Wednesday 31 December 2008

"You Can't Chat To Me About The High-Road, Back Then I Was Moving Psycho"

I don't know. New Year's always comes as a bit of an anti-climax. Building up for a new start, expectations of a new dawn. It never turns out like that though; a nasty hang-over and other fuckery that suggests the same as always.

Fuck it though. January 1st is just a day that follows 31st December; time's relentless move forward. I'm currently listening to Kano's This Is The Girl though so the disillusionment is slightly allieved. Remember when the tune adorned the front page of the 679 Recordings website? When Vectra used to play it so often that you thought 'London Town' would be the real deal?

Logan's show last Monday sums up '08 really. He may have had glazed eyes during his retrospective look on grime last year, I don't know. But remembering particular moments of last year perfectly, and then its start seeming like ages ago, is a bit odd. I feel a bit ashamed with my preoccupations of Rolex-sweeping, which eclipsed the brilliant Dark from early '08. I only forgot about the tune after deleting the radio rip because I played it about fifty times. Double S's Pot Of Gold nearly joined the annals of anonymity as well. That was a banger. And what happened to Skengman Mode? It was played on nearly every set early this year, only to then vanish like President T.

Anyway, a couple of token predictions for 2009. Might as well.

Double S may have had an alright year, but he's only been a big, recognisable name for just over twelve months. He has a good flow and similies, but most importantly he makes good songs. As a crew, Marvell seem to be moving as a more unified unit now, but he can still individually build on what he's done this year. There's been a few steps, but they're solid ones.

Wiley is a highly unoriginal choice, but the Manchester air is obviously doing him good, since everything he's touched recently has turned to gold. His flow is flawless, and his spitting is the best it's been for a while. The straining for the elusive, classic release must be a burden, but with recent signs, off the back of one of the best vocals of his career in Where's My Brother, there's abundant promise. 'Race Against Time' now has even bigger expectations.

Ice Kid is also an unoriginal shout. He's the wildcard of 2009; not yet complete, with more proof of his song-writing skills and work-rate needed, yet he has the raw skills and intensity that raise him above the large majority. It's about time he made his mark on the scene.

What are your predictions? Surely yours are more original and interesting than mine. The truth is it's half five in the morning and I'm pissed.



A Happy New Year to you all, and hopefully a good year for grime. Twelve months is a long time. Or is it?

Saturday 27 December 2008

"From Lamppost To Lamppost We Run The Roads"

Kano sprinted back to the scene this year while copies of London Town were hurled at him from behind. His newly-acquired sunglasses dearly dangled from one ear, trying to save themselves from a trampling by the chasing, marauding masses who expected better after a promising debut. Efforts at a mellower sound for these ungrateful gits fell flatter than a Lenny Henry gig, and the divorce from 679 Recordings followed.

Credit where it's due, and at least Kano is still going, unlike his former label who've made a few changes. He's even restored some credibility with the release of 140 Grime Street, which was a good CD that couldn't even be dragged down by the inclusion of Soldier. It's no coincidence that the big names uniting on the album resulted in its best three tracks. In this context, Soldier didn't matter.

Kano has given a lot to the scene this year. His return has proved a catalyst for grime's biggest names to stop slyly looking at each other's myspaces and actually work together. Wiley, Skepta and Chipmunk enjoyed a trip to Radio 1's Big Weekend in Maidstone and, by jumping out of the woodwork and delivering the P's & Q's bars, the Garden of England bloomed into life. Kano officially marked his return.


The Provincial Pleasures of Maidstone High Street

However, it was surpassed by the concert at the 02 Arena, and 'The Greatest Grime Show On Earth' exorcised the demons of the place once being the Millenium Dome and just a big waste of money. The general unity is reflected currently; Wiley and Ghetts proudly place one another in their Myspace top friends, a sure sign of affinity, and one that quashes the two's temper-tantrums about vocalling Rude Kid's The Best earlier this year, not to mention bigger battles in the more distant past.

Kano's return has also made Skepta and Ghetts peculiarly pally, and the two both featured on Logan Sama's 140 Grime Street show, one of my favourite sets this year. Skeppy's allegations of Ghetts sending for him 'every two minutes' were replaced by interchanges of 'buss one' and 'god forgive me', a lovely moment as well as proof that Skepta must have listened to the CD before he threw it in the bin. He's recently shown signs of normality, relapsing into a few old words for Ghetto on Westwood, but there's still the impression that progress has been made.

