Organix #1: 'Summer Holidays'

This is Organix, set up by Simple Samples boys Dweller and Scrabble, and who better to explain Organix than Dweller himself?

"Basically, I want to let MCs download a beat from my site, and they are given a certain amount of time to write lyrics over a topic decided by us. For example, write so many bars about where in the UK you are from and what it is like.

There will be a scoreboard up and points will be given for sick stuff, when all the rhymes are in we will film a vid of them and people in the room will listen to it etc. All entries will be available as a mixed mp3 avaibly shortly after for free download."

Nice concept eh? Well check the vid and see whose verse you think is best. Choose between Mal, Beit Nun, 777, Dweller, Suicyde, Joe D, Trick and Scrabble and then head on over to the Organix myspace to cast your vote and to check out the beat for the second installment - you could even get involved!

'Colours' - Beit Nun & Illskilz (EP review)

The first thing that struck me about ‘Colours’ by Beit Nun and Illskilz is a new-found positivity. This 9 track release really lives up to its title and as it’s playing time is just shy of 25 minutes, it’s an ideal blast of optimism for anyone.

‘A Good Year’ features a whole host of like-minded MCs and is a perfect tune for this time of year. ‘Summertime’ is not your average summer track – Beit chats hilariously about the ups and downs of the season over a west coast style laidback banger – “It’s the hottest day since records began, We getting’ a tan, But us Brits reckon that if you’re puttin’ on lotion you’re less of a man, And so we burn and turn red, peel and blister but it’s worth it, ‘til it hurts ya to get in the bath”.

Love song ‘Leave me Here’ features partner in rhyme 777 and is an honest walk through the minds of men devoted to living life with his partner through the peaks and the troughs – there are not many rappers brave enough to be this truthful (without making us all feel sick!).

We mustn’t forget the man behind the boards on this lovely little piece of work – dutch producer, Illskilz. His very professional sounding, largely cheery production really suits Beit’s new outlook on life – this boy has skills, watch out for him.

‘Colours' was released digitally on 29th December 2008 and the limited edition CD release date is 26 January 2009. You can get it from Amazon.