A word with….Untitled !!!

Untitled Interview

Me: Well first things first, for those who don’t know who you are already, who are ya ?

Untitled: I’m a lost soul…Na really in the music world, I’m known as Untitled, to my close people I’m just plain old Ashley.

Me: Untitled seems quite original, how did you come up with that name ?

Un: I actually checked and there’s someone with the same name over in the states. I didn’t know at the time but basically I never wanted an MC name so I thought, “Let me just be Untitled.” It is still a kind of name which sort of defeats the point, but, what I’ve recently realised is that to me it means something else. It means that I can be whoever I want to be. I can be funny, sad, anything….I don’t have to put on a mask, I can just do me.

Me: I see. 2008 saw you release “Misconceptions”, what sort of feedback did you get from that ?

Un: Very Positive. Grime has a very negative stigma attached to it and to be able to show the older generation what I’ve done and for them to actually like it touched me. To know that people feel your concepts and perceptions was truly amazing. Obviously you get the negative points here and there but I’m glad for that and I take the points on board whether I agree with them or not.
Me: Let me pull a quote from your song ‘The Truth’. “Who makes emotional grime/They’ve all got Devlin on their mind/But when I right my bars I’ve tears falling down my eyes”. Do you think you can surpass someone established like Devlin on the emotional front ?

Un: Emotionally he hasn’t got anything on me. I’ve been through some messed up shit and the concepts I think of are messed up. Once they are out on show people will know what time it is. In saying that, Devlin is a great artist and I like his work. I enjoy listening to him and hope that one day we could put something deep down in the booth.

Me: I think that would be a great tune ! Is there anyone else you’ve got your sights on in terms of a collaboration ?

Un: Not really to be honest. I only like working with people that know how to really dig deep and express themselves. Where I can feel and believe their pain and anguish. In saying that though, it would be a goal if I worked with Wiley at some point.

Me: Well they say he’s the godfather. Grime’s in an awkward place these days, with so much commercial success, comes with trouble like what we’ve seen at some recent events. What do you make of Grime at the moment ?

Un: If I’m honest I haven’t been following grime as much as I normally do. I’ve been busy trying to sort out some undercover projects. From what I make of it though it seems to be a bit stagnant. Hopefully some new talent will be helped through to give it a much needed boost!

Me: New talent like….yourself ? And Behave Yourself. Are you guys working on anything collectively ?

Un: I ain’t gonna big myself up and say me but just people in general that are good and deserve more exposure. People say if you’re good you will get through but that’s not always the case. DJ’s are the key and will always be and if one pricks you off and the rest follow suit its all long. Behave Yourself have something coming out in July but I will have to tell you more about that mid June when I get the product in my hand from the pressing plant. Hopefully we will have something out Mid July, but that’s all I can say for now.

Me: Well your work rate can’t be knocked, tell me about your bi-monthly download “I Am What I Am.”

Un: Last edition will be out Mid June. After that I ain’t doing anymore free promos for a while. Instead I will be focusing on Behave Yourself as a collective and working on releases and a business model. I think we have a good team and can do this if we have a good model in place.

Me: Yeah I hear you. Do you plan to continue with the radio shows ?

Un: Yeah I still will be doing Axe FM and Max FM. I will also be going on a few others to promote our release once its done. I will be doing as much as possible until August then I’m gonna slow down and let my backlog of tunes come out.

Me: Sounds interesting. Going back to an earlier point, do you see yourself ever going “commercial” in the future ? If you’re given the right chances ?

Un: I think I already make music for the masses. I love grime but I would never limit myself to one style or genre. Music is music and if I enjoy something other than grime then I don’t think there’s nothing wrong with doing something else. I don’t make music for money, I have a decent job thank god, I do it cos I love it !

Me: Ok, well thanks for taking out time to talk to me, any shout out’s ?

Un: My Behave Yourself team, they are family and I feel proud that I’m able to work with such people. Shout out to DK, Royal T, Ellz, Gary and everyone else supporting Behave Yourself….shout out to you as well fam ‘cos I know you believe in what I’m doing and I’m grateful for that.

Me: Never a problem !

A word with…Amazer !

Me: For those who may not already know, tell us a little about yourself.

Amazer: I’m Amazer, a grime MC from Lewisham, south east London. I’ve been writing lyrics since early 2004 but followed garage as a listener from the So Solid hay days

Me: Following on from them times, what made you want to do Grime ?

A: I always loved the live aspect of Grime. The energy on sets and hype raves. I was a big fan of Grime myself. I lived about 10 minutes away from IndepenDance Records so I was always in and out buying the latest mix CD’s and DVD’s. One of my closest friends had a pair of decks and everyone seems to go through that lyric writing stage.

