Illus & The Krate Krusaders - The Mask (video)

The Krate Krusaders team up with Illus from CT, who uses the opportunity to get his 'Kick-Ass' on in this highly entertaining video. If you didn't know how tough it can be juggling a relationship with your superhero-ing career, you do now...

Aaaaand, in case you missed it, the Krate Krusaders dropped a free remix project a couple of weeks ago. Bootlegs & Beat Tapes features remixes of various UK artists, including a few absolute classic tracks. Check it out here:

Krate Krusaders - Bootlegs & Beat Tapes (Free Down...

Krate Krusaders - Bootlegs & Beat Tapes (Free Download)

A very nice little freebie for you here... Badhabitz, one half of production duo the Krate Krusaders has remixed 17 UK tracks from the past few years, many of which are bona fide classics. Krate Krusaders' production is always on point, so this is a free project well worth checking out. If you need any more convincing, have a look at the tracklist below, and see which tracks have been given a reworking:

TRACKLIST

1. Jehst, Kyza & Klashnekoff - Nightbreed

2. Phi-Life Cypher - Cordless Mics At 20 Paces

3. Wildflower, Tempa & Est'elle - Domestic Science

4. Taskforce - Tears On My Pillowcase

5. Jehst, J-Zone - Staircase To Stage

6. Conrad Watts - Lifetime

7. Supa T, Jehst & Kyza - It's All Live

8. Tommy Evans & Yungun - Silent Mobius

9. Skeme & Rodney P - UK Bubblers

10. Jehst - Alchoholic Author

11. Tommy Evans & Lewis Parker - I'm Not Nice

12. Jehst - Return Of The Drifter

13. The Extremists - Groundbreaking

14. Rodney P, Skinnyman & Wildflower - Twilight Of The Gods

15. Jehst & Skriblah - City Breaks

16. Clarity - Way Of The Dragon

17. Chester P - Wickerman Theory

Download here:

http://www.mediafire.com/?bmm7ha93cwqk20w

Clarity - Over The Great Divide (Free Download)

Now here's some freeness you really should take advantage of. Barely 6 months after it was released on CD, Clarity has made his latest album, Over The Great Divide, available to download for free. Produced by Bad Habitz, who is one half of The Krate Krusaders, Clarity brings some paranoid, esoteric lyrics with a relentless flow throughout.

This only narrowly missed a spot on my 2010 UK Albums Of The Year list, so you'd be well advised to get your download on, here:

www.mediafire.com/uglyheroclarity

Or try before you buy(?) with the bandcamp player below:

In related news, Clarity and fellow Krate Krusaders collaborator Crucifix have a joint album coming soon, entitled Self Assembled Messiah, which promises to be well worth checking out when it drops.

'The Cornerstone EP' - Crucifix & The Krate Krusaders (review)

If you're a Certified Banger regular then you'll know of The Krate Krusaders and their excellent production. If you aren't and you don't, check out this release because it showcases their sound and style perfectly. Crucifix drops the kind of rhymes that are best described as poetic; displaying intelligence with the ability to uplift without a cliché in sight.

'The Majestic' featuring Vex is the only track that is out of place on this release... and its mainly Vex's "old getting stabbed in the head" rhymes that makes this the case - I'll be skipping that one despite its dope beat. 'Restorations' menacing synths are coupled with a heartfelt sung vocal sample - a strange marriage but a beautiful one. A great EP from the UK Hip Hop scene - get to know. Buy it at Amazon or itunes.

More Free UK Hip Hop from Krystatic, Nugget, DJ Slademan, Jeye Severe, Krate Krusaders, Elemental, Cross Bone T and Yogi & Shade 1

I found these two remixes on a forum but don’t know who is behind them. The remixes are of DJ MK’s ‘It’s All Live’ featuring Jehst and Supa T and the other is of Jehst’s ‘Nightime Vultures’. If you are the producer or know who did these then let me know, thanks.

There’s a new MC on his way out of Wolverhampton. It’s Krystatic with his track ‘The Taste’ which is produced by Dezert Rhino. Apparently he “will make it with his music” and “you can do anything you set your mid to in this world” – not sure about that.

An MC named Nugget from Ireland got in touch with his track ‘8 Million Bars’. Nugget vents his Irish anger over a nice head nod beat. Thankfully there aren’t as many rhymes as the title suggests – that would just be too many!

British producer DJ Slademan has been working with US MC Big Test to bring you these two tracks: ‘Hip Hop’ and ‘Be Patient’. Slademan has also been working with the UK’s Jeye Severe – the result being 'They Just Don't Know' (this track is labelled incorrectly as a Gensis Elijah track - don't ask me why!).

