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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Nuff Suction

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to actually play any of this week's artist in the spotlight's works due, in part, to my day job and also because I haven't been as diligent with my 'spare' time as I should have been, so apologies to Cyclonious for that. However, I'm gonna get my shit together and make sure I've put 'Escape To Reality' on a CD before next week's show.

'Verbal Affair' is the first video from the mixtape and clearly illustrates Cyclonious' lyrical dexterity and almost effortlessly smooth flow. The video itself attempts, it seems, to be reminiscent of those early Wu Tang shoots but, for me personally, doesn't quite hit the mark. Decide for yourself below.

The overall quality of the lyrics and lyricism is matched by the quality of the beat selection, which is exactly what one wants from a mixtape. So if you're into hard hitting, but not cliched Hip Hop and like it even better when it's free, this is very worthy of your consideration.

In other news, if you're a fan of old school UK Hip Hop and you live in London, chances are that we'll be brushing shoulders at the Jazz Cafe on Monday as MashUp Films presents ZAN featuring Blak Twang, Banana Klan Sound System & Roots Manuva, Skinnyman, Rodney P & Skitz, Klashnekoff, MC D, Mr Ti2bs, Big Ted and DJ Twin B. So if you see me, holla.

You can catch up with this or previous week's shows on the Melody One website and please feel free to post comments, dedications or requests up on the Shoutbox. I'll be bringing back the 'Beat Shop' next week, so listen out for that and send me any tracks you'd like to be featured in the shop window.

Finally, a quick reminder of the plight of the ACLT who need to raise £80,000 by 31/03/11 to remain in existence. You can donate 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 28/01/11

Symphony - EPMD
Mad Mad World - 7A3
Line For Line - Line For Line
Kill Em With The Flow feat. Klashnekoff & P Money - Skandal (Rewd Adams)
Fill The Air feat. Mentalist, Mystro & Skandal - Loudmouth Melvin
Wednesday feat. Mystro & Loudmouth Melvin - Saukrates
Hand On The Glock - Cypress Hill
Cha Cha Cha - MC Lyte
A Penny For My Thoughts - Common
Lil' Brotha - Floriginul (Fdot1)
Fyaah - Fdot1
Let It Breathe - Metabeats & Mudmowth
Dirt In The Ground feat. Oliver Sudden - Jimmy Jitsu
Ready 2 Light - Skillit
Dett - Sirus
Oh Yer feat. Loudmouth Melvin - Mentalist
Built For This feat. Ike Eyes - Agallah
Get It Poppin' feat. Un Kasa - Agallah
Hey Joe - Atypical
It was A Good Day - Ice Cube
Vapours - Biz Markie
Son - Line For Line
Glow - El Zhi
Happiness feat. Vula Malinga - Ty
Unbreakable - Eagle Nebula
Get In Line - Diamond District
Bad Actors - Ecomog

Saturday 29/01/11

Love Has Arrived - Everis
Anyone - Smith & Mighty
Tell Me Why? - Sindecut
Get Loose - Aleem
Magic Man - Rochelle
Slow Down - Loose Ends
Let's Start Over - Miles Jaye
Doctor's Orders - Beres Hammond
Cupid - Leroy Gibbons
Rewind - Johnny Osbourne
It's Magic - Dennis Brown
Here I Come - Dennis Brown
Get To Love In Time - Dennis Brown
Key To The World - Ruddy Thomas
I Love You - Sanchez
The Comforter - Morgan Heritage
It's Over - Thriller U
The Day We Met - Anthony Hamilton
Far Away - Kindred The Family Soul
By Your Side - Sade
Catch 22 - Goapele
Whisper Of The Heart - Body
I've Got Your Image - Cameo
You Are The One feat. Yungun - Nadine Charles
Today - Phillip Leo

One Love, Spy!

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Mouth Of The River

Before I start, please let me draw your attention, once again, to the plight of the ACLT who need to raise £80,000 by 31/03/11 to remain in existence. You can donate by visiting the Virgin Money Giving page or, if you're on Facebook, try the Gimme 10 - Save the ACLT page instead. Thank you.

This week we'll take a look at a couple of young emcees with differing, but equally brilliant styles. I was introduced to one by the irrepressible Fdot1 (more about that upon the release of 'Money MusicK') and the other by his connection to Quaranteam.

Dray Delta has just released his new mixtape Flow Reel Two a 22 track banger covering many musical bases from Hip Hop to Grime to Dub Step.



A young man with a lot to say and a very powerful way of saying it, if you're a fan of lyrics and flow you can't help but be a fan Dray. His talent seems to be as unlimited as his imagination and I'm sure that he will make a significant mark on the industry in the months (and years) to come.

