Shimmy Shimmy

Wasp - Poison

2011-01-09T17:37:00.000Z

This new song from Wasp, 'Poison', is a little like a reverse version of 'My Favourite Things', a list of stuff he thinks is totally heinous:

Producers stifling young artists
Needles in veins
Men who sleep with goats
Bleaching

This one on the Old Bring New riddim from Black Spyda.

Wasp - Poison

We Invented The Remix

2011-01-04T20:25:00.007Z

Ordinarily I would want to avoid promoting anything to do with Puff Diddy (or whatever he's calling himself these days) but this really is too good to ignore.

This remix of 'Ass On The Floor' from Last Train to Paris features Beenie, Swizzy and the incredible Natalie Storm, who is also interviewed in our forthcoming zine No Ice Cream Sound.

No word on whether this remix is official or not yet but on the strength of the performances I'd say the former.

If you don't know we're throwing a party to celebrate NICS' release with sets from Wrongtom, Mr. Williamz, the Hipsters Don't Dance crew and more! Details HERE

New Lexx - Di Bomma

2011-01-04T15:30:00.000Z

I'm not sure how to express how happy it makes us that there is almost always a new Lexx tune knocking around. And did we mention that we've interviewed him in our upcoming zine, out on the 17th?

Mr Lexx - Di Bomma (Mad Outta Road riddim)

2010 Roundup

2010-12-30T17:22:00.006Z

What a rollercoaster year for dancehall. Ups and downs, ins and outs of prison, ins and outs of cupps. But for all the hating, this year really did see some quality music and the blossoming of some real JA stars.

Here's a quick rundown of what went on for Shimmy Shimmy in 2010.

TOP 5 INTERNATIONAL COLLABS
This year saw some mad collabs, in an attempt to booster dancehall to di world.
1) Lady Saw & Steven Seagal
2) Gyptian & Nicki Minaj
3) Rihanna & Vybz Kartel
4) Mavado, Jah Cure & Rick Ross
5) Mavado & Vado

TOP 3 MAVADO SONGS TO WEEP TO
Mavado surpassed himself yet again this year.
1) When You Feel Lonely
2) Nine Life
3) Pon Di Ting

TOP 3 VYBZ SONGS ABOUT FASHION
Vybz probably takes artist of the year this year, with another stunning year of quantity and quality.
1) Clarks pt.1 (& 2)
2) Straight Jeans & Fitted
3) Cakesoap

TOP 3 FUTURE FAMBO SONGS ABOUT BOOZING
1) Rum & Red Bull
2) Get Drunk
3) Never Sober

TOP 4 'TOO MANY MEN' SONGS
1) Busy Signal - Too Many Men
2) Elephant Man & Chi Ching (pictured) - Too Many Men
3) Chi Ching & Harry Toddler - Too Many Men
4) Macka Diamond et al - Too Much Bull

TOP 3 SONGS ABOUT YOUR MATES
1) Khago - Nah Sell Out
2) Demarco - True Friend (not strictly '10)
3) Bugle - Don't Need Your Friendship

TOP 5 WORDS OUT OF THE CARIBBEAN
1) Palance (thank you JW & Blaze)
2) Stulla (thank you Mavado)
3) Swaggerific (thank you Mr G)
4) Jafrican (thank you Busy Signal)
5) Put it pon Youchube (thank you Ricky Trooper)

TOP 3 THINGS KEEPING OLD SCHOOL DANCEHALL ALIVE
1) Dave Kelly & Madhouse
2) Spragga Benz - Shotta Culture LP
3) Dancehall Again riddim, Duck & Stagalag relicks

TOP 4 PRODUCERS
1) Madhouse
2) Seanizzle (pictured)
3) ZJ Chrome
4) Max Glazer

TOP 10 RIDDIMS
1) Cosa Nostra (Ward 21)
2) One Day (Seanizzle)
3) Turn It Up (Madhouse)
4) Jim Screechie (Equiknoxx)
5) Mad Collab (ZJ Chrome)
6) Dancehall Again (Daseca)
7) Flatlands (Federation Sound)
8) Bad People (Di Genius)
9) Smokin (ZJ Chrome)
10) Split Personality (Seanizzle)

TOP 5 LONE SONGS
1) Cham, Bounty Killer & Mykal Roze - Stronger
2) Gyptian - Hold Yuh
3) JW & Blaze - Palance
4) Skinny Fabulous - Charge Up
5) Leftside - Phat Punany

TOP 3 SLOW JAMS
1) J Boog - Let's Do It Again
2) Mavado & Wayne Marshall - My Heart (Remix)
3) Busy Signal - Grab & Wine (it's not that slow, but it's dead sexy)

TOP 5 CLUB BANGERS
1) Sticky & Lady Chann - Sticky Situation
2) Zinc & Ms Dynamite - Wile Out
3) Congorock - Babylon feat. Mr Lexx
4) Redlight - MDMA Riddim
5) Warrior One & Rubi Dan - Lord of Bashy

GOODBYES
2010 was a bad year for JA, sadly losing: Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott, Yabby You, O'Neil from Voicemail, Sonia Pottinger and the annual clashes at Sting.

HELLOS
On the flip side, welcome back to Dave Kelly and congratulations to Gyptian, Khago (pictured) and Popcaan for really breaking the barriers this year.

TOP TIP FOR 2011

Wundah!

AND thank you to everyone who has had us play at their night this year, we have rocked the dancefloor at: Hot Wuk, Hipsters Don't Dance, Typically Tropical, Egyptians on Ecstasy, Fudgie, Brits Abroad, WISP Tour and more...!

Happy new year from SS x

Real Badman Update

2010-12-29T18:50:00.000Z

New contender for the title of 'Real Badman': Hot Skull's Popcaan. He knows what being a badman really is, that's for sure:

"No boy can't lend me no pants"

Popcaan - Real Badman (Dancehall EFX Riddim)

Sting 2010 Roundup & A Heatwave Xmas

2010-12-27T15:50:00.011Z

First off a very merry belated Christmas to everyone!

As Christmas Day becomes Boxing Day the modus of most of us here in the UK (or me, at least) is to slowly digest the previous days' punishing gastro bash while vaguely contemplating either the sales or the TV schedules.

Not so in Jamaica, Boxing Day is STING TIME! Yes, the world's largest Dancehall festival goes from strength to strength with each passing year. But what were people saying about this year's party?

Perusing through early reports of the 2010 event, which took place yesterday in Portmore, St. Catherine have been strangely mixed. Conspicuous in their absence this year were the traditional soundclashes, which in previous years have brought us legendary showdowns like Ninjaman Vs. Shabba Ranks, Bounty Vs. Beenie and last years controversial Mavado Vs. Kartel (more on that here).

Word is that promoter Isaiah Laing has attempted to move away from the traditional clash format of Sting as it has been known to attract negative publicity as well as a noted increase in crowd violence in previous years. So instead this year the focus was on collaborations between artists, which has led to some saying that Sting is trying to ape the successful format of rival festival Sumfest.

On the performance side of things, Lady Saw, Assassin and Sizzla did their thing to rapturous acclaim from the crowd. While surprises on the day came from Kiprich emerging on stage with new recruit Blak Ryno talking smack on Popcaan and Kartel (who, along with Mavado were left off this years line up), Gyptian getting slow clapped and Beenie continually complaining that Laing had yet to pay him.

(apologies for the quality of the video, if any official videos emerge, please post them up in the comments section).

Fees appeared to be the bugbear of the day, as it emerged that Bounty Killer had refused to perform after problems concerning his fee. No Kartel or Bounty?! Hmm.

