October part 2:

yOyO

We back up in here.. stretching over to early November So Part 2 begins on the back of great day in history. I never thought I’d be alive to see something so historic and In truth a little bit of me thought they couldn’t do it. Now after rightly giving that pessimistic side of me a big of slap, my faith is restored in a nation that hopefully has more liberal times a head. A change of mood is healthy like a change of food. so respect for the American people for making it happen.

On that note I heard Will-I-AM has written a song dedicated to Obama’s victory. Come on people do we really need to hear from every Tom, Dick and Will on who they voted for so they can capitalize on his win and only cheapen it?...blaaaaa
Anyway enough of that and on to some good shizzzzzzzzz:

Lewis Parker - Big Siesta

I heard Eminem is finding his lost mic and dropping a new album December. Honestly to tell the truth it’s a mixed feeling. Like many I grew up listening to ‘Slim Shady’ and ‘Forgot About Dre’ while mum was away and I suppose what I’m really hungry for is some angry Marshall Mathers but after recent disappointments I’m starting not to care. Although saying that in-charge of production is beat legend Premier - news that seriously sweetens the LP’s anticipation. Fingers crossed.

After the recent death of his good friend J-Dilla, Busta Rythmes drops ‘Dilla-Gence’ an emotional album that sees Busta step back to his roots spiting over some classic JD tracks. Some R.I.P dedications can fall short or sound corny but this is Busta hanging up his commercial suit, if for a minute, and in his own words returning to ‘real Hip Hop’. The result is a straight flavoursome collaboration and another reminder of the Legacy Detroit’s finest left behind.

On the Detroit front did you know the city was the birthplace of techno? Yeah scarp that but on a level what it did provide us with was some great artists like Amp Fiddler, Black Milk, Slum Village, Eminem, Royce Da’59” and Illa J (baby bro of J-Dilla) to name a few. So obviously a few more reasons to visit 8 mile. There’s also a nice article in November’s Hip Hop Connection about the city and interviews with all the above that’s well worth a butchers.

Mobb Deep - Shook ones (Sigur Ros remix)

Last September Murs dropped a new album ‘Murs for president’. If you haven’t heard about this boi your kinda missing out people. With previously dope albums produced by 9th Wonder like ‘Murray’s Revenge’ and ‘3:16’, he makes the sort of laid back, lyrical music you can munch anytime to. Here’s one of my fav’s.

Murs - 1st Love

Shout to UK:

First up is Ghost. The follow up to his EP ‘Ghost Stories’ and the super chilled ‘Seldom Seen Often Heard’, which by the way is one of the best recent UK albums going, the beat maker returns with a second installment entitled ‘Freedom of Thought’. After hearing some of his new stuff it’s clear he has many strings to his violin so expect something completely different this time round. To wet your appetite check the ghost classic ‘Exactly’ feat Asaviour and Verb t of his debut.

http://www.myspace.com/musicbyghost

It’s all going Savvy for Asaviour also of late.The Huddelsfield heavyweight strong off the back of his ‘Play to win mixtapes vol.1 and vol.2’ and debut ‘Borrowed Ladder’ has blessed us again with the ‘A Loop Theory mixtape’ on free download in preparation for his highly anticipated new album ‘A Loop Theory’. The mixtape (check the myspace for freeness) has some tasty Flying Lotus and Skream freestyles while the LP sees him team up with old bredwin DJ IQ for the mix. From what I’ve heard it’s really experimental branching across all genres like electro, grime, jazz, Hip Hop and even rock. Get the freeness and get hungry.

http://www.myspace.com/asaviourmusic

Asaviour - Homecoming

Seeing as DJ Mentat is on the cover of the 10th anniversary addition of Big Smoke (shameless plug) I thought I’d take you bac

k to one of my Mentat favourites ‘When I Give My Heart’ feat Skinnyman. Enjoy.

After ‘The Experience’, Kyza’s ‘Brand New Second Hand’ out February is probably one of the most anticipated follow up’s for a while. I probably havn’t been this excited since girls where allowed to join my six form. And with his once a week free downloads of Kyza freestyles on existing instrumentals and the mixtape ‘Shots of Smirnoff’ (dented records) dropping soon, the hunger is only set to get stronger. ‘Missing’ freestyle is straight ill, as is ‘Wonderful World’. If you’ve missed any just follow link and you’ll see what I mean.

http://www.myspace.com/saysoseddso
www.reverbnation.com/saysoseddso

Monkey Journey to West...... Exciting maverick Opera telling an old Chinese fable, from Damian Albarn so expect .....well I don't know what to expect, and that's the nang thing about seeing it! One of the Big nights out of '08.

