Genesis Elijah 25.01.10 2010 is already set to be a prosperous year for UK music and what better way to start the New Year than with Genesis Elijah, the British Hip Hop Repertoire. It’s been a minute since the blessing of G.E music, but although our musical taste buds have been starved Genesis Elijah hasn’t neglected his premature iconic role. International tours, collaborations, charity campaigns, adverts, new clothing line…as well as banging out new projects in the lab, Genesis Elijah has officially marked his goals with the conclusion of world domination...   Scorzayzee 13.01.10 It really seemed as though hip hop in the UK was worse off when the rapper known as Scorzayzee was said to have retired around 2004. He first came to prominence with the now defunct Nottingham super group Out Da Ville alongside artists such as C-Mone, Lee Ramsey and Karizma. He left the music scene for a while (due to personal issues which he details in his new single 'Luv Me') but came back in '09 with a starring role in the Shane Meadows music 'mocumentary' film 'Le Donk & Scor-Zay-Zee' and his debut album 'Peace to the Puzzle' due in 2010. He is a part of the crew based at the Community Recording Studio (CRS) at Russell Youth Centre in St Ann's, Nottingham. Chris Byrne caught up with him to see where he's at now...   Mowgli 07.01.10 From somewhere below London’s dank, recession-ravaged streets, an unconventional hip hop contemporary has emerged with his debut offering, 93. The press release promises many things about his work, but perhaps the most ambitious claim laid is that ’93 will be a breath of fresh air for those disillusioned with the current state of hip hop, in which all too many artists subscribe to the same tired and stale format.’ Variations on this statement are seemingly fed to us hip hop fans far too often, and with no just warrant. UKHH.com caught up with Mowgli to justify these claims, talk about the UK hip hop tradition, “quite interesting” beats, and how to market a left-field sound…   Kners 09.12.09 After being out of the game for over a year KNERS is back with a vengeance! In his time off from music KNERS has been working a 9-5 and raising the cash to promote himself in the industry, he is now ready to hit the mainstream and is hoping to do exactly that with his forthcoming album. In August he released a tongue-in-cheek track aimed at the students, 'School Days' sampling the Grange Hill theme tune. Now he has hooked up with some UK Hip Hop royalty for his next album, Bristol Grammar, it features Sway, Roots Manuva and Bristol artists such as Nicole Jackson and Dr.Meaker. Expect a different alternative sound from this Bristol artist crossing many genres...   Ugly Duckling 22.11.09 All music fanatics have certain memories of their first real live gig. New contributer Joseph Foote attended his first real live show at the age of 14 to see Long Beach Hip Hop collective Ugly Duckling. That night they played to a crowd of 150-200 within a small dingy nightclub in Manchester named Magic-boxand he got to embrace two MC’s and a DJ control the crowd like only the “Old School” torch bearers of rap know how. Seven years later with Ugly Duckling playing in York Joe caught up Dizzy Dustin and Young Einstein to talk about the new album Audacity, Kamikazi Records, the state of Hip Hop and meeting DJ Premier.....   Anti-Pop Consortium 24.10.09 After six years spent apart pursuing solo projects, Beans, M. Sayyid, Earl Blaize, and High Priest have reunited to form the ever infamous Anti-Pop Consortium. The three MCs and producer from New York first hooked up back in 2000 for ‘Tragic Epilogue;’ their debut as a collective. Later that year they released ‘Shopping Carts Crashing,’ followed by ‘Arrhythmia’ in 2002, then the collaboration album ‘Antipop vs. Matthew Shipp’ released in February 2003, their last offering as a combined force before the six year hiatus. Until now… Ahead of their show at the Scala on 5th November Andy Patton caught up with Beans and Priest to talk about APC’s new album, Fluorescent Black – released on Big Dada in late September, and what it’s like to be back and touring together again…   Alphabetix 26.09.09 Anyone who’s been to a decent Hip-Hop night in Yorkshire should already know about Alphabetix - three MCs - ABD, Mr Ris and Angel S – backed up by cuts from DJ Sir-Plus and beats by some of the finest producers in Northern Britain, they’ve gained a well-deserved reputation for their dynamite live shows. The release of their debut EP, Alphabetix Anonymous, marks a new stage for them and for the label they run, 30 Tonne Slug. Analogue got together with them to talk about the challenges of running a label and promoting themselves as a live act, their plans for the future and to have a general chinwag about the state of the UK scene.   Brad Baloo of The Nextmen 20.09.09 The Nextmen are back, and everyone’s favourite party DJs have only gone and done it again…Their far-reaching, genre-melding fourth studio album, Join the Dots, is out now, and if you sleep on this one you’re definitely missing out. UKHH.com caught up with Brad Baloo to talk about their latest release, how to market a sound that can’t be pigeon-holed, the British desire to push things forward musically, and the effect that the evolving digital age is having on the music industry   Micall Parknsun 12.09.09 'Real’ is a word that is bandied around so much in hip hop these days that usually it doesn’t seem to retain any meaning, but if there’s even the slightest danger that it does, this is a man who summons it from our lips. His groundbreaking new album, First Second Time Around is out now on YNR Productions, and in an era when MCs spit aggy styles over grime and flirt with the trendy dance floor crowd, this ‘back to the roots’ work promises to catapult him into the realms of hip hop timelessness. ukhh.com caught up with Micall Parknsun to talk about his new album, and to find out what’s next for the self-proclaimed 'Working-Class Dad'   Phuturesonic 12.07.09 Here in Blighty we've long garnered respect for pushing a few boundaries musically. UK hip hop in particular, having evolved quite organically, has taken itself down numerous paths and into new forms. And a new group making waves aim to continue the legacy. The self-styled 'funk hop' outfit has evolved from what was once a small studio project into a fully-fledged live force. And with ripping vocals harking a positive message for these somewhat troubled times, sounds like these are just what'll make this British summer great...   Doc Brown 12.06.09 There was a time, not all that long ago, when ‘Mad World’ was getting daytime radio airplay that it looked like Doc Brown was going to be the next UK rapper to break through into the mainstream. That time was five years ago though. Doc Brown has been absent from the rap scene for a while now with no declaration of retirement or final album or show. Instead he’s been carving himself a niche in the world of comedy. Vern Pitt caught up with him to see how the new career is going, what his feelings are on UK Hip Hop and just why he left us and his crew, Poisonous Poets, in the first place.   Sober & Dribbla 06.06.09 Sober and Dribbla have been producing and writing Hip Hop for over five years now, creating a unique industrial sound infusing various genres to create something distinctively theirs. The Butchers Ball is their most recent release to date which explores everyday life and the struggles it brings. If you want ‘boom-bap’ Hip Hop then these guys are definitely not for you; expect dark lyrics and even darker beats from Sober and Dribbla.   Lowkey 24.03.09 Kareem Dennis was 17 when he first silenced us in 2003 on the airwaves from Radio 1. At that moment as he laced those few bars with Doc Brown we were introduced to the formidable talent known as Lowkey. Since then he’s blessed us with a string of goodness ‘Key to the Game’ volumes 1 to 3, and his work as part of the rhyming heavyweights Poisonous Poets. After a hiatus we welcome the return of a spitter of worth and the first UK MC to release an album through the mainstream UK press. ukhh.com gets personal discussing the exciting new ventures of Lowkey including political activism, sharing a stage with indie kids and artistic fulfilment...   Asaviour 07.03.09 Responsible for blessing us with classics like ‘People Under the Weather’, ‘The Homecoming’ and ‘So Northern’ the soon to be mayor of Huddersfield is back teaming up with old foe DJ IQ on his new album ‘A Loop Theory’. A psychedelic success transporting us to the extreme realms of Hip Hop, the album sees collaborations from friends past and present. And seeing as it’s been longer then a minute since he passed through, UKHH thought it was high time we got personal with the ‘man with the plan’ as he talks left over pizza’s, life away from YNR and 09 being the time to shine...   777 04.03.09 777 is an up and coming emcee from Telford, West Midlands. Quietly honing his craft over the last three years and establishing a discography of appearences on various UK releases has aquired him underground recognition as one to watch. Working and performing alongside well known faces has enriched an already inexhaustable lyricist and helped to create the rounded artist we see today. As a former member of The Round Table and Non-Thespian (Dealmaker Records) and current member of newly formed hip hop duo Amass Hegemony with Beit Nun (Innit Records), 777 is a familiar voice across the East and West Midlands. With a solo collection 'Septimal Vol 1' now available Mr Phlo grabbed an intro to the man, his styles, thoughts and influences...   M9 20.02.09 He’s been rapping and emceeing for 10 years already and he’s only 24. But then listening to M9’s deep and thoughtful new album ‘144,000’ where he sounds like he's been around for centuries, the depths of thought are that impressive, there’s a wealth of experience and lyrical depth and skill which pours out of the string laden and soul filled tracks. Given that M9 doesn’t even call this album his official album proper merely a 'project of tracks' then it's intriguing to see what M9 comes up with on his ‘official album proper’ when it drops. In the meantime Ben Bradford brings us up to date with the maker of '144,000' M9...   Sway 12.02.09 Making that tricky second album is a well known musical cliche but it is still a rarity in this genre that UK artists maintain a high enough profile for the general public to care about that second album. Always bucking the trend Derek Safo, aka Sway, released his second album proper 'The Signature' late last year and with a clutch of singles, side projects and guest appearances we were due a catch up so Nina spoke to Sway just before the LP release to get the downlow...   S.A.S. 31.01.09 Back in 2003 Diplomat Records welcomed Mayhem and Mega to their musical family, and were the first addition to the Dipset Europe movement. S.A.S ‘Streets All Salute’ moved out to New York becoming regulars of battling fellow MC’s which later grabbed the ears of Hip Hop’s finest Kayne West and the Dipset crew, which later led the boys into contracts with Roca-A-Fella/Diplomat Records. To date SAS are currently promoting their latest project, ‘Euro Gang Vol 1’, and although there’s been a media controversy around their current status with Dipset and Juelz Santana, Mayhem and Mega have set their goals and are reaching them. Despite media frenzies and politics with former label peers, SAS take some time out with Nina Carmela and discuss what they’re really about…MUSIC.   Dan Bull 22.01.09 If there’s one thing hip hop gets abused for, well beyond all the glorifying violence and homosexual/sexist comments, it’s the lack of real music. The fact so much of it is built on samples of existing music then a few rhymes plonked on the top seems to really irk some musical critics. Better not let them listen to Dan Bull then or they might be forced to change opinions. This 22 year old artist from the West Midlands shuns the formula and creates everything from scratch. This IS music as the purists define it but is it hip hop? Read on, listen and add your own label...   Prose 18.01.09 In a scene that has struggled with saturation it’s often hard to get excited about new music, but there is a duo with their dusty beats and infectious lyrics that are set to kick the cack and bring back the foundations on which Hip-Hop was built. With love coming from all areas of the country and a debut album soon to drop, ukhh.com thought it was about time you were introduced to the Boom Bap Professionals, beat-fiend Steady and emcee supreme Efeks so new contributer Ali Raymond got to grips with them...   Vee Kay 23.11.08 You may know Vee Kay from his work with the Beefeaterz crew and from the Myster-Vee tour, as well as providing beats to a whole bevy of UK hip-hop acts. Now Vee Kay is about to release his first album of his own called ‘Audio Workout’, which is out at the end of November. From the straight up bangers, to the old school and slightly out there vibe, ‘Audio Workout’ should more than tweak your ears towards the speakers and your finger towards the rewind/repeat to make sure what you heard was right. A couple of years since ukhh last spoke Adjetey caught up with Vee Kay to find out how the album had happened and just how many fingers in pies one producer can have...   Rhyme Asylum 13.11.08 Meet Possessed, Skirmish, and Psiklone aka Rhyme Asylum a trio of rappers and producers who are based in London . Rhyme Asylum currently has their debut album ‘State Of Lunacy ’ out at the moment. It’s an album that puts words at the forefront of the music and takes you on a very vivid lyrical journey over some crackly and minimal beats. There’s tracks such as the downbeat ‘Unreasonable’, the dark head nodder that is ‘Deranged Delirium’, and ‘Attitude Problem’ which does what it says on the tin by being in your face and putting the world to rights, and in particular being pissed of with hip-hop, which the guys talk about here, and is generally bone shakingly thrilling. ‘State Of Lunacy ’ is an album that tries to sum up who and what Rhyme Asylum is about. They’ve also been noticed in the USA as well which Rhyme Asylum also talks about. Basically you be best advised to get locked down with the Rhyme Asylum...   Styly Cee & Cappo 05.11.08 Styly Cee hasn't featured on these pages since 2000 but Cappo has been here plenty of times over the years. Now these Notts stalwarts have a storming "Fresh, hard & heavy 21st century hip-hop" EP on Son Records which is picking up some well deserved praise so it was high time they were back on ukhh.com again...   K-Delight 29.10.08 With a new album just dropping and the classic mix CD he compiled for ukhh.com behind him it's high time to catch up again with K-Delight so we got Robster from The Chaos skate crew to get the lowdown on the ‘AUDIO REVOLUTION’...   Central Spillz 02.10.08 With the current state of ‘true’ hip hop in decline and with passionate hip hop followers calling it ‘dead’; more and more artists are producing hybrid sounding music, a mixture of hip hop, dubstep and grime, to create something new and fresh. One Bristol based crew, Central Spillz, are creating this new sounding hip hop and doing it very well indeed. Central Spillz comprises of three MC’s and a DJ; these guys now live in the musically thriving city of Bristol, but have come via London, Somerset & Lancashire. Meeting in the middle ground between the sounds of dubstep and hip hop. The natural sound they produce is down to experience within the other genres of ‘urban’ music; they feel they bring the content of hip hop through the lyrics along with the energy of grime; something that is definitely needed within in the hip hop scene today....   Jazz T 01.10.08 As a founding member of Surrey’s Diversion Tactics crew, Jazz T has more than proven himself over the years as both a talented DJ and an astute producer. From the dusty-fingered beats of DT’s debut 2002 album “Pubs, Drunks And Hip-Hop” to the unapologetically raw tracks heard on T’s new solo project “All City Kings”, the former UK ITF DJ champion has consistently remained faithful to the true-school Hip-Hop blueprint he first discovered back in the 80s. Currently keeping busy supplying the beats at London’s respected open-mic event End Of The Weak, Jazz T recently tore himself away from sifting through old sci-fi soundtracks for new sample material to talk about his new album, production techniques, and future plans...   8thW1 22.09.08 "8thW1 skills as an MC, are a complicated mix of scholar, gentleman and b-boy". Here, the New Jersey native talks about the demi-god’s of music and bringing people together, with the controversy of ‘selling out’…And on THAT subject we could talk all day; but we won’t. 8thW1 has bigger fish to fry, and a movement to create. See for yourself…   Lazy Habits 06.09.08 With numerous festival appearances already this year, and many more to come, this band have built up reputation and repertoire as one of the most blistering live acts around. With two highly successful EPs under the belt, a fantastic new single out now, and another big single in the pipeline, J~bright talks to MC Lazy, frontman for and representing the brilliant - Lazy Habits...   Blufoot & Wytfang 25.08.08 Delbwoy recently caught up with the dynamic duo behind the new ukhh.com CD ‘Mic Ctrl’. Blufoot and Wytfang each took a moment to expose the brains behind the mix letting us know how they compiled it, their unique recording setup, and the scoop on future artists we should be checking in 2008…   Blak Twang 15.08.08 Blak Twang has been a stalwart, fundamental force in hiphop in the UK since the early days of it’s development. Carving out a plethora of classic ranging from “Red Letters” all the way to the anthemic “Kik Off”, Taipanic has proven himself to stay relevant in the days of disposable artists. With a new single, a new album, and an even more ferocious candour, The Twangsta caught up with UKHH’s roving beatmaker The Last Skeptik to discuss matters further...   