From the depths of Peterborough's newly re-ignited hiphop scene comes an artist that rocks the soul and challenges the mind, with his thought provoking lyrical content and witty humour.
Mr B is back with the 1st official single and video taken from his recent EP "Dont Mind Me". "Back to the Boombap" is packed full with clever lines, with B explaining his views on the current state of the hiphop scene and outlining his angles of attack! Accompanied by a bass heavy, head nodding spectacular from Inos, this was always going to be a banger!
Mr B started rapping in his early 20s and has progressed into an absolute beast on the mic over the last few years! His debut album "The B-Side" is still doing good numbers and has received great reviews worldwide. The EP "Dont Mind Me" was released earlier this year. Both are available now to stream or download from all major streaming platforms. The video for "Back To The Boombap" was filmed by Sarkastik Hound / Kingy Bossman and edited by Inos.
Mr B will also be performing live on 31st October @lightbox peterborough, for the Official Free1sMind EP launch party. Tickets available from our FB page via EventBrite.
Expect much more from Mr B throughout the year, with another EP in the works currently and as part of 4 The Culture Records latest rap group #RhymeCULT!!
FRISCO BOOGIE returns with the 3rd single taken from the critically acclaimed C.I.R.C.U.S. album. RAISE THE STAKES closes the show with its trap inspired beat riding over heavy piano sample. Here we are taken on a journey of revaluation that the time is now to change and try and get back to some sense of normality. Lyrically Frisco bounces along weaving through the beat dropping some gems for use to contemplate.
“Pay attention to energy as it increases decreases in front of your enemies, in front of your family front of your friends, front of your gut when you walk through your ends”
Frisco once again provides a track that would sit as comfortably in a club as it would on a radio playlist. RAISE THE STAKES is out now on all streaming platforms.
High Focus Records is proud to present 'Under The Sun' Feat. Kofi Stone - Lifted from Pitch 92's brand new album 'Intervals' which is available to order now from the High Focus Shop on Vinyl / Tape / CD & Digital.
Rappertag is an online series of rap cyphers that launched on YouTube in 2010.
The aim of Rappertag was to have the top emcees in Australia showcase their ability with a short video, tagging in a rapper of their choice to follow up and do the same again. Now, in 2021, with Hip-Hop rising to new heights in Australia, the Rappertag reboot is set to be more competitive, compelling and entertaining than ever, as the current generation of hip-hop stars take the reins.
Who will be tagged next? Subscribe to keep up to date!
High Focus Records is proud to present King Kashmere - 'Soul Calibur', produced by Alecs DeLarge. To accompany the single, we have also released a limited run of 'Soul Calibur' t-shirts, hoodies, and hats - get yours now from the High Focus Shop!
After producing for others over the past several years, Brooklyn-based producer maticulous puts the spotlight on his gifts as an artist with his new compilation, no caps. His production, pacing, and sequencing all truly shine on here, as well as his ability to pick just the right guest emcees to appear on his instrumentals.
Whether it’s Guilty Simpson expertly crafting a narrative on “Home Goin’” or yU and Uptown XO talking their sh*t on “Bein’ This Nice,” no caps is brimming with standout features. It makes sense, then, that maticulous calls this his “favorite project to create” to date. “It was born out of being completely locked down for months,” he says. “I would wake up everyday, listen to records, and become inspired with the only expectation of wanting to create music.”
That time resulted in the creation of six of the eight instrumentals you hear on no caps, with the upbeat and soulful “Everything” being one of the two exceptions. He actually made that beat in 2012, and it stayed one of his favorites for years. But as he was putting together this project, he just felt it was time for the world to hear it—and he’s not wrong. Skyzoo and Justo The MC do their thing on the track, making it one of the best on here.
More than anything else, however, maticulous just wants this release to be a breath of fresh air for listeners. “It’s very easy, for hip-hop especially, to get stuck in a formula,” he says. “One person has success and a hundred people try to make the same sounding stuff. No one needs to reinvent the wheel to make dope, timeless music.”
He’s not only right in his explanation, but he’s also putting his money where his mouth is with no caps. And in case you forget—it’s no caps when you spell the man’s name (and compilation title).
no caps is available now via DSPs through maticulous’s own Myers Street Music label. The record is could also be purchased on 180 gram red vinyl through maticulous’s Bandcamp page.
