Caffiends

Shit guys, things have been a bit mad over the past few days with technical glitches and a mighty busy schedule… doing nothing. Anyway, here’s a catch up of stuff that I’ve missed and will round off into one post.

Firstly, I give my sympathies to the family of Brittany Murphy who passed away yesterday from what seems to be a heart attack. 32 years is not an age to die at, at all. Very talented and unique actress.

So let’s get going with some tunes! First up here is a track by a hip hop five-piece who I really can’t call one of my favourites. Hailing from Japan, they’ve copped huge names in the urban scene on their tracks for the past few years now and this track makes no difference with them landing a feature from the biggest name in rap right now – Jay-Z. Guessed who they are yet? It’s the Teriyaki Boyz! The track’s “Living the Life” and comes from the Delicious Japanese CD and DVD boxset. It’s more RnB as opposed to rap with the dreamy synths and piano keys. This isn’t one I rate highly, and Jay-Z’s feature is not exactly fulfilled – sounds like he wasn’t offered that much for the feature.

Teriyaki Boyz – Living the Life ft. Jay-Z

Next up is another hip hop chooon from rhyme meister Mos Def who’s been creating some eddy currents around his name in recent weeks. This joint here is a simple, little, lazy production. Not intended to be serious. He’s just being playful. Chopping, jabbing, fusing. We have seen quite a change in Mos Def’s attitudes towards his performance in the last year – with the emphasis being less on his actual lyrics and more on the actual overall feel of the track. I preferred him really giving us epic verses but I’m liking this one. It’s nice. It’s something that hip hop could do with more often and isn’t exactly difficult to do. Big names dropping little experiments from the studio. They don’t have to go hard all the time. Do we have too high expectations of them now?! Anyway, the track’s called “24 Hour Karate School” and is produced by Ski Beatz. Nice.

Mos Def – 24 Hour Karate School

Veering away from hip hop now but staying strictly urban for this track (which I have been very late on posting). No point giving it a wordy intro as I’m sure you’ve copped it already. It’s the epic garage effort by UK artist Solo. He’s remixed Wiley‘s “Never Be Your Woman” which is due out next Feb – so this won’t be gracing your Christmas stockings I’m afraid. It’s got some sick synths, funky beats and garage treats. Will definitely be a big tune in the New Year!

Wiley – Never Be Your Woman (Solo ‘Loves Garage’ Remix)

Now let’s hit electro. And here I deliver a collaboration that promises big things. Three of the biggest names in the scene have brought their talents into one five minute effort. The culprits are Crookers, Soulwax and Mixhell. The result: “We Love Animals”. I’m surprised there was no Miike Snow influence here, because that really would have been joyful. Now, in this track you can really identify all of the individual collaborators’ styles. It’s quite a mash and it blends well though has no real structure there. I have to say, actually, I’m a little disappointed with the track considering all those that were involved but that’s not to say it is bad. I do like it. I just think there was a lot more potential for something incredible.

Crookers – We Love Animals ft. Soulwax & Mixhell

And whilst sticking to the electro curve with a detour into the rave scene, we have the latest dropping from Hostage. Dropping? You ask. Yes. This track is THE SHIT. I’m not usually a fan of Hostage tracks when they’re on their own but I love them when they’re in sets. However, this track ticks all the right boxes for me and really is my favourite Hostage track yet. Some funky beats in this one, where he seems to have let off with the bass. When this drops in the club, it will be sure to catch everyone’s attention. I give you “Achtung!”.

Hostage – Achtung!

Hope you like them goodies.

I’m hoping that this super bazooka post is going to make up for the lack of action over the last few weeks. Prepare for an epic, gem filled debarkle which should last you from dawn till dusk and have you ready to rave until dawn returns, whoever dawn may be.

First up, here’s some snazzy ass pictures to bulk this out.

Yeaaaaaaah!

Right, we’ve got a lot to run through. Where to start? Album releases!

The most obvious and maybe successful release of recent weeks (in the UK especially, anyway) is The Resistance by Muse. Having listened to the vast majority of it now, I really do think this is yet another winner. Muse have continued their exemplar standard of production and musical creativity. I had my doubts initially, as I was hearing things that sounded like a backward step towards a reincarnation of Queen with an air of prepostorous catastrophic fantasy. OK, so that is still there, but it gels together in a way that I was not expecting. If you haven’t already, get out there and buy it. It’s doing great right now, let’s help them keep it up!

