Tag Archives: Chipmunk

Tinchy Stryder – GAME OVER ft. Giggs, Pro Green, Tinie Tempah, Devlin, Example & Chipmunk

With the current dominance of Urban artists and music in general within the charts, it is safe to say that the scene is being recognized, regardless of who or how, the fact that so many artists are able to crossover into mainstream status and be considered household names is a big accomplishment for an ever-growing industry.

So no greater way to celebrate such an achievement than with a track like this.

GAME OVER:

As Tinchy Stryder prepares to release his new album Third Strike, he brings us this monstrous anthem, featuring a plethora of talent, the best thing about this line-up is its range of diversity.

1. Giggs, the elite rapper kicks it off with his distinct raw style & sound, cementing his authority on the track as well as the industry (despite their efforts to restrict his movement),

2. Pro Green, the quirky wordsmith is finally reaping rewards for all his hard work and takes this in his stride with a cocky yet clever lyrical combination,

3. Tinie Tempah, the two-time number 1 star is on a successful role and his delivery on this is a testament to his growth from chart newcomer to a resident member of that premier section of artists.

4. Devlin has made a huge impact in the scene, having been a dominant name within the Grime scene for years, the youngster makes the leap into chart status and he does not hold back on this, definitely one of the better verses.

5. Example, this verse was a complete surprise to many, he deserves his place but he really takes this opportunity and puts it in a headlock, merging a new and old school style with his own delivery, it strangely reminds me of Roots Manuva at times, it is without doubt a really good effort.

6. Chipmunk, i think everybody expected more from the young mainstream phenom, however it a bad verse, its cocky, confident and raw, reminds me of Dubz at one point, which can’t be a bad thing. Munk’s offering definitely takes time to grow in comparison to the others but good none the less.

7. Tinchy Stryder, Cloud 9 Strydes steps up to platform and truly delivers, considered my most as one of the best verses we have heard from him in a while, he definitely switches the level for this one and stamps his mark within the game.

Together, these seven artists really take a stand for the scene, showing variety as well as unity among artists in every tier of the charts.

Here is the Mobo performance:
[Youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCnpQcWSods]
To me this appeared like the TV series Heroes, at one point you have each artist on one stage with their own “power”, an immense occasion in the scene’s history.

Bonus: there is no way i could leave this out..

Sway really delivering something spectacular as he promotes his new mixtape The Delivery 2

Also:
Giggs – Hustle On OUT NOW!
Devlin – Runaway OUT NOW!

Advertisement
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wiley – Take That (Official Video)

The track has been heavily rotated on radio and the video is doing the same on TV, having already gathered over 150,000 views of one video alone (there is this particular one which is taken from Wiley’s own Youtube channel, there are then two more videos courtesy of Universal and Island records’ Youtube channels).

The unique production is courtest of Chew Fu, who fuses Electro, Drum & Bass and Grime to create an edgy up-tempo platform for Wiley to step up a level, Wiley sounds as comfortable and in his zone as ever, Wiley’s lyrical delivery is Grime, sounding like he has a point to prove, whereas the structure itself is more suited for a commercial audience. A clever anthem, as well as a much needed approval to end the year with after this years chart domination from fellow Grime rooted artists Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy Stryder (who makes a cameo as Wiley refers to stryderman in the song) and Chipmunk, Wiley is more than an emcee, he has created a legacy in regards to UK urban music, with many strongly beleiving that Wiley should have been where Dizzee Rascal is a long time ago, however everything happens for a reason, each artist has their position, While Dizzee Rascal plays his role in diluting if not ending stereotypes, Wiley has helped build a large family of talent, continously bringing through new artists, such as recent Number 1 chart topper..Chipmunk, Tinchy Stryder has always been tipped for success by Wiley himself, therefore I beleive many do not give Wiley the respect and acknowledgement he deserves, those who feel that he has fallen off, should listen to the lyrics clearly as he is speaking to you.

Wiley has stepped up the work rate and this is the first single from his forthcoming album, he has a new record deal, a new motivation it seems and definitely expect quality new music for a man who will forever be known as a pioneer in defining a sound that the UK can call their own.

