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Event Review: ILUVLIVE (Industry Special) – 12th March 2012

Time for another Industry Special edition of ILUVLIVE at XOYO in Old Street, London and there is a mellow vibe already within the atmosphere. Audience punctually present and mingling, small observation tells me that they’re ready to be entertained by the acts billed for the night; CHARLEE DREW, JOSH KUMRA, KAL LAVELLE, ENGLISH FRANK and MIC RIGHTEOUS.

First up Charlee Drew is welcomed back to the ILUVLIVE stage and once again the audience are hypnotized with his sharp tones. Within his last number titled ‘Did Me A Favour’ Charlee Drew hits notes that spur a grand applause from the audience as he makes way for Josh Kumra. Kicking off his set with ‘Don’t Go’ which he features alongside Wretch 32, Josh connects with his following numbers while also taking a picture of the audience so everyone can share the moment together.

Kal Lavelle steps to the stage armed with an acoustic guitar and without warning belts out piercing vocals strong enough to entrap the eardrums of those within the venue and out. The power within her second number ‘Disaster’ causes quiet throughout, allowing every word and melody to be soaked in. The talent held by Kal Lavelle will surely be remembered by everybody present tonight.

Ready to set the stage alight from the moment they’re under the spotlight, Big Cakes and English Frank give the audience food for thought within the first number and it’s clear to see the hype has been established as Big Cakes leaves the stage. Carrying on the momentum, English Frank shows off his talents once again for the ILUVLIVE audience, letting his sense of humour shine through while ordering a reload from the live band. Before leaving the stage, English Frank has everyone viciously bopping their heads until finally leaving to a rapture of cheers and applause.

Last act billed for the night Mic Righteous steps up and receives immediate interaction from the audience. The vibe within the venue is strongly prominent and infectious; many can be seen dancing and singing along with arms in the air. Following a heartfelt declaration about why he does what he does, Mic Righteous brings Kal Lavelle back to the stage for a last minute treat of goosebump inducing music to wrap up the night.

But before the show is over, the open mic competition takes place and it appears there is a lot of unearthed talent taking part tonight. But winning the crowd over with ‘Heard It All Before’ by Sunshine Anderson is Lauran, who will be back to open the show when ILUVLIVE returns on 2nd April 2012.

Event Review: Cut The Chat Live – 10 March 2012

Places on a first come first serve basis, there were more guests than seats available for yet another special live edition of the internet talk show Cut The Chat, showing that popularity continues to grow. Some of tonight’s guests have even travelled down from the Midlands! Common discussion topics on the show ranging from current affairs to what’s in the media and lifestyle with everything else in between, nobody wanted to be left out.

Taking place at The Roundhouse in Camden, London the Cut The Chat panel plus panel guest Smiler entertained and interacted with the audience discussing various topics such as public displays of affection and whether it is justified to monitor the social networking profiles of a love interest. The passion between opinions shone through amongst both panel members and audience, especially during the age old argument of whether it is possible for members of the opposite sex to be platonic friends. It would seem the majority believe not, however viable reasons were shared in favour of the opposite.

In addition to talk, the audience were treated to an endless supply of jokes from host Little Man and live performances from artists. On this occasion, this was my favourite part of the show. A young man from Birmingham was introduced to the stage as Jacob Banks and what came next was more than unexpected. It’s not everyday a performer you’ve never seen or heard warp you into their zone and make you feel every single part of the melody. Small observations revealed an endless supply of glazed over eyes and solemn faces showing the warped zone I had found myself in wasn’t an individual journey being travelled alone.

The entire event filmed for future transmission on Sky channel Vox Africa, all of the night’s talk and entertainment which also included a very powerful poem from Dean Atta can been seen by those who missed out at a later date. But until then, previous shows can be viewed on the Cut The Chat website and you can find out about any upcoming events by following the Cut The Chat Twitter @CutTheChat

In the meantime, here is a video of Jacob Banks that I found on YouTube...