Eternia & Rel McCoy’s debut collaborative album, FREE is a liberating ‘beauty from ashes’ sonic journey from two of Canada’s hip-hop greats. The album represents a grand comeback for Eternia, who in 2010 released the Juno Award-nominated At Last with producer MoSS on Fat Beats Records. Transformative events changed her life since that release, including personal triumphs (starting a family) coinciding with personal struggles (mental/physical health) and artistic struggles (this project was rebooted), all while navigating a global pandemic and the isolation that ensues. FREE is born of these experiences as she partners with Rel McCoy, a Juno Award-winning producer she compliments heavily for providing the incredible soundscapes on the record, as well as contributing a few vocal appearances.
It’s easy to hear just what she means on standout singles like the warm and nostalgic “Most PPL” and moody and haunting “Home,” the latter of which features fellow Canadian talents Shad and SHEAL. These are lyrically rich, profound tracks that are both easy to follow but brimming with layers, effortlessly walking us through complex themes with straight-shooting simplicity as only veterans can do. From Eternia’s attention-grabbing vocals to Rel’s nostalgic and melodic blend of boom bap production, FREE is just as engaging as it is organic.
Rel big-ups his collaborator for why the record sounds like it does. “She has an excellent ear and knows what she’s looking for when she has a song concept in mind,” he says. “Her selection of beats is what kept it diverse and interesting.”
Speaking of concepts, there are almost too many dope ones on FREE to name. But perhaps the most gripping is “The Story of Us,” one of two collaborations with her husband, Mr. Lif (the other track being “Secret”). The track outlines how the two met, fell in love, and became a family, and it boasts heavenly vocals from Eliki on the hook.
Beyond the singles, Eternia just wants her listeners to emotionally connect with FREE. “I hope people take the whole record in,” she says. “But even if they just take in a song here and there, I hope it leaves them feeling—ANY feeling.” For the hip-hop world at-large, there’s certainly a feeling of appreciation, and the hope we don’t have to wait another decade for more fire from Eternia.
FREE can be supported now through all major digital retailers and streaming platforms along with a limited run of butterscotch-colored vinyl available now for pre-order through Fat Beats. Eternia & Rel McCoy would like to acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.
Big Daddy Rap Beast returns from a short hiatus to drop his second album “Yarns from the Juicer” which is the follow up to 2018’s underground classic 'Peep My Jawns'
Beast presents a tight knit project packed full of his trademark wit and sarcasm brimming with innuendos, hilarious punchlines and some good old fashioned storytelling raps.
The exquisitely crafted production is exclusively handled by Pimpernel Jones and guest features include UK battle rap champion Tenchoo, Benny Diction (Punning Clan and Corners) MNSR Frites (Granville Sessions and Moose Funk Squad) and Long Island wordsmith Goretex (formerly of Non Phixion) aka Lord Goat.
Deep from the scuzzy underbelly of Peterborough, amid the perpetual black void of slime and filth, dwell the Rhymecult. Fashioned by a heretic adoration for dusty breaks and samples; boom bap at its most debauch; they bring you into the ceremonious fold with a sound so old school it's probably banned in a number of countries. The debut single from #rhymeCULT drops this Friday on 4 The Culture Records Featuring emcees Free1smind, Mr Scrolls and Mr B, with Inos supplying the neck breaking beat, #RhymeCULT's debut single is an absolute banger.
#RhymeCULT is a new movement coming out of 4TC Records In 2021, focused on the grittiest, filth laden boombap possible, tearing up stages with shows of killer lyricism and deadly flows.
The video for " CULTivation" was directed, filmed and edited by Sarkastik Hound, who also mastered the track and he will be supplying #RhymeCULT with some of the filthiest beats from his collection in the future!"
"Four friends with a shared passion is really all this album needed to come together. There was never really a plan or design brief; it was a series of studio sessions that was facilitating face to face contact throughout the strangest of years more than anything.
As the album began to materialise the idea that there really is no manual or guide book to this life became more and more apparent and as a civilisation it seemed everyday was a new challenge under these new laws. Although this period of life drained us of our usual comforts and entertainment and buried our routines built up over years under a blanket of uncertainty and fear there still managed to be room for creative output and this project is truly a testament to that willingness to grind through the darker times.
Sculpted from a track list nearly double the size this project had been carefully curated to reflect the times we are in but also the idea that being an artist is generally about bringing happiness not only to ourselves but the people around us. This one is for the people who have stood by Northern Structure throughout the years. Thank you for rocking with us!"
