UARM - Bast

If you are checking the new UARM designs on site and liking them then check the new Bast site also but we think USD5000 is a bit steap for a print but at under £30 the t-shirts are a bargain and neither us or Bast charge for looking, admiring or dreaming of owning an original.

Blowback

Blowback magazine is no more, due to circumstances beyond their control the difficult decision has been made to shut down. Blowback would like to thank everyone who has contributed to Blowback in one way or another over the past four years.

Hard times we are in not only on the high street but now magazines, websites and clothing labels all feeling the pinch, but the youth market is a difficult business and you have to adapt to succeed hopefully people will feel what we at The Urban Shop do and continue to support us.

The August Urban Shop Radio Show

We're a day early and the infamous Tricksta from ukrunnings.co.uk is back again with yet another blazing, stunning, off the radar radio show exclusive to theurbanshop. This month we get some unreleased UK Hip-Hop bangers from the likes of Supar Novar, Conspicuous The Coroner, Rodney P, Doc Brown, Late, 10Shott, SAS, Reload, Alex Blood, Conman, Lowkey, Wordsmith, Big Ben, Hoodz Underground, Kid Rad, Mystro, Grimlock, Mr. Ti2bs and much much more. Don’t forget UK Runnings have three CD’s coming very soon! Two of them are from the new ‘Homegrown Heroes’ series and the other is a double CD with Lunatrix from hhbradio. Big show, big tunes, big in the mix! Jump on to ukrunnings.co.uk NOW and join the forum!


Track-listing for August UK Runnings Urban Shop Radio Show;

01 – RELOAD Feat LATE ‘From An Older To A Younger’
02 – WORDSMITH & LOWKEY ‘Street Music’
03 – SUPAR NOVAR ‘I’m Not That Guy’
04 – 10SHOTT Feat GABZ ‘Tell Um Who He Is’
05 – MR. DRASTIK Feat DOC BROWN ‘Rep Dat’
06 – GRIMLOCK ‘Last Days’
07 – S.A.S ‘On Dem Roads’
08 – CONSPICUOUS THE CORONER ‘Touch Wood’
09 – LETHAL aka HARRY SHOTTA & MR TI2BS ‘Ghetto Girl’
10 – MYSTRO ‘Who You Gonna Blame’
11 – SUPAR NOVAR ‘Sweet 16’
12 – LATE, CONMAN & RELOAD ‘On Road’
13 – BIG BEN ‘More Wordz’
14 – KID RAD ‘Signs’
15 - SIZE8 Feat BIG WAYNE ‘Get Away With It’
16 – ALEX BLOOD ‘Ninety Percent’
17 – RODNEY P ‘I Believe’
18 – HOODZ UNDERGROUND ‘Home Of The Streets’

Ice Cream and BBC launch in the UK

Clothing can be big business we all know this Justin Timberlake has just launched William Rast in Europe. The Sean John label has provided a significant chunk of P Diddy's $300 million fortune since its launch in 1999. Jay-Z recently sold his Rocawear clothing brand for $204 million in cash and $35 million in stock and we have just seen Pharrell Williams in the UK promoting his brands BBC and Ice Cream.

From next month Pharrell Williams’s BBC and Ice Cream clothing brands will be available in 11 stores across the UK until now they have only be available in the UK in ONE store (we’d love to stock it but maybe we aint perceived as cool enough). Pharrell Williams gives his definition of the brands ‘Billionaire Boys Club is a classic spin on Ralph Lauren. Then Ice Cream is more like couture skate.' If you want more of an overview of next seasons range there's an anorak in 'real space camouflage', which is drawings of rockets, space stations and (oh yes) doughnuts floating on a starry sky. A 'robot' balaclava. Leather travel bags, with a strap underneath so you can attach your skateboard. Hoodies featuring the image of a clock from a 1950s diner and a glow-in-the-dark trim. There's a blue cagoule made of Gore-Tex. The label on the inside of the collar says, 'Wealth is of the heart and mind. Not the pocket.' This cagoule costs £650.

