UK Acts I would like to see blow in 2010

Here's my list of acts I would like to see blow in 2010 but probably won't due to the industry not being ready, or them not having the break they require...

Badness - The Brummy originating yardie grime singer/MC has been steadily grinding over the last few years but is yet to make an impact on the 'urban scene' (i.e. Rwd mag, 1xtra territory) in the way certain others have, despite his diverse abilitys of hook writing and singing while bringin gully content as a grime mc in his own right...


Mclean (aka Digga) - You'd be forgiven for assuming McLean's straight out of the states on a Trey Songz/Mario/Neyo tip but is in fact a North London representing R&B/nu-soul singer who's collab'd with the likes of Black The Ripper and is due to release his age old song; broken. With Tinchy on the remix and a rising UK urban pop scene thanks to the likes of Taio Cruz and N dubz this single should open his door to the thriving scene...


C Gritz - since joining Boy Better Know, after years of putting in the work with cousin Jammer in Neckle Camp, C Gritz has raised his game, jumping on the crew's 2009 hit, Goin' in and has since been signed to 'major independent' label Big Dada along side Jammer which should see him release some stonkers, tho with a crowded scene to compete in Gritz will have to diversify his sound which he's definitly capable of doing...I caught up with Gritz last month for an interview/freestyle:


M.I.K - After the release of Workaholic earlier this year, M.I.K is set to release his 2nd full length mixtape; Grime to 5. With a solid fanbase and and the ability to hit hard when it's crucial, he's surely destined to make a dent amongst the grime scene's heavyweights. Appearances on Logan Sama's and Westwood's shows proved his worth so definitly a name to watch! Download the'10 Minute Tea Break EP' here, and make sure you support by buying your copy today!


Lady Leshurr - this Birmingham based female spitter definitly has the makings and talent to be the next female grime MC to make a mark but will the mainstream audience be ready to take on another edgy female spitter after the underwhelming impact from Lady Sovereign? Her phone call freestyle to Soulja Boy on Westwood's 1xtra show a few weeks ago didn't do her any harm and her compassionate other side (check 'baby p' here) should prove she's no 1 trick pony. A collabo with Young Money's Nicki Minaj would go down a storm but I ain't holding my breath for it...

Other honorable mentions go to J Beatz (producer), Merky Ace, JME

2 INC mixtapes

Jumpoff legend and all round sick head I.N.C blesses us with 2 FREE mixtapes to take us into 2010.

Mind Control
Download: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=R7WWK2GI



Out with the old
Download here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/d9ikwl



Here's a video to preview while they're downloadin...

Skillz and Mystro rap up 2009

Skillz once again drops his annual Rap up of the last 12 months. Good to see he's still putting in work, would be good to hear from him more than once a year tho!!

Skillz - 2009 Rap Up

shoutout to HipHop Chronicle

UK Hip hop veteran Mystro has also dropped a great UK version which covers all parts of the scene.. def worth a listen if you've been keeping up with all things urban on this side of the pond!

He makes mad beats!

Head-nod maestro IMAKEMADBEATS continues his neck-breaking assault of dopeness with his latest single, “Return With a Mask On.” Featuring MidaZ the Beast (Alchemist’s Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars “Gangrene Mix”) and J.Freedome over a frenetic banger selected from one of the producer’s 2000+ beats, the song offers parallel stories of the stress and anger that causes people to retreat behind their ‘masks’ – and return with a vengeance.

Happy Xmas.. here's some free grime gifts

Courtesy of J beatz and Z Dot and OGz...

Skream - Tortured Soul (J Beatz Remix)
http://www.mediafire.com/?x0mnxdjynmn
Zdot Ft. Doller Da Dustman-Me And Z
http://www.sendspace.com/file/9j1xts

OGeezus!
http://www.sendspace.com/file/tuacwb

New mixtape from Merky Ace

The head top turner is back with yet ANOTHER free mixtape in 2009, this one's called GRIME. Merky's got to be a contender for hardest working younger in the scene, parring guys left right and centre!



Download from any of the following download locations

• Filefront
• Mediafire
• Divshare
• Sendspace

While it's downloading check Merky Ace, DJ Spooky, M.I.K, TKO, Ego & Shif Man on Westwood's 1xtra grime show a little while back...