'Politics', and the scene's best talent not combining often enough, has been to grime's detriment in recent times. Maybe things are changing.

Thursday 25 December 2008

Nicole's Groove

Christmas Day.

The Allies and the Germans stopped killing each other and had a game of football, Jesus was born and gave all of us sinners a chance, and none other than Shystie was born. Dubplate Drama wouldn't have been the same.

Big up all the guys that ordered stuff off the net and are still waiting for the goods to arrive. I know there's a few of you about. I'm just gonna wrap up a couple of things now but first of all, I just wanna say thanks to all the people that have read the blog over the past year. Thanks to all who have taken the time out to read what a next guy thinks and leave a comment, and thanks to all who have left feedback, positive or negative. It's appreciated.

Special thanks to the grimeforum gang; Lemon, Hij and Elijah at
butterz, and a big shout out to Davide Machado at Gold Seal Recordings.

I think I posted POW as last year's Christmas jingle, but it's a different vibe this year. I just like the tune, and it's also nice to reminisce on Breeze being a top mic-man in comparison to his paltry status nowadays. I suppose it's partly his fault.

Wiley Kat & Breeze - Nicole's Groove


Spyro, Maximum and Mak 10 should be on Rinse FM later. I'm starting to plan my excuses from the dinner table now.

Happy Christmas.

Wednesday 24 December 2008

"Usually Drink, Usually Dance, Usually Bubble"

I remember JME welcoming the new year, while hosting the Boy Better Know Rinse FM show on Christmas Day 2007. The mood was happy, with the anticipation of a new start. Big things would happen. In a way, the expectations were realised.

Wiley made Wearing My Rolex on his January birthday and, if he hadn't, the scene would have been very different this year. 'Electro-grime' was born. Despite the Guardian columns, its not a genre; it's just a few tunes that followed the original by Wiley and Bless Beats. I suppose the main reason for defining music into a genre is for marketability. However, only the first charted so it all looks like a big, commercial failure.


Top 4 Desperate Attempts For Mainsteam Paper

1) Lethal B - Keys To The Bentley
2) Ribz & Skepta - Dance Like Me
3) Mz Bratt - What Would You Do?
4) God's Gift - Ringtone


I suppose the electro, cross-over tracks cemented the idea of the 'artist'; making the one, the tune that brings new opportunties and recognition. For me, one of the most disappointing moments of this year was Fuck Radio 6. On it's own, the set was perfectly fine, but it's a blot on the previous five sets and the name of the 'Fuck Radio' series. Only three MCs turned up; Double S had never featured on one before. The rest couldn't spit on the radio any more; they were artists.

The set was on Logan Sama's show, and his broadcast has been part of the revitalisation of radio in the last few months. However, his national show doesn't dwarf the efforts of other DJs, who have travelled to the pirates in the late hours. The likes of Spyro have given a good account of the genre on tour, but sets from Vectra, Silencer, Sketche, Score Five, JJ and others, including up-comers such as Meshack Nasty, isn't forgotten. The last few months of radio has been very strong, and just about saves face for a year as a whole in which the radio too often gave quiet crackles.


Best Radio MC Award

1) Jendor
2) P-Money
3) Blacks


However, a side-affect of the artist talk is that mixtapes are a much more professional affair. Announcements today of Zavvi being placed in administration isn't a good look for the MCs who jubilantly announce on Logan's show that their latest is stocked there, but it is more indicative of CDs being more viable products to a wider audience. Bashy's 'Chupa Chups' mixtape was praised last year for its 29 tracks. Such a move now would be seen differently, which reflects the change in mixtapes and the rise of EPs and albums. Also, with the lack of raves and the dominance of the internet, free downloads have increased greatly, and in both quality and quantity.


