Kashmere - Galaktus; The Remix 45

Here are a couple of remixes from Kashmere's Galaktus album from last year. The Chakra Sounds cohorts, Evil Ed & Hey Zeus, bring remixes of Out For The Cash and standout track The Corporation. These 2 tracks are going to be featured on a limited edition of 200 45s, which drops in July. Apparently a full remix of the Galaktus album will follow in autumn. I'm not really sure I've ever seen the point of remix albums, but these two tracks are actually pretty good, so you never know...

Verb T - Tearing The Sky Down feat. Fliptrix & Kashmere (Video)

Video for Tearing The Sky Down, taken from Verb's new album Serious Games. Some trademark sci-fi vibes here, with Kashmere unsurprisingly coming through to kill it on the third verse. The moody black and white vid fits the tune pretty well.

If you missed it, check the review of the Serious Games album here:

Verb T - Serious Games (Album Review)

Conspiracy Worldwide Radio - Dec 10th Broadcast w/ live guests Evidence - Slaine - MTV Fight Klub Champion NEMS - Verb T - Kashmere - Prose and more!

Live guests - EVIDENCE - DILATED PEOPLES - SLAINE - MTV FIGHT KLUB CHAMPION - NEMS - KASHMERE - VERB T - PROSE - STEADY - EFEKS  - world exclusives and more!
Broadcast on Dec 10th 2010

DOWNLOAD AS MP3 OR LISTEN AGAIN IN FULL

PART 1

PART 2

OLDER SHOWS

YOU CAN CONTACT THEM HERE AND KEEP UP TO DATE HERE

'Half Past Calm 2' - Jon Phonics - Coming Soon!

Here's the blurb, no point in me re-hashing it (there usually is):

Jon Phonics' debut album for YNR Productions, Half Past Calm 2, will be available exclusively from Monday 3rd May via the brand new YNR Productions website. Produced entirely by Jon Phonics and featuring exclusive tracks with YNR artists Jehst, Kashmere, Verb T & Micall Parknsun, plus extended fam Melanin 9, Cyrus Malachi & Nasheron of Triple Darkness, Obba Supa, 9 Planets, SonnyJim, Kosyne, Ramson Badbonez, T-Bear, Fliptrix & More.

The album will be available in a limited edition run of 300 x hand printed 4-ply fold out covers, screen printed by Brixton Basement Press (Some of the process can be seen in the video trailer below) and also a free download from the YNR website for a limited time only.

Take some time to check out this trailer an prepare yourself for what's to come from one of the countries illest producers doing it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSpylJXegWs

'The Exit Strategy' - Invisible Inc. (review)

Ghost’s electrified woozy beats on ‘The Exit Strategy’ provide the perfect backdrop for the rhymes of some of the UK’s best rhymers: Kashmere and Verb T. With relaxing, hypnotic headnod tracks being the overall experience this is one to settle and listen to – let the sometimes surreal, sometimes true-to-life lyrics wash around the emptiness the production has cleared. Asaviour pops up on 'Suspects' and 'Paranoia' and gels well with the group. This is an understated, unsung release that is guaranteed to give you what you need – if only it had a physical release.

It can be heard for free and downloaded for a minimum of £3.50 from Bandcamp. If you pay more than a fiver you’ll get two extra tracks.

'Altered Beasties' - Vulcan (free download)

Fan of the Beastie Boys? Want to know what UK rapper Kashmere is upto at the moment? Go to Bandcamp and download 'Altered Beasties' by Vulcan.

Kashmere is working under his latest alias Vulcan as a producer and the results are dope and these 5 tracks will give you a taste of what this MC turned producer is capable of.

His next foray into remixing the music of famous folks is 'VulcanDoom' which I'm sure you can work out means he'll be remixing the work of MF Doom.

'Theory of Rhyme' - Fliptrix (free downloads)

Look out for Fliptrix's second album 'Theory Of Rhyme' because it's coming soon and it's jam packed with quality beats and more rhymes than you could shake a long, long barge pole at. The kind folks over at Grindstone Promo have uploaded a lovely selection of clean edits of tracks from the release. There's opener 'Monday To Sunday' (produced by Runone), Chemo produced 'Madness' featuring the one and only Kashmere, 'My Soul' (produced by 184), 'Get Involved' produced and featuring the mighty Jehst and 'You'll Never Change (produced by Runone and Toots Brown). There's also a Jon Phonics remix.

