Gassed: Watch The Throne Tour!

It's been a while since a concert was announced that really got me excited enough to physically go online to purchase a ticket, especially at an extortionate rate.... J. Cole? Pass! Drake? Pass! Beyonce or Rihanna? Pass! Trey Songz? Pass! Rick Ross? Pass! But Jay and Ye on one stage?? That sh*t crazy!! These guys are icons, no legends and I love them both!!

I purchased my ticket a couple of days ago but I'm still so very much GASSED!!!!!!!

If you're reaching, this gonna be a blinding experience, if not... I might throw up a lil review on the blog but we'll see... It's gonna be a 100% enjoyment moment for me lol

Video: Romeo (So Solid/CBB) Interview

Fresh out of the Celebrity Big Brother house, So Solid's Romeo graced the Sunday Show with his presence.... Later catching up with KG to discuss his time in the house, fellow band member Swiss also talks about his music career and dealing with a receding hairline.....

Event: Musicalize

MUSICALIZE: COPPAFEEL! CHARITY SPECIAL

This event will be raising money for breast cancer awareness charity, CoppaFeel! Patrons who include Fearne Cotton (Radio 1 & ITV2)
and Dermot O'Leary (Radio 2 & ITV).

**ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT WILL BE GOING TO CHARITY**

THIS IS A 14+ EVENT (Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)

Tickets are available from HERE!

Event Review: Flavour Live 14th September 2011

Having never had the pleasure to attend a Flavour Live event, I was quite excited to find out what the experience would be like as I set off to Avalon in Shoreditch, London ready to indulge in entertainment from unsigned, underground UK talent. Getting through the door, the selection of music being provided by DJ Longers was top notch causing the excitement levels to increase further.

Setting the pace on stage was Dray Delta. First song ‘Minimal’ featuring G-Range reminded me ‘Slang Like This’ from P-Money but his second number ‘Bobby Brownz’ a track about worn down leaning Ugg boots was very comical and original receiving a good response from the audience. Followed by Jaya who started her set with a cover of Rhianna’s ‘What's My Name’ to warm up her vocals. Finishing up with her own track ‘Lights Go Out’ which is a more relaxed performance and flows much better than the previous, also received well by the audience.

Joe Culpepper's performance was very lively. As he asserts himself on stage while singing about his ex-girlfriend “Tell your friends about me” is a line that caused a smirk to appear. His second number, an acoustic jam, had some of the audience dancing along with his stage jive. Joe Culpepper leaves the stage to huge applause as does is successor Hatty Keane who also boasts a very striking image. First number ‘Feel’ seductively causes the body to sway, but ‘Best Kept Secret’ her current single carries a different electronic vibe which I would describe as dance entwined with rock. Experimental but works well.

Highly favoured act of the night RD (Ruff Diamondz) take to the stage and open up with an acoustic cover of Wretch 32’s ‘Don't Go’ showing off their vocal capabilities. Rounding up their set with their latest single ‘Got Me Burning’, RD work both the stage and audience the best way they know how. RD make way for Manchester rapper Rio, who has just entered the building and gone straight to the stage. Rio puts down a lively performance of his tracks ‘Playground’ and ‘Transformer’ before walking back out the door…. Superstar behaviour!

After a short interval with entertainment again supplied by DJ Longers, the show continues with Ebru who receives great interaction from audience. Her steady flow is impressive, a style of rap with vocal injections in all the right places. Her second number ‘Prisoner’ which depicts being stuck in relationship goes down very well. I can’t help but take note of Ebru’s very smooth vocals and quality range, before she leaves the stage to well deserved whistles and cheers from the audience.

Another Manchester rapper; Meany takes to the stage and throws down a number of bars for the audience before making way for Crystal Celebrity. Accompanied by 2 backing singers who finish their set with a smooth and soulful rendition of Bob Marley classic ‘Turn Your Lights Down Low’, the songstress has the audience singing along and feeling the melody within their bones.

Last act for the night Steelo1 takes to the stage with ‘International Lover’, heating up the place with a bashment flavour before declaring that he’s ‘Better Than Your Boyfriend’. Charming a female or two in the audience Steelo1 graces the stage well telling his spectators a little bit about himself before finishing up with R&B jam ‘Round The World’ which definitely holds commercial marketability.