Event Review: Redd Rooms - 4th March 2012

When was the last time you were offered a massage? What if they threw in some canapés and live entertainment? Is this starting to sound too good to be true? Well it is true… This is what went down at Redd Rooms at The Pipeline, Liverpool Street on the evening of Sunday 4th March.

Hosted by Remel London and Michael Levi (dubbed Mikey Fatz for the night), the show kicked off with acoustic rap from East Londoner Cynikal. Speaking true words applauded loudly by the audience before leaving the stage, the pace had already been set. Entering with exerted confidence, the mood is picked up comfortably by the next act Chale Boy the Poet.

Words drifting around the intimately dimmed room, clicks and laughter expel in short bursts from the audience, feeding into the relaxed mellow vibe. Following entertainment from Fizzie, Nathan Adams and Cheikh kept the mood flowing, showing them all to be unearthed talents with the required capabilities of providing to an audience. Many in the venue (both audience and acts) made references to their earlier massages throughout the night; it seems that anyone who never got one simply missed out.

Headliner Lola Godheld lit up the stage throughout her performance, making it clearly evident that she loves what she does. Her interaction with the audience was at a level very rarely witnessed from underground artists; her set had the calibre of the acts for the night sealed in the can.

Ending the evening with a specialist house set from DJ Sef Kombo, my summary of the night is as follows:  
Redd Rooms - the place to go for good treatment, good entertainment and overall winning hospitality. I’m glad I went!

For more info on Redd Rooms:
http://www.facebook.com/ReddRooms
http://www.twitter.com/ReddRooms

Radio: Fuzzy Logik Guest Show

Fuzzy Logik joined me in the Break London studios recently for a trip into The Funky Vault and his FIRST EVER guest appearance on radio!

Being a foundation producer on the UK Funky circuit, Makeda QoS questions why Fuzzy Logik has remained highly elusive until now, as well as finding out what is coming up in the future on his recently launched record label: World Class Music.

In addition Fuzzy Logik blesses his time within The Funky Vault with a DJ mix, showing he has aquired skills in another area of the music scene.

TRACKLIST

Show Intro
Nobody – DJ Oji ft Una
Troublesome 11 Refix – Major Notes
Kills Me (Footsteps Remix) – Melanie Fiona
I Need (Zed Bias Remix) – Maverick Sabre
Turn & Twiss – Fuzzy Logik
Your Man (Fuzzy Logik Remix) – Nana
Moving To The Beat – Angel
In The Morning – Fuzzy Logik ft Egypt
Over Me – DJ Q ft Louise Williams
Tell Me – DJ NG ft Katy B
All My Love – Fuzzy Logik ft Jada Pearl
Playground – Fuzzy Logik ft Myshy
Pose – Fuzzy Logik ft Myshy

Fuzzy Logik DJ Mix

I’ve Got That Feeling - Dakar
Cry, Kill & Die – Jerah ft Thantaswa
I Love My Life – Ronald Clark
Gypo Ting VIP – Geeneus
Lush (Fuzzy Logik Remix) – Jay Sean ft Skepta
I Ain’t Gonna – Attacca Pesante ft Jaychai

New Video: Love You So

As we settle firmly in to December, it cannot be disputed that the year has been a phenomenal one for Delilah... This singer/songwriter hailing from North London has been making spectacular moves!!

Released on 18th December, Love You So is the latest single coming from the songstress... Check it out!

Pre-order on iTunes here!

Are You Carrying The Olympic Torch?

Having previously completed the Step Up training scheme with BBC London covering Olympics 2012 related news stories, I couldn't help but to smile while watching this video.

Carrying the Olympic torch is a once in a lifetime experience. Although I won't be applying to get the pleasure of being a future flame and taking part in the Olympic torch relay myself, I'm sure those who are selected to take part will be looking forward to the moment with great anticipation.

If you're taking part in carrying the torch, I would love to hear from you!

Sponsored Post

Fuzzy Logik in The Funky Vault!!

