Associated Minds... Men, Women and Enzymes

Welsh based Hip Hop label Associated Minds have got a new website and they seriously mean business. So far they've not put a foot wrong release-wise what with Mudmowth's 'Circus in the Cemetery' and Metabeats's 'Metaphysical' LP and a load of other top quizzality CDs and 12"s and the website continues their winning streak.

AssociatedMinds.com has been professionally designed by professionals - man like Burning Red and Southpaw Vision deserve props over here (or there) - and it looks like the dog's donuts (except much nicer). It's got everything you need on there to get you really really well acquainted with what they're doing in the land of sheep and dragons.

You can also find news about things like Mr. Shrew's lovely artwork being in a gallery and the fact that Metabeats is making a new album. You can even find quotes from yours truly on their press cuttings section - thanks chaps! You can even join the very same mailing list that Mayor has kindly put me on right here.

It also makes me want to go buy all their things from their shop which is surely a reason to have such a spanky website. Get on o'er there with a hotstep! It's the home of the leaders of the next school!

Since they sent it to me, you might as well reap the benefits too: 'Skullcrackology' by Mudmowth, produced by P.L.O. for absolutely nada. Also check this Metabeats produced track/video by Joe Blow, it's called 'Poetry in Motion':

On The Radar Artist Profile: Beit Nun

Name: Beit Nun

Age: 23

From: Macclesfield, UK

Track on ‘On The Radar’: 'The Music'

Tell us the story behind the track: 'The Music' is simply Beit Nun's ode to music, as he talks positively on his musical experiences and how it has become a part of his life and made him who he is.

Record label: Innit Records

Who you roll with: Member of duo Amass Hegemony alonsgide 777, and work closely with fellow Macclesfield artists Gouki Productions.

Favourite album: Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon.

Describe your style in three words: Raw, Gritty, Honest

Past/Present/Future projects: Beit Nun & Menace - Cheap as Chips: The E.P. (2005), Beit Nun - Where The Art Is (Volume 1), Beit Nun & IllSkilz - Colours (2008). 2009 will see the debut Amass Hegemony E.P. (Beit Nun & 777) and also an E.P. alongside producer Bare Beats of Bare Records.

Illustrate interview

"Sometimes trying to finish songs can be frustrating and in the past I’ve rushed them and not been 100% happy with the final result. This time I took my time with the album and I’m happy with all the tracks."

Illustrate has just released his debut album proper 'The Stuff' and it's full of intelligently produced beats and witty rhymes. Illustrate is a man of many talents and I caught up with him to find out about what he's up to and the ins and outs of making an album:

Certified Banger: What’s up Illustrate? How’s it going?

Illustrate: All good, thanks.

CB: Can you start this thing with telling us anything about yourself that the peeps out there might not know?

Illustrate: I’m left handed and dyslexic. I’m s**t at reading and spelling. I’m good at art. I manage a bar in Greenwich. My favourite colour’s purple. I drink and smoke too much. I went to private boarding school from a young age. My mum was a radio presenter on XFM. My dad flew tornadoes in the RAF. I’m moving to Australia for a year in two days. I’m claustrophobic. I repeat myself a lot. I repeat myself a lot.

CB: Let’s talk about your new album ‘The Stuff’: The mood of the album is like an emotional rollercoaster. Is this what you intended?

Illustrate: No I didn’t intend for that. I just produced a load of songs about different topics and I guess when they were put together on an album there was quite a contrast. I like that on an album. I get bored of an LP if all the tracks are about similar subjects.

Read on by clicking here!

Reps interview

"...UK hip hop is as strong as it’s been for a while and this is reflected in the diversity of the scene."

After releasing the brilliant 'Sagas of a Peaceful Man' earlier this year, Reps became a firm favourite of mine so it was only fair to give him a few inches on the (not quite) hallowed pages of Certified Banger:

Certified Banger: Yo Reps! How are you? Can you start us off with a little summary of who you are and what you’ve done music-wise or otherwise?

