Ringolero

Give us the intro?
I'm from south London, Brixton to be specific. The Hip Hop scene is grimy in a word, a bit too grimy for a lot of mainstream media anyway.

How long have you been rapping and what or who influenced you to pick up the microphone and start writing?I’ve been emceeing for 18 years, I was originally influenced by Ninjaman but more so by Big Daddy Kane in about 89.

When did you get your first break and was there anyone person who helped along with your music career?
My first break came as a Drum and Bass emcee on Breeze FM. There have been many people who have all had a hand in helping me along the way in some way. People like Publo, Jon Bizz, Flego Barker, Defisis, and more recently people like Corey Johnson, Reggie Fantastic & DJ Judge (of Shotcallers).

What have you released so far and what has the response been like?
I’ve released a mixtape called Hammer Verse of Horrors locally in 04, man dem on enz loved it but no one else really heard it, also a mixtape as part of the Risc group called after the massacre which dissed 50 Cent in 05' that was distributed as a promo only 100 copies were produced & everyone loved that one, got radio love on a few tracks but I think the whole theme was a bit too contentious for the masses at the time, plus we just wanted to test the waters and kick up a little storm, which it did; and finally this album called How to be an Emcee which has had nothing but positive feedback from everyone who's heard it, just waiting for some papers to come as a result.

What would say is the most popular track that you have released to date?
Nigguh What You Know... it was a track from the after the Massacre mixtape which gets love from everyone who hears it, young and old. Radio also gave it a thorough rinse when it was released. I’m looking to top the amount of popularity gained with this new album though.

What producers do you work with?
Magic of Renegade Hardware Records, Synagee of Hustla Enterprise, Bos, Twixie, Paleface, Jon Bizz and recently Jon Judace.

What studio do you record in?
Various studios such as T.O.V, the synagogue and studio 10. But mostly T.O.V (Trouble on Vinyl)

What artists have you collaborated with and what’s the most memorable collaboration that you have recorded?
Artists such as Synista Hustla, the Doujaman (my crew), Sheldz, Bones, Corey Johnson, Scamer (my partner in the Risc) & Flego Barker to name a few. Most memorable would have to be local groupies featuring Corey Johnson of defenders L.O.S. Cor and I go back to birth so this track had to be done. You can hear the chemistry between us on the track too. A big tune for the ladies!

What’s your label situation? Who you signed to and do they have distribution?
Not signed to a major, but my album was the first release from my label called Jonringo Enterprise. Distribution is something I’m actively seeking.
With so many rappers in the game how are you planning to make noise and get noticed?
With undeniable skill, the resilience of an ox, lyrics for years and a truth that speaks for itself. I am genuinely better than the vast majority out there so as long as I have a platform to be heard the rest will follow. Hear for yourself!

Have you featured or hosted any mixtapes?
Hip-Hop features include Hammer Verse of Horrors which I also hosted, as mentioned I appeared on after the Massacre by the Risc and also appeared on Master Minds of Deception E.P. with Amen Voyager.

Any major plans for 2007? Anything big in the pipeline?
Come on maan, this is my year (not in the corny sense) I’m July born the 7th month, seventh son of the tribe of Judah so 7 is my number. I’m planning three videos for my solo projects this year, a new single/video due in spring with Corey Johnson. I’m already working on a full length album with Scamer as the Risc, I’m doing another mixtape this year with the Doujamen and finally a joint project with Synagee, as yet untitled but Synagee will be on production for the whole project and I will be tearing the mike a new one. Look out for that! Also features on Synista Hustla's album, and just looking forward to whatever projects and collabo's come my way!

What radio stations in your area are supporting your music?
Itch FM, Bounce FM, Lightning FM, GLC Radio, Axe FM and Deja are the main ones at the moment

‘Big name’ collaborations seem to be the way for ‘underground artists’ to get more exposure. Do you plan to do this?
Yeah I am planning to do this, and I’ve got some u.s. acts lined up, but to be honest I wanna collaborate with some UK acts I’m trying to sell a mill in UK alone, ya dig! Stay tuned for more info

Have you done any music videos to promote your latest release?
None-what-so-ever, which I feel was a slight oversight on my part but when you’re financing the whole project yourself, you do what you can. Visuals are coming in 07 for sure. But to be honest I’m not big on da video life ting. Nuff man is just pretending to be what they’re not. I prefer to let my music do the talking, initially anyway.

