Wednesday 29 December 2010

Bring me a dream



It's been a while since my last post, during which there's been plenty happening and at the same time practically nothing.

The more observant among you will have already noticed that I'm no longer a presenter on Jam1Online. I'd love to give you the reasons for this in detail, but the truth is I'm just as clueless about this turn of events as you are. In fact, I still haven't officially been told that I'm sacked - the last three or four 'communications' with the station were from me and still haven't been answered, go figure?

Anyway, I haven't been resting on my laurels and hope to make an announcement about my new station and shows early in the New Year.


In the meantime, let me tell you about Homeboy Sandman. I first stumbled upon his work about three years ago via thesixtyone, an interesting website that incentivizes it's users to seek out new/unknown music and, coincidently, the same place where I 'discovered' Ashy L Bowz, Kokayi, 100 Akres and others. The Queens' emcee is due to appear live on 22/01/11 at Koko, 1A Camden High Street, London NW1 7JE for Giles Peterson's Worldwide Awards.


Something else to look out for next year is the release of Fdot1's 'Money MusicK' the follow up to 'Part Of Me'. Fdot1, formerly known as Floriginul, has almost finished the new album featuring vocals by Stat-Us, 2Amplified, Malarchi, Dray Delta, Kyra Simone and Lil' Flo. Beats and production on the album is mainly by Fdot1 himself but also includes contributions from Vivid Beatz, Strat Carter and Malarchi.


If you want to hear how it sounds so far, you can visit Fdot1's Soundcloud page to listen to the snippets. Particular favourites of mine include 'She's So' (composed by Vivid Beatz), 'Luv Don't' feat. Kyra Simone and 'Make Sum Noise' feat. Malarchi and Dray Delta (and even Fdot1 will admit that Dray's verse rivals Luca Brazzi for deadliness). Just in case you haven't heard/heard of 2Amplified before, check out their video for 'A Woman's Scorn' below.


That's it for this post (and probably for this year too), so till the next time enjoy the festivities, enjoy your life and keep safe.

One Love, Spy!

Monday 13 September 2010

So Hot I Should Be Fanning Myself



There's so much going on this week that I'll be retraining the spotlight on previously featured artists as well as focusing it for the first time on Loudmouth Melvin whose quartet of free EP's are available for digital download; EP 1, EP 2, EP 3 & EP 4.

Loudmouth composed and produced all the tracks on the four collections and has built as a big name for himself in that respect as he has for his spitting. Indeed he regularly provides beats for the likes of Pyro Barz, Mentalist, and many others.


Check out his music at YouTube or SoundCloud and his personality at Facebook or Twitter.


In other news, three former spotlighted figures have each released something significant this week. I'll start with Lowkey, whose new video was released on Saturday, and he asks us who (or what) is a terrorist? If you weren't sure before, by the end of about six and a half minutes you'll find out... Powerful stuff!


Mystro's new Digmund Freud EP is released today and includes the 'Around My Way' single produced by Kiss FM's DJ Swerve, which I've been playing in my shows over the last few weeks. Read exclusive reviews of it at Soul Culture and Certified Banger and order the CD from Suspect Packages.


Also released today, in commemoration of the anniversary Tupac Shakur's passing, is Configa's latest production masterpiece Pac To The Essence Vol. 1. Available as either a digital download or CD (remember those things?) direct from the man himself or, in a couple of weeks time, via iTunes and Amazon.




Track list:

Friday Night Raw 10/09/10 Pt. 1 - Hip Hop

'Breakin' In Space' - Key-Matic
'Biz Is Goin' Off' - Biz Markie
'Rebel Without A Pause' - Public Enemy
'Play That Beat Mr. D.J.' - G.L.O.B.E. & Whiz Kid
'A.F.R.I.C.A.' - Stetsasonic
'Ain't No Half Steppin' - Big Daddy Kane
'Stop, Look, Listen' - MC Lyte
'Gangster Nine' - MC Tee & Lord Tasheen
'Criminal Minded' - Boogie Down Productions
'The 900 Number feat. Lakim Shabazz' - The 45 King
'The Godfather' - Spoonie Gee

Friday Night Raw 10/09/10 Pt. 2 - Hip Hop

'Stay On Your Grind' - Grand Central
'A Scenario Called Life' - Loudmouth Melvin
'Devil In A New Dress' - Kanye West
'Devil In A New Dress Freestyle' - Journey Brave
'Grind Mode' - Nipsey Hussle
'Hope Is Gone' - Ecomog
'Villematic' - J Cole
'Late' - Ashy L Bowz
'Y'All Niggas Can't Rap' - Nyty
'Fill The Air feat. Mentalist, Mystro & Skandal' - Loudmouth Melvin
'Speaking In Tongues' - Poe Picasso
'China White' - Ransom
'Free Mason feat. Jay Z' - Rick Ross
'The Corner' - Capone & Noreaga
'Maybe She'll Dream Of Me' - Foreign Exchange

Friday Night Raw 10/09/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop

'Shake It feat. iamCAM' - Fredi Kruga
'Around My Way' - Mystro
'Soul Search feat. Malik MD7
'Heart Is Breaking feat. Sway & Roses Gabor' - Ty
'Hot Like Summer feat. Andreena Mill' - Saukrates
'Come Back Home feat. P & V' - Dres
'She's Gone' - Tanya Morgan
'The Return Of DST' - De La Soul
'Traitors' - LineForLine
'Let Em Know' - Bun B
'Ripping Up The Industry' - Black Radical Mk II
'The Message' - Cymande

Spy @ The Control 11/09/10 Pt. 1 - Reggae

'Wild Fire' - John Holt & Dennis Brown
'Hold Tight' - Dennis Brown
'Guidance' - Nerious Joseph
'Open Your Heart' - Mike Antony
'You Alone' - Gemini
'Forbidden Love' - Tami Chynn
'Over Come Dem' - Lutan Fyah
'Bogus Gallis' - Copper Cat
'Just Like That Clock' - Natel
'Walk & Talk' - Mr. Vegas
'Quint & Kotch' - Busy Signal
'Burn Badmind' - Tornado
'Dutty Badmind' - Da Professor
'Prosper' - Busy Signal
'How U Bad Suh' - Busy Signal
'Done Wit De War' - Anthony B

Spy @ The Control 11/09/10 Pt. 2 - Soul

'Secret Rendezvous' - Rene & Angela
'Just A Touch Of Love' - Slave
'Live It Up' - The Isley Brothers
'Last Time' - Keri Hilson
'Kisses In The Morning' - Nadine Charles
'Borrow You' - Eric Roberson & BlackEinstein
'Repercussions' - Lauryn Hill
'Green Eyes' - Obenewa
'Umm Hmm' - Erykah Badu
'Back To Your Heart' - Raheem DeVaughn
'Bad Habits' - Maxwell
'Lady' - The Whispers

Spy @ The Control 11/09/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop

'ObamaNation' - Lowkey
'Land Of Promise' - Nas & Damian Marley
'Blown' - Ashy L Bowz
'Wednesday' - Saukrates
'Wednesday feat. Mystro & Loudmouth Melvin' - Saukrates
'Call Me Anytime You Like' - Grand Central
'1st Class Ticket' - Show Tufli
'Ayo feat. Oddisee' - JC
'Shake It feat. iamCAM' - Fredi Kruga
'My Attribute' - Capone & Noreaga
'Maaad Tight feat. Sonny Jim & Skamma' - Metabeats & Mudmowth
'15 Minutes feat. Scorzayzee & Atlanta Smith' - Configa
'Glimmity Glammity' - Demon Boyz

One Love, Spy!

