Monday 28 April 2008

City Showcase 2008

City Showcase

2nd - 6th June 2008

For 5 days last June, over a million people flocked to central London to witness 400 artists across all music genres perform at 35 different venues. From midday to midnight Londoners mingled, browsed, shopped and listened to great live music at London’s City Showcase. From the 2nd – 6th June this year its back for a sixth consecutive year and promises to be one to remember!

Renowned for showcasing the best in new music, City Showcase has previously played host to Amy Winehouse, Newton Faulkner, Keane, Razorlight, Scouting For Girls, Ray LaMontagne, Hot Chip, Sway and Lady Sovereign who all began their long and winding road to fame and fortune on the City Showcase stage...

City Showcase has an extremely exciting bill this year including a fantastic opportunity to see Bomb the Base. To celebrate 20 years of Acid House, one of the leading innovators from the 80’s and 90’s Acid House movement, Bomb The Bass (who also had one of the first sample based chart hits), will be making history on 4th June at London’s Astoria, when they perform their first live show in the UK for 20 years. With Eddy Temple-Morris (Xfm/The Remix) and DJ/A&R of the City Showcase electronic nights, Ben Osborne (Noise of Art), behind the decks, it promises to be a night to remember.

Further information and ticket bookings are on line at www.cityshowcase.co.uk

The Elementz

Its undeniable, The Elementz are making their own lane. Following a two year hiatus Nottingham’s finest production team return with Crushmode a compilation LP featuring the cuts that fuelled the duo to record of the week on BBC Radio 1Xtra coupled with brand new galaxy-stirring material.

Neither Zoutr nor Liati have hung up their zero gravity suits, continuing to work with the finest in UK talent, they’ve been preparing for lift off with their most diverse and innovative work to date. Crushmode is set to take them supernova.

From “Select Players” the 80’s arcade disco Intro into “At 1 with the Elementz” featuring Wretch 32, Loudmouth and Wariko, The Elementz walk the tightrope of hip-hop and grime with precision. A club cut boasting the most talked about artist line up to grace airwaves so far in 2008. “Crush Theme” featuring Taskforce & Sarai Jazz sets an addictive tone to illustrate how these boys originally forged their beats. Even a skinny-jeaned emo couldn’t resist a plimsoll toe tap to this

The space bump of “Ruinin My High” featuring Dubbledge raises some key questions of modern life through electric leads funked with their far swung signature beats. By the time you reach “Best Kept Secret” featuring Antorage and Malik of Moorish Delta the depth is clear, this furious collaboration brings a cutting edge perspective to a genre well in need of a new UK viewpoint.

“Best Kept Secret” proves that ripping up and starting over is how The Elementz take care of business.

Crushmode’s 1st single “Gimme That” featuring Blemish Blackstorm is already a certified street classic with industry insiders, and its as grimy as a crack head’s nails. This sex laced street sermon is set to freak the sweatiest of dance floors with throbbing booty bass and piercing fright night synth’s.

With a neon injected genre blasting video in production, be prepared to hear this banger everywhere soon.

Hailed widely as “super producers in the making” The Elementz project music that constantly evolves. Crushmode signals the end of their cosmic beginning, and a fitting conclusion to their critically acclaimed Elementz Universe recordings. With avant garde synth and the spaciest of funk, genres are effortlessly stepped through and absorbed. Their sound now reaching a much wider audience, this is an exciting time for The Elementz.

Sunday 20 April 2008

Anna Nathanson's Column: Part 3

Big Smoke Column Part 3

This month I’ve been listening to Triple Darkness’ brilliant single Anathema, which is also the title of their forthcoming album, out at the end of May. Be sure to check out their myspace, www.myspace.com/tripledark and click the below link to view the video:

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=8906026

Knowledge magazine called them ‘among the hottest prospects on the UK hip hop circuit right now’ and it’s not hard to see why.

Last Sunday saw member M9ine walk away as the champion of the second UK End of the Weak MC Challenge, held at the Rhythm Factory in London. His High Fidelity Mix Tape received critical acclaim on it’s release and the album will surely set them in stone as one of the UK’s finest newcomers. If their performance at Method Man and Redman’s sell out show this week is anything to go by, they’re here to stay.

While we’re on the subject of Method Man and Redman, the show was incredible. Check out my review of it, http://www.musicrooms.net/urban/urban_reviews/method_man_and_redman_at_the_shepherds_bush_empire.html

Another aforementioned event which I went along to last week was the E.O.W MC Challenge. Sadly, Mic Righteous, newest member of the Kraftsmen, who was meant to be taking part, didn’t get in, but will be performing at a later stage.

Saint on the other hand was a no-show, very strange considering the organisers tell me he was pestering them for 3 months to be involved.

We were left with four very sick MCs to take on the Challenge, and shit was over tight, Fliptrix murdered every round and was a true stand out, Conflix hit us off with some sick wordplay and clever freestyles, Braydz came deep with the knowledge and intricate rhyme patterns. It was so close but a decision had to be made, and after careful deliberation from the judges, M9ine came out on top.