How are you finding the My Space.Com revolution? Love it or hate it? What are your views?
Myspace is cool; I’m feeling the whole idea, good opportunity for exposure when some would otherwise never be heard. Most people on there are s#!t though, when people ask for feedback I tell them straight if I think they are s#!t

Do you have a My Space page or a website?
ringolero

What other rappers are you feeling at the moment?
A lot, too many to mention but Scamer, my Doujamen, O.C, Terrafirma, SMS, Malik from MD7, Foreign Beggars and lots more!

What other producers are you feeling at the moment?
I’m feeling Synagee, Chemo, Madlib, Baby J (I want a beat) and myself, (I’ve started producing now too)

Describe your style in 5 words.
Gritty, versatile, honest, multi-syllabic yet conscious

Would you ever sign to a major label?
Yep, as long as they offered me the right deal.

Why should people buy your music?
Well for a start there are 23 tracks to get into, they will have an album which stands up against any album, US or otherwise, they will be entertained from start to finish in ways they never realised hip hop could, its a snap shot of the darker side of south London, the artwork makes it a collectors item oh and did I mention there are 23 tracks!!

Any shout-outs or anything you wanna add?
Yeah man, all my Doujamen, the whole of south London, Scamer and the Risc army, and every UK act trying a ting at the moment, Tricksta and the whole Wolftown Committee and finally big up to every s#!t mc....coz without them I wouldn’t be the best!

Interview by Tricksta

Joe Gutta

Where are you from and what's the Hip-Hop scene/industry like there?
I'm originally from Sheffield but now live in between Doncaster and Scunthorpe. The scene around here is pretty much non existent but the area I live in and the surrounding towns have a lot of emcees but no real stage to showcase their talents, no regular nights and the odd night that does pop up usually gets a small turn up so you end up with a lot of frustrated people. Hopefully soon enough it'll change!

How long have you been rapping and what or who influenced you to pick up the microphone and start writing?
I've been writing longer than I’ve actually been rapping, I started writing around 2001 and then started recording in December of 2002. I was brought up around different kinds of music and there was always music playing in the house as I was growing up. My mum would listen to Nina Simone, Leonard Cohen and Randy Crawford and my dad would play a lot of Reggae and The Beatles so there were quite a few styles being taken in, but the hip hop started when my cousin played me a Coolio album and I’ve been listening non stop ever since. Both my mum and dad wrote poetry when they were in they're 20's so I think it's just been passed on to me, I love writing and when it's heard by people other than yourself and friends it makes the time you've spent worth it.

When did you get your first break and was there anyone person who helped along with your music career?
To be honest with you my first break has only just really come about in the form of Lunatrix and DJ Vokal from HHB Radio getting me onboard to host the second instalment of their mixtape "HHB Radio Mixtape Vol.2". This cd has some extremely talented artists involved with it and will get my name out there, so I owe those two some more verses!

What have you released so far and what has the response been like?
My first release was Cartoon Hip Hop Vol.1 which was a mixtape I dropped in January 2005, which got my name to more people than I thought it would, I just uploaded it to a site and dropped people the link and it got downloaded over 1000 times and I moved 500 hand to hand, I was more than happy with that. Then I put out a little promo cd called Starvin' Artist which was just basically a few tracks for a specific show in December 2005. All in all the response has been good but I’m looking to reach more heads with the new Cartoon Hip Hop Mixtape.

What would say is the most popular track that you have released to date?
The most popular track I’ve released to date would have to be one called Gorillaz In The Mist which is produced by Second Suzpect, it featured on his mixtape as well as a remix on the HHB Vol.2 Mix cd and will also be featuring on my mixtape, it gained acclaim from DJ Mystro from Glaxy FM, but also I believe it's possible that the new mixtape will have something on there to fit the description, I have a track called Sick & Tired on it that people have been embracing because I feel they can relate to it. So maybe that one even though it hasn't been released yet.

What producers do you work with?
The main producer who I work with is Second Suzpect aka Joe Rizzle, who is a very talented producer from the West Midlands. Me, him and Bigga are part of a collective called the "Unfriendly Neighbours" and are at present working on material between projects for our first L.P as a group. Joe's production is just next level to me, I mean there are these producers that just take a sample and put a drum loop behind it but you can catch Rizzle messing with the same instrumental days and even weeks after he's given it to me. He's very dedicated to what he does and knows what he plans to do for the future. When we get in the lab there's a connection that just works for us and a heavy product comes out the other side.

