Again, the Newham Generals smash it. ‘Like it or Not’ is the latest dubstep-infused tune to be released (in hood video format) from the forthcoming ‘Bag of Grease E.P.’ out on the 4th October. Produced by Skitz Beatz, Dee and Foots ride his rumbling basslines and epic stabs with deceptive ease, dropping lyrics fans may have first heard the duo spit on a recent DJ Cameo set.
Everyone hypes about this new generation coming through, and whilst there is definitely solid talent there, many can’t hold anything to the style, pattern and flair the Generals exhibit. Whilst there is an undeniably serious and violent undertone in most of their music, it is more often than not offset by a playful lyrical approach. If ever you see the New Gens perform live, there is always a smile or a tongue in cheek. Watch the below video to see what I mean.
It’s something I feel is lost on the younger generation of MC‘s who seemingly make it impossible to enjoy their music if you are in anything but an angry or aggressive mood. The hosting element is lost on them. Anyway, back to ‘Like it or Not’ – it’s a record that’s hard, danceable and unique to the UK. Big up Dee and Foots who relentlessly cook up new styles, sounds and patterns like it’s normal.
I have just come back from an epic holiday in New Orleans. Famed for it’s food, drink and music (it is of course the origin of Jazz), N’awlins is a feast for the senses. Here, I leave you with a video of a local brass band called TBC playing on the infamous Bourbon Street, which my partner and I saw a few times. The intensity of their performance could never be captured in a video, but watch nevertheless. A truly awe-inspiring spectacle.
Newham Generals are one of my all time favourite acts. Undisputed Grime legends, Footsie and DEE have honed their craft over a number of years, a journey which has taken them from pirate radio to sell out concerts and festival stages. They have set trends, blurred musical boundaries and are living proof that making Grime music with wide appeal is still possible.
All this despite only having one CD to their name. Well, that’s all about to change.
Newham Generals’ ‘Bag of Grease E.P.’ is soon to be released digitally and already it looks like it’s gonna be a stomper. Featuring five tracks (four of which have been produced by SKITZ Beatz), ‘Bag of Grease E.P.’ is short, sharp and to the point and will, judging by the samples, live up to its name in every single way. It’s special microsite leaves nothing to the imagination either!
The E.P. includes modern classic ‘I’m a General’ & the remix (featuring the late great Esco Bars), as well as ‘Like It Or Not’, a gritty Dubstep number that’s a nod to the Generals’ shakedowns at FWD>>. Out on October 4th, ‘Bag of Grease E.P.’ will breathe life back in the game. Or take it, depending on how you look at it.
Hailed by Wiley as a ‘don’ and held in equally high regard by many of the UK’s best urban acts (including Skepta and Tinchy) Opium is ready to step up as the UK’s next Grime star. His self-titled debut mixtape ‘Opium’ is an impassioned exploration of Grime – both lyrically and musically – and features production from Wiley, DJ Target (1xtra & Roll Deep), Chucka and Z Dot.
Released digitally on the 27th September through iTunes, Spotify and Amazon, Opium has delivered more depth and clarity with his debut than most artists can manage in a fistful of albums. Having learned his craft under the tutelage of Grime veterans Wiley and Godsgift he has steadily established his own sound and approach.
His ‘stream-of-consciousness’ lyricism breaks from the typical ego-driven MC fodder currently abundant in the scene, and is complimented on the album by consistently futuristic production.
‘My Dream’ sets the lunar tone, with mellow synths washing over Opium’s thoughtful verse. Emphatic title track ‘Opium’ is a version of the Wiley space-stomper and ‘Empire’ is the glossy lead single in which he muses over his legacy and future.
Being of Turkish descent and having lived in Munich for a number of years, Opium subtly expresses his own cultural experiences through music. The mixtape cover cleverly conceals his nations’ flag within world of his own making. As ‘My Dream’ says, it’s time to “scrap everything old and start feeling new.”
Opium ‘Opium’ is released digitally on 27th September via iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.
Big up Threefold’s Dre for the artwork, and myself for the words. 😛
Sorting through my inbox recently I came across a Twitter notification that ‘k1malic’ had started following me. I clicked through to his profile page and although it said he was a Grime producer, I couldn’t for the life of me find any links. I asked if he could send me some links and right away he sent me some showreels; three in all which I nonchalantly downloaded. That was about 15 days ago. I have not stopped listening to them since.
Malic aka Kitt Bevan has only been producing for a matter of months but already he has honed his own sound. Like Z Dot, he utilises strings to great effect – albeit not as sparsely. Malic’s music evokes that Eski Beat sound whilst still sounding relevant and fresh. While many imitators merely sample ‘that’ Wiley snare for an Eski Beat effect, Malic has a much broader approach; layering polished orchestral strings, deadpan brasses and driving basslines on top of current drum patterns and tempos.
As Logan told me in one of many interviews, it’s always better to rework and edit existing Grime formulas than attempt to ‘widen’ the sound by incorporating nuances from other rap-based genres. In most instances, ‘widen’ is just copying what’s in vogue.
Listen to the below and see what I mean. These beats have an Eski texture to them without sounding like imitations. I tip Malic for big things over the next coming months, he has some projects on the way and I hope to hear him collaborate with some other artists, not just MC’s. His instrumentals are beefy enough to stand on their own. Big up Malic.
After a brief foray into cheesy eurodance with ‘Mic Check’, Hammer is back with new release ‘Explosive.’ Employing the talents of Southampton-based producer Royal-T for the beat (1Up, Mega, Damn It etc), Hammer is back to what he does best – vocalling hard, fast-paced Grime.
This record has a touch of nostalgia about it with a skippy, 2003-era beat and a mellow breakdown that’s more in keeping with bubbly 2-Step than Grime. It is an enjoyable stomper nonetheless that Hammer laces with monotone ease; his vocals commanding the beat much like a Garage veteran:
Royal-T has told me a remix is on it’s way featuring a BIG guest MC…
‘Explosive’ is out October 4th from all major digital outlets.
Listening to the recent Heatwave Rinse show (big up Benjamin & Gabriel) I came accross this tune. It is massive. Not usually a fan of this type of chainsaw-bassline stuff, but something about this makes it different. Mr Lexx’s deadpan vocals suit the evil synths perfectly, leading the listener in like he was shepherding lambs to the slaughter. This will undoubtedly have crowds reaching for the ‘saws – the drop reminiscent of ‘Pon Di Floor.’
Trailer for the new ‘Wu Tang Revealed’ documentary, made by the GZA, showcasing what life is really like on the road with the Clan. Should be a sick film!
All those that love their Grime hard, skippy and forward thinking rejoice! Southampton producer and personal friend of ‘The Fold, Royal T, is giving away his remix of JME & Tempz’ smash, ‘CD is Dead’ here for free.
Having been battered by the likes of Elijah & Skilliam in raves for the past couple months or so, Royal-T’s remix is now available for public consumption. The hard snares, stereo keys and raw bass make this one for the iPods as much as the clubs. The download includes the instrumental too, so DJ’s & MC’s that didn’t get it first time round need not feel left out!
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