Hammer – Interview

Interview With Hammer

Me: You’ve recently brought out your hit video Stinkin’, what sort of feedback have you got from that?

Hammer: To be honest, I’ve had some crazy feedback, much more than I expected. Firstly, I put the video up on youtube and in 1 week it had over 13,00 views. Its on numerous blogs and websites including GrimeForum and Dj Semtex. Sice then I have had a lot of extremely good feedback.

Me: Impressive, but where would you rank yourself in the scene ?

H: Even though iv’e been in the scene for about 5 years now I would personally rank myself highly. Overall though I would say im a new school/up and coming MC. Back at the time Skepta started spitting and when Scorcher came back to the scene, fireing is when I was at my peak. But I didnt keep the work rate up due to over commitments (University) and we all know this scene don’t wait for anyone so i didn’t get to break through the scene properly. So right now I would place myself the top, where the new school and up and coming MC’s are ready to do some DAMAGE!

Me: So apart from stinkin what other projects have you been working on.

H: Im not sure if everyone is aware but I also produce and I’ve been working on an instrumental CD which im looking to release called “Brain Teaser”. It’s nearly complete and I will have roughly 12-13 instrumentals ready for DJ’s and whoever else wants to buy it. Iv’e noticed that there isn’t many releases anymore so iv’e been putting some work in on that side as well as the vocal side to bring something new to the scene. Iv’e also produced some music for the Jeeday Jawz mix cd “the big bite”, you can catch my production on there, a track featuring Double S and Fumin. Also look out for my new single called “Hurricane” i produced and you can catch a snippet of it at the end of the Stinkin video. Apart from that also iv’e been working on my project/mixed cd whatever people like to call it. I haven’t got a name for it yet but when I do everyone will know about it. I have roughly 50% of the tracks ready but I’m still working on the project so i aim for it to be out March.

Me: How did the producing thing come about?

H: As an MC you have to have beats and in my time, when I started Mc’ing there wern’t that many producers or it was to get hold of them. When i did get hold of them I would say i want a beat that does this or sounds like this but I would never get the beat I wanted so i thought, you know what? I’m gonna do this thing myself and makes beats how I want them. So I bought an evolution keyboard and Reason and taught myself. At first I tried to listen to other beats and see if I could make them and then work off what they done to make it, because when your producing there’s always tricks to make sounds do certain things, once I was confortable with that I started making my own stuff. I was surprised with the good response I was getting, from veteran producers in the game. E.g Hydzy D and Jammer etc. and ever since then I try to make at least 3 beats a month, ultimate minimum.

Me: What advice do you have for new producers trying to get big?

H: To new producers trying to bet big I would say try to master your own sound and work on quantity rather than the quantity of beats you make because you never know one of your beats could make you big P’s if it blows. Also once your beats are ready get off your feet and off your PC’s and network with MC’s and mainly DJ’s. Because they are the people that are gonna paly your stuff. Don’t just e-mail them your beat and think that’s enough, keep in contact with them, do specials and everything because DJ’s reach the mass audience rather than trying to send your beats over MSN and stuff. I think that’s just a waste of ime and as a producer the quality of your brand name is lost because your beats are not exclusive and are just lying all over the place. So up and coming producers go and network because you can’t get big sitting on your PC.

Me: What about in 5 years? Where do you see yourself? What about the scene?

H: Hold tight the people that know me. They will know i’m a known business man so I would love to be making big business out of the game because business is what I love (it’s also one of the subjects i’m studying at uni). I breath music, it just comes natural to me, I’m defiantly bang on hustling big money from this music game because I have the talent and also the brain for it which a lot of certain people don’t have. But it all depends on where the scene takes us in the next 5 years which is also the next question. Hmmmm. Will it go mainstream, will it not? That’s the question. I’ll put that one out to everyone else to determine but unfortunately I don’t have many other career paths to follow so I’m bless. And i’m not even boasting, I proper put the work in from early so you sow what you reap.

Me: But do you feel tunes like Rolex sweep are pushing the actual GRIME scene forward? Or is that just pushing another genre all together?

