hiphoplifeandtimes

A product of the UK sound system culture, Norwich based Reds earned his stripes holding the mic at some notorious raves in an era filled with crazy characters and a spirit of rebellion that has shaped his approach to music ever since. By the early 2000s Reds had founded his own imprint Chronic Redeye Music and despite the disregard for industry acceptance, his work started getting airplay from BBC Introducing, Itch FM and Kool London amongst others.

Over the years a stream of street albums, mixtapes and EPs has seen him work with a number of US artists such as Hell Razah, Big Noyd and Bronze Nazareth alongside a host of British counterparts. In the early days HHC magazine described Chronic Redeye Music as ‘’the real deal’’ and this new album is more proof that they made the right call.

Weighing in with a hefty amount of solo tracks and produced entirely by in-house Red Wok Productions, his upcoming solo LP; “Crowns and Camo” is perhaps the most focused project from Reds to date. Each song is designed to play its part in a sonic journey that combines golden era craftsmanship with a modern take on production, with guest spots from Shabazz the Disciple, Rob Kelly, DPF & Lyrical T.

If the works of the underground and under-rated artist known as Reds have so far passed under your radar, now would be a perfect time to step into his world and explore…Stream Crowns and Camo via bandcamp below!

Norwich UK based Emcee Reds drops the “Rockin Headz”  single which features Shabazz the Disciple & Ricky Lix. The joint features a reggae influenced beat with all three emcees spitting the truth in their rhymes making this a great US/UK collaboration!

By the early 2000s Reds had founded his own imprint Chronic Redeye Music and despite the disregard for industry acceptance, his work started getting airplay from BBC Introducing, Itch FM and Kool London amongst others.

Over the years a stream of street albums, mixtapes and EPs has seen him work with a number of US artists such as Hell Razah, Big Noyd and Bronze Nazareth alongside a host of British counterparts. In the early days HHC magazine described Chronic Redeye Music as ‘’the real deal’’ and this new album is more proof that they made the right call.

Weighing in with a hefty amount of solo tracks and produced entirely by in-house Red Wok Productions, his upcoming solo LP; “Crowns and Camo” is perhaps the most focused project from Reds to date. Each song is designed to play its part in a sonic journey that combines golden era craftsmanship with a modern take on production, with guest spots from Shabazz the Disciple, Rob Kelly, DPF & Lyrical T.

If the works of the underground and under-rated artist known as Reds have so far passed under your radar, now would be a perfect time to step into his world and explore…Stream Rockin Headz via bandcamp below!

connect online with Reds :

Reds Twitter | Reds Bandcamp

We recently caught up with new French group 87 Escadron who have their new EP release “Mercenaires” out now. With features from NYC legends such as Tragedy Khadafi, Phantasm of the Cella Dwellas & Ruste Juxx, this powerful EP is making waves across France. The Production comes from seasoned producer Endemic Emerald & we catch up with the duo to find out more! Stream the EP below after the interview!

HHL&T : Peace guys how you doing? Thanks for speaking to us, tell us about the group

87 ESCADRON is Soldat Ottoman & R.A.D (Reactive All Day)  the 87 is the number of our postcode district in Limoges France and squadron because we are influenced by the history of wars!

HHL&T : How did you get your start in hip hop in France?

Soldat Ottoman: I started listening to rap in 1988, in 1995 I created my first group called “Radikal Crew” and in 1998 I created the collective “One-K” with which I signed in a label and that I had a mini success with over 7000 albums sold throughout France. ..

R.A.D: I started RAP as a dancer in my brother’s group in 1993.

HHL&T : Who are your influences in hip hop? Both French and US emcees.

Soldat Ottoman: My musical influences are New Yorkers such as: Heltah Skeltah, Wu Tang Clan, EPMD, Fat Joe ……

R.A.D: My musical influences are the big producers like DJ Premier, Marley Marl, DJ Muggs, Showbiz …..

HHL&T : Tell us about the French hip hop Scene? Which artists would you recommend for us to check out?

87 ESCADRON: In France people listen to a lot of TRAP Music with African beats. There are still underground bands such as L’Uzine & FURAX ..

HHL&T : Tell us about the new EP “Mercenaires” how did you link up with the NYC emcees on there?

87 ESCADRON:the culmination of a long work that brings together Rap Masters such as Tragedy Khadafi, Phantasm of Cella Dwellas & Ruste Juxx!  the connection with the American rappers is thanks to Endemic Emerald

 HHL&T : I see its produced by Endemic, how did you link with him?

R.A.D: I had been connecting with him online for almost 10 years, hes my bro!

HHL&T : Do you plan to do a full length LP? If so, what can we expect on that?

R.A.D: yes, it will be 100% New Yorkers to the French! as this is our biggest influence!

 HHL&T :  Are you guys working on solo projects? What can we expect there?

87 ESCadron: yes, we just released the album of Soldat Ottoman “Allume la Mèche” n Febuary of this year

 HHL&T :  Where can fans follow you online?

87 ESCADRON: https://www.facebook.com/soldat.ottoman & https://www.facebook.com/radouane.benzohra

Anything else we should know about?

Soldat Ottoman: we will surely prepare something for the end of the year!!! Peace!

Norwich UK based Emcee Reds drops us new visuals from his upcoming solo album. The video single“Roadblock” features a bass heavy instrumental laced with clever lyricism and wordplay. Reds holds a distinctive voice tone and the melodic hook showcases this with style.

By the early 2000s Reds had founded his own imprint Chronic Redeye Music and despite the disregard for industry acceptance, his work started getting airplay from BBC Introducing, Itch FM and Kool London amongst others.

Over the years a stream of street albums, mixtapes and EPs has seen him work with a number of US artists such as Hell Razah, Big Noyd and Bronze Nazareth alongside a host of British counterparts. In the early days HHC magazine described Chronic Redeye Music as ‘’the real deal’’ and this new album is more proof that they made the right call.

Weighing in with a hefty amount of solo tracks and produced entirely by in-house Red Wok Productions, his upcoming solo LP; “Crowns and Camo” is perhaps the most focused project from Reds to date. Each song is designed to play its part in a sonic journey that combines golden era craftsmanship with a modern take on production, with guest spots from Shabazz the Disciple, Rob Kelly, DPF & Lyrical T.

If the works of the underground and under-rated artist known as Reds have so far passed under your radar, now would be a perfect time to step into his world and explore…Peep the video below!

connect online with Reds :

Reds Twitter | Reds Bandcamp