Recently I was given the pleasure of conducting the first interview with Fuzzy Logik, one of UK Funky’s hottest producers and now I’m getting an additional pleasure of his company this Sunday when he joins me in the Break London studios for this week’s trip into The Funky Vault!

Fuzzy Logik will be teaming up with myself QoS to present the show as well as conducting a LIVE mix!! Yes that’s correct, he’s going to touch the decks!!

In addition we're going to be discussing various topics such as what it's been like working with the artists he has collaborated with, who are the divas and who has extremely large feet! Also going to be exploring what it was like to do remixes for Skepta, Pixie Lott, Mr Hudson, La Roux etc but most importantly why does Fuzzy Logik never sleep!?

Don’t miss the show!!

Sunday 4-6PM (16-1800 hrs) GMT on http://www.breaklondon.co.uk

The Sad Truth - Robyn Travis

Youth and Community Worker Robyn Travis recites his poem 'The Sad Truth' and talks about his soon to be released book 'Freedom From The Womb, Prisoner To The Streets' which is based on his life growing up in two different areas that later turned out to become serious rivals. Torn between loyalties to old friends and new, he beacame heavily involved in the street life in which his friends became his enemies.

'The Sad Truth' is a poem by Robyn Travis written to express his frustrations and the challenges he has faced since turning his life around....

Robyn Travis deserves an accolade for not only being able to step away from the street lifestyle he found himself wrapped within, but also for the ability to articulately reach out to others to say it's not the way forward. 'Freedom from the Womb, Prisoner to the Streets' may be focused on the Hackney & Tottenham street war that erupted in the late 90's and continued for many years, however the poem 'The Sad Truth' shows the depths Robyn Travis has brought to the surface, will speak from the hearts of many of the young men trapped within the street lifestlye and explain exactly why they are trapped by the system, not their peers.

I will be touching back on this book in future and letting you all know when it's released....

The media is a state!

If there is one organisation you would expect unbiased coverage from, BBC would be that place... Unfortunately that hasn't been the case. I put forward my first exhibit:

The disrespect starts instantly as she calls him 'Marcus Dowe'. Then she follows it up by asking him if he condones the riots, why because he understands them? #PAUSE# Then she cuts him off from expressing his thoughts on a young black man being killed by the police because "we have to wait for the 'police' report on it"..... #YAWN# Then she dismisses the fact that so many young black men are unlawfully stopped and searched in this city (let alone country) #SHAKES HEAD# THEN she accuses him of being a rioter himself!!! AM I THE ONLY PERSON WHO THINKS AN APOLOGY IS NEEDED HERE!?

To make matters worse after a race war has erupted, petrol is poured on the fire within the second exhibit.... David Starkey on Newsnight:

Is this really the kind of thing 'black people' pay their TV license to watch? What's happening during the BBC's media ethics training sessions? I find these broadcasts very worrying and offensive..... Not on!

Smart - Freestyle Video

The last time we saw Smart he was teaming up with Smiler to bring us Clarity..... A track and video I absolutely loved on Smiler's mixtape of the same name.

Smart has returned with a freestlye and something tells me there will much more coming from the South London rapper.....

I will definitely keep you posted!

Or alternatively keep up to date with Smart on Twitter: @SmartGB

Are they Stooshe?

Happened to come across these 3 young ladies and I'm very impressed... I think big things could be in store for the trio. Sourced from the streets of South London by Jo Perry (if you don't know who she is, please find out), each has their own musical tale which is sure to be extended in the forthcoming years.

Where to find them:
Facebook
Twitter

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

Trailer: Danso - London's Son

ASB: Flashing Lights (Freestyle)

Absolutely love this video as well as the word play..... If you don't already know about ASB, Check out this young rapper from North West London doing his thang!!

Needless to say ASB is one to definitely be keeping an eye out for going in to 2011....

