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Win Tickets To Wu-Legends!

Rap Ireland — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 18:00:17 +0000

Oh yes, the Wu-Legends are back in town this Sunday as Ghostface, Raekwon, GZA and Masta Killa hit Dublin’s Button Factory venue for what is sure to be one of the biggest Hiphop shows of the summer.

It will be nothing but back to back classics when these four heavyweights take to the stage for a set that will include a mix of tracks from their groundbreaking solo records alongside some of Wu-Tang’s most legendary hits.

Rap Ireland have a pair of tickets to giveaway to this fantastic night of hiphop. If you would like to be in with a shot of winning them, all you have to do is answer the question below.

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Rap Remembrance: Those that Hip-Hop Lost in 2011

Rap Ireland — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:01:42 +0000

While the dawning of a new year is a time of joy and new beginnings, when plans are made and goals are set, it is worth taking a moment to remember those who didn’t make it to see 2012. This year saw a number of true Hip-Hop legends pass away, joined by some of music’s brightest sparks, lives that were taken far too early. While the world of Hip-Hop moves on, with new stars being born and stepping into the spotlight, for some of our greatest entertainers the light has gone off permanently. Let’s now look back and celebrate the lives of some of those who entertained us throughout the years, and remember that while they may no longer be with us, their legacy lives on to inspire the musicians of the future.

Words: Kev Storrs

M-Bone (Cali Swag District)
M-Bone’s name may not have been on the A-List of Hip-Hop when he passed in May 2011, but his impact was most certainly felt. With “Teach Me How to Dougie”, 2010’s seminal club hit, M-Bone and Cali Swag District had people across the globe, including First Lady Michelle Obama, doing the “Dougie”. M-Bone, whose real name is Montae Talbert, was just 22 when he died, having been shot twice in the head in Inglewood, California.

Gil Scott Heron
At 62, Gil Scott Heron may have been in his prime before many of our readers were tuned into Hip-Hop, but this spoken-word poet has had a doubtless influence on the development of the genre. Best known for his work in the 70’s and 80’s, Scott Heron described himself as a “Bluesologist”, fusing Jazz, Blues and Soul but delivering in a rapping vocal style. Having played to numerous crowds in Ireland just last year, this true great will be sadly missed.

Heavy D
“It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up Magazine, Salt n Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine” – Over a decade and a half after Biggie Smalls paid homage to Heavy D in Juicy, the Jamaican born rapper died aged just 44, having earned himself a deserved place in Hip-Hop’s Hall of Fame. A permanent fixture of 1990’s Hip-Hop, with a name synonymous with the golden age of the genre, Heavy D has become more well known in later years for his television and movie work, while those more tuned into the charts will remember him for his songs with Michael Jackson and his sister Janet. In a tragic turn of fate, Heavy D’s first performance in 15 years, at the 2011 BET Awards, was to prove his last. Having collapsed at his apartment, it is believed his death was a result of a blood clot in his lung, most likely formed during an extended airplane journey.

DJ Mehdi
Paris has always been a hotbed of European Hip-Hop, and DJ/Producer Mehdi was one who has consistently been at the forefront of this for many years. Best known for his work with MC Solaar, DJ Mehdi had more recently begun to spread his wings in other genres, most notably with electronic music, where we was working closely with Daft Punk among others. DJ Mehdi died on September 13th in Paris, when he fell through his apartment’s skylight while on the rooftop celebrating a friends birthday.

Slim Dunkin
The most recent of 2011’s Hip-Hop deaths was that of Atlanta’s Slim Dunkin, who was murdered in a recording studio as a result of a confrontation that escalated from an argument over a piece of candy. The emerging star was signed to Waka Flocka Flame’s Brick Squad and had close ties to Gucci Mane. In recent days the lead suspect in the murder, a man known as Young Vito, turned himself in to the police department having feared for his own safety.

Nate Dogg
What can you say about Nate Dogg. Without a doubt, Nate was Rap Royalty of the highest degree, and will be the biggest single loss to the genre of 2011. The King of Hooks, Nate Dogg was best known for his soulful yet G-funk tinged hooks that could transform the most basic of tracks into a classic. Nate was an integral part of the Gangsta Rap movement, working closely with West Coast golden era of Warren G, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur. Nate Dogg died following complications resulting from multiple strokes.

Rap Ireland would like to extend our condolences to the families of all those rappers who died in 2011, and wish to spare a thought for all those mourning a loved one moving into 2012.