Pharrell, works on his labels with Reebok and Nigo, the cult Japanese designer behind skate/street label A Bathing Ape and answered a few question about the brands to the Telegraph recently.

What is the concept behind the new collection?
'I was just inspired by some of the 1980s winter coats in New York. Kinda Dapper Dan. That's it.'

There seems to be an American 1950s college vibe going on too.
'Logo-wise, yeah, 1950s.'

And 1950s sci-fi.
'Absolutely.'

Link to the full and original article in the Telegraph

Tricksta gives us words and action

A few words about the UKRunnings CD series from the man himself Tricksta

UARM

Just in a new brand for the US UARM or to give it it's Sunday name Urban Arts Research and Marketing who produce some mad t-shirt design by up and coming artists from graffiti, skateboarding and the urban art world including Neck Face, Reas and Baste

Fly53 spotting

15th June 2007 Brighton Concorde 2 Roll Deep and CSS rocking the FLY53 Axxess Jacket and the Fly53 TV t-shirt(which we have in Chocolate).

Sons of South - Interview

Where are you from and what’s the Hip-Hop scene/industry like there?
No worries safe for getting at me. I go by the Artist moniker Verbal Remedy AKA Wurzel Gum Itch ‘The $hit kickin sick spitter’. Repping the South West, the local Hip Hop scene is ok, but I have to travel a fair distance to reach any decent Jams.

How long have you been rapping and what or who influenced you to pick up the microphone and start writing?
I’ve been writing since 2001, I picked up the M I C initially cause I started messin about with samplers and I dint know anyone else who could rhyme on my beats so I taught myself to rap.

When did you get your first break and was there anyone person who helped along with your music career?
I’m still waiting for that break, so anyone reading this your name could be here. On the real tho I’m not expecting any help from anyone I will keep pushing myself until something gives.

What have you released so far and what has the response been like?
With my crew Sons Of South (S.O.S.) BIG UP BIG UP, I have released 2 CD’s All Eyes on the South Vol 1 and 2 (No Cheap Talk). Both have received good response in the reviews and more importantly from the people who have copped that $hit. Volume 1 knocked on the door and Volume 2 just kicked that door in. So with the release of Volume 3 there is nothing in our way we will just walk straight in.

What would say is the most popular track that you have released to date?
That’s quite a hard one, we are diverse within the group and our tracks appeal to a wide spectrum. So with each release we have got great responses about different tracks. ‘Move Over’ is a big one from the first CD that goes down really well live.

What producers do you work with?
I lay raps down on mainly Terror productions or my own beats, but there are some bits coming with Unseen beats so big up Louis. I’m up for working with anybody who’s coming with the sort of beat that makes me HAVE to write – if that’s you get at me!!!

What artists have you collaborated with and what’s the most memorable collaboration that you have recorded?
I’m lucky in that I already consider myself to be working with some of the sickest rhymers the UK has to offer with S.O.S. so collaborations have not been very important. I’ve worked with artists in the UK such as Joe Gutta, Jackflash and Gadget DaWordsmith all of who are sick lyricists.


What’s your label situation? Who you signed to and do they have distribution?
I’m currently unsigned and distribution comes in the form of my motor


What are your views on the mixtape game? Is it saturating the marketplace with bootlegs or are they creative masterpieces to help rappers blow?
IF done correctly I think they can be a great tool. BUT to many mixtapes out in the market place are half arsed CDR’s of unfinished work and weak freestyles over that day’s BIG beat AND they aint even mixed? With our mixtapes we aim to put out a quality product, pressed up properly, shrink wrapped with decent artwork (Vol 3 is gonna have a 10 page comic contained in the front booklet which is looking heavy) and containing proper tracks. Plus we have a sick DJ who takes the tracks we give him and turns the whole thing into a fluent mix from start to finish. I think we are coming with something a bit different within the mixtape market but essentially it’s just about quality control.

With so many rappers in the game how are you planning to make noise and get noticed?
Living deep in the Shire’s I can’t get my face about at the Jam’s the industry heads are likely to reach. So I intend to do it through hardwork and not give people a chance to not have heard of me and releasing quality product so the industry has to take notice.

