MR FLEX - Nothing To Prove - Feat Sophie Rose Harper (Free Download)

Mr. Flex produced by Beat Butcha.
Download the song for free here
And keep an ear out for his ep coming soon with production from Chemo,Kelakovski and featuring Iron Braydz,Ransom Badbonez,DJ 456 and more

Sons Phonetic - Twelve Labours (Review)

Sons Phonetic formerly known as Correkt Minds of Waterford in Ireland recently dropped 12 Labours.
The first thing that hits when you listen is the production handled throughout by the one and only Mook and its a treat to hear such a cohesive project,every beat is quality and joined up by his  M.C. partners Sammy Dozens, Tommy Tyler , Mouse Hughes and Kav they prove theyre no crew to be taken lightly.
After the intro things kick off with Isolation featuring irish hiphop legend RiRa, they drop bars about "flatscreen televisions in the ice cream van in front  my weed sellin business".
Another highlight is "Renaissance" where Tommy Tyler and Mook trade bars proving Mook is a beast on the mic to.
Once you hear the ominous bassline of "Domino Effect" you'll be hooked and will agree with the sentiment "Fuck the mainstream,we dwell where these estuaries run" cos this is grimey hiphop at its best,SP arent looking to crossover just to put out hiphop the way it should be and as they state on "Danger Danger" this sums up their mindstate perfectly "Danger,danger the kids with the bars are back, Dusty loops,scuffed kicks and baggy parker jacks".
My personal favourite was "Hands of Time" over a crazy piano loop and a sweeping string sample the quotables keep coming "i keep my friends close, my enemies closer,so if you think you know me well then our friendship is over".
RiRa makes another appearance on "Rhyme Style Stencil" but hes the only guest on the album apart from some cuts by Jimmy Penguin proving you dont need big name features to make a sick album.
At 12 (Labours) songs long its just perfect as every song is top quality with the mix of deep beats and high level lyricism and was also mastered by the UK's Chemo.
SP are no joke.
For bookings contact sonsphonetic@gmail.com
Buy the album here on itunes or CD
Become a fan here and contact them for collabs or whatever.
Subscribe to the Youtube channel here

Telemachus - Scarecrows feat. Roc Marciano (Video)

Telemachus, bka Chemo, will be dropping a 7" on YNR soon, and this track will be the A-side. NY underground veteran Roc Marciano is recruited to provide typically gritty verses, over the atmospheric production.

Beyond The Interface Vol​.​1 by Noize Thievery (Free Download)

Belfast producer Noize Thievery drops a new project full of his trademark bangers and featuring himself on mic duties.
With soulful samples and hard drums this is one for the real heads,my personal favourite had to be Divided Kingdom with its soaring strings.
Its a free download from his bandcamp page and hard copies are available from the man himself for £5.
Mixed and mastered by hiphop production heavyweight Chemo, its obvious we'll be hearing more from Noize Thievery including production on Cyrus Malachi's up coming album.
Download here 
Contact Noize Thievery here to purchase beats etc.
And become a fan here

'The Kinesis Thesis' - K.I.N.E.T.I.C. (album review)

Solid, real Hip Hop is on the menu with K.I.N.E.T.I.C.'s sophomore LP release. With always-reliable production from Jon Phonics plus more dope beats from ones to watch JJ Malone and Vintage (who enlists Chemo's co-production help on 'Leave It All Behind' this album will keep you involved for its 47 minutes.

With lyrical performances as powerful as 'Love Has Never Lived Here' (an honest look behind the doors of K.I.N.E.T.I.C.'s childhood home), it's obvious his Energy Man suffix doesn't just adhere to the kind of hyped up Hip Hop displayed on opener 'Let's Go' - electricty runs through whatever topic is tackled.

Overall the album documents the elements that contribute to the MCs place in life - the city ('In The City'), soul destroying 9 to 5s '(Leave It All Behind'), upbringing and Hip Hop itself ('Memory Lane'). The bluesy 'Don't Be Silly' tells a tale of changing attitudes to love as a result of heartbreak - an attitude sadly adopted by many, resulting in an endless cycle of messy relationships.

