JME releases his first album today which has been stocked in HMV and Zavvi amongst others. This is his first official album after hugely successful mixtapes such as Shut Ya Muh and Poomplex. I haven't got round to getting a copy yet, but when I do I'll post a full review.
The tracks I'm most interested to hear are Go On My Own, Ghetto Superstar and Sun, Sea and Sand.
You can buy this from all major record stores but if you purchase this directly from ukrecordshop, you'll also get a free bonus cd as part of the bargain.
After performing at Glastonbury, Download, O2 (as well as filling in for Dizzee Rascal at Zoo8), Lethal brings Grime to a small town just outside of Southampton. It was a good performance with the Bizzle giving a decent showing in his 45 minute set. The only downside were the mic levels (which he obviously can't be blamed for) as at times, it was difficult to hear his lyrics.
Tracks performed were Mr, Bizzle Bizzle, Police On My Back, Pow!, It's a Shame and his take on the Grime/electro movement, Keys To My Bentley.
*Apologies for the quality of the video
Big collaboration, need I say more?
Regardless of what happened with his record label 679, it's great to see Kano back on Grime beats at last. This video is taken from a recent appearance on Logan Sama's show on Kiss FM (Monday nights 11 to 1am) and seems as if he has regained that hunger that once made him one of the UK's brightest new mc talents.
He reportedly lost a lot of hardcore Grime fans by being accused of 'leaving' the scene behind and reaching out to the mainstream. Can he regain the respect and enthusiasm of these fans? One for you to decide.
Click here to visit Kano's new blogspot (which is promoting his new mixtape 140 Grime Street) to watch the remainder of his appearance on Kiss.
1.Wanna Be Free
2.Miscommunication
3.What's A Girl To Do?
4.Blondie
5.Looking At Me
6.Enjoy Ya'self
7.Caught Me (Anything)
8.In Love With A Jamaican
9.Poison Ivy
10.Breathe Slow
11.Haterade
12.Female Hustler
13.Just Wanna Be Me
14.P.S
As mentioned in the previous blonde related post, this album was delayed by six months but having had a good listen since release, it seems to have been worth the wait...
The first thing that hits you is how professionally produced this album is. This is not to say you were to expect anything less but you feel this is something you could comfortably offer a non grime fan and be confident that they would enjoy it. However, it would be unfair to say this was purely a grime album with such songs as 'Poison Ivy' and the infectious 'Female Hustler' as the former gives you an impression that it would be welcome in a smokey Manhattan blues bar. On the whole, the music itself covers a range of genres which shows Ms Mason's versatility as an artist and provides the promise of someone who could potentially work outside the genre if chosen.
The style and perspective of the lyrics used are also a talking point with Mason not compromising her Essex heritage, which gives a distinctive sound and edge differing from similar female artists who are known to vocal grime music.
The viewpoint and attitude of Mason's music is also a plus with her showing herself as both confident and determined. It's to be applauded that she has kept her personality and not tread the path of the American R&B style singing which so many aspiring artists seem to follow these days.
Keepin It Blonde may not be to everyone's tastes, but offers a different style and stance within the grime scene. Due to the variety of music on offer this is without doubt something that could be offered to the mainstream. This point is justified given the public's current appetite for music of this kind (think Lilly Allen, Kate Nash, Adele etc).
Overall, this is a very strong first release for an artist who has been around for little more than a year. My only criticism would be that 'Don't Cry' and 'Hold Me' weren't included a possibly bonus tracks(?) as, along with 'Wanna be free' were generally the tracks that had people wanting to get their hands on. On a personal note, I would have liked to have seen the Drum n Bass orientated 'Sexy Boy' added as I feel this would have gone down nicely as a good summer/holiday song.
Tracks to look out for:
*Wanna Be Free feat. Wiley
*Haterade
*What's A Girl To Do?
Stand Out Track - Female Hustler
Keepin It Blonde is out now and available to buy via iTunes
After a six month delay, Keepin It Blonde was finally released on Monday via Itunes. Surprisingly, she's considered a love or hate artist despite her obvious talent with critics expressing that in spite of her claims, she isn't 'real' grime. However, what people tend to forget is that grime is a predominantly male orientated scene in need of a more diverse artist base which then leads to a scene built that is stronger and more vibrant.
So I ask, if a female vocalist with a passion for grime comes along and wants to get involved in the scene, why reject or slate her? Surely she should be supported and encouraged. People moan that the scene isn't progressing or getting the attention/respect it deserves so could this be the attitude that is holding it back?
Something to think about.
As a fan of the whole scene, I've bought this in support so look out for a review of Keepin It Blonde soon.
www.myspace.com/laurenmason1
Whilst on the subject of the Adenuga brothers, take a quick a look and his myspace and you'll find a decent re-hash of MC Hammers 'classic' 'You Can't Touch This' nicely titled 'Fuck Dis Shit'. Good fun track leading up to his impending album release 'Famous' released on 14 July 2008.
To listen to the track go to:
http://www.myspace.com/jmeserious
SKEPTA - ROLEX SWEEP
Whatever Wiley can do, Skepta feels he can equal, he's even got the man to him to help him out with the vocals. Anyways, good video which should be welcomed with open arms by the mainstream. Check out cameo's from Jay Sean, 1xtra's Mistajam and of course JME and unofficial Boy Better Know member Jammer.
Rolex Sweep is released digitally on 15 September 2008 and physically on 22 September 2008. Bit of a strange time for this release as you would assume that the rolex hype would have died down by then. However, you can't underestimate the power of holiday season.
In other Sweep related news, Coldplay's Chris Martin has jumped on the bandwagon with thier own version. To have a listen, visit www.myspace.com/skepta
