Configa – Calm Before The Storm

Posted by hiphoplifeandtimes on September 24, 2011
Posted in: Downloads, News. Leave a comment

After getting into Hip-Hop around 1988, UK based Configa first saw his future in radio presenting his own show on a local unlicensed station, but ultimately the draw of the microphone proved too much and by the age of 16 he started writing rhymes under the pseudonym ‘M.C. Unique’. After releasing various mixtapes on the underground as well as getting involved in local freestyle battles ‘Unique’ decided to build upon his buzz and release his debut album ‘Baptizm Of Fire’ in 2000. Aside from mic duties, the album was also self-produced/mixed/manufactured and financed by himself and the album featured a collaboration with B. Down the CEO of LA based ‘Rap Junkie Records’ who then signed ‘Unique’ to his label in 2001. ‘M.C. Unique’ went on to feature on two releases on the LA label, ‘Independent Game 1’ (2001) and ‘Independent Game 2’ (2002) and then released his second album, ‘The King Of Linguistics’ in 2002. The album was mainly self produced and gained favourable reviews and including a mention on MTV.com alongside the ‘8 Mile’ Soundtrack and Christina Aguilera upon its release date and was distributed in Europe and all across North America.

In 2003 ‘M.C Unique’ decided to take a back seat on mic duties and rebranded himself ‘Configa’ a new vibe where focused almost exclusively on production work . In 2004, Configa formed, along with Wargasms, Arsenal and C-Gully, the crew ‘Slept On Fam’ and went on to release the album ‘Audio Crack’ was released late 2006. The album received excellent reviews such as “What makes Configa so good?” Rapreviews.com, “Configa serves up the production crack for those audio canals” UKHH.com and Blues & Soul mentioning “Configa’s stirring production”. Slept On Fam then went on to win ‘Group of The Year’ in 2007 at the second annual ‘Get ‘Em Magazine’ music awards in Florida hosted by the legendary boxer Roy Jones Jr, beating such luminaries as recent Oscar winners Three 6 Mafia. After a lengthy music hiatus where Configa had a weekly on-line radio show while getting his PhD on a thesis about hip hop and ethnicity, Configa released a 2Pac remix album entitled “Configa Presents…Pac To The Essence Vol. 1” in 2010 to mark the 14th year of 2Pac’s passing.

Configa then set up his own independent record label Configaration Records and began work on his solo album entitled “Inside The Echo Chamber” which will be entirely produced by Configa alongside a host of different MC’s guesting on the tracks. Notable confirmed guests so far include stateside legends Craig G, Chino XL, Nine and Kurtis Blow along with UK legend Scorzayzee and the album is due for release early 2012. In the meantime we have this brand new mixtape ‘Calm Before The Storm’ to keep us going! This is a twenty track collection of the underground’s finest MC’s spittin’ flamez over his boom-bap driven beats. There are artists from both the UK and the USA on here and the music speaks for itself and all of the beats are original Configa compositions. This release stands alone by itself, with its strength and depth and is the perfect prelude to the album “Inside The Echo Chamber”. Configa is about rhythmic “Golden Era Real Hip-Hop” with that unique head nodding instrumentation.

Configa – Calm Before The Storm (OUT NOW!) Please support!!!

01. Calm Before The Storm Intro (ft. T.D. Francis)
02. Freestyle 1 (ft. B. Down)
03. Revolution (ft. Slept On Fam)
04. Come Over To My Place (ft. Grey Matter)*
05. I Want You (ft. John Graham)
06. Like That (ft. Tone Liv, Respect (Tha God) and Godilla)
07. Lie To Kick It (ft. Big Meridox)
08. The One (ft. Gramma Marksman)
09. Same Bullshit (ft. Nut Kaze)
10. We On Fire (ft. Jaz Kahina)
11. Suicide Kingdom (feat. Bishop and Sicarii)
12. Freestyle 2 (ft. Dom Zilla)
13. There Goes The Sunshine (ft. Corporal Asskick and Rockaway Jah)
14. Watch the Throne (ft. Jesal)
15. Freestyle 3 (ft. Cheeba)
16. Thousands To Calm Me (ft. T. D. Francis)
17. Back 2 Basics (ft. John Graham)
18. For The Love (ft. Mark Deez and Arsenal)
19. Rose On Ya Grave (ft. Sicarii)
20. Make It (ft. Fatale)