Sunday 5 September 2010

The Huddle, The Scrimmage, The Whole Nine Yards...



LineForLine (a.k.a. L4L) is a Hip Hop tag team from New York consisting of R.E.D., Semaj, ROD, Triple, Snuff, Papes, Aspect, Sham & Nat. Together they form a band of lyrical proponents hell bent on entertaining anyone who's fortunate enough to be within earshot.


Their self-titled debut album can be purchased from iTunes. They also have a couple of mixtapes available for free download; 'The Huddle' and 'The Scrimmage', which you can use to familiarise yourself with their styles and musical directions.


Check them out on the net at Twitter or Facebook and listen to their music on ReverbNation or MySpace.

 

Expect to hear more from and about them as a crew and individuals in my Friday and Saturday night shows.

Track list:

Friday Night Raw 03/09/10 Pt. 1 - Hip Hop

Tahir Jahi - Tahir Jahi
Golden Sky - IamIsee
Sepia Tone - Strange Fruit Project
Proposal - Jelani
Leave The City Outside feat. Oddisee - DJ Center
I Am - Mae Day
Aquarius - Mystro
Boulevard Of Kings - Dante Castro
Never Gonna Make It - Greeenhouse
Back In The B - Koaste
The Ghost Of Christopher Wallace - Jay Electronica

Friday Night Raw 03/09/10 Pt. 2 - Hip Hop

Can't Hold The Torch feat. Q Tip - Busta Rhymes
Love Is - Common
Enemy feat. Raekwon - Ill Bill
Seasons feat. Masta Ace - CunninLynguists
I Can't Go On This Way feat. Freeway & Young Chris - Beanie Siegel
What We Do feat. Jay Z & Beanie Siegel - Freeway
Find A Way - A Tribe Called Quest
So Far So Good feat. Common & D'Angelo - J Dilla
High As Hell - Keith Murray
Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos - Public Enemy
Feel It - Killarmy
Left Field - Ashy L Bowz

Friday Night Raw 03/09/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop

Emotions feat. Sarina Leah & Shaun Escoffery - Ty
Better Not Bitter - Amanda The Dutchess
Free Mason feat. Jay Z - Rick Ross
ObamaNation - Lowkey
Pain In My Life feat. Trey Songz - Saigon
Get It Poppin' - Agallah
Made You Look - Nas
Frozen - AG
Coming Up - Line For Line
Life's Ill - 5 O'Clock Shadowboxers
Like It Really Is - Public Enemy
Summer Breeze - Loudmouth Melvin
Love Story - Just Ice

Spy @ The Control 04/09/10 Pt. 1 - Reggae

More Love - Roger Robin
When You Smile - Barry Boom
Didn't I - Kofi
Love Doctor - Romain Virgo
Lonely - Gramps Morgan
My Hands - Jah Cure
Reggae Can't Done - Ginjah
Shadows Of Darkness - Droop Lion
No Surrender - Ras Shiloh
Precious Gift - Sizzla
Fight Dem Off - Doniki
Nuh Try - Leontre

Spy @ The Control 04/09/10 Pt. 2 - Soul

Turned On To You - 80's Ladies
Wired For Games - C Brand
Sun Goddess - Ramsey Lewis
Keep That Same Old Feeling - The Crusaders
Mother Of The Future feat. Jean Carne - Norman Connors
Classy Lady - Leroy Hutson
Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get - The Dramatics
Running In And Out Of My Life - Bar-Kays

Spy @ The Control 04/09/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop

You Gots To Chill - EPMD
Peter Piper - Run DMC
Eye Know - De La Soul
Soarin' To Heaven - Saukrates
Next Time - Common
Soul Search feat. Malik MD7 - JC
By The Bridge - Kaos Theory
15 Minutes feat. Scorzayzee & Atlanta Smith - Configa
Shake It feat. IamCAM - Fredi Kruga
Government Agendas - M9
Maintain - Mystro
Around My WaY - Mystro
The Corner - CNN
Patience - Nas & Damian Marley

One Love, Spy!

Sunday 29 August 2010

Legend In The Making



I don't know how well he's known to the wider public and my internet searches haven't been particularly fruitful, but I think Killah Trakz is worthy of your attention. An emcee, beat maker and producer from Miami, Florida, Killah Trakz first appeared on my radar via a mutual interest in music production forums.


His debut album is called 'Hoodz Prodigy' and is still available. The follow up 'Hoodz Prodigy 2' is out now as well as the 'E-Tape' E.P. You can follow him on Twitter or Facebook and listen to his music on MySpace.


A final reminder for track submissions to the 'Beat Shop'. Send your snippets/tracks to spy_da_man@msn.com or my 'Drop Box' for inclusion in next week's show, which is when the Beat Shop opens for business. Let's grow together!

P.S. If you missed the shows (or just want to hear them again) you'll need to hit me up for a copy of the recordings due to the fact that these record companies don't realize that not only are they getting PRS from me (via Jam1Online, a legit radio station) but free promotion for their products too. Yet they still have my blog pages taken down when I post recordings of the shows. I've grown tired of the fight, so I won't be posting any more recordings but I am still making them.

Track list:

Friday Night Raw 27/08/10 Pt. 1 - Hip Hop

Simon Says - Pharoahe Monch
Simon Says feat. Lady Luck, Redman, Method Man & Busta Rhymes - Pharoahe Monch
Mr Sandman - 3 X Dope
From The Giddy Up - 3 X Dope
We Can Do This - Majestic Productions
Have A Nice Day - Roxanne Shante
Poetry - Boogie Down Productions
Black Cop - Boogie Down Productions
Greedy G - Studio 1
Jack Of Spades - Boogie Down Productions
Who Got The Props - Black Moon

Friday Night Raw 27/08/10 Pt. 2 - Hip Hop

Hip Hop - Dead Prez
Like It Really Is - Public Enemy
Return Of D St - De La Soul
Stakes Is High - De La Soul
The Upliftment - Happy Daze
Green Peace - Ashy L Bowz
Gangster - Agallah
Terrorist feat. Killarmy - RZA
Soul To Keep - Ransom
Keys To The City - Brand Nu
Traitors - Line For Line
Still A Problem - Big Sty

Friday Night Raw 27/08/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop

Summer Breeze - Loudmouth Melvin
The Skull Snaps - Skullsnaps
Acting Up - Pyro Barz
Optimus Grime - Lee Brasco
Power - Genesis Elijah
Shake It feat. iamCAM - Fredi Kruga
We Gon' Make It feat. Styles P - Jadakiss
When I Rap - Keith Murray
Expose Them Please - Scratch Pro Uway
Hard Times - Killah Trakz
Wonder Years - MC Lyte
Let Em Know - Bun B
Fill The Air feat. Mentalist, Mystro & Skandal - Loudmouth Melvin
1st Chamber feat. Exodus & Cyrus Malachi - M9

