After rumours about signs on dotted lines with Dirtee Stank, Jammer has signed a three album deal with Big Dada. The hip-hop label, an imprint of Ninja Tune which has released The Bug's collaborations with Flow Dan and Killa P, released Wiley's 'Playtime is Over' in 2007.
Perhaps errors were made with the promotion for 'Playtime is Over', but the album had grime integrity. In a deal that offers security, hopefully Jammer's will offer the same. The first of the three looks like it will be titled ''Return of the Merkle Man'.
Jammer has worked hard and deserves his chance. Good on him.
So DJ Manara likes Come Dine With Me. With fellow Night Slugs residents Bok Bok and L-Vis 1990, Donaeo and Warrior Queen also popped round.
'Come Grime With Me' was born.
There's not the token wanker that usually slips into the average Come Dine With Me here but, like the original, the highlight is the narration. Provided by no less than Jammer, there's some absolute gems from him in this little video so have a watch.
First thing first. Jammer is the best MC in grime at this moment in time. Are you dumb. Second, here are some track rips from the Logan Sama Show last Monday and, probably for the first time, a Manc was responsible for the best track on the show. What's going on.
Shifty - Off Da Radar (Radio Rip)
I hold no accent-stigmas any more and, to be truthful, the London-centric presence that lingers over the scene may give identity, but it also hampers. Loosening up about it a bit should help the scene broaden and move forward at the same time, while on its own terms. Which is good, in my humble opinion.
Some more rips.
Ribz Freestyle (Radio Rip)
Imp Batch - Out In The Street (Radio Rip)
Jammer - Champs & Weed (Radio Rip)
With the distinct lack of warring in 2008, I suppose I should be heralding the fact that, on the set, the alliterative titan Jeeday Jawz proclaimed live to the nation that he wasn't a 'nerd like Rinser'. However, I can't hide the fact that I don't really care.
BLESS BEATS // SOLD MY SOUL TO THE DEVIL WILEY // CLUB 7 BLESS BEATS // CREAM DEXPLICIT // WAKADOOSA VIP RAPID // KNIGHTRIDER DOT ROTTEN // TORPEDO SILENCER // WORLD WAR 4 MANIAC // THUG TERROR DANJAH // MORPH APPLE // MR BEAN ON DRUGS NOCTURNAL // IN A CORNER REMIX MACABRE UNIT // SENSE DEXPLICIT // BIG PICTURE BIGSHOT // STOMP WAIFER // GUNMAN SKANK MANIAC // SALT FISH DOK // PHONE BOOTH HAMMER // SHOOTERS
Last week's set with Jammer, Frisco, Tempa T and others is still on repeat. And one beat in particular.
This needs a release sharpish. Some bits and bobs have been said about the nature of grime now compared to its original sound but, to be honest, there are plenty of good beats about that bodes well for the future. Such a view contradicts Prancehall's statement, bemoaning Ruff Sqwad's Bethnall Green as 'the final turd in grime's now festering, fetid septic tank'. 'How the guys responsible for "Anna" can now be making something which sounds like a discarded Mitchell Brothers B-side is utterly depressing'.
To overlook beats like 20 Minute Massive, as well as Bring Your Click, which is one of the best current grime tracks around, is a bit of a shame. Still, he does make a valid point in that if Ruff Sqwad are straying from the sound, then we all might as well forget it. I doubt that will happen any time soon.
Right. The year's nearly up and, before I have to buy presents and shit, expect reviews of Untitled's Misconceptions, Nasty Jack's Shotta Music, and Wiley's See Clear Now. All a bit late, I'm ever so sorry. And maybe some serialised year review with some unofficial awards business.
Grime videos are a phenomenon that should be appreciated by all. They've got slicker over time, and this year has seen some good ones in Muhammad Ali, Star In The Making, In A Coner, and Hustler.
The whole spectrum is there in grime videos, from the budget-ness of From Day, the polished slapstick of Pies, the comedy of Rolex Sweep, the dreads and mayhem on Message Is Love, the neon and erratic movements of Mr, and the hype of I Can C U. I appreciate the large majority of grime videos, but nothing comes close to Murkle Man.
Nothing.
Jammer - Murkle Man
Naturally, the latest contribution to grime's Youtube presence doesn't surpass the work of art of Murkle Man, but Tinchy Stryder's latest, Rollin', is a respectable video that's well shot. There's no real amateur moments here that make it a true grime classic, and the start gets off and running safely with a surely conscious nod to Jay-Z's Change Clothes. I still prefer the version with Dillusion, but this is a big track regardless.
Tinchy Stryder (Feat. Roachee) - Rollin'
The video has its moments, including Maniac's deserved cameo that follows in the vein of Mainstream Money and Kidulthood To Adulthood and, even more deservedly, he's spared the embarassment of being called a 'brainiac' this time around. Tinchy drops about two slices of probably Warburtons on the floor, and even 'Ricky from MTV' comes along for the 'Roachee's free!!' party. The dancing at the end, as well as the traditional cameos of various MCs, gives the video character and suits the nice vibe of the track.
The single will feature on the anticipated mixtape Stryder Vs Maniac, which is due for release on November 10.
Lord of the Decks is a grime institution that needs reviving. It was consistent, and their soundtracks were some of the best ever and epitomised the sound. I always liked the first one, with Crazy Titch's Destruction vocal, Esco's version of Ice Rink 2, and N.A.S.T.Y's Take You Out. The first Lord of the Decks and its shameless imitation of The Lord Of The Rings is full of character, and 'The Fellowship Of The Mic' is poetry. It's refreshing to look back on something like that now, amidst the hygienic yet necessary professionalism that's needed to market yourself these days.
The fellowship of the mic was represented on the DVD for the third edition, which is one of the best bits of grime footage I've ever seen. They might lack quality control, but I love grime DVDs, and there's always priceless moments that have replay value.
Jammer is the centre of everything comic, but his tour-de-force is yet to come. The records are left in the hotel room with the keys, and Kano just stands there as Jammer tries to kick down the door. While yelling 'POOOOOWW'! 'POOOOOWWW'!
After numerous attempts, the Merkle Man flies in mid-air, both feet extended for the aerial dropkick, the camera going into slow-motion, and Jammer eventually breaks in, only to fall on the floor in the moment of victory.
Bizzle described it best, in probably the best monologue Germany has ever heard.
'It's all mad out here but, did you just see that shit? It's fucking nuts, Jammer fucking Superman Dread licking off fucking doors and shit, see me rudeboy, IT'S REAL, THE BIZZLE, WE'RE IN FUCKING GERMANY, you see me, man are late for the gig, man are on some BLACK PEOPLE'S TIME, YOU SEE MEEE'
A lively weekend with even livelier grime ambassadors. Over four years on, they've all done alright for themselves. Where have the characters gone?
