Thursday 26 January 2017

Children Of Zeus - Crown (Video)

Coz
Konny Kon and Tyler Daley


Following the drop of their free download of the single "Crown" at the end of last year, Children Of Zeus release a visual for the gospel draped track.

This can be found on the FirstWord Records compilation Two Syllables Vol. 13. Watch the Tarnish Vision produced video below.



Friday 20 January 2017

Unsung: Jon B. (Video)

JB
Jon B.



TV One continues their popular series Unsung with an artist who truly is just that; Jon B. After over twenty years in to his music career, Jon B. tells his story of where he started, the obstacles he's had to overcome and more importantly, what he's up to these days. Definitely a great show to watch to celebrate someone who has paved the way for a few people that I'm sure you're familiar with.  

Jon B. has been one of my favourite artists over the last twenty plus years whose music is still in rotation. Look out for his new album "Mr. Goodnight" which is due to be released this coming Valentine's Day.


Saturday 19 November 2016

Mobb Deep's Hell On Earth 20 Year Anniversary - The Samples (Video)

MD

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Mobb Deep's seminal album "Hell On Earth". Many regard this as one of the best follow LP's in Hip Hop. When "The Infamous..." is the former, I'd have to agree. In fact, personally, this is my favourite of the two. I play "Hell On Earth" much more anyway.

To celebrate this release, as he does with many other albums, VinRican of Power 106FM plays through some of the classic samples beside the tracks they ended up on. This is the latest in a long line of videos he's put together. Well worth checking out.

Watch the video below and peace to Havoc and Prodigy.

Friday 18 November 2016

Ka - Red Bull Music Academy Lecture

Ka
Ka with Jeff Mao

The modest, unassuming and hugely talented Ka sat with Jeff Mao for an hour long discussion of his work and upbringing for the Red Bull Music Academy in Montreal.

Speaking on his rise in Brownsville, the various crews he was a part of and his current situation in life and music, Ka brings a very poignant and enjoyable story to this particular lecture.

Watch the hour plus interview below and be sure to check out Ka's work on the usual platforms, including his latest album "Honor Killed The Samurai".

Eminem - Infinite (Remastered Remix) & Partners In Rhyme: The True Story Of Infinite (Video)

Em
Eminem

On the 20th anniversary of Eminem's first studio album "Infinite" being released, he drops a remixed and remastered version of the title track. The grittiness of the original is cleaned up and polished but it's still a great listen if you never heard the original.

To accompany the single, a short documentary has been put out with footage of Eminem with his first producers and early video of the emcee.

The single is available now and you can listen below and also watch the documentary.


A Tribe Called Quest - We The People (Video)

ATCQ

A week on from the release of their hugely anticipated final album "We Got It From Here... Thank You 4 Your Service", A Tribe Called Quest drop the video to "We The People".

RIP Phife.

Saturday 12 November 2016

Alicia Keys - Blended Family (What You Do For Love) feat. A$AP Rocky (Video)

AK
Alicia Keys

A week after the release of her latest album "Here", Alicia Keys drops the video to her single "Blended Family". After the messy to start to her relationship with husband Swizz Beatz and the fallout with his previous partner Mashonda, it seems like they've all managed to co-exist for the sake of their kids.

Assisted with a verse from A$AP Rocky about his own upbringing within a busy household, Ms. Keys delivers a great video with a lovely sentiment.

Check the video below. The new album is available everywhere now.

Monday 31 October 2016

More Bounce presents Diamond D vs. Large Professor

DLP

More Bounce once again bring legends to the basement of The Whiskey Jar as they host Diamond D and Large Professor on the Manchester leg of their "45 Soundclash Tour".

Two of the best producers on the mic will be in the city on the 10th November, so make sure you get your tickets and be part of another historical night. Check the Facebook event page for more details.





Anderson .Paak - Come Down (Video)

AP
Anderson .Paak

Despite the relative success of his "Malibu" album, Anderson .Paak hasn't gone overboard with the visuals to accompany it. Here we have his second music video from the LP for "Come Down".

This Hi-Tek produced funk banger definitely delivers on the vision I had in my head, even if it's over before you know it. A great video for a personal standout from the album. 

Check the video below and listen to "Malibu" in full if you haven't already.

Wednesday 21 September 2016

More Bounce Presents Slick Rick Live In Manchester

Ricky D
Slick Rick

After a massive turn out for Pete Rock & CL Smooth last month at Mantra Warehouse, More Bounce wastes no time in rolling out the red carpet for yet more Hip-Hop royalty. Slick Rick finally makes his return home for his first ever tour in the UK! The Ruler starts his 5 date run of shows here in Manchester.

