Dec 18 2009
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Music

SCORCHER – DARK KNIGHT (Official Video)

Grime’s Dark Knight, Scorcher returns with the 3rd single, taken from his critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Concrete Jungle’:

Honestly, I have been waiting for this video since I first heard the track and I must say, the wait was totally worth it, directed by Scorcher himself (for his own ‘Staplehouse’ productions) the video offers the perfect visual to the track, the superhero theme adds a new dimension, with its the fine blend of shots and effects, from the choice of camera to the editing, despite keeping it minimal..the overall result is remarkable, not just for an independant artist but a new director and production company, Staplehouse have really risen to the forefront of music videos, raising the standards with the likes of Jak FrSH (for FrSH entertainment) within the UK, most definitely a positive for the scene.

The track, what could be explained as Scorcher’s anthem, is the Movement emcee at his finest, over a compelling beat (it literally sets the scene), produced by DJ Target (Roll Deep), who provides Skywalker with an emphatic composition on which Scorcher rides the rhythm with ease, lyrically on point and his presence on the track is immense which is the reason why this track possesses such an epic feel. As a fan I always have an opinion when comments begin to fly about certain artists ‘selling out’, but then when it leads to tracks such as this being made..I cannot complain of the so called ‘hater-talk’, a classic altogether…this is a reminder for anyone who feels the need to criticize Scorcher as he continues to grow as an artist and as a person.

Concrete Jungle ..OUT NOW!!

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Dec 18 2009
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Music

Juelz Santana – Back To The Crib ft. Chris Brown

Juelz Santana launches his Def Jam career with Back To The Crib ft. Chris Brown:

Juelz Santana took the apparent ‘risk’ in turning to Chris Brown to feature on the record, however this so called gamble seems to have paid off, musically atleast, simply as Chris fits the record well and helps broaden the track’s appeal in regards to audience.

Produced by Polow Da Don, who seems ready to launch another successful Chart take-over, he has done it before, producing hits for the likes of Keri Hilson, Usher and Chris Brown himself (for his new album Graffiti). Issues aside, I like the record, the chorus is catchy, the beat is infectious as it is, an overall hit record feel, a track that is radio friendly whilst being almost guaranteed to be played by a DJ towards the end of his set. The video is simple and fun, it has a good feel-good vibe and i’m sure it will be another successful record for Santana.

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Dec 18 2009
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Music

Novel – F*** With My Mind

Capitol Records’ Novel, has written for some of the biggest names such as: Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis and is currently on his way to London to work with Lemar, however, with this track, he shows why he deserves to make his own mark on the industry as an artist.

Rarely would anybody put such a title to such an instrumental, yet Novel pulls it off effortlessly, the song itself is powerful, soothing and full of emotion, musically it reminds me of the classic neo-soul efforts from the likes of Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild, however with most songs these days being sugar-coated, it is extremely refreshing to hear something with a bit more edge. A talented songwriter, Novel provides vocals to match, you can hear the Prince influence throughout the change of tone, one of the most recognizable elements missing from modern day music has been ‘soul’, this is not the case with this song and definitely not with Novel, listening through his collection, the singer, songwriter and rapper, displays nothing but reality and enough soul to re-kindle anyone’s lost love for music.

Novel

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Dec 18 2009
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Music

Devlin – Giant

One of the ‘realest’ artists in the UK scene, continues to make his mark on a mainstream level with this new release:

Something different, as far as production, but Devlin manages to maintain his own style that fans will be pleased to hear, complete with complicated lyricism, Devlin shines on this polished underground-sounding crossover effort, I think it allows new fans to not judge his content on the intensity of the beat, therefore he will no doubt have all the attention on his lyrics, which will no doubt gain him more fans, an overall good song, no doubt, easing himself onto a higher platform as a more inspirational emcee, one the UK should definitely be proud of.

The video is good, it has an epic feel to it and introduces Devlin nicely, featuring cameos from Ghetto and Griminal, this video can do the Dagenham soldier no harm as he rises to further prominence.

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Dec 04 2009
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Music

Dream Mclean

Having heard the young emcee and then seeing his video for Experiment Gone Wrong, I was quick to review and full of positives, I tipped the emcee to make the step to artist and begin pushing his career even further, he has everything, people just need to listen.

Fast forward towards the end of the year and he recently went on DJ Cameo’s 1Xtra radio show alongside producer Terror Danjah, this is what happend:

Since then, there has been a buzz circulating and he is being exposed to more people each day, I have to admit, I am really proud of him, still a while away from fulfulling his potential but really glad that people are starting to take notice.

