet he didn't produce this at all but when it hits the clubs it could have the same impact as Lethal B's Pow. Which is a lot. And electro is a lot more popular than grime right now!

Also worth a look is this video with Michael Cera from Superbad. Guy got jokes, ya'll...

Friday 3 September 2010

My Personal Big Anthems

I have decided that I have a select few songs that have some personal, not necessarily meaningful, but just have that extra touch on the average eardrum. Since I open up to talk about music, I might as well write a bit and share a few of these.

Shake Your Eardrum...

Jamie Jones - Ruckus


I was at Mint Club who hosted Matthias Kaden and it was a huge night, probably one of the best sets I've ever heard in my short life and this dropped pretty much out of nowhere. Everyone around me just started looking at each other in disbelief. It sort of had the Hyph Mgno effect with the mellow vocal and that unique melody to it.
I was so drunk I actually went up to the deck stand and made Matthias take a picture of the vinyl case. Good times.
Matthias Kaden's actual fingers as I snapped the Ruckus vinyl. Big up the BB Curve, cant even see the writing kmt lol

However, it's not such an overplayed track I feel, I'd say only the people who seen him live or caught on to his "Summertime" anthem would know. Therefore the tune is still thoroughly enjoyed in my room.

Billy Boyo  - One Spliff a Day [Click to listen / Right click to download]

Another 16 year old with a marijuana habit
If I died tomorrow, my flatmates from when I was at uni halls would tell of how I always blasted out this tune from "some kid who sings about being high". I almost died after being shown this from a 16 year old guy from Jamaica. It's a shame, I had no idea he was dead already... what a shame. 
While 16 year olds are probably more attractive now (Miley Cyrus (when she was 16)), they definitely don't produce this sort of sensimilla enhanced rhythms. If Billy Boyo was 16 now I don't think Usher would be buying Justin Bieber (16) any cars when he can listen to this instead. 
Anyway it's a sure fire anthem for the occasion and even not for the occasion. Considering he was 16 and not related to Bob Marley I give it extra ratings.


Can't remember where I first heard it, but this lead me on to a renewed interest in both dub (not dubstep) and reggae at the same time in this Rasta vs Dubstep messyness. "Way in (apparently) my brain, no cocaine, I don't wanna I don't wanna go insane"... Sounds like someone who's done too much something, fighting not to fall into a trip but then all of the sudden you get that absolutely crushing wobble and then its game over! Tbh I'm not really about the bars apart from the chorus and the "big up all di Jamaican hussies (how ya mean?)" lol not like I'm a yardie but the atmosphere just transforms.
I just want some dreadlocks for a few days.

Bachelors of Science - Anytime She Goes Away


First time I heard this was from a free CD I got not long after my first time going Fabric. I was still 17, going to an 18th birthday in my nicest shirt back in 2007 and basically chundered the free champagne I consumed and got chucked out at about 2am. Remembering nothing, I was given this CD by my cousin and the track came on after Original Nuttah (Shy FX). Don't know if it was the Bill Wither's sample or the wet, liquid vibe but it stuck into my head until I caught it on Youtube few months back! The video is quite interesting/fucked up too...


From a radio set off Torrentech, was a pretty big set (go to DJ tab, find burukena and its the May 15th set, stream or download(right click and save)) and going to bed stoned with someone or no one, hearing this was so good on the ears. The vocals are so driven you could almost drool. Big house vocal! Again, not such a bait tune, so it remains a hit for me!

How high the tune is... (pic from posterous.com)

The rinsing of the tune sort of diminishes it now its still such a beautiful, beautiful tune. I think I first saw it on the Fact Mag's top 100 tracks (this was number 1) and, after listening to 2 minutes of  it on my Dad's £29 computer speakers, switched it off and went into the kitchen and made me an omelette with toast.
Then throughout the last few months of 2009 (making me think I can't of heard it from an end of year chart) I started hearing this tune drop towards the end of many sets as a massive skanker's anthem.
In the end I was at a house party and it came on and I went up to the DJ while it was playing and the rest is history :D A lot of his work is top anyway and he is one of my favourite artists, wish guys like him would just release more material...damn player!

I could give a few more but think I've done enough. Feel free to share your favourite music with your companion, mother, brosephs, galdem or even me. By sharing, one can discover and the other can give, but both can appreciate.

Thursday 2 September 2010

Not So Forgotten

Saturday gone, went with a few mates to carnival warmer Urban Nerds vs Bigger Than Barry at a Shoreditch car park. Pretty good night and that, Katy B, Toddla T and Jayou all on the bill murking. Not on the bill murking, however, was Flirta D and Bruza! Certainly a shock to me and everyone I was with, don't think I've heard Bruza since around 2007.

