Saturday 31 December 2011

UrbanVoice UK Stars of 2011

WOW!! What a year 2011 has been for UK artists.  It has been full of highs and lows and many urban musical achievements. In an unforgettable year we have seen 2 royal weddings, the craziness of the London riots that spread countywide, and many urban artists begin to dominate the mainstream charts.

The UK charts saw number 1 smash hits from Wretch 32, Professor Green and Emeli Sande shot to mainstream success and we had an overdue comeback from Ms Dynamite.  Tinie Tempah saw Brit awards and stateside success peaking at number 12 on the US Billboard charts.  Mainstream success grew for Tulisa from N-Dubz who represented the urban music scene as the winning judge and mentor on popular prime time TV singing competition X-Factor.    On the flipside we also had great loss as the very talented Amy Winehouse's journey sadly ended as she passed away in July.
Who would have thought all of this would have happened if you had asked me 5 years ago?

Mz Bratt
Furthermore, we have seen artists like Nero, Chipmunk, Wretch 32 and Example go from strength to strength with top 10 hits and even number 1's in the UK top 40. Who could forget about all the insane collaborations we have seen in 2011? Skepta from Roll Deep and Boy Better Know made a song with P. Diddy, Taio Cruz and David Guetta made 'Bad Girl', Tinchy Stryder teamed up with Dionne Bromfield for the official Olympics 2012 song, Chipmunk and Chris Brown hooked up to create 'Champion' and Professor Green and  Emeli Sande produced the powerful 'Read All About It' and made history as the first rapper to perform  on prime time television programme X-Factor.

UrbanVoice UK has selected three artists in particular that stand out the most as the shining stars of 2011.  I have been excited to witness artists such as Mz Bratt, Ed Sheeran and Labrinth gain strong foothold within the music industry. These three already have the talent and I believe that a strong work ethic will see these three artists go very far indeed.

Labrinth has stood out as a hit-making music producer and songwriter having worked with Tinie Tempah, Professor Green and Ms Dynamite to produce chart toppers.  He is currently writing for a number of British artists and it seems that there is no stopping him especially with a number 2 hit single with his song 'Earthquake' and his signing to Simon Cowell's record label Syco.

Mz Bratt's mix tape 'Elements' stood out as one of the best mix tapes this year. Having become the face of street wear clothes label Box Fresh and featuring in Channel 4's street dance summer Mz Bratt has firmly made a mark in the urban music scene and representing for the females out there.

Having started recording in 2005 and after a well received SBTV debut in 2010, Ed Sheeran signed to Asylum / Atlantic Records in March 2011 and finally broke through commercially in June 2011, when his debut single "The A Team" debuted at number 3 on the UK chart.

So who will be the shining stars to break through into the mainstream in 2012? I have a couple of artists in mind. I predict Sneakbo (finally) will see his hardwork pay off. Cleo Sol will be one to watch out for with her recent signing to Island Records and I think we will see a lot more talent coming out of the North of England, I will definitely be keeping my eye on Coldside, Tyler Daley and Misha B all hailing from Manchester.

With all this action in 2011 I can not wait to see what 2012 has in store.  The Olympics are round the corner and this is our chance to make London and the UK's talent shine.

I would like to wish all my readers a happy and prosperous New Year. I wish good health and joy for you and your loved ones.

Friday 30 December 2011

Donea'o - Move to the Gyal Dem

Yes, Donea'o is backkkkkk with another club BANGER!  UrbanVoice UK presents to you the video for 'Move To Da Gyal Dem'.  I like this a lot and I'll be waiting to hear this on New Years Eve this Saturday night.  I am sure that you will like this track too so go ahead and hit that 'like' button below.

The single release date for 'Move To Da Gyal Dem' is 23 January 2012.  In the meantime you can download Donae'o's album 'Indigo Child' for free here
If you live in Brmingham you will be lucky enough to catch Donae'o performing on 31 December at Review.

Follow Donea'o on twitter:@Donaeo

Wednesday 28 December 2011

NEW VIDEO: Major Lazer - Original Don

After creating a beat so crazy and fresh that a mega superstar like Beyonce samples it in the first track of her fourth album - it's hard to think that the duo that is Major Lazer would be able to do one better. Proving that they are not just a one hit wonder, Major Lazer are back with the just as crazy stupid (in a good way) 'Original Don'.

With so many remixes of this track out at the moment it's hard for me to pick out my favourite remix to present to you and so, I have stuck to the safe option, the commercial edit with video included. I just love this video - it's so random with it's black humour. Look out for my favourite character in the video, the granny - ahhh bless her :).

Here is he video for 'Original Don' by Major Lazer. I predict that this is another guaranteed club banger and no doubt will hits the charts soon too.

You can Buy 'Original Don' Now!
iTunes: http://bit.ly/uOYz40
Amazon: http://amzn.to/sAHg8u



Tuesday 27 December 2011

REVIEW: DaVinChe - Breakdown

Ahhh thank you!! Is it me or do you feel like established British artists are developing a little American twang lately? Almost like they need to do so in order to sell records? So its nice to see that when an established artist, like record producer and songwriter DaVinChe, comes back on the scene with a new banger and it's most definitely British.