Have you featured or hosted any mixtapes?
I’ve featured on a few mixtape’s, UK Runnings 5 & 6 BIG UP for that, Joe Gutta’s ‘Starvin Artist’ and ‘Cartoon Hip Hop Vol 2’ also on quite a few of V.E.X.s (Samebrain) Mental Health Problem releases, shouts to V.E.X., Redmaster, Crucifix and Slinga.

Are you working on new material?
As part of S.O.S. we are currently working on Volume 3 of the ‘All Eyes on the South’ series, this one entitled ‘Real Name No Gimmicks’. It’s being put together by Blaise and is sounding SICK, should be out somewhere in 2007. As a solo project I’m workin’ on a release titled ‘On the dirt road’ again this should be out end of 07 early 08. (Any beatsmiths who would like to feature on this get at me through the myspizzle)

Have you done many live shows or tours? Tell us more about your live show.
We have done quite a few shows as a group since we formed in 04’, we had our first show only a few months of getting together so the live thing has always been there. I like the live performing it’s a good feeling to get people vibeing off music that you have created and makes some of the duller aspects in the game more bearable.

What’s been the most memorable gig and why?
Hahahahahaha that’s a hard one, clearing the room at a DnB event recently is memorable mainly cause we were able to adapt and switch up our ish. We smash it on the DnB tip to.

Any tips for someone just coming into the game?
Be yourself and focus toward achievable goals.

Any major plans for 2007? Anything big in the pipeline?
I’m gonna be a dad again so everything else pales into insignificance this year

What radio stations in your area are supporting your music?
Recently had a track spun on BBC Radio Wiltshire BIG in the ends bruv, we were interviewed on the MKD show recently to, people can check that out in the archives over at Pyroradio. BIG UP Blufoot for hooking that up.

‘Big name’ collaborations seem to be the way for ‘underground artists’ to get more exposure. Do you plan to do this?
If it happens all good but I am not relying on it in order to make my way through the scene

Have you done any music videos to promote your latest release? If so what TV Stations have played it and who made the video?
This is something you will see from S.O.S. in the near future, as well as a 12” release

How are you finding the My Space.Com revolution? Love it or hate it? What are your views?
Did love it, not so attracted to it now, it’s a great marketing tool but slightly over saturated still

Do you have a My Space page or a website?
Sons of South.com, For the rhymes: Verbal Remedy, And for the beats: Jimmy Riff

What other rappers are you feeling at the moment?
From the UK feeling Grimlok out of the colony, Tony D from the Double P, Menace from Hoodz Underground and Shameless is heavy to.

Out the US I’m likeing the LP from Joel Ortiz and Redmans new LP

What other producers are you feeling at the moment?
The new Kanye beats are BIG, Beat Butcha, Chemo and Apatight are killing it in the UK as above if any beatmakers out there wanna hit me up with material then get in contact at myspace

Describe your style in 5 words.
Sick Sick Sick and SICK

Would you ever sign to a major label?
Yeah I would

Do you have a manager or booking agent?
Nope

Do you know anything about the UK Rap scene? Heard any UK Hip-Hop?
I heard Sons Of South are the dogs danglys


Why should people buy your music?
They shouldn’t they should download it for free, burn copies off and sell them at their local car boot sale.

Any shout-outs or anything you wanna add?
I wanna send a shout out to my family, Blaise, Terror, Natch, DJ Jeckal and Proph S.O.S. on the mooooooove, DJoe, All the southwest cats 3 Amigo’s, Louis Unseen, The Hobbit, Cheba, Nuff respect to Jackflash and the Groundwurq camp, BIG UP Blufoot and Throwaway, shout to OJB over at UKHHF.co.uk, anyone who’s shown support for my music and given love at the shows BIG UP yourselves and lastly big shouts to G @ The Urban Shop, Tricksta and the Wolftown fam hardest working label in the UK FACT!

