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.

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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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