Life in a jail house nuh sweet...

Lots going on this week so I'll type as fast as my poor, cold little fingers will allow. Let's start with something as sweet on the ears as it is on the eyes.

Nadine Charles is, as you can see/hear, a proper singer. Not only can she 'sang', she also has a charming, even alluring, stage presence and a wicked sense of humour, so if you ever get the chance to see her perform live grab it with both hands and don't let go.

Not so sweet, but just as tasty, 'Reign Of Fire' is the latest video from Genesis Elijah's 'I Ain't Even Charging Bruv' EP and was shot while he was on tour in Switzerland. You'd have to be cuckoo (clock) not to download it, after all, he ain't even charging...

Speaking of freeness, be sure to check out Rapsody's new release courtesy of DJ Booth 'For Everything'. On point as always, this is Rapsody's third full length release this year and would be a bargain at almost any price, with production from 9th Wonder, Amp & Khrysis and features from Freeway, Kendrick Lamar and more.

Cappo's back with a new EP available as either a digital download or physical CD called Gusto Grizwold: International Vacation. If you purchase the CD you get the download version for free while you're waiting. This is just a precursor to the album proper due for release next year (which isn't that far away now).

Filmed by Grillaras Pictures, 'Jail House Rock' is the latest single from Leontre and the Gully Bank Musik crew. Good to hear that reality music is still alive and kicking in the Jamaican music industry. Hopefully, this attitude will rub off on Reggae's nephew Hip Hop and all the chopping up Maybachs and such will disappear up its own arse. We shall see...

Dukus has let fly a new EP produced by Crankz called 'Disturbed' and, as the name suggests, it's not one for fans of My Little Pony. I must confess that I know very little about Crankz, but I'm definitely going to find out more after this.

Scram Jones has a new, free 16 track 'mixtape' called 'The Hat Trick'. It's a mostly solo effort but he does enlist help from Mike Maven and Alchemist, which is never a bad thing.

A quick reminder (or heads up, if you were previously unaware) that Skillit's Birthday Bash is happening tomorrow at The Social, 5 Little Portland Street, London W1W 7JD. Featuring live performances from Skillit himself plus music from DJ Locky Stylez & Chris P Cuts. In the meantime 'Jump Up & Down' to his new video on a track produced by Jukeboxx and directed by K-Nite.

Another event of note (although there's been mixed reaction to this from the group themselves) is the UK premieres (yes, that's plural) of ‘Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest’ featuring a live performance from Phife Dawg after the film. The two nights, 21st and 22nd, are hosted by Spin Doctor and, if you hurry, you can still get tickets for the second night.

"Enough!", my fingers cry (or would if they were able to speak). I bid you adieu till next time.

One Love, Spy!

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Heavy Smoke

This week has seen the passing of two iconic figures from the African American world of entertainment; Heavy D, rapper, producer, A&R and, more recently, actor and probably the only man to strike fear in the heart of Muhammad Ali, 'Smokin' Joe Frazier.

Now I won't pretend that I am one of Heavy D's greatest admirers. To be honest most of the music I heard from him was a bit too twee for my liking, but I do acknowledge the effect he has (had) on his fans and offer my genuine condolences to all the family, friends and followers of the 'overweight lover' that are left behind. And to think that he was the same age as me...

Joe Frazier was a boxing legend, from the days when it really was a sport worth watching and the phrase "heavyweight champion of the world" was almost held in as much awe as "President of the United States of Amerca" (although it must be said that the latter has lost a lot of its shine too). Frazier was one of the few prominent people to publicly back Ali in his fight to be reinstated by the boxing board following Ali's refusal to be drafted into the US Army. Frazier even petitioned the then president, Richard Nixon.

Once he was cleared to fight again, Ali went on to 'accuse' Frazier of being an Uncle Tom in the build up to one of their infamous world title bouts. This was a step too far (and one that Ali later public displayed remorse for) as far as Frazier was concerned and led to an irreparable rift in their relationship.

I will always be a fan of Ali, but I never took props away from Frazier. They even made records about his legendary clashes with the likes of Ali and Foreman. I can't think of any modern day boxers (or any other sports people) that would inspire musicians to make music about them.

Fortunately, it hasn't all been sad/bad news over the last few weeks. For example, English Frank's latest release 'Road To Riches', which features the vocal talents of Cerose, is available on iTunes for the paltry sum of seventy-nine English pennies and, as you can see/hear, is really rather good old bean.

Alternatively, you can grab yourself a whole EP of quality baps and booms for free - 'BEHOLD!' is the result of a collaboration between Superior Thought & OphQi, collectively known as S.M.R.G.. The EP features guest appearances from Young Prince, Big Frizzle, Iron Braydz and more and is further proof that Hip Hop music (and culture) has not put its foot anywhere near a bucket.

You may recall the God Loves Grinders 'mixtape' released by Grand Central earlier this year. Well, if 'God' exists at all, he/she/it must really love Mr Drastick & K.I.N.E.T.I.K. because they haven't stopped putting in work and are due to release 'GLG vol. 2' early next year. In the meantime, they've given us the teaser above to sate our appetites. Sorry lads, I'm still hungry and greedily looking forward to the whole set.

Crossing over to the other side of the Atlantic, I'm very pleased to announce the return of Line For Line with their new album 'Showcase'. You'd think that with so many members of the group vying for attention that there wouldn't be any features on this album, but they still managed to squeeze in the talents of General Steele and LaWanda Michelle on to the 15 track set. Check out the first single, 'Clap Your Hands' for free.

