Sunday's a good day to discover South London's Aks, as today I've been engrossed in his EP 'The Bus Stop'; engaging in a lot of topics with energy, honesty and well formed perspectives over great production this cat is going places...although TfL might be dictating the speed just at the moment, Aks depiction of place and mind set is refreshing but holds down a lyrical swagger that should see him up there with the big names...'House Called Home' is for me the heaviest cut and according to the man himself one of his favourite songs he's ever written; great to hear this sort of energy in the game. At the moment this gem is available for free DL but you only have around 5 hours left to get it! Dont Sleep People! http://thebusstopep.com/ AKS - The Bus Stop EP Some more dopeness, feeling the vibe of this one.... Cunninglinguists
and Finally we cant leave you without sharing this to the minute Banger celbrating and possibly bettering the antics of your favourite Hot Shots actor.... Baron Samedi 'Team Winning'....
Powerful stuff this, an entertaining but piece inlaid with pathos, tension, and fear, excellent camera work and dramatically inter woven lyrics from Monch. This War album/project is looking to turn out to be pretty incredible.
Probably better to check it full screen over on the tube...(anyone know how to allow my embedded videos to be played full screen!?) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG_iDZbSZ3I
If this is to be the name given to the recent revolutions and popular uprisings accross Egypt, Libia, Bahrain,.... then welcome, the long overdue over throw of outmoded and oft despised leaders or despots by popular protest. The (largely) overwhemlingly peacefull nature of the demonstrations, protests and defiant actions
Masta Mimmz - Back down Muburak
Fat Gold Chain keeps rolling on London
Conrad the Scoundrel
This guy is heavy weight! Bars, Charisma, Jokes, Message...this man is the definition of proper emcee in 2011. Check the video but thia man has bucket load more of different flows and styles to slap you with in his live show!
Wisdom Band
From Brixton Ritzy to Brixton living; check out the smooth sounds of The Wisdom Band and there motherland ode to Africa...
From Brixton streets to America where Vado's banger 'Large on the Street Scene' shows a rapper with huge potential blazing hard. This guy is a serious mic ripper and evidently has a rep to protect; it will be good to hear more from him in the futureas his content diversifies.
so sitting around with Vado on repeat can get you hyped to a certain extent. However its only when a true blast from the past like this rolls through that you remember why the fuck you love hip hop music so much...
Ice Cube - Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It
Conspiracy World Wide
Re Up Re Up Info!....Menace and Montana have been providing the back bone of journalistic insight on hip hop for a while now (2006 I believe?) and the start of 2011 has seen the team getting into serious discussion with all manner of heavy swangers...make sure you get to know!
Liam Bailey has been mentioned a few times across various press outlets as a future star...his recent work with Chase and Status and this latest song 'You Better Leave Me' is proving them right and I've got to say that great music like this just cant be held down!
Taken from his new album 'Gutter Rainbow's' this new track 'I'm on One' has Kwali looking nicely hyped in the video in a classic looking sweatbox of a hip hop club. I like the sentiment of the backing track vocals but not sure if it comes off all that well...Talib's flow is trademarkedly wordy but sounds dope in context of the current era where lyracism in rap music seems to have flown completely out the window. Having said that I didnt hear any quotables jumping straight at me, maybe I need to check it a few more times! By the way his album drops 25th of this month; a hip hop day for all as it is also the date when Homeboy Sandman will be blessing the marvelous Fat Gold Chain! (smoooth plug segue there or what!?)
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...
Pretty impressed by this, raw soulful stuff over a great beat. From upcoming "RICH BLOOD.BROKE POCKETS" album by James (WYLDBUNCH) Bunch. Produced by TWOMANICS...as someone as commented, "Real Hip Hop, at last!'
First up Shouts to Mayor out of Associated Minds for sending over this quick 16 from UK rising legend Dubbledge...always got bars for days 'Edge is on some next tip with this one!
JM Keynes vs Friedrich Heyek? Slightly heavier weight than certain current rap battles being staged?...those crazy yanks lampooning hip hop videos is not normally my cup of tea; despite the stereotypical bafoonary the intrisic ideas of the economist's portrayed in the video hold so much credence (and to be fair the 'rappers' had done an admirible job of putting over some of the most persuasive and influential ideas)Wish my half hearted attempts at doing this sort of subject matter while at Uni had been more coherent! Shame neither rapper attempts a 'Slick Rick' British flow for Keynes, and Hayek certainly wasnt sounding like...er, Promoe!?? Anyway now have fun reading about these two dude's philosophies! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Hayek
Rob One's infamous 2020 podcast keeps life pumpin through the body hip hop politic with Wedesday's show we saw Joell Ortiz murdering 100 bars with rediculousness and then Rass Kass spitting smooth fire from his latest, fan funded album A.D.I.D.A.S (All Day I Dream About Spittin) A dope podcast, but if you need your sick lyric fix mad quick check 12.14 Ortiz is going in super hard! http://2020.mypodcast.com/
and finally...http://www.ctrlaltshift.co.uk/article/feature-power-vagina-almighty-penis-portbello-film-festival
Rtkal is the future! If you're not already aware of the calibre of Eat Good artists you need to head over to the site to check out quality from the Birmingham powerhouse, in the meantime recognise the rediculous skills of Mud Fam endorsed Rtkal aka R Tillery. I had the privilidge of rockin mics alongside the man a few times in Brum and was always blown away by the insane delivery, passion and intelligence of his flows so am hyped about hsi forthcoming Kelakovski produced 'Genuine Rtkal' EP.
