
Monday, October 23, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
grimey voices
The review
DVA presents Voice Of Grime: volume 1
Since the dawn of grime I had no doubts that the softer side of grime was always going to be the more innovative border of commerce. Sadie Ama has just been playlisted by Jez Wellam, for those of you who don’t listen to any commercial daytime radio (yes we know its painful), Jez runs the Kiss FM drive time show. As you can see this is major money and airtime.
More and more vocalists have emerged as the scene has progressed, notable faces include Donae’o, KT Pearl, Sadie, Carly Bond, Louie Lou and a host of other sweet sounding individuals. It always takes one person to go against the grain and take the scene into a new frontier, Since Cameo started pushing the Rhythm and Grime (RnG) movement there has not been any real ripples.
Enter “The voice of Grime”… A compilation packed to brim with grime you can actually listen to with your significant other without getting turfed for noise pollution. As always we recommend you listen to the whole disc when you buy it from your local independent or HMV, which ever takes your fancy.
The tracks that I think you should watch out for are
Take you away – Sadie: with amazing song writing skills shown in lyrics such as “I think you need a Leo in your life and the courage I bring” Sadie (butter wouldn’t melt) is set to be a star.
In addition to this watch out for Menhaz (we got studio footage of this lady in action) and Amy King a new protégée aka rising aka voice of grime. Why is this a good look? Because we might actually start getting a good ratio of females to males in our raves… nuff said.
What is FIP?
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
Vultures have landed. Los soL
Thursday, September 21, 2006
12 mega 12 mega 12
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
bless....
Tony The Tiger
................................
NOTE FROM EDITOR
Toni the Tiger is part of the HoodStars Team
Hes not a real Tiger of course, but has been know
to run wild in the concrete jungle.
What is FIP?
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Monday, September 11, 2006
Bag of sand – Spitz Of Renwick
Bag of sand – Spitz Of Renwick
Nuvibes
Bag of sand is an interesting concept in its self as it has many metaphors. Just from looking at the stunning inside cover photo artwork you will notice that the idea of using bags of sand as defensive tools is explored as well as the cockney rhyming slang for "grands". Im not too sure what Spitz is trying to defend, but from the overtly positive tone it must be the posterity of UK Hip Hop.
Spitz is a unique character in the landscape of UK Hip hop. He probably stands alone with Mecca to Medina as the only Hip-hop in England with an Islamic tint. Although this is not so blatant on the album, when you do meet Spitz this becomes apparent.
He sometimes sounds as if he is preaching on the album, which can be hard to digest for an ear that is not trained in hearing this kind of music. At times he switches up his flow to suit the vibe of the track. A prime example is “don’t look back”. Another track that smacks of antiquity is the "cry blud". The Skippy vibe of this makes it a pleasure to listen to.
“Cry blud” is an obvious play on street slang. Another look at street culture is explored on track number nine with a famous sample that you will all recognise instantly if you are fans of Ashley Walters or not. The track tries to explore what the problem associated with street culture is. In my view this subject needs to be tackled again from a different point of view. Possibly a track with two people representing both sides of the argument.
The ideal behind representing both sides of the argument is somewhat lost on certain tracks as the Spitz relays how he feels about politics, war, gun culture, drugs and street life. At times spitz leaves these major issues, concentrates on his inner self, and lets us into his world and the events that have shaped him as a person and inevitably as an artist.
“Clocks ticken” with Faith SFX the UK beatbox champ and Purple, aka Purple Simba show us how he can express deep emotions that we are all aware of such as death, an event we will all have to deal with at some point in life. The same subject is delved into on “Say Goodbye”.
Nevertheless, there is more than one strand running through the album, and global politics is a major part of this. Home politics is the second strand. The other is the curse of human nature. If you are having relationship problems then have a close listen to Smoke, and “1 try”.
Spitz seems to shine most with a constellation of other stars behind him, and my track numero uno on the album has got to be No 6. I wont tell you who is on it, but the diversity of artist will make it a definite wheel up for all the conscious and non-conscious backpackers.
Its is rready for purchase with a custom made bag, not a bag of sand but a bag with the sort of amterial sand comes in. Make sure you get you collectors items, in Uptown, And other outlets. If you cant find it just contact one of the myspaces below directly.
What is FIP?
http://www.myspace.com/nuvibes
http://www.myspace.com/speakaspitz
Dirty canvas
This was actually the first time I had experienced Dirty Canvas. I did not have any idea of what to expect. This was also the first time I had experienced the ICA, once again I had no idea of what to expect.
