Joker Starr [What A Pleasure It Is] Music Video

Joker Starr - Hip Hop Transition (Video)

New video from Slough's Joker Starr, who brings a smoothed out vibe and an extensive wardrobe. Very much a 'hood video' with a limited budget, it's good to see the Joker back regardless.

The single will be release to digital outlets on the 31st January.

'Frazier Ali' - Joker Starr (review)

Frazier. Ali. The question is, is this The Fight Of The Century, The Thrilla In Manila or just the boring bout they had in between? Well, 'Frazier Ali' as EP is definitely not that interim fight - Joker's strangely roughshod delivery brings a smile to the face and his adherence to Daniel Niles' classically styled Hip Hop instrumentals is welcomed by this reviewer. The vocal clips from the two heavyweights tie things together nicely and Joker's addictive freestyle-like flows make this a must. Dark Angel's input is not to be sniffed at either - he and Starr bounce of one another playfully. Get it from itunes or Play.com for next to nothing.

Recommended listening: Congo Man Crew, Strong Arm Steady, Suspect Packages, Reps, DJ IQ & Joker Starr

My man over at Eclectic Hermit asked me if I’d ever heard any Swedish reggae and of course I hadn’t. I had a bit of a laugh at the idea then listened to it and realised it was pretty dope. Then we had more of a laugh about it when we rapped about typically Swedish things (like Ikea) in Jamaican accents over the dubs of the tracks. Go to his post for more info and the free download of their latest EP.

Some US Hip Hop I’m really feeling now: Strong Arm Steady’s ‘In Search of Stoney Jackson’. All the beats on this album are by Madlib and because of this they are all pure quality – trust. The MCs and their guests bring bags of lyrics and rhyming phrases with Krondon being a real standout on the mic. For a much better and more in depth review check out Sach-O’s paragraphs at Passion of the Weiss.

The latest Suspect Packages radio show is upon us and it features, as usual, all the latest and greatest Hip Hop from the UK – something on there for everyone. Download it from Mixcloud.

Reps, one of my favourite UK MCs has put out a free EP download. It’s called ‘So Much More’ and is entirely produced by Polish beatwhizz O.S.T.R. (who produced the remix of Reps' 'Park Ranger' - one of my favourite modern UK Rap tracks) there’s no point in saying anything but download it and bump it. Quality stuff.

Last of all, DJ IQ and Joker Starr having been working together on an EP and ‘Sunshine’ should warm up your snowy world for the moment. Taste this treat and treat this as a taste of what’s to come.

Free Downloads from No Pretense, Joker Starr & KI

No Pretense - 'Death of a Star' ft. Belinda Hards
To promote their forthcoming album 'Music & Mouthwords', No Pretense are giving away a free download of 'Death of a Star' featuring Knew Jeru'slum's Belinda Hards on guest vocals. The download is available until 11th of January.

Joker Starr - 'Freestyle Freeness'
Joker Starr thought it would be good to kick start the new year by giving away some archive freestyles DJ specials that he has done over the years. 'Freestyle Freeness' features Dark Angel, Bangie, Soliheen and Scankman. His 'Frazier Ali' E.P. is nearing completion - it will be a digital only release, more information to come in the following weeks.

KI - 'Style of the Phoenix'
Another bandcamp release for you with some nice beats. Also check out his video for 'The Ronin Technique' which can be bought at itunes and places like that.

UK Dubs and Freestyles from Kasha, Grimlok, Joker Starr, Cobane and Double H (free downloads)

Grimlok (pictured) sent over a couple of dubs – one over Lupe’s ‘Dumb it Down’ and the other of Jay-Z’s ‘Run This Town’.

Speaking of Jay-Z Kasha has done a version of ‘Empire State of Mind’ and called it the ‘England Remix’.

Here’s a Joker Starr freestyle over Wu-Tang’s ‘C.R.E.A.M.’.

Double H, a rapper I know little about, sent me a few ‘freestyles’. He takes on The Roots’ ‘Ain’t Sayin’ Nuthin’, a version of ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ and ‘Hottest in the Hood’ by Red Café.

Cobane has done a version of a track which I don’t know – I also can’t really work out what his version of the unknown track is called! Anyway, have a little listen to this Dubstep-ish number.