Interview by Tricksta

Urban Shop sponsored event @ Native Bristol

The next Urban Shop sponsored event is Friday 31st August @ NATIVE Small Street, Bristol £6 all night 10-4

Million Dan, Dj First Fid, Humurak H Gritty, Buggsy plus special guest mc's Optimus Prime, Dead Residents, Killer Tomato, Sons of South and Illnache

VJ’s across many projectors: Crustea, VJ Various, Vitamin D, Cheba Nikill MP and Digiscales

With various graffiti and street artists: Terratag, Hoekon, Andy Council, Mr Shrew, Nikill, Fiction, Cheba and Russ Henry

Fashion conscience.

We all love a bargain? But do you ever think at how these companies manage to sell their clothing at such low prices and ask yourself where a garment was made, by whom and under what conditions?

Once again this week we see Tesco, Asda and Primark all faced with allegations that Bangladesh workers are being forced to work up to 80 hours per week and refused access to trade unions.

The charity ‘War on Want’ has uncovered that workers regularly work for as little as 5p an hour, in unsafe and poor working conditions making clothing for British high street shops.

There are many organisations, such as ‘Labour Behind the Label’, ‘War on Want’ and ‘Clean up Fashion’ fighting hard to raise awareness of such facts as an 18 year old woman who was earning only £22 per month.

Check out companies that manufacture in the EU or companies that have a fashion conscience shuch as No Sweat

Newquay turns Urban

The countdown has started as we approach what should be the sunny month of August. Some will be ready to embark in a trip to take them miles away to what they can imagine seems paradise, but for a few paradise is closer than you think. From the 6th to the 12th paradise is located down at Newquay. The Rip Curl Boardmasters event lands on site on the 6th and will be making some noise with some of the best surfing England has seen in ages. Six days of the most thought provoking spectacles, with some of the best bands either playing down at the beach or at the weekend festival. But if that's not enough for some of you sceptics out there the Boardmasters hasn't run out of ideas and presents us with some skate: The Relentless tour, Vans vert and Eastpak mini ramp. If you still want more, maybe it's time you check the NUTS beach babes competition...only for the strong hearted.

Headlining this year at the festival we have Ash, Paolo Nutini, The Subways, Funeral for a Friend, Guillemots and plenty more to get you going. But the festival is just two days and Enter Shikari shall be opening the Beach sessions at Fistral for plenty more bands of the likes of The Pigeon Detectives or Deekline & Wizard.

So head down to Newquay to find the best surfers, the best babes, the best music and the best crowd all ready to go mental from the 6th to the 12th of August.

Borja Sordo

Wutang @ Hammersmith Apollo - 10.07.07

With such clear visions of this event being moody and thugged out, I was somewhat surprised when approaching the Hammersmith Apollo to be greeted by a half-mile long queue, consisting mainly of middle-class white people and students. Some were sporting Wu-tang's very own clothing brand - "Wu Wear". I'm sure when the Wu designed these threads, they hadn't anticipated they're target audience being so... well lets face it... White!

Doors were supposed to open at 7pm but even at 9pm, they were still letting no-one in. Eventually as peoples patience wore thin, the queue started to move slowly and in what seemed like an hour later we were in the venue being frisked by the security guards checking for weapons and drugs. Judging by the clientele of the queue outside, I'd be surprised if they found a single bag of trees, let alone a Smith and Western! After queuing for another half an hour to get drinks, you could hear the restless crowd chanting "Wu Tang" over and over again. Out of nowhere came Inspekta Deck looking confused and not far behind was Gza. Inspekta Deck was talking to the sound guy and re-arranging his turntables and Gza was re-arranging the monitor speakers around and testing the Mics?! This was clearly their sound check!! Yep, you guessed it - In true Wu Tang style, they'd turned up late! But to their credit,
all managed to attend!

Ten minutes later, all members began to appear on stage, Cappadonna armed with a bottle of Bollinger. In no time, the Wu were in full effect and banging out their classics. The sound quality was terrible and even a true Wu Tang fan would struggle to recognise some of the tunes because of the Mic / Music levels, which of course was down to sound checking. After 'Shame on a Nigga', they got 10 woman on stage to dance and then sprayed them with champagne - 'Very funny' I am sure you are thinking,
but this is Something that Necro did in his UK tour earlier this year and I would of thought Wu Tang would be more original.