Either way the event as usual appeared to be a massive success. It seems Laing and his team are attempting to update Sting for the 21st century, but at the cost of loss of atmosphere?

Speaking of Bashment parties, if you're in the London area this week, Bashment dons The Heatwave will be throwing a festive edition of their Hot Wuk party this Wednesday, which we can assure you are always SUPER HYPE affairs. No no-shows or slow claps here just the finest in Bashment, Reggae and Soca from the Heatwave crew as well as sets from Motive and the legendary Sticky. Ohh Garrrsh!

Physically Fit!

2010-12-27T10:32:00.001Z

After you just ate your weight in turkey sandwiches, it's probably time for a dancehall workout! Step into the dancehall gym (the Big Chill Bar) with your personal trainers (me, Why Delila and the HDD djs) for a healthy dose of soca, dancehall and bashment,

It's free all night! Check the Facebook event here and Why Delila's excellent promo mix here.

Zine Launch Party

2010-12-23T16:39:00.000Z

No Ice Cream Sound is nearly good to go and we've confirmed all the acts for our launch!!

Heading up the night is Necessary Mayhem's answer to Super Cat, Mr Williamz! He's going to do a live P.A., alongside Roots Manuva collaborator Wrongtom (who's also interviewed in the zine), Hipsters Don't Dance DJs, Why Delila, Cool Hand Luke and ourselves.

Check all the details out on our Facebook event.

No Ice Cream Sound launch party
Thursday 13th January, 8pm - late
Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Rd, E1
Map here

Reggae Duos: Mavado & Shaggy

2010-12-22T19:40:00.000Z

This is brand new from our favourite frog-in-throat MC and Gully God, Mavado, now being Messrs Lover Lover. Yes, the girls love dem: they apparently even 'request the deejay with the baritone voice'. Which girls Shaggy? Carolina?

Shaggy & Mavado - Girls Dem Love We

Style & Swagger

2010-12-22T19:20:00.000Z

Here's the first Style & Swagger show on Reel Rebels Radio (London)! It's 1.5 hours of some fine dancehall and bashment from Shimmy Shimmy selector The Large, Why Delila and Kazabon.

This month's special feature: christmas bashment! Not to mention new Shaggy & Mavado, Bounty Killer and Da Eagle Riddim.

Stream it off the Reel Rebels site, or download it here. Tracklist coming soon.

Da Eagle Riddim

2010-12-18T11:56:00.000Z

This riddim is brand new out of the Massive B camp. Another massive riddim, with the best voicings from Burro Banton (he gets lippy on No Lye Low), Mr Lexx (chatting about his favourite store) and some recognizable lyrics from Vybz Kartel on 'Baby'. Not forgetting an insanely high-pitched Major Mackerel on 'Can't Tek Selassie'.

Burro Banton - No Lye Low

Major Mackerel - Can't Tek Selassie

Mr Lexx - Gucci Store

Kush Remix ft. Collie Buddz

2010-12-17T18:06:00.000Z

So, after what feels like millenia Dr. Dre's opus Detox is finally being released. The first single from Detox is 'Kush' featuring Snoop Dogg and Akon. Bobby Konders premiered a remix of said track on his Hot 97 show the other day featuring none other than Bermudan MC Collie Buddz, a match made in herbal heaven I think you'll agree.

Buddz goes in pretty hard on the track, it's a subject that is evidently pretty close to his heart.

Cop Collie's new Playback EP from www.colliebuddz.com on Jan 18th

Sting 2010

2010-12-13T22:43:00.001Z

The line-up for Jamaica's Clashtonbury, the mighty Sting festival, has been released for this year. And, as ever, it's some green-eyed inspiring business for those of us sat at home with turkey skin and Quality Street wrappers hanging off our Christmas jumpers.

So this Boxing Day, Portmore will be graced by the creme de la creme, aka Bounty, Beenie, Assassin, Aidonia, Lady Saw and Gyptian. Check the full impressive line-up here. Notice no Vybz and no Mavado this year.

The 'Spotlight' section looks interesting, with some lesser known BIG talents, like Future Fambo, Black Ryno and Andrew & Wada Blood.

My attention was also drawn to clashing this week by Erin Macleod's piece on 'Reading the Clash'. PJ Rickards has come up with the genius idea of 'translating' some of history's biggest soundclashes so we can finally understand every single patois diss ever uttered on the St Catherine stage.

There are 4 webisodes so far, so now you can watch AND understand Beenie & Bounty clash in '94, or this below, in which Papa San tells the crowd he's going to kill Stitchie (lyrically!).

No Ice Cream Sound Preview!!

2010-12-10T16:49:00.000Z

Our print zine, No Ice Cream Sound, featuring interviews with Mr Lexx, Natalie Storm, Serocee and other top articles spanning early reggae, soca and bashment is nearly here!! This is an exclusive preview of our cover, from our excellent illustrator, Peter Edwards.

The zine will be released in January, with the launch party on Thursday 13th in East London. Mark it in the diary now and watch this space for more details!

Murderbot Bashment Roundup

2010-12-09T17:20:00.004Z

Mixtape maestro Murderbot strikes again with his bashment roundup of 2010. You won't find what you might expect from this year's best of the bash, (aka there's no Cosa Nostra, no One Day), but the selection and mixing are on point, as always.

His explanation of the meaning of the term bashment is up there with the best: 'up tempo, party-time, lose-your-shit dancehall'. Right on.

Get a tracklist over at his site and DOWNLOAD it here.

English Money

2010-12-08T12:51:00.000Z

Suncycle again! This one's Gappy Ranks and Lady Chann getting to grips with what they really really want: English Money. Stinkin rich this year, eh Gappy?

This big-bassed, hip hop beat is fresh from the Austrian producer team Luke Rich, on Bassrunner productions. Cop it.

English Money / Gappy Ranks Ft Lady Chann (128kb) by bassrunnermusic

Lovers Rock Mix

2010-12-04T17:54:00.000Z

Defrost yourself with a nice dose of Lovers Rock from the ever-inspiring John Eden & Grievous Angel, who've compiled a 15-track mix of some toppa top LR. Always love to see one of my favourite girl groups, 15-16-17, in a mix. Head to Eden's site for the download, and a full breakdown of each track.

Sticky b2b Serocee!!

2010-12-03T14:56:00.001Z

Our fam over at Hipster's Don't Dance have put together a tuff line-up for this Saturday, featuring a history of Dancehall set with garage don Sticky and UK MC extraordinaire Serocee going back to back. Miss it and miss out.

Head over to ldnnez.com for a warm-up, where Serocee has picked out his top ten dancehall tunes, from Supercat to Cutty Ranks. Trailer load a tunes!

Mavado ft. Vado - M.O.V.A.D.O.

2010-12-02T14:49:00.006Z

Thank you merciful and omnipotent Gully God for making all of our BK to JA dreams come true this year, your wail is truly majestic.

Seriously, I think we have a late contender for tune of the year, you think it's coincidence that these two used to have the same name? (acronym fan Vado used to go by MoVado in his pre U.N. days) This shit was foretold.

Mavado ft. Vado - M.O.V.A.D.O.

(Via Nah Right)

Tun Up Riddim

2010-12-02T12:48:00.004Z

Amazing new riddim from Truckback Records with tracks from Tony Matterhorn, Elephant Man, Bunji Garlin, Bramma and more.

Personal highlight for me is Bramma's Yu Bad, he rides the riddim like a champ! While honourable mention goes to Bunji's No Time Fi Badmind and Sunshine with an ode to his OCD Place Dusty.