Top 2 CDs That Didn't Get The Praise They Deserved

1) Little Nasty - Hungry Season (some old songs, but they're good)
2) Warlock - Friend Of Mine, Foe Of The Music


Best Free Download

1) P-Money A Little Back Then With Now
2) Griminal - Not Just Barz
3) Brutal - 10% Effort


You can't begrudge an MC sitting in the studio, carton of Ribena in hand, contemplating their next hit as an artist. Times have moved on, and it's necessary to have a professional frame of mind for prolonged success. All the same, the classic moments that shine in grime's past from a fan's point of view have all but gone. There's been a sad lack of hype this year, and even a part of that has seemed contrived.


Most Hype Moment of 2008

Killa P sending for Trim on Rinse. (It was so greazy I had to run from my computer and sit in a fully-lit room for half an hour).


However, there's still the amateurish moments. With the rise of the arist, most these days revolve around MCs wading into unfamiliar waters. Kano made a fair point a while back, about the first grime MCs peeping their heads above the parapet without any precedent to follow. I should have some sympathy, and from Wiley's RWD Forum cries for help I do. A bit. But comedy is comedy.


Top 2 Cringe-worthy Moments

1) UK Cypher - Chipmunk, Ghetto and Skepta at the BET Awards
2) Skepta playing Timmy's Mallet with Kelly Osbourne


There were genuinely funny moments though.


Top 3

1) Dot Rotten walking out in the middle of his Logan Sama set
2) Skitz Beatz skanking, contrasting to the no-nonsense pose with Styles P
3) The offical video for Rolex Sweep

Just a couple other ones.


The 'Grime Has Blown' Award 2008

1) Wiley shouting "OLI OLI OLI" with Hot Chip at Glastonbury Festival. And you thought Dizzee with the Arctic Monkeys was big.
2) Busta Rhymes moving from the Tribe Called Quest days to the Rolex Sweep
3) Erm, Mistajam doing the Rolex Sweep



The Rolex Sweep all seemed like innocent fun, until Skepta took things a bit too serious and felt obliged to give instructions. No freestyling allowed, but Macarena shuffles and all sorts. Rolex Sweep is serious business.

Finally, a mention for Ears. He comes back to the scene early this year after prolonged speculation on his whereabouts, drops his mixtape Millionears, only then to swish his cape and disappear into the darkness about a week after he came back.

I wonder what he makes of the electro-grime Rolex-ing business. Although someone would have to find him first.

Tuesday 23 December 2008

"Some Have Got Albums, But No Singles, CDs Full Of Bare Skits And Jingles"

The Logan Sama show last night was a bag of madness. A couple bits to listen to.

Jendor - Dun Dem (Radio Rip)


Jendor's first mixtape, 'Grandmaster', is out on January 26, and I assume this is on it. The bars on the track have got silly reloads in the past few months, but the beat here doesn't really match the hype, nodding to other tracks such as Sunshine. He'll always be more of a radio/rave MC to me, but his features on 'OG Season' showed the hype can relate to a physical release, so there's no reason not to have expectations if you're a fan.

Roadside G's - Sweet Tooth Freestyle (Radio Rip)


Wiley - Time Flies By (Radio Rip)


Autotune season.

God's Gift - You Don't Know About Me (Radio Rip)


You may well have heard this beat being used on Wiley's Westwood freestyle. I believe Bless Beats made it and, if so, he is doing a lot of stuff at the minute. I quite like his melodies, and there have been productions in the past I've liked, such as Dis Likkle Yout with the obvious choices Local Lad and 16 Bar Rally, but he seems to be much more consistent now from what I'm hearing. Wiley laced the beat very nicely on Westwood, sitting at home afterwards to unanimous 'King of Grime' forum talk. Goodz had other ideas.

Goodz - Who You Talking To? (Radio Rip)


Goodz - Party N Rave (Radio Rip)


Goodz - Destruction (Radio Rip)


Goodz - More To The Floor (Radio Rip)


Goodz - Upset Me (Radio Rip)


It's always nice to hear Goodz spit, and after all the electro-grime efforts you can't help but smile and feel a bit of relief. All the tracks feature on his pre-album Ultrasound which is out in January. There's no Throwaway Thoughts there, which I think I enjoyed more than all of the tracks played last night, since it's my favourite Nocturnal beat and an all-out grime banger, without the dubstep elements that seem to linger in the production on 'Axiom' and the forthcoming project.