'The Kinesis Thesis' is released digitally on Monday November 16th.

'White Noize' (Chemo Remix) - Orphans Of Cush

'On The Radar Vol. 4' Track Highlight: 'Mad Real' - Chose Spokesmen

'Mad Real' - Chosen Spokesmen (produced by Chemo)

The second exclusive track from 'On The Radar Volume 4' comes courtesy of Chosen Spokesmen and top UK producer Chemo. Chosen Spokesmen are a collection of artists including Blick Kid (Beat Maker/MC), Gadget Boy (Beat Maker), Modulation (Beat Maker/Beat Boxer/MC), Danger The Sargent (MC) and Mr Flex (MC).

The version of the track featured on 'OTR Vol. 4' didn't include the cuts in the chorus so here's that new version. Look out for this track in other places in the near future but remember where you heard it first. Stay tuned for some more Chosen Spokesmen music at Certified Banger.

Chima Anya's Album Preview

'On The Radar Volume 4' Out Now! (free download)

So, it's here - for all of you who were waiting! 'On The Radar Volume 4' is available for your downloading pleasure and with over a dozen exclusives, Volume 4 proves that the series is going from strength to strength.

Volume 4 features 20 tracks of strictly British Hip Hop from rappers and producers from around the Kingdom. Certified Banger’s now cemented reputation in the underground and online UK rap scene means that UK artists , who are not yet on the radar, have a platform for their music – so long as it’s decent! Judging by the subsequent success of previous ‘OTR’ artists you can expect to hear much more from these names in the near future:

1. Delusionists: Parallel Worldz feat. Invizible Frenz (CB Exclusive)
2. Chosen Spokesmen: Mad Real (Prod. by Chemo) (CB Exclusive)
3. C-Froo: Financial Times

4. S.Kalibre: English (Prod. by Mike S)
5. Instance: Can't Get Down (Prod. by Mike D) (CB Exclusive)
6. Vee Kay: Backroad ft. Dead Residents (CB Exclusive)
7. Rapskallions: Battleslang (Mr. Loop Remix) (CB Exclusive)
8. Runamuk: No Gimmicks ft. Unfriendly Neighbours & Blaze (Prod. by Terror) (CB Exclusive)
9. Lunar C: Stop Stressin’ (Prod. by Ant Orange) (CB Exclusive)
10. Uncle Dicky: Running On Fumes ft. Nozeeny (Prod. by Lazyb0nes) (CB Exclusive)
11. Nutty P: Why So Serious? (CB Exclusive)
12. Leady: Travelling Man (Prod. by Irn Mnky)
13. Joker Starr: Get Up (CB Exclusive)
14. EdXL: Crocodile Smile (Prod. by Cranky Fatso)
15. 10Shott: Soldier Salute
16. Skinnista & Gadget: Get Away ft. Dvas & Reggiimental (CB Exclusive)
17. The Riddlah: Mind Right (Prod. by Nasty P)
18. Knew Jeru’slum: Dreamcatchers ft. JND (Prod. by Eliphino) (CB Exclusive)
19. 30KB: Crewd Sons (Ghost in the Machine) (CB Exclusive)
20. JVF Clique: Lose The Chains (CB Exclusive)
Bonus Track: Zion I: Legacy ft. Ty

Here's what the UK Hip Hop internet community have been saying:

Joker Starr @ jibbajabbajoker.blogspot.com:

"Certified Banger who, in my opinion has the best Hip Hop blog period has put together the 4th in the 'On The Radar' series."

Truth @ rapsploitationsessions.wordpress.com/:

"Certified Banger is one of the most important blogs in the UK and they’ve been putting out these free download compilations of some the dopest up coming Hip Hop artists in the country for a minute now."

Solo Cypher @ vocalswords.blogspot.com:

"Mad props to the ever ready heavy Certified Banger blog, coming back with yet another ridiculous free compilation of quality tunes from the UK shores. 'On
The Radar Volume 4' is available for free download as usual, and this one is, in my opinion, the freshest and most consistent yet. Having only listened through a couple of times, the whole project struck me with the high quality high temp beats that proved a wicked accompaniment to a high octane workout. The lyricism was well above UK par and really showcased how UK emcees are embracing their own identities and putting in verses of a calibre worthy of international recognition. The fact that most of them are still under the radar is fairly ridiculous but proves how needed this sort of compilation is. There are enough quality bars in this release to literally bury the mainstream 'hip hop/grime/pop/autotune' garbage currently being bandied about by mainstream outlets. Go cop it now, its free so no excuses, and then go support the artists involved."

