tazhd

[tazhd]

Networking Nightmares

It’s 5pm and I’m already anxious. My mind keeps swirling through the fictitious scenarios, that only make me more apprehensive. “I can’t just walk up to people and introduce myself.” “That would be social suicide!”

Just a pinch of my thoughts and emotions as I prepared myself for the Young Guns Network 3rd Birthday Special last Thursday. Like most people I would like to categorise myself as an outgoing person. Something which you will think is true, until you attend a networking event, an obligation for those of us who are starting out.

It doesn’t matter what industry you are entering into they are all the same and we all hate them. A room filled with a concoction of novices and those who are just elite enough to have us feeling slightly inadequate.

Glancing back at Thursday I can’t help but feel that I should have made the most out of being in a room filled with music professionals and having unrestricted access to them! That is why I decided to write this blog post. I want to help those of you who are starting out like me. As well as any one who, at the thought of a networking event, has their heart sink and their palms become unattractively sweaty.

The thing we seem to fixate on is looking like an idiot, standing there mindlessly grinning at someone or shaking their hand for too long. The simple fact about these events that we are told time and time again, is that everyone is there for the same reason. To gain more contacts! I know it is cliché but it’s true. Try not to let that fact escape from your mind as you nervously approach the evening. That’s why I would recommend the Young Guns Network events to anyone starting out in music. They were very relaxed and friendly. Plus (more importantly) they provided free drinks, which definitely helps the conversation flow!

Don’t forget that it is normal to feel nervous at the prospect of putting yourself ‘out there’, most people will be feeling exactly the same. Unless you’re some kind of social king/Queen and you completely embody what it is to network. I have a friend from uni who loves networking he has no problem walking up to people and introducing himself. Infact he came with me to the Young Guns Network 3rd Birthday Special and 30mins into the night and had his sleeves rolled up and a pocket full of cards. If you are like him, then this post is not for you.

Watching him work the room last Thursday was inspiring. I was envious of the confidence he had in himself. A part of him didn’t care what the other people thought of him because he knew what he thought about himself was true. Really that’s the key to it all, not just networking but to success. You can’t spend your life worrying about the viewpoint of others or you will turn around one day and realise that you are still at the same point in life you were years ago. You will then realise, no one has an opinion on you really, because they’re too busy worrying about what you think of them!

Try to keep the latter in mind as you go into your next networking event. Easier said than done at times I know. But how can you grow if you don’t venture out of your comfort zone? Even as a child you had to take great risks and deal with uncomfortable moments. If you hadn’t, you wouldn’t be who/where you are today. Why stop your growth just because adulthood teaches us to retreat from our fears.

Just stay calm and remember as the great Muhammad Ali once said; ‘A person who has never taken risks, has never accomplished anything.’

[tazhd]

There is something about a ‘conscious’ rapper that can make them seem like a broken record, taking themselves too seriously. You end up having to be in the 'mood’ for them.

That’s one of the reasons why I wholeheartedly love Shocka, as a rapper. Originally one third of the well known London group 'Marvel’, Shocka wasn’t always my favourite. Double S was the one who first had my attention; his unrivalled flows were an addiction.

It was only after the mixtape 'Marvel FM 4’ dropped a few years ago that I started really noticing Shocka. Always the outspoken one, Shocka wasn’t one to shy away from controversy and now he has the maturity to go with it.

After the release of 'Marvel 5’, which didn’t really attract much hype, the trio seem to have decided to go along they’re own paths. Something which I think has turned out for the best. Vertex is killing it with the visuals, Double S is getting love from his latest solo mixtape and Shocka has really grown into his own.

Shocka’s latest video 'What happened to UK Hip-Hop?’ is the answer to a question many have been asking for some time now. In fact I decided to show the video to a friend who has refused to listen to any Hip-Hop, post 2000. His reaction was what I had hoped for, 'This song is speaking to me! It’s saying what I have been trying to for years!’

That’s the thing about Shocka he says the things that most of us are thinking. He really brought it back to the essence with 'What happened to UK Hip-Hop?!’ the video was simple and complimented the topic really well. One of my favourite bars of the track has to be 'When was the last time you heard an exceptional song?! When was the last time you clapped for a conceptual song?!’ aside from Wretch 32, I am yet to see another rapper speak such truth.

