Mickey Factz, veteran emcee, former XXL cover freshman recently released his debut album, ‘The Achievement circa ’82’, with Grammy award winning producer Nottz handling all of the production for the ten-track project, which also includes guest appearances from Blu, Phonte, Styles P, Mack Wilds, Smoke DZA & Curren$y.
‘Wants’ is the second video lifted from their collaborative album, video Produced by Make Stuff Media & Directed by Jon Gollner. Editing and Effects by Alec Pieper
Illect Recordings present their latest release, ‘Name Dropping’, by German hip-hop producer Sebastian Hochstein. The EP features 14 tracks (7 songs and 7 instrumentals) with guest spots from: Chali 2na (Jurassic 5), Sadat X (Brand Nubian), Wildchild (Lootpack), Jurny Big (The Battery & Tunnel Rats), Sivion/Krum/Manchild/Sev Statik (Deepspace5), Scribbling Idiots, Abdominal, and more.
On ‘Name Dropping’, Sebastian definitley brings his A-game and put together 7 dope joints with killer guest features, get your copy here
Check out the visual for ‘SOLO’, produced by BCHILL MUSIC lifted from Baltimore emcee Sullee J’s album of the same title. ‘SOLO’ is an album which reflects the come up of this talented artist. The album is full of bars, lyricism and wisdom that Sullee is renowned for, every track is a story.
Sullee J has recently been picked up by the label Bogish Brand Ent. owned by King Ca$his former Shady Records Artist. His latest single with his group TRIPL3 Threat was just released last week on iTunes, Apple Music & more featuring Slaughterhouse’s Royce Da 5’9.
On Friday 25th November, High Focus head honcho and highly respected UK emcee Fliptrix releases his 6th solo album ‘Patterns Of Escapism’. We were lucky enough to get an early copy from the good people at High Focus Records of this DOPE release, so i went to my go to reviewer at present Intuitive and it would appear ‘Dope’ is relevant to his review in more ways than one! Here’s what Intuitive had to say about the album……
So over the last few weeks, I’ve been trying to keep myself on the straight and narrow.
Trying out veganism, joining a gym, quitting weed – you know the ones. Those resolutions you make to stop you from coming to the conclusion that your life is one empty, unstoppable train wreck, happening in slow motion. And I’ve been doing okay at it, as well. I haven’t been eating meat, I’ve been getting up early, but the weed… Well…
I was trying my hardest, but then Stix decided it was time for me to do another review. Another week of listening to brand-new UKHH bangers for me to assess. To keep my mind off of the ever-growing need for a zoot. And who does he give me?
Fliptrix. Of course it’s fucking Fliptrix.
So a week later here I am, big stinky zoot in hand, typing at my computer with eyes redder than an angry tomato, feeling at peace with the world. Fuck going to the gym. Fuck it.
Fliptrix has been one of my all-time favourite artists ever since I heard ‘Theory of Rhyme’ and he does anything but disappoint on his newest release, ‘Patterns of Escapism’. Entirely produced by Illinformed, it’s a 17-track experience – featuring some brilliant verses by names such as King Kashmere, Ocean Wisdom, Life MC, Verb T, Dabbla and the Four Owls. Many would argue, myself included, that Fliptrix has been instrumental in the development and success of the UK hip-hop scene so far, having spearheaded the legendary High Focus label that is now one of the biggest hip-hop labels in Europe, and also mentored and assisted countless UK artists who have gone on to big things such as Rag ’n’ Bone Man and Ocean Wisdom. Therefore this release and the artists who collaborated to create it are right at the forefront of where UKHH is going – helping to shape the scene’s sounds and influences in a groundbreaking fashion.
