Mix Tape: Reflection Eternal - The Re:Union

The long-promised second LP from Reflection Eternal (a.k.a. Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek) has been in the works for a minute now, but it seems that things are starting to heat up a little following the release of a new mix tape, entitled The Re:Union.

The Re:Union, which has been pulled together by Statik Selektah, features a bunch of new material, unreleased bits and pieces, and some Reflection Eternal classics. You can download it here.

Of course, the whole project sets the scene for RE's sophmore album, Revolutions Per Minute, which is scheduled for release in February 2010. If the recently leaked track 'Just Begun' featuring Mos Def, Jay Electronica and J.Cole is anything to go by, it's shaping up quite nicely, thanks very much.

You can check out and/or download 'Just Begun' courtesy of Blacksmith.

New Music: Skillz - '2009 Rap Up'

As 2009 winds down, dime-a-dozen top ten lists are starting to find their way onto cyberspace and into print media all over the place. I too considered writing such a list, but as I'm now on holiday in the motherland (New Zealand, folks, not Africa) for the next wee while, I'm not entirely sure I can be bothered.

While I may summon the strength to pull myself away from cafe breakfasts, top notch coffee and BBQs to cast a critical eye over the ups and downs of the '09, I think it seems fitting at this stage (unlike my clothes if I continue on my afore-mentioned diet) to leave the 2009 wrap up n the hands of the one and only Skillz.

For those who aren't familiar, Skillz - one of the wittiest wordsmiths in the hip hop stratosphere - takes it upon himself to produce a track at the tail end of each year, wrapping up the comings and goings in the world of hip hop and beyond.

The '2009 Rap Up' continues in a similar vein to past installments, with Skillz laying down a summary of all things good and bad that have taken place over the last 365-odd days.

As you'd expect, Barack Obama's inauguration, Bernie Madoff's dodgy investments, Notorious, Chris Brown & Rhianna, Michael Jackson, T.I., Kanye West, The Real Housewives Of Atlanta (you know it...), and the Balloon Boy all get a mention. Tiger Woods gets some special attention too, with Skillz hitting the nail on the head by rapping:

Can you say fail?
Who else's name Tiger?
Why would you leave your name on the voicemail?

Word.

You can download a radio rip of Skillz' '2009 Rap Up' here, or listen to it via 2 Dope Boyz.

Mix Tape: A Decade Of Flying Lotus

The Christmas season might be winding down, but the presents just keep rolling in. This time, it's the one and only Flying Lotus filling the role of the bearded fat man and offering up a tidy little mix tape speaker stuffer, entitled A Decade Of Flying Lotus.

As you can guess, Decade is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin - namely, a collection of beats and treats that FL has been working on over the last 10 years.

According to Flying Lotus, he "felt it was time to let go of some things that have been gathering dust. Some old things and some new things. I tried to pick out tracks that I know ya'll haven't heard yet so there should be surprises around every turn."

The whole thing is strung together by Flying Lotus' futursitic beat comrade Gaslamp Killer, who does a nice job in/on the mix. You can download A Decade Of Flying Lotus here and read a little more about the project here.

Also stay on the lookout for Flying Lotus' upcoming album, Cosmogramma, due out on Warp Records on 10 April 2010.

KRS-One and Lupe join LeBron, Kobe and Nike to get in the Christmas spirit

Merry Christmas! Seeing as I'm about to get busy with a turkey and then fall into the deepest of food comas, I'm keeping it short and sweet today, but I couldn't miss the opportunity to spread some Christmas cheer by posting up a couple of ads (Xmas is just sell, sell, sell these days) that Nike have put together for the holiday season.

The clips, which see Nike dipping back into Lil' Penny territory by dusting off their puppets again, feature the vocal talents of the one and only KRS-One, who plays the roll of Santa, and Lupe Fiasco, who plays Blitzen, one of Santa's reindeer.

It seems all's not well at the North Pole, with Blitzen taking offence to Santa running with his new boys, NBA basketballers LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

Of course, with KRS and Lupe involved, there's a strong hip hop presence in the mix (oh, and Kobe too... just kidding). Trash talking, posturing, shiny suits... the whole nine.