Both indie and hip-hop in the UK are outlets for opinio

n and rebellion so the scenes aren’t galaxies apart as the indust

ry might have us think. Step forward Mongrel, a collaboration which is attempting to merge the two identities and their different cultures under one unique banner, confronting themes that manufactured music wouldn’t dare face. The project is the brainchild of former Arctic Monkeys’ bassist Andy Nicholson and the band includes other members from the Arctic Monkeys, Babyshambles and Reverend and the Makers. Solidifying the joint is UK lyricist Lowkey. An artist that has been on the scene for more the a minute, as a member of notorious Poisonous Poets he needs little introduction. 

Mongrel promises to be conscious music and rebellious expression whilst still holding the original British flava, ensuring that they aren’t just not another gimmick band jumping on the political wagon but a group well worth lending an ear. 

For tasty tasters of mongrel material along with Lowkey exclusive freestyles hunt down the free cd on November's HHC or pun the myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/wearemongrel

Following on from ‘High Fidelity’ Melanin 9 drops a new album ‘144,00’. With its dark and gritty beats is what you’ve come to expect form one 1/3 of Triple Darkness. Saying that ‘Anthemia’ Triple Darkness' debut reminds me of the Mob Deep 'Murda Muzik' release. Both Solid releases.

http://www.myspace.com/tripledark
www.mypace.com/m9ine

M9 - Strange Fruit

Triple Darkness 

K-delight has new shizzy out. The Brighton boi is becoming somewhat of a veteran with his recognizable kick and snare. His beats are dustier then racks of vinyl of which they were sampled and the sort of tracks that get heavy rotation on the breakdancing circuit.Check, check!

www.myspace.com/kdelight

Part 2 has to be dedicated to the boys making up the Speakers Corner Quartet. Headed by Flute legend Biscuit who you might remember from LG & Biscuit’s super dope album ‘Smoke Rings’, the group craft psychedelic sounds with timing that complements reckless perfection. A funk soul quartet on dunks they’re a new reason to appreciate the power of live music freestyled. Regulars at Jazz café, QEH and Royal Festival Hall and having worked alongside talent like Soweto Kinch, David Okumu,Jehst, DJ Vadim, Immortal Technique to name a few their something quite special in the happening. I’ve seen them a couple of times now, and you can see them for cheap or free on guestlist so hit their myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/speakerscornerquartet

http://www.myspace.com/lgandbiscuit

Finally but not lastly:

Finished a piece on Sarah Love the other night. If you don’t know get to know. She’s one of the most knowledgeable dj’s we own and a big supporter of homegrown. As the first female to be nominated for a MOBO in the club DJ category, It’s refreshing to see a female hold her own weight and settle the testosterone in a male dominated scene. With her Friday morning flavours 2-6am 1exta show and mix cd dropping on the high water music label, She’s as hot as the music she drops. Go check!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/sarahlove/

Going out or just looking to give me a slap, check the flyers for a satisfaction:

Wow that was satisfying….Till late November people – peace x

P.S -Be contributing to UKHH.COM soon so go check the website.

October Part 1

yOyO

Ok so its August since I brought fresh flava to your ear…but If you thought I was stopping these shinanighans then you were more mistaken then that time you thought peanutbutta and jam went together.
October’s been a busy month. So far I’ve hit Blak Twang's album Launch party, baby J's BABYFOOD tour and dropped my mouth several times at the craziness that is the UK BBOY Championships. Russia won btw (photos of event soon), not to mention finishing several reviews and articles for Big Smoke.

So seeing as I’ve withheld a monthly dose, this post is coming in two parts - you can thank me later - Less ranting, although I still wanna murder the next fassy that offers me a London Lite, and more of the good sheezy. Enjoy:

 Rakim - When I'm on the Mic

I’ve gotta dedicate Part 1 to Kevin Mark Trail. Straight up one of the UK’s finest voices,  you where first introduced to him on The Streets ‘Original Pirate Material’ from there he’s dropped the ridiculously soulful album ‘Just living’ along with EP ‘Sketches’. The man makes music to improve your sex life people. Seriously if your lacking in chat, pop on ‘breathless’ and your on your way to making babies. His conscious lyrics on tracks like ‘Vibe’ and ‘Ego City’ also illustrate a man of substance and serve as another reminder of real talent not being recognized by the majors. He’s currently touring with The Streets so go check!

http://www.myspace.com/kevinmarktrail

On that note The Streets new album 'Everything is borrowed' is tip top and everything you expected from the previous Mercury Music Award winners. With better production and all round material then the last flop, its more mature and upbeat. Trust, this is The Streets back to perfect simplicity and a reason why Mike Skinner is so unique. The track 'Escapist' stands out. 