Free Downloads from JC & Nicky Taurus, Pete Cannon & Foreign Beggars, Tom Caruana & MF Doom and Joker Starr!

Woah! Feel like I've not posted on here for a while and there's been nuff stuff happening in this UK Hip Hop world. In no particular order:

JC dropped a track from his forthcoming project. Nicky Taurus does the vocal duties and it's called 'Look At Me' - I'm liking the slap bass. Check the No Money Records website for me info.

Pete Cannon (once known as Mr. Dick) of the group Tactical Thinking got himself interviewed over at Rago magazine and if you didn't already, check out his remix of the Foreign Beggars track with Guilty Simpson - 'Prove It' - big.

One of my favourite artists right now Tom Caruana has gone and done a whole MF DOOM remix album and as you'd expect with Doom's rhymes and Caruana's productions it is a banger! Go get it for free here. Apparently there are more to come from Brand Nubian, J-Live, Wu-Tang and more!

Joker Starr posted up a free download called 'Clash of the Titans' which is Ex Machina's remix of a track by US MC Shadowstar (I think that's correct). Anyway, it's dope so download it.

That's enough for now but I'll be back with more yo.

Micall Parknsun & Joker Starr Interview (video)

Big up to Lady Jay for this one!

'On The Radar Vol. 4' Artist Highlight: Lunar C

One of West Yorkshire's, and indeed the UK's, most promising MCs is Lunar C. Period. Check out what he has to say for himself:

Certified Banger: Can you tell us your necessary background details so we can build on basics for the rest of the interview?

Lunar C: Yoyoyo, I’m Lunar C - an MC from Missing People and Sinoptic Crew.

CB: What are your current or upcoming projects? ie albums, singles, tours, guest spots…

LC: I’ve been working on quite a lot of projects this year. A few months ago me and Missing People released our debut EP ‘Glossop View’. I’m just about to release my debut solo project ‘The Lunar CD’ which should be out in the next two months and will only cost £1; so get your squid out! It’s gonna have roughly 20 of my best tracks on there and some sick features from West Yorkshire’s finest MCs and producers.

Also the whole Sinoptic crew (Lunar C, EXP, JND, Angry Nik, WYdeboi, Neverlearn and Angela Bellis) have got ‘The Badger Sex mixtape‘ coming in the next few months too which is just gonna be all of us killing it.

This year I’ve featured on JND’s ‘Working Classics’, Mastermind’s ‘Cut n Paste mixtape’ and I’ve just laid a verse down on a remix of Wu-Tang’s ‘Criminology’ track which is gonna be 6 MC’s: Me, Jack Flash, J Simple, Joker Starr, Spida Lee and Gen for Gen’s ‘Forbidden Jutsu mixtape’. Me and WYdeboi have been collaborating with a sick beatmaker from Leeds called Bridgens. I’ve collabed with No Pretense, Adverse and Immranimal from Shedmen, Leady and maybe more which I might have forgotten.

I’ve also got a crew of about 6 14 and 15 year old MCs that I’m kinda mentoring and they know all about Hip Hop which is rare for young UK MCs these days. I truly believe they are gonna shock alot of people with the skill they already have - they freestyle and write everyday and are about to do their first track soon so look out for Kontraband, Kid Nem and Sinister!

Click here to read on

The Nextmen, Joker Starr, Tempa, Steg G, Organix & JVF Clique free downloads

A few beats and pieces for you here:

Joker Starr is clearing out his unreleased back catalogue and giving it away for free. Check out 'Punchlines' with Dark Angel and then keep your eye on his blog for more.

More from Notz - Tempa's done a version of 'Run This Town' and has dropped it for free to build anticipation for her forthcoming 12".

Steg G has done a Baltimore style remix of 'Can You Feel It' in celebration of the late great MJ's birthday. I know nothing about B-more and have no idea whether this is it but I'd sure jump around to it on a night out.

For an exclusive mixtape from The Nextmen head over to their site and sign up to recieve their mailouts. The mix is awesome and features tracks from their new album 'Join.The.Dots' and a whole load of dope tracks and mashups from the spectrum of music.

There is an Organix mixtape up for free download. It's the '5 A Day Mixtape Vol. 1' and it features tracks from Mal, Jay Madden, Tai, Wizard, Scizzahz, Antidote, Stickman, Naive and Simple Samples.