Spy @ The Control 28/08/10 Pt. 1 - Reggae

Magic Feeling - Michael Gordon
Emergency - Administrators
Rock And Groove - Bunny Wailer
Music Is Life - Beres Hammond
Full Attention - Beres Hammond
Rockaway - Beres Hammond
No Surrender - Ras Shiloh
Forever And Always - Hezron
If I Knew Then - Khago
Fight Dem Off - Doniki

Spy @ The Control 28/08/10 Pt. 2 - Soul

Keep It Comin' - Keith Sweat
If Only You Knew - Donell Rush
Say You Love Me Girl - Breakwater
Outstanding - Gap Band
Kisses In The Morning - Nadine Charles
Green Eyes - Obenewa
Repercussions - Lauryn Hill
Window Seat - Erykah Badu
Bad 4 Me - Eric Roberson & Black Einstein
Hello Stranger - The Quickest Way Out
So I Can Love You - Emotions
I'm Your Puppet - James & Bobby Purify

Spy @ The Control 28/08/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop

Pump That Bass/Get A Little Stupid - Original Concept
Hip Hop Be-Bop (Don't Stop) - Man Parrish
Beats To The Rhyme - Run DMC
Ayo feat. Oddisee - JC
Your Chick - Fredi Kruga
Shake It feat. iamCAM - Fredi Kruga
My Attribute - CNN
The Corner - CNN
Around My Way - Mystro
Like It Really Is - Public Enemy
Free Mason feat. Jay Z - Rick Ross
Back In The B - Koaste
15 Minutes feat. Scorzayzee & Atlanta Smith - Configa

One Love, Spy!

Sunday 22 August 2010

Like A Polaroid Picture



A veteran in the UK game, Fredi Kruga has tried his arm at a few things in the world of entertainment, and if you've seen the size of his arms you can imagine the impact he's had in the various fields. Thankfully, for my purposes, he hasn't abandoned his music making and has a new mixtape 'The Beginning Of The End' available as a download to people that sign up to his mailing list.


'Shake It', featuring iamCAM, is the latest single release from said mixtape and, like the previous one 'Money', was produced by Skillzbeatz. The video was shot in three locations (and I don't mean the living room, kitchen and spare bedroom) and mirroring the essence of the track itself, is clearly swaggerific.


Catch up with Fredi and his various undertakings via Facebook, listen to his music at ReverbNation or MySpace and follow him on Twitter.


For track submissions to put in the 'Beat Shop', please send in the snippets of your beats for 'sale' by e-mail too, or use my 'Drop Box' if you find it easier.

And finally, the only thing iller than the show this weekend was me, so apologies to all that tuned in to hear nothing. However, due to the relentless fight I'm getting from the record companies with blog posts being removed left, right and centre, I've decided to no longer post recordings of the shows and in future you'll have to listen live and/or request recordings (I'll still be recording my shows for my own purposes) be sent to you.

One Love, Spy!

Sunday 15 August 2010

Pucker Up



I've been meaning to big up Nadine Charles for a while now. A singer/songwriter of some experience, Nadine Charles is someone that you need to witness live to fully appreciate her Soul and artistry. I regret not being able to take in one of her recent live gigs myself, but hopefully there'll be another opportunity soon.


Of course, I'm not saying that her recorded output is sub par, it's just that there doesn't seem to be a lot of it about (let's just ignore the obvious opportunity for 'Carry On-esque' humour here and move on). Of the tracks of hers that are available, I've been playing 'Not My Man', an upbeat stamp of authority produced by Colin Emmanuel, 'Cry Baby', a syrupy swirl through the land of heart break and 'Kisses In The Morning', a free release from a few weeks ago now with accompanying video.


For more information about Nadine Charles, her music and performances check out her blog, and follow her on Twitter, Facebook or MySpace.


Don't want to bore you with it, but here's one more quick reminder for track submissions to put in the 'Beat Shop'. Send 30-60 seconds, tagged/watermarked snippets of your best beats for 'sale' or collaboration purposes to me by e-mail or use the 'Drop Box' located in the sidebar of this page.

Track list:

Friday 13/08/10 Pt. 1 - Hip Hop



Musical Massacre - Eric B & Rakim
I Know You Got Soul - Eric B & Rakim
Mahogany - Eric B & Rakim
Won't Be Long feat. Tracey Horton - Rakim
Tight Eyes feat. Oh No, PZ & Erica 'Miss America' - Nicolay & Kay
Runnin' - The Pharcyde
What's Goin' On - Jungle Brothers
The Funkiest - Funkdoobiest
I Ain't Goin' Out Like That - Cypress Hill
They Reminisce Over You - Pete Rock & C L Smooth
C.R.E.A.M. - Wu Tang Clan
The Corner - Common

Friday 13/08/10 Pt. 2 - Hip Hop



We'll Be Right Back - Steinski & Mass Media
Crazy Cuts - Grandmixer D St
The Return Of D St - De La Soul
Say No Go - De La Soul
Scenario feat. Leaders Of The New School - A Tribe Called Quest
A Total Eclipse Of The Art - MC Mell'O'
Streets Won't Let Me Chill - Diamond District
The Score feat. Planet Asia - Fashawn
Government Agendas - M9
Fill The Air feat. Mentalist, Mystro & Skandal - Loudmouth Melvin
Let Em Know - Bun B
Traitors - Line For Line

Friday 13/08/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop



Shake It feat. iamCam - Fredi Kruga
Around My Way - Mystro
Leftfield - Ashy L Bowz
Cookout Music - I Know Brasco
Come Back Home - Black Sheep
Y'All Niggas Can't Rap - Nyty
Say It Like It Really Is - Public Enemy
Free Mason feat. Jay Z - Rick Ross
Back In The B - Koaste
Ayo feat. Oddisee - JC
Life's Ill - 5 O'Clock Shadowboxers
Heart Is Breaking feat. Sway & Roses Gabor - Ty

Saturday 14/08/10 Pt. 1 - Reggae



Hurting On The Inside - Sammy Levi
You're The One For Me - Trevor Sparks
We've Only Just Begun (The Romance Isn't Over) - Mighty Diamonds
Come To Me - Frankie Paul
Doctor's Orders - Beres Hammond
Life Of The People - Doniki
Fight Dem Off - Doniki
Since You've Been Gone - Danglin
You Remind Me - Danglin
Till Dat Time Deh - Hezron
Long Way - Capleton
Save Yourself - Jah Cure
Nuh Try - Leontre

Saturday 14/08/10 Pt. 2 - Soul



Classifieds - LaWanda Michelle
California Boy Remix feat. Jay Rock & Dom Kennedy - Zshatwa
Love Thang - Brittany Bosco
Right Here feat. Belle - Black Einstein
Kisses In The Morning - Nadine Charles
Bad 4 Me - Eric Roberson & Black Einstein
The Thrill Is Gone feat. Cee Lo Green - Fantasia
Gone Baby, Don't Be Long - Erykah Badu
Closer - Jesse Boykins III
Sea Of Everything - Prince
Letter To My Heart - Obenewa
Tomorrow - Omar