Part one sees Blitzen, who seems a little disgruntled to say the least, laying down a little basketball challenge to KRS-Kringle and his boys K.O.B.E. and Bron-Bron:



In part two, KRS fights back, proving to Blitzen that he's still number one by pulling off tricks like biting the rim (don't try this at home kids):



Season's greetings y'all...

Go get 'em Tiger...

When it comes to reporting and reacting to whatever is going on in the world at the minute, I can't think of any musical genre that can beat hip hop in terms of completing the job with the speed (and, as often as not, the grace) of a runaway freight train.

So, what's been topping the news lately? Of course, the COP15 Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen has wrangled a fair few headlines around the globe over the last week. And as sure as a non-binding agreement is as useful as a jail without a lock, I'll guarantee you that somewhere out there, a 'conscious' (cringe) MC of some description is busy sampling pan pipes and water fountains while furiously scribbling down what they hope will become a hip hop climate change anthem.

But there's another story that has been doing the rounds which has really got people talking around the water coolers: namely, the twisted web of lies spun by the one and only Tiger "I only slept with 6 other women... okay, 7... 8...9..." Woods.

You know Woods, the world's greatest golfer and richest sportsman, is in a bit of a bind when none other than former tennis star Boris "poom-bah-boom in the broom closet" Becker, who has had a few well-publicised dalliances of his own, issues a public statement of sympathy for his plight.

But just when things are looking bad for Woodsy, the world of hip hop rides in to provide a comic foil. The knight in shining bling on this occasion is Maino (pictured, right), a tough as nails rapper who has taken it upon himself to record a song entitled 'Go Get 'Em Tiger', which goes a little something like this:

I got women in the 'burbs, women in the hood
Yeah my wifey mad 'cause she knows I'm no good
Man I'm just a dog, I'd be faithful if I could
But I'm Tiger Woods, yep, I'm Tiger Woods...

I need help 'cause I know I got a problem
Every bad bitch I come across, I think I want them
Look at how I roll when I see 'em, then I'm on 'em,
Cup full of liquor, pocket full of condoms.

I bet Tiger's over the moon with this one. But fear not; Maino has thought of a cover-up, telling radio host Angela Yee recently that "I don't want people to think it's a song about [Tiger Woods], it's a song about me. He's just a metaphor." Oh, right. In that case, I'm sure Tiger and the whole Woods fan will be more than happy with 'Go Get 'Em Tiger'.

Maino also suggests that Tiger, rather than his wife and kids, is the real victim in this sad affair, telling Yee:"Whether a person is in the limelight or a person is just a regular dude, sometimes we fall victim. Sometimes we may have a wifey at home and then we fall victim to other women." Poor, defenceless Tiger; falling victim over... and over... what was it, to 12 women at last count? Sounds stressful.

So there you have it... hip hop reporting the 'news' in a way that only hip hop can. If you're feeling brave, you can listen to the whole track here.

Red Bull Music Academy Video Archives: DJ Premier on demos, the start of Gangstarr, and Biggie and Nas

Here's one for the heads. After a little begging, borrowing and stealing, the good folk at the Red Bull Music Academy have been kind enough to allow me access to their vaults in order to edit a few highlight reels of their sizeable archives of interview footage. That's no easy task, mind you - because them there vaults are PACKED with gold.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the RBMA, it's basically a workshop that brings DJs and music producers from different musical and cultural backgrounds together once a year at different locations around the globe, providing a platform for sharing musical knowledge and inspiration. You can school yourself on the RBMA here.

The Academy features guest lectures from the cream of the musical crop, with a who's who of dance music in all it's different form (hip hop included) having taken a seat on the RBMA couch to field questions on everything from their inspiration through to the methods to their musical madness.

Now, I've managed to get my hands on the footage to share it with you, the fans. To kick things off, I've picked some archive footage of an interview with the one and only DJ Premier from a year or two back.

