J-Zone's Give The Drummer Some: Questlove (audio)

J-Zone and Questlove at RedBull Music Academy
Photo credit: Charles Ludeke

Last night (Feb. 5th) Red Bull Radio debuted their new show "Give The Drummer Some" with host J-Zone. The series kicked off with arguably the most well known drummer working today; Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. 

The show is basically a hub for some of the greatest drummers to come through and tell stories, techniques and maybe some unknown secrets along the way.

This episode didn't disappoint with Questlove talking about his own band The Roots' nod to drum 'n' bass from their time based in London, working with D'Angelo on Voodoo and off beat drum patterns from the J-Dilla era, among other topics. A really enjoyable talk.

The show is available for the next month. Check the Red Bull page here with tracklist or click on the stream below. There's also an archival Soundcloud link that J-Zone recently added. Enjoy below.

More Bounce presents Homeboy Sandman & Edan (Live in Manchester)

More Bounce come through once again with the ill live Hip-Hop! On Thursday 7th February, Joshua Brooks in Manchester host the duo of Homeboy Sandman and Edan. Both no stranger to touring, with each having previous appearances solo in Manchester, the pair join forces in support of their Stone's Throw released album "Humble Pi".

Catch them very soon with support from local group The Bluntskins. Early bird tickets have sold out, but additional tickets are still available at Skiddle. Find full information on the Facebook event page here.

Check out a couple of videos from "Humble Pi" below.

For The Record with Ice Cube (Video)

Ice Cube

Genius continue their excellent interview series, "For The Record", with host Rob Markman and latest guest Ice Cube. 

Not many more superlatives can be used when talking about Cube, his body of work and his influence on Hip-Hop for the last three decades. Looming large on the West Coast after his exit from the legendary NWA, Cube went on to release four solo albums in consecutive years, including Death Certificate and Lethal Injection. 

Starring, writing and directing films also started around the same time he dropped his albums with his breakout role as Doughboy in Boyz N The Hood. He went on to become a regular face on the silver screen following the massive success of his movie Friday, which he co-wrote.

In this interview, Rob Markman talks to Cube about his new album Everythang's Corrupt, as well as his favourite diss tracks and the inspiration for his movie Friday. Check the interview below and listen/buy his new album on your preferred app.

Horse Power: Hip-Hop's Impact On Polo Ralph Lauren

Complex continue with their relentless release of visual content with the long form video "Horse Power: Hip-Hop's Impact On Polo Ralph Lauren".

The sports and lifestyle clothing line, which was adopted by Hip-Hop in the early 90's, has gone on to be one of the most popular labels on the planet. This is probably due, in no small part, to the Hip-Hop aesthetic. 

Complex talks to a number of Hip-Hop artists such as Thirstin Howl III, Raekwon, A$AP Ferg and Timeless Truth, as well Tyson Beckford, who modeled for the brand, as well as the infamous Lo-Life crew. 

Check the documentary below.

You Know What Love Is 2018: A Tribute To Jay Dee/J Dilla

Once again, for 2018, Manchester remembers the life and work of one of Hip-Hop's most beloved sons as we celebrate James Dewitt Yancey.

Not much can be said that hasn't been said already about J Dilla, so just know that you'll be in great company as the man's music will be played all night Thursday 22nd February at The Whiskey Jar on Tariff Street, MCR.

 Selectors on the night will be Mikey Don, Didjit, Konny Kon, Andy Peek and Mark Torkington, so expect the welcome Jay Dee bangers alongside his guest features and maybe some of his more obscure remixes.

You know what love is...

Check the Facebook event page here for any updates leading up to the night.

Slaine vs. Termanology - Anti Hero ft. Bun B & Everlast (produced by DJ Premier) (Video)

Following the release of their joint album, "Anti Hero",  Slaine and Termanology drop the video to the title track. A DJ Premier produced banger with features from OG's Bun B and Everlast, this serves as a reminder that Hip Hop is very much still here.

The album "Anti Hero" is available now.

Children Of Zeus - The Story So Far...

