Yahzarah - The Ballad of Purple St. James

To say that I have been eagerly anticipating this album would quite possibly be the understatement of the century. Since getting my copy of ‘Blackstar’ in 2005, I have become a HUGE fan of Yahzarah and followed her journey to where we find ourselves today - The Ballad of Purple St. James is the next step in a rather understated, yet quite incredible career. I have to admit that I do love an over-exaggeration every now and again, but I don’t think anyone can deny the fact that this woman has one of the most pure and unique voices in Music today. If you don’t believe me, then you clearly haven’t listened to this album yet.

For me; The Ballad of Purple St. James is the Female equivelent of Maxwell’s 2009 release ‘BLACKsummers’night’ - granted their stories are incomparable, but from the outset it is clear that they are both special albums for a genre that has had more downs than ups throughout the last 3-4 years. Outstanding vocals, flawless production and exceptional lyrics are something that are rare to find in all types of Music; however Modern R&B/Soul is a genre that has been heavily criticised by many for lacking in all 3 areas. Thank God we have The Foreign Exchange.

Along with FE’s 2nd album ‘Leave It All Behind’, Nicolay has given us ‘City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya’ and this album could be seen as the 3rd part of a spectacular trilogy, which has made people stand up and realise the importance of creating Music that comes from the heart and soul. I think the 1st single ‘Why Dontcha Call Me No More’ was a slightly strange choice, as it wasn’t one of the stand out tracks for me. However; there isn’t a song on the album that I didn’t enjoy, and as a whole it gives you a sense of warmth and happiness inside when listened to from start to finish. The two features (Phonte & Darien Brockington) add something special to the album, without taking the emphasis away from Yahzarah’s extraordinary vocal talents, which is something that made me very happy. Too many people overload albums with unnecessary features and you lose track of who’s album you are actually listening to - The Foreign Exchange have a knack of getting it absolutely spot on.

I am by no means saying this is the best album you will ever listen to, but it’s definitely got the timeless factor, which could well make it one of the best albums I have listened to by a female artist in the last 10 years. Yahzarah and Erykah Badu are two artists I think very highly of and I am so thankful that they have provided us with two masterpieces this year. Below is the link to buy the album from iTunes and a stream of the incredible duet with Darien Brockington called ‘All My Days’. If you want real music, then you need look no further than here. Next is Zo!’s album, followed by The Foreign Exchange in October. H’exciting!

P.S. the cover is RIDICULOUS!

BUY

Click to read more ...

Logic of Chance

2 years ago, Daniel Stephens and David Meads (better known as Dan Le Sac & Scroobius Pip) burst onto the UK Hip-Hop scene with a refreshing new look, sound and message, which has since seen them acquire an army of fans that appreciate the Musical talent they both possess. Mr. Pip is an exceptional lyricist that has brilliant politics backing him up, with Le Sac complimenting his work beautifully by producing some of the most unique beats I have ever heard. I personally didn’t think they could better a seemingly flawless debut album. Well you know what - I was wrong.

When I arrived at the Manchester Apollo on February 16th 2008 to see Mark Ronson & Co; I knew of a man called Scroobius Pip who had a solo album to his name called ‘No Commercial Breaks’, but had no idea that he, and his partner Dan, would be the support act for what was going to be the most eye-opening gig I have ever experienced. At first I was astounded by the distinct lack of appreciation that was shown from a 3000+ capacity crowd; but then again, you’re average human being wouldn’t understand why an artist is standing on stage, ‘talking’, with a bible in his hand. However, I myself thought it was one of the most unique and thought provoking performances I have ever seen, and since that day I have been encapsulated by the phenomenon that is Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip.

Having heard ‘Get Better’ three months ago, I had a feeling that this album was going to be something special. It’s safe to say, I was right. Currently positioned at No.1 on the Hip-Hop Album Chart on iTunes; Logic of Chance is the perfect Hip-Hop/Electronic crossover album - providing messages and touching on issues that no-one else would dare to take on. This is the main reason why I rate Pip so highly as a recording artist. Dan has also widened his production style on this album, with influences from both Ambient and Dubstep being quite apparent on some of the tracks. However; it’s wrong and very difficult to put these two into any kind of bracket/genre, as they have created their own genre of Music throughout the course of the two albums.

