'On The Radar Vol. 5' Artist Profile - DJ Roast (+ free download)

Name: DJ Roast

Age: 29

From: London to Cornwall to Brighton to Australia to London now Bournemouth

Track on ‘On The Radar’: 'Trading Darts' feat Cyrus Malachi

Tell us the story behind the track: I DJ for Phoenix Da Icefire, Triple Darkness and Orphans of Cush. Cyrus is the first guy I linked with from the cliques. Him and his daughter were at my yard and I played him the track. He said it reminded him of that battle rap boom bap ish and he said he had something for it. A week laterr it was laced. He’s my favourite MC in the UK alongside Phoenix right now.

Record label: Cuttin Fine Records (my label)

Who you roll with: Triple Darkness/Phoenix da Icefire/OOC/Triggs Vega

Favourite album: Pharcyde - 'Bizarre ride to the Pharcyde' or Diamond D - 'Stunts, Blunts 'n' Hip Hop'

Describe your style in three words: Funk, scratch, random.

Past/Present/Future projects: Phoenix da Icefire 'Baptism Under Fire', 'Cuttin It Fine' (debut album), a project with producer Cheebo and an EP with Triggs Vega and a mix-tape with M9 - look out 2010!

Download all of 'On The Radar Vol. 5' here and now!

Skandal Gets The Independent's Album of the Week

A big CB round of applause goes to Skandal (who featured on the first 'On The Radar'!) who last week had The Independent's album of the week. If you've not already bought this then read my review, read these quotes from other people in the know and then follow the links to buy it for yourself:

"Album Of The Week" - The Independent
"Brilliant..." - Huw Stephens - Radio One
"Promises to satisfy those starving for some straight up spittage" Rwd Mag
"Forward thinking" - Time Out Magazine
"Superb" [MONEY SHOT] 4/5 - DJ Mag
"Skandal eats up each riddim with ease" - IDJ
"Remember the name..." ATM
"Im a fan" - Shortee Blitz - Kiss
"If you wanna know how to spit, take a listen to my boy" - DJ 279 - Choice FM

Download now at iTunes, Amazon.co.uk or Play.com. The physical CD can be bought at UK Record Shop or http://www.suspect-packages.com/.

Phoenix Da Icefire Launch Party Next Monday

When: Monday, December 7, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Where: 55 NEAL STREET, LONDON, COVENT, WC2H 9LL

Carhartt is hosting a special one off event at its Neal Street store in Covent Garden, London.

Alongside an exclusive performance from the man himself Phoenix Da Icefire will be: Triple Darkness and The IRS plus extra special guests Cappo & Endemic - performing tracks from their 'Needle Drop' E.P! Charlee Brown and ('On The Radar Vol. 5' artist) DJ Roast will spin and Kingpin will host.

** Free Drinks will be provided by Mean Time Brewery **

Bristol's Finest - Skateboarding + Hip Hop

Sidewalk magazine are featuring the best of skaters from the Bristol area in the December edition. The magazine will come with a FREE DVD of footage with the accompanied by a soundtrack of Bristol music artists. Artists included are Stig of the Dump, Tough Touch Productions, Lowercase, Jon Kennedy, Se Fire, K*Ners, Sir Beans O.B.E and Malakai. There will be 53,000 cover-mounted copies available with December’s edition of Sidewalk Magazine (the U.K’s leading Skate-culture magazine).

You should be able to pick up your copy from all good newsagents, 50-50 stores and Skate Cafes Nationwide. To order your copy on-line: http://sidewalkmag.com

Showing at the Watershed – Bristol – 12th December 2009

Bristol’s Finest a scene DVD from Fifty-Fifty, Bristol in Bloom and Skate cafe is premiering at Bristol’s Watershed Cinema on Saturday December 12th. With footage from Matt ‘Boyo’ Williams, Andy Makepeace, Nicky Howells, Korahn Gayle and many more from Bristol.