Apart from the sound quality, it was an OK gig with in my opinion too much waiting around!

Jim E Ruff - Original Electro Badman

Evolving Styles Part 2 / Stormie

See above for the offerings from Part 2 and Stormie and below we have examples for what to expect this Friday 20 July when it's Lady Pink and Nick Walker.

UK State Of Mind

‘UK State Of Mind’ has to be one of the biggest UK Rap mixed compilations of 2007 (released 23 July I have my copy already)the track-listing that reads like a whose who of British Hip Hop. The CD drops an outstanding sixteen exclusive tracks with contributions from the likes of leading homegrown emcees such as Sway, Kyza, Skinnyman, Plan B, Braintax, Bruza and Ty, as well unleashing a barrage of tracks cutting edge UK artists such as Mr. Ti2bs, Example, Shameless, Loudmouth, Supar Novar, Lethal, Verb T, Mr. Drastik, Broke N’ English, Poisonous Poets, The Elementz and Midlands rappers Reload, Kid Rad, Precha, 10Shott, LATE, Big Wayne, Jai Boo and Conman. As well as showcasing the voices of today’s urban Britain, OYM also play a big part in the production with in-house producers Lunatrix, DJ Vokal, Kroscene and Kid Rad stepping up to deliver some of the juiciest beats the UK has ever heard!

Evolving Styles July 13th

Don't miss out this week with STORMIE (bottom image) & PART 2 (top image). AT Cargo London live painting and auction for charity Fri 13th 17:30-21:00 FREE.

This weeks charities Variety Club Children’s Charity (STORMIE) and Marie Curie Cancer Care (PART 2)

Fabulous Baller 500 Injection Range

Dropping shortly and injection range from the new Wale Adeyemi creation Fabulous Baller 500. Each piece is limited to 500 pieces worldwide and is aimed as premium street wear a word here as that the quality may be premium but the prices aren’t.

Walé lists celebrities such as Ms Dynamite, Mos Def, Beyonce, Missy Elliot, Lisa Maffia, David and Victoria Beckham, to name but a few that are keen fans and clients of his be-spoke collection 'Walé Adeyemi'.

K Banger - Interview

Where are you from and what was it like growing up there?
I’m from Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Growing up there was quiet, a lot of Latin community there. Black brothers and sister weren’t exposed to much when I was coming up there. I know because I was one of them.

How did you get your name and is there a story behind it?
My man Triplebeam made up my name in a verse that he wrote. I was playing drums in our band at the time. He was singing and rapping, so K Banger just stuck.

Was there a situation or a person who inspired you to rap?“
ust the Hip Hop vibe in general. My Grandmother and Great Grandmother were musical, so I think it’s a combination of these things.

Tell us about your latest release.
Truth Be Told is available now online on Shaman Work Recordings. It’s meant to set up the buzz for my next album Year of the K early 2008.

What do you prefer; playing live, recording in the studio or battling?
Battling was never really my chamber. Playing live, recording in the studio…that’s what I do best.

How would you describe your personality? What do you enjoy doing?
Many would say that I’m very serious, but serine. Intense, but focused. Funny. I like Martial Arts and reading. I love nature and stuff like that. Music too.

How did you go about setting up independently?
It was an accident. I needed a entity to release my first record ‘Stillborn Lives’. So I filed for my business, and got out there.

What’s your favourite clothing label?
There’s a lot of lines dropping lately. But I like Stacy Adams and Florshiem. I’m into the dress stuff.

Forget the budget, what would be your dream collobo?
If I can do something with Yolanda Adams, I think I’m good. Something hard, but uplifting.

With so many artists out there, what are you doing different to get heard?
I try to keep music in focus rather than just rapping. To me, that comes across in your overall recording. At the end of the day, it’s recordings that are getting heard and loved.

Now is your chance to get something off ya chest! Anything getting you down or any opinions you need to voice?
Yeah, cop the album ‘Truth Be Told’ online and get a piece of my mind.

