Thursday 17 May 2012

NEW VIDEO: Lisa Maffia ft Tyler Daley and Romeo - Don't Stop The Music

As soon as I heard this track I knew I had to put it up on my blog. It was the opening line from Lisa Maffia 'please don't stop the muuusssiiccc' over the distorted melody that caught my attention and from there I was hooked.  'Dont Stop the Music' is a blend of old school garage and modern day urban party vibes.  This is easily a track that I can see being played in clubs thanks to the recognisable voices of Romeo and Tyler Daley who feature on the track.  This track makes me fall for Tyler Daley's talent that little bit more and who can compete with Romeo's instantly recognisable smooth tone, like butter wouldn't melt, it's so cool. The video's not bad either and complement's the track rather nicely with what looks like some real effort has been put in.  We even see a sneaky appearance from Ashley Walter's (Asher D).

UrbanVoice UK Opinion:  Yeah, this is not a bad comeback effort from both Romeo and Lisa Maffia. The track is not too serious and to put it simply, it's just a feel good tune, really.  Something that I would dance to in the clubs and would most likely get others up off the wall too.  I will definitely play this out loud while I am getting really to go out this weekend.


UrbanVoice UK Score:  3.75/5



Thursday 10 May 2012

Artist Profile: Superneeks - U Turn Me On

What happens when 3 ordinary people with very extraordinary talents come together…? A combination of complex lyrical skill, infectious melodies and quirky beats topped off with cheeky wit. A unique entity in an industry congested with homogenous sounds and monotonous personalities… (Uh, in layman’s terms, they sound different to everybody else) Well, Superneeks are here to save the day. The group, which consists of members Johnny Mensah, Lewis Scott and DatBoyWes met at Kingston University in 2007, although they didn’t start creating music together until mid 2009. It took a while to form their sound as all members had different musical qualities and backgrounds. Johnny Mensah crafted his skill in the Grime scene, making appearances on radio and Channel U. Lewis Scott has a background in Hip Hop, writing complex lyrical raps since the age of 14. However, both MC’s were ready to leave music behind, until linking up with Lewis’ twin brother, Music student and production all-rounder DatBoyWes. It was not until a number of freestyle sessions and friendly battles that the group started to blend and later foresee the synergy that would become this unique sound. “We took the normal aspects of our lives and made them into interesting situations that everyone can relate too” says Lewis. “That’s what the Superneeks are about. We represent the non extremes and make them extreme, with a touch of swagger”. It is this what makes Superneeks so interesting. The ability to portray reality in a sense that is real to everyone, not just a media hyped perception of youth in Britain. Superneeks are a super group with a fresh style that separates them from, you know… the usual.

Here is SUPERNEEKS with their latest track 'U Turn Me On' and if you like this you can download their mixtape 'Flyer Than A Super Hero' from http://superneeks.com/

Follow Superneeks on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/SuperneeksUK

Greasy Geezers - Elizabeth (Jubilee Mix)

With the Queen's Jubilee round the corner it make sense to introduce this next video from Greasy Greezers with their track entitled 'Elizabeth'.  The track relates to the love of money, in this case UK pound sterling or as Greasy Geezers like to put it 'Elizabeth'. The Queen even takes time out of her busy schedule of waving to people by making an appearance at the end.  Let me know what you think by hitting that 'like or 'dislike button below.  Enjoy!


Wednesday 9 May 2012

NEW VIDEO: 2Deep - Know This

Oh, OK, my day just brightened up.  I've just seen this video for the artist that goes by the name of 2Deep.  Now I'm going to be honest, I haven't heard of him before but I have to say I already like what I see.  With his first ever music video for his debut single 'Know This', 2Deep has caught my attention by entering from a different angle with an almost indie/electronic vibe. I'm loving the guitar's on this track.  The track is produced by Trixx Beatz with the official video filmed & directed by Meji A of 365 Media.  Check it out and let me know what you think - hit that 'like' or 'dislike button below.

It is available as a free download with 2 Shift-Key Remixes: http://www.mediafire.com/?q35ibpl8yxr7hcs

UrbanVoice Opinion: I'm going to be frank, I like it! I'll be keeping an eye on 2Deep.

UrbanVoice UK Score: 3.5/5



Follow 2Deep on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/2DeepOriginal
Like 2Deep On Facebook: http://facebook.com/2DeepOriginal

Email: 2Deep@thecoolclublife.com

Monday 7 May 2012

Day 7: Celebrating Grime - Grime Veterans

To be honest with you my relationship with Grime has been a roller coaster of highs and lows.  I have been so proud to see the Grime scene develop over the last 10 years.  I began loving and supporting the  Grime scene in its early stage as it was a natural progression for Garage MCs seeking to spit more meaningful lyrics over a grittier beat rather than continuing with 'Olly Olly Olly, Oi, Oi Oi'.  About a year or so in to the scene, Grime became too violent in terms of lyrics and I just could not relate anymore.  I lost the emotional connection especially as an MC coming from North London.  I couldn't relate to guns and arms house and I'm gonna merk this and that so I decided to part ways.  However, saying that I still kept a close ear and listened to the  artists that I could relate to such as Crazy Titch, D Double E, Tinie Tempah, DaVinChe, Dizzee, Kano, Roll Deep, Boy Better Know, Ghetts, Lethal B, Bashy and Tinchy Stryder. These were the artists doing something different, creating a scene with a definite British and London stamp on it.  Talking in pounds and pence not dollars and cents these artists were making a difference.  I began to fall back in love with Grime about 3/4 years ago when I could see that, that generation of artist began to influence the younger artists paving the way for a new generation of Grime.  Anyway, without going on forever let's move onto one of my most recent favourite Grime tracks of all time.  UrbanVoice UK presents to you Grime veterans Ghetts and Tinchy Stryder with the track 'Grime Veterans'. It has been fun reminiscing about my most favourite Grime moments from the past 10 years and I have had some heated debates about the Grime scene this past week with my friends. I hope you have enjoyed the past 7 days of celebrating Grime as much as I have. Enjoy!