No Frillz @ cantstopfanatics.blogspot.com:

"The ever improving 'On the Radar' series should now be a staple in most peoples diets. In case the rest of the world doesn’t know, the UK has an abundance of top notch beatsmiths and MCs. The amount of exclusives alone should get you started. Don’t underestimate the work my man puts into this series. This latest volume has been a staple in my ears since it arrived in my inbox."

Disorda @ suspect-packages.com:

"Here's some freeness from the Certified Banger blog, 'On The Radar Vol. 4' featuring the likes of Delusionists, Vee-Kay, Nutty P, Joker Starr, JVF Clique, Rapskallions, Chosen Spokesmen and many more... "

Tomasz @ lifejustbounces.blogspot.com :

"So the day we got back from Kendal, we also got an email from head-of-the-pack UK hip-hop blogger Certified Banger to tell us that 30KB are one of 21 artists featured on the forthcoming fourth instalment of his winning On the Radar compilation series.

We're completely thrilled to feature on UK rap's premier contemporary showcase alongside people whose music we listen to regularly. Previous volumes of 'OTR' have featured the likes of B'tol & Jagos, Grimlok, Skillit, Skandal, JVF Clique, The Three Amigos, Baron Samedi, Mr Loop, Dialect, Stylah and Delegates of Culture, as well as appearances from, among others, Sonny Jim, Kyza, Klashnekoff, Witchdoctor Wise, Ramson Badbonez and the mighty Jehst. Not a roster to be sneezed at in any way, I think you'll agree.

If you've previously missed out on On the Radar volumes 1—3, you'll be pleased to know they are all still available to grab: just click the album covers above or hit up the CB rapidshare here for links to all three. You are well advised to cop 'em."

'Fallout Shelter' - Brad Strut (EP review)

The Australian Hip Hop scene is more closely related to ours than it is to the US scene. The main reason for this is the automatic hard work that has to be put in to be respected above our American brothers and the attention to detail in the lyrics - Brad Strut, an Australian now living in London, is at home here.

His ‘Fallout Shelter’ EP dropped last month and with its 6 tracks being produced by Beat Butcha there is all the more reason for it to be on Certified Banger. As you would expect, the production holds weight and Brad Strut pours his triple distilled lyrics perfectly over the beats. With a positive outlook (considering the name and the concept), I find this EP to be just how I want Hip Hop to be. ‘NO!’ is a harpsichord based apocalyptic thriller – if it’s possible, this is the stand out track. The EP’s pinnacle, the beautiful but banging ‘Believe’, is blissful and flawlessly created. ‘Looking At You’, the closing track, appears to deal with some very personal issues with cryptic lyricism (check the lyrics here) being the order of the day.

As if an excellent EP wasn’t enough the EP comes packaged with a remixes LP featuring versions of Brad’s past tracks by M-Phazes, Chemo, Beat Butcha, Jehst and The Last Skeptik amongst other (possibly Aussie) producers. With 13 extra tracks this is more than an incentive to buy this excellent package.

‘Fallout Shelter’ EP/ ‘Rejuvenation’ is out now and can be gotten at Suspect Packages.

'Shots Of Smirnoff' - Kyza (mixtape review)

If this is the standard of the mixtape, how good will the album be? Kyza is true MC and his versatility is the key. He’s got the stories fiction (‘Freddy’) and non-fiction (‘My Soul’ and the heart wrenching ‘Wild Orchid’), the gritty observations (‘Sin City’), the braggadocio (‘The King’, bouncy ‘The Dirtiest’ and more), the club heaters (‘Go’ and ‘Dirty’) and everything else in-between.