In many ways it is a very similar album to ‘Angles’ - it shouldn’t work, it’s not commercially friendly and you need to listen to it with an open mind. But if you are a true Music fan, then it should tick every box you on your check-list. I don’t think anyone can argue when I say that Dan Le Sac and Scroobius Pip are the most forward-thinking group in the world and continue to break down barriers that once looked unmoveable. I would like to pick out some tracks that stood out for me, but that would mean telling you about 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9,10,11+12. It is a quite magnificent album that deserves all the success it gets.

“She walks in and walks straight to the guy at the desk and says - I’m loving De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest”

BUY

Click to read more ...

Special Kind of Fool

When people ask me the question: “who is your favourite rapper?”, I usually reel off the the obvious choices - Q-Tip, Common, Big, Phonte, Mos Def. However; I never forget to mention this man’s name, and having had Special Kind of Fool for a week now, I have every reason to believe he deserves to be spoke about in the same vein as those great artists.

There is something incredibly unique about the music Ty makes - infectious, forward thinking and from the heart. You can never be too sure of what you’re going to get, but you can always count on it being better than anything you have ever heard before. He is a real man with real values that makes real music, which is very rare in this day and age; and I think this is reason why I admire him so much as a person and have so much respect for him as an artist. I remember him telling me last year that he would be baring his soul and giving everything he had to this album, and I can tell you now, he wasn’t lying.

From the outset this album gives you an overwhelming sense of happiness and helps you “leave your troubles behind you”. His flow is unquestionably one of the best out there and that runs true throughout the whole album, however I believe the lyrical content and the quality of beats are on a completely different level to anything he has done previously. Another aspect of his work which is special is the features on his albums - in the past he has drafted in the likes of De La Soul, Speech, Bahamadia and Zion I, which is a mind-blowing achievement for an artist from the UK. However, being a huge Soul fan, I personally think Special Kind of Fool has got his best features to date - one of my favourite male vocalists, Shaun Escoffery, even took some time out from being Mufasa to do his bit.

I would love to go into great depth and break down each and every song on the album, but sometimes I just feel it necessary to let the Music do the talking. There are three tracks which quite simply amazed me though and they are: ‘ME’, ‘Heart is Breaking’ and ‘Happiness’. ‘ME’ is genuinely one of the best songs I have heard in years - it has such a beautiful message and Erik Rico’s voice brings the track to life. ‘Heart is Breaking’ is pure genius - so happy to finally hear Ty and Sway on a track together proving why they are two of the best out there. ‘Happiness’ is the most beautiful song on the album - it really touched me and I have to say; Vula’s voice is sounding purer than ever. Although I would say that these are my 3 favourite tracks off the album; it’s very hard to pick out any song that didn’t blow me away.

2010 has been a brilliant year for Music so far and before hearing this album I thought I had heard two candidates for album of the year in ‘The Sea’ and ‘Plastic Beach’, but this album is absolutely perfect and is everything that a Hip-Hop album should be. I could talk all day about it, but I will leave you all to make your own judgement on it when it comes out on the 19th April.

He is one of the most genuine and honest people I have come into contact with and I wish him every success when the album drops. He deserves it.

“I just want to get to the sky and get far away from this madness”

Emotions: BUY

Special Kind of Fool: PRE-ORDER

Click to read more ...

File Sharing

I feel it’s time for me to write about an issue that seems to be all over the News again and something that affects me and millions of other people on a Daily basis. File Sharing, Illegal Downloading, Stealing or whatever else you want to call it, is a problem that has been around for 10 or so years now. We all know what it is, how it works and that it’s wrong; however it’s a force that in the past few years has now become unstoppable.

From a personal perspective I cannot see the problem with ME ‘illegally’ downloading certain files. Out of all the people I have ever met in my life, I am still yet to come across someone that loves Music more than me, which is why I think I can make a valid point on this issue. From the start of 2010 I have acquired 784 songs and we are not even out of March yet - crazy right? Well………not really.