In the first clip, Primo talks about recording his first demo, how he joined forces with Guru to become a part of Gangstarr, his first time in a proper recording studio, and getting a case of cold feet when trying to give Marley Marl a demo tape:



In part two, Preem offers up a few gems on working with Nas and Biggie, speaking on how Nas took his crew with him everywhere he went (literally) during the recording of songs for Illmatic, and walking in on Biggie au natural, except for a bucket of KFC:



If you like what you see, you can watch, listen to or download the full interview on the RBMA website (which also features a ton of great radio footage). Just so you know, these interviews go deep; don't expect any "what's your favourite colour?", teen idol-type nonsense. These are for the real fans. I'm talking two hours-plus on some occasions - but it's all killer, no filler. Satisfaction guaranteed.

New Music: The Roots’ LNJF Sandwiches

With the holiday season fast approaching, and the snow falling in London, I’ve experienced a sudden wave of festive cheer. Okay, I’m lying; I’m more concerned about whether or not I can get home from work today thanks to a transport system ill equipped to handle any weather-related challenges that the different seasons throw at it.

While I might be feeling a touch on the Grinch side, Questlove of The Roots is clearly feeling Christmas spirit.

Earlier this week, Questo started serving up sandwiches on his Twitter page. Now, before you get all excited, these obviously aren’t sandwiches of the edible variety (such as the customary bacon numbers that has been washing away hangovers the morning after all over Blighty during Christmas party season).

Instead, they are the short musical tracks you hear QL and his Roots play as part of their role as house band on Jimmy Fallon’s Late Night. Apparently, The Roots have reached a milestone of sorts by chalking up 1,000 of these songs over the past nine months, with Quest releasing a selection via Twitter.

The crew over at All The Way Live picked up on this, and compiled 22 of the short tracks into a nice little EP. Have you ever wanted to hear The Roots have a stab at tunes like Talking Heads' 'Once In A Lifetime'? If so, consider this an early musical Christmas present.

You can download ?uestlove and The Roots’ LNJF Sandwiches here.

Track listing below:

1. Once In A Lifetime
2. Sizuuuuuuuurpin
3. Head Slicer
4. Spain (ft. Chick Corea)
5. The Juice of Chicago
6. Baatin
7. Woman
8. Choir Fire
9. Teen Town
10. Cant Keep Headphones on Head
11. Red Toe Nail Bashing
12. Blinded By The Light (No Douche Here)
13. Caveman for Dennis Quaid
14. Wan Cook Soup
15. Someone Is Late To Dentist Appointment
16. I Get Lifted
17. Werewolf Barmitzvah
18. Like This Anna Torv
19. Breezin (ft. George Benson)
20. EvenzarahlikesTHISone
21. The Suits
22. Usher In That Choir

Mix Tape: Nneka - The Madness (Onya-Ala)

As promised last week, The Madness (Onya-Ala), the new mix tape project from Nigerian-born, German-based singer/songwriter Nneka and mix tape dude J.Period, launches today - and I'm happy to report that it's pretty damn slick.

The Madness serves as a calling card of sorts for Nneka, who is starting to make waves State-side. The free mix tape features new and remixed tracks from Nneka, and guest appearances from M-1 (Dead Prez), Jay Electronica, Zumbi (Zion I), Rakaa (Dilated Peoples), Aceyalone (Freestyle Fellowship), General Steele (Boot Camp Clik) and Talib Kweli.

J.Period adds his flourishes throughout too, giving things more of a hip hop feel by adding a little boom bap backbone here and there, and also bringing his unique documentary-style approach to the table by splicing interviews with Nneka into the mix.

Here's what J had to say on the project: “What struck me most about Nneka’s music is that her story is so present in every song. The spirit and struggle of her roots in Africa, a sense of responsibility inherited from Fela, conflict and perspective gained living abroad in Germany.

"Her music is a contagious combination of genres and styles that just pulled me in right away. Artists who refuse to be confined to one genre are often considered crazy. Artists who follow their conscience are considered crazy. This is that brand of crazy: The Madness (Onye-Ala).”

The Madness (Onye-Ala) serves as a teaser for Nneka's first US album, Concrete Jungle , which will be in stores on February 2, 2010, and details "her personal experience growing up in Nigeria, the corruption and beauty found there and the universal themes of love, growth, and seeking the ultimate truths."

You can download The Madness (Onye-Ala) online at www.jperiod.com/nneka. Tracklisting below...