H: Ok, well i see it as Wiley done rolex and it went to number 2 in the charts, that’s actually a HUGE thing for a grime MC and a Grime Producer to make music and it goes to number two in the national charts. It’s not grime, that’s very true but look at all the positives from this. Wiley and Bless Beats will get mass media coverage and this is wheer they can show the masses about the genre of music that has not hit the mainstream. Imagine the interviews Bless and Wiley would have had, if he had turned up lol. But for real these people on trains and stuff in suite will be reading about these grime artists on the charts and in time people will want to know about grime. But ALSO it would’ve been nice to see Rolex Sweep go number two then the next single to be a FULLY grime tune while the hype is still there but realisticly will the labels allow that? No! People need to be realistic, a lot of things would be nice but things have to be done strategically.

Me: Yes but as we look back over 2008, it shows only one proper grime tune “adulthood” made it into the top 100. Why do you think everyone has this “dark cloud” associated with grime?

H: yep Adulthood was released nationally and it is grime but it did have the backing of a nationwide film, so the money and media behind it were fully there. But i think it done very well to be honest, hold tight Bash and Maniac ‘cos that’s one under the belt for grime. moves on to dark cloud over grime.

Firstly not everyone does. It’s mainly people that don’t know about it properly and don’t know about the variety of different grime type genres we have. All they have to listen too is the media and we all know what the media think and portray about grime don’t we? But for the others that do put a cloud over it, it could be with all the negative things grime has associated with it and I won’t try to sweeten it up. Just gonna be blunt with it like us grime people are, they say Grime’s associated with Violence and drugs etc. Some people might be into that at all, some people might want to have a rosy day in the park and chew liquorice and stuff Lool. But boy…let’s open peoples eyes to the music. They may be able to relate to other parts of it.

Me: Very true. We spoke earlier on about the scene going forward, what’s your view on bootleggers ?

H: In this day and age of technology we’ve just got to accept it, it happens. Obviously I’m gonna be very pissed if i release a mixtape on Monday and on Tuesday it’s on the net ready to download for free. I think as artists we just gotta except it happens and get on with ‘cos there are people who love to support and pay good hard earned cash for our music and they are the people we have to cater for the most. As for the scene’s point of view, in order for more grime singles to be in the charts we’ve got to encourage our fellow people to go out and BUY, because the scene won’t go forward if there isn’t money in it but it ain’t just our scene they bootleg so thats not an excuse.

Me: Well, thanks sir…any shout outs?

H: Yes defo. Check out my myspace now: http://www.myspace.com/06hammer

Vote for my video free on channel U. Call 0800 612 2467.

Join the hammer music group on facebook and add me on facebook, search for Hammer Artist.

And a big thanks to all the people that supported me, KEEP it up and also a shout out to the man upstairs.

*EDITOR* WHAT A COOL GUY !!! *EDITIOR*

Logan’s 2008 Review Show.

Firstly, may i take the chance to say what an amazing show. I was far from over the moon to hear there was no guests on and then further annoyed when that was actually confirmed. Rumors had been flying around all day as to who the guest (s) would be with people claiming Jeeday Jawz would be on. Then it was rumored a 20 man set would be taking place. Silly little people. But nevertheless, the guest-less show was simply amazing.

But what was it that actually impressed me? Was it the fact there was so many tracks to cram into a 2 hour show and I couldn’t contain myself (NO HOMO) ? Was it the fact that every other tune had an in-direct or sly callout for another artist? No, as much as these two factors were two contributions to an exciting show there was something else Much bigger than them.

For me, it was the fact that there was nobody wearing any rolex’s. Nor doing a dance about one. Nobody’s bentley keys were going mising. Nobody was scaling tall buildings or raving to ringtones. (yes I’m still baffled with God’s Gift). This was just a pure, 100%, nothing but GRIME show. The tracklisting does nothing more than prove it. The two tunes of the year being played; Wretch 32′s Ina Di Ghetto (feat ghetto and Badness) and P Money’s Sounds And Gimmicks (feat Dot Rotten). I could listen to any show any time if these two tunes were played. The two and only important things from adulthood were played. The O.S.T with bashy and maniac was played, and Logan rightly pointed out this was the only Grime tune to make it in the charts this year. Good. Over here was the other tune played by the way.

I was further surprised when Logan played two Dot Rotten tunes. That’s right not zero, not one, but TWO. Wow. That’s what you call moving on. Logan says that the two hour show wasn’t long enough to play all the tunes he wanted too play. Which is understandable because in the end i got Pissed off with  having to endure long adverts about Ghonnerea and other STD’s. Oh and must make sure my next minicab is liscenced. But this was a wonderful show with Logan playing the Eskiboy response to Durrty Goddz’ sending. Doogz got destroyed. Much like I’ve just heard Rinse. Jeeday Jawz’ reply was supposed to be played but time ran out so we got treated to it via facebook. Rinse got murdered.