Day 6: Celebrating Grime - Ruff Sqwad

When we talk about Grime we know that it has East London origins and we can not talk about the origins of Grime with out talking about the crew known as Ruff Sqwad.  Ruff Sqwad are one of the founding groups of the Grime music genre, that was established in the early 2000s in Bow, East London along with other crews such as N.A.S.T.Y, Roll Deep, Newham Generals, and Boy Better Know.  One of my favourite Ruff Sqwad tracks in an instumental 'Burial'.  So many MCs have spat on and blessed this instrumental.  Released in 2006 on the Rock and Roll EP, Ruff Sqwad members included Shifty Rydos, Tinchy Stryder, Dirty Danger, DJ Scholar, Fuda Guy, Rapid and Slix.  The most famous member to branch out of the group is Tinchy Stryder who has gone on to represent the scene in the mainstream. Enjoy!



Day 5: Celebrating Grime - Lethal B POW

For day 5 I thought I would bring one of the most notable and recognised Grime tracks EVER made.  The tune doesn't even need an introduction - it is what it is! If you are a fan of Grime and even if you are not you will know this classic by Lethal B, POW!  Just when we thought it was all over for More Fire Crew, Lethal B came back in December 2004 in collaboration with Grime MC's Fumin, D Double E, Napper, Jamakabi, Neeko, Flowdan, Ozzie B, MC Forcer and Demon to create the legendary 'POW' on the forward riddim. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number 11 in its first week on the chart in 2005, and Lethal B won a MOBO for "Pow (Forward)" as 'Best Single'.  Below is the POW 2011 official music video, a sequel to the original with even more great MCs. Enjoy!


Day 4: Celebrating Grime - Kano P's & Q's

Celebrating day 4 of Grime's 10 year anniversary is none other than the Grime kid himself Kano. Kano emerged on the scene at the young age of 17.  He was formerly a key member of east London’s N.A.S.T.Y. (Natural Artistic Sounds Touching You) Crew.  Kano found wide spread recognition with his debut critically acclaimed album 'Home Sweet Home'.  This was my earliest memory of Kano along with his Grime clash against Wiley on Lord of the Mics.  Both of which are two of my favourite things about the scene.  From the first time I heard Kano spit, I was hooked and despite a couple of weaker tracks since he is still one of my favourite MCs to emerge from the UK Urban scene.  In my opinion he is one of the realest and smartest lyricists.  It was too hard for me to pick just 1 Kano track and so I have narrowed it down and picked 2.  Here are the videos for 1) Ps & Qs 2) Kano vs Wiley - Lord of the Mics. Enjoy!



Thursday 3 May 2012

Day 3: Celebrating Grime -Pay As U Go

This is now the third day of celebrating grime and I'm running out of space with too many options - 10 years is a lot to whittle down into 7 videos!  I have selected another early big track from 2002 from a time where there was crossover in sound styles, the near end of garage and beginning of grime. This track can be classed as a bit of both music styles. Here is one of my all time favourite crews with a track entitled 'Champagne Dance'.  This track was another massive club banger by none other than one of the original crews Pay As U Go.  See if you can spot a young Wiley.  Enjoy!


Wednesday 2 May 2012

Day 2: Celebrating Grime - Dizzee Rascal

My selection for Day 2 of celebrating 10 year's of Grime takes me back to raves of when I was just 18 and Grime was still fresh on the scene.  This song had people in London going mad as I was so unique and relevant to teenagers.  Year's later 'I Luv U' is critically acclaimed and still has me skanking in my bedroom or in a rave.  After this song came out I remember being asked 'who do you rate as an MC', I replied 'Dizze Rascal' the boy replied 'nah, he's just like any other East End London MC ya nah...he's not anything special'.  How wrong was he?!  10 year's later Dizzee Rascal has gone on to perform at Glastonbury, had a number one hit collaboration with Armand Van Helden on 'Bonkers' and has created his own record label 'Dirtee Stank'.  'I Luv U' is one of my all-time favourite Grime tracks - I hope you agree.  Enjoy!!!




Tuesday 1 May 2012

My Week: Twitter Drama & Grime's 10 Year Anniversary

Hey readers, how has your week been?

I'm feeling kind of removed from society at the moment.  My twitter account was annoyingly hacked into the week before last and I still can't get access my account.  This means that twitter have to look into it and in the meantime I am unable to post updates from our amazing British talent :(.  Please bear with me as I aim to get this issue resolved.  Damn smart-ass hackers!!!

On a more positive note, we celebrate 10 years of grime this week - that's right 10 whole years of G.R.I.M.E. Thank god for that!! I am a huge grime fan and am very grateful for it's presence on the UK scene.  Without it we would not have stars like Roll Deep, DaVinChe, Bashy, Chip, Skepta, Boy Better Know, Kano, Ghetts and Wretch 32 to name but a few.  To celebrate this momentous occasion I will be posting my favourite all time grime tracks each day this week.  Here's starting with one of the most influential grime tracks by the 'Godfather of Grime' himself Wiley with the maddest grime track ever 'Eskimo'.