Alizé will celebrate its 21st birthday this year, with a nationwide Alize Remixed club tour, hitting Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol with the grand finale in London!
They are also searching for the freshest DJ talent to star in the tour, alongside the likes of legendary DJs including Jazzy Jeff and Grandmaster Flash, plus the competition Ambassadors Steve Sutherland , and Shortee Blitz as well as supporting DJs such as Tim Westwood!
As a bonus the winners will also win £1000.00!! - This isn’t a cutting and scratching contest, it’s about creating the ultimate vibe!
Alizé are asking the would-be maestros to create a 10 minute mix of their favourite party tracks from the past 21 years, and then upload them to the contest’s dedicated website - http://www.alizeremixed.com/ which launches on the 17th March.
Mixes can include any number of tracks, from hip hop and soul to garage and reggae, so long as
they make a banging party mix!
By Anna Nathanson
Sunday 30 March 2008
Anna Nathanson's Column: Part 2
Hi People and welcome to the second installment of my new column here at Big Smoke. Remember, if you're an artist or PR, feel free to send us CDs for review or to be included in this column.
This has been quite a busy week as I've been promoting Frantic Frank's excellent new album The Hard Way. If you still haven't heard it, make sure you get in touch via my myspace, www.myspace.com/scorpiomirage.
The week also culminated with the launch party of the above mentioned album, which included a capeoera show curtesy of Kraftsmen member Prodigal Son, as well as some amazing spitting on the open mic, followed by a show from Frantic and the other Kraftsmen, showcasing some of the new material.
I've also just recieved a link from Tor to her new track entitled Black Girls, which was inspired by Bashy's single Black Boys, and coincides with Estelle's number one with American Boy. To listen to the track, check out http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=6B199E451CF89BC5
Also, be sure to check out my review of Estelle's new album, here:
http://www.subba-cultcha.com/article_album.php?id=7102
Have also been listening to Baby J's new track Wake Up, which is his first with his new label Abstract Urban. It features Alex Blood and the remix features JK2 and Wariko, and is one hell of a tune.
Right I'm off to book my ticket for Redman and Method Man's London show on the 15th April, til next time,
Anna x
This has been quite a busy week as I've been promoting Frantic Frank's excellent new album The Hard Way. If you still haven't heard it, make sure you get in touch via my myspace, www.myspace.com/scorpiomirage.
The week also culminated with the launch party of the above mentioned album, which included a capeoera show curtesy of Kraftsmen member Prodigal Son, as well as some amazing spitting on the open mic, followed by a show from Frantic and the other Kraftsmen, showcasing some of the new material.
I've also just recieved a link from Tor to her new track entitled Black Girls, which was inspired by Bashy's single Black Boys, and coincides with Estelle's number one with American Boy. To listen to the track, check out http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=6B199E451CF89BC5
Also, be sure to check out my review of Estelle's new album, here:
http://www.subba-cultcha.com/article_album.php?id=7102
Have also been listening to Baby J's new track Wake Up, which is his first with his new label Abstract Urban. It features Alex Blood and the remix features JK2 and Wariko, and is one hell of a tune.
Right I'm off to book my ticket for Redman and Method Man's London show on the 15th April, til next time,
Anna x
Frantic Frank "The Hard Way"
FRANTIC FRANK “THE HARD WAY”
Get ready for the new album from FRANTIC FRANK, entitled THE HARD WAY. It took just three and a half months to write and record, and was mastered at the renowned Exchange by well-known engineer Mike Marsh, and the cover art was designed by world famous graffiti artist Zombie.
Frantic Frank, still only 21, is a super spitter from South London, who has been making music on the underground for years, building up a loyal following and releasing several mix tapes including the ground breaking “Freedom of Speech”, as well as the album “Frantic Frank ‘An Da Kraftsmen”.
Frantic pens all his own material, writing daily and spending hours on end at the studio. Some of his legendary performances have taken place at venues such as Plan B and Speaker’s Corner in Brixton, as well as at Kung Fu.
Frank is part of South London rap crew the Kraftsmen, whose members comprise of Prodigal Son, Manic Madnick and Mic Righteous, all of whom feature on the album. He is also a part of the People’s Army, which is a collective of thousands of rappers coming together to promote harmony within the hip hop scene.
“I hope to change people’s lives”, says Frantic. “I’m not trying to change the industry in any way, it can stay how it wants to stay. But I’ll still be here making music whether the mainstream like it or not”.
