Jehst - England

Dragon of an Ordinary Family coming soon

Dragon of an Ordinary Family snippets on SP and Amazon

Suspect Packages link to pre-order and some snippets

Amazon Uk snippets and Pre-Order

Unfortunately Im not as bigger cheese as alot of these other bloggers so I wish I could give it the old ''yeah Ive already heard Jehst's new album I got it for free....blah blah'' but sadly I cant I can however bring to your attention the snippets and artwork online to get you ready for its early June release date. From the teeny tiny bits Ive heard it sounds like the 5 or 6 year wait for a new LP proper from Jehst has been well worth it. Im a little dissapointed to see there are no features on the album as Jehst works so well with so many other MCs and it usually brings a more varied sound having said that the huddersfield to kent to london lyricist has a magnitude of incredible solo work and with producers like chemo, beat butcha and lg as well as himself theres very little chance of another nuke dropping. Keep em peeled cos thisll be out before you know it.

*edit not sure why but it appears that every link Ive posted to snippet sources have now been removed Ive switched it to Suspect Packages and Amazon now as I doubt theyll be taken down there....seems strange they dont want anyone to hear the album or parts of it, unless its a technically/web problem. Its a shame because itll only strenghthen anticipation and exposure for this album. Oh well if you dont want free promo taking down the links is the best way to loose it.

Jehst - Starting Over (video)

Bang! New material from the High Plains Drifter himself, repping a slightly more laid back flow, but still flipping a phrase like no other. Hopefully this means that the album, Dragon of an Ordinary Family, is just around the corner as well. Good times. Also, see how many of UKHH's 'famous' faces you can spot in the video...

"The paper that I'm folding, is like wet tissue dissolving"

Bonafide Issue 04 UK Special - Out Now!

Check out Bonafide's latest issue, it's a UK special so y'all should be into it. It features my interviews with the one and only Ghengis aka Cappo. Order your copy here.

'Mood Swings' - Stig Of The Dump (review)

I really don't remember Stig Of The Dump being this offensive before. For most of you, that sentence will tell you everything you need to know - you'll either want to hear this, or you won't. Now, I've met the guy, had good conversation with him, and think he's a nice guy but his new music is different - it's aggressive and coarse. Yes, he's a great MC, he's witty and certainly has a way with words. Again, some of you right now will be salivating and rushing out to buy a copy of 'Mood Swings'.

The album is a weighty thing, with exceedingly heavy production from the likes of Beat Butcha, Jehst and Pete Cannon to match Stig's non-stop flow and the inclusion of Stig's track with R.A. The Rugged Man, 'Braindead'.

'What's Up' is more introspective and pushes the message that the masses need to hear: fame and money isn't everything, in fact, it's nothing. 'Planet Hollywood' pushes home the message later on in the album as Stig and Enlish role play a rich people with everything in ridiculous amounts. 'Big City Blues' is a perceptive take on life in the metropolis and the Pete Cannon beat is nothing short of excellent. 'I Know What You're Thinking' is a pretty funny slamming of pop culture which features Dr. Syntax.

'Mood Swings' was released on 11th October on Lewis Recordings and can be gotten from usual good places, including Bandcamp for your digital download.

'Digmund Freud EP' - Mystro (review)

Having heard a great deal of Mystro's back catalogue, his latest single 'Around My Way', some of his new tracks live and having interviewed him about his forthcoming material I was suitably excited about this release - the 'Digmund Freud EP'. I haven't been disappointed.

The aforementioned 'Around My Way' produced by DJ Swerve kicks things off in fine, comedic style - Mystro being the king of laid back punchlines and all. DJ Flip (most notably known in the UK scene for producing Skinnyman's 'Council Estate of Mind') takes over on production for the next 6 tracks. To quote Mystro himself on this EP would probably be best, 'cause he ain't lying: "I've got a track called 'Don’t Worry' – that's probably the track that got it going with the style of what I wanted to do. The chorus is like 'If it ain't life or death, don't worry about it'. – that's the message of the whole ‘Digmund Freud’ thing." The rest of the EP really does fit around this in style so a happy, relaxed and positive time is to be had by all with this release.

The track that lyrically blew me away when I heard it live was the closing tune 'Blue Planet' produced by Jehst. Mystro demonstrates his knowledge of sea life whilst socially commenting on the way we're living here in Britain - this is concept rap done to perfection.

The 'Digmund Freud EP' will be released on Self Destruct Music/Don't Bizznizz on 13th Septemeber 2010. Look out for it - another cracking release from Mystro.