The whitewashed walls smacked of art deco, the crowd was built to match, some hood, some posh, some normal, some dressed extravagantly. As long as we get more mainstream media and keep drawing crowds with a mix like that the scene can get more diverse. Perfect example was the “advertorial” which ran last week in the Evening Standard promoting this event.
The music was perfect, the skills of Madame Collins on the decks brought us a warm up, a bit of bashment, a bit of US a bit of grime. DJ Magic hit the set hard with the Renegade boys. One of my favourite moments was hearing Renegade tear down pulse X. they controlled the set perfectly showing a lot of maturity and good public relations. Watch out for these guys this year, project are forthcoming on the NuVibes label. The Plastician switched the game up by throwing down an old school garage set, pure genius, the vibes set the tone for the next segment.
As it was Ruff Sqwads mixtape launch (go out and buy "Guns and Roses II") and boy better know were appearing everyone was waiting for these crews to arrive. The crowd got a surprise in the shape of Jammer who jumped on the set with Boy Better Know. The crowd’s response was amazing, not just for Jammer but for the rest of Boy better Know. Wiley was a no show, but he whereabouts were accounted for.
I didn’t manage to catch much of Ruff Sqwad but got a smacking interview with JME while they were on set. Watch out for that footage so to be released on the myspace and blog. Forthcoming DVD project will have more exclusives like that on it.
The vibe was on a family tip, networking was going on like crazy, and this is the place to be without a doubt. London’s situation with grime-based events leaves a bit to be desired but when Dirty Canvas becomes established in the mainstream then it will solidify Grime as a viable format for the masses.
Note to venue, please please sort the air con for next time…
http://www.myspace.com/dirtycanvas
Monday, September 04, 2006
clean my canvas
DIRTY CANVAS
New monthly club / live music event
Launches Saturday 9 September, 2006
7.30pm – 2am
Dirty Canvas and Straight Outta Bethnal present:
Ruff Sqwad, DJ Plastician and Boy Better Know
+ DJs Cameo (1xtra), Magic (Soul 2 Streets), Hattie (RWD) and
Carmen Selektra (Touch)
‘Dirty Canvas represents a highly unusual foray of Grime (Grime — an acronym for "Got Revolution In My Eyes")... music into “uptown” culture.’
Matthew Ingram (The Wire, Jan 2006)
On Saturday 9 September, 2006 the ICA launches a new monthly club night, Dirty Canvas, which will showcase live performances from talented underground artists emerging from the grime and dubstep scenes. Following a successful year at the Whitechapel Art Gallery, Dirty Canvas is taking up residence at the ICA, where it will continue to present new acts and raise the roof on this musically innovative, constantly evolving and creatively cutting-edge urban scene.
The opening night, co-curated with Straight Outta Bethnal will feature one of the grime scene’s best kept secrets Ruff Sqwad, who (like Dizzee Rascal and Wiley) hail from East London’s grime epicentre – Bow E3. If Ruff Sqwad had a US hiphop equivalent it would be Wu-Tang-Clan, with their fierce loyalty to the collective, their hugely distinctive and impressive productions and the range of vocal talent on offer. Although still only teenagers, Ruff Sqwad have been together for over four years and in that time have put together an impressive body of work, in particular the brilliant ‘Guns and Roses II’ mixtape, which will be available at the night.
Ruff Sqwad will be joined by dubstep pioneer Plastician, who will present the scene’s biggest tunes, including many of his own productions. Plastician started DJing at the tender age of sixteen and played on a number of London pirate stations before moving to his BBC Radio One show. Aged eighteen, his self produced track 'Venom' gained him early notoriety and two years later, he started label Terrorhythm Recordings and established his name as key producer in both dubstep and grime scenes. In 2004, Plastician toured the USA with Aphex Twin's Rephlex label and featured on Rephlex's 'Grime' album.
Also taking the stage will be members of grime’s biggest supergroup Boy Better Know, featuring JME, Skepta, Wiley and DJ Maximum.
The second ICA Dirty Canvas will take place on Saturday 14 October. Lined-up are the Newham Generals and The Movement.
http://www.myspace.com/dirtycanvas
http://www.myspace.com/ruffsqwad
http://www.myspace.com/djplasticman
http://chantellefiddy.blogspot.com
Saturday, September 02, 2006
8th bfm Intl Film Fest kicks off

The 8th bfm International Film Festival runs 8 to 15 September bringing a line-up of over 60 films to London screens. These range from features to documentaries, from shorts to experimental film. Several programmes will run including a Caribbean strand, a Latin strand, and African storytelling. The UK Talent strand, in conjunction with Time Out London on Screen, showcases UK talent past and present. From Horace Ove's classic film, Pressure, to Stephen Lloyd Jackson's drama, Rulers and Dealers*. The closing gala film will be Life & Lyrics* the soon to be released feature starring Ashley Walters. The UK Short Film Awards at the Prince Charles Cinema will bring the festival to a close. Seven of the best contemporary UK film-makers have been selected to showcase their work. The 8th bfm International Film Festival is supported by the National Lottery through the UK Film Council and Film London's Audience Development Fund.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Another post from SUCKYAMODA
ARE THERE ANY "black" PEOPLE IN HOLLYOAKS?
