Big Cakes "Tracing Paper" & Billy Danze gives a few words for Obama's last few days in Office....

Almost a year since my last post. 2016 has been a shocker for many people, world events seemingly conspiring to make a grim vortex. Personally I have been struggling with the pernicious fog of depression, and in an attempt to reconnect with my once beloved hiphop I remembered this Big Cakes jam. A lot of it resonates positively for me, especially with the hypnotic Micall Parkinson beat. Also wish I knew what thoughts were going through the mind of the bloke behind Cakes on the train! Amazing one take goodness taken using the Brrap App.



Trump and his future role is on everyone's mind but Obama still has a little while left in Office, and this "6'o Clock Briefing" given by the M.O.P soldier's hits home hard; the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement surely needs to remain high on the political agenda as the U.S. moves into an uncertain future.

Genesis Elijah Live, Jay Z "Open Letter" and Percy Filth New Banger ft Mylo Stone, Split Prophets & Serocee

Genesis Elijah brings his 'This is My Hustle' nationwide tour to London's 'Fat Gold Chain' an event not to be missed, especially due to the £100 open mic emcee competition that will be also taking place backed by an exciting new live band. More info from Fat Gold Chain FB Check out Genesis Elijah displaying why he is the 'Underground King' while you sign up, and if that wasn't enough check the GE Site for free goodness. Recent controversy piqued my interest as Jay Z's 'Open Letter' sent waves around the net. As hiphop is well known for its often dubious braggadocio, the fact that Jay Z has been welcomed at the White House makes Jigga's lines about chilling with Obama on the beach pretty poignant, if obviously false. His geopolitical views on China help put concerns in perspective, nice!

And finally, Brum Super Producer Percy Filth has been back at it and recruited Mylo Stone, Split Prophets and Serocee for an absolute bouncing riff led banger documenting the struggle alongside demonstrations in ill mic tearing, that classic UK sound. Buy it here.

Obama's 99 Problems (Explicit Political Remix)

Not sure who edited this together but it's pretty well done. Personally I dont have huge issues with Obama, who in my opinion has at least pulled us (the west) back from the abyss that morons Bush and Blair had us facing into in term of International Relations. Im aware of the many criticisms of Obama especially in regard large corporations and their influence; however in the upcoming elections, from a British perspective I have my hopes firmly pinned on the Democrat's main man. I have a feeling a version of this made for our head boy Dave, Mr Cameron would come off looking far worse.

Launch of 'Equality' movement....Lowkey, Logic, Jody McIntyre & Tariq Ali

The inaugral meeting of the 'Equality' movement spearheaded by Lowkey, Logic and Jody McIntyre proved immediatly impressive as due to demand the venue had to be moved to a larger lecture theatre, which itself was packed to capacity of around 500 people.

Speakers included Seamus Milne Guardian columnist and author of ‘The Enemy Within’,Lizzie Cocker political activist, Tariq Ali, a political commentator and campaigner who recently wrote ‘The Obama Syndrome’,Jody McIntyre writer for the Independent and author of ‘Life on Wheels’ and Dr. Hanan Chehata, commentator on Palestine and Middle Eastern affairs.

The lead question of 'What is Imperialism' was not debated as such, rather each speaker gave an empassioned overview of various elements of the anti-war, anti-imperiallist mosvement that has grown since the invasions of Iraq and Afgahnistan after the 9/11 attacks. There were some excllent points raised, especially in regards to the illegal Israeli imposed blockade of Gaza,the victimisation of protesters espcially young Muslim men by the policed, and examples of imperialistic aggression against civilians and children by Britian and America.

Unfortunatley, a debate it was not and the question and answer section after the initial speeches was hijacked by a lot of enthusiasic comments agreeing with all the previous speakers. Although encouraging to see such enegry it was a shame that there was no little internal criticism or debate, especially in regard to the initial question - What is Imperialism? Preaching to the converted is one thing, however the nature of imperialist capitalist hegemony means that levels of apathy in the general population must be addressed before a popular movement can really prove to be successfull. Although Lowkey was only present via a video speech, his presence was most definitely felt, and some of his views I have later found encapsualted in this important and provocating video for his track 'Terrorist?' below.

Regardless of lack of debate, the meeting showcased a lot of common sentiment against violent oppression everywhere, and was very inspiring. The next meeting is set to be even larger, I just hope the next one will begin to solidify some ideas for raising awareness, especially over the situation in Gaza, and direct action. For the time being I'm writing to my MP (probably not the most revolutionary of actions but its a start!)so watch this space...

Damn Scram You Killin' Em

Can't believe hadn't seen this before...a great reminder of the positivity of having Obama elected but also some good reality lyrics to keep it grounded. Beat by Scram Jones, one sick dude with the flow as well, props to the Conspiracy Radio fellas who just had a chat with him on their friday night show.