The video, like the song is unique, it is has a dark essence to it whilst mixing lighting and colour to maximize effect and emphasis, the effects work well and overall Take That possesses an epic element, a track certainly deserving of support especially from the UK, if this record makes it to number 1, it will bridge the success of this year with the success to come in the next one.

Wiley - Take That ..Available to purchase December 28th!!

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Griminal – Invincible (Official Video)

After Dizzee, Came Tinchy Stryder, following him was Chipmunk, all successfully topping the charts, stepping up next to continue this new tradition is UKs favourite bad boy Griminal, this is the first single, Invincible:

A lot of people have criticized Griminal for ‘going mainstream’, however even more people are supporting the move and feel that he has managed to maintain more of a Grime essence than the previous three’s chart topping records all together, so not only are old fans remaining ever loyal..he is gaining a whole new range of fans (100,000 views within 3 days).

I like the track, Its catchy in a raw sort of way, I really like the beat, its just got a nice vibe to it and its crisp quality balances with Griminal’s raw delivery, lyrically, the Narsty crew saviour is far more talented, thing is, if he was to get too lyrical on this record..it would just go over many people’s heads and if Griminal wants to walk through that mainstream door then he has to be smart about it, despite what people say, Chipmunk’s debut album ‘I Am Chipmunk’ had pop-glazed singles kept within an urban casing and a Grime core, it was responded to as Grime/Pop, genre-merging is essential in any chart, 50 Cent is set to release an album more violent than his debut Get Rich or Die Tryin’, however the first two singles are ‘Baby By Me ft. Ne-Yo’ and ‘Do You Think About Me’, so rather than losing faith, people should show support and spend a mere 79p on the single, it saves you time on finding a good quality version of the file too and you won’t go to hell (lol).

The video, directed by Carly Cusson, is a good look, it is not an amazing video but it is not a poor video either, I think it offers good visuals for the record, featuring a cameo from the beautiful and talented Mz Bratt (I think she should jump on the beat and do an official remix, although that would create even more rumours), the chemistry is good, both seem to be good actors so it seems music is not their only avenue, I love the fact that Griminal is allowed the freedom to be himself, it is a contrast to Chipmunk, who I guess many will pair up as rivals, but truthfully both are mature enough to use that to their advantage rather than develop issues off the mic, the future looks good for the scene as there is just so much talent, best of luck to Griminal, make sure you support him, because once we dominate the charts here, then we can spread the success globally ..UK Stand Up

GrimInAl Ways - coming 2010

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Basement Jaxx – Scars ft. Meleka, Kelis & Chipmunk

Basement Jaxx return with another out of this world genre-defying single.

This is why Basement Jaxx possess such a strong following within their career to date, they step outside of the generic format to create something unique, again with surprise features, almost as if they recruit the versatile to form a super-team battling through genres, as strange and farfetched as it sounds, it is exactly that, Basement Jaxx like the Chemical Brothers have come through creating a range of diverse material, therefore they are allowed to pass through genres with ease, baring in mind that they do it well.

Scars is a smartly crafted production with its sample embedded within an array of synths, horns and vocals, Meleka leads the vocals and adds her presence perfectly over the beat, Kelis adds another element of strength, emphasising Meleka’s voice whilst ensuring that the song does not become too repetetive and eventually boring, the addition of recent Number 1 selling artist Chipmunk is as powerful as their previous collaboration with Dizzee Rascal, it almost depicts Chipmunk’s position within the industry and he does not dissapoint, he keeps his lyrical content balanced between his raw street edge and his smooth..more mainstream suited tone, “I’ll Kiss You Then You Wake Up, Don’t Want You To Meet Your Maker, and You Don’t Beleive In Fairy Tales..Well Truly I’m Gonna Make Ya”, he also provides the male balance within the vocal arrangement.

Overall, Scars is a more dark sounding effort in comparisons to previous releases, however in time this will gain the recognition it deserves.