Performances finished, DJ Longers continues with a selection to please those who aren’t ready to leave, hoping to savour the last drop of enjoyment being provided tonight at Flavour Live.

Also featured on Flavour Magazine website

Event Review: ILUVLIVE 12th September 2011

Taking place in what hopes to be the new home of bi-weekly homegrown talent showcase, ILUVLIVE is homed in XOYO, Central London. House packed to the brim, there is a rich audience filled with not only the regular ILUVLIVE spectators, but also many industry personalities from journalists to A&Rs to managers and budding homegrown producers and artist alike. An atmosphere brimming with unsigned talent, 6 of the best are taking the stage tonight; Femfel, Sinead Harnett, Dirty Goodz, Duke, Marger and Aaron Delahunty.

It’s only correct that the DJ and Host duo of the night are ILUVLIVE’s finest residents Ras Kwame and Marcus Nasty. The atmosphere concocted by the two oozes of euphoria and pleasured vibes. Entertainment is in full swing throughout the night, each artist putting down what they do best in the spotlight. DUKE a beat-boxing who tore down the walls the last time they performed, graced the stage to take the genres throughout the various continents of the world, sounds created by the instrument of their mouths accompanied by an acoustic guitar.

Heads in the audience bopped along throughout MARGER’s set, during which Scrufizzer and No Lay joined him on stage for the track ‘Goons’ taken from Marger’s ‘Cheeky’ EP. It’s received well by the audience who he lets know that a video will soon be getting released for it. Thoroughly enjoying his moment, Marger even treats the audience to his own beat-boxing session he lets know was inspired by earlier act Duke.

Another act recently on the ILUVLIVE stage was AARON DELAHUNTY who also dropped a number from his previous set. ‘Face for Radio’ which is finished off with a hefty dubstep injection causes heads to rock uncontrollably. It’s loved by the audience and depicted within their applause which is also received by following act DURRTY GOODZ. An act that shows exploration of his roots, the young man on the stage gleams with essence of a Jamaican culture, something he declares he is proud of while on stage. I’m reminded of Capleton at Sun Splash while I watch him performing his second number ‘God Bless Ting’ and his stage presence shows how blessed he truly feels.

Headline of the night FEMFEL is welcomed to the stage by a rapture of cheers. Cameras and phones are withdrawn from new spots throughout the venue. Femfel’s flow is easy, takes you on a journey through his mind as he releases his thoughts. The band is smiling along with him as he turns around to give his message of approval for the vibe that has been created on the stage. Joined on stage by Kurt Collins for my personal favourite number from his set tonight ‘Hero’, Femfel received much praise within whistles and cheers etc as he modestly thanks everyone for coming out and supporting his album ‘Eyes Closed’.

Marcus Nasty an attribute of his own tonight, holding the audience within his own spotlight while providing a selection of music satisfying appetites and adding to the plethora of positive vibes already in the air. XOYO a sound warming venue, allowed the sound waves to be absorbed throughout the night and a party of girls are soaking up the last moments possible as they sing and dance along to the music.

The industry special of ILUVLIVE which hummed far and wide as a great place to be in London tonight, has finished a great success despite a venue change in the week leading up to the event. An atmosphere filled with positivity and progression, I’m sure many ILUVLIVE regulars will be hoping XOYO will be a new home when ILUVLIVE returns on the 26th September with Baby Blue, Joe Calpepper, Robyn Kavanagh, Phaze One, Mym, Rebecca Storm and beyond.

For more info/tickets click here

Photography by Adeyina Adepitan

Review also featured on ILUVLIVE Facebook Page and RWD Online

Jay Norton at ILuvLive

I managed to find the footage of Jay Norton's performance at ILuvLive (review can be found here) so thought it only right to share it with you guys.....

I hope someone makes a video of all the riot footage with this song as the background. It's so powerful!

Tickets are now available to purchase online for the  
ILuvLive Industry Special on 12th September here!

Event Review: ILuvLive - 22nd August 2011

Nightlife has resumed to the usual schedule following London warfare, meaning ILUVLIVE is back at the Hoxton Bar & Grill showcasing another great line up of homegrown talent. Opened up by host Remel London, the excitement levels are already bubbling...