Next up is the much much much much muuuuuch hyped latest release from Jay-Z. Ja! That be The Blueprint 3. OK, so it didn’t get released on September 11th as initially intended, getting released early on the 8th instead – whether it was to beat further illegal downloads or to ensure that number 1 spot, who knows? What we do know, it’s receiving all sorts of reviews that cover practically every end of the spectrum. I haven’t listened to it (money’s an issue) but from what I have heard, I can understand the disappoint amongst some. “Empire State of Mind” and “D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)” are two very strong tracks presented early in the album’s tracklist. Yet these do seem to fizzle out into the rather mundane early leaks of “Reminder” and “Hate“. It’s nice to see “Jockin’” making it onto the album – albeit as a bonus track only available to some – and it’s nice to see Jay-Z breaking records with this! Congratulations! The brilliant “Empire State of Mind” is now out as the latest single so be sure to cop that and the album.

Also in the hip hop side of things, we’ve seen the release of the incredibly much awaited Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt 2 from Raekwon. Receiving much hype from Busta Rhymes on Twitter and strong, favourable reviews. I’ve heard the album (yes really) and I can only agree that this is a brilliant one. I had been worrying for so long about the future of hip hop and the death of the classic hip hop that was still growing into. I had had enough of these run of the mill rappers dropping only party anthems and being one hit wonders. So this album really is a breath of fresh air. We’ve got numerous Wu Tang member collabs on here, we’ve got New Yorker collabs and we’ve got production from legends like J Dilla. “Catalina“, produced by Dr Dre, is the next single to be released so you know what to do!

David Gray has returned with another album, Draw The Line, his first for nearly 5 years. I haven’t heard much about this and I’ve only heard one track, I admit, but it seems to be getting a favourable batch of reviews. The first single from the album, “Fugitive” was released several weeks and “Full Steam“, a duet with Annie Lennox, is up next. Time to open that wallet.

Errrm what else? Ooh, we’ve got that Dizzee one… Yeah, I know which one it is… That Tongue n something. Tongue N’ Cheek! That’s it, told you. So yeah, that came out very recently after a raft of chart topping singles, which have also been met with some quality remixes by the likes of Soulwax and Laidback Luke. This too has received very good reviews but the hardcore clique of fans have been slating this to no end – mainly due to the sudden breakaway from his usual sound and style (and apparently he’s sticking with it). Most of the production comes from Cage but of course there is Tiesto, Calvin Harris and Armand Van Helden. “Dirtee Cash” was released a week ago and I think it’s lacking the quality that the past two/three singles (probably because it’s a ripoff!!) had but could well be another success.

Oh yeah, another one that slipped under the net is Q-Tip’s new album, Kamaal/The Abstract. Also receiving favourable reviews (gosh, can’t someone make a bad album? I’ll get onto that later). I’m yet to listen to this but it strikes me as something quite different to the norm for Q-Tip. It’s experimental in sorts. The lack of hype – especially from the hip hop community – is a great shame though. I was expecting more support.

OK, so what about the bad albums? Well ITV’s permanent fixture Peter Andre has released a… oh god, I can’t even bring myself to say it… he’s released a come back album. I guess we’ve gotta expect a special documentary for it. I think we’ve all heard the first single for this album, I’ve even seen half of the video. A blatant attack on Jordan, but boohoo, get over it. The worst thing is, there’s probably more albums in the pipeline because this has unfortunately reached number 3 in the UK charts! Anything else? Barbra Streisands got a new album or something. Whoopie. Paramore have released something as well, apparently it’s selling quite well.

Taio Cruz has hit number 1 in the singles chart in the UK with his first single from his upcoming album Rokstarr. “Break Your Heart” has done a good job in the charts, and the CD single features remixes from Paul Thomas, Cassette Club, and Vito Benito. I’ve got you the Cassette Club Remix here, and of course I urge you to buy the single!