DaVinChe is back with a track entitled 'Breakdown' and it has DaVinChe written all over it, with his signature strings introducing the track and repetitive grimey beat, I can hear MC's lining up round the block to spit over the track.  The 'Breakdown' instrumental is accompanied by a video that reflects the title of the song as DaVinChe ends up on the roof of a building culminating in a 'Breakdown'.  

UrbanVoice UK's opinion: DaVinChe hits the spot delivering a track that if you are already a fan, you won't be disappointed. It's refreshing to have DaVinChe back with a new song that is still true to its roots. The videos not bad either.


UrbanVoice UK score: 4/5



Click here To Free Download The Instrumental:http://soundcloud.com/davinche/breakdown-instrumental

Follow DaVinChe on twitter: @Davinche

Check out the video for the track 'Breakdown' here on UrbanVoice UK. Enjoy!!


Monday 19 December 2011

BREAKING NEWS: Cleo Sol Signs To Island Records


Well, well, well - breaking news has been confirmed.  The lovely and talented Cleo Sol, who has featured here on UrbanVoice UK before, has officially been signed to Island Records.  Wow! What a great Christmas present for the West London female vocalist.  Island Records is already home to the amazing Florence and the Machine, Rizzle Kicks and The Wanted.  This is all the information we know for now.


I wish all the best to Cleo Sol and I predict big things for her in 2012.  I am soooo excited about the level of our British talent at the moment - Bring on 2012!!

You can follow Cleo Sol on twitter: @cleosol

Tuesday 13 December 2011

NEW VIDEO: Bashy feat Giggs - Backhand P.R.I.C.K.S [THE UNDERDOGS ANTHEM]

Bashy returns with an absolute STONKER!! "Backhand Pricks" Taken from his forthcoming EP The Great Escape the Rapper/Actor Bashy has collaborated with another Great British Titan in the form of none other than South London's very own GIGGS!!

The track 'Backhand Pricks' explores the feeling of the underdog, giving a mammoth BACKHAND to any negative energy that surrounds one in life!

UrbanVoice UK opinion:
If I'm honest, my opinion changed after a few plays of this track.  After a few plays I have decided that I definitely like the beat on this track and Bashy's lyrics have meaning and are delivered with determination to remind you that he's well established in this game and is not going anywhere anytime soon.  One of reasons why I like Bashy on this track is that he is still keeping it British and relatable to the British audience (Brits love nothing more than an underdog).  My favourite thing about the track is the video and the collage of images and street art style clips, it brings something a little different, fresh and is enjoyable to watch.  Slightly dissapointed that Giggs did  not spit a verse, but hey, overall 'Backhand P.R.I.C.K.S' still a good track.  Check it out for yourself below...

Score: 3.5/5 (4/5 if you include the video :) )

To get a copy of your FREE Download - http://www.mediafire.com/?czrmq8i7670pdst

UrbanVoice UK is proud to present to you the new video by Bashy feat Giggs and the track 'Backhand P.R.I.C.K.S [THE UNDERDOGS ANTHEM]'

Wednesday 7 December 2011

Artist Profile: TYLER DALEY

UrbanVoice UK is proud to present to you TYLER DALEY, a greatly talented artist whom Lisa Maffia (Vocalist from So Solid Crew) recently signed to her record label Maffia Recordz.  Here is a little bit about Tyler Daley so that YOU can get yo know him - Enjoy!

TYLER DALEY
Tyler Daley formerly known as HoodMan a 27 years old focused, driven, rapper/singer/producer from Manchester, England, with a very unique soulful style mixed with a reggae touch, he is in a league of his own. His meaningful lyrics outline social issues, love stories and everyday life. You may recognise Tyler Daley from The 'UK-Team' with tracks entitled "Ringer Roses" or possibly the feature on a popular TV series called "Dubplate Drama" featuring some of the UK's well known urban acts such as NDubz, Roll Deep, Ghetts, Skepta and many more. 

Tyler Daley's talent shines best through his solo material with songs like "Jermaine" that's absolutely magic. After a short spell out of the lime light Tyler is back currently recording with many established artists and legendary acts such as Soul2Soul. Together they have recorded his Hot new single "U Alone"and the Remix with legendary Soul2Soul lead singer Caron Wheeler. Tyler and his team have been on promotional tour for the last 4weeks and already people are talking about the smash hit 'Baby You Alone' - DJ Sarah Jane Crawford BBC1xtra has had it her anthem of the week for two weeks running. In addition he has had features with SBTV and Jo Whiley 'the arts show'. A listed on UNIT FM and with lots of promo lined up including a university tour, Tyler has also played Live at the BBC1xtra Manchester Apollo Live show.... He is ready!! Are you?!!

Please contact Lisa Maffia's Team for more info.

Maffia Recordz
Undercover booking agent
UCbookings@live.co.uk

UrbanVoice UK Review 
Here is the HOT, HOT, HOT 'You Alone'.  I am very excited for Tyler Daley's future - if you don't know get to know and spread the word to your friends, family, mum, dad, uncle, grandma, your cousin's aunty's boyfriend's dog...
Sounding fresh on the UK urban music scene,Tyler Daley's open and vunerable love lyrics cut right through me. along with his soulful tone.  The chilled out reggae style with rippling melody creates an effortless, laid back and timeless finish to the song that resonates through my speakers.  UrbanVoice UK gives 'You Alone' an impressive and difficult to get TOP MARKS.
UrbanVoice Score:  5/5