Late 05.08.08 In 1995 two aspiring businessmen founded the UK based label Wolftown Recordings, many years later this empire is one of the leading independent music establishments running strong in the UK. With the infamous mix tape series UK Runnings, international PR company Park Street PR and Rago Magazine, Tricksta and Late have such an incomparable portfolio laced within the music industry they put major record businesses to shame. ‘Two Thousand & Late’ is the current project of ‘08 and although Late has established himself as an artist, he’s an all round entertainer and businessman which will never go unnoticed. UKHH doesn’t miss a ‘tricksta’ and talks to Late about his musical affairs to date.   Flying Lotus 10.07.08 In person Flying Lotus is huge, a big friendly giant if you will. Much like his compositions Steven Ellison is full of contradictions and funny quirks – he is well versed in literature, music, film, has a fierce passion for politics and punctuates every sentence with at least one expletive. As well as having a tendency to go off on spacey tangents. He also enjoys playing computer games, chatting up girls and it’s probably fair to say, the occasional jazz cigarette. Mostly standard stuff except for the unconscious eccentricity that often separates geniuses from the rest of us... Kane met up with this genius in face and on phone to bring you an insight into the genius....   Lumes Flowne 08.07.08 Lumes Flowne has been flirting with music for over a decade, and whilst perfecting his craft in production and artistry he’s gained a clear insight to the industry as a businessman. This compelling venture has consisted of developing his abilities with UK collective ‘FAUNA’ then later representing himself as a solo artist, Lumes weighed up his ambitions with education in law as well as music. Now after completing his degree, music is the prime focus, and his own company On My Jacks Entertainment will be bringing the man and the music on a full UK tour so Nina hooked up to bring us a preview of what to expect...   A-Alikes 20.06.08 A-Alikes comprise of Illuminessence "Ness" a.k.a "P. Red" and Karaam "K" a.k.a "A-Black", Tallahasse, Florida natives with Dead Prez, relocated to Brooklyn, New York. On her recent trip out there Lady Jay met up with Ness for a quick update on their UK connection (through Baby J) and the progress on the new album, 'OneLife, One Death' ...   James Pants 12.06.08 James Pants makes the sort of genre-bending music that will make backpackers and electronic nerds wet their pants with excitement. James met his boss (Peanut Butter Wolf) after his prom night some 10 years ago which lead to an internship with Stones Throw, and eventually, a record deal. Now promoting the release of his debut album, ‘Welcome’, a loose sounding record, with hints of early rap, 80s funk and electronic influences surrounded by more progressive and playful themes Kane caught up with the man to discuss this 'Alien wave', 'fresh beat' and forum favourite, ‘quirky retro shit’- just a few of the new fangled genre labels that have so far failed to stick....   Marco Polo 06.06.08 Lady Jay has hit up NYC and while she's there has sent us some interviews with people she thinks we'll be hearing more of in the future. first up rapper, engineer and film maker Marco Polo talks truth about his collabs with Ice T & DMC, his music, films, the N word and why he ain’t waiting on a big record label to swoop and save his ass so is going independent....   DJ Aaries 04.06.08 Hailing from South Carolina, DJ Aaries had a greater ambition than to be just a DJ, he wanted to create a movement within the industry and help peers achieve their musical goals. After relocating to ATL Aaries began to pursue what he was destined to do, and in 2005 he introduced the ‘HOOD HARD’ mix tape series which consisted of aspiring DJ’s as well as Hip Hop artists. The New Face of Roca Wear DJ Aaries was one of the two winners from 550 submissions of their Will Not Lose compaign which consisted of contestants submitting video footage which highlighted hardships and life obstacles, and how they oversaw these struggles. UKHH.COM dwells into the past, present and future venture of DJ Aaries aspiring empire and acknowledges his musical achievements to date...   Ahmos 28.05.08 North London birthed one of the leading players within UK Hip-Hop and although some may be oblivious to his accomplishments, Ahmos continues to develop and perfect his musical craft. Having grafted his musical abilities within production, engineering, artistry and worked with some of UK’s finest artists, Ahmos defeats the selfish and egotistic behaviour by consistently participating in other projects besides his own. Currently hailing from Roots Manuva’s Banana Klan, Genesis Elijah’s Escape Route Music, Hip Hop collective’s Mosaicx and ICX to name a few, it’s time to represent Ahmos as a distinguished talented individual. This is the highly anticipated accreditation of Ahmos…   The IRS 26.05.08 The IRS weren’t a crew that 2-Hip was overly familiar with, that was, until their album “The World is Theirs” well and truly caught him with his pants down. Rather than be deterred, we thought it was only right he tracked down Ed Strong to try and spread the word. The IRS are meant to be your friends! Read on…   Big Cakes 22.04.08 After releasing the highly slept on album “S.K.I.M.”, UKHH thought it was only right to try and bring to your attention the wonders and artistry that is Big Cakes aka Mr Kipling! Take a read and then make sure you check the links at the bottom to take your ear holes to a happy place… Mr Kipling makes exceedingly good raps...   Kray Twinz 20.04.08 Hailing from Coventry but blessed with a worldly perspective, the Kray Twinz shot to some people’s attention with the club banger ‘What We Do’ featuring none other than Lethal Bizzle and Chi Towns Twista. Since the success of that track the Twinz have toured and hooked up with a range of unlikely collaborators from Blue’s Lee Ryan to Police legend Sting. So what’s next for the Midlands beat masters? Ben Spurr found out via a lengthy phone conversation with Jaz, fifty per cent of the duo.   Excentral Tempest 16.04.08 Meet Kate, aka Excentral Tempest, who has been grafting on the UK underground scene for no less than five years, performing at festivals, open mics, and writing constantly. Anna Nathanson caught up with the MC (not female MC) for her first ever interview…   JC 03.04.08 Sheffield based producer JC has already had positive acclaim from Hip Hop Connection and Blues and Soul Magazine. Closely connected with Hoodz Underground he is currently working on a mix cd to be released in the summer, alongside numerous other projects with individual artists and collectives, including SY (South Yorkshire)...Lady Jay went across the penines to find out what this Yorkshire business is all about…   Wordsmith 28.03.08 The advantage to being independent is there is full control of projects and campaigns; the downfall is the lack in finance to reach certain promotional markets. These obstacles will never faze Baltimore’s Wordsmith, as he holds on to the advantages of being an independent artist and is adamant to reach higher heights no matter how or when he gets there. His musical background is so exquisite it’s shocking to believe that he’s grafted single handily and still remains to be holding out strong. With grand expectations and aspirations Nina hooked up to find out more...   Cadence Weapon 23.03.08 'Smart, sincere and lots of fun with all the makings for a future classic' is the description Kane gives to Rollie Pembertons second LP 'Afterparty Babies', recently released on the ever reliable and cutting edge Big Dada. With that in mind Kane took a trip to Ninja HQ to chat about Steely Dan, looking up lyrics on wikipedia and why he doesn't want to talk in a cockney accent...   DJ Excel 18.03.08 Philadelphia is where DJ Excel calls his stomping ground. His first foray into DJing was stepping up to the plate at a neighborhood house party before he had reached the age of ten. Having held down a number of part time jobs including in an eye-glass factory it was only when cutting his hand on the raw glass that Excel became convinced that music was going to be his one and only focus. That mantra remains true to this day. A fan of good music with a self-proclaimed heart full of Hip Hop, Excel has rocked countless venues, been the resident mixer for Wired 96.5 last year and is now focussed on touring overseas and breaking into TV soundtracks. Determined to remain based in the "City of Brotherly Love", Excel is one of the most dynamic, soulful, party rocking, crowd controlling turntable technicians in a long line of Philadelphian Hip Hop deejays who remain intent on advancing the art form. This is his story...   Hobbit 12.03.08 20 years old, and already sponsorship deals with Mic(ism), microphone manufacturer Audix USA and Ableton - that’s no stroke of luck. Son of a concert pianist and blues musician, Hobbit has been rocking crowds over the last few years, as well as releasing a DVD entitled: ’Do The Beatbox’. He talks to Lady Jay about going to New York, the importance of practice, and watching jaws drop to the floor…   Nyce 07.03.08 From the streets of Southside Jamaica Queens ‘NYCE’ recently signed to Infamous G-Unit after his appearance on Mobb Deep’s Blood Money album. Now is he just about release his first mixtape here in the UK ‘United We Stand’ which features Akon, David Banner, Mobb Deep and loads more… We got NYCE on the phone for a quick chat…   Ghost 27.02.08 2008 is all about progression and moving up a creative gear as far as the London-based beat junkie Ghost is concerned. Not content with resting on his laurels following the release of his impressive 2006 debut long-player “Seldom Seen Often Heard”, Ghost has been back in the lab working not just on new music, but also on new directions in which to take his sound. With three full-length projects in the pipeline, Ghost is determined to cover a lot of musical ground over the coming months so Ryan Proctor grabbed Ghost to get a head start...   JSD of the Virus Syndicate 18.02.08 With an eclectic sound based in UK electronic music, Manchester’s Virus Syndicate are producer MRK1, and MC’S JSD, Goldfinger and Nika. Gliding easily from grime to hip hop and then some, they are steady infiltrating from UK to Europe. JSD talks to Lady Jay about the Virus brand, missing flights and the importance of building a stronger musical infrastructure in Manchester. He also has some great advice for up coming artists...   Malik 05.02.08 The self proclaimed rapper’s rapper, Moorish Delta 7’s Malik, straight out of Birmingham, is a business man at heart who doesn’t like to be pigeon holed. Working on a collection of projects from acting, recording to writing a book he certainly likes a challenge…   D.2.1 25.01.08 Born in the UK, spending most of his life growing up in the Bronx and then moving back to the UK laid an interesting ground for D.2.1's hiphop credentials. With his one man Blackmobb Entertainment working hard and his recently dropped Pain album getting some good praise Nina Carmela set out to find out more...   Lifesavas 18.01.08 Gutterfly - Not your average hip hop album. This offering has an interesting concept; reflecting the fictional deeds of a trio of ghetto superheroes – Bumpy Johnson, Sleepy Floyd and Jimmy Slimwater - taking inspiration from the Blaxploitation films of the '70s as the Lifesavas take on an alter ego to explore different themes and perspectives and relate this in the music. Right now Lifesavas are touring internationally to promote the album. Lady Jay managed to find out a little bit more about these talented and fast rising guys from Portland - Vursatyl and Jumbo aka: Lifesavas.   DJ Snips 15.01.08 DJ Snips has consistently laced soulfully chopped bangers to some of Britain’s finest. Now on the brink of a re-focus to U.S pastures, UKHH’s roving production powerhouse and reporter The Last Skeptik caught up with the Poisonous Poets rep Snips to talk business…   Foreign Beggars 09.01.08 Foreign Beggars are a 5 man crew comprising of rappers Orifice Vulgatron and Metropolis, DJ NoNames, Beat Boxer Shlomo and Producer Dag Nabbit. Their label Dented Records is home to some of the UK’s most talented artists, and the succession of creative musicians, singers and rappers are keeping them constantly challenged and fresh. Talented, creative and mad as cheese Lady Jay UK caught up with Orifice Vulgatron, Metropolis and (even got a few words from) Dagnabbit in Manchester recently and they’ve a whole new show with ballet and necrophilia they wanna tell you about...   Forbidden Tongues 26.12.07 Producer Forbidden Tongues was brought up during the early-90s era of hard boom-bap beats and dusty samples lifted from long-forgotten wax so it comes as no surprise that the musical fingerprints of beat kings such as DJ Premier and RZA can clearly be heard on his debut album “Konnekt”. The real surprise, however, is to be found in the revelation that an album as good as “Konnekt” could be crafted by an individual who had only twelve months ‘official’ production experience under his belt. With 2008 almost upon us, UKHH sat down for a brief introductory chat with the Manchester-based producer, who might just be responsible for one of the best debut albums of the last year.   Beit Nun 20.12.07 You would be forgiven if you never thought of Macclesfield as a hotbed of hip hop talent but you’d be right, one act however has been looking to change that recently. Beit Nun (pronounced bet nun) has been working the local circuit into a veritable fever with energetic performances and a realistic yet professional business perspective of what can be achieved. Mr Phlo caught up with him recently and allowed him to pop his interview cherry...   Konny Kon 12.12.07 This guy’s pretty undercover, and he likes it that way. Though he has appeared on tracks with Jehst, Fallacy and Doc Brown; Broke 'N' English DJ Konny Kon has the ill flow you may not have heard yet. Or, you have heard it; you just don’t know who this dude is and where he sprung up from. With a compilation CD coming up and recently featuring on Broke ‘N’ English’s debut album Lady Jay had to delve further into one of Manchester’s most low profiling hip hop heads...   Jehst 08.12.07 When he’s not drifting across high plains or riding in buses full of Menghi wearing his nuke proof suit, the man some call Billy Brimstone finds time to make the odd tune or two too. Madrox got some small nuggets of info in a rare bit of J-Star downtime…So what has Jehst been up to in the two years since we last spoke?   Cappo 22.11.07 He’s been one of the most consistent Hip Hop artists that this shore has ever produced, yet Cappo still doesn’t seem to get the recognition by the masses after so many years in the game. It’s about time Capps got the props he deserves and it’s about time UKHH.com caught up with him again to talk about past, present, future and to get the further detail on the mystery of the metal detector guy!   Will Ashon 09.11.07 Big Dada - a place called home to musical mavericks, wayward geniuses and rapping Dadaists. Where a gold disc and Mercury Music nominees reside and UK Hip hop has never sounded less like UK Hip hop. You might find dead dogs two mixing it up with gangsters and an unemployed black astronaut, or maybe you’ll witness the adventures of the lactating man. Well, maybe it’s not quite as fantastical as that list of select BD tracks but the last ten years have certainly been quite the fairy tale story for Big Dada’s Big Dada, Will Ashon. Kane caught up with him to find out more…   Dubbledge 30.10.07 Raised in Watford and rhyming since the ’90s, the self-proclaimed “oldest newcomer in the game” has spent the last few years building a formidable reputation for himself as a skilled wordsmith. Consistently shining on collaborations with homegrown heavyweights such as Foreign Beggars, Braintax and Micall Parknsun, Edge’s potent verses have converted many listeners to his unpredictable brand of lyrical fireworks. Read what Dubbledge had to say to Ryan Proctor...   Prefuse 73 29.10.07 Guillermo Scott Heron, aka Prefuse 73 makes the sort of lush yet fiercely progressive Hip hop soundscapes that draw inevitable comparisons to the late Jay Dilla. But Prefuse 73 is very much his own man, and a recording artist with a unique musical vision. With his 'Preparations' album just released on Warp Kane found out more...   L.Man 26.10.07 I'm sure you have all seen L.Man on Channel U by now, whether it's on the introspective track 'Pushin' or the street banger 'Hold It Down'. Equally at ease over a Grime or Hip-Hop beat, L's is currently touring the UK with the mighty Skinnyman. After his high energy performance in Nottingham, Ben Spurr spoke to 'that white kid' on everything from the Skinny hook up to his forthcoming album.   Skinnyman 18.10.07 In a somewhat dank dressing room at the Stratford Circus, Hayley Rebecca Coyle cornered Leeds’ and Finsbury Park’s most disreputable export: Skinnyman. Fresh back from cavorting in Amsterdam and with a new single to promote, he and the Mud Fam heckled and joked their way through this improviso interview. But Skinnyman was surprisingly earnest when it came to certain things. Human rights, the plight of water-starved children and of course, the calibre of Britain’s green supply...   Metabeats 12.10.07 You may not recognise yet, but take it from me, Metabeats is the best thing to come out of Wales Barry John or Bara Brith. He’s a beat maker from Barry, South Wales, who was the uncanny knack of making a banger anytime he so much as walks near a production module. So if you don’t know, it’s time to get to know...   