Taio Cruz – Break Your Heart (Cassette Club Mix)

OK, so moving on a bit to new joints that I really should be dropping for you. First up is the latest Chase & Status offering, which is yet another collaboration with Plan B (they’re becoming best buds now aren’t they?) and I actually have to say that I’m truly disappointed. It’s called “End Credits” and will be on the soundtrack for the upcoming film “Harry Brown“, which stars the legendary Mr Michael Caine. The track’s going to be available to download on 2nd November so there’s a while to wait yet! I’m not gunna be buying it (sorry guys, I love you but this track sucks rhino horn). In better news though, there are murmurings of a possible collabo with Rihanna on her next album which could be amazing – especially if there’s some dutty dubstep on the go (which there won’t be… come on, Rihanna? “Pon de dubstep!”). There also seems to be a couple of VIPs on the upcoming. They were dropped on the Annie Mac minimix in a few days ago. So we’re looking at a “Is It Worth It” VIP aaaaand an “End Credits” VIP, both on Ram Records. Looks epic! So below we’ve got the “End Credits” tracks I was on about and the minimix with the tracklisting.

Chase and Status – End Credits

Chase and Status – Annie Mac Minimix (18/09/2009)

Tracklist:

Chase & Status Guest Mix
Jay Z – Run This Town (Roc Nation)
Chase & Status – Against All Odds (RAM)
Jay Z – DOA (Roc Nation)
Jay Z – DOA – Chase & Status RMX (Roc Nation)
Major Lazer – Hold The Line – Skream RMX (Mad Decent/Downtown)
Emalkay – When I Look At You (Dub Police)
Chase & Status – Eastern Jam VIP (RAM)
Fresh – Hypercaine – Nero RMX (BBK)
White Lies – Death – Chase & Status RMX (Fiction)
Nneka – Heartbeat – Chase & Status Mix (Yo Mammas House)
Wire – Tales From The Crypt (MTA Records)
501 – Insanity (MTA Records)
Balistiq Ft Trim – Fire (Dub)
Rusko – Cockney Thug – Caspa RMX (Dub Police)
Cotti Ft Doctor – Rise The Temperature (MTA Records)
Shabba Ranks – Ting A Ling (Shang Muzik/Sony BMG)
Vybz Kartel – Gaza Ting (Dub)
Breakage Ft Roots Manuva – Run Em Out (Digital Soundboy)
Top Cat – Ruffest Gunark – Chase & Status RMX (Streetlife Rec)
Chase & Status – Is It Worth It VIP (RAM)
Nero – Electrons (MTA Records)
Ewun – Screw Up – Upbeats RMX – Lifted
Camo & Krooked – Vampires VIP – Dub
Chase & Status FT Plan B – End Credits (Vertigo)
Chase & Status FT Plan B – End Credits VIP (RAM)

Props to Dubplate Digest for that.

Electro madman Boys Noize is still out there promoting his upcoming album Power and has taken the step to give away, yes GIVE AWAY, one of the tracks for free. The track’s called “Rozz Box”. I understand that some of his hardcore fans have been pretty disappointed with this but I’m liking it (guess that doesn’t make me hardcore, shucks!). Aah well, cop it at his blog!

Next up we’ve got a track that I know has been doing the rounds on the blogosphere in recent days but I really had to jump on the bandwagon, otherwise this blog loses all credibility, doesn’t it? This is Tiga’s remix of Miike Snow’s “Black & Blue“!

Miike Snow – Black & Blue (Tiga Remix)

Oh wait, you know what, I’ll throw in something that hasn’t been orbitting the blogosphere so much: Caspa’s remix of the same track! Ooooooooh, check dat wobbleeeee!

Miike Snow – Black & Blue (Caspa Remix)

Anyone noticed that Wiley is being a bit prolific at the moment? He’s gone and jumped on a remix of Riton & Primary 1′s “Who’s There?”. Tough beat, but he tackles it and I think this really does drop the cherry on top of the icing. Bravo Wiley!

Riton & Primary 1 – Who’s There? ft. Wiley

The ‘Mishka presents Keep Watch’ series is back with another installment by dubstep superstar Rusko. It’s a great mix, not the best in the series – I’ve got Plastician on that title. I’m loving the first track “Da Cali Anthem” – an obvious tribute to his new home in LA. Lots of new stuff here. Go and cop the mix here (tracklist included with download).

In fact, I can throw in this Rusko minimix that he did for MistaJam on 1Xtra during their dubstep week. Nothing new but the typical masterful mixery from the man.

Rusko – 1Xtra Minimix for MistaJam (07-09-09)

Time to throw in a bit of hip hop I think. So the next track is by the trio Strong Arm Steady, currently signed to Talib Kweli’s Blacksmith Records. This track is called “Loose Girl” and features the production of Madlib. It’s a light beat and with tight delivery. The track is from the upcoming Stoney Jackson LP, the Strong Arm Steady collab with Madlib. No actual word if this will make it onto the album – be a gutter if it didn’t though.