Rappertag is an online series of rap cyphers that launched on YouTube in 2010.
The aim of Rappertag was to have the top emcees in Australia showcase their ability with a short video, tagging in a rapper of their choice to follow up and do the same again. Now, in 2021, with Hip-Hop rising to new heights in Australia, the Rappertag reboot is set to be more competitive, compelling and entertaining than ever, as the current generation of hip-hop stars take the reins.
Who will be tagged next? Subscribe to keep up to date!
South Florida Hip Hop artist Mr. Beleaf aka Beleaf 38 is the founding member of the Wvtch Wxlvez movement and is focused predominantly in the art of storytelling and lyricism. Born in New Jersey, he relocated to Miami at a young age and established his skill set attending battles and recording records throughout the state. Since then he has collaborated with legendary emcees and notable producers in the rap game.
His latest self titled album Mr. Beleaf is a mixture of renowned local talent and bucket list collabs featuring Onyx, Rockness Monsta (Health Skeltah), Wrekonize (¡Mayday!), and John Jigg$ along with production from DJ Pain 1, Art Morera, Leo DaVincci, L.O.B, and more. "The features on this album were blessings. It was truly an honor. I also wanted to showcase all the talent South Florida Hip Hop has to provide in our city" says Mr. Beleaf. Check it out now on your preferred digital streaming provider.
Bard Picasso Records are proud to present the latest release from Cardiff collective Blue City & Mr Substance - 'Mind Map'
The duo build on the momentum gained throughout the last year and return to steal the show alongside some stellar guest features from label mates, affiliates and all round Hip Hop icon - Akil the MC (Jurassic 5) over the masterfully crafted production of Mr Substance.
Tracklist:
1-X Marks The Spot (Feat. Risk1)
2-Ghost Town (Feat. The Honest Poet)
3-Mind Map
4-Fifth Synaptic (Feat DW Smith, Akil the MC, Wolfgang Von Vanderghast & Risk1)
5-Pretentious & Profound (Feat. All Erin Does)
6-Mental Capacity (Feat. DJ Jaffa)
7-Bright Futures (Feat. Risk1)
Hip Hop connoisseurs as well as casual listeners will be delighted throughout as the project is stacked with infectiously smooth tracks that see's the duo voraciously attack the laid-back beats with ease, displaying amazing chemistry, composure and skill.
Production-wise Mr Substance has dug deep into his crates to provide a beautiful combination of Jazzy, soulful loops and thumping Boom Bap drum-loops that guarantees to get heads nodding and feet tapping.
It's been long-overdue but with releases such as this, the Welsh Hip Hop scene is finally getting the recognition and attention it deserves...
With his long-awaited Language LP finally set to drop in October, Vocab Slick ramps up the hype for the project with the stylish new video for “What It Is.”
The track finds the Bay Area emcee teaming up with frequent collaborators Surebert, who provides the grimy, bass-driven production, as well as Starski, who’s on directorial duties in the visuals. The clip centers mostly on Vocab as he talks his sh*t to the camera in a number of different, dimly lit settings.
It’s a fitting setup for “What It Is,” primarily because the track itself does lean into the slightly darker side of the rapper’s mindset. With good reason, of course, because he’s clearly tired of all the BS, like other people trying to weigh him down with their unfounded opinions and criticisms. It’s just too bad for them that he’s too focused and well-equipped with lines like, “Truth is, I’m ruthless/ And known for overdoing anything I ever thought was worth pursuing/ Y’all foolish and clueless/ Prone to being stupid to ever think I’m nothing but superhuman, a mutant.”
Check out the visuals and head over to your preferred digital retailer or streaming platform to support. The Language LP is due out Oct. 29 on all major DSPs via DR Music.
Noveliss of Detroit group Clear Soul Forces releases visuals for "Sincerity and Reverence" off his upcoming album "Book of Changes", which is scheduled to be released November 19th.
The first collaboration album between Noveliss and Dixon Hill comes in the form of a concept album based on the I Ching or 'Book of Changes'. The track list was constructed using the ancient text and its overall theme stems from the wisdom therein.
Conceived, written, and recorded in isolation, 'Book of Changes' sets Noveliss as a hermetic sage seeking balance and enlightenment over Dixon Hill's ethereal musical backdrops.
