11 Sep Holler If Ya Hear Me: Tupac Shakur musical in the works
News broke out this summer that Tupac Shakur's music will reincarnate as the score for a musical fit for Broadway, and now theatre director Kenny Leon confirms that a cast is in place.
23 Jul Chrisette Michele – Better | Album Review
Much has changed for Chrisette Michele in the three years since her last release; she has admitted to developing an addiction to unhealthy food and gaining 40 pounds in the process, leading her to delve deeper into her conflicted state of mind for lyrical content and forcing her to confront aspects of her life that may have been suppressed during previous records. The cathartic process of recording Better makes the title an apt description of Michele herself, and results in a record that is open and ultimately uplifting.22 Jul Eric Lau – One Of Many | Album Review
Known for his work with Lupe Fiasco, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Chris Dave and Oddisee, to name just a few, and his DJing in support of the likes of Erykah Badu and Questlove, British producer Eric Lau steps back into the limelight with his second album One Of Many, showcasing his skills as a songwriter as well as a producer.
15 Jul Poet Dean Atta pays tribute to Trayvon Martin with “Black Britain & Black America”
Whilst many are still reeling over the verdict in the George Zimmerman – Trayvon Martin trial, a number of media figures have quickly come out to express their views of the decision to acquit the Neighbourhood Watchman over the death of 17 year old teen. UK poet Dean Atta delivers a timely and poignant poem entitled “Black Britain & Black America #TrayvonMartin,” paying tribute to the slain adolescent in addition to expressing the varied similarities and discriminatory issues plaguing both the UK and US.
02 Jul Dancehall star Konshens spearheads book drive for Secondary School in Uganda
International Dancehall artist Konshens is spearheading a book drive for Kololo Senior Secondary School in Uganda, Africa to help equip the students with tools to further their education.
18 Jun Nego True – “Daddy Are You Proud Of Me?” | Poetry Video
With many celebrating Father's Day this past weekend, British spoken word performer Nego True performs a powerful piece expressing the emotional strain with his father on "Daddy Are You Proud Of Me?".
18 Jun Thundercat – Apocalypse | Album Review
Stephen Bruner, aka Thundercat, has become the go-to bassist for artists seeking a virtuosic but tasteful low-ender. Notably on Flying Lotus’ 2010 LP, Cosmogramma, his fidgety six-string runs meshed perfectly with FlyLo’s electronica, heralding a surprisingly coherent musical partnership that would blossom with Thundercat’s first solo offering, The Golden Age of Apocalypse.
Whilst on paper the idea of a fusion-versed bassist collaborating with an electronica producer might sound inaccessible, in practice the result is accessible almost to the point of pop. Thundercat’s sound is a near-perfect marriage of catchy soul imbued with a sense of Afrofuturism [vaguely reminiscent of the likes of Weather Report and Billy Cobham], creating an album that valiantly attempts to present technological and musical virtuosity in coexistence with funk and soul.
Enter Apocalypse. The album's grandiose title serves to signpost the ambitious content in store.
18 Jun Mac Miller – Watching Movies With The Sound Off | Album Review
Ask any artist their creative process and they will convey a special story. Whether it's stuffing the studio with yes-men, relocating to Hawaii or making sure they’re high on acid; every practitioner has a unique way of creating art. Mac Miller's story involves plenty of muted throwback '80s films and wildlife documentaries. Quite an interesting process, right? Let me explain.
In the past four years a lot has changed for Mac. Between his own MTV reality show, moving from Pittsburgh to LA and acquiring a bunch of new rap friends, he managed to produce the first independent number one album in 15 years. But if we're on the subject of change I suppose we better talk about the biggest change of all; Mac Miller's sophomore record Watching Movies With The Sound Off.
13 Jun New Bridget Jones book to be released called ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy’
After two successful Bridget Jones novels which went on to become even more successful and much loved movies, author Helen Fielding has another book in the series coming this year, completing a Bridget Jones trilogy.
The new novel goes by the name Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and sees the lovable spinster not only contend with new developments in her love life and career, all while navigating her way through the new age of social media.