Now EVERY weekday between 6.30pm and 7.30pm you cant reach me. You know why? I am a hollyoaks addict. I like the simplicity of what they do, the acting is crap, the girls are half decent (*** bit of lippy and I would poke em after a drink or 4*****). The plots are inane and all in all it’s a fucking joke.
Now all was going swimmingly with the writing team of Hollyoaks, till some clever Blunt thought, “we haven’t had Negroes on the show in a while, lets get some Negroes”….Why do white folk do this, they think they are being politically correct and im sure their hearts might have been in the right place, but….. but…..but…..Look what we get We get the Valentines:
Family:
Mother: Diane Valentine - Deceased
Father: Leo Valentine
Brother: Sonny Valentine
Sister: Sashay Valentine
Previous residence
24 Longton Road,
Hollyoaks,
Chester
CH4 5FP
(on the Fairview Estate)
this is their previous address as stated on the Hollyoaks website even though they all have London accents, (**** what the fuck****)???
The problem with this family, is those WHITE COLONIAL RACIST bastards (WHO PULL THE SRTINGS) have to typecast BLACK families all the time. Could they have been a family that was as affluent as Toni Richardson and own a business? NO NO NO NO, (***** in a kanye-esque style ala No 1********)
Could they have been a stable family unit that were upwardly mobile and all had jobs in media and lived it up? NO NO NO NO NO!
Instead we get, a drunk black father figure who was never there for his kids and slept around with his dead wife’s friends, then walked out on his family and is a gambling addict…with his puffy cheek like a fucking chipmunk… Yes im sure his is a positive role model for all black kids and also it shows a good example of black fathers to all them white kiddies up north and in fucking Shropshire county.
So that’s the dad, now before the moms got licked down by a drunk blunt, she was the typical kinda black mother that they only allow on TV, almost white, worked so so hard to bring up her kids on her own, such a struggle, so much hardship, bad husband and she still HAD TIME, YES, HAD TIME, OH YES TO MAKE CHICKEN (******Don’t forget we black folks love chicken*******).
Ok and to make sure that they didn’t make all black characters negative stereotypes, they made the oldest brother, a policeman, (**** imagine that ****) lets be real, no black people who could get a real job opt to be a coppers
I ain’t even started on this bullshit family they serving us up,
1) Both their parents were dark motherfuckers, but all the kids look mixed
race!!! Can we please have some DARK DARK WESLEY SNIPE LOOKING actors ON T.V!!!
2) The younger brother who is always vex, they are blatantly going to stitch him up as a drug dealer soon enough, and he will have an untimely demise
3) The older brother who is a good guy wears a thin chain all the time and the younger brother who is our BAD-BOY, rocks a chunky silver number. I love the mindset of aging white trendy cocksuckers, IS that the determining factor in if a black guy is a thug or a lover.
Ok so I’m still gonna watch it, I need to find out if Max finally knocks out Claire. Afterward which Obi and Max would proceed to spit roast her.
That would be real entertainment.
So till that happens, im left cringing at what is being broadcast about typical black families to much of Greater England. I mean Hollyoaks is the most watched teen drama in the country so if your black and get weird looks when out in COUNTRY you know whom to blame.
Does anyone know if any of the Hollyoaks writing staff are of ethnic origin, I mean if they hold the reins to the most popular television teen drama, then they have a lot to do with shaping opinions, views and perceptions that are maintained. (****BRING EM OUT, BRING EM OUT, THEY CANT TALK SHIT WHEN THE BARREL IN THEIR MOUTH****)
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Quick 1
Leo from the Streets completely flopped it on Celebrity Love Island. I mean, the chick is obviously a “skettle monger”, Callum Best finished her, and dude was still all over it. I mean, what happened to the days of keeping it P.I.M.P. Leo if you’re reading this, you need to phone HITCH!!! Trust me blud, you too used to bedding ‘mindless 13yr old Mike Skinner hand-me-down’ groupies that you forgot your killer instinct blud!! A Lion without its roar.
Educate yourselves bitches….
