New Video: Name Dropper

Femfel (produced by Splurgeboys)

Taken from the #345Untitled Mixtape

Mixtape Review: Smiler – All I Know

His previous mixtape Clarity caused a major storm on the underground causing his name to leak over into the mainstream. Receiving recognition from Fearne Cotton on BBC Radio One and becoming one to watch as a current breakthrough artist, Smiler releases another mixtape titled All I Know.

Having mastered his craft along the way, Smiler’s flow comfortably rides over the beats, applied at a quality that those who have supported him during his climb will know this is Smiler at his finest thus far. In the meantime, Smiler makes it clear that he is happy with his progress, yet within ‘Feel It Coming’ shows that he is far from his coveted spot. This is understandable, considering the calibre of this project.

In addition to Smiler’s outward display to where he is at present, the mixtape sees features from other favoured artists and includes current favourite Delorean featuring Wretch 32 and boasts spectacular production with basslines and melodies capable of getting a pensioner who knows good music to simultaneously start banging their head along to the beats.

The only negative aspect of this mixtape is the length in entirety, or lack of it. 10 tracks and 35 minutes in total, it’s possible that I’m requesting too much from a mixtape. But hopefully, Smiler will take the comment in his stride and now he’s signed to Warner Music, there’s no reason why he can’t get in the studio and get recording his long awaited nice lengthy album!

Get your copy of the All I Know mixtape here!

Mixtape Review: Dele - The Mixtape

"You're locked in to my mixtape. I know it's been a long time coming,
but it's here now..."

Isn't great when an artist makes a declaration for you? It shows that he is aware of where he is at and having watched Dele perfect his craft over the years, I'll have to agree with him, adding further that it's long overdue. Has it been worth the wait? I would prefer you give it a listen and come to your own conclusion, but I'd definitely recommend it!

The mixtape takes samples from a range of artists including Gyptian, Drake and Adele, while giving a few sneak previews off forthcoming Portraits of Me EP released on 28th March. Personal favourite mixes from the mixtape would have to be Dele’s renditions of Rihanna’s ‘What’s My Name’ and Kelly Rowland’s ‘Motivation’. Being a female, I think I can boldly say that Dele definitely provided for his target audience with these. However his own numbers such as ‘Kind of the Bedroom’ interlude, ‘Karma’ which features Darren B, remix of previous release ‘Feel It’ and forthcoming single ‘One Knee’ are what really certify why this project has been executed well.

Reaching a calibre to enable residence in your stereo, this mixtape is even applicable for those moments when slow jams are required (Hint, Hint). The rotation of this one is undoubtedly due to be heavy, one play simply leaving the listener craving for more. As we anticipate the forthcoming Portraits of Me EP, this mixtape will surely suffice…

http://www.delemusic.com/

Mixtape Review: Delilah - 2-4AM

Tipped as a BBC 1xtra ‘Ones to Watch for 2012’, Delilah first stepped on the music scene under the guide of Chase & Status. Touring for a length of time with them before her debut single ‘Time’ was released, Delilah was like the best kept secret in the industry for a matter of time. Now we just can’t seem to get enough of her!

The songstress hailing from North London has finally blessed us with an 8 track EP titled ‘2-4am’ which you’re going to have to listen to on repeat, because the likelihood is that you’ll get to the end and want more. Yep that’s right, if this was a show, the fans would be screaming for an extra number or two or maybe even three! Her vocals are simply extraordinarily amazing, perfect for those moments when you want to zone out and be lost within the music. If you haven’t already got a copy of this mixtape, you are surely missing out!

Track List
1. Never Be Better
2. Love You So (Joe Goddard's Dub You So Mix)
3. The Gospel
4. Closer
5. Love Drug
6. Lay By
7. Wish I Had Your Life
8. 21

Get Your Copy From delilahofficial.co.uk

Mixtape Review: Angel - Any Minute Now

As time has passed I've subconsciously fallen in love with Angel’s vocals. Personally I think that’s the best way. You know when you’ve asked a few times who the singer on a track is with delight and keep getting told the same name? Well that’s what happened with Angel. Baring this in mind, there was no hesitation to download his mixtape and give it a good thorough listen before commenting.

