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.

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