Monday 29 August 2011

UrbanVoice UK's X-Factor Auditions

Right, I am no expert on the who's the next Leona Lewis or the next Chris Brown but I like to help out my fellow UK music artists.
Here is a couple of British vocalists hoping to make it big with their vocal talents.  The first video shown below is of DavidB a male vocalist from Manchester.  Second up, is the gorgeous female vocalist Morgan Munroe from Leicester, who has featured on UrbanVoice UK before.

I want to hear your opinion on these two young talents.  Would they get your vote on the X-factor?




NEW VIDEO: MC Tigz - Gangster Remix (Produced By ZDot)

With the more light-hearted summer tracks out at the moment I've been missing the grimier tunes recently but I've got something new for you right here on UrbanVoice UKMC Tigz, a grime MC from Lewisham, London, and his first time on UrbanVoice UK, goes in hard spitting on the Gangster remix produced by ZDot.
Mashing up the beat hard here's MC Tigz, check it out below - if you like it just hit that 'like' button.  This has to be my track of the week and for that reason it's also going in the UVUK Playlist.



Saturday 27 August 2011

August Bank Holiday Special - UVUK's Top Picks

Alright, I for one am excited that it is August bank holiday weekend and with 3 days off work who wouldn't be!?  So, I have selected my favourite songs of the moment to start the bank holiday weekend off with a bang!

First up is Crazy Cousinz featuring Omarion with 'Arch Your Back'. That's right the R'nB star from the US of A has teamed up with the mighty funky trio, famous for tracks such as 'I See You' and 'Go'.  This has to be one of the biggest UK-US collaborations of this year.  Definitely a guaranteed club banger, after having it on replay for the last 3 days I am hooked and I am sure that you will be too - Ladeeezzzz, Arch your back!  US viewers I really want to hear your comments about this track.  Let us know, don't be shy to post your comment below :).
For the official video click here Otherwise, the audio can be found here on UrbanVoice UK.



Second up, in time for carnival is Ms. Dynamite with 'Neva Soft', It just has a chilled reggae vibe that will get me in the mood whilst getting ready to head out to the Notting Hill Carnival.  Speaking of the Notting Hill Carnival Cleo Sol's 'High' has to be up there as well and will be the third track to go in this 'Top Picks' post.




Forth up, it's 'Could Just Be the Bassline' from Artful featuring Kal Lavelle.  Artful formerly part of Artful Dodger, the duo that brought you Craig David's Born To Do It album and the garage smash 'Moving Too Fast', is a veteran of the UK urban music scene.  'Could Just Be the Bassline' has a slightly more grown up feel and takes me back to being a teenager blaring vocal garage in my bedroom back in 1999 - 2000.  I absolutely LOVE this track. 
'Could Just Be the Bassline' is available to buy from iTunes here
 


My last (but not least) pick is another great collaboration, this time with our recent chart toppers Wretch 32 and Emeli Sande and their 'gift' back to the fans, a track entitled 'Underdog Law'.  A heartfelt track with emotional lyrics about the struggles coming up from the underground music scene.  What a lovely song dedicated to their fans...how nice are these guys?!




I hope you have enjoyed my selection, have a great weekend, and I will keep you posted on the best in UK music.

Sunday 21 August 2011

Wretch 32 reaches Number 1 in the Top 40 UK Music Chart

A massive congratulations to Wretch 32 who has landed in at number 1 on the official UK Top 40 chart with the haunting Don't Go.  Also, this week, Emeli Sande has managed to secure a number 2 spot right behind Wretch 32 with her single Heaven.  

Today Chipmunk tweeted "So much REAL talent coming out the UK man... I'm happy to see it!!! Let's lock our country down!!! We can all have long careers I tell ya!"
You know what I couldn't agree more.  This year has been a fantastic year for up and coming British artists.  I feel that the days of cheesy pop groups/artists which used to taint the UK music chart are fading away in to a thing of the past and genuine, real British talent is being given the chance to shine.  Even programmes such as  X Factor which highlights the manufactured pop process are beginning to look for real talent with artists that can really sing.  I hope the days of Gareth Gates and Steps are officially over and good riddance to them! 

This is the first time in UK music history that UK Urban artists are getting the limelight with the likes of Jessie J, Example and Plan B headlining at this years' festivals across the country.  For many years we have looked to the USA for good music and I can now say that we have real good music here in the UK with home grown genres like dupstep and grime becoming well established.  Not only have these genres become well established in the UK but also the across the continent and even over seas.  It looks like the UK urban music scene is headed in a great direction and as Chipmunk stated if we can hold onto the recent musical success nurturing it to help it grow, we will have our own music style that will be internationally recognised and loved ensuring long careers for some.