TUN UP RIDDIM - Truckback Records Lockedacity 2010 by Truckback Records

More from Madhouse

2010-11-28T22:20:00.001Z

Dave Kelly's comeback is like a tornado right now, destroying dancefloors and getting stronger and stronger just when you thought it was dying down. Here's the third blast, the Turn It Up riddim. This is the first full riddim release out of Madhouse since the classic 85 riddim.

We already featured the riddim when Bounty Killer voiced over it a month or so ago with 'The Message', though now Killer's got a new version called 'Enemies'. The two Cham tracks are great as always, but the real surprise is from Pinchers (above), with the aptly-titled 'Amazing'. So it's no 85 riddim, but props to Kelly & Madhouse all day and all night for making themselves such a hard act to follow.

Shimmy Shimmy dot co dot uk

2010-11-26T14:00:00.000Z

Bookmark www.shimmyshimmy.co.uk NOW!!! Coming soon to a laptop near you.

Saudia Arabia Riddim

2010-11-23T18:21:00.001Z

Here's the latest wicked production from Delly Ranx, with a whole heap of young names on the vocals, not to mention a great voicing from Delly himself, some serious Major Mackerel-esque squeaks from Macka Diamond and a roots vibe from good ole Gramps Morgan.

This is yet another Middle Eastern themed riddim with not a lot to do with its name: see Arab Attack and Arabian Jam for more.

What do you want for Christmas?

2010-11-23T11:48:00.007Z

Christmas is a time for giving, it is also a time for getting celebrities to flog stuff on TV... it's traditional!

This year though, Caribbean telecommunications giant LIME have gone all out securing the services of Beenie, Ele, Mavado & Cecile (along with Di Genius remixing your favourite Xmas classics) to let you know that this is going to be the best Christmas ever! Also that you should buy a new phone.

Busy Signal - FYI

2010-11-18T15:18:00.000Z

It's hard being a music artiste and trying to keep up with the latest trends. Busy definitely does not have this problem. He's up for getting your Blackberry, BBMing you, all kinds of peng ping stuff. But FYI, girl, he's just trying to say hi.

Busy Signal - FYI

Beenie & Friends

2010-11-17T16:05:00.001Z

Here's a fresh slice of dancehall nepotism, Beenie hooking up all his friends on this new riddim - called 'Beenie & Friends' - by Danny Browne (and even Beenie's son gives the voice to the instrumental). No wonder he and D'Angel (above) are having the time of their life. It's quite impressive that Beenie manages to voice this track differently 8 times over. Beenie addicts, this is for you.

Apparently he tried to get Bounty to join him too, but it was a 'logistical' nightmare, with Vybz and Mavado yet to respond to his offer.

Prizes for guessing what drunken master Fambo's singing about again?

Fabriclive 54: Rodigan

2010-11-16T15:48:00.001Z

I had a nice long phone chat with champion DJ, David Ramjam Rodigan, a couple of weeks back for a big story on Kiss FM, set to hit the next issue of Shook Mag. He kindly also told me about his Fabriclive mixtape, out this week, which runs through some of his favourite roots, dancehall and even a dubstep tune:

I have been very excited to have been invited into the world of dubstep in the last two years. One or two dubstep DJs have sampled my voice and I've been invited to play at dubstep gigs, particularly at Fabric. The one with Caspa and Breakage reminded me of when i was 23 or 24, first hearing Jamaican dub out of Tubby's...I really identified with the feeling of it all. So after I played at Fabric they asked me to do a release, and now I've made this mix in inverted commas.

I wouldn't even begin to state i could mix. What I've always done is try to put the music together in such a way that it works. Traditionally it was just one turntable, so when mixing began I was amazed by it, the skills DJs developed. Reggae doesn't really lend itself very well to mixing, but I do know some people who can: like Goldfinger, Rory from Stone Love, there are djs that can but reggae because of its rhythmic strucutre, doesn't lend itself in the same way because of its tempo and sparsity in the rhythms...so this is really a traditional reggae mix album.

If by traditional you mean brilliant, then yes, it is. Head to the Fabriclive site to get it.

Digitize!

2010-11-15T13:05:00.007Z

The one and only Wrongtom is back! Hot on the heels of his peerless production work on the Duppy Writer project with Roots Manuva comes his remix of The Nextmen's new single, the anti-laziness anthem 'Sofa'. WT gets his Jammy on and digitizes the track, giving it a Digi-Dub reworking that will surely nice up the dance from UK to France.

Sofa (Wrongtom Remix) by The Nextmen

Bonus: Bear witness to the origins of the Digital movement. Strangely, we have Rockabilly artist Eddie Cochrane to thank for the mighty Digi-sound. The bassline for Jammy's Sleng Teng (the first fully computerised Riddim) came from a preset on the Casio MT-40 keyboard that was a computerised version of Cochrane's Something Else

And here are the masters at work...

My favourite riddims: One Draw

2010-11-11T13:41:00.000Z

The One Draw riddim started off life back in '82 with Rita Marley singing about just how high she wanted to be (SO high). It's infectious clap and skank-ready one drop inspired Shanachie to re-hash (eh-hem) it in 2006 at as a whole riddim, with a whole heap of big names.

They're all about weed (who'd a guessed? It's not about a small filing cabinet) and the best vocals are probably Vegas on 'Crack Town': 'Hey JA, it's a weed day' and Wayne Marshall's 'Weed Smoke'.

There were also some strategic remakes: Jigsy King's 'Gimme di Weed', Buju's 'Sensimilia Persecution' and Mr Vegas' 'Under mi Sensi'.

This riddim goes straight to my head. Or my feet.

Mr Vegas - Crack Town

Wayne Marshall - Weed Smoke

Sizzla - Smoke The Herb

Jim Screechie Official Vid

2010-11-11T12:50:00.000Z

I have one thing to say about this video: KEMIKAL'S HAIRCUT!

Vybz & Busta in Don Corleon's Studio

2010-11-10T00:28:00.001Z

Here's a pretty visually boring video of Vybz & Busta in studio with Don Corleon voicing a new record. It's really a sneak preview of the track, so just take a listen to the instrumental - the bass is stinking. And of course, you get another listen to Busta doing his oh-so-necessary and oh-so-good patois accent.

Dancehall Again Riddim

2010-11-06T12:19:00.000Z

Daseca ARE MAD. This is a brand new but wickedly throwback riddim featuring Aidonia, Ele, Assassin, Beenie, Vegas, Matterhorn, Serani and more. Try not to rewind them ALL.

Assassin (above) has one of the top vocals, on the title track 'Dancehall Again', telling how he definitely ain't following hip hop:

'Stagalag, Real Rock, Pepperseed and Giggy,
Nuff a dem a rap like Tupac and Biggy
New York represented by Jay-Z and Diddy
But I and I represent Kingston City'

With production & vocals like this, it's clear that dancehall nuh dead yet!!

Download: Assassin - Dancehall Again

Vampayaa

2010-11-06T11:52:00.000Z

So it's a week after halloween and you're probably missing it already and thinking cor I wish I had a nice new steppers record to help keep the vibe alive. And hey presto...Scotch Bonnet records roll out this heavy number from Tayo & Acid Rockers, 'Vampayaa'.

The Scotch Bonnet team have long been supporting new and original reggae/dancehall voices (see their impressive back catalogue here) and this new release is no exception. The record features Pupa Jim on vocals, who's on a serious 80s dancehall tip (touch of the Horace Andy in his voice too) and three huge remixes from Starkey, RSD and Marcus Visionary.