Skillit is known for, among other things, his comedic definitions of words on the BBC2 'youth' programme 'No Hats, No Trainers'. However, I prefer him in his role as a refreshingly humourous, yet not unskilful emcee.



His mixtape, 'As Seen On T.V.' has been around for a while now. Featuring production from and collaborations with the likes of Loudmouth Melvin, Pyro Barz, Mentalist, etc., Skillit's personality still shines through on every track. And, if anything, his personality is even bigger and shinier on stage, as everyone at the recent On The Real event will testify. It was there that I finally got to meet Skillit in person and show him my appreciation for his works.

Finally, a quick reminder that if you missed my shows or just want to hear either of them again, you can easily download them from the Melody One Podcast page.

Track list:

Friday Night Raw 21/01/11

Pain Grows - True Bess
Crooked Nigga Too - 2Pac
The Fallen (Gen. 15.13) - Juice Aleem
Higher Level - KRS One
4 My People - Mentalist
Renegades Of Funk - Boom Box Saints
Clap - Mobb Deep
Gotta Do What I Gotta Do - Public Enemy
Mountain's World - Tuff Crew
Light It Up - Cypress Hill
Don't Worry feat. Baby Sol - Mystro
1st Class Ticket - Show Tufli
Chuuch! - Bun B
New Wu feat. Ghostface Killah & Method Man - Raekwon
Psycho - Lords Of The Underground
It Ain't Hard To Tell - Nas
Come Out And Play - H.I.S.D.
Warrior's March feat. Chino XL - Slept On Fam
When Brothers Die - M9
My Way - Mentalist
Off Switch - Pugs Atomz
Come Back To Me - Jimmy Jitsu
Doowutchyalike - Digital Underground
Get Pepped - Skinny Boys
You're All Welcome - Agallah
Goodfellas - Vado
Traitors - Line For Line
Award Tour - A Tribe Called Quest

Spy @ The Control 22/01/11

Love Won't Come Easy - The New Jersey Connection
Love Will Bring Us Back Together - Roy Ayers
Bustin' Loose - Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers
Come Back Lover - Fresh Band
Searching - Change
I Should've Known Better - Mica Paris
Family - McKoy
She's My Lady - Administrators
Party Nite - The Undivided Roots Band
Nuh Try - Leontre
Love Again - Lukie D
My Everything - Sanchez
Dial My Number - Barry Boom
I Have Been In Love - Delroy Wilson
Sandy - Sugar Minott
Doin' Alright - O'Bryan
Hard To Get Around - BB&Q Band
Your Spell - Bobby Glover
Do You Love What You Feel - Rufus & Chaka Khan
This Place Hotel - The Jacksons
Loving You - Donald Byrd
Move Me No Mountain - Love Unlimited

One Love, Spy!

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Growing Proud

Well I've gone and done it. I've made my first (and second) official broadcast on my new station, Melody One. I've experience as a DJ that goes back many years and have done many shows on many stations but, for me anyway, the first show on a new station is always a nerve wracking thing and this was no exception. However, I was given fortitude in no small part by the inclusion of two new albums in my musical arsenal.

'Make You Proud' is the new release from Mentalist and, as Frank Carson would have said, it's a cracker. Featuring production from Loudmouth Melvin, K-Nite and Goodchild, the album displays a level of maturity that, thankfully, is becoming more prevalent in UK Hip Hop these days.

Available as a free download, some of my highlights from the set include '4 My People', 'Head In The Sky', 'Mirage'... just download it and play it all the way through, it's a proper album in the traditional sense and is already a contender for album of the year (and it's only January!)

The other recent release is something I've been anticipating since last summer, when I had the opportunity to spend some time with the very personable Jimmy Jitsu during a video shoot. 'Growing Pains' is the young man's new "Official Mixtape" and, like Mentalist's effort above, is well constructed and of far too high a quality to be given away for free. And yet it is also available as a free download.

From it's introduction 'Pain Grows' by True Bess, to the collaboration with Oliver Sudden 'Dirt In The Ground', to the Morfius produced 'Achieve', this album puts Jimmy's heart and soul on display in the form of entertainment. Prepare to be moved.

Before I go, please enjoy this new video from Loudmouth Melvin and Pyro Barz in anticipation of new heat coming from each of them before 2011 is up.

