MR FLEX - Nothing To Prove - Feat Sophie Rose Harper (Free Download)

Mr. Flex produced by Beat Butcha.
Download the song for free here
And keep an ear out for his ep coming soon with production from Chemo,Kelakovski and featuring Iron Braydz,Ransom Badbonez,DJ 456 and more

40 Dash 1 - I AM (PROD. BY KELAKOVSKI) CUTS BY DJ 456 - FREE DOWNLOAD

40 Dash 1 from Providence,RI drops a free song in anticipation of his next project "Word is Bond" coming soon on First Son Records.
"I AM" produced by Kelakovski and with cuts from DJ 456,this song displays the lyrical skill that helped 40 win the Anno Domini Beats song contest 2 years ago beating the likes of Big Left and Outerspace.
Anyway download the song here and check the page for loads more free downloads

Sonnyjim - Nimbus (video)

The prolific Sonnyjim drops yet another new video. Apparently this one is off an EP with regular collaborator Kelakovski. I'm starting to lose track of Sonny's 'coming soon' list...

Coming Soon: 'Superegular' - Instance

Check out some new material from Instance. Look out for his next album 'The Superegular' which features SonnyJim, Jack Flash and Defenders of Style and production from Mike D, Wizard and Kelakovski.

'Trading Standards Remixes' - SonnyJim (review)

Is this SonnyJim's best release to date? Somewhere between maybe and probably. 'Trading Standards Remixes' is a choice selection of 10 tracks from more than twice that amount of tracks originally on the mixtape, and that's with two new tracks which aren't remixes. Listening to this you get the impression that this is no afterthought, rather the mixtape was the taster and this is the actual album.

10 tracks is a good thing in my books, not too long, not too short and with the variety on offer here there is no chance of boredom whatsoever. With sounds ranging from Lotek's Reggae remix of 'Mission Statement' to Kelakovski's signature sound gracing his version of 'Dynamite' featuring Verb T and Metropolis to the stripped down but straight up Hip Hop of Sivey's remix for 'Next Generation (love that bass!) this truly is a remix album, not just a load of acapellas over beats that sound the same as the originals. Shears brings the muddy and lethargic funk on opener 'Triumph of the Little Guy' and M-Phazes provides his big sound the the huge line up of Jehst, Cappo and SonnyJim on 'God Complex. Jon Phonics is as moody as ever with his hybrid of real instrumentation and synths on 'On All Cylinders' and Kelakovski takes a different direction with 'Stack Ps' - I'd say it's closely akin to Dubstep. Musn't forget Kosyne's feel good vibes on 'Running Late' on which The I.R.S and Sonny really smash it.

The new tracks are 'Just Spit' featuring Unfriendly Neighbours with punchy production from Wizard and 'Dunbar's Number' produced by 184.

'Trading Standards Remixes' is available from all over including Play.com, Tesco, Amazon and itunes as a digital download but the CD can be bought for a mere £5 from the Eat Good Records website.

According to the press blurb 'this is the first in a slew of SonnyJim releases set to drop this year. Be on the lookout for the 'Psychonaut' LP out on Australian label Obese Records in October 2010. Also SonnyJim/Sleaze EP 'Working Mnemonics' and SonnyJim/Apatight LP 'Magnum Opus' will be coming soon.'

'Now' - Verbal Kent (produced by Kelakovski) (video)

'Prolusion Plus' - Delusionists (review)

Delusionists have swollen their portfolio since they released 'The Prolusion'. Now it's back; bigger and better than before - kinda like Hercules' Hydra (and if you don't know Greek mythology - bone up).

'Prolusion Plus' adds 6 tracks to the original release, omits 1 weak link and contains remixes of a couple of the original tunes (which I reviewed way back when).

Opener 'Who's That?' benefits from an alternative beat before a new banger from the boys and Jon Phonics kicks in: 'Digital Connects' is a celebration of Hip Hop's online community and with lyrics like "Oh Word? you never heard the fly chatter of a bonafide nutter on the Certified Banger?" you know you need this in your life. Love this track - salutations to all those who get mentioned beside me.

Old favourite, and the track that did a lot for them on the interweb, 'Trunk Rattle' is up next followed by 'The Low' which premièred on the 'On The Radar Vol. 5'. Kelakovski lends his signature production sound on the operatically chorused '12 Letters' - this, along with the Jon Phonics track, is a great new sound for Delusionists.

'Work' is a gloriously hazy instrumental track which updates the famous 90s Hip Hop sound and they've added the Slim Pickens produced 'The Movement' to the package. Tom Caruana comes up with a remix of 'Supa Lyrical Excursion pt. 2' which is as dope as you'd want it to be. They've also thrown in Ed Strong's minimalistic spaced-out remix of 'On The Radar' exclusive 'Parallel Worldz' (check the other remixes here).