Check Frantic’s myspace for more info:
www.myspace.com/franticfrank
Written by Anna Nathanson
FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE CONTACT ANNA NATHANSON @ MIRAGE MUSIC:
http://www.myspace.comscorpiomirage/
Get ready for the new album from FRANTIC FRANK, entitled THE HARD WAY. It took just three and a half months to write and record, and was mastered at the renowned Exchange by well-known engineer Mike Marsh, and the cover art was designed by world famous graffiti artist Zombie.
Frantic Frank, still only 21, is a super spitter from South London, who has been making music on the underground for years, building up a loyal following and releasing several mix tapes including the ground breaking “Freedom of Speech”, as well as the album “Frantic Frank ‘An Da Kraftsmen”.
Frantic pens all his own material, writing daily and spending hours on end at the studio. Some of his legendary performances have taken place at venues such as Plan B and Speaker’s Corner in Brixton, as well as at Kung Fu.
Frank is part of South London rap crew the Kraftsmen, whose members comprise of Prodigal Son, Manic Madnick and Mic Righteous, all of whom feature on the album. He is also a part of the People’s Army, which is a collective of thousands of rappers coming together to promote harmony within the hip hop scene.
“I hope to change people’s lives”, says Frantic. “I’m not trying to change the industry in any way, it can stay how it wants to stay. But I’ll still be here making music whether the mainstream like it or not”.
Check Frantic’s myspace for more info:
www.myspace.com/franticfrank
Written by Anna Nathanson
FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE CONTACT ANNA NATHANSON @ MIRAGE MUSIC:
http://www.myspace.comscorpiomirage/
Friday 14 March 2008
Anna Nathanson's Column
Big Smoke Column
By Anna Nathanson
One of the best open mic nights I’ve been to recently? The People’s Army Night at Arch 269 in Brixton, last Thursday.
Describing themselves as “a movement, promoting a new way of thinking, uniting against all forms of prejudice and oppression, representing all those who are struggling”, the People’s Army can be found at www.myspace.com/thepeoplesarmy2008.
The night, hosted by Logic and Lowkey, saw performances from the likes of Manic, Frantic Frank, The IRS, Lyrical Healer and the headliner Skinnyman, who rocked as usual, as well as DJ sets from Snuff, Excalibah and Steaz, providing quality hip hop throughout the night.
It made me think back to the last ever Speaker’s Corner, which signified the end of an era, but the beginning of something new.
That was a legendary night, and as I haven’t yet documented it, will write about it here. Performers such as Manage, Stig of the Dump, Foreign Beggars, Excentral Tempest, and many more, (there were an estimated 100 MCs on stage that night) shared the stage with the incredible Speaker’s Corner Quartet, for a night of full on live music.
The audience was made up of hip hop figures such as Jehst, AC and Terra, Nova, Esh, Paul H from HHC, Kasha of Vivid Imagery, DJ Kyper, and Crymien and more. It was truly an unforgettable night. For the latest developments on Speaker’s Corner, check their myspace, www.myspace.com/speakerscorner.
Another thing I’ve been to recently was the Chinese hip hop event put on by Chinatown Arts Space (CAS), at the Royal Albert Hall, a couple of weeks back.
The night started with some amazing routines from dance supercrew blaZian, followed by a set from DJ Phat, before the headlining act, the Dragon Tongue Squad, took to the stage much to the audience’s delight, and even though I couldn’t understand a word of what they were saying, their energy was almost tangible.
This month I’ve Interviewed Joe Budden (www.britishhiphop.co.uk), Kid Sister (TOUCH Magazine), Anusha (Asian Fashion Magazine) and I’ve just reviewed Estelle’s new album (www.subba-cultcha.com), and have been listening to Cons?iracy’s new album Tour of Duty.
One of the most captivating young MCs in London has to be Excentral Tempest. I got to interview the MC otherwise known as Kate last week, before she took to the stage at the Deptford Arms for an unforgettable show. Look out for my interview with Tempest, and check out her myspace, www.myspace.com/excentraltempest
Before I go, I also have to big up one of my closest friends Danielle Senior who has just recorded a track with Juelz Santana and 40 Cal from Dipset and who has many more surprises up her sleeve, watch this space! Or better yet, log onto her myspace, www.myspace.com/daniellesenior.
For events to check out this month, log onto www.myspace.com/hqlondon for the Scratch night at the Social, an exciting monthly hip hop night, as well as the next People’s Army night at Arch 269, which is also Frantic Frank’s new album launch party, this month. See you down there!
Anna x
www.myspace.com/scorpiomirage
By Anna Nathanson
One of the best open mic nights I’ve been to recently? The People’s Army Night at Arch 269 in Brixton, last Thursday.