Wretch 32 featuring Josh Kumra - Don't Go is available to buy on iTunes
Emeli Sande - Heaven is available to buy on iTunes


NEW VIDEO: MAGNETIC MAN FEATURING P MONEY - ANTHEMIC

I Need Air's Magnetic Man are back and this time the trio have collaborated with London grime mc P Money.  Magnetic Man is an electronic music project consisting of dubstep producers and DJs, Benga, Skream and Artwork.  This is one of my favourite tracks at the moment so I have also added it to the UVUK Playlist.  I have no doubt that this track will be of of the biggest dubstep and grime collaborations this year.  Here is the video for the track Anthemic.

You can buy Anthemic on iTunes now.



Thursday 18 August 2011

UrbanVoice UK Celebrates 6 Months

I am proud to say that UrbanVoice UK has been up and running for 6 months now and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have taken the time to view the blog.  The blog is growing each and everyday and I really look forward to writing more and promoting new and existing exciting artists.  The past 6 months have been busy as lots of stuff is happening within the UK urban music scene.  2011 has really started with a bang and reflecting this Tinie Tempah and Wretch 32 have been among the most popular posts so far.

Here's a bit of statisical info for you about the top views sorted by country - the UK viewers have come up top but in second place is the USA with the most views per country and in third place Portugal.  It would be great to know what other countries think of UK music and who your favourite artists are at the moment.

Thank you to the viewers and artists for making this blog a success!!!

Wednesday 17 August 2011

JAY KAST - EXPLAINS LONDON RIOTS & DEFENDS YOUTH IN BBC INTERVIEW

Here's some food for thought for you - Jay Kast, a grime MC and London youth worker speaks to the BBC about the recent rioting in the UK.  Personally, Jay Kast comes across really well with a calm and sound reasoning for the riots.  He has first hand experience of what has been happening throughout London and makes some sense of the situation. Of course, we can't excuse the behaviour of the looters and rioters but this is a sign of what emotions already exist in the UK not just for youths but also the parents and relatives of the youth.

I truely hope that David Cameron acts upon his words improving the lives of kids of the future in cities all over the UK and doesn't let these 'sick parts' (whatever that means) of the UK become a media memory.  Unfortunately, he will have to let his actions speak louder than his words before many people and I for one have faith in him and his government.



Monday 15 August 2011

NEW VIDEO: Ms Dynamite - Neva Soft

As promised, here is the official video for Ms Dynamite's Neva Soft collaboration with Labrinth.  It looks like Ms Dynamite will be hitting the charts again with this one and I know that she has many fans who are excited to see her back in action.  Neva Soft will be out on 5th September.


Saturday 13 August 2011

NEW FEATURE: UVUK Playlist

UrbanVoice UK is always looking for ways to improve the blog and make it more appealing to the UK music fan.  My priority is to promote the urban UK artist and to do this in the simplest yet most effective way possible.
And so, UrbanVoice UK has created a new tab called the UVUK Playlist.  The point of tab is to improve the useability for the viewers.  I will continue to post all new posts including videos directly on the UVUK Playlist UrbanVoice UK Home page.  For any video's that I think are especially hot will be posted on the UVUK Playlist as well as the Home page.  I hope this makes the blog better for you, the viewer.

ARTIST PROFILE: KIMONA

Some of you may know this artist and some of you may not have heard of Kimona before.  Kimona is a female artist from South London who has previously enjoyed success with UK Funky tunes Change and her feature on Crazy Cousinz' song I See YouI See You was and still is a big tune in clubs containing the ingredients for a great UK Funky tune - a great beat, that makes you want to get up and dance, sprinkled with sweet female vocals by Kimona which the ladies can sing along to.
So, to introduce you or to remind you of Kimona's talent here are a few hot bars taken from Urban Flash Online.  What do you think of Kimona? Let us know by hitting the like or dislike buttons below.  Enjoy!

You can follow Kimona on Twitter:  @Ms_kimona
For more information on Kimona: http://www.myspace.com/xkimonax





NEW VIDEO: HARVEY & MISTA BROWN FEATURING GYPTIAN - HOT GYAL

Well, here's an interesting hook up - Harvey & Mista Brown featuring Gyptian.  Even though he's not a UK based artist I love Gyptian as an artist and especially the more recent tracks that he has released over the last 12 months.  We also haven't heard from Harvey, former So Solid Crew member in a while.  This collaboration is hot right now and I feel like I need to hit Cyprus to hear this out loud in an open air club overlooking the Mediterranean sea.  Anyway, (sigh) back to reality, this is a good summer banger with a hot video filmed in Jamaica to match.  Check out the video for Hot Gyal here on UrbanVoice UK.



Wrigz - 1Love

Wrigz, a 24 year old artist from Manchester, UK, is one of my favourite artists from up north.  Wrigz has a new tune out called 1Love, which is acoustic in style with slow breathy female vocals coming in at the chorus and conscious lyrics from Wrigz himself.  It seems quite appropriate for the UK at the moment so the timing for a song like 1Love couldn't be better.  Check out the audio for 1Love by Wrigz below.