With all those freebies it'd be rude not to buy a copy when it drops on 22nd March on High Focus Records.

'I Am Galaktus' - Galaktus (Kashmere)

This is a raw unmixed track taken from the forthcoming Galaktus (Kashmere) LP 'The Power Cosmic', set for release on Boot Records in 2010. Produced by Boot Productions (Jazz T & Zygote). The album features Ramson Badbonez, The Chubby Alcoholic, Dramacide, Severe, Jehst and Micall Parknsun.

'Remixes From The Edge' - Ghost (free download)

UK Hip Hop producer Ghost has been on a musical journey with his last album 'Freedom of Thought' being more focused on the instrumental beauty of non-looped beats. His latest project is a remix album entitled 'Remixes from the Edge' on which he remixes artists as diverse as Dabyre and Bonobo, The Heavy and Coldcut aswell as some UK Hip Hop mainstays (Foreign Beggars and Kashmere).

Many of the original tracks were unfamiliar to me but this neither helped nor hindered my listening. The album is a mix of quality music of different styles bound to expand the horizons of the average Hip Hop listener.

The album costs as much as you want to pay - whether that be £0.00 or £10.00, it's your choice. For the purpose of knowing which track was by who originally and for the purpose of relabelling your tracks once you've downloaded them here's a useful tracklist:

1. Foreign Beggars - No More ft. Jehst & Kashmere (Ghost remix)
2. P Money - Everything (Ghost remix)
3. Coldcut - Sound Mirrors (Ghost remix)
4. Bonobo - If You Stayed Over (Ghost remix)
5. Dabyre - Air (Ghost remix)
6. The Heavy - No Time (Ghost remix)
7. Foreign Beggars - No Holes Barred Ghost remix
8. AT Jazz - Together Ghost remix
9. Kashmere - Poison (Ghost remix)
10. The Heavy - How You like Me Now (Ghost remix)

'Flashing Lights' - DJ IQ (mixtape review)

One part cream of the crop UK MCs, one part lefty beats of the wonky/dubstep variety = DJ IQ's 'Flashing Lights' mixtape. IQ has facilitated a mixtape the likes of which have never been heard before. His vision is clear - create a dope, new, futuristic version of UK Hip Hop. The clarity of his intention has led to the production of one of the most compelling mixtapes of the year.

With beats from Samiyam, Tiago, Dabyre, Floating Points, Hudson Mohawke and more, the more cutting edge of you will know what to expect production-wise. DJ IQ mucks in with a couple of productions which, in my humble opinion, are the best on there with the Micall Parknsun-fronted 'Do It For A Fee' being the overall standout track. TB gets clever on his dub of 'Overnight' by spelling out rude words in radio alphabet. Jehst's space-based wordplay on his dub of Floating Points' 'For You' is another top track.

Eva Lazarus and Stac provide non-rapped vocals whereas the likes of Asaviour, Ramson Badbonez, SonnyJim, Kashmere and Prof Green bring the lyricality. Fresh faces Gen and Pride showcase unorthodox styles - ones to watch for.

'Flashing Lights' is available now and is well worth your hard earned moolah. Get it from DJ IQ's website if you want.

Basment Sessions Live In B'ham

In conjunction with Brick City Boutique & Sensei FM, Basement Sessions are proud to present Basement Sessions Live, a celebration of Hip Hop culture. The line up truly is incredible with acts from around the country performing throughout the night:

On the bill are Jack Flash (Huddersfield), Invisible Inc: Ghost, Kashmere & Verb T (London) , Prose (London), Inja (although he's TBC), Unkle Festa & Case Closed , Brotherman & DJ Flipz, Soweto Kinch & The Live Box Band.

There'll be some DJs spinning too, people like DJ Cro (Birmingham) , Tuf Kut, J'da Kut (Sensei FM), Disorda (Suspect Packages), Iron Fingaz (Sensei FM) and DJ Matman.