Illa J 09.10.07 The loss of a loved one can impact those left behind in many different ways. In the case of 20-year-old John ‘Illa J’ Yancey, the tragic death last year of his older brother, producer J Dilla, motivated the aspiring beat master to start chasing his dreams. Now it’s clear that Illa J is serious about leaving his mark on the hip-hop landscape. Currently putting the finishing touches to a debut album that will see Illa both producing and rhyming Ryan Proctor recently met up with a humble but determined Illa J at his Camden hotel to talk about Dilla’s legacy, musical influences, and the need to be original...   El-P 05.10.07 When you say the name El-P to a random selection of hip-hop fans, you’re likely to get half yawning and complaining about “backpackers” and the other half so excited you gotta keep a muzzle on them to stop them talking about how great the man is. Madrox caught up with the man who courts controversy like an old friend, runs the biggest indie hip-hop label on the planet and famously wrote THAT line about Rawkus…presenting El-Producto…   K*NERS 04.10.07 K*NERS has been creating heat on the scene for a few years now, bringing the Bristol sound to London and back again, getting acknowledged by big UK acts as well as big US labels and with the new 'The Schooling Mixtape'. K*NERS is on a mission to school the youth, men and women nationwide with his Rock/Ragga influenced Hip Hop. Safesoul speaks to K*NERS about the mixtape, the state of Hip Hop at the moment, music downloads and Semtex...   76 01.10.07 Melbourne feature - Another Brit who decided to make the move to Melbourne, 76, originally from Birmingham and a member of the collective known as The Herd, has been hard at work in recent months putting together and opening his studio –Stronghorn Studio’s. Fraksha wanted to get another Englishman’s take on the Melbourne scene and life in general over there so after months of barbeques and Carlton Drafts 76 was the man for the job...   Mantra 01.10.07 Melbourne feature - Fraksha first saw Mantra smashing it up on a Monday evening at the Evelyn and he just stood out head and shoulder’s above everyone else that night. Mantra has a sick flow, but aint one of them rappers that sacrifices lyrics for multi-syllable nonsense and there’s no pretence or front with him. He’s just a safe brer who makes really good honest music...   563 01.10.07 Melbourne feature - Another Englishman to make to move to Melbourne, 563 has been putting in work in the London scene for many years now and since moving over here has been busy playing shows around the place as well as working at Obese, so Fraksha felt it would be good to see what he had to say about his time in Melbourne...   Autism 01.10.07 Melbourne feature - One of the most chilled humblest people Fraksha's met out in Melborune would be Autism, but when he hits the booth or the stage he switches to something altogether different. If you like your hip hop crazy, violent and fucking hyper Autism’s your man, but don’t get it twiss, none of this is at the sake of flows or lyric’s which he has in abundance...   Rigorous Recordings with Bigs 01.10.07 Melbourne feature - Rigorous show is a sight indeed. Bare people on stage going wild, beer flying everywhere, the smell of weezy in the air…how it should be! Fraksha met Bigs back in ’02 when he went down to do something for PBS radio in Melbourne. Definitely on the grimier side of Melbourne hip hop Rigorous have developed a tidy roster of artists that has seen a regular slew of releases recently...   DJ Flagrant 01.10.07 Melbourne feature - Manager, artist, promoter, top boy DJ etc etc. Flago is the man with his finger in many many pies of different flavours. Constantly with a phone to his ear juggling this and that, he’s always on the grind. As well as his own interests he’s helped out countless acts and rarely will you find anyone with a bad word to say about the man (apart from the odd middle-aged Venezuelan woman, but that’s another story)...   Jase 01.10.07 Melbourne feature - Obese artist Jase has been a stalwart of the Ozzie scene for many years now, supplying beats to a diverse number of acts as well as enjoying worldwide success as part of the break-beat outfit Nu-Breed. He’s been there and seen it and witnessed the growth and change of the scene from what it was to where it is today...   Plutonic Lab 01.10.07 Melbourne feature - Plutonic Lab is a name familiar to pretty much every hip hop head in Australia having worked with so many of the scene’s leading names over the years. Regularly polled as one of the best producers in the country, Plutonic has most recently been enjoying success as part of the producer / MC combo, Muph & Plutonic and has been flat out touring in support of their most recent release...   M-Phazes 01.10.07 Melbourne feature - Phazes is one of the illest producers in the world right now! His beats are stoooopid! He’s been grinding away on the Gold Coast doing his thing for a while now and at the beginning of the year moved down to Melbourne to be closer to certain things business and music wise. Officially a sick caaaaant, you will definitely hear more from this man in the future...   Ciecmate 01.10.07 Melbourne feature - Ciecmate was one of the first people Fraksha met when out in Oz in 2002 and is one of the safest people he's come into contact with…but don’t mistake kindness for weakness, a keen martial artist he will stomp you out! Anyway, back to the music…Ciecmate is a part of the Hospice Crew and also runs Broken Tooth Entertainment, renowned around Australia for releasing no bullshit, staunch as it gets Ozzie hip hop...   Dr Syntax 25.09.07 Now a familiar name in the UK hip hop world, Ben Hughes aka Dr Syntax has cemented his place amongst the country’s premier wordsmiths. Starting with a few guest spots on the Foreign Beggars first album, he has been popping up on tracks ever since with the likes of Stig, Flevans, Rup and Dubbledge. Louis Soul caught up with the Doc at the local GP surgery, for his opinions on the trials and tribulations of the rap game.   Brother J 10.09.07 Hip Hop has become a universe of planets as such, we have Gangster Rap, Trapp, Crunk, Christian Hip Hop, Latino Hip Hop, French Hip Hip, UK Hip Hop…the list is endless. Life on each planet has developed growths of their own kind, but no matter what development they’re representing its still born from one mother, the creator of Hip Hop music. So what happens when one growth decides to take some time away, will they be accepted after so many years of developments within the universe? Nina Carmela speaks to Brother J of X-Clan about the acceptance within the Hip Hop industry and the lack of knowledge obtained within this music genre to date.   Example 22.08.07 West London rapper Example has rhymed since school days. After being plucked from the underground by Mike Skinner of the Beats label, the roguish Fulham boy is lambasting the UK hip hop scene with his biting lyrics and ambitious beats. His previous singles have been daring, dark and droll – but when chatting to him he’s got a refreshingly winsome attitude towards music. His debut studio album is imminent, and he’s about to tear up the stage at 'Get Loaded In The Park' this Sunday. Hayley Coyle caught up with him while he washing his smalls in a local laundrette.   Aesop Rock 16.08.07 Aesop Rock has long been one of the most intricate, story telling rappers of our time, creating his own niche in independent hip hop with his music in the early part of this decade. Recently relocating to San Francisco, questions have been raised as to whether this will cause a shift in his style of rap. Combining his own production with the beats of the talented Blockhead, he gets ready to present us with his first album for nearly two years ‘None Shall Pass’. On an unusually warm day in the centre of London, Louis Soul met Aesop Rock at Cargo to find out what makes him tick and his hopes for the new release...   Tricksta & Late (Wolftown) 03.08.07 If you are in any way involved in the UK scene then no doubt you will have received a barrage of e-mails from the Midlands based label Wolftown Recordings. As the content of these e-mails prove, CEO’s Late and Tricksta are always on the grind with new projects up their sleeves. With one of their releases featured in the HHC all time Top 50 British Hip Hop Albums this month, Ben Spurr thought it a good time to get to know what the head honcho’s are about on a deeper level...   Alice Russell 27.07.07 Perhaps the most lavishly soulful voice in the UK today, Alice Russell has not yet really quite got the recognition she deserves. Through working and touring with an array of talent including TM Juke, Quantic and her own live band, she has served up two very impressive albums as well as a remix album, with which she has carved out her own style, whilst still staying true to her gospel and soul roots. Whilst she was touring round Europe, Louis Soul got the chance to throw a few questions to gain a little more insight into Miss Russell…   Styalz Fuego 26.07.07 Straight out of Melbourne, Australia comes a producer quickly rising up the ranks of popular music. Not content rocking the boards for Chamillionaire, Kelis and Snoop, Styalz Fuego has reached out to some UK emcees with his trademark sound. Resident beatsmith The Last Skeptik caught up with him for a few questions…   Kool Keith 19.07.07 “Abstract musical genius”. Are three words often bandied about by pseudo editorialists with little justification? Passing Electro/Indie fusions, 16-year-old Grime producers and whoever else the Guardian music supplement is currently giving head to, and invariably those three words get dragged out. But yep, you guessed it, I’m going to do it: Kool Keith is an abstract musical genius.   Chain Of Command 16.07.07 Coming out of South London, Speakers Corner regulars Chain of Command are a hardcore collective of MCs, DJs and producers known for their commitment and dedication to the scene. Fresh from touring the UK alongside US heavyweight Saigon and Scram Jones, Exzes caught up with the group to discuss their upcoming album, their influences, free Hip-Hop, and have a look inside the minds that mainstream media outlets overlook in favour of the more conformist artists...   S.Kalibre 12.07.07 Some heads in the UK scene keep a constant prominence, right at the forefront of the scene, occasionally though, you can hear a low rumbling from the underground of an artist who's got serious promise and is makin quite a lot of noise all on their lonesome. S.Kalibre is one of those people, Madrox caught up with him for a little chat about Hard Livin, what he's up to next, and life in general.   Saigon 10.07.07 Having stayed on various 'Most Anticipated' rap lists for the past three years, Saigon finally looks set to drop his debut album - 'The Greatest Story Never Told'. It would take a brave person to say that it won't live up to the hype. Kobi finally tracked him down after 3 years of searching, before his first show in London to talk about hip-hop's effect on kids, Barak Obama's chances of reaching The White House, his stint on a hit TV show and his rumoured collaboration with President Carter.   Spida Lee 10.07.07 Spida Lee is one of those raw emcees, who when you hear for the first time, you feel like Hiphop is coming back! Having dropped the heavy-weight LP “The Foundation”, 2hip thought it was only right to catch up with Huddersfield’s star man to see what’s going on up north.   Pneumatic & Sloth 10.07.07 The history behind Pneumatic and Sloth speaks for itself; having met in the ukhh.com forums back in ’99 they’ve had a nourishing musical presence within the scene to date. Now represented by Headcount Records the rapsational duo have released their debut album, ‘Audibly Nice’, following the success of the critically acclaimed ‘EP’.   Xzibit 04.07.07 He’s had his fingers in so many pies lately; it seems to have been a long time since Xzibit released a rap album. In the last few years he has taken his career from an underground West Coast rapper to becoming an international household namecovering rapping, acting and presenting. So after all that what does he make of it all? Louis Soul met up with Xzibit for a quick Q and A session in a swanky hotel lobby to get his take on his career so far...   Nomadic Poet 27.06.07 Nomadic Poet has left The Planets behind for the moment and release his impressive debut with a whole host of producers. Wytfang hooked up with him to talk Planets, beats & life (and the debut solo LP)...   Ric Branson 20.05.07 Most of you will have blindly come into this interview out of mild curiosity as to who the hell Ric Branson is. If I told you not only did you know them, but they were once part of one of the most consistent UK crews in the last 5-6 years, would you still be any the wiser? Well, Ric Branson was Ricochet of Universal Soliders and now he drops his debut release as a solo artist. What comes after, may be a bit of a surprise however…   Channelling Charlie Parker - A Conversation with Soweto Kinch 02.05.07 When award winning saxophonist and rapper, Soweto Kinch passed through the heart of the commuter belt earlier this month during his hectic touring schedule, Kobi took the chance to come out of retirement. The boy from Brum found time to speak on crime in the inner cities, scoring plays, working with Moira Stuart and his stint on the Pop Idol's house band. And all that before taking to the stage to promote A Life In The Day of B19: Tales Of The Towerblock.   Mr Ti2bs 02.05.07 It’s been almost exactly a year since UKHH.com last pestered the talented Mr Ti2bs. A year too long in our opinion, so we decided to track him down and get an update on his current movements. Thankfully, it was worth an update as things have moved on for Ti2bs and we caught some words a matter of weeks after his debut solo LP “Nobody’s Perfect” hit the streets.   DJ Yoda 01.05.07 DJ Yoda is lauded all over the UK as the ultimate mixing pundit. The cheese-hop grandmaster has made a career out of sampling sounds from random, reminiscent sources, and is famously credited as “the DJ with a sense of humour”. But is this accolade still deserved? Hayley Coyle chatted to Yoda to about his new single, his audio visual wizardry and what he’s up to next.   Spank Rock 30.04.07 “Wot do u call it?” Baltimore House, ‘fucked up shit’, Club Rap, Hipster Hop (my own creation). Whatever you call it I think it was James Brown who put it best, ‘there are only two types of music; good and bad.’ And Spank Rock's genre-bender sound definitely falls into the former category. UKHH’s superstar writer Kane, caught up with producer Alex ‘Armani XXXChange’ Epton to find out more...   Predator Prey 16.04.07 It's been six months since I first broke my promise to Dave Rodgers. Back in late summer last year he approached me with the desire to come out of the closet as one half of what is now Predator Prey, a dubious duo that sees Dave paired up with the whitest brown rapper since Jacko last talked on a record.   Black Milk 06.04.07 Hands down, Black Milk is the most sought after, talked about artist of recent times. Effortlessly blending underground headnodicity with mass appealing bounce, Milk rips up the mic and MPC. UKHH’s resident beat conductor, The Last Skeptik caught up with the Detroit native to ask some brief questions…   Klashnekoff 27.03.07 A quick glance through the Magazines, Newspaper supplements and Internet forums (this one in particular), over the last month or so and you could not have failed to have noticed the name. But for those in the know Klashnekoff Ricochet is a more than familiar figure. Kane caught up with the enigmatic rapper in candid mood.   Zuby 20.03.07 Hailing from Oxford University, and causing a stir amongst critics is the cosmopolitan-influenced newcomer Zuby. Taking his inspiration from the UK, the US, Saudi Arabia and other regions, Zuby combines an affable style with an intellectual viewpoint, and, already with a video completed as this is being written and a fan-base ever growing, J~bright talks to a potential star in the making…   Willo Wispa 12.03.07 According to Willo’s dictionary his namesake means he is elusive, very elusive. So elusive infact, not even his own label can find him half the time. Being the drunken enigma that he is means he also manages to get down some of the most polished and original sounding UK tunes in the business, having taken the solo route for a short while away from his former Colony bredrin, Madrox caught up with Mr.Wispa to see exactly what is Willo on?   Big Narstie 27.02.07 Many of you will know Big Narstie by now and if you don’t then in the very near future you will. His comedic rhymes and “Grindie” songs are making him one of this years best acts. ukhh welcome Shorty to the team who undertook the task to interview Big Narstie and this is what he had to say for himself...   Rup 21.02.07 Lying somewhere between hip hop and funk South London’s Rup may not be a household name to many UK hip hop heads. Travelling to and from Brighton and London, he has been slowly building up his reputation with projects such as collaborations with Tru Thoughts’ TM Juke, and a few releases on his own label 27 Beats . Looking to step up a gear, he is now ready to serve up his first offering on Zebra Traffic entitled Rup On Zebra, so on a chilly January evening in Whitechapel, Louis Soul caught up with Rup for a little discussion…   Necro 15.02.07 Porn rap, death rap, horrorcore, call it what you want, but Necro has been steadily serving up his own brand of hip hop for years. With his own label Psycho+Logical Records now in its seventh year, he has brought us albums from the likes of Goretex, Mr Hyde, and his brother Ill Bill. Louis Soul met Necro at the Holiday Inn in Kings Cross to find out a little bit more about his roots, how his career has progressed since his death metal days and some slightly more explicit topics...   Million Dan 07.02.07 From his start on Tottenham based ragga-Sound Saxon, to his role as Mike J in "The Northside[s]" finest The Demon Boyz, to his sucessful solo career, unifying people against racism, and many trips "back-a-Yard", this one-man musical powerhouse has had an influence on many. We talk to Million Dan about, the brand new "InfraRed" Mixtape, his forth coming Spektrum Ride album, his favourite MC's, and his new role as Record Label CEO...   