Ok so, lets cut the long ting… Skepta dissin Wiley, SNM!! Then Ghetts reviewing Skepta’s, Bashy’s and Wileys albums.. Then SN1’s Giggs collaborates with Mike Skinner on probably the most commercially credible tune from Giggs to date, in a deep, meaninful, relative-to-the-times song called ‘Slow Songs’ happy viewing.. and by the way, I’m BACK!!!

Big up to SBTV.

I’m not a major fan of this show, I have more of a love affair with X-Factor and American Idol as they do identify some real talent whereas I’m not really into watchin people pull a car with a rope tied to their ears (in Britain’s Got Talent episode 1).

However, the talent shown by the infamous dance group FLAWLESS on the first episode made me shun my ignorance and pay attention to what Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan were judging.

I heard about this next young man Shaheen Jafargholi but I can honestly say I was quite lost for superlatives, from the minute he started I was like ‘yeah, he’s got talent.’ It’s a good look that average people from all walks of life have such an opportunity in this day and age.

When I heard Wiley had a song feat Donaeo I was highly intrigued especially considering the recent barrage of hits coming from both directions (Wearing My Rolex, Devil In a Blue Dress, Party Hard *if you don’t know them you need to buy yourself a life, i’m selling them in bottles!!!*) and their different styles, though similar roots – coming from the garage days would mould very well on an electro/funky/grime vibe.

Well I was well and truly WRONG!! 

Maybe it will grow on me but for now, NAH!! This ain’t really me, and the reason why it’s called ‘She’s Crying For Me’ is coz whoever she is probably thinking it’s sh*t too!!

Volume 2 Out NOW.. Click http://itsalotmagazine.com to see the latest issue…

I am finding it increasingly difficult to differentiate the level in quality between Slim and Eddie Kadi as the King Of UK Comedy. Eddie has been a personal favourite for a while and although his and Slim’s style differ, they both have a natural talent that aspiring UK comedians in particular can look up to and aim to emulate.

It’s definately a good look for the UK the way in which comedians are now being embraced into the entertainment industry, i.e. Eddie and Kevin J’s cameo roles in the ‘Ransom’ mini-movie/music video by Bashy.

Slim never seems to disappoint!! I’m going to see him live May 2nd, that should be BIG!! I would DEFO pay to see him but the fact that I got press entry makes that a BONUS and a half I tell ya!!!!

It’s only £15 though and men if you wanna take a woman out but your lyric game and charisma is not really up to scratch this will definately be a good ice-breaker and you’ll take her home smiling!!

I don’t mean to carry on going on about this ‘Its-Alot Gate’ scenario however I saw this and found it particularly interesting and made me think was Temps’s reaction towards Grim at Eskimo dance pre-empted. I.e. Was he in the frame of mind that if Griminal brought it in any way towards him, he was prepared to react physically?

You’ll see why I say that when you watch the video for yourself, in Temps’s defence there are some unwritten laws of lyrical clashes, and the ’suck your Mum’ talk doesn’t really get respect *Vybes Kartel Vs Mavado at Sting 2008 springs to mind, Vybez was on top until the crowd turned on him after he said that to Mavado* so where Temps had heard the SBTV (video below in another post) and he heard how Grim was talkin, for man to say that face to face was literally ALOT!! 

I am choosing to refer to this situation as ‘ItsAlot-Gate.’ The situation that started as a mere fued between Griminal and Jammer has now culminated in physical violence not between the two themselves but Griminal and Slew Dem Crew’s Tempa T.

One slang phrase, that is not even actually a word (alot) has made people outside of the Grime scene once again look upon the scene in disgust with a patronising ‘I told you so’ attitude. When you think all this started over one word it seems petty but knowing that there is pride, credibility and much more at stake, some MC’s are not prepared to get parred easily by their peers.

Here’s how it started!!!

Griminal released a free promotional mixtape called Not Just Bars Vol 1 which built up lots of momentum and hype around Griminal who at the time was arguably one of, if not the best younger MC, alongside Chipmunk, Double S and say… Dot Rotten? On that mixtape, probably the biggest tune on in was a track called ‘It’s Alot’ which has been a big slang word for the last few years. The track was getting spun on radio, in raves, it was literally what it said on the tin, it WAS alot!