Staying in the US, a duo of emcees/producers known as the Architect Lordz have a new thang too, the 'Smoking After Dark' EP, which is available as a digital download for whatever price you choose starting at $1.00. It appears that the old saying is true, big things really do come in small packages and certainly at a small price.

Right then, I'm off to shake two foot with my missus to the sounds of Loose Ends at the Jazz Cafe. See ya next time.

One Love, Spy!

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Many are called...

Nice and raw, two words that aptly describe the latest offering from the prolific pen of Cyclonious. His new mixtape, 'The Chosen', is 13 quality tracks which include collaborations from TB, Dark Matter, Nate and more, although my personal favourites are the Wu-ish solo effort 'Out On Sight' and 'They Don't Care About Us'.

One of the 'more' in the previous paragraph is Raggo Zulu Rebel, yet another member of the seemingly endless People's Army. I first was aware of him through some of his collaborations with bigCakes but, as you can see from the example below, he has a catalogue of works in his own right.

Sticking with the Army, due for release at midnight tomorrow is Lowkey's official album Soundtrack To The Struggle. Containing tracks such as 'Terrorist?', 'Obamanation' and 'Voices Of The Voiceless', which features Immortal Technique, this album has been looked forward to by Lowkey's remarkably loyal fans for some time. Pre-order it now from iTunes and attend the launch party in Islington next Friday.

Apparently, I have some (but not much) Klout, which is nice. So I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all my Twitter and Facebook fam for your continued support and friendship.

One Love, Spy!

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Foundation

Here in the UK, October is designated 'Black History Month'. Personally, I'm quite ambivalent about the whole thing. On the one hand, I totally understand the reasoning behind it. As an Afrikan (my preferred expression for 'Black people') myself I am well aware of the injustices and disparity suffered by Afrikans throughout the ages and that things have hardly improved even today. I also have personal experience of the so called 'education' shitstem in this country and, from this experience (and I accept that this was a good few years ago), I know that in History lessons Africa and its inhabitants were only referred to in connection with slavery and the 'Scramble for Africa'. Perhaps things have moved on since my school days but I seriously doubt it.

On the other hand, by adopting this one month per year to highlight the historical achievements of Afrikans, we're almost giving permission for 'Black History' to be ignored for the other eleven months. Also, those that have a genuine interest in 'Black History' will seek it out regardless of what the calendar says, and those that have an interest in keeping Afrikans down will use 'Black History Month' as fuel for their Fascist fire - "Why do the niggers get their own month?" "What have they done to deserve it?" et cetera, et cetera...

Anyway, regardless of my personal misgivings, I'm still pleased to see a group of (comparatively) young folks making the effort to change history back to mystory. I would have been even more pleased if they'd managed to include contributions from some of our sisters but you (or me in this case) can't always get what you want.

On a completely different subject, you may recall me telling you about Dray Delta and his Flow Reel Two mixtape earlier this year. One of the tracks on it was an amusing beseech by Dray to the women who wear ill fitting Ugz (or however it's spelled) to stop it. Fdot1 took it upon himself to inject a layer of quality into the production that was lacking from the original mixtape version, which leads us neatly to the video above.

I confess to being very ignorant when it comes to Scottish Hip Hop, so I have no clue whether Madhat Mcgore is a big name, small name or no name at all up there. However, I don't really give a fuck about a person's reputation, especially in the music game. While I don't think that this is the best thing I've ever heard, it is very far from the worst and, IMO, is at least worth a listen or two.

Enough from me for another week, but please feel free to keep me up to date with whatever project you're working on by hitting me up on Twitter or Facebook.

One Love, Spy!

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Heat

No, I'm not referring to the recent improvement in the weather pleasant though it's been. I'm talking about the new video from Configa featuring the vocal talent, and I do mean talent, of Jaz Kahina. The track's called 'We On Fire' and is taken from Configa's 'Calm Before The Storm' project, as mentioned last week, which proves that whatever, whoever says Hip Hop ain't dead.

Late as usual, I first happened upon Jaz on her combination with Illaman 'Talkin' 'Bout God' and have been one of her fans ever since. If you feel the same way, don't miss out on 'DJ Slademan Presents Gone' (feat. Agallah) for more goodness.

On a different tack for a minute, allow me to remind you of a prodigious singer/songwriter who celebrated her Earth Strong this week, Leontre. You already know that I grew up with Reggae as much as (if not more than) Hip Hop and will love it till I die, so it's always a pleasure to hear real authentic Reggae still being made. Everything I've heard from the album (not that it's finished yet) so far has been stellar. So, Ms Roberts, there's no point in wishing you the best as you already have it.

Back to the Hip Hop, this week's seen the release of J Live's 'S.P.T.A.', pronounced "spitta", it's short for said person of that ability, which aptly describes this educator to a tee. It's still possible to get a signed copy of the album on CD. How's that for reaching out to your fans?

Also new is Charity Starts At Home by Phonte of Little Brother and The Foreign Exchange fame. Once again this is further proof that Hip Hop is far from the Reaper. Don't hesitate, just buy this shit now!

Back to the UK, here's the latest video from People's Army veteran Genesis Elijah. Known for producing more bangers than the Wall's factory on bonfire night, Genesis spectacularly fails to disappoint us once again.

Next week the NHS is teaming up with ACLT in a drive to promote donating blood and bone marrow. If you're in London West End, Croydon, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol or Leicester and you're able, please feel free to call ACLT office on 020 8240 4480 to book an appointment.

If you're one of those people that changes your mobile on the regular, please consider assisting ACLT by donating your old phones in an envelope marked 'Free Post ReCyclewise ACLT'. All phones (not stolen, of course) regardless of their condition will be gratefully received.

