William-Shakespeare-007
Apr 23 2012

Happy St. Shakespeare’s Day?

It’s the 396th anniversary since Shakespeare’s passing so today shall be spent being dramatic and talking like a Shakespearian Elizabethan. It also falls on the same day as St. George’s Day, which many of us know is the ‘English’ saint but according to research scholars the story of George and The Dragon goes back to Scandinavian folklore -we are an island in the midst of the French to the south, the Danes to the east, Germania to the south east and the Nordic peoples of the north so it’s no surprise that they’d often jump inside their war ships and venture to our shores.

Give me some music; music, moody food
Of us that trade in love.
(Antony and Cleopatra, 2.5.1-2)

I’ve never celebrated St. George’s Day but I’d jump at the chance to honour Saint Shakespeare’s Day because this guy created the modern English language through creative writing, if that’s not someone who is an example of a creative writing wizard who can be aligned to the likes of Homer and Muhammad [Allah forgive me in this context] then I don’t know what you deem as an aspiration of creative writing prowess. Shakespeare laid the foundations for a beautiful language by writing plays, poetry, and interpreting history for the stage, by doing so, he not only displayed languages versatility but he also provided us with a demonstration on how language could be used and how we can use it to express ourselves. Before Shakespeare I can only guess the people of England were split between French -in the higher classes and nobility- and what we now know as English in the lower classes -an amalgamation of West Germanic, Anglo-Frisian and Old Saxon Dialects brought to Britain by settlers from Germany, Denmark and The Netherlands, acrolect Latin -acrolect meaning the most prestigious part or variety of a particular dialect/language, and Celtic language Brythonic -thought to be the native language of Britain in the time of Roman occupation.

I say celebrate Shakespeare because he brought language to the masses, he united all Elizabethan class, race and culture under one open top roof, -aptly named- The Globe Theatre, where all could understand and learn a new language being acted out. I’d say a trip to the theatre was more of a language lesson on how to ‘speaketh’ this new language rather that watch a play, The Globe was also somewhere people unconsciously learnt about contexts of the words, how wide a variety one could use one word or many for the same meaning, entendre, puns, similies [ecetera], Shakespeare revised the rules on self expression…

  1. So I say this and this only, why do English citizens continue to honour George when we have a patron saint who kick started the English language, who made it most versatile, poetic and beautiful?
  2. Why don’t we honour Shakespeare with a public holiday or at the very least acknowledgement on calendars?
  3. Why isn’t Shakespeare honoured with a place on the Google homepage?

The answers are pretty simple, Shakespeare died on the same day that we celebrate St. George’s Day so unless we politely acknowledge that two great examples of fearless and intellectual Englishmen share the same day, we may forget what Shakespeare did for the hearts, minds, creativity and communication strength of the English people. Imagine if there were no Shakespeare, we’d probably be doing business in French -with all it’s poetic airy fairy romanticism or Chinese -with it’s bluntness and straight to the point nature where there’s no room to dance in it’s beautiful complex or simple intricacy. We need to give respect where it’s due, and Shakespeare deserves so much more than most, if not with a sainthood at least with calendar recognition -where there is space of course so we don’t upset the lovers of the Dragon slayer.

Ghost.
(exeunt)

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ef7de96328b1c35c0a33454e89662a38
Apr 16 2012

Alexander Hughes – Brother Shabazz (Limited Edition T-Shirt/Packaging)

In a day and age where everyone and their nan have their own line of mediocre t-shirts, few actually have a deeper conceptual meaning, but many if not all use their produce as a means of raising awareness for their ‘brand’. Contrary to this mediocre movement within the apparel market, a seasoned ‘street’ artist, Alexander Hughes, has decided to launch the first phase of ‘Steady Pushing Dope’, a collection of T-Shirts and screen prints influenced by prominent role models that inspired Alexander’s artistry.