This October sees the International Challenge event take place in London, joined by Champions from the USA, Germany, Spain, France, Brazil, Argentina & Holland. That’s something BIG to look forward to.

Yesterday I was down at Sincere’s video shoot for his next single, which will be covered in Big Smoke magazine, along with my write up. I then headed on to the studio to link up with my good mate Danielle Senior, who has just got a deal for her song Take it to the Dance Floor, check it out! Also look out for her collaboration with Juelz Santana and 40 Cal of Dipset…

Last week there was also a Big Smoke editorial meeting, and the next issue promises some exciting surprises…it’s the tenth anniversary edition so it’s gonna be a big one!

I have to say a special congrats to the talented IRS, who have just been nominated for an Indy Award! The event takes place this summer at The Forum, and another act I rate highly is nominated, and that is Excentral Tempest, who I interviewed recently for ukhh.com:
http://www.ukhh.com/features/interviews/excentral_tempest/index.html

Recently I’ve also been checking out Kid Rad (www.myspace.com/reloadhiphop) whose single Greed is the first one from his album Disturbing the Sequence, which was co-produced by Kroscene, who has previously worked with people like Blade and 10Shott. It’s a cross between grime, rap and old skool rave and well worth checking out.

I also like Dap C’s new single Music Game, which features Blak Twang and Geejay, who you can read more about in a previous blog. For more info, go to www.myspace.com/dapc

Lastly, have also been listening to Always Be by Size 8, whose new album 2 Seconds Around the Corner is coming soon (www.myspace.com/size8uk1)

Well that’s it from me for this month, but before I go, just have to say, don’t forget to check out the Breakin’ Boundaries ’08 event, happening real soon…see the previous blog for more info.

Until next time,

Take care

Anna x

www.myspace.com/scorpiomirage

E.O.W MC Challenge

Last Sunday saw the End of the Weak MC Challenge take place at the Rhythm Factory in London. Sadly, Mic Righteous, the newest member of the Kraftsmen, couldn’t get into the venue and is being rescheduled for a later date.

Saint on the other hand was a no-show, very strange considering the organisers tell me he was pestering them for 3 months to be involved.

We were left with four very sick MCs to take on the Challenge, and shit was over tight, Fliptrix murdered every round and was a true stand out, Conflix hit us off with some sick wordplay and clever freestyles, Braydz came deep with the knowledge and intricate rhyme patterns, shit was so close but a decision had to be made, after careful deliberation from Judges Reain (EOW:UK Season One Heat Champion), Reveal (Poisons Poets) & Manage (Chain of Command/Speakerscorner) I can now announce that...The second EOW UK MC Champion 2008 (Season 2) is:

M9ine (Triple Darkness) http://www.myspace.com/m9ine

M9INE with his group Triple Darkness supported Method Man & Redman @ The Shepherds Bush Empire. His High Fidelity Mix CD received critical acclaim on its release & the Triple Darkness "Anathema" LP that has just this minute dropped is going to set them in stone as one of the UKs finest Hip Hop groups.M9INE takes away 100 Quid cash, Studio time at Kilamanjaro Studios, Radio exposure on Kiss FM & A place in the End Of The Weak UK MC Challenge of Champions September 2008 along-side JACK FLASH http://www.myspace.com/jackflashgroundwurq

2 more Heats will take place every 2 months from now until August when there’ll be 4 Champions for the Final this September which will determine who defends the international title won by Stig Of The Dump in 2007.

This October sees the International Challenge event take place in London UK, joined by Champions from the USA, Germany, Spain, France, Brazil, Argentina & Holland. That’s something BIG to look forward to.

The first heat already proved that we got the fire on home soil, and with future heats to include big Rhyme and Stage talent from heavy hitters such as Salar (AntiHeroes), Respek BA, Frantic Frank (The Kraftsmen), Truth, Arkaic, Riz MC & many more, you know its just gonna keep proving us right.

PS. Props to the Quartet & Mystro for giving us best possible example of what fully live Hip Hop is all about! Only 3 hours rehearsal the day before to learn all Mystro's Tracks, Quartet are too talented, anyone who caught their solo instrumental set at the start of the evening would have seen that this group is heading for massive heights.

Props to Reain & Rhyme Asylum for the set & props to all the Open Mic MCs, Cypher MCs & EOW MC Challengers. Extra shout outs to Stig & Kingpin for holding the hosting down, and DJ Snips for dealing with this heats Challenge so smoothly.

Full footage will be available to view online by early May…

Next EOW:UK MC Challenge Second week in June! Date and Venue TBA

Coming soon: EOW:Radio (FM & Online)& http://www.EndOftheWeak.CoM

Full footage of the first heat online already, find it blogged alongside the entire first seasons heats & UK final @ http://www.myspace.com/endoftheweakuk

Also check out http://www.youtube.com/eowtv for footage from heats around the globe and exclusive footage from NYCs weekly EOW Open Mic Sessions.