One Love, Spy!

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Feed your mind

You're probably aware by now that I'm a fan of the Associated Minds crew and their philosophies on Hip Hop and music in general. Well it seems that I'm not the only one (of course I'm not, but I'm just making a point here) as their recent collaboration with Eatgood Records shows.

'The Highball EP' features, as you would expect, just about every emcee, composer and producer from both cliques in a concentrated mass of musical mayhem.

Another, smaller, but equally potent crew that I'm a fan of is the Quaranteam, of which Skillit is a member. Taken from his 'As Seen On TV' EP, 'Tom Shanks' is Skillit's latest single and, to my ears at least, is a parody of the violence so often promoted in Hip Hop and Grime these days. Maybe I'm reading too much into it? Maybe Skillit is just a violent motherfucker? But, having met him and seen him performing, I don't think so.

This is a previously unreleased track from M9 who, literally, gave us the excellent 'Orion's Stencil' last year. Fortunately, for me at least, there were some physical CD's to purchase of this project too but they don't seem to appear as on option on the download site anymore. I'm glad I bought mine when I did.

Not exactly new (released in August) but still worth a mention, especially given my absence from the blog world in recent months, is Configa's 'Calm Before The Storm'. Once again this Toon producer adds boom to baps and comes up with a tasty sandwich with all the trimmings. Unlike his previous release, 'Pac To The Essence Vol. 1', this one is only available as a download but I'm hoping his upcoming album 'Inside The Echo Chamber' will be available in a physical format. We shall see.

Before I go, a quick heads up on a forthcoming event; ELZHI will be appearing at the Jazz Cafe on Thursday, 3rd November with a live band plus support from Yungun, Mr Thing and Spin Doctor. For more details and/or to register your interest check out the Facebook page for the event.

One Love, Spy!

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Monday morning feeling

Okay, it's another Monday, I'm tired after the weekend and I need something to pick me up. Thank whatever you believe in for Grand Central! Two of the hardest working emcees in the UK game right now; Kinetik & Mr Drastick, are always ready to push themselves only this time they've drafted in some extra help from Trademark Da Skydiver and Ms. Galaxy.

Directed by the multi-talented K-Nite 13, the video moves away from the tried (or should that be tired) and tested 'performance' paradigm. Whether that was a deliberate strategy by the director or the result of the artists not being available for the shoot I don't know, but either way it makes a nice change.

Also brought to my attention (by Hood's Hottest among others) is the new freestyle from Stylah. Not the most exciting video in the world (like I can talk...) but I'm not a movie critic so we'll let it slide (if you'll pardon the pun).

This blog has been a little erratic in terms when I put up new posts, not exactly reassuring for 'regular' readers. However, I do like to share stuff on my Facebook page too, so feel free to have a browse and/or post your music/video/event up on it. Whenever I have the time (and inclination) I'll re-post your stuff on here to take it to a different (wider?) audience. So, until next time, have fun if you can but try not to spoil it for others.

One Love, Spy!

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Web 2.0

It's been a long while (too long?) since I've posted anything to this blog. The reasons are several (most of them Federal © P.E.) and include the disappearance of Melody One, the internet station that I was broadcasting on. However, before the station disappeared, I had already stopped broadcasting (albeit only temporarily, or so I thought) due to a combination of poor health and problems with my ISP.

During this time out my wife and I had a little discussion along the lines of me agreeing to completely redecorate what was the 'control room' of my 'studio' and in exchange I would be able to move the whole kit and caboodle into a larger room at the back of the house. So that's what happened; I completely emptied and redecorated the smaller room (from carpet to ceiling) and then proceeded to put my 'studio' back together in a one room scenario, i.e. in future the vocalists/performers and I will be in the same room together.

Being the king of originality that I am, I called the 'old' studio "The Web" - Spy da Man, geddit? "Web 2.0" will be more productive, if you'll pardon the pun, than the old one was, certainly toward the end of it's days anyway. As the images depict, I am also ready to pick up where I left off in terms of internet radio - much easier access to my records and much more space and comfort all around.

So my next quest is to find a station that will take me as I am or, if I'm not able to do so, set up my own station. The problem with the second option is the consumption of time and money that it will require in order to do it properly. I don't want to start something and then not be able to see it through. On the other hand, if I'm controlling it I won't be subject to the whims of others.

We'll see how it goes but in the meantime I'm going to concentrate on putting some more beats together and see where that road takes me.

As you know, if you've paid any attention to my previous posts, I also have a day job and, without giving away too much, it involves working with disadvantaged young people. One of the things that we do to redress the balance is to organize group activities for them. So, combining my love of music with the work that pays for my music was a no-brainer for me.

During my hiatus from the blog world I arranged for a small group to visit and record at Fdot1's "Lil' Rock Studio" over the course of a couple of days. It's one of the best experiences we've had in a group activity and that's all down to the wonderful hosting (and producing) skills of Fdot1. I seriously can't big him up enough for all the time and effort he put into those two days, especially considering his personal discomfort at the time. So partly in way of thanks and partly because I love this track to the bone, here is the video for the Vivid Beatz produced 'She's So...' from the album 'Money MusicK'. Enjoy!

One Love, Spy!

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The Unclean

As the anticipation for 'Money Musick' heightens, Fdot1 attempts to appease his fans with the release of his 'So Grimey' E.P., which contains 'Gal Ah Bawl', 'Fyaahh..!!!' and, my personal favourite from the set, 'Put It On Ya' alongside the title track.

