As promised Sleazy F Baby aka Wordz has come correct with his killer debut single on Blah Records. Produced by Blah legend Lee Scott, 'From the bits' is a raw banger with a punchy boombap sound combined with Sleazy Fs energetic flow and mad wordplay. After building up a momentum and putting in constant work with his 2win and fellow cult member Black Josh, 2016 is set to be this guys year!
Check out the sick, sick visuals by Aboveground giving a cinematic glimpse of #cultlife and ofcourse shouts to Jack Banner keepin it real in the Bloc2Bloc office!
Follow the link and make sure you cop it! https://blahrecords.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-bits
Produced by Toddla T this heavyweight remix of 'Coco - Big Bou Yah' is already a strong contender for 1xtras remix of the year 2016.....future business!
After killin the set at Moss Side Carnival alongside Coco & Toddla in the summer and dropping 'Who Run Tingz' on Toddla's label Girls Music, the legendary Trigga has again linked up with the steel city guys for this dark banger.
After the success of the original there was no mistake this track was going to make an impression and each MC brought their own unique flow.
Shouts to SBTV for their continued support for Northern MCs and a very cheeky shout out to our very own Jack Banner partyin' outside Chicken Run.
It's coming to the end of a very sick year and so we are taking a look back at some of the best visuals from Manchester's diverse scene. After much thought and many ponder here are ten of 2015s biggest, baddest and best music videos.
Has your favourite rapper/MC made the list?
If not, make your own.
Skittles returns with a thought-provoking track about 'God'. Tackling themes such as grief, honesty and ultimately his atheist stance on faith. Without a doubt the mancunian lyricist is one of the best to do it, crafting a flawless track and expressing himself on such heavy topics with an real acuteness that can't be taught nor imitated.
If you like the sound make sure you cop it from either:
Bloc2Bloc Radio aka Manchester's cheekiest radio station has been reaching new heights and uniting the scene since its launch earlier this year.
Many DJs and MCs from across the city have been showing up to shut it down with shows from Leadbelly, Rolla and appearances from Chunky and Chimpo to name a few. The bossman Strategy & UKG legend Zed Bias have been taking the waves to wider audiences along with big international features from guys like Part2Style. It's all 'appnin.
In true B2B style though the radio show continues to be a platform for local DJs, Manchester Veterans and new talent to ensure that Bloc2Bloc has the cheekiest sound.
Check out the lil mini-mixes below introducing some fresh heads on the decks and some familiar faces.
Hit&Run linked up with Sub Faction to host one bass heavy party at the mansion last week.
"Manchester People are Crazy" - PART2STYLE
Straight outta Tokyo the Part2style crew ended their European tour in true party style with a lively night in Manchester. The bass lords ensured to bless Bloc2Bloc radio alongside Zed Bias, vocalist Zoe Violet and our Chimpo, who they met at Outlook Festival, before the club night.
You can catch their ill selection of reggae, jungle, dub, grime and bassy numbers on the link below
Back to the Mansion though, West-Midlands finest Soloman played an energetic Grime set that hosts T-man and Black Josh were able to finesse to, a 'feed em to the lions' refix had the crowd screwin'.
Dubstep veteran DJ N-Type was out to school and entertain in equal measure during his impressive History of Dubstep Set playing those original dark tracks from the big smoke as well as some newer boundary pushing business.
Headliners Part2style stepped up to finish the night off playing a diverse and bouncy sound, essentially banger after banger. Warrior Queen - Poison Dart (Part2style Dubplate) was a crowd favourite along with a TubbyT tribute produced by Zed Bias just a day before. Keep your ears out for that one, it receieved sick crowd reaction and plenty of reloads from Chimpo. Zed looked ever so proud.
Bloc2Bloc got a quick chat with the Part2style crew at the end of the night NiziP and MaL showed plenty of love to our city and it's DJs and hope to come through when next on tour. Banner and Chimpo left em with half a bottle of vodka and an insight into Manchester party business.
Check out Bloc2Blocs footage below
"The Manchester Music Scene is so nice, yeah G!" - NiziP Part2Style
The Caribbean Carnival of Manchester returned to Moss Side this year for a vibrant celebration of culture and a two day party in Alexandra Park. Saturday saw the return of the sun and the Red Bull Music Academy Soundsystem with another huge line-up of bass heavy music and feel good vibes. Bloc2Bloc were down to get some cheeeky footage and caught up with some of Manchester's big dawgs and Radio1 selecta Toddla T before he shut down the stage alongside Chimpo. Check out the Video, Interviews and Photos below.