JVF Clique have just dropped a rather rudely titled track concerning a particular racist party leader - check it, I'm with them on the sentiment.

That's all for now but I've got some more free-to-download mixtapes to vet for ya, so keep your ears peeled.

Suspect Packages Live October & November

Go here for more details on the Suspect Packages live extravaganza featuring, as you can see above, Children of the Damned, Joker Starr and Micall Parknsun all for only 4 pounds. That's upstairs @ Brick Lane's Vibe Bar in East London on Friday October 9th. Then same place different day, Friday November the 13th to be exact, go check out Sonnyjim and special guests and Tactical Thinking.

'Tekkin Di Diamonds' - Joker Starr (free download)

Certified Banger favourite and 'On The Radar' stalwart Joker Starr kicks a serious topic in an entertaining and hilarious way (fake African MC voice, think Sway's Charlie Boy) over Biggie's nostalgic sounding 'Juicy' beat. Check the comedy lyrics:

"Don't think we are not clever, Shirley Bassey told us diamonds are forever, So that means that it makes money whenever, it does not diminish in price"

"American men have weird fashion senses, bracelets and diamond necklace, I don't know really what to tink, becau' all these bubba boys are wearing pink, I don't know what sexuality they require, just be judging them by they attire, if they ever come back home to Sierra Leone, we grab them up and bun them in car tyres"

Joker Starr and Micall Parknsun on June's Suspect Packages Show

Gots to check out the new Suspect Packages Radio Show with Disorda and special guests Micall Parknsun and Joker Starr.

Tracks included are by Knew Jeru'slum, SonnyJim and Kosyne, the new UK Hip Hopsupergroup Orphans of Cush (Kyza Smirnoff, M9, Masikah & Cyrus Malachi), Mystro, Mr. Scruff and Roots Manuva and loads more including a ton of Joker Starr and Micall Parknsun exclusive material.

Check it out here and now.

'Northborough Estate Project' - Joker Starr (mixtape review)

YNR entrusted him with the opening track on their label showpiece ‘Feeding Time At The Zoo’ and listening to ‘Northborough Estate Project’ it’s easy to tell why. Joker has upped his game – nothing you have heard can have prepared you for what surely is one of the best releases so far this year.

Officially it’s a mixtape but it does feature full tracks with original production as well as verses over pilfered beats - the former truly stand out. Some heads may not be ready for Starr’s flow which switches without warning from hyperactive to lethargic but this is what makes this charismatic MC truly stand out from the pack.

The unique delivery walks hand in hand with the enigmatic subject matter, whether he’s painting a picture of life in his Slough estate, likening himself to a toreador, talking about the booze or paying the bills Joker Starr makes rap music you want to listen to, like, so you’re actually hearing and hanging on to every word he’s saying.

With production from Beat Butcha, Dan Solo, G-Man, Keith Lawrence, Ahmos and Soliheen, guest raps from Genesis Elijah, Jehst and Micall Parknsun amongst others and an intro from the Gangstarr man himself, Guru, this is a CD worth your £7.99 (from Suspect Packages) – and I’m really endorsing this one, it’s just so flippin’ refreshing to hear Rap that manages to be fun and serious all at once.

Click here for all the rest of the Joker Starr stuff I've posted - there are free tracks!

Blast From The Past #1: 'Upwards' - Ty

This is one of the UK Hip Hop albums that really got me into the genre, it was released in 2003 so you can see I've not been a fan for a long time. This ended my courtship with Hip Hop in general and began my immersion into UK Rap. 'Upwards' isn't really representative of UK Hip Hop as a whole - probably the reason why I still look for the bright side of things when it comes to British Rap.

The LP kicks off with "Woy... Oh. My. Goodness." on the awesome 'Ha Ha' and just before it closes (on the version with the bonus tracks anyway) the revoxed version of 'So U Want Morre' featuring Roots Manuva (a lovely combination) provides quotable after quotable. Another stand out track is the Joker Starr produced 'Hot Spice' - seriously this album has too many good moments to mention!

If you've not heard this album then get to it - you can pick it up nice and cheaply now.

