'Before N After' - Blak Twang (free download)

Head over to Bandcamp to download Blak Twang's latest track 'Before N After'. Blak Twang muses over the changes in the music scene, particularly with regards to the internet. Interesting and heavy! Thanks to www.soulculture.co.uk for this tune.

'Jimstrumentals' - Jimmy Green (free download) **New Link**

Rapsploitations Sessions man Jimmy Green has put this awesome mixtape together of his beats with UK Hip Hop verses from the greats - just check the image for the list of MCs. Let me assure you now before you listen in, Jimmy Green's beats are HOT, next thing he'll know is that these rappers will be calling him for beats and next thing we'll know is that his beats are on tracks and albums by said rappers.

Check out the way he totally changes the vibe of Rodney P's vocals from 'The Doggist' and how he re-flips Premo's 'It's Yours' beat! Listen as he throws in quotes from 'Dead Mans Shoes' and comedy routines about bad breath. Get this for yourself and if you're an MC get in touch. If you're a producer - watch out! Click for tracklisting.

Here's a new link that includes DPF's verse:

Sarah Love mp3

Sarah Love's UK Spotlight January mp3 and my original post.

Kashmere – 'The Jazz'
Evil Ed & Conspicous ft Shabam – 'The Ill Out'
Asaviour – 'Beefy'
Jack flash ft. J Simple & Apatight – 'Ground Wurq Anthem '
Ramson Badbonez – '3 Endings /Saga Of Death'
SonnyJim – 'Next Generation'
Jon Phonics ft. Mr Drastik & Verb T – 'Jealousy'
Mystro – 'Banishment'
Beat Butcha ft. Skandal – 'Home Economics'
Chain Of Command – 'Truss'
M9 – 'Higher Learning'
Blak Twang – ''96'
Chester P – 'Suicide Switch'
Sir Smirf Lil' – 'Back At You'
Scorzayzee ft Fayol – 'Scorz Chat'
Roots Manuva – 'Let The Spirit'

Sarah Shows Love For UK

1xtra's Sarah Love shows love for the UK in this weeks show.

The majority of UK features are part of a UK spotlight mix although Jehst and Jack Flash feature elsewhere in the show alongside a load of other great Hip Hop. Good to see someone on 1xtra doing what we all thought 1xtra would do in the beginning.

Her best of UK spotlight tracklist goes exactly like this:


Kashmere – 'The Jazz'
Evil Ed & Conspicous ft Shabam – 'The Ill Out'
Asaviour – 'Beefy'
Jack flash ft. J Simple & Apatight – 'Ground Wurq Anthem '
Ramson Badbonez – '3 Endings /Saga Of Death'
SonnyJim – 'Next Generation'
Jon Phonics ft. Mr Drastik & Verb T – 'Jealousy'
Mystro – 'Banishment'
Beat Butcha ft. Skandal – 'Home Economics'
Chain Of Command – 'Truss'
M9 – 'Higher Learning'
Blak Twang – ''96'
Chester P – 'Suicide Switch'
Sir Smirf Lil' – 'Back At You'
Scorzayzee ft Fayol – 'Scorz Chat'
Roots Manuva – 'Let The Spirit'

Here's a radio rip mp3 of the show

'So Hard' - Blak Twang (video)

'Street Karma' - Dap-C & Dirty Sweet (album review)

Armed with a plethora of guests Dap-C alongside producer Dirty Sweet brings you ‘Street Karma’ on NGU records. This could be an album but apparently it’s not - it’s a mixtape.

After the intro (which features real scratching - yay) proceedings proceed with Blak Twang featuring ‘Music Game’ which is good. Then his NGU compadres drop in on the well produced but just a little bit silly our crew is the best boasting track. The reason why it’s silly is that following this you get tracks featuring Lewis Parker, Fallacy, Sir Smurf Lil, Stylah, Mr. Drastick, Late, Tricksta and Conman and I don’t need to tell you that their crews are actually better.

Dap-C, in my opinion, is pretty nice with his on most outings and the more established guests here complement his concepts well. There are a nice range of sounds here; Dirty Sweet is more than just competent behind the boards as he harmonizes with the emcees and their content.

