London Hip Hop Treats from Kotodama, Adventures of...Bernard James and the good Doctor Chima Anya

So much talent, so much energy....all the following artists have this in abundance! Unfortunately it takes a while for me to keep up hence having to smash a whole heap of great content into one little post.....Going to Inner Peace Records nights over the past 18 months or so I getting increasingly amped by the quality, focus and energy of their work....will have to do a full blog post just on them soon but in the meantime enjoy a little live performance from...(X)....and check out the "Glyphs" album from Kotodama (Tang the Pilgrim & (X) which I literally listened to 7 times on repeat when I first got it! One of my favourite tracks (though a difficult task to choose one) Is "Zanshin"(Japanese: 残心) which is is a state of awareness, of relaxed alertness, in Japanese martial arts. A literal translation of is "remaining mind". In several martial arts, refers more narrowly to the body's posture after a technique is executed.

                                         


Next up my fantastic homies from Preciptoman Records Bernard James and Kooper Nut have go their video game on smash for the downtempo banger "Down"....a nice visual representation of thier live style; incredible dance moves and beautiful commaraderie, and accompaniying two great new releases, a remix project of three tracks from thier "Feel Cool Forever" LP by the excellent Flytip,  these really got my headbanging!

Hot of the press! Happy Birthday to Bernard James, he has literally just posted up and a brand new EP reflecting on Family, Friends and Strangers....Enjoy it as I do too!

           

                                



                                

And finally.....Chima Anya & Slone have linked up again (check the above stunning video) and are soon to release thier full album. If you are a London head get down to see Chima performing live and bringing the energy (a taste of which you can see in the little video above, taken when he was performing Biggie's classic Ready to Die  as part of the Re: Imagine Orchestral Project at XOYO the other day (an incredible show by the way, make sure you check it out the next time they are performing!) For more info check the flyer or show love at... http://thegrid.ai/chimaanya/

             

And couldn't leave without a little throwback to Chima's great MC Hammer remix, bringing the pain to politicians 4 years ago....message still supremely relevant!!



          
                                           Check Out Chima in the Papers Too!! 

New Music from Saigon, Benny Diction & Mnsr Frites and Chima Anya

Had to celebrate Saigon's eagerly anticipated release "The Greatest Story Never Told Part 3" with a video, check the poweful track putting pay to the glamour of a street life that had him behind bars for a long stretch. Then buy the CD or digitally via Spotify or itunes check the album, a revalation for positive lyracism in hiphop these days....

Meanwhile in the relatively more sedate UK, Benny Diction has been getting together with Granville Session's Mnsr Frites (thats Mister Chips to you matey) to celebrate the life of a gourmet with a vibrant video in Bllomsbury Market. An audio tribute to MadLib's "Chitlin & Pepsi", "Rubicon & Pasties" is a gem in it's own right! "Shouts to all the ladies who don't skimp on the portions....." Also watch out for a cameo from Chief Quiche ;)


And finally the homeboy Chima Anya smacks it with a new track as part of a sequential release series you can check by hunting the man down here. In the meantime enjoy! And yes, you can enjoy Lil Wayne and Big Daddy Kane!

SigNif comes to claim the game; meanwhile Chima gets introspective plus New MC Lyte, Common, 10 Beats, Has Lo & Castle !

 Signif has just droppedan incredible full length album....go get that on a loop here right after readin this post!







MC Lyte featuring Common and 10 Beats "Would you rather be fathers to your daughters?" Common absolutely smashes with the last line of a heavy verse....."Read a letter from the World and it said "Yes Y'all" ...MC Lytes' distinctive, conciously analytical and straight refreshing flow bookends this banger that is a welcome relief to to some of the more dubiously flossie material thats been submitted here lately...

And the guy who never puts out dubious business, Chima Anya come with some deep thinking on this ultra slow burner....


 And finally, fresh in the inbox comes a Cerebral Slammer from Has-Lo & Castle for you to vibe with, Peace!