You can follow Wrigz on Twiter:  @WrigzMusic

1Love features on Wrigz's street album Born Leader which is available to purchase on iTunes now.  




NEW VIDEO: Roll Deep - Swagger

UrbanVoice UK has always been a fan of Roll Deep supporting them from back in the day to their now mainstream success.  'Roll Deep are here' with a new video and tune entitled Swagger.  With a bouncy drum beat and flows from Roll Deep members Brazen, Flo Dan, J2K and Manga, the first time I heard Swagger I was a bit disappointed as I thought Roll Deep would have come with something a bit grimier given their recent chart success.  However, after the first 10 plays I have now decided that this one will definitely be going on my UVUK Playlist.  All of the Roll Deep members appear in the video and I actually like this video, even if it does contain the standard formula of women and cars.

Check out the new video from Roll Deep with Swagger!

Follow Roll Deep on Twitter:  @rolldeepuk



Wednesday 10 August 2011

NEW SONG: Bashy Featuring Ed Sheeran - Angels Can't Fly

Is this the first of many songs that will be written about the London Riot?  Bashy a London grime mc and actor has written a true tale of street life in the UK. 

During a time when the UK is in uproar with rioting from London to Liverpool, the Street Commentator Bashy steps away from his acting spell to give his voice to the people.
Inspired by the talented Ed Sheeran, Bashy uses True Tiger's dubstep mix as the gritty back drop to express the ever so present frustrations of today's young people.

Listen carefully to Bashy's words.  Here is the track entitled Angels Can't Fly by Bashy featuring Ed Sheeran.

Enjoy!



An Urban Voice Opinion on the London Riots

Over the past few days we have seen a peaceful protest go from exactly that to nationwide rioting and looting.  Tottenham in North London was the first place to be struck and on Saturday 6th August we saw the high street vandalised, shop fronts smashed in and buildings set on fire.  This then spread to overnight to Wood Green, not far from Tottenham, which also faced attacks and looting in several shops.  From there on shoppers and employees in Enfield Town, also in North London, were evacuated during the day on Sunday to avoid the pre-empted clashes with members of the public and police that occurred later.  Since then the violence had escalated and move across to Brixton, Peckham, Croydon, Streatham, Lewisham, Hackney and many other areas of London.  Riots have followed across the country affecting other major cities such as Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool and Manchester to name but a few.

As a North Londoner, who has relatives who live on the Ferry Lane Estate in Tottenham where Mark Duggan was shot, the riots have been a surreal reality to me.  I have seen these riots escalate and threaten my family in Tottenham, Enfield and Croydon.  Over the past few days I have been gripped to the television and twitter in disbelief at the situation in London.  London is my home, it's where I eat, where I go out, where I drink, where I have made memories, and to see places I recognise on television being attacked felt like I was watching an action movie on DVD.  None of it seems real.

Londoners have felt and seen all kinds of emotions over the past few days, we have felt anger, shock, fear, sadness, protectiveness, defensive, bravery, fearless, rebellion, aggression, determination and defiance.  We have also seen positivity from Londoners uniting, cleaning the streets together and wanting to make a change.  Overall, we have realised that there are deep underlying issues that have not been addressed effectively over the past 15 years or so and that we can not continue to ignore these underlying issues.

There are many opinions and reasons why people think the riots have occurred.  Some say that it is a lack of discipline, it starts with the parents, kids are out of control, the kids are evil.  Some say it's ineffective policing and lack of clear leadership with the government so out of touch with reality that they don't know what going down on the streets  Others blame the lack of opportunities, lack of resources to help young people and poorer people with financial cuts, unemployment at its highest since the 1930's and the economic crisis to blame.

Personally, it is a combination of all of the above, we as a society all have to take responsibility for our actions and everybody has a part to play.  We can all see that the current system, what
ever it is, isn't working and it is failing the younger generation.  My Dad has always told me that we need to look after and nurture our children as they are our future.  This is very true and in my world we should all think like this.  I truely don't believe that babies are born evil, babies start learning from a very young age and we eventually become a product of our environment.  Everyone is individual and life effects people differently so we must not tar everyone with the same brush or stereotype.  There are many teenagers who did not get involved with the riots and we must not punish the 'youths' for the recent riots.