Put Friday the 25th of November in your diaries and be sure to get your tickets when they drop this Friday (23rd September). Check the Facebook event page here for updates and more information.



A few of his classic videos follow.







Tuesday 13 September 2016

Tupac Shakur 20 Years On...

Pac
Tupac

September 13th 1996 was the day Tupac Shakur took his last breath in Las Vegas, six days after being shot multiple times in a still unsolved case. Today, in 2016, is the 20th anniversary of his passing and only seems like yesterday that it happened.  

Tupac was genuinely one of my favourite artists growing up and it was a really sad day for me when he died. I never get involved in the debate of who was the greatest rapper to do it because ultimately it doesn't matter and it all comes down to opinion. He was much more than just a rapper. I prefer to call him an artist and activist.

He was often contradictory with what he put in his music but he was always memorable. That's why his music still resonates today. Other than music, he was a great actor with a number of movies under his belt including Above The Rim and Gridlock'd which are personal favourites of mine. And of course there is Juice, his debut in movies. That is a classic.

Anyway, just a few words from me to note the occasion. 20 years have passed by so fast and this is an unfortunate milestone to mark it with. I'll always be a fan.

RIP










Friday 2 September 2016

Dr. Syntax & Pete Cannon - Downtime (Video)

DT
Dr. Syntax

After a busy summer on the festival circuit with The Mouse Outfit, Dr. Syntax returns with his partner in crime, Pete Cannon, with their new project "The Tonic EP". Their first single and video from the EP is "Downtime".

Synners walks the streets of Manchester pondering on the big wide world that's out there and how most of us are trapped in the system like caged animals. Everyone needs a break from the cycle!

Check the video below, shot and edited by Ellis Meade, and then be sure to cop the new EP which is available now over at Bandcamp. Also, the pair are on tour starting this month so be on the look out for a local date near you.





Tuesday 30 August 2016

Apollo Brown & Skyzoo - A Couple Dollars ft. Joell Ortiz (Audio)

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Apollo Brown and Skyzoo release another single from their upcoming project "The Easy Truth". This time bringing in Joell Ortiz to add a guest verse, both Skyzoo and Joell comment on their memories of the struggle coming up with "A Couple Dollars". Apollo Brown provides a poignant and string laden track which is really quite superb.

Check the track below. Look for "The Easy Truth" September 29th.


   

More Bounce Presents Pete Rock & CL Smooth Live in Manchester / Best Of... Mix by DJ Friedz

Mecca


In less than a week More Bounce, once again, welcome Hip Hop royalty to Manchester. This time we see Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth make their first appearance together in what is bound to be a memorable and landmark performance for the city.

The show will be taking place at Mantra Warehouse in Ancoats on Saturday the 3rd September. Tickets are available in various outlets around the city and also here on Skiddle. An after show party will also be in effect in The Whiskey Jar basement from 11pm onwards.


As a bonus to get you warmed up for this great booking, DJ Friedz coincidentally dropped a "Best Of Pete Rock & CL Smooth" this week. Including some of their unmistakable classics, Friedz also drops soundtrack cuts, collabs, remixes and album cuts. Check the mix and track list below.



One In A Million
What’s Next On The Menu
I Got A Love
The Basement
Lots Of Lovin’ Remix
Carmel City King
Skinz
Ghetto’s Of The Mind
Anger In The Nation
Soul Brother #1
If It Right, It Ain’t Right
Act Like You Know
Don’t Curse
Straighten It Out
Today (by Tom Scott & The California Dreamers)
T.R.O.Y
It’s Not A Game
Da Two Back On Da Block
Down With The King
It’s On You
In The Flesh
Get On The Mic (Remix)

Wednesday 24 August 2016

Children Of Zeus - Still Standing (Lenzman Remix feat. DRS) (Video)

CoZ
DRS, Tyler Daley and Konny Kon
After seeing an official release of one of the biggest tunes of the year with "Still Standing" on First Word Records, Children Of Zeus return with the remix. Not content with the praise they already received in soul and Hip Hop circles, this remix opens them up to a whole new market.

Liquid producer Lenzman takes the reins on this with an added verse from the mighty DRS to take this beautiful re-imagining over the edge. All this comes complete with a second video for the track which you can check out below.

This track will live on Lenzman's upcoming "All For You" EP which is due for release on the 23rd of September. Pre-orders get you this track instantly via The North Quarter.  Alternatively, head to iTunes for the digital release.

Be on the look out for more new music from Children Of Zeus soon with some very special collaborators.