Stylah - Prologue

Second video from Stylah's album Treading Water. The video features his bars being performed by all sorts of well known faces, see how many you recognise...

The album is out now on iTunes, but will be getting a proper (CD!) release early in the new year.

'Treading Water' - Stylah (album review)

After hearing 'Please Listen' back in April 2009, featuring Stylah on my 'On The Radar' series and posting his music on the site many times, I would say that I was looking forward to Stylah's album dropping.

I have to say now that I do feel a bit disappointed. It's not that Stylah lacks ability as an MC, or that the beats are weak - even a cursory flick through the album would affirm that Stylah can rhyme and pick decent beats. It's just that listening through the album, I can't help feeling that an artist with such skill could have injected a little more creativity and created something memorable. The LP does stand up to many UK releases, and is better than many others, it's simply that to make a mark there needs to be more originality in the approach.

Good points are the inclusion of 'Please Listen', the awesome double-timing from the pair Stylah and Smiler on 'Killa', the menacing beat and flows on 'Treading Water' (reminds me of D12) and the socially aware, challenging commentary on tracks such as 'What's Your Poison?'.

Many would construe this review to be negative, but I assure you it isn't. Maybe it's just that I listen to so much UK Hip Hop and am looking for something too perfect or different. I know that there will be plenty of you out there who just want some good, solid Hip Hop and 'Treading Water' is just that. Try it for yourself.

'Treading Water' is out on 22nd November on LDN Global Records.

'Something Wonderful' - Lowkey (video)

The new single 'Something Wonderful' taken from Lowkey's forthcoming album 'Soundtrack To The Struggle'. This will be available for purchase from iTunes and Amazon from Monday the 1st of March onwards. Lowkey leaves the politicking alone with this one and raps about women and his mum - just in time for Mother's Day. If you want some more mother-respecting, then Lowkey's mate Stylah has his 'Gaberlunzie' project available for free download. Don't ask me what the whole concept is but he does mention his ma a few times on there.

'Young Forever' - Stylah (free download)

Stylah does the explaining during the intro, have a listen, have a download:

'The Digital Revolution Vol. 3' - VA - Tricksta (free download)

Tricksta's back with his third volume of 'The Digital Revolution'. This time it's hosted by the beast from the east, TB aka Tuberculosis and it features a whole host of Hip Hop from the UK streets. TB, Manny Moscow, Skandal, LATE, Tricksta, Jay Full Stop V, Stylah, Yogi, Suparnovar, Wordsmith, Mr Drastick, Lowkey, London Zoo, S.A.S, Streetz, Kyza Smirnoff, The Last Skeptik, Tricksta, Show N Prove and Mr. Ti2bs all feature.

This is a great chance to get your hands on tracks like The Last Skeptik and Lowkey's latest BNP protest track 'We Don't Want Them' and Mr. Drastick's latest mixtape taster 'So Many Devils'. The track selection once again reflects the new age of UK music that is still Hip Hop.

'On The Radar' Series - 60+ Free UK Hip Hop Tunes

Haven't bigged up these for a while, neither have I done a post with all three:

Click the images to download over 60 tracks of free and exclusive UK Hip Hop featuring music from: JVF Clique, Jay Madden, Chris L, Assa, Jut, Dan Bull, Mrs. Pez, Jimmy Crack, Skrimshank, Remus, Krate Krusaders, Antidote, Pro P, TLG, Chima Anya, The Three Amigos, Naive, Grit Grammar, Dan Bull, Joker Starr, MasterSystem, Asaviour, Apa-Tight, Dabbla, Miss Tofelees, Gouki P, Antiheroes, Reklews, Lowercase, Chattabox, Sober, Simple Samples, Circle Makerz, King David, Cipher Jewels, Reggiimental, Reain, Ramson Badbonez, Yosh, Vee Kay, Joe Blow, Metabeats, Dialect, Delegates of Culture, Stylah, Jon Phonics, Kasha, Jee4ce, Profisee, Capitol 1212, Mr. ShaoDow, Cheif Wigz, Brutal Artistry, Cyclonius, Baron Samedi 15. Judgement Day ft. SonnyJim, Kosyne, R.C. & LKC _ JC, Ozmosis, Miss Tofelees, Stoney, Pockets, Pro P, Zoo Mark, Slippa, Mr. Loop, Bane, Jonny Alpha, E Hustle, Jehst, Kyza, Queens English, Klashnekoff, Skandal, Loudmouth, Jay Large, Grimlok, Reps, Late, Size8, Spee 69, Beit Nun, Truth, B'Tol and more:

Ain't Nuthin But A "Free" Thang - Rukus, Rob Kelly, Spitz, Devi/Krate Krusaders & Stylah

A vertitable flotilla of UK Hip Hop music gratuit today. first off is Stylah's 'The Warning' which is truly hosted by ex-gangster type Dave Courtney who drops Cockney quotables throughout. There are plenty of full quality tracks to be had here with production from Styalz Fuego, Sivey and DJ Mentat and guest verses from Bashy, Mike GLC, Smiler, Sincere, Mims and Deadly Hunta. Check out 'James Bond', 'Craziest Remix' and 'Hard Way' for some absolute quality on varying topics. Download 'The Warning' now.