Describing themselves as “a movement, promoting a new way of thinking, uniting against all forms of prejudice and oppression, representing all those who are struggling”, the People’s Army can be found at www.myspace.com/thepeoplesarmy2008.
The night, hosted by Logic and Lowkey, saw performances from the likes of Manic, Frantic Frank, The IRS, Lyrical Healer and the headliner Skinnyman, who rocked as usual, as well as DJ sets from Snuff, Excalibah and Steaz, providing quality hip hop throughout the night.
It made me think back to the last ever Speaker’s Corner, which signified the end of an era, but the beginning of something new.
That was a legendary night, and as I haven’t yet documented it, will write about it here. Performers such as Manage, Stig of the Dump, Foreign Beggars, Excentral Tempest, and many more, (there were an estimated 100 MCs on stage that night) shared the stage with the incredible Speaker’s Corner Quartet, for a night of full on live music.
The audience was made up of hip hop figures such as Jehst, AC and Terra, Nova, Esh, Paul H from HHC, Kasha of Vivid Imagery, DJ Kyper, and Crymien and more. It was truly an unforgettable night. For the latest developments on Speaker’s Corner, check their myspace, www.myspace.com/speakerscorner.
Another thing I’ve been to recently was the Chinese hip hop event put on by Chinatown Arts Space (CAS), at the Royal Albert Hall, a couple of weeks back.
The night started with some amazing routines from dance supercrew blaZian, followed by a set from DJ Phat, before the headlining act, the Dragon Tongue Squad, took to the stage much to the audience’s delight, and even though I couldn’t understand a word of what they were saying, their energy was almost tangible.
This month I’ve Interviewed Joe Budden (www.britishhiphop.co.uk), Kid Sister (TOUCH Magazine), Anusha (Asian Fashion Magazine) and I’ve just reviewed Estelle’s new album (www.subba-cultcha.com), and have been listening to Cons?iracy’s new album Tour of Duty.
One of the most captivating young MCs in London has to be Excentral Tempest. I got to interview the MC otherwise known as Kate last week, before she took to the stage at the Deptford Arms for an unforgettable show. Look out for my interview with Tempest, and check out her myspace, www.myspace.com/excentraltempest
Before I go, I also have to big up one of my closest friends Danielle Senior who has just recorded a track with Juelz Santana and 40 Cal from Dipset and who has many more surprises up her sleeve, watch this space! Or better yet, log onto her myspace, www.myspace.com/daniellesenior.
For events to check out this month, log onto www.myspace.com/hqlondon for the Scratch night at the Social, an exciting monthly hip hop night, as well as the next People’s Army night at Arch 269, which is also Frantic Frank’s new album launch party, this month. See you down there!
Anna x
www.myspace.com/scorpiomirage
Wretch 32- Punctuation Review
Wretch 32 – Punctuation
BBCs 1xtra ‘Most Streets Heat’ award winner Wretch 32 who appeared on The Streets ‘Pranging Out’. Such exposure put him as the face of King Apparel. ‘Punctuation’ is an epic atmospheric track and witty punch lines, “I’m already behind bars” to name but a few. The remix is dirty with appearances from Scorcher, Shameless and Bashy. The digital release is set for the 8th of November on Naughty Boy Recordings, also Wretch is working on his highly anticipated debut album ‘Wretchrospective’ due out early next year.
By Andrew Halls
BBCs 1xtra ‘Most Streets Heat’ award winner Wretch 32 who appeared on The Streets ‘Pranging Out’. Such exposure put him as the face of King Apparel. ‘Punctuation’ is an epic atmospheric track and witty punch lines, “I’m already behind bars” to name but a few. The remix is dirty with appearances from Scorcher, Shameless and Bashy. The digital release is set for the 8th of November on Naughty Boy Recordings, also Wretch is working on his highly anticipated debut album ‘Wretchrospective’ due out early next year.
By Andrew Halls
The 4orce Review
The 4orce Feat Poynt Blak – UK Rappcats
Taken from the 4orces forthcoming album ‘Final 4ormation’ ‘UK Rappacts’ is a history shout out track of the UK scene based on Madlib/Quasimotos classic Rappcats. I was feeling this track and with radio support form Mista Jam/1xtra & Shortee Blitz/Kiss FM and the album release date set for Jan 08 I got that feeling the 4orce will be forcing themselves even more into the lime light. I want to hear more!
