'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

'It Came From Across The Pond - VA (free download)

Supporters of all things UK Hip Hop, the good guys at BMX/Skate/Music/Art mag Style 43 have put together a compilation of UK Hip Hop niceness in collaboration with US based indy Hip Hop site aboveGround.

Peep the tracklist:

1. Sound of a Genius – Jack Flash
2. Strange Fruit – M9ine
3. Aquarius – Mystro
4. Kush115 – Squid Ninjaz
5. The Low – Delusionists
6. Take Time – Truth
7. Ground N Bump (Interlude) – Jon Phonics
8. Some Emcees – The IRS
9. Responsibilities – Farma G
10. Clash of the Titans – Shadowstar ft. Joker Starr
11. Do It For a Fee – DJ IQ ft. Micall Parknsun
12. I’m Doing It – Genesis Elijah
13. Now Look At Us – Revilo
14. Alternate Take – Jon Phonics ft. Verb T & Fliptrix

'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.

'Hip Hop Hype Dog Compilation Vol. 1' - VA (free download)

Hip Hop Hype Dog have just dropped their first compilation. The free download features 28 tracks of Hip Hop from the UK but with a few US representatives thrown in for good measure.

The thing that gets me going about this compilation is that, nestled inbetween tracks and artists I'm familiar with already, there are a few new bits. Vice and Mister D's 'On My Mind', Capital R's 'I Represent (for Hip Hop)' and Sicnis's 'Get Better' all fall into this catergory - dope, fresh and new.

The tracks that you may have heard before are all quality too - if you didn't pick up the LPs they belong to then you'll be wanting to after this. Kyza's 'Murderman' (from 'S.O.S'), Micall Parknsun's 'Bang' (featuring Jehst), Asaviour and IQ's 'Complicity' featuring Kashmere and loads more are examples of tunes taken from brilliant releases.

MC Life's 'Hard 2 Spit' produced by DJ Nappa is not a track I remember from elsewhere and it's a really dope and excellent inclusion. The Americans are represented by Elzhi, Raekwon (and some of his famous mates) and MF Doom - only quality MCs. With other tracks from Ty, LDZ, Kelakovski, Farma G, Chester P, Orphans of Cush, Truth, SonnyJim, Kosyne, M9, Delusionists and more you'd be foolish not to get this for free.

Micall Parknsun & Joker Starr Interview (video)

Big up to Lady Jay for this one!

Forthcoming Doctors Orders Events

Sunday 13th September: End of Summer BBQ @ Cargo
Spin Doctor / Mr Thing / Excalibah / The Last Skeptik / DJ Lok / Chris Read / DJ Rags & more
Friday 18th September: Tell A Friend @ Secret London Location
DJ Neil Armstrong & Spin Doctor.

Friday 2nd October: The Doctor's Order @ Herbal
CL Smooth & Micall Parknsun Live & Mr Thing's B-Day party.

Friday 9th October: SouBrew @ East Village
Joey Negro, Kev Beadle, Mr Thing & SoulBrew residents Spin Doctor & Andy Bird.

Saturday 24th October: Hip-Hop Pub Quiz @ The 3 Kings, Clerkenwell
Just like a regular pub quiz but about Hip-Hop.

Friday 30th October: The Doctor's Orders @ Fabric
Shortee Blitz, Yungun & Mr Thing, Spin Doctor & DJ Lok.

Friday 6th November: The Doctor's Orders @ Herbal:
Def Jam vs Motown special with DJ Semtex, Phil Asher, Spin Doctor & Rob Breezy.

Suspect Packages Live October & November

Go here for more details on the Suspect Packages live extravaganza featuring, as you can see above, Children of the Damned, Joker Starr and Micall Parknsun all for only 4 pounds. That's upstairs @ Brick Lane's Vibe Bar in East London on Friday October 9th. Then same place different day, Friday November the 13th to be exact, go check out Sonnyjim and special guests and Tactical Thinking.