'On The Radar Vol. 5' Artist Profile - Mr. Flex (+ free download)

Name: Mr Flex AKA Lyrical Agent

Age: Unknown

From: Vulcan via Wembley

Track on ‘On The Radar’: ‘Nothing to Prove’ featuring Sophie Rose Harper and produced by Beat Butcha

Tell us the story behind the track: Got the beat over a year ago. Came up with lyrics and concept pretty much straight away. As it was my first solo joint, I wanted to tell my story, and give people an introduction to myself. Been rapping for years now, doing open mics and reaching everything and anything Hip Hop related in London. I live this Hip Hop ting, and I hope this track portrays this. Originally I was going to try and sing the hook myself but after a few attempts I decided I’m no singer! For the hook I was looking for a certain sound, and tried a few singers, but it just never sounded right. So I put an ad on gumtree, and that’s how I found Sophie Rose Harper. (www.myspace.com/sophieroseharper) Checked out her myspace, and really liked what I heard. I gave her an idea of what I wanted the hook to say, and she took that on board and came up with a heavy hook. Such a beautiful voice and she was very professional too. I plan to shoot a video for it in 2010 and I hear the track is no 1 on the Vulcan music charts at the moment! Live long and prosper!

Record label: none

Who you roll with: Chosen Spokesmen (Blick Kid, Danger da Sergeant, Modulation, Gadget Boy) Risk Beats, 10 Foot, DJ 456 Urban Flex Show. Kashmere always show me love too.

Favourite album: OC - ‘Jewelz’

Describe your style in three words: Ruff, Rugged and Raw.

Past/Present/Future projects:
Past: ‘Mad Real’ Produced by Chemo which was on OTR 4.
Present: Just applying the finishing touches to my EP untitled as yet.
Future: Chosen Spokesmen Mix Tape/album, just started recording for this, got beats from Kelakovski at the moment. Look out for a track called ‘More Money’ ft. Blick Kid coming early in 2010.

Much Love Mr Flex

Download all of 'On The Radar Vol. 5' here and now!

Knew Jeru'slum feature on Coast 2 Coast mixtape!

Look who features alongside Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Wale, Snoop Dogg and more - it's West Yorkshire's very own Knew Jeru'slum with their track 'Non-apologetix' featuring Manchild. The mixtape is hosted by Wale and features fresh US Hip Hop with the Jerus' track being the only UK track on there this month. Good one boys! Proud of ya!

You can download it for free now. Look out for more features from the Don't Talk To Strangers camp on this mixtape series soon.

'The Digital Revolution Vol. 4' - VA (free download)

I'm criminally late with this one and most of you will probably already have heard this but I've gotta show support for this so will post it up.

As usual Tricksta does his thing and features artists Skandal, LATE, TB, Iron Braydz, Mr. Drastick, Scorzayzee, Big Cakes, Reload, Deadly and more.

Big Cakes hosts and you should also know that he has a free to download mixtape out right now too called 'Money Talks... So Listen'. It features production from the likes of Rainmayqah, Morfius, Kilinikal, Grade, VLM, K Nite, Asaviour, Micall Parknsun, Tricksta and Del Boy as well as collaborations with Dalmighty Ego, Raggo Zulu Rebel, Cocotone and TB.

(for 'Digital Revolution Vol. 4')

'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.

'On The Radar Vol. 5' Artist Profile - Chattabox & Rick Fury (+ free download)

Name: Chattabox & Rick Fury of Dialect

Age: Mid 20s crisis

From: South Shields, North East, Great Britain

Track on ‘On The Radar’: ‘Bucket Of Spit’

Tell us the story behind the track: After Dialect released their second album ‘D.Day’, Chattabox and Rick Fury decided to do a side project called ‘Mastablasta’ this features some production from Peta Max but most is from outside the Dialect camp. Also some special guest spots from MCs around the country. This will be out early 2010!

Record label: 1984

Who you roll with: Lowercase, Milestone, Rola, Skruffz, The Projekt, Textoffenders, Mav Sabre, IRS, Stig of the Dump etc etc

Favourite album: The Band ‘The Last Waltz’ and Wu-Tang ‘36 chambers’

Describe your style in three words: MINT AS F**K

Past/Present/Future projects:
PAST:
2006: ‘Dialect’ (self titled)
2008: Rick Fury –‘ Mis 20’S Crisis
PRESENT:
2009: Dialect – ‘D.DAY’ ft. Vast Aire, Copywrite, IRS
FUTURE:
2010: Chattabox & Lowercase – ‘Hard Graft’
2010: Rick Fury – Full Belt
2010: Chattabox Solo
2010: SEP 5 – THE S. EP
2010: Chatta, LowercaseE & Milestone – The Swamps EP

All albums can or will be available from www.myspace.com/dialecthiphop get updated via the facebook fan page www.facebook.com/pages/DIALECT/35258217140

Download all of 'On The Radar Vol. 5' here and now!