As a Student I have a lot of spare time on my hands and a very unhealthy bank balance, so I need to carefully choose what Music I buy and support. Throughout the past 3 months I have bought a lot of Music: Emancipator - Safe In The Steep Cliffs, Example - Won’t Go Quietly, Ty - Emotions, Gorillaz - Plastic Beach, Corinne Bailey Rae - The Sea, Strong Arm Steady - In Search Of Stoney Jackson, Wiley - Never Be Your Woman and M-Trey & Drew Beat - Immaculate Dopeness (Unsigned Hip-Hop duo from Chicago) & More. My point is; I illegally downloaded each of those Singles/Albums before I bought them, just so I knew that my money was going to a project I thoroughly enjoyed. After spending this £40-£50 within 3 months, there is a lot of other Music out there, which I can’t afford to buy; but does that really mean I don’t have the right to listen to it? I don’t think so. I have listened to their work and made an educated choice on where the money I have earned should go.

Today I downloaded Dan Le Sac & Scroobius Pip’s new album ‘Logic of Choice’, which is an album I have been anticipating greatly since hearing Angles in 2008. My Bank Balance currently stands at -£1,397.39, which means I have £1.03 available and am unable to buy anything; so I shall be purchasing the album on Friday when I get paid. I am also going to see them at Cockpit in Leeds on Thursday to support them as I feel they are a revolutionary pair that have created a whole new genre of Music. Now can anyone say there is anything wrong with that? I doubt it.

I can understand that there are people illegally downloading their whole libraries and not putting ANY money back into the Music Industry, but that’s not everyone is it. A lot of people download Music to increase their knowledge and widen their perspective when it comes to certain genre’s and I personally don’t think there is anything wrong with that. I would never usually buy an Indie/Rock album, and neither would I expect an Indie fan to buy a Hip-Hop album out of the blue, so if it wasn’t for illegal downloading then I would have never listened to the Temper Trap album in 2009, which I bought and it ended up becoming one of my favourite albums of the year (same with Miike Snow).

It’s a never ending argument, but it is something that is never going to be stopped unfortunately.

SUPPORT GOOD MUSIC!

Click to read more ...

Meet Tom Chambers

AKA the one of best Photographers I have EVER seen.

Tom, now at Brighton University, won his first camera (HERE) when he was 12yrs old as a prize for an opinion survey incentive, and because it was digital he just went out and took pictures of anything and everything. As a child Tom was always told that Photography was something that ‘you cant make any money out of’ or a field where ‘there’s too much competition’ and when he finished 6th form, this led him to do accountancy at University and he sort of lost sight of his photography. However; when he restarted the next September doing Media Studies he wanted to pick it up again and saved up enough money to get a decent entry level DSLR and since last February everything surrounding his photography has blossomed.

I personally met Tom through Twitter due to his work with Example on both the Lily Allen and Tinchy Stryder tours and even throughout this short space of time, it has become evident that his work is rapidly improving and he has become a more well-rounded Photographer. Away from these two events, his favourite type of shoot is still the club night photography he does. The nights are always loud and exciting and you get quite a lot of creative control with the lighting, which helps with photo’s from both the dance floor and inside the DJ booth. One of his best shoots to date was when Rusko played Supercharged (a weekly Wednesday night dnb/dubstep night), producing some of his best photographs to date: (1, 2, 3)

When Tom leaves Uni, he wants to continue photographing, and making videos. His brother also makes videos and works in London, so it would naturally be the sensible option to move to London with him in the next few years, as the opportunities and contacts to be made there are much greater than in Brighton. They’re planning on making a documentary on the Drum & Bass scene, which is something I am genuinely looking forward to seeing.

I asked Tom to send me the one picture that he has taken, which sums up the way he sees life right now, and this was what he gave me:

“It shows on the right the tranquil and calm clouds (photo was taken 2000ft above sea level - so its above the clouds) and on the left the hectic rushing traffic that blurs with its speed. I think this sort of shows life as it can be hectic and busy and totally mad sometimes, and other times you just get to chill out?”

Exciting times for a talented young man.

If you want to contact Tom, you can find him here:

Twitter

Facebook

Click to read more ...

Delbert Hunt III

AKA M-Trey; is an unsigned rapper from Chicago, who thanks to the internet has become one of my favourite current artists and a good friend of mine throughout the past year. With countless mixtapes under his belt, and now TWO spectacular albums; it was only a matter of time until this man started getting the recognition he truly deserves.