The above video contains many cameos which include a name that readers of this blog should recognize, Configa, who has worked with Fdot1 many times before on each others' projects. This is the version without the questionable rubber utensils. Thankfully, I haven't seen the other one yet and long may that remain the case...

Anyway, below is the video for 'Fyaahh..!!!' taken from both the EP and the album and on a completely different tip from 'So Grimey', illustrating the diversity of sounds and styles that have gone into 'Money Musick'.

I know it seems like only yesterday that Cyclonious dropped his 'Escape To Reality' mixtape and he's already released another one, this time in collaboration with producer 42nd Chamber called The Warrior & The Blacksmith'. 'Never Lose Your Passion' (below) is one of only nine tracks on this mixtape, a much more compact offering than the aforementioned previous effort, but what it lacks in quantity is made up for in quality.

As you will see or have (not) heard, I was unable to broadcast on Friday. This pissed me off as I was dieing to drop some of the new Pharoahe Monch album I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. Hopefully, everything should be back to normal this coming Friday and I can do the show I had planned for this week then. As always, if you want to listen to and/or download any of my shows they can be found here, but be warned they're not available indefinitely.

Before I go, here's a further appeal to please join the Campaign for Justice for Smiley Culture and for my Twitter fam to follow @Justice4SmileyC and @merlinemanuel. Thank you.

Track list:

Saturday 26/03/11

Dancin' To The Beat - Henderson & Whitfield
Tell Me What You Want - Loose Ends
Main Thing feat. Kim Marsh - Shot
Always There - Willie Bobo
Always There - Ronnie Laws
You Can Do It (It's So Easy) - Dino Terrell
Push Come To Shove - Freddie McGregor
To Be Poor Is A Crime - Freddie McGregor
To Be Poor Is A Crime - Still Cool
Long About Now - Tinga Stewart
Fool For You - Peter Hunnigale
Sweet Slumber feat. Duane Stephenson - Leontre
Brave Ones - Kymani Marley
Take Control - Protoje
Rise Up - Ce'cile
Love - Sophia Squire
Fight Dem Off - Doniki
Make Love To Me - Jill Francis
Share My Love - Betty Wright
Stay A Little While - Gerald Alston
I'll Do Anything For You - Michael Wycoff
Put Yourself In My Shoes - Obenewa
Zoom - Commodores
Eye To Eye - Gary Taylor
You Did It Good - L.A. Boppers
Love At Dawn - Anne G

One Love, Spy!

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Dirty Babylon

This past week's seen the loss of yet two more artists at ages that are below average for the species. Nate Dogg passed in hospital in a manner that is as yet not public knowledge but is said to be related to previously ongoing health problems. I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends at this time of sorrow.

The other loss is much closer to home, in more ways than one, and one that needs to be examined in detail to ensure that justice is done and seen to be done. Smiley Culture was a UK Dancehall pioneer who went on to become the first UK emcee to get into the UK Pop charts as well as the first to record an entire track in the then new 'Fast Style' that was originated by Peter King. I never met Smiley, I've seen him perform live but never been introduced or exchanged anything more than a cursory nod with him. Therefore, I'm not gonna gush about what a great personal loss this is for me. However, I can and do empathize with what the Emmanuel family is going through and consequently urge everyone to join the official Campaign for Justice for Smiley Culture and to follow @merlinemanuel on Twitter.

Video streaming by Ustream

I really hope you took the time to watch that video all the way through because a lot of important points were made and, if we really want the truth, we can't allow the police to 'investigate' the 'mysterious' circumstances surrounding Smiley's death. This is not a new phenomenon. Deaths in police custody, especially of young Black men, is an alarmingly regular occurrence. However, the death of someone of Smiley's international status and renown is new and, for a while at least, will put this practice into the limelight. How and how often the 'news' reports will be presented remains to be seen, but I expect the mainstream press to continue with their smear tactics as usual.

Let us remember these artists for what they contributed to us in their music and feel glad that we've been blessed with their presence at all.

I also want to make you aware that the Red Cross have launched the Japan Tsunami Appeal to fund their efforts in supporting victims of the disaster. While it's true that Japan has a stronger infrastructure and economy than Haiti or, perhaps, even Pakistan, nevertheless, it has been a tragedy for the people of Japan and my heart goes out to them.

The track list for this week's shows is below and if you missed them or want to hear them again you can find them here and/or at the Melody One website. Thank you.

Track list:

Friday 18/03/11

Can't Truss It - Public Enemy
Livin' In A Zoo - Public Enemy
Like A Throttle - Boogie Down Productions
Sound Of Da Police - Boogie Down Productions
Freestyle - Jus Badd
Give It A Rest - The She Rockers
Have A Nice Day - Roxanne Shante
The Plan - Da Goldminerz
You Got It - Rah Digga
Xxplosive feat. Hittman, Kurupt, Nate Dogg & Six-Two - Dr Dre
Call Me Anytime You Like - Grand Central
1st Class Ticket - Show Tufli
Gone Baby, Don't Be Long - Cyclonious
'Beat Shop' feat. Apollo Brown, Killah Trakz, MFG, Jukeboxx & Pseudo
Strong Island - J.V.C.F.O.R.C.E.
Because I Got It Like That - Jungle Brothers
Can U Dig It? - Def Squad
The Makings Of You - Journey Brave
Self Savior feat. Chance Infinite - Talib Kweli
Give It To Me feat. Raheem Devaughn - Saigon
Wish Myself Away feat. Graziella - Rewd Adams
6th Sense feat. Bilal - Common