Spitz spits some political, sometimes religious and always forceful raps on his free to download 'Deep Water (Bags of Sand)' - check 'Not In My Name' and 'Free Palestine' for his manifesto. If you want something a little more normal listen to the relaxing 'Head Up'. Download 'Deep Water (Bag of Sand)' now. Spitz is an interesting character as he's a convert to Islam from a western background - born in Wales, lives in London. Click here for more info on the guy. Look out for the second part of the 'Deep Water' series coming soon.

Krate Krusaders who provided some excellent tracks for Volumes 2 and 3 of my 'On The Radar' series have been working with Devi for a couple of years now. The culmination of which is this selection of tracks under the name 'The Devinekrusade' EP. What you get is quality, sometimes quirky boom-bap beats and solid lyrics exploring a nice variety of ideas. Check out 'Hip Hop Frankenstein' and 'Fruit' for the freshness. Click here for 'The Devinekrusade' then find them on myspace or facebook 'casue them boys want feedback like a guitar next to an amp.

East Midlands MC Rukus intends to put out a mixtape every other month this year. Part one of the '2000 N Mine' series is available now, and has been for a little while (well, since April), I'm sure there'll be another soon (keep checking here for more). Alex Blood and Ty feature on 'Overstand' and many tracks (such as 'Jus Flow' and 'Hear Me') toe the Hip Hop/Grime line daringly - a little different to his work with producer Baby J. The quality of this isn't that great but the skills come through nevertheless.

I've slept on this release and this artist for way too long. Rob Kelly is undoubtedly one of Ireland's best and with his unashamed accented lyrics surely everyone wants to hear him go in over House of Pain's 'Jump Around'. Rob Kelly has the hardest lyrics, it's no wonder that Frankie Krutches, Slaine and Memphis Bleek feature. On 'St. Patrick's Day Massacre' RK freestyles and raps his way through 21 tracks of hard beats - what you waiting for? It's been long enough - download it!

'Not Dem' - Stylah (free download)

UK Rapper Stylah's forthcoming mixtape 'The Warning' is apparently going to be hosted by celebrity/gangster type Dave Courtney.

'Not Dem' is the latest being given away as a taster for what promises to be a bit of a gem of a mixtape. 'Not Dem' is produced by Red Skull. Click here to get links for previous tracks 'Please Listen', 'Scarface' and 'Fear The Future'.

If you're in Reading tonight (May 7th)then Stylah will be playing with The Thunderclaps and DJ Caramac (Karamak?) at Xen Bar from 8PM to 2AM and it'll be £4 on the door.

'Scarface'/'Please Listen' - Stylah (free download)

Ex-Poisonous Poets MC Stylah has been busy. Here are the two tracks that form his latest double A side single 'Scarface' and 'Please Listen'. I've already posted one version of 'Please Listen' which was produced by Show 'N' Prove but this new version is produced by Sivey. 'Scarface is produced by Australia's Styalz Fuego.

Stylah's debut album 'Treading Water' will be out soon. It features Grafh, Ghetts, Joell Ortiz, Immortal Technique and Sway. To check what Stylah's done before now on a solo tip check out these mixtapes he's done: 'Prince of Thieves', 'Crash Course' and 'The Dubs Mixtape'.

• Click here to read more about Stylah
• Click here to download 'On The Radar Vol. 3' which features Stylah's 'Fear The Future'.

'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)!

'Please Listen' - Stylah (track review)

Peep the new track from Stylah's forthcoming album 'Fear The Future', it's called 'Please Listen'. It's a beautifully produced piano led track on which Stylah tells his background story in the world of Hip Hop. Stylah talks about his unreleased album, his verse on Bashy's 'Black Boys' and his time with Poisonous Poets amongst other things. This track, and the album I'm sure, is one to check:

Stylah also features on 'On The Radar Volume 3' with the title track from his album 'Fear The Future'.

Certified Banger Presents 'On The Radar Vol. 3' Out Now!

The third in the series of free to download compilations compiled by Certified Banger. What more is there to say?

Well actually, loads. Representing the UK and 100% supported by all artists involved ‘OTR Vol. 3’ is 21 tracks deep and features bare exclusives.

Reain (aka Wha’s His Face) has recorded an exclusive track entitled ‘On The Radar’ over one of RJD2’s finest beats. Yosh and Vee Kay have offered an up-front exclusive taken from Yosh’s forthcoming EP. The guys over at Don’t Talk To Strangers give you all the chance to get 2 tracks previously only available on a limited pressing of 200 CDs (‘When Planets Collide’ by Bane & Jonny Alpha and ‘Leafs’ by Chief Wigz).

Delegates of Culture offer you a chance to sample their soon to be released LP ‘Bad Guys’ with their track ‘Grip’. Mr. Loop brings some never-heard-before vibes with ‘Grown Man Music’ featuring Yosh, Slippa and Zoo Mark and Krate Krusaders grant you the opportunity to download their Ramson Badbonez featuring track ‘Incredible’ for the first time.