** 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!

'First Second Time Around' - Micall Parknsun (album review)

Here's the unedited, not pushed for space version of the review just in case you're interested:

Charismatically rapped real life rhymes that never fall flat over weighty production from the likes of M-Phazes and Apa-Tight. High quality but limited guest verses from YNR associates leave Mr. Parknsun plenty of time to shine with his consistent and dynamic verses. ‘All 4 Hip Hop’ sounds like the anthem it should be, tracks like ‘Still Here’ and ‘Come Again’ covertly push this thing forward whilst others offer the indispensably classic sounds of Hip Hop.

The published version can be found by clicking here.

'Ear To The Beat' - Wizard (album review)

Producer Wizard’s latest offering is something he should be proud of. Over 22 self produced tracks he’s gathered 30 MCs from both the UK and the US. I don’t know how long Wizard has been making beats but he’s naturally gifted and it’s no surprise that all these artists want to spit over his varied but always immense productions.

Farma G drops in with a split persona on the heavy ‘The Anthem’, Micall Parknsun raps as hungrily as ever on ‘The Land Of The Lost’, Verb T rocks over the jazzy but hard ‘The Dungeon’ and Jack Flash examines himself on the piano-led ‘Sound Of A Genius’. Ramson Badbonez brings golden bars as usual on the punchy ‘Jammin’ On The Street’ and SonnyJim and Conflix wrap the album up with ‘King’ – sure to give you a long-lasting screwface. Other UK MCs who appear on equally as awesome tracks are Baron Samedi, 777, Unfriendly Neighbours, Ed Strong, Enlish (on the very true to life ‘Jealous Type’), Rup, Influx and Vecks and Scizzahz.

Tragic Allies, Erg One and Singapore Kane kick things off for the Americans on the threatening ‘Run For Cover’ (a joint production with Kelakovski) and Random gives one of the best lyrical performances on ‘New World’ as he tells the story of an African being taken into slavery. Verbal Kent and Wizard keep heads moving with ‘Fast Forward’, the album’s non-cheesy love song. Other US rappers to feature are Lil E, J-Black, Mike Mass and Altruisms.

'Ear To The Beat' will be available soon at Suspect Packages.

Juice Aleem on DJ Cro's Main Ingredient Show

If you've already listened to the Suspect Packages Radio and need your next podcast/radio type fix then head on over to the Main Ingredient blog. DJ cro has already uploaded yesterday's show which includes Juice Aleem live in the studio with tracks from his new album (which is absolutely excellent - keep 'em peeled for a review here).

The playlist also contains some of the freshest UK and US Hip Hop from the likes of Micall Parknsun, DJ JS1, O.C., Pharoahe Monch, Masta Ace, DJ Spinna, Ghostface, AZ, Inspectah Deck and Finale.

Suspect Packages Radio Show August

Suspect Packages Radio. August. Free Download/Stream. Features Tactical Thinking, Micall Parknsun, Orphans of Cush, Karl Hinds, Lowkey, Koaste, Elemental & Tom Caruana, Juice Aleem, Contact Play, Big Cakes, Double D Dagger, Foreign Beggars and loads more new stuff that even I've not heard yet - lucky I'm on holiday and can just blast it then.

As Disorda says "No special guests though due to shear amount of tunage to get through (which gives me more time to vent my anger at bootlegging blogs), but wait 'till next month on the guest tip". I'm not a bootlegging blog so I'm in the clear.

Suspect Packages Radio Show July

Bit late on this and probs none of you are cos it's Supect Packages radio show innit and where else would you be hearing all the next stuff before you can get your mitts on it? Nowhere, that's where.

So as usual Disorda packs a lot of UK Hip Hop into his allotted time - and mroe than usual cos there are no live shenanigans. Anyways, there's loadsa good stuff as you would expect from all of the best current UK artists including Kyza, Micall Parknsun, Delusionists, Elemental and Tom Caruana, Danny Spice, Dialect, Truth and loads more MCs who you read about regularly at Certified Banger. Check it out yo.

'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.