Hear Griminal’s ‘It’s Alot’ here…

Months later, Jammer, out of nowhere released a track, ironically *cough cough* titled ‘It’s Alot.’ So the same slang word was relayed in the chorus. Now Marcus Nasty, Griminal’s older brother had already had beef with Jammer back in the day and punched Jammer up so this move from Jammer wasn’t the smartest and could be taken with the upmost disrespect considering he wasn’t even cool with the N.A.S.T.Y crew after he got kicked out. So, Jammer didn’t stop there by just making a tune, he literally killed it, had T-Shirts printed with ‘Its Alot’ embezzled over them and other merchandise.

Watch Jammer’s ‘It’s Alot’ here…

Understandably, Griminal was pissed as Jammer blatently tried to par him which then made it difficult for Grim to then release a track in the same genre, with the same title, as the video and merchandising route had been exploited by Jammer so indirectly people may have been purchasing merchandise on the back of Griminal’s track and not Jammer’s, i.e. Griminal made the phrase big, Jammer ate P’s!!

The next step didn’t involve either Jammer or Griminal but it was directly related to the situation. At a time when the ‘Its Alot’ madness had slightly died down, Westwood had a radio set with Jammer, Tempa T, Ghetts and Brutal amongst others appearing.

Download the set here..

http://sendspace.com/file/0hky3n

The set was cool until about 6 minutes in (6.18) and Tempa T comes in with ‘It’s a par, it’s a par, them man goin round saying it’s a lot, but us man know it’s a par, it’s a par!’ which was directed at Grim. Tempa T’s involvement came from his affiliation with Jammer for one, but also for the fact that he claims the slang actually came from HIS crew so neither of them should really be squabbling about it however Jammer had more right than Grim to use it! In typical Ghetts fashion, he couldn’t let that happen as Griminal is his boy and he has too much machido to let that slide. So he went in against them, and even went to freestyle ‘Its Alot, It’s Alot I swear you man borrowed that from Josh, from Greengate don’t think I won’t back it, I swear you man borrowed that from Josh.’

At 10.27 Tempa T then claimed he schooled Griminal in a rave, a claim that came back to haunt him later!! He also said that he don’t wanna hear Ghetts say nothing a   bout ‘It’s Alot,’ to which Ghetts replied, ‘It’s Alot!!!’

Ok, that was that. Then Ghetts released his highly anticipated mixtape/album ‘Freedom Of Speech’ and one of the hardest tracks was ‘Threats’ which featured Brutal and Griminal, Grim’s verse contained the lyrics directed towards Jammer “Man wanna copy the sh*t that I write, now it’s got grim on a hype ting again, one or two guys I’m not liking again, Jammer don’t want me fi start writing again, you’re not heavy! Marcus banged you already, what!? Wanna fight him again?”

Threats..

The event that followed that was Ghetto’s Launch Party at Dirty Canvas when Griminal and Jammer clashed on stage, watch the footage here..

It went quiet for long, hence the assumption from the masses that this scenario was dead and buried until earlier this year when a SB.TV video was released (scroll down on the blog for that video). Griminal went in HARD at Temps!! ‘tell them man there suck ya Mum!!’

All this has culminated in bringing us where we are today. Pride is a fickle thing and for the sake of not only the artists, but the Grime scene in general MC’s need to start realising there is more than just MCing to life!! Call it melodramatic but for a mother to lose a son over a word that DOESN’T even exist would literally be ALOT! Say no more!!

Keep your eyes peeled to the home of Grime for any updates on the latest going’s ons!! http://grimeforum.com

It all started with ‘It’s Alot!!’ That one statement, brings us to where we are now and the current situation is the following:

Some will say this is the end for Grime, it’s not!!

First thing u got to sign in..

Then Update ur status.. Blood, let me see u do the facebook skank..

If I get good feedback on this one I  PROMISE to video myself doing this skank to the riddim.. Just drop ANY comment below and if the response is good enough I WILL buss this skank..

I HAD to take this off GrimeDaily.com when I saw this, just show’s the levels of the roads in London. And if you thought it wasn’t that bad, watch this.. Not to say EVERY person appearing on here is some major crime lord, but…. Do you know what, make up your own mind!!

The DVD this is taken from is called Streets Selected and is being released this month for those that are intrigued..

Big up GrimeDaily.com

Pay attention from 2:15 into the video when he addresses the Kane situation..