The said line up.
A quick Youtube search shows that Flirta D recently had new material played on Logan Sama's Kiss Fm show. Not particularly anything special to me (check the tune here) but Sama mentioning the word "returning" to describe Flirta D confirms the guy has finally completed whatever game he was playing for x number of years and may be returning to the scene.

Flirta D - Microphone occupant


Bruza definitely has not been around for a while though his bars are probably still fresh in most people's heads. Also must say he does get a mention from time to time in general conversation.

Bruza - Hot like Baghdad!

While it was predominantely a dubsteppy/grime rave (P Money & Blacks were actually on the bill) it was big hype when these two took the mic in the second room. Everyone was pretty smashed so I cant really remember much but I definitely know there were old school bars involved and don't think there was much spitting over any sort of dubstep.

True say I don't go to many of these raves and maybe they are doing the rounds really but thought it was worth a mention!

Shake Your Eardrum...

Flirta D was nothing short of a God when I was younger. Definite 12/10 for originality and flow, tearing up countless allstar riddims. Blast from the past.

Flirta D - Warp Speed

Bruza equally devastating on the ears, can't go without a fat shout!

Bruza ft Triple Threat, Lady Fury & Royal - Freestyle

Septembro Lookout

Been off for a few weeks. Had two exams, a free house for a week and been on a roll playing poker. Mainly been pretty slack though, but here now.

September and a new term begins. Back to Leeds in a bit for me to kick of uni and there's some big nights lined up already.

Sep 10th - Rinse 16th Birthday @ Fabric, London (Click event name for details)

Looking forward to - Skream, Plastician & Dj Zinc.

Hype around this in my circles is pretty huge, with a huge venue, tasty line up and underground bass system can't really be going wrong.

Sep 11th - Filth @ Mint Club, Leeds ft Kaiserdisco
Heard of the duo a couple months ago, some pretty big tunes, check out their Beatport for a cheeky sample. Especially the "Jaana" original mix (on page 2 of the player). Will be very lively and elegant affairs, loads of sunshades and Prada!

Go to Beatport.comGet These TracksAdd This Player

Sep 20th - The Bash Out 1st Birthday @ HiFi Club and Wire, Leeds
Looking forward to - Sukh Knight, P Money, Hazard & Flux Pavillion
Probably the most organic, grimey night of the lot. Will be plenty of gurn, wheel-ups and sweat. And that Hazard tune everyone goes nuts to...



Sep 25th - Paul Van Dyk @ Gatecrasher, Leeds
Not everyday you get to see the trance god, I'm not particularly into him but I know it would be a very good shout when evaluating atmosphere, value for money and most importantly, babes counter.

Sep 25th - Metropolis & Wax:On @ Leeds University Union
Looking forward to - Andy C & MC GQ, Benga & Fake Blood.
Just need to look at the line up really. Huge names. The variation in hearing Nero, Joy Orbison & Calvin Harris all in one night will be a bit nuts and hard to comprehend at the same time.

Did you know Rusko went to Leeds Uni? How do you feel now?
Sep 26th - Kano @ Cockpit, Leeds
Cockpit is normally for rock gigs, but still big name nonetheless and a definite sellout, will be intriguing, and on a Sunday so a definite look in.
Myself and Kano, Hustlers. Lol.



Of course there's a lot more in store, but you can play it safely by ear (or else). I won't break the price because it may diminish my popularity.

Saturday 14 August 2010

Grime In Dubstep

It could be viewed as having all your favourite players in an all star XI. Messi, Drogba and Van Persie leading the front three. It could be likened to having all your favourite characters appearing on the same program. Throw Peggy and Phil Mitchel into the Kyle's house on My Wife and Kids? Anyhow, the rise this year in the collaboration between grime MCs and dubstep music has certainly been a popular one that has actually taken place.

Flow Dan - You don't wanna see me get eeeevil.

By no means is the concept of grime Mcs touching up productions in the Dubstep genre a new concept. It has been around for a long while. Take Flow Dan for example. Many people will instantly catch my drift when I say "Docta can't fix you, send for the hearse" on the sub heavy track produced by The Bug entitled "Skeng". Another example is Durrty Goodz, half brother of jailed MC Crazy Titch, using a Coki production on his Axiom EP on "Take Back The Scene". Aside from this, there are also plenty of sets where Benga's Night or Skream's Midnight Request Line have been chucked in to get MCs hype. You catch my drift.