Solocypher - Elephantitus Album

I'm excited to anounce the arrival of my first studio album 'Elephantitus' (available via Bandcamp, click on the album art above, look out for clean and explicit lyric versions) ; it was recorded by Chemo at Kilamanjaro Studios in South London, UK and is the result of the last few years rapping and lving in Elephant & Castle, and contains a variety of tracks documenting London and hiphop life, hopes and fears.   

Kicking off with 'Welcome to Elephant' produced by my flatmate-at-the-time James, the track gives a little tour of the Elephant and Castle area of South London, its sights, smells and feelings of the local people. The album features a guest appearance from my long time collaborator and friend Doctor Chima Anya on the super lively 'Anthem' produced by Fat Gold Chain DJ TacticK; a document as to why we spend so much time and effort on the cruel mistress that is hiphop (see performanc photo below)

Many beats are provided by one of my main dudes from my home town of Ipswich, DJ Nifty aka Sulako....Nifty has sent me piles of excellent beats over the years and there is plenty more to come from this collaboration, but on the album the funky 'Bad 2 tha Bone' is a favourite cheeky banger, and his work on 'Candide' and 'Lord Knows' gave me the inspiration to create a couple ot thematic tracks. 

Fat Gold Chain collaborators TacticK and DJ Dave provide the backdrop to an ode to the importance of love and family on 'Be Kind'. Further contributions come courtesy of DJ Sugai who provides some ace DJ Premier inspired cuts on 'Eco-Tech' and Dooban who gets mega technical on my lyrically dense 'Figureskating Lessons' track.  The album also features Mista P and Mole D as lyrical guests and thier contribution makes double time track 'The Chasm' produced by JG Beats a personal favourite. 

Album Tracks have so far been supported by DJ 279 on Choice FM and on the LC Show on Itch FM so massive shouts to those guys and all support on social media. For now enjoy a few album tracks I've splurged on Sound cloud and if you're feeling em please go get the whole album (Free download or Pay What U Like!) 

For those interested in more Solocypher stuff check right here.

Domineko, Chima Anya and Nas Mixtape

Chima Anya is a creative beast and you can never quite tell what he's going to hit you up with next. Seeing the title of a track "Smoke it, Drink it" I was looking forward to a bit of a mindless banger (Chima is occaisionally capable of these) but had my mind seriously challenged with a hard hitting reflection on the perils of hardcore drug addiction; a topic Chima is well qualified to discuss after working closely with addicts. Well worth a watch, a cartoon sterotype this aint.



Domeniko comes correct with a great mini video for an uplifting and lyrically concious track. This is taken from his new album "Wood Floors" about which he writes "It’s the audio summary of the lessons and bits of inspirations that helped me achieve the long fight of getting back to who I know I want to become as an artist.  I've realized the only person you have to beat is yourself."




And finally, if you happen to be feeling a little nostalgic or just fancy a good blast of Nasty Nas, DJ Reminise has put together a great overview of the legend's progression through life....possibly could have done with a few more early bangers but overall this is well worth a listen....love the intro track as Nas waxes lyrical about going full circle through the medium of Cognac!

Chima Anya Live, Ryan Turner, Demrick, Armani of York, Mellow Music and Orie Pierre New Hiphop

We kick off this time around with the live video version of "What Now" Chima's lively anthem with an healthy call to arms to live life to the full whilst questioning everything whilst still smiling for the camera. Real music as ever from the doctor.

Ryan Turner, producer from Norfolk, VA recently sent me this tasty beat tape through his 'Click N Spark' productions company that rolls along very smoothly, not suprising as he has recently worked with hiphop legends Nappy Roots for their 'Sh!t's Beautiful Mixtape. A real proponant of making good music organically, he is up for these beats to be taken and used as long as credit is properly given; as he says "You never know what could be a hit until it is created"; true indeed so emcees out there have a dig through and see what magic you can make (before I get off this blog and do it my damn self :D!! )