We are 2!

After 430 posts, and a whole load of typing BlatantlyBlunt is celebrating it's 2nd birthday. Over that time we've provided you with top quality grime and hip hop content, exclusive interviews, a weekly radio show on urbanfmtv.com and released M.I.K's 1st commercially available mixtape; Workaholic (Available for £5 from iTunes/UKRecordshop etc - http://workaholic.tk).

Don't forget to get involved on other parts of the web..

• Twitter - Follow me
• YouTube - Subscribe to my videos
• Facebook - Join the group
  
• Myspace - Add me
  

Distant Relatives cover and tracklist

This has gotta be the most anticipated album in hip hop at the moment after Detox. Looks as tho Mr Marley will be providing the main chunk of production with Nas and Stephen Marley providing some input also, but this is surely destined to be an instant classic. Seems as tho this will have to sell more than Susan Boyle's debut tho if Nas is going to be able to pay his new 'child' support as well as all that tax he owes Uncle Sam. Good to see K'naan (who's providing the official World Cup 2010 song) on the feature list, and of course there's a ganja related track courtesy of a feature from Snoop.

01. Intro (Something New) (Produced by Damian Marley)
02. As We Enter (Produced by Damian Marley)
03. Revolutionary (Produced by Damian Marley)
04. Count Your Blessings (Produced by Damian & Stephen Marley)
05. Belief is Key (Produced by Damian Marley)
06. Africa Must Wake Up (feat. K'naan) (Produced by Nas, Damian & Stephen Marley)
07. Black Horizon (feat. K'naan) (Produced by Damian Marley)
08. Only the Strong (Produced by Damian & Stephen Marley)
09. Our Generation (feat. Joss Stone & Stevie Wonder) (Produced by Damian Marley)
10. Empowerment (Produced by Stephen Marley)
11. AID (Produced by K'naan & Nas)
12. Let's End It (Poverty) (feat. K'naan) (Produced by 9th Wonder & Damian Marley)
13. The Earth (feat. Bob Marley) (Produced by Salaam Remi, Damian & Stephen Marley)
14. Black Man's Paper (feat. Erykah Badu) (Produced by Afry) [UK Bonus]
15. Weed On (feat. Snoop Dogg) (Produced by Damian Marley) [iTunes Bonus]

Check the video preview for Distant Relatives...

NEW VIDEO: Tinie Tempah - Pass Out

Correct me if I'm wrong but this is the type of tune that hits you FIRST time of listening. As you can tell this video has a higher budget than most in the grime scene, which is predominently 'hood videos'. That's becuase Tinie Tempah is the latest name to be signed up by a major (Parlophone)
after putting in the work and amassing a fan base...


Bonus free download/stream: Tinie Tempah - Biker Babes

Free download: Badness - 3mason mixtape

Make sure you check this new freebie from the grime scene's favourite yardie brummie Badness. After putting in work both as a hook singer as well as an MC in his own right, the Lava Unit man comes with his latest mixtape, this one hosted by SK Vibemakers...

DOWNLOAD HERE

Billboard announces producers of the noughties

Earlier this week, Billboard complied a list of the decade’s best producers. Pharrell & Chad hit the top spot above some serious heavy weights in the game and fair play, they definitly brought a gritty yet soulful sound to the charts with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg and Kelis. However, I can't help but notice the lack of other big hitters like Dr Dre, Just Blaze and Swizz Beats!

In terms of albums of the decade tho, Jimmy Iovine of Interscope music will be please to see his employees (Dr Dre, Eminem and 50 Cent) took 5 of the top 10 R&B/Hip-hop albums of decade.

Avalanche - War Report (Blacks Burial)

Make sure you check this send to OGz member Blacks. Never heard this guy Avalanche before but he definitly went IN on the 'sick individual'.

Gucci mane - spotlight remix ft Ace hood

Great tune here from Gucci Mane, who's debut mainstream album The State vs. Radric Davis came out earlier this month. The track's produced by Polow the Don, a beat maker who's done big things in 2009 and is bound to come with further heat in 2010.

