it's the shiznit

news, reviews and banter on r'n'b, hiphop, garage, grime, bassline, soul, electro and house. standard.

Heads, shoulders, knees and toes

Published by Warren Dell under on Sunday, December 07, 2008

New Funky tune and dance to buss!



Heard this on Target the other night and the video is just as big.

Kid Cudi - Day'n'Night Video

Published by Warren Dell under on Friday, December 05, 2008

Oh the memories of Malia



This heavyweight tune finally has a video to accompany it, this was massive in Malia in the summer and hasn't stopped since.

Tinchy Stryder - Take Me Back

Published by Warren Dell under , , on Tuesday, December 02, 2008

New video from the Stryderman featuring Taio Cruz.


Crazy Cousinz - Funky Anthem

Published by Warren Dell under on Saturday, November 22, 2008

Second single from the bongo lovers




Crazy Cousinz follow up the massive Bonjo Jam with Funky Anthem. The video for Bongo Jam was a bit random but full of pin-ups including Jakki Degg, this one will have you bringing back memories of the summer as this was shot in Napa and features cameos from plenty of the UK music scene familiar faces. How many cameos can you spot?

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Crazy Cousinz Myspace

When keeping it real goes wrong

Published by Warren Dell under on Saturday, November 22, 2008

US rapper gets jail time after admitting crime on wax


From HipHopDX

Georgia rapper Rico Todriquez Wright shot a man twice in September 2006. According to the Associated Press, Wright decided to describe the shooting, and called his victim, Chad Blue, out by name.

This new evidence landed Wright in prison for the next 20 years.
Blue, 28, told police he had known Wright before the shooting, but that they weren't on good terms. He testified that Wright's friends egged him on as he chased and shot Blue in the thigh and groin.

Blue later told police that he recognized Wright's voice on a CD, where the rapper said "Chad Blue knows how I shoot."

In addition to a sentence of 20 years for two counts of aggravated assault, Wright will spend another 20 years on probation.


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The big five and one classic

Published by Warren Dell under , , , , , , , on Monday, November 17, 2008

Chase & Status Featuring Kano – Against All Odds



From the album ‘More Than A lot’ comes the Kano featured Against All Odds. Chase and Status use the familiar Apache break but they give the iconic number a new twist added with Kano who sounds back on form off the back of 140 Grime Street.

DJ & MC Bonez – Back It Up




The guys were getting reloads all summer with You Wot and they’re back with another banger that is ready to do the same. Back It Up is another easy to learn the words bassline anthem in the making with its catchy chorus and head nodding beat.

Craig David Featuring Tinchy Stryder & Rita Ora – Where’s Your Love?




Whether you think he is too late in trying to get back to aligning himself with this sound, you can’t deny his credentials with the amount of records sold. Interesting to hear him on 1xtra acknowledging the mistake with how Warners handled his promotion with the tastemakers not getting the promo copies until commercial Radio and thus losing out on the street buzz. He has held his hands up and you can’t knock him for trying to rebuild his links and tracks like this will help.

Tinchy Stryder & Roache - Rollin




Tinchy is on fire at the moment and follows up the success of Stryderman with Rollin, produced by the highly rated Maniac and featuring Roache. With some top notch bars and a high tempo instrumental providing the launch pad, the E3 high roller shows he is just as capable of making danceable Grime as he is Electro. Video comes complete with the latest Grime accessory, the dressing gown rocked by Roache and as previously seen on Skepta at the O2 Kano show.

DJ Perempay Featuring Katie Pearl – Something In The Air




There are plenty of Funky tracks doing a lot right now and after the success of Do You Mind and Fallin comes Something In The Air from DJ Perempay and the vocal talents of Katie Pearl. Equally at home on daytime radio playlists as front room DJ sets and is being caned on both right now.

DSK – What Would We Do




Sound familiar? This is what Bless Beats sampled for Wearing My Rolex, for those that know, it’s time to take it back to this classic House number by DSK ‘What Would We Do’.

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Electro-grime is dead...but did you know it was alive?

Published by Warren Dell under , , , , , on Sunday, November 16, 2008

Grime purists may not like the sound, but have record companies missed a trick here?


After the success of Wearing my Rolex earlier in the year, this summer saw a flood of Electro-Grime tracks hitting the airwaves and video channels, with producer Bless Beats at the forefront. But by the end of the summer season (an extended one thanks to Wiley) when all was said and done, the sound has come crashing down if the chart positions of Summertime and Rolex Sleep are anything to go by.

But while those with their Grime hats firmly wedged on not buying the sound and happy to pronounce the music dead, I'm in no doubt that it could have done better than it did for all concerned, if only the record companies behind the aforementioned tracks knew what they were doing.