TODDLA T
What can we expect from your b2b set with Chimpo? Plenty of dubplates, Chimpo is one of the only guys I know who really collects them as I do, so we've both been really excited and up for carnival today. It's an honour and a privelege to play with Chimpo here and he's brought in a couple MCs aswell so maybe expect a Manchester showcase.
Any new releases we should be looking forward to? Chimpo, Sam Binga and Trigga have recently released 'Who Run Tingz' on my record label Girls music. I've been busy working on my next album which will feature only one singer throughout. I've also been in the studio with Meridian Dan and also Skepta so there's alot to look forward to.
Could you tell us a little bit about your new venture, Steeze Clothing? Is there a dancehall influence?
Ah Steeze, yes! That's my new clothing label I've been working on with Danny Beck. The label doesn't necessarily have a dancehall influence but this tee I'm wearing (see pic above) has a definite jamaican influence. Basically, I've always been into clothing and design and have spent a fair bit on t-shirts but I felt alot of stuff out there was overpriced so I started to design my own.It's all strictly online at the minute and available from the Steeze website.
CHIMPO
How do you feel about the Carnival's return to Alexandra Park?
This is without a doubt the best carnival we've had in 15 years. I've been coming carnival for over 25 and this is the one.
What can we expect from Chimpo in the near future?
Expect everything, there is nothing that it is not to be expected... Release wise though I'll have a new solo EP out end of August on Par Excellence record label.
Can you describe the sound?
It's a mash-up I don't know what to call it, but it's big.
How do you feel carnival compares with other festivals you've hit up this summer?
Carnival is free so already it has a different vibe to festivals people have paid for, there’s a real air of freedom. It’s more about the community aswell and the suns out, so its all good! What can we expect from Strategy today and in the near future?
I'll be on stage later today performing a couple tunes with Chimpo. I'm Working on a fabric mix at the minute with dub phizix, we’re also touring with our night ‘well good do’, so thats at Fabric and we’re going Croatia and Bristol too to start with. We’re looking to take it everywhere.
Any new releases?
I’m in the studio at the minute so you'll be hearing some new solo stuff soon.
FOX
How does Carnival compare to other performances or festivals?
Little bit different it's home territory, I’ve not been carnival in years I was keeping low there was beef back then, the gunchester years and all that but things have changed. It’s an emotional return as well back at Alexandra Park. Its about the community, everybody's here and everybodys is skanking - it's love.
What can we expect from Fox in the near future, any new releases?
I’ve been working on the Swing Ting EP so that should be the next thing released, Swing Ting label has obviously had some big things going on with the new Madd Again EP.I’m collaborating with Chimpo at the minute too. Maybe I shouldn’t be telling you this but I’ve got the gangstaish tune to be released with Chimpo and Alix Perez.
Head to Swing Tingevery 3rd Saturday at Soup Kitchen
TRIGGA How do you feel about the Carnivals return to Alexandra Park?
It's been about 10 years since I last came carnival they weren't really allowing the urban scene because of certain things going on at the time but its all come back around now. It's all big movements as a Manchester collective. What can we expect from Trigga and the Madd Again Soundsystem (Zed Bias, Killa Benz, and Specialist Moss) ?
Expect 'Mad ting Vol 1' that will be released soon and we're working on our single EPs so there'll be tracks from Killa Benz out soon and a solo EP from me. What sort of sound would you say you were progressing towards? I'll always keep it real to drum and bass but I also like to show people different things.
Where else can we catch you performing?
We'll be at outlook in Croatia and also Mint Fest in September.
Adorah Johnson is a local rising star in Manchester's Soul, Jazz, Hiphop and House scenes with a unique sound and deep yet relateable lyrics. This girl's got a load of gigs right now and her first solo EP 'True To
Self' is soon to be realased on all good media outlets so Bloc2Bloc decided to invite her down to the studio for a chat about herself and her music. Hello and
welcome to bloc2bloc studios, first of all we would just like to thank you for
coming down today for a chat.
Adorah: No problem thanks for having me!
Anytime Miss! Anyway we know you as Hannah, but would you mind introducing yourself to the rest of the world and telling them what it is you do?
Adorah: My names Adorah, full name Adorah Johnson; I’m a 24 year old singer and songwriter based in Manchester.
Nice one for
that, I’m sure that’s a name that a few people will already know, now that’s
covered though lets find out a little bit more about you! How did you originally
get into music?
Adorah: Well I’ve always loved singing, with the writing side of things I started out writing poetry as a kid and then the poems turned into songs! I eventually found this youth club in Wythenshawe that ran music workshops, I used to go there all the time learning how to record music, preform and write lyrics. While there I worked with a group of people rather than on my own and as I got better I started preforming all over Manchester and the North West.