If you're unfamiliar with Children Of Zeus, that's a shame. But nevermind, you're reading this post. 

Their recent EP which dropped on vinyl is a select collection of six tracks both released and unreleased previously. Those who missed out on the wax can buy the repress if they're quick. The physical copy comes with a digital download of the tracks plus an additional seven cuts through Bandcamp. You can stream the music below and also buy via your preferred digital carrier.

Check the album and their latest video for "Smoke With Me" beneath.

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth Return to Manchester

After the roadblock event at Mantra Warehouse in 2016, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth will be returning to Manchester in the more familiar surroundings of The 02 Ritz in the city centre on Saturday the 14th of October, 2017. The duo will be joined with support by fellow 90's breakthrough artist Jeru The Damaja. Warming up before the live acts will be Didjit of More Bounce who is also responsible for this major booking once more.

Full details and ticket links can be found here. A short run of physical tickets are also available from Eastern Bloc and Piccadilly Records. Additional tickets can be purchased on the door.

Let It Play Radio Show

I haven't been posting on this blog as regularly as I'd have liked recently so thought I'd take the opportunity to let you know about my new radio show "Let It Play".

Currently I have two shows under my belt and will continue on the first Thursday of each month from 7pm until 9pm. The new radio station MCR Live have generously given me two hours to play with monthly.

I'll be playing a mix of new music, old classics and favourites of mine, mainly in the scope of Hip Hop, R'n'B and soul. I'm sure there'll be plenty of other genres squeezed in there too though.

The first two episodes are up on Mixcloud to listen to at your leisure on demand. They can be found here on my MCR Live resident page. I've also embedded them below for your convenience. Hope you enjoy the music!

Evidence - Throw It All Away (Video)

Evidence

A little under a week ago, Evidence of Dilated Peoples released a new video for the track "Throw It All Away". Over a stripped back beat from Alchemist, EV ponders on how money comes and goes. 

Although no album has been announced as yet, Rhymesayers have apparently confirmed there will be a new LP from Evidence this year. 2017 also marks the ten year anniversary since his first solo outing, The Weatherman LP.

Watch the video for "Throw It All Away" below and get your coy of the single here.

Ghostface Killah 's Supreme Clientele Classic Samples (Video)

VinRican chose an absolute monster of a classic for his latest #WaxOnly series with Ghostface Killah's Supreme Clientele from 2000. At a push, this is possibly my favourite record from the Wu-Tang Clan's extensive discography. Awesome.

Check the video below.

Jay Smooth on Shock Radio, Salford (Audio)

Jay Smooth

Hip Hop radio personality Jay Smooth spoke to Shock Radio's Benedict Jones ahead of his recent talk at Salford University called Hip Hop, Race and Politics: The Way We Talk About Things.

Listen to the short interview below and be sure to check Jay's video blog at Ill Doctrine.

Follow Jay Smooth @jsmooth995

Follow Benedict Jones @benedictjones94

Follow Shock Radio @ShockrRadio

Apollo Brown & Skyzoo - Nodding Off (Video)

Skyzoo and Apollo Brown

Apollo Brown and Skyzoo dropped one of the best albums released last year with "The Easy Truth". They continue to promote the LP with a video for the album's closing track "Nodding Off". Joining them in the video is Sean Taylor who provides the breezy trumpet throughout.

Watch the visual below and be sure to check the album on Mello Music Group.

Dave East - It Was Written (Video)

Dave East

Harlem's Dave East continues his roll out of visuals from his recent project "Kairi Chanel" with the video for "It Was Written". 

I'm pretty confident that 2017 is the year Dave East catches more ears with his music. An obvious standout from last year's XXL Freshman Class, his already stacked back catalogue and his massive co-sign by Nas are just a few things weighing in his favour.

Check the video below and be sure to check his other music too. "Kairi Chanel" is available to buy and stream here.

Happy Birthday Rakim

Rakim

Happy Birthday to the God MC Rakim Allah, who turns 49 years old today.

A selection of his music videos follow below as well as his interview at RedBull Music academy in 2013.