Winner of the last open mic, Mizz Camara kicks off the show with a cover of Frank Ocean's 'We All Try' captivating the audience with her smooth tones. Raising the tempo with her own number 'Many Roots' a short request gets the audience participating throughout the song, many still singing along as Mizz Camara exits the stage.

Making it clear that she's representing Nottingham, Ms Tempz starts with an acoustic spoken word number. Followed up by 'Gyal on the Floor' accompanied on stage by a pair of electrifying dancers, Ms Tempz isn't quite content with having blown away the ILUVLIVE audience so drops some heavyweight bars over an instrumental of Jay-Z's '99 Problems'. With power to demand respect from the audience, it's straight fire!

Making way for Jay Norton, the audience is once again soothed by sensual tones. First number 'When You're Cheating' has the audience cheering, touched by the lyrics. Addressing the UK riots within next number 'Made in England' amongst other issues within the system, goosebumps can be felt from inside out filling the heart with emotion. Last number 'Forever' concludes the set, audience breathless throughout. Jay Norton is a name many won't forget after tonight.

A short interval allows the audience to refresh themselves before Clement Marfo & the Frontline take to the stage and open up with an intro that has the house rocking! Momentum carried throughout the set, second number 'Over Time' has Clement Marfo skanking on stage, resident DJ Jay Diamond skanking at the side of the stage and sentiments carried throughout the venue. The bass levels admittedly don't allow the human body to remain still. Finishing off the set with 'Champion' the audience are singing along, swept away by the energy and inspiration spilling off the stage.

Styled like the modern day Madness, Lazy Habits are next to grace the ILUVLIVE stage with brass instruments in hand. Giving it what they got, Baby Sol is called to the stage for their third number adding to the abundance of life within the performance. I don't think anyone in the audience had prepared for what Lazy Habits had to give...

The Rascals follow up bringing another level of extreme energy to the stage. They are clearly enjoying every moment of their performance, depicted by large smiles on their faces matched with sparkling eyes. The Rascals round up their ILUVLIVE set with 'G-Shock' and the audience have got their cameras are out while skanks are unleashed on stage.

Headline of the night Starboy Nathan takes to the stage instantly pleasing the ILUVLIVE audience with an acapella of 'Do Without Your Love' but the set has just started! Following up with 'Diamonds' many can be seen singing along to every word in awe. A cover of Sizzla's 'Dry Cry (Just One Those Days)' has the audience taken to serenity before Starboy Nathan finishes his set with current single 'Hangover' featuring Wretch 32. Dancing along, swept away by the vibe, the first hand effects of the track is witnessed promising a hit if enjoyed by the nation to the same degree as the ILUVLIVE audience. Here's hoping!

 A great night filled with a diverse collection of artists to represent homegrown music in it’s present day. I know I’ll be back here when ILUVLIVE returns on 12th September for the INDUSTRY SPECIAL!

Click here or flyer for event info and to purchase £5 online tickets 

or

send names for £7 guestlist to qosmakeda@gmail.com

Review also featured on 

the official ILUVLIVE Facebook Page and blog.

Amy Winehouse RIP

I was very shocked of the news about the passing of Amy Winehouse yesterday... I had always hoped she would overcome her addiction and become an ambassador for drug awareness.

It wasn't meant to be....

Through her trials and tribulations Amy's talent and story touched the heart of many...



May she rest in peace xx

Event Review: ILuvLive - 27th June 2011

For the past fortnight I've been gearing up for this night, so I eagerly get myself down to Hoxton Square Bar to enjoy some live music at ILUVLIVE with performances from Brooke Bailey, Abimaro, Virus Syndicate, Chozen, Ny and A.Dot. As I enter the venue there is something in the air... I have a feeling that tonight is going to be a big one!

Brook Bailey is the first act to grace the stage and she engages the audience well. Her vocals beam throughout and it seems she has connected with the crowd emotionally via her lyrics and the ambience of the melodies. The audience show their appreciation through enthusiasm their applause. Host of the night Ras Kwame thanks her for her mellow tones stating that they were the perfect start to the show, specifically with the hot weather.

Up next is Abimaro with a neo soul flavour, showcasing her smooth vocals perfect to soothe. I'm secretly hoping there are some CDs of hers being given out so I can listen back regularly as I settle down to sleep. There is a technical hitch in the middle of her set but it doesn't ruin her focus at all. Like a true performer she picks up exactly where she left off with perfect delivery. The audience are impressed and Abimaro exits the stage to a well deserved rapture of applause.