Track list:

Friday Night Raw 14/01/11

Raw - Big Daddy Kane
How's Life In London - London Posse
Rainy Dayz - Raekwon
Scared - The Left
Tunnel Visionary - Str8face
Head In The Sky - Mentalist
Blue Planet - Mystro
Brothers In Africa - Big Cakes
Get By - Talib Kweli
Two Step Blues feat. Darien Brockington - Little Brother
Me feat. Erik Rico - Ty
Why? - Creamo
Why? feat. Cyrus Malachi - M9
Why? - Fashawn
Arabia feat. Mystro & Maseo - Black Einstein
UK Rap Up 2010 - Mystro
Time's Up - O.C.
Kick In The Door - B.I.G.
Who Do You Believe In - 2Pac
Can't You See - Boombox Saints
Achieve - Jimmy Jitsu
Spritual Scrolls - M9
Worst Nightmare - Mentalist
Autobahn - H.I.S.D.
Jus Cuz I - Ashy L Bowz
Steadily Trying To Flow Like - Breeze
Epic - Jon Connor
Cookout Music - I Know Brasco
Stay On Your Grind - Grand Central
Eagles feat. Scorzayzee, Cyrus Malachi, Lee Ramsay & Iron Braydz - Endemic

Spy @ The Control 15/01/11

Yardie - Buju Banton
Press Up - Poison Chang
Can't Tek It No More - Papa San
Wuk Yu Body - Major Bones
Keep On Movin' - Soul II Soul
Never Had A Love Like This Before - Barbara Mitchell
Can You Handle It - Sharon Redd
Gone Baby, Don't Be Long - Erykah Badu
Stay Here With Me - Evan Rogers
Forever Yours - 101 North
The Jones' - Temptations
I Like Your Style - Bubba
Love Thang - Intro
Honey Love - Junior Dan
Love Is Alive - Janet Lee Davis
What You Won't Do For Love - Michael Gordon
Baby I've Been Missing You - Trevor Walters
In Love - Arema
In The Mood - Christine Lewin
In The Mood - Tyrone Davis
Don't Say Goodnight - Isley Brothers
I Wanna Get Next To You - Rose Royce
Pretty Wings - Maxwell
To Have Love - Kyra Simone
I Remember You - Michelle Escoffery

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Once again it's on...

New Year, new station, same old me - or, put another way, I can now officially announce that I'm back 'on air', on Melody One. The show times and content are similar to my previous station; 'Friday Night Raw' - classic and contemporary Hip Hop Friday 00:00-02:00 and 'Spy @ Da Control' - Reggae and Soul, new and old Saturday 20:00-22:00.

Last night I did a short test broadcast (see player below) just to make sure everything was alright - the audio doesn't start until about 56 seconds in, I'll get around to editing it at some point. Thankfully, it all went according to plan, so I will start my new shows this coming weekend 14/01/11 and 15/01/11.

While we're waiting, J-Live has a new single out, 'No Time To Waste', produced by Old School legend Diamond D available for download or as a 12" single (remember those things?).

Also available from J-Live is the 'Undivided Attention EP', which features production by J-Live himself plus Korede, SMKA, Floyd The Locsmif and Nicolay. There should be an album proper released in the coming months and, as usual, I'll let you know more on that as soon as I know more.

Sadly, 'Whatever Happened To Major Tom?' by Black Einstein was omitted from my round up of last year's gems for no other reason than my poor memory. Featuring performances from the likes of Mystro, Xavier and Baby Sol, who also has a new release; 'Before I Begin (The Journey)', WHTMT too is available as a digital download on a 'name your own price' basis. So if you're really skint following the festivities you don't have to deprive yourself of good music.

Before I go, ACLT is an important charitable organization on the edge of extinction and, consequently, is in need of our support. I know times are tough for all of us but please, if you're able, donate what you can and spread the word around. Thank you.

One Love, Spy!

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On To The Next One

Well, it's the end of another year (if you follow the Gregorian calendar) and, like a sheep, I'm going to attempt to reflect upon the events of the last 12 months within the confines of a few short paragraphs.

However, I won't be trying to tell you what was or wasn't good for you, instead I'll be commenting on my personal highs and lows of 2010 and leave it up to you to agree or disagree with my conclusions.

So, in no particular chronological (or other) order, the following is a list of 'releases' that I have particularly enjoyed over the last year.

'The Weakend' by H.I.S.D. (Hueston Independent Spit District) is a project that I only heard about in November and I didn't receive the CD in the post until December, although purchasing the CD entitled me to a free copy of the download which is a nice touch.

Maybe it's my age, but I was really pleased by the production and the level of detail in these tracks, both musically and vocally. H.I.S.D.'s style reminds me of 90's NY without being a pastiche or dated. Unfortunately, I was 'off air' (see previous post) before I had a chance to play any of this album but rest assured it will get featured in the New Year.