'Feeding Time At The Zoo' - YNR Productions (album review)

Here's my (un-edited) review of YNR's 'Feeding Time At The Zoo', originally written for and published in HHC Digital 002, it was their album of the month:

What with UK Rap and its Marmite status, this release will probably provoke one of two reactions: “Yawn, backpack rap - boring” or “Finally some decent Hip Hop in this Grime-addled scene”. I’m going to imagine you’re of that second opinion: after all, you’re not reading this in Angling Times.

The new and improved roster of friends and family proves YNR have adapted and are managing to maintain their alpha male status - their music is testament to this. Jehst and co. have a renewed vigour and confidence (no, not swagger) that their wares are exactly the shot in the arm that UK Hip Hop needs. And it is, pretty much.

Beats come from the likes of Beat Butcha, Chemo and DJ IQ who all provide bumpy, progressive productions that still hark back to those beloved golden days and Kashmere, Sir Smurf Lil’, Joker Starr, Mystro, Kyza, Micall Parknsun, Jack Flash and Cappo all feature over its 15 tracks.

The non-Londoners put in sterling work with SonnyJim and Kelakovski’s ‘Flying To The Moon’ proving to be a stand out and Double D Dagger’s track being sure to appeal to Hip Hop and Grime fans alike. Dubbledge’s ‘Alphabets’ is comically maverick whereas Verb T’s ‘Overworked’ is on a serious tip. Each beast represents his own breed and it's ‘Feeding Time At The Zoo’ - these animals are hungry!

HHC also put up a free download of Micall Parknsun's 'Today' so if you've not bagged that yet, then do! 'Feeding Time At The Zoo' will be released on 25th May on the YNR Productions label.

Joker Starr Mix CD Coming Soon

If Joker Starr's track on YNR's 'Feeding Time At The Zoo' is anything to go by then his 'Northborough Estate Project' mix CD should be pretty good. But actually, we don't need to speculate - check out the snippets in the player below for a foretaste of what's to come next week.

Check out his website where you'll be able to get the CD when it drops. Also, keep up with him on his new blog.

Joker Starr has featured on 'On The Radar Vol. 2' and Tricksta's 'Digital Revolution Vol. 2' so if you've not got those yet, just follow the links. Click here for all other Joker Starr related stuff on Certified Banger.

Check out this track from the project: 'Road Man Tune' ft. Genesis Elijah:

Feeding Time At The Zoo Launch Party

If my memory serves me correctly YNR's return to the fore of UK Hip Hop is scheduled for 25th May. Having already dropped Sir Smurf Lil's set and Jyager's LP the label are preparing to drop their compilation entitled 'Feeding Time At The Zoo'. I've already written my review for it but since it was written for HHC I'll let them premiere it!

Safe to say with a list of artists like this (Joker Starr, Jehst, Jyager, Kyza, Chemo, Beat Butcha, Jack Flash, DJ IQ, Double D Dagger, SonnyJim, Kelakovski, Kashmere, Mystro, Micall Parknsun, Cappo, Dubbledge, Sir Smurf Lil') it's a big look and is sure to be one of your favourite releases this year.

If you're in or around London then read the flyer above and make the necessary moves!

'Digital Revolution Vol. 2' - VA - Tricksta (free download)

On the second installment of 'Digital Revolution Tricksta has got together a great line up for his new internet-age-embracing free download. One of last years heroes M9 of Triple Darkness hosts and Ironbraydz, Stylah, Skandal, Kyza, Grit Grammar, Joker Starr, SonnyJim, 10Shott amongst others feature.

Interesting, and relieving (for me, because Tricksta is big in the game and knows what he's talking about whereas I'm guessing and hoping that I'm right) to see, a whole host of artists who I've featured on 'On The Radar' on there! These are the next men in this UK Rap thing - look out for them 'cause Tricksta says so (and for what it's worth, I do too)!

'Memories' ft. Jehst - Joker Starr (free download)

'On The Radar' featured artist Joker Starr is preparing to drop his latest release; the 'Northborough Estate Project'. Now this is a guy who produced a track on Ty's mercury nominated album 'Upwards', has performed in New York as part of Jonzi D's Lyrical Feater and has collaborated with the likes of Estelle.

'Northborough Estate Project', if the tracks he's been dropping on mp3 via the web are anything to go by, is going to be big. The latest track would suggest so too:

Look out for this on May 25th when it will be released and will be available from all the leading download stores.

To see everything I've posted about Joker Starr so far, including free tracks, click here.