Dixon Hill used samples, live instruments, and field recordings to create the sonic template for this record. Each song transition smoothly from one to another using melodic elements and natural sounds to tether the songs together for a cohesive listening experience.
Noveliss is as lyrical as ever, weaving complex rhymes through Hill's melodic boom bap. The lyrical themes on this album deal with feelings of isolation, meditation, balance, travel, and Taoist wisdom.
Each song corresponds with a different section of the I Ching and is represented by a Hexagram from each section. Listeners can discover a deeper meaning in each track by referencing the Hexagrams on the back cover. The album is meant to be played on repeat for full effect.
Pete Sayke & Māja 7th bring you the new project "CRWN"
"This album was written with the idea that we are all already enough. We just have to recognize it. We damn near kill ourselves seeking the validation of others. Meanwhile, we’ve been kings and queens all along.
Frisco - the veteran Nottingham MC returns after the critically acclaimed ‘Rainbow in the Rubble’ Album with a new offering. The album title sets the scene for the whole show – C.I.R.C.U.S (Conditions In Reality Causing Us Stress.)
We have all visited the circus in the past few years, lockdowns, crazy rules and regulations, conspiracy theories all form part of this circus life we have lived.
From the opening title track the carnival inspired beat with its driving piano lick provides the perfect backdrop to introduce the project. Conscious lyrics are sprinkled all over this album, with thought provoking bars in abundance. From the offset “we are all in the same boat, he said I don’t agree we may be all in the same storm, but I be sailing differently” opens up the subject of perspective and how it can affect our reality. While on ‘100’ Frisco raps “Prepared for parasites and leeches bleaching up the truth, sometimes the truth is still opinion with a little proof, mixed with a little bit of narcissism crushed on ice, a wise mans prepared for you to think he’s not wise” The bars have definitely been razed on this album and with Frisco flirting with different flows and really finding his voice on this project we are treated to great hip-hop concept album
The production for the album jumps between classic boom bap and trap inspired rhythms. Tracks like ‘100, Prize Fighters & Opinions’ will have the listener’s neck snapping while ‘Theatres of the Mind’ will have them swaying from side to side holding lighter in the sky. Frisco has once again been diving deep into the murky waters of the musical ocean to find some obscure and theme inspired samples to manipulate into sounds scrapes to complement the wonderfully colourful wordplay displayed on the project.
All in all, this is a great hip-hop album, banging beats layered with thought provoking bars delivered with diverse flows. Let the show begin!
New Beat Tape from Cardiff based producer DW Smith entitled "Voyager 3"
DW Smith has been a mainstay in Cardiff Hip Hop for as long as anyone can remember. It’s almost as though he has been here quietly innovating for centuries. So it came as no surprise when he released the Norse inspired EP "Edda". A project so perfectly mired in Viking mythology intertwined with hip hop you would think Odin himself had crafted an MPC from goat bones and lighting bolts. Following from the exploration of the nine realms of Norse mythology though YW entered a new phase, particularly the nine planets, and the solar system they inhabit.
Which brings us to Voyager 3 influenced by cosmos and the wonders of the solar system, as well as the album Host The Planets.
Voyager 3 is an exploration of our solar system through moody, melodic, banging Hip Hop instrumentals. A beautifully put together collection of tracks for you to bang your head to as we hurtle through space together on this giant rock.
If you have ever peeked into the welsh hip hop scene it would be impossible to not know of Rob Picton aka Joe Blow a veteran DJ and emcee of the South Wales underground with an involvement in the music industry that spans two and a half decades. Since his earliest bookings as resident DJ at Cardiff’s legendary Hippo club when he was 16 he has not stopped creating and making waves in the South Wales DnB, jungle and hip hop scenes. Aswell as also being a founding member of the Barry based hip hop supergroup Squid Ninjaz, Joe’s skillful and confident verbal sparring with every release drawing critical acclaim and airplay from many major players on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 1Xtra such as MistaJam, Ace & Vis, Bethan Elfyn, Jen long & Adam Walton.
Mr Substance on the other hand is somewhat of a mythological being. Highly revered as one of the greatest boom bap producers in the UK with drums to die for and a workrate that can hardly be matched. Since joining Bard Picasso Records it’s been impossible to not notice Mr Substance with releases dropping every other week constant radioplay and an evergrowing features list that’s second to none.
So when two veterans get together like this you know what comes out of the exchange is going to be worth taking notice of. And the fruits of this labour Alpha Ego is out now on Bard Picasso Records.