Despite him being locked up for a dirty urine test this guy's absolutely killing it at the moment (i'm talkin to the level lil wayne was killing it in 2008) both in the charts and on the mixtape scene. Spotlight remix features a rapper I'm tipping for big things in 2010; Ace Hood who is unfortunately represented by the most annoying guy in hip hop; DJ Khaled.
Download: Spotlight remix ft. Ace Hood

Also, check this new video from Gucci, Lemonade. Definitly a hot tune and altho he doesn't have the best lyrical content, he makes good tracks.

INC & Kulez on DJ Gone TV

Peep this video from INC and Kulez representing for the big guy in the UK hip hop video scene right about now; DJ Gone.

Back to the crib

This tune has got to be one of my favourite R&B/Hiphop tracks of the year and was the 1st Chris Brown tune I heard since the Rhianna madness. Why this isn't on (my version of) Graffiti I don't know but I think Juelz Santana and Breezy both went in! I blogged this track back in October when it was released and have had it on heavy rotation ever since!

R U Flygerian?

Check this extended remix of Sincere and Mark Henry's track 'Flygeria'. This one featuring G FrSH, Tinie Tempah, Dotstar and Bigz. A big tune!

New mixtapes from Scorzayzee

Back in the early noughties Scorzayzee was known as the elite of UK Hip hop lyricists and came with some ill tunes and often politically charged and profound lyrics (check Heroes Die) and is definitly the type of MC that doesn't appear too often). After a spout of cannabis induced depression (which he described very humbly on Mistajam's show) he then retired from music and converted to islam but is now back on it and has come back with a free mixtape which is a taster of what's to come from his new album..
Scorzayzee - The Starter
Scorzayzee - promo release

He went on Mistajams show earlier this week on 1xtra and killed it with a ill freestyle. Check it here, take a look and guess which one of them has lost a lot weight!

He's also in a new docu-movie called Le Donk and Scorzayzee with Shane Meadows.
Check this classic track from him, 'Great Britain' which points fingers at the more hypocritial aspects of this 'Great' country in which we live..

Gangsta Boo holds up dollar store!

Gangsta Boo, probably the most thugged out female in the whole music industry (except for Taylor Swift) handed herself into police after after learning of the police's warrant against her in Olive Branch, Mississippi. She was released on $100,000 bond, and will appear in court on January 5. In case you have no idea who this chick is, Gangsta Boo is the first female member of Three 6 Mafia, the legendary Memphis based group but left over money disputes.
Check this tune from her :

FREE New mix from DJ CABLE: "F**K THUGSTEP VOL. 1"

Make sure you check this new mix from our affiliate DJ Cable, who's collaborated with Rock The Dub who have been pivotal in pushing the Thugstep sound. Ego Thieves got involved also, helping with the suitably grimey artwork...

The end result is a heavy mix of Dubstep/Grime/Crunk, with some exclusive Thugstep refixes...

DOWNLOAD HERE

Tracklisting:

01. DJ Cable Vs. Tempa T & Rusko – Mr. Muscle’s Hype (My Pet Monster Dub) (Ego Thieves Exclusive)
02. Inja Feat. Fallacy & Skinnyman – Hat Low
03. DJ Cable Vs. Joker & Ginz Vs. Lil Scrappy & Young Buck – Re-Up For Money
04. DJ Cable Vs. Mark Pritchard & Dem Franchise Boyz – Wind It Up & Lean Wit It (Ego Thieves Exclusive)
05. DJ Cable Vs. Wonder & Boy Better Know – What, There’s More Girls In Here? (Ego Thieves Exclusive)
06. Breakage Feat. Newham Generals & David Rodigan – Hard
07. DJ Cable Vs. Bonecrusher Vs. Chase & Status Never Scared Of Eastern Jams
08. Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz Feat. Lil Scrappy – What U Gonna Do?
09. Coki – Tortured
10. Lil Jon Feat. Three 6 Mafia Vs. Coki – Act A Fool (DJ Nappy Thugstep Refix)
11. DJ Unk Vs. Genetic Crew – 2 Step (DJ Nappy Thugstep Refix)
12. Allstar Cashville Prince Feat. Yo Gotti Vs. El Rakkas – Tear It Up (DJ Nappy Thugstep Refix)

Tempa T soundboard!