Whatever Kyza has to say, he says it with excellence - nothing but fine lyricism here. Mr. Sayso also displays his creativity with flows and rhyme schemes; ‘My Soul’ is written as a list of events in a 24 hour period written in note form – a direct contrast to his double-time shenanigans on ‘Go’. He also premiers his ear for a tune on the self-sung hooks on ‘Zonin’’, ‘My Soul’ and ‘Wild Orchid’ – not at all bad for a rapper!

Kyza does his thing on the 18 tracks over a fine selection of specially-produced and jacked beats as Foreign Beggars’ DJ Nonames does a quality job of blending throughout (oh, and he doesn’t do annoying Kay Slay style shout outs). Original production comes from Chemo (and D.Ablo on guitar), Ghosttown and Bless Beats.

‘Shots Of Smirnoff’ (aka 'S.O.S.')is the mixtape that you need in your life right now and it’s out on Dented Records as of today. Kyza is still doing it, and better lyrically and conceptually than most rappers out there.

'All 4 Hip Hop'/'Still Here' - Micall Parknsun (single review)

YNR's good year continues and they've chosen to kick of Q3 with the release of Micall Parknsun's M-Phazes produced 'All 4 Hip Hop'. For all the good old fashioned rap fans out there, this one's for you. Lively and triumphant soul with horn harmonies backs Parky's bold lyricism as he pledges his allegiance to and declares his love for Hip Hop. Jehst switches things up somewhat on the remix with his version having a menacing edge to it.

'Still Here' is the B-side and whilst Apa-Tight retains the triumph, things err on the electronic side of sound as the drums bang – the electric guitar sound is a bit dodgy but I can't complain, track is a beast! Chemo's uber-percussive version of 'Still Here' is ridiculous, sounding nothing like the original it's something different for Hip Hop.

This single is the perfect package; 2 tracks, 2 remixes and all from some of the best doing it right now. If there's one single you buy this year, make it this one! 'All 4 Hip Hop' is out on 6th July on YNR recordings.

'Sin City'/'Go' - Kyza (single review)

Kyza the lyricist is truly back. 'Sin City' (download free courtesy of HHC) is the latest single to be lifted off the excellent 'Shots Of Smirnoff' mix CD. Reminiscent of his Terra Firma days, Kyza paints a stark portrayal of any given metropolis with the finest street poetry. Chemo provides the ominous production complete with screaming guitar solos.

'Go' is entirely different; crafted for the club and the grimier heads by Bless Beats (of 'Wearing My Rolex' fame). Kyza spits double time can't-test-me rhymes to match the frantic synth strings – not my usual cup of tea but Kyza pulls it off with style and quality. Bar9 provide a nasty (in a good way) dubstep remix.

'Sin City'/'Go' was released on Dented Records on 1st June.

Check out the HHC website for their little chat with Kyza about drinking, Terra Firma, Violence, UK Hip Hop and the Old Skool.

'Feeding Time At The Zoo' - YNR Productions (album review)

Here's my (un-edited) review of YNR's 'Feeding Time At The Zoo', originally written for and published in HHC Digital 002, it was their album of the month:

What with UK Rap and its Marmite status, this release will probably provoke one of two reactions: “Yawn, backpack rap - boring” or “Finally some decent Hip Hop in this Grime-addled scene”. I’m going to imagine you’re of that second opinion: after all, you’re not reading this in Angling Times.

The new and improved roster of friends and family proves YNR have adapted and are managing to maintain their alpha male status - their music is testament to this. Jehst and co. have a renewed vigour and confidence (no, not swagger) that their wares are exactly the shot in the arm that UK Hip Hop needs. And it is, pretty much.

Beats come from the likes of Beat Butcha, Chemo and DJ IQ who all provide bumpy, progressive productions that still hark back to those beloved golden days and Kashmere, Sir Smurf Lil’, Joker Starr, Mystro, Kyza, Micall Parknsun, Jack Flash and Cappo all feature over its 15 tracks.

The non-Londoners put in sterling work with SonnyJim and Kelakovski’s ‘Flying To The Moon’ proving to be a stand out and Double D Dagger’s track being sure to appeal to Hip Hop and Grime fans alike. Dubbledge’s ‘Alphabets’ is comically maverick whereas Verb T’s ‘Overworked’ is on a serious tip. Each beast represents his own breed and it's ‘Feeding Time At The Zoo’ - these animals are hungry!