Loving the video to Common’s new tune 'Universal mind control' featuring Pharrell. It’s the first single taken of album numero eight of the same name. Said to be electro-tinged and tech-inspired the release has been pushed back till December 9th. Chi-towns finest has come along way since debuting back in ‘92 with ‘can I borrow a dollar’ and although for me hasn’t made anything better then 'Like Water for Chocolate' (although 'Resurrection' was close) I’m still counting down the days till release. Fingers crossed. 

Another heavyweight, Mr. Retirement, Jay-Z, has got a new album ‘Blueprint 3’ dropping the 2nd of same month. Produced solely by Kanye West I’m really hoping It doesn’t feature Lil Wayne(although no doubt it will) and that I get more for my pennies then 'American Gangster', which was about as exciting as Monday Mornings.

'Hungry?..... Should have gone to picklesandpeanutbutta.blogspot.com'

I’ve been trying to reignite my obsession with Radio shows. Hunting the FM Frequencies again for the exclusive DJ slots takes you back to the Reebok classic and Ben Sherman days, when armed with a tape recorder as your bible you’d religiously stay up for Shortie Blitz, Heartless Crew and yes Tim Westwood. Now it’s all different, with so many ways of listening to radio the choice is more diverse then choosing a curry on brick lane!
I know 1extra first comes to mind, but seeing as it's digital there’s still something quite nice about driving through the city in a midnight haze tuning into the FM late night riddems.

Apart from everything and anytime on Rinse FM I still love Kiss late night madness. Seek DJ MK for fresh UK Hip Hop Thursday 9-11 pm , Sindan for Dope beats Thursday 1-2am and winners of the Kiss pirate clash, the jokers, Dangerous Minds Crew for nang grime Tuesday 1-2am.

For the best radio on the web you need to hit up Suspect Packages Radio hosted by Disorda and The Last Skeptik’s scrumptious Dusty Crates Radio show:

http://dustycratesradio.blogspot.com

http://www.suspect-packages.com

Shout out to UK:

Off Corse reppin’ for the UK Sway’s ‘The Signature LP’ and Kano’s ‘101 Grime Street’ are both released this month. And while they’re both better then good (see Kano's 'Hustler' video) for me two other cats have overshadowed both their releases - Evil Ed’s ‘The Get Together’ and Baby J’s ‘Baby Food’. Check out my reviews in current issue of Big Smoke for further details. But simply put, both LP’s are the illest Hip Hop this side of Pluto. Video’s of 'Ruffnek set the trend' and 'Wake Up' taken from Babyfood.

www.myspace.com/babyjenterprises
www.myspace.com/eviledtheenthusiast

Legend Blak Twang has also returned to form with new album ‘Speaking form Xperience’ which is well worth a butchers.
www.myspace.com/blaktwang

MILLION DAN has also released a high-octane banger of an album named 'Spectrum' which is well worth lending an ear, and tying in with this months release of the solo debut I'm taking you back to when he was dropping hotness in 89 as mike J of Demon Boys around the same time as the infamous London Posse . Check the video, Check the sound.

www.myspace.com/milliondan

Tracks you need:

Busty Signal- Tic Toc

Santo gold I’m a lady – Diplo remix (video)

M.I.A swagger like this featuring jay-z, T.I, Lil Wayne

Nas ‘Black President and Hero off new album ‘untitled’

Lykee Li - breaking up

Going out? Come find me at:

FWD vs RINSE : Grime - Dubstep - Funky House. 24th October at the End. 

Featuring Boy Better Know, Skream, Benga, Geeneus, Kode 9, Youngsta, N Type, Platician and others I'm preparing a big bag of medication.

http://WWW.RINSE.FM/

Sir Smurf Lil ‘A New Bloodline’ album launch Wednesday 22nd October at Rhythm Factory.

Hosted by Yungun, it will include support from Jehst, Dubbledge, Triple Darkness and Micall Parksun and with Mr Thing and DJ IQ on the one’s and two’s its set to be messy. Yes sir! 

Also, Grandmaster flash hits London’s paper nightclub 25th October.

Well that’s’ it for Part 1, see you end of month for delicious seconds. Don’t forget to check Big Smoke Magazine.
http://www.myspace.com/bigsmokemagazine

Oh and remember its all about Pickles and Peanutbutta.

Peace!