Saturday 19/03/11

There's A Better Way - Jermaine Jackson
I Really Want To Be With You - Rick Clarke & Emma
Read My Mind - Tashan
Step Out Of My Dreams - The Strangers
New Love - Rose Royce
Never Like This - Two Tons a.k.a. The Weather Girls
When Love Calls - Atlantic Starr
The Night I Fell In Love - Luther Vandross
Slam Bam - Smiley Culture
Shan A Shan - Smiley Culture
Cockney Translation - Smiley Culture
Fast Style Origination - Asher Senator
Police Officer - Smiley Culture
Mek Dem Come - Nitty Gritty
Not As Happy - Freddie McGregor & Cynthia Schloss
Love's Gonna Last - Dennis Gregory
Tonight I'm Staying Here With You - Dennis Gregory
All My Love - Patrice Rushen
Love Or Physical - Ashford & Simpson
Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes) - Mint Condition
Heaven Knows - Jaki Graham
Genie - BB&Q
Beautiful Love - Adeva
Promise Me - Dayton

One Love, Spy!

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Put Your Hands Together

This week's spotlight is focused on someone who no self respecting head above walking age should be unfamiliar with, either as a solo artist or as one of half of the duo known as Organized Konfusion. I refer, of course, to Pharoahe Monch a legend in his own lifetime and the bringer of new heat in the form of his soon to be released album 'W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)'.

Being an ordinary, working class bloke and not a superstar DJ, I don't have any special privileges in terms of obtaining or even hearing new material before anyone else does, so I can't guarantee that this album is the raging fire that I expect it to be. However, when an album is preceded by a visual and, more importantly, aural masterpiece of the ilk of 'Clap' (see below), one can't help but be hopeful for the entire project. At least, this one can't anyway.

Pharoahe is a big star, and rightly so, but I will forgive you if you're not so familiar with Brooklyn, NY rappers Ashy L Bowz.

Now, I'm not a religious man and even if I was I doubt that Christianity would be my religion of choice, but I am aware of the tradition of Easter and know that last Wednesday was what is referred to as Ash Wednesday. The significance of this is that that's when Ashy L Bowz chose to officially release their album 'No Lotion 2: The Great Repression'.

If you want to hear rappers spitting verses about how much/many money/cars/girls/jewelery they've got, then this is not the album for you. On the other hand, if you want to hear music about the everyday ups and downs of life in the big city, told from a humourous but not piss taking perspective, you might just find this album right up your street. Learn more about the lotion-less ones and their takes on life via their Twitter page.

Due to technical difficulties, I'm not sure that this week's shows actually broadcast. However, I do know that they recorded and that you can listen to them here and/or, when the management gets around to uploading them, at the Melody One website. No interviews this week, just me chatting shit and playing good music.

Speaking of which, here's another poor attempt at a segue into reminding you producers, composers and beat makers to submit your music for display in the 'Beat Shop' window via e-mail and/or through the Dropbox. If you send me the tracks on a Friday, it's highly unlikely that they'll make it into that night's show, so please send them at the beginning of the week wherever possible. Thank you.

Track list:

Friday 11/03/11

Derelicts Of Dialect - 3rd Bass
Lick A Shot - Redman
Movement feat. Sweet Pea - S.L. Troopers
Rougher Than An Animal - Demon Boyz
The Invitation feat. Q Tip & Fatman Scoop - Saigon
Palookas feat. Sean Price - Talib Kweli
Winning feat. Loudmouth Melvin & Postman P - Pyro Barz
Young Men - Pyro Barz/K-Nite 13
Salute feat. Pharoahe Monch - Slaughterhouse
One Shot - Joell Ortiz
Butter Knives - Raekwon
'Beat Shop'
Garveyism (Home) - L.A.
The Upgrade feat. Oddisee & Posdanous - J-Live
The People - Journey Brave
4 My People - Mentalist
For My People feat. Jody McIntyre - Logic
Turn On The Stove - Skillit/K-Nite 13
Talkin' Bout God feat. Illaman - Jaz
Got That Vibe - Skilf
Bad Actors - Ecomog
Black Rose - Has Lo
Who Do You Think You're Fooling? - Cyclonious
King Of Britain - English Frank
Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos - Public Enemy

Saturday 12/03/11

Just Like Dreamin' - Terri Wells
It Must Be Magic - Teena Marie
Every Little Bit - Millie Scott
Falling In Love - Surface
Encore - Cheryl Lynn
(Fallin' Like) Dominoes - Donald Byrd
Still Your Number One - Mike Anthony
Pretty Brown Eyes - Singing Melody
Extra Classic Supa Fantastic Love - Vivian Jones
Best Of Me - Neville Morrison
Game Of Love - Frankie Paul
Israel - Dennis Brown
Raggamuffin - Freddie McGregor & Dennis Brown
I Like It Like That - Dennis Brown
True Rastaman - Fred Locks
Black Is The Colour - Brown Sugar
How Can We Ease The Pain? feat. Beres Hammond - Maxi Priest
Things Are Not The Same (Without You) - First Love
Make It Better - Obenewa
I Remember You - Michelle Escoffery
All In My Head - Avery Sunshine
Dreamz - Zshatwa
Just A Little More - Fifth Of Heaven

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Prendere Coraggio

First let me apologise to my regular readers (if indeed I have any) for the lateness of this week's post. No excuse really, I just fancied a Sunday off for a change.

Also, before I get to the spotlight, may I express a genuinely heart-felt thank you to everyone that contributed to the #HelpSaveACLT campaign. Between us we've managed to raise a total of £85,630.10, exceeding the £80,000 that was required by 31/03/11 with 20+ days to spare. Having said that, I'm sure that they will be happy to continue accepting donations so please feel free to continue visiting the Virgin Money Giving page, the Gimme 10 - Save the ACLT page or sending texts to 70300. Thanks again.

