Archive for January 2010
dJ vadim
After literally looking death in the eye and recovering from serious cancer, DJ Vadim has faced his own mortality. After a lengthy operation that saved his life and a lot of soul searching he was back in the studio creating the superb ‘U Can’t Lurn Imagination.’ Beatnik sat down with Vadim for a mind exploring chat.Tue 26 Jan 10 10:00 No comments
dJ devastate
Whether digging through the Swedish country side for records to enhance his soul and music to collaborating with some of the most notable US MC's, DJ Devastate has a clear idea of what he is doing and why he is doing it. With music that is the antithesis of slimy 3-minute singles, it was to be expected that our interview became a chat, a pint and reflections over music.Tue 26 Jan 10 9:51 No comments
dam-funk
To be known as the ‘Ambassador of Boogie Funk’ holds unusual diplomatic weight in this musical world. Highly respected amongst the musical elite, In his words and those of many others he’s here to represent the inhabitants of Funkmosphere and after hearing his debut ‘Eachtoizown’ it’s a citzenship we should all be applying for.Tue 26 Jan 10 5:00 4 comments
maverick sabre
Over at Beatnik we are excited, very excited for new talent Maverick Sabre. Between practising for constant live bookings, writing new material and negotiating a record deal, the Nineteen year old's days have truly become busier then the taxman. Luckily we managed meet up with the rising star on a cold Sunday morning in North London. After brief jokes and photos in the snow we settled in a warm pub and get behind the man about to blow.Mon 25 Jan 10 22:31 5 comments
phantogram
Proud to break new artists, Beatnik is delighted to bring you yet another exclusive under the banner ‘one to watch’. Phantogram, hailing from quiet New York State, are certainly just that. One listen to this hot transatlantic export, you appreciate there’s nothing amateur brewing here.Thu 14 Jan 10 0:22 1 comment
shad k
I’ve always been, and still am, a sucker for lyricism. As a teen, I measured a rapper’s quality by how many syllables and punchlines they could pack into their rhymes. The late great Big L was my hero; how he’d put two multi-syllablic punches in the first bar, with one final, longer punchline in the...Wed 13 Jan 10 21:46 No comments
souls of mischief
A-Plus, Opio, Phesto, and Tajai were just a bunch of school kids when they met at a junior high school in Oakland California, the place were they formed the hip-hop group ‘Souls of Mischief.’ As we look to a new decade Beatnik sat down with the four formidable rhymers to discuss the beginning of infinity.Thu 7 Jan 10 14:23 3 comments
Mayer Hawthorne – A Strange Arrangement
Stones Throw initiated a 60's soul revival and... well, we weren't going to miss out. A Strange Arrangement by Mayer Hawthorne was one of the highlights of 2009.Sat 30 Jan 10 21:33 No comments
the very best – warm heart of africa
One of the most surprisingly brilliant releases of 2008 was The Very Best Mixtape, an unexpected collaboration between producers Radioclit (a French and Swedish duo who've dabbled in hip-hop and grime) and a Malawian singer called Esau Mwamwaya who they had met in a second hand furniture store in Clapton, London.Thu 21 Jan 10 13:30 No comments
mos def – ecstatic
“home grown from the greatest grain; full flavour in the native strain” – Priority ‘The Ecstatic‘ opens with an arabic prayer, immediately followed by a sample of Malcom X speaking. He talks of a “time of extremism”, “revolution”, “extreme methods” but also of collaboration: “I don’t care what color you are — as long as you...Thu 21 Jan 10 12:55 No comments
mf doom – special blends 1 & 2
Public Enemy, De La Soul, M.O.P., Ghostface, Gangstarr, Nas, Erykah Badu, Jeru The Damaja, Raekwon, Beatnuts... It's hard not to be impressed by the track listing of these two MF Doom mix CDs. Doom provides something so drastically different that you find yourself forgetting about the original tracks and simply enjoying them as something new.Thu 21 Jan 10 12:42 No comments
julien dyne – pins & digits
Clean your eyes people and prepare those tiny hairs for the arrival of one of the most exciting producers this side of the universe. As we were just about to wrap up 2009, New Zealand born Julien Dyne lands firming in our hemisphere with a super ridiculous debut. An instant Beatnik recommendation.Wed 20 Jan 10 19:30 No comments
vadim – u can’t lurn imaginashun