Saturday 14/08/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop



Back In The B - Koaste
Chilled Coughee feat. Devin Da Dude - Curren$y Spitta
Happiness feat. Vula Malinga - Ty
Around My Way - Mystro
15 Minutes feat. Scorzayzee & Atlanta Smith - Configa
Bodega Stories feat. The LOX - CNN
Road Rage feat. Triple Darkness - Jon Phonics
Free Mason feat. Jay Z - Rick Ross
Ayo feat. Oddisee - JC
Beast Mode - Pyro Barz
Shake It feat. iamCam - Fredi Kruga
Time Will Tell feat. Raekwon - Styles P
Wolf - KRS One
Ghost Of Christopher Wallace - Jay Electronica
Ghost Of Kwame Nkrumah - M.anifest

One Love, Spy!

Sunday 8 August 2010

That's Crazy



A member of the Choong Family, Pyro Barz is an emcee with a tyrannical flow and poisonous lyrics. That's not to say that he isn't capable of positivity, but let's be honest, most other emcees would rather not be on the sharp end of one his barbs.


If you're not familiar with his works then 'Third Degree Burns' is as good an introduction to them as any. As usual, rumours abound that an album is on the way and, again as usual, as soon as I have confirmation of it I'll let you know for sure. It would be a waste if his talents didn't get a wider airing that a 'studio' LP might bring but we'll just have to wait and see on that one.


For more on the man and to get in touch with him (please don't spam though) you can follow him on Twitter or Facebook.


Before I go, I just want to remind you that I'm sill looking (listening) for tracks to 'display' in the 'Beat Shop'. Again, 30-60 seconds, tagged/watermarked snippets of beats/instrumentals from up and coming composers and producers that are up for 'sale' are what I'm after. Please e-mail them to me or use the 'Drop Box' located in the sidebar of this page.

Track list:

Friday 06/08/10 Pt. 1 - Hip Hop



I Got An Attitude - Antoinette
10% Dis - MC Lyte
Shut Da Fuck Up feat. Apani B & What What - Da Beat Minerz
Spot Me - Apani B
Strong Island - J.V.C.F.O.R.C.E.
Because I Got It Like That - Jungle Brothers
My Philosophy - Boogie Down Productions
Can't Truss It - Public Enemy
Wrath Of Kane - Big Daddy Kane
I Got Ta - Masta Ace
What People Do For Money - Divine Sounds
Renegades Of Funk - Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force

Friday 06/08/10 Pt. 2 - Hip Hop



The Learning (Burn) - Mobb Deep
Get Out My Way - Cormega
Lick Shots feat. Jadakiss, Sheek Louch & J-Hood - Styles P
Superthug - Noreaga
Come Again - Saigon
The Industry - Ecomog
Advice - Tahir Jahi
Kiss The Guns feat. Dubbledge - Ralph Rip Shit
Comin' Correct - MC Mell'O'
Money Mad - London Posse
Give It A Rest - She Rockers

Friday 06/08/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop



Tribes At War feat. K'Naan - Nas & Damian Marley
Lightworks - MF DOOM
They Tell Me feat. Keith Murray - EPMD
Salute feat. Pharoahe Monch - Slaughterhous
Scars & Stripes feat. Canibus - Matt Maddox
The Kennel - BXL
The Reserves feat. Raekwon - CNN
My Attribute - CNN
Free Mason feat. Jay Z - Rick Ross
The Score feat. Planet Asia - Fashawn
Around My Way - Mystro
Down To My Last - Ashy L Bowz
You Never Know feat. Jean Grae - Immortal Technique

Saturday 07/08/10 Pt. 1 - Reggae



Jamaica Serenade - Rupie Edwards
Proud Of Me Country - Mikey General
Jamaica - Leontre
Roll Call - Gramps Morgan
Who Feels It Knows It feat. Etana - Romain Virgo
Rudie Don't Fear - Albarosie
Music In My Soul - Sizzla
Sweet Jamaica - Tarrus Riley
Young Heart - Tarrus Riley
People's Cry - Sophia Squire
Save Yourself - Jah Cure
Dance The Night Away - Danglin
Fight Dem Off - Doniki
And God Said To Man - Earl Zero

Saturday 07/08/10 Pt. 2 - Soul



Encore - Cheryl Lynn
Forget Me Nots - Patrice Rushen
Fool's Paradise - Me'lisa Morgan
While I'm Alone - Maze Featuring Frankie Beverley
You're Special - The Commodores
Feels Like I'm Falling In Love - The Bar Kays
How About Love - Chocolate Milk
Mr Fix It - Jeffree
You're Welcome, Stop On By - Bobby Womack
Body Fusion - Starvue
Win Your Love - Josie James
Sunshine Lady - Willie Hutch

Saturday 07/08/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop



Pack The Pipe - The Pharcyde
The Questions feat. Mos Def - Common
A Chorus Line - Ultramagnetic MC's
Da Truth - F Dot
Hot Off Da Press feat. F Dot - Configa
Prisoner feat. Ike Eyes - Agallah
That's Crazy feat. K-Nite, Loudmouth Melvin & The Letter L - Pyro Barz
Won't Be Around feat. Craig Mack - Rampage
Around My Way - Mystro
The Corner - CNN
Bodega Stories feat. The LOX - CNN
Shake It feat. iamCam - Fredi Kruga

One Love, Spy!

Sunday 1 August 2010

Friday Night Raw



As you will see below, I have neglected this page in recent weeks due to various personal reasons. However, I haven't abandoned it altogether and I will start posting on a regular basis again after this. In future, each new post will have two shows' recordings; 'Friday Night Raw' (more on this in a minute) & 'Spy @ The Control', which is the name of the Saturday night show - 0/10 for originality, but I had to call it something...


Anyway, Friday Night Raw is my new Hip Hop (& stuff) show and is, as far as I know, the only uncensored Hip Hop show on UK legal radio. It goes out live 00:00-03:00 GMT/BST (so technically it's really Saturday morning) and will contain a section called the 'Beat Shop'. Beat Shop is where I feature 30-60 seconds snippets of beats/instrumentals from up and coming (or established actually, it makes no difference to me) composers and producers that are for 'sale' to rappers, singers or even other producers (in the traditional sense of the word).

To that end, if you are one such composer/producer, please feel free to send your snippets to spy_da_man@msn.com. Remember, I don't need the whole beat, and you can watermark (tag) them in any way that you see fit in order to protect your intelectual property. Bear in mind that I work on a legal station, therefore if your beats contain samples that require clearance, it's you that gets it in the neck if you fail to do so.


That's pretty much it for this week. Next week, I'll go back to throwing the spotlight on artists featured in the show(s), but in the meantime please find below the recordings of all the shows, including the first Friday Night Raw, that occurred since my last post. I hope you enjoy listening to them.