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Breakin' Convention 2008

Breakin’ Convention 08

The Fifth Annual International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN

Saturday 3 – Bank Holiday Monday 5 May 2008 from 4pm

1 Day Ticket: £20, 2 Day Ticket: £32, 3 Day Ticket: £48

Ticket office: 0844 412 4300 or www.sadlerswells.com

“Hip-Hop to make your jaw drop” The Evening Standard


Sadler’s Wells international hip hop dance theatre festival, Breakin’ Convention, returns to celebrate its fifth birthday across May Bank Holiday 2008. Now firmly established as a must-see event in the dance calendar, Breakin’ Convention unites the crème of the world’s poppers, lockers, b-boys and b-girls for a jam-packed three days of performances, workshops, film screenings, DJ demonstrations and graffiti exhibitions.

Taking place from Saturday 3 to Bank Holiday Monday 5 May 2008, the fifth annual Breakin’ Convention, curated and directed by Sadler's Wells Associate Artist Jonzi D, includes artists from Brazil, Austria, Korea, USA, Japan, France, Russia and Denmark, as well as a selection of the UK’s most talented.

Saturday 3 May sees Brazilian company Membros top the bill with Febre (Fever). Performing for the first time in the UK, Membros’ striking company of dancers fuse hip hop and physical theatre to present a powerful narrative depicting the damage from brutal social apartheid and corruption within inner-city Brazil.

Austria’s Nobulus return to the festival with Out of the Shadow on Sunday 4 May. A highlight of Breakin’ Convention 07, Nobulus (formally known as Moving Shadows) wowed audiences and were described by The Times as “loaded with freshness and verve”. Set to take the crowd by storm, Korea’s Project Soul present dance-troupe MyoSung with some of the country’s finest b-boys to close the festival on bank-holiday Monday 5 May.

Other international acts include Tony GoGo and the GoGo Brothers who make their European debut on Saturday 3 May. Originally from LA but now living in Japan, Tony GoGo was one of the first pioneers of locking and takes to the stage with his sons, the GoGo Brothers, in what promises to be an unmissable performance from one of hip hop’s originators.

Denmark’s Mr Steen brings an excerpt from his version of Nutcracker featuring an all-star line up from across the globe, including a ballet dancer from the Royal Danish Ballet. Also making their UK debut, France’s Styl'O'styl improvise with live jazz and hip hop dance whilst in the studio, Farid’O perform Saleté (Dirt) using spoken word, dramatic physical theatre and aerial rope work. Last seen at Breakin' Convention in 2005, Top 9, Russia’s witty and inventive crew of b-boys return on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May.

Highlights from UK companies on the main stage include In the Mind of Insanity, the anticipated return performance by Mukhtar O S Mukhtar’s Plague after an absence of 3 years; Mad World the powerful new solo by Boy Blue’s Kenrick ‘H20’ Sandy and new company The Engineers bring a locking show inspired by Cleudo.

In the studio theatre the comical and witty Rannel from Swindon and London based Flowfuzion present a duet between an aerialist and B Boy whilst Company Decalage, also in this years’ Place Prize, present Apell, with live music b-boying and contemporary dance.

Breakin’ Convention kicks off early on Thursday 1 May with the third Film Night, this year presenting an exclusive screening of b-boy documentary Inside the Circle and Future Elements on Friday 2 May which sees performances from the best in youth hip hop dance theatre and choreography.

Workshops will take place throughout the day on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May in b-boying, locking, popping and DJ'ing, giving audiences the perfect opportunity to try their hand and learn from some of the best hip hop and funk style dancers and choreographers from across the globe. Please visit www.breakinconvention.com for the most up to date details.

“It boasts performers who are capable of making you gasp in awe. When is the last time you did that in a theatre? …When the fifth festival comes around, book – you will be amazed, exhilarated and certainly not disappointed.” Financial Times


Breakin’ Convention 08

The Fifth Annual International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN

Performances: Saturday 3, Sunday 4 and Bank Holiday Monday 5 May 2008.

Times: Doors open from 4pm featuring DJ's, graffiti exhibitions and performances in the foyer.

Main stage performances from 6pm, Studio performances from 4pm.

Tickets: Day pass £20 (under 18s and concessions £12)
2-Day Pass £32 (under 18s and concessions £18)
Weekend pass £48 (under 18s and concessions £27)
Ticket Office: Tel: 0844 412 4300 or www.sadlerswells.com

Posted by Anna Nathanson

THE IRS - SHORTLISTED FOR AN INDY MUSIC AWARD!

YOU'LL BE GLAD TO HEAR THAT THANKS TO ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT THE IRS HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR A INDY MUSIC AWARD!

THE GROUP, WHO RELEASED THEIR PHENOMENAL DEBUT ALBUM 'THE WORLD IS THEIRS' LATE LAST YEAR, WILL BE UP AGAINST A NUMBER OF OTHER NOTABLE ARTISTS TO SLUG IT OUT FOR THE TITLE OF 'BEST HIP HOP' AT THE AWARDS HELD ON 25TH AUGUST @ THE FORUM – KENTISH TOWN.