Wider audience

Grime will always have trouble reaching a new audience with the sound only accessible to a small following. Despite various attempts to extend that reach, most notably Roll Deep mixing their Grimey tones with pop sounds on In At The Deep End and Kano, Lethal Bizzle and the like collaborating with Indie singers, it just wasn't the right fit.

But whereas pop and indie just isn’t compatible with Grime, Electro is a more natural fit with both sitting in that underground dance category so Tinchy, Roll Deep, Skepta and all were hardly venturing into foreign territory. But for the tracks that had major backing behind it the chart numbers may signal failure, but one can't help feel that these would have been much higher had those promoting them knew what they had in front of them.

Overexposure

By the time Skepta Rolexed Sweeped his way into 86th position in the charts everyone and their mum knew the dance. Ranging from Busta Rhymes to Paul O'Grady doing the sweep, even that bird from the cafe on Eastenders had given it a go along with the months worth of Youtube tributes. But herein lies the problem.

All this exposure would have done wonders for the tune, in fact any tune from any genre if a release date was forthcoming, but by the time the release came round in September those that would have supported it with a purchase had already got the download, or had purchased a ringtone. The tune was tired.

Most tunes can create an underground buzz for a year before it gets picked up for a commercial release and still sell records, look at the success of bassline tracks by T2 and H20 as a recent example but the problem for Rolex Sweep was that a track with a limited shelf life (it is nothing more than a fun, perfect night out, summer holiday track) had missed the trick by not capitalising on the exposure.

Summertime in October?

At the same time that lover of record labels Wiley was looking to follow up the success of Wearing My Rolex with Summertime. It wasn't as good as the aforementioned track but anyone knows releasing a track about the summer in October is destined to fail.

While tracks like Stryderman, Do Me Wrong and Rolex Sweep shouldn't make up the majority of a Grime artists output, there is no wrong doing in knocking one or two of these out. Some are going to work and some won't, but the positives need to be taken from them.

In Stryderman, Tinchy has a tune that has given him more exposure than any of his previous tracks which is surely what any artist would want, it’s now up to him to capitalise on that with his album. Sadly with Wiley I think we are all expecting an album full of Wearing My Rolex knock-offs but he could have had some commercial success with a mainly Grime album if released on the back of his number two charted single.

Do record companies know how to market a Grime artist? Are electro grime tracks the answer? The chart positions of the aforementioned tracks would suggest no in black and white, but bearing in mind the record companies failure in handling these releases and how in the US, Hip-Hop artists have been making commercial sounding tracks to sell their grittier material for years, it could indicate that they may have a purpose in making Grime more accessible and allow more artists to make a living from it...which ultimately is what they’re trying to do.

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The death of Electro Grime (The Guardian)
The making of Rolex Sweep
Wiley - Summertime Video

Lupe to retire after his next album...does anyone still care?

Published by Warren Dell under , on Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Another rapper makes plans to retire, but when will they realise no one believes them?





Lupe Fiasco has announced that he might retire after releasing his third album titled LupEND but in recent years we've come to learn that retirement doesn't last for long.

Both Jay-Z and Wiley have returned to the mic and released albums after claiming they were done with the music game and Lupe himself has already made such claims in the past. So why do they do it? And do we believe them

Jay-Z didn't stray far from music, taking up a position at Def Jam and maybe Wiley needed more time to banter with the teens on the RWD forum, but we were never convinced and both have made music since. I'd expect Lupe to be doing the same.

For the record, LupEND is going to be a three disc epic with the titles 'Everywhere', 'Nowhere' and 'Down here'.

They may at the time be honest intentions but fans are no longer worried when they hear an artists retirement claims, just wondering when, not if, the next album will be released.

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Lupe Fiasco bowing out with three disc set

Trailer for the B.I.G film

Published by Warren Dell under on Friday, September 26, 2008



Can this lives up to expectations?


Probably too much to expect a standard like 'Ray' as far as biopics go but with BadBoy heavily involved they shouldn't let any of the minor details fly by. I suppose this means a 2Pac film is going to follow. I still don't see the fuss with his work. At a stretch a couple of songs I can nod my head to but on the whole when one comes on in a club I'm the one walking to the bar rather than pretending to act thug life to California Love. Once I played football against a guy who had thug life tattoed on his back. Smart.

Speaking of songs that make me head to the bar. Isn't it annoying when you're having a great time, you're hitting the floor with some moves, maybe with a girl on your arm and some song that you can't stand gets played. I can't stand Lil Wayne (I'm sure I'm not the only one) and the other day when Lollipop was played it was time for a Jack Daniels break. I admit I can be a music snob but I can't get down like that. It's not just Lil Wayne though, you will often see me head to the bar when Akon comes on, Eminem, 50 Cent...


New Videos...