Maybe, we need to engage with children from a young age, teach them respect and teach them boundries with firm consistent punishments, for when they do something wrong.  This starts from a young age.  Also, we need to invest time and effort into the younger generation.  Create positive projects that they can be involved in and communities in which they can feel a part of.  My parents don't have much but my mum, who looked after my dad and worked as a seamtress, saved every single spare penny she ever earned and every single child benefit allowance, so that she could educate all four of her children because she wanted us to have a good start in life.  It was her selflessness, positivity, strength to get us out of tough financial situations and determination which achieved four graduate offspring.  Is this what is needed?  I know that there is a lot of temptation and pressure out there (I wasn't exactly an angel when I was younger) and we can't solve the problems of the world over night but with positivity and a sense of belonging we as a community can improve the quality of life for kids of the future.  After all, there is a reason for disruptive behaviour and that is primarily down to attention and to gain a sense of acceptance.  We have some great community leaders and people doing some amazing work for young people and in return a lot of young people who are willing and determined to succeed and create a better life.  However, it is clear that many people do not have respect for the police and especially the government.  Personally, I don't blame them, I for one can't relate to people like David Cameron.

At the end of the day what we don't want to happen is a repeat of the past few days.  Peoples businesses, livelihoods, local trade and homes have been destroyed.  This hasn't affected the rich or government and those who can afford to pay for the damage instead it has affected the poorer neighbourhoods who will struggle to now find funding and investment from the government.  Tottenham high street is unrecognisable, residents can't shop in the area due to the high street being taped off, buildings in other areas have burned to the ground, peoples cars have been set on fire, ordinary members of the public have been humiliated, jacked (robbed), and stripped naked.
Everyone has an opinion and everyone seems to have the answer on how to proceed.  Whatever we do, we can't afford to ignore the recent events because as Martin Luther King once said
"A riot is the language of the unheard" and I leave it at that.

Stay safe and I wish you and your loved ones positivity through these saddening events.  
Peace and Love from a proud North Londoner xxx

Monday 8 August 2011

Belle Amie ft. JME - Girls Up (BBK Grime Remix)

It's X Factor meets Grime! Yep, that's right Belle Amie, a girl group from last year's X Factor, have teamed up with Boy Better Know member JME, who has produced a remix on their track Girls Up.  

JME has a lot of fans and is a highly rated producer so, this track will no doubt give Belle Amie a bit of 'street cred'. And you know what, I'm actually liking this remix, in my eyes JME never dissapoints.  Check out the BBK remix for Girls Up, here on UrbanVoice UK.

Let me know if you feeling it!



NEW VIDEO: Cleo Sol ft. Gappy Ranks - High

Lightening the mood in the UK, here's a new video by Cleo Sol featuring Gappy Ranks for the track entitled High.  Loving Cleo Sol's look in this video and the summertime vibe - just in time for Carnival.  And no, Carnival 2011 should NOT be cancelled.

Follow Cleo Sol on Twitter: @cleosol
Check out the website:  http://www.cleosol.com 
 

Sunday 7 August 2011

UrbanVoice UK Gets a Face Lift Again!

You might have noticed that Urban Voice UK has a new background again. I'm all up for change as long as it is positive. Let me know what you think - it is better than the old format? Or do you prefer the old one? Feel free to comment and hit the like or dislike button below.

Your comments will be apppreciated. Thank you in advance!

NEW VIDEO: J2K- WTF (Electrik)


J2K a grime mc from East London and Roll Deep member has a new tune out today (7th August) entitled WTF.  UrbanVoice UK has posted the video for you right here. 
You can follow J2K on Twitter:@j2klive
WTF is OUT NOW available to download from iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/wtf-eletirck/id454325160
 

Saturday 6 August 2011

CHILL OUT ZONE TOO - Jay Weathers

UrbanVoice UK is already a fan of Jay Weathers, the producer of the well known hit track Seduction, which featured Wiley and Alexa Goodard earlier this year.  Jay Weathers is back with the EP entitled Chill Out Zone TOO.  So what happened to the highly anticipated Chill Out Zone? I hear you ask.  Well, the first collaboration with Wiley was leaked via Twitter by Wiley supposedly without Jay Weathers' permission - Ouch! 
It seems the two are still cool though with Wiley featuring on the follow up EP Chill Out Zone TOO.  Jay Weathers proves that he is smart enough to leave the leak saga behind him and concentrate on making more music with the Godfather of Grime and others who are currently hot within the scene.   The first solo effort from Jay Weathers features artists such as English Frank, Fumin, Hot Property, Margs and ItsNate.

You can check out the review of the Chill Out Zone TOO EP under the review tab.

You can Download Jay Weathers' first solo EP Chill Out Zone TOO for free here:  http://www.mediafire.com/?moqk5ribbet9a5e
Follow Jay Weathers on Twitter: @JayWeathers

Monday 1 August 2011

REVIEW: Mz. Bratt Elements Mixtape


Mz Bratt's mixtape Elements mixed by Kayper is here featuring artists such as Wiley, Wizzy Wow, DJ Zinc and Terror Danjah.  Check out the UrbanVoice UK review under the Reviews tab.

You can download the free Elements mixtape here: http://www.newblack.me/widget/mixtape