Malcolm X is a hero and role model to me. Never have I heard a greater story of change…

Malcolm X, May 19th 1925 – February 21st 1965, was an African American Muslim minister and a courageous human rights activist for the rights of African Americans at a time when racism, prejudice and segregation against blacks in the United States of America were the ‘norm’. Malcolm’s father and uncle were lynched by a brigade of White Supremacists from an infamous terrorist organisation, the Ku-Klux-Klan, after which he was placed into a string of foster homes after his mother was sectioned at age thirteen. In 1946, whilst serving a prison sentence for ‘breaking and entering’, at age 20 Malcolm embraced Islam, becoming a member of the Nation of Islam -then a controversial group- before departing in 1964. (wiki 2012)

After extensively travelling throughout Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East, he founded Muslim Mosque, Inc. and the Organization of Afro-American Unity to heighten both spiritual and political consciousness, and promote Pan Africanism -a movement that seeks to unify people living in Africa into one African community- in order to empower African Americans. Leaning more towards a ‘Global Perspective’ by identifying a direct connection between the domestic struggles of African American’s for equal rights and the liberation struggles of Third World Nations, Malcolm X’s beliefs changed over the years from black supremacy and the advocation of the separation of black and white Americans -until the African Americans could return to Africa, which was in direct contrast to the civil rights movement -who he often referred to as stooges for the white establishment, criticising their 1963 march on Washington because it was run by whites in front of a statue of a dead president who didn’t like nor respect the blacks whilst he was alive. Malcolm X soon become a sunni muslim and disavowed racism, expressing a willingness to work with civil rights leaders -previously prevented from doing so in the past at the hands of Elijah Muhammad- but still maintaining black self-determination and using any means necessary to defend themselves. Malcolm’s speeches had a profound affect on his audiences, especially those who were tired of waiting for freedom, justice, equality and respect because he articulated their struggle better than the civil rights leaders. (wiki 2012)

Click To Purchase

Malcolm was not only an eloquent great orator but a man of great intellect, but inspired many with his passion and determination to make a change ‘By Any Means Necessary‘. These are four words which are applicable to all aspects of our lives, our daily aspirations, these four words ‘By Any Means Necessary’ make our dreams possible once implemented. It’s not quite as catchy or contemporary as ‘YOLO’ -Rapper/Singer Drake’s 2011 remix of ‘You Only Live Once’ had everyone ‘gassed’ by creating the acronym which leads people to do the stupidest things under the guise of a frivolous acronym, it’s not as classic and airy fairy as ‘Carpe Diem’ -seize the day in latin, but these four words are as blunt, powerful, and simple as a direct order can be. By Any Means Necessary, do what it takes to achieve your dreams, do what it takes to defend your position, to fight all injustice, discrimination, segregation. These four words are revolutionary, they’ve always resonated deep within to the point that I say ‘By All Means Necessary‘, why? Because whatever opportunity I spot, I’m taking the chance to roll that dice and advance forward. In February 1965, less than a year after leaving the NOI, he was assassinated by three of it’s members -rumoured to be at the hands of the CIA and every other etcetera type of global elite governmental oppression organisation.

Each T-shirt comes packaged in a limited edition ‘paper toy’ New York subway carriage. The toy is handmade, featuring exclusive artwork, with each print in the series coming with it’s own subway carriage collectible, covered in Alexander Hughes’ illustration and artwork. The significance of the ‘Subway Cart’ dubbed with ‘Tags and Burners’ is a direct reference to New York City Graffiti artistry in the mid to late 70s throughout the 80s when graffiti legends such as Dondi, Seen, Zephyr, Lady Pink, Futura, Duro, Cap, Skeme etc ruled the subway lines and metro network of NYC by employing guerrilla tactics to the NYPD and subway maintenance workers who’d stop at nothing to ensure these artists can’t distract commuters and the general public from their humdrum existences with colourful and vivid artworked snaking it’s way through the poverty stricken crevices of the big rotten apple.

Alexander was born and raised in South East London. I met him briefly whilst doing a stint at 6th Form but whilst I was into Beats, Rhymes, Graffiti and Blunts, I had no idea that Alex was cooking artwork up in the notepad. Fast forward ten years and he’s turnt sketches into a clothing line ‘New Crack City’, a toy manufacturer ‘Hip Hop Toy Shop’ and an active street artist who showcases his work at many exhibitions. Alexander Hughes is a self taught artist, teaching himself how to paint graffiti, tattoo and animate. Drawing inspiration from meditation, philosophy, renegades and the rise of the downtrodden to places of prominence, he has a passion for directing projects creatively as a means to materialise his imagination. I respect what he’s doing creatively because it’s not just an empty logo on a t-shirt, it’s something steeped in depth, it’s conceptual creativity.

Store | Hip Hop Toy Shop | Facebook | Behance | Linkedin | Twitter | Tumblr | Website

Ghost.