Track list:

Saturday 10/07/10 Pt. 1 - Reggae



Forward On To Zion - The Abyssinians
Promised Land - Dennis Brown
Universal Tribulation - Gregory Isaacs
What's The Agenda - Mackie Conscious & Paul Elliott
And God Said To Man - Earl Zero
Fight Dem Off - Doniki
Kiss My Brain - Tanya Stephens
One Cup A Day - Lukie D
Call On Jah - Chino
Crown HIM - Lutan Fyah
Till Dat Time Deh - Hezron
Nah Go Suffer - Jah Vinci
Save Yourself - Jah Cure
Jamaica - Leontre

Saturday 10/07/10 Pt. 2 - Soul



Tell Me If You Still Care - The SOS Band
Falling In Love - Sybil
Emergency (Dial 999) - Loose Ends
Just Call - Sherrick
Happy Days - Silk
Love's Taken Over - Chante Moore
Kisses In The Morning - Nadine Charles
It Ain't Love - Kay Tunes
Further - Eric Roberson & Black Einstein

Saturday 10/07/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop



Rebel Without A Pause - Public Enemy
How's Life In London - London Posse
Heat - Common
Raw - Big Daddy Kane
Wolf - KRS One
It's Me (Online) - Spoda
Ayo feat. Oddisee - JC
My Attribute - CNN
Head Shot feat. Imam Thug - CNN
Live From The Nine - Audible Doctor
Soldiers Survivors feat. Nas & Sheek Louch - Jadakiss
Scars & Stripes feat. Canibus - Matt Maddox
15 Minutes feat. Scorzayzee & Atlanta Smith - Configa
Around My Way - Mystro

Saturday 17/07/10 Pt. 1 - Reggae



You Never Know What You've Got - Me & You
I'm Still Waiting - Delroy Wilson
Smile - The Silvertones
Love Is A Feeling - Earl Sixteen
Who Feels It Knows It feat. Etana - Romain Virgo
Save Yourself - Jah Cure
Praise Jah - Lutan Fyah
Done Wit De War - Anthony B
Unbreak My Heart - Gemini
Long Way - Capleton
Fight Dem Off - Doniki
And God Said To Man - Earl Zero

Saturday 17/07/10 Pt. 2 - Soul



Take Some Time Out (For Love) - The Salsoul Orchestra
Times Are Tight - Jimmy Young
Everyone A Winner - Zuice
Sticky Like Glue - Prince
Kisses In The Morning - Nadine Charles
Bad 4 Me - Eric Roberson & Black Einstein
It Ain't Love - Kay Tunes
The Cell - Erykah Badu
Green Eyes - Obenewa
We Live In Brooklyn - Roy Ayers

Saturday 17/07/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop



Around My Way - Mystro
Soul Search feat. Malik MD7 - JC
Your Chick - Fredi Kruga
Scars & Stripes feat. Canibus - Matt Maddox
The Corner - CNN
On The Real - Nyty
Free Mason feat. Jay Z - Rick Ross
Follow Me feat. Thurzday - Strong Arm Steady
Prisoner - Agallah
It's Me (Online) - Spoda
The Ghost Of Christopher Wallace - Jay Electronica
Patience - Nas & Damian Marley
Chilled Coughee feat. Devin Da Dude - Curren$y
My Attribute - CNN
So Cold feat. Chaundon - Little Brother

Saturday 24/07/10 Pt. 1 - Reggae



Get It - Sean Paul
How U Bad Suh - Busy Signal
Ting - Savage
So Smooth - D Major
Call Me - Voice Mail
Nuh Fit Me - Christopher Martin
As The Money Done - Romain Virgo
Unbreak My Heart - Gemini
Precious Gift - Sizzla
Save Yourself - Jah Cure
The Motherland Calling - Lutan Fyah
Fight Dem Off - Doniki
And God Said To Man - Earl Zero
Sweet Slumber - Leontre & Duane Stephenson

Saturday 24/07/10 Pt. 2 - Soul



Take Your Time feat. Wondress - Mantronix
I Wonder If I Take You Home - Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force
You're The One For Me - D Train
Jump Up In The Air feat. Lil Wayne - Erykah Badu
Turn Me Away (Get Munny) - Erykah Badu
Don't Trip feat. Donell Jones - LC
Sticky Like Glue - Prince
Bad 4 Me - Eric Roberson & Black Einstein
Kisses In The Morning - Nadine Charles
It Ain't Love - Kay Tunes

Saturday 24/07/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop



Bodega Stories feat. The LOX - CNN
My Attribute - CNN
China White - Ransom
Show Time - Spoda
Money feat. iamCam & Young Dizzy - Fredi Kruga
Shake It feat. iamCam - Fredi Kruga
Steppin' feat. Mystro & Kyza Smirnoff - Black Einstein
Around My Way - Mystro
By The Bridge - Kaos Theory
Ayo feat. Oddisee - JC
Free Mason feat. Jay Z - Rick Ross
The Ghost Of Christopher Wallace - Jay Electronica
The Ghost Of Kwame Nkrumah - M.anifest
Stressed Out - A Tribe Called Quest

Friday 30/07/10 Pt. 1 - Hip Hop



The Truth feat. Common & Talib Kweli - Pharoahe Monch
Trying People - De La Soul
Self Destruction - The Stop The Violence Movement
No BS Allowed - Stetsasonic
Mad Mad World - 7A3
Follow The Leader - Eric B & Rakim
Euphoria feat. Jadakiss, Styles P & Busta Rhymes - Rakim
Get Something - Mae Day
No Distractions - Virginia Slim
Tripperlude - Ashy L Bowz
Hand On The Glock - Cypress Hill
6 Minutes feat. Young De & Tekneek - B Real
Heart Is Breaking feat. Sway & Roses Gabor - Ty
Shake It feat. iamCam - Fredi Kruga

Friday 30/07/10 Pt. 2 - Hip Hop



Audio Meth feat. Raekwon - Rick Ross
Shook Ones Pt. II - Mobb Deep
Soul By The Pound - Common
Symphony - EPMD
Can U Dig It - Def Squad
Duck Down - Boogie Down Productions
Free Style - Jus Baad
Boogie Down Bronx - Man Parrish
Looking For The Perfect Beat - Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force
Beat Street Breakdown - Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five

Friday 30/07/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop



The World Is Yours feat. Pete Rock - Nas
New Wu feat. Ghostface Killah & Method Man - Raekwon
It's That Wu Shit - Meth, Ghost & Rae
The Corner - CNN
Soldiers Survivors feat. Nas & Sheek Louch - Jadakiss
Around My Way - Mystro
Ayo feat. Oddisee - JC
Chilled Coughee feat. Devin Da Dude - Curren$y
The Way They Do My Life - Slept On Fam
15 Minutes feat Scorzayzee & Atlanta Smith - Configa
Kinda Song - Solomon Childs
My Attribute - CNN
China White - Ransom