Characterised by wise words, thought-provoking concepts, greezy style and a strong underlying message of both peace and passion for music, Fliptrix has very sharply defined who he is and what he stands for over the last twelve years. As a result of this I have always felt his songs have two main ‘themes’ or ‘styles’ – one style where he is not attempting to send any specific message, but is going as hard as possible – and another where the beats are more contemplative and less neck-breaky, and he attempts to educate you rather than make you go nuts. This duality and versatility is one of the reasons Fliptrix is a unique artist and is also why he has such a loyal fanbase. After coming to this conclusion I decided to try and pick my favourite ‘go hard style’ tune and my favourite ‘send a message’ tune from this album. ‘One Time’ outstripped the other tunes as my favourite banger – packed full of punchy flows, witty lines and big boomin’ samples, for me, it’s Fliptrix at his finest. ‘Burn It’ featuring Ocean Wisdom definitely deserves a mention though as well – the beat is one of Illinformed’s best contributions for this release, the bounce that the track has is fantastic – and for anyone new to High Focus, listening to Ocean Wisdom’s feature on this tune will help you realise why High Focus stuck him on practically every one of their releases this year doing doubletime features. In terms of the more laid-back songs with a message to transmit, I felt as though ‘Spread Peace Around’ was a standout effort – I’ve felt for a while like Fliptrix’s ability at lyricism gets forgotten sometimes because he always has such great production. As an emcee myself I can see the care and thought that goes into songs like this – too often rappers leave a line that they’ve written that doesn’t really fit because it rhymes nicely. With songs like this however you can tell that there is a real, conscious effort to connect to the listener’s emotions and understanding of the world around them. Fliptrix himself said “The music I make is all about the depths of self-exploration and the heights of human consciousness.”
In conclusion, this album is absolutely fantastic. I cannot really fault it – it’s hard to try and find cracks in music that you consider to be better than your own. From the production, to the features, to Fliptrix’s own verses, message and style, the album is consistent in a way that can only come from making honest music and music that you truly believe in. This is Fliptrix’s 6th solo release, and so marks the 6th chapter in his extraordinary story and list of achievements. If I had to think of a criticism, I would say that Fliptrix and High Focus in general have positioned themselves to be ambassadors of the UK scene, and as such could collaborate wider within the scene with things like features and guest production. They do this already, don’t get me wrong – but as somebody who listens to every High Focus release (and I’m not the only one – their fanbase is steadily growing) I’d really like to see a wider range of artists on their albums. After all is said and done, however – I reckon I can probably forgive Fliptrix and ‘Patterns of Escapism’ for completely destroying my attempts to quit weed. It was worth it.
Words; Intuitive
Fliptrix ‘Patterns Of Escapism’ is available digitally, on CD and Vinyl here
NEW VIDEO (Out Today) Fliptrix – ‘Smoke Lingers Always’ Feat. King Kashmere (Prod. Illinformed)
Fliptrix – The Poltergeist (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Fliptrix – Thunder Clouds (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
HF TV – Fliptrix (EXCLUSIVE BARS)
NOMINATED FOR BEST NEWCOMER URBAN MUSIC AWARDS
Despite having released 6 solo albums, 2 crew albums and over a decade in the game, it was revealed that Fliptrix has been nominated for the ‘Best Newcomer’ Award at the UK Urban Music Awards. The award ceremony is scheduled for the 26th of November(the day after the release of ‘Patterns Of Escapism’), it would be a real honor for a High Focus artist to pick up such a prestigious award. Please take one minute out of your day to vote for Fliptrix using the following link: HERE
On top of all this, High Focus also have the ‘Patterns Of Escapism’ Official Launch Party taking place at the infamous Brixton Jamm in South London on the 10th of December. Not Only will both Fliptrix and Illinformed be present performing a special album launch set, but legends such as Task Force will be in the building performing their first show together in London for over a decade, The Four Owls will also be swooping in as will Dabbla and new signings Strange U. Dont miss out on this event, its bound to be a night to remember! GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Inglewood native Koache returns to one of his hottest tracks of the year, “Turn Me Back,”on this super-smooth, Nottz-produced remix featuring guest vocals from Xzibit, Demrick, and Quan.
The original track appeared on Koache’s ‘Game Point’ album, which dropped this past March on LOTZAH. And it, too, featured a head nodding instrumental from Nottz, along with a strong guest verse from X-to-the-Z. But on the remix, the Virginia producer flipped his approach entirely by ditching the grit of the original track, for a jazzier, more laid-back sound.
The second part of the infamous H.Q. Radio Mixtape. Recorded at the Crome Room, Brixton, London UK 2005. Originally released in 2005 and now available as a FREE download.