The set had novelty value, with Big Seac bowing to public pressure to deliver bars we've all heard before, and also in Logan's clanging. Nah I'm joking, there was a technical issue but the set was still top-drawer with a nice selection. Download it from grimepedia.

TRACKLIST

NOCTURNAL // ?????
FOOTSIE // DJ DAVE
BLESS BEATS // VITTEL
NOCTURNAL // IN A CORNER REMIX
WILEY // CLUB 5
DOT ROTTEN // TORPEDO
NOCTURNAL // DON'T PHONE ME
NOCTURNAL // ?????
MANIAC // THUG
CHASE & STATUS // EASTERN JAM VIP
CHASE & STATUS // SAXON
WAIFER // GUNMAN SKANK
MANIAC // HEADSHOT
DIZZEE RASCAL // STRINGS HOE

Fill in the gaps please.

Two last bits. Chipmunk was (I imagine) cordially invited to the Radio 1 Christmas Party, and he performed his single Beast as well as the follow-up, Chip Diddy Chip. He's had a very good year and I suppose it's all a lovely, fitting and commercial end.

Credit should be given where it's due. Beast is one of the best songs that came from the scene in '08. It's good to hear grime or near enough performed live, and the guitarist was obviously having a ball with his liberal solo. I don't know what to make of the other track, but it wasn't bad, and it reminded me a little of a Fix Up Look Sharp, maybe because of the drums. It worked for Dizzee any way.

The third Earth 616 sampler is out later this week. I've come up with the idea of guessing what's on it. I'll probably regret it later but I plan to make it too late by then.

DOK // PHONE BOOTH
BLESS BEATS // VITTEL
BLESS BEATS // SOLD MY SOUL TO THE DEVIL
FOOTSIE // 3 PLATES
SILENCER // REGULATION
WILEY // CLUB 5
RAPID // KNIGHTRIDER

Someting from that. Surely.

Sunday 21 December 2008

Untitled - Misconceptions Review



'Misconceptions' is the latest release from Untitled, and it shows an awareness and maturity that provides an alternative voice within the scene. While not perfect, this CD is a good, well-constructed achievement and, within the genre, a highly original release.

The mixtape is definitely a grower, which is down to the breadth of topics scrutinised under Untitled's microscope. The content is not something a grime listener would necessarily expect, yet the issues are largely relevant and often complemented with a humour that cuts into the density of the subjects.

The emphasis on personal experiences leads to greater immediacy and relevance to the listener, contrasting to the more distant and arguably cliche Euthanasia. The personal is shown to maximum effect on one of the best tracks, Be Alright, and the spoken asides add to the beat as well as the general theme of storytelling.

The spitting tackles the subjects well enough, yet at times the flow could be better, and there is some montony in delivery. However, the hook on Councils shows the possibilities when everything comes together, and the track itself represents the broadening scope of a CD that still sticks to familiar and pressing issues. The peer pressure of Knife and characters wasting away in Alchi emphasise breadth, yet it's all rounded off with Music, a good song that proves a fitting ending.

Approaching different topics is respected, but the more conventional grime tracks are highlights, such as Fed Up and You Don't Know, and both are pushed further by great productions from J Beatz and Z Dot respectively. The production is one of the best parts of the CD, and the faith paid in new producers plying their trade reaps dividends. Rude Kid is the most established name, and he leads the way at the start yet Moony, Troublesome and Royal T all contribute.

Naturally there are some weaknesses, yet it doesn't hide the fact that Untitled has put together a professional product that is a breath of fresh air. Go and support it.

The CD is available now from:

Grimestore
UK RecordShop
Uptown Records
Avalanche Music Hut
And Untitled's Myspace

Friday 19 December 2008

"Topboy Now I Get On Better With Grime"


Who doesn't listen to DJ Cameo?

I shamefully raise my hand, like I used to way back when I had to admit I didn't have the cash for own clothes day. Maybe I should listen to Cameo, but there's just not enough hours in the day. Especially when you get up at 12.

Anyway, on the last show Ghetts tells his 'UKG' story. I was expecting narratives of a young Justin rising from the gutter to heady heights but it didn't quite turn out like that. A few things were said though:

● Griminal, Chipmunk and Ice Kid are the best 'youngers' in the scene,
● Rapid, Nocturnal and Maniac are the best three producers,
● And himself, Kano and Wiley are the best MCs in the scene right now.