The Bug ft Killa P & Flow Dan - Skeng [Click to listen / Right click to download]

Durrty Goodz - Take Back The Scene

It could be that now it is indeed the quality of mic controllers that have seen the great rise in popularity. While "Skeng" was well received, Flow Dan didn't have a strong foothold in either the dubstep or grime scene. My focus for this post points to D Double E, P Money and par distributor Tempa T, not that I'm saying they are the only ones. D Double went in with other half Footsie (as the Newham Generals) and out came "Hard" in 2009. There wasn't a dubstep night I went to last year where this track didn't get love! D Double E has since released the hyped up "Street Figher Riddim" and in an interview on Grime Forum it can be you can see for yourself that he is definitely going to have some dubstep on his next releases. His interview can be checked out here.

Newham Generals - looking pretty upset to be honest.

P Money had already featured on lesser known Starkey's second album back in April, with the song "Numb" showing a different side to the fire flow the grime fans fell in love with. In my opinion, his rise on the dubstep scene coincided with the rise of East London producer Sukh Knight. "Slang Like This" and "Left The Room" were both well received bangers and a collector's item for most DJs in the genre.



Tempa T probably sells himself! The "Next Hype" tune remixed and mashed up all over the gaffe including the Next Hype vs Saxon (Chase & Status) mix! The point is that now Grime is definitely a lot more prominent and whilst die hards such as Black The Ripper or Dot Rotten will not run to jump on this particular bus, it offers both a closer to home change (i.e. Grime to Dubstep rather than Grime to Pop) and, while dubstep grows in popularity, and very commercially profitable outlet.



Tempa T has gone from Sidewinder to featuring on the same bill as Grandmaster Flash @ The Warehouse Project (23rd October) - probably the biggest club night in the UK. Both P Money and Flow Dan are performing at the ever popular Outlook Festival in Croatia next month. There are so many obvious positives to be taken from this. Not to mention the pay involved. These guys will have enough money to buy some serious three quarter length shorts for next summer.

Shake Your Eardrum...

Also worth a listen is Electronica prodigy DJ Plastician's very recent set featuring P Money in Bristol covering everything from Grime to Dubstep. Its naughty and its here. Also has a tracklist in case you see anything very naughty.

Thursday 12 August 2010

Katy B - Girl On A Mission

Before anything, I have to say, I don't know why Youtube jinallzed me but the videos stick out the borders here. The Computer Science degree didn't teach me how to rectify this so I hope your eyes don't bleed too much when you scroll down. Keep it real, bro.


Katy B - Thought she'd be better looking/not ginger? Me too!
To assess Katy B, one should look to other similar artists. Lets take Shola Ama. Both had pretty big Funky House vocals last summer. Shola Ama went in with Perempay & Dee on "DJ Play", which got a lot of play from the DJs, whilst Katy B featured on the big track with Geeneus "As I". All the UK mandem must have at least one memory of grinding a girl to one of these tunes. Whether it was in Malia, Kos or Oceana Kingston.

Geeneus ft Katy B - As I (Skepta Remix) [Click to listen / Right click to download]

Shola Ama...probably on a comedown.
Giggs - Cut Above The Rest ft Shola Ama

After Shola Ama, fresh from her druggie days, had this tune played out we didn't hear from her again until she came out on the Cut Above The Rest mixtape on the title track with leader of the emerging UK Rap scene Giggs. At best it was a good tune but, while the collaboration was a coup for the SN1 rapper, it left a lot to be questioned regarding Shola's career choices. Katy B, on the other hand, essentially became a "new" sensation to electronica. I say electronica because the big hits "Katy B On A Mission" & "Perfect Stranger" is more the commercialisation of dubstep rather than representing the scene. The latter of the tracks contains mouth dropping, unbelievably catchy vocals. It doesn't take a Geeneus to guess which singer is taking the bookings right now.




All I can say is the bandwagon has shown both hit and miss. Whilst I am a great fan of Giggs and the raise in profile in UK Rap, the rap game is not going to take any female vocalists to the top. Don't you remember what happened to Olivia from G-Unit? On the other hand, the trio forming Magnetic Man may have propelled Katy B into Britain's hands as the next Lilly Allen like figure. Judging on the quality of the tracks, she can definitely go far.



As for Shola Ama, you can probably catch her in a Mcdonalds doing some methedrone off a tray with her agent. Or whatever's doing the rounds in Skegness these days. Look out for the Katy B tracks, I read "Katy B On A Mission is out August 23rd and the other comes out with the Magnetic Man album (available for pre order here) on October 4th.