1. Can You Hear? (Intro)
2. Let the Madness Begin (J.Period Exclusive)
3. Wake Up World (Interlude)
4. Wake Up Africa (J.Period Remix)
5. The Uncomfortable Truth
6. Untainted Love feat. Damian Marley (Interlude)
7. Spread Love (Brooklyn to Zion) (J.Period Remix)
8. Human Rights (Interlude)
9. Changes (J.Period Remix) feat. M-1 & General Steele
10. Conscious Lyrics (Interlude)
11. Gypsy/Infamous (J.Period Exclusive)
12. Hip Hop Comes From Africa (Interlude)
13. Walking (J.Period Remix) feat. Jay Electronica
14. In Transit (Interlude)
15. Show Love (J.Period Remix) f. Rakaa (Dilated Peoples) & Aceyalone
16. For the Good of Humanity (Interlude)
17. God of Mercy (J.Period Remix) f. Zumbi (Zion I)
18. Suffri (Nigerian in Berlin Remix) feat. Fela Kuti
19. Perseverance is Character (Interlude)
20. Strength/Kangpe (J.Period Dubplate) f. Big Boi (Outkast)
21. Heartbeat (J.Period Remix) feat. Talib Kweli
22. In the Heart of Man (J.Period Exclusive)
23. Symptoms of My Madness (Outro)

[Bonus Mix: J.Period Dubplates]

24. Mind vs. Heart (J.Period Dubplate) f. 2Pac
25. Changes 2 (J.Period Dubplate) feat. Lauryn Hill & John Forte
26. Walking 2 (J.Period Dubplate) feat. Nas

You can find out more about Nneka and J.Period by visiting their respective websites.

New Music: Mystro presents the F.D.T. (a.k.a. F**k Da Taxman) EP

Those who have heard London-based M.C. Mystro put it down over the last few years will be familiar with his often tongue in cheek take on life, which regularly shines through in his music. His latest project (F.D.T., a.k.a. F**k Da Taxman) however is a departure in every sense of the word.

While Mysdiggi has released many a good time tune in the past such as the banging 'My Type Of Party', F.D.T. sees him trading in his lighthearted demeanour in favour of a sterner approach to his beats and rhymes.

Tracks like the urgent 'Banishment', the hard as nails, electric guitar-tinged 'The Urge' and the gold digger/back stabber broadside 'Live & U Learn' show that the Natural Born Spittaz main man is keen to get a few things off his chest.

Offering his own take on F.D.T., Mysdiggi says: “This is almost like a destroy and rebuild project. Aside from me saying the things I wanted to say on there, the EP is also about letting people know that UK Hip-Hop definitely isn’t dead. The scene might’ve changed, but there are still people out there making good music.”

But while the majority of beats F.D.T. are moody, foreboding affairs which are matched by Mys' no nonsense lyrics, in my humble opinion it's the vibey, hazy keys of 'Aquarius' that really hits the mark, with Mystro at his candid best on the vocal tip as well. You can check it out below:



F.T.D. represents the first of a handful of projects that Mys has got teed up to hold fans over until the release of his next full-length album, Mystrogen. You can listen pick it up via all the usual online outlets (iTunes, etc.) from today.

For more info, visit Mystro’s MySpace page.

New Music: Nneka - 'Walking' feat. Jay Electronica (J.Period Remix)

It's been a global melting pot-sort of week here at GOMWAB towers (which is actually a one bedroom first floor flat in North London... but calling it 'towers' adds a certain sense of authority to this fly by night operation, doesn't it?)

After Monday's post highlighting the worldly talents of Swedish/Japanese songbird Yukimi Nagano, I've decided to stay on the world music tip by offering up a nice little joint from Nneka, a soul singer of Nigerian and German extraction (I can just see your eyes glazing over as I type this, but stick with me...)

After releasing a couple of critically acclaimed albums over the last few years, and picking up the 'Best African Act' at his year's MOBO awards (which admittedly were topped by N-Dubz... once again, stick with me), Nneka has now hooked up with mix tape don DJ J.Period - the man responsible for putting together the stellar The Messengers mix tape with K'Naan earlier this year - to create a new project, entitled The Madness (Onya-Ala).