Not the most controversial list. Except for that bit.

Later on in the show there was a Little Dee vocal, which is the first track I've heard after a bit of an absence in the wake of the Dot Rotten, OG-Civil War fracas.

Little Dee - Deep Blue Sea (Radio Rip)


It's only a clip since time was running out, probably because Cameo was unable to resist the unholy urges of bassline. Despite the length of the audio, the tune sounds decent. The hook is not bad by grime standards, and neither is the beat. I thought Don't Let The Name Trick You was a good effort; the release happened a bit too early for him in my opinion, but the beats carried the CD a long way.

A debut album is in progress, so maybe this will feature. Little's year next year? I've been hearing a lot of '2009 is mine' talk. Only one can have it.

Wednesday 17 December 2008

DJ Spyro - Old School Set

Cheeky update.

I hadn't locked into Spyro for ages until tonight. The set was brilliant, with flawless mixing as standard and a top-notch selection. I didn't record it all; TNT's Nissi escaped, but still there's about an hour and a half's audio here with more than enough classics: 138 Trek, Champagne Dance, 21 Seconds. That Gorillaz tune.

It worked though. Nothing but happy vibes, this is a straight download. Enjoy.

Stream and download on Zshare

Tuesday 16 December 2008

"I Ain't Giggs But I See I've Been Covered In Red Like A Portion Of Chips"

First thing first. Jammer is the best MC in grime at this moment in time. Are you dumb. Second, here are some track rips from the Logan Sama Show last Monday and, probably for the first time, a Manc was responsible for the best track on the show. What's going on.

Shifty - Off Da Radar (Radio Rip)


I hold no accent-stigmas any more and, to be truthful, the London-centric presence that lingers over the scene may give identity, but it also hampers. Loosening up about it a bit should help the scene broaden and move forward at the same time, while on its own terms. Which is good, in my humble opinion.

Some more rips.

Ribz Freestyle (Radio Rip)


Imp Batch - Out In The Street (Radio Rip)


Jammer - Champs & Weed (Radio Rip)


With the distinct lack of warring in 2008, I suppose I should be heralding the fact that, on the set, the alliterative titan Jeeday Jawz proclaimed live to the nation that he wasn't a 'nerd like Rinser'. However, I can't hide the fact that I don't really care.

Download or stream the set here.

TRACKLIST

BLESS BEATS // SOLD MY SOUL TO THE DEVIL
WILEY // CLUB 7
BLESS BEATS // CREAM
DEXPLICIT // WAKADOOSA VIP
RAPID // KNIGHTRIDER
DOT ROTTEN // TORPEDO
SILENCER // WORLD WAR 4
MANIAC // THUG
TERROR DANJAH // MORPH
APPLE // MR BEAN ON DRUGS
NOCTURNAL // IN A CORNER REMIX
MACABRE UNIT // SENSE
DEXPLICIT // BIG PICTURE
BIGSHOT // STOMP
WAIFER // GUNMAN SKANK
MANIAC // SALT FISH
DOK // PHONE BOOTH
HAMMER // SHOOTERS


Last week's set with Jammer, Frisco, Tempa T and others is still on repeat. And one beat in particular.

Dirty Danger - 20 Minute Massive

This needs a release sharpish. Some bits and bobs have been said about the nature of grime now compared to its original sound but, to be honest, there are plenty of good beats about that bodes well for the future. Such a view contradicts Prancehall's statement, bemoaning Ruff Sqwad's Bethnall Green as 'the final turd in grime's now festering, fetid septic tank'. 'How the guys responsible for "Anna" can now be making something which sounds like a discarded Mitchell Brothers B-side is utterly depressing'.

To overlook beats like 20 Minute Massive, as well as Bring Your Click, which is one of the best current grime tracks around, is a bit of a shame. Still, he does make a valid point in that if Ruff Sqwad are straying from the sound, then we all might as well forget it. I doubt that will happen any time soon.