All tracks Produced, Arranged and Mixed by Configa for Configaration Productions*
*except for track 4: Co-Produced with Grey Matter

Purchase now…
http://configa.com/album/configa-presents-calm-before-the-storm-configaration-records
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/configa-presents-calm-before/id455985893
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Configa-Presents-Before-Storm-Explicit/dp/B005GO4AKQ/ref=dm_ap_alb2

Three tracks have been leaked all of which can be listened to in their entirety here:
http://soundcloud.com/configa/sets/configa-presents-calm-before/

There is also a FREE download 17 minute DJ mix by Frank Costa available here:
http://soundcloud.com/configa/configa-presents-calm-before

Connect with Configa
www.configa.com
www.twitter.com/Configa
www.myspace.com/configa
www.facebook.com/pages/Configa/292896210757

LATE drops new videos from ‘www.officiallate.net’

Posted by hiphoplifeandtimes on September 24, 2011
Posted in: Downloads, Music Videos, News. Leave a comment

This collection of underground LATE tracks, unreleased material, collaborations and exclusive remixes features Iron Braydz, Genesis Elijah, Supar Novar, Jai Boo, TBear, K9, Creamo, Streetz and Serocee, as well as being produced by his long-time producer Tricksta. It sees LATE continue to talk on real life issues with his unique style of social commentary, as well as reminding us why his fan base is so international. Make sure you check out his new release and website!!!

LATE ‘www.officiallate.net’ Tracklisting

01 – A Mic, Laptop, 2 Decks & A Mixer
02 – I’m Still Here Remix
03 – Why You In This
04 – H.U.S.T.L.E.R
05 – Definition Remix Feat. Genesis Elijah & Supar Novar
06 – Maintainin Feat. Jai Boo
07 – Scientific Wordplay
08 – We Do This
09 – Worldwide Promotion Remix
10 – Mic Controllers Remix Feat Iron Braydz, TBear, Supar Novar, K9, Genesis Elijah, Creamo, Streetz, Jai Boo & Serocee
11 – Locked & Loaded Remix
12 – They Don’t Know What We Go Thru Feat Jai Boo

Download link:
http://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/tfmak5
http://www.officiallate.net/p/free-downloads.html

Connect with LATE
www.officiallate.net
www.twitter.com/latewolftown
www.reverbnation.com/latewolftown
www.facebook.com/pages/LATE/127851320558827

Connect with UK Runnings
info@ukrunnings.co.uk
www.ukrunnings.co.uk

UK Runnings is sponsored by Sturban Clothing
www.sturbanclothing.com

LATE – H.U.S.T.L.E.R

LATE ‘Scientific Wordplay’ (Produced by Tricksta)

LATE ‘A Mic, Laptop, 2 Decks & Mixer’

LATE – www.Officiallate.net trailer advert

The Nextmen ft. Dynamite MC + Dj Vadim ft. The Electric + Trojan Sound System live at Koko (15/10/11)

Posted by hiphoplifeandtimes on September 24, 2011
Posted in: Events. Leave a comment

Soundcrash presents… THE NEXTMEN ft DYNAMITE MC, DJ VADIM ft. THE ELECTRIC, TROJAN SOUND SYSTEM and more… Saturday October 15th at KOKO www.soundcrashmusic.com – Soundcrash presents a night of mashup goodness, soul-drenched grooves and reggae party vibes at KOKO. Dancing shoes essential.

Unless you have fallen lifeless somewhere thru the cracks youve more than likely witnessed Cambridge come Londoners The Nextmen, also known as Brad Baloo and Dom Search, at one of their many sweaty styled-out club sets, festival-stopping performances or heard their incendiary mixtapes on the neighbourhood ghetto blaster. This eclectic production duo have carved another shiny gem from Londons lovely low-end underbelly with a mix of electronic music styles in the form of their fourth studio LP Join The Dots due to hit the streets in August. Tonight they are joined by miss Dynamite MC for what promises to be another classic Saturday bash in London.