Next up, this freestyle:

His talent is speaking volumes as he approaches each new platform, the toughest thing sometimes is that I cannot help these talents as much as I would like to, however in the form of Terror Danjah who is responsible for spotting a lot of the talent within the scene has taken Dream Mclean under his wing, which he will definitely benefit from, he has the talent, sound and image, combined with hard work, he is destined for success.

Make sure you visit Dream Mclean’s Official Myspace where you can download his mixtape for FREE.

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Dec 04 2009
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Music

Dot Rotten & Ice Kid

Taken from Tim Westwood’s crib sessions:


I am a fan of both of them, in all honesty when I first saw the famous video of Chipmunk & Ice Kid, I was more impressed with Ice Kid as far as content and his mindset, although younger..I could still relate, he has obviously improved, as has Dot Rotten and they use this set as a stage to display that.

Both Dot Rotten and Ice Kid are extremely talented, sometimes there are artists who are too advanced, ahead of their time, everybody is looking to take the next step forward in their careers, with talent like this in their ammo, both Dot and Ice Kid are fully prepared for their journey to the top.

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Dec 04 2009
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Music

McLean (Interview)

Another About To Blow segment courtesy of RWD Magazine and Adidas for London 2012

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Dec 04 2009
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Music

Skepta – Blow My Own Trumpet

From the sounds of this, Skepta seems to have found a medium between his commercial and underground music, I really do not want to say anything so that you can simply listen and feel for yourself, this song is realy ‘that’ good.

Many may not understand my enthusiasm towards the record, it is simple, it is honest and it is positive, if mainstream could look past the stereotypes and actually listen to what is being said, Skepta could possibly carry Grime on his back and take it that step further, an intelligent artist, Skepta has allowed himself the freedom to sway from the grittiest of street records to a commercial sounding club anthem and so with Blow My Own Trumpet he manages to craft a personal masterpiece, the content of the song is reality, Skepta takes time out to praise and congratulate the scene for their acheivements thus far.

I like the production, it is not complex and that makes it easy listening, I can go on in positives about the track, the lyrics are strong, they hold emotion, many will relate to this song and as a result..then relate to Skepta himself, which can only help his evergrowing fanbase.

Skepta looks like another artist set to take the next step in 2010, he is definitely in the right direction with this effort.

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Dec 04 2009
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Music

SAS – 16 BARS

SAS really represent Europe, here they link up with German producer Spintec:

Spintec is quite the producer, his combination of sharp synths and soft drums provides Mega & Mayhem the right canvas on which they let loose and flow effortlessly whilst remaining lyrical with a variation of punchlines and metaphors between them both. Unfortunately this is not the full version, however it is an indication as to their intentions for next year, SAS and the Eurogang collective will have a lot more for you in 2010, this is just the starters.

Make sure you check out their mixtapes and definitely the new clothing line, seriously there are a few acts who have quality clothing lines and SAS/Eurogang are one of them, the T-shirts, Caps and Hoodies they’ve been wearing are all on on my list of wants and I know fashion too, so make sure you take a look at http://www.eurogang.net/

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Dec 04 2009
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Music

Rapid – GO

Ruff Sqwad’s Rapid has dominated the scene with consistant hits as a producer (as well as producing and featuring on Tinchy Stryder’s Catch 22 album), now he takes it to another level, stepping forward as an artist, presenting Rapid – GO:

GO is the first single taken from his forthcoming album, one of the most hard working musicians, Rapid juggles his career in music alongside a University course as he is currently studying towards a degree, so it is safe to assume that he is focused and determined, the single shows that, not only through his lyrics which are clever and simple to absorb at the same time, the record is inspirational and the choice of instruments and sounds really provide the emphasis for such a feeling. Rapid’s productions are famous for their ‘snares’ and ‘kicks’, the drum patterns are always moving and perfectly placed over a foundation of bass, GO is no different, it is the ideal instrumental for Rapid to introduce himself to a larger demographic.

The video is entertaining with shades of humour, it matches the sound with its raw yet mainstream compatability, directed by Luke Biggins, who uses a range of camera angles edited precisely to the track, this creates the intense feel, you just find yourself engulfed into the entire production. Quality based, this track and video deserves mainstream recognition, radio spins and TV play too. A great effort from the multi-talented artist who despite his success and recognition still remains humble and thankful, this may be the first you’ll hear from him but it certainly will not be the last.

Follow Rapid on Twitter, http://twitter.com/PrinceRapid

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