Back to the task at hand, allow me to introduce you to Journey Brave, a rapper from Loganville, Georgia in the United States. I first was made aware of his existence through Twitter and his version of 'Devil In A New Dress', which I featured during my stint on the previous station.

Since then I've been keeping an eye/ear on his progress and was more than happy to share his latest video with as many people (no pun) as possible via tweets and, now, here on this blog. Those of you with any sense of history will, I'm sure, recognize what this video represents. Powerful stuff.

Speaking of power, let's have more to the elbow of bigCAKES another member of The People's Army who is also a featured artist on K-Nite 13's 'The Drawing Board' (listen out for 'Miracle Worker', a big tune). Cakes has a seemingly ravenous appetite for hard graft and, consequently, has a large back catalogue of mixtapes and features for you all to explore. He may be exceedingly good but he's not fattening. Catch up with him on Twitter for fun and informed opinion.

The last video in this week's trio is from a dude called English Frank, yet another People's Army affiliate, who recently connected with me on Facebook. Whether he's the Frank you're supposed to talk to when you have a problem with drugs, I couldn't say, but he's certainly someone you should listen to. As is customary for me in this blog, here's the young man's Twitter link.

As I leave you for another week, please remember to submit your music to me for the 'Beat Shop' by e-mailing me and/or by using my Dropbox. Remember also that you don't have to send me the whole track, just a 30-60 seconds snippet will do with as many tags/watermarks as you feel are necessary.

Track list:

Friday 04/03/11

Fuck Tha Police - N.W.A.
What's Goin' On - Jungle Brothers
Poetry - Boogie Down Productions
Hip Hop - Dead Prez
Bulldozers feat. Ruste Juxx & Killa Sha - Cyrus Malachi
Godsunz feat. Jus Allah - Infinite Mind
Untouchable feat. Kokane - Nipsey Hussle
Last Call feat. Malarchi - Insane Macbeth
A Dream Within A Dream - Malik MD7
Miracle Worker - Big Cakes
Lemme Think - Rapsody
Built For This feat. Ike Eyes - Agallah
Better Way feat. Layzie Bone - Saigon
Life's Never Enough - Mudmowth & Metabeats
Make You Proud - Mentalist
Interview with Insane Macbeth & Ruffstylz includes:
True Heart feat. Ice Pick - Insane Macbeth
Case Closed - Ruffstylz

Saturday 05/03/11

Mama Feelgood - Lyn Collins
Get On The Good Foot - James Brown
Talking Loud And Saying Nothing - James Brown
Funky President (People It's Bad) - James Brown
I'm In Love - Evelyn King
Moment Of My Life - Inner Life
Runaway Love - Linda Clifford
Fool's Paradise - Meli'sa Morgan
Sleepless Weekend - Frankie Paul & Trevor Sparks
Tonight - Carlton Livingston
Come Again - Cocoa Tea
Big Bamboo - Thriller U
Dangerous System - Pad Anthony
Nuff A We Ah Rude Boy - Scion Success
No Money Today - Matic 16
Let Off Supm - Gregory Isaacs & Dennis Brown
Open The Door - Trevor Hartley
Call On Me - Trevor Hartley
Runaway Love - Natural Mystics
I Don't Really Care - L.V. Johnson
Catchin' Up On Love - Kinsman Dazz
Madamoiselle - Foxy
Time Is Right - MCB
Southern Freeez - Freeez

One Love, Spy!

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Tell Me Another...

Thank you to everyone who has donated time and/or money already but they're not quite there yet, so please continue to #HelpSaveACLT. Now only £12,000 away from the £80,000 needed by 31/03/11 to remain in existence, although if you count all the money that's been pledged it's only £8,000 remaining so let's get that last 10%. Please visit the Virgin Money Giving page, send a text to 70300 or, if you're on Facebook, try the Gimme 10 - Save the ACLT page instead. Thanks again.

By the time that this post is published I should be on my way to see Obenewa live at The Tabernacle in West London. It is there that she will be launching her new E.P., 'Once Upon A Time' to an adoring public with support from Nadine Charles and Michaela the Poet. Want to know more? You know the routine by now, just follow her on Twitter.

Not a lot else to say this week, in part due to my preoccupation with unexpected studio tasks including; recording and editing an interview with Insane Macbeth and Ruffstylz (to be aired on next week's 'Friday Night Raw'), re-mastering a track for my friend and being asked to build a track for my nephew. Combined with the pressures of my day job and preparing and delivering my radio shows, as you can imagine I haven't got around to doing everything yet. However, the interview is ready to be transferred to a CD, so I'm a third of the way there at least.

Anyway, here's another friendly reminder that if you're a producer/beat maker/composer and you want free exposure for your music please send it to me for inclusion in the 'Beat Shop', with as much information as you can about you, your tracks and what you want done with them, via my e-mail or by using the Dropbox on the right hand side of this page. Have a listen to the podcast of this week's show to see/hear how it works.