In the meantime 'The Prefix' mixtape is blowing up my system right now with ultra hype beats and spitfire flows. Go get it now for free and while its on the DL check the sick shit below...especially from 1.10 where the 'Bars' bars are just too ill!
After listening to Westwood on 1xtra (I was doing the washing up) reading out the BET list of greatest Hip Hop stars of the last decade I was left with a dissapointing feeling of hollowness in my guts....the list read like some sort of blinged out thuggy autotune crooning jizz fest; even Jay Z wasnt included. However after racking my brains I realised that the list was actually a reasonably fair representation of 'Mainstream' hip hop. Goddamn shame but there it is...and have now just found out that the Canibus man has pulled out of doing his London show due to visa issues....Shiiiiiiit!!
Anyway to cheer myself up I did a bit of Youtube surfing and was rewarded with the UK Hip Hop documentary posted below (Check the first one, then find the consecutive ones up to 10, worth checking all out) Chester P and Farma G dropping some serious science, insights and important reflections on the state of the game, including a break down of their own respective acronyms for you hip hop factophiles.
After watching this I have been re-motivated on my hip hop grizzly and so present some of the other little gems that have found their way to Vocalswords Towers...
Mowgli's incredible '93' album has been rightly lauded by critics and is indeed a fine epic of cerebral, intricate hip hop for those with a pallete inclined to enjoy in depth lyracism. An unknown US fan has created the following video which sets off the tunes ambiguously warped storyline perfectly. Various claims as to the origin of the visuals but its for promo use only and works a treat; more info at www.mowglihiphop.com...enjoy!
For a slightly different perspective, check Charlie Sloth getting upset by people shouting 'Par' at him on the golf course on his 1xtra hip hop show...joker with some banging tunes on rotation. Some pretty raw stuff keeps the show pumpin; Sloth's shouty style and constant glass smash sounds might get a bit too hectic at times, some of the tunes are just that little bit too retardedly gangsta and a couple o' shots of more uplifting ish wouldn't go amiss, however the boy knows and loves his stuff so its worth checking as the BBC's last bastion of some form of underground lyracism....
Nuff Beeb talk anyway, until they put some words in for this man and this first single off his latest project 'Treading Water"; incredible video! Big up www.grimedaily.com for this one!
Extra treats and leaks...Soul Khan ft Akie Bermiss tearing it up http://usershare.net/q66y3b9jh01k look out for video coming soon...
In preperation for the next installment of 'Fat Gold Chain' our homies at Raw Blue Cheese present...Chima Anya's Hip Hop Moment...check it out!
Catch Chima this Saturday alongside myself Solocypher tearing down mics and basically bringing the freshest live hip hop to London @The Cavendish Arms near Stockwell....check flyer below for more info!
In other news, just heard the legendary mic ripper Canibus is set to rock a set here in London towards the end of October. As one of my all time favourite emcees and massive source of inspiration I thought it only right to share a track from his new 'C of Tranquility' Album he's out here to promote....enjoy, and if you want more just youtube that shit, some excellent return to form dopeness, plus a raw Eminem diss you may not of heard before... Canibus Lunar Deluge
And if you still want more heavy bars!? Ok....
Check this new Sonny Jim banger with his classic punchlaced bars produced by the big savvy badman Asaviour... http://www.sendspace.com/file/3v9l92 Yeah thats what you wanted innit! Peace to 2 UK Legends! And finally, to switch it up to rep the ladies to the fullest degree check the latest offering resulting from stumbling around You Tube to find dope shit!...
FOLLOWING THE OVERWHELMING SUCCESS OF FAT GOLD CHAIN'S DEBUT IN LONDON, THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF THE SERIES WILL BE IN COLLABORATION WITH NEW NIGHT "F***K YO BLOG" AND "RAW BLUE CHEESE"
CHIMA ANYA (FAT GOLD CHAIN CHAMP 2X) WILL ALSO BE CELEBRATING HIS BIRTHDAY AT THE EVENT WITH A SPECIAL SET WITH ACCOMPLISHED DRUMMER J MILLY.
SOLO CYPHER (FAT GOLD CHAIN HEAD HONCHO) WILL BE RAPPING INFINITELY AS WELL AS HOSTING THE OPEN MIC CYPHER ...WHICH WILL BE OPEN TO RAPPERS, SINGERS, BEAT BOXERS AND VENTRILOQUISTS.
WE HAVE A SPECIAL GUEST PA FROM BENNY DICTION AS WELL AWESOME DJ SETS LINED UP FROM SAMMY B SIDE AND RP-1.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A VERY SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMER (POSSIBLY TIMMY MALLET!!!)
ALL THIS IS FREEEEEEEE!!! ON THE DOOR WE WILL HAVE AN OPTIONAL DONATION... ALL OF THE PROCEEDS WILL GO TO HELP SUPPORT THE CASUALTIES OF THE PAKISTAN QUAKE.
SO TELL A FRIEND TELL AN ENEMY (JUST DON'T FIGHT IN THE VENUE) OCTOBER 2ND FAM
PUT IT IN THE DIARY!
Also if you havent already, make sure you join the facebook group! (Top Left button)
Teaming up with DJ Nifty this second LP combines outer space beats with tales of the city and lyrical chicanery
Solocypher - Citizen Framed Download
Debut 2003 album features Chima Anya, Kid Anime, Serious, Concept, Eliza and Kaf. Includes smash hits "Selly Oak" "One Love one Life" and "This is what happens (when you don't stay sane) Email solocypher@gmail.com for a proper version!
Change Through The Rhyme
Check Solocypher trading international bars with Scholarman over heavy D'Logic beat
