What's good grime fans.
I love grime, but I can't lie - from time to time, my faith in the music is tested. The seeming given that music should pay; artists altering their styles but not doing themselves justice.
In the troughs I appreciate grime's few sources of inspiration. Rapid is one of them.
Rapid - Go Rapid Video
The chase in this simple yet highly polished video provides the story, but it's also a symbolic sprint. 'Go Rapid' is an upbeat yet hard-hitting statement of intent, a move away from Stuck On My Mind, I Wanna Let You Know and other bits. But these tracks can be viewed collectively:
'You've gotta have different tactics if you wanna reach out to the masses'
And, for once, the tactics used have integrity. In an underground shrouded by the 'commercial' miasma, 'Go Rapid' is just the latest experiment from one of grime's most eminent producers that really can't be too far off the desired result.
In terms of making the sound more palatable for a wider audience - and doing it credibly - Rapid is running away from the others. And provided he has enough puff - just like in 'Go Rapid' - there's no reason why he can't win the race.
Showing posts with label Rapid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rapid. Show all posts
Monday, 23 November 2009
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Ruff Sqwad - I Wanna Let U Know
Wow. I had no idea this single was released nearly two weeks ago.
I remember hearing the tune on Logan's show a while back, and I really quite liked the song despite some part of me saying 'how the hell can you like this'.
I Wanna Let You Know video
Yet a few months down the line I still like it - probably even more. Yeah Roachee's on it and there's a half-hearted nod to James Bond at the start, but I just really like the sound. And despite the swathes of auto-tune, it doesnt really detract from the end result. I suppose auto-tune isn't very subtle - if you're gonna use it, you might as well just go for it or don't bother.
I just think Rapid is doing it right now. Given grime's current position, and the June 1st King of Grime 'I'm gonna shift more albums than you' braggadocio, isn't the King the one who can bring the music in a credible format to a wider audience?
Tinchy is having huge success, and it looks likely to continue with his second album 'Catch 22'.
Tracklist:
1. Never Leave You feat Amelle
2. Number 1 feat N-Dubz
3. Take Me Back feat. Taio Cruz
4. Stryderman
5. I'm Landin
6. 1 of us
7. Spotlight
8. Story Unfold
9. First Place
'Catch 22' isn't grime music but he features on I Wanna Let U Know and, given he's the nation's favourite pocket-rapper right now, he's in a good position to promote Ruff Sqwad. The single builds on Rapid's new style, and Tinchy playing a role in that, after vocals like Stuck On My Mind.
Stuck On My Mind video
Rapid's CD 'Rapid Fire' and the Ruff Sqwad album need a release as soon as possible. But now I want to hear them so I can test the waters and validate my new theory. Admittedly he needs chart success first.
But Rapid - King of Grime?
I remember hearing the tune on Logan's show a while back, and I really quite liked the song despite some part of me saying 'how the hell can you like this'.
I Wanna Let You Know video
Yet a few months down the line I still like it - probably even more. Yeah Roachee's on it and there's a half-hearted nod to James Bond at the start, but I just really like the sound. And despite the swathes of auto-tune, it doesnt really detract from the end result. I suppose auto-tune isn't very subtle - if you're gonna use it, you might as well just go for it or don't bother.
I just think Rapid is doing it right now. Given grime's current position, and the June 1st King of Grime 'I'm gonna shift more albums than you' braggadocio, isn't the King the one who can bring the music in a credible format to a wider audience?
Tinchy is having huge success, and it looks likely to continue with his second album 'Catch 22'.
Tracklist:
1. Never Leave You feat Amelle
2. Number 1 feat N-Dubz
3. Take Me Back feat. Taio Cruz
4. Stryderman
5. I'm Landin
6. 1 of us
7. Spotlight
8. Story Unfold
9. First Place
'Catch 22' isn't grime music but he features on I Wanna Let U Know and, given he's the nation's favourite pocket-rapper right now, he's in a good position to promote Ruff Sqwad. The single builds on Rapid's new style, and Tinchy playing a role in that, after vocals like Stuck On My Mind.
Stuck On My Mind video
Rapid's CD 'Rapid Fire' and the Ruff Sqwad album need a release as soon as possible. But now I want to hear them so I can test the waters and validate my new theory. Admittedly he needs chart success first.
But Rapid - King of Grime?
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
"I'll Start Smashing Up Your Mixing Desk...Until It Can't Be Repaired"
After last week's white powder proliferation, and Logan geared up for radio only to be denied access like an MC turning up to Marcus Nasty's funky show, I was cruelly denied my weekly fix of Next Hype. I locked in last night, fighting off lingering tiredness, only for the instrumental to pop out its grinning face with mere minutes remaining.
Still, this wasn't an ordinary show, and last week's postponement inadvertently highlighted the point.
