Category: Reviews

  • Shadez The Misfit – Misfit Maximus | Mixtape Review

    Believe it or not, UK Hip Hop isn’t merely about being wavey, flee or swagged out as the recent crop of rhymers have shown. There are a good handful who rather choose to inspire as well as move the crowd. Shadez The Misfit is another that can be added to the acclaimed bunch of poets,…

  • Joss Stone – LP1 | Album Review

    LP1 is Joss Stone’s fifth studio album and her fifth attempt at reinventing herself. Having sold 11 million albums by the age of 24 it should be evident at this point just how talented she is and just what to expect when purchasing it. However, as ever, the album is a medley of styles and…

  • Little Dragon – Ritual Union | Album Review

    Swedish electronic and synth-pop band Little Dragon return with their third studio album Ritual Union. Having won us over on their 2007 self-titled debut album with their adept left-field interpretation of contemporary American R&B and Soul music and with such beautiful songs as “Constant Surprises” and “Twice,” Yukimi Nagano and her Little Dragon quartet returned…

  • Jay Rock – Follow Me Home | Album Review

    Without question, Hip Hop from the West Coast has really taken a hold of this year’s summer. From Dom Kennedy’s fun mix of street smart party outings to the critically lauded Section 80 from Compton wordsmith Kendrick Lamar. Even with Mann’s crossover appeal, there’s still space for some more from the sunnier side of the…

  • The Soul Mavericks scoop victory at the UK BBoy Championship Qualifiers, London | Event Review

    Nobody likes a biter. To be successful in any race individuality is key, but judging from the heated UK BBoy Championships Regional Conflict last Saturday, it was clear that to be at the top of the game you better not be trying to move to anybody else’s beat. In a unique twist on the original…

  • Histories of Hip Hop with Akala @SouthbankCentre, London | Event Review

    A weekend of events celebrating hip hop at the Southbank Centre in Central London kicked off on July 14 with a presentation by UK rapper and poet Akala breaking down the musical history and origins of hip hop music,joined by Sona Jobarteh who is a member of one of the five principal kora playing, also…

  • Writer's Block ft. Luc Skyz, Cynthia Erivo, AKS, Clement Marfo & The Frontline, Hip Hop Shakespeare x Tanya Auclair | Event Review

    Ever since hearing about Writer’s Block I’ve wanted to get down to one of their nights, and so when Sunday July 17th’s talent-filled line up was announced, that was all it took to convince me. Upon entering East London’s CAMP I was struck by the intimacy and comfort of the venue; chairs and sofas all…

  • DJ Khaled – We The Best Forever | Album Review

    It’s become almost mandatory that every rapper, DJ and so forth claim that he or she is the best in their field. But when making it a slogan for your team or set, that’s when the naysayers will multiply in abundance. Just ask Miami DJ Khaled, whose continuous hollering of ‘We The Best’ has put…

  • Ruby And The Vines live at Archangel, London | Gig Review

    In some respects three piece Ruby and The Vines are the result of what happens when the multiculturalism of London surfaces as a musical style. Part West African Highlife, part melancholy and lethargic post-Punk, part ’80s Reggae and, most importantly, part exuberance and allure. The band were at West London’s Archangel on June 21 to…

  • The Cool Kids – When Fish Ride Bicycles | Album Review

    The year 2011 has been the year where many delayed/mythical albums have finally seen the light of day. From Saigon’s impressive “debut” to the solid/disappointment that was Lupe Fiasco’s LASERS (depending on your stance), it seems the power of an anticipated release isn’t enough to appeal to hold fans’ attention. So it makes for an…