Piece of Everything completely smashed it for me, funny because it’s only the intro! But if you’re as big of a fan as I am of the Jamaican film Shottas, this will reach the levels of them old skool intros you reload couple times for the sheer entertainment value. Throughout the mixtape there are some nice renditions, however I have to say the cover of Coldplay’s Paradise had me cringing. Some things are too beautiful in their original form to be touched. That said, teaming up with Mark Asari and bringing back the 80’s vibe, shows another level of innovation that has to be commended.

Get your copy of Angel's Any Minute Now mixtape from thisisangel.com

Track List
1. Intro / Piece Of Everything
2. Fire
3. Mirror
4. Tokin’ Grade (Frank Ocean cover)
5. Are You Good feat. Mark Asari
6. Handle It
7. We Know Better
8. Parallel Paradise (Coldplay cover)
9. Man Down (Rihanna cover)
10. Most Beautiful Girl In The World (Prince cover)

New Video: All I Know/Sure Shot

Smiler

Some people have been complaining about Smiler's attempt to sing on the chorus.... I say hats off to Smiler for not being afraid to try something new! So many artists are afraid to step out of their comfort zone or rely on autotune for fear of criticism.

Look out for Smiler's 'All I Know' mixtape coming 22 February 2012

Mixtape Review: AL vs J Dilla - The LB (Laid Back) EP

Is there a better way for A.L. to finish the year? I think not! Kicking off 2011 with The Collaboration Mixtape, this songstress has continued her grind throughout the year with further collaborations, consistent videos and a mass of performances during which she has torn down the stage every single time! The unique soulful voice of A.L. has finally started to receive recognition and mainstream radio airplay. If you still havent made yourself familiar, the time is NOW!!

I would usually say which tracks are my favourite however on this occasion I've found what I call a back-2-back. Meaning I could comfortably listen from start to finish. If I really must pick a favourite, 123456789 is a track I took great liking to while watching A.L. perform earlier in the year and I was VERY pleased to see it on the EP.

This EP is a great piece of work once again from the songstress. Don't just take my word for it though....

Get your own copy from here and have a listen yourself!

New Video: Take Our Time

Shakka

Once again I've been blown away by a new show of innovation.... The first time I watched this video, I sat staring at everything that was happening in the background. Have a look and see what I mean....

I'm sure I'll continue to enjoy this video just as much, no matter how many times I watch it. Such a great piece of work!

Taken from Shakka's The Crown Affair Mixtape (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Mixtape Review: Kano - Girls Over Guns

Kano has been rather distant from the music scene, though never allowed himself to be forgotten with the regular unexpected appearance here and there just to let us know he’s still about and producing those direct intelligible bars that get stuck in your mind. In addition to his recent acting role in C4’s Top Boy, Kano has kept his loyal fanbase engaged, while opening doors to create himself a brand new audience.

Coming across Kano’s most recent mixtape titled ‘Girls Over Guns’ there was an instant question within about what to expect. At first there was an unwanted judgement that Kano may have gone soft! How terrible would that be? I mean, Kano has always provided a fair balance… In the past while the ladies were crooning away to Nite, Nite, the fellas we’re in full appreciation on the gritty beats of Mic Check (Check 1, Check 2), later on This Is The Girl feat Craig David and London Town respectively.

With those comparisons made and having now listened to ‘Girls Over Guns’ I confidently say that Kano is still delivering what we expect from him. In addition there has been evident maturity within him as a person, which shines through into his music. However if you’re looking for something that you can play as a soundtrack to amp you up while going on a rampage; this isn’t for you! – Girls Over Guns!!

Download a copy here!

New Video: Go Hard

Axe Berry

Taken from his 'Still Scoping' mixtape

New Video: Hello Badmind

Big Man Zest feat Chan Dizzy & L's Hills

Despite my Jamaican heritage, I'm not a major fan of bashment but the original of this one caught my attention a while back....