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Mobo Awards controversy


The Mobo Awards appeared to be a successful event, it was a proud moment for the UK, watching the opening performance by Tinchy Stryder (with a feature from Ndubz’s Dappy), another by Chipmunk and DJ Ironik, JLS and Ndubz, you could sense the atmosphere, the british acts were claiming their position, however, even though JLS won (two), Chipmunk returned to win another, Ndubz won two awards, I was dissapointed that Sean Paul won best Reggae Artist when there were more deserving acts nominated, Bashy and Master Shortie were the two unsigned acts and I felt it would be a big acheivement for them if they won, especially Bashy as he has come a long way since his early grime mixtape days. The biggest controversy however, was the fact that Tinchy Stryder and Dizzee Rascal did not win, based on a voting system it was strange and surprising that despite the success of the UK artists, two time Number 1 charting, Tinchy Stryder who also had the Number 2 album in the country did not win, nor did three time Number 1 charting (in a row) Dizzee Rascal.

Keri Hilson who was co-presenting won as well as Beyonce, I wish I was there, I would have done a ‘Kanye’ and made my point clear, maybe next time.

I think we have taken a big step, we expected or felt that we deserved more for the clear domination that we have had on the charts this year, I was even more so annoyed that Taio Cruz came on to support Keri Hilson and sung Ne-Yo’s part for her single Knock Me Down (when he is a talented writer himself), again, maybe this is a smaller step than we thought and as long as we continue making good music and remaining consistent with our chart domination then we will scale further heights, still you cannot help but to feel for Tinchy Stryder who really deserved some recognition for his acheivements.

Until next years awards..

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

13 – My Heart Keeps Crying

13 reached out to me and I am glad he did, this is not bad, it has definitely grown on me, but more so it has me wanting to hear more, for those that feel the same, check out his myspace: http://www.myspace.com/13musicworld

I like the fact that his voice is different, it helps him stand out, it is really current, which makes it appealing for a wider audience, so good that Chipmunk had to jump on the remix:

The chorus is really catchy, produced by Mr Wizzy Wow, this will no doubt continue to grow as 13 makes his mark in the music industry.

Tagged , , , ,

Black The Ripper – My Lyrics are Forever

During a recent trip to New York, I asked the locals which artists in the UK they knew about, I wanted if they have the same exposure that we have of their artists. The majority knew of Tim Westwood and used words to describe him that I can’t really say but you get the point, Dizzee Rascal it seems is the most famous prospect over there, I was hoping someone would say Wretch 32 or Ghetts, however that was not the case, for ages we have had Hip-Hop dedicated radio shows, our own awards ceremony ‘the Brits’ and ‘Mobo’ give out awards to more overseas artists than homegrown, the likes of Tinchy Stryder(that was before the recent awards) Ndubz and Chipmunk are changing that I agree, however if we can know about the likes of Currency, Wiz Khalifa and Slaughterhouse here in the UK then why do they not know of our talent?

There are a few reasons, their population is far larger which means more rappers, so everybody is too busy following what is ‘hot’ rather than having a real passion and allowing themselves to be naturaly inspired by a wide variety of influences. The Duo of Mega and Mayhem, better known as SAS were another name I heared a fair bit, could be due to their once affiliation with Dipset and Rocafella records, or just the fact that they have put the work in over there.

This article/review is to silence anyone who argues that the UK does not possess the talent or the fact that it is because of our dialect, as Americans have a different accent to us yet for years we have been listening and supporting.

After hearing this track, I felt the same feeling that I would get from listening to Wu-Tang, or even Rakim, Black the Ripper aka Samson takes it back, the production is Hip-Hop, it possesses the feeling of a classic, the potential is amazing, A real music fan anywhere in the world can appreciate this, Black the Ripper is talented and is clearly not phased by the problems many face to progress into mainstream, he celebrates the idea of being underground, using the internet to reach his audiences, he has come a long way through his own hard work and ambition, expect to hear a lot more of this artist because real talent can never be denied!

Fáris Rating:
8.5/10

Click Image to visit his Official Myspace page, listen to more and see new videos from the highly talented emcee

Click Image to visit his Official Myspace page, listen to more and see new videos from the highly talented emcee

Over 1 Million myspace views!!

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

BLUEY ROBINSON ..Update!!