Following the excellent 'F.D.T. EP', which was released late 2009, Mystro came back strong this Summer with his 'Digmund Freud EP', which featured collaborations from Baby Sol, Chezelle Bingham, Sharlene Hector, Ramson Badbonez, Skandal (now known as Rewd Adams) and Stig Of The Dump.

The lead single, 'Around My Way', was produced by Kiss' DJ Swerve and, with it's witty video promo, became an instant hit among DJ's and public alike.

Ty's 'Special Kind Of Fool' was definitely one of the albums of the year and was much more than just 'Emotions'. Featuring a wealth of UK talent, stand out tracks for me include 'Heart Is Breaking', 'Something Big', 'Phantom Of The Opera' and 'Happiness'.

This album will not be to everyone's tastes, but in a way that's the point. It's a personal journey into the mind and soul of an artist who's never been afraid to be himself and for that, Ty, I salute you!

Described as the "Prelude to the album", Orion's Stencil by M9, formerly of Triple Darkness, is another project that helped restore my 'faith' in humanity. If this is just something to whet the appetite be prepared to gorge your hearts out when the album drops. Props to Hypedog for his involvement in this one.

'Pac To The Essence vol. 1' is the first part of Configa's tribute to the late Tupac Shakur and was released on 13/09/10 in commemoration of his passing. Unlike previous attempts at reviving the dead, this is not a mish mash of 'beats' with 2Pac's vocals casually thrown on top of them, rather a carefully constructed homage to his legacy by an avid and devoted fan. Fortunately for us, I have it on good authority that there will be a volume 2.

I'm not known for being a fan of 'gangsta/thug' rap but it's not because it's about violence and crime (not that I'm promoting either), it's just that a lot of it is sub standard in terms of performance, originality, etc.

So you might be surprised that I like CNN's 'War Report 2', but you shouldn't be. This album doesn't give us the 'peek into our souls' effect so prominent on the Ty album mentioned above, but it is honest to goodness, contemporary Hip Hop spat with passion over a very nice selection of beats.

As you should know by now, I don't just like/buy/play Hip Hop and Avery Sunshine's self titled soul-filled album is a vintage sounding feast of entertainment that kept me and my wife happy on our recent (long awaited) holiday in the sunshine back in September and still gets played in the ride.

While I'm bigging up the Soul sistas, Nadine Charles' tracks 'Kisses In The Morning' and 'You Are The One' (above) were good examples of commercially viable, yet artistically integral UK Soul. I expect big things for her next year.

We're told that 'Left Back' is Little Brother's last album, the end of an era. If this is true at least they can say that they went out with a bang(er). It contains just the right mix of party/club, radio and roughneck tunes on it, I only wish it was longer, but I'll take quality over quantity any day.

If you're not new to this blog you'll probably remember the recent post I made on Loudmouth Melvin and his '1, 2, 3, 4 EP', but just in case you missed it here's a quick reminder. The EP is free to download and chock full of goodies from the loud one in solo and collaboration with the likes of Pyro Barz, Mystro and others.

Another contender for album of the year, 'New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)' gave us the wonderful 'Window Seat' (and it's equally wonderous video), 'Umm Hmm', 'Turn Me Away (Get Munny)' and, my personal favourite, 'Gone Baby, Don't Be Long'. Will there be a part 3? Unfortunately, I'm not privy to such information but I'm pretty sure that there's more to come from Ms Badu.

The first offering from a new partnership consisting of Mr. Drastick and Kinetik, Grand Central is the free mixtape 'God Loves Grinders' and it's messier than an Argentinian footballer. The two veteran solo emcees combine perfectly over a nice selection of tracks, with only the occasional feature. Don't sleep on this.

One of the highlights of my year was seeing Keith Murray live at Plan B, absolutely off the hook. And one of the disappointments of the year was missing out on KRS-1 (I was out of the country at the time).

Also, sadly I must acknowledge the passing of Sugar Minott, Gregory Isaacs and, just a few days ago, the legendary Teena Marie. The music world is an emptier place without you, but at least we've enjoyed your works for the times that you were with us. Blessed rest.

Finally, I'd like to big up and thank all the connects (and re-connects) I made over the last 12 months via Facebook, Twitter, etc. including (but not limited to) Creamo, Datblackgurl, Ashy L Bowz, Line For Line, Associated Minds, Fredi Kruga, Fdot1, 2Amplified, Dray Delta, Configa, Vivid Beatz, Mystro, Black Einstein, Keith Lawrence, DJ Snuff, Jimmy Jitsu, Spin Doctor, DJ Mr Thing and many more. To you all I sincerely wish the happiest of New Years - keep doing your thang.

One Love, Spy!

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Bring me a dream

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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!

So Hot I Should Be Fanning Myself

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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!