Catch up with the guys @http://www.myspace.com/theirsonline

'this album packs a punch....as far from the monotony of filing tax returns can get...' - ATM'

pretty much faultless...' - beatmag.net

'plenty of reality, truth, humor and conviction....' - big smoke magazine [editors choice]

'if you like intelligent and well heeled rap and you want something full fat to bang your head to, check it out...' - skinny mag'17 track collection of straight bangers!.....' - ukmusic.com
http://ukmusic.com

'enlightened commentary and tuff beats' - plan b'thank god for IRS...' - style43.com

PICK UP A COPY OF THE ALBUM FROM:
http://www.juno.co.uk/products/281650-01.htm

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Ghostface Competition!

The Zoo York Institute, in association with Def Jam and Cornerstone Promotion, is proud to announce an exclusive collaboration that celebrates the recent release of Ghostface Killah's critically-acclaimed new album, ‘The Big Doe Rehab.’

This highly-anticipated collab features a co-branded skateboard deck and T-shirt adorned with custom graphics that pay homage to Ghostface's new album, as well as the abundance of AKA's the hip-hop icon has adopted over the past fifteen years.

Limited to less than 500 promo-only pieces and only 15 in the UK, there is ONE to give away to a lucky winner on The Urban Shop.

For more details check http://www.theurbanshop.co.uk/prize%20draw/promo_zoo_york_ghostface.asp

Posted by Anna Nathanson

DJ Excalibah's DMC Chart- 21st April

EXCALIBAH - DMC HIP HOP CHART: 21st April '08(Printed in next week's UK DMC Update and posted online @ http://www.dmcupdate.com/)

1. Outkast ft Raekwon – Royal Flush (MP3)

2. Riz MC – Radar (White)

3. Jay Z ft Timberland – Ain’t I (Def Jam)

4. Ludacris – Stay Together (White)

5. Lupe – Hip Hop Saved My Life (Warner)

6. Example ft Tinchy Strider & Frisco – Loud (All The Chats)

7. Black Grass ft J Live – Set It Straight (Catskills)

8. The Roots – Get Busy (Def Jam)

9. Hezikiah ft Freeway – 4 That Filling (White)

10. Pro Green – Trunk Shit (MP3)

11. The Game – Big Dreams (MP3)

12. Charlie Sloth – Mr Rapman (In the Spotlight)

13. Sonny Jim – The Mission Statement (Dented)

14. Estelle – Shine (Home School)

15. Marvin ft Jammer / Skinnyman– Superhero RMX (No Carbon)

16. Katalyst ft Steve Spacek – How (BBE)

17. Gnarls Barkley – Run (Warner)

18. Tor – Black Girls (White)

19. Sway – F Ur Ex (All City)

20. James Pants – We’re Through (Stones Throw)

Check out EXCALIBAH "Tales From The Legend" live, every Tuesday 7pm - 9pm (GMT) on PYRO RADIO(Download / Stream from the Archive @ http://www.pyroradio.com/) & EXCALIBAH'S monthly columns in HIP HOP CONNECTION & BIG SMOKE MAGAZINE

www.myspace.com/djexcalibah

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Geejay

Sunderland might not be the first place in the world you associate with quality Hip-Hop music, but maybe that’s all about to change as nineteen year-old emcee GEEJAY gets ready to unleash his debut album ‘I Came To Represent’.

With his thought provoking lyrics and his distinctive North East accent, GEEJAY is a name that has been bubbling under over the last couple of years with a string of mixtape features, strong radio support, video appearances and guest collaborations.

Signed to N.G.U Records by CEO & label-mate DAP-C a few months back GEEJAY has been making waves on the UK underground. After winning ‘The Home-grown Cuts’ competition hosted by Ras Kwame on BBC1Xtra and Sony Music offering him a development deal, things have been really hotting up for GEEJAY.

The debut album ‘I Came To Represent’ features New York legends Canibus and Raekwon The Chef from Wu-Tang Clan amongst others, and is something that is surely going to stamp GEEJAY’s name in the UK Rap community.

Support has also come from D-Block’s Styles P who not only features in the video for ‘Fresh’. A Styles P & GEEJAY mixtape is scheduled for release on N.G.U Records in the near future.

GEEJAY also features on DAP-C’s new single ‘Music Game’ alongside UK veteran Blak Twang. You’re soon going to agree that you just can’t hate on this man’s grind. He is really in his zone and he is more than ready to represent. His has a string of live dates up and down the UK under his belt and has even played live at Madison Square in New York, USA.

He’s real, he’s talented, he’s focussed, he’s hard-working, he’s ready to represent and above all he’s GEEJAY.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GEEJAY PLEASE CHECK OUT
www.myspace.com/geejay88

Posted by Anna Nathanson

HHB Radio Timetable

THE UK’S NUMBER ONE HIP-HOP RADIO STATION

Here is the timetable for www.hhbradio.com. Make sure you tune in to hear the freshest tracks and forgotten classics, as well as listening to interviews and so much more. With all styles covered there is going to be a show for you!