Me: You’ve been doing music for quite a while, there was a break and now your back with more of a buzz around your name, what would you credit that too ?

A: Yeah I fell off for quite a while, you could say half of my time away was beyond my control, the other half was just me losing that determination. Everyone around me seemed to either stop or didn’t progress as an artist to me, couple man were still struggling to write 4 bar repeats in 2007 or even single 16′s. I credit me deciding to MC again to the OG’s. They were local talent making forward steps and I put pen to paper again in November 08 after about a year and a half.

Me: Talking of 4 bar repeats, you worked on “Hands In Da Air” which featured just that. People say that “fun” element has disappeared from grime, how do you see it ?

A: Nah, in my opinion grime is even better today. Hands in the air was recorded in 2005, when 4 bar repeats and one liners were the in thing. MC’s have stepped up, we actually make Songs now.

Me: So with the MCs stepping up and even moving commercially, where do you see the Grime scene in, let’s say 2 years ?

A: More established worldwide as a genre – hopefully artists don’t have to make these pop tunes just to chart. Less negative media attention. More Label interest, raves, concerts.

Me: But with every rave there seems to come more violence, do you think it started that way, or is it the negative stereotype with grime & violence just being fulfilled.

A: It’s the media just broadcasting what they choose as usual. I’ve been to grime raves where there’s the odd fight, raves where someone has been severely hurt but more time when I go, everything’s cool and the vibe is bless. There’s more drama at nightclubs where Grime isn’t played and we all know this!

Me: OK I see. Back to yourself, what have you got lined up for the listeners ?

A: I’ve got every DVD from Eskimo Dance to Risky Roads. Every MC gets asked this question and then there’s a two year wait until anything drops or it doesn’t drop at all. All I have to say is I’m working hard on consistency. Me and Drifter have Studio booked for the whole day next week and that’s going to be a the regular routine. Hopefully more radio play or appearances, collaborations, bookings. I’m just trying to tick every box as an Artist !

Me: Oh, that’s fair enough. Where do you see YOURSELF by the end of this year. Still doing Grime ? Can you broaden out to other genres ?

A: With material in the Shops! Yeah I can Rap but Grime is my main focus. I want to keep it Grime and make money selling Grime. I won’t be following those Grime to pop acts, fuck that, you trying to take man for a chipmunk?

Me: HAHA !! I’m not going to hide the fact Chipmunk has been successful, but I can understand what you mean. Speaking to one guy earlier, he compared you on the same level as Blacks, is there any particular artists you’ve taken inspiration from ?

A: I rate so many artists, obviously the local bunch have been the biggest inspiration. I was listening to P Money since he was in Block Kidz….Old school! But yeah Blacks, P Money, Little Dee, Seb Zero, Mega, Bearman and Coldboy were a few of my main inspirations. I listened to loads of Artists and the amount of DVD’s I had helped me keep up to date in the scene..

Me: Ha I see. Other than them guys mentioned, who would you like to make a track with ?

A: I’m interested in recording Music with alot of Artists. Especially those in the same position as me – up and coming talent. I rate Germz, Macksta, Voltage, Scruface.. There’s a long list but we’ll see how many actually ever happen..

Me: Yeah I rate Germz alot. Macksta and Scruface are also good. I suppose it’s fair to say you’ve had more of a chance as an up and comer because of the artists around you, to those up and comers that are tryna get a foot in the door, what advice would you give ?

A: Brudda, I’m still trying to boot my way in. Consistency seems to be the key at the moment, take a look at Voltage. Networking, contacting DJ’s.. Using all the promotional methods you can: Youtube, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter. Try to get into the Studio as much as possible. Write about different concepts and try to keep it unique and I’m sure after a while, if your good at what you do, the recognition & support will follow

Me: well, thanks for taking out time to chat, any shoutouts ?

A: Big up the Grime Forum on a real tip cah that’s where I go to catch up on the scene! Videos, Events, Releases, all a that – I rate that website. Big up all the Hard workers, shout to P Money, Little Dee, Blacks, Drifter, Kozzie, Scarcious, Slaughter, Mischief, A2, DJ Smalls, DJ JJ and the Grime Scene as a whole ya dun know !

For more on Amazer and to listen to his music please visit his Myspace.

Alternatively, hear 5 of his latest songs over at the Listening Booth !

Dream – What Credit Crunch? [Prod. by Siris]

Big big big tune, check it out! Shouts to TS.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Absolutely Butterz !!!

BUTTERZ

Butterz

adj;

1. Displeasing to the eye; unsightly.

2. Someone of whom is very unpleasant to look upon because of their features.

3. One of Grime’s biggest blogs ran by two talented DJ’s.

The 3rd of those definitions is surely the most accurate. Elijah & Skilliam are two DJ’s who currently hold a fortnightly 1-3 am spot on legendary pirate radio station Rinse FM. I’ve been listening to there shows as of late and must say I’m quite impressed.