Known as the John Coltrane of Hip-Hop, DJ Vadim releases his new magnificent musical gem U CAN’T LURN IMAGINASHUN. A 18 track album that delves into the mind of a Russian beat genius, with signature Reggae and electro influences simultaneously working perfectly throughout, it’s a project that is chill-full yet uplifting and in parts funky...Mon 18 Jan 10 19:00 No comments
the illersapiens – elevate ep
When you look at classic US instrumental bands like the Legendary Roots Crew, Fugees or even, quite favourites, Digable Planets you start to wonder: when a UK band of such potential quality will appear and delight. The Illersapiens, with their Elevate EP, are one such crew demonstrating all the right ingredients to carry that clout.Sat 16 Jan 10 16:05 No comments
outkast – stankonia
Among hip-hop heads there are few absolutes, but here is one that brooks no argument: Outkast are among the greatest rap groups of all time. Big Boi and Andre 3000 have never – repeat, never – had a bad album, or even one that was less than fantastic.Thu 14 Jan 10 19:46 No comments
lg & biscuit – smoke rings
Possibly one of the greatest but overlooked albums ever, LG & Biscuits Smoke Rings is too special for words. A timeless piece of music, that sadly fell through the cracks on its way to broader ears.Thu 14 Jan 10 19:25 No comments
4hero + marky – kings of drum n bass
There’s a wealth of Drum n Bass compilations out right now, all generally of high caliber. But this new offering from 4Hero and DJ Marky has a little touch of magic to help it stand out. Raise your hand in pray Junglist soldiers or liquid loversThu 14 Jan 10 19:03 3 comments
jack flash – the union jack album
Dropped back in 2008, The Union Jack Album generates that rare exciting feel from a hip-hop debut, with the Huddlesfiled (Yorkshire) native having made everyone on the UK underground turn heads when it was released.Wed 13 Jan 10 0:41 No comments
jill scott who is jill scott: words & sounds vol.1
2010 marks 10 years since its inception, but Jil Scotts debut is still relatable and relevant then ever. Smooth and seductive it's 84 degrees of listening beauty.Wed 13 Jan 10 0:17 No comments
rodney p – the future
One of the most respected Rappers in and outside of UK hip-hop, as part of early rap crew London Posse Rodney P was a true innovator of the art. After leaving the group and countless features, the original riddem killa blessed us back in 2004 with his only album to date, The Future.Tue 12 Jan 10 23:16 No comments
d’angelo – voodoo
D’Angelo’s solo album Voodoo, released in the spring of 2000, brought the neo-soul movement two steps forward by taking one step back.Mon 11 Jan 10 19:17 4 comments
Movits! – First we take Manhattan
Swedish jazz and hip-hop outfit Movits! are taking the US by storm with their current tour. Manhattan was the first stop.Sat 30 Jan 10 21:44 No comments
Mabanua: Japanese Soulquarianism…
Japanese goodness! Pure aesthetics straight out of Tokyo. Keep up with Mabanua and many more Eastern talents on Beatnik during the spring...Thu 28 Jan 10 22:22 No comments
New single & video: dj zinc feat ms dynamite – wile out
Finally Ms Dynamite returns after a long hiatus. Back to what she does best, pure ragga flows. This time on a dirty Zinc riddem. Fire!Wed 27 Jan 10 14:56 No comments
dj j-live : ‘The knowledge mixtape Vol 1′ (free download)
DJ J-Live drops a bananas Hip Hop mixtape - The Knowledge Mixtape Vol 1 . Featuring some of hottest joints from the hottest recent releases including Jay Electronica, Royce Da 5'9, Wale, Marco Polo, Mos Def, Mr Lif, KRS ONE, Edo G & Masta Ace, (Man i could be here all day)Wed 27 Jan 10 14:20 No comments
mystro – 09 uk rap up
Hilarious punch-line don Mystro gives his UK version of the 2009 rap up. Check, check the video.Tue 26 Jan 10 15:25 No comments
Oddisee – Odd Winter…
One of the most buzzing US producers has blessed us with another season's release. And it bumps.Mon 25 Jan 10 22:25 No comments
Perquisite – New Site!
Though we're sure he's not in desperate need of traffic, we'd like to point you in the direction of Amsterdam producer Perquisite's new website.Mon 25 Jan 10 21:46 No comments
the doctor’s orders presents: j-dilla changed my life
Its that time of year! The People at Doctors Order, known for the freshest parties in town bring back the annual 'J-DILLA CHANGED MY LIFE' party. A night in tribute to the life & work of a true Hip-Hop genius, it's gonna be a road block no doubt.Mon 25 Jan 10 19:23 No comments
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