Featuring: THE H.Q: DJ Supreme, The Icepick, Grizzly, J-One, Shaka Shazzam, Red Eye Brown Esq and Doug Chedda. And… DUTTY SOUTH: Matt Crome, Bullycat, Ranks, Duffcott and Tuffy from Angels with Dirty Faces. With Special Guest – Jumping Jack Frost
Executive Producers – H.Q & Dutty South
Download from https://www.ecwid.com/store/djsupremeuk/#!/H-Q-Radio-VOL-2-Mixtape-FREE-Download/p/75128188/category=21381026
Love this track, as the homie Fdot1 pays homage to Hip Hop in this dope track dedicated to the culture and people who have inspired him on his journey around the Hip Hop globe as he gives #JustaFew (Propz). How many names do you catch? lyrics for you below!
From the heart, is where it comes – when I open my mouth –
Give a fuck if I’m trendin’ coz that ain’t what ‘m about –
I do this for the Kurtis Blows n’ all the Flashs –
The Doug Es with the Fresh n’ the Grandmaster Cazs –
The Rodney Ps n’ the Overlord Xs –
The 279s n’ that Borderline vibe –
The Vainona bboys on First Street Harare –
Poppin’ n’ lockin’, all the way down to Archiez –
To think this all started on a lil’ island in the carribean –
Culminatin’ in some of The Most – Beautifullest – tings I’ve seen –
I’m livin’ a dream – but it can get cloudy sometimes – Nah Mean –
Don’t be playin with them Demon Boyz – they Rougher Than a Animal –
Take A Look Around – there go an M.C. kinda Mell’o –
Don’t underestimate the crew – just coz the name’s Cookie –
We all trynna get that Dough Boy – feel me?
You wanna Reason With My Rhyme – ask DiKK –
Under the bandstand – in Queens Park – about ’88 –
That’s where I met Tropikal Blak n’ Kloud 9 –
N’ Big Wiz n’ Jeuce The Slayer used to rip the rhymez –
My man Barker – had that Rakim flow –
N’ the infamous Grim, introduced me to Jon Doe –
He rockin’ outta Temple now – DeJaVu –
From Bim – to New York – to London – to Zim –
I can’t forget Tdot – coz everywhere I growed –
Influences how I flow – it’s a given –
I’m – still a man on a mission –
Still a – renegade in thought –
Still a – renegade in action – stand alone if I have to –
Big Shawn – getz the props – Trezay getz the props –
Rube getz the props – Swizz getz the props –
Chops – Rah – getz the props – Lil’ Giant getz the props –
Grass Ruutz getz the props.
Back when Monie was in the middle n’ Estelle was on the left –
N’ Wee Papa – had the Beats – the rhymes – the noise it was a given –
That my Twang stay Blak – ask Tony it’s Rotton –
When I let off – that Klashnekoff with Karl Hinds –
I may be a Skinnyman – but I rock with a heavy hand –
N’ a Funky DL – that makes it Awkward to understand –
Jonzi D n’ Ty – holdin’ it down like Insane Macbeth said –
The Effect of Fear – got ’em holdin’ they breath –
I link Malarchi – in a valley – with a Dark Disciple –
Roots the Manuva in a long Forgotten World –
With Fallacy n’ Fusion – if it get Moorish in the Delta –
Man like Chester P n’ MC D comin’ to save ya –
With a stack of Durrty Goodz – as we rise on this Genesis –
Take a deep one – inhale that Micall Parknsun –
Coz it’s K.I.N.E.T.I.K. – with these Beats & Bars –
That I flip a few Tricks n’ leave my Trademark on ’em…..
New York City is widely known & respected as the birth place of Hip Hop culture. “New York Gangsters” brings 10 NYC rappers together on one track repping all 5 boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx & Staten Island).