Published by Warren Dell under on Friday, August 29, 2008
Keri Hilson - Energy


Keri Hilson is fine. That is all…

Actually I must add that she deserves her shine on the solo tip after her numerous features and providing song writing heat for every one else.

Musiq Soulchild – Radio


Very different sounding song from Musiq Soulchild but always a pleasure to hear new music from him. A grower.

I love to play my bongos...

Published by Warren Dell under , on Wednesday, August 27, 2008


Donaeo. Devil in a Blue Dress. from Luke Van Boom on Vimeo.

There is so much funky house getting playlist love on 1xtra at the moment, which is only a good thing in my view and nice that it isn't just kept to the specialists shows. Devil In a Blue Dress by Donaeo has been around for a while and now has a video to accompany it. Won't be long until the big tunes by Wookie & Ny, Kyla and the Crazy Cousinz get the video treatment surely.

Hadouken, sonic boom...pure jokes...

Published by Warren Dell under , on Wednesday, August 27, 2008


How many episodes in until they're fetching cheesecake?...

Published by Warren Dell under , on Tuesday, August 26, 2008


URGENT PRESS RELEASE: SKEPTA’S MUM HAS CLEANED HIS ROOM...

Published by Warren Dell under , , on Tuesday, August 26, 2008


Check out the two post Napa updates from Skepta as he finds out his mum has cleaned his bedroom and he checks in on myspace. He is hitting a town near you soon with a big tour to support Rolex Sweep so if he’s in your area then get down and do your best rolex sweep.

Part Two Here
Tour Dates

The Big Five...

Published by Warren Dell under , on Friday, August 22, 2008
Sneaky Sound System – Pictures



Been a round for a while but still can’t get this out of my head. Plenty of influences in this one and appeals to plenty.

Sam Sparro – 21st Century Life



One of the standouts from one of my favourite albums this year so far. We can all relate to the lyrics here.

Roll Deep feat Janee – Do Me Wrong



The vocals of the lovely Janee are all over this but Flowdan, Manga and new recruit J2K still make their input count on Roll Deep’s new tune. Perfect material for the club, or getting ready for the club with its feel good vibes.

Shapeshifters – Chime



Acid House is back!!!!!!!!!

Wookie feat Ny – Fallin Again


Wookie’s excellent Gallium gets a vocal from Ny and takes it to a new level. Now under the guise of Fallin Again, this track is doing a lot right now.

Rolex Sweep - Behind the scenes...

Published by Warren Dell under , , on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Behind The Scenes of The Rolex Sweep Video


Kanye West - Champion Video...

Published by Warren Dell under , on Tuesday, August 12, 2008


Kanye West "Champion Video" Official Directed by NEON from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Bernie Mac & Isaac Hayes R.I.P...

Published by Warren Dell under , on Monday, August 11, 2008




Jay-Z debuts Blueprint 3 and takes a swipe at Noel...

Published by Warren Dell under , , on Thursday, August 07, 2008
On the last night of the Glow in the Dark tour Kanye West announced that he is producing tracks for the Blueprint 3 and broke into a track with the chorus 'Jockin Jay-Z'. The man himself then hit the stage at Madison Square Garden and had something to say about Noel Gallagher and the down talking of his Glastonbury appearence by the Oasis man. He rapped "That bloke from Oasis said I couldn't play guitar/Somebody should have told him I'm a fuckin rock star". However despite the lines Jay-Z has stated that he wouldn't object to working with the Gallaghers, "Anyone...Oasis as well — it doesn't matter to me, I don't bear any grudge, it's all good." The Blueprint 3 could see a release as early as the winter and Swizz Beatz is another producer who has submitted tracks to the project.

See Jay-Z perform Blueprint 3 below.



BLUEPRINT 3 from kwest on Vimeo.

Roots Manuva is flogging ice cream...

Published by Warren Dell under , , on Tuesday, August 05, 2008


Well, in his new video. I love it when Roots Manuva brings out a video. Not only is 'Witness' one of the greatest Hip-Hop tracks of all time (not UK, Hip-Hop period), but the video was pure jokes with Roots playing an athlete on Sports day. His new video sees him trying a new vocation working as an Ice Cream vendor. The single Buff Nuff is the first release from his new album out in August 'Slime & Reason'.

Robin Thicke - Magic

Published by Warren Dell under , , on Thursday, July 31, 2008
robin-thicke4

Robin Thicke is back with Magic, leading the way to his next album 'Something Else' out in September. Taking a more live instrumental route, Thicke will be looking to carry on where 'The Evolution' left off and make up for the lost time when he couldn't get a break. This mid-tempo track is big on horns and is a nice warm up for the album. If the tune is familiar to you then it's because it was used by Samsung to advertise their U900 phone. As well as the creative process for his third album he also found time to play keyboards on Usher's 'Love In This Club'.

