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