Show Rating: 100000/10

Peace People.

War Report

If this ain’t the call Logan Sama needs to make voulme two of the war report then I really do not know what is. Firstly we have Wiley’s reply too Durrty Goodz’ un-countable indirect insults and call outs. Big TGC for the audio video. You can catch this one on the Wiley myspace as well.

Plus just heard one of my favorite MC’s of the current time Jeeday Jawz reply to Rinse’s Christmas dub. I’ll brag an audio video for that in a short moment. All I can say is..pack your bags Rinse.

Logan Sama 29.30/12/2008 Tracklisting

Here’s the tracklisting for you. Will edit later on including my thoughts on tracks. Will also get Lable and Project attachment deatils. peace.

Guest: None

Show Rating 10.10

Songs in red refer to pure gold. You should check them out.

DURRTY GOODZ – BATTLE WITH THE FANS

DURRTY GOODZ – UPSET ME

BASHY & MANIAC – KIDULTHOOD TO ADULTHOOD

BASHY FEAT. J2K & GHETTS – OVER HERE.

GHETTO – WHO’S GOT

GHETTO – SING FOR ME

GHETTO FEAT. GRIMINAL – DON’T PHONE ME

KANO FEAT. GHETTO – HUNTING WE WILL GO

KANO FEAT. WILEY – ANYWHERE WE GO

WILEY – WHERE’S MY BROTHER

DURRTY GOODZ – GUTTER MUSIC ???

WILEY – ANGRY GNOME FREESTYLE

JAMMMER, SKEPTA & FRISCO – SKANKIN’ TING

FRISCO, JAMMER & TEMPZ – BIGMAN TING

FRISCO – WICKIDEST TALK

JAMMER FEAT. BLACKS, DIESAL AND C GRITZ – CHAMPZ AND WEED

CHIPMUNK – MANDEM

CHIPMUNK – BEAST

SKEPTA – NOKIA CHARGER WIRE

SKEPTA – KING OF GRIME

SKEPTA FEAT. TRIGGA – DARK

PRESIDENT T – DAY IN THE LIFE

NEWHAM GENERALS – MEKERED AGAIN/SUCK OUT

NEWHAM GENERALS – VIOLENCE

NEWHAM GENERALS – JUST KNOW THAT

FRISCO FEAT. ROADSIDE G’S – BADMAN TING REMIX

CEL 22 – STEP ON ROAD

P MONEY – LOGAN SAMA OLD SCHOOL SET

P MONEY – P IS A RASCAL

P MONEY – THE GRIME SCENE

P MONEY FEAT. DOT ROTTEN – SOUNDS AND GIMMICKS

DOT ROTTEN – IS IT WAR

DOT ROTTEN – IM NOT ONE OF THEM

ICE KID – TALK OF THE TOWN

RIBZ & SCORCHER – GHETTO

JME – STANDARD

JME – JU JU MAN

WRETCH 32 FEAT GHETTO AND BADNESS – INA DI GHETTO

BADNESS – CUT OUT

TEMPZ – NEXT HYPE

NASTY JACK – BURN YOU

Rinse Fm – Boxing Day Set

Big up everyone involved;

DJ’s : Vectra/JJ/Furious

Mc’s: Little Dee/P Money/Blacks/Faction G/Blay Z/Jendor/Mega Montana/Drifter/Hammer

Will see about a tracklisting for it, doubt I can get it though. Peace.