Watch the video here.

Also Ashanti is back from her hiatus with 'Good Good', produced by Jermaine Dupri. Sounds a bit like the leftovers from Mariah's latest album but still a nice little head nodder and welcome return.

Timothy, 4XL...I'm a medium...

Published by Warren Dell under , , , on Thursday, July 31, 2008


Ghetto, Tinchy & Skepta take Westwood to the cleaners, I think you can almost hear him cry.

Sun, Sea & Sand...

Published by Warren Dell under on Wednesday, July 30, 2008
JME

Another helluva summer tune is Sun, Sea & Sand by JME. Serving up all the right ingredients of your holiday whether you're looking forward to it, already on it or reminiscing about it, your summer holiday is summed up on this track. This is off the 'Famous?' album where plenty of words have already been said so I'll just add that as long as JME is around, the grime scene will always be in a healthy state. Now back to reminiscing about that sun, sea & sand.

That Crookers remix...

Published by Warren Dell under on Wednesday, July 30, 2008


This is the tune of Malia at the moment. The Baltimore club influenced remix of Kid Cudi's 'Day & Night' from Italian House duo Crookers. The original itself is a very good track but the bassline on this takes it to a new level. Crookers are featured in the latest issue of the Fader out now and should be heading over to these shores soon. Check out their remix of 'Salmon Dance' too. Cudi, the Cleveland born, Brookln based mc is affiliated with A-Trak's Foolsgold imprint and his mixtape 'A Kid Named Kudi' is out now and worth checking if you've been feeling music from The Cool Kids, Kidz In The Hall and Wale.



New Streets Video - The Escapist...

Published by Warren Dell under on Wednesday, July 30, 2008


"During a great period of intense mixing we decided that it might be nice to shoot a video. This isn't the way the record industry works and so it was under the radar of the label and done totally for us by us on a shoe string. It was totally different from any other promo that I've made in that it was something real that we just filmed rather than trying to create something real looking using lots of people and lots of angles. I feel like it's more than a video in that sense. Aswell as looking quite odd without all the singing and quick cuts."

The Streets are also on tour again, www.seetickets.com for info.

Malia Uncovered...Twin B is your host...

Published by Warren Dell under , , on Tuesday, July 29, 2008


The tune Twin B is trying to guess is the awesome Crookers remix of 'Day & Night' by Kid Kudi. It is a certified banger and if you like anything by Sinden, Herve or Diplo then you'll be a fan. In fact anyone that is a fan of a banging bassline will appreciate this.

I went home too early...

Published by Warren Dell under , , on Tuesday, July 29, 2008


I got back from Malia last thursday just two days before 1Xtra touched down for their Summer Loves tour. Skepta, Tinchy & Ghetto performed while Tim 'I'm as old as your Dad' Westwood provided the tunes. Twin B and Zena were also out there getting the crowd reaction and doing the rounds in Malia. If you've yet to decide on where to go on holiday this summer and fancy a change from Napa then Malia is the place to be. Plenty of Boy Better Know nights are on at the Camelot Castle, where they also have Cameo and Rampage rotating on Saturdays. I need to get back out there and fast for one last rolex sweep!

Timbaland feat Feat. Nicole Scherzinger & Keri Hilson...

Published by Warren Dell under on Thursday, January 31, 2008

The next bassline tracks to blow...

Published by Warren Dell under , , on Saturday, January 26, 2008
Delinquent feat K-Cat - My Destiny


H20 feat Platinum - What's it gonna be

New Mary J...

Published by Warren Dell under on Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Craig David - 6 and 1 Thing...

Published by Warren Dell under , , on Monday, January 14, 2008


I may be biase being from Southampton but if this track was from an unkown soul artist or being played on someone like Giles Peterson's show it would be all the rage.

Club 18-30 Hip-Hop...

Published by Warren Dell under , , on Monday, January 14, 2008


It's all the rage to sample dance music now for a rapper to spit his bars on, both Kanye West and Swizz Beats went right to the top for their inspritaion in sampling Daft Punk. But this track by Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa samples that not as well known trance hit by Holland's finest Alice Deejay 'Better Off Alone'. More Benidorm than Barcelona.

A Dope Ass Beat...I don't know what that is...

Published by Warren Dell under , on Friday, January 11, 2008


Kanye explaining what a dope ass beat is on 60 minutes...

Kanye, Pharrell & Lupe - Us Placers...

Published by Warren Dell under on Friday, January 11, 2008


First post of the year off to a bang with the video for the Hip-Hop supergroup involving Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell. Nice little piano loop and a very mellow vibe but hardly matches the excitement you would have got when you knew these dudes were getting together in the studio.
 

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