======================================
Rapid (Feat. Ghetto) - One Way Road (Radio Rip)
Rapid continues to dabble with autotune, following from Bring Your Click and Superman, but as an MC he's added intensity and beginning to make a mark on tracks. Hopefully his album arrives soon.
Badness (Feat. God's Gift) - Jump Off (Radio Rip)
I never used to rate Badness, but he's been doing impressive things for a good few months now. This is a great track, almost like a more credible Message Is Love. His album is due for release next month, and it might be worth a look.
Dot Rotten & Brutal - I'm A Professional Remix (Radio Rip)
The original, from my favourite mixtape last year, 'R.I.P Young Dot', was a straight skip. I like the remix though, and Brutal continues to improve every time I hear him. Hopefully it's not too late for another attempt at '10% Effort'.
======================================
DJ Spyro was the guest, only the second after his good mate DJ Mak 10. He wasted no time in making a brave stance against the Sama monarchy, hastily proclaiming that he's mixed for three years longer, despite being four years Logan's junior. Been mixing since he was eleven, apparently. When I was eleven, I was just trying to get home in one piece and avoid beatings from the olders at school.
Spyro even used to pratise on the kitchen table, which raised faint memories of December 4th on Jay-Z's 'Black Album' and a young Carter knocking on the table, rapping.
"At four, he taught his-self how to ride a bike; a two-wheel at that. Isn't that special?"
I can appreciate a mother's pride, as well as a precocious, wide-eyed Jay-Z careering down hills and wallowing in his new-found, two-wheeled freedom but, to be fair, the mix was arguably more special. Every mix wasn't flawless, but just the novelty value was enough.
Maybe next time if Logan and Spyro did it on unicycles, with perfect mixing throughout. That would be special, as I'm sure Ms Carter would agree.
Download the set here.
Still, this wasn't an ordinary show, and last week's postponement inadvertently highlighted the point.
======================================
Rapid (Feat. Ghetto) - One Way Road (Radio Rip)
Rapid continues to dabble with autotune, following from Bring Your Click and Superman, but as an MC he's added intensity and beginning to make a mark on tracks. Hopefully his album arrives soon.
Badness (Feat. God's Gift) - Jump Off (Radio Rip)
I never used to rate Badness, but he's been doing impressive things for a good few months now. This is a great track, almost like a more credible Message Is Love. His album is due for release next month, and it might be worth a look.
Dot Rotten & Brutal - I'm A Professional Remix (Radio Rip)
The original, from my favourite mixtape last year, 'R.I.P Young Dot', was a straight skip. I like the remix though, and Brutal continues to improve every time I hear him. Hopefully it's not too late for another attempt at '10% Effort'.
======================================
DJ Spyro was the guest, only the second after his good mate DJ Mak 10. He wasted no time in making a brave stance against the Sama monarchy, hastily proclaiming that he's mixed for three years longer, despite being four years Logan's junior. Been mixing since he was eleven, apparently. When I was eleven, I was just trying to get home in one piece and avoid beatings from the olders at school.
Spyro even used to pratise on the kitchen table, which raised faint memories of December 4th on Jay-Z's 'Black Album' and a young Carter knocking on the table, rapping.
"At four, he taught his-self how to ride a bike; a two-wheel at that. Isn't that special?"
I can appreciate a mother's pride, as well as a precocious, wide-eyed Jay-Z careering down hills and wallowing in his new-found, two-wheeled freedom but, to be fair, the mix was arguably more special. Every mix wasn't flawless, but just the novelty value was enough.
Maybe next time if Logan and Spyro did it on unicycles, with perfect mixing throughout. That would be special, as I'm sure Ms Carter would agree.
Download the set here.
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
'If You Ever Saw What The Skeng Did To The Tree'
I was planning to have a little analysis of Skepta's latest foray into this electro business, Sunglasses At Night. However, the forum people have their eyes on the ball and I was too late. Like Skepta on the Cypher video.
He wasn't the only one, and I rate Skepta highly still. But Sunglasses, as well as the collaboration with Ribz, doesn't really inspire any sort of confidence. Artists do have to show versatility these days, but you still have to do yourself justice. Skepta is better than this.
Skepta - Sunglasses At Night (Radio Rip)
The track was featured on Logan's show last Monday, along with a couple of other tunes that caught my ears. Bring Your Click should feature on Rapid's album, and the sooner that comes the better.
Rapid & Ruff Sqwad - Bring Your Click (Radio Rip)
I only deal in threes.
Bullet Ah Go Fly (Frisco Remix) Feat. Badness, Riko, Flow Dan & Killa P (Radio Rip)
Voltage was Logan's guest, and the MC was on the set with Realist and Scruface. The set was very good, with a top-notch selection that kept me from nodding off. Realist again proved why he's a name to be reckoned with, and was allowed more freedom than his appearance on Westwood a few weeks back, which involved being paraded by Asher D and only being able to spit on one beat. Voltage came with his trademark bars, and Scruface's skippy flow cut through the hype beats on offer.