I’m sure if you know Kano from ‘Boys Love Girls’ days and if you was around at the Streetz Incarcerated, Bound 2 Blow and Lord Of the Mic era then you’ll defo remember this guy, well he’s back..

Big up GrimeDaily.com

Sway addresses issues that occured within the music industry last year as well as personal things that affected him. This shi* is kinda contraversial but still Sway manages to drop some big lines throughout the clear vent of frustration, though delivered in a suttle manner with an emotive tone of voice; ‘2008’s become my last year // Lets dedicate a prayer to some of us who aren’t here // We never had a summer, it was such a dark year // Estelle managed to shine so I guess we’re half there // I blew 26 candles off a cake // Shed a tear so had to take the bandana off my face .//’

As well as addressing the UMA madness and the credit crunch, he also speaks onthe deceased and misfortunes in the industry.

ANYBODY KNOW WHO he’s talking about at 2.30min????? Comments below!!!

I saw Sway perform this at I Luv Live early in March, HOWEVER his lyrics were slightly different, in the video below he says something @ 1:16 like; ‘See i’m gonna make it by any means // Last year I buried peeps // And my press agent’s gonna hate this when I say this // My aim is // Not to make enemies with NME // But what the fuc* can you do when you’re reviewed by a racist // His name was Gavin Hayes // And he referred to my lost one and dead homies // I gotta take this!!!! //

Yeah.. It’s DEEP!!

In this one, he goes hard at the end.. But before that he performs ‘Pray For Kaya’ which was dedicated to his deceased best friend Kaya Bousquet aka Queen of Clubs R.I.P.

This was a very good night, glad I was there!!

I’ve been inundated with requests that I upload the Mercston – The Day’s Events, for you to download rather than just watch the video..

You’ll be happy to know, if you click here, you can download and listen to it, when and as you want!!

Last time I uploaded some funky for you, there was a barrage of complaints from women especially as they were not familiar with unzipping a file, (I bet they don’t have the same problem if it was a man they liked!!) get it? unzip? anyway!!!

Sooooooo… you’ll be happy to know that once you download this you can play it straight away so no unzipping, straight down to business..

This is DJ Marcus Nasty @ Loveshine, Southend in February alongside MC Versatile.. Now it’s spring, you have to get your traffic light skanks ready when your bumpin this in your car so when you pull up to the lights and you’re skanking, they’re gonna wish they was in your car and had your CD!!!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/gvhft3

Happy listening.. Big up Marcus..

I've got my copy, i'll upload the pic to prove it!!

OUT NOW: H2O The Balance Album…

To be fair, it’s not common in the UK to have an abundance of concious, meaningful rappers. Although there a many that will flirt with the idea of heartfelt music, few will approach there music in such a way, wholeheartedly.

H20, is an independent rapper who grew up on the streets of South-West London and is arguably one of the deepest artists that you will hear in the UK. Addressing subjects and issues others would shy away from is a credit in itself, however he also actively tries to make a change, the slogan ‘Demonstration Surpasses Speech (D.S.S)’ relates to the whole ‘movement.’

‘H’ as he’s also known is a knowledgable individuals and would definately enlighten you on some aspect of life through his music.

Taken from H20’s myspace:

5 UNRELEASED albums recorded in the last year, 2 Mix-Tapes, 1 EP and 6 OFFICIAL VIDEOS, all of which ARE UNRELEASED. H2O say’s ” 2pac said that he might not be the one to get the job done, but he would be the one to light the flame of the person who did, he lit the flames you hear me deliver on tracks, but i don’t have time for ALL of the issues he covered, i’m here to do the rest!”

www.myspace.com/h20thefire

And here’s his video for one of the tracks from the album, entitled ‘Takeover.’ Pay attention as this is the sort of artist you might need to listen to the song twice cox you slow one’s can’t keep up with the knowledge..

Let me help you start off..

‘I need some time in the booth, let me take my shoes off// Light my zoot top and blow the roof top // I’m harder than all of these British artist coz they’re too soft // I’m tryn’a spit some bars like I’m Spartacus till I see my f’ing crew floss // Oh Gosh! H is full of anger // Nah I was raised in bare ghetto’s you wan*er // Tryn’a get closer to people’s minds like their dandruff // Tryn’a help these younga’s on the grind out of there handcuffs //’

If u can’t break that down, go home!!

