Fifty Second

LA - 8am - August 29th 2010.

And so starts yet another day of mourning and/or celebration as we reach the birthday of the late King of Pop. Just 52 years ago today Katherine and Joe Jackson gave us a young man, Michael Joseph Jackson, who would become the world's greatest pop star.
Though over a year has passed since MJ was taken, its still hard not to touched by the fact that he is no longer with us. So given this knowledge, once more will we get out our favourite hits, tirelessly attempt the moonwalk and the lean and celebrate the talent, generousity and heart that he gave us for over 4 decades. And counting.
Happy Birthday and all the love in the world.
X x X

Track of the Week - Usher feat. Nicki Minaj

It must be pretty hard for Usher not to bring it these days. Despite the high expectations we all have of him now, Mr. Smooth Operator can't fail and the latest track from the 'Raymond vs Raymond' LP is no different.

'Lil' Freak' sees more attitude from Usher than usual, which suits him perfectly, as well as emphasising the steamy  nature of the track. Chuck in the YM prodigy that is Nicki Minaj in for a boys' wet dream, girl on girl verse and you've got yourself an instant hit. That girl could turn shit to gold at the moment.
I'm loving her fabulous two-tone hair in the video too.
"Everybody Loves Raymond"

Track(s) of the Week - FloRida w/ David Guetta and Roll Deep

Okay, so I couldn't choose this week... Maybe I shuld turn this segment into a playlist???
Anyway, this week, Roll Deep were going to take the, ah-hem, coveted spot with latest single, 'Green Light'. The previous offering from the london crew didn't exactly float my boat so I was, at the very least, relieved
Relieved when I heard the catchy club banger that is 'Green Light'. With an utterly infectious chorus and lyrical flow now expected of Deep, the single, without a doubt, showcases the group back on top form.
Unfortunately for RD, Flo's new Step Up hit was brought to my attention and demanded a mention as well. My new ultimate favourite, if I hadn't felt a duty having already settled on Deep, Flo would be here alone. An instantly attractive single, even better then SU predecessor 'Low', 'Club Can't Handle Me' features on the Step Up 3D soundtrack, accompanying the films third installment, in cinemas at the end of August. With an even more attidtive chorus than that of 'Green Light', 'CCHM' will undoubtably be killing the dance floors in no time. Just try pulling off those Step Up moves....

Keys-Beatz

Also, I know it's late, but just wanted to throw a congrats out there to Alicia and Swizz on all their big news... They make an awesome cute couple... All the best to 'em!

X x X

Staying Alive...

Pro Green's debut album, Alive Till I'm Dead, is finally released tomorrow (July 19th). Combining Pop, Rap, Rock and DubStep, 'Alive...' showcases the amazing talent of Pro Green as well as the numerous collaborators on the record with him such as Emeli Sande, Example and Maverick Sabre.
Preview the album before you buy at http://www.professorgreen.co.uk/albumpreview/
If you purchase the album on iTunes, you also get bonus track 'Crying Game', featuring The Streets' Mike Skinner, as well as videos for the two singles 'Just Be Good To Green (feat. Lily Allen)' and 'I Need You Tonight'.

Track of the week - Chiddy Bang

Okay, so I know you must be pretty sick of the ranting but I'm pretty sick of you if you haven't listened to Chiddy yet. Plus, I haven't done a 'TOTW' for a while so who else to help me pick up the flow again.....

This time round, now the hype of 'Opposite of Adults' has died down, the duo's latest mixtape 'Air Swell' is blowing my speakers....

Stand out track for me at the moment is 'Shooter', sampling La Roux's 'Bulletproof'. Bring on a catchy chorus and some insane beats, as well as some nice wordplay as only Chidera can bring, and you've got the mixtape's illest track. With the twosome getting better by the day, so increases the anticipation for the debut LP, released late August.


If you have a couple of spare minutes, take some time to watch the guys on the road with Puma, link below to the first of a set of docu-vids.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZFzuds-IBQ

DISC-over more

It's about time Chiddy Bang blow up....

Come October, Tinie Tempah takes the UK by storm in a massive UK tour playing cities just as Brighton, London, Birmingham and Bournemouth. (full dates below) More importantly than this, support comes in the form of not on but TWO insane upcoming artists; SubLow favourite Chiddy Bang and stunning crooner Bluey Robinson. Having seen all three before, I can safely say that any hip-hop or blues fan will be in for a cracking night. Hopefully the beautiful Bluey will take advantage of the next three months to write some new, original stuff while Chiddy have their already hyped debut LP being released at the end of August.

DISC-overy tour 2010

Sunday 10th -        Cardiff Solus
Thursday 14th -     Newcastle 02 Academy
Friday 15th -          Edinburgh Potterow
Monday 18th -       Manchester Academy 2
Tuesday 19th -       Birmingham Institute
Thursday 21st -      Lincoln Engine Shed
Saturday 23rd -      Liverpool 02 academy
Sunday 24th -        Sheffield The Plug
Monday 25th -       Norwich UEA
Tuesday 26th -       Brighton Concorde 2
Wednesday 27th -  London Koko
Thursday 28th -      Bournemouth Old Fire Station
Friday 29th -          Bristol 02 Academy
Sunday 31st -         Oxford 02 Academy


Tickets go on sale on Friday (July 16th) morning.. Let's just hope they don't get all snapped up by chart bumping teens...