Monday

6:00pm - 7:00pm - Evil Ed Rewind Show
7:00pm - 8:00pm - K-Delight - The Turn It On Show
8:00pm - 9:00pm - Subterrania Studios Radio Show
9:00pm - 10:00pm - DJ Form with Nemesis & Arrogance
10:00pm - 11:59pm - DJ Silk

Tuesday

6:00pm - 6:30pm - The Elementz Chart Show
7:00pm - 8:00pm - DJ Springa
8:00pm - 10:00pm - DJ Skunkboy
10:00pm - 11:59pm - DJ Stylus Urban Mix Show

Wednesday

5:00pm - 6:00pm - Jai Boo - Reality Game Rewind
7:00pm - 8:00pm - Jabba Tha Kut
8:00pm - 10:00pm - DJ Locky - The Beatdown Show

Thursday

5:00pm - 5:30pm - The Elementz Chart Show
6:00pm - 7:00pm - Evil Ed - Edutainment Show
9:00pm - 10:00pm - Leeds Rotation - myspace.com/hhbleeds
10:00pm - 11:00pm - DJ Skelly

Friday

9:00pm - 10:00pm - Roughneckrecords Funk Show
10:00pm - 1:00am - Jalporte - Predator Prey Radio Show

Saturday

4:00pm - 5:30pm - Mr CRF
6:00pm - 6:30pm - The Elementz Chart Show
7:00pm - 9:00pm - All Hits Power Mix with DJ Locky Stylez
9:00pm - 11:00pm - The Tricksta Show

Sunday

4:30pm - 5:30pm - DJ Roast Radio Show
5:30pm - 8:00pm - DJ Cutlooose
8:00pm - 8:30pm - The Elementz Chart Show
9:00pm - 11:00pm - DJ Skunkboy Rewind Show
11:59pm - 1:00am - Jai Boo - Reality Game Radio Show

The www.hhbradio.com management are constantly on the lookout for new DJ’s and as well as sponsors/advertisers, as well as new music to be considered for the play-list.

If you’re interested in getting involved then contact the Station Manager Jamie Dorrance at contact@hhbradio.com

WebbaFied

"WebbaFied Does it Justice"

FREE DOWNLOAD

www.zshare.net/download/10286257be2b0fc1/W

WebbaFied is the hottest Hip Hop artist on the Brooklyn block right now. He has released several independent projects and has toured all over Europe.

Justice is a groundbreaking Electro/Dance group hailing from Paris, France. Their debut album "Cross" was nominated for Best Electronica Album at the 50th Grammy Awards.

"Webbafied Does it Justice" is Electro/Hip Hop Fusion at its finest. Webb displays his innovative songwriting abilities, giving his own interpretation of each title from Justice’s "Cross" album.

Since Danger Mouse's "The Grey Album" took musical interpolations to the next level, artists like WebbaFied have followed suit and created masterpieces of their own. With cutting edge delivery, creative concepts and catchy choruses "WebbaFied Does it Justice" has already been tagged a cult classic by music industry insiders and fans alike.

BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGEwww.youtube.com/watch?v=X0KDwFnmxjg

REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWShttp://www.musicliberation.blogspot.com/http://www.sydneysounder.blogspot.com/http://www.thecoldcut.blogspot.com/+"WebbaFied's
Hits of the Year"FREE DOWNLOAD!http://www.zshare.net/download/10283370c4486028/

"Hits of the Year" is the latest project from WebbaFied. The Brooklyn MC gives us his own version of last year's biggest hits. It's filled with tons of hilarious parodies as well as conceptually driven remakes.

Take a minute to download the entire project for FREE!http://www.webbafied.com/www.myspace.com/webbafied.comwww.myspace.com/webbafiedhitsoftheyear

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Saturday 12 April 2008

Method Man and Redman

Method Man and Redman are back!

Method Man and Redman are back in the studio together after nearly 10 years, recording a new collabo project Blackout 2, which will be the follow-up to the duo's platinum selling disc Blackout!

They're also over here for a series of shows:

The Shepherd's Bush Empire, 15 April 2008
With Lady Lykez, DJ MK + more tbc

The Bristol Academy, 16 April 2008 With Lady Lykez + Souljah Clique + DJ Vadim +more tbc

The Glasgow Academy, 20 April 2008 With Luckyme + DJ A'La Fu + more tbc

The two rappers' chemistry has already scored them co-starring roles in the flick How High, an endorsement deal for Right Guard deodorant and their own short-lived Fox sitcom, "Method & Red."Now they're back at it in the studio."A lot of good music comin' out this year," Redman told sitdownstandup.com. "You're especially gonna hear from us, finally."

The album features production by Gilla House, E-Sermon and Rocwilder and there may even be a DJ Premier track or two before recording wraps."Preemo, we need some heat baby!" Red shouted. "We need some heat right now baby!" "Treach need to be on this sh*t, too."In addition to Meth and Red's collabo, the two are sharing a mic with almost 70 other emcees for a 2008 regeneration of KRS-One's new Stop the Violence Movement.

Along with Meth and Red, David Banner, Chamillionaire, Nelly, Busta, and Ne-Yo are among the artists putting a new spin on the 1989 inspirational rap song "Self Destruction" called "Self Construction.""Anything positive is always good for the hip-hop community," Redman said.

"I remember when the first 'Self Destruction' came out, that sh*t was hot. I wasn't in the game to get on it but now I'm in the game, so why not be a part of history?"