“I think this track & video is incredible, it’s the reason I got involved so deeply, to make sure it reached the masses in the way I always release my solo material. I feel this project is an amazing spectrum of seasoned vets rapping their styles over a really hot beat, with everyone hailing from New York. It’s important for the world to see this kind of Hip Hop now in 2016”, Necro
In order of appearance:
Tragedy Khadafi of Queensbridge Projects
Hec Teck from Jamaica, Queens
Necro of PLR(Psycho+Logical-Records) from Brooklyn
Capone of Capone-N-Noreaga from QB
Dom Pachino of Killarmy/Wu-Tang fam from Shaolin(Staten Island)
Thirstin Howl The 3rd of The Lo-Lifes from Brownsville BK
Raze The Ratchet of Ghetto Inmates from Lower East Side, Manhattan
Willie Stubz of Beatnuts fam from QU
Chris Rivers (Big Pun’s son) from The Bronx
Kurious Jorge of CM Fam from Uptown, NYC
From its origins in the block parties of the Bronx in the 1970s to its status today as a global multi-billion dollar industry, from the voice of disaffected urban America to a President-electing powerbase, from Grandmaster Flash to Jay-Z, Hip Hop is nothing less than a phenomenon. Not just the most important musical genre of the past four decades, Hip Hop has transcended its origins to impact on every aspect of 21st-century culture. Today Dr Dre is at the vanguard of the music industry’s digital revolution, Kanye West is courted by the fashion industry and makes front page news, while Kendrick Lamar maintains Hip Hop’s legacy as a voice for the voiceless—for the Ferguson riots generation—in the seething socio-political commentary contained within his lyrics.
Written by DJ Semtex, host of the UK’s premier Hip Hop show on BBC Radio 1Xtra, ‘HIP HOP RAISED ME’ is the definitive illustrated book on the essence, experience and energy of Hip Hop. This unique volume traces the characteristics and influence of Hip Hop, from its very beginnings to its breakthrough into the mainstream and the advent of gangsta rap in the late 80s, to the impact of contemporary artists and the global industry that is Hip Hop today. With his encyclopedic knowledge of the genre and his personal relationships with many of the most significant names in Hip Hop, DJ Semtex provides readers with the ultimate insider’s perspective.
Organized thematically, ‘HIP HOP RAISED ME’ features the many extensive interviews DJ Semtex has conducted from the 1990s to today, conveying the authentic voices of a huge roster of artists including Eminem, the Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, Public Enemy, Kanye West, Nas, 50 Cent, Nicky Minaj, Pharrell, Odd Future, Drake and many more.
Numerous infographic treatments track the four pillars of Hip Hop culture as well as the genre’s many fashion trends. These supplement specially commissioned photography of Hip Hop memorabilia and vinyl, as well as contact sheets, outtakes, and glory shots from key photographers in the movement. The depth and breadth of ‘HIP HOP RAISED ME’ is visually matched by the rich and plentiful illustrations that make this the complete Hip Hop survey.
The publication of ‘HIP HOP RAISED ME’ coincides with multiple key dates in Hip Hop history – 40 years since Grandmaster Flash broke out of the Bronx; 30 years since the release of the Beastie Boys’ “Licensed to Ill”; and 20 years since the release of Jay-Z’s “Reasonable Doubt.” Demonstrating the continued power and cultural relevance of Hip Hop culture, ‘HIP HOP RAISED ME’ is essential reading for Hip Hop heads, music lovers, and anyone with an interest in pop culture, and social and economic history of the past forty years.
“Hip Hop Raised Me” by DJ Semtex and Foreword by Chuck D is out now on Thames & Hudson and available in Hardcover ,448 pp, 800 illustrations, including 600 in colour!
Check out the dope first single ‘Bang’, produced By Hinesy, taken from Brighton, UK artist Bobbie Johnson’s New EP entitled ‘You & I.’
I’ve always been a big fan of Bobbie’s work from my days writing for StandUpUK when she was releasing music under the name Stanza. ‘You & I’ perfectly illustrates why I am such a fan of this multi talented artist and the progression she has made. The EP showcases Bobbie’s lyricism, songwriting and vocal talents, her ability to tear up a beat as good as anyone out there and now production skills added to her list of talents.
Bobbie is about to embark on a tour supporting Rag N Bone Man, don’t sleep on this outstanding release, cop it here on Bandcamp….
hiphoplifeandtimes 