This Posts Reading Reference IS
Pimp: The Story of My Life (Paperback)
By Iceberg Slim
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/087067935X/102-4638108-9237728?v=glance&n=283155
Questions will be asked next week…
SUCKYAMODA
Sunday, August 20, 2006
they read my press release....
Happy Reading....
JULIUS AMEDUME’S FIRST FEATURE FILM “A GOAT’S TAIL" TO PREMIER AT THE PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA ON 1 SEPT, 2006
This 2 hour dramatic edgy film noir follows the journey of one man (Kojo), whose cautionary tale circles the depths of the dark face of London. Kojo (played by newcomer Godfred Nortey) is a taxi driver and wannabe hustler living and working in Ghana, West Africa. His luck (or so he thinks) is in when he picks up Cynthia (Lesley Cook), a beautiful young British tourist. Cynthia reluctantly promises to invite Kojo to England. Four months later, Kojo arrives on Cynthia's doorstep. Filled with ambitions of fulfilling his dreams of succeeding as a poet and gaining fame and fortune, it soon begins to dawn on him that the grass might not be greener on the other side and people are never quite what they seem….
This exciting new film also guest stars Simon James Morgan (Seed of Chucky), Jason Ramsay (The Fifth Element) and Danny John Jules (Lock Stock…, Blade 2, Red Dwarf), and features the first movie role for two of the seminal voices of the UK underground garage music scene MC Creed and T.
Julius Amedume, Director said “I’m really excited and proud to see my labour of love finally make it to the big screen. It’s been a long struggle with a lot of trials, tribulations and limited resources. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a lot of support and the opportunity to work with some the most talented people working not only in film, but spoken word and music. I think it just goes to underpin the current strength of the talent in not just Britain but Africa also. And I hope I can continue to bring a mass audience, compelling characters and interesting stories “
The premier, will be followed by Q & A session with Amedume and a number of the film’s stars.
Tickets for the premier are £8. and are available from:
Prince Charles Cinema Box Office:
7 Leicester Place, WC2
0870 811 2559
The After party will be at:
TEATRO
93-107 Shaftesbury Avenue W1
11-3am
Tickets: Film plus After party tickets are £13 Available from www.clubtickets.co.uk
For further information, press tickets or a press pack, please contact Amedume Films on:
T: +44 (0) 7930 580 012
+44 (0) 7944 520 069
E: info@amedumefilms.com
W: www.agoatstail.com and www.amedumefilms.com
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
AGoatstail.com
this stunning film premiers
On the first of September
At the prince Charles cinema
Kojo is a taxi driver working the streets of Accra,
He meets a British tourist who promises streets of gold
and an invitation to England.
Kojo arrives unexpected and has a head full of ambition and dreams that need to be fulfilled
It soon becomes apparent that the grass is not always greener on the other side...
and people are not what they seem.
Oh yeah, there is an after party....
And Emcee " we di di did doing it again" Creed is in it, but he wont be doing a live PA of Duppy....
bless
What is FIP?
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Monday, August 07, 2006
little chif Kopie
Lil Chif
Soon come EP
Mizchif
Usually when im researching a subject I start with a google search, it always opens up more possibilities and gives me leads to work with. So after receiving Lil chifs “soon come “ EP in the post I sat down and listened to it, and listened to it again, and kept it on repeat on an off and on basis for the whole week.
Usually I get sick of the CD by midweek… however, it may seem like I struck gold, black gold… Adeleke Awoyinka is Nigerian ex pat that has spent much of his time here, and also in Paris hence the strong twang in his voice, which sets him apart from other UK rappers on the market.
With this EP we get an introduction to a very cultured Londoner who epitomises what London is about in this day and age, diversity. Not just racial diversity but artistic diversity. Chif has used this ideal and collaborated with legends from other genres, including Det and Shabba D, Jamelia, Leon Black and Asher D. anyone with good enough research skills can track down some of this material (try google).
The album is defiantly a London slice of life with the first track breaking down the language used on the streets, even though I had the radio edits I could still fill in the naughty bits, the album is a personal view which many people will be able to relate to.
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"I spend my time trying to chase my imagination and live my daydreams through my music, apart from that I just sign on and smoke.!?" Chifizm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“London” is based on the Chifs view of london from the borough of hackney or hack town, it breaks down the language used on street level and would be a good tool to have if you just landed in the murky “rues” of london. Go describes a desire to get out of the city even though the artist loves the city… “Breathe” is one of my favourites, poignantly pleas for a change during hard times contrastingly "gimme" flips the script and pokes fun at the materialistic attitude of the music industry and society as a whole.