'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

'New Day' - Chima Anya (album review)

Proving that Hip Hop can be pushed forward without resorting to corny gimmicks, ringtone beats and zero-content is Chima Anya’s debut solo LP ‘New Day’. Chima also demonstrates that forward thinking can be inspired by reminiscing about ‘the good old days’. With more charisma than most of the UK’s MCs put together, a love of Hip Hop classics and more than a clue of what makes a good track Mr. Anya brings what will be one of the Hip Hop releases of the year.

Kicking things off properly is ‘Spell It Out’ a fast paced funk fuelled B.E.A.S.T which features Chima just illing out, saying how good he is and absolutely proving it – entertainment. Hot on it’s heels is ‘The Realness’; a squelchy, slow head nodder containing Chima’s lyrical manifesto whereas ‘I Choose You’ is a straight up honest, love song with absolutely no cringe-factor whatsoever.

‘Hey’ is a minimalistic, percussion led track (like Busta Rhymes’ ‘Touch It’ but with more variety and just way better) which once again sees Chima’s cheeky ego taking centre stage with much aplomb. Title track ‘New Day’ is as upbeat as things come and Soweto Kinch does nothing but add to the feel of the album. Jehst pops up on ‘It’s The Manner’ – another quality track. ‘Paid For’ sees the release turn a corner – this is as serious as the other tracks are fun. Chima’s experience as a doctor comes though powerfully on this one.

‘New Day’ represents more than just that, it symbolizes new hope; fresh optimism for the Hip Hop scene. It’s out on 10th May, which I know is a while away, on Phoenix Down. You have to buy it.

Chima supported Brother Ali at London’s Cargo last night and will be hosting the release party for this album at Camden’s Barfly on 9th April! Get to that and you just get your hands on the album sooner than you think!

'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.

'New Day' ft. Soweto Kinch/'It's The Manner' ft. Jehst - Chima Anya

Toddle over itunes right away to download Chima Anya's most excellent new single - that's an order. 'New Day' features the wonderful Soweto Kinch and 'It's The Manner' features the UK Hip Hop legend, Jehst.

Both tracks more than deserve your digital spinnage because they're both really quite dope. Chima injects his infectious personality into everything from the carefully chosen beat to his delivery, adlibs and rhymes - it's just not possible to be glum whilst listening to 'New Day'.

Mr. Anya (the guy who donated the equally good-time 'Drinks Up' to 'OTR Vol. 5') even manages to raise a bit of a smile on the usually quite sombre Jehst on the cheeky 'It's The Manner' (even though the song makes some serious observations).

Do something for yourself today - click here to go to itunes to buy these two tracks to brighten up your jour.

'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)

'East is in the House' - VA - 456 (free download)

Pitching East Coast Hip Hop from the United States against British soundalikes 456 has created a gritty mix worth bumping on whichever side of the Atlantic you reside.

M.O.P., Cormega, Fat Lip, Nutrageous, Sha Stimuli and Reks nestle alongside the hardest of current UK tracks from Orphans of Cush, Endemic and Cappo, Iron Braydz, Mr. Flex, Micall Parknsun, Jehst and The IRS.

This free download has a purpose - to prepare you for forthcoming music from 456!

Here at Certified Banger we have another taster from 456 and Chosen Spokesmen MC Mr. Flex (who featured on volumes 4 and 5 of 'On The Radar'). The track is called 'Dark Days' and whilst the original production was done by Risk (also a featured artist on 'On The Radar Vol. 5'), 456 has had a go at remixing it - see what you think (click to download the remix and click here to download the original).

'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.

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.

** New Date** The Line Up #1: Jehst, Micall Parknsun, Jack Flash, Kidkanevil Live in Leeds!

A few changes to the details here: Due to a few teething problems the first night will now be 30th October. The line up at The Line Up might change to Sonny Jim, Extra-curricular with Jack Flash, No Change and Defenders of Style.

Forget the usual "if you're in the area" thing - even if you're not get there and get the first train in the morning home. Jehst, Micall Parknsun, Jack Flash with Extra Curricular and Kidkanevil? Be there. 30th October. Leeds. The Vault, 123 The Headrow. Brrrrrap!

'17 Samurai Vol. 1' - VA - Kidkanevil (album review)

Featuring enough boundary blurring styles to please the real music fan as well as names to attract a disparate listenership the lastest release from the excellent First Word Records is '17 Samurai', an album of remixes of Kidkanevil tracks. True to Kidk's original design this selection of reworks will take you on a rollercoaster of emotion through unchartered soundscapes.