Are Delusionists the mystery saviours of real Hip Hop from the UK? It's a very strong possibility. All in all this is a terrific new package of music, perfect for Delusionists beginners and fans alike. The download is only £4 and for a beautifully crafted CD version it's only going to set you back £6. Even better, since you read about this here, if you type in CBFAM when asked for a promotional code on the download, you'll get 25% percent off! How's that for goodness? Click here to be whisked away to the magical, mythical place where all this purchasing can happen.

Free Downloads from SonnyJim & Kelakovski, Genesis Elijah, Sam Khan, JPMD, Plan B, Deadly Hunta, DPF & Yogi

Keeping things going for 2010, on a quick tip thing:

Genesis Elijah - 'Power' (produced by Beezwax)
Taken from the forthcoming 'Civil Unrest' EP from Genesis Elijah and producer Beezwax. This is only gonna be free on Bandcamp for a limited time only so get over there now!

SonnyJim - 'The Purple Patch' (produced by Kelakovski)
Look out for more music coming soon from SonnyJim in 2010 with artists such as Illmind, Marco Polo, M-Phazes, Prince Po, AG and J-Zone. Also, SonnyJim's 'Trading Standards' remix project dropping in March 2010 with exclusive remixes by Lotek Hifi, Kosyne Jon Phonics and more.

Sam Kahn - 'Fall Back'
Modern sounding but I'm feeling the lyricism. Check the video too at youtube.

JPMD - 'So Hard'
This one is a new track fresh out of the cooker for 'Know What Time Rhyme 'N' Grind Vol 2'. It features Angry, Ramboss, Grievz and Big Dange. To find out more hit up these places: www.myspace.com/jahstproduction, www.myspace.com/darealrambossneckle and www.twitter.com/jpmd_uk.

Plan B - 'Welcome To Hell'
New direction for this lad, see what you think.

Chronic Redeye - 'Stand Up' ft. Deadly Hunta, DPF & Lyrical T
Taken from 'Ruffneck Intellect Volume One' - "a mixed CD that is set to drag listeners into a realm where no amount of ice or big rims can save the weak from getting crushed under the weight of some real skills. The criteria for the ‘Ruffneck Intellect’ mix series is simple; it’s got to bump hard for the sound systems and it’s got to have depth and lyrical content that goes beyond the standard ignorance that gets peddled by many major labels today. This is real music, this is Hip-Hop and this is something fresh!"

Yogi - 'Hidden Chapter'
Dope as usual Hip Hop from the Midlands.

'Something For The Strive' - ReggiiMental (free download)

Allow me to recommend to you a free download - I know I do that a lot but I just thought I'd come polite. Certified Banger favourite Reggiimental has dropped a little freebie - well, not that little actually - this is a vast body of work.

It kicks off with the funky freshness of the 4th Front remix of 'Grimy Ill' - defo a good way to set things off. Things get a little more meloncholy for a few tracks before getting a bit Wu-ish on 'Study Of Business' (another 4th Front remix). 'Coolin'' featuring SonnyJim is really mellow but in a big way - it's like the chill out room in a club. Y'already know the track 'Get Away' from 'On The Radar Vol. 4' and it sounds just as good here. Reggii also has a go at Baby J's 'I'll Be Surprised' and 'Young, Gifted and Black' and things get beautiful with Kelakovski's beat on 'Thoughts'. Things continue with Reggiimental rocking over a variety of vibes - there's something for every mood here - a really great mixtape.

The mixtape features loads of his fellow Midlanders including Unfriendly Neighbours, T.L.G, Ras Supa, Gadget, Devas, Percy Filth and R2ThaBeats.

Louis Den Beat Cypher @ Jazz Cafe

If this doesn't look like your kind of night then I think you might be on the wrong blog. Jehst, Orphans of Cush and beatmakers Mr. Thing, Apollo, Jaisu and Kelakovski in the excellent Louis Den Beat Cypher all at the famous Jazz Cafe on Friday 25th September for 8 squid.

'Agency Scum'/'Bad Mannaz' - Redbeard (free downloads)

Now this is original stuff - Redbeard rapping about working for a recruitment agency - you've never heard that before! Over a Kelakovski beat Mr. Beard chats about timewasting, breaks, steel toecaps and high-vis vests as he works at a warehouse, a factory and an office - top stuff.

