Raekwon new album!

Raekwon gushes that ‘the wait is finally over’ for new album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2...

The Wu-Tang Clan Rapper has signed a deal with EMI music services to release his hotly anticipated follow-up to his 1995 hip-hop classic this summer!

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 features Dr. Dre, J Dilla, The RZA and others.

Ready to give his worldwide following what they’ve been waiting for, the Wu-Tang Clan’s rhyme slinger extraordinaire Raekwon is set to return this summer with Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2.

Raekwon, whose 1995 classic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx was universally hailed as a rap classic and has SoundScanned more than 1.1 million units, has signed a distribution deal with EMI Music Services for his ICEH20 Records to release Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2.

“The wait is finally over,” Raekwon says, “Words cannot describe how extremely happy I am to have EMI Music as a home for my album.”

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 buzz single and video “The New Wu” features fellow Wu-Tang Clan members Method Man and Ghostface Killah and is getting mixshow airplay at radio stations across the country, including Hot 97 in New York. The album features a spectacular line-up of guest appearances and producers: The RZA, Dr. Dre, J Dilla, The Wu-Tang Clan, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Bun B and The Game, among others.

Rap fans were mesmerized by Raekwon’s distinctive brand of street slanguistics when he emerged as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. The Staten Island, New York rap group’s debut album, 1993’s Enter The Wu-Tang Clan (36 Chambers), was a landmark collection that introduced the group’s signature blend of kung-fu inspired reality rap. Raekwon established himself as a solo star in 1995 with the release of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. The mafia minded album, which peaked at No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart, unfolded like a cinematic crime caper, with such imaginative songs as “Criminology,” “Incarcerated Scarfaces” and “Ice Cream” propelling the album to platinum status.

Raekwon’s second album, 1999’s Immobilarity, was certified gold. To date, Raekwon has SoundScanned more than 1.6 million units.

Now, with the impending release of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2, Raekwon is ready to release his second masterpiece. “It’s been a long time coming,” he says, “and I’ve put my blood, sweat and tears into making this classic album for my fans.”

ALBUM AUGUST TBC

Posted by Anna Nathanson

New Paul Wall album out

Paul Wall

The Fast Life

Released on Swisha House/Asylum

Out Now!

Paul Wall grew up in Houston with a devout passion for music. Wall was one of Texas's most successful independent musicians, with releases like "The Chick Magnet", "How to be a Player" and his group albums with fellow Texan Chamillionaire such as "Get ya Mind Correct" and "Controversy Sells". His independent success earned him a major record deal with Swisha House Records' joint venture with Atlantic Records.

Wall's 2005 national debut "The People’s Champ" debuted in Billboard Magazine’s Top 200 at the number 1 spot and quickly reached Platinum status. Paul Wall was instrumental in taking Texas Hip Hop to the National level. His 2007 release "Get Money Stay True" debuted as the number 1 rap album in Billboard Magazine and quickly approached Gold status. His 2007 Honda Civic Tour with Fall out Boy widely expanded his fan base, as well as the 2006 Dub Car Show Tour.

In 2005 Wall was nominated for a Grammy with the number 1 hit song "Grillz" along with Nelly, Ali and Gipp. The song sparked a global trend for the diamond encrusted gold (grillz) caps for which Paul is famous for making and selling to various celebrities that include Kanye West, P Diddy, Ashton Kutcher, Lil Wayne, Venus and Serena Williams plus many others.

Wall also modelled in the national campaign for Reebok's Artic 5 trainers and also for Avirex Clothing throughout 2007. In the spring of 2008, Paul Wall joined Strange Music recording artist Tech N9ne on a nationwide tour, which also featured Brooklyn rapper ILL BILL. He is currently a member of the diverse group Expensive Taste which includes Travis Barker (Blink – 182) and Skinhead Rob (The Transplants). The group also released a clothing line in which Paul Wall is a co owner and founder.

Wall has just released his 3^rd major label album "The Fast Life". Featuring the first single “Bizzy Body” featuring Webbie and Mouse the video premiered on Myspace on Friday 27^th March. Too $hort, Skinhead Rob, Tech N9Ne and Young Joc, and Z-Ro also feature on The Fast Life. When asked about “The Fast Life” album Paul replied “Its straight hood stuff, but we got some different stuff that I haven’t done before people are gonna like it when they hear it. My homeboy Travis Barker he jumped down and did a lot of production with me we had a lot of fun in the studio.”

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Devin the Dude and Sway live!

Devin the Dude and Sway

Monday May 4th

Live @ The Luminaire

311 Kilburn High Road
London NW6 7JR

Tickets £10 in advance or £12 on the door

Get your tickets now @ www.theluminaire.co.uk

Posted by Anna Nathanson

New Boy Better Know

Boy Better Know

18 May 2009

2008 was the official ‘Year of the Rolex’. Wiley’s Wearing My Rolex (Eskibeat) stormed the charts to number 2 with remixes by Hot Chip and a collaboration with Mark Ronson.