Reps: Hi! Thanks I'm good. I’m a Bookbinder / handyman / rapper and right now I'm taking a break from bookbinding and handymaning. I’m from Devon, Brighton and London and have spent pretty much a third of my 30 years in each of these places. Right now I'm living in exile in Lodz Poland. Actually I'm just out here writing some new material and promoting my CD, which came out in the summer in both Poland and the UK.

I came up with the Brighton based Lost Souls releasing 12s on Janomi Records between 2002 and 2004.

In 2004 my current group Skill Mega was formed with myself, Dan Fresh (also former Lost Souls rapper) DJ Rod Dixon and Polish rapper / producer OSTR (at the time on his 5th solo album, now about to release his 10th and Gold selling in his home country of Poland!) We released a 12” on Leeds based Cryogenic Records in 2004 and went on to release a full length album in 2007 on Asfalt Records (Poland) entitled Normal Magic. Since meeting Adam (OSTR) I’ve been going to Poland alone or with Skill Mega to play shows and record tracks and have played over 40 shows alongside OSTR or performing solo with support slots for among others, Craig G, EMC, Talib Kweli, Sean Paul, El Da Sensei and Pharoahe Monch. This has been alongside living and working in London and playing shows around the South East of England again with Skill Mega or performing solo. As I mentioned previously I'm putting all my time into music and right now I’m in Poland permanently and return to the UK for shows and to see friends but as its only the end of November and its snowing pretty hard I'm not sure how much longer I'm gonna stay!

Click here to read more!

On The Radar Artist Profile: Spee 69

Name: Spee 69

Age: 26

From: Yorkshire

Track on ‘On The Radar’: 'Lemonade' Produced By Jay Large

Tell us the story behind the track: It's basically about when life hands you lemons you try and make lemonade so even if you got nowt you can make something.

Record label: None at the moment. Just trying to set things up myself.

Who you roll with: Boomstick, Marshall Art, Abd, Ekoic, Mr Copath, DJ Format, DJ Uppacut, Jay Large and anyone who knows me.

Favourite album: At the moment its Ode To The Ghetto by Guilty Simpson but I am lovin' loads at the moment.

Describe your style in three words: Funky, Yorkshire and on point.

Past/Present/Future projects: Im hyping for project mayhem (Boomstick's Group) as well as writing for my group Awsome Wellz album and producing an E.P. called Fly Spittin featuring artists such as Ekoic, Switches, Marshall Art, Myself And a host of others. I also am about to release a bootleg of little bit of soul which I stole off DJ Format with his blessing and am in the finishing stages of my E.P. with DJ Uppacut (if you don’t know check him out). Also I just done a free download tune with the Krate Krusaders. Loads more going on so hit up my myspace www.myspace.com/spee69 to find out more.

Download all of 'On The Radar' here!

On The Radar Artist Profile: B'Tol

Name: B’Tol aka The B Apostrophe

Age: 25

From: Bristol UK

Track on ‘On The Radar’: Finish This (Rassclart Rappers) ft. Da Herbalis of First Degree Burns.

Tell us the story behind the track: Aimed at the white Suburban types (see the skit before the track on the album!) who portray a certain image in order to get a foot in the big hip hop door… by putting on some cod Jamaican accent! So what better way to do it than over a Reggae type beat with proper job flows and a Jamaican fellow!

Record label: Independent

Who you roll with: The whole of Bristol! This track was made with young snare whipper snapper Jagos. My DJ, DJ Rogue is my usual partner in crime and right hand stage man.

Favourite album: TOO MANY!! Off the top, at this moment in time… The Undisputed Truth by Brother Ali.