Jeye Severe has also been working with producer Chat One on their reggae influenced track ‘Money’ and this hectic beast of a tune for you – ‘Yes Blood’ – turn it up loud and get hype.

Another transatlantic collaboration that works well is the track Krate Krusaders have done with Dominique Larue – love beats like this - 'That Ain't My Style'.

‘Player Hater’ is a pretty funny track from Elemental about football – something I can totally relate to, being a non-football fan myself.

Cross Bone T’s latest track is ‘Say I Believe’. T’s conscious lyrics are a little less paranoid than on his last single as he brings a fairly positive message to his listeners.

Yogi and Shade 1 dropped this one via Twitter ( a very valuable resource for getting free music directly from the artists) - ‘Puddycat’. UK West Coast type stuff.

Diversion Tactics, Krate Krusaders, Tactical Thinking and 3 Amigos Live At Top Billin!

Featuring the hefty line up of Diversion Tactics, Krate Krusaders, Tactical Thinking and 3 Amigos this is defo not one to miss for you south coasters. 9th December is the date, White Rabbit is the place - I only wish I could be there.

'T.W.O.K.' - Spee 69 (mixtape review)

T.W.O.K. – Taken Without Konsent. For the duration of this mixtape Spee 69 (that's 6 9 not 69) raps stolen beats from the likes of Outkast, DJ Premier and Mr. J Medeiros.

This Yorkshire MC has truly got the flows required to gain respect from heads around the world – on beat, on point and just on it in general. Unlike some rappers, Spee 69’s thoughts and interests are ones you’ll actually want to pay attention to, making this mixtape a rare treat in a world of too many tracks and not enough variety.

The intro is one of the original beats one here (produced by Captain Nick) and it’s a big look – sounding like the score to a medieval war film it gives Spee the chance to let loose and come hard – a great way to start. ‘Lemonade’ produced by Jay Large (and one of the original ‘On The Radar’ tracks) still sounds dope, Profanity provides the beats for ‘Fiend.ish’ and ‘Hard Times’ and J.R. Hartley offers the jauntiest 30s sounding beat ever made for ‘Diagnosis Murder’ proving that it’s not just classic beats that make this mixtape so dope. The Krate Krusaders also bring Mexican spice with their production on ‘I Make Moves’.

Support real Hip Hop - buy ‘T.W.O.K.’ – simple as. It’ll be out very soon, check Spee’s myspace for more details.

The Basement Sessions Podcast

Check out the Basement Sessions podcast featuring these most excellent tracks and artists:

1. J.Rawls & John Robinson f. Rashad - She's So Brilliant
2. Son Of A Queen - King
3. Krate Krusaders f. Kasha & Logic - Stronger
4. Percy Filth f. J.Sands & K.Skills - That's Why
5. Amanda Diva - Heart Strings (UK EXCLUSIVE!)
6. Sonny Jim - CrazyIllMadRowdy (Produced by Jon Phonics)
7. Wio-K f. Ty & Serocee - An Ting
8. Alphabetix - What's The Name
9. d. C. & Pennbannekar - The Come Up (UK EXCLUSIVE!)
10. Marco Polo & Torae f. Masta Ace & Sean Price - Hold Up
11. Akrobatik - AK B Nimble
12. Roots Manuva - 2 Much 2 Soon
13. Big Cakes - Soul
14. yU - Marvelous (O.G. Mix) (Produced by Kev Brown)
15. Amor Jones - Nothing Good Comes Easy
16. Art Of Fresh - Come N' Get Some
17. Kyza - Wild Orchid
18. Sleaze - Success
19. Nova Infinite - All Of My Life (UK EXCLUSIVE!)
20. IV f. Junclassic - Please Don't Go Away (UK EXCLUSIVE!)
21. FS Green - Rusty Beat

Check out The Basement Sessions on their website and on Sensei FM and stay tuned for more podcastage with the first official CErtified Banger podcast.

UK Hip Hop Artists Win BBC Funding

Congratulations to Tom Sweetman aka 1 Step (one half of Krate Krusaders) who has just won the BBC Performing Arts Fund. He's just bagged himself £10,000 to further his Hip Hop career. We all know him to be a worthy winner after bringing us bangers with Ramson Badbonez, Remus and others (check 'On The Radar' for those tracks).

Also big congratulations go to Kof, the MC from Liverpool, Illum Sphere of Manchester, battler Kulez, politcal activist Lowkey and Sensei FM's DJ Fabia for winning their bucks for the sake of Hip Hop.