The craze continued when Skepta (Boy Better Know) gave the nation the moves to match catchy bars with Rolex Sweep. Cue an International celebrity craze as Busta Rhymes and Paul O'Grady attempted to recreate the steps, Coldplay's Chris Martin performed his own rendition during a gig in Brixton Mass and Timmy Mallett created The Boy Better Know 'Sweep Show'!

The two influential MC’s entered 2009 with a new commercial and widespread appeal whilst still being true to their underground roots, and now Boy Better Know return with Too Many Man, and official chant of the Summer! Produced by Skepta, he along with: Wiley, JME, Frisco and Shorty are beckoning to bring the girls back to the clubs!

New single Too Many Man is released 18 May 2009 and also features on Skepta’s Microphone Champion and Wiley’s Race Against Time, both albums released on 1 June 2009.

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Slickmouth 'Superstar'

After setting the international Hip-Hop world alight with his brilliant single ‘I Made It’ we finally get the much anticipated full album release ‘Superstar’ from Californian raised Slickmouth. This is a twenty track album that is definitely going to put Slickmouth where he disorderedly needs to be. He is a talented performer, songwriter and recording artist who is bringing something new and refreshing to the game. As you’ll agree Slickmouth is destined for big things and with support already from DJ’s all over the UK, Belgium, Germany, Croatia and Sweden, as well as support from tastemakers here in the UK and America, its only a matter of time before those A&R’s will be knocking at his door.

Tracklisting

01 - Slickmouth - Universal Soul Music
02 - Slickmouth - Im Back
03 - Slickmouth - Touch Down
04 - Slickmouth - Don't Be Mad
05 - Slickmouth - I Made It
06 - Slickmouth - Hot Fire
07 - Slickmouth - Superstar
08 - Slickmouth - Space Age Music
09 - Slickmouth - So Fly
10 - Slickmouth Feat Nathaniel - Bad Girl
11 - Slickmouth Feat Nathaniel - Around The World
12 - Slickmouth - Music
13 - Slickmouth Feat Nathaniel - I Love Her
14 - Slickmouth - Bare Your Soul
15 - Slickmouth - Never Give Up
16 - Slickmouth - Speak Up
17 - Slickmouth - How Many
18 - Slickmouth - You Make Me High
19 - Slickmouth - One In A Million
20 - Slickmouth - The Last Show

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Yung

YUNG

Unconditional Hustle

MKD Recordings/The Hip Hop Village/RGS Entertainment

The unique talents of London based Rapper, "YUNG" (formally known as Yungblud and mostly known for his early work with UK rap cartel MKD), has now teamed up with the credible producer S.Chu, of Rawheed to bring you his debut street mix CD titled “Unconditional Hustle”.

Unlike most Hip Hop releases circulating the industry at present, “Unconditional Hustle” displays a layout of strong sounding tracks from tip to tail, in which YUNG proves himself to be one of the most agile and versatile up and coming street lyricists within the UK Rap industry to date.

The music composition stems from well known producers such as S.Chu, who has worked with artists such as Loudmouth, Smasher and Kano...
Other feature producers include Wizard, 7th Dan of MKD and Mikey J (Rawheed) who is known most recently for Kano's 'Hustler' track. Additional features include YUNG who debuts his own production skills.

Fellow MKD rappers Major and T-Lo provide their lyrical skills alongside San Man, The Colony (Conspicuous the Coroner and Cobane) Ice man, Shortman and Shameless. Vocalist and Songwriter Xara also features her credits include, hit single “Complete” (Jaimeson) and new Funky House track “You got me”.

“Unconditional Hustle” promises to be a must have for any UK Hip Hop lover and will act as a prelude for all up and coming work from this talented 'no holes barred' artist.

www.myspace.com/yungbludmkd

Posted by Anna Nathanson

DJ Vadim New Material

DJ VADIM

HIDDEN TREASURE ft. Sabira Jade

Label: BBE

Release Date: APRIL 27th 2009

In with a bang, Hidden Treasure is the 1st single from DJ Vadims new album U Cant Lurn Imaginashun, is a hold on to your seat, white-knuckle rollercoaster of a track that combining the rawness of Ska, jump-up party vibes, and spine tingling vocals from the effervescent, girl-next-door, voice you wont-know-how-you-lived-without, Sabira Jade; Hidden Treasure drags you kicking and screaming out of the ordinary. Commercial, yes, accessible, yes, but this is independent music and proud of it.

DJ Vadim, a man who this year conquered cancer has dug deep, learned new skills and used his imagination to produce his best work yet. This first glimpse of the fresh sounds from this reinvigorated master of the international, dynamic and exciting independent music scene is a fast paced double time ode to good times, good people, freedom and adventure.

Posted by Anna Nathanson