What studio do you record in?
I either record at Bigga's lab in Tamworth or in Lunatrix's studio in Lichfield and both are very heavy set ups, which I feel comfortable recording in, I have to feel comfortable in the booth or the tune doesn't come out quite right, but yeah either one of those two places because of the good atmospheres.

What artists have you collaborated with and what's the most memorable collaboration that you have recorded?
There are really too many names to mention, I seem to have more tracks with other people than I do solo tracks, but the most memorable collaboration I’ve done has to be either a track called Sunbeams from Bigga's L.P So Ghostly because it was the first collaboration I did with him or a track which is untitled at the moment from Cartoon Hip Hop Vol.2 with a singer called Lauren Jade which is probably my favourite track I’ve ever put together because the lyrics are very close to my heart.

What's your label situation? Who you signed to and do they have distribution?
At the moment I’m unsigned but myself, Second Suzpect, Reggiimental and Bigga created rusty jukebox records purely as a name and brand to go by for the release's we make as we are not involved with a official label as of yet.

With so many rappers in the game how are you planning to make noise and get noticed?
That's the thing really ain't it, I’ve got a distinctive accent and I don't think anyone out there sounds like me, so I’m easy to hear on a tune. I try to bring bits of comedy into certain tracks because a lot of people at the minute are so negative about things, sometimes I fall into that category but I see my music like everyday life, every tune I make isn't going to be happy and funny because I don't always feel like that but at the same time I don't always feel moody so these aspects will always be portrayed in my music.

Have you featured or hosted any mixtapes?
I've hosted the HHB mix cd which is my only hosting duty to date, but if anyone reading this has heard the mix cd and likes it I’d be more than happy to host more! I've featured on such mixtapes as UK Runnings, S.o.s's All Eyes On The South, Second Suzpect Vol.1 and of course my own mixtape compilations.

Any major plans for 2007? Anything big in the pipeline?
First and foremost Cartoon Hip hop Vol.2 will be coming out in the start of the year which is around 30 tracks deep and will be accompanied by a short film of music videos compiled from the mix. This will be available for free download from the official site www.cartoonhiphopvolume2.com . Another project for this year will be the Unfriendly Neighbours L.P and I’m hoping the third instalment of the Cartoon Hip Hop mixtape series will be available at the end of 2007.

What radio stations in your area are supporting your music?
There aren't any radio stations in my area that I’m aware of, but HHB are always supporting what I do, I’ve been on a few of their shows and a few of my tracks are up on their playlist, I’ve also appeared on Conspiracy Radio, any other radio stations that have played my music big up, I just don't know you have.

'Big name' collaborations seem to be the way for 'underground artists' to get more exposure. Do you plan to do this?
Cipher Jewelz from Moorish Delta and Menace from Hoodz Underground are on Cartoon Hip Hop Vol.2, I’d like to do some tunes with a few big names in UK Hip Hop, not just because they're big but because I feel the music that they're making. People like Wordsmith, Foreign Beggars, Roots Manuva, Jehst and a few other names but if I list them all we'd be here for a bit. So yeah, we'll see what the future holds.

Have you done any music videos to promote your latest release?
Not yet, but as soon as the tracks are recorded I’m compiling some music videos into a short film to accompany my mixtape, I’m looking forward to working on them because it brings out a different side to my creativity so keep your eyes peeled!

How are you finding the My Space.Com revolution? Love it or hate it? What are your views?
Love it but at the same time hate it, one reason I hate it is because I’m on there every half an hour checking to see if I’ve got a new comment or message, nah jokes but it's a great medium for people to get heard at the end of the day and a nice way of linking other artists who you wouldn’t have the chance of linking other wise.

Do you have a My Space page or a website?
My myspace address is Joe Gutta and Rusty Jukebox collective , we really need to keep it updated which will be happening very shortly, for now you can find free downloads of previous releases there as well as bio's and news. Also check out 2ndsuzpect for some very heavy production.

What other rappers are you feeling at the moment?
At the moment I’m feeling people like Wordsmith, Hoodz Underground, SonnyJim, Moorish Delta 7, 10Shott and of course the people who I work with on the regular - Bigga, Reggiimental, Sir'vere, Gadget Da Wordsmith, Suicyde and again a lot more people than I can mention, but really anyone who I’ve done a tune with I feel their music.

