Author: Esh

The Jazz Spastiks, The Jazz Spastiks! Yes I said it twice for a reason. As soon as I heard their music I knew they were geniuses and wanted to know more about this mysterious outfit and what’s going on generally. They told me stuff, here are my findings…

I first heard the name Kid Tsunami when Pocho from Headbop Records linked me to the preview clip from his (then) forthcoming album The Chase. The production immediately caught my ear and I really wanted to hear the full versions of the tracks with this devastating line up including many of my favourite emcees. To say it sounded promising was an understatement. If names like Krs-One, Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, AG, OC, J-Live, Pharoahe Monch (it just goes on and on...) don't grab your attention, well... I'm not sure you can be helped.

Reks is an emcee who needs no introduction. Or does he? As a Hip Hop head, I would personally consider you to be asleep if you had overlooked his 2008 joint Say Goodnight and the phenomenal 25th Hour, both Premo bangers. But Reks has been a key player in the evolution of Boston Hip Hop and the global underground scene generally and has made several albums. He has just released his seventh album Revolution Cocktail.

Hello! I want to tell you about this latest EP from North Yorkshire producer and graffiti artist Kista because it's great. On Grand Emporium you got tracks with dope emcees Tableek (from Maspyke), Stan Illa (US), Cappo and Elliot Fresh (UK) as well as some nice chilled instrumentals.

DJ Jazzy Jeff is known as a legend worldwide for his contribution as one of the pioneers of the rich history of Philly DJs, as well as his production work which is respected by both mainstream and underground Hip Hop heads and music fans generally. It was a real pleasure to have this conversation with one of my personal heroes and an inspiration to many.

DJ Premier has been producing bangers since his Gang Starr days and now 30 years on he is still delivering the goods. Esh from IBMCs managed to catch up with the legendary DJ Premier in advance of his show in association with the Doctor's Orders at Plan B on Thur 28th Feb. Its all set to be a stellar night with Statik Selektah, DJ No Names, Mr Thing, Spin Doctor and Skillit on the bill as well. Read on to find out what DJ Premier had to say...

Although I wasn't there to witness the inevitable majesty of Wednesday's show, Tuesday's show was fantastic nevertheless. The reunion and 10 year anniversary of the Asylum Speakers album, featuring artists and full band made this a landmark of UK Hip Hop history. With both shows sold out, Dark Circle opened up, having travelled from Germany and Iceland, and set the tone for an incredible evening of music.

George Fields, to many an unknown entity, is a young producer from Dorset UK who is setting an extremely high standard with his work. This 10 track instrumental project is a labour of love that any discerning listener will be keeping close to hand (ear) for years to come. Clearly a producer with a love for vinyl, the sample choices, drum programming and quality of mixing and mastering is undeniable and comparable to any contemporary 'big studio' release.

These guys have made the album of the year. Completely infectious lyrically and produced, mixed and engineered to perfection by the soon to be legendary DJ Propo'88. The story of Dutch Hip Hop began in the 80s with emcees rapping in English which was mostly wack. Later, emcees like Brainpower and Extince starting rapping in their native tongue, Dutch, and became household names from the popularity of this Hip Hop movement.

Here is the new 7 inch from DJ Suspect of France's Funk League on Luhna Records. Following on from last year's phenomenal Funky As Usual album, this time Suspect teams up with fellow French MPC enthusiast Doc TMK and enlists UK emcees Carpetface and Audible1, who bring back the Funk yet again over a multilayered production with slamming drums, beat boxes, horns, funky bassline, flute, it's all there. The scratches are crazy - a step above the usual - and the chorus is the kind you end up singing along to without thinking about it.