Its great to hear that projects like that youth club are pushing young artist and helping them get out! Since realising you were talented at what you do and very passionate about music what have been some of the best things that have happened because of it?
Adorah: Oh that’s a hard question because there have been so many moments that stand out! One of my best memories is from earlier this year when I was booked for Burns Festival in Scotland with my guitarist (James). It was wicked, we did a gig at the festival then later on in the day we preformed a really intimate acoustic gig for a group of writers. It was just me, James and the guitar, What made it so special was the way they all listened, everyone took something from it and we all spoke to each other after it!
That really does sound special! Would you say that that the small and intimate style of acoustic performing is what you prefer over the bigger gigs?
Adorah: To be honest I love them all, that day just stands out because it felt like memories were made for so many people there and everyone took something from the performance! As writers I knew they were listening to what I had written, they were all very interested to know how I write and where I get my inspiration.
Yeah I can definitely understand why that was a highlight for, creating a connection with others through the love of music and being creative is always a good feeling! Other than Scotland where else have you preformed in this country or even around the world?
Adorah: I’ve actually done quite a lot of different shows, like I said I started off with the youth club and that consisted of doing shows at community festivals and nightclubs in Manchester but from there I’ve done stadiums gigs and other venues around England, Also while on holiday I ended up doing a few little gigs in Morocco!
Awesome sounds like you’ve done a fair bit of travelling! Were the gigs in
Morocco planned or was it a little bit of an impromptu performance? Adorah: It was a completely spur of the moment thing, sometimes you cant beat doing stuff like that! You can’t script or plan everything in life you’ve just got to take a leap of faith at times and hope for the best!
I can definitely agree with that, being an artist is all about taking the opportunities that are there if you want to progress! Now we know some of the stories of your past would you mind telling us after all them experiences what is it your doing now? Adorah: At the moment I’m doing a lot of gigs preforming my EP ‘True to self’
which I brought myself exclusively to Bandcamp earlier this year. I’m working
on a lot of new stuff with my guitarist (James Auton), if anyone’s seen my
videos then he’s the guy I’m always jamming with!As well as that I’ve been collaborating with
Conscious Poet and Verbal Wisdom recently and I’m going to be preforming with
at Golden Egg in Fallowfield this Saturday. If you like Hip Hop it’s defiantly
something you should come check out! https://soundcloud.com/adorahjohnson/sets/true-to-self-ep Definitely
miss we will be there sounds like its going to be the shout to go to after the
carnival! Where do you see your self in the future then Adorah? What do you
want for your music? Adorah: Well with my music I just want to spread a good message out and connect with people. If there were one thing I could wish for it would be for my songs to help people get through things because they can relate to the things I’ve been through. There’s a lot of doom and gloom in life so as long as my music is making people more positive then I’m happy.
So you’re about putting a smile on as many people’s faces as possible, and
spreading good vibes. I like that it’s defiantly a good attitude to have in
life, obviously your naturally a very positive and motivated person but who
would you say inspires you in life and music?
Adorah: I would
say one person who really inspires me with the music I make is Erykah Badu.
She’s a neo soul singer who had massive hits in the 90s but has always stayed
that little bit underground and I like that about her, it makes her intriguing.
You know a singer is talking about something important when its not hitting
mainstream media but she still has so many fans. Other musicians around me
inspire me a lot, when I go and jam or meet new people it allows me to see how
others work and study other techniques and styles if you know what I mean?
Yeah I feel you, you like having people to bounce ideas of and getting
inspiration from mixing things up a little. Seeing as working with others is
something you do a lot if you could collaborate with anyone, dead or alive who
would it be?
Adorah: Oh dead OR alive! Am I aloud to pick two one dead and one alive? Yeah I guess you can have three if you want, just make sure their good ones ha ha!
Adorah: Right then! My living person would have to be an American rapper called The ILLZ. He’s got this hip hop sound but its like orchestrated; crazy instruments, vocal samples, lyrics and his flow make his music perfect! Everything about him is crazy really who you’ve got to check out to know what I mean.
I’ve not heard of him but this guy does sound sick, I’ll be sure to give
him a listen! So could you see yourself doing a hook or something on one of his
songs?
Adorah: Yeah defiantly, and a verse of course, I would love to! For working with people who’s are longer with us if I’ve got to say Hendrix, Bob Marley and Tupac, I love all their music!
They are some good choices! I can tell from just them three that you’ve definitely got a varied taste in good music, back on to your own music actually could you tell us a bit about the process you go through when making it, how does it all come together from the initial idea to being on stage preforming it?