Right. The year's nearly up and, before I have to buy presents and shit, expect reviews of Untitled's Misconceptions, Nasty Jack's Shotta Music, and Wiley's See Clear Now. All a bit late, I'm ever so sorry. And maybe some serialised year review with some unofficial awards business.

Cool.

Tuesday 9 December 2008

"Listen To Logan Just To Keep On Track Of Ya"

The Logan Sama Show round-up. Four radio rips to have a listen to today.

Durrty Goodz - Throwaway Thoughts


The second track in was the latest Durrty Goodz freestyle. It's one of the best things I've heard this year, and Nocturnal on production plays a hefty part in that. DG shimmers behind the curtain while the kids argue about who's the King of Grime, or who has the best cross-over hit, only to drop a bomb that reminds everyone he's still lurking. Underground material is coming soon, and the sooner the better. As much as I respect the achievement of an Axiom, this freestyle shows that, on grime beats, Goodz can surpass it.

Big Rem - For This Town


Big Rem follows his Messy collaboration, We Make Money, with For This Town. The nasal delivery has been banished by the 'Nigerian Ryder', so it's at least some re-invention, and we'll see where it takes him.

Sharkey Major New Tune


Sets is one thing; now tracks. I still can't believe it. Sharkey Major is back with a tune I don't know the name of so use some artistic licence and make one up. Silly beat.

Wolf - Sound Like That


Wolf's latest is a good idea, with a funny chorus but, ironically, the autotune he's mocking comes back to haunt him, and by the end it really pisses me off. But isn't that the intention?




The set featured Jammer and guests, and it was absolutely ridiculous. Download it if you haven't already. The quality of radio has been very high in the last quarter of 2008, and Logan has been leading from the front.

Shame his site isn't updated though. If Logan has an assistant he must have made the stupidest paper aeroplane by now, during all the time not spent on putting up tracklists.

Here's a partial one. Any help filling in the gaps would be greatly appreciated.


SILENCER // KILLER INSTINCT
BLESS BEATS // VITTEL
WILEY // 5.27 AM (THE ONE REMIX)
WILEY // CLUB 5
TERROR DANJAH // MORPH
MANIAC // THUG
DARQ E FREAKER // NEXT HYPE
JAMMER // UNTITLED
FOOTSIE // DJ DAVE
NOCTURNAL // DON'T PHONE ME
RUDE KID // UFO (LOGAN SAMA ID4 VIP)
FRISCO // IGNORANT
HARDHOUSE BANTON // SIRENS
WILEY // CLUB 7
DAVINCHE // WHAT IS MINE
SILENCER // REGULATE
MANIAC // HEADSHOT
DIRTY DANGER & RAPID // RUFF SQWAD MANDEM REMIX
DIRTY DANGER // 20 MINUTE MASSIVE
DIZZEE RASCAL // STRINGS HOE
RAPID // KNIGHTRIDER
MANIAC // SALT FISH
TUBBY & FOOTSIE // 3 PLATES
FOOTSIE // DO YOU HEAR ME (ARNIE)
SKEPTA // KILLA
MANIAC // SKENGED OUT
SKEAMZ // GREENGATE GUYS VIP
NASTY JACK // SHABBA SKANK RIDDIM

Happy listening.

Monday 8 December 2008

"What Do You Know About Violence?"

No one minute clips, but the full thing. There's some odd sound effects here; presumably the Generals covering themselves with a piece of cardboard against the monsoon of internet piracy.

Newham Generals - Violence Video

I've been waiting for this album for far too long. It was really the only thing I cared about this year, along with R.I.P Young Dot and possibly Skepta's Microphone Champion. I thought I had become immune to the everlasting disappointment of dashed hopes, but this video suggests otherwise. Roll on '09.

The video is good, and I appreciate the polished yet amateurish, home-made feel to it, which contrasts nicely to an MC with little credentials pontificating in front of a camera, swarmed by half-hearted women and rented cars.

I could have sworn the original of this had Footsie's "I will overly war man" bars, but Dizzee Rascal and G-Man's features put such thoughts on the back-burner. For me, D Double E not appearing is a bit hard to take, and Dizzee could have at least wrote some new bars for his signings, yet this is a strong, first single. Head Get Mangled next?

If it was any other grime act I would have lost faith and not given two shits. Says a lot about the Newham Generals really.