Ny takes to the stage to the delight of the audience and before she starts her set the happy birthday wishes are being called causing Ny to blush. Nevertheless her set goes down remarkably. Treated to some future gems, Ny finishes her set with her most recent release 'Be With You' and although the audience are satisfied, I secretly wish she had pulled an old skool number out the bag for her those who have supported her since her early days.

After a short interval Chozen takes to the stage and although he's not the usual act seen at ILUVLIVE, it's clear that this is an audience that are open to new things. They love Chozen and what he has to deliver. The set is very energetic and Chozen is evidently enjoying every single moment.

Having come all the way from Manchester Virus Syndicate, the grime/dubstep collective follow up and these guys are going for it. The flows are hard and skippy as they start off with a rap number titled 'Your Life'. The energy continues throughout the set wrapping it up with a dubstep number titled 'The Sign' and the applause from the audience is on a major scale. The long road trip has proved to be worth it's while.

Headliner of the night A.Dot is finally on stage and the audience are immediately bubbling as the set kicks of with 'Semantics'. The audience are singing along to the words showing how much they have patiently been waiting for this moment. A.Dot continues to deliver throughout but the venue heats up further when the third number within the set drops. Body Bag which has a reggae vibe is really tearing it down but A.Dot isn't satisfied with her accomplishments for the night and offers a quick freestyle. As the house band start to play the Woo Riddim, it's evident. A.Dot has truly smashed ILUVLIVE tonight!!

If you missed out, make sure you don’t make the same mistake when ILUVLIVE returns on 11th July 2011.

Writer's Block: Sunday 8th May 2011

More info/RSVP here

Flavour Live: Wednesday 4th May 2011

More info/RSVP here

Event Review: ILuvLive - 4th April 2011

Boasting an enticing line up as the usual, I find my way back to Cargo in Shoreditch, East London to enjoy some homegrown live music at the legendary ILUVLIVE.

First act on stage Red N Pink are described as an electro hip hop soul duo and these ladies show they have their own style both in music and fashion. The energy is electrifying. Followed up by brothers 'The Legacy' who do their thing on the stage and carry themselves across well despite it being evident there are nerves present. It’s due to be expected being new performers but it is also evident that there is large amounts of brotherly love between them and the loving feeling oozes off the stage sending a warm feeling throughout the venue.

Discovered by Simon Fuller, there is high expectancy from the next act Charlie Browne. Doing a full set including 2 of his own numbers Trying & Dependency, the Bruno Mars Billionaire cover wasn't needed, his own material had me sold. I'll be keeping a keen eye on Charlie Brown, his vocals are beautiful, if he doesn't go far it's criminal!

After a short interval the long awaited Cleo Sol takes to the stage. Kicking off with Tears (you may remember the chorus from Tinie Tempah’s track with the same name), the audience are automatically captivated. Amazing vocals, delivered with elegance. Cleo Sol displays why she is a highly favoured vocalist by musicians and music lovers alike.

Kozzie brings a Grime element to the night and the flow he possesses is striking. The power in the delivery is memorable. Anyone who may have not heard of or listened to Kozzie before tonight wouldn't be able to deny his talent after this performance.

Rounding up the acts for the night, Talay Riley gets straight into his set with 'Make You Mine' which is set for release this coming Summer. Followed up by 'Go Getter' joined on stage by Scorcher and ending with 'My Life', Talay Riley works the stage and interacts well with the audience.

Last element of the night is always the open mic session and the crowd are geared up to hear another collection of unheard talent. After a lengthy elimination process due to a number of acts being crowd favourites, the winner is Detox with an empowering spoken word number who'll be back to open ILUVLIVE on the 18th April.

Catch ILUVLIVE on FLAVA Sky Channel 367 and Freesat 502 

Follow @iluvlive on twitter to get latest broadcast times

Photography by Andrew Carpenter 

Event Review: ILUVLIVE 21st March 2011

If you follow me on Twitter you'll know that I was down at Cargo in Shoreditch, East London on Monday night to review the legendary ILUVLIVE event....