The version of ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf’ on offer here (featuring Skinnyman, Supar Novar, Emceekilla, Karisma and S.Kalibre) is nowhere near as good as the one on the video included on the DVD, it’s disappointing that the album cut makes it boring. ‘Passing Me By’ sees Dap-C take on a track alone with slightly less effective results than when backed up by guests of ilk.

On the whole ‘Street Karma’ is worth picking up and you can get it now at most of the usual places.

HHC Tour Leeds Cancelled

This will be going out tonight Blak Twang is 100% on and I'm working to bring some exciting acts up to Leeds for a Saturday night show at the end of Nov / Start December.

We tried, they failed!

So here you have it people, we've tried our damned hardest to bring Hip-Hop Connection and their 20th Anniversary celebrations to Leeds but, for a number of reasons that include a lack of communication, a lack of organisation and a lack of understanding from people who are in the game for only one thing, money. Being the kind of respectful trio we are and to appease others, we moved the date twice but it came to light that even this wasn't enough. So, as a final gentlemanly gesture we changed the date a third and last time (which again wasn't good enough).

We then received emails with threats of 'if I have to, I'll tell this artist and that artist not to play', below the belt childish bully tactics that did nothing but make us hungrier. So we started on a long journey down the winding road called hip-hop politics. Where the days of getting everyone together for a good old beat infused celebration seems to have been replaced with money hungry, self obsessed, child like people who enjoy talking out of their rear end.

Moving on now and we have the farce that is the Anniversary itself.

Just like all of you that kindly, and wisely, bought the event tickets in advance, we thought that this night was going to run rather smoothly. Oh, how wrong could we have been! The flyers have been re-designed twice & sent to print along with a mass of posters and other HHC related goodies.Then, we received an email that Baby J (who had arranged his album launch date to go off in London a good two months ago) was double booked and that Million Dan (who again had this planned a time before the HHC tour) was kickin' it with Baby J on the evening of the launch party which yes, you guessed it, was on the 17th October.

This would have put many a people's nose out of joint but we spoke to each other and decided to plough on through the turmoil and try work out the kinks, after all, we still had Stig of the Dump, Dr. Syntax, Jack Flash and the crowd puller that is Klashnekoff. So we made a trip out on Friday night to watch a good friend in Mr. Thing and his vocal partner Yungun. We gave out flyers to all that were interested and it has to be said, all who weren't. We left at 4am in a very positive frame of mind. Then we awoke to the final knife in the back, the one that has left a scar. We received an email that informed us that Stig and Syntax had pulled out of the Leeds date. Our feelings started with anger but quickly changed to disappointment.

So there you have it, we tried and they failed. We were like 3 hip-hop salmons swimming against the tide… out of pocket and out of patience.

We apologise to all who have been let down, we feel your dissatisfaction and we realise that you, like us, were really looking forward to this event. We have had to pull out now, we have spent so much time and money promoting something that was never meant to be that now we just want to get back to doing what we do best, staying in control and bringing you artists that really want to play for us and you.

Keep it real and watch this space,

Peace,
Leeds Hip-Hop Scene

Blak Twang Album Showcase - 5th October (event)

Click on the pic to read all the info!

'Hip-Hop Connection Presents Recognition...' - Various Artists (compilation review)

Reviewing a CD without listening to it isn’t standard procedure (for me anyway). But when it’s a compilation CD supposedly containing genre-defining tracks it’s a credit to the compilers that listening isn’t necessary. And what more would you expect from the worlds original rap magazine?

‘Hip-Hop Connection Presents Recognition 20 Years Of Fire-Starting UK Rap Anthems’ is 20 tracks of…well; the title is pretty self explanatory. In roughly chronological order, HHC curates the annals of the art form done Blighty’s way and succeeds in drawing together some of the most influential specimens. (Click here for tracklisting)

As I hinted before, anyone interested in the UK Rap scene will have heard the majority of what’s on offer here, meaning this serves perfectly as an introduction or education to the un-schooled. It also provides perfectly for that car journey when you forgot to burn off your favourite UK tracks onto a compilation CD.

There are one or two surprises; Blak Twang’s ‘08 album cut, ‘How Long’ fills the gap between ‘91’s ‘Son of Noise’ and ‘01’s ‘The Unknown’ by Mark B & Blade - a gap that Twang’s ‘Red Letters’ would have filled perfectly. Or with a little re-sequencing ‘So Rotton’ would have been more than fitting. The last tracks, although good, are probably not the best representatives of the evident creativity of UK Hip Hop’s last couple of years.