Mr. Phlo 02.02.07 Hip Hop fans in Reading should already know him - if you've been to an event in the past three years the chances are that he was the promoter. The lineups read like a whos who in UK hip hop but now Mr Phlo is stepping out of the shadows to get recognised as an MC in his own right. LuvJones spoke to him just after the local release of his first mix cd to talk about promoting in general, what he's looking to achieve and the age old debate of grime vs UKHH...   DJ Noorah & Nat Illumine - The Women of Itch FM 18.01.07 Veteran Itch FM Hosts, club DJs and industry insiders DJ Noorah and Nat Illumine discuss with Shucks hiphop history, guaranteed hot records, dumb-ass rappers, and offer some sisterly advice to up and coming female artists.   Supar Novar 17.01.07 You may already be familiar with the name, having featured alongside Foreign Beggars, Skinny Man and Genesis Elijah. Kane recently caught up with rising young rapper Supar Novar for a brief chat before one of his shows. In fact I am greeted every morning by the sight of his face on promotional stickers at Tottenham Court Rd station. A good example of a young English Hip Hop artist on the grind…   Sir Smurf Lil' 10.01.07 The murder mile's Sir Smurf Lil' is one 1/4th of The Colony and has rocked numerous open mics, and a variety of clubs across the city of London. It can be honestly said that Sir Smurf brings a very refreshing and ear pleasing feel to the Hip Hop scene. Chris Bryne had a few quick words with the man…   Ty 04.01.07 What was procured as a short radio interview “quickly” became an in-depth, no holds bared tell all. With such an interesting interviewee -- TY, it didn’t seem right for his words to only be aired once and to not be archived for all to see. Luckily, Rish took one for the team of Hip Hop and spent many an hour transcribing a recording of his broadcast. Read the full interview to learn of possible future collaborations and TY speaking out against the industry…   Braintax 03.01.07 A veteran of the UK scene, Braintax doesn’t really need much of an introduction to true UK hip hop heads. After years of running Low Life where he has brought us some classic albums such as Skinnyman’s - Council Estate of Mind and Jehst’s - High Plains Drifter, this is only his second solo release after a wait of nearly five years since his last album Biro Funk.   Median 17.12.06 With “The Path To Relief” re-released recently and “Median’s Relief” just around the corner, Rish caught up with Median – one of the many talented Justus League members who are ready to make their mark on the industry. If you like dope beats and well thought out concepts, Median’s definitely one to check out--so put your feet up… then put them back down so you can see your screen, and read on to find out about all things Median...   Tame One 06.12.06 Tame-One is one of New Jersey’s hardest working B-Boys, what with the recent US SUICIDAL CANNIBALLZ TOUR alongside his crew Dusted Dons, Cannibal Ox' Vast Aire, Yak Ballz, Metro (SA SMASH) and 4th Pyramid. His career was set in stone as a member of The Artifacts, a solo artist in his own right for many years working the underground angles. He took a few minutes out to talk about his career and his love for the many attributes of hip-hop, and explained his position to Shucks One...   Fresh Daily 28.11.06 During a recent trip to NYC taking in numerous Hip Hop shows, Sloppy Jallopy got to see and later meet a very talented MC called Fresh Daily. I really enjoyed his music and style and having not heard anything about him in the UK I thought an interview for ukhh.com readers was definitely in order to enlighten others who may not be aware of this talented artist already. This is what he had to say...   Terra Firma 27.11.06 The Foundation has been one of the most eagerly anticipated releases in the UK hip hop world and rarely disappoints but may just be the only ever Terra Firma release with the line-up that worked so long to get the mixtape to us. Just before the recent news emerged that Kyza has decided to part ways with the group, Louis Soul caught up with K-lash and Skriblah to talk about The Foundation and their thoughts on what they think has held them back this far...   Kyza 26.10.06 Ukhh hack Kane caught up with Kyza in a West London pub to discuss his debut solo album, The Experience, the future for Terra Firma, problems within the industry (or lack of one) gay rappers and reality checks…   Kool Sphere 24.10.06 As writers from the Bronx and Manhattan gained much of the media shine in the early days, Queens borough graffiti contribution is undeniable but one that often gets over looked. Kool Sphere cut his teeth as both a graffiti writer riding the 7's surviving local hood wars, and later on battling MC's live on New York College radio, so he definitely knows the Queens County's legacy.Peep what he had to say to Shucks One...   Ghostface 13.10.06 After more Red Tape than Santa’s grotto, UKHH.com’s Rish was lucky enough to grab a last minute interview with none other than Tony Starks. In hindsight, I think I can hazard a guess as to where the Starks came from, so lets just hope that the Killah doesn’t have such factual origins. Although some of his answers were brutally simple (i.e. stark), according to the Oxford University Press, that also means they were sharply evident. Consequently, even the least perceptive of you will not possibly be able to miss the news of new Wu-Tang and Doom projects, a new album and plenty of other intriguing information...   Ralph Rip Shit 12.10.06 Ralph Rip Shit. Is this the best name in UK Hip Hop? Probably. But the praise shouldn't stop with the name. With last year’s superb Breaknecks release 'Music For Batchelors' and a couple of mixtapes already on his CV, Ralph is aiming to enhance his position as one of the best upcoming emcee's in the UK with his first foray into the vinyl market, his debut solo 12" "The Best Name", which drops on Associated Minds, very soon.   Freestyle Masons 11.10.06 Following their success in the Jump Off, World Rap Championships, the Freestyle Masons’ have exploded on to the battle scene, providing us with some of the most entertaining rap battles the UK has seen for a long while. Coming from a variety of backgrounds, Possessed, Reain, Stig and Respek BA have each brought their own style to the Masons. New writer Louis Soul caught up with them at WTW studios to ask them their thoughts of the UK battle scene and in particular the Jump Off, which has had a major influence on their battling careers.   Smife 10.10.06 2-Hip was so impressed by the recent freely downloadable mixtape by Hackney's Smife that he tracked him down to find out about his big sisters musical influence, the garage background, what inspires him to write lyrics with meaning and more...   Juttla 09.10.06 Juttla has been making his brand of insane Asian-influenced drum’n’bass and breaks for over 10 years. But now teaming up with Wolftown Juttla’s got a new album coming out, it’s all hip-hop and it’s got Inspectah Deck, 2Pac and Notorious BIG on it, and they are ALL official tracks, sanctioned by the right rights-owners…Intrigued Nikesh got on the downlow and asked what makes the Eastern Pressure pioneer think he can start making hip hop tunes...   HKB FiNN 08.10.06 HKB Finn is a true UK pioneer. He’s never been afraid to push the boat out, try new things and take you on a journey. He’s gone from bashy and urgent to rootsy to spoken word and more in between and everything outside of the box and inside the box. Hell, Finn helps to make the box and then destroy it because he can’t be boxed or labelled. One of our most interviewed artists, due to being one of the more interesting and articulate interviewees we’ve had the joy of talking to, Nikesh caught up in September to chat about his new blessing to the world, ‘Spoken Herbs’, a mash-up of blues, rhymes and spoken word rhythms…   Kids In Tracksuits 01.10.06 Not a lot of people at a young age can add "Been on Lamacq Live" to the old portfolio, but Kids In Tracksuits are 2 fellas that can, having received huge success and critical acclaim throughout the first portion of their career, Madrox caught up with them to find out just what it is that makes, what some have claimed as "Britain’s answer to Dj Shadow", tick....introducing Andy & Matt, the Tracksuit lads...   Jair Dynast 30.09.06 Born in Barbados and now residing in New York is a rapper that the world needs to get up on. If you like Chuck D, Immortal Technique and Paris, then here is an MC you need to get up on. Ladies and gentlemen let UKHH.COM introduce you to Jair Dynast...   Diabolic 28.09.06 “You really don't wanna know much about me being that the more you know about me the more vomit will be launched from your pig mouth...” says Diabolic which is reason enough if ever there was for Rish to track down the Long Island native to talk about his new album, his UK and US linkups, ripping off grannies and battling for head...   Chronic Redeye 26.09.06 There's more to Norwich hiphop than DefTex and DPF. For the last three years Norfolk based Chronic Redeye have been pushing out their material independently, as well as rocking stages and festivals in East Anglia. With a previous CD 'Seein Red' and the vinyl release 'Free Up Tha Sound EP' under their belts, Chronic Redeye are back with an album destined to be their biggest release so far. UKHH sent Dirty Den to get the low-down and find out more about this infamous duo.   Alan Lamb & Ian Beef 25.09.06 No, obviously not the cricketers. In what must be one of our strangest interviews we talk to two very dubious characters - Ian Beef and Alan Lamb. Both are producers releasing their music through Bristol label Hairy Parents. Anyone familiar with the Hairy tag may have heard names like Undivided Attention, Parlour Talk & All Creatures, all known for making their own brand of original and very skilled hip hop...Alan & Ian are a bit harder to take in...   Storm The Unpredictable 24.09.06 Storm the Unpredictable should need no introduction. Rhyming since the late 80's. Although he hails from Maryland on the East, he has studied and been influenced by the lyrics of legends from both coasts. He is determined to craft timeless songs that represent where he has been, what he has experienced and that encompass his viewpoints on a variety of universal topics that listeners no matter what the age can relate to. This year he was honored with the prestigious John Lennon award and has just released his new album...   Smiler 20.09.06 There are an increasing number of UK artists who don’t play by the rules and stick to their own sub-scene - some of the first that spring to mind being Klashnekoff, Sway and Kano. Now enter Smiler, a 20-year-old south London Hip Hop MC, with a slight dash of Grime thrown in for good measure. With a video circulating around MTV Base and Channel U and his own condoms (!) on road, Rish caught up with Smiler so he can tell the good citizens of UKHH.com about himself, because like he says, “the underground is where it all starts”.   Riz MC 13.09.06 Riz MC is the most relevant artist In the country at this very moment. Here is an actor who has been in one of the most contentious and shocking films about the 'War on Terror' in recent history. He's also quite a vicious battle rapper, holding his own at Jump Off and Battlescars events. Not only that but he's written a rap song that's gotten more mainstream column Inches than most of your favourite UK rappers. Erstwhile ukhh.com reporter Nikesh caught up with him between rehearsals for the Asian Dub Foundation hip-hopera Gaddafi to chat about everything, from battling to rice to that war on terror thingamijig...   Kulez 12.09.06 Jump Off has been taking leaps and bounds lately. The latest competition had the, frankly fantastic, prize of having the MC entered into what is probably the worlds biggest battle tournament - Scribble Jam. So then.....Who won? Mc Kulez. Here's a quick insight into the mind of the man himself, on what he's up to currently, his best and worst battles, and of course...Scribble Jam....introducing Kulez...   Cesar Comanche 06.09.06 Hailing from Jacksonville, North Carolina, Cesar Comanche is a man who isn’t afraid of hard work. An accomplished entrepreneur, a founding member of The Justus League, the collective that includes the likes of 9th Wonder, Khrysis and Little Brother. Cesar has just re-released his sought after debut ‘Wooden Nickels’ LP to a new worldwide audience so Rish caught up with the man himself to chat about the re-release, The Justus League and what his future holds...   Baby J 01.09.06 Having produced for some of the finest mcs’ on either side of the Atlantic, Baby J returns with a strictly home-grown offering via the highly anticipated ‘For The People (F.T.P. the mix tape)’. Kane caught up with him via email to find out more…   Manage 31.08.06 Anyone up to date with the UK scene should be well aware of South London’s Mr Manage by now. Whether you’ve seen him tearing down stage shows, peeped one of his releases dating back to 1999, heard his work with in demand producer Chemo or know him as one of the faces behind London Hip Hop night “Speakers Corner”, he’s probably made a lasting impression. With a solo album ready to drop any minute now, it was only right that Rish caught up with the man himself for a lengthy chat...   Caramac 30.08.06 As perhaps one of the most underated producers in the UK scene Caramac has worked with some of the biggest names on the come up (including Sway, Kyza and Lowkey). Luv Jones thought it was high time we caught up with and questioned the man and what he's done so far and where he's heading for...   Bigg Steele 29.08.06 Straight outta Long Beach comes an emcee that has released three CDs in the UK in just under a year - A work ethic that maybe some home-grown rappers could learn from! His official mixtapes The Chronicles Of Bigg Steele have propelled Steele into limelight over in the UK with a tour last year including an unforgettable performance at London’s Jump Off. We sent Dirty Den to find out what goes on with Steele's focus on the UK market, as well as his thoughts, views and opinions on things hip hop...   Sum Patten 26.08.06 An emerging artist continually putting in work and paying dues, Sum Patten has a style of his own, drawing on the sounds of East Coast, West Coast & Southern Rap. The originality in his wordplay, flow and delivery is undeniable. Originally from Atlanta, now in New York and soon to be in Los Angeles, his music is as diverse as the cities by which he been influenced, Size13 found out more...   Kano 24.08.06 East London’s finest, Kano, performs in Devon for the Exeter Respect festival. Mehul Doshi meets up with Kano after his set to discuss Cameron, Grime, Zidane and Jigga.   The Longshots 23.08.06 It’s fairly likely that many people in the UK won’t have heard of Rock Shabazz & Crayon aka The Longshots yet. But with their album "Hunger Music" getting a good reception from various stables and another LP in the post, it’s about time you familiarise yourself with this dope US crew. Hell they’ve even hooked up Funky DL so you’ve got to show some love, read on...   G1 22.08.06 G1 hailing from Detroit has been making moves in production circles for some time now. As her NGC label makes moves with people from all over the USA and Europe (including Nottingham!) Luv Jones caught up with her via e-mail to discuss whats happening at the moment and what lies in the future...   JaJa of the P.D.C 21.08.06 Embracing the D.I.Y. culture The P.D.C. are a Brixton based crew going it alone with their own mixtapes, artist releases, videos, hairdressers and more! Louise went to their HQ to meet bossman JaJa and discover more about this ethic and their background and future plans...   Camilla 15.08.06 Camilla, the 20 year old singer, songwriter and actress from North London, and the official 1st R&B Lady of DipSet is about to release her debut single which features Erick Sermon! All of which was hype enough for J~Bright to venture down to Bar Rumba to find out more...   Mitsu The Beats 14.08.06 The latest in a long line of talented Japanese DJs and beatsmiths, Mitsu the Beats is a name you’ve probably seen before but may not know a lot about. Luckily the internet was at hand for K-Per to catch some words with the man...   Doujah Raze 11.08.06 With his new album "Past Presence Features", his debut full length LP, a slew of dope 12's and mix cd's and an increasing resume of collaborations on wax and on stage, Virginia's Doujah Raze is making serious power moves. Currently residing in New York, Doujah has collaborated with East Coast heavyweights such as A.G., Born Unique, Da Beatminerz, Mista Sinista, OC, Sean Price, Team Demolition to name a few. Putting it bluntly, Raze is an MC that truly needs to be heard...   T3 07.08.06 Along with the passing of Jay Dilla, this year also saw the release of Slum Villages mass-bootlegged debut LP with the original lineup of Baatin, Jay Dee and T3. With Baatin long moved on and SV now comprising of Elzhi and T3, Anna Nathanson caught up with T3 for a few quick words about the LP, Detroit and of course the legendary producer...   Baron Samedi 04.08.06 North London based mc/producer/self proclaimed yeti hunter Baron Samedi caught up with Press1 to swap words about amateur pa’s, Haagen-Dazs and his new LP ‘Ripping Yarns’ out on Main Rock Records...   Bruza 03.08.06 If you have more than a passing interest in Grime you would no doubt be familiar with the distinctive sound of Bruza. Kane caught up with the gravel voiced MC in Bruzas hometown, and the unofficial capital of Grime, Walthamstow to find out more...   