That’s another thing, music is meant for the spirit. It has the power to evoke emotions and to heal. Rappers were once an uplifting voice giving strength to our souls… What happened?? The difference with Shocka is that he has built his talent around substance and truth. He unashamed in his unwavering faith, something which is lacking today. The problem is though, from where I’m standing, people continually overlook Shocka, despite the fact that he is exactly what they’re looking for. In our pursuit of musical happiness the UK seems to be in danger of becoming mini America. We need to nurture and appreciate the true talents of our music scene.

The boom of the UK scene has made the market become overly saturated and though this was expected by most of us, as we saw the situation hurtling towards us like a raging bull. What we did not expect was that substance would no longer shine through. The pile of shit has completely covered it, so all that emerges to the surface is the equivalent to a fart bubble.

Don’t let talents such as Shocka become a fart bubble in your world!!

[tazhd]

Tunnel Vision

Crammed in together so tight, that you can hardly move even a toe! Someone’s hot, damp breath eerily gliding over the back of your neck. A sharp lash of hair slices through your eyes as you stand there unable to stop it. The culprit. An oblivious woman infront of you, who’s conversation is obviously more important than anyone around her. The volume and tone of her voice makes everyone aware of that fact.

Another evening journey on tfl’s pride and joy, the underground. At peak time. The only time in our lives when we allow such an invasion of our personal space. The spacious carriages of the daytime soon become a novel memory as each train overflows with commuters and Londonites eager to get home. The scene soon resembles a mischief of rats desperately running through the sewers.

Huddled so close together on the train and yet still so distanced from each other… Take a look around next time. You will be lucky if you catch someone’s eye. Unless you’ve shamelessly claimed the rare gem that is a free seat. Then you can almost feel the glares burning through you.

Through the crowds excited tourists can be heard, breaking the unwritten rules of the underground rush by being unapologetically happy! You can almost hear the tuts of each Londoner as they shake their scowling heads in disapproval.

It’s strange atmosphere on the London underground in the evening rush. An air of intensity blankets the train as everyone, as desperate as each other, race to get home. Much different to the morning rush, the evening has a slight anguish to it. The left overs of the day’s work, which haven’t been washed away with a beer or glass of wine yet, linger through the carriage.

As everyone sits there being the bitter Londoner we’ve all learned to be, I can’t help but think it is perfect as it is. After a long day at work dealing with the dickhead in accounts or having to listen to mary’s seemingly endless stories about her extremely average kids, who wants to be filled with happiness and pleasantries?

We’ve earned the right to go home being miserable bastards, never uttering a word to anyone. Occasionally glaring at someone every now and then to get our feelings across.

Surely we deserve that much?

[tazhd]

Following the release of his recent album, ‘Made in The Manor’, Kano passed through the BBC studios to do his Fire in the Booth.

With his latest album charting in this week’s top 10, after such a long break, it is no secret to us all that Kano ‘Can’t run out of bars.’ This freestyle, which already has over 200,000 views, made it clearer than ever that Kano was made for music. Even Charlie Sloth openly took the title of his best FITB yet from Wretch 32 and handed it over to Kano.

Once again Kano managed to hit the mark and reminds us why he was the main guy for so long. He also showed us that it is OK to learn from or be inspired by those younger or less experienced than us. Throughout the freestyle you can hear how Ghetts unique flow and energy have re-inspired him.

This FITB is definitely not to be missed! Check it out using the link above.

Make sure you also purchase your copy of ‘Made in the Manor’ from iTunes now.

[tazhd]

It's a Kanye and Piratebay love affair

Shortly after the release of Kanye West’s latest album, ‘The Life Of Pablo’ on Tidal, the rapper has found himself surrounded in more controversy.

Eagle-eyed fans caught Kanye on Piratebay last night, as he uploaded a picture of his laptop screen to Twitter, showing he was listening to Sufjan Stevens.

Of course, the focus wasn’t on what Kanye wanted it to be on. The picture showing the renowned rapper browsing Piratebay for xfer’s Serum, caught people’s attention for the wrong reasons. One tab clearly read ‘Piratebay torrent xfe’ which many believe is linked to Xfer Records Serum. Xfer Record’s Serum is EDM producer, Deadmau5’s production software which retails for $189.