Lupe Fiasco – Friend Of The People (Free Mixtape)

Rap Ireland — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:47:26 +0000

Lupe Fiasco returns with this special Thanksgiving release ‘Friend Of The People – I Fight Evil’. Long time fans of Fiasco may recall on this day two years ago, he dropped the highly regarded ‘Enemy of the State’ Mixtape. Friend Of The People will be seen as the follow up to that project and should serve to tide fans over between studio albums.

It’s a collection of 12 new tracks from the Chicago rapper spitting over a selection of popular dance beats: including the tape standout ‘Lightwork’ featuring Ellie Goulding. Best of all – it’s free. So what are you waiting for? Check out the download below. Next up for Lupe will be ‘Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album’.

**Download Here**

01. Introduction
02. Lupe Back
03. Friend Of The People ft. Dosage
04. Double Burger with Cheese
05. Joaquin Phoenix ft. Lil Ronnie
06. WWJD He’d Prolly LOL Like WTF!!!
07. Lightwork
08. Life, Death & Love From San Francisco
09. SLR
10. SNDCLSH In Vegas
11. Super Cold
12. The End Of The World

Maverick Sabre up for MOBO!

sean d — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:49:05 +0000

First held at the Connaught Rooms , London in 1996 this event was originally launched to celebrate “Music of Black Origin”. The definition has since morphed a little as the awards now encapsulate and celebrate “all types of music from urban culture”. This evening, acts of all genres, cultures and creeds will gather in Glasgows SECC for the annual celebration that is the MOBO Awards.

Most notably our very own Maverick Sabre has been shortlisted for the coveted Best Newcomer award having announced himself triumphantly onto the scene this past year. Past winners of the award include none other than Tinie Tempah, Chipmunk and N-Dubz and the standard of acts in the category this year is testament to just how much talent is surfacing and how artists are now more than ever making their own breaks into an ever changing music business. Kanya King, CEO and Founder of MOBO said: “We are very pleased with the level of this year’s nominees, including many emerging artists, some who have come from backgrounds where they haven’t been given a foot in the door, so-to-speak, these artists have shown real determination to make it happen.”

Alongside Maverick in the Best Newcomer category is another artist making it happen Wretch 32. The North London rapper is this year’s most nominated male act with 4nominations and as well as performing on the night will also fight it out with Rizzle Kicks, Tinie Tempah and Wiley for Best UK hip hop/grime act. His debut single Traktor, which reached number five in the UK singles chart, has been nominated for best song. Hosting this years event will be Jason Derulo and Ailisha Dixon whilst the backstage area should be interesting as Dappy and Tinchy Stryder present all the goings on behind the scenes. The evening will include performances by Jason Derulo, Dappy, Tinchy Stryder, the legendary Boys II Men, Alexis Jordan, Katy B, Wretch 32 and a very special tribute to Amy Winehouse.

Here is the full list of nominations for the MOBO Awards 2011:

Best UK Act Adele, Chase & Status, Chipmunk, Examplem, Jessie J, Katy B, N-Dubz, Wretch 32, The Streets, Tinie Tempah

Best Newcomer Alex Clare, Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sande, Jamie Woon, Jessie J, Loick Essien, Maverick Sabre, Rizzle Kicks, Yasmin, Wretch 32

Best UK Hip Hop/Grime Act Giggs, Rizzle Kicks, Tinie Tempah, Wiley, Wretch 32

Best Video Chipmunk featuring Chris Brown – ‘Champion’, Jessie J – ‘Do It Like A Dude’, Rizzle Kicks – ‘Down With The Trumpets’, Tinchy Stryder featuring Dappy – ‘Spaceship’, Wiley – ‘Numbers In Action’

Best International Act Alexis Jordan, Aloe Blacc, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Cee Lo Green, Jason Derulo, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa

Best Song Adele – ‘Someone Like You’, Chase & Status featuring Tinie Tempah – ‘Hitz’, Jessie J – ‘Do It Like A Dude’, Tinie Tempah – ‘Wonderman’, Wretch 32 – ‘Traktor’

Best Album Adele – 21, Chase & Status – No More Idols, Jessie J – Who You Are, Katy B – On A Mission, Tinie Tempah – Disc-Overy

Best UK R&B/Soul Act Adele, Dionne Bromfield, Marsha Ambrosious, Mike Houg,h Omar