1Xtra was DEFO live last night!!

…..I had to just upload the set from BBC 1Xtra UK Rap Show. Westwood’s guests were none other than the Movement’s jail-birds Scorcher and Mercston.

This also includes an interview with the two.. Scorcher makes me laugh I tell ya, speaking about his new clothes line he says; ‘Yeah we got a whole heap of APPAREL!! That’s like the US way to describe clothing goods/products or equipment!! (You’ll hear that @ 10:40 into the interview!!!)

Mercston goes in straight away though; speaking about not being let back in Grime he says; ‘F it I kick the door down // Big feet 10’s I’m bangin dis like a hor house // A black presidents resident in the white house // Now it’s got me thinking the whole world is mine // Who can blame me? History made me // His story made me think // Forget the critics, concentrate on your lyrics // I’m still one of the sickest//

The set was quite ard…

Link to download here!!!

Underage Shenanigans!! Who's more at fault?

It was inevitable that Mercston, the MC from ‘The Movement’ would release either a song or direct lyrics towards the incident that kept him incarcerated for two and a half years.

At a time when Mercston was doing well within the music scene, he had recently released one of his best hits, ‘Good Old Days’ which featured Ghetto, rumours suddenly spread that Mercston was in jail for rape. Normally in this kind of situation, when it involves someone in the scene it later turns out that the defendant was not guilty. However, when this case went to trial, it appeared that Mercston would not be released, he was given a 5 year jail sentance.

Nobody has openly come out and spoke about the incident, obviously The Movement were screaming ‘Mercs is innocent!!’ but apart from that, there was not much talk. Mercston has recently been released and in his first interview since his return he said he would definatly be releasing the already written track which described the events of that night.

It appears the charge that Mercston was given was statutory rape, which slightly changes the situation, as it wasn’t like it was not consented..

Have a listen and see what you think.. The track’s called ‘The Day’s Events.’

Leave your comments..

Spring!!!!!

It was only February that the UK was covered in a heap of snow that forced even the transport services in London to halt. But it seems that now the bad weather is past us and the sun is out and the essential tools for summer will be:

• Sunglasses (Stunnas)
• Blanket to chill on the beach or grass with
• Bottle of Wine/Guinness/Champagne/Rose (whatever you drink)
• A nice whip or a topped up Oyster Card
• A FUNKY CD!!!!!

Well I can’t help you with none of the first four, however I can help with the Funky CD, attached is a Mix by DJ T Gully.. Hope you like your first instalment of Funky Funky!!

Click here to download!!

The Flyer to end a mans career!!

If you’re under 18.. DOOOOOOOOO NOOOOOOOOOT!!!! Open this video!!! (Just have 2 warn u 2 cover my back!!).

Likewise, if you’re at work, DO NOT OPEN!!

But everyone else, have a look.. 50 Cent ended it, I have no more to say regardng the matter. The only thing that Ricky can now resort to is literally kidnapping 50 coz I know about lyrical beef, even more intense beef, but when you see what 50 does to Ross then I don’t know what kind of beef this will escalate to!

Click here to see it!!!!!

Contrary to popular belief, N’Jai The Writer is still here blogging, this is the best part of writing as it allows me to convey my feelings and opinions, whether you like it or you don’t is a different thing but as I haven’t been on the blogging as I have been in the past, just wanted to clear that up and let you know that although the magazine in is full swing (http://www.itsalotmagazine.com) I haven’t forgot where it started, so-to-speak.

Welllllllllllllll… What’s been good?

A few things were going on this week, namely I Luv Live at Cargo and Ace n Vis’s AVX Event at Sound in Leicester Square.

I don’t wanna say too much about the events as i’ll leave that for the publication but here’s some pics of what was going down.. I won’t put up too many!!

I Love 2 Play My Bongo's in the....

Professor Green didn't wanna battle me!! He wanted peace! LOL

I make the gal dem... Singbadabadabadabada!!!

The UK TI

Kwame The Rasta!!

Little Derek!

Wretch after his 32'd bottle of Dom P!!! He was Twisted!

Ok thats enough visuals.. I’m holding onto the exclusive one’s but you’ll see them soon!!

All in all though, both were good events but the AVX ting was OOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNN POINT!!! Say no more!! If u wasn’t there you’ll be PISSED when u see the pics and some of the video footage.. It’s Alot!!