Life MC New Album News

Here's a new Life MC track. It features Skuff of 'Delegates of Culture and the production is by the Krate Krusaders. Life MC has an new album out soon entitled 'Life Beyond Rap' which features Ill Bill, Chester P, Si Phili, Skuff and Inja and of course with beats by DJ Nappa.

'...Present Volume 1' - The Krate Krusaders (free download)

The creators of two of 'On The Radar's best recieved tracks, Krate Krusaders, have yet another free giveaway for you.

The first volume kicks off with an excellent live MPC megamix of recognisable tracks which is followed by Remus and his track 'Respect Ur Elders' (from 'OTR Vol. 2) and then newcomer Vex takes over the mic for the bouncy, scratchy 'Vex is Dead'.

The ominous 'Pscience' features Clarity, Farma G and Cappo - each one dropping thrilling rhymes right on point.

Kasha, Logic, Ramson Badbonez (with 'OTR Vol. 3' track 'Incredible'), Fenetik, Saga Sphinx, Crucifix, Devi and Ahmos all get a piece of the beat action too. Download this and Krate Krusaders will keep your nead nodding, and all for the price of a five finger discount - top notchness this is.

Krate Krusaders and Ramson Badbonez on 1Xtra!

Certified Banger/'On The Radar' favourites Krate Krusaders are featured on Ras Kwame's latest Homegrown podcast. Their track 'Incredible' featuring Ramson Badbonez, which was featured on Certified Banger's 'On The Radar Vol. 3', has been handpicked by UK scene tastemaker Ras and played on 1Xtra - a big look for the boys.

If you haven't heard it yet you can download the track for free by downloading 'On The Radar Vol. 3'. To hear their track with Farma G's lad Remus, then download 'On The Radar Vol. 2 here.

'Classic' ft. Dominique Larue - 1 Step (video and single review)

Check out the psychedelia on offer from Krate Krusaders producer 1 Step and Ohio repper Dominique Larue. It's the video for their track 'Classic' and the UK producer/US (female) MC thing works a treat. Larue is one of the better femcees around and she doesn't have an annoying voice - bonus! 1 Step's production is some trumpety jerkiness and Larue rides it nicely. Might not go down as a classic but it certainly is classy.

Buy it now!

'Nowadays' - Krate Krusaders & Ahmos (video)

'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!

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

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:

Here's the back cover and full listing for 'On The Radar Volume 2' (click on it to see it large!) and here are some tracks from it:

JVF Clique - 'Certified Banger Exclusive'

Asaviour & Apa-Tight - 'Gully'

Krate Krusaders - 'Respect Your Elders' ft. Remus

Download the whole thing!

And here's the link for Volume 1 in case you missed that.

Certified Banger Presents: 'On The Radar Volume 2' - VA (free download)

It's here! The second installment! 20 tracks of UK Hip Hop for your lug'oles.

Download now!

Check back daliy for updates on more music from the artists involved. Be sure to check myspaces,
leave comments for me and them - all feedback is welcome.

Feel free to use these tracks, re-post them on your blog, burn them - whatever y'all do with mp3's these days. Just be sure to let us know what you do with them so artists can keep track!

1) Certified Banger Exclusive - JVF Clique (produced by Pappa Doc)
2) Coming For The Game ft. Jay Madden, Chris L & Assa - Jut
3) Dr. Who ft. Dan Bull, Mrs. Pez & Jimmy Crack – Skrimshank (produced by Damo)
4) Respect Your Elders ft. Remus - Krate Krusaders
5) Life Is Real - Antidote (produced by Pro P)
6) Truth Or Lie – TLG (produced by Eyebs)
7) All I Wanna Do - Chima Anya
8) Real Life Drama - The Three Amigos (produced by Naive)
9) Final Frontier - Grit Grammar (produced by Baron Samedi)
10) After Life - Dan Bull
11) Drama - Joker Starr (produced by G Man)
12) See I Realise ft. Anneke – MasterSystem (produced by Whys)
13) Gully - Asaviour & Apa-Tight
14) The Title - Dabbla (produced by Miss Tofelees)
15) Mimsey Grove - Gouki P (produced by Ants & Jut)
16) Subhuman Nature ft. Darkstar - Antiheroes (produced by Reklews)
17) Rugged Bros ft. Lowercase - Chattabox (produced by Sober)
18) Dark Matter (Remix) - Simple Samples (produced by Dweller)
19) Crop Circles ft. Circle Makerz - King David (produced by Safron)
20) Family Life ft. Cipher Jewels – Reggiimental (produced by DJ Konn)