Best Reggae Alborosie, Damien Marley & Nas, Jah Cure, Khago Mavado

Best Jazz Act Denys Baptiste, Gwilym Simcock, Kairos 4tet, Matthew Halsall, Usonic

Best African Act Cheikh Lo, D’Banj, Fatouma Diawara, Liquideep, Owiny Sigoma Band, Seun Kuti, SMOD, Spoek Mathambo, Vieux Farka Toura, Wizkid

Best Gospel Act Bobby Bovell, Four Kornerz, Jayess, Junor Garr, Triple O

R.I.Exclusive: RAP IRELAND Interview with Wretch 32

sean d — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:26:46 +0000

From the London Underground movement, the Grime scene, as is its nature, has evolved, multiplied and reinvented itself into the stand out genre of the past few years.

With an ever evolving sound and artists who seemingly have no issues at all with imprinting their own unique style on any given sample or beat, UK Grime is continuing a pace to enhance it’s ever increasing foot hold on the musical physche.

Words: Sean Doyle Interview: Sean Doyle & Kev Storrs

With a seemingly endless stream of former Grime MC’s leaping into the popular charts, many following in the footsteps of Dizzee Rascal and Tinie Tempah, it is becoming clear that the Grime scene’s prominence is here for the long haul, down in no small part to the abundance of talent that in its beginnings stalked the underground clubs and dancehalls of London.

One such MC is Wretch 32, the son of a reggae DJ from Tottenham, North London. Wretch (real name Jermaine Scott) has long been established as a top Grime MC, a former member of the collectives “Combination Chain Gang” and “The Movement” which included Scorcher, Ghetts, Devlin and Mercston. This unique and talented Grime officiando has had huge underground success with the release of a host of mixtapes, one of which won him the 1xtra mixtape of the year award, and collaborations which ultimately earlier this year led to recognition from, and indeed the opportunity to perform with, the legendary P Diddy.

Having been named as the BBC’s “Sound of 2011”, Wretch 32 released his first commercial single in January 2011 and the success of “Traktor” propelled his talents into the mainstream. A further 2 singles and an album “Black and White” have since followed along with performances at Glastonbury and Belsonic amongst others.

So it was that Rap Ireland got to chat with the man himself just before his Arthurs Day Headline slot at the Savoy Theatre Cork.

Rap Ireland: Firstly congratulations on a fabulous 2011 so far, any highlights!?

Wretch 32: The whole thing man. But especially running out at Wembley’s open stadium and performing “Unorthodox” with Example. That was definitely a highlight for me.

Rap Ireland: What about the performance with Diddy?

Wretch 32: Yeah that was definitely a memorable moment. Diddy didn’t have to reach out and show love but he did. It was nice of him man. He’s a cool guy and a great role model.

Rap Ireland: What does it feel like now after grinding for so many years just to get to this level, to now be able to come to another country and sell out shows?

Wretch 32: It feels surreal man, it proper feels funny like its not something you just get used to you know. But for me its like ok now I feel like there is so much more to do still. So I am always looking for new tasks and you know I suppose that’s how it gets cause theres always new territory to tap into.

Rap Ireland: After having the couple of big hits that you have had where do you go from here?

Wretch 32: For me its about really pushing the Album. You know the Album is done. It’s done very well in the first 2 weeks, so we are just continuing to push it. Just keep pushing until the wheels fall off literally! Then you work on the next one, so it’s got to be about concluding a project.

Rap Ireland: So what can we expect to hear from you next; is it going to stay Grime or because of the chart success are you influenced more to go the commercial route?

Wretch 32: It’s a funny thing with me. My music has always been the same. It’s the same kinda music but of a better quality. You know I have always kinda had tracks like “Don’t Go” from my first and second mixtapes, but it just so happens that at this time now it can actually get out. People are listening. So for me nothing really changes just the work rate. It’s the work rate that changes more than the music.

Rap Ireland: What do you get the biggest kick from, is it the recording or the performing?

Wretch 32: A bit of both man. You love recording the track but then you cant wait for everyone to hear it you know what I mean? So it goes hand in hand; I couldn’t imagine recording a track and not being able to perform it. Yeah it’s weird.

Rap Ireland: Do you find now that as things are so instant for example with Facebook and Twitter that things are more in the artist’s hands now more so than the labels?