If I didn’t have this I’d probably get it, A) for lending to ignorant friends and B) for an effortless stroll through some of the masterpieces of my collection. It’ll be released on 8th of October on the Hip Hop Village label and there’s no doubt everywhere will be stocking this.

Wolftown Update

As usual the Wolftown crew are on their grind. The latest offering from their midland camp is the '100% Exclusive Mixtape & DVD'. It features tracks from everyone you'd expect: 10Shott, Tricksta, Late, Size8, Conman and Jai Boo. It also features tracks from artists recently taken uner the Wolftown wing and other up and coming UK artists. This essentially is the latest in the 'UK Runnings' series and so far they've all been fire.

As the name suggests, it also comes with a DVD featuring interviews and music videos by Blak Twang, Million Dan, Conman, Jabba Tha Kut, Late, Jai Boo, Size8 & 10Shott and more. Check back here to find out more about what I think of this CD once I hear it.

Meanwhile, you can be checking out the plethora of other recognisably presented Wolftown releases from this year:

‘Speaking From Xperience’ - Blak Twang (album review)

Twang’s back again (‘…Although I never left, I’m takin’ my seat back//Back with a spring in my step, back in my element…’) with his fourth album release, fifth if you count the never-released-due-to-label-problems, promo only ‘Dettwork SouthEast’. ‘Speaking From Xperience’ is an aptly named volume of work, and a hefty tome at that. Frankly, I recoil at the thought of reviewing an album with 18 tracks proper (24 counting skits). How can I possibly listen to that much music and assess it all at once? ‘Tis pretty hard, but I’ve started now haven’t I?

As usual Mr. Rotton touches on a variety of issues but this time round to accompany and complement this, he utilises a range of ‘urban’ sounds. ‘Hey People’ sits in the grime domain, however ‘Made Me Strong’ crosses over into dancehall territory. ‘So Hard’ displays soul influences but showcases a double time flow and ‘There For You’ has an eastern feel but is clearly influenced by modern R’n’B. The resulting overall sound is a cleverly blended version of all that’s hot right now in the sphere of ‘black music’ on both sides of the pond. Nevertheless, Twang’s recognisable production sound is still evident. This clever move should afford Tony a good few new listeners to add to his ever loyal fan base.

If you’re into UK Hip Hop you’ll know Blak Twang’s name is huge. You’ll also probably know the names Sway and Estelle. Man, who doesn’t know Estelle’s name? Sway’s pretty huge too. Both artists pop up on ‘SFX’ adding to the value and appeal of this release. Sway features on ‘Legends’ on which both exercise their rapid fire raps. To be honest, neither MC’s are at their best here; Twang has difficulty spitting some lyrics and Sway is just not as entertaining and humorous as usual. Love story ‘Nu N’uh’ features Tor as well as Estelle. Tor provides the voice of the other half whilst Estelle offers a mournful chorus. Other similarly themed tracks (Sway’s ‘F Ur X’, Dizzee’s ‘I Luv U’, The Street’s ‘Get Out Of My House’) have succeeded where ultimately this one bores a bit. Neither of these tracks are bad, they just could have been better with the talent involved. For a better, nay, brilliant Twang/Estelle collabo, check ‘Trixstar’ on the album ‘Kik Off’.

But it’s far from bad. The single ‘Champagne Lifestyle’ is cool as is it’s flip ‘4 Tha Summa’ (maybe next year eh?!) but I’ve already reviewed that (click the link). The first single ‘Help Dem Lord’, released on 12” last year is awesome and in the vein of ‘So Rotton’, it’s a track I don’t tire of. ‘‘96’ is a belting 3 verse autobiography, modestly reserved for last track. ‘We Gonna Win’, the opener is a dramatic and weighty statement of intent – check for the amazing flute riff. ‘Nah I Aint Done’ with Sheriff and K9 and ‘Rap Life’ are just great Hip Hop songs and a testament to the diversity of our genre. Rhymefest appears on ‘Tale of 2 Cityz’ a jumbled but bubbly production that should stimulate at least a couple of neck muscles. Without mentioning each track, be assured that the rest of the album is solid stuff.