The Madness is a collection of new and remixed tracks from Nneka, and features guest appearances from M-1 (Dead Prez), Jay Electronica, Zumbi (Zion I), Rakaa (Dilated Peoples), Aceyalone (Freestyle Fellowship), General Steele (Boot Camp Clik) and Talib Kweli.

The whole project will be available to download at www.jperiod.com/nneka on December 15. Until then, though, you can make do with a little leaky-leak from the project - namely, a remix of Nneka's 'Walking', given a little bit of a work over by Period, and featuring a guest verse from Erykah Badu's baby daddy, Jay Electronica.

The 'Walking' remix employs many of the same elements of the original version, but is beefed up a little thanks to the addition of a beat that bears a striking resemblance to one of 2007's guilty pleasures - 'Lip Gloss' by none other than Lil' "Alicia and Jigga invited me on stage... honestly" Mama.

Nneka shows why she's enjoying a nice little buzz recently, bringing the African flavour in bundles as she sings and chants her way through the track. Electronica delivers the goods too, flipping a little Jigga-esque rhyme to complement J.Period's X-Clan vocal flourishes.

You can listen to and download 'Walking' below:



As a little Friday bonus, you can also listen to and/or download the first single from The Madness (Onya-Ala), entitled 'Changes' (featuring M-1 of Dead Prez and General Steele of Boot Camp Clik) below:



More on Nneka next week...

Mix Tape: Kidz In The Hall - The Professional Lesiure Tour

Kidz In The Hall are the latest artists to jump aboard the L-R-G mix tape train, with Naledge and Double O teaming up with the mighty popular clothing label to release The Professional Leisure Tour (following the lead of previous L-R-G tapes like Wale and 9th Wonder's Back To The Feature).

In case Kidz In The Hall don't ring a bell with you, here's the 411 (look at me, all Mary J.-like... okay, so I never really knew what the 411 meant, so feel free to let me know if I've messed that up).

The Kidz (who are tagged on iTunes as alternative hip hop, what ever the hell that means) have been putting out solid hip hop for a few years now, having been hand picked as the group to which indy darling Rawkus hitched its wagon during it's second attempt at success in the mid-00's.

The duo have gone on to release a few albums and mix tapes that have included a smattering of great cuts, including my personal favourite, 2006's 'Wheels Fall Off':



Rather than focus on history however, The Professional Leisure Tour mix tape gives you an idea of what to expect from KITH in the future.

The 13 track collection was mainly recorded while the group were on tour (hence the name...duh), and contains some dope cuts. My personal favourites on first listen are 'We At It Again', 'Life I Know', and 'We At It Again'... there, now you can sleep easy tonight. There's a little filler on there in my humble opinion too - I'm not a fan of 'Going For It' - but the good out strips the average, making it worth a gander.

The Professional Leisure Tour mix tape is available now as a free download on L-R-G’s website, and sets the scene for the Kidz' next album, The Land Of Make Believe (scheduled for release on March 9 next year). Speaking of which, the album's first single, 'Juke Box', dropped today over on iTunes in the States. Maybe not stellar business when it's included on this mix tape for free, but who's complaining? Not me.

Mix Tape: The Couch Sessions Presents - A Tribute To Yukimi Nagano (Little Dragon)

How about a change of pace today? Sound good? Right on.

After delving into my magical box of music that makes you go "oooooooh" (more in a Barry White-esque, feel the love kind of way than a "look at that bearded lady" kind of way), I've unearthed a jazzy gem from The Couch Sessions crew, who recently paid homage to singer Yukimi Nagano of Swedish electronic group Little Dragon. Three cheers for me!

Now, I must confess that I haven't followed Little Dragon or Yukimi religiously over the years - although I do see that my timing leaves a little to be desired for all London crew (they're playing here tonight, you see). But I'm pretty darn impressed with what I've heard on this mix tape - especially from their front lady.

You can check out the video for Little Dragon's 'No Love' to get an idea of what you can expect from LD/YN on The Couch Sessions Presents - A Tribute To Yukimi Nagano (Little Dragon):



According to The Couch Sessions, A Tribute to Yukimi Nagano pays homage to "the trailblazing career of the Swedish vocalist" whose "sultry voice has graced projects from all over the world, from Swedish Jazz duo Koop and Japan’s Shuya Okino, to Brooklyn’s Ge-ology."