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Apr 12 2012

Hit or Miss? #1: Jade H ft. Shortz1 – True Colours (Faze Miyake’s Bawse)

Let’s be real here, when a Grime dude slows it down he’s crucified like a muthafucker. He’s surrounded in broad daylight by all manner of keyboard trolls, shooting rounds of venomous tweet critique from smart phones, desktop tweet apps and social networking sites, but when a rapper grabs hold of a Grime instrumental it’s instant appraisal because for some reason or other, Grime, the ugly duckling or ‘Genraah In Da Kornaaar‘ that exudes an IDGAF [I don't give a fuck] type of attitude, is quite happy to be respected or acknowledged rather.

In the case of this video of a song I may scrutinise [in the case of Maxwell-D who tried to jump on Take Off and failed miserably, cringe inducing miserably, couldn't look nor listen without wondering why no one told him it was so shiiiit! -click his name to read that review] a rapper has jumped on the Grime instrumental Bawse -a track off Faze Miyake’s Take Off Ep- alongside a vocalist. There’s no compromising the UK Rap flow, there’s no speeding it up, what the rapper does, and what I respect the most, is sIt on the beat and stay true to himself. At first I didn’t know what to make of it before thinking to myself “…But Faze Miyake’s sound isn’t quite Grime but more nearer the neutral part of the sub culture spectrum”. Of course it’s a 140BPM (Stylistically Grime) instrumental but the sound transcends sub genres under the Rap/Hip Hop‘s umbrella.

The rapper isn’t that bad in all honesty, he carries the flow well. Fair enough it’s no different from a lot of UK ‘Road Rap‘ MCs that utilise the same rhyme pattern and theme but what makes Shortz1 stand out is his ability to flow confidently and comforably. There’s no shakiness, no fear that he may be stepping on Grime territory because there’s nothing distinctly Grime about the instrumental. It dawned on me that maybe Faze Miyake doesn’t even make Grime, he’s managed to craft the new sound of UK ‘Trap Rap‘ because a 1/3 of his output thus far can be blessed by everyone from Giggs to the likes of 2Chainz, Rozay and as far a field as Iggy Azalea and [insert credible underground trap rap/underground/hipstep-bass music artist here] *Cassie? (Does she still sing or is she just a hipstep pin up and a billionaire’s sly [no disrespect] sidechick?) the ‘Me and You‘ singer.

The vocalist, Jade Howes does well because she doesn’t try to out-sing the instrumental, she opts to sit on the instrumental, following it’s natural momentum with a clever choice of syllables and vocal tone. There were a few points where I raised my eye brows, I did that with the rapper at first but after listening back with an open mind I sorta got over it. At the transitional points where the instrumental gets more elaborate, she creates a mirror effect by switching the flow to more of a legato style, so instead of riding the rhythm she allows the instrumental to breathe by making her vocal delivery more spacious [spacious you kna like I'm talking about a bludclaaart yard! haha]. *I’m getting too techy innit?

All in all this is a great attempt from a vocalist to tame such a rugged and ‘grimey’ instrumental with the aid of a rapper. It’s not perfect but I guess it will set the tone for more UK Rappers and Vocalists to shop around the Grime producers for their next musical backdrop as a lot of today’s Grime producers are blurring the lines of sub genre and just creating music that connects with everyone, they seem to be getting much more elaborate i.e.. Swindle and Preditah who incorporate musical styles from further afield.

@Jade_Howes | @Shortz_1 | @FazeMiyake | Take Off EP

Ghost.

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justinwgw
Apr 11 2012

El Weirdo #1: Rock Your Body

Waking up out of an apocalyptic dream with a Pinterest theme singing Justin Timberlake‘s song Rock Your Body could only mean it’s going to be a great day right?

Maybe it’s the combination of yesterday evening’s trip down ‘Nostalgia Avenue’ and the sun shining bright outside or it could just mean that my most vivid dreams come in a period of inspiration and creativity but then again it could just be my head getting me ready for this ‘group’ type of meeting I’m about to step into. Who knows?

I think the hardest thing to do other than dragging myself out of my bed to make two slices of whole meal toast and a cup of herbal tea was to slip back under my duvet and watch the music video. It’s a total cringe! Justin’s dancing face is slappable on all levels and the ‘all white’ ensemble with chain hanging from his pocket to wherever make him look like a ‘freshie‘ -one of those dudes from an ex soviet state who, for some weird reason or other, enter hip hop dance competitions because they can’t face working in a factory gutting salmon from an illicit ranch residing close to the apocalyptic remains of Chernobyl for the rest of their years. *Totally relevant if Stalin were still in power an communism was a still a threat to everything capitalist, spiritual and decadent.