Big up Westwood on this one.. Joseph that is, not Tim.

Doc Brown at the Comedy store

Check this stand up routine from one of the best UK rappers never to have really "made it" who's now moved into the comedy circuit, this time at the Legendary Comedy Store in London's Leicester Square.
There is some musical content in this, so make sure you peep this as it's hilarious.


The track he performs about horse riding actually has it's own music video! Check it here, it's pretty funny. Look out for more comedy from Doc Brown in the future.


If you've not heard any tracks from this guy check this one, which samples the Beatles, Yungun and Klashnekoff on the hook! Definitly some real talk on this.

Let battle commence !

This is definitly one for anyone into the art of battle rap.
DON'T FLOP'S FINAL EVENT OF 2009
After the huge success of Don't Flop Brighton #4, here are the details for BLOOD IN THE WATER, our huge US Vs UK event!

The massive international line-up is:
THE SAURUS VS RESPEK BA
MADNESS VS KULEZ
THE SAURUS VS ARKAIC
DIRTBAG DAN VS OSHEA
THE SAURUS VS TRUTH
GRAFFIK VS SCIZZAHZ

Make sure you come down to support my boy Kulez, this is gona be a lot!

Don't Flop Blood In The Water takes place @ VIBE BAR, Brick Lane, London on SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER, from 12pm-6pm, £7 entry!

Franko Fraize - Much Maligned

Hot track here from Franko Fraize, repping East Anglia and is produced by DJ IC . Gotta say I'm not the biggest dubstep fan (im indifferent) but Franko lays down some hot grime-style vocals well over this grimey dubstep instrumental..
Much Malinged by frankofraize

Wretch does SBTVs F64

This is SB's new series called F64 which means 64 fresh bars, and this one's from Wretch 32, one of the most intelligent lyricists in the scene. Make sure you watch this if you can appreciate metaphors, similes and double meanings as this one is riddled with em! This is Wretch's tweet to Smokey Bars today regarding the success of this vid:
"Wretch32 @sbtvonline Wretch's @wretch32 F64 is #1 - Most Viewed (Today) - Music on THE WHOLE OF YOUTUBE!"



If you're on Twitter, make sure you follow me @BlatantlyBlunt!

PHOENIX/TRIPLE DARKNNESS/THE IRS/CAPPO 7 Dec @ THE CARHARTT STORE FREE DRINKS AND ENTRY!

When:  Monday, December 7, 2009 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Where: 55 NEAL STREET, LONDON, COVENT, WC2H 9LL

Carhartt is hosting a special one off event at its Neal Street store in  Covent Garden, London.
Alongside an exclusive performance from the man himself 'Phoenix Da Ice Fire will be Triple Darkness and IRS
Plus extra special guests CAPPO & ENDEMIC

Dj's: Charlee Brown & Roast
Host: Kingpin

** Free Drinks will be provided by Mean Time Brewery **

***********************************************************

HIGHER HEIGHTS RECORDS presents another hard-hitting release from South East
London mc PHOENIX DA ICEFIRE. PHOENIX has been crafting his skills for some
time now and is getting ready to set the country alight with this his debut
release BAPTISM OF FIRE.

Having cut his teeth through his garage roots, performing alongside the likes of P Money, Firmer Dee aka Funky Dee, Little Dee and Blacks has all
helped play a part in his exciting new pathway towards individual success.
Now 1/3 of Midas Touch with AKS & J DA EXODUS, Phoenix feels it's time to step out by himself and bring some truth, experiences and opinions of his
own to the mic.

This twenty-two track audio gem is hosted by Higher Height¹s comrade and label mate M9 and mixed by super scratch dj Roast who cuts his way seamlessly through Hip - Hop¹s more rugged side.

R.I.P. N.E

Rest in peace to N.E, founding member of the grime crew Organised Grime which he founded with Jendor after the break-up of Essentials.

If you've not heard much of his stuff check this track Up and Up of the OGz season mixtape which he features on with Jendor. He features 2nd on the tune.

Thoughts go out to his family and friends.