'On The Radar Vol. 5' Available Now! (free download)

‘On The Radar Volume 5’ is the fifth and final in Certified Banger’s series of free-to-download compilations of up-and-coming UK Hip Hop. Since the first one dropped on 30th November 2008 the series has gone from strength to strength with over 80 tracks of British Rap music being given away for free and with the final instalment that total will be in excess of 100 tracks in the space of a year!

With some new faces joining some of our regular artists ‘OTR Vol. 5’ ensures that the series goes out on a high note – or with a bang. Remaining true to the original vision this volume seeks to showcase some of the newest talent in the UK alongside a few more of our established acts as well as those who have already begun to gain some recognition in this underground scene.

Once again the music comes from all over the country with representatives from Northumbria, Yorkshire, London, the Midlands and elsewhere providing their music free of charge for your listening pleasure!

Make sure you check the ‘comments’ section of each track’s tag for more information about the artists and the tracks. Keep your peelers on www.certifiedbanger.co.uk also for interviews, features and more free music from the artists involved. Remember that, without you, the listener, our scene cannot survive – if you’re feeling an artist find out how you can give them pounds in exchange for their music – support them with your cash, it can’t all be free!

1. Chima Anya - Drinks Up (produced by Raul Supreme)
2. Homeless Genius - Plug One ft. Eddie Skratch (produced by Miss Tofelees)
3. Missing People - Bradford to Leeds (produced by ExP)
4. Suus - Top 40 (produced by Pro P)
5. Dialect - Bucket of Spit (produced by A.D.S.)
6. Kirk Spencer - Clap Your Hands ft. Scorzayzee, Jah Digga, Tempa & Lee Ramsey
7. Kasha - Round and Round We Go (produced by Chris Lock)
8. DJ Roast - Trading Darts ft. Cyrus Malachi
9. Reps - Stepping Up (produced by OSTR)
10. C-Lone – Friends (produced by MCM)
11. Preest – Paranoid (produced by Arcitech)
12. Mr. Flex - Nothing To Prove ft. Sophie Rose (produced by Beat Butcha)
13. Delusionists - The Low (produced by Ben Black)
14. S.Kalibre - All Day (produced by Mike S)
15. Teef – Rush (produced by Errol Farquah)
16. Chief Wigz - Don’t Want Much ft. Proptic (produced by Brutal Artistry)
17. Amass Hegemony - Cinematic Visuals (produced by Illskilz)
18. Franko Fraize - Blood of the Earth (produced by DJ IC)
19. 30KB - My Vote (produced by Article10)
20. No-Change – Wonderful (produced by Mike D)
21. Illmystic - Life’s An Outing (produced by Risk)



(alternative link)

'On The Radar Vol. 5' Artist Profile - Franko Fraize (+ free download)

Name: Franko Fraize

Age: 24

From: Thetford

Track on ‘On The Radar’: 'Blood of the Earth'

Tell us the story behind the track: The track was a little track we made for Chronicredeye’s up coming project ‘Ruffneck Interlect’. DJ IC made the beat and me and Lyrical T went in on a Wu vibe. The tracks got a nice rugged Hip Hop vibe that gets a good reaction when we perform it live.

Record label: I'm currently putting out releases via an Independent Label called ‘Hoodlem’.

Who you roll with: I roll with the main DJ/producer DJ IC. He is the man who runs Coldbeatz studio in Thetford. Lyrical T is my main partner in crime. TBone is another prodcer/singer in the camp and is gonna do a lot in 2010. I also roll with people like Chronicredeye and DPF, DJ Scotty as well as people we are bringing through on the Label like Trackz, Kid dot T, Happy. Also people like Grayz and Azza B id defiantly call family.