Kanye was also caught with a media downloader open, which is used to rip songs from YouTube. Maybe what he was planning to do with Sufjan Stevens?

Deadmau5, clearly not happy with the situation, accused the rapper of stealing his software by tweeting; ‘What the fuck! @kanyewest… Can’t afford Serum? Dick’ the producer went on to suggest a kick-starter campaign in Kanye’s benefit so that he could buy the production software.

The rapper, whose TLOP album was downloaded illegally over 500,000 times in 24 hours, has been criticised by fans for what seems to be hyper hypocrisy. Kanye was said to be suing the torrent website for making his album available to be downloaded illegally, I’m guessing that this is no longer on the cards?

[tazhd]

Chip vs Yungen - Round 2

>Chipmunk and Yungen’s rap beef looks set to continue as fans woke up to Yungen’s response to Chip’s ‘Michelle Riddem’.

Yungen decided to throw shots back at Chip late last night when he dropped his diss track, ‘Oopsy Daisy Riddim’, making a reference to Chip’s pop track ‘Oopsy Daisy’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h5raKetn0U

Yungen definitely hit back with this track. He decided to shoot the video with different smart cars in the scenery, aimed at Chip’s choice of car, something that I thought was hilarious. Don’t get me wrong, theres nothing wrong with Smart cars… Until someone pulls up in a BMW or Merc and I’m sure Chippy knows this.

Yungen kicks off the track with a sample from Chip’s ‘Oopsy Daisy’. He took the humorous route with this track and brought up some good points such as Chip living in Essex not Tottenham, or even North London!? he also mentioned the time that Chip got robbed in Tottenham for his Hublot.  

Yungen punched jabs at the fact that Chip didn’t make it onto Wretch 32 and Skepta’s albums and also mentioned the fact they don’t get seen together anymore, for me this has to of cut Chip. I know it would burn me. 

I definitely recommend watching this one as Yungen succeeded in his aim to make the audience laugh.

But it doesn’t end there.

Never one to shy away from a quick response, Chip dropped his comeback, ‘L Lil Clive Diss’ this afternoon, just 12 hours after Yungen dropped his.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPa92nn3KNQ

Chip jumped straight into the bars with this one and once again kept the video very simple. Of course Chip responded to all the points Yungen made on his last track and also brought up some of his own. 

Chip brought up the fact that 67 are after Yungen, something that is definitely of interest to us all! If 67 are after Yungen, then this leaves Yungen in a predicament. Does he respond to this and say the usual ‘67 can’t do me nothing’ and start up another war, this one could be a lot more real, or does he ignore the statements? it will also be interesting to see if 67 have anything to say about this themselves…

Chip also put in a hilarious claim that Yungen was crying outside the girls house that they have both slept with. Now this is friggin funny guys, a part of me actually hopes that it’s true! He also finishes the track with a shot at Link Up Tv, not too sure he should have been so committed to that one. You can make some enemies getting link up to take down videos!

To be honest I personally think Yungen’s diss track was better this time but I still think Chip has the edge, he brought up the fact that 67 are after Yungen!! This is some real ish! Yungen has to bring up some real dirt if he wants to beat that or he has counter it in a mad way. 

I’m interested to see who brings up the most the dirt on each other, which this is really about. We all know Yungen is good but Chip is definitely the better artist. What don’t know is, who has more DIRT on the other… who can make us laugh the most!

check the videos out and decide for yourself, let me know what you guys think. Who do you think is winning so far?

[tazhd]

Chipmunk Vs Yungen - The Battle Begins

Youtube and twitter were a lit with sparks from fingers on keyboards last night as Chipmunk and Yungen sparked up some excitement.

Three videos and nearly 1million views, in just over 24 hours… Damn! Incase you’ve been out of touch with whats going on in the UK rap scene, Chip recently expressed he didn’t think Yungen was relevant for a ‘Best Newcomer’ nomination at the MOBOs last year. 

Fast forward a few months and Yungen has released his ‘Comfy’ track, currently at 218,584 views. It has some definite jabs at Chipmunk in there, mentioning this MOBO nominations. Yungen also released his ‘One Take’ Freestyle which, to me in hind sight, takes shots at Chip too. Yungen mentions the hublot watch and also says “Bookey. Don’t take shots, you ain’t Rooney.” Everyone knows Chip talks about the Hublot watches and he has his track called ‘Bookey’, so I can see why Chip would take offence.