The first version was recorded by the Stop the Violence All-Stars, an East Coast collective including KRS, Whodini, Miss Melody, MC Lyte, D-Nyce, Doug E Fresh, Heavy D, Public Enemy and others.Blackout 2 is expected to hit shelves this summer and Muddy Waters 2 will drop at the top of '09.

To purchase tickets for the concert, go to http://www.ticketweb.com/

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Excalibah's Chart: 14th April

EXCALIBAH - DMC HIP HOP CHART: 14th April '08
(Printed in next week's UK DMC Update and posted online @ www.dmcupdate.com)

1. Riz MC – Radar (White)

2. Jay Z ft Timberland – Ain’t I (Def Jam)

3. Outkast ft Raekwon – Royal Flush (MP3)

4. Example ft Tinchy Strider & Frisco – Loud (All The Chats)

5. Black Grass ft J Live – Set It Straight (Catskills)

6. Katalyst ft Steve Spacek – How (BBE)

7. Sincere – Once Upon a Time / Same Old Same Old (Young Entrepreneurs)

8. Gnarls Barkley – Run (Warner)

9. Tor – Black Girls (White)

10. Ludacris – Stay Together (White)

11. Lupe – Hip Hop Saved My Life (Warner)

12. James Pants – We’re Through (Stones Throw)

13. J Rawls ft Middle Child – Til The Sun Comes (Lewis)

14. Stylah ft Tony D – The Girl Is Mine (SoRecs)

15. Estelle – Shine (Home School)

16. Sway – F Ur X (Da Cypher)

17. Lethal – Digi / Fastlane (Bleak House)

18. Skorzayzee – Not the Busy Road / Scorz Chat (Out Da Ville)

19. Galactic ft Juvenile – from the Corner to the Block (Anti)

20. Outkast – The Art of Story Telling (La Reid)

Check out EXCALIBAH ""Tales From The Legend" live every Tuesday, 7pm - 9pm (GMT) on PYRO RADIO(Download / Stream from the Archive @ www.pyroradio.com)& EXCALIBAH'S monthly columns in HIP HOP CONNECTION & BIG SMOKE MAGAZINE

www.myspace.com/djexcalibah

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Thursday 10 April 2008

The Tricksta Show

THE TRICKSTA SHOW on www.HHBRadio.com

EVERY SATURDAY 9PM – 11PM (UK TIME)

AFTER A SHORT ABSENSE DUE TO RECORDING COMMITMENTS, THE UK’S HARDEST WORKING DJ, PRODUCER & CEO IS BACK WITH A NEW RADIO SHOW ON A BRAND NEW DAY AND TIME! Expect to hear new music from the UK and USA, interviews, and so much more!!!!

IF YOU AN ARTIST, LABEL OR PR COMPANY WANTING THEIR MUSIC PLAYING PLEASE SEND ALL MP3’S/DOWNLOAD LINKS TO…

INFO@WOLFTOWNRECORDINGS.COM OR DOWNLOAD THE ARCHIVED SHOWS DIRECT FROM THE BLOG ON HIS MYSPACE PAGE AT WWW.MYSPACE.COM/TRICKSTAWOLFTOWN

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Shocking Lupe News!

Has anyone noticed that Lupe Fiasco's new tune is a little familiar? Yes, that's right, Paris Tokyo sounds a bit like UK rapper Lil' Chif's tune Let's Go, taken from his 2006 album Speakin' Soon.
"We've got a very close friend in common and I know he got a listen of my first album", Chif tells roving reporter Anna Nathanson. Could it be? Take a listen to the songs in question on Lil' Chif's myspace, www.myspace.com/lilchif

Wednesday 9 April 2008

Hip hop and Islam

Many Lessons

Hip-Hop Islam West Africa

New compilation featuring Bantu, Docta, Sister Fa and many more

(Piranha Musik/ CD-PIR2112)

Out 28 April 2008

"Islam, American pop culture, youth culture, and emancipation crossed with the heritage of a culture conscious of its traditions."

Tobias Maier, RBB Radio Multikulti (German radio station)

Prominent American Muslim rappers Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def or Jurassic 5 are often asked about their beliefs and how these conflict with hip-hop. Orthodox Muslims, on the other hand, are generally suspicious of pop culture - especially of American hip-hop culture which often celebrates materialism and openly flaunts sexuality.

But in Western Africa, hip-hop and Islam aren't at odds with one another. As the rap movement swept through Africa in the last few years, young rappers (in many African countries the majority of the population is under twenty) learned how to make Islam an aspect of their music. Some combine devoutness with social criticism, others criticise using religion to achieve political aims. ‘Many Lessons’ offers a new, different and young approach to Islam and its topics.

The history of Islam in West Africa distinguishes itself from the Islam practised in Arabic-speaking countries or in Southeast Asia. Since the 12th century, the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed have been spread south of the Sahara by Arabic merchants and charismatic clerics. Islamic kingdoms such as the Songhai Empire arose, along with cities like Timbuktu, which even in modern Mali retains a ghost of its former glory. Religious leaders known as ‘marabouts’ formed extensive brotherhoods that continue to play an important role in many West African countries today.