Adorah: It depends to be honest, sometimes its just an idea that comes in my head out of nowhere and I need to some words down or I just wont stop thinking about it, then other times its I’ll get sent a beat or I’ll be working with someone playing guitar or keys and the ideas will start to flow from hearing the music and thinking about what I can bring to it. If it’s a collab then obviously there’s already a topic or a idea of where its going to then I will just think up of things and try to make them fit into what’s already there. From there it’s literally just a case of getting in the studio with whoever needs to be there and taking it from there. I suppose in the studio is where all the changes happen, the more times you go through something you see what works and what doesn’t.
Once again
you’ve said a lot about working with others, its good to see someone who’s not
just all about them self and does stuff with a diverse range of people! So who
would you say that B2B and people reading should be looking out for in the future?
Adorah: Oh there’s
so many as we was saying before there’s talent round every corner in Manchester!
I know ha ha,
I can imagine as a local artist your always locked into who’s making movements
but if you were to think about someone who you see preforming and you think
‘there going to go somewhere’ who would you say?
Adorah: I’m always checking new music and new people for real, but I think some of my favorite upcoming people right now in terms of the content there putting out would be Conscious Poet, Where’s Neek’s and Verbal Wisdom. All three of those, literally I cant explain the deepness, if your into your deep music you’ll see what I mean!
So you just see them do their thing and get really emotional over there music and it affects you? Adorah: Massively, they inspire me! I mean, I’m bias because there people I’m around a lot, I work with them obviously I’m going to have that view but they really are amazing! Seriously though there really is so much talent in Manchester, there’s ape cult there smashing it right now from what I see, I’ve got to shout out ETV because there literally trying to push Manchester forward in a similar way B2B are! [Banner Laughs] Right now everyone’s just trying make a movement its nice to see that in Manchester right now because I think sometimes it’s felt like there’s not big support the way there is in other cities.
Yeah
definitely in other cities it feels like everyone gets there shine where as in
Manchester we help each other and make everyone else shine!
Adorah: Exactly
that, I’m trying to think who else is doing it for me right now but there’s far
to many! I’m sorry if I’ve not mentioned anyone but there’s so many so keep up
the good work people!
Sounds like
you put in a lot of good work too recently and I would just like to say big up’s
because what you’re doing right now is brilliant both the music and the
community based positive attitude! I Think that’s pretty much a wrap so thank you
for coming down, now were just going to get a little video of you preforming
your song ‘Coast’ then well be seeing you later this week on Saturday I
guess!
Adorah: Thank you
for inviting me down, I look forward to seeing you soon!
Manchester veterans Chimpo and Trigga have linked up with Bristols D&B don Sam Binga to resurrect that dark and heavy badman sound. Combining an original 'moss side inna jungle vibe' with the city and scenes new and emerging creative style. Solid production and Triggas timeless approach to dominating the track guarantee it as a sure fire shadow anthem.
Grab it from the download link above and expect to hear it mash up a set near you.
We'll be chatting to man like Trigga (maybe inna corner) very soon so look out for that.
'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.
Saturday 20th June - Swing Ting Summer Session Pt 1
Swing Ting kicked off their summer with the sounds of Hipsters Don’t Dance ‘longside residents Platt, Samrai and Joey B. Resident host Fox was there too giving it some ‘skangdangdiddleywoi’ and letting me know I look old…bit cheeky.
Established in 2008, the club night brings the darnce to the Soup Kitchen basement every third Saturday. Pushin' nothin' but good vibes and an eclectic sound, Swing Ting makes the dancefloor put the work in playing a range of riddims and styles from Dancehall and Bashment through to Grime and UK Funky.
As Bloc2Bloc stepped in, special guests Hipsters Don't Dancestepped up. The London-based duo are known for their unique 'World Carnival Sound' combining Dancehall, Soca and Afrobeat. Their set proved to be fun, diverse and brought all to the floor with some moving more awkward than others yet everyone had their own ikkle 2step or wine. Check the mix below to get a taste of the HDD flavour, personal favourites include 'Ward 21-Spot The J.'
Aswell as providing the party, Swing Ting have recently released Madd Again!'s massive debut EP ‘Beg Nar Fren’. Legend Zed Bias and a trio of original MCs - Killa Benz, Trigga & Specialist Moss have combined the ol'skool sounds of garage and funky with a modern bass heavy dancehall vibe. Leading single 'Duggu' has been making some serious impact in the clubs and was a highlight to saturday bringing the gyals on stage for some synchronised shimmyin'. Make sure you check it out below and cop that.