Shake Your Eardrum...

Shout out to Giggs, doing it for the scene. Also worth checking out this for some more mellow Giggs, right off the debut album titled Walk In The Park.

Giggs - Make It Look Good ft J.Melo

Telling the sweet story the only way a Peckham gangster could.

Tuesday 10 August 2010

Netsky - Drum & Taste

Netsky - His music is better than his looks.

Netsky produced Net-sky(sky high)! His latest remix of Pendulum's "Witchcraft" is just insane. Such an airy feel, does justice for both hype and mellow moods and that appreciation goes up because I think the original tune is just straight wack lol. This is the kind of tune a main character would be happy to die to at the end of a drama series, so much atmosphere!




I like a lot of his other stuff as well, "Tomorrow's Another Day" VIP mix is another huge tune as most of us didn't know Collie Buddz could sound so intense on a beat. When I pump out this tune and hear the man sing I feel like confessing sin like I cheated on my imaginary girlfriend.

Netsky - Tomorrow's Another Day VIP (Snarftastic Edit) (Dodgy version looped twice but you'll get the crack [Click to listen / Right click to download]

Definitely on my priority list to go and see live, I'm also a big fan of one of his mixes (the August one). The one I'm on about can be found off his myspace or at the link below.
Netsky is also the name given to a big virus that attacked emails, but doesn't sound so good to listen to really....Check out his other tunes and if you like them don't suppose you could go wrong copping the sexy self-titled album.

Monday 9 August 2010

Skepta the Microphone Champion

Skepta (second from left) and the team (taken from Skepta's twitter page).

What is so good about this is that it doesn't need much of an intro. Most people who listen to radio would have heard P Diddy's "Hello, Good Morning" and definitely heard this banger. To Grime fans it is much more than this. It could be argued as representing the first artist from the genre to have a commercialised tune promoted entirely without compromise or, as many would say, "selling out". Such examples of these artists would include Chipmunk and Tinchy Stryder, with both considerably changing their original styles to become household names.



The tune is pretty weighty, could appeal to most crowds and when Skepta says "God forgive me when I buss my ting right now!" there is cause for reload and gun mimicking with the fingers.

Who knows what could happen from here? Boy Better Know mixtape featuring Drake and Trey Songz? Obviously the US won't be won over in a day, but following this collaboration Grime is definitely one step closer. The door is open.

Shake Your Eardrum...

It would be racist to take a shot at Chipmunk and Tinchy Stryder and close set. Here are some of their earlier  grime tunes which I liked as well as a bit of Skepta, because at the end of the day...everyone has to eat, and not everyone can be a shotta.

Tinchy Stryder - Line 'Em Up [Click to listen / Right click to download]
Beat em up, step on your crep, fire tune taken off the Cloud 9 mixtape released in 2008.

Chipmunk - Consistent (Produced by Wiley)
Chipz at his best beating up a Wiley beat on the League of My Own mixtape from 2007.

Skepta - Deeper (Ft Romeo)
Boy Better Know meets So Solid Crew on this classic.

Chapter 0

I complained to friends about having no source of creative release on my monotonous Computer Science. And I always found new music from everywhere but not always someone was there to pat me on the back or offer a constructive opinion. Then I created a blog and tried to avoid making it about music because there is loads.

I made one post and had about 6 drafts before I left it and came to this. If I get bored of this I will by decks and become a bedroom DJ. This ensures that I will have a good attempt at this because I am currently £1497 into my £1500 student overdraft and not due till mid September!

What is my blog about? Well probably covering MY music interests which covers most Electronica and Grime music. I grew up in the semi-ghetto of Edmonton, North London ("Brap!") and can accurately say I saw Grime grow up and develop. Not necessarily having the best view, but today I can say that I am still a big fan. Maybe I will enlighten one person and piss off and lose a million potential followers. If I can make one person say "hey, this guy is good", and get him a Youtube hit, that will put a smile on my face.

I am also a pretty random person and depending on my relationship with this page I may just chuck in the odd, grumpy man, ramble. I'm all for spreading the love. I don't like Facebook for this however, as people on my list are way too personal and the stuff I know about most people is starting to render my phone useless. That's another story though....

I could waffle on about my OCD and lack of holidays but it's 1am and I am quite high stacked on this Full Tilt freeroll so I will just deliver the crack and hand you a key to take a nice dig out of.

Hold my hand, and I will hold yours et cetera.