Game Over: The Aftermath

The hype and opinions that exploded off the back of this track were phenomenal!! Within 24 hours the video had over 100,000 views on YouTube and over 2,000 comments. Whilst also trending on Twitter within the London region.

Here are some of the things that we're said about the video/track:

@SwerveOnKiss: Game Over [Remix] is a different kind of incredible - beat + lyrical levels are too much - who made this beat? I need to shout them out

@SwerveOnKiss: if when playing #gameover you actually wheeled it the amount of times it deserved it would be over and hour long no?

@Shinobidan: Pro green is da best mc by miles on game over #realesttalkever

@PrincessRemz: Giggs definitely took over the whole of Game Over!

@CaramelCrumble: Just heard the game over riddum and it's pants. A couple one liners absolutely no bars.

@BigDirtz: if you thought the game over video was good then ur ah ediat

@WileyArtist: Example was meant to Be on the tune obviously I wasn't I respect tinch for that game over tune don't hate

@WileyArtist: Please don't try it with tinchy it's his song and if he asked me I would of said no anyway

@MikillPane: Chipmunk's verse on 'Game Over' could probably put a new roof over his head...it's been slated that many times. Nobody's feeling it. :-(

@MikillPane: In fact, when I watched 'Game Over' & saw comments about Chipmunk's verse, I hadn't seen that many slaters since I last watched EastEnders.

@GustoNBT: Everyone is gassing up the game over track and I cant see or hear why. I must be hearing something very different.

@TinchyStryder: I love how everyones leaving their different opinions on #GameOver on YouTube... Interesting too see so many different view points!

So what were the YouTube comments saying??

Well most were slating Chipmunk saying that his game is in fact over and he sounds like he's trying to be an English version of Lil Wayne, but loads others were also stating that Wiley, Skepta, Ghetts and a few others should have been featured on the track. However many show gratitude for the beat and it seems Devlin, Professor Green and Example have received the most praise.

Personally I think Ishi 2Stripes has produced one of the hardest beats we've heard come out of the UK during 2010 and whether the track is liked or not, Tinchy Stryder has done a great job as everybody has been talking about it.

I'm sure there are many out there who think they can do better and will be re-making their own versions. We shall see.....

I'm finished with the Beeb!!

It's once again been a while since my last blog post, but many things have happened.... Instead of writing a dissertation I'll cover each subject separately.

So what has happened?

The BBC Step Up scheme came to an end, and I got to find out what it's like when you have to explore journalism on a topic of which I struggled to find personal interest: Bicycle Polo.

On the plus side, the completed news story (which had to be linked to London and the olympics) was airred during drive-time on BBC London Radio.... I couldn't find the radio story, but this is the TV one also airred during prime-time:



Overall the 12 week experience was very rewarding, not only did I get to enjoy some great experiences, but I also got to meet some really great people. I would definitely recommend the BBC Step Up scheme to anybody interested in journalism.

I also got named as a star person on the scheme at the ending ceremony which was very humbling, especially as I was rather concerned that my personal fight to show interest may have had adverse effect on the levels of which I applied myself to the task in hand. But I guess my determination to do the best of my capabilty paid off...... Made me realise that endurance is definitely required in ALL aspects of life where we wish to achieve for the better.

Stratford 2010 Olympic Site Visit

So as previously stated, I am taking part of in the BBC Step Up scheme where myself and everyone else on the scheme receive training within journalism and work as trainee journalists, finding stories on the streets of London.

This week as part of the scheme we visited the Olympic site in Stratford, East London and learnt not only about the infrastructure of the games, but also various things surrounding it, including the regeneration of the area and what the plan is for the legacy of the games.

It was a very eye-opening day.... There are various things that I wasn't aware of, such as the plans for the olympic village to be turned into social housing and the administration centre to be later used as an academy. As well as the sports facilities that will be remaining open for cyclists.

There are negative factors surrounding the coming of the games, such as people having to move out of their homes etc and these construction costs must be coming from somewhere in a time of recession, but it was an overall cool and insightful day all the same.

Here are some pictures: