Since opening their doors late last year Beat Bar have brought Leeds some of the greatest names in hip-hop including Grandmaster Melle Melle, Jeru The Damaja, DJ Premier and they continue this form with a rare intimate performance from an MC who undisputedly defined the term “lyricist” in the world of hip-hop - BIG DADDY KANE!
Leeds rapper Chief Wigz (or Chief Wiggum), who features on J-Simple's Breath Control, is about to release Sunday Service on the Don't Talk To Strangers imprint. Production will be by Brutal Artistry and it'll be out on a 12" vinyl and digital download sometime in July.
There is a new night going off in Leeds called the Middle 8. It is going to be at the Elbow Rooms on the 2nd July and will then take place on the first Wednesday of the month. The night is run by or own Analogue, Mike D and Lyrical Dan of Subterrania and Tha PCP from Crackhouse Recordings.
Our man in the North, Analogue, has been ultra-busy as usual, but has made the time to produce two more off-the-hook radio shows which we are just too pleased to be able to let you listen to and download at your leisure. As ever he is showcasing the best of Leeds Talent, so lets get on with it.
Over the last few months, the Subterrania Studios crew have worked to bring through three incredible shows covering all the bases in Northern Hip-Hop.
Riiiiight.... Y'all know my boy Kidkanevil, right? Tokyorkshire's finest scratch DJ / producer with an album out called "Problems & Solutions" which you need in your collection. On vinyl, of course...
This is another solo mix show. After a hard day at work and with no MCs up in the place, I decided to flex the soulful side of my record collection alongside the usual UK and US rap bangers. Look out for our regular shows every Thursday night 9-10pm on HHBRadio.com.
This show features 4 times Jump Off Champion INC on the mic, representing Leeds, London and the Vagabondz crew. You want sick flows? We got 'em. The next Vagabondz night is at The Faversham, Leeds on Tuesday 18th September and features a headline set by Gentleman's Dub Club.
My latest HHB Radio show saw an appearance by Minneapolis crew Tru Ruts (TruthMaze and EG Bailey), who we were lucky enough to catch in Leeds before they flew back to the States. Also in the place were Monkee from the Invizible Circle collective, talking about the forthcoming UK Self Destruction / Stop The Violence project, and Lady AI from Afro Physics (check the AP EP, out now).
Working nine to five is a bitch sometimes. On the plus side, thanks to the 37-odd hours a week I spend putting up with other people's BS, I am more or less financially solvent on a good month. On the downside, all those early mornings can leave one a little drained of a night.