DJ IQ 'Flashing Lights' pre-order & launch party

We now have a pre-order running for DJ IQ's forthcoming mixtape 'Flashing Lights'. This shit is sick, combining the illest emcees (and a singer), with some productions from himself and the Dubstep and Experimental Beats (don't like the term Wonky) scene. See what it's all about at the free launch party on the 2nd of December...

True School Stories with Cookie Crew, MC Freshski, MCM & MC Duke

Check this little lot, inspired by D-Nice's True School Stories with U.S. Hip Hop legends, Whoa! TV bring their own take on the idea with some of the pioneers of the UK's Hip Hop scene, good looking.

In this first episode they talk to one half of the Cookie Crew, Cookie Pryce, aka MC Remedee...



In this second episode they manage to track down MC Freshski, one half of North Londons finest groups Freshski & Mo Rock...



In this third episode they talk to MCM, one third of the mighty Caveman crew...



And in the last of the series they chat with none other than MC Duke...

Assa '32 Bars' video

Here's the new video lifted off Assa's forthcoming album 'Everyday User', it's the Naive produced '32 Bars' track. And if you're not knowing, Assa is part of the mighty Tactical Thinking crew, don't sleep...

Genesis Elijah, D.Gritty, ReggiiMental & Unfriendly Neighbours videos...

Genesis Elijah 'I'm Doing It'...



D.Gritty 'Real Talk', produced by DJ First Aid...



ReggiiMental and Unfriendly Neighbours 'Grown Ups', to be featured on the forthcoming Banana Klan compilation...



And here's a promo of the new Unfriendly Neighbours release 'Still Starvin'. Droppin' in Feb. Featuring Reggiimental, Emma-Louise, Carlos Montana, D-Bo & Verb-T...

Rest In Peace Derek B

Very sad news reached me today that Derek B has died of a heart attack at the age of 44, in Charing Cross Hospital, London.

He kick started his career as a DJ in the late 80's under the name Easy Q, and dropped his first single 'Rock The Beat' on Music Of Life Records in 1987. He was one of the first UK rappers to get some decent chart success with his later singles 'Get Down', 'Bad Young Brother' & 'We've Got The Juice' and even appeared on Top Of The Pops.
He released the 'Bullet From A Gun' album in 1988 on his Tuff Audio label via Music Of Life/Phonogram, and also signed with Russell Simmons' Rush Artist Managment in the US, shining the light on the ever expanding Hip Hop scene here in the UK.

As someone who grew up with Derek B's music (and still plays it out to this day), I just wanna say Rest In Peace to a 'bad young brother' and pioneer of the British rap scene.

Here's some education to those who may not know of the legacy he's left behind...

Derek B - 'Rock The Beat (Remix)'
(on the Profile 12" from 1987)



Derek B - 'Power Move'
(one of my favourite cuts lifted off the 'Bullet From A Gun' album)



Derek B - 'Power Move (With X-Tra Strength Boyee!!!)'
(found on the 'We've Got The Juice' Remix 12" 1988)



Derek B performing 'We've Got The Juice' @ Regals in Uxbridge, 1988.

Live shots from Suspect Packages Live 3

Much respek goes out to all who reached last night and made it one to remember! Despite the shite weather outside and the fact that it was Friday the 13th the turn out turned out! Props.
Also a big BIG UP to all the artists who performed and smacked the shit out of the sound system! Lets build on this people, stay tuned for the next lines ups. Here's some random pix from last nights happenings...