The addition of this album to his back catalogue should see Blak Twang’s name remain in the arena for a good while – the man deserves all the success in the world. He’s been consistent, interesting and wise and is a true pioneer. Here’s to another hour and a bit of Tony Olabode’s music that will provide many hours more entertainment.

The single ‘Champagne Lifestyle’ is available now and ‘Speaking From Xperience’ will be out on September 15th on the Abstract Urban label and will probably be available absolutely everywhere that’s worth shopping at.

'Music Game' ft. Blak Twang & Geejay - Dap C (single review)

He's a humble 'un that Dap-C. Not only did he let Reain and Stylah go first on 'Heaven' he's also let Blak Twang rap up front on 'Music Game'. Kindness or business savvy? Possibly the latter seeing as Blak Twang is one of the most prolific names in the UK Rap scene at this moment in time.

The concept of 'Music Game' is simple and it works well. Each MC chats about everyday employment whilst trying to succeed in the entertainment business. The accompanying video portrays Blak Twang as a painter and decorator, Dap-C as a barman down his local and Geejay as a park gardener giving a real insight into the poorly financed world of UK Rap. I've spoken to big name UK MC's who are still having to work their day jobs whilst at night they write, rap and record - far from the world of your 50 Cents, Akons and Kanye Wests. They also pick up on the theme of music-making as therapy and a deterent from a life of crime.

The sample used as a chipmunk chorus is perfect; " I got a little job, don't make much money" and if anyone can tell me where the sample comes from I'll be happy to hear, it's really bugging me! 'Music Game' has a nice throwback-ish, non-synthetic sound, the beat is steady and not crowdy rowdy and the bassline is just the sort I like.

'Music Game' is a semi-sun soaked track showcasing three MC's with different voices and interesting things to say. It's great light entertainment and deserves to be recognised as a good piece of Hip Hop. Fans should also heed the message - if we don't support the scene financially these MC's may be forced to step down - look what happened to Blade.

'Champagne Lifestyle' - Blak Twang (single review)

‘Champagne Lifestyle’ would probably not be my choice of single if ‘Speaking From Xperience’ was my forthcoming album. But I’m not Blak Twang and Twangalanga is a business man who has been in this UK Rap thing for bare time. Since his last album, ‘The Rotton Club’, Tony has obviously been keeping his ear to the ground.

‘Champagne Lifestyle’ is what the Channel U generation need; as well as being a sonically mature version of the trash on said TV channel it also preaches a new message to its viewers. This track sees the rotton one (sic) take on the persona of someone who finds himself needing to impress a lady by buying expensive bubbly that he can’t afford. The track rallies against all those guys who front with the image of a wealthy man when really they can’t afford it. Twang continues to use his position as an elder statesman as someone in his position should; he teaches the youth and for this he should be applauded.

‘The B-side is ‘For the Summa’, a track that is unsurprisingly, summery. It’s laid back and is the usual fare of short skirt, drop top, picnic type rhymes – it’s nothing new but it’s done well. It still makes me wish it actually was sunny this summer!

Despite not being my choice of single from the 24 tracks on his album (I’ll be reviewing that very soon) it’s still well produced and very catchy – I sing along to the chorus – and Blak Twang’s lyrics are skilfully woven. The result? A great single that should appeal to Hip Hop heads, grime fans and radio listeners alike.

‘Champagne Lifestyle’ is out on Monday (Aug 25th) and is available already for download on itunes.

'Heaven' - Dap-C

If 'Heaven' is anything to go by, 'Street Karma' by North-East spitter Dap-C is a great CD. Heaven features Mr. Drastick and Stylah and is produced by Dirty Sweet, as is the rest of the album. This is on some straight up, head nod vibes and Dap-C actually raps last, an unusual move but one which works.

He's also been busy with other stuff too. Check out this video with Geejay for his track 'Fresh' and whilst you're there you can click some more links for more Dap-C vids.

Dap-C has also made last years 'The Richest Misfit' mixtape available for absolutely nowt. That means its free so download it, ya can't go wrong!