“Well we go up there knowing what we want to do before hand, normally its playing upfront grime music” . And that’s exactly what they do. Not to say they can’t have a laugh in the process though. May 15th’s show provided great laughter when, an hour through the show, Spyro turnt up completely off his face ! Yet at the same time, managed to provide us with great mixing along with JJ. You can grab that show here.

They’ve also had a varitey of guests on there show. Rude Kid passed through at the start of the month to showcase some bits from his forthcoming Instrumental CD and last night they held a live phone conversation with Skepta. That’s not the only thing getting the fans motivated. “It’s been important to spread the download of the show around that’s why the show is getting a little rep”. I respect the DJ’s who make the effort to make sure people listen to there show, whether it’s live on air or 2 days later. Most DJ’s will wait and leave the show to be uploaded onto the podcast, but not these guys.

They love the fans reaction as well. “Its good getting a kind of live reaction while playing this music, even though you can’t see the people, but the reaction on the MSN and Grimeforum does motivate you.” The fan situation isn’t always comfortable though, I asked Elijah where he would like to see the show in future, “Hopefully at a sociable time, the 1-3 limits how many people can listen live init.“

Hopefully, they can find a more suitable time for their audience and continue to bring more and more fantastic shows like those from this month.

6/5/09 w/ Rude Kid – http://bit.ly/rudekidshow. A preview of whaat’s to come from “Are You Ready”, his new Instrumental CD.

15/05/09 w/ Spyro & JJ http://bit.ly/jjspyro. Spyro turns up completely off his face whilst JJ bangs out a fantastic mix.

29/5/09 w/Skepta – http://bit.ly/skeptashow. A showcase of the Butterz duo’s favourite tunes of the year so far, with an interesing phonecall to Skepta, about Microphone Champion & various other bits.

++PLUS++

Visit there blog, one of the best around (for the minute). Butterz.

The Hold Up

The blog has been looking quite dusty lately but that will chnage soon I promise. I’ll continue to add videos etc but there are more “journalistic” things I’m working on. Hang tight Slaughter and Lee Brasco who have been waiting for their reviews for ages, although I aint got round to writing them yet I can tell you that Slaghter’s CD scored a Mic Rating of 3 out of a possible 5. This patch of non-blogging won’t be lasting much longer, starting from the 1st of next month. There will be at least 6-7 posts a day, that’s a GUARANTEE. Peace.

Barn-B – Bumberclart Badman Freestyle

Here goes a little freestyle from affiliate Barn-B! Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD/STREAM

“My Whole Borough’s Got My Back, ‘Ca I’m The Best Thing Out Of Lewisham Since Ian Wright”

If you havn’t heard ANY vocalled versions of Davinche’s “Rider” beat yet, then you must’ve been living in an igloo. In deep, deep Antartica. The beat has had tons and tons of vocals,  not all of which made the offcial mixtape (Unlucky Maxwell), however the ones that did have done more than impress me. Here’s a quick bit on each:

Version Featuring Keedo, Ghetts, JME & Steelo. Well this was the very 1st version we heard and it’s been stuck in my head for a long time. Keedo’s snappy flow, Ghetts eternally clever lyrics and catchy beat riding both combine well with Steelo’s all so smooth and gentle hook. Wasn’t feeling JME too much, the bars were a little less hyped then the ones we previously heard.

Version Feauturing Wiley. Another example of why Eskiboy sits on that throne. Catchy bars, catchy flow, he absolutly smashes this one. You heard this one as the intro on “See Clear Now” with bars like “Mic wars I’ll never retreat one, You see one you’ll never defeat one” & “So cold, after me the heat’s done”. Not the CD’s best, but a contender all the same.

Version Feauturing Tinchy Stryder. Proves why Tinchy is one of the scenes most promising MC’s, providing he doesn’t leave Grime to choke on the dust. Nigh-on perfect timing and a catchy chorus. Best version at this stage.

Version Featuring Tinie Tempah. I’ve never really been imprseed by Tinie, with the exception of songs “Tears” & “South East Of The Thames” (co-incdently produced by Davinche also) and I wasn’t over impressed by this either. A very, very irritating hook ruins something that started promisingly.

Version Featuring Skepta. Despite the fantastic flow and bars from the self proclaimed champion, the Tim Westwood show rip consits of gaps and mixed out words. You don’t get to experience the full potential. If this had been a studio song, it would’ve worked a whole lot better. At this point Tinchy’s still winning.