Frisco is dropping the next single ‘100’ from the anticipated album C.I.R.C.U.S.
It’s a return to his boombap roots with simple production that allows you to take in everything he has to say while keeping your neck snapping like you are standing in a hip hop club in 93’
It seems like Frisco has a lot to say as he alludes too with the opening line; “My minds exploding with these words I can’t write fast enough” There’s plenty of quotables here as you would expect from the veteran MC. “I’m on my knees 2x2x3’s the fear. False events appearing real as if they here, self-isolation got me captive like I’m serving years, but I see elation in myself like internal cheers. Where everybody knows my name, but I don’t sip those beers” It’s all about the bars on this one.
Another great example of why we are looking forward to the new album; C.I.R.C.U.S (Conditions In Reality Causing Us Stress) Out this year!
Nity Gritz is an Underground Rapper / Producer from Paisley, Scotland.
Presenting his new album which is a showcase for his bold and
unapologetic style and delivery. A veteran of Hip Hop in Scotland, Nity
has battled up and down the country, and gigged all over the place.
All beats are produced by Nity too, This is a relatively new addition to his arsonal but he's fallen in love with the artform.
Hell Awaits was produced, written and recorded in 16 days, After his son
Zak passed away he found himself questioning his own faith a lot and
this album was the outcome.
Frisco Boogie, formally known as 1 half of the Nottingham duo Lost Island, has been releasing music since 1993. No stranger to the spotlight Frisco has shared the stage alongside a host of artists including: Big Daddy Kane, Masta Ace, Jeru Da Damager, Jurassic 5, The Beatnuts, Craig G, Marley Marl, Super Natural to name a few. An advocate of the Hip Hop culture Frisco is as comfortable behind a mic and mixing desk as holding a spray can or hitting the floor at a B-Boy jam.
Now he is back after the critically acclaimed ‘Rainbows in the Rubble’ Album with a brand new single.
SUNSET is taken from the forthcoming album C.I.R.C.U.S. An upbeat track that lightly delves into the subject matter of the needing to work hard to survive these challenging times we are currently living in.
Blessing the production boards once again with a bouncy, flute driven beat that wouldn’t be out of place blaring out of the speakers of any respectable Hip-Hop club night. The beat keeps the show moving as lyrics entertain the audience.
Frisco raps “Baking insomnia cakes, because staying awake is the way I be making my play until the day breaks” as if time is of the essence and not sleeping on a single minute is the way to success. Doubling up to also address the idea that being ‘Woke’ to certain situations.
All in all the perfect introduction to the highly anticipated C.I.R.C.U.S Album (Conditions In Reality Causing Us Stress) Out this year!
New project from Mike Titan and The Killer Crab Men entitled"From Apokolips to New Genesis "
Mike Titan is a Hip Hop artist born, raised, and based in The Bronx, NYC, the birthplace of the genre. With skillfully crafted wordplay, thought provoking content, and a smooth genuine flow, Mike Titan is amongst the best of what Hip Hop has to offer.
Killer Crab Men (KCM) are a production duo hailing from North-West England. Although they now live on seperate shores (USA & UK) their vision for creating hard hitting sounds is still shared
They have come together for this international collaboaration putting together Mike Titan's smooth rap style with the hard hitting sound of the Killer Crab Men. From Apokolips to New Genesis takes you on a journey through hyperspace with a full flavoured Boom Bap record with an Extra Terrestrial Flava.
MR B hails from the spiritual Hip Hop Centre of the world of Peterborough, host of the only UK Hip Hop Boombap Festival…Although music had always been essential in his life, it wasn’t until he was 19/20 years old and realised he wanted to write and make music personally, to try and help not only himself but his compadres. B grew up listening to a wide range of music, everything from the Frank Sinatra & Sam Cooke all the way to B.I.G & 2 PAC… current artists he’s inspired by would be Eminem, J Cole, Kendrick Lamar & Wretch 32 just to name a few. MR B blesses you with the ‘Don’t Mind Me’ EP his gift to hip hop heads looking for some real music for a change. Taking it back to boom bap beats full of sick bars, humour and thought provoking statements. It’s time to stand up to bulshit. From the people that run music and the people that run countries. The EP from 4 The Culture Records will be available on the platforms below but will also be available on the labels website with a couple of bonus tracks.