"In addition to her work with the world-renowned group [Little Dragon], Yukmi has a long track record of incredible music, mixing her loves of Jazz, Hip-Hop, Trip-Hop, and R&B."

To help present Yukimi in a fitting light, The Couch Sessions gang drafted in Supa Kool DJ Uncle Q, a respected Washington, D.C. disc jock. Uncy Q does the job too, stringing the whole thing together by weaving 15 tracks of atmospheric, synthy jazzualness into a quality collection which will be a hit with all the jazz noodle-heads out there.

You can download The Couch Sessions Presents - A Tribute To Yukimi Nagano (Little Dragon) here

Alternatively, you can visit The Couch Sessions to listen to a streaming version. Track listing below:

1.) Koop – Whenever There Is You
2.) Ge-ology – Blues Alley
3.) Little Dragon – No Love
4.) Quartermaine – Mystic Qool Breeze
5.) Little Dragon – After The Rain
6.) Little Dragon – Feather
7.) Shuya Okino – Pieces of You
8.) Little Dragon – Forever
9.) Koop – Summer Sun
10.) Little Dragon – Thunder Love
11.) Hird – Love You My Hope (Do Right Remix)
12.) Swell Session – The Music In Her Eyes
13.) Koop – I See A Different You
14.) Jafrosax – Drawn 2 U
15.) Little Dragon – Never Never

You can check out more of Yukimi Nagano and/or Little Dragon by visiting their respective websites.

Take a ride with the one and only Snoop D-O double G

In this day and age, the mind numbing chirping of a GPS navigation system is part and parcel of many a road trip, spitting out directions in a dull, monotone manner.

Sure, there are purists out there who grumble and moan that navigators that succumb to the charms of the Tom Tom aren't "keeping it real", while pouring scorn on anyone who dares to disrespect the long and storied art of map reading.

But even those old schoolers who get all misty eyed at the thought of losing themselves in a London A to Z might change their tune following the news that Snoop Dogg has lent his distinctive voice to a new GPS commentary.

That's right folks... the one and only D-O double G is the latest in a series of 'voice artists' - including Dennis Hopper, Burt Reynolds, Mr T, David Hasselhoff and the king of celebrity rehab Gary Busey - who have used their vocal powers for good by recording directions in their own unique ways.

According to Chris Hilton, the CEO of Locutio Voice Technologies (the company behind the project), the idea to get celebrities involved emerged from that historical breeding ground for many of the world's greatest ideas - the pub.

After five years of hard work to get the concept off the ground, it appears to be really taking off now, and might just become the latest craze for celebrities - both real and imagined. Hell, even Homer Simpson is doing his bit.

Snoop's always had an knack for spotting new opportunities to bolster his brand of course, but says he got involved due to a simpler need. "When I be riding in cars, and I be hearing that boring-ass lady who be doing [the voice over] all the time, it just be bothering me hearing her voice," he says. "She always turn my music down and be like 'turn left, go right, straight ahead'. I'm like, 'nah, we gotta add some flavour to that."

Of course, Snoop is a definite upgrade on the out of the box commentary options, and delivers the aforementioned flavour by dropping in some ad libs for his VoiceSkin - the somewhat disturbing title for the product.

There's a rousing "Chuuuuch!" when you reach your final destination for example, punctuated with a "and ya do know that." How about an order to put some Snoop Dogg beats on the stereo? Check. Or how about describing a sharp left turn as "so fly", while purring to the driver to "bear left... yeah, just like that." Check again. You know this...maaaan.

No mention of any izzle-isms, but I'm sure you won't have to drive too far before they start cropping up.

You can hear some of Snoop's handy work on the VoiceSkins website, or watch him wax lyrical on the concept in the video below:

Mix Tape: Buff1 - It's A 1derful Life

Mix tape heat! Free music! Wooooo! Okay, so I'm more than aware that with so many new artists releasing their product for free, casual internet thugs are getting a little pickier about what they download and what they ignore, banishing many an artist into interweb obscurity in one foul swoop of a mouse.

But while you might not have heard of Buff1 (don't feel bad, I hadn't either until a few months ago), his latest project It's A 1derful Life is worth a click and drag.