Track list:

Friday 25/02/11

Funky Child - Lords Of The Underground
Deeper - Boss
Monie In The Middle - Monie Love
Miracles - MC Duke
Black & Proud - Dismasters
The Champ - The Mohawks
'Beat Shop'
After Dark - True Mathematics & The Invisible Empire
Give It To Me feat. Raheem Devaughn - Saigon
Pain In My Life feat. Trey Songz - Saigon
Concrete Buttercup - Mudmowth & Metabeats
Freestyle - Ruffstylz
U Don't Kno' feat. Malarchi - Insane Macbeth
Not Like U - Fdot1
Bad Boys - K9 & Creamo
The Strongest Survive - Harry Shotta & Five The General
For My People feat. Jody McIntyre - Logic & Agent Of Change
Oh Yeah (Our Babies) - Saigon
Be A Father To Your Child - Ed O.G. & Tha Bulldogs

Saturday 26/02/11

Just As Long As We Have Love - Freddie McGregor & Sandy Star
Give It Up - Beres Hammond
Under Pressure - Beres Hammond
Preacher Man - Beres Hammond
Create A Sound - Everton Blender
Bloody City - Dennis Brown
Live & Learn - Delroy Wilson
Dancing Mood - Delroy Wilson
Conquer Me - Delroy Wilson
Ready To Go - Courtney John
And God Said To Man - Earl Zero
Rasta - Doniki
Long Way - Capleton
What We Gonna Do - Sophia Squire
Zinc Fence Real Life - I Octane
True Friends - Gappy Ranks
Forbidden Love - Tami Chynn
Love Like This - Toi
Over Come Dem - Lutan Fyah
All About You - Chevaughn
Dry Your Tears - Richie Stephens
Round & Round - Marcia Griffiths & Queen Ifrica
Saving The Best - Duane Stephenson
System - Cen'C Love
Precious Gift - Sizzla
The King's Son - Lutan Fyah
Who Feels It Knows It feat. Etana - Romain Virgo
Fight Dem Off - Doniki
Your Love's Changed - Al Campbell
Need You Beside Me - Leroy Sibbles
Shub In - Frankie Paul
Music Lesson - Original Wailers
Keep It Like It Is - Louisa Mark
Love Between A Boy & Girl - Chosen Few

One Love, Spy!

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Reasoned argument

This week let me start by reminding you to please #HelpSaveACLT, they're only £20,000 away from the £80,000 needed by 31/03/11 to remain in existence. Please visit the Virgin Money Giving page, send a text to 70300 or, if you're on Facebook, try the Gimme 10 - Save the ACLT page instead. Thank you.

Straight out of The People's Army, this week the spotlight falls on Logic a serious character whose music is full of serious character as demonstrated below. If you want to catch up on some of his music, you can pick up his 'Listen' mixtape and/or album and for further insight into his way of thinking, check out his Twitter page.

It might seem like I have a fixation on Associated Minds but it's just that I find them very entertaining. For example, here we have Ruffstylz along side Homeboy Sandman spitting lyrics like his life depended on it, which in a way it does.

I should be conducting an interview with Ruffstylz's long time collaborator Insane Macbeth this week and am hoping that Ruffstylz will make an appearance too before he hot foots it back to Cardiff.

Looks like I'm going to have to start recording my shows independently again. Listening back to the recording of Saturday's show it keeps skipping as if I was playing dodgy CD's. This wouldn't be an issue except that this was an all vinyl show this week, which means that the problem is with the recording. Ah well, at least I know now. Anyway, you can listen for yourself here or on the Melody One website.

And again, if you're a producer/beat maker/composer who wants free exposure for your music please send it to me for inclusion in the 'Beat Shop' with as much information as you can about you, your tracks and what you want done with them to my e-mail or use the Dropbox on the right hand side of this page. This week I played more tracks from Angered Rebel, Killah Trakz and Ill-it Beatz.

And before I go, please accept my apologies for there being no 'Friday Night Raw' last week. I was feeling very ill and had all but lost my voice, so sorry about that and about not having a blog post last week either.

Track list:

Saturday 12/02/11

Breezin' - George Benson
Giving You The Best That I've Got - Anita Baker
How About Love - Chocolate Milk
It's Alright - Chante Moore
Kisses Don't Lie - Evelyn 'Champagne' King
Ready Made Love - Lizz
Trust Me - Aged In Harmony
Rock To Sleep - Horace Andy
Bucket Bottom - Prince Alla
Investigator - Cornel Campbell
Brave Ones - Kymani Marley
Take Control - Protoje
Rise Up - Cecile
Love - Sophia Squire
System - Cen'C Love
True Friends - Gappy Ranks
Save Yourself - Jah Cure
Letter To My Heart - Obenewa
Rings - 100 Akres
It Ain't Love - Kay Tunes
You Are The One - Nadine Charles
Regrets feat. Ludacris - LeToya
Keeping Secrets - Switch
I Do Love You - Brass Construction
You Used To Hold Me So Tight - Thelma Houston
It Seems To Hang On - Ashford & Simpson
Say You Love Me Girl - Breakwater
What About This Love - Mr. Fingers

Friday 18/02/11

South Bronx - Boogie Down Productions
I Got Ta - Masta Ace
Jack The Ripper - LL Cool J
Rebel Without A Pause - Public Enemy
You Gots To Chill - EPMD
Head Banger - EPMD
Never Seen Before - EPMD
15 Minutes feat. Scorzayzee & Atlanta Smith - Configa
Golden Axe - Scorzayzee & K-Nite 13
Velour - Line For Line
All Rise feat. El Rae - Mentalist
Giant - Dray Delta
Greatness feat. Supar Novar & Big Frizzle - Jimmy Jitsu
Young Men - Pyro Barz
Beast Mode - Pyro Barz
Cold Rain - Talib Kweli
Hurt - Rewd Adams
As I Ever Been - Freeway & Hezekiah
Let It Flow In You - Cyclonious
Hard Music - Fred The Godson, Starsky, T-Rex, Bully, Cory Gunz, Dutch & Murdah Mook
Built For This feat. Ike Eyes - Agallah
Miracle Worker - Big Cakes
Love Has Never Lived Here - Kinetik
Blizzard feat. Toby Hill - Nicolay & Kay
Total Eclipse Of The Art - MC Mell 'O'
Won't Be Long feat. Tracey Horton - Rakim