Wretch 32: Yeah, you know the artist can just fire a tweet out at any time. We got our own youtube channels, we can just fire out something on Youtube, is good because now it’s like directly straight to the fans rather than dilly dallying. It’s good. It’s nice to be in that kind of position.

Rap Ireland: What do you think of the prominence of the Grime scene at the moment?

Wretch 32: I think there is huge talent there. I think you know we had a lot to prove and we have done extremely well but I think there’s more to come. You know there’s more barriers to get over and I think we still got a long way to go.

Rap Ireland: Do you find now that breaking into the mainstream there is still the connection to the collective of artists who were helping each other out before, do you still help all the others up with you?

Wretch 32: Yeah 100%. Like if you type in Wretch 32 on Youtube you see me working with all the underground artists; the good ones that have fan bases. You know what I’m saying because its important that we still show the unity. You work with who you think is good and you work with who you like and I think that’s the only way underground people are gonna get exposed. Of course I can’t go and do a song with everyone, there just isn’t time, but you know you work with who you feel is gonna come through or who you feel has got a good shot and yeah it works out.

Rap Ireland: If there was one artist that you would say helped you out and took you to this level from the UK, who would it be?

Wretch 32: I think Chipmunk did quite a lot for me man. You know, obviously we done a mixtape together and, you know, going on his tour and stuff. It’s good; you get a different amount of exposure. But of course Pro Green put me on his tour, so did Tinie Tempah, you know, and of course now I’m putting Scorcher and Sincere on my tour so its like it keeps relating. And Sincere and Scorcher will put whoever’s next up on their tour and then it keeps feeding in and it’s good man. We gotta keep it doing it like it is.

Rap Ireland: And what Artist would you ideally like to work with?

Wretch 32: It would be Damien Marley. I really like his style man. I would really love to work with him. Hopefully we see whats up in the next record.

Rap Ireland: What can Irish fans expect from your live shows?

Wretch 32: I am just trying to die on the stage just as simple as that. I just like going in man. Just give it my all and enjoy it

Rap Ireland: What you expecting from the Irish crowd?

Wretch 32: I am just expecting a good vibe. Hopefully everyone’s a bit tipsy you know.

Rap Ireland: As it is Arthurs Day whats your favourite drink?

Wretch 32: Disaronno! I had a Guinness yesterday though.

Rap Ireland: What did you think?

Wretch 32: Interesting! It feels like a full on drink, like a meal! And you know me, I don’t eat a lot, I’m skinny as hell so a few of them I be bloating up!

Rap Ireland: You mentioned the work rate earlier, so what would a typical day in your life be like now?

Wretch 32: It’s a lot of interviews. Don’t get to write as much, you know travelling and shows.

Rap Ireland: Because of the way the music industry is at the moment do you find you have to be out every night just gigging non-stop to be able to make your money?

Wretch 32: Yeah, you gotta be able to tick over man. At the end of the day it’s a business and you gotta work hard at the way you make your money and gigging is where the money is man so I’m out as much as possible.

Rap Ireland: Do you find it is the Label or your management who push you on to work harder?

Wretch 32: It’s a bit of both but you know the way we’ve come up we’ve always been grinders so our natural thing is to find a new thing, the next territory, and you know that’s just how our minds are set. We’re always looking for new shit.

Rap Ireland: What were the pitfalls that you guys in the UK went through that the Artists in Ireland can watch out for?

Wretch 32: I think sometimes its just about proving. You know, quite a lot of the times you’d say we should be getting this or we should be getting that but when you just continue to go and you build your own little fan base you know it kinda proof that you’ve got something going on. So it’s like now they have to let you in or they have to put you on the stage because you got fans. So it’s just about working and building up your fan base whichever way you know how.

Rap Ireland: What were your thoughts on the London Riots could you relate to what some of the people who were rioting were going through?

Wretch 32: For me it was just wild man you know it was just crazy watching it. It’s one of those things where if something like that happens you actually don’t even know what to say. It kinda leaves everybody speechless. Especially when you are unsure how you even feel about it. I think it’s mad. I think they are rioting for a reason but I still think the rioting’s mad man.

Rap Ireland: Was it difficult to formulate a response, as you rely on the streets to relate to you so don’t want to back away from them but at the same time you don’t want to be irresponsible and say keep rioting?

Wretch 32: Yeah that was definitely probably the hardest thing for me and you just gotta be careful what you say.

Rap Ireland: Ok so getting back to the music what would be your favourite track to perform?