The magnificent Michigan microphone master (check my a-a-a-alliteration game) has been honing his skills as part of Athletic Mic League (the crew in which Mayer Hawthorne got his start). He's also enjoyed/endured the double edged sword of a healthy internet buzz for his solo work recently, and after listening to It's A 1derful Life it's easy to see why; good beats, lyrics for days... it's all gravy.

It's A 1derful Life is hosted by Beat Junkie main man DJ Rhettmatic (who is also Buff's partner in newish group Crown Royale), and is full of witty wordplay and head nodding beats of all shapes and sizes, with contributions from Black Milk, Ski Beats and Steve Spacek. You can check the video for 'Original' by Spacek's Space Invadas project featuring Buff1 (which features on It's A 1derful Life) below:



Also on offer is the previously released 'The Best Are Full Of Love' of course, as well as a selection of new tracks from Buff, a bunch of guest spots he's rocked, and a posthumous 'collaboration' with Biggie.

On a side note, it's nice to see B linking up with my countryman David Dallas on the remix to 'Front To Back', with the artist formerly known as Con Psy (that's Dallas, not Buff) proving he can cut it on the international stage while rocking the mic with a Kiwi accent. No cultural cringe for my Antipodean comrades on this Fire & Ice-produced bad boy.

Download Buff1's It's A 1derful Life here

Live: Mos Def, London, 29th November 2009

Mos Def jetted into London on Sunday for a one-off, sell out concert at the HMV Forum. But despite a storied track record, and one of this year's best albums, The Ecstatic, he also had a point to prove. Let's just say that Mos' last show in London, two years back at the Shepherds Bush Empire, won't go down as one of his best gigs.

You know you've got your work cut out for you when you get booed on stage, but that's exactly what happened to Mos back in 2007 after he kept the masses waiting for two hours ('delayed flight'? I think not).

He then barely managed to clock up an hour of show time, thanks to the rather heavy handed curfews that live venues have these days. The show itself wasn't much to write home about either, with Mos looking a little out of practice and a little... shall we say... unfocused.

But two years on, it seems that he's a little more match fit, thanks to a steady diet of touring to support The Ecstatic.

Things didn't start out too well, mind you; thanks to some rather heavy handed security at the HMV Forum, a queue stretched around the block and beyond, with some people reporting a two hour wait time. In the rain. Awesome. Fix your game up, HMV.

Those who persevered however saw Mos put on a better showing than '07, hitting the stage and manning a massive drum kit, before moving through a bunch of The Ecstatic's best cuts ('Auditorium', 'Casa Bey', 'Life In Marvelous Times'), as well as earlier hits ('Ms. Fat Booty', 'Umi Says') and some Black Star business ('Respiration', 'Definition').

There was also the now obligatory Michael Jackson tribute, and some good banter with the crowd, delivered in a typically laid back manner. But unlike Mos Def circa 2007, this time, there was no confusing 'laid back' with 'sloppy'.

You can watch a video of the show below. The audio is a touch on the hollow side, but that's what happens when you find yourself at the back of the venue after choosing the pub over queuing in the rain:



Big shout out to the rancid man standing in front of us (whatever you're eating/snorting... please stop... for the love of god, please stop). And special mention to the Spanish students standing next to us who spent all night baying for "UMMMMMIIIIIIIIIIIIII SAYS!", and imploding after he ended the show with it. You can hear them singing along in the video above. Nice one, fellas.

Mix Tape: The Nextmen - Fenchurch Mix

The Nextmen keep up the prolific pace they've established in the '09 by dropping their hundredth mix of the year.

Okay, so it's more like their fifth... but that's still a lot. Throw a studio album - the super fresh Join The Dots - into the pot, and you can see that it's been a case of no rest for the wicked for Brad and Dom, a.k.a. Nextmen one and two (in no particular order) recently.

This time around, clothing label Fenchurch has reached out to the lads, asking them to create "a mixture of soul, funk, hip hop, DnB, leftfield and instrumental all in their style which has won them critical acclaim."

They've carried out the job to their usual high standards, too. You've got to register through the Fenchurch website to download the mix, but that's the only price you'll pay. Huzzah for free stuff.

If you want to check out some more Nextmen mix business, click here or here.