Saturday 31/07/10 Pt. 1 - Reggae



Money In My Pocket - Dennis Brown
I Want Your Love - Half Pint & Junior Delgado
Pretty Little Girl - Maxi Priest
Dark Skin Girl - Romain Virgo
Precious Gift - Sizzla
The King's Son - Lutan Fyah
Love Rastafari - Natural Black
All Together - Gramps Morgan
You Remind Me - Danglin
So Clean - Wayne Marshall
Watch Over Me - Romain Virgo
Summin' Ah Guh Gwaan - Bounty Killer & Busy Signal
Save Yourself - Jah Cure
Fight Dem Off - Doniki

Saturday 31/07/10 Pt. 2 - Soul



It Seems To Hang On - Ashford & Simpson
This Place Hotel - The Jacksons
Do You Love What You Feel - Rufus & Chaka Khan
Love On A Summer Night - The McCrarys
Can't Turn Me Away - Sylvia Striplin
It's My Turn - Bobby Glover
Kisses In The Morning - Nadine Charles
Borrow You - Eric Roberson & Black Einstein
Chocolate - Marva King
Sticky Like Glue - Prince
Gone Baby, Don't Be Long - Erykah Badu

Saturday 31/07/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop



Case Closed - Ruffstylz
Maaad Tight feat. Sonny Jim & Skamma - Metabeats & Mudmowth
Running Thru The Rain feat. K9 & Ric - Klashnekoff
Open Mic feat. Genesis Elijah - Tech Tonic Plates
Power - Genesis Elijah
Shake It feat. iamCam - Fredi Kruga
Lil Brotha - F Dot
Around My Way - Mystro
Slow Down feat. Loudmouth Melvin - Pyro Barz
Soul Search feat. Malik MD7 - JC
15 Minutes feat Scorzayzee & Atlanta Smith - Configa
Emotions feat. Sarina Leah & Shaun Escoffery - Ty

One Love, Spy!

Sunday 4 July 2010

The London Sessions



Black Einstein, a.k.a. C Swing is an extremely talented musician, composer & producer who has worked with a wide variety of artists and styles of music. Some of his collaborators include artists whose tracks get plenty of play on my shows, such as KRS One, Mystro, Nadine Charles, etc.


Fortunately for us lovers of good music, Black Einstein's latest collaboration is with Eric Roberson. Not only that, 'The London Sessions' 3 track EP is available as a free download. Result! The tracks are 'Borrow You', 'Further' and 'Bad 4 Me' - you can hear the first and last of these in the recording below.


If you want to connect with Colin Emmanuel (C Swing's govt. name) and/or his music, you can visit his MySpace or Twitter pages and drop him a polite message. Also look out for live dates, which hopefully will be plentiful in the near future.


On a completely unrelated point, it's my Earth Strong ('birthday' for the uninitiated) on Friday, so if any artists want to record some drops for my shows they would make great presents :)

Well, they do say you don't get if you don't ask...

Track list:

Saturday 03/07/10 Pt. 1 - Soul



The Point Of It All - Anthony Hamilton
Letter To My Heart - Obenewa
I Just Don't Want To Be Lonely - The Main Ingredient
Let's Stay Together - Al Green
Kisses In The Morning - Nadine Charles
Bad 4 Me - Eric Roberson & Black Einstein
Gone Baby, Don't Be Long - Erykah Badu
It Ain't Love - Kay Tunes
Zion - Lauryn Hill
Soldier Of Love feat. Tarrus Riley & Duane Stephenson - Sade
Borrow You - Eric Roberson & Black Einstein
Be My Lady - The Meters

Saturday 03/07/10 Pt. 2 - Reggae



How U Bad Suh - Busy Signal
Get It - Sean Paul
Ting - Savage
Watch Over Me - Romain Virgo
So Clean - Wayne Marshall
Don't - Spragga Benz
Dun Wit De War - Anthony B
Unbreak My Heart - Gemini
My Hands - Jah Cure
Save Yourself - Jah Cure
And God Said To Man - Earl Zero
Fight Dem Off - Doniki
Where Do You Go? - Leontre
The Summary - Influential
Famine & Drought - I Wayne
Mama Bawl - Gyptian

Saturday 03/07/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop



Soul Search feat. Malik MD7 - JC
Window Seat Freestyle - Grand Central
P Rules The World - Don Will
Around My Way - Mystro
15 Minutes feat. Scorzayzee & Atlanta Smith - Configa
Scars & Stripes feat. Canibus - Matt Maddox
My Attribute - CNN
Soldiers Survivors feat. Nas & Sheek Louch - Jadakiss
Ayo feat. Oddisee - JC
Showtime - Spoda
Heart Is Breaking feat. Sway & Roses Gabor - Ty
Road Rage feat. Triple Darkness - Jon Phonics
Patience - Nas & Damian Marley

One Love, Spy!

Sunday 27 June 2010

241



Due to various reasons; the football, extra hours at the day job, continued technical difficulties, etc., I haven't kept this blog up to date, and for that I apologise. Unfortunately, I was unable to record the show on the 12th but you will find below the recordings for the last two shows - 19th & 26th June 2010.

Oddisee is featured in a couple of tracks from my last show and if you look back, you'll see that his tracks (or tracks on which he features) get quite a lot of play from me, so I figured it was time to throw him in the spotlight.


As well as a regularly featured solo artist, Oddisee is also one-third of Diamond District whose 'In The Ruff' was one of the albums of last year.


As is now customary for young, independent artists, Oddisee has his own blog where you can keep up with his latest news, music and such. Don't be surprised to find his name popping up on more collaborative efforts with the likes of J Live, Kev Brown and other artists/producers of that ilk.


Track list:

Saturday 19/06/10 Pt. 1 - Soul



Times A Wastin' - Erykah Badu
Lady - D'Angelo
Lucky Fellow - Leroy Hutson
Hard To Get Around - BB&Q Band
Forever Love - Brass Construction
Come & Get Me - Morrissey Mullen
(I Want To Get) Closer To You - Gonzalez
Flying High - Freeez
Livin' In The Light - Caron Wheeler
Funky Sensation - Gwen McCrae

Saturday 19/06/10 Pt. 2 - Reggae



Nuclear Arms - Ricky Tuffy
Talk Bout - Terror Fabulous & Wayne Wonder
Excellence - Louie Culture
Love Somebody - Little Kirk
Kingston - Doniki
Nah Go Suffer - Jah Vinci
Ting - Savage
Get It - Sean Paul
Summin A Guh Gwaan - Bounty Killa & Busy Signal
So Clean - Wayne Marshall
Watch Over Me - Romain Virgo
Don't - Spragga Benz
Stay On The Move - Danglin
Cease Fire - Chuck Fenda
Yuh Nah Deal Wid Love - Elephant Man
Nah Wah See Dem - G Whizz

Saturday 19/06/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop



Scenario feat. Leaders Of The New School - A Tribe Called Quest
Babylon - Kokayi
Golden Sky - Iamisee
Maintain - Mystro
Happiness feat. Vula Malinga - Ty
15 Minutes feat. Scorzayzee & Atlanta Smith - Configa
Wolf - KRS One
Kennel - BXL
Headshots feat. Imam Thug - CNN
Maaad Tight feat. Sonny Jim & Skamma - Metabeats & Mudmowth
Soldiers Survivors feat. Nas & Sheek Louch - Jadakiss
All I Really Want - Spoda
Ghost Of Christopher Wallace - Jay Electronica
Obamanation - Lowkey