Describe your style in three words: Percussive, Technical, rambunctious

Past/Present/Future projects: Once part of British Intelligence, responsible for the unreleased album “hole in my Old School”, now carving my solo rut. Upcoming projects include “Something’s What They’ve Done”, a remix version of “Something’s What We’ve Done” (produced by Jagos) featuring some brilliant up and coming producers. After that, my solo project proper, entitled “Self seeing” featuring producers from across the globe, and collaborations with local and international artists… all will come in good time!!

www.myspace.com/jagosandbtol

Download the whole compilation here

TheUrbanShop “HEROICALLY” Saves the World as Christmas is Cancelled! (Maybe)

It’s long been know that Santa Claus lives in the Nordic region with Mrs Claus and his helper elves who tend his reindeer and help make presents for the children of the world. What is less well known is Kris (as he prefers to be called) lives and invests heavily in Iceland and as we all know Iceland has been burdened by the global financial meltdown, more to the point Kris had huge investments held by Icelandic banking giant Landsbanki, which was the parent company of internet banking provider Icesave, and this collapsed recently freezing funds. Kris is not a happy chappy and the usual “ho ho ho” cannot be heard ringing through his Santa factories. Due to generous welfare systems and high wages Kris has recently had to let go many of the traditional Santa’s helpers that made presents for children all over the world and helped tend the reindeers. El Ves union representative for Santa’s helpers is quoted as saying “many of the helpers that have worked for many years with Kris are having to return to traditional jobs in shoemaking, but this is a small market and Kris was the biggest single employer of elves in the world, it will have knock on effects”.

Recently Kris released this shock statement “if the global economy continues the path it is going I’m not sure if Santa’s factories and indeed Christmas can survive”, this will have a huge effect and millions of children worldwide could wake up Christmas morning with no presents and wonder what Christmas is all about without Santa. We put that question to Kris and he replied “yes it is that bad, we are all trying our hardest but we may have to miss out some countries or cut back on some of the naughty children”, he went on to add “It’s a sign of the times and very sad but yes, Santa is bigger that Jesus”.

This leaves one very important question, well two actually - will Christmas survive and has anybody got a job for a fat lad with flying reindeer for one day a year?

We asked TheUrbanShop.co.uk for their comments: “in light of these latest statements from Kris we at TheUrbanShop are cancelling Christmas and moving on to The January Sales early”. When reminding TheUrbanShop that January sales are actually named after the calendar month, they responded: ”It may seem odd to have January sales in December but as Kris says things are hard out there. I mean who ever thought elves would have to return to shoe making?”

'Certified Banger Presents On The Radar' - VA (free download)

Certified Banger, a blog (almost) dedicated to the art of Hip Hop in the UK proudly presents this 21 track compilation of some up-and-coming artists and their music. Taking in many different angles of UK Hip Hop 'On The Radar' attempts to bring some new music to your ears, all for the princely sum of nothing.

It features never heard befores, heard before but hard to get hold ofs and tracks already available on the respective artists own pieces of work. With 21 tracks, you're bound to find something you like, and for free, you can go much wrong by downloading it and giving it at least one virtual spin.

This compilation should appeal to Hip Hop fans and people of other persuasions alike, so if you fall into one of those categories (and I think you do), you should right click, left click, save target as with the quickness.

Once you have and you've heard it, be sure to keep coming back here for more features on, and free downloads from the artists involved. Check the 'comments' section in the song tags for the artists website addresses and give them a shout. Drop me a line at certifiedbanger@gmail.com and let them know how you feel about this (wonderful) release.

Download it now! (alternate link) - WinRAR files

Download a ZIP file

Tracklisting:

1. Queens English - Mind The Rap (produced by Skinnista aka Nu Balance)
2. Safron - Nightbreed remix ft. Kyza, Jehst & Klashnekoff
3. emceeKillah - The Guns of Britain (produced by Zoutr)
4. B'Tol & Jagos - Finish This (Rassclat Rappers) ft. Da Herbalis of FDB
5. JVF Clique - Those Dudes (produced by Pappa Doc)
6. Spee 69 - Lemonade (produced by Jay Large)
7. Grimlok - Magic (produced by Shears)
8. Revilo - Mr. No Names
9. TLG - Let Me Be ft. Reggiimental, Ras Supa, Biggaman,S.C, Joe Gutta & Rukus
10. Skillit - Talk of the Town (produced by Cable)
11. Conman - Streets Unsafe (freestyle)
12. Loudmouth - Real Talk (produced by Loudmouth)
13. Manny Moscow - You Can't Tempt Me ft. Shepherd
14. Size8 - Watchin Me (freestyle)
15. Skandal - Venom (produced by Chemo)
16. Truth - Been a Long Time (produced by Prolifik)
17. Late - The Villain Man (freestyle)
18. Antmysta - Taste of Ink (produced by Shadowville)
19. Beit Nun - The Music (produced by Illskilz)
20. Reps - Spit ft. Jid Sames (produced by OSTR)
Bonus Track: Uncle Dicky - Neighbourhood Star remix ft. Witchdoctor Wise