And now, I must admit my day job has been breaking my balls lately and as such a massive bag of mail has been accumulating leaving precious little time to listen to let along comment on some of the illness that has been coming through. Suffice to say hiphop is well and truly vibrant in the underground. Some efforts havent quite made the cut this time around; if you're an artist or company who has made a submission but not been featured please don't stop the sending music through, next time it may get a prominant feature! For now how could I not kick off with this ill track to my favourite colour (ever since I discovered it was the favoured ink of Roman Emporors; everyone has a little dictator complex hidden somewhere) 

@ArmaniofYork  

Fat Gold Chain....Back around for the London posse!

https://www.facebook.com/events/294987000602697/

Kingdom of Fear, Chima Anya and Dee-1 Video Roll

My man Chima Anya drops some brilliant visuals to track 'Astro Thoughts' from brand new album (for more check here)while YNR's Kingdom of Fear go into drunken comic book mode with 'Sir Digny Chicken Caeser' a great take on the gonzo stylings of Hunter S Thompson....both UK videos styalsiticly pushing the boundaries, a very good look for these shores; from over the pond comes slightly more rough and ready new video from New Orleans Dee-1, however (sorry to be all redblooded ladies but) it wins in the smoking hot girl stakes and Dee-1 comes over pretty nicely in the story based track so I've thrown in into this little mid-winter video reel selection. Enjoy!

Dr Chima Anya - The Doctor's Note

Dear Vocalswordians; I have recently been delighted to receive some good news from my good friend the good doctor Chima; so without further-ado in his own words he will tell you the.... GOOD NEWS! The album has landed! You can get copies direct from me by PayPal ing £10 to SentimentMBChB@doctors.org.uk (as a gift!) and I'll send you the above gift. Email me your address seperately and I'll send it next working day.

For those that are more than happy with the MP3 version, it is available at all online spots, it's even on Spotify so you can try before you buy. Here is the itunes link for your convenience! iTunes Album Download Link Many thanks to all who made this possible, click here for the direct link to the website with more details re. the album. Love yo. If the album cover pique's your interest make sure you chack out this interview Chima did recently with Public Description, Thought Process Blog.

Chima Anya - Still Here

The first release from upcoming project 'The Doctor's Note' this is a smooth, thoughtful but very on point jam from my man Chima Anya, produced by Dexter and with a sick video featuring er, an awful lot of Chima Anya's and the beautiful Chantelle. Dedicated to Adeyosola Adedayo who sadly passed earlier this year, this track celebrates life no matter where it finds you.

Chima Anya - "Flexible/BBR"

Chima Anya is back with a switch up track that is also available for free download, some real BBR right here!! Check it!! Download the track for free here! And check out ChimaAnya.com for more info and music

Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie & Chima Anya this Friday

London town be the place to be this Friday for a massive show from the 2 incredible Juice Crew members with support from my main man Dr Chima Anya...cant wait!!

New Wiley 'Evolve or Be Extinct' Video, plus catch DJ Yoda and Chima Anya live in London

Stumbled over this track today and can't believe I hadnt seen it before....came out in February on the collossal Big Dada, the label l showing the way forward all over

London heads have even more to look forward to after Fat Gold Chain make sure you head down to XOYO to see the legendary DJ Yoda mash up the set with support from the one and only rapping doctor, my good friend Chima Anya! It's gonna be LIVE! Get your tickets here

Skyzoo & Torae Live in London 1 Off UK Date!

My man Chima Anya will be hosting not one but 2 New York City heavyweights; Torae and Skyzoo at a fantastic venue in South London; if you are remotely near the big smoke on Wednesday 13th December you need to get your self a ticket quick for this exclusive night of dope hip hop!

