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!
News and views on the world of music through the ears, heart and soul of Spy da Man!
Friday, 7 October 2011
Friday, 30 September 2011
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!
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!
Friday, 23 September 2011
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!
'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!
Monday, 19 September 2011
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!
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!
Thursday, 15 September 2011
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!
Sunday, 27 March 2011
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!
Monday, 21 March 2011
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.
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!
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.
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!
Sunday, 13 March 2011
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
One Love, Spy!
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
One Love, Spy!
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