In every sense, Western Africa has become a cultural patchwork. Muslims are in the absolute majority in countries like Mali, Gambia or Senegal, where religion often plays a key role in binding society together, whilst in countries such as Ivory Coast or Benin, Muslims are just one minority among many. Yet even though most West African nations adopted secular systems after achieving independence, the amount of influence wielded by Islamic groups has also grown in Africa in proportion to unsolved problems like poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment.

Music in Africa has always had strong religious undertones. It therefore isn’t surprising that many musicians take religious topics as a source of inspiration, and also view themselves as moral authorities. Rap is the most recent musical phenomenon to grip the entire continent. In West Africa, Senegal is at the centre of the movement with an estimated three thousand rap bands active in the capital Dakar alone. Rap’s success is at least partially due to the fact that many Africans recognise the echoes of their own traditions in the modern art of song-speech (i.e. rap), and do not perceive this style of music as foreign.

While many African rappers imitate standard poses and typical hip-hop fashions worn by the American hip-hop acts they see on MTV, musically many have freed themselves from their ‘role models’ in the US, and have discovered their own styles, which employ both native traditions and native instruments like the kora or the djembe.
Highlights on this compilation include:

Sister Fa from Senegal who now lives in Berlin. In her home country, she continues to be involved in the movement to stop genital mutilation of young women and girls, which is officially banned in Senegal but continues to be widespread.

Mali’s Les Escrocs who have produced six albums so far in their home country, and also contributed a song to Blur singer Damon Albarn’s album “Mali Music”.

German-Nigerian rapper Bantu, well-known for his Brother Keepers project and collaborations with the likes of Gentleman and UB40. Together with Nigerian Fuji master Adewale Ayuba from Lagos, he recorded "Fuji Satisfaction" (Piranha), an album mixing ragga and Afrobeat which combines also the traditional Yoruba rhythms with Afro-American funk.

Docta, a legend in Dakar’s rap scene, also a graffiti artist who has now branched out into fashion and is developing his own line of hip-hop clothing (he himself wears a turban). Docta says that to blindly repeat Western styles is to abandon yourself. He enjoys lecturing on Islam, hip-hop and politics. "Xonet" tells the story of poverty in his country, of beggars and lies, and the question of whether there’s anyone left to trust.

The group Silatigui which is involved in AIDS and youth violence prevention in their home country, the Republic of Guinea.

Vociferous Senegalese rap-combo Keur Gui which has taken aim at traditional Islamic authorities in their country and use their music to harshly criticise the corruption and abuse of power among religious figures.

This project was produced in cooperation with the German Federal Agency for Civic Education (Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung/bpb, www.bpb.de); Berlin-based radio station RBB Radio Multikulti (www.multikulti.de) is a media partner.
Many Lessons on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/manylessons

Track-listing:
Bantu feat. Ayuba – ‘Many Lessons’ (Nigeria)
African Akhlou Bi - ‘Andando’ (Senegal)
Keur Gui - ‘Liye Raam’ (Senegal)
Sister Fa - ‘Selebou Yoon’ (Senegal)
Les Escrocs - ‘Salamalekoum’ (Mali)
Rifo & Lamine Kouyaté - ‘Deadfathers/Fayaale’ (Senegal)
MidNight Shems - ‘Jbal Atlas’ (Morocco)
Silatigui - ‘My life in the Ghetto’ (Guinea)
Backa - ‘Ya Rassulilah’ (Senegal)
Docta - ‘Xonet’ (Senegal)
General Snipe feat. Kiné Thiam - ‘Bataxal’ (Senegal)
Gokh-Bi System - ‘In God We Trust’ (Senegal)
Gaston feat. Niagass - ‘Jeuf Jel Leu’ (Senegal)
Dread Skeezo feat. Dread Maxim - ‘Mighty Intelligence’ (Senegal)

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Sunday 6 April 2008

End of the Weak MC Challenge: Sunday 13th April

Next End of the Weak UK MC Challenge, Sunday 13th April @ The Rhythm Factory / White Chapel

MCs: M9ine (Triple Darkness) Iron Braydz (Blind Alphabetz) Fliptrix Conflix (Chain of Command) Mic Righteous (The Kraftsmen) Saint (Jump Off)

For those who dont know, this is a SICK line up.

M9ine with his group Triple Darkness will be supporting Methodman & Redman in the coming fortnight. His High Fidelity MixCD received critical acclaim on its release & the Triple Darkness LP about to drop is going to set them in stone as one of the UKs finest Hip Hop groups.

Iron Braydz is off the same caliber, as one half of Silent Sounds signing Blind Alphabetz, Braydz has recorded and performed with M1 (Dead Pres), Sean Price, Akir & many leading UK artist. he is also currently an artist in resident at the Royal Festival Hall. Check for the Blind Alphabetz Luvolution LP out soon & solo projects coming soon.

Fliptrix is on the verge of his second solo LP & has been a consistent live performer for over 5 or 6 years. His recent Force Fed Imagery LP is a showcase of serious delivery and strong song writing, comes highly recommended.