SKYZOO With his critically-acclaimed debut album “The Salvation,” Skyzoo was both Brooklyn’s narrator and curator. The album hit the Billboard Top 200 charts at No. 14, the fourth-highest position among new artists. Working with a cast of producers that included 9th Wonder, Just Blaze, Nottz, Black Milk, Best Kept Secret, and Illmind, he created a sonic successor to hip hop milestones “Reasonable Doubt,” “Ready to Die,” “Illmatic” and “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.” The lyrics are why Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg felt confident enough to put a lord of the underground among Nas, Andre Benjamin, Lil' Wayne, and Talib Kweli as the top lyricists alive. www.skyzoo718.com TORAE Torae gained recognition by collaborating with DJ Premier and Marco Polo. He and Marco Polo went on to receive critical acclaim for their collaborative LP entitled „Double Barrel“. With Cosigns from Hiphop Dx, 2DopeBoyz, Nah Right, Hot 97, XXL and a dope new album feat. production from DJ Premier and Pete Rock, if you are serious about Hiphop this is a man you need to catch up with. www.itstorae.com Chima Anya Chima Anya is a name familiar to anyone with a serious interest in Hip-hop in the UK. His debut mixtape came to national attention with support from Kiss, Choice, 1xtra and Radio 1, all while practising full time as a medical doctor. Having shared stages with legends such as Amp fiddler, KRS 1, Jay Electronica,Dead Prez and Pharaohe Monch it’s no surprise that when asked Chima states his greatest joy comes from performing. Always engaging, energetic and charismatic, Chima also fronts his own genre-leading 4 piece electronic / hip-hop outfit; a group that can only be described as a “must see". www.chimaanya.com + Special guests TBC

Chima Anya - Closure

Big Props to Chima on this one; the hard hypnotic beat lays down the soundtrack to Chima's epic reflections on life. Filmed on a cold London autumnal morning; check out the cameo in the video lovingly shot by Fat Gold Chain renaissance man RP-1! And if you're feeling this make sure you check Chima alongside NY contemprary legends Skyzoo and Torae on 14th December for a one off UK show; more details Here

Casual and Chima Anya both going hard on new tracks!

Very excited to be posting these two choons today; reinvigorating my hopes for a return to dopeness in Hip Hop...First up Chima Anya (chilling with myself and Big John at Fat Gold Chain) treats us to some fiiire bars on a freestyle jumping on hard beats on this heater, originally Terrah Danjah, by Royal T ...and can you believe a reject from his soon to come 'Closure' project...must mean its definitely gonna one to look out for... Chima Anya - Full Attention by Chima Anya Moving over to States and Westcoast legend Casual of the Hieroglypics presents 'Fiend for Hip Hop' for a slice of rediculously dope music with a nice Nas vocal cut on the hook...classic!

Fat Gold Chain Riot clean up with Chima Anya and JHC

New! Silent Knight, Manifest, Chima Anya, Roach Giggs plus Classic Skinnyman

Rolling into my summer has been pretty great so far, finding some time to read, catch up on music and generally relax...however it cant last long as I try to get some of my own material up off the ground, sort out Fat Gold Chain and generally try scheming to keep my head above the financial waters, life is hectic even when on holiday. Silent Knight appears to be in the same situation, laying it down in this smooth banger....
Silent Knight 'Busy is My Best Friend'

Twitter is a wonderful thing and whilst retweeing some of my boy Chima Anya's endless quotables stumbled accross this rediculously real joint from an emcee out of Ghana, Manifest currently putting work in the big bad Bronx....
Manifest 'Suffer'


Another man known for his random global positioning is (the Doctor) Chima Anya who's most recent video must surely be one of the most expensive rap videos ever made.. believe the hype andcheck this out as he joins forces with Soweto Kinch and Mr Mann. There are rumours abound that Mr Mann has retired from rapping; please listen to his verse then go create a petition to bring him back!

The Vocalswords mailbox has been pretty rammo lately, and Roach Gigs has often turned up with a slew of releases...his style isnt normally my cup of tea but I couldnt hate on this record due to the lively tune and sheer fun Roach is having making the video. What Hip hop is all about.
Roach Gigs F A Chrous

And just to remind ourselves in the UK that we can also lock down a track deriding repeated phrases in rhymes....all about the Mud Fam man....
Skinnyman Fuck the Hook

Fat Gold Chain presents Granville Sessions & Kal Sereousz

This Friday 17th June, Charlie Wrights Jazz Bar near Old Street Tube, London

Chima Anya 'What Now'

The big man Chima is back with a very impressive video to the stomping track 'What Now'; something to meditate a little on for you all...