Soundcrash favourite DJ Vadim has been at it for what seems like forever and yet he still manages to sound as fresh and when he started. From his beginnings creating moody abstract Hip Hop to his latest incarnation as a soul infected groovester Vadim always hits the right spot with his deep basslines, shuffling beats and infenctious riffs. For Soundcrash he will be playing with his full live band The Electric so get ready for some proper good time vibes.

The mighty Trojan Sound System need no introduction. Trojan records are synonymous with quality original Reggae the world over, so you know what’s coming to you. And you know you’re gonna love it. Legendary selectors Earl Gateshead and Daddy Ad are joined on stage by original reggae singers to form the Trojan Sound System, an unstoppable machine spreading love, good vibes and authentic reggae party tunes wherever they go. Get ready to skank KOKO!

Event: Soundcrash at KOKO
Line-up: The Nextmen ft. Dynamite MC + Dj Vadim ft. The Electric + Trojan Sound System + more tba
Venue: KOKO
Date: October 15th 2011
Tickets: 15.50 advance, 20 on the door
Available from: www.soundcrashmusic.com /

AC ‘Prophecy For Profit EP’

Posted by hiphoplifeandtimes on September 24, 2011
Posted in: Downloads, Music Videos, News. Leave a comment

For those of you who don’t know about Northwest London emcee AC you really do need to get switched on to this incredibly dedicated and passionate artist. This new five track EP from AC is the official prelude to his brand new album ‘Keep It Together’ which is currently just getting the finishing touches and is due out soon. It sees AC team up with producer Deadman Walkn who gives up four brilliant beats and who has worked with the likes of Genesis Elijah, Wordsmiff, Terra Slim.  The last track ‘Work’ is produced by June 25th, another talented UK producer who recently smashed up the underground with his ‘Produced By June’ mixtape. AC has also enlisted the help of Mr Drastick & Kinetik from Grand Central who go hard on the remix of ‘Real Grafters’. AC’s music has essence and soul with depth.

AC has been putting it down for years and is well known for selling 40,000 copies of his critically acclaimed CD’s ‘Human trash’ and ‘Youthanasia’ on the streets, with no major backing, promotion or distribution. He recently impressed the Hip-Hop fraternity with his ‘New Day EP’ with Hip-hop legend & producer Jabbathakut which featured Hip-Hop veteran Genesis Elijah and legendary rap hustler D21 of Blackmobb. AC has also shared stages with US acts such as Common, The Outlawz, Capone’n’Noreaga, UK acts such as Skinnyman & Klashnekoff, Grime acts such as Sway & Chipmunk and R’n’B acts such as Estelle, Jay Sean and Marques Houston, as well Asian music stars Panjabi MC & Rishi Rich Project and drum’n’bass DJ’s such as BBC Radio One’s Grooverider & Fabio, Andy C and many more…

Support for AC is in abundance too with his previous music videos getting play of MTV Base, Channel U/AKA, Passion TV, Brit Asia TV and many more, as well getting radio spins from the likes of Tim Westwood, Zane Lowe, Shortee Blitz, Ras Kwame, Bobby Friction, Nihal, Semtex as well as features and reviews in the likes of Hip-Hop Connection, One Week To Live, DJ Magazine, Mixmag and many more. AC has also worked with BBC Blast, teaching children and teenagers stage performance & rapping, as well as appearing rapping on the movie extras of the Noel Clarke’s acclaimed UK film ‘Kidulthood’. AC’s music combines humour, social commentary and robust beats delivered with a message of positivity to the youth. AC has now expanded his brand with the ‘Achilles Charrington Range’, an exclusive clothing line that includes jackets and T-Shirts, as well as starting an acting career. AC really is a talented entertainer and performer.