Pseudo Slang 01.08.06 When a world renowned label chooses to put out a crew that’s name may not immediately ring memory bells, you know that something special is going to come out of the equation. Buffalo natives Pseudo Slang are about to unleash something soulful on to the masses, and there’s no escaping it. Our roving reporter and beatsmith, The Last Skeptik, caught up with the talented fellows...   Mark B 01.08.06 "I lost my emotion, I lost my tongue, I travelled across the ocean & found a new one.." - this sentence sums up Mark B very well, having suffered some serious set backs within the UK industry - Marks been looking abroad for talented fresh MC's and come across a doozy in the form of Delta. Madrox caught up with Mark to discuss the past years goings on, his stance on Australian rap and give the industry a good cussing...   Plan B 26.07.06 Every year an act comes along that divides the UK hip hop audience, makes them sit up and question the parameters of the comfort zone of UK hip hop that they live in. Two years ago, it was the Streets, last year it was Dizzee Rascal (and grime). This year, the man contending for contentious in this little scene of ours is Plan B. With his album now released Nikesh caught up with the man again...   Swift It Major 15.07.06 In the streets of North West London there is a rhymer who has been making noise recently with his superb new mixtape ‘Road Work’. As part of the organisation that is ‘The Good Samaritan Music Project’ aka TGSMP and with his debut album on the way, Swift It Major is destined for big things, Dirty Den found out more...   Agallah The Don Bishop 11.07.06 You may remember Agallah The Don Bishop from his work under his previous alias 8Off. For anyone who was around in the mid-nineties you must remember that classic ‘Ghetto Girl’ track. If not then don’t worry because Dirty Dens interview will reveal all about this New York MC and producer...   Lunatrix 11.07.06 New writer Dirty Den took on his first assignment - a chat with Lunatrix, the driving force behind HHB Radio, one of the best online stations playing uk hip hop and also an artist and label owner in his own right...   Harry Love & Verb T 10.07.06 WHEN a master lyricist comes together with a musical maestro, the result can be sublime. Thankfully for us all, UK Hip Hop legends Verb T and Harry Love have stayed on talking terms over the years and right now they’re dropping their first full length collaboration with Bring it Back to Basics. We’ve heard it. It’s dope and we demand to know more…   Scarrs 06.07.06 A lot of you will be familiar with Scarrs - he's the guy waving the cash around between two rappers - trying make them take each others heads off. There's a lot more to being Scarrs than being a battle host and money flaunter though... Madrox caught up with him to find out Jump Off's game plan over the next couple months and beyond... introducing Scarrs...   Genesis Elijah 05.07.06 Genesis Elijah is a hard man to pin down. He's on a constant hustle, which means constant new things to look out for on the music front. Having just released one of the nicest mixtapes you could hope to wrap your ears around here. He's still got things sat around waiting to go - including a transatlantic split EP! I caught up with him via 20 quick e-mail questions to get insight into these forthcoming releases, his views on the words/chester 'thing' and much more...   Bigz 29.06.06 Many people have heard of Bigz, maybe because of his song “Cor Blimey” or possibly through Sway’s “Up Your Speed Remix”. Soon everybody will know of Bigz as he plans to take the UK by storm in 2006. Shorty gave Bigz a quick call to see what he has in store for us this year...   UK Takeover 4 26.06.06 The UK Takeover is one of the biggest events on the Hip Hop calendar. Surprisingly it takes place outside the capital in Nottingham- notorious for its high levels of violence and gun crime. What was experienced on Monday 29th of May, however, was nothing but love and positivity amongst both the crowd and performers on a day not to be missed by heads nationwide. Ben Spurr sneaked backstage to ask a number of artists, producers and even presenters on the scene what’s poppin’.   Waxfactor 23.06.06 Yorkshire based producer Waxfactor may not be a name you’re familiar with just yet, but with a history going back to the early days of the Lex label, and his first full length LP, ‘Sci Fu’, recently released on Needlework Records you’re bound to hear a lot more from this man in the 06.   Mr Lif 22.06.06 Mr Lif is back on Def Jux with Mo Mega, his 3rd full length album. It’s been 4 years since his last album, and so he had a lot to say and put forward. With El-P, Edan and more on productions, Mo Mega is a return to form. K-Per fittingly caught up with the dreaded MC when he came through London to find out what the deal is.   Stig Of The Dump 10.06.06 Anyone lurking in our forums or London mic battles recently can't have failed to be anything other than impressed in the geordie Stiggasaurus. Madrox heard he was currently homeless but recording an EP so grabbed him online for some more info...   Syanyde 03.06.06 Panos caught up with South London emcee Syanyde to chat about his discography past, present and future; conspiracy theories and his political aspirations. Enough summaries of the interview though, just read it!   Souljah Clique 02.06.06 Souljah Clique have been on the game for many, many years now and have worked with artists from KNERS to Phi Life Cypher. These guys aren't signed, but don’t need to be, they don’t want to be ‘fast food’ and they sure ain’t. Check out what they had to say to Safesoul...   Sir Plus 02.06.06 Aggression, frustration and artistic ability is what feels Sir Plus with the passion that has earned him up most respect around the streets of Bristol and also from 1xtras big daddy, Skitz. Safesoul met up with ‘Plus in a local Bristol pub, where he also brought along Souljah Cliques main man Kelz for a chat about Full Cycle and being Sir Plus.   SE Fire 02.06.06 SÉ Fire are a local Hip Hop group comprising of two MCs, Mista Fire, Sosé, mesmerising live vocals of Jamileh, the young DJ Snafu at only 18 years age can cut it like the best of them, on and off stage Sound FX from Chemical Ollie and a live drummer Enzo. Expect big things from this unique, up and coming Hip Hop outfit. Get the low down from Safesoul...   Awkward 02.06.06 Awkward has his fingers in all the pies, he raps, DJ’s, B-Boys and Graff’s. He lives the life of what Hip Hop is supposed to be about; raw and keeping it old skool. Check out what he had to say to Safesoul...   Diss Miss 02.06.06 Diss Miss is the pioneer of female Hip Hop in Bristol; she created the all female Hip Hop crew Dutty Girl. Dutty Girl have put on big acts such as Graziella, Tali, C-Mone and many more! Dutty Girl don’t just put on a monthly night they also have a clothing line too! These ladies are holding it down for females in Bristol and beyond!   KNERS 02.06.06 Safesoul met up with KNERS in a local pub for a chat about Bristol City or should I say Cristal City. This guy is being played regularly on 1xtra with firm support from Rodney P & Skitz, Semtex and of course Nesha! (The host of his Mix tape, I AM KNERS). Along with holding down a 9-5, KNERS is working hard to put Bristol on the map for more than Drum&Bass and Massive Attack.   Syze 25.05.06 Cambridge born Syze-Up first came to prominence as a UK remixer who was embraced by the US hip-hop community. He remixed tracks for the likes of 'Lil Kim, Missy Elliot and Busta Rhymes alongside being a producer/songwriter for the Desert Eagle Discs collective. Allegra went along to chat with him…   Serocee 23.05.06 He’s a veteran of the bashment, dancehall and reggae scene, so you’ve probably heard his rhyming rhetoric on a myriad tracks. And if you’ve wondered “what’s that sound?” He’s about to embark on his first solo voyage -you’ll soon be hearing him everywhere. Over an abstemious orange juice Serocee told Hayley Rebecca Coyle what it’s all about and what to expect…   Respek BA 20.05.06 English fans won't go out of their way to peep Scotland’s hip hop scene. One artist decided he wasn't gonna wait around for a revolution and made his way down to London. Dropping a few jaws with his punch lines along the way. He's back home now and still making just as much noise. May Madrox introduce to you... Respek BA.   Jalporte 18.05.06 It’s good to see a local boy making moves; so when Derby’s own Sanjay Jalporte finally got his promo EP Farewell Aquarius together we hooked up for a chat about life after Deprogrammed. Jalporte admitted that he was a shell of a man, who could no longer find comfort in the silence of darkness. Fierce Freas was admitted access to the darkest secrets of his innermost soul, all of which I can shamelessly publish for you lot to revel in...   Stylah 17.05.06 Stylah's been about for a minute now. With the abundance of his guest slot days out of the way. The man is now on a fully fledged war to get words to wax. Now having joined forces with the infamous Poisonous Poets, it seems the industry better have there flak jackets ready. Madrox caught up with him to chat mixtapes, videos and much more...   Dubbledge 16.05.06 After the buzz formed by his ‘Fist of Jah’ Mix CD, we thought it was about time one of ukhh.com’s roving reporters tracked down one of hip hop’s brightest prospects, Dubbledge and got to know a little bit more.   Raze 12.05.06 It's pretty hard to get noticed in this industry if you live outside London. With all the seeming limelight being held at ransom by the Big Smoke. How does a producer from the Midlands get noticed? By having some top quality production and working with some of the biggest names in the business, that’s how. Ladies and Gentlemen, Madrox gives you a few words from Raze...   Akala 11.05.06 23-year old London MC Akala releases “It’s Not a Rumour” today. Anna Nathanson caught up with Ms. Dynamite’s little bro in a Camden bar recently to find out about his unique musical fusion, his troubled school days, and why he counts Shakespeare as one of his influences…   Zebra Traffic 10.05.06 Zebra Traffic & Tru Thoughts are two of the freshest and best UK labels of the moment, both consistently bringing quality hip-hop and fresh beats to the UK scene. Now was the time for Mr Lingo to catch up with the two A&R guys, Rob Luis & Tom Simpson, and find out the secrets to their Giles Peterson award winning success...   Chemo 09.05.06 It was a bit of a crime that there wasn’t already an interview with Chemo on this site. Panos caught up with Brixton based producer & sound engineer Chemo to find out a bit more about his ever more impressive discography; and to have a beat making battle. Audio inside...   Afrika Bambaataa 08.05.06 Back in The Bronx in the late Seventies, hip hop as we know it today was being created… Along with fellow pioneers such as Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa paved the way for today’s hip hop superstars. Anna Nathanson caught up with him to see what he has to say about the elevation and development of the art form…   Lethal B 06.05.06 Having come to recognition as part of More Fire Crew, Lethal Bizzle then had to deal with the disappointment of being dropped from a major label in 2002. But he has since shown the strength of character to come back and launch a highly successful solo career. Killer new writer Kane got busy n’ caught up with Lethal to hear his views on Hip hop versus Grime, beef with fellow MCs’, and ladies..   Lady Paradox 05.05.06 When Madrox first met Miss Paradox, she was just 16 years old, rockin shows around the Midlands and showing some serious potential. A few years have passed since, and even though she's in what some would call a 'less-formiddable' position, without label backing. She's been continually expanding on her sound, and putting words to beats at every available opportunity - Here's what she had to say...   J-Zone 04.05.06 New York emcee/producer J-Zone is back with another album chock full of the ignorance and bugged out but always dope beats we’ve come to expect but this time with a twist. Here, Zone gives AGP the lowdown on his music, ‘dat old gangsta shit’, soccer and the Bo$$ Hog Barabarian$ LP – his great new collaborative project with Celph Titled…   Blaktrix 03.05.06 After a productive year in the studio Blaktrix is back with his follow up, The Blixtape. With Blues & Soul magazine stating that recent EP What Shall Be ‘Proves that not all the best British Hip hop comes out of London’, and having heard it we might just agree. New UKHH.com heavyweight writer Kane catches up with one of Cardiff’s’ finest...   Teef 29.04.06 London emcee Teef has been sneaking around under the radar, but that is set to change with his new mixtape 'Honour Amongst Teef Volume 2' making noise. With this latest release, Teef is stepping up his game and aiming for notoriety. Check out what he said to AGP...   Mic Assassin 28.04.06 Delbwoy & Jess caught up with one of the UK’s premier battle emcees fresh off the plane from battling NYC as The JumpOff’s UK rep. Despite the jetlag Mic Assassin had plenty of views on that overseas trip, future plans, a new mixtape and much more besides. Run the tape…   Roll Deep 27.04.06 East London Crew Roll Deep have now officially left their label ‘Relentless’ after releasing last years critically acclaimed album ‘In at the Deep End’. The entourage have a clear message for the fans- it’s not over and their coming back stronger than ever. Ben Spurr caught a quick chat with the crew just before a recent show in Leeds...   Heralds Of Change 26.04.06 The Heralds of Change consists of two producers from Ireland and Scotland respectively. These two beatsmiths have their first 12” release, adequately laced with rhymes from U.S emcee Oddisee. Haggis, cider and kilt comments aside, UKHH’s own roving reporter and mad professor of beats, The Last Skeptik caught up with the Heralds of Change and Oddisee to see whatagwarn…   Nine High 25.04.06 UKHH scribe Mark Mongrel caught up with Nine High around the end of March just before they went on stage in support of Jehst. What followed was lively interview with five of the crew in attendance and gives a good insight to a talented crew who should be bringing ruckus to a jam near you soon…   SkinnyMan 24.04.06 Not many artists on the UK scene can be considered true legends. In order to achieve that you must prove that you have longevity in an industry were most are just flashes in the pan. Skinnyman is a legend of the UK hip hop movement. Ben Spurr caught a quick chat with the man himself before a scheduled gig in Lincoln...   Logan 20.04.06 From the depths of Essex a very distinct growl can be heard. Some put it down to the local brass. Others? ...others know about what may possibly be UK hip hop's best kept secret and saving grace. Having had little limelight so far, the man some call Mr. Zulu has been a busy boy of late. Madrox caught up with him to see just what. May I introduce, Logan...   Mr Ti2bs 19.04.06 Mr Ti2bs has been on the scene a long while now – yet many people may not know about his solo career after Mud Fam. His new release on Kemet ‘Inner City Rap’ is one of the heaviest tunes I’ve heard this year, reflected by the video’s regular rotation on Channel U. Check what he said to Lady Cook...   Foreign Beggars 18.04.06 After a gruelling and somewhat disparate soundcheck, Fierce Freas managed to grab the the Foreign Beggars backstage just as Pav was waking up, and they had an entertaining chat about amateur porn, drug smuggling and smoking faeces – none of which appears here, but we did also chat about this…   Sonny Jim 10.04.06 Soul Trader shows that Sonnyjim can write dope rhymes and deliver them in the studio as effortlessly as he can on stage. After hearing him for the first time on last year’s ‘Mixtape Blessings’, there was no better time for K-Per to catch up with the man by email to find out a bit more about his origins, what makes him tick, rhyming and more...   Third Sight 09.04.06 You may know of Third Sight, this new album is the perfect excuse to find out more about this West Coast rap group. Kper managed to get them together on the phone for a long chat which covered wide ranging subjects such as their origins, the current state of the industry, lyricism, studio engineers, the near legalisation of weed in the UK...   P Brothers 08.04.06 Nottingham’s P Brothers need very little introduction. They are quite simply Hip-Hop legends and we are lucky to be able to boast that they are from our shores. DJ’s Ivory and Paul S are two of the very best hip-hop beat makers in the world, never mind the UK. Check out what they had to say to AGP.   C-Mone 06.04.06 Forget your preoccupation with gender: C-Mone has grown up to produce one of the best albums in the UK, full stop. Keeping one step ahead of the crowd, the new album seamlessly blends politics with emotions, hard beats with electro influences...   Ruffstylz 28.03.06 After making noise to those willing to listen from Cardiff to London, Ruffstylz has dropped the ‘Lyrics’ CD to open himself up to a wider audience. The early warning signs are that Ruffstylz and his Associated Minds family are set to take 2006 by the scruff of the neck, so 2hip caught up with Ruff to mind out a bit more...   MistaJam 22.03.06 MistaJam is a varitable one man bad ass band. Having worked with some UK Hip Hop veterans right down to the absolute new breed. He's a man with his fingers in many pies. Each one looking significantly more tasty than the other. Madrox caught up with him to chat about life, television and the UK Takeover. Here's what the man had to say...   Reggiimental 20.03.06 Reggiimental is a part of the Midlands crew Gnostix. He is also a solo MC in his own right. He has had his Wordz From Da Regiment LP out, and has been doing his thing for sometime now. Yet, as Madrox often discovers in interviews... a lotta people won't know who Reggiimental is.   Orifice Vulgatron 09.03.06 Orifice Vulgatron – sounds dirty doesn’t it? Well it kind of is but not in the way you think. It’s the name of one of the UK’s finest MCs and part of the Foreign Beggars crew. With 2006 shaping up to bring more big things from them and their own Dented Records family, K-Per went to find out what the deal is.   