HHC also put up a free download of Micall Parknsun's 'Today' so if you've not bagged that yet, then do! 'Feeding Time At The Zoo' will be released on 25th May on the YNR Productions label.

Feeding Time At The Zoo Launch Party

If my memory serves me correctly YNR's return to the fore of UK Hip Hop is scheduled for 25th May. Having already dropped Sir Smurf Lil's set and Jyager's LP the label are preparing to drop their compilation entitled 'Feeding Time At The Zoo'. I've already written my review for it but since it was written for HHC I'll let them premiere it!

Safe to say with a list of artists like this (Joker Starr, Jehst, Jyager, Kyza, Chemo, Beat Butcha, Jack Flash, DJ IQ, Double D Dagger, SonnyJim, Kelakovski, Kashmere, Mystro, Micall Parknsun, Cappo, Dubbledge, Sir Smurf Lil') it's a big look and is sure to be one of your favourite releases this year.

If you're in or around London then read the flyer above and make the necessary moves!

'In Pursuit of Harmony' - Wordsmith (album review)

Nearly 4 years has passed since Wordsmith dropped his debut LP ‘The Roadman Showcase’. Now he’s back with follow up set ‘In Pursuit of Harmony’, an album sure to make a mark on UK Hip Hop this year.

Wordsmith takes a mature approach to many issues – the ins and outs of weed smoking (‘The Cro Debate’), being a father (‘Son’), gun crime (‘Never Would’ve Thought’), the ups and downs of life (‘Carry On’ and ‘Beautiful Life’) and today’s youth (‘They Don’t Seem To Care’). When he’s not proving he could teach an MP a thing or two he’s straight illing out with his partners in rhyme – check ‘Lok Dat’, ‘Runaway’ and the ridiculously tense ‘Leave It Alone’ for a few examples of that.

With perfectly crafted rhymes Wordsmith proves he’s not a one trick pony – he’s a well rounded artist who has fashioned an actual album, rather than a collection of songs. This LP really deserves one of those track by track breakdowns; every one is of such high quality.

With a list of producers like this (Apa-Tight, Vee Kay, Chemo, Beat Butcha, Ido, Tom Caruana and Show n Prove) I don’t have to tell you that the beats are proper, heavy Hip Hop with an emphasis on the uplifting. The fact that there’s not a skip-able track on here speaks volumes – you’ll wanna listen right through.

Mic duties are shared with Foreign Beggars, Dr. Syntax, Dubbledge, Micall Parknsun, Skribblah, Diamond Ruff, Big Ben, Genesis Elijah, Supar Novar and Ahmos –all of whom put in sterling work.

‘In Pursuit of Harmony’ is out now and is available from Suspect Packages as a download or on CD. Support the music, pay the pounds, don’t download! Check the snippets in my last post to get a taste of greatness!

'Certified Banger Presents On The Radar'

Download 'Certified Banger Presents On The Radar' here from Monday 1st December!

'Certified Banger Presents On The Radar' is a 20 track, free to download compilation of UK Hip Hop featuring JVF Clique, Revilo, Spee 69, Jay Large, Conman, Safron, Antmysta, Loudmouth, Manny Moscow, Queens English, Late, Skandal, Chemo, Truth and more!

'Certified Banger Presents On The Radar' - a collection of free Hip Hop tracks from UK artist.

'Snippet Mix' - Skandal (free download)

Download here, it's actually better than it sounds. The snippets are chopped and mixed in a hardcore way and the beats and rhyme are quality.

Production comes from Beat Butcha, Chemo, The Last Skeptik and Ed Strong as well as the utilisation of some stolen beats.

If this is an album taster then the album promises to be full of flavour. It's not just on the dark, stripped down tip that his EP was on so don't worry if you weren't really feeling that, although those tunes do feature here.