Saturday 26/06/10 Pt. 1 - Soul



Yes I'm Ready - Barbara Mason
In The Mood - Tyrone Davis
Ghetto Child - Detroit Spinners
Shoeshine Boy - Eddie Kendricks
Let The Good Times Roll - Little Beaver
Super People - Notations
Our Generation - John Legend & The Roots
Gone Baby, Don't Be Long - Erykah Badu
Green Eyes - Obenewa
Morning Blues feat. Michelle Escoffrey - C Swing
Not My Man - Nadine Charles
He's Alright - Melanie Fiona
Holla - Marva King
Don't Say Goodnight - Isley Brothers

Saturday 26/06/10 Pt. 2 - Reggae



Kingston - Doniki
My Everything - Sanchez
Don't Trust Dem - Elephant Man
Don't - Spragga Benz
Let Dem Know - Buju Banton
Mi Homeland - Tarrus Riley
Cease Fire - Chuck Fenda
Nuh Wah See Dem - G Whizz
Forever feat. Shaggy - Daville
You Remind Me - Danglin
Nuh Try - Leontre
Till Dat Time Deh - Hezron
Rescue Me - Lukie D
The Summary - Influential
Lost Our Way - I Octane
Famine & Drought - I Wayne

Saturday 26/06/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop



Patience - Nas & Damian Marley
Happiness feat. Vula Malinga - Ty
Scars & Stripes feat. Canibus - Matt Maddox
Ayo feat. Oddisee - JC
Showtime - Spoda
Dangerous - Dangerous - Meth, Ghost & Rae
My Attribute - CNN
Money feat. Young Dizzy & iamCam - Fredi Kruga
Hot Like Summer feat. Andreena Mill - Saukrates
Sunshine - Yungun
Next Time - Common
The Upgrade feat. Posdnous & Oddisee - J Live

One Love, Spy!

Sunday 6 June 2010

Since You've Been Gone



Dwayne Anglin, a.k.a. Danglin, is a recording artist, songwriter and producer originally from Guys Hill, St. Catherine, Jamaica. A teenage Danglin moved to New Jersey where he finished high school and joined the US Navy and he penned his first songs working in the trash room of a battle ship.

His music is definitely Reggae but his love of music includes Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz and Funk.



These days Danglin can be found in recording studios and on stages across Jamaica and the United States, where he's building a solid fan base. His recent releases, 'Heavenly Father' and 'Excuse Me Miss' were both well received by the Jamaican DJ's and public alike.


As you can see from the track listings in my previous blogs, Danglin gets quite a lot of play from me in my Reggae hour and, alongside the likes of Hezron and Da'Ville, is at the vanguard of the young, emerging talent coming out of Jamaica right about now.

Expect to hear more from and about these and other such artists over the months to come.




On another note, due to ongoing issues with my home broadband, I've had to explore different ways to host my recordings and, consequently, been able to provide the players below thereby allowing you to listen whilst continuing to browse/read the rest of the blogs (on this page, at least). They seem to work fine but please let me know if they're causing you problems. You can still open the links in a separate window as before, if that's your preference.

Track list:

Saturday 05/06/10 Pt. 1 - Soul



You, Me & He - Mtume
And So It Begins - Syreeta
Let's Stay Together feat. Jean Carne - Bobby M
Don't Let It Go To Your Head - Fat Larry's Band
We'll Make It - Mike & Brenda Sutton
Can't Slow Down - Angela Bofill
Keep On Movin' feat. Caron Wheeler - Soul II Soul
Lovin' You - Status IV
Unthinkable (remix) feat. Drake - Alicia Keys

Saturday 05/06/10 Pt. 2 - Reggae



Ting - Savage
Forever feat. Shaggy - Da'Ville
Mi Homeland - Tarrus Riley
Cease Fire - Chuck Fenda
Yuh Nah Deal Wid Love - Elephant Man
Nah Go Suffer - Jahvinci
What's The Agenda - Mackie Concious & Paul Elliott
TIll Dat Time Deh - Hezron
You Remind Me - Danglin
Since You've Been Gone - Danglin
Big Woman - Khago
Music In My Soul - Sizzla
Rudie Don't Fear - Alborosie
Sweet Jamaica - Tarrus Riley
Call On Jah - Chino
Crown HIM - Lutan Fyah

Saturday 05/06/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop



The Reserves feat. Raekwon - CNN
Didn't I Tell You feat. Von Pea - Jermiside & Danny Diggs
Soldiers Survivors feat. Nas & Sheek Louch - Jadakiss
All I Really Want - Spoda
On The Real - Nyty
Diamond In The Rough - Solomon Childs
Wolf - KRS One
Musika feat. Magic Juan - KRS One & Marley Marl
Lil' Brotha - F. Dot
Happiness feat. Vula Malinga - Ty
P Rules The World - Don Will
Your Chick - Fredi Kruga
Money feat. Young Dizzy & iamCam - Fredi Kruga
The Kennel - BXL

One Love, Spy!

Sunday 30 May 2010

14 minutes and counting...



Configa, is a producer/composer & rapper of international renown. A founder member of the Slept On Fam, who's album 'Audio Crack' is still available, Configa is probably much better known in New York & London than he is in his native Newcastle.


If you're familiar with this blog and/or my radio show you will have read/heard his name on several occasions by now (in the track listings at the end of each blog). I think it's fair to say that I'm a fan of his production/compositional work, whether it's him spitting or the likes of F.Dot (a.k.a. Floriginul), Scorzayzee, etc.


His latest release, 15 Minutes, is a departure from the 'boom bap' he's better known for and even includes a tasty contribution from singer Atlanta Smith. However, it's no less Hip Hop than his previous offerings and Scorzayzee's lyrics are on point as usual.

There's talk of a new album in the ether and I will happily give you the heads up as soon as I have more information on that. In the meantime, keep up with his moves and news by following his Twitter page.

Track list:

Saturday 29/05/10 Pt. 1 - Soul

If This World Were Mine feat. Luther Vandross - Cheryl Lynn
This Masquerade - George Benson
Free - Deneice Williams
If You Were Here Tonight - Alexander O'Neil
You Used To Hold Me So Tight - Thelma Houston
Hot Wild Unrestricted Crazy Love - Millie Jackson
I Do Love You - Brass Construction
Ladies Choice - Stone City Band
Keeping Secrets - Switch

Saturday 29/05/10 Pt. 2 - Reggae

Coca Cola Shape - Simpleton
Heat - General Levy
Love The Woman - Poison Chang
Come & Talk To Me - Singing Melody
Two Places feat. Shaggy - Hezron
Dread - Protoje
Ready To Go - Courtney John
Lucky Man - Courtney John
Win Some - Courtney John
That Place - Denyque
Coming Right Back - Pressure
Say A Prayer - T.O.K.
Nobody Knows - Tarrus Riley
Young Heart - Tarrus Riley
Let Peace Reign - Tarrus Riley
Jamaica - Leontre

Saturday 29/05/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop

15 Minutes feat. Scorzayzee & Atlanta Smith - Configa
Your Chick - Fredi Kruga
On The Real - Nyty
Didn't I Tell You feat. Von Pea - Jermiside & Danny Diggs
Soldiers Survivors feat. Nas & Sheek Louch - Jadakiss
The Ghost Of Christopher Wallace feat. P Diddy - Jay Electronica
Next Time - Common
I Never Knew feat. Loudmouth Melvin & Mentalist
Road Rage feat. Triple Darkness - Jon Phonics
Wolf - KRS One
Streets Won't Let Me Chill - Diamond District
Wednesday feat. Mystro & Loudmouth Melvin - Saukrates
Holla - Rodney P
So Cold feat. Chaundon - Little Brother

One Love, Spy!