I’ve been watching this season of American Idol, I haven’t really payed much attention in the past but I find it interesting to see that Mr Cowell still holds the same prescence across the border as he does here, the show indirectly reveolves around him. Anyhow, some of the artists I liked from previous rounds, namely Stephen (the black guy with the dodgy hair) have failed to live up to expectation or their song choice has been ridiculous.

Ju’Not (pronounced Yu’Know) performed yesterday and was the first artist i’ve seen this season that took something out of the box and done something good with it, performing Hey There Delila.

So, i’m backing him to win, however my TIP to win is Lil Rounds, a very strong female vocalist, imagine a hint of Fantasia, a sprinkle of Jennifer Hudson with a Mary J. Blige topping,  although she does have her own style mixed in with that.. See her performance for yourself. I didn’t think it was that great like the judges did but she ended VERY strongly, and demonstrated that there is much more in the locker.

Courtesy of RWD TV, Ghetts and Wretch recently indulged into the brand new Walkers Crisps collection.. This is funny!!

JaJa from PDC presents the video to Boss, arguably the best track from his Street Boys album released late last year, in conjunction with the book Street Boys written by Tim Pritchard.

I don’t know whether this is a fake story, a publicity stunt or whether Sway has got Friday 13th mixed up with April Fool’s Day but according to Facebook, Derek Safo’s status states ‘I’m very sorry to break this to you, but I’ve decided to quit the music industry. This is a serious message: Full statement on www.sway.uk.com 12pm 2nite.”

Now I don’t know how serious this claim is and I don’t want to jump onto the rumour-mill so-to-speak however this seems quite interesting. I’ll be up at 12 checking so if you manage to see this before, hopefully we’ll find out the TRUTH very soon, whether this is real or a joke!!

Well the grime ’sending’ continues… The lastest barrage has come from Nasty Crew’s hottest artist, Griminal who addresses Skepta’s much talked about ’skeng done to the tree’ lyric made famous by the BET freestyle. Griminals response was ‘U can’t be fuckin with me, I don’t care what the Skeng done to the tree, If you see what the blade did to a face!!!’

It didn’t stop there as a few bars later he sent for Chipmunk with ‘He’s like Beast, I’m like please, none of these boys got the hunger to feed!!’

Lastly but by no means least he finally sends back for Tempa T (it was widely suggested Grim may have been to shook to reply but 4:06 in the video it’s quite clear Griminal is NOT having it!!

Just some fun for your viewing pleasure!!!

It is rare, I mean VERY rare for a criminal to have the balls to step up in court and testify against one or many of his former associates. That is exactly what Darren Mathurin, jailed last month for conspiracy to murder has done.

In a twist, in order to receive only half of his 16 year sentence Muthurin has exchanged a 4000 (yes FOUR THOUSAND) page dossier exposing many a wanted criminal, many have been arrested already, Muthurin will appear in court as a witness in cases.

Contrary to the ‘rules of the street’ Muthurin has snitched and with that, puts his family, friends and ultimately himself at risk. It is seen as considerably worse on the streets due to the fact that Muthurin himself is a criminal connected with murders so is this a vicious cycle that the police will find themselves in? Letting murderers off lightly in exchange for hard sought criminal information.

Read the article here..

It is becoming increasingly popular for Music channels to ban certain videos from TV. The companies themselves have yet to come out and explain the situation.

UK BET Hip Hop Award winner Giggs let known his frustrations around the so called ‘politics’ in which companies try to limit the music and video’s due to their concern of the violent or drug nature behind some themes of lyrics and music.

Giggs’ own ‘Walk In Da Park’ video was not allowed on MTV Base and although he had probably the biggest club tune of 2008, it failed to be playlisted amongst popular radio stations such as Choice FM and BBC 1Xtra. Giggs was not the first and certainly won’t be the latest to feel the wrath of the powers commonly known as the ‘Hip-Hop’ police in America. NorthStar’s C1 is the lastest to be banned from TV, however for your viewing pleasure, here is ‘The Game Needs Me’ by C1.

It seems that all artists that want to keep it as real as possible are liable for such treatment?

 www.itsalotmagazine.com

 Watch this space, there’s ALOT to come from It’s Alot Magazine, launching early March ‘09..