Faith SFX 08.03.06 Faith SFX is taking the art of beat boxing to a new level, it's a mix of a whole range of genres and styles that make his live set stand out from the crowd, so much so that he won the first ever UK Beatbox Championships in 2005. UKHH.com’s Ben Tat caught a word with the UK’s current number one.   Alex Blood 07.03.06 If the name sounds familiar, let me jog your memory a little: Blood and Jonez, Deprogrammed, the Alex Blood solo EP, and now a single featuring Rukus. This is not an introduction: if you feel like you’ve missed a bit, go back and do your homework. This is Alex Blood, now repping the Soul Alliance, talking to Fierce Freas about work, what’s changed, and how to break out of a cultural vacuum....   Vibraphonic Festival 2006 06.03.06 The ridiculously diverse Vibraphonic Festival descends into Exeter’s city centre from the 3rd March till the 19th March. This co-production between the Exeter Council, local promoters and various venues is now in its third year. Mehul Doshi speaks to David Whitelock, the man behind the Vibraphonic creation, about what exactly Vibraphonic is about...   BC 400 03.03.06 BC400's latest project is a collaboration with Slovenian crew RDYO: the creation of an album, YoYoCuts, which is themed by the inspired tactic of basically swapping each others instrumentals and re-creating the tunes using new lyrics and themes. Lady Cook spoke to three of the vocalists from BC400 who gave her their feedback on working on the YoYoCuts project...   Murat & Jose 02.03.06 From listening to the YoYoCuts album it is immediately apparent that these guys really know how to spit, even if us non-Slovenian speakers can’t understand the lyrics. Lady Cook interviewed RDYO’s MC’s Murat and Jose to find out more about the inspirations behind this ambitious project...   Ghost 23.02.06 Ghost… a name that strikes fear in the heart of UK producers, and pushes them to raise their game. He’s about to drop a whole load more knowledge on heads with his Debut LP ‘Seldom Seen Often Heard’. We sent our very own ukhh.com Super Sleuth Mr Lingo down to Ghost's lair and get an exclusive interview… ch-ch-check it out.   Dos Noun 16.02.06 He's rapped in more places than you've had hot dinners. Battled against and rhymed with some people who's CD you may actually own/downloaded. Yet, there's every chance you haven't heard of Dos Noun, or seen him do his 'thing'. Well, he's coming to Ireland soon and he wants to come see you real bad... should we be afraid? Peep what he had to say to Madrox...   Coldcut 08.02.06 Coldcut are musical pioneers in this country. Not only has their self-produced label, Ninjatune, produced some of the most genre-defying dance music of the last twenty odd years, but so has their band. Nikesh caught up with Matt Black, one of the core members of Coldcut, over email and discussed everything from their new album, to the size of Strictly Kev’s ego...   Dooley-O 06.02.06 One of my favourite albums of 2005 was Dooley O's 'I Gotcha' album. Funky beats and great lyrics. The Connecticut rapper - producer - DJ - beat archaeologist is widely recognised in DJ circles as the first in to sample 70's band Skull Snaps' It's A New Day. Chris Byrne caught with him on t'interweb for a brief exchange of words...   Emmanuel 31.01.06 From work with the Kaliphz to Jamelia and the Beta Band Colin Emmanuel aka C-Swing is one of the most underrated producers from the UK. But all that is set to change as under his own name he has dropped his production LP which features vocal guest spots from some of the biggest names you can imagine. This LP is set to be a benchmark for others to follow for some time. Check out what he had to say to our top reporter, Nikesh...   Sway 30.01.06 Sway Dasafo isn’t so much a breath of fresh air for the UK Hip-Hop scene, he is more like a great big gob full. Although officially still an unsigned artist, Sway managed to pick up the award for ‘Best Hip-Hop Act’ at the last MOBO awards. Ben Spurr spoke to Sway before a recent show in Nottingham about everything from Austin Powers to Michael Jackson...   Micall Parknsun 27.01.06 If you are unfamiliar to the sounds of 'Parky' then listen up! He may have only released a couple of 12's, and only recently his debut album, but he sure knew how to put on a good show! DJ Safesoul briefly caught up with the man himself, Micall Parknsun, and Dubbledge at the very intimate venue of Cosies in Bristol...   Asaviour 20.01.06 Asaviour has been around for a while now and his debut album, ‘Borrowed Ladder’ is released on Low Life in March, so UKHH were waiting to pounce on the guy after he had properly rocked the house at Manchester’s C’mon Feet. Kate & Tony found out where he came from, where he’s at and a little sight on what’s on his horizon...   Broke'n'£nglish 19.01.06 Manchester’s finest are Broke 'n' £nglish - Strategy, DRS and Konny Kon for those who don't know. It is just over a year since UKHH last spoke to 'em so check out the inside info on the mixtape and Estate Recordings, plus their take on Hip Hop, Channel U, one of the eternals -Emcee's Verses Rapper MC's and next generation of hot kids comin' up in Manchester...   Lady Sovereign 18.01.06 Lady Sovereign is a 19 year old emcee that sparks debate all over the UK. Rumoured to have signed a deal with Def Jam it seems Sov's album will be one of the most anticipated releases of 2006. Ukhh's Ben Spurr spoke to the lady herself before a recent gig in Nottingham. So all you need to do now is sit back, read on and make way for the S.O.V!...   K-Delight 15.01.06 In case it's escaped your attention ukhh.com have released their first CD and it's a hell of a uk mash up by DJ K-Delight. So who is this Brighton resident, how did he approach doing a CD for us and what other irons has he got in the fire for the year. Lingo went and found out...   Task Force 12.01.06 Get your pennies out. TASKFORCE are releasing new stuff soon - MFTC 4 is on it’s way!! Molly Malone bumped into the brothers McBain in a club in Brighton and although they were a bit unprepared she asked them lots of questions whilst under the influence of alcohol. Check out what they had to say…   Professor Green 11.01.06 Professor Green is one of the UK’s most talented freestylers. Having won the Jump Off battle at the 2005 Urban Music Festival he narrowly missed out on the $50,000 that was eventually awarded to Ruff Ryder Jin in the Bahamas. Ben Spurr conversed with the freestyle king on his plans for the future, so UK heads, stop hating and support a genuine tried and tested talent...   Colossus 10.01.06 San Francisco electronic lounge music label Om Records are now branching out into hip hop. Their first signing is English ex-pat (now Oakland, California resident) Charlie Tate (former member of King Kooba). C Byrne caught up with him on the interweb for the latest info on his debut album, West Oaktown...   Louis Slipperz 05.01.06 DJ Louis Slipperz is not only is he the DJ for Task Force, but he is also overseer of the “£10 Pound Bag”. Not only does he do that, but he’s got a band too. Rawdog, and more specifically, Louis Slipperz have got a new album just about to drop. Nikesh caught up with Louis last November to talk about the UK scene, his hatred of industry backslapping, his mixtapes AND the new Rawdog release...   Lowkey 29.12.05 Lowkey’s back. He’s just released “Key to the Game volume 3” and it’s a corker. Using all brand new beats from excellent producers such as Snips, Nutty P and Shears. This release (an album not a mixtape) brings us up to date with his life and the trials and tribulations of being Lowkey. Nikesh caught up with Lowkey to chat about this rap game, living with his mum and his approach to lyric writing…   Brian Cross 18.12.05 Director, photographer and record collector Brian Cross, aka B+, tells us all about his Keepintime project following the official European release and also breaks down the forthcoming Brasilintime project. And between all that Kper found the time to quiz him on music, the media and society today, turntablism, and much more...   Adam F 13.12.05 Adam F is a true jack of all trades with critical acclaims such as a MOBO, an NME Top Producer award and several gold and platinum records under his belt – not to mention a successful record label and enviable careers as an artist, producer, DJ and film composer, Adam has recently made moves into the world of hip hop. Busy both night and day, Swaid caught up with the man himself after a hectic night of Drum and Bass at the legendary Swerve weekly...   P.A.C. 08.12.05 P.A.C. is a man that a lot of you will be like "Who?", but as one of the Cafe Recordings crew is a guy a lot of you will be hearing about. His solo EP has just landed to a bag load of critical acclaim, so Lingo caught up with the man to see just how Powerful & Calm he really is...   Plan B 06.12.05 UKHH.com caught up with Plan B (aka Ben or just 'B') supporting Roots Manuva at the Academy in Manchester on a freezing Friday night. It was a raw down-to-basics performance with Ben on acoustic guitar and Cassell on drums. Afterwards Daryl Marsh caught up with Plan B backstage and found him to be a shrewd literate songwriter with a lot of ideas...   Dizzee Rascal 04.12.05 With the Mercury Music Prize a distant memory Ben Spurr caught up with Dizzee Rascal after his recent show in Nottingham to see what comes next with 3rd album and the reappearance of his own label...   Pantiero Festival 2005 interviews 02.12.05 Back In August Flat4 checked out the Pantiero festival in Cannes and came back with a fistful of interviews with Sharon Jones, Ugly Duckling and Jurassic 5...   Lotek 22.11.05 After releasing a mini album back in late 2003 Lotek Hi-Fi were not really heard of until Mixed Blessings dropped earlier on this year, showing that the mini album was more than just a one off shot, and that the quality on display then is still much alive. K-Per caught up with the crew for a mammoth interview. Read on...   Baby J 18.11.05 Some people may know Baby J as the guy behind some of SkinnyMan’s more classic tracks or as one of the first UK hip-hop artists to have a creative meeting discussing working with the Wu... most of you will just know him as Derby-repping producer-extraordinaire, Baby J. Nikesh caught up with him on email to discuss breasts, tireless work ethics and working with Shabazz the Disciple and Poetic.   Lush Life 17.11.05 Lushlife, MC, producer, bootlegger, pond-hopping American on UK label. You’d be forgiven for only knowing him for his mash-up/bootleg of Kanye West’s “College Dropout” over beats compiled from “Pet Sounds” by the Beach Boys, Grey Album-style. Nikesh caught up with the US multi-tasker over an e-mail session, and he tried to gain an insight into a Lush life…   Craig G 16.11.05 Craig G is a phenomenal, but highly under-rated and under exposed MC. Originally down with Marley's Juice crew from day one his contribution to Hip Hop should not be underestimated. He is heavily featured on the Freestyle: The Art Of Rhyme film directed by Kevin Fitzgerald and was on the film's promotional tour. They stopped off at Manchester's C-mon Feet and new correspondents Kate Nowakowski and Tony Camara managed to grab a few words with him...   Kevin Fitzgerald 15.11.05 Kevin Fitzgerald is the Director behind the fantastically in depth and real documentary - Freestyle The Art Of Rhyme. During the tour to promote the film they stopped off at Manchester's C-mon Feet and new correspondents Kate Nowakowski and Tony Camara managed to grab a few words with him...   Wordsmith 03.11.05 Brixton rapper and thought provoking lyricist Wordsmith has come a long way since writing rhymes in his bedroom. ‘The RoadMan Showcase’ LP released earlier this year received critical acclaim, now currently on tour Wordsmith found time after his show at Lincolns Po Na Na’s to answer a few questions from Ben Spurr...   Killa Kela 02.11.05 Having spent the last couple of years working on the recently released LP ‘Elocution’, Killa Kela is back representing his Spit Kingdom crew with explosive shows all over the UK. After a recent performance, the guy who would surely be a contender for the ‘nicest guy in the music business’ award, should one exist, took time out for a tour bus chat with ukhh’s own Ben Spurr...   Sadat X 19.10.05 As part of Brand Nubian, alongside Gran Puba and Lord Jamaal, Sadat X made a mark on hip hop and on many a fan over the world. So Kper grabbed his phone and called the once wild cowboy to find out where he’s at in 2005, the story behind the LP, life outside of hip hop and other interesting subjects. Get comfy and read on...   Mr 45 18.10.05 Mr 45 is a veteran of the Notts hip hop scene. He’s done a lot in the music world, from Mobo nominations to touring Europe. He has collaborated with many artists too (from L Fudge to Kalashnekoff). Chris Byrne caught up with him for a quick update...   The Breaknecks 14.10.05 After releasing the ‘Music For Bachelors’ EP, The Breaknecks have taken a step from being known on the small Welsh scene to a UK and world at large. After expanding their live act to include beatboxer Fozzy and now on the impressive Associated Minds label, there is sure to be a whole lot more from these boys, so 2hip grabbed a few words to find out a little more for those with your heads in the sand...   Jehst 07.10.05 Jehst has been quiet on the live front over the last few months, working on tracks for his new album due out on the 7th November. Rockett Time caught up with Jehst after the show in the backstage area of the venue. Talk was of Roll Deep and Ipod Nanos, but ukhh.com’s own Radio DJ managed to squeeze in a few words with Mr W Shields himself...   Blak Twang 06.10.05 We finally got an audience with the great Tony Rotten, one of the finest rapper/producers the UK has produced. Two legendary albums under his belt that have yet to see the light of day. As he prepares to drop a new album, a package featuring the two lost albums and his own artists on his own label, so minutes after he finished onstage, Nikesh grabbed him for a chat...   Fugazi Rum 04.10.05 Fugazi were making big noise a couple of years ago, but it seemed to have gone quiet for a bit. Are the lads getting ready to return? Wytfang decided to have a chat with the Fugazi Rum crew, to find out what they have been up to since the Red album, their new member, what blues means to them and their hook up with Kope...   Streetbeats 03.10.05 Nottingham is a city that has given us many great artists. Streetbeats are one of the groups that formed from the ashes of Out Da Ville. Chris Byrne interviewed Nicky Dimples (who co-wrote the Top 20 garage classic 'Sorry' by Monsta Boy featuring Denzee) for the latest news...   Yam Boy & Goonda-Raj 27.09.05 Yam Boy and Goonda-Raj are a vocals and production team from London and Birmingham. Their sound is very classical Indian, with hints of Bollywood, with hip-hop drums and spoken word poetry thrown in the mix for good measure. K3G caught up with the duo recently, witnessing the bizarre soundbites the quiet and brooding Goonda-Raj came up with to compliment Yam Boy’s wordiness. Here’s what they had to say...   P Money 22.09.05 P-Money is the New Zealand equivalent of Kanye West. This guy is the biggest producer in his homeland, the ex DMC and ITF champ and a sick party DJ. But outside of NZ he's not that well known, so this year he came over for a promo trip to London. K-Per caught up with him to find out what the deal is on the album, where he’s from, and NZ...   Kano Interview 17.09.05 ‘Home Sweet Home’ is East London for Kano and things are kicking off big right now! Four Mobo nominations aside, Kano aka Kane Robinson is just getting us warmed up for the future of Kane’s World. We sent along our top gal Darkling Dami who caught up with Kano, and eventually got chatting to Kane, very nice indeed!   Conspicious Interview 14.09.05 Conspicuous the Coroner, one of the men from the Colony, has been around the scene for a while. After his “Dictionary Meaning Revisited” EP of last year, he decided to put out an album “Backgammon”. A weighty piece of work featuring appearances from Evil Ed, Ghost and Jehst amongst others...   Blackalicious Interview 13.09.05 Blackalicious are Gift and Gab and Chief XL. They’re back with a new album, “The Craft”, a funky and soulful take on cinematic soundscapes and hip-hop concepts. Nikesh spoke to the Blackalicious ones after a long haul flight, and much as they were subdued, they still had something to say on the West Coast scene in 92-93 and the current war of terror… on terror.   55designs Interview 12.09.05 Peter Mead woke up one cold January morning and decided he wasn’t going to go to work anymore. He left the snotty commuters behind, turned up the heat and began sketching out plans for a more colourful future...Delbwoy went to find out what 55designs is all about...   Roll Deep Interview 25.08.05 Roll Deep have been repping the UK grime scene for some years now. Dizzee Rascal may be long gone from the line up but with Eski pioneer Wiley fronting their army of emcees and DJ's it's their time to shine. It's time to take the underground to the overground. Ben Spurr quizzed the E3 entourage after a recent appearance in Leicester...   Monsterworks Interview 24.08.05 Delbwoy took time to catch a few words with North London’s Monsterworks family who are set to drop a bundle of material in the later stages of 2005. Delbwoy managed to grill producers Mr. Kriss and Naasty Nelson alongside emcees Highgrade and Dazzlin’ inside their soundproofed lair…   Dark Craftsmen Interview 19.08.05 Several Years ago The Dark Craftsmen were signed to UK Rap Records alongside Killa Instinct, Criminal Minds Crew and Eastborn and then all went quiet. Now the boys from Southampton release their long awaited album on a Scottish Label? Chris B went along for ukhh.com to find out what’s going on?...   