‘Food 4 Da Brain Second Serving’ - VA (album & DVD review)

If the aim of ‘Food 4 Da Brain Second Serving’ wasn’t to serve up a platter of perfectly complementing flavours then I’ll eat my hat. If that is what they set out to do then they’ve royally achieved it. The menu offers up tracks from the finest chefs on either side of the UK Hip Hop/Grime divide; in fact it tastily demonstrates the breaking down of the boundary.

With artists like Ghetto and Virus Syndicate represent Grime, rappers and producers such as Kashmere, Verb T, M9 and Jon Phonics provide the Hip Hop and MCs like Skinnyman, Klashnekoff, Mr Ti2bs and Shameless defy pigeon holing altogether.

MCD sets things off with a self-produced, firmly on the grime side, dubplate proving he has progressed and embraced newer, but rooted in older, music styles. Beat Butcha follows up with his remix of Terra Firma’s ‘Git Down’ and it’s just what you’d expect from that collaboration. Chemo then pops up as producer of Manage’s thriller ‘No One Needs To Know’ featuring LeEo. Mr Ti2bs, Virus Syndicate and Ghetto continue to provide quality platters of goodness, all challenging the listener to label it as either Grime or Hip Hop.

Skinnyman and Deadly Hunta serve one of the albums most delicious tracks – ‘Ballistic Affair’ which also comes in the form of a cool animated video on the accompanying DVD. Invisible Inc then provides a rest between courses with their ‘Invisible’ (or is it ‘Invisible Inc Theme’? It’s the same track that’s on 'Rapsploitation Sessions').

Supar Novar and Big Ben heat things up again and Jon Phonics follows with a remix of M9’s ‘Strange Fruit’ (possibly better than the album version?). Deadly Hunta brings a few more raga vibes on ‘Valley of Death’ and Foreign Beggars come with some electro-funk and Pharrell-esque vocals. Shameless, Bruza and Ghetto finish the sitting with some hard-as-nails riddims.

I can see what the guys behind this have done: they’re on a mission, a mission to blur the boundaries, to lure Hip Hop heads over to the Grime side and vice-versa. This is all about the music, and despite my review, it’s not about genre. This is, actually, what Hip Hop was – the combination of other music forms, a new way of expression that utilises the sounds around it. So whatever you’re preference, buy this and think about the message it not so subtly puts across, ask yourself: ‘Am I open minded?’ Let’s hope so.

'Scene Stealers' - Skreintax (album review)

Skreintax may not have been the most obvious collaboration. Dr Syntax and Skrein each have quite a unique take on Hip Hop but in no way is ‘Scene Stealers’ a mash-up of the two. Synners and Skrizzle have cooperated to create a joint stage for their skills.

Dr. Syntax and Skrein retain their identifiable timbres; you know when one MC stops and the other start – more than can be said for some collaborative efforts. The other MC’s complement this; Stig of the Dump, Farma G, Verb T, Sir Smurf Lil’ and Dubbledge all show up to rap. ‘Mine for the Taking’ showcases yet another Farma G style – that man is really experimenting right now. ‘Express Train’ and ‘T.E.T.M.D’ (The Evil That Men Do) both feature Stig, who seems to have all but lost the Geordie twang but still raps ferociously.

Lyrically there are many messages to be had here. On an overall positive vibe, words of advice and encouragement flow thoughtfully, especially on tracks like ‘Mothers’ and ‘Reach’. Other tracks follow concepts; ‘Express Train’ discusses getting away for a day, ‘Back Down’, a night on the pull with disappointing consequences. ‘Venus’ examines a woman who, despite her name, revolves around material things. Other tracks, like ‘6 Bitters’ (Sick Spitters….get it?), are all about the ill lyrics. As usual Dr. Syntax shines as he displays his awesome propensity to write amazing rhymes.

The production is perfect, not a bad beat in sight. Boom bap, a splash of jazz, a hint of reggae, all stirred in the sunshine is the order of the day here. The beats are courtesy of Nutty P, Kelakovski, Chemo, DJ Snips, Dag Nabbit and Tom Caruana among others. Graziella also provides her golden tones on some deliciously sung hooks.

If you’re already a fan of Dr. Syntax or Skrein then I can guarantee you will want this LP in your collection. It’s out on Dented Records on December 1st; one for your stocking then.