This interview with Elemental of the Brighton based group The Menagerie was conducted some time ago, but due to it getting lost and other things taking over it got left behind. Since the interview the crew have gone on to great things, but these words give an idea of where the crew were at when they were starting out...

Straiht Wikid Crew, a one-man project of Hare Krsna rapper Jason Fladlien from Muscatine, IA, has released his debut album "Kali Yuga Demolition Vol. 1". The upbeat, catchy and fun hip hop CD contains 11 tracks of the unexpected, horribly delightful and unshakeable feel good music that makes the listener feel, well...good.

Urban Development and East London Dance host Urban East, a week long celebration of urban culture, bringing together music and dance at Stratford Circus in May. It all takes place between Thursday 18th – Thursday 25th May 2006. There is a live music night featuring artists like Klashnekoff and of course there are some serious music seminars.

City Showcase, London’s leading festival for new music and fashion, has announced this year’s timetable of free industry workshops (5 – 9 June). City Showcase is a not-for-profit festival launched in 2003 and supported by the Mayor of London and Visit London. City Showcase wants to help tomorrow’s talent make it in the commercial world of today.

The new issue of the occasional Big Smoke Magazine is out now and is available from all major stockists including: Virgin, HMV, Borders, some record shops and some newsagents as well as being available now at www.bigsmokelive.com.

Blade released his first record way back in 1989 and since then he has become one of the most influential and consistent UK acts. Many have complained that his subject matter has become samey and that he has not developed his vocal style for a while, but as one of the UK’s Hip Hop elder statesmen Blade deserves more respect than that.

A hip-hop producer and DJ of over ten years experience, Ghost's first 12", Ghost Stories, came out in 2002 and introduced Ghost's deeply musical approach. He developed his blueprint of hip hop with a nod to the past and an eye firmly on the future as 2 more singles followed on Breakin Bread and a number of his productions for MC's came out on other labels (Lowlife, Receptor, Suspect-Packages).
 

Fresh Styles Film festival in association with Breakin' Convention presents RIZE Film screening and Q&A with Miss Prissy. Monday 1 May (Bank Holiday) is the official Breakin' Convention Krump Day. Krump is the dance phenomenon hailing from the streets of Los Angeles which is now featuring in pop videos and dance routines around the world.

Fresh Styles Film Festival in association with Breakin' Convention presents a night of Hip Hop film featuring the seminal documentary 'BEAT THIS: A HIP HOP HISTORY' and a Q+A with director Dick Fontaine. Originally shown as part of the BBC's 'Arena' series in 1984, 'Beat This: a Hip Hop History' is one of the first glimpses into the nascent hip hop culture of the Bronx.

Dominant G is one of the greatest and smoothest rhymers the UK has produced to date. Who is he you ask? Well he has been around a bit more than you would think. In advance of his debut solo LP britishhiphop.co.uk took the time to speak to him and find out what he is under...