The second free track taken from Redbeard's forthcoming 'Tha Bearded Wonda' LP is produced by Jon Phonics and features S.K. and Sam Stealth and it's called 'Bad Mannaz'. Phonics keeps the beat menacing during the verse before it explodes into some dirty bassline in the chorus. S.K. brings his unique madness to the mix.

Redbeard - 'Agency Scum'

Redbeard - 'Bad Mannaz' ft. S.K. & Sam Stealth

The dirty versions of these two tracks can be heard at Redbeard's Reverbnation page.

'Eat Good Records Compilation Volume 1' - VA (compilation review)

Right now Birmingham is putting a very convincing bid to be the new capital of UK Hip Hop and here's some proof: 'Eat Good Records Compilation Volume 1'. Featuring raps and beats from the whole crew this release is a real must have for any UK Hip Hop fan. Leading his soldiers into battle is one of last years most lauded MCs - SonnyJim, whose verses are consistently on point over the 7 tracks he features on.

Other raps come from Kosyne, TLG, Redbeard, English, RT and Professor D and then there's 'Planet Rasco' which features a whole host of artists too numerous to count (almost). Sivey, Shears, Kelakovski, Taharka, Wizard, Eyebs, R2ThaBeats, Percy Filth and others all provide flawlessly suitable beats.

SK brings a bit of leftfield comedy on the true to life 'Overtime' which is nestled right up with TLG and Ras Supa's 'Blacklist' - two tracks about money from the everyman's viewpoint. Elsewhere there's clever film title based lyrics, a story track whose main character is a bank note, a track about having a bad day and a Brummie love song.

In case you hadn't realised yet, the UK is so much bigger than London and it's time that everyone sat up and took notice of this country's pools of talent such as the Eat Good Records roster. 'Eat Good Records Compilation Volume 1' is available from Suspect Packages now for a ridiculously cheap price.

'Storm' - Kelakovski (video)

I'm gonna have to stop posting videos so much but here's another that ab0181 has put together of one of Kelakovski's beats. I like the MPC pad style layout with Kela doing all the different bits of the beat - a nice idea. Check out his channel for videos of Louis Den Beat Cypher shenanigans.

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!

Wrapped Up 2008

Seriously one of the best ideas ever: 'Wrapped Up 2008': 6 producers, 2 from England, 2 from Wales, 2 from Scotland, send each other a themed vinyl - the theme this time is Christmas. Each producer has to use the vinyl they get to produce a Hip Hop beat - simple! Metabeats and P.L.O. rep Wales, Kosyne and Kelakovski hold down England's corner and S-Type and Jaisu fight for Scotland (not that it's really a battle). Find yourself half an hour, settle down with your laptop and a cuppa and be properly entertained by the masters at work:

Download Metabeats' beat here and P.L.O.'s here courtesy of those kind Associated Minds peeps.

'Scene Stealers' - Skreintax (album review)

Skreintax may not have been the most obvious collaboration. Dr Syntax and Skrein each have quite a unique take on Hip Hop but in no way is ‘Scene Stealers’ a mash-up of the two. Synners and Skrizzle have cooperated to create a joint stage for their skills.

Dr. Syntax and Skrein retain their identifiable timbres; you know when one MC stops and the other start – more than can be said for some collaborative efforts. The other MC’s complement this; Stig of the Dump, Farma G, Verb T, Sir Smurf Lil’ and Dubbledge all show up to rap. ‘Mine for the Taking’ showcases yet another Farma G style – that man is really experimenting right now. ‘Express Train’ and ‘T.E.T.M.D’ (The Evil That Men Do) both feature Stig, who seems to have all but lost the Geordie twang but still raps ferociously.

Lyrically there are many messages to be had here. On an overall positive vibe, words of advice and encouragement flow thoughtfully, especially on tracks like ‘Mothers’ and ‘Reach’. Other tracks follow concepts; ‘Express Train’ discusses getting away for a day, ‘Back Down’, a night on the pull with disappointing consequences. ‘Venus’ examines a woman who, despite her name, revolves around material things. Other tracks, like ‘6 Bitters’ (Sick Spitters….get it?), are all about the ill lyrics. As usual Dr. Syntax shines as he displays his awesome propensity to write amazing rhymes.

The production is perfect, not a bad beat in sight. Boom bap, a splash of jazz, a hint of reggae, all stirred in the sunshine is the order of the day here. The beats are courtesy of Nutty P, Kelakovski, Chemo, DJ Snips, Dag Nabbit and Tom Caruana among others. Graziella also provides her golden tones on some deliciously sung hooks.

If you’re already a fan of Dr. Syntax or Skrein then I can guarantee you will want this LP in your collection. It’s out on Dented Records on December 1st; one for your stocking then.