What other producers are you feeling at the moment?
Producers like Dag Nabbit, Joe Buddha, Harry Love, Juttla, Kroscene, Gadget / Millenium Jazz, Kid Radikal.

Describe your style in 5 words.
Lively, Complex, Versatile, Witty and Charismatic.

Do you have a direct link for people wanting to buy your music on-line?
Not at the moment, well not any of my material anyway but you can purchase releases from Reggiimental & Bigga through Rusty Jukebox Recordsand also CD baby. The next mixtape is a free download and i will also be handing them out at shows, be on the look out for links to the official website to download it from.

Would you ever sign to a major label?
It's quite a tough question, if I wasn't going to get turned over maybe. I'd hate to put together a project just to have it pushed back, I’d prefer to put out my music with no-one over looking it, no censorship, just how I wrote it and how it came out for people to listen to, with it being what i want to say not what some guy thinks the listener wants me to say.

Why should people buy your music?
I think people should buy my music because I’m trying to do something different, I know it's so cliche saying that but I’m constantly trying to do something fresh, no ones got a voice like me anyway so that gives me a little bit of help, as a whole we all put a lot of time into what we put out to ensure it's of a high standard.

Any shout-outs or anything you wanna add?
Big up to Second Suzpect, Bigga & Reggiimental, all the people at HHB Radio for letting me host the mixtape and just for supporting my music, Switch, everyone who contributed to my mixtapes, safe to you Tricksta for the interview and big up everyone who feels the music and the movement! Safe - Also check shootmp3

White Mike

Where are you’re from and what’s the scene like there?
I'm from Pleasanton, California. The scene here is wack as hell, unfortunately. But I live in the Bay Area, so there are some big cities around where I can perform. There is one place in Pleasanton, Club Aura, where I perform. That place is always cool.

How you get the name White Mike?
I've always hung out with a lot of black folks. One day my friend's sister was talking about me and called me White Mike. From there it just kinda stuck. It's funny because a lot of white kids in the underground scene hate on my name being White Mike....maybe they think its racist or something. They're just trying way too hard.

What artists inspired you to get into making Hip-Hop?
I'm just glad that through hip-hop I finally found a way to express myself. I always played sports and stuff like that, but nothing lets you really tell how you're feeling like making music. I've been into hip-hop since I was a kid, listening to everything from N.W.A. to Gang Starr.

You won an award in 2004. Let’s talk about that for a minute.
In 2004 I won the award for "Independent Hip-Hop Artist of the Year" at the Los Angeles Music Awards. I was ripping people up at a battle in Riverside in California and got noticed by someone who was collecting music to be judged for the show. I ended up getting lucky and winning.

What is your biggest achievement in Hip-Hop to date?
So far, the L.A. thing was the biggest award. But I think my biggest accomplishment has been putting my new album "Famous" together all on my own... From the production to mailing CD's to all of the radio stations, almost all of it has been on my shoulders. I've been a part of every little detail, and that's been really cool.

How would you describe your music?
I call it "slapmusic that attacks every human emotion." It has a West Coast flavour. My music is funky and soulful, with a lot of live instruments being played. I want my stuff to bang in the club and also just be good music all around.

‘Famous’ seems to be creating a buzz in the UK with some good DJ support. Did it get a lot of attention back home in the West Coast?
Yeah it has been getting a lot of support out here. People are definitely feeling it. That song is really powerful and always gets the club going. That's probably my favourite song to perform too.


What’s the most popular track you’ve made?
I would say it's a toss-up between "Famous" and "The Real World." I'm really proud of the production on those two tracks and I always get a lot of positive feedback on them. "Famous" was the title track of the album so I had to come hard with that one.

What do you love about being a rapper?
I love everything involved with the music. Writing the lyrics, making the beats, live shows...

What do you hate about being a rapper?
Nowadays everybody's thinks they're a rapper or producer. Just cuz your mommy and daddy bought you Pro Tools it doesn't automatically make you a musician. This stuff takes a lot of hard work and dedication. People like that just make the hip-hop game so watered down with the same bull. Everyone wants to be rapper but no one wants to be an artist and do something new and innovative.
To date what have you released?
Up until now I have released two albums. The first one was self-titled and the second is "Famous."

Can you buy it on-line?
You can buy it in the store section at whitemike.com. Payments are made through Paypal, so everyone's info is secure.

What record label are you on?
My label is Sav'd Out Records (pronounced like SAVAGE).