Version Featuring Clea & Bashy (Riding For Love). Clea’s beautiful vocals flow easy on the listener and it’s all going well until Bashy gets on the mic and starts making silly noises, over emphasizing the end of every rhyme. Clea does manage to recover it towards the end with the hook and her smooth but powerful voice.

Version Featuring Ny. Ny has a truly beautiful voice and is showcased wonderfully on this song.I loved the bit at 1:00 when the song just stops and starts again with Ny banging out a wonderful song.

Version Feauturing Little Dee. The best on the CD, no doubt. The whole flow just makes love with the beat (yes no homo or whatever) and shows how much Little Dee has improved in every department (see earlier bracketd comment). The flow, the content and the general sound. I love the way during certain parts of the song it’s stoppped and sound effects play e.g during the “Ian Wright” bit the crowd cheers in the background. Definatly a tune I’ll be rinsing daily. So many different parts I could just grab and go “look, there, that’s the best part .”

Version Featuring Keedo. I did like this version also, the auto-tune hook did sound frightfully worng however. Keedo does need to make music a lot more and if this is anything to go by then let’s pray.

Version Featuring Wretch 32. The best behind Little Dee’s. Wrecth yet again proving why he’s in a lot of people’s top 3 or top 5, and in almost everyone’s top 10. A very clever man providing pherhaps the most “technical” version.

Version Featuring Big Rem. Not feeling this one really. It all sounded very clashy, the timing was off a lot and I say that only because it was so noticeable. The hook couldn’t save it neither, Rem choosing a Nigerian accent which doesn’t accompany the tune very well at all.

So there you have it. Not entirely perfect, but defiantly a nice mixtape. We need to see more production-specific CD’s in grime, I’d love to see one done for all of Danny Weeds “Activity” vocals. Davinche has done himself proud with this, I am defiantly looking forward to his album “Open Minded”.

Purchase the mixtape from UK Record Shop.

“I Told You We Should’ve Linked Them Ministry Links”

We’re edging closesr and closer to the 1st of June, when Grime’s very own Rumble In The Jungle takes place between Wiley and Skepta. The most hardcore of Grime fans would’ve pre-ordered there copies of Race Against Time & Microphone Champion already and would have no doubtly notcied their is one tune in common on both albums: Too Many Man. It’s been available digitally for a short while now, however all you CD collectors can finally get your hands on it ! I like the tune a lot, it just instantly gives off that “skanking” vibe and makes you want to jump all around the gaffe. Frisco absolutely buries his part, you can catch that live performance here. Also, the single contains Skepta’s “Sticks & Stones”, the extremely catchy tune from “Microphone Champion”.

Buy the single now:

Uk Record Shop (Hard Copy CD)

Play.com (Digital)

iTunes

More Info

See Ya!

Mz.Bratt – Who Do You Think You Are (Offical Video)

This is gonna be my last video before I start writing some serious articles. Big up to Bratt who was recently signed to All Around The World (People who brought you Ghetts – Sing For Me). The 1st single to be released from that deal is “Who Do You Think You Are” & here’s the official video. You may recognize loads of people from the video including Bashy, Donaeo, Young Nate, Terror Danjah, Wretch 32, Ras Kwame and Viz from 1xtra. Out 13th June.

Saturday Tune Round Up (23/05/2009)

Before I hit you all with a blizzard of seriously overdue reviews, a round up off the weeks music, courtesy of the guys down at Grime Daily !

The collaboration from The Streets Mike Skinner adds an excellent touch to the emotional Giggs tune.

The intro track from Wooly At Heart, with Crayzee Banditt on production. Go and get that mixtape now it’s completely fucked !

Not one of the weeks best tunes but it’s a step up from Chip Diddy Chip I suppose.

Taken from Money Over Everyone, this is the latest to come from P Money. It works well with the Pro2jay prodcution but doesn’t work as well as previous concept tunes i.e Talking To Trainers & The Grime Scene.

Little Dee said on Monday’s Logan Sama show that new producer Slick Vic was a cannon and he wasn’t far wrong. Taken from Once In A Blue this is destined to be a hit !

Also finnaly big up to DJ Score 5 who had his very 1st show on Rinse Fm this week. Download Here. (Warning: contains highly explosive Revolver – Wiley Diss)

So that’s it the best for this weeks Grime & Rap tunes and remmber, let’s keep grime movng !!

GrimeDaily

GrimeForum

GrimePedia

Little Dee – Rider Official Video

Big up everyone involved in this, GrimeDaily, Little Dee & DaVinche.

To get a CD Quality version of this song, buy “Rider” the mixtape from UK Record Shop now ! Make sure you read my article on Davinche if you get a spare moment !!

Peace.

Dream – Freestyle Video [and Interview]

Some big bars by Dream on showcase in this video to launch his new youtube channel. You can also find an interview with Dream right here, courtesy of TeamSupreme.