With a new album project coming early next year, Lyrics Born has dropped the first joint, ‘Oh Baby’. A storming, uptempo blitz of hip-hop goodness, you can check it here.
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Click here to download The Original 014!VIEWING GUIDELINES Once downloaded, HHC Digital should open automatically in Adobe Acrobat Reader, which should be pre-installed on pretty much any computer bought since the 5 1/4" floppy disc BBC Micro days. If you don't have it, click here to get in the game. HHC Digital is designed to be read comfortably on your computer screen - and looks swelligant if you hit the 'Full Screen' button in Acrobat - but you can also print it out to read on the train/bus/toilet. It'll also work on your iPhone or lesser-branded mobile communications device - and we'll have an optimised version coming soon. We recommend using Firefox to download it (available here), though there shouldn't be any problems using your browser of choice. For more information, check the FAQ here. CONTACT US Please email phillip@hhcdigital.net for all editorial submissions. You can also email advertising@hhcdigital.net for all advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Hit up info@hhcdigital.net with any technical boffin problems. |
Beating off competition from 15 other b-boys from 11 countries, Lilou showed and proved in front of a sold-out Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, with his final showdown being against the USA’s Cloud. He even grabbed props from the mighty KRS-One, host for the night, who exclaimed, “He walked his way right up, it was crazy!” Speaking after his victory, the now two-time champ Lilou said, “I was so afraid because when I got on stage, all the crowd was: ‘U-S-A! U-S-A!’ But that just gave me more power.” Click here to check some videos from the event, and keep scrolling to peep more pics from the night.
Proving that today’s rappers aren’t oblivious to the big issues, Wale posed the question, ‘What if Tupac had a Twitter account?’ Next week, Wale speculates on how the advent of TiVo recording technology combined with the explosion of cookery shows would have impacted Biggie’s life, and what Big Pun would have made of the Terry’s Chocolate Orange McFlurry. Meanwhile, a slew of still-alive ’90s acts flooded the web with new material: Tribe’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad, LOTUG’s Doitall, and Black Sheep’s Dres were all back in effect, although the real ear-opener was Bushwick Bill’s inspirational meditation on his career to date. Then, delivering a somewhat less positive message, Beanie Siegel dusted off a Cypress Hill instrumental to rap about dusting off Jay-Z.
Ralph Rip Shit says: “This release will definitely put some warmth into any listener’s winter!” We say: “A free download project from the man touting himself around town as having the best name in rap, ‘OCDC Vol 1’ is the product of “Classic Tuesdays spent in the studio together with the odd Thursday thrown in for good measure.” The result is a fine combination of Stophe’s beats and Ralph’s confident flow. Stand-out tracks include ‘Motorcycle’, ‘Tony’s Town’, and the quite brilliantly-titled ‘Disco Louts’. Check it: ‘Bros ‘92′
Mr Ris says: “Check the EP ‘cos it’s crammed full of up-beat bangers with that Alphabetix twist. My personal favourite track is ‘Bounce’ ‘cos it’s a serious head-nodder.” We say: A four-person strong crew from Leeds consisting of emcees Mr Ris, ABD and Angel S plus producer DJ Sir+, this nine track long EP sounds fresh from start to finish. ‘You Can Bet It’s The Betix’ almost comes over like a UK take on Jurassic 5’s chemistry, complete with funky beat and cutting on the chorus, while ‘Control My Vibes’ resonates with a warped swagger. A promising introduction. (Click here to cop Alphabetix’s ‘Anonymous’ EP.)
Oddisee says: “Our inspiration for the album was our love for a particular golden era sound – and the need for DC to contribute to that sound.” We say: Possibly the most bizarre release of the oh-nine, this is the retail version of an album previously available as a free download. The blend of Oddisee’s production and XO and Yu’s vocals is still great, and there are a few additional tracks tacked on (like the heavy ‘Hologram’), but with shockingly low-budget packaging it’s hard to see who’s gonna actually pay for it… Check It: ‘Hologram’ (Click here for more Diamond District action in HHC Digital 005.)
Following up our preview in HHC Digital 005, we checked in with the men behind Home Grown: The Story Of UK Hip-Hop for a chat about the definitive domestic rap exhibition… When did the idea for the exhibition first come about? “What did emerge from the early research was the incredible story of the UK scene and how under represented the true face of UK hip-hop has been over the years for a culture that has been so influential in all aspects of contemporary culture. By the time the clear direction was agreed on with Urbis and the board it was probably February 2009 – leaving a drastically tight nine months to get the exhibition together. The success of the show (in my opinion) is testament to the huge effort and dedication by all involved – particularly James McNally – working above and beyond at every stage.” James McNally (Lead Curator): “For me, as far as my involvement’s concerned, it’s a culmination – or, hopefully, a plateau on the way – of what I started doing at HHC with all the Pioneers and Ancient Britain stuff. Basically, since I started on that route it was always my ambition to work on some kind of project that documents the entire history of British hip-hop – initially I thought it was going to be a book (which it still may one day be) but then Andy approached me and it ended up being an exhibition. So here I am, somewhat sooner than I expected. But I should say a huge thanks to HHC for indulging me all those years.”
Elsewhere Brother Ali talks about his independent streak, Esoteric looks back on the time he almost recorded a track with Eminem, Partners In Kryme go back in the vault for some Turtle power, we big up the Home Grown UK hip-hop exhibition, plus spotlight essential new albums and free MP3s from BlakRoc, Souls Of Mischief, Shafiq, Ralph Rip Shit and more. Simply click here to cop it with the quickness!
They Reminisce Over Jacko: Live in London, Pete Rock & CL Smooth offered a unique tribute to MJ, with Corey unleashing some distinctly British expletives on a fan unwilling to observe five seconds’ silence for The King of Pop. Afterwards, the Caramel King reflected that, while he enjoyed his latest trip to England, there were definitely a few “wankers in the nation”. Pete and CL weren’t the only ones reminiscing this week, as 88 Keys recalled his first meeting with his idol Q-Tip and Method Man and Ghostface confirmed the old hip-hop adage about never mixing beef stroganoff, log cabin-effect hotel rooms, 90s girl groups, fire extinguishers and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Dante Ross also had Osiris on his mind, remembering classic Dirt Dog antics against the backdrop of − where else? − the Brooklyn Zoo.
BLAKROC 1. ‘COOCHIE’ FEAT. LUDACRIS & OL’ DIRTY BASTARD 2. ‘ON THE VISTA’ FEAT. MOS DEF 3. ‘HARD TIMES’ FEAT. NOE |
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