Kano - Hustler

Common - Universal Mind Control

August 08

YoYo

Firstly apologises for my disappearing act last month. Just move down to the concrete jungle and in between securing a part-time job, saving rent and joining various projects mans been busy get me! But don’t worry, in response I’ve got a supa munch for your listening pleasure.

First off though who the Fuck made Lil Wayne the future of Hip Hop, I’m not hating, well I am but it’s not that I’m even brewing from the wackness of his music but more of the fact that he’s destroyed my love for Lollipops. Stop slurring your words blud. Dick.

Oh and if Mr Mayor wants more peeps using public transport can he buy all those mofo’s playing music loud on their phone a master class on using headphones. After a monotonous Monday the last thing I need is a distorted grime riddem. I don’t like your music gremlin neither does anyone else for that matter, so why must you make my ears bleed, I should return the favour and do a Van Goff on your ass. If they want to play real music they should log on to Picklesandpeanutbutta/blogspot.com and get learning. Word!

Before we get started check out how young Andre 3000 and Big Boi look in this classic Outkast 'Players Ball':

 

Right first up we have CHORDS. I was introduced to this rhyming fiend by my man Thaddeuspuck (http://www.myspace.com/thaddeuspuck). The Swedish rapper is straight up Dope people, mixing thought provoking rhymes with off-the wall humour. I can’t get enough of ‘Luckiest Man Alive’ and ‘Appetite for Consumption’ feat Timbuktu both taken form his new second album ‘Things We Do For Things’. And following further research I found Sweden has a few more gems. Loop Troop Rockers made up of Supreme, Embee and Promoe have just dropped a new album ‘Good Things’ and if ‘The Building’ or Promoe's own solo releases are anything to go by, the LP is set to make waves. 

(check videos below)

I hear Dr Dre is finishing his much-anticipated sequel to ‘2001’ entitled ‘Retox’. Featuring Nas, Jay-z and Lil Wayne (yuk) and sampling heavily on live drums I hope 8 years in the making is worth the wait.

Now each blog entry I represent talent from the UK and the last couple of months has been no different with the scene making some serious noise.

Prose made up of Steady and rapper Efeks are a crew you need to lend an ear to. Reppin’ from South London with a Leeds connection the duo are proving that poetic flow over oldskool beats is still the best recipe. Dare I say their mixtape 

‘Boom Bap Bootleg’ is the best sliced bread this year, made from the same substance as Jehst’s ‘Alcoholic Author’ and Taskforce’s ‘Music from the corner’ sagas http://www.myspace.com/prosebbp

Had a cheeky chat with Kyza (formerly of Terra Firma) at Breakin Bread, Jazz Café the other night. He informed me that he and Klasnekoff haven’t spoken in two years! Thats a real Shame, I was enjoying the possibility of more Terra Firma music but he promised his own mixtape was dope and finished, as well as a second album close to completion later in the year. Entitled? – it was loud and I had a few so fuck knows if I can remember. I‘ll keep you posted.

Oh and if you havn't got Kyza's first album 'The Experience' there's something wrong in your head! 

Another UK heavyweight finishing his new album is Blak Twang. ‘Speaking from Xperience’ features Estelle, Toy, Sway and k9, amongst others and is due 29th September. Seeing as one of my favourite UK tracks of all time is ‘U know’ I still have faith in Toni Rotten to bless us with some niceness.

Kano new album ‘104 Grime Street’ set for 29th September.

And finally been going to a lot of spoken word recently. With Hip-Hop's foundations steming from spoken word it's an area of literature that surprises and impresses. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but you should really consider changing your brew! Check these word mavericks:

Polar Bear 

http://www.myspace.com/polarbearspoken

(Favourite: Straight Outta Compton and Seven Thirty)

2 Tru Deep 

http://www.myspace.com/2trudeep

Some dope tracks and albums you need in your life:

Tracks:

Snook & Veronica Maggio ft. Petter - Inga Problem

Mattix feat Flutebox 

(appearing at Shoreditch festival) - things have changed. http://www.myspace.com/nathanfluteboxlee

Albums:

Akala - Freedom Lasso.

Nemesis and Arrogance - lend me your ear

Ghost - Seldom Seen but often Heard

C-Mone - Butterfly Effect

Recently reviewed artists:

Rox

http://www.myspace.com/roxmusik

Neon Neon - debut album 'Stainless style' nominated for '08 Mercury award. 

http://www.myspace.com/neonx2

Remember to check for my articles and interviews amongst others in the new issue of BIG SMOKE magazine released end of August. 10th Anniversary edition gonna be big!

See you next month!