'Street Karma' features big names like Blak Twang, Fallacy, Skinnyman, Lewis Parker (and the list goes on) so you know with support like that it can't be bad. Stay tuned here if you need more convincing, I may review it if I get a copy!

K9 - 2 free mixtapes!

I've become quite the herald of legitimate free music haven't I? That's because I'm too poor to be buying loads of music at the moment so it's a good thing that that coincides with all these guys giving out their music for free!

Well, K9, Blak Twang's mate is giving away two of his mixtapes as downloads at his myspace page. 'The Riot Storm' was in Disorda's (over at Suspect Packages) top ten mixtapes for a fair while so it's defo worth checking it out, it'll save you £5.99 plus p+p too!

If you've never heard K9 then download this and enjoy the straight up-ness of this Hip Hop. Also check the 'Jim Westwood Album' - any mimickry of the Big Dog is good, it's all love though! Blak Twang also puts in a few appearances and he's one of the architects of the classic UK sound, he really changed things way back when he dropped 'Dettwork South East' and '19 Long Time'. Don't sleep on this.

IOU

Thanks to Aaron M (again) I have actually completed the top 100, he just emailed me a link for Blak Twang's, oooh, it's the entire album, '19 Long Time' from 1998. Once opening the .rar file I hope to find 'Red Letter Day' thus making a complete 100. Thanks mate!

...Now I'm just waiting for it to download whilst the tracks for the top 100 upload via a wireless connection - it aint quick...

Here we are:

Blak Twang - Red Letter Day (zshare)

HHC Top 100 rap singles 90-81

#82. Biz Markie - Nobody Beats the Biz

This next 10 was the part of the chart where the greatest deficiency in my collection occurred. Most of these tunes have no memories for me other than ones that are a matter of hours or days old. On the whole I’m pretty glad I got these tracks because there are some beauties here.

90. Mantronix - Bassline.mp3 - 1986 - Buy album here

89. BDP - My Philosophy.mp3 - 1988 - Buy album here
“I think very deeply”

88. Blak Twang – Red Letter Day – 1998
UK Hip Hop of a very heavy and solid album which has blazed the trail for UK Hip Hop.

87. A Tribe Called Quest - Description Of A Fool.mp3 - 1991 - Buy album here

86. EPMD - Headbanger.mp3 - 1989 - Buy album here
Does what it says on the tin, this is a certified banger fo sho.

85. LL Cool J - Rock the Bells.mp3 - 1985 - Buy album here
I have a soft spot for the (Def Jam) Hip Hop of the early/mid eighties, being a Beastie Boys fan I have no choice. Basically Rick Rubin created a new sound with his rock guitars and simple bombastic drum patterns; it made LL, Run DMC and Beastie Boys famous and even Jay-Z revisited the style with ’99 Problems’. This sound is coming back with all this trendy electro shenanigans so although this is dated, it’s relevant.

84. KRS-One Sound Of Da Police.mp3 - 1993 - Buy album here
Bit of a moshing track here, even if you quite like the police you’ll be screwing up your face into a menacing kinda grimace and nodding your head as KRS goes off on one as per usual. Overseer, overseer, overseer, officer OFFICER!

83. Hijack - Style Warriors Revenge.mp3 -
Whoop! It’s the Brits! It’s kinda weird listening to this 17 years on, UK Hip Hop has changed so much, it has it’s own identity now. This could easily be American, these boys would get ripped for their USA accents nowadays yet tis considered a classic, and rightly so.

82. Biz Markie - Nobody beats the Biz.mp3 - 1988 - Buy the 'Best of...' here

Everyone loves Biz Markie, he’s a bit like a big bear, a party starting bear nonetheless and that’s why we love him. Download this, record it onto a C90 and dance around in your house in a sort of ‘walking down the street’ way.

81. Brand Nubian - Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down.mp3 - 1992 - Buy album here
Starts of like a Hip Hop Rocky theme tune, a guitar loop drops in and then a big fat heavy beat comes in that nearly ruined my already not very good car speakers. Check the lyrics for some very un-PC gay bashing that constantly got them into trouble

Don't forget to check back to the top rap singles 100-91 if this is your first time here.

These singles are all featured on incredible albums that really should be in your collection, most of them can be found for bargain prices at places like amazon, slowly but surely you could build up an amazing selection of classic rap albums.