Strong Arm Steady – Loose Girl

This one’s a new Busta track with J. Holiday on the hook. Quite like this, Busta using his deep tone to good effect to generate a hard delivery, contrasts well with Holiday. Like that schizo bassline as well, although sounds a bit disjointed with the track. Anyway, take a listen and make your mind up!

Busta Rhymes – Hits For Days ft. J. Holiday

Time to swivel back round to dubstep with the latest offering from JAYOU! The track’s a remix of Kenneth Bager’s “I Can’t Wait”. In fact, we can’t really call this dubstep, this really is more just electro. It’s a choon though, a break from JAYOU’s normal stuff.

Kenneth Bager – I Can’t Wait (JAYOU Remix)

OK, so one final track to make up for the fact that the last one wasn’t actually dubstep. I have to admit as well that I robbed it from Squeegie Sounds but I’m seriously surprised that no one else seems to have clocked onto this. It’s a HUGE remix by DZ of Crookers. This is a juicy 320 so enjoy it in all its glory!

Crookers – Businessman ft. Wiley and Thomas Jules (DZ Remix)

OK, so now we’ve gotta get a bit serious, cool the mood, turn down the hype and pay our respects to a hip hop legend who tragically passed away earlier this month. Roc Raida has shown himself to be a master of the turntable, earning him the “Grand Master” title 10 years ago. I feel a little guilty that I’ve left it this late to leave a tribute of my own to him, so I’ll keep this short. His enthusiasm on the decks, genre defining techniques and down to earth personality is something that made him great and much loved in the hip hop world, and we’ll probably never see someone of his kind ever again. He’ll be missed very much, rest in peace Roc Raida.

Time to chuck in some announcements, commentary and cheerios.

The winner of the UK’s favourite DJ competition has been announced, and congratulations to Erol Alkan who’s won it AGAIN! There have been some big changes in the top 40 list with Dubfire being the highest climber (going from 58th to 21st!) and David Guetta in close pursuit (51st to 15th). Some great new entries as well in the form of Chase and Status, Fake Blood and Sander van Doorn. Quite a shame to see the likes of Carl Cox and Danny Howells to fall so low though. And it seems that Above & Beyond’s viral campaign has paid off, going from fifth to second. Anyway, here are the top 40 DJs with their position last year in brackets:

1. Erol Alkan (-)
2. Above & Beyond (5)
3. Sasha (-)
4. Armin van Buuren (7)
5. Tiesto (11)
6. Eric Prydz (20)
7. Deadmau5 (13)
8. Sven Vath (16)
9. Paul van Dyk (10)
10. James Zabiela (9)
11. John Digweed (2)
12. 2Many DJs (17)
13. Carl Cox (3)
14. Andy C (25)
15. David Guetta (51)
16. Judge Jules (14)
17. Steve Angello (36)
18. Sander van Doorn (New Entry)
19. Tiga (39)
20. Richie Hawtin (21)
21. Dubfire (58)
22. Axwell (New Entry)
23. Boys Noize (41)
24. Eddie Halliwell (24)
25. Pete Tong (23)
26. Erick Morillo (34)
27. Ferry Corsten (47)
28. Chase & Status (New Entry)
29. Gareth Emery (New Entry)
30. Nick Warren (30)
31. Annie Mac (42)
32. Riley & Durrant (6)
33. Skream (New Entry)
34. Simian Mobile Disco (57)
35. Paul Oakenfold (26)
36. Sebastian Ingrosso (New Entry)
37. Danny Howells (4)
38. Kutski (38)
39. Fake Blood (New Entry)
40. Hernan Cattaneo (54)