Wretch 32: Now I’ve been really into a new track which we’ve added to the set and the album. ‘Sanes the New Mad’. Really enjoy doing that one man. Its new, it’s fresh, it got a good vibe and just represents where my head’s at now.

Rap Ireland: What can we expect from you in the future, say 6 months down the line?

Wretch 32: Erm just more music, more music, more appearances, more shows, more tweets, more graft; everything. I cant tell you anything specifically because I don’t know what tomorrow holds but there will definitely be new shit.

Rap Ireland: Lastly, if you could name one act, who would you say is the next one to come up?

Wretch 32: It’s interesting, there’s a few popping up man, you know, Scorcher and Sincere. I also think G Fresh. Yeah there’s gonna be a few. Maxsta he’s doing alright aswell.

Björk and Hip Hop?

Kyle — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:00:10 +0000

Anyone who’s a fan of either Björk or Timbaland may already have an inkling as to what the article is about. Think back to 2007 when one of the most bizarre musical collaborations ever was announced. Timbaland was going to be the lead collaborator for Icelandic singer Björk’s seventh studio album Volta.

Timbaland rather controversially and erroneously stated that the then new album was pure Hip Hop, and anyone who’s familiar with Björk’s work knows that this wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibilities. Just check out the remix of Björk’s Oceania which features R&B singer Kelis in a way you’ve never heard her. Volta finally got it’s release and fans were happy to discover that the album couldn’t have been any further from Hip Hop if it tried.

Whilst waiting in giddy anticipation for the release of Björk’s eighth studio album Biophilia (release date October 2011) I decided to listen to her old stuff, as I’m a huge fan. I came across something that took a few listens before I finally believed it. Fast forward from 2007 to 2010 when once again Björk is hiding from the public eye, waiting for the right moment to make her move. Gangsta rapper E-40 released his twelfth studio album Revenue Retrievin’: Night Shift. The album featured collaborations from Snoop Dogg and Jazze Pha, to keep the list short. The ninth track Spend The Night, which is what interests us, features Laroo, The DB’z, Droop-E, B-Slimm and none other than Iceland’s favourite pixie Björk. The song heavily samples her hit Oceania (the same one Kelis featured on) with Björk singing throughout the song. It’s impossible to pay attention to the men as Björk flawlessly and effortlessly drowns out their rhymes with her own unique lyrics and voice.

Certainly an extremely strange collaboration that works so well on so many levels. Have a listen and let us know what you think? Do you like it? Dislike it? Does this peculiar collaboration work?

Is Keri Hilson too sexy for feminism?

Kyle — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:00:16 +0000

Keri Hilson is widely known in the Hip Hop community as an extremely successful songwriter with many artists contracting her for her skills; Ciara, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Usher are just to name a few. The subject matter of her songs usually deal along the lines of feminism, sexuality and female empowerment. The songs she writes for others are not only usually commercially successful but critically successful too. So what is it about Keri Hilson that she’s praised for writing songs like Gimme More but then criticized for her own music?

The most notable criticism of Ms Hilson surrounds her song and accompanying video The Way You Love Me. The edited version features heavy editing and noticeably modified lyrics which was praised by critics. The original and unedited version however was slated by critics stating that Keri is only using sex to sell records. One major example is in the edited version “I got the kind of lovin’ that’ll keep you off the streets”, and the original version “I got the kind of pussy that’ll keep you off the streets”. In one interview (Hot 97′s Angie Martinez) over the criticisms Keri said ”I’m just saying what women really think and feel and if I’m gonna be honest about myself, I have to show that side of myself,”.

A lot of the general public have criticized Keri too with a lot of people using words like “hoe”, “skank” and “slut”. What’s interesting to note is that the majority of these criticisms come from men which plays into stereotype that a sexual male in Hip Hop is a “player” whilst a sexual female is a “slut” or a “bitch”. Fighting double standards in Hip Hop seems to be a constant struggle for female artists (other than Keri) with artists like Nicki Minaj, Missy Elliott, Lil’ Kim, M.I.A. and to a lesser extent, Kreayshawn.

Personally, I really like Keri Hilson. I think she writes amazing lyrics that help fight the double standard and she has the vocals to go with it. But do you think Keri Hilson is really turning the tables and showing men that women can do the same? Or do you think she’s in fact hindering the opinion of female musicians? DISCUSS THIS IN THE NEW FORUM