As if that wasn't enough there will also be a Louis Den Live Beat Cypher hosted by Kosyne and Sonny Jim & including a beat battle sponsored by King Apparel(so bring your best beats on CD to compete), a 3 round rhyming competition sponsored by Soap Box Clothing & CMAT Studios, live illustration by 3 top graffiti artists and live breakdancing supported by Breakfest. Oh, and Brick City Boutique will be running a Hip Hop market similar to the monthly event they run in Angel Islington.

To buy your tickets please go here and if for any reason that doesn't work, just go to www.seetickets.com and search for 'Basement'. The tickets are £7 in advance and £6 for students.

Task Force, Kashmere, Verb T, Inja Live at Rapsloitation Sessions!

Make sure you can make it for this big big line up! So many heads and all for only £6! Big up Truth!

'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.

A-Loop Theory Southern Album Launch This Saturday

Want to have a good time this Saturday? You in London? Like the future sounds of UK Hip Hop? Then check this flyer and get yourself there! All those guys on one night? Quality! If you haven't picked up a copy of the album yet then do - it's all nicely gatefolded with a bonus CD of tracks.

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!

'Flying the Flag' - VA - Tricksta & Lunatrix (album review)

When Tricksta and Lunatrix are ‘Flying the Flag’ you’re guaranteed that your tastes will be catered for. Whether you like Hip Hop flavoured Grime, Boom Bap flavoured Hip Hop or Rap flavoured Ragga it’s all here – providing its origins are in the UK. This does mean that probably not every track will be to your liking – some of the Grime tracks I still can’t get with, mainly based on the daft lyrics (Spitta raps about Slimline PS’s and DS Lites).

On the Hip Hop side of things there are loads of artists on here to make this more than worth a purchase: Wordsmith, Kashmere, Jehst, 10Shott, Sir Smurf Lil, Ramson Badbonez, Dr. Syntax, SkinnyMan… I could go on but instead, go check the tracklist. Some of the tracks are little dated but it’s still great to have them alongside newer and more exclusive material.

This is a significant release – it’s the first time Grime and Hip Hop have been mixed together on one release - a good sign of some unity between the two scenes. The music from both sides is of high quality and Tricksta and Lunatrix do nice job of mixing it and making it flow.

‘Flying the Flag’ is out now on RGS Entertainment on 2xCD or mp3 download. UK Record Shop have it in stock now.

'The Info' ft. Kashmere & Chester P - Salvo (single review)

Salvo’s new 7” ‘The Info’ features funky and slightly menacing production, Chinese movie clips and Kashmere and Chester P on vocals.

If Salvo is the first MC, he does his best Chester P impression - not the best thing to do when the real version provides the last verse. Saying that, it’s a pretty cool, laid back stanza – not bad. Kashmere’s is as you’d expect – a bit weird but totally ill and Chester P also raps in top word association form.

This nice little record is available on The King Kong Holding Company as a limited 7” vinyl (400 copies) and the track is taken from a forthcoming Salvo LP due to be released this summer.

'The A Loop Theory' - Asaviour & DJ IQ (album review)

‘The A Loop Theory’ is the Yin to ‘The Borrowed Ladder’s Yang. Asaviour’s earlier album almost saw him ‘do’ the UK Hip Hop thing and that’s out of his system he’s freed himself from the constraints of expectation and tradition. And let’s not forget DJ IQ, they’ve both spurred each other on to create something that doesn’t sound exactly like Hip Hop but that is outrageously Hip Hop – y’ know, how Roots Manuva does.

Synth basses and soaring violins sit side by side as the drums swing merrily with perilously little amount of quantization. With production styles like this IQ and Savvy have pretty much created something new in Hip Hop. Tracks like ‘Scientists of Sound’, ‘Uber Groovement’, ‘De Ja Vu’ and ‘Golden’ are more along the jazz line of things – akin to some of IQ’s older work. ‘Hustle and Hope’ which features Pride, Kyza and TB will please the grime fans whereas ‘Complicity’ featuring Kashmere is probably as close as this LP comes to traditional Hip Hop, despite its screaming guitar licks. This is next level stuff.