'All 4 Hip Hop' - Micall Parknsun (video)

This is defo one of the UK Hip Hop anthems of the year, wait for its release - awesome remix and awesome B-side with awesome remix! This is the first single off Micall Parknsun's highly anticipated second album "First Second Time Around" available on YNR Productions.

This video was shot live at the Jazz Cafe in Camden as part of YNR's regular late night sessions. Do not miss the next jam which is Parky's album launch on 24th July 2009.

Joker Starr and Micall Parknsun on June's Suspect Packages Show

Gots to check out the new Suspect Packages Radio Show with Disorda and special guests Micall Parknsun and Joker Starr.

Tracks included are by Knew Jeru'slum, SonnyJim and Kosyne, the new UK Hip Hopsupergroup Orphans of Cush (Kyza Smirnoff, M9, Masikah & Cyrus Malachi), Mystro, Mr. Scruff and Roots Manuva and loads more including a ton of Joker Starr and Micall Parknsun exclusive material.

Check it out here and now.

'Northborough Estate Project' - Joker Starr (mixtape review)

YNR entrusted him with the opening track on their label showpiece ‘Feeding Time At The Zoo’ and listening to ‘Northborough Estate Project’ it’s easy to tell why. Joker has upped his game – nothing you have heard can have prepared you for what surely is one of the best releases so far this year.

Officially it’s a mixtape but it does feature full tracks with original production as well as verses over pilfered beats - the former truly stand out. Some heads may not be ready for Starr’s flow which switches without warning from hyperactive to lethargic but this is what makes this charismatic MC truly stand out from the pack.

The unique delivery walks hand in hand with the enigmatic subject matter, whether he’s painting a picture of life in his Slough estate, likening himself to a toreador, talking about the booze or paying the bills Joker Starr makes rap music you want to listen to, like, so you’re actually hearing and hanging on to every word he’s saying.

With production from Beat Butcha, Dan Solo, G-Man, Keith Lawrence, Ahmos and Soliheen, guest raps from Genesis Elijah, Jehst and Micall Parknsun amongst others and an intro from the Gangstarr man himself, Guru, this is a CD worth your £7.99 (from Suspect Packages) – and I’m really endorsing this one, it’s just so flippin’ refreshing to hear Rap that manages to be fun and serious all at once.

Click here for all the rest of the Joker Starr stuff I've posted - there are free tracks!

'Feeding Time At The Zoo' - YNR Productions (album review)

Here's my (un-edited) review of YNR's 'Feeding Time At The Zoo', originally written for and published in HHC Digital 002, it was their album of the month:

What with UK Rap and its Marmite status, this release will probably provoke one of two reactions: “Yawn, backpack rap - boring” or “Finally some decent Hip Hop in this Grime-addled scene”. I’m going to imagine you’re of that second opinion: after all, you’re not reading this in Angling Times.

The new and improved roster of friends and family proves YNR have adapted and are managing to maintain their alpha male status - their music is testament to this. Jehst and co. have a renewed vigour and confidence (no, not swagger) that their wares are exactly the shot in the arm that UK Hip Hop needs. And it is, pretty much.

Beats come from the likes of Beat Butcha, Chemo and DJ IQ who all provide bumpy, progressive productions that still hark back to those beloved golden days and Kashmere, Sir Smurf Lil’, Joker Starr, Mystro, Kyza, Micall Parknsun, Jack Flash and Cappo all feature over its 15 tracks.

The non-Londoners put in sterling work with SonnyJim and Kelakovski’s ‘Flying To The Moon’ proving to be a stand out and Double D Dagger’s track being sure to appeal to Hip Hop and Grime fans alike. Dubbledge’s ‘Alphabets’ is comically maverick whereas Verb T’s ‘Overworked’ is on a serious tip. Each beast represents his own breed and it's ‘Feeding Time At The Zoo’ - these animals are hungry!

HHC also put up a free download of Micall Parknsun's 'Today' so if you've not bagged that yet, then do! 'Feeding Time At The Zoo' will be released on 25th May on the YNR Productions label.

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!