http://www.zshare.net/download/53359591e4530360/

Rinse – On Point or Point Less

So Rinse has come out and made a Christmas war dub where he literally sends for half of the scene. Following up from his earlier Ghetto dub “Put Em Up” the rising MC sends for a catastrophic array of  Mc’s and I’ll attempt to list them all (In no particular order:)  Devlin/Jeeday Jawz/Ghetto/Bashy/Tinchy Stryder/Skepta/Chipmunk/Lethal B/Kano/Manga/Mr Wong/JME/Double S/D Double E – and i’m sure there’s a few more but he spat so fast and un-clearly that’s all we could grab on a radio rip. After asking the opinions of various guys in the scene they just laughed at the guy, Wiley even wen’t on to his myspace too laugh at him. Par. The guy ain’t the villain type, silly way to try and get in the scene. Big up nocturnal on the production though, that’s a catchy one. I’ve only got an audio video for now and it’s a rip from Logan’s show. There were, despite the fact Rinse is a prick some good points in there and funny ones as well, “I don’t believe stryders scaling tall buildings when he’s about 5 ft 2″ N he said something about Bashy as well, about realizing he was black and he got blacker or something like that, can’t come to remember it now but i vaguely clock nodding when I heard it. He questions as to where Devz has strayed off too but we all know Rinse will never be better than Devlin let alone Chipmunk which he states in the song. (something eskiboy later pulled him about on Myspace). He reckons Ghetts said Rinse’s name to get into the scene, but when Ghetto was fucking up raves with NASTY crew Rinse was slitting his wrists. Peace.

Jeeday Jawz – One Video & Podcast Info

Big up Jeeday Jawz, putting in the work these days with his forthcoming release “The Big Bite” and this is one of the tracks taken from that. This ones called “One” and features Black The Ripper and Random Impulse.

Plus, if you wanna hear more from these guys then download Logan Sama’s show from the 15th and check their set. And to spoil you even more iv’e got this for you:

Go and Check The Podcast

If the link to the site doesn’t work then here’s the link: http://www.urbanworld.co.uk/podcasts/index.php

There’s an interview there with him and Black The Ripper. Finnaly make sure you lot go out and get The Big Bite from all your stockists when it gets released (more info on that coming) and i’m sure there’ll be some digs at rinse on there. Good, ‘cos rinse is a prick. PEACE. *P.S that video is supposed to go backwards*

Dj Vectra – I’m In Control December ’08

Big Download. Grab it, burn it. (To disc lol)

Big shoutout to Dj Vectra who once again goes big with his latest mix. Features some of the best tracks around at the moment from the biggest artists including Little Dee, Blacks, Jammer, Ruff Squad and Kyla. Peace.

Some of this year's biggest tracks!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/bucvay

http://files.filefront.com/Im+Incontrol+Decemberrar/;12767950;/fileinfo.html

Christmas Giveaway – Blacks

Merry Christmas everybody, just popping by to give you this free download from OG resident Blacks. This is a LEGAL download so don’t go all distraught like i’m hosting free links.

Download Now

Peace.

http://www.myspace.com/itsmeitsblacks

http://www.sendspace.com/file/zialpe
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=23ESXZ6I
http://rapidshare.com/files/176385749/Blacks_-_Free_Christmas_Download.zip

(VID)Ghetts Feat. Griminal – Don’t Phone Me

Ha..this one is an absolute certified 100% golden BANGER! You beast believe it..this is the first blog to have the official video! Enjoy!

Desperado – Gryhme Bangers

Don’t go on like Frankie never told you. 2009 will be year of the South London massive. As early as January we shall be expecting a download from Big Rem, and this big release from South Soldiers resident Desperado. Seems January will be a big month for him, with us also expecting the release of highly rated single “Roll Girl (Feat. Cadice)” and then this CD. I’ve got a cover coming soon so be keeping your eyes peeled. Big up Desperado, putting in WORK.

Desperado – Roll Girl

Big up South Soldiers, in particular Desperado, who’s single Roll Girl will be hitting stores nationwide at the end of January. The CD comes with the original mix, the remix with Tinie Tempah and 3 other remixes (Electro/Funky House/Niche). The original in itself is a dirty banger. Cadice on the deep chorus and there is some choong girls in the video as well. I will give this tune an 8.10 ‘cos the vocals are bang on point and the production is overley sick as well, big up Ring on that one. Furthermore the remix is too sick, I heard it on Radio a couple of weeks ago and had to draw for the audio video on that one. I’m proper loving the remix, Tinie is brilliant and Cadice gives us some extra vocals at the end. Big up Nocturnal on that as well. Remix: 10.10. You don’t know about us south ones..Og’s..South Soldiers..Big Rem..Tinie..2009 will be the year. make sure you get out and buy this one from your locals when it comes out. Don’t download it. Support a sick artist. On the subject of Desperado, here’s the videos, including the Ed Hardy video as well.

– Audio Video Sorry.

– Sicccccckkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!