Interview by Tricksta

Rich Boi

Top US rapper and producer Rich Boi from Atlanta, GA has been making moves for some time. We hooked up with to find out more.

When did you start rapping and producing?
I’ve been into music since I was young. But I got serious about 4-5 years ago when people began to really take notice to me. I’m just turned 21 years old.

What was the first piece of equipment that you used?
The first piece of musical equipment that I used was not an MPC, but a violin. I always liked music as a whole.

Who was the last person you produced for?
This record label that hasn’t paid me all my money so I won’t mentioned their name. But tomorrow finishing some tracks for this crazy rapper out of Oakland California called Skrill Gatez tha Dangler.

Any in roads to making beats for any major artists?
There are a few but many times I have been in the studio with these guys, and they try to get over and I don’t deal with any a$$holes you could have a billion dollars, but be fair be cool I am not starving so I only make beats for those artists that come correct.

Your new CD ‘Need Beats Volume One’ is out. What’s the response been like? Are artists buying those beats?
Great, the online sales surprised me and my street team has been working hard from Texas, Louisiana, and of course the A! Think folks really enjoy getting quality beats with No talk on them and it stops folks from ripping the same old beats from the majors.

Too Hot is the label your signed to. What’s the set-up down there and who is involved in the label?
That’s the click from Atlanta, to Louisiana, to Cali. We have folks working across the country on this movement and with my manager Kellen Kash the international travel he is taking care of all international business from Europe to South Africa we got this game covered.

So when did you start the magazine?
The magazine was started last fall, and the response has been great Bishop Don Magic Juan graced the first cover and it’s progressing every issue.

And the radio station?
We started the radio station in November but had a lot of bugs we had to work out so I say it has been running smooth since May and we have had over half a million people tune in since May and its growing in big numbers everyday.

Do you sell any beats to UK acts?
To this date I am not sure how many albums went out to the UK but with this interview I plan to sell even more and want to collaborate with artists out there and rock some shows and show how the A and UK can get down!

Do you have a website?
Check me out at TooHotRecords.com the Need Beats Vol.1 CD is on there as well as links to the radio and magazine. And of course myspace

DJ Vokal

When did you start DJ'ing and what was the first releases you brought?
I started DJing Hip Hop around 4 years ago. I actually listened to more US stuff back then and because I used to do parties I spent my only cash on commercial Hip Hop. I can’t; quite remember when I really started to get into the UK stuff but after that I’ve always listened to more UK and US. So probably the first release I bought was regarding Hip Hop was some commercial track by Clipse or Jay Z.

Do you prefer vinyl or CD?
Vinyl all the way, you can’t beat that! I’ve used both and I still do in a way. I’ve got a copy of Serato Scratch which I use for the radio shows live events and its works brilliantly, it’s the best purchase I think I’ve ever made! It means I can play CD’s and MP3’s using vinyl.

Do you play UK and US Hip-Hop or just UK?
For the radio shows, I tend to play mostly UK. If I’m in a live event situation it’d be different. I still think the US have gems that really get the floor moving and I play the classics so that people not fully into UK Hip Hop can have a good time and they can relate to what’s playing out.

Who is the best rapper in the world and why?
This is a tough one; I guess your all expecting me to say who I grew up listening to. Well, there are so many good artists right now; it’d be hard to narrow it down to one. I’m feeling the Mystro, Antourage, Lethal aka Harry Shotta, The Elementz, Rusty Jukebox, Mr Ti2bs, Phoenix Quarter… So many peeps. Not forgetting the Occupy Your mind Camp, Check out Kid Radikal – he’s just turned 16 and shows a hella lot of talent so there’s big things to come from him, truss me!

What do you love about being involved in the music industry?
The most exciting thing is seeing the scene progress, and it has since I began to get more involved within it. It’s always good to know your helping to support what people want to do. That’s how I’ve always felt regarding HHBRadio. It ain’t no cash making thing, its all about supporting UK talent and trying to give our artists more of a spotlight than the US, cause we have got talent, we’ve just got nowhere to show it.

What do you hate the most about being involved in the music industry?
I’d have to say the egos involved within the industry. We have had a couple of incidents where artists aren’t happy with what we are doing. For an example, we’ve asked for exclusive tracks for the HHB Volume 2 Mix CD. Due to the massive response we got with tracks being submitted, we had to cut some off the final mix. The thing that’s most irritating is that I personally try to do my best for each artist we represent on HHB, and when we get slack of them for not representing them to their standard (not ours), it puts a downer on any work we do. We do try as much as possible to promote their music, but we try and do that with every artist we come in contact with, but we use our own money to fund this project and there is a limit to what we can do.