Tayo meets Acid Rockers feat. Pupa Jim - 'Vampayaa'

QQ & Cutty

2010-11-04T10:56:00.000Z

This is one of the first dancehall videos that has actually made me like the song more. It's a good, not-so-old-fashioned ho-down...(and QQ looks all grown up). Bobble bobble!

My favourite clashes: Spice & Elephant Man

2010-11-03T15:21:00.001Z

Seeing as Dave Kelly and Madhouse are seriously back in the game (with this and this), thought it might be the moment to have a little dip back into the Madhouse camp archive. Madhouse badgyal Spice is probably now best known for being Vybz's partner in crime on 'Ramping Shop', or for being Lisa Hype(r)'s rival but in the early 00s it was Dave Kelly that outed her as being a tuff MC, producing hits like 'Mi Gone' and then the insane 'Fight Over Man'.

It was really her mad performances at Sting that lead her to Madhouse success, getting her on tour with Ward 21 and Cham (who introduced her to Kelly). I think to this day she is the only woman deejay to have destroyed a man on stage (sorry, Ele, somebody had to). Watch the footage below. Spice up your life!

Ready For Dis Opinion

2010-11-02T13:45:00.005Z

New Sean Paul on the Gyal Pharm (sounds like a pharmaceutical company) Riddim. S. Pizzle comes correct as usual, Keep Left Records have a habit of releasing super hype tracks and this is no exception. Makes me proud to be a leftie.

Sean Paul - Ready For Dis (Gyal Pharm Riddim)

Speaking of lefties, Leftside's contribution to the Riddim 'My Opinion' is awesome too. In Leftside's opinion you shouldn't wear 'funny jeans' and if you're in a club full of girls, don't dance with your pals. Solid advice if you ask me.

Leftside - My Opinion by KeepLeftRecords

Sexy Bak Riddim

2010-11-01T22:38:00.000Z

If you're like me when you saw the name of this riddim, you probably thought uh oh it's a dancehall take on JT (and they've spelt it wrong, nice touch). Turns out it's actually a wicked Christopher Birch riddim with not a Timbaland 'Yeah' in sight (though the synthy riff and pitch bend aren't far off a Timba production). Busy & Vybz are on it. Need I say any more.

Mr Lexx on Boomerang

2010-10-30T14:42:00.000+01:00

Slap on my wrist for sleeping on this one. Lexx going in over a heavy, schoolground inspired production - the Boomerang riddim. Swag dag diggy!

Mr. Lexx - Chat 2 U Back

Vybz Kartel - Dancehall Hero

2010-10-28T20:13:00.000+01:00

So, Vybz, if you had to describe yourself in two words?

Tomorrow!

2010-10-28T19:06:00.000+01:00

Get down early tomorrow night, cos if last month was anything to go by, it's going to be ROADBLOCK!

Check the Facebook page for details.

New MJ Cole & Wiley/Where's Wookie?

2010-10-26T14:16:00.004+01:00

The video just dropped for Wiley & MJ Cole's new single From The Drop, it's totally Jackson.

It's great to see old-school Garage heavyweights back at the top of their game, but I demand to know what happened to Wookie!

MJ Cole & Wiley - From The Drop (via GuttaHipHop)

Jah Cure - Like I See It (ft. Mavado & Rick Ross)

2010-10-26T13:24:00.004+01:00

New single out today for Mr. Cure featuring the Gully God & BAWSE. Needless to say, this shit knocks.

RIP Gregory Isaacs

2010-10-25T22:16:00.000+01:00

Bounty Killer & Madhouse

2010-10-22T12:30:00.001+01:00

Bounty Killer - The Message

The Killer's back, turn it up!! (Is he rebranding himself Rodney Pryce now?) 'The Message' is another smashing Dave Kelly production from the Madhouse studios, hot off the heels of 'Stronger'.

(Madhouse has just got on Twitter. Follow.)

Rub-A-Dubplate

2010-10-22T12:20:00.005+01:00

Gooooood vibes this afternoon are brought to you courtesy of the good people at Kalibandulu, the Ital(ian) soundsystem that has been releasing tuffer than tuff mixes and dubs for over a decade now.

They recently hooked up with Combostyle to release Rub-A-Dubplate, a remixed collection of classic Riddims including stone-cold classics like Vegas' 'Lean With It' and one of my all time favourites, Mad Cobra's 'Hell Swell'.

Tracklist above (although you may have to squint)

Kalibandulu & Combostyle - Rub-A-Dubplate

Bristol Rock

2010-10-22T11:58:00.000+01:00

This sweet looking compilation of reggae outta Bristol charts the Roots explosion in the West Country between 1978 and 1983 and is set for release this coming spring. This is what the label, Bristol Archive Records, had to say about it:

“The Bristol Reggae Explosion 1978-1983” is the first and only attempt to document the local Reggae scene from the late seventies until the early eighties. With the exception of the Black Roots tracks none of the recordings have ever been reissued and all were originally released before CD had been launched, so this is their debut in the digital format.

The music itself reflects the dominance of the Roots style in Bristol, even today Roots is by far the most popular type of Reggae in both the retail and live scenes locally, Black Roots live up to their name and show why they were the equal of any UK Reggae band in their day, Talisman, Restriction and 3D Production follow in their Roots footsteps, but a real highlight of this release is the inclusion of the ultra rare “Africa Is Our land” from Joshua Moses, a UK Roots classic. Bristol wasn’t all about Roots though and the other tracks follow a more mellow template, dealing with love and relationships, both Talisman and Joshua Moses show another side to their music and are joined by tracks from Buggs Durrant, The Radicals and Sharon Bengamin who’s “Mr. Guy” is a classic UK Lover’s track in the mould of Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson, Louisa Marks et al.

Watch the Bristol Archive site for release date and preview Black Roots below.

Black Roots - Bristol Rock

Carl Meeks at Trash & Ready

2010-10-19T17:11:00.001+01:00

Managed to catch original dancehall singjay, Carl Meeks on Saturday night, longside London's Tighten Up Crew and NYC's Deadly Dragon Sound. They all destroyed the joint with the killer digital sound.

Meeks rules the singjay style, his falsetto is still on point and his bubbling as good as ever. No wonder people like Sizzla took a leaf out of his dancehall book.

If you missed it, you missed out. Check out some top digital scorchers from Meeks below. Haul and pull up selector!

Carl Meeks - Weh Dem Fah

Carl Meeks - Tuff Scout (DL link)

Reggae Duos: Cham & Bounty Killer

2010-10-15T14:59:00.002+01:00

Old rivals Cham & Bounty Killer mek a collab comeback with the help of production don, Dave Kelly, and the sweet vocals of Mykal Roze. Anything that makes me think of the 85 riddim is a winner. Stan-e-hoiiii!

Cham & Bounty Killer feat. Mykal Roze - Stronger

For some vintage Cham/BK, check out this video of them performing the 1999 banger 'Another Level' on the Bug riddim. Collab from heaven.

Retweet Riddim + New Bramma

2010-10-14T15:04:00.004+01:00

More riddim goodness from Chimney Records in the form of the Retweet riddim. Riding the arpeggio this week we have choice cuts from Aidonia, the Waynes (Marshall & Wonder), TOK, Serani, Ele and more.

The idea behind this is for followers of Chimney on Twitter to retweet the riddim, clever marketing that. Have a listen below:

Retweet Riddim by dancehallloans

In other news, up and comer Bramma continues his creative partnership with Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor with the frankly astounding (and imaginatively titled) 'The Song'.

This is definitely a partnership to watch in the future if they keep up the momentum. 'Defend Mi Own' from a few months ago knocks in a similar manner. Preview and DL both below.