By Andrew Halls
Taken from the 4orces forthcoming album ‘Final 4ormation’ ‘UK Rappacts’ is a history shout out track of the UK scene based on Madlib/Quasimotos classic Rappcats. I was feeling this track and with radio support form Mista Jam/1xtra & Shortee Blitz/Kiss FM and the album release date set for Jan 08 I got that feeling the 4orce will be forcing themselves even more into the lime light. I want to hear more!
By Andrew Halls
Sincere- So Sincere Review
Sincere – So Sincere
Sincere entered the scene through playing regularly at Kung Fu & Hoxton Hotspot, Cargo. Now Sincere is set to release his new mini movie and soundtrack! Staring Sincere and edited by Ben Peters the short film gives the viewer a fierce adrenalin soaked glimpse into a day in the life of this up and coming MC and features cameo’s and exclusive tracks from some of the UK & US finest including: Akals, D Double E, Scorcher, SAS, Wretch 32, SMS, Bashy and Styles P. Included in the DVD are videos for ‘That’s Not Gangsta’, ‘Gimme Some’, ‘G’d Up’, ‘One day you’ll see’ and ‘Time of your life’ that help make Sincere. Appearances at the Urban Music Awards and twice at the Mayor of London’s Flyer Concert and putting Sincere out there big time! So Sincere is available now on Young Entrepreneur Records and look out for his officla debut album ‘Now or Never’ in 2008!
By Andrew Halls
Sincere entered the scene through playing regularly at Kung Fu & Hoxton Hotspot, Cargo. Now Sincere is set to release his new mini movie and soundtrack! Staring Sincere and edited by Ben Peters the short film gives the viewer a fierce adrenalin soaked glimpse into a day in the life of this up and coming MC and features cameo’s and exclusive tracks from some of the UK & US finest including: Akals, D Double E, Scorcher, SAS, Wretch 32, SMS, Bashy and Styles P. Included in the DVD are videos for ‘That’s Not Gangsta’, ‘Gimme Some’, ‘G’d Up’, ‘One day you’ll see’ and ‘Time of your life’ that help make Sincere. Appearances at the Urban Music Awards and twice at the Mayor of London’s Flyer Concert and putting Sincere out there big time! So Sincere is available now on Young Entrepreneur Records and look out for his officla debut album ‘Now or Never’ in 2008!
By Andrew Halls
Jehst- The Mengi Bus Mixtape Review
Jehst – The Mengi Bus Mixtape
The latest mixtpae cut up with rarities, new tracks and remixed bangers! It features people such as Micall Parknsun, DJ IQ, Sir Smurf Lil’ Foreign Beggars and more! Out now in stores, this mix is wicked, your typical blunted Jehst style production with DJ IQ mixing it up. Cant wait for Jehsts’ latest album to drop ‘The Dragon Of An Ordinary Family’ coming soon…..
By Andrew Halls
The latest mixtpae cut up with rarities, new tracks and remixed bangers! It features people such as Micall Parknsun, DJ IQ, Sir Smurf Lil’ Foreign Beggars and more! Out now in stores, this mix is wicked, your typical blunted Jehst style production with DJ IQ mixing it up. Cant wait for Jehsts’ latest album to drop ‘The Dragon Of An Ordinary Family’ coming soon…..
By Andrew Halls
IRS- The World Is Theirs Review
IRS – The World Is Theirs
The five strong crew from South London provide a mixture of lyrical flare, bass heavy beats, intelligent and original subject matter and cocksure charisma. This is their debut album and it’s serious. You may have heard their first release on Real Records that got much airplay and a spot on Disordas’ established ‘UK Hustlers – The Return’. ‘The World Is Theirs’ is available now on Merciless Records. Enter the real shit, this is my favourite UK hip hop act I have heard for a long while. Their style is on point, rhymes that actually make sense and you can think/relate to what they rap about no matter you background in music. Its very accessible rap with sharp intelligent punch lines. They style reminds me of an old Pharcyde with more interesting subject matter and a British twang. I imagine they provide a stunning live performance; I and you need to check them out more!!!! Heavy music!
By Andrew Halls
The five strong crew from South London provide a mixture of lyrical flare, bass heavy beats, intelligent and original subject matter and cocksure charisma. This is their debut album and it’s serious. You may have heard their first release on Real Records that got much airplay and a spot on Disordas’ established ‘UK Hustlers – The Return’. ‘The World Is Theirs’ is available now on Merciless Records. Enter the real shit, this is my favourite UK hip hop act I have heard for a long while. Their style is on point, rhymes that actually make sense and you can think/relate to what they rap about no matter you background in music. Its very accessible rap with sharp intelligent punch lines. They style reminds me of an old Pharcyde with more interesting subject matter and a British twang. I imagine they provide a stunning live performance; I and you need to check them out more!!!! Heavy music!