Besides the horrible dance routine and the ‘gay‘ looking disco lights, I actually love this song and I probably woke up singing it because today will be a beautifully ‘long’, arduous and ‘zig-zaggish’ day. *I love quotation marks because I love to make my own words which almost always make sense.

Ghost.

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Mar 27 2012

Amy Winehouse – Stronger Than Me (Alby Daniels Remix)

I was surfing the web, as you do whilst checking mail in the early part of the day, and I came across this GEM of a remix. As some of you may already know I love Amy Wino, she is the ULTIMATE BAAABE, her debut FRANK being one of my favourite albums of all time, so favoured that I refuse to listen to anything that came after because I wouldn’t want to taint my divine perception of HRH Amy Winehouse. It’s probably seven months since Amy’s departure but I’m still reluctant to acknowledge her passing because it’s waaaay too painful to come to terms with.

Stronger Than Me was the first tune that got me hooked on Amy. This bootleg is my dedication to her -Alby Daniels

Sure everyone’s saying to themselves at this point in time “Oooh what about Whitney, what about MJ?” but I weren’t heavily into them on a personal level. Sure I had their music enforced on me from a young age but I actually picked up Amy’s first album a few years after discovering her Stronger Than Me video and I listened to it religiously for months, years even. No other albums apart from Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, Ready To Die, Illmatic and Midnight Marauders have me running back for a listen as much as Frank, it’s timeless. I think I’m amazed at how skilled she was, bamboozled at how she had become the master of her voice, how she had tamed it to the point of wielding it around with such ease.

Amy had found zen, Amy had spiralled so far within to strike light and become master of a troubled, pain riddled, melancholic vulgarity with clear but slightly hazy vocal tones that would become her signiature untamed, and bastardised style.

*All I wanted to do was show you the remix but as always I share the personal connection because that’s what music is about, shared sentiments…

Ghost.

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The Proshot
Feb 28 2012

Observation 101 – The Roc Nation vs. YMCMB debate

When Jay-Z ‘signs’ someone to Roc Nation no one says anything but when Baby ‘signs’ someone to Cash Money, everyone’s got an opinion. Why is that?

It’s a lot to do with perception and presentation. For the most part Cash Money is a record label known for artists such as Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicky Minaj, and Hot Boys (Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Baby, Turk, BG). Cash Money isn’t an independent entity from what I understand, it’s a joint venture subsidiary of sorts as Roc A Fella, Death Row, Ruff Ryders etc were in the 90s. Cash Money are renowned for their vulgarity: jewellery, flaunting their riches, hypersexual imagery.
Roc Nation on the other hand is an administration company. It boasts a whole lot of affiliates and members but there are only a few signees. Wale is signed up to a Roc Nation management deal but he’s signed to MMG, Rick Ross’ joint venture with a major record label. Roc Nation’s artist roster covers a wider artistic spectrum having acts as diverse as J. Cole, to Chase & Status and The Ting Tings. There’s also a songwriting and talent development division and booking agency.

Roc Nation is a new business model within the ever evolving music industry, it’s a partnership between Shawn Carter and Live Nation. It’s also a no brainer to cut out all of the bureaucracy surrounding the artistry, the major record label, resulting in a great slice out of the meatier side of an artist -creative content. If an artist parts ways with their record label, they’ll still be able to fall back and earn with Roc Nation. The artist will still be able to record new material, collaborate and go on tour to maintain a buzz whilst negotiating the right distribution deal elsewhere.

If we compare this to YMCMB, we begin to notice that Brian ‘Baby’ Williams’ record label is in the midst of transition, it’s trying to diversify in order to survive. A lot of people question YMCMB’s recent signees Christina Milian, Busta Rhymes and most recently Limp Bizkit, but they fail to focus on the bigger picture. All three have had major success; Christina Milian has written tracks for J-Lo whose track Play went to Number 1 in numerous countries worldwide, Limp Bizkit already has a core fanbase of followers who will buy any new releases and concert tickets when it’s tour time, and Busta Rhymes is the feature man of the moment who seems to disappear every few years and come back with a hit, a new flow and sound which goes straight to the top of the charts -Busta also has been in the industry for nearly 20 years and is well ‘respected’.

