23 Apr Wretch 32 on using music to express himself and cope with anger
"It's an amazing thing that I found music, man..." Following on from Ne-Yo's talk on the therapeutic power of music, chart-topping British rapper Wretch 32 sits down with SoulCulture and reveals how he uses music as a portal to express himself, for our #OKNotToBeOk mental health campaign.18 Jan Kano & Mikey J – Not 4 the A List Special @ILuvLive | Event Review
If you weren’t at ILUVLIVE on Monday, you missed out. You probably already knew that before the doors opened though, from the second you saw the line-up; after all, it isn’t often that two of UK music's finest take the stage on the same night, let alone share it. But ILUVLIVE pulled out all the stops for a special in which Kano and Mikey J presented his recently released free EP, Not 4 the A List.
27 Oct Lowkey: Only You Can Represent Yourself
With tracks controversially entitled "Obamanation" and "Terrorist," London born rapper and self-confessed political activist Lowkey has no reservations airing his opinions on various issues; so when you hear his name you might think of a politically outspoken MC who solely speaks about injustice and inequality - but what does he think of these perceptions about himself?
23 Aug Wretch 32 – Black and White | Album Review
Of all the proposed jumps from grimy street rhymer to polished, radio friendly 'superstar', the expected transformation of Jermaine Scott better known as Wretch 32 was always going to be intriguing. For the north London rapper's immense lyrical performances and fondness for conceptual material seems vacant within many of the successful acts from the urban pop market. But with three exceptional chart singles, an abundance of festival appearances plus receiving the nod of appeal from both the underground and mainstream radio platforms, Wretch stands in a position which very few have been able to reach. But can Black and White, the second album from Mr 32 paint a more vivid picture than the current hoard of paint-by-numbers projects on offer from the rest?
19 Apr Chipmunk – Transition | Album Review
‘Transition: The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.'
For some, however, its definition ‘in music terms’ may be seen as the pursuit of success, put ahead of keeping one’s musical integrity. Whatever meaning one chooses to believe, it’s without question a term which defines the current position of Brit emcee, Chipmunk.
From the young tearaway MC to the poster child for the tabloid-christened ‘Brap Pack’, the development of the artist as well as divide between the supporters and the doubters continues to grow with each new release. But Chippy’s ascension up the list of power players in the scene has landed the North London dynamo in positions of grandeur which, as he hopes, will result in much greater works to solidify his position and shut the ‘haters’ up as well. So it’s album number two which looks set to confirm Chipmunk's transition - the question that remains is just what his transcendence has resulted in?
14 Apr Marvell Boys – Marvell FM 4 | Mixtape Review x Free Download
With collectives and sets being on the up again within Grime and Hip Hop, one UK trio who have been consistent in their few years of existence make a welcome return to the mixtape scene. Those Marvell Boys - Double S, Shocka and Vertex - have collectively torn apart sets and live PAs, as well as releasing a consistent series of Marvell FM mixtapes with its mixture of 140 beats, Hip Hop remakes as well as blazing freestyles which have pushed them up the rankings of the ‘top guys’ in the scene. Now on the fourth installment of the Marvell FM catalog, can North London’s impressive trio successfully stretch the series beyond the trilogy?
17 Jan Wretch 32: UK success “isn’t about words; it’s your chorus, your beat, how you flow”
The infectious dancehall inspired, Pulp Fiction theme-tune sampling cut “Traktor” swiftly catapulted Wretch 32 into the consciousness of mainstream pop consumers as soon as it impacted radio and online late 2010, and he became many people’s ‘one to watch’ for this year. SoulCulture sat down with the rapper, real name Jermaine Scott, to discuss the importance of lyricism, Team UK, and why he isn’t planning to open a supermarket any time soon.
01 Mar Mixtape Review: Wretch 32 – Wretch32.com
Whilst many of today’s acts achieve success in all areas, there are only a few whose wordplay prick our ears due to the magnitude of their lyricism. Amidst those who do so, Wretch 32 is the artist most commonly mentioned within the Grime and Hip Hop circuit. His 2008 debut Wretchrospective sported some of the biggest hits of that year as well as the most in-depth verses to come from the UK in recent times. As a shortage of such artists is evident, this makes each Wretch release an anticipated one and his new mixtape should hopefully provide enough material for lyrical fans to teethe on.