'17 Samurai Vol. 1' is too distracting as background music - the only thing to do is to don some Kidkanevil-esque headphones (preferably over a beanie and a hoody), find a darkened room and actually listen to this hour long audio spectacle.

This LP sees UK Hip Hop star Jehst take on the non-rap track 'Stomp' featuring Justin Percival's dulcet tones whereas Mr. Thing walks more familiar laid back Hip Hop territory on 'Def Certificate' featuring Jehst and Sir Smurf Lil' on vocals. DJ Vadim tackles 'When I Dig' featuring US rapper Blu with a handful of synths and a fresh outlook making the once percussion heavy 'Back Off Man, I'm a Scientist' album cut a new entity. TM Juke also offers his version of 'When I Dig'.

First Word's Andy H, genius live beatmaker Red and newcomers Airhead and Narrow P all tackle 'Tokyorkshire' each adding their own touches to great effect - in Andy H's case it's converted to jump up dubstep. 'Black Bug' is also a popular choice as base track with Leeds Hip Hop producer Eliphino, Natural Self and Michael Fakes all pitching in with their interpretation.

With most areas of modern electronic music utilised here this LP is noit limited in its appeal, OK, so the pop chart botherers won't get it but, secretly, that;s what we all want isn't it?

'17 Samurai Vol. 1' is out now on First Word Records and can be bought as a download or on CD.

Jehst Freestyle on DJGone.TV

'Fallout Shelter' - Brad Strut (EP review)

The Australian Hip Hop scene is more closely related to ours than it is to the US scene. The main reason for this is the automatic hard work that has to be put in to be respected above our American brothers and the attention to detail in the lyrics - Brad Strut, an Australian now living in London, is at home here.

His ‘Fallout Shelter’ EP dropped last month and with its 6 tracks being produced by Beat Butcha there is all the more reason for it to be on Certified Banger. As you would expect, the production holds weight and Brad Strut pours his triple distilled lyrics perfectly over the beats. With a positive outlook (considering the name and the concept), I find this EP to be just how I want Hip Hop to be. ‘NO!’ is a harpsichord based apocalyptic thriller – if it’s possible, this is the stand out track. The EP’s pinnacle, the beautiful but banging ‘Believe’, is blissful and flawlessly created. ‘Looking At You’, the closing track, appears to deal with some very personal issues with cryptic lyricism (check the lyrics here) being the order of the day.

As if an excellent EP wasn’t enough the EP comes packaged with a remixes LP featuring versions of Brad’s past tracks by M-Phazes, Chemo, Beat Butcha, Jehst and The Last Skeptik amongst other (possibly Aussie) producers. With 13 extra tracks this is more than an incentive to buy this excellent package.

‘Fallout Shelter’ EP/ ‘Rejuvenation’ is out now and can be gotten at Suspect Packages.

'All 4 Hip Hop'/'Still Here' - Micall Parknsun (single review)

YNR's good year continues and they've chosen to kick of Q3 with the release of Micall Parknsun's M-Phazes produced 'All 4 Hip Hop'. For all the good old fashioned rap fans out there, this one's for you. Lively and triumphant soul with horn harmonies backs Parky's bold lyricism as he pledges his allegiance to and declares his love for Hip Hop. Jehst switches things up somewhat on the remix with his version having a menacing edge to it.

'Still Here' is the B-side and whilst Apa-Tight retains the triumph, things err on the electronic side of sound as the drums bang – the electric guitar sound is a bit dodgy but I can't complain, track is a beast! Chemo's uber-percussive version of 'Still Here' is ridiculous, sounding nothing like the original it's something different for Hip Hop.

This single is the perfect package; 2 tracks, 2 remixes and all from some of the best doing it right now. If there's one single you buy this year, make it this one! 'All 4 Hip Hop' is out on 6th July on YNR recordings.

DMC UK DJ Final Next Month!

DMC UK DJ Final and Battle For UK Supremacy
02 Academy Islington, N1 Centre, N1 0PS
Thursday 9th July 7pm – Midnight

There will be live PA's from Jehst, DMC World Champions DJ Switch V DJ Shiftee in a UK V US Showcase Battle, Inja performing his brand new single ‘Hat Low' live featuring Skinnyman and it's all Hosted by Inja and Billy Biznizz. Click here to see the back of the flyer.

Tickets - £12.50 available from
http://www.dmcworld.com/ (01628 667124)
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/ 0844 477 2000
http://www.o2academyislington.co.uk/