What is your involvement with Hip-Hp Basement Radio and Occupy Your Mind Records?
I’m joint C.E.O. of both with Lunatrix. I control more of the radio than the label though. We have a team of people helping us with the site and I help out with that. I am the official DJ for Occupy Your Mind Records and you can catch me and our artists (Lunatrix, Kid Radikal, Izzy G & Reload) at a number of shows around the UK next year.

Okay, HHB Radio Volume 2 is out, mixed by your self and hosted by Joe Gutta. How did your debut mixtape go? Enjoy it?
Yeah man, it’s been a long time coming but after finally seeing the finished product it has been worth it! It’s cool to know so many artists around the UK back HHB up as the number 1 station for UK Hip Hop.

Was it hard to chose the tracks with so much music around at the moment? It’s cool to know so many artists around the UK back HHB up as the number 1 station for UK Hip Hop. We had loads of tracks submitted; only thing I’m gutted about is not getting them all on! Make sure you cop it @ www.hhbradio.com – its 73 tracks deep and all the tracks are exclusive to us.

Tell us who features and what your top three tracks on the mix are?
Blade, Karizma, TB, Phoenix Quarter, Sonny Jim & Kosyne, Conspicuous The Coroner, Laurissa, Mr Ti2bs and the OYM/HHB Crew all feature on this mix CD. I’m feeling all the tracks on this CD and I’m not just saying that cause its mine! I had very strict quality control in place when compiling the CD, which is why a lot of tracks didn’t get on. I feel that this CD is n excellent portrayal into the current status if UK Hip Hop and I would recommend it to lovers of UK Hip Hop and outsides of the scene as I think they’d enjoy listening to it just as much.

What did you record it on?
It was really good using Serato for the CD; it enabled me to properly mix all the tracks in to the CD. A lot of the tapes out aren’t actually mixed at all and I think our CD has a great selling point because of this. I also had Lunatrix doing the engineering side for me as far as recording the mix was concerned.

I hear Baby J was involved in the mix. Tell us more.
Well, after the mix was finished we sent it off to Baby J studios in Derby for it to be professionally mastered. We’ve none J for time and he’s supported us throughout. Personally I rate him so much as a producer, we thought it would be good to get him to help out with the CD. He did a real nice job and I’d recommend his work to any-one interested.

Are you planning a Volume 3?
Yeah, this is currently in production right now. We’re about half way through. Lil exclusive news here… The next host will be Lethal AKA Harry Shotta. Big, big things! Lethal seemed ideal for a host and he is making the right moves - we rate him fully as an artist. Me and Luna are compiling this as a joint project and once all the tracks are together I’ll be mixing it.

What else is in store for the label?
I can’t give any release dates as such but I can tell you as well as HHB Volume 3 there’s Reloads “Burning Desire”, Izzy G’s currently working on “Mad Chapters”, Kroscene’s bringing a double LP album to the table called “Amalgamation” which features him on the beats and guest MC’s. There’s also my bro Kid Radikal who is currently recording “Radikal Measures” & “Gathering Thoughts”. Big things to watch out for in 2007, you can catch us on HHBRadio.com for all the exclusives.

Interview by Tricksta

Believe the Hype

One of the UK’s leading forces in Hip-Hop mixtapes ‘UK Runnings’ teams up with one of the leading urban clothing on-line clothing stores ‘The Urban Shop’ for an exclusive mixtape sponsored by four of the world’s leading clothing lines. Planet Earth, Mada, Ambiguous and Fly 53. UK Runnings was originally founded by Wolftown Recordings CEO Tricksta and to date has released Volumes 1, 2, 2.5, 3 (hosted by LATE), 4 (hosted by 10SHOTT), 5 (hosted by JAI BOO), 6 (hosted by CONMAN), as well the nationally distributed ‘National Anthems Mixtape’ and the well received ‘The Old Skool Mix’. Always pushing and promoting UK rap through his label, his mixtapes, his club bookings & gigs, or even through the magazines and websites he writes for; Tricksta is fully backing this UK movement and really is one of the hardest working individuals in the UK scene.