By Andrew Halls
Bashy- Black Boys Review
Bashy - Black Boys
This is a nice smooth track with production by Naughty Boy. Bashy delivers conscious positive lyrics to inspire todays black youth. I was feeling what Bashy had to say but I reckon some people will find the track inaccessible as the subject matter is just ‘Black Boys’ and Bashy draws on inspiration from many positive idol figures ranging from music artists like Dizzie to sports men like Ian Wright to create this very positive view on black youth.
By Andrew Halls
This is a nice smooth track with production by Naughty Boy. Bashy delivers conscious positive lyrics to inspire todays black youth. I was feeling what Bashy had to say but I reckon some people will find the track inaccessible as the subject matter is just ‘Black Boys’ and Bashy draws on inspiration from many positive idol figures ranging from music artists like Dizzie to sports men like Ian Wright to create this very positive view on black youth.
By Andrew Halls
Lunatrix and DJ Vokal Review
Lunatrix & DJ Vokal - HHBRadio The Mix CD Volume 3, Presented by Izzy G
Well, I haven’t heard a mixtape like this for a while, what a banging selection! HHB really have come through with a mix that covers all bases; grimey sounds, well rounded commercial numbers, old skoolness, smoothies and your typical UK hammers! It has the more well known tracks like Blak Twang ‘Help Dem Lord’, an absolutely massive track by Foreign Beggars featuring Dudley Perkins (AKA Declaime on Franco Shade!) ‘To Be A Memory’, First Aid Feat Million Dan, MCD & Rodney Ps’ ‘Devon Cream Rerub’ is a very metal urban grimey sounding track that really fits a sweaty underground club! Other heads like Kyza, Klashnekoff, Shameless and Sincere to name a few offer their new exclusive tracks. Get this mix in your collection if you are going to get any mix in your xmas stocking!
By Andrew Halls
Well, I haven’t heard a mixtape like this for a while, what a banging selection! HHB really have come through with a mix that covers all bases; grimey sounds, well rounded commercial numbers, old skoolness, smoothies and your typical UK hammers! It has the more well known tracks like Blak Twang ‘Help Dem Lord’, an absolutely massive track by Foreign Beggars featuring Dudley Perkins (AKA Declaime on Franco Shade!) ‘To Be A Memory’, First Aid Feat Million Dan, MCD & Rodney Ps’ ‘Devon Cream Rerub’ is a very metal urban grimey sounding track that really fits a sweaty underground club! Other heads like Kyza, Klashnekoff, Shameless and Sincere to name a few offer their new exclusive tracks. Get this mix in your collection if you are going to get any mix in your xmas stocking!
By Andrew Halls
Mystic Man and Eshamanjaro
Mystic Man & Eshamanjaro – ‘Chesire Cat’ FAT! Records
Fresh from his recent electronic album project Merka teams up with MC Esher as Mystic Man & Eshamanjaro to give you a slice of retrospective, cutting edge, beat driven hip hop. Merka’s influences include artists like Drum n Bass’s Photek, The Avalanches & Lemon Jelly. Not only new to the hip hop scene, MC Esher took time out from his PhD in Philosophy of Mental Disorder, and you will be glad! ‘Chesire Cat’ is a serious track and I its been on repeat for an hour already! This is a breath of fresh air in a relatively stagnant scene right now. The beat is soulful and rolling with good smooth lyrical delivery and content. ‘Chesire Cat’ and the heavy remix are out now with the ‘Heavy Weather’ album set to drop on the 11th February….I need to hear it. Now!
By Andrew Halls
Fresh from his recent electronic album project Merka teams up with MC Esher as Mystic Man & Eshamanjaro to give you a slice of retrospective, cutting edge, beat driven hip hop. Merka’s influences include artists like Drum n Bass’s Photek, The Avalanches & Lemon Jelly. Not only new to the hip hop scene, MC Esher took time out from his PhD in Philosophy of Mental Disorder, and you will be glad! ‘Chesire Cat’ is a serious track and I its been on repeat for an hour already! This is a breath of fresh air in a relatively stagnant scene right now. The beat is soulful and rolling with good smooth lyrical delivery and content. ‘Chesire Cat’ and the heavy remix are out now with the ‘Heavy Weather’ album set to drop on the 11th February….I need to hear it. Now!
By Andrew Halls
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