The MOBOs took a wrong turn on the way to London and ended up in Glasgow a few nights ago. There was a lot of talk of the event suffering from its new location with many artists supposedly refusing to turn up. Well, the signs of that weren’t there as we saw some very passionate tributes to Michael Jackson and some great performances. I’m a little iffy about some of the winners. But before I get into that, to any artists that were snobbish enough to deny fans their presence because they felt unsuitable with being in Glasgow, have a great big FUCK YOU! Now, onto the awards again. N-Dubz and JLS were the night’s biggest winners and Chipmunk had a decent night as well. Why? I keep asking myself that. Chipmunk and N-Dubz are pretty much sell outs. I mean, Chipmunk beating the likes of Eminem for the best hip hop act? Are you mad! And the fact Dizzee Rascal was even nominated for that category when you consider that his latest offerings have really been electro-pop just makes me think they were running out of options. I can’t even get into it. Also, a bit of an issue with the presenting – Peter Andre backstage?! Whyyy? OK, he did do a good job of it. He was quite witty and quick thinking but it just seemed like someone dropped the ITV factor in. The MJ tribute was nice, if a little predictable. Latoya was prancing around like a bit of a schoolgirl which was actually kinda depressing to see. Congratulations to the winners anyway. Let’s hope the MOBOs stay out of London for a while, Birmingham 2010? YES PLEASE.

I think it’s time to talk about a film for once. In fact, I’ll bring up that aforementioned film Harry Brown. It stars the legendary Sir Michael Caine as it’s leading actor and is described as a modern urban western, which immediately makes you think gangs. And if Michael Caine’s involved, I immediately think about the old guard of gangs – the likes who robbed trains and nabbed bags of cash from money transportation vans. But actually, it seems to be more about Caine living on an estate blighted by gangs, drugs and violence. He lives on his own, but life becomes too much when his best friend is murdered with the gang leader responsible walking scot free. Now if there’s anything I wanna see, it’s someone like Caine kicking the shit out of the little scrotes running around estates doing stuff like this. Sadly, it’s just a film. Oh God, I’m starting to sound like the Daily Mail… But it’s a nice to see that someone gets the idea! As well as Caine, it also stars the likes of Plan B, Emily Mortimer, and Jack O’Connell.  It’s due for release on the 12th November, do I’ll definitely be checking it out! The trailer and poster’s below.

Also, America beared witness to an exclusive clip from the upcoming disaster orgy that be “2012“. Most likely to be laden with the most scientifically inaccurate bollocks since Armageddon, but we all love a bit of disaster. We’ve got skyscraper disaster, earthquake disaster, petrol disaster, rolling donut disaster etc etc. Oooof!

It’s due out on the 13th November. As for the event: TBA.

Next up, I have a couple of Wiley x Chew Fu exclusives. It seems the two have collaborated in some form or another to produce yet another electronic track for Wiley’s roster as he shines away from the usual grime. Saying that, he does still rap so I guess maybe Dizzee could take a peak at that….

Anyway, here’s track, premiered by Tim Westwood. It’s called “Take That”. Whilst I’m not the biggest fan, I still think this could be huge. Not sure if this is getting released as a single, though you could probably bet it is!

But not only did Chew Fu produce that track, he went on and remixed the heavy collabo of the England 10′s remix of “She Likes To”. Much prefer this, to be released on the 12th October.

Next up is something dubstep related. Now, you’ve probably seen an awful lot of people raving on about dubstep tracks calling em “filthy” and “dirty”. Well, this one reeeeally is dirty. Absolutely fantastic though. The track’s “Sexxxplicit” and it’s by Smurfie Syco, as far as I know. Expect a release on this to… in more ways than one maybe.

Here’s the new official video from the Black Lips for their track “Let It Grow”. Definitely following the flowerpunk lines. Like the feel good atmosphere of this!

Well, T.I.’s pissed off prison and he’s left behind a little party track to keep us occupied. Not only that, he’s done a video for it which happens to show the man in prison – albeit before he actually went to prison.

Aaaaand finally, the official video for “Mercedes Benz” by Sway has been released – I was a little late catching onto that. I hate the song, video’s one of the best quality ones he’s done though I still can’t say it tops “Up Your Speed” (that is still a fucking anthem! I am going to eat anyone who tries to say otherwise because you’re all smegging liars!).

OK, I said finally, but I actually do have one last thing for you. The news is littered with people doing good things for others, and basically being kind. It’s pretty much just encouraging us to be kind. They completely ignore the fact that we live in a dog eat dog world, and thankfully there’s a website that accepts this and preaches it to the world! BAD ASS OF THE WEEK! Not only that, there’s a fucking book on the subject now! Jesus Christ!

Anyway, sorry again for being slow on the blogging front. But here we are. I’ll be more regular again now, and I’ll keep bringing them exclusives – signed, sealed, delivered. Peace!