BRAMMA - THE SONG - DI GENIUS by RIDDIMUP

Download: Bramma - The Song

Defend Mi Own - Bramma by dancehallcalendar

Download: Bramma - Defend Mi Own

On sale in East of Eden!

2010-10-14T12:04:00.000+01:00

Our Shabba tees are now on sale in a new boutique shop at Dalston Junction, East of Eden! Head there to cop one and check out the rest of their garms.

Championship Riddim

2010-10-12T12:40:00.000+01:00

If there's anything championship about this brand new riddim from the McGregor studio, then it's cos it's a competition to see if you can decide who's doing the best voicing. The list of artists is a madness (it even includes Capleton), and the vocals are everything you'd expect: Beenie's 'Take it Down' has got rewind written all over it, T.O.K's 'So Fresh' is swagnificent, and Versatile (above) brings it hard on 'Sum Bwoy Nah Nuh Gyal'. I can't list them all, just listen below.

Fave lyric comes from Chino: 'dem heard it through the grapevine, said dem hear say a we give dem di great wine.'

Pengeleng

2010-10-09T13:50:00.000+01:00

A couple of years ago, TOK declared themselves Pengeleng. But let's face it, if anyone's peng right now, it's Busy. This vibe is on the Yengeh riddim, from Loud Disturbance Records. It's a continuation of the Jafrican tradition, which I think we know by now, Busy owns.

DL: Busy Signal - Pengeleng

The Four Aces Story

2010-10-07T12:44:00.000+01:00

Though it's been doing some (very small) rounds for the last couple of years, I managed to catch Winstan Whitter's Legacy in the Dust: The Four Aces Story last night. It charts the rise and fall of legendary Dalston club, The Four Aces (later known as Labyrinth).

Situated in the heart of East London, for 33 years the club was home to some of the most influential black music and musicians of our time. It showcased new music genres such as Reggae, Ska, Jazz and Soul, performed at the time by artists including Desmond Decker, Jimmy Cliff, Count Shelly, Ann Peebles, Percy Sledge, Ben E King and Billy Ocean.

On the audience side, the club opened its doors to The Clash, Chrissie Hynde, Bob Marley, The Slits, Sex Pistols, Marc Bolan and Bob Dylan, all of whom were later heavily influenced by the infectious pulsating rhythms that they had heard at ‘The Four Aces’.

The venue also pioneered the early indoor Rave scene, which took off during the days of Acid House music in the mid 80’s. Despite its success however, the legendry club came under fire from the local police. It was forced to close its doors in the late 90’s due to a compulsory re- possession ordered by the local authorities, issued in order to make way for regeneration in Hackney in preparation for the forthcoming 2012 Olympics.

The film is really well done and features interviews with Bunny Lee, Dennis Bovell and a ton of influential musicians of the time, not to mention a banging soundtrack. Watch out for some incredible footage of the raves in the late eighties. Take a sneak peak at the trailer here.

It's on at the BHVU Gallery in Stoke Newington for the next few nights, where they're trying to raise enough money for the film to get a proper release. DO IT.

A7 Screw Dem Remixes

2010-10-05T15:49:00.000+01:00

I stumbled across these nice shuffling reggae remixes of some of last year's big bashment hits: Merital (above) with 'My Money', Vegas' 'Gallis' and Vybz's 'Go Go Club'. A7 has blended them nicely with the excellent Screw Dem Riddim, released by African Beat Records last month (it features Perfect doing an amazing voicing, and London's own Lady Chann too, check it out). Couldn't find a preview anywhere so you'll have to trust me on this one.

Merital Family - My Money (A7 Remix)

Mr Vegas - Gallis (A7 Remix)

Vybz Kartel - Go Go Club (A7 Remix)

Screw Dem Riddim Mix

Busy Signal - Bend Ova

2010-10-02T15:08:00.000+01:00

Busy bringing the minimal island vibes, whistles out! (Although the phrase 'Gyal a wind in the street, under the boiling heat' couldn't be further from the reality in London town right now, we'll just have to settle for being happy for everyone in the Caribbean, again).

Supa Swagg Riddim

2010-10-01T11:52:00.004+01:00

This is the hype new riddim from 21st productions, Supa Swagg.

I get confused with all this new slang, where I come from super swag is a negative statement. I assume that this one of those 'bad meaning good' situations, right? Unless they're being self-deprecating of course...although I doubt it somehow.

Anyways, all involved tear it up; with special mention to Tnez with 'Please', professional filth-monger Tony Matterhorn with 'They Talk About Mi' (don't worry Tony, I think you're just being paranoid) and my personal favourite King David with 'Tun Up De Swagg'.

Preview and DL below (via dancehalladdikt)

Supa Swagg Riddim

This Friday!

2010-09-28T15:41:00.000+01:00

Check out Friday's SERIOUS line-up, you'd be mad to miss it. They're going to ram session! Head here for the Facebook event. Gal bounce!!

Busy Signal - Gal Bounce (Americano Riddim)

Flatlands Riddim

2010-09-27T19:54:00.000+01:00

Can Max Glazer do anything wrong these days? From Vybz's 'Wine', to the 5 The Hard Way EP and now Federation Sound are presenting the bigger-than-big Flatlands Riddim. DL the Terro 3000 (pictured) voicing below, check the preview of Mr. Lexx, Natalie Storm & Mr. Vegas, Flippa Mafia and Bling Dawg's versions, and head to the excellent Federation blog for their updates. Prepare for a Federation invasion!

Terro 3000 - Gyal Dem Waah Mi (Super Dub Mix)

Flatlands Riddim Preview!

New Daseca - Exodus Riddim

2010-09-24T16:38:00.003+01:00

Daseca bring the conscious vibes with their new riddim, Exodus. Vocals from Serani, Agent Sasco, Bugle, Voice Mail, Tony Rebel & Wayne Wonder.

Solid line up I think you'll agree, but would you expect anything less from Daseca?

Daseca - Exodus Riddim (Preview)

Tracklisting:

Assassin - Pay Attention
Bugle - It Mek You get Richer
Serani - I Forgive You
Voice Mail - What Is For You
Tony Rebel - Deliver Us
Wayne Wonder - Never See Us Falling

Steven Seagal & Lady Saw

2010-09-24T12:35:00.000+01:00

Listening to Steven Seagal say 'mi want the punani, see fi make nice' is a pretty hilariously nauseating experience.

What. Were. They. Thinking?

This Saturday

2010-09-22T17:05:00.002+01:00

This Saturday I'll be heating the dance at the Junction Rooms in Dalston with my man Nasty McQuaid, Napalm Def and Peaches & Cream. Gon' be dutty as Lil Kim.

Check the Facebook event over here.

20 Years of Aba Shanti

2010-09-22T14:04:00.001+01:00

John Eden alerted me to the fact that this month is Aba Shanti's 20th Birthday.

Aba Shanti is now a serious staple of the London soundsystem scene but main man Aba started out as the MC for Jah Tubby's before heading his own system with his brothers, Blood Shanti and Shanti Roots. They've been rocking the Carnival corners of South Row and East Row almost as long as Eastenders has been on the telly (that's British for AGES).

They'll be lighting their birthday candles at Dingwalls in Camden on the 26th September. Check the info on their own record company's site, Falasha Recordings.

Get yourself physically and spiritually prepared with this:

Jamaican Jig (Aba Shanti I Remix)

For some Rasta revelations, here's Aba Shanti on RBMA radio:

Beenie Man - Happiness

2010-09-19T15:03:00.000+01:00

The latest addition to the Mad Vibes Riddim, produced by Russian, is all about what makes Beenie happy. Turns out it's overproof, Red Bull & Guinness. SURPRISE! He's lost his friend, but thankfully the booze is really helping him through.