JVF Clique, Mr. Shaodow, Dialect and Stylah also provide special tunes from soon to be released projects. Elsewhere Joe Blow and Metabeats, E Hustle, Kasha, Baron Samedi, Ozmosis, JC and SonnyJim, Jee4ce and Capitol 1212 and Profisee give away tracks from previously available EPs and albums.

‘On The Radar Vol. 3’ features artists from up and down the country including Northern Ireland, South and West Yorkshire, London, Manchester, Birmingham and Cambridge – Certified Banger fully represents the talent this country holds. If you don’t recognise the names on here, there’s all the more reason to download this – you need to hear these tracks and then you need to find out more.

In a time when so much music is given away for free it’s good to remember that these guys need to eat too. ‘OTR Vol. 3’ is intended to be a signpost that points towards the places where these MCs and producers sell their wares. Check these tracks out, then buy the albums, EPs and 12”s that these artists put out.

1. On The Radar - Reain
2. Incredible ft. Ramson Badbonez - Krate Krusaders
3. The Siesta ft. Yosh - Vee Kay
4. Say Yeah - Joe Blow (prod. by Metabeats & cuts by Stagga)
5. I’m Gunna - Dialect
6. Grip - Delegates of Culture (prod. by Toe)
7. Fear The Future - Stylah (prod. by Jon Phonics)
8. Black Rhyme - Kasha (prod. by Vivid Imagery)
9. The Positive Pessimist - Jee4ce (prod. by Whys)
10. I See ft. Profisee - Capitol 1212
11. The British Are Coming - Mr. ShaoDow
12. Leafs - Cheif Wigz (prod. by Brutal Artistry)
13. Rise To The Top - Cyclonius
14. Cannibal Rights - Baron Samedi
15. Judgement Day ft. SonnyJim, Kosyne, R.C. & LKC – JC
16. Tomorrow’s World - Ozmosis (prod. by Miss Tofelees)
17. Manchester ft. Stoney - Pockets (prod. by Pro P)
18. Grown Man Music ft. Zoo Mark, Yosh & Slippa - Mr. Loop
19. When Planets Collide - Bane & Jonny Alpha (prod. by Brutal Artistry)
20. Phenomenal - E Hustle
21. Drugs Need Kids - JVF Clique

JVF Clique on Suspect Packages Radio

Check Suspect Packages latest radio show. It features 'On The Radar' mainstays JVF Clique with exclusive tracks and interviews from them boys.

It also features a whole host of artists who I've been generally been getting excited about recently - these are the next layer of talent from our country. It also features certified legends in our scene.

He's got Stylah, Skandal, Asaviour & DJ IQ, Delegates of Culture, Karl Hinds, Kyza, Jyager and loads more!

Certified Banger Presents 'On The Radar Volume 3' Coming Soon!

'On The Radar Volume 3' is on it's way, it's due to digitally drop on Monday 6th April. If you are a blogger or similar who wants to have it early to review just drop me an email and I'll let you know the secret link. If you just really want it and you won't be reviewing it but you will be passing it on to your friends, send me an email too! Check out the video promo to hear some of the tracks.

Guerilla links are going up right now at undisclosed locations on the web so if you really want it early, you can find it! (Clue: Check the tracklisting and find those artists on facebook and myspace)

1. On The Radar - Reain
2. Incredible ft. Ramson Badbonez - Krate Krusaders
3. The Siesta ft. Yosh - Vee Kay
4. Say Yeah - Joe Blow (prod. by Metabeats & cuts by Stagga)
5. I’m Gunna - Dialect
6. Grip - Delegates of Culture (prod. by Toe)
7. Fear The Future - Stylah (prod. by Jon Phonics)
8. Black Rhyme - Kasha (prod. by Vivid Imagery)
9. The Positive Pessimist - Jee4ce (prod. by Whys)
10. I See ft. Profisee - Capitol 1212
11. The British Are Coming - Mr. ShaoDow
12. Leafs - Cheif Wigz (prod. by Brutal Artistry)
13. Rise To The Top - Cyclonius
14. Cannibal Rights - Baron Samedi
15. Judgement Day ft. SonnyJim, Kosyne, R.C. & LKC – JC
16. Tomorrow’s World - Ozmosis (prod. by Miss Tofelees)
17. Manchester ft. Stoney - Pockets (prod. by Pro P)
18. Grown Man Music ft. Zoo Mark, Yosh & Slippa - Mr. Loop
19. When Planets Collide - Bane & Jonny Alpha (prod. by Brutal Artistry)
20. Phenomenal - E Hustle
21. Drugs Need Kids - JVF Clique

Check out the title track from Reain:

'Craziest' ft. Stylah - Smiler (video)

Check out this new video for Smiler's remake of the Naughty by Nature classic. Smiler and Stylah (so hip hop that even their names rhyme) bring a new UK twist on the original and safe to say, it's a certified banger:

It'll be available to download in January and I'll let you know where from later.

'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.