Back in January of last year, he went by the name of Master 3 and released a free EP called Light Up The Darkness, which was based around the classic Will Smith film ‘I Am Legend’. It was well received on numerous internet sites and forums; however it never quite had that creative edge which was required to go the extra mile, and as Delbert himself stated: “I honestly look back at it as a stepping stone; I feel that I’m always getting better and always progressing”. As any good rapper should, he is forever working on perfecting his craft and trying to become a more well-rounded artist, which is clear for all to see in the material he has released since LUTD.

Talking of becoming a more well rounded artist - singing is one thing that has become a lot more frequent and has dramatically improved over the past 6 months. The reason being; he is now singing as M-Trey, and not trying to sing as someone else in order for a hook or chorus to sound like a particular artist. This is very prominent on my favourite track from ‘Immaculate Dopeness’, called ‘Forbidden’, which you can listen to: HERE.

Regarding ‘Immaculate Dopeness’ - it was a project that started out as just an EP. There weren’t going to be very many songs, but fellow Chicagoan, Drew Beat, kept sending top quality beats through, until there were enough for a full album. This was the first time he’s had the opportunity to work with just one producer for a whole album and his take on it was: “I really enjoy working with one producer, because it gives the material as a whole a more cohesive sound, which is something that’s really important to me. Allows us to put our stamp on it so you KNOW you’re listening to M-Trey and Drew Beat after the first bar”. There is not much else to say than to give the album a listen, because it genuinely is one of the best albums of the year. Beautiful Hip-Hop, straight from the soul. Worth every penny to support good music.

COMING SOON:

1. 3AM - an album with Producer Ishaq Fahim.

2. Remix of Tinie Tempah’s - Pass Out.

3. New Mix from myself.

Immaculate Dopeness

iTunes: BUY

Amazon: BUY

Light Up The Darkness:

Free: DOWNLOAD

Click to read more ...

The Year of Diggi

With the release of his F64 for SBTV and the new mixtape hosted by the mixtape master DJ Ames; what better time to write about a man who has started 2010 stronger than any other.

After many years of Underground appreciation both alone and as 1/2 of the Natural Born Spittaz, it seems as though Mystro is popping up here, there and everywhere these days. I personally have been following him for years; however I know people that have only just recently discovered one of the best MC’s this country has ever seen.

When I make a statement like that, it’s not something that should be taken lightly either, because there are some incredible lyricists out there right now. However; this man is pretty special in so many different aspects. His flow is second to none and I would go as far in saying that his lyrics are some of the best I’ve ever heard. He can do anything - from serious stuff (Rock This World) to 7 minute yearly reviews (UK Rap Up 2009) with time to throw in the odd spoof for good measure (Mess I Ever Had). Pretty unique, hey?

Now for the two things I mentioned earlier in the post; his F64 and the new mixtape. Honestly, amazing. Considering the lack of quality and thought that have gone into the majority of the recent F64’s, I was ecstatic to find that Example and Pro Green both have one in the works and that Mystro has gone and done the best yet: WATCH.

The mixtape is brilliant; treating us to old tracks, new tracks and a couple of exclusives - a must for any Mystro fan and perfect for anyone trying to get into this man’s music. DJ Ames provides the perfect host and it comes with some of my favourite Diggi tracks, including ‘Come Fly With Me’, ‘U Live & U Learn’ and the incredible re-working of my favourite Luda track, ‘Like Dat Potion’. Not much else needs to be said apart from, educate yourself by watching the F64 and downloading the mixtape (link below). Also; if you wanna support him, get onto iTunes and pur-chase the E.D.T. EP and look out for the Digmund Freud EP later on in the year, which is part of the lead up to the highly anticipated debut LP; Mystrogen.

“That’s why it’s time for Mys to really hit the Earth now!”

The Rest Of: DOWNLOAD

F.D.T. EP is now available on iTunes: BUY

Twitter: FOLLOW

Click to read more ...

Jay Dee

So it’s that time of the year again; Dilla day, Dilla week, Dilla month. However, it’s those all year round for me. Out of all the artists/producers in the world, I think this man still remains to be the biggest musical influence in my life. Hip-Hop misses him. Music misses him. I miss him.