Favourite album: My favourite album is probably 'Council Estate Of Mind' by Skinnyman. This is an album that really inspired me, both lyrically and as a full album. It’s a complete package. I cant say many other albums have been as important to me as this one.

Describe your style in three words: Tempo, Specialist, Barer

Past/Present/Future projects: I am currently working on a free download which I’m planning to release at the end of 2009/start of 2010. This is to go hand in hand with my radio show that I do with DJ IC called ‘The 140 show’. After that I plan to record a full length album which I don’t want to rush out. That’s slowly coming together.

At the moment I have a release called ‘Something In The Making’ which features Lyrical T. this has been out a few months and is selling really well. You can cop it from Suspect Packages.

Links –
140 show – www.livestream.com/dddnb
www.myspace.com/frankofraize

'On The Radar Vol. 5' Coming Soon!

1. Chima Anya - Drinks Up (produced by Raul Supreme)
2. Homeless Genius - Plug One ft. Eddie Skratch (produced by Miss Tofelees)
3. Missing People - Bradford to Leeds (produced by ExP)
4. Suus - Top 40 (produced by Pro P)
5. Dialect - Bucket of Spit (produced by A.D.S.)
6. Kirk Spencer - Clap Your Hands ft. Scorzayzee, Jah Digga, Tempa & Lee Ramsey
7. Kasha - Round and Round We Go (produced by Chris Lock)
8. DJ Roast - Trading Darts ft. Cyrus Malachi
9. Reps - Stepping Up (produced by OSTR)
10. C-Lone – Friends (produced by MCM)
11. Preest – Paranoid (produced by Arcitech)
12. Mr. Flex - Nothing To Prove ft. Sophie Rose (produced by Beat Butcha)
13. Delusionists - The Low (produced by Ben Black)
14. S.Kalibre - All Day (produced by Mike S)
15. Teef – Rush (produced by Errol Farquah)
16. Chief Wigz - Don’t Want Much ft. Proptic (produced by Brutal Artistry)
17. Amass Hegemony - Cinematic Visuals (produced by Illskilz)
18. Franko Fraize - Blood of the Earth (produced by DJ IC)
19. 30KB - My Vote (produced by Article10)
20. No-Change – Wonderful (produced by Mike D)
21. Illmystic - Life’s An Outing (produced by Risk)

Head back over here on Monday to download this!

Mr Krum's Podcast Episode Two

Check out Mr. Krum's latest mixtape for some vinyl based, funky funk, old school Hip Hop and good ol' crackle all dug from the crates of various charity shops and the like.

I don't have a tracklist and don't recognise anything on it so I'm pretty useless on the information front this time... sorry!

Check it here at his interesting and informative blog.

'On The Radar Vol. 5' Artist Profile - Homeless Genius (+ free download)

Name: Homeless Genius (Miss Tofelees and 3Demonz)

Age: 3Demonz – 26 and Miss Tofelees – google me and you might find out!

From: Huddersfield/Leeds, Wakefield

Track on ‘On The Radar’: ‘Plug One’ featuring Eddie Skratch

Tell us the story behind the track: This has been a long labour of love. 3Demonz originally came up with the idea of celebrating the talent in West Yorkshire. It started off with a freestyle drunk at Miss Tofelees’ house! We found that we really gelled and many ideas for songs were spawned. The vocals got recorded by Brutal Artistry. Then we had to find a good DJ for some amazing cuts. DJ veteran Eddie Skratch was approached and he was feeling the track so much he got involved. The track has received so much positive feedback from many leading artists and is the perfect introduction of Homeless Genius to the world.

Record label: 3Demonz – Don’t Talk to Strangers.

Who you roll with:
3Demonz: Homeless Genius and the Don’t Talk to Strangers Fam.
Miss Tofelees: Homeless Genius and I spread my wings – there are so many good artists I work with – too many to mention, but they know who they are.

Favourite album: We love music – there are so many talented artists creating so many beautiful songs we cannot narrow it down to one.

Describe your style in three words: Intelligent, Entertaining, Passionate

Past/Present/Future projects: ‘Plug One’ is the first tune by Homeless Genius. We are a great team so watch out for an EP and album during 2010.

Skandal Launch Party Tonight!

This sounds like a good do - get down and support!