Lyrically Asaviour comes ridiculously correct and in his laid back manner he lays out visions of grandeur and authority. It’s all in his confidence: “S.A.V.V.Y? ‘Cause I have t’/ Fools can’t beat me now or thereafter/ Numerous master plans this bredder thinks faster” is how he opens ‘No Days Off’. Elsewhere certified spitters Sir Smurf Lil, Dubbledge and Verb T feature as well as the ones previously mentioned. Graziella and Thabo also lend their dulcet tones.

Whether you’re content with Hip Hop how it is or tired with where it’s got you need to get a copy of this album. Wherever you are in the world you need to be in tune to Asaviour and DJ IQ – no one does it like this. The album is our now on Saving Grace Music and can be bought at a good variety of music outlets.

Hip Hop Producers - Ghost Interview

"I've seen first hand that some countries are quite a bit behind on what's 'hot' in the UK and the US, and frankly they have a much better taste in music and how they respect the music and the artists."

Being a well respected man in the game and having just dropped a new release can only mean one thing for a UK Hip Hop artist - I interview them. OK, so I don't interview everyone and that's not the only thing that having respect and an EP mean but in this case it did mean that I had to interview Breakin Bread producer Ghost and I jumped straight in with the questions:

Certified Banger: How would you describe your instrumental output? Is it Hip Hop?

Ghost: I think so. I grew up on Hip Hop so I consider anything I make an extension of Hip Hop. I grew up listening to classic Hip Hop from the early 90s so even if my music isn't a classic Hip Hop sound the ethos behind the music is taken from that time, a time when the music was more than just a ringtone, a fad - it was music with passion and soul.

CB: Which do you prefer: creating instrumentals tracks or beats for MCs? How does your mindset differ when you’re doing either?

Ghost: I like to do both, I think over time I've learnt about making music which is probably why more of the recent stuff is instrumental. It's a challenge to make the music interesting without a vocal when you have no formal musical training whatsoever. The important thing is to keep the listener entertained enough without a vocal ‘cause all the attention shifts to the music, you have to add more depth to an instrumental.

Click here to read on

'Encrypted Scriptures' - Jyager (album review)

Every now and then something really fresh comes along, something that little bit different that makes it stand out from the crowd. Newcomer Jyager’s raps and Cee Why’s beats have that thing; ‘Encrypted Scriptures’ is a striking album. It’s still Hip Hop as we know it but, as you’d expect from YNR, it’s finely tuned and well polished and that’s what sets it apart.

Jyager, a trilingual MC who does everything from laid back delivery to rapid fire lyrics, keeps things interesting and unpredictable. After kicking off with mission statement banger ‘Eyes Open’ Mr. Maktwist speaks on the streets, joins Foreign Beggars and Kashmere for some hard talk and then… he spits some fairy tale character featuring story rhymes on ‘Yellow Brick Road’. Things get even more abstract on ‘Tipsey Silent Monkey Man’ and then on ‘Actors in the Frame’ the Portuguese kicks in – see what I mean about interesting and unpredictable? The Cypress Hilly ‘Never Bring Me Down’ is the real display of linguistic skill – French, Portuguese and English lyrics ensue.

If you need any more reason to get this then look at the slimline guestlist: YNR bossman Jehst features on ‘The Session’ and Verb T and Kyza guest on ‘Seconds, Hours & Minutes’. The fact that these trusted MCs endorse this but don’t crowd the 12 tracks here is a seal of quality.

Cee Why, who’s been largely silent over the past couple of years, dips into a diverse palette creating a nice range of individual beats - what I really mean is, you can tell one track from another! Stripped back and hard (‘Eyes Open’, ‘Frozen in the Night’ and ‘The Session’) nestles with melodic headnod (‘Somewhere in Paradise’ and ‘Seconds, Hours & Minutes’) whilst everything in between makes it all cohesive.

‘Encrypted Scriptures’ is out on 23rd March on YNR Productions and will be available at all the best places for buying UK Hip Hop.