Or is that just me?

Thursday 4 December 2008

Rinse 07: Spyro



I haven't really been following the Rinse Mix CDs but, after seeing Spyro's latest edition, I might have to change that.

I've only listened to Skepta's Rinse 04 mix and, despite the selection being true to the genre, the lack of versatility thanks to the glut of Boy Better Know tunes, tunes which most fans have heard before, did disappoint.

Rinse 04 partly serves as an introduction, but still Spyro's attempt seems to bring greater variety with grime still holding a slight sway. And the mix should be better, what with him still regularly DJing and all that.

Have a look at the Fact Magazine preview here.

TRACKLIST:

1. J Mixer (Feat. Badness) - Dem Dem VIP
2. Lil Silva - Seasons
3. Sway (Feat. Stush) - F Your Ex
4. Skepta - DTI VIP
5. Ruff Sqwad - Ruff Sqwad Man Dem
6. Reservoir Dogs - Buddha Finger
7. Dizzee Rascal - I Luv U
8. Joker - Retro Racer
9. JME - Standard VIP
10. DEA - So High
11. DVA (Feat. Alahna) - I’m Leaving
12. Maniac - Ouch
13. Dee Kline - I Don’t Smoke
14. DOK (Feat. Lauren Mason) - PS VIP
15. DND - I Will Never Leave
16. DOK - Rapid Speed
17. R1 Ryders (Feat. Karnak - Rubberband)
18. Terror Danjah (Feat. Badness, Bruza & DEV) - Interested
19. JBR - Lost in Vegas
20. Bless Beats - I Wanna Be Your Man (Instrumental)
21. Lil Silva - Funky Flex
22. Most Wanted - Last Man Standing
23. Sticky (Feat. Tubby T) - Tales Of The Hood
24. D1 - Ongie Bongi
25. Menta - Sounds of the Future
26. Teebone (Feat. Sparks and Kie) - Fly Bi
27. P Jam - Unknown
28. Terror Danjah - Scotch Bonnet
29. Scratchy - Shangooli
30. Spyro - Shadow Boxing

Tuesday 2 December 2008

"Can I Call Myself A Darky?"

Nasty Jack must have blustered into the Kiss studios last night. Comments flew left, right and centre during his interview with Logan, including "are you saying my mum listens to hardcore grime?" It was a twist from Jack's Westwood appearance, after demanding an apology for the host's sleight to his mum. He didn't even get one still. I remember Bless Beats copping the same treatment a while back so at least Jack can take that for consolation.

I concluded he might be a bit on edge, and maybe even unconfident after dropping bombshells such as the ladies not feeling his afro a while back, but I just divorced myself from the context and laughed at the whole thing.

I was waiting to hear about the Logan dubs, his masterful change of musical direction after the ill-fated Pimp On Flows, and hopefully the general story of NJ rising from the recent rubble of grime scene non-acknowledgement, arm extended in the air with clenched fist, while screaming "suck ya nan-a-nan" to the doubters in the wake of the resurrection.

But it was all a mistake. The Logan dubplate that kicked it all off was apparently a "joke", after Jack put his "heart and soul" into something that didn't quite pay off. He may have felt he didn't get what he deserved before, but I think you do get what you deserve in time. Perhaps Shotta Music is the unintentional break.

Jack ended with the obligatory "2009 is mine" talk, and said that more mixtapes and an album are coming. Shotta Music wasn't his normal style, and would probably be a one-off.

You can talk about deserving something but, after the anticipation of Shotta Music, willing to leave it all behind makes no sense at all. There may not be huge longevity in the bashment-influenced style, but at the least he's distinguishing himself from others and doing something different.

Maybe he doesn't want to pigeon-hole himself, but I can't help thinking that Logan did him a massive favour when he spontaneously decided on a second edition of Shotta Music. I would rather listen to material an MC enjoys making rather then the latest, contrived effort to break the charts.


Couple new rips for you here from last night's show. Might as well.

Ghetto - Don't Phone Me (Feat. Griminal)

A bit late, but fuck it.

Tempa T - Next Hype

Frisco - Ignorant Remix (Feat. Roadside Gs)

Big Rem & Messy - We Make Money