Download Realist, Voltage and Scruface set from grimepedia.co.uk
TRACKLISTING:
Wiley // Before This
Maniac // Salt Fish
Rapid // License
Skepta // Skankin' Ting
Wiley // Club 8
DJ Oddz // Champion VIP
Rapid // Knightrider
JME // Napa Prince
Maniac // Headshot
Nocturnal // Don't Phone Me
Davinche // What Is Mine
Maniac // What The Rass
Joker // Holy Brook Park
Maniac // Thug
Rude Kid // UFO VIP
Wiley // 5.27 AM
Skeamz // Greengate Guys
Maniac // Rollin'
Rapid // F'in Riddim
TNT // Nissi
Maniac // Grime Kid
Macabre Unit // Take Time
Lewi White // Mountain
Footsie // Do You Hear Me (Arnie)
He wasn't the only one, and I rate Skepta highly still. But Sunglasses, as well as the collaboration with Ribz, doesn't really inspire any sort of confidence. Artists do have to show versatility these days, but you still have to do yourself justice. Skepta is better than this.
Skepta - Sunglasses At Night (Radio Rip)
The track was featured on Logan's show last Monday, along with a couple of other tunes that caught my ears. Bring Your Click should feature on Rapid's album, and the sooner that comes the better.
Rapid & Ruff Sqwad - Bring Your Click (Radio Rip)
I only deal in threes.
Bullet Ah Go Fly (Frisco Remix) Feat. Badness, Riko, Flow Dan & Killa P (Radio Rip)
Voltage was Logan's guest, and the MC was on the set with Realist and Scruface. The set was very good, with a top-notch selection that kept me from nodding off. Realist again proved why he's a name to be reckoned with, and was allowed more freedom than his appearance on Westwood a few weeks back, which involved being paraded by Asher D and only being able to spit on one beat. Voltage came with his trademark bars, and Scruface's skippy flow cut through the hype beats on offer.
Download Realist, Voltage and Scruface set from grimepedia.co.uk
TRACKLISTING:
Wiley // Before This
Maniac // Salt Fish
Rapid // License
Skepta // Skankin' Ting
Wiley // Club 8
DJ Oddz // Champion VIP
Rapid // Knightrider
JME // Napa Prince
Maniac // Headshot
Nocturnal // Don't Phone Me
Davinche // What Is Mine
Maniac // What The Rass
Joker // Holy Brook Park
Maniac // Thug
Rude Kid // UFO VIP
Wiley // 5.27 AM
Skeamz // Greengate Guys
Maniac // Rollin'
Rapid // F'in Riddim
TNT // Nissi
Maniac // Grime Kid
Macabre Unit // Take Time
Lewi White // Mountain
Footsie // Do You Hear Me (Arnie)
Monday, 31 December 2007
Lee Brasco - Drastic Measures
Excuse me for bringing up old news, but Lee Brasco has got some new promotional material on his myspace. Thanks to my lateness its not as new as it should be, but I've only really listened to it properly today. Either way, the standard is decent, so props to him. If you're even later than me than you can download 'Drastic Measures' here.
It's free material, so you probably don't expect a mater-piece but this is good - the tracks have nice concepts, as can be seen on 'Grime DVDs' for example, and related to that there is good word play while staying true to the grime sound.
As an E3 resident some top producers are not too far away, so Lee Brasco has got Wiley on there ('Grime DVDs') and Ruff Sqwad bredrins Rapid ('The Block'), and Scholar ('Sweet Dreams' and 'Smoking Cigarettes'). Merlin and Jazdeep also feature on the producco. 'My Diary' is a sweetboy tune but I like it, and 'On The Block' and 'Shower Kids' are large.
Brasco is to one to watch in 2008. An unoriginal choice, but what. Some further unorginal choices for 2008 success - ICE KID (just watch when his voice breaks), Double S, and I can see maybe Kano and Dylan once again embracing the grime sound. Big things for this scene in 2008, make sure you're a part of it.
It's free material, so you probably don't expect a mater-piece but this is good - the tracks have nice concepts, as can be seen on 'Grime DVDs' for example, and related to that there is good word play while staying true to the grime sound.
As an E3 resident some top producers are not too far away, so Lee Brasco has got Wiley on there ('Grime DVDs') and Ruff Sqwad bredrins Rapid ('The Block'), and Scholar ('Sweet Dreams' and 'Smoking Cigarettes'). Merlin and Jazdeep also feature on the producco. 'My Diary' is a sweetboy tune but I like it, and 'On The Block' and 'Shower Kids' are large.
Brasco is to one to watch in 2008. An unoriginal choice, but what. Some further unorginal choices for 2008 success - ICE KID (just watch when his voice breaks), Double S, and I can see maybe Kano and Dylan once again embracing the grime sound. Big things for this scene in 2008, make sure you're a part of it.
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