01 – Allow That (Produced by Deadman Walkn)
02 – Get Better (Produced by Deadman Walkn)
03 – Real Grafters (Produced by Deadman Walkn)
04 – Sometimes I Wonder (Produced by Deadman Walkn)
05 – Work (Produced by June 25th)

Download links:
http://acthemc.bandcamp.com/album/prophecy-for-profit-ep
http://www.mediafire.com/?bljjuaw4ra5w5k8

 

 


Big Lou drops first single from new mixtape ‘Pray For Me’

Posted by hiphoplifeandtimes on September 24, 2011
Posted in: News. Leave a comment

Big Lou, one of America’s better emcees has just dropped his track ‘My Time’ produced by Nemisis from his new mixtape. The mixtape ‘Pray 4 Me’ will be mixed and hosted by J-Ronin and is due out real soon. In the meantime you can grab the ‘My Time’ track for a limited time from this official free download link: http://hulkshare.com/mj7mjx1rctrf

“Come Together” exhibit showcases RZA, Chuck D, Bootsy Collins’ collaborative artwork with SceneFour | through November 1 at Andrew Weiss Gallery, Beverly Hills

Posted by hiphoplifeandtimes on September 24, 2011
Posted in: Art. Leave a comment

RZA’s canvas sits on the wall facing a display case full of original Picasso plates. Chuck D’s takes its place beside Salvador Dali’s celebrated Surrealist Piano sculpture. The Art Of Drums collection occupies the interior wing across from the Marilyn Monroe prints. This is the world-famous Andrew Weiss Gallery in Beverly Hills, home to “Come Together”, a two-month exhibition of the artwork of Los Angeles creativity house SceneFour and its iconic collaborators: RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, Chuck D of Public Enemy, Bootsy Collins of Bootsy’s Rubber Band, P-Funk and the JBs, Hieroglyphics Crew, DJ Qbert, Shavo Odadjian from System of a Down, George Lynch, Matt Sorum from Velvet Revolver/Guns N Roses, Frankie “Kash” Waddy from Parliament-Funkadelic, Angelo Moore of Fishbone and Page Hamilton of Helmet. With the help of their legendary friends, SceneFour partners Ravi Dosaj and Cory Danziger are spearheading a new movement in the art world: collaborative art. And based upon the September 14th opening night party, a kick-off to the exhibit which runs until November 1 at Andrew Weiss Gallery in Beverly Hills, the exhibition is set to be a blockbuster.
 
“Come Together” is unlike anything ever attempted in the art world, as a discerning group of musical icons from rap, hip-hop, rock, heavy metal, and funk worked together over the last several years on their own fine art creation with SceneFour. At the conclusion of each collaboration, the team releases artwork, all numbered and signed by the artist. Andrew Weiss, a legend in the art world for four decades, saw the merit in SceneFour’s collaborative art movement early on. “When Warhol had his factory, people thought it was a joke at the time,” says Weiss. “[The ‘Come Together’ collection] is reminiscent of that. You have the artists, designers and printers all involved in the creation of the art.”
 
This exhibition marks the first time all of these creations are available to see and purchase in one location. Viewed as a whole, the collection is sprawling, yet unified in tone and vision. RZA, ODB and The Genius reinterpret the American Revolution on Victory Or Death, named “The Greatest Painting Of 2010” by Village Voice. Chuck D stands at the Arizona/Mexico border of an Orwellian America not too far into the future in “By The Time I Got To Arizona”. And the Art Of Drums collection takes a stab into the future of art, using a shortlist of the world’s most acclaimed drummers to literally capture sound on canvas. Opening night’s attendance was unprecedented, with artists like Danger Mouse, David Yow of The Jesus Lizard and Jurassic 5’s Chali 2na present alongside Chuck, Shavo, Q-Bert and the rest of SceneFour’s collaborators.

view the “Come Together” collection at www.SceneFour.com 

download photos from the opening night at http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10190414/awg.zip

additional photos by www.KylerLocke.com
 
Andrew Weiss Gallery online at www.AndrewWeiss.com

AssociatedMinds & Eatgood Records – The Highball

Posted by hiphoplifeandtimes on September 24, 2011
Posted in: Music Videos, News. Leave a comment

They didn’t want to let the EP go without making a video for The Highball, so here’s TEN emcees from Eat Good and AM letting fly over samples of Beatbox Fozzy, pieced together by one of the UK’s production heavyweights, Metabeats. It includes a body double, a magic trick and three producers who are nice in the booth as well as on the boards. This is that diversity we’re trying to rep and grow. Thanks to EatGood Records for a successful joint project and huge love to everyone out there sharing and supporting what we do. Kings and Queens.

http://thehighball.bandcamp.com/