MUSIC REVIEWS
ALBUM OF THE WEEK
DOWNLOAD: Lowkey – ‘Soundtrack To The Struggle’
WHAT: Including Lowkey’s hits ‘Terrorist’ and ‘Obama Nation’, ‘Soundrack To The Struggle’ confirms the "artivist" (artist +activist) as one of the top lyricists in the country. Voice of the voiceless, the rapper touches current socio-political issues such as Palestine, our instilled sense of fear towards terrorism and a corrupted system. We can easily say Lowkey’s release is one of the best UK hip hop albums of the year.
WHEN: ‘Soundtrack To The Struggle’ is out now on iTunes.
WHERE: Watch/listen to ‘Too Much’ featuring Shadia Mansour here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y7ah7a6BmQ
Get your copy of ‘Soundtrack To The Struggle’ here: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/soundtrack-to-struggle.../id460445624
FACT FILE: Lowkey’s introduced himself in the underground scene during the open mic session at Deal Real record shop in Carnaby Street. Although, there was another regular of the night sharing the same name; the two clashed in a rap battle over the name and the Lowkey we know won it.
If you like this, have a listen to Logic - ‘Understand’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj4OdSzj5iU
SINGLES
DOWNLOAD: Toddla T ft. Wayne Marshall and Skream - 'Streets So Warm'
WHAT: Dancehall influenced hit 'Streets So Warm' is Toddla T's third single off latest album 'Watch Me Dance'
WHEN: 'Streets So Warm' is out now on iTunes.
WHERE: Watch 'Streets Is Warm' on YouTube. You'll love it because it's in black and white and it was filmed in Jamaica. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXaeL3Zuo4
FACT FILE: Thomas Bell (best known as Toddla T) stretches his talent over Hip-Hop, Grime, Dancehall and House. Toddla is well known for working with artists such as Wayne Marshall, the legend Shola Ama, Roots Manuva, Bashy, Tinchy Stryder and many more.
DOWNLOAD: Maverick Sabre - 'I Need'
WHAT: Maverick Sabre follows up 'Let Me Go' (which peaked at 16 in the Official UK charts) with second single 'I Need'. The iTunes release will include remixes from Zeb Bias, Cookie Monsta, Brookes Brothers and Moto Blanco.
WHEN: 'I Need' is out on November 6th on iTunes under Mercury. Pre-order it here now: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/preorder/i-need-remixes/id468179539
WHERE: Listen/watch 'I Need' here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZNtticFI60
Also, don't hesitate to check out Maverick's amazing Acoustic version of 'I Need' (that reached 130,000 hits within a month of being uploaded)
FACT FILE: Hailing from Hackey, East London, Maverick Sabre brings a twist to the UK urban scene with his various specialist genres (Reggae Fusion, Hip-Hop, Soul and Dubstep). The singer/rapper has featured on songs for Professor Green, Chase & Status and The Streets. Maverick's forthcoming album 'Lonely Are The Brave' will be released late January 2012.
If you like this, have a listen to Professor Green's 'Read All About It'
DOWNLOAD: J. Cole ft. Trey Songz - Can't Get Enough
WHAT: J. Cole and Trey Songz (yes, the odd vocals on the chorus are by Trey) team up to make a Latin enthused banger.
WHEN: 'Can't Get Enough' [2nd single off 'Cole World: The Sideline Story'] is available on all digital music sites on October 17th, released on Roc Nation.
WHERE: Watch the boys party up with Rihanna in Barbados here on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0L4lA6bS2E&ob=av3e
FACT FILE: Former basketballer J. Cole has been on the scene since 2007 with 3 glorious mixtapes and 1 album. Cole is currently touring the UK with Tinie Tempah as well as doing his album tour, which will hit London for 3 sold out dates in November.
If you like this, check out Cole ft Jay-Z - 'Mr. Nice Watch'
DOWNLOAD: Drake - Headlines
WHAT: Our favourite Emo rapper is back, dominating the radio airwaves with his first single off debut album 'Take Care'.
WHEN: 'Headlines' is out 27th November on all digital music sites (or you could just buy 'Take Care' on November 17th...makes more sense)
WHERE: Watch/listen to 'Headlines' here www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaAX0zrY4rM
FACT FILE: Toronto-bred Drake has been instrumental to putting the Canadian city on the map. Since his 2009 mixtape So Far Gone became an internet phenomenon, Drake has been at the forefront of this generation's Hip-Hop scene. Aside from repping Toronto, Drake is also one of Young Money Cash Money's biggest exports (alongside Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj).
If you like this, check out Big Sean - Marvin and Chardonnay
WORDS:
Nyasha Edwards
Beatrice Alessio
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