This video is a perfect example of why Mike Mictlan is one of my favourite MCs in Doomtree. Even when the dude records a weird, comical track it’s still better than everyone else. I love you Mike.
But for those of you that are seeing Mike Mictlan for the first time I suggest you watch the second video to see his real skills shine, just in case you can’t take a joke.
National Poetry Day post 2! Thanks again to all the suggestions, we may put up a third before the night’s out-so keep your eyes peeled. Then again you should be watching us 24/7 anyway.
Next up is not only a UK legend, but general underground hip-hop legend that is the mighty Chester P from Task Force. Stix reminded me what an obvious choice Chester P would be on Poetry Day. Just listening to a few minutes of him spit you can hear immediately that his style could easily serve as a poem. His use of wordplay is ridiculous, and creates verses that just wouldn’t make sense coming out of anyone else’s mouth. Just watch the first 30 seconds of the first video to see what I mean.
Second up is The Ruby Kid. We’ve been big supporters of this dude for a long time, and even did a cheeky interview with him a few months back. The Ruby Kid mixes a lot of metaphors and quite surreal imagery into his music, that whilst still pretty avant garde in places, still manage to pull back the narrative without coming off as pretentious or hipster rap. One of my personal favourites of this year; he also does a lot of spoken word so you can see his influences are obvious.
Third up is DarkoTheSuper. We’ve also covered Darko recently, and did a short write-up of his previous release ‘The Ledge Below The Edge’. The funny thing about this is I (it was me that was reviewing him) said that his style would work perfectly with spoken word, so I guess I was right all along. Darko is an intense MC, and carries an intensity that’s extremely reminiscent of written poetry. In fact I spoke to the dude this afternoon via our Facebook page and he said that he’d been likened to T.S Elliot (accolades indeed!). You can listen for yourself to his new release and see what I’m talking about.
Last up is, well do I really need to introduce Immortal Technique? Ahh come on really? Immortal Technique is in my humble opinion one of the greatest MCs of all time. In my mind he rates up in my top 2, next to Tupac and let me tell you that’s some hard competition in my world. Tech is not only a revolutionary and all round awesome rapper, but a fantastic storyteller. His style is obviously heavily influenced by early toasting techniques, and more traditional forms of storytelling, and communication. If you’re not aware of Immortal Technique then it’s okay, there’s still time we can help, just watch these and everything will be alright.
Did anyone notice I said ‘avant garde’?
Words: Aimee
Wasn’t expecting to hear a track of this level this afternoon. I mean, I was but I wasn’t. Ya get me? Anyway, until this video of Just Putt (of the Dead Poets Society) posted this on our Facebook page I had no idea about this dude, well thank-you internet. The skill of this MC is at the higher level of a lot of artists, and is full of potential, and I’ve been bumping this video since we were first put on it. I suggest you get your little eyes and ears over it too.
Dead Poets Society EP available for purchase @
http://dps201.bandcamp.com/album/dead-poets-society
About a week ago I (Aimee, alright guys) promised that when Stix and I got back from real life then we’d post up all the material we couldn’t during our little holiday. I promised JPEG that I’d throw up his video; and thankfully I hadn’t just promised to promote some awwwwfffful track about nothing. Quite the opposite the beats are catchy as fuck, JPEG’s flow is ridiculous and the content is definitely surreal but keeps a good narrative, and he never pontificates. Fucking Hell I love that word. Video-wise, never will I get tired of watching a dude in a jester hat row around a pond, and rap in the shower.
For fans of QELD, Dirty Dike, Ed Scissortongue.
Just to remind you that we don’t just promote UK cats, but we’re actually an international site that promotes all that is good in hip-hop land. In fact I’m not sure why I have to remind you, but here’s a smooth, and painfully sincere video from Konquest and J Fury. Really digging the lo-fi feel of the video, and the honest lyrical content. For fans of Jae Apollo, Kb Da Boss, Living Legends.
We’re pretty backdated, so there’s a big chance that we’ll be posting a lot of different videos from the same artists through the next 4/5 days. That’s what you get when the scene is full of prolific dudes, especially dudes like Big Dutty Deeze who are forever putting out videos and releasing tracks, on an almost weekly basis. B-iLLAHTV BRUV!
For those of you that are aware of our boy MR 13 then count yourselves lucky, and too cool for school. For those of you not lucky enough, then I suggest you get to know via his latest offering from Don’t Flop, where he battles Im. It’s a really good battle, and shows the skills of both MCs. Use those eyes and ears of yours, both dudes go in.
iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/rebirth-feat.-orlando-single/id562066615
In an ever-crowded marketplace, Tbless distinguishes himself by leaving behind the self-promoting clichés of most rappers to bring a single that inspires empowerment and optimism in these difficult times. ‘Rebirth’ is an honest, reflective cut which sees Tbless discuss confronting obstacles from the past, learning from your mistakes and using that constructively to move forward.
“I took time out; I needed to get back to what I wanted to say. I stopped looking at myself and started to look around me”, Tbless explains, “everything’s a struggle these days, it’s hard times out there so this track and the upcoming album is for the strugglers”.
‘Rebirth’ is the first track from the soon to be released album ‘The Second Coming’, a grand concept album that reflects on the changes in the world and in himself in post-recession Britain.
We’re extremely pleased to announce that ‘Rebirth’ will be play listed on BET TV shortly, with further TV play listing confirmations expected shortly.
Connect with Tbless:
http://www.twitter.com/Tblessartist
http://www.facebook.com/tblessartist
http://www.youtube.com/tblessnumber1
So much B-iLLA TV! If you didn’t know before, then get to know now. B-iLLA TV is run by yeah you’ve guessed it, the B-iLLA boys. It’s their own company set-up to help give shine to new MCS/groups/DJs and all that other good stuff. They’ve been blowing up over the couple weeks, so I suggest you hop on the bandwagon. You need to check out everrrrrrything!
To check out the B-iLLA boys (Dillah and Mistah Biggz) themselves have a look at the first video, then have a gander at the freestyles of all the artists they’re giving props to.
Mistah Biggz Twitter
Dillah Twitter
B-illah Facebook
http://www.youtube.com/BEiLLATV
Today is the 16th anniversary of the death of Tupac. He was, and still is one of the most influential rappers of all time. Before I even knew what hip-hop was, I knew that I liked Tupac. Cut down in his prime, he was only 25 when he was murdered (by who is anyone’s conspiracy, although don’t give me that east coast, west coast bullshit who do you think was making the most money out of all the beef? Cha), he wasn’t just a rapper but actor, writer and of course revolutionary. His music was full of substance and sincerity, instead of simply talking about bitches, bling and guns he wanted to find a way of freeing the poor black and hispanic Americans.
We’ve stared a new segman called “Classics Sunday” and already featured Tupac with a few of his tracks and an interview, but well who doesn’t like a bit of Tupac, so here’s some more. In my humble opinion he was the greatest rapper all of time, and even now his legacy has more foundation than half of these studio ‘gangstas’. Rest in peace.
(Words: Aimee)