Conflix. Any one who knows about SpeakersCorner should know about Conflix by now. He is infamous amongst underground enthusiast for his unique wordplay and clever phrasing. In the past year along with Triple Darkness, Conflix toured as part of Chain of Command supporting leading US acts including Jedi Mind Tricks, Styles P, Ra the Rugged Man & Saigon to name only a few. His Character Assassin Mix CD series co produced with Chemo are a glowing testament to homegrown Hip Hop.

Mic Righteous may be weighing in as an unknown wildcard but il give fair warning now an say that this kid is Hungry!! He is the newest member of The Kraftsmen & he is sick with it. Triple time flows at live shows are unbelievable. The future lays with talent like this, check him out on Frantic Franks Hardway LP dropping next week, serious stuff.

Saint. The final challenger of EOW:UK Heat 2 is no stranger to the sordid world of the MC Battle, you can catch him all over the JumpOff world rap championships, BattleScars etc etc, give him a mic an he?ll eat it. Saint. You should already know. There is no weak links in this challenge but only one will brake through for the chance to rep UK in the International Final 2008. I cant call it, can you? Also!! Exclusive to this event.. Live Acts!!

While your waiting for the result to be announced on the night we have the mighty Mystro performing a one time only live set with the SpeakersCorner Quartet (who have recently been compared to J Dilla, Stravinski & John Coltrane. This is no small thing. Mystro returning from Australia only the day before in time for a quick rehearsal with the Quartet. Look out for his F*ck The Tax Man LP coming very very soon!

Reain alongside Rhyme Asylum Also coming through on the live tip we got a fully fledged EOW:UK Champion, Reain. Promoting his forthcoming Metaphorcast LP along side a group I know a lot of heads are waiting for the LP from - Rhyme Asylum State Of Lunacy LP coming very soon, be on the look out.

All hosted by the notorious SpeakersCorner fam. Kingpin, The Quartet, DJ Snuff & DJ Snips (Poisonous Poets) take care of the Open Mic, the Challenge & the entire night alongside our very own EOW UK & International Champion -
Stig Of The Dump.

Its all happening Sunday April 13th @ The Rhythm Factory 16-18 WhiteChapel Road E1 1EW (Nearest station Algate East "near BrickLane")

http://www.endoftheweak.com

http://www.myspace.com/endoftheweakuk

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Get your dancing shoes on tonight!

Hey guys,

If you're after somewhere to go out tonight then look no further. Head down to Herbal in Shoreditch for a night of full on old skool classics courtesy of Pyro Radio.

The night, Take it Back @ Herbal, will be running on the first Sunday of every month, so if you miss tonight don't fret, there's always next month!

Here are the details:

Time: 8-1am

Price: Free b4 9pm, £5 after. £3 NUS

Where: Herbal, 10-15 Kingsland Rd, Shoreditch, London E2 8DA

DJs on the night include the talented Excalibah, Dan Greenpeace, T-Spark and James Lebens.

See you down there,

Anna x

DJ Excalibah's Chart- 7th April

Excalibah - DMC Hip Hop Chart: 7th April '08
(Printed in this week's UK DMC Update and posted online @ www.dmcupdate.com)

1. Jay Z ft Timberland – Ain’t I (Def Jam)

2. Example ft Tinchy Strider & Frisco – Loud (All The Chats)

3. Katalyst ft Steve Spacek – How (BBE)

4. Black Grass ft J Live – Set It Straight (Catskills)

5. Sincere – Once Upon a Time / Same Old Same Old (Young Entrepreneurs)

6. Riz MC – Radar (White)

7. Gnarls Barkley – Run (Warner)

8. Tor – Black Girls (White)

9. Outkast ft Raekwon – Royal Flush (MP3)

10. J Rawls ft Middle Child – Til The Sun Comes (Lewis)

11. Stylah ft Tony D – The Girl Is Mine (SoRecs)

12. Estelle – Shine (Home School)

13. Sway – F Ur X (Da Cypher)

14. Lethal – Digi / Fastlane (Bleak House)

15. Skorzayzee – Not the Busy Road / Scorz Chat (Out Da Ville)

16. Galactic ft Juvenile – from the Corner to the Block (Anti)

17. Outkast – The Art of Story Telling (La Reid)

18. Braintax – Magnum on Crack (Lowlife)

19. Percee P ft Jazz T & Zygote – Percekusion (Boot)

20. Million Dan – Scream Out (Dappa)

www.myspace.com/djexcalibah

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Thursday 3 April 2008

Roots Manuva Live!

Hey People,

It's a nice April Thursday afternoon and I've been busy moving house, but have just heard about a hot event happening in two Saturdays time.

Saturday the 12th of April at Koko will play host to a live performance from one of the UK's best rappers, none other than ROOTS MANUVA. Get there for 9 and with the club's new opening hours, you'll be able to stay til 3am!

The event, courtesy of Soundcrash, will also feature live sets from Shape of Broad Minds and Infinite Lives, and the decks will be taken over by Coldcut's Jon More and Kiss FM's DJ MK.

So make sure you log onto http://www.soundcrashmusic.com/ or http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/ and reserve your place now! You can also get tickets by calling 08700600100.

Til next time,

Anna x