To have a read of the review, click here to check it out on the RWD website

Event Review: I Luv Live - 7th March 2011

The show kicks off with Dominique, an unknown singer but earned her place on the line up by winning the open mic session of the previous event. Her first song titled 'Cheater' has a nice funky vibe and she carries it well. I'd recommend producers to get in touch with her! This young lady definitely knows how to grace the stage.

Next up is Context MC, introduced in style by his hype man. The crowd are bopping their heads which isn't surprising as he has had airplay on national radio after all. With his strong words within a rhythmic flow, I'm sure many of the audience will be looking him up if they aren't fans already. His second track which features Genesis Elijah is also received well but the third although play listed by MTV seems to lose the crowd for a while, until he unleashes a crazy skippy flow able to grab the attention of anybody with the slightest portion of musical interest.

Up next, Boy Better Know's Shorty takes to the stage with a rendition of KP & Envy's 'Swing My Way' from his previous mixtape 'Short Man Syndrome' and its evident there are a number of fans in the house. Slowing it down for his second number, the words are touching, many can surely relate. Bringing the hype back for his third number, the Boy Better Know family in the house are making their presence known. Shorty's flow on this one is engaging enough to make anyone wish they knew the words so they could sing along. Shorty starts unleashing some skanks on stage while letting a few more bars loose. The vibe that has been generated is unquestionable but unfortunately time is up, Shorty leaves the stage...

After a short break and some music from Resident and Rinse FM DJ Jay Diamond, Charlee Drew takes to the stage and sings his heart out. Obviously some are pleasantly impressed, as there is an emergence of cameras appearing. Despite the event being filmed for Flava TV, some personal recordings are coveted. Charlee Drew has the audience warped into his vocals. Taking to the keyboard for his second number titled 'Everything' an unspoken affirmation is made. Talent within Charlee Drew extends much further than vocal ability..... He's got a spectacular element about him that needs to be discovered further. Covering Jessie J's 'Price Tag' for his last song, it is even more evident the voice held by this young gentleman is nothing less than unique.

Up next we have a beautiful young lady named Lovelle, she claims that she's nervous but it doesn't show. Starting her set with 'Aint it True' the vocals are so clear and smooth, appreciated in their full entity alongside an acoustic guitar. This is followed up by ‘Misdemeanour’, which has a really nice jazz element to it and finished off with 'Not 4 Girls', which has a nice reggae vibe. Another musical affirmation is made; Lovelle definitely has the talent and diversity to deliver different genres and vibes, whilst gracing the eardrums with smooth blissful vocals along the way....

Last lady of the night is Lioness and the crowd are loving her! But can anything different be expected when Lioness has the microphone in hand? The cameras are back out and the heads have stopped bopping, stunned in amazement as they stare at the stage, hypnotized by her lyrical flow. Slowing it down to give us the "sensitive-ness" we get a declaration of being in love. The flow isn't as fiery and doesn't get in your face as usual but definitely has the audience floating on clouds. Ending with a deep spoken word number, Lioness finishes her set with a bang!

Last but not least it's time for Dot Rotten. Kicking off with 'My Hood' the audience are painted a strong vivid picture of how it goes in the hoods of the UK. With an acapella chorus, the audience is zoned in. Taking us further into the life of Dot Rotten, we enter 'My World'.... Unfortunately a few bars are forgotten, but he keeps it moving. Redeeming his self with his last song, Dot Rotten exposes the audience to an angry flow digging deeper into the Rotten soul claiming he's just another human being.

Ending of the night with a open mic, a vast array of talents are showcased. Eleven acts in total, some make an undesired impact, but most displaying a promising level of skill. A young gentleman tears the house down with a freestyle accompanied by neat footwork and goes on to win the contest, earning himself a place on the line up of the next I Luv Live event taking place on 21st March 2011.

Photography by Adeyinka Adepita

I Luv Live

Have to say, I Luv Live is looking like it's going to be a smasher next Monday!!!

Have a look!!

If you'd like to come along on my £5 guestlist, send me your names to: qosmakeda@gmail.com
with 'I LUV LIVE GUESTLIST' in the subject line.

Natalie May - Closer (Acoustic)

The official video for Closer has only been recently released. However I always think it's nice to see artist singing their songs in acoustic, showing their true talents.....

Check out Natalie May in a studio session giving it what she's got!!