'I wanted people to hear what sounds and artistic styles I'm into without compromising my sound or my collaborators and keep everything as organic as possible.'
Room 2 artist Ellis Meade dropped a big 20 track LP earlier this month, titled 'All I Can Do' it is a finished project that proves a true product of the Rapper and Producer's talent and creative ability. Check out the self-directed/edited music video for the the releases title single below.
A combination of musical influences and a homegrown style proves the LP as an interesting listen in terms of production, with many of the tracks including the dark yet bouncy grime-infused banger 'Jack Ups' feat Sparkz and the amerimanc old skool track 'Shit thats Dope' having been produced by Ellis Meade himself. Guest production comes from big names such as the UK Hip-Hop lord Pete Cannon, Room 2 partner Kydro and Proclaim Knowledge. Check the sick visuals below!
A consistency in terms of writing and vocal ability moves the listener on a 'sonic journey' with ease, with Meade expressing content ranging from personal concerns to gritty social observation, partying and storytelling. 'All I Can Do' is full of hooks, chorus parts and catchy rhymes yet still manages to maintain that underground and poetic vibe with some well-crafted and energetic beats thrown in allowing Ellis to demonstrate a versatile flow. Guest rappers include fellow Voodoo Black member Sparkz, iLLChill from L.A and Boston-born France-based rapper Mattic.
Although releasing a wider and international sound the release does feel every bit organic in terms of both vibe and content with the Mancunian having both absorbed and reflected his environment through his music
Hypes is one of Manchester's longest standing Grime figures having been in the game for more than ten years. After working with brands and artists such as 'Sidewinder', 'Jammer' & 'Lord Of The Mics' he has solidified himself as a key player within the scene.
He is back again this time having enlisted Nottingham's new top boy Mez for the Showdem produced banger 'Scaredy Cat'. The wavy bassline-inspired instrumental complete with to the point, aggressive punchlines and energy from Hypes as well as Mez' unique skippy flow makes this one a must listen for all fans of the genre.
It's good to see Hypes coming back harder than ever making Manchester and the rest of country know why he deserves to be in pole position. We look forward to hearing more from the 'Wizeguy' in the coming months.
Big up Hypes & Mez.
Blogger : Laurence Heywood Bloc2Bloc Entertainment
Black Josh & Wordz aka the 2wins are two of the biggest characters and names in the UK Hip Hop and Trap scene right now. Smashin shows left right n centre the self-described 'Hood Hippy' Black Josh is making huge movements with a forthcoming album on Blah Records and Wordz' last mixtape 'HEF2' brought that straight-up ignorant 'south manny trap' music to the forefront. Bloc2Bloc caught up with them to chat about what's been goin' on and what's to be expected.
Ok so for those who may not know, who are ya and what are you about?
Black Josh: I'm Black Josh, and I'm about mine
Wordz: Wordz aka Sleazy F Baby aka HEF aka might put my kids on yo bitch chest, you know and I'm about this cake.......... yeah u better keep that all in.
I'm just prayin' we got that! So 2015 what's been goin on for you?
BlackJosh: A lot of shows this year, I've been on the Levelz tour! Also been doin shows with r Lee (Scott). Right now it's Festival Season.
Wordz: Gang, Gang, Gang! Yeah I've been hosting, been on the road for shows with r kid.
BlackJosh: Gottwood, Boombap...
You had any mad festival experiences yet? BlackJosh: aw mate....tonnes.
Wordz: You're a cheeeeeky bitch u
BlackJosh: Promiscuous women, bad food, good drugs and sunshine.
Wordz: We shutdown the barn at Gottwood. It was fuckin crazy.
BlackJosh: I dont even gas my shows I say they are alright and that, but I had fun! I was gassed to host Chimpo's set there and yo the fuckin spirit took over me. It was dutty! There was people on the outside looking in at everyone going sick.
Wordz: There was steam on the motherfuckin windows Ceej. Shouts to Uncle Ian and Nanny Banton aka Sean Paul.
BlackJosh: Yo Nanny Banton had me gassed! Aw I was trippin on acid yeah...
Wordz: Tell em! BlackJosh: stood in the middle of the woods and he turns to me now yeah and he goes 'I forgive ya but my tommy gun don't! bang bang bang' Guy set my trip off gnarly.
I know you've been spending alot of time in the studio and I've heard your making movements with Blah too now Wordz, what releases can we expect in the near future?
Wordz: Obviously I've been in talks with Blah Records now for a while but I'm starting work on my first EP with them. That's like the make or break so no pressure but yeah I'm bringin the hood to Blah, we got Josh there already so makes sense. It's sick to be working with Lee Scott too, nobody has had beats off him for a while now.
I've got an EP with 2late too and loads of loose music im just not doing anything with so im working on releasing that, that's gonna be called the 'Bae Charles EP'. I've been working more frequently with Mosh Team aswell got some tracks down for the new mixtape called 'Mosh World Order'.
BlackJosh: I'm droppin the Smoking Kills EP with Pete Cannon July 7th and just released the 'Know About It' video off there! And yeah droppin Ratchet album with Blah too. (LOADS OF OTHER STUFF YOU AREN"T READY TO KNOW YET)
I think we might have leaked way too much future shit, we forget because it's you Ceej we're just tellin you everything!
Hahaa tell me who the bitches are? and what's the gossip!?
BlackJosh: wellll it is Bloc2Bloc, the neighbourhood watch.
Wordz: Let's get it right before we get it wrong!
I'm kiddin, what's your work process these days?
BlackJosh: I've just been getting out there, getting some life experience going studio and talking about it. My whole throught process was that I wanna make a happy chilled EP in terms of the vibe , well as happy as I can be in terms of what makes me happy. So yeah the little boy in me who likes the good shit, the happy shit he wanted some new music and that was why 'Smoking Kills' sort of came about.
What about your sound? Wordz: It's that hood hippy, scally rap sound but very much cultish to the fuckin death
I hear that, It's a big thing you're pushing the Manchester HipHop scene nationally and working with other UK rappers etc, who can we expect some collaborations with? BlackJosh: The Bluntskins, but outside of manny there's obviously the Blah guys. I've got a Cult Mountain feature too, you can know that.
Wordz: Tommy Dockers...
Anybody you'd like to work with in the future? BlackJosh: Strategy.....Onoe Caponoe Wordz: I wanna get some shit done with Chimpo yano and DRS, Strategy, Fox and yeah my Uncles basically. BlackJosh: Dub Phizix, The Godfathers init.
Who are your current influences?
BlackJosh: Trellion, Milkavelli and Lee Scott. Ugly Mane and Action Bronson too.
Wordz: If you don't listen to Future yeah you're blashphemous! Er Post Malone, Belly, and I'd say r kid yano. I'd say Joshua cos obviously I do most of my writing with Josh so yeah.