Saturday 19/02/11

The Fruit Song - Jeannie Reynolds
Secret Rendezvous - Rene & Angela
Big Time - Rick James
Never Let You Go - Savanna
Special Lady - Second Image
Never Stop - The Brand New Heavies
Runnin' Around - The Chi Lites
Sweeter As The Days Go By - Shalamar
Give Me - I Level
Surprise Surprise - Zushii
Never Been In Love Like This Before - Maxeen
So Fine - Howard Johnson
Big Thing - Blue Zone
This Is For You - The System
Busy Body - Luther Vandross
Forever Yours - Mason
Something Special - Earth, Wind & Fire
Get In Touch With Me - Collage
Love's Gonna Last - Jeffree
Love Don't Get No Better - Gavin Christopher

One Love, Spy!

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Better By Design

Something wicked this way comes. I refer, of course, to 'The Drawing Board' the new album by K-Nite 13, which will be released tomorrow. So how do I know it's gonna be wicked? Well, actually I don't, I'm just being presumptuous due to my prior experience of his works, not least his recent contributions to Mentalist's 'Make You Proud'. I have heard one track from it, 'Salute' (see below), which is certainly a tantalizing morsel. I intend to take a big bite tomorrow so expect to hear it in next week's show.

Something else that is yet to be released is Mudmowth & Metabeats 'Sledgehammer Kisses'. I've been eagerly anticipating this since first hearing 'Maaad Tight' almost a year ago. Associated Minds have consistently pushed the boundaries both in terms of lyrical content and musical direction for many years now and this set promises to be no exception. Again, expect it to get featured in my show as soon as it arrives in the post.

Unlike the albums above, Rewd Adams' new album, 'Rewd Awakening' is out right now, although it was only released yesterday, which coincidentally was his Earth Strong. Formerly known as Skandal, Rewd is, well, rude (as in rudebwoy) on tracks from the likes of Beat Butcha, Sivey, Loudmouth Melvin, etc. and in collaboration with Black The Ripper, Klashnekoff and more. And to top it all, it's available for free.

Genesis Elijah has been working hard, as usual, and is seemingly releasing a series of new videos at the rate of one a week. This week's offering is his version of Joell Ortiz's 'Battle Cry' and it's creating quite a buzz among his loyal fans and others who might previously not have heard of him. Could this be a big year for Genesis Elijah, finally? Let's hope so, but in the meantime enjoy the video.

Listen to this or previous weeks' shows here or on the Melody One website. As promised, I brought back the 'Beat Shop' last Friday, playing clips from Angered Rebel and Killah Trakz. I'll be continuing with it next week, so please keep sending me your tracks with as much information as you can about them and you to my e-mail or use the Dropbox on the right hand side of this page.

Finally, yet another reminder to please #HelpSaveACLT, who need to raise £80,000 by 31/03/11 to remain in existence, by visiting the Virgin Money Giving page or, if you're on Facebook, try the Gimme 10 - Save the ACLT page instead. Thank you.

Track list:

Friday 04/02/11

A Chorus Line - Ultramagnetic MC's
The Funkiest - Funkdoobiest
Cold Gettin' Dumb - Just Ice
We Can Do This (Ain't No Half Steppin') - Majestic Productions
Moral Of The Story feat. Shizzle & Benjii - Cyclonious
Forever Luvlee - Dres
Wishing Myself Away feat. Graziella - Rewd Adams
Rap Game Needs Me - Spoda
G Shit - Big Cakes
Let It Breathe - Metabeats & Mudmowth
Move - Dray Delta
The Plan - Da Goldminerz
Warning Shots - Rah Digga
4 My People - Mentalist
Lando - H.I.S.D.
Ligthworks - M F DOOM
Guard Your Grill - Cyclonious
Hearda You - Dray Delta
Boom Bap - Line For Line
Stayin' Busy - Silent Knight
Front On This - Boom Box Saints
Sleep feat. Tru Omega, Benjamin A.D. & Pyro Barz - Esskay
Pack The Pipe - The Pharcyde
She Said - The Pharcyde
Who Got The Props - Black Moon

Saturday 05/02/11

Dare To Dream - Viola Wills
Come And Get My Lovin' - Barbara Fowler
Funky Sensation - Gwen McCrae
Don't Knock It (Until You Try It) - Bobby Nunn
Music Is The Answer - Colonel Abrams
Emergency (Dial 999) - Loose Ends
When You're Hot You're Hot - Ingrams
How Yuh Bad Suh - Busy Signal
F.Y.I. - Busy Signal
Baby You're All - Luciano
Still Going Strong - Beres Hammond
Just Call My Name - Anthony Smith
Read Out Wi Rights - Heavy Beat Crew
No Can Do - Kashief Lindo
Politics - Jahmali
Like Mountain - Sizzla
Homeless - Sizzla
This Feeling's Killing Me - The Jones Girls
Feels Like I'm Falling In Love - Bar Kays
Body Fusion - Starvue
Can't Turn Me Away - Sylvia Striplin
You're Special - Commodores
While I'm Alone - Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
Sunshine Lady - Willie Hutch
Pretty Little Girl - Maxi Priest
Fight Dem Off - Doniki

One Love, Spy!

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