The November rundown of recent singles we have recently discovered. All kinds of music that we may not have time to cover as albums or one time one-offs. This episode includes Da Lata, Khalab feat Kasai Allstars, Kin'Gongolo Kiniata, AMAMI, Leah Sinead, Black Flower, Work Money Death, Il Mario & more.
Read MoreAli Dada 'SUM' (YNFND) - a review
The Swiss trio Ali Dada have carved themselves an album of languid cinematic tracks out of late night jam sessions and a few guiding rules: vibes and 'mistakes' as important as intent. Nineties trip hop sounds have been reappearing quite a lot recently and this immersive album of dope beats, psychedelic guitars and atmospheric textures certainly resides in this smoky territory. Read / Listen.
Read MoreWoxow 'How Many Ancestors Do We Have' (Little Beat More) - a review
DJ and beatmaker Woxow’s new E.P. for his own label Little Beat More is a hip hop-jazz-dub release that hits all the right notes. Boom bap drums, live horns and bass with masterful vocal turns from Reggae Roast MC Natty Campbell, US MC’s Azeem and Raashan Ahmad alongside remixers Luke Beats, Deela, Koralle and Paolo Baldini Dubfiles make this a must for fans of Fat Freddy’s Drop, Roots Manuva or Doom. Read / Listen.
Read MoreWoxow 'Solid As A Rock' (Little Beat More) - single premiere!
Woxow, the Italian producer, DJ and label boss of Vienna-based label Little Beat More has an incredibly strong E.P. coming out on his label in June called ‘How Many Ancestors Do We Have’ . We are hyped to premiere the first single - 'Solid As A Rock' - from the record. A tough, jazzy collision of hip hop and dancehall featuring Reggae Roast MC Natty Campbell, fans of folks like Roots Manuva or Fat Freddy’s Drop will LOVE this! Read / Listen
Read MoreLuke Beats 'Knobs E.P.' (Little Beat More) - a review / label focus
With this impressive 5 track E.P. of musically rich instrumental beats, Italian bassist and producer Luke Beats (possibly not his real name) has showcased his mastery and deep knowledge of hip hop beatmaking. These sonic vignettes may be short in length but they are packed with emotion and serious production chops. Out now on Little Beat More! Read / Listen
Read MoreJ Littles x Zoutr 'Out The Way feat. Alex Mighten' - PREMIERE!
We are hyped to premiere the first track from a brand new E.P. from Nottingham MC veteran J Littles. Produced by fellow Notts hip hop Don, Zoutr from The Elementz, 'Out The Way’ is a soulful but direct stare into the struggles of our times. Also featuring the singing and rapping skills of another local legend Alex Mighten, the universal message of hope against despair goes beyond the city limits. Read / Listen.
Read MoreEMAMKAY 'When The Sun Rises' (STY TRU BTS) - single premiere!
Need some warmth and sunshine? Voila! We have the pleasure of hosting the premiere of 'When The Sun Rises' from South African MC & producer EMAMKAY . A sunlit dose of positive conscious vibes on a bed of beautifully played live jazzy hip hop with vocals from himself and the soothing soul voice of Bokang Ramatlapeng. The first single from his forthcoming album on Kid Fonque’s STY TRU BTS label is what we need right now. Read // Listen
Read MoreSilvan Strauss 'Facing' (Kabul Fire) - a review
Hamburg-based drummer and composer Silvan Strauss has created a debut album of ten short but dazzling micro-instrumentals. With fifteen collaborators in total, his creations veer between Madlib style jazz cut-ups to filmic beatscapes that showcase his brilliant drumming chops, never taking the focus away from the audience. “I wanted to make it so that people love to listen to it. It’s a little wonky, sure a few imperfections but fuck it, it’s fun and alive!”. Read / Listen
Read MoreDolenz 'Kuntur EP' (Exit Records) - a review
At times full of menace, at others deeply soulful, Dolenz’ forthcoming EP for the always groundbreaking Exit Records is a must for fans of experimental beatmaking. Deep and tough electronica collides with the odd end of hip hop with top shelf results - including collaborations with underground legend Steve Spacek and UK rapper Sonnyjim. Read / Listen
Read MoreLocal Healers & Louis Cypher 'Paintings On The Wall' (I'm Not From Brooklyn Records) - a review
Nottingham’s Local Healers have teamed up with Louis Cypher and Belgian producer Faux Sala to create a 7 track EP of jazzy dope beats and lyrical honesty. Join them as they navigate and explore lockdown, self-worth, the grind of the government (and other forces), even the nature of being an artist itself. If you love the interplay and classy ambiance of the Native Tongues or The Pharcyde with an East Midlands perspective, dig in! Read / Listen here…
Read MoreSubculture Sage 'Hackers / I Am The Ghost' - a review
North London’s Subculture Sage have a brand new double-headed slab of thoughtful sunshine Hip Hop out today that should bring joy to the ears of ‘golden era’ supporters and passing Hip Hop fans alike… Read / Listen here
Read MoreSons of the Sun 'Underwater Dreaming' - VIDEO
Check out the video and pure jazzy soul vibes from transatlantic duo Sons of the Sun who give us the first single off their self-titled album out soon on BBE….
Read MoreMusic that speaks To....Ben Marc
As Ben Marc’s brooding first single off his forthcoming LP ‘Glass Effect’ is released, we asked the in demand bassist and composer to select some music that rocks his boat and he’s chosen some beauties from Monk to Grieg, Mulatu to Radiohead….read / listen on
Read MoreSimon Jefferis brings his Vibrations - an interview
Multi-talented Simon Jefferis’ new album ‘Vibrations’ is a self-produced soul jazz beauty with one foot in London’s vibrant jazz scene and another in classic 90’s US hip hop … the sound of a hot summer…Read / listen here….
Read MoreRammellzee: It's Not Who But What (Red Bull Arts Documentary)
A 9-minute cosmic journey that explores the legendary artist, graffiti writer, hip-hop pioneer, myth-maker, and New York cult icon, RAMMELLZEE. (courtesy of Red Bull Music) - ESSENTIAL VIEWING!
Read MoreSerge Gamesbourg - An Interview (Boston Goes Disco!)
Serge Gamesbourg has put together an essential compilation of super-rare funk and disco (plus his own edits) from the Boston area of the USA for BBE Records. We met with him for an in depth conversation that travels from hip hop’s ‘Golden Era’ to the art of editing with plenty of opinion thrown in…have a read!
Read MoreThe Herbaliser 'Bring Out The Sound' - a review
The Herbaliser return with a new album full of confidence and swagger..read more here
Read MoreTruth & Lies presents: 'Hip Hop Revolución' Film Screening and DJ Session
Truth & Lies Music Presents a Revolution and Change Special - a free screening of Pablo Navarrete's 'Hip Hop Revolución' (Alborada Films 2015) documentary and a DJ session of music from Venezuela at Rough Trade Nottingham.
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