On the 7th of February 1974, Maureen Yancey brought a special man into the world. A man that would change the world of Hip-Hop and change my general outlook and appreciation for music. When I look at my favourite artists, such as Tip, Common & Mos, they all relate back to one man that influenced their careers more than any other; J Dilla.

As well as the uniqueness of his kicks and snares; Dilla’s sampling method was second to none and he did things that I didn’t think were possible. The best example being the slowing down of Thomas Bangalter’s ‘Extra Dry’, which took frenetic techno and made it into wheezing Hip-Hop for Slum’s ‘Raise It Up’. Astonishing production that makes you wonder why more people don’t appreciate work like this and somewhat overlook it. To me, he is the closest you will find to perfection in Hip-Hop. You cannot find me a Dilla beat that I don’t like or isn’t a work of art - it’s an impossible task.

And even though he was gone far too soon, I guess it just shows the power of music and the impact it can still have, after death. Although I personally have been following his work for a long time, I know some people that only discovered him post 2006, which I find truly beautiful. I could talk all day about Jay Dee and what he means to me, but that’s pointless. It’s best to just let the music do the talking and remember the best to ever do it.

R.I.P. James Yancey;

U & Your Smile

Click to read more ...

There Is Love In You

So after nearly a 5 year break since his last LP, Four Tet has returned with an album that has blown me away. I have followed this guy for years now and he has stayed true to himself ever since the release of Dialogue, and that is something I really admire.

After hearing the single ‘Love Cry’, followed by the Remix from the genius that is Joy Orbison; I have been so excited to hear the direction of this album. Remixing songs by artists such as Radiohead, Madvillain & Bloc Party, means you are never quite sure what you are going to get, but can be assured it will be of the highest standard.

He has always reminded me of the Barrow-In-Furness based producer, Aim; however this album is something completely different. In the past, the music has been Downtempo, Lounge & Ambient with a lot of breaks, where as there are a lot more Electronic and Techno influences evident in this project. A good move, if you ask me.

The album works beautiful from start to finish and leaves you with an overwhelming sense of happiness after your first listen. With February fast approaching, this month has been pretty impressive for the first month of the year. 29 days in and 299 songs down. I feel I have posted the three best albums so far and I am looking forward to hearing more of the same in the coming months. Support good music.

Buy

Download

He also did the Essential Mix on 23rd January, which you can download HERE (amazing)

Click to read more ...

Safe In The Steep Cliffs

When I said we were off to a strong start in 2010, I wasn’t kidding you know. I have found an album that caters to all my musical needs. I never thought I would hear an album that sounds like DJ Shadow, Pete Rock and Rob Dougan combined, but that’s exactly what this feels like. Genuine perfection from a quite exceptional producer.

As Emancipator explains: “‘Safe In The Steep Cliffs’ represents the tightest, most unique, most organic beats I’ve made in the last three years. This album has a new palette of sounds and samples from around the world, including more original recordings (guitar/violin/mandolin/banjo) and new guest artists including Japanese jazz musician Uyama Hiroto. It’s ominous and overgrown, dense and ethereal. And epic. Always epic.”

The dense layers of choirs, horns, American folk instruments and distinct Asian influences make for something that is very rare and unheard of in modern day music. From the first listen I felt like I was listening to a Nujabes production, but with more listens, I can tell it has so much more. This is one of the most thoughtful and beautiful instrumental albums I have heard in years.

Everything just, works. I adore the way in which he has taken about 10 different genres and countless instruments, which shouldn’t work, and made a whole new innovative sound. The only thing that comes close to the uniqueness of the project, is DJ Drez, who’s Jahta Beat albums have been well received within the Underground Hip-Hop scene.

I think any lover of music will find it hard to not enjoy this album from start to finish. It’s one of those albums that you just know will be timeless and is perfect no matter your mood or state of mind. I have posted YouTube links to the two tracks that stood out for me most (hard) and all the necessary links you need below. I hope you all enjoy the album. Another early contender for album of the year.

01. Greenland
02. Black Lake
03. Jet Stream
04. Kamakura
05. All Through The Night
06. Old Devil
07. Nevergreen
08. Ares
09. Rattlesnakes
10. Bury Them Bones
11. Vines
12. Hill Sighed
13. Siren
14. Safe In The Steep Cliffs

Buy

Rapidshare

Myspace Page

Click to read more ...