Slack Fucker

Yes yes yes... I know I've been slack as a slack-jawed motherfucker, but I've been mad busy down here at the Heights getting shit ready to hand to the label for my debut solo release. Got two big tunes ready and raring to go, featuring beats from the mighty Mex of Black Grass and Tom Caruana, and that shit should be going to the press for the new year I'd imagine, so you're gonna have to keep patient for the time being. Been working on a load of new stuff for various projects, keeping myself occupied with only my pen, pad, and copy of PES 2008 to keep me company. Yes yes, I know that Pro Evo ain't conducive to a fruitful productive period, but hey, a mans gotta have his outlets...

Anyway, I promise I'll get some new bits up here to keep you going real soon.

Black Grass Soundcrash the Party

Yes yes yes... that's how to throw a party. The first of the Black Grass Soundcrash nights at Shoreditch's Cargo nightclub blew away those cobwebs like a housefly suicide bomber. Big shouts out to everyone that got involved, from other artists, the organisers, to the people throwing shapes on the dancefloor.

The show got underway with a great cameo from Kid Acne and Clev Cleverley, bringing a northern spin to procedings. South Yorks, South South Yorks! Following them, came Burnley's favourite son, DJ Woody, bringing chaos to the dancefloor as arms and legs spazzed out everywhere, and the alcohol imbibed started to take control and throw flammable liquid on the fires of inhibition. The next section took on a more leftfield US steezo as NYC's Beans, formerly of Anti Pop Consortium blazed his way through a series of crazy-ass beats, paving the way for the Black Grass crew. Mex's eclectic selection of tunes brought out everyone's inner skank, and I assisted on the mic in the only way I know, and gave a first airing to some of the new tracks off the forthcoming album 3, dropping in February on Catskills if everything runs smoothly...

Anyway - if you missed out on this months, then get down to the next one. I'll post up details closer to the time for sure. After catching a quick glimpse at the flyer, the treats lined up for you in November include Infinite Livez, U-Ziq, The Shadow Orchestra and, of course, Black Grass once more... I have to admit I'm not familiar with every one of the artists, but this time next month, things will be different...

Fantana aka K-Sleazy over and out...

PS - Didn't get many decent photos from this as I hit the bottle a little too hard. I'll try again at the next one...

Black Grass & Koaste @ Soundcrash

If you're in the capital this Saturday night, get your ass(es) down to Cargo in Shoreditch for Soundcrash, this month featuring Ex Anti Pop Consortium emcee Beans, former ITF World Champion DJ Woody, and Brighton's number one eclectic party rocking outfit Black Grass, featuring none other than Koaste aka Benny Fantana on mic duties, alongside the ever present Mex behind the ones and twos. Its gonna be a big night for sure, so unless you have some other pressing matter to attend to, your presence is expected.

And in the immortal words of seminal chart dirge MN8, I've got a little something for you. And it's in the form of a video featuring DJ Woody's Flutine Routine. Chow down then bow down.

Under The Patio w/ Last Skeptik

My man Last Skeptic is letting his caustic wit leak out all over himself once again, and ruining his new t-shirt in the process. You'd better raid your dad's old shed at the bottom of the garden, ignoring all the grot mags from '82 -'84 and find yourself a sturdy trowel. Then get over and help digging, because thats the only way you'll find out who's been bodied and is currently flat sharing with Earthworm Jim under the patio...

Under The Patio

Waxheds ft/ Koaste Review

Available at Suspect Packages, Rare Kind and other reputable outlets now, the debut release from The Waxheds featuring Brighton veteran Koaste has been getting a steady stream of good reviews including this one from UKHH:

Here’s a name that will be familiar to a few of the old UKHH regulars, Koaste! This has got to be the first ‘solo’ work I’ve seen him do for years and it would appear that teaming up with The Waxheds (a production crew from Surrey) was a good little move.

The first track “Ill Padrino” is produced superbly for the title, with some rustic Italian samples immersing you in the theme of the track. The second “Menace II Sobriety” is more rowdy shit, with what sounds like some mashed up prog-rock organ thing going on. On both tracks Koaste shows his ferocious skill on the mic, dropping more footie references than I’ve heard in a minute!

On the basis of this release, two things are clear. Waxheds are a dope duo who promise great things in the future and Koaste has still got the skills to hold a track down lyrically.

Where Are They Now Pt.1

Ah... the wonderful world of myspace. Everyone's got a page. From the hottest new acts, to some of, well, the more obscure artists from rap's back catalogue. Its also a great place to check for new material from those who haven't been heard from for a while, or who did most of their best work on other people's shit.

Anyway, here's three of my personal favourites from the late 90's, with links to some of their new tracks which in my opinion are sounding dope as fuck.

1./ Lord Have Mercy

Usually found residing on various releases from the Flipmode Squidad back catalogue, LHM aka Hip Hop's Joseph Stalin was best known for his deep voice, which his fam told him sounded like the voice of God - hence the name. His track with DV Alias Khryst (see below) on the first Lyricist Lounge LP was fire.

2./ DV Alias Khryst

Located on records ranging from Smoothe Da Hustler's first LP Once Upon A Time In America to various Non Phixion releases such as Make It Happen, DV's trademark flow always seemed to add a little summink summink to spice up an otherwise average track. He's got some ill new stuff up on his page, so go chiggedy check that shit.

3./ Nine

Nine Livez was one of the first albums to really grab my attention and shake me around a bit back in my teenage years. With a voice that sounds like he's been gargling with sand after chowing down on wall cavity insulation, you'd have thought he'd have permanently ruined his voicebox by now (especially since my drunk impressions at ciphers usually end up with me coughing my guts up for the following 45mins). Anyway, I'm pleased to say he's still going, so visit his page, and sign the petition for him to record another track with Ribbit Froggy Frog*.

*This petition may only exist in my head.