Chipmunk then tweeted Yungen about the tracks saying he was “under the house of Play Dirty” and asking if he wanted it, “Yes or No?” to which Yungen dismissed off the bat and replied “Don’t be Neeky and show off for Twitter. You know me. So link me.” This brings us up to last night, when Chipmunk took it back to music and released his ‘One Take’ freestyle, blowing this saga wide open! 

Chipmunk’s opening statement to the freestyle set the mood straight away, “I’ll take shots at MCs when I want. Like what?”

He laid the track with what you would expect from Chip, excellent bars and on point delivery. Chip brought up the subject of Yungen being the ’sideman’ of Play Dirty. One of the best bars of the track has to be; “Fuckboys, never seen practice hours.” For me, I think this bar would have got to Yungen, Chipmunk IS a GRIME kid, but is Yungen? Can Yungen be acused of jumping on the band wagon? The video was simple, what stood out was Chipmunk’s relentlessness with his bar, something that he has become known for.

Yungen immediately came back with a track called ‘PUNK’, the video was ironically shot in the petrol station to mimic what Chip had done with his ‘Dickhead’ video. The intro was a deep cut, showing Meek Mill on camera saying, in a nutshell he doesn’t really know who Chipmunk is. 

Yungen brought up some very interesting topics in this track and even brought Tinie Tempah in as a cameo, he showed that he wasn’t going to take the war lightly. He mentioned Chips ‘wifey’ being his ‘side thing’. Yungen also puts in a claim that Chip is broke and was only paid £500 for a show recently.

Needless to say Chipmunk came back with shots firing, in the early hours of this morning. Chip dropped Michelle Riddem, currently at 229,381 views. Chip starts the video off with a clip of Yungen claiming he wanted to be like Chip. Chip took it to a gritty level and showed us that rap beef comes easy to him. 

He addressed and dismiss the issues that Yungen had brought up in his track. Chipmunk brought up some interesting topics himself mentioning that he will pay the girl, that has a got a restraining order out on Yungen, £10,000 and also took the chance to take some more shots at Tinie Tempah. Chip accused Tinie of copying Kanye West’s style and also brought up the subject of tinies mum.

Yungen is yet to respond to Chip, but I’m definitely going to be watching this one closely and I can’t be the only one. So far I think after ‘Michelle’ Chip definitely has the lead but Yungen can give a good fight. Can he win this rap beef though? We will have to wait and find but as we’ve already found out ‘Chip can’t run out of bars’. Yungen is definitely going to have to come back with something special. I’m not sure how Yungen will respond but one thing I know is, I’m definitely going to enjoy watching it all. 

If anything rap beef has to at least be thanked for making the audience laugh. The way that Chipmunk keeps going at Tinie is similar to the way everyone keeps getting at Meek about Drake. Theres a lot more disses to come and I’m sure more feelings are going to get hurt but its all in the name of art right?… and, personally as a fan, I think its hilarious!

You have to give it to Chip for shaking things up in the UK scene and making it exciting again. 2015 was one of the most entertaining years in UK rap, let’s hope Chipmunk Vs Yungen is just the start for 2016.

[tazhd]

MoStack - Gangster With Banter Review

Since his introduction to the foreground of the UK music scene, MoStack has managed to capture our attention and hearts with his ‘gangster with banter’ brand. So far his playful and lighthearted spin on serious subjects is far too easy to listen to and, personally, in songs such as ‘I Do’ and ‘So Paranoid’, the vibe is slightly addictive.

Having kept everyone waiting MoStack has finally decided to drop his 'Gangster With Banter’ mixtape. Released as a free download 17th February 2016 via www.mostackgwb.com, the mixtapes tracklisting is 21 songs deep! Four of the songs are bonus tracks.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking, probably the same thing I thought. 'Do I like MoStack that much?’ and thats why I’ll say, you can be forgiven for thinking this.

The reality is that GWB is a solid project. Producing a mixtape this big is definitely risky and many have failed. Unlike the many failed mixtapes before, that end up being cut off half way through and dragged to the trash bin on your laptop, GWB flows straight through. From the intro right through to the final bonus tracks, MoStack manages to not only keep your attention but also has you catching the aura from it too.