In the context of the bigger picture, YMCMB are simply signing artists who’ve already got a proven track record, artists who could have sold out tours, number 1 records and feature hype revenue in comparison to Roc Nation who focus is on developing new emerging artists and finding them distribution deals with major record labels but also look after the creme de la creme of touring entertainers such as their recent signee Shakira. The reason why people have an issue with YMCMB moreso than Roc Nation is that they feel YMCMB is trying to sign everyone to spin a profit, as I once thought they were doing. I have ignorantly compared it to the final hours of Roc A Fella Records when Damon Dash did the same thing. What I once deemed ‘trying to find Jay-Z’s replacement and potential cash cow’ was simply what Birdman is doing.

As much as I can find a reason to justify YMCMB’s actions, even if it’s just a theory which puts my ignorance to rest, I can’t help but feel that this plan of rebranding its services through diversification may fail in some respect. I also wonder how long Drake will stay around before he defects to Roc Nation after a long spell out in the administory wilderness when he finally airs his grievances about the amount of artists he has to share the roster with and financing the revival dead rappers’ careers and Nicki Minaj’s outlandish tryhardery to outdo and become the black Lady GaGa -but little does she know she’ll always be three steps behind…

If you’re going to rebrand and diversify, start afresh or as they say in Rap ‘Go hard or go home‘ because you need people to take you seriously. That’s exactly the difference between Jay-Z and Baby. One is perceived as a business man and the other as a someone you can’t really take seriously although his business survival and diversification acumen speak for themselves.

Ghost.

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Izzy Toshi
Feb 27 2012

Introducing #1 – Izzy Toshi aka Magik Skillz (Producer/Beatsmith)

Izzy Toshi a.k.a Magik Skillz is a producer/beatsmith from North London. I caught up with him in the midst of a major studio overhaul, a busy production and studio session schedule to talk all manner of things from rebranding himself Izzy Toshi to improvisation and musical infusion.

Izzy Toshi is a befitting name to this artist because his real name is Israel Omotosho, he’s a self taught pianist who was born and raised in Nigeria before moving to North London at the tender age of six. Izzy recalls that his first experiences of London were shock because London was densely populated, ‘They live too close together’, as opposed to back home where there was a fair amount of space between neighbours. A man of very few words, Izzy Toshi is a humble observer who chooses to express himself through music. I thought he’d object to becoming Izzy Toshi but once I explained to him that for a production and skill set so eclectic, he needed a name that would not only stand out but represent himself, his family and cultural history.

Facebook | @MagikSkillz

I met Izzy while studying a Fda Popular Musician degree at British Academy of New Music in London, where alumni include chart toppers Rita Ora and Ed Sheeran, so I’ve seen the progression in sound and skillset. He’s produced and remixed for UK artists Kasha Rae, Kristina Shashina, Tyme‘s Money and a whole host of artists from the African diaspora. He’s dabbled in a variety of genres across the musical spectrum from Afrobeat to Rap, House, R&B and Pop. Izzy Toshi is someone who stays open to experimentation so if your looking for a producer, remixer and beatsmith/collaborator, look no further.

Ghost.

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Feb 13 2012

#RanDumb – Is Rihanna maternity cover for Beyonce?

Rihanna seems to have gone a bit doolally lately, which comes as no surprise once I realised that she was just happy to be filling Beyonce’s place on the pop throne. When we say fill, or I rather, it simply means keeping it warm. I’m not one to throw darts at artists or performers but vocally Rihanna isn’t a patch on Bey but she sure will be great at playing dress up. Although when it comes to the karaoke part I really hope she’s miming along to Beyonce’s vocals rather than singing the parts herself.

Could you imagine the torture?
I hear US troops extract information out of Al Qaeda, Taliban and every other ‘insurgent’ considered a national threat, by playing Rihanna acapellas. A sad state of affairs…

20120213-143629.jpg

What do you think?

Is Rihanna cheekily trying to fill Beyonce’s spot [prematurely] because the whole ‘bad sexy wild slut chick’ isn’t in fashion or has she and her team of svengali’s finally run out of ideas to hide the fact that she’s not that great of a singer. After all, the ‘urban-amalgamation-techno-pop’ trend is coming to the end of its cycle right?

Ghost.

img-whitney-houston_111701186264
Feb 12 2012

[Token R.I.P Whitney Houston Post]

“…. [Insert cliché intro here] ….”

“… [Insert copy and pasted bio from wiki here] …”

[Embed popular song from YouTube here]

[More farcical bollocks here]

[Insert moral of life and death here]

[Upload a reasonable sized picture]

R.I.P Whitney Houston.

Yea she was good and all of that but apart from being subjected to her music back in the early ’90s whilst being forced to clean the house on a Sunday and watch her silly movie, I have nothing to offer other than insignificant irony.