As a writer, one of the greatest satisfactions is seeing somebody who you tipped for a bright future to be embarking on that journey to success, I was always confident of Bluey Robinson’s imminent success, with talent and charisma in abundance, it is just a matter of when rather than if. So, forward a few months since I first presented him to you all and his single I Know is in the Top 20 Music Week Urban Club chart, being heavily rotated on radio playlists, performing abroad and now I come across this:

ITN have been making efforts to stay in touch with our young talents on the rise, interviews with Bashy and Chipmunk already, so they clearly are making all the right moves as they now got this exclusive. I have been unfortunate to miss out on Bluey’s live performances but the reviews will not stop coming in, it is literally a case of hear him and you love him, anyone who does not like him has not heard him, it is simple as that. Even the talented Mr Ryan Leslie took note and produced this remix:

In my line of work I am intouch with a lot of artists, some are underground successes and some have dominated the mainstream too, within that it is expected to meet a few egos here and there, now with someone of Bluey’s talents it is almost strange that he remains so humble, so down to earth and thankful and that is why he gets so much respect from me, I see him as a younger brother and would help him however I could for him to succeed (he truly deserves it). A lot of people have mentioned how “there is all this rubbish on radio and not real talent”, well, his work ethic and his desire is flawless and in time he will reap the benefits of it all, however, we as the fans need to support these real artists, the real talents, requesting them on radio and legally downloading or purchasing their music are some of the ways we can all help.

Another acoustic performance/interview:

Support real talent and good music, Support Bluey Robinson!!

Click image to visit Bluey's official Myspace

Click image to visit Bluey's official Myspace

Tagged , , , , ,

Chipmunk – Oopsy Daisy (Official Video)

Here is the official video for the track that is being tipped to be Chipmunk’s first Number 1.

Chipmink – Oopsy Daisy:

Oopsy Daisy is a special song, it has ‘hit’ written all over it, Chipmunk’s large female fanbase might just have their favourite Chipmunk record so far with this one, whilst the guys can relate to this as he speaks from a male perspective, with Mr Munk being in his late teens, he manages to cater to those younger and older at the same time with his sincere approach, I even think that my 8/10 rating was me being critical to avoid being biased, it just posseses a feeling, I can see this track being played 5 years from now and have that same appeal as it does this instant. The video is again directed by Vertex (Marvell crew), who is developing quite the portfolio and name for himself behind the camera, featuring Red Madrell (Kidulthood, Adulthood) as his love interest, the video is a perfect visual for the song, in terms of clear and understanding, the ring of fire emphasises emotion and it looks good too, Chipmunk has come a long way in a small space of time, Oopsy Daisy is about to take him a lot further.

Fáris Rating:
8.5/10

OOPSY DAISY - OUT 4TH OCTOBER!!

OOPSY DAISY - OUT 4TH OCTOBER!!

Tagged , , , , , ,

Chipmunk – Oopsy Daisy

Chip Diddy Chip has come a long way in a short space of time and this single will take him even further.

After the success of his Top 10 single Diamond Rings and featuring on DJ Ironik – Tiny Dancer (Which reached Number 3 in the national charts), Chipmunk looks set to add another chart topper to his list with Oopsy Daisy, a far more commercial sounding record, it will no doubt help him gain an even larger fanbase. The song, which is evidently aimed at his growing female audience, whilst being relative for his male fans, is mellow and soulful, it has feeling, the female’s vocals take a strong lead, more than in his previous single, not to be seen as a negative as Chipmunk’s verses have presence and really portrays a more humble and sensetive side to Chipmunk, this adds emotion and will help it stand out among other releases.

Taken from his debut album I AM Chipmunk (to be released in October), Oopsy Daisy is a light-hearted and touching track, one that will appeal to many people (not just his own fanbase), it actually is such a warm and heartfelt track that you cannot critisize it as the formula works really well, Chipmunk’s lyrics are youthfully relevant and really holds the song together well. A number one record for Chipmunk has always been expected, Oopsy Daisy might just be his first.

Fáris Rating:
8/10

Chipmunk Is Fired Up To Top The Charts

Chipmunk Is Fired Up To Top The Charts

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,