The mixtape kicks off with 'Stop Lying pt2’ and immediately you get the familiar MoStack vibe and feeling. Aimed at the pretenders of this world the track delivers a serious and valid topic, once again with his playful twist. Touching on his experiences with street violence and run-ins with the law, the first track sets you up for what is come.

The project flows well and shows a side to MoStack that many of us here on the consumer side of street, were unsure he had… Surely I wasn’t the only one!

In songs such as 'Getting Shot was a Blessing’, he let’s us know that he understands the creativity of music, by incorporating it into a live jam session. As the mixtape progresses it uncovers the fact that gimmicks aren’t his only weapon.

GWB is exactly what it says on the label. It has a healthy mix of banter, education and emotion. He’s brought in some good features with Sneakbo and Yungen on 'I don’t need no one’ and J hus on the outro, 'Fuck This Generation’

As much as I like MoStack, I still have to admit I’m surprised. There are no fillers on this project, each track has definitely earned it’s place on there! Two of the bonus tracks didn’t even feature MoStack and to be honest even they were easy on the ear. It has to be applauded that he has given others a chance to shine through on his project.

All in all I highly rate this project and can only predict big things for MoStack in 2016. The fact that the release of Gangster With Banter managed to shut down my twitter timeline is surely a sign of things to come.

[tazhd]

Battlefield

I hear your roars, I see your pain. You blind me, like gold in the sun. I know better than what is said. You have plans, and yes I too have plans. Do you Really see, that which is in me. I fear not. But Lord let them know before I’m l not the innocence that once was. It cleaned me out with that one blow.

[tazhd]

All it does is spiral...

It kills a piece of me inside everytime I see or hear a black person… No scrap that a black WOMAN, say they don’t believe in ‘this white supremacy shit.’ it genuinely beggars belief that even as a black woman, you cannot seriously and contextually fathom that these, sexist and narrow minded views are a sick part of society. Further more WHY did it become ok to rape and pillage other countries for the sake of your own. Couldn’t the white race have overcome a great shame without involving the uplifting of one man’s life, whilest perpetuating the downfall of another’s? How did both black women and men become so misconstrued about not only they’re natural feelings but also about themselves as a being? As an irish woman in England, let me be the first to tell you that your identity gets lost, and I’m only from across the pond!… Being in an Anglicanised county as the non Anglican, blurs the lines… You feel different and because your culture isn’t of this country’s culture, you begin to distance yourself from what you see as being different to your heart. Because society fails to understand this and instead goes for the jugular like an animal ripping the throat from it’s prey. You end up with not only a warped but also an UNHEALTHY view of one’s self. The point is it is important to know what others think, this gives you the upper hand. To think racist/prejudice ideologies don’t still exist puts you on the back foot, especially as a woman. Theres a reason why people hide their true views and you need to be aware of that.

Whilst what I have just said is of great understanding to most. Some seem to be numb to it, just sitting there spealing of rounds of ignorance! One cant help but wonder do they know? Can they hear the final result?

[tazhd]

When student loan drops loooool @leonjewlz @nbizz89 @charlottebone #StudentLife #ImBallin #NewMoney #True #Funny #Students #UniLife

[tazhd]

This man has SWAG !!! #HesLileAFineWine #SwaggedUp #GodGaveHimStyle #LoveTheRedSocks #LondonUnderground #GetTheLondonLook #LondonSwag @peopleontheunderground

[tazhd]

Throwing it back to yesterday ... London with cuzzy #TBT #CallitAThrowBack #Fun #LoveHer #FamilyJoy #GoodTimes

[tazhd]

The day Mourhinio lost #2-1 #Penalty #Sunderland #Chelsea #Football #FootballBanter #OhNo #Damn #Hahaha #LoveIt #GetIn #Schwartzer #PremierLeague #ChelseaFC #SunderlandFC #Lost

[tazhd]

Selfie with mother dearest #Selfie #FamilyJoy #Family #LoveHer #Happiness

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Found my ice with the cross formed in it at the bottom of my drink #GodsSigns #MadeMeFeelSpecial #LoveIt #Beautiful #GodsBeauty #GodIsGood

[tazhd]

Something to remember #WiseWords #Scripture #ReadTheBIBLE #SoTrue #Love