Okay, before you go please give us you’re My Space details.
Oh yeah, you can buy it at k banger music too.

Thanks ya’ll!

Evolving Styles part one

Just in case you missed this Evolving Styles bring live art to the peeps of good olde London town and them split the work up into 6 pieces and auctions them off all for charity. Below you can see the first 2 artists Tasso and Xenz


Dont miss July 13th Stormie and Part 2.

Chester P's 5 Word freestyle Trial

KUNG FU PRESENTS
CHESTER P'S FIVE WORD FINAL FREESTYLE TRIAL
TUESDAY 17TH JULY 2007

AT CARGO, KINGSLAND VIADUCT, 83 RIVINGTON ST, EC2A

Kung Fu presents the monthly Chester P's Five Word Final Freestyle Trail, bringing back the original freestyle concept, through three elimination rounds, culminating in the "five word final". In each round a number of words will be called out by the crowd and written on the board, each contestant will have to use their individual words in their freestyle. There are only 8 places for contestants so get there early or email events@kungfu-london.com to sign up.

THIS EVENT WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON PYRORADIO!!!

ROUND ONE
8 CONTESTANTS - 3 WORDS / 1 MINUTE

ROUND TWO
4 CONTESTANTS - 3 WORDS / 1 MINUTE

THE FIVE WORD FINAL
2 FINALISTS - 5 WORDS / 2 MINUTES

1ST PRIZE - £1 FROM EVERY TICKET GOES TO THE WINNER
2ND PRIZE – CLOTHING AND MUSIC GOODIE BAG

DJ's:
HARRY LOVE (EXTENDED PLAYERS / KUNG FU)
LOUIS SLIPPAZ (RAW DOG)
SARAH LOVE (KUNG FU)

HOSTED BY:
CHESTER P (TASKFORCE) & INJA (DELEGATES OF CULTURE)

LIVE SHOW FROM:
PERSIA AND MR TI2BS

DOORS
8PM - 1AM
£6 ENTRY R.O.A.R

MORE INFORMATION
kungfu-london.com

To win a pair of tickets email- events@kungfu-london.com and the winner will be picked from a hat at random!!!

The Urban Shop July Radio Show

Good ol' Tricksta keeps the Urban Shop Radio up to date as normal, and this month gives us a sixty minute show showcasing 100% UK Talent, just like his 'infamous' mixtape series UK RUNNINGS. Below is a full tracklisting so please remember if you do like any of the acts below please go and support them by buying their releases! Also make sure you join the forum on the newly launched www.ukrunnings.co.uk and also check out all the latest news, reviews, artist profiles, a shop that stocks current and back catalogue UK RUNNINGS releases, check out the links page and get involved. When it comes to UK Rap Tricksta and UK Runnings have the game on lock! If you would like to feature on a show you can e-mail MP3's to Radio Show.

Tracklisting for the show;

01 - A-TOLA FEAT SKINNYMAN & J2K - Soundbwoy
02 - BABY J & PRECHA - Standing By The Window
03 - LUMES FLOWNE - Tidy
04 - GEEBAG - Raindrops
05 - SHAMELESS FEAT LOWKEY & TB - Live Fast
06 - CONMAN, SIZE8, JAI BOO, LATE, 10SHOTT & RELOAD - Born To Hustle
07 - KLASHNEKOFF - All I Got (BEEZWAX Refix)
08 - SIZE8 FEAT BIG WAYNE - Back To The Verse
09 - KID RAD - Signs
10 - STIG OF THE DUMP - Intoxicated
11 - RELOAD - Strapped Republican
12 - RIC BRANSON - No Pressure
13 - LATE - The Villain Man
14 - DAP C FEAT THE BC - Walking In the Rain
15 - CONSPICIOUS FEAT SUPAR NOVAR & 10SHOTT - The Hooks Bad
16 - DOUBLE E - 48Bars
17 - MR. TI2BS & MR. BIGGA - Peer Pressure
18 - NOMADIC POET - Thoro Borough