Westwood Interview 17.08.05 Love him or hate him, Tim Westwood is the UK’s most successful Hip Hop radio DJ. Few, if any people have done more to bring Hip Hop to the masses than him. Having sold over one million copies of his compilation albums, the Big Dawg is more motivated than ever to keep on his grind. Ben Spurr caught up with Westwood before one of his notorious parties to discuss what’s already been achieved, and what’s to come for Radio 1’s hardest working and most popular radio DJ…   Candle Wax Interview 16.08.05 In the second part of the D.C hiphop scene interviews, The Last Skeptik caught up with Blake 9 from CandleWax Records – a label on the come up having just released the successful new 12” from Nine:Fifteen (Blake9 with Comel from the Time Machine crew). Future releases featuring heads like Count Bass D, and touring galore, things are looking good for this indie label on the rise…   Part 2 Interview 15.08.05 Part 2 is super producer, DJ and the man behind Big Dada’s excellent and underrated New Flesh. He has finally arrived with a new LP “Live from the Breadline”. The album features Fallacy, Sandra Melody LSK and of course, New Flesh cohorts, Juice Aleem and the raspy Toastie Tailor. So as usual, ukhh.com sent top reporter Nikesh out to find out all the details...   Genesis Elijah Interview 12.08.05 Genesis Elijah has been rapping and writing rhymes since the age of 11 and he has performed alongside the likes of Blak Twang, Big Ted & Shortee Blitz, Jehst, Rodney P, Task Force, and many others. Now the album, “Deh Pon Road” is out and we settled for an email interview. Here is what Genesis had to say to Nikesh about conscious rappers, his favourite bible passages and the album he’s so ardently pushing.   Mathematics Interview 11.08.05 Mathematics is a producer, one steeped in Wu-Tang folklore. He helped produce and engineer some of our favourite Wu-Tang bangers, as well as deejaying for the crew live. Recently, he released his second full-length album, “The Problem,” and he has also wrapped a DVD featuring interviews with some of your favourite producers. Nikesh phoned him up on his way to the studio with Raekwon to get him to chat about everything from his album to ODB to that symbol.   MC Mello Interview 10.08.05 M to the E, L – L to the O. He can chat! So get ready for this mini biographic history lesson one time. Epic! Hailing from Battersea and being one of the first to be on Hip Hop when it crossed the waters; MellO is a verbal encyclopaedia on the subject and Darkling Dami caught up with him at the Ritzy cinema in Brixton and sipped on herbal tea... Very nice!   Elite Team Interview 29.07.05 Elite Team is a young entrepreneurial set of fiery spitters, rappers, DJ’s, producers and businessmen from South London. They released an excellent EP this year, “The Phone Home” Ep and now they’re ready to look at pushing their music forward. Close friends, excellent wordsmiths and lots of talent spell a strong future for this lot. Nikesh caught up with Rigga Romez, Mic Assassin and DJ Caution in a noisy Lewisham café for some words about the Elite...   Head Roc Interview 28.07.05 Washington D.C: The centre of a global political superpower for some, and the belly of the all-encompassing imperialist beast to others. Head Roc, who after releasing his critically acclaimed Return of Black Broadway LP, he has now dropped Negrophobia – a poignantly political and head nodding set. Add the fact that Heady is managed by Jarobi from A Tribe Called Quest fame, and Last Skeptik had to catch up with this talented D.C representative to say whuttup…   One Self Interview 20.07.05 Vadim has recently embarked on a new musical journey alongside two long standing partners of his, Blu Rum and Yarah Bravo. Together they form One Self and have just released their new album, ‘Children of the Possibility’. K-Per sat down with Vadim, Woody and Blu Rum to find out where One Self comes from, where they’re going, what all the fuss about East Ham is. By far one of the funniest and most interesting interviews we’ve done in a long time, be prepared for the possibilities of One Self…   DJ Excalibah Interview 11.07.05 Nikesh met with Excalibah in the Poet pub in Shoreditch to get drunk and get the Ex-clusive truth on this Ex-tremely unpopular decision to axe Tales from the Legend. Armed with mounds of internet speculation, I wanted to know, was he pushed? Did he leave? Was he about to usurp Big Tim Westwood? Was he finally taking that job in Freemans catalogue? The truth is out there...  Blufoot 07.07.05 Finally, Blufoot's album, “The Ablution” is out on Scenario Records and it showcases some of the best talent in the UK as well as some of the funkiest and tightest production from a man with beats from days. From the dark menace of “Inntchaa” to the hilarious storytelling of “Nathan Venus” to the immense tour-de-force of the posse cut “Whispers”, Blufoot’s album is simply unmissable. Peep what he had to say to Nikesh...  Insane MacBeth 05.07.05 Insane Macbeth is a name that many a long-time hiphop fan may recognise, but after having his last album shelved, the scene hasn’t seen much of him for a wee while. But he’s back with a new single and an LP in the pipeline, so 2hip caught a few words from the man, to make sure all you suckas stay in the know!  Manage & Syanyde G8 04.07.05 Today, emcees Manage and Syanyde have taken up the task of expressing their anger towards the G8 summit this year being held on home turf. The Last Skeptik caught up with them, alongside Rob and Kate from Konshus Sounds, who have funded this politically fuelled and heart felt track…  Maverick Sounds 29.06.05 Hailing from the Medway Towns, the Mavs are causing a bit of a stir in the sleepy Kentish waters. Combining hip-hop elements with grime, and house music, they are somewhat different to the average hip-hop/grime group. Mr Lingo headed home to his grassy roots, and hooked up with the Mavs @ One-Ten Studio…  Skitz 27.06.05 Skitz aka the Daddy of 1Xtra is back with a volume that conveys even more passion and production assault than before. Homegrown Vol.2 looks set to surpass its predecessor. This volume provides a showcase of musical surprise; with the meshing of genres and sonic synthesis from hip hop, drum ‘n’ bass and grime. Peep what Skitz said to Mehreen...  Lord Finesse 18.06.05 A founding member of super-group Diggin’ In The Crates, acclaimed producer, emcee and DJ, Lord Finesse is a Hip Hop legend. It’s been a minute since Finesse last made it over the pond to perform to the British crowds, so when he performed at Dingwalls in Camden last month, 563 jumped at the opportunity to chat with the man for UKHH.com...  V.E.X. 13.06.05 Wytfang got chatting to V.E.X. about his views, loves & sexual/religious preferences. The “Big scary black man of rap” is rocking mics hard giving them shaken babies syndrome with his stories of gun clapping, Thieving & gratuitous violence against your mother. He has the dope shit and he is just giving it away for free. These exclusive pictures are quality too.  Conflix & Last Skeptik 10.06.05 Both Conflix and the Last Skeptik are both heavyweight solo artists in their own right, now with the imminent release of their joint 12” we split their skulls for something a little bit more informative on the duo. Daniel Hargrove got Skeptik and Cons away from their Beat / Rhyme duties for a little email convo.  Yoshi 09.06.05 Brighton-based beatnik rapper-producer, Yoshi. A man of Afghan origin, he cuts an impressive figure in his outlandish clothing and self-assured sense of experimentation. A man of such eclectic tastes, Yoshi needed to be tracked down. So, Nikesh met him on Brighton pier, he bought Nikesh doughnuts and they talked hip-hop, growing up and pseudo-intellectuals.  Saul Williams 08.06.05 Saul Williams, the poet, actor, producer, artist, writer and according to musician, Charlie Dark, “the best MC you’ve never heard of”. Wire-thin with unkempt hair and intensity bubbling under the surface, he’s released books of poetry, an album, a war-condemning special record and won countless poetry competitions. Peep what he said to Nikesh...  Underground Alliance 07.06.05 Underground Alliance have oodles of talent on display, featuring excellent rappers such as Skrein and Prem-C and turntablists in the Beat Brickies, these boys have the will and the manpower to make it big. Undali have something for everyone, they represent enough of a spectrum for every hip-hop fan to find something they like. Peep what they said to Nikesh...  Donald D 06.06.05 Donald D should not need any introduction to any greying heads. Probably best known as the ‘Sniper’ of Ice T’s Rhyme Syndicate in the late 80’s / early 90’s, he has rocked radios and clubs worldwide as part of the ‘As Salaam Brothers’, ‘The Funk Machine’ and the ‘The B-Boys’ since the early 80’s and is still rhyming strong…  RDB 04.06.05 RDB, three brothers from Leeds may be a new name if you're not familiar with the UK Asian scene but these guys have sold an impressive 150,000 albums over the past two years and are now making waves Stateside on tracks with Elephant Man and Yukmouth. Skillz caught up for a quick chat.  Mystro & Harry Love 02.06.05 This interview was recorded in two parts, before and after Mystro and Harry Love took the stage in Babylon, Bath for the ‘My Type Of Party’ club night. Rockett Time grabbed a few words with the crew backstage at the venue before and after they’d ripped another live show…  Hundred Strong 01.06.05 For the last ten years he's been releasing records and an album on the Bristol based Hombre records. Ten years on from when he first plugged in an Atari and Akai to start making beats, K-Per made a call to Bristol to find out Ben Dubuisson aka Hundred Strong's thoughts on the new LP, the collaborations, running small labels and the loudness of recent hip hop tracks...  Disorda 25.05.05 Mike headed down to the Suspect Packages and Boombox Distribution warehouse to meet up with probably the biggest fan of UK hip hop, the man known as Disorda. He runs two of the most successful companies within this realm, and also provides a guide to the best of UK hip hop with his series of mixtapes and his new compilation album. Check out what he has to say...  Cafe Recordings 19.05.05 The Café crew are one of the most underrated, and underexposed groups in UK hip-hop. Having recently played Ya Don’t Stop, and rocked the place, and with another phat 12” on release, Lingo met up with the boys in on their SW London turf after Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea for a chat…  Likwit Junkies 18.05.05 Defari and Babu are still very much at the top of their game, and this collaboration only serves to showcase their respective skills even more. Having dropped their first LP earlier this year on the excellent ABB label K-Per thought it was high time we caught up with the duo. With Babu on tour we’ll be bringing you the interview in two parts, mixtape style with the first side hosted by Defari...  Jaimez 18.05.05 Essex has a long and distinguished history when it comes to pioneering electronic music. One of the artists who appears to be at the leading edge of the current hive of hip hopping activity in Essex is Jaimez of the Headzache Crew. He’s probably best known for his production of Jibbarish's “Drop Bombz”. Peep what he said to Chris Byrne...  La Cedille 17.05.05 La Cédille bring together North African and French influences to create a very unique hiphop sound. La Cédille came to our attention via Besançon in France. With their energetic stage show they have made a positive effort to distance themselves from the infighting and rivalry that has become part of the French hip-hop scene in recent years. Peep what they said to Smiffy...  Humurak D. Gritty 15.05.05 Humurak D. Gritty is certainly one of those UK hip-hop cats from the wrong side of the tracks. Rapping about poverty, inner-city depression and a whole heap of social issues, as well as some killer punchlines, Gritty is repping all areas of the UK he’s travelled to and rested his weary bones. Nikesh caught up with the Gritty one to chat about his self-assured road to the top, the UK scene and Goldie Lookin Chain...  Aphletik 11.05.05 Originally from Long Beach California, this West Coast rapper relocated to the UK and won the best new Hip Hop act at the 2004 Diesel U Music Awards. He recently went solo on Adrian Gibsons eclectic Freestyle label with three solid cuts of up tempo party hip hop… and has a new record out in June. We grabbed a few quick words with him in the run up to this years U-Music awards...  Arabesque 28.04.05 Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and Arabesque a.k.a. Aramaic. He contradicts all the stereotypes. Political angst, witty commentary and soulful intonation make Arabesque the next in line. Recently signing to UK label Sin Nombre, he preps his summer debut “The Frenzy of Renown”. Peep what he said to Gloria...  Edan 27.04.05 Somewhere between throwing Judas Priest album sleeves around the stage, getting crushed by his excitable North-London audience, and dealing with overpriced Holiday Inn room service, Louz managed to pinch a few minutes of Edan's time to talk beauty, spirituality, surrealism, beef stew, and obviously - the beat...  Poisonous Poets 22.04.05 The Poisonous Poets, aka double P are as prophetically venomous in person as they are musically. Their feisty aggression throughout is in abundance and evident of just how passionate they are about their music. It is refreshing to see the result of six very different identities coming together and although have been quiet for them as of late, but they are currently planning a takeover… Peep what they said to Mehreen...  HKB Finn 13.04.05 HKB Finn has just released an album, “Acoustic Afro Hip-hop”, which sets the scene perfectly for his blend of searing and uplifting lyrics, excellent soulful, Afrobeat-esque production and spoken word griot rhythms. This man is a pioneer. Nikesh caught up with him on a dreary South London evening, to hear his words of wisdom and aspiration...  Beefeaterz 12.04.05 Beefeaterz are rapper AggaMan the Mongrel, DJ Big Mac, a whole host of collaborators, the elusive Squire and new addition, Vee-Kay supplying some hard beats. Lingo and Nikesh caught up with the Beefeaterz on a blizzard-infested day in Gravesend, at the Squire’s humble abode, whilst they were recording and extended family Dead Residents were downstairs talking about midget porn…  Asher D 10.04.05 Asher D is well known for his high profile work with the So Solid Crew and for his numerous TV appearances which he has made since being a just a nipper. After some unfortunate jail time, he is back stronger than ever with his first feature film project and he briefly talked to ukhh.com's Pri and Freud’s Marek to let us know what Bullet Boy is all about...  Baby Blue 09.04.05 Repping South London, Baby Blue spans the Atlantic in two ways, via her parentage as well as taking musical influence not just from Britain but from America as well, which unfortunately means some ears will shut off instantly without giving her a proper hearing. However, Baby Blue will be happy to change views mainly with her emceeing skills, but also by answering her critics in interviews such as this one with Mike....  Ill-Son 24.03.05 Ill-Son is an up and coming producer and DJ from the burgeoning Essex scene. His work with groups such as Ironbridge and Phonetics has also brought his beats and cuts to the whole of the UK, and he can only go up from here. Mike sent him a few questions by email recently, see what he has to say for himself...  Handsome Boy Modelling School 23.03.05 Mike decided he might like to join the Handsome Boy Modelling School so he gave Chest Rockwell (aka Prince Paul) and Nathaniel Merriweather (aka Dan The Automator) a phone call to see what they had to say about their course and a few other choice subjects, maybe they’ll be able to convince you to join up too...  Keno 1 aka Natural Self 22.03.05 The Natural Self is a man of many words, and a couple of aliases. His recent releases on Tru-Thoughts & Breakin Bread have caused a little bit of a stir, so Mr Lingo caught up with the man to see just what the guy is all about…  Roots Manuva 14.03.05 The man needs no introduction. He is the bionic zit splitter, Lord Gosh himself, he’s awfully deep, he’s the inventor of cyber-folk jazz and twat funk, he is Roots Manuva. Nikesh caught up with him at the end of a long day of promotion at Big Dada HQ to talk about the new album, being romanced by majors and the intricacies of cyber-jazz-twat-folk…   YunGun & Mr Thing 13.03.05 Rockett Time met up with Yungun and Mr Thing at The Thekla in Bristol before their show with Phi Life Cypher on the 18th February. Originally recorded for the Rockett Time UK Hip Hop radio show, they needed a quiet spot and were given what can only be described as a storage room...   Dominant G 08.03.05 Dominant G is definitely one of those names that is familiar yet you can't quite pinpoint where from, to help you form a clearer picture, as he is now days away from releasing new tracks, Lady Cook for UKHH provides some essential info on Mr Dominant G....   Iron Bridge 05.03.05 Whatever you think about Iron Bridge, the likely lads from Essex take their hip-hop seriously and create relentless flows based around good spitkicking lyrics and humorous imagery, detailing the trials and tribulations of small town Essex. Nikesh caught up with the boys to get their thoughts on the UK scene, architecture and their plans for the future...   Vee-Kay 24.02.05 Vee-Kay is a proud beat and wordsmith. Hailing from Canterbury in Kent, his new EP, on up-and-coming label, Sin Nombre, is the “Myster-Vee Tour” and it features collaborations with DJ Disscuss, Bone and Cariz from Dirtburg, Yam Boy and Deprogrammed. It heralds a worthy welcome to the world of Vee-Kay, a name to surely look out for in the months to come....   