Hoodzpah - Grime-State (Mix)

**Proto-Practice Mix**
So I’ve finally gotten around to recording my practice mix. I recently acquired CDJs and thought it was time to throw some tunes together. No, unlike half the male populace between the ages of 16-26, I’m not trying to promote myself as a “DJ”. Mind you, these are the same people espousing the “every one’s a rapper” doctorine of the early 2000s. Now it’s on them. But unlike a lyricist, technology has leveled the playing field within the required skill set. There is no longer a breaking-point between those who have an ear for music, dance floor fluidity and so forth, and those who would never develop technical or beat-match skills, and the subsequent dance-kinetics involved, if they didn’t have a visual on their computer showing them how and where to do so. That said, even though advances in music technology have enabled a massive influx of people attempting the DJ thing, they can still rock a dance-floor, simply because of that technology (and also because ravers/club-goers typically couldn't give a fuck). So I’m not trying to knock the techs or the DJ. Keep doing it, I love the fact more people can now have more access to music, and sharing it. What I'm saying is, the past notion and prestige that a the “DJ” label once had, should be erased from our culture hence forth. It’s just not special anymore. So if your one of these mans, please stop putting yourself on a pedestal cause this ain’t 1997, and most you have no actual talent; your Serato developers did... but by all means, keep pushing and power to you. And actual DJs, try and lighten up on the tech-savy newer entrants... you can't change the inevitability of human advancement. Using enhanced technology in divergent, original ways is a step forward, as opposed to just bitching.
As for my mix here, I was getting to a point where listening to music was less enjoyable, knowing full well I had the ability to manipulate it to my own ends. I chose to get CDJs for their practicality over vinyl in regards to accessibility, and foremost so I could bypass the use of a computer, learning to beat-match solely on sound. Further, being a dubstep emcee I often watch these “DJs” --most actual, some fabricated-- rinse out the latest bro-step bangers, I'd become wayward with genre. Being above all else a fan of the genre before any sort of participant, I was quickly disheartened and put-off by the “robots fucking dinosaours” noise, which had so massively mutated the scene since I had left England in 2008. So this particular mix holds true to myself as dubstep emcee, as it is a grime-step mix. There are plenty of bangers, with a softer touch toward the end. The underlying theme being an obvious grime/artist centric aspect. Now I’m not saying I wouldn’t accept a booking as a DJ, but it’s mainly to show all these other bitches that making a simple mix ain’t that hard, and many people should stop fronting like your on some next level magical shit; the typical DJing thing. Cause it ain’t no moar… real talk. Props to the real selectas still, a shame it's become so sordid. Don't think these words are in any way geared towards you. If I did play a live set, it would be to emcee over my own selections, cause as I said, the brostep just ain’t pleasurable for me as it is for those robots. Emceeing over my own selections would be a step DJs should note: If your going to try and penetrate this day in age, you need to develop originality and unique ability in your sets. Otherwise, it just come down to marketing which, it seems, the less artistic and less musical people seems to thrive at. So best get to innovating. For my particular role, this day in age I view emcees still keep it analog while all the DJs gone digital, and I got something to say about that. So just enjoy the mix for what it is… good music. P.E.A.C.E.

Grime-State by Hoodzpah

Straight Lynched

Political flurry has exploded across Britain with the May 6th elections. The stoic people of this industrialized island nation, so used to dwelling in the traditional platform of a 2+ party system with an even more traditional political system, are watching this years election with special interest. Due to the rise of the Liberal Democrats over the past weeks --based on stellar performances in the first ever televised debates, from their fresh, articulate leader, Nick Clegg-- political efficacy has soared in Britain. That was demonstrated yesterday when Brits took to the polls in the closest-fought election in a generation, with a voter turnout of 65.2%. The outcome is even more surprising, having officially been declared a "hung Parliament." Not since 1974 has a hung Parliament occurred, in which no party has overall control of the Commons (326+ MP seats). Now the parties must create a coalition government with one another, which can be an uproarious task, especially noting the marked differences in ideology and policy in a diverse political culture.



The election has upended long-standing political certainties. What appeared to be a Conservative (Tories) victory has become a defeat for the reforming, energetic leader David Cameron. The centre-left Liberal Democrats did even worse than pre-polling indicated, but their pivotal role in forming a coalition still makes them the kingmakers to be appeased. And tarnished Gordon Brown could remain Prime Minster even though Labour has incurred its work electoral showing in decades. Queen Elizabeth, as head-of-state, is charged with the task of ultimately inviting someone to become Prime Minister. As a simple figure head, the Queen must tread lightly on political issues. With no written constitution, history deems the Queen allow the sitting PM to try to form a government first. ('Government' in Britain simply translates as cabinet or administration). But a massive public back lash against Gordon Brown, who was obviously obliterated after 13 years of Labour rule, may fuel discontent toward Britain's adored Queen. I'm sure she wants no part. Despite the media hype attributing the Tory and Lib Dem's rise to their young, charismatic leaders, I believe it's more a back-lash against Labour who has dominated the political environment since the '90s. But perhaps Britain's unreformed political system and the ideological divisions with in it, could lead to continued Labour rule. Following the aftermath of selecting a new PM, my hope is that they nice up US-UK immigration. I gotta get back, son!

Taking you lot back with a grime classic from Manchester representative and Virus Syndicate affiliate, Skittles. Although the Mankunion hit "Blair" is a bit dated targeting the now-ousted Tony Blair, it seems fitting for the moment. As he says, "So we're seeing the end of Blair, yeah? But know this is for all you politicians." Skittles is without a doubt one of the most under-rated grime artists in the scene. Using his music with a keen ability to translate messages into true substance, Skitz does away with the tired hype-talk of a typical grime emcee. If you haven't heard this throw back from a few years, just kick back with a spliff, heed the outstanding lyricism, and watch the political turmoil unfurl. P.E.A.C.E.

Skittles - Blair


^Give that a listen; grafted off his debut LP "Two Pints of Brandy and a Packet of Skittles." But also check this little ghetto-fab video which actually came out dope. The audio quality on the vocals is a bit distorted, so if your not familiar with N. English accents or grime flow cadences, check the above track first, then load up the video. It's got a slight difference in instrumental composition, so it's a fresh sound on a classic tune. Not to mention the video subject matter, featuring Skitz himself, is straight wicked.