The Urban Shop is without a doubt one of the UK’s leading urban clothing stores. You may have recently seen the advert on Channel U or maybe you are already in the know and already shop there! They stock over 70 different brands including labels like Addict, Fenchurch, WESC and Zoo York as well as all the new ranges by the sponsors of this mixtape Planet Earth, Mada, Ambiguous and Fly 53. Whatever you’re clothing needs The Urban Shop has it going on, plus every order comes with FREE delivery.

UK Runnings & The Urban Shop first hooked up at the end of 2004 when The Urban Shop under their previous name of Headstrong sponsored UK Runnings Volume 4 hosted by 10Shott. Since then, UK Runnings & The Urban Shop have both helped each other in numerous cross promotions. Now with the birth of this new mixtape showcasing some of the best UK rap acts in the scene as well a bonus ‘Classic Roots Mix’, these two independent forces have created a future classic.

Kicking off with the excellent BABY J produced ‘Black & White’ by YOGI; there is a definite reggae and soul vibe running throughout the mix. BLAK TWANG’s ‘96’ anthem also features, as does THE BLACKNIFICENT 7’s ‘Stay Black’ and TY’s ‘Closer’. MALIK (MD7), DOC BROWN, SUPAR NOVAR, MR.TI2BS, KYZA and KLASHNEKOFF also feature alongside Wolftown favourites LATE, 10SHOTT, CONMAN, RELOAD, JAI BOO and DASS, as well as some superb tracks by up & coming talent such as BIG CAKES, DOUBLE E, KID RADICAL, TBEAR, SWIFT IT MAJOR, BLAQ I and THE DEVIUS. Roots Reggae fans will love the last twenty minutes of the mix too, as Tricksta drops a Roots Mix featuring classic cuts by U ROY, ISREAL VIBRATION, BIG YOUTH and DUB SYNDICATE rounding the mix off in a true original style!!!

Craig Markus

Craig Markus has been inspired by urban music and street culture. They are a fresh and lively company that aims to project a bold and positive image to the urban generation. That’s their words TheUrbanShop says we see loads of companies everyday some we like some we don’t but with Craig Markus we liked every single design they do and the first batch of Craig Markus t-shirts should arrive this week.

Each Craig Markus product line is unique and production are restricted to 50 ensure exclusivity for customers.

Bangin On The System - Adam Tensta

Adam Tensta may not be a familiar name in the UK but he’s just finished two European tours this autumn opening up for Saian Supa Cru, Promoe and Seed. The Adam Tenstas myspace is one of the most visited Swedish hip hop.

He has a new track out “Bangin On The System” the track is produced by US producer Kajmir who have produced for Dipset. Adam Tensta is set to release his CD, “It's a Tensta Thing” late Feb 2007 through Swedish independent label RMH Ent.

Now you have a few fact why not give Bangin On The System(give it chance to download it's a 6 Meg file) a listen make you own mind up and if you like it get more music from Adam Tensta free on his myspace

myspace.com/AdamTensta

Durban Poison

In our neverending journey and to redress the hip hop, garage, punk rock balance we are now sponsoring and support UK indie recording label V8 and their latest signing Durban Poison.

Here’s an intro, November 2004, Durban Poison travelled up to London’s Scala Club and promptly won the London heat of the Global Battle of the Bands. They had been together for only 4 months. A fortnight later, at London’s Mean Fiddler, they came third in the National Final before a wild capacity crowd. More than 200 bands entered the competition, making the experience, and the result, all the more incredible.

In the 2 years since those heady London shows, Durban Poison have experienced more highs and lows than a big dipper ride, working hard, gigging furiously, deflecting the attentions of majors and indie labels alike while fighting tooth and nail to retain their artistic independence. Perhaps this is why they have today become not only one of the nation’s most talked about emerging talents, but one of the underground’s best-loved and most prolific live bands as well.

Durban Poison have played some of the unsigned circuit’s most sought-after venues, including Camden Underworld, the Barfly, Bristol’s Louisiana and Moles Club in Bath. In all, , Durban Poison have now played well in excess of 100 gigs, supporting several major acts as well as headlining their own shows, and gathering a veritable army of staunchly dedicated fans along the way. While their debut single, ‘Pushing You Away’ (November 27th, 2006) has now received more than 60,000 plays. Even so, ‘Pushing’ remains just one of the band’s ever-expanding catalogue of high-energy rock anthems and instantly infectious tunes.