Beenie Man - Happiness

How Hard Can You Go?

2010-09-17T13:18:00.003+01:00

Check out the latest SS mix...how hard can you go? As hard as Mr Lexx can? Try it out. For reggae/dancehall, tune in at 00.00, for bashment around 06:00 and for the serious bass, around 21:00. Take it as a bashy warm-up for Brits Abroad (18th September), Fudgie (25th September) and Hipsters Don't Dance (1st October). Jook!

Warning, this mixtape contains some very strong language, daggering discretion advised!

(The cover image is by Sarah Doyle)

How Hard Can You Go Mix by the_large

TRACKLIST
Gappy Ranks - Cannon (Tsunami Riddim)
Gappy Ranks - Tsunami (Tsunami Riddim)
Bugle - We Know We Friends (Tsunami Riddim)
Busy Signal - Food Fi Di Pot
Assassin - Bam Bam
Spragga Benz & Nas - This is the way
DMX, Sean Paul & Mr Vegas - Top Shotta
Bounty Killer & Elephant Man - This is how we do it (Mad Collab Riddim)
Vybz Kartel & Popcaan - Clarks (Mad Collab Riddim)
Beenie Man - Visa Song
Shabba Ranks - Nuh Follow (Cosa Nostra Riddim)
Mr Lexx - Dem a Pree (Cosa Nostra Riddim)
Vybz Kartel - Wine
Leftside - Phat Punani
Sizzla - Yaahdie
Toddla T & Wayne Marshall - Sky Surfing (Douster Remix)
Doorly & Lady Chann - The One
Congorock & Mr Lexx - Babylon
Cecile - Tell me what you love
Enur - Calabria
Maxwell D - Sexicano (Shimmy Shimmy dubplate)
Warrior One - Bad Like Jimmy Cliff
So Shifty - Real Gallis
Chino & Richie Dan - Dan Man

Ca$h Fi Gold

2010-09-16T19:07:00.004+01:00

Do you find that you just have too much gold? We can help! Send your unwanted engagement rings, gold encrusted mouthpieces, goblets and dooky chains to us here at Ca$h Fi Gold.

If you don't believe me ask our spokesman Konshens.

Konshens - Cash Fi Gold

Bashment duos: Beenie & Swappi

2010-09-15T15:52:00.000+01:00

New favourite cheesy collab (after Sean & Nicki). ARE YOU MAD?

Gyal Segment Riddim

2010-09-14T16:42:00.000+01:00

Wow, 15 voices on this latest from Ballaz production, the Gyal Segment Riddim: there's Sasco, Mr. Lexx, Lady Saw, T.O.K, and a bunch of fresh new heads too. In fact, along with Sasco, I think one of the best is probably from Monster Twins (pictured above, and not to be confused with their twin rivals, Twin of Twins), with 'Gyal Say Rae'. Another pick, Sheye's 'Wicked Inna' sounds like it's a take on an old school Lady Saw tune, 'If Him Lef'. Props for that nod.

Tifa also does a good job; she's really been pushing them out lately what with last week's big 'Ital Stew Riddim'. Not sure what's up with Mr. Lexx's underwater version, guess he got inondated at the wet t-shirt contest he's chatting about?

GYAL SEGMENT RIDDIM by dancehallaffiliate

Lynched

2010-09-08T16:39:00.005+01:00

I have to admit, when I first came across this album I thought it was an in-joke that I really didn't get, but after some research I have come to realize that this is no laughing matter..

If you've been with us at Shimmy Shimmy here for a while you'll remember us mentioning the first Dubbelstandart/Lee Perry project, with Perry's first forays into producing dubstep.

Vol. 2 saw Jahdan Blakkamore reimagining Blackboard Jungle inna dubstep stylee and now we have Vol. 3, named Chrome Optimism. CO brings together (I'm not joking) Lee Perry, Dubbelstandart, French synth dude Jean-Michel Jarre and legendary film maker and fan of weird quasi-cults David Lynch.

On Chrome Optimism, we find Lynch uttering mantras over the opening synth stabs of the legendary Oxygene pt. 4 while Dubbelstandart and Scratch lay down some heavy dub vibes.

This really is worth a listen, especially the pulsing I Do Voodoo, which f'n knocks. I'm going to be unorthodox here as a music blogger and just let the music speak for itself.

Dubblestandart meets David Lynch & Lee Scratch Perry "Chrome Optimism" 12" vinyl (1 FREE DOWNLOAD) by SubatomicSound

If you want to get your hands on the remix album (the original sold out), which dropped this week then click HERE. I'd be quick about it though, I suspect even the MP3's will sell out.

Sex Appeal Riddim

2010-09-08T14:28:00.007+01:00

This is the new riddim from Chimney records, Sex Appeal. It appeals to me not only because it has Bounty Killer, Serani AND Mavado all killing it but because all the best verses have been condensed into this rather useful video.

The visuals aren't much to write home about, standard batty shaking in the club fare but I have to say it's refreshing to have something to look at while bogling to my current fave riddim.

One gripe though! For some reason Mavado's verse has been nixed from the video, all we hear is a mournful "Right Posishaan" before being cut off... lame.

Since this is actually my favourite vocal on the riddim and Mavado's output is not as prolific as others on the track (although the quality never dips below awesome) I have given the Gully God some MP3 upload love. Enjoy.

Mavado - Hold Me (Sex Appeal Riddim)

(Via The Fader)

SHABBA T-SHIRT LAUNCH!

2010-09-07T19:59:00.007+01:00

Shimmy Shimmy is proud to launch the first in a line of exclusive dancehall tees, starting with Mr Loverman, Shabba Ranks!

These are strictly limited edition, designed by us and screen printed on American Apparel T-shirts by our man Craig Currahee.

They come in Ash Grey & Lemon Yellow, S/M/L (for sizing, check here). Check the photos after the jump, and just click the button below to get your own!

P&P is FREE for the UK, for the rest of the world please contact us at shimmyshimmyyay [at] gmail [dot] com for delivery prices. We will ship every item within 7 days of your order.

SOLD OUT!!!!! Watch out for the new collection coming in 2011.

Check the photos below.

Top Shotta

2010-09-07T00:17:00.001+01:00

We've all been waiting for the documentary about Spragga for longtime, and finally it seems the time is upon us. As is his newest album of the same name, Shotta Culture. It's really not often that a whole dancehall album drops that reaches such a consistent quality.

The collabs run from old school reggae (Marcia Griffiths) to hip hop (Nas), new roots (Stephen Marley, Sizzla), outernational stars (Kardinal Offishall), and pure dancehall (Shabba Ranks). The list is wild, the tracks are wilder. The big piano riff on 'This is the Way feat. Nas', the brass licks and conscious vibes of 'Real News' and the Sleng Teng revival in 'Duppy Nuh Frighten Vampire' are just the tip of a bass-filled iceberg. Go get it.

Spragga Benz - This Is The Way (feat. Nas) (Download)

BUY the album here.

*There's also a little interview with SB over at Dancehall.Mobi.

(via Darren Judge)

Shook 009

2010-09-03T14:42:00.000+01:00

I have a couple of pieces in the latest Shook magazine, including a spot on some crazy hypercolour Colombian soundsystems.

Go cop it here.

Honourable Bratt

2010-09-03T12:36:00.007+01:00

Serani is back with the Daseca produced Slumber Party, which is a bouncy number about Serani’s regular slumber party nights where he invites the Macgregors round for Cocoa, marshmallows and Patrick Swayze movie marathons… Not really, it’s about banging girls innit.

