Dubbul O & Cutterz - Better Days (Single)

Dubbul O x Cutterz - "Better Days"

Cutterz and Dubbul O have released a new single via Village Live Records called "Better Days". Yemi Bolatiwa lends her vocals to the down tempo Hip Hop track and will appear on the forthcoming EP "Stay Gold".

The single is streaming now and is available to buy directly via Bandcamp also.
Follow @djcutterz @dubbul_o @yemi_bolatiwasoul

Your Old Droog - Movie (Album) & Videos

Your Old Droog - Movie

 Brooklyn rapper and producer Your Old Droog returns after an extended hiatus by his standards. Usually one to drop new material consistently, he says, "My new album #Movie is Out Now. Waited 2 years for y'all to hear it. Thanks to everyone who contributed".

You can expect to hear these contributions in the form of Conductor Williams, Just Blaze, Madlib and Yasiin Bey among others.

Over the past month Droog released two videos that landed on the album with "DBZ" featuring Method Man and Denzel Curry and also "I Think I Love Her". You can find both of them below.

"Movie" is available on streaming services from today.

Your Old Droog - "I Think I Love Her" (Video)

Your Old Droog - "DBZ" featuring Method Man and Denzel Curry (Video)

Maeta - Endless Night (Video)

Endless Night

Maeta, currently signed to a global publishing deal with Roc Nation, today releases her highly anticipated project "Endless Night". The EP is fully produced by KAYTRANADA and follows the single "DJ Got Me" that dropped a couple of weeks back.

"Endless Night" is available now on all streaming platforms and a video of the title track has been released also. Watch that and find the track list below.

Endless Night (Music Video)

Method Man at 50

 Today Johnny Blaze, the Ticallion Stallion, the Iron Lung, Mr. Mef, Hot Nikkels or commonly known as Method Man turns 50 years old.

Although you wouldn't think it to look at him, the Wu-Tang artist and actor has been making music and appearing in movies for 28 years. Often seen as the breakthrough solo artist from the Wu, Mef today celebrates his 50th birthday and below are a collection of some of his music videos as well as a mix by Brooklyn Radio's DJ Stikmand.

100% Method Man Mix by DJ Stikmand on Brooklyn Radio

Juga-Naut - Been Away ft. Liam Bailey (Music Video)

Image taken from @juganaut on Twitter

A year after the release of his album "BEM", Notts emcee Juga-Naut releases the visuals to a standout track from the set, with "Been Away".

Joining him on the track and in the video is fellow Nottingham son Liam Bailey, adding his soulful vocals over a self produced Jugz beat, reminiscent of early Wu-Tang soundscapes that wouldn't be out of place circa '94-'96. However, this is very much of its time and showcases why Juga-Naut is held in high regard amongst his peers and is one of the most consistent and hardworking artists this country has to offer. 

Please check the Michael Holyk directed video below and be sure to follow Juga-Naut on his social accounts @juganaut. "BEM" is streaming on your platform of choice and Bandcamp.

Youtube link

 @juganaut 

@Liambailey.music

@Michaelholyk

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.