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