A big thanks goes to all the artists and label peeps who contributed to this, without you it couldn't be done - hope it's all helpful promo for you!

If you are an artist or PR or whoever and want your tracks on the next one, start emailing me!

New Mr. Drastick - Coming Soon!

'Certified Banger Presents On The Radar'

Download 'Certified Banger Presents On The Radar' here from Monday 1st December!

'Certified Banger Presents On The Radar' is a 20 track, free to download compilation of UK Hip Hop featuring JVF Clique, Revilo, Spee 69, Jay Large, Conman, Safron, Antmysta, Loudmouth, Manny Moscow, Queens English, Late, Skandal, Chemo, Truth and more!

'Certified Banger Presents On The Radar' - a collection of free Hip Hop tracks from UK artist.

'Fly Baby' - Reachout (free download)

What's this? A non-UK track? Don't worry the (big) apple don't fall too far from the tree. 'Fly Baby' (click to download) is by Reachout, an artist currently residing in NYC but recently felt on these shores as a result of his production on 'Too Much Too Soon' and 'Well Alright' from Roots Manuva's excellent 'Slime and Reason' album.

This fast-paced track has a bright mexican feel to it, it's actually got quite a nice crossover appeal type sound, so who knows, you might hear this pumping on your radio.

'The Menace' - Mongrel (video)

'Back Off Man, I'm a Scientist' - Kidkanevil (album review)

Kidkanevil, like any good scientist has experimented extensively, has produced a watertight thesis and is ready to prove it to you with ‘Back Off Man, I’m a Scientist’ (out now on First Word Records).

Kidkanevil, it seems, set out to prove that the bonds between modern, westernised music and traditional ethnic compositions still exist. He’s compounded and mixed elements of both and, quite organically, grown a hybrid form of music. Hip Hop is used more sparingly on this sophomore album, allowing soul, funk and electro to have more of an impact on the resulting concoction.

Immediately noticeable is the reliance on rhythm and percussion - a thread that runs throughout the album’s 10 tracks. Multi-rhythmic compositions form more than half of each track, many utilising more primitive drum sounds than the average release. The starkly contrasting electronic sounds probably should be out of place, but this is science, and you can’t argue with science – it works – Kidkanevil probably shouted ‘Eureka!’.

Stand out tracks include the raw soul opener ‘Stomp’ which features the singer of Kidkanevil’s band (Justin Percival of Stateless) and ‘R.I.P.’ featuring Leeds rappers Double D Dagger. ‘When I Dig’ is a neo-soul potion featuring Cali MC Blu doing a mockney accent and ‘Black Bug’ is electro/funk/pop of the purest form (if that’s possible!).

The title’s warning against hostility is absolutely unnecessary; no-one will be confronting him questioningly about this solid release. There should be no decision involved in buying this now, you’ve heard how good it is, go buy it!

Wolftown Wednesdays #3

Two tracks for you this week, both taken from 'UK Runnings Volume 4' as hosted by 10Shott and compiled and mixed by Tricksta.

The first track is by producer Juttla and is called 'London Underground' and it features Creamo, Foreign Beggars and P.A.C. - this one might just be eligible for 'Certified Bhangra' status!

The second track is a freestyle by Reload called 'Uphill Struggle' - gotta love this guys tone.

'So Hard' - Blak Twang (video)