Ghost.

jay-z-kanye-west-niggas-in-paris-watch-the-throne-cover
Feb 10 2012

Jay-Z & Kanye West – N*ggas In Paris x Videojacking Graffiti Guys

Do I really need to introduce this? No.

Do I give a fuck if you like it? No.

Do I care for your astronomical expectations? No.

Do I care if you don’t get that they’d rather invest in innovative ways to be creative and simply intricate rather than be tacky and vulgar? No.

Do I give a fuck if you think I’m posting this just for traffic? No.

If you thought the questions which preceded this sentence were anything but rhetorical, you are a DICK.

These two are my IDOLS. They represent two prominent polarities at opposite sides of the Rap spectrum. Their partnership has propelled Hip Hop culture to dizzying heights. They are an absolute partnership in both business and creativity. If you think otherwise, you can shut the fuck up and piss off because I’ve listened to Rap since my conception in the winter of 1984 whilst a bunch of you discovered it a few years ago. I’ve seen many come and go. Yes I know I’m babbling but fuck it. I can write what I feel and I will because you really didn’t have to read this far, did you?

I personally love the way they kept it quintessentially about the live show and energy to keep it simple with sprinkles of luxury i.e the panthers and lions, but kept it archaic with the kaleidoscope.

I FUCKING LOVE THIS!!! … But did you see this one?

Ghost.

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Feb 5 2012

Lana Del Rey – Born To Die (Long Overdue Review)

Lana’s a hottie. Lana’s got a nostalgic and cinematic voice. Lana hooked up with the right producer for the album. Lana’s album contained no tracks that I wanted to skip. Lana’s album was epic. Lana’s voice was accentuated by the soundscape. Lana did her own thing. Lana carved her own lane. Lana stuck two middle fingers up at the techno-urban-amalgamation-pop trend. Lana Del Rey has dropped an album that will result in every other vocalist following suit. Lana Del Rey I love your album and everyone who loves ‘genuine’ music loves your album. Lana I apologise for getting the album as a leak but we enjoyed it and I will buy the hardcopy because the album is epic. Lana I will buy a ticket to your show when you visit London. Lana I respect your artistry. Lana I love that you have made a work of art that plays out like a movie. Lana you embody nostalgia and cinematic music. Lana I admire the way that you allow the music to speak for itself and don’t distract the listener with shallow spectacles.

Lana I’m going to buy this on CD, I don’t buy CDs but one day I’m going to get you to sign it when we meet. Lana I understand that a lot of critics have written off your album but I think that in this day and age of hyperreality, people forget that it’s the music that matters and how it makes you feel. Lana people get it twisted probably because you’ve got no electronic arpeggios and dance club singles with the “oh ah oh” ad libs featuring punk mcs like Flo Rida and Pitbull. Lana they need to realise that you don’t need WillIAm with his fucked up hairdo to sell records, you’ve just got to be sincere, capture the right sentiments and people will always relate to it. Lana thank you for delivering such a great album, I apologise for not going into the specific highlights of the album but people reading this will only realise the reason once they listen to it… No words can articulate a sentiment, you’ve just got to put this album on and enjoy the movie.

http://www.lanadelrey.com

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Jan 23 2012

New To My Ears #1 – Silkie

Surfing through soundcloud and I stumble across this guy Silkie who really does produce some smooth and silky sounds. It’s Bass Music but it’s not flat, two dimensional or loopified, it’s that ‘take you on a mission into the depths of your consciousness‘ type of music. Silkie is a don and I pretty much figured I couldn’t just fling a couple of souncloud streams together -not my fucking style- so I did some googling and found some info…

Solomon Rose, more widely known as the London Grime turned Dubstep producer extraordinaire Silkie, is no new jack to the urban music scene. Silkie started to release singles on Deep Medi, Skream’s Disfigured Dubz and Soul Jazz, releasing classic tracks like ‘Cyber Dub’ and ‘Skys the Limit’ alongside tunes like ‘Purple Love’ and ‘Head Butt Da Deck’.

When a new form of music is formed we often ask the question, where will it go next? Dubstep in its true identity is still forward thinking music and Silkie, following the Anti Social mantra of pushing boundaries and experimentation, is an artist who continues to grow with every release.

This is the Dubstep I LOVE!

Lush sweeping pads and heavy oscillated basslines!

Soundcloud | Twitter | Facebook | Discogs | Bookings

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