Sunday 9 May 2010

Politics As Usual



Today I'd like to focus your attention on Lowkey, a UK based rapper with international pedigree having worked alongside the likes of Immortal Technique, Canibus & Dead Prez. Regular listeners of my show will have heard tracks such as 'Voices Of The Voiceless' (which featured Immortal Technique) and his previous release 'Something Wonderful'.


His latest single 'Obama Nation' was released independently last Monday and is aimed squarely at the political system that led to the invasion of Iraq and other such acts of aggression.

If you want to find out more about Lowkey and his music the best place to look is the Lowkey Blog site. And you can show your support for him by following him on Twitter.


Before I go, I must mention that I've had to remove the audio from the 'Maaad Tight' blog post (below) due to Google (the owners of Blogger) being threatened with legal action. Unlike the last time this happened, I have actually found evidence of this proposed legal action, which I have appended to the post. However, it's still not clear what exactly (or who exactly) the problem is. I wonder if the BBC has to put up with this with their iPlayer? Somehow I doubt it...

Anyway, I'd like to get to the bottom of this so that I can stop playing the offended artist's music in future, thereby making life easier for both of us. So, if you're the artist, label or whatever that put in the complaint, please feel free to contact me.

Track list:

Saturday 08/05/10 Pt. 1 - Soul

Cinco De Mayo - War
Baby I'm Scared Of You - Womack & Womack
Shine - Aja
Fight - McKoy
You Turn Me On - Everis
Hypnotic Love feat. C J Lewis - Philip Leo
Joy & Pain (In This Wild, Wild World) - Gigi Hamilton
I Wish - Giorge Pettus
Cry Baby - Nadine Charles

Saturday 08/05/10 Pt. 2 - Reggae

Nah Go Switch - Flourgon
Mek Them Galong - Stacha Ranks
Gwan Yu Ways - Conrad Crystal & Sheriff
Don't Touch Crack - Crime Stoppa
Hypocrites - Michael Prophet & Daddy Freddie
God Mi Love - Peter Metro
Nothing From Dem - Gappy Ranks
Nuh Informa - Infamuss Regilata
Warning - Assassin
Itty Bit O Money - Tanya Stephens
Do It Back - Konshens
What I Want - Wayne Wonder
Ring Di Alarm - Christopher Martin
Rudie Don't Fear - Alborosie
Mad Love For You - Sanchez
Music In My Soul - Sizzla
Sweet Jamaica - Tarrus Riley

Saturday 08/05/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop

Phantom Of The Opera feat. Anthony Mills - Ty
15 Minutes feat. Scorzayzee & Atlanta Smith - Configa
Money feat. Young Dizzy & iamCam - Fredi Kruga
Fly With Me - Papoose
Letter To The BNP - 5abotage
Obama Nation - Lowkey
Patience - Distant Relatives
Lil Brotha - F.Dot (Floriginul)
The Ghost Of Christopher Wallace feat. P Diddy - Jay Electronica
Kennel - BXL
All I Really Want - Spoda
Didn't I Tell You feat. Von Pea - Jermiside & Danny Diggs
Open Mic feat. Genesis Elijah - Tech Tonic Plates
Holla - Rodney P

One Love, Spy!

Sunday 2 May 2010

Letter To The BNP




In this week's show I did something I've never done before; I interviewed someone. The someone in question is the artist behind the above video, 5abotage. You can hear the interview, well actually more of a brief chat really, within the Hip Hop hour below.

I really don't know a lot about him or his material, so I won't pretend that I do, but I was intrigued by his track and, through the wonders of Twitter, we managed to hook up so that it could get played on the radio (even if it wasn't the BBC).


In other news, I've been talking about it for weeks on my show and even mentioned it in a previous blog but now it's finally happened, Ty's 'Special Kind Of Fool' was released on 19 April 2010 and the man's been very busy promoting it ever since. You can find a reasoned and in depth review of it over at Leeds Hip Hop site. My personal take is that it was worth the wait, so expect to hear more tracks from it over the coming weeks.

Last but not least, I want to apologize to everyone who 'tuned in' last week (24/04/10) only to find me not there. I was having problems with my computer BSOD'ing all day that day and was unable to resolve the problem in time for my show. If it happens again (technology loves letting me down, so it's likely) I will pick up my tunes and forward to the main studio instead of faffing about trying to repair it. If that happens I won't be able to record the show at the same time (and probably won't be able to do the simultaneous Ustream broadcast either) but at least the show itself will go on.

Anyway, please enjoy the recordings from this week's show at your leisure.

Track list:

Saturday 01/05/10 Pt. 1 - Soul

Behind The Groove - Teena Marie
You're The Best - The Emotions
Don't Let Nobody Hold You Down - L J Reynolds
Dreams Do Come True - Glenn Jones
Dreamz - Zshatwa
It Kills Me - Melanie Fiona
Green Eyes - Obenewa
Gone Baby, Don't Be Long - Erykah Badu
A Call Away - Mario
Cry Baby - Nadine Charles
Starlight & You - Lonnie Liston Smith

Saturday 01/05/10 Pt. 2 - Reggae

Rosemarie - Sanchez
Bun Bun - Shaka Shamba
Good Body Girl - African
Protein, Vitamins & Minerals - Galaxy
Hungry Days - Popcaan
Not Goin' Crazy - Buju Banton
Hard Times - Buju Banton
Love Songs - Tony Curtis, Mitch & Ghost
My Everything - Sanchez
Smooth Sailing - D Major
Never Say Never - Jah Cure
Angel - Hezron
Magical - Courtney John
Kingston - Doniki
Life Of The People - Doniki

Saturday 01/05/10 Pt. 3 - Hip Hop

Money feat. Young Dizzy & iamCam - Fredi Kruga
Lil Brotha - F.Dot (Floriginul)
Letter To The BNP - 5abotage
Open Mic feat. Genesis Elijah - Tech Tonic Plates
All I Really Want - Spoda
Kennel - BXL
Before N After - Blak Twang
Window Seat Freestyle (Love The Ladies) - Grand Central
Heart Is Breaking feat. Sway & Roses Gabor - Ty
P Rules The World ft Mykestro & Bad Lucc - Don Will
Follow Me feat. Thurzday - Strong Arm Steady

One Love, Spy!