The whole project is imaginative and eclectic in terms of the themes, the melodies and the content. The beats will reminisce of the music kids from the early 80’s grew up on, and in the case of “know my name” the music that fans of the Beatles grew up on.
Not content with being a musical genius, the Chif stars in animations which can be found on you tube, as well as a well-shot video titled "Sirens". The most enjoyable thing about the artist known as Lil Chif, is the twang he hits the tracks with, very fresh with a hint of African… watch this space for some grime collabs…
Going back to the google search, Lil Chif threw out a good amount of media to keep me busy and keep my mind off writing this review, but it was all worth the while, I now think I understand this nutter a little more…
www.myspace.com/Lilchif
mizchif@msn.com
What is FIP
P.S....WATCH OUT FOR THE SOON COME LP
CLICK ON THE FLICKR BANNER ON THE LEFT FOR MORE DETAILS
New Writer for FIP....
& IS HE RELATED TO SILLY TRAMPEN (LILY ALLEN)?
I did try to listen with an open mind but I find it funny that the standard of music that is allowed to slide by under the "pop" banner is lower
Ok, so Plan B, I don’t get it.... dude has a guitar, a lot of anger and some mediocre lyrics,he has been heralded as the new truth, the voice of the youth, the light that shines out of Ken Livingstones arse to beam on london. Im sorry, dude was on the NME awards and they had people in the rows laughing at him, and he cant speak for me cos my mum was never in love with a crackhead. Why cant we have innercity music that celebrates the fact that we all get along, the sun does come out and also that black people need to make some money
Maybe im being too harsh, but is it me alone who notices the trend in the kinda of artists that are allowed to slip through the net alright, sway is on the mercury shortlist, which is definitely a good look for us, but so were many others. Is that all we are allowed, a chance at 20K and a plaque, next day paper coverage and then ciao papi
*** Wheres the she-boy who won it last year? *****
We need daytime TV, we need t4, we need Choong family in the big brother house and Radio1/Kiss/Magic/Radio 4/ west Midlands hospital radio & that malteser-head ***Mandela**** playing more than what labels hand over to them during power lunches at some wanky restaurant.
Is it this the kind of condition that forces the migration of the talent from these shores to areas codes in different time zones what happens in 5-10 years time to black music in this country? Are we relegated to having to shuffle from foot to foot from one trend to another, best hope you don’t get too old for the new trend blud, another new name, another free magazine and bunch of critics and hacks to make up fancy new ways of saying the same old shit...
If the end is nigh then we best go out with a bang in closing, if I have missed the true merits of either of the artists that I mentioned, holla at me and show me the truth, cos I personally would have to use their cds as weed plates.
by....SUCKYAMODA
-------------------
Editors note....
Most people make a quiet entrance with their first article but SUCKYAMODA
has chosen the alternative entrance... get used to him cos he is not going to tone down...
Stay blessed.
What is FIP?
Friday, August 04, 2006
What Tony said to Snoop
The scene: the Sky bar at the Mondrian Hotel, Hollywood, on Monday night where Adidas is hosting a party. Among the guests are several Premiership footballers, Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg and Tony Blair. The prime minister sips a cocktail while admiring the view.
Tony Blair: You know, I really wish people would stop saying that, it's just ... oh, hello. Puff Daddy, is it?
SD: Call me Snoop.
TB: Always changing your names, you lot. Can't keep up.
SD: Fo' shizzle ma nizzle.
TB: Hmm.
SD: Dat middle east bizzle is out of control.
TB: Well, it not quite as simple as that, you see.
SD: Need a immediate ceasefire, multinational security force in South Lebanon, political framework for a lasting settlement.
TB: Yes, of course. I'm down with that, obviously [attempts a complicated handshake with Snoop. Snoop declines].
SD: You need to get Bush to move on this, him and Condolizzle, got to do the bizzle.
TB: Well I am hoping to persuade them to take a more ...
SD: Can't be the president's bitch all the time.
TB: Look, I don't think it's fair to say I'm his bitch. I find the insinuation, frankly, rather whack.
SD: Time to rethink the whole strategizzle, put together a new agenda on poverty, trade, climate, whatever. All that shit.
TB: Which is, I think you'll find, more or less what I told the World Affairs Council just ...
SD: The World Affairs Council is WAC. Marinate on that, prime mizzle.
TB: Obviously I'll be marinating on a lot of things between now and ... perhaps you'd like to come to Britain in the near future to discuss these ideas further, perhaps speak at the party conference like my close personal friend Bono.
SD: No can do. My boyz got into it at Heathrow duty-free and I been banned.
TB: That was you? You're Ice T?
SD: I'm a Diet Sprite actually, but if you're goin to the bar ...