Serani - Slumber Party

Next up is Munga The Honourable with Dis A Fi Di Gal Dem on the hyper-than-four-hype-men Brit Jam Riddim, so big. If you’re a fan of Munga then I’m sure you must have heard about his infamous clash with Portmore Empire’s Deva The Bratt.

The beef originated from a fracas at Stoneloves’ 35th Anniversary party in 2008 where a member of Munga’s entourage was pushed from the stage by Deva, who then proceeded to duke it up with Mr. Honourable, before being separated and escorted away (but not before Munga pulled a blade, not very honourable...).

Thereafter, lyrical shots were fired at each other with varying degrees of success but the stage was finally set for a clash in June of this year, but someone didn’t turn up. Can you guess who from the quality of these diss tracks? Answers on a postcard.

Deva Bratt - Yuh Pick War (Autopsy Riddim)

Munga - Win The War (Soprano Riddim)

Munga - Dis A Fi Di Gal Dem (Brit Jam Riddim)

Dub Kweli

2010-08-31T21:47:00.000+01:00

After the success of Mos Dub, mash-up maestro Max Tanonne has gone and done it again with the 2nd half of Black Star - Talib Kweli. It's really very sensitive to both sides of the mash, yet another smooth production and laid-back vibe from Tanonne. Don't know how many more of them we can take/he can make, but my money's on De La Dub, or maybe Dub Prez. Endless.

Download it here.

Dub Kweli by Max Tannone

Tsunami Riddim

2010-08-26T17:01:00.000+01:00

Hot Coffee Productions have landed the Tsunami Riddim which is, let's say, more than a big wave to the Punanny Riddim (I mean, it even rhymes too?). Punanny is one of the biggest and best riddims of all time, and has already been re-worked and re-released a bunch of times since Jammy's dropped it in the 80s, (at least once in the 90s and a couple of times in the early 00s) and then it surfaced last year in a soca vibe as the Patti Cake Riddim. Now it's time for some of the young guns to ride the riddim, the best coming from Bugle (above with Serani, right) and Chucky Star with his throwback gruffness (while Buju's away eh). Gappy Ranks and Tony Matterhorn throw in their dirty additions which are also worth checking out, but perhaps not in front of your mum. Hot like coffee.

Bugle - We Know We Friends

DOWNLOAD

Chucky Star - Call To You

DOWNLOAD

Gappy Ranks: Put The Stereo On LP

2010-08-25T21:49:00.000+01:00

The long-awaited LP from Harlesden's Gappy Ranks is out this month! And what a vibration, it features 'Put The Stereo On', 'Heaven In Her Eyes' and some serious rocksteady from the Peckings fam. Check out this promo video from VP Records and cop it!

New Esco - Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

2010-08-25T14:40:00.004+01:00

Wow, this tune is so getting me in the mood for carnival. The riddim sounds like the theme tune to the news on another planet, while Esco talks about willy bouncing and 'flying away like Jet Blue'. Essential.

Esco - Better Than This

New Durrty Goodz

2010-08-21T15:25:00.000+01:00

Durrty Goodz has gone anti-gun and reggae all in one! Irie.

Sean pon repeat

2010-08-20T16:09:00.001+01:00

It's not the first time this has happened in my life but it's been a while. Two new Sean Peezy tracks on repeat.

SOFT.

All Night Long (Major & Minor Riddim)

HARD.

Turn Me On (Smokin Riddim)

Hello, Good Morning!

2010-08-19T15:29:00.004+01:00

Busy is at it again with the Hip Hop remixes, this time he has taken on Dirty Money's recent hit 'Hello, Good Morning'. As I'm sure you already know the beat is pure fiyah, but is it just me or can Diddy just not rap? You be the judge.

Dirty Money ft. Busy Signal - Hello, Good Morning (Lil' B Jamaican Remix)

Carnival round-up

2010-08-16T00:51:00.000+01:00

As per, carnival is going to be a roadblock. What you gonna choose? Here's some stone cold mad nights that come with the Shimmy Shimmy stamp of approval.

Urban Nerds vs Bigger Than Barry
Toddla T, Serocee, Lady Chann, Rattus Rattus & Klose One, The Heatwave, Doorly.

Major Lazer under the Westway
Rodigan, Joker, Poirier, Drop The Lime, Sticky, Douster & Major Lazer. ARE YOU MAD (decent)??

Deadly Rhythm vs The Heatwave
Shy FX, Rodigan, Oneman, The Heatwave & special guest.

Trouble Vision
Congo Natty, DJ Derek, Gentleman's Dub Club

And the creme de la creme, some live soca madness:
Carnival Friday at the Troxy
Busy Signal, Skinny Fabulous, Lil Rick, Fay Ann Lyons, Donaeo. OH. MY. GOD

Brits Abroad: 21st August

2010-08-13T13:53:00.000+01:00

Playing at this immense party next week. If the last ones are anything to go by, gonna be maddddd! Get your fresh dance moves ready for carnival.

Hit up silkyboys@gmail.com to put your name on the cheaplist. Head here for the Facebook event.

Sky Surfin' Remix

2010-08-11T15:43:00.005+01:00

OK OK I'm a little late on this one but I just had to share this with you. More goodness from the Ninja Tune camp, this is my fave T-Willy track yet.

The video is hilarious, despite the fact that it looks like it was made by a sixth form media student. Good to see someone not taking themselves too seriously for once!

Speaking of Ninja Tune, they are celebrating their twentieth birthday this year with a super blowout partay at the Ewer St. car park in South London, featuring pretty much everyone 'pon the label (so pretty much the lineup of the year then). I can't bloody wait! Get your info & tickets HERE

Toddla T - Sky Surfin' Feat. wayne Marshall (Douster Remix)

Circus Riddim

2010-08-10T17:32:00.000+01:00

Sweet lawwwwd, this Circus Riddim megamix just surfaced yesterday and I've reloaded the Elephant Man bit about 100 times already.

Jeremy Harding (who you might know as Sean P's manager) is the man behind the beat. Just came back to production and already dropping things like this. Jeremy, you go Harding.

Circus Riddim Megamix - DJ Engineroom (2 Hard Music) by zincbeats

Roots Manuva & Wrongtom

2010-08-09T21:47:00.000+01:00

Big Dada's Roots Manuva teams up with LDN producer, Wrongtom, for a laidback crossover with a nice bit of reggae organ to get your one foot skank going. Straight up Mad Prof-style cover art by legend Tony McDermott too! Watch out for the full collab album, 'Duppy Writer', at the beginning of September.

Head here to download for free.

Roots Manuva ft. Riddla - 'Butterfly Crab Walk' by nmemagazine

Tune of the Dale

2010-08-05T13:46:00.005+01:00

There is literally nothing about this I don't like. Beenie Man riding the hell out of the superb Hunny Bunny Riddim. BIG.

Beenie Man - Wuckup Yuhself "Find A Gyal" (Hunny Bunny Riddim)

Maxwell D - Sexicano

2010-08-04T14:00:00.002+01:00

'We No Speak Americano' was begging to be voiced, so here's to Maxwell D for stepping up. He may not speak Americano but he definitely speaks Funky Bashment.

There's two versions for you: one straight up on the original beat: 'Sexicano', and one with the re-edited beat that appeared on his Twitter yesterday: 'Funky Suprano'.

His mixtape drops next week. Watch out!

Maxwell D & Yolanda Be Cool/DCUP - Sexicano (Download)

Maxwell D - Funky Suprano (Download)

TOOT TOOT

2010-08-02T14:48:00.001+01:00

You heard. From the inventor of reggae music: don't change your dial.

