Blog

So, first the bad news... I just listened to the new Dilated Peoples album, 20/20, and I gotta say it was pretty disappointing. Literally the only track that grabbed my attention was Firepower (The Tables Have To Turn), the rest was just... non-descript. Such a shame. Expansion Team is genius in comparison. I hate it when artists seem to go down hill as opposed to up hill. :-(

As far as new hip-hop goes, you'd be better off checking out; A Piece of Strange, this is the good news... CunninLynguists have come back with a fantastic new album, you wont be disappointed with this one. There are literally perhaps two weak tracks on the whole album. Not really feeling America Loves Gangsters or The Light feat. Club Dub, but Since When and Hourglass are particularly heavy tracks.

So, in conclusion kids... dont bother with the new Dilated Peoples album 20/20, but definitely get A Piece of Strange.



Few tags to catch the eyes of people that dont already know the fore-mentioned artists, but going by taste, probably would like to know bout this... Gang Starr-Jurassic 5-The Roots-Talib Kweli-Mos Def-Tonedeff-Masta Ace-Jedi Mind Tricks-7L & Esoteric-Immortal Technique-Atmosphere-Nas-Cage-RJD2-Ugly Duckling-One Be Lo-DJ Krush-DJ Shadow-DANGERDOOM-Madvillain-MF DOOM-Madlib-Blackalicious

The artist known as J Dilla and Jay Dee sadly passed away on Feb 10th of liver complications.

Even though he hasn't been well over the past year, this still came as a huge shock to me and I feel nothing but sadness.

He was one of the most talented producers and emcees around and a fine member of the Stones Throw label.

I know he will be sadly missed. I regularly thought that he had so much still to offer to the art, his flow captivated my ears whenever I heard it.

R.I.P. Jay Dee - 1974 - 2006

http://www.stonesthrow.com/index.html

Thought I'd write a little journal entry just bout some of the music I have been listening to lately, some old, some new, just good stuff...

First up, a quick big-up to my top 5 most listened to artists; The Herbaliser, Nitin Sawhney, Roots Manuva, Jack Johnson and Badly Drawn Boy. My tastes are pretty eclectic and I might not listen to one of this lot for a few months before I come back to them, but they are my top 5 for a reason... all class.

Right then, music I've been listening to lately...

Backini << you have to check this stuff out. I guess essentially it is electronic of a form, but it dabbles in hip-hop and a few other genres too. I'm particularly feeling the track Radio.

Killa Kela << British beatboxer experimenting with singing and also collaborating with live instruments. I really wasn't feeling his first album The Permanent Marker, it was just processed beats with him beatboxing over, but this new album Elocution just grows and grows on me. It's not perfect, a few tracks dont quite connect with me, but tracks like Secrets and Time Frame are class.

Miloopa << Definitely worth a mention! A nice experiment with drum and bass beats. Really catchy stuff, well produced and most definitely pleasing to the ear. Check it out!

Ugly Duckling << Well, well, well, the new album Bang for the Buck is fantastic! I would go as far to say that it is the best stuff they have made. Dont get me wrong, they have had some classic tracks on the other records, but as a complete record this one really does it for me. If you liked their previous stuff, or if you are into people like Beastie Boys or People Under the Stairs you should really get this album listened to.

Matisyahu << Gotta mention this dude! Dont be fooled by the clothes, the hat and the beard, this guy is for real. He has amazing skills on the mic and his band are brilliant. If you like reggae and hip-hop, then you should love this. His album Live at Stubb's is fantastic.

Alice Russell << My last tip for this journal. So soulful, so funky! Just music to really be enjoyed. Her two albums Under The Munka Moon and My Favorite Letters are two of my fav albums at the moment. Special mention to TM Juke as he produced some of her stuff, also check out his album Maps From The Wilderness.

Anyway, I'm bored of typing now, but would be good to hear other peoples' opinions on the artists I have mentioned. :-)

Also, if you have time, check out http://www.fizikz.com, it is a film and music website that I co-run and the forums contain lots of members from last.fm, just conversing about the music and such.

See ya!

Aha has made a chart graphic for FIZIKZ, should you wish to use it...

http://www.last.fm/onyoursite/chartgallery/FIZIKZ/+datecreated/1

So... you like music?

That's the small talk out the way. Make sure you frequent the website regularly, we offer a rewards scheme, like air miles or nectar points. We dont really, but you should still come visit.

www.fizikz.com - DO IT!