Quite liking Zest's flavour once again. He really does love showing off his diversity doesn't he?

Taken from Big Man Zest's Variation mixtape available from www.bigmanzest.com

New Music: Donaeo - Indigo Child

Regarded as a leader of the new skool, pushing all things UK forward, Donaeo has finally released a compilation of music for all his die hard fans. Indigo Child has been gifted as a mixtape available for free download, much to the glory of all the UK Funky supporters who struggled to have most of the music readily available to them. Something Donaeo has never held back from those who love his music.

Indigo Child is definitely another step in Donaeo's journey of musical growth. With many more vocal treats in comparison to his previous album Party Hard. Not to be mistaken for a slow ballad mixtape, Indigo Child also holds some faster tempo catchy tracks which will get in your head without you even knowing it.

Get your copy of the Indigo Child mixtape here!

Favourite tracks:
Move To The Gyal Dem
Love
Universe

New Video: Posing & Pouting

Manga feat Little Dee & Margs

Heard this track for the first time on DJ Target's Homegrown show on BBC 1Xtra last night and loved it straight away....

Taken from his upcoming free mixtape 'Obzokey Wranglings' released 2nd October 2011

New Video: Feel It

Slow Jam artist Dele is known for the stimulating tones that are released when he blesses our ear drums and makes our bodies erupt in goosebumps. It's a wonder what would be the result if he attempted a dance track....

What a pleasant surprise! Although there was definitely no need for the autotune (clearly shown on his last release F U Right), Dele has shown that he has much more to offer as an artist than major female appeal. I'm looking forward to the release of his upcoming mixtape 'Coming Of Age' which I'm hoping continues to show off the commercial appeal that he holds. Dele should really have blown a LONG TIME AGO!!

New Video: Change

BRUTS ft Kenkodie

Taken from the forthcoming 'Somebody' mixtape

Mixtape Review: Adaggio - M.I.T.O

I’ve been sitting here typing out some work while listening to Mr Adaggio’s mixtape and if I have to sum it up in simple terms, the words I would pick would have to be ‘too short’… I’ve listened to it 3 times over already and I keep expecting that the next time it gets to the end another track is going to miraculously appear… I know, gullible or what?

Anyway…. There are a couple tracks that have already been leaked by the East London violinist to give us a flavour of what to expect, and as much as I loved those ones, there is so much more to offer on the here….. He played it down to me stating that it’s just a lil something, something. Personally I think he should stop being so modest! Especially as there was a particular cover on the mixtape that had me pulling it up like I was in Sidewinder!! Maybe it isn’t a Sidewinder type track but you get my drift… This the original…

If you want to hear the cover, I’m afraid you’re going to have to download the mixtape when Mr Adaggio releases it via his Twitter account tonight so make sure you follow and stay tuned!

Update: Mixtape can be downloaded from here :o)

Another helping from Adaggio

The East London violinist Adaggio has continued to tease us with what can be found on his forthcoming mixtape.....

If you liked the previous helping, have a listen to this!

The mixtape will be getting released on Thursday, so keep your eyes peeled to his Twitter (@MrAdaggio1) for a copy and also forthcoming blog updates because I'll be letting all know what I think of the entire project.

New Video: Giggs - Monsta Man

Quite liking this track, from the 'Take Your Hats Off' mixtape.... It has a serious vibe I could see myself brucking out to when having one of my 'moments'..... I've slowly converted over to the Giggs sound so I'm not an avid supporter as yet, but this track has encouraged me to download his mixtape so within my next post I may be strongly waving the Giggs flag.... We'll see!!

Directed by Oliver Whitehouse 

Errrm..... Is it just me, or does one of the chicks in this video actually look like a monster?

So Crazy!!

Violinist Mr Adaggio will definitely have your head bopping with this one.....

I'm soooo looking forward to his mixtape!!

Danso has his time to flow....