Check my full interview with Toots over at Shook Magazine.

Official 'Street Fighter Riddim' Video

2010-07-30T20:26:00.000+01:00

D-Double E's new single 'Street Fighter Riddim' has a great new video! The single is out on iTunes now, please support real legends by clicking HERE.

Boy Shorts

2010-07-30T14:55:00.010+01:00

Mr. Vegas certainly seems to be 'enjoying' his 'retirement', it has given him more time to appreciate the finer things in life, like boy shorts.

I have also become a firm exponent of the boy shorts this summer, they give me complete tan coverage on my thighs. I don't wear them to show off my 'fat fat' though..

Mr. Vegas - Boy Shorts (Ital Stew Riddim)

Cosa Nostra strikes again

2010-07-30T13:56:00.000+01:00

3 more BIG names on the Cosa Nostra riddim dropped this week: Shabba, Spragga and Million Stylez. You thought it couldn't get any better? Spragga kills it.

Shabba Ranks - Nuh Follow

Spragga Benz - See It Yah (DOWNLOAD)

Million Stylez - So Di Ting Set

Come fi me woman needs

2010-07-28T15:15:00.021+01:00

Two new releases this week from a couple of Ranks: a legend and a relative newcomer. First up, Shabba's 'Woman Needs' on the 007 riddim. Shabba, as we all know has the ability to ride the hell out of a riddim...well, everyone has their off days right?

London's Suncycle crew member Gappy Ranks shows how it should be done on 'Come Fi Me Money'. Coming across a bit like an overheard conversation down the pub, Gappy laments his struggle to make the cheddar to go with his bread. I feel your pain Gaps. Big.

If you hadn't heard, Grime stalwart Wiley recently fired his manager over Twitter, and (sort of) celebrated by uploading over 200 unreleased tracks. There is a problem with such prodigous output though: a lot of it is complete air. Does anyone remember trawling through the Tunnel Vision series listening out for the biiig tunes? For every 'Ice Rink' there are 12 'Nightbus Dubplates.' A genius over at The Fader has been kind enough to do this for us! The list has been whittled down to a nucleus of 18 bangers. Click here for the link.

My favourite cut is 'Value For Money', where Wiley rides over the Toddla-T produced 'Party Animal' beat, complaining that the portions in restaurants are too small these days. .

"You must be joking, how the hell is a portion like this gonna help? Let's go to the chip shop". You tell 'em!

Wiley - Value For Money

Wiley - Joint Venture (Ft. Wrigley)

Shabba Ranks - Woman Needs (007 Riddim)

Gappy Ranks - Come Fi Me Money

Guilty pleasure

2010-07-28T09:26:00.000+01:00

Forgive me father, for I have sinned.

Trojan Explosion

2010-07-22T15:11:00.000+01:00

When Universal Records took over Trojan in 2007 I think we were all hoping someone would do something better with the incredible vaults than just re-release a load of various artist box-sets with the same songs appearing all the time. 3 years on, it looks like it could be happening. Though they did just release a compilation of 100 reggae hits for Tesco so who knows.

Get the lowdown from the insightful interview with Trojan oldtimer Laurence Cane-Honeysett over at Music Like Dirt, for a little look back into the archives of the label and forward to its promising future.

Trojan Records - Laurence Cane-Honeysett interview by musiclikedirt

Murderer Inc.

2010-07-21T14:56:00.008+01:00

I usually have little time for big name Rap/Bashment crossover tracks that seem to always be heavy on the guestage but light on the tuneage, but this is a certified banger!

Snoop, Shaggy & future prez of Haiti Wyclef join Barrington Levy on possibly the best posse cut of 'Murderer' I've ever heard.

The Barrington scat is on point as usual, and with all of the bit players doing what they do best this comes highly recommended. Don't make me haffa tell you again, dem a murder di track.

While perusing Youtube for an accompanying video for this song I stumbled across this beauty, move over Goodfellas...

Barrington Levy ft. Wyclef, Snoop & Shaggy - Murderer

Mr Lexx on Exit 21

2010-07-20T23:43:00.000+01:00

Oh sweet lord, Lexx has done it again. Alongside some top nice little nineties throwback sound in there from Dwajay productions.

Mr Lexx - Nutten Nah Gwan Fi Dem

This week!

2010-07-19T19:13:00.000+01:00

This week promises big tings, Friday in Brixton, Saturday in EC1 with the Clubb Rock crew...click on the links to the right for the facebook events. Gonna be alot!!!

Street Swag

2010-07-15T11:27:00.000+01:00

Hello, my name's Stephen McGregor and I'm a swaggaholic.

My favourite riddims: Pepperseed

2010-07-14T21:30:00.000+01:00

Pepperseed is one of those pinnacle riddims, the creme de la creme of 90s ragga, where almost every voicing is absolute fire, just like pepperseed. Produced by Madhouse Records owner and riddim wizard, Dave Kelly (responsible for the likes of Fiesta, Showtime, Stink, Joyride & 85 riddims), that cuckoo sound and the descending organ scale and riff make the riddim. It really was no retreat, no surrender from mid-nineties Kelly.

Some artists even had the cheek to record 2 vocals: Terror Fabulous and the massive collab of Daddy Screw & Donovan Steele. Daddy Screw used to be a selector in the 80s, as part of the Black Stone soundsystem in East Kingston, then when the 90s kicked in he started grabbing the mic himself, teaming up with Donovan Steele on 'Kerry', 'Big Tings ah Gwan' and 'Buff Up Your Chest' on the mighty Arab Attack riddim. Weirdly enough, 'Dapper' takes its silky R'n'B chorus from Toni Braxton's 'Breathe Again' that had been a chartbuster the year before. Pretty gangster right?

'94 was a strange year for Buju, whose 'Man A Look You' was one of the top hits on the riddim. He recorded two of his hugest, 'Champion' and 'Murderer', that very year just after the murders of his deejay pals Pan Head and Dirtsman. Then, later on in the year Garnett Silk died and Buju went all Rasta, grew his hair and never looked back.

So here are my picks off the riddim, including one of the lesser Ranks, Dugsy:

Buju Banton - Man A Look You

Daddy Screw & Donovan Steele - Dapper

Dugsy Ranks - Wifey

Terror Fabulous - Number 2

RIP Sugar Minott

2010-07-11T15:46:00.002+01:00

Lincoln 'Sugar' Minott was dancehall's most talented triple-threat pioneer: a distinctive and talented vocalist, a brilliant producer and soundsystem operator extraordinaire. Starting out as a singer with The African Brothers in the late 60s, the mid-seventies saw Minott help revive Studio One after Alton Ellis and John Holt had migrated to other labels, leaving Coxsone's studio in troubles. Alongside being a Studio One figurehead, he also established the Youth Promotion soundsystem, the aptly-titled platform for the most gifted yoot from West Kingston in the 80s: Tenor Saw, Junior Reid, Tony Rebel and Garnett Silk to name but a few.

Named after his sweet vocals, Sugar showed that it was really possible to produce both quality and quantity, making new lyrics slip neatly onto the old rhythms, laying the foundations for the dancehall era. He managed to blend roots, lovers rock, soul and dancehall with ease, never steering too far from his sweet laments of ghetto living, and how Babylon a mash up his life. If anyone had a good thing going, it was Sugar. RIP.

Lincoln Minott, 25 May 1956 - July 10 2010

Recommended Minott listening:

Informer
Herbman Hustling (download)
River Jordan
Devil's Pickney (download)
Nice it up (download)
Riddim
Rub A Dub Sound
Babylon