Perceptionists 12.02.05 The Perceptionists (Mr. Lif, Akrobatik and Fakts One) are about to drop ‘Black Dialogue’, their first full-length collaborative effort in March this year. Ahead of this K-Per sat by his phone to speak with a barely awoken Lif and chirpy Akrobatik in turns about their perceptions of the future and what this new group is bringing to the table...   Doc Brown 11.02.05 Doc Brown, you may know him from Deal Real, you may know him from his numerous hosting spots over London, or you may even know him from that hit that should have been bigger, Donnie’s Lament. Check what he has to say to Mike, and remember why you got into hip hop in the first place.   Wordsworth 10.02.05 Wordsworth’s not just a rapper. A student of acting, he has appeared in “Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme” and has set his sights on future acting projects, as well as more music with everyone from the Beatminerz to J. Live to anyone else who can give him a beat he’s feeling. Here’s a quick e-mail exchange he had with Nikesh about his album and his history.   Chester Copperpot 10.02.05 Chester Copperpot, a producer from Chi-Town is making moves in the UK, thanks to a vital collaboration with Braintax. “Chapter Seven” is an album of raw hip-hop beats and rhymes courtesy of our Joey Brains, the legendary Ed OG, and Chi-Town friends Profound and Diverse. Nikesh caught up with Chester on the information super-highway to get the bottom of yet another trans-Atlantic marriage made in hip-hop heaven.   Mudmowth 09.02.05 Nikesh needed to hear some proper Welsh rap. And there was this guy, Mudmowth, he’s a punchline king, he’s a love rat crooner and he’s got an immense amount of charisma on the microphone. Unfortunately, Wales is miles away so Kesh had to get him on the e-mail for a bit of chin-stroking and kebab-sharing...   Snoop Dogg 01.02.05 Snoop Dogg has been a legend since he first came out under the wing of Dr Dre. Doggystyle was an unprecedented success upon its release and ever since Snoop has not been far away from controversy! After his tremendous Beautiful last year Snoop is back with a vengance this year with the fire that is Drop It Like It's Hot...   Mr Manage 31.01.05 Manage from South London is a man with a reputation on the UKHH scene for not pulling any punchlines. With a couple of releases under his belt and collaborations with the likes of Natty and Dwella, Dark Circle etc this freestyle fanatic family man lets us in on the latest...   Dirty Diggers 19.01.05 Dirty Diggers, Zebra Traffic’s new signing, are London-based Pat Stash and Leeds boy Young Max. Their first EP, starting with the sublime and brilliant “For the Haters” is a worthy introduction to the compulsive world of these two, from digging in the crates to sequencing the breaks, they are about to explode. Peep what they said to Nikesh...   Luckyiam.PSC 18.01.05 Luckyiam PSC is one of the lesser known founding members of the disgustingly under-rated California-based Living Legends Collective. He’s a remarkably prolific emcee who’s recorded as a solo artist, as a member of The Mystik Journeymen and appeared on numerous collaborative projects, most notably alongside The Grouch as The CMA. With over a decade’s worth of recording and touring under his belt, PSC’s got a lot to say but this interview is intended primarily as a catch-up sesh for all those who have evidently slept on the guy and his crew’s evermore swelling back catalog....   Pee Wee Ellis 17.01.05 The words ‘funk’ and ‘England’ are rarely mentioned in the same sentence, but, hiding in the countryside we have Alfred “Pee Wee” Ellis. In January 1967, Ellis took over leadership of James Brown's backing band and co-wrote and arranged some classics like, 'Cold Sweat', 'Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud’ etc. Check out what he had to say to Chris Byrne...   Get Large 16.01.05 Nicolas "DAM'S" Donati, Francis "6" Chaillet and Stéphane "SLA" Iacoucci are collectively known as ‘Get Large Productions’ coming straight outta Paris. Their definition of Hip Hop is, “A soul inspiration, a heavy beat and slaying rhymes”. Getting playlisted all the way from Suffolk to New York and collaborating with both sides of the New York scene, they seem to be heading onwards and upwards. Chris Byrne caught up with them last year in the interest of European cultural relations...   Awekid 10.01.05 Reading in Berkshire seems to be one of many UK towns with a flourishing hip hop scene. The Fauna Crew’s 2003 12” 'EXTRA EXTRA / YOU MIGHT SEE ME' is yet another example that Hip Hop culture has crystallised in this country – the Hip Hop generation is coming of age. Chris Byrne caught up with producer Awekid for some hiphopinionated views...   Shambhala 09.01.05 Whereas most rap outfits are hell bent on a fierce protection of their own territory, the Washington-based duo of Born Infinite and Agua choose to rise above all the boundaries and forces that sustain the illusions of self in order to begin piecing together a meaningful understanding of some essential shared truth. Drawing on anything and everything they’ve so far encountered in their lives, Shambhala strive to surmount ego, nullify recriminatory conflict and to highlight the common worth of all living things. Obviously, mankind’s got a long way to go on the winding path to enlightenment but the words and music of Shambhala represent a much-needed “you are here” arrow on the map...   Rodney P 06.01.05 Rodney P, the riddim killa, UK rap’s first superstar, radio star, cover star, rap superstar. From London Posse to his latest album out now, “The Future”, Rodney has always cast an all seeing eye on this UK rap scene. Eloquent and elegant, Lingo and Nikesh invited him to chat to us over a few shandies in Brixton. It’s a long ‘un, so forgive the lack of introduction to the man cos, well… he needs no introduction.   Mark B 24.12.04 UKHH.com tag teamed up and took on super producer Mark B. For years he has been one of the best known beatsmiths from the UK and with his work with Blade took exposure and recognition to new levels. Check out what he had to say about getting himself unsigned from Virgin, his split with Blade, how he likes to run his studio and what the future holds for him...   Sway 14.12.04 Having just come off tour with Dizzee Rascal, Nikesh talked to Sway, formerly Sway DeSafo. He represents a strong sense of unity in the UK Hip Hop scene, lacing grime tracks, working with garage artists and working with drum’n’bass crews, his ethic is that it’s all music and it’s all music he likes.   Broke'n'£nglish 12.12.04 P.R. conducts his first interview for ukhh.com with Strategy of the Manchester based Broke'n'£nglish crew and immediately draws out some beef and then elicits information on their forthcoming Estate Agents LP. Check it out...   Foreign Beggars 01.12.04 Foreign Beggars are easily one of the most talented crews around at the moment. Based around Dag Nabbit’s dark and edgy beats and Orifice Vulgatron’s absolutely incredible flow that can easily beat off anyone in this country, they also encapsulate the true wit of Metropolis, nice cuts from DJ NoNames and incredible beatbox from Rabbi Schlomo. They have it all. As they later describe to Nikesh, the iller beats and the iller rhymes.   Peanut Butter Wolf 30.11.04 He may sport one of hiphop’s most novel names but despite his midas touch and sixth sense for musical excellence, Peanut Butter Wolf is one of premier league hiphop’s least conspicuous faces. Ever since the late ‘90s, Peanut Butter Wolf’s seriously under-rated label, Stones Throw, has been putting out a steady stream of quality material and shows no signs of letting up. From Lootpack to Madvillain, Oh No through to his own production work and mixes, Stones Throw records should constitute a decent chunk of any self-respecting Head’s collection. To celebrate Stones Throw’s 101st release, ukhh.com brings you an interview with Peanut Butter Wolf   Digitek 23.11.04 Britain is still waiting for a group to drag the multitude of its underground activity kicking and screaming into the mainstream… Meanwhile, it appears the answers to all its problems are sat on deck chairs on a cold, pebbled beach on the south coast. Elplate1 linked up with Brighton legends Digitek to find out why they have decided to Keep The World Guessin…   Devin The Dude 22.11.04 Having earned his spot as an MC’s MC, with appearances alongside the likes of Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg and Nas, Devin The Dude is taking the world ‘To Tha X-Treme’ with his new album. With the help of a five pound phonecard and the good people at Rap A Lot Records, ukhh.com’s Kobi got to choppin it up with Mr. ‘Wine, Women and Weed’ himself…   Potluck 14.11.04 One skinny white jew, a big Black guy and a bag of weed sounds more like the setup for a distasteful joke than the line up of a hot Californian rap group. It turns out however that the Humboldt duo of Underrated and 1Ton are about much-much more than the bongbastic connotations of their group name.   Ricochet 15.11.04 Ricochet... the man who, as part of Universal Soldiers, has released one of the great UK Hip Hop albums of the year. Slanguage is the soundtrack to dirty, gritty city life, with beats that conjure up visions of urban living, and quality storytelling raps that enhance these visions tenfold. Mike caught up with the man himself, who, contrary to what his personality on record might suggest, is a pleasant person who loves to laugh...   Beans 14.11.04 Beans, the infamous rapper from now-deceased avant-garde Anti Pop Consortium, has been making moves on the underground scene from an album last year, Beans is now back on Warp with his new offering, the more substantial “Shock City Maverick”. Nikesh caught up with him to chew the breeze and shoot the fat… or something…   Tommy Evans 14.11.04 Tommy Evans, co-founder of YNR and man with a dental plan. He’s finally decided to commit himself to an album proper. October saw the release of his debut album, “New Year’s Revolutions”. A lot more political in nature (right down to the Che-inspired artwork), So, to Tommy, it was time UKHH's Nikesh tracked him down and asked him about politics, his album and those infamous pearly whites.   Lazy Habits 07.11.04 Lazy Habits seem more of a collective, based around BirthMark’s rhymes making downtempo, jazzy, sombre and almost, melancholy live hip-hop and on record, they sound just as focussed. Something hard to do with live instruments. However, their need to hail samplers mean that rather than spend hours mixing real-time drum patterns with middle eight basses, they use the sampler to sample up their live instruments. Yes, Nikesh, you say, you’ve been full of hyperbole the last 5 interviews you’ve done. Everyone seems to be the next big thing.   A.M.M.O. 20.10.04 A.M.M.O. keep cropping up everywhere. They’ve been on those hot upcomers lists for two years now. And only this summer did they put out their first proper release. “The Slewage” EP is full of breakneck rhythms, tight drums, reggae bounciness and Nikesh caught up with the crew a couple of weeks ago to find out more...   Babyhead Interview 10.10.04 Best in tha West? After seeing their Glastonbury show Lady Cook gets an insight into the beautiful world of Bristolians Babyhead… via an interview with vocalist ManCub from the group.   Hard Livin' Interview 24.09.04 S.Kalibre and Mike-S, two hard’uns from the wrong side of the tracks in Kent, two people serious about making music for the everyone, trying to embrace an accessible sound that anyone can get on board with. And that they have done. Nikesh caught up with them over e-mail, to try and get them on record about their record…   Procryptix Interview 21.09.04 Old school UK pioneers Procryptix are back! ukhh.com's K-Per took the opportunity to catch up with them and find out what they've been up to. For the first time in ages, both Sparkii and Naba took part in the interview, so sit back and kick it as we take a trip down memory lane.   Baron Samedi Interview 19.09.04 Baron Samedi is part of the Main Rock stable, and with a dangerously good album called “Spit Happens” and now “Theme Music”, his first release on Main Rock Records, he really consolidated the potential of his abstract conscious descriptive lyrics and psychadelic, rocking and bouncy hip-hop beats. Now working on an album and showcasing the Main Rock name all about the place, Baron Samedi is ready to rip some yarns.   Diplo Interview 11.09.04 Legendary in the Dirty South scene for his crunk music club night, Hollertronix, he also specialises in creating atmospheric and moody pieces of instrumental music, taking in influences from India raags, rumbling dub bass, Warp’s finest and scattershot hip-hop beats. About to release his debut set, “Florida” on Big Dada, Nikesh had an email exchange with him, which resulted in one of ukhh.com’s shortest interviews!   Abdominal Interview 11.09.04 Abdominal is an MC with nice technically superior flow. He likes rapping fast and his work with DJ Format has certainly built up a reputation for him as one of those rappers your favourite current rappers really respects. Nikesh caught up with the Canuck before a recent Jazz Café appearance to chew the breeze on his new album with DJ Fase, “Flowtation Device,” his work with Format and MC Pitman…   Ed209 Interview 11.09.04 ED209 is a multi-talented man outta Leicester. Web designer, artist and producer who is brought the noize in 03 with his EP ‘Super Exstatic’ (featuring Nottingham's ‘Golden Condor’ a.k.a Cappo and Leicester MC’s eyezofman & 16 year old brother A-Bomb). He’s back with the STILLEXSTATIC EP featuring the above and Konny Konn from Manchester’s Microdisiacs. Chris Byrne had a few words with him...   Karl Hinds Interview 11.09.04 Coming outta Ilford, East London with a hot new album ‘Have Patience’, the Rottonostra Family’s Karl Hinds is back for the O4 and shouldn’t need introductions. Chris Byrne caught up with Karl to expand on some of the themes on his album...   Lowkey Interview 02.09.04 Lowkey may only be just turned 18, but a 20 minute chat with him reveals a man wise beyond his years. From his appearance on Doc Brown’s “Mad World”, he has consistently gone from strength to strength. From a release showing potential in “Key to the Game vol. 1” to new 12” and sure fire polemical anthem, “Politics,” Lowkey is gaining a good fan base. Especially seeing as he makes a regular appearance at Deal Real’s Friday Open Mic.   Blufoot Interview 19.08.04 Mr Hiz gets a chance to break bread with hot producer Blufoot. A wiz behind the boards who has released wax featuring top rhymsters including Mystro, he is now set to drop his debut long player of production work. Peep what he had to say about his forthcoming release, signing a record deal and the featured guest spots to come....   Blend Crafters Interview 18.08.04 Blend Crafters are a duo composed of DJ Nu-Mark, one half of Jurassic 5’s production team alongside Cut Chemist, and long time partner and mentor Pomo.  K-Per had the chance to catch some words with them over the phone last week and found out a bit more about them, and what they are both up to....   Vinyl Dialect Interview 15.08.04 Ipswich's finest hooked up with Guru Mike to quash the net rumours about label pressure to change their recently released well received quality debut LP 'Dialect' and to chat about playing live, the uk scene and how long they're going to be around for...   Big Juss Interview 12.08.04 Former Company Flow pioneer Big Juss has been making some excellent experimental records under the radar for the last 5 years. Licensed in this country to genre-pushing Big Dada, he seems to have found a home and through a series of short emails with Juss, Nikesh got him to record his state of mind for ukhh.com, and also give his thoughts on this November’s crucial elections.   Blade Interview 09.08.04 Blade has always had a cult underground following during this time, and when he wanted to release his first LP Lion Goes From Strength to Strength in ’93, 2000 people paid for their copy in advance even though it hadn’t even been recorded yet! As a performer he’s repped for the UK on stage with an amazing wish list of artists from the US over the years and held his own. If he has shown us one thing, its that hip hop really is about The Survival of the Hardest Working!.....   Mike Ladd Interview 15.07.04 Mike Ladd is about to put out his next solo album, “Nostalgia-lator”, a futuristic, electronic, glitched-out view into the future, from the vantage point of a dysfunctional time-machine. Nikesh spoke to him, holed up in France, working on a jazz project, the new Infesticons project and future record, over a bad telephone line, as he tried to install a Pro-Tools update. Here’s what they tried to discuss....   Mr Dibbs Interview 12.07.04 Elplate1 recently encountered hobo Mr Dibbs doing his stint as DJ for Atmosphere to talk about the English, the Irish, French, Cincinnatians, hippies and just how many hobo's there actually are...   TTC Interview 08.07.04 Nikesh caught up with the sensible bastards,Big Dada's cutting edge artists, the experimental French weirdos TTC. They continue to push the envelope with their hip-hop/electro-clash anthem, the monster that is “Dans Le Club”. Hailing from Paris, and rounding up a “Dans les Clubs” tour of France with Bus Driver and Radioinactive the interview took place at London’s 93 Feet East… ca va?   Bus Driver Interview 03.07.04 Bus Driver is one of those LA oddballs you tend to run into every now and then throughout your life. He has blessed with Project Blowed, the Weathermen and as himself, the Bus Driver, appreciation society of the cosmic cleavage. Nikesh caught up with the Big Dada artist on his recent trip to London to chat about hipster chicks and hip-hop aesthetics.   Blade Interview 02.07.04 Being one of the most respected and best artists in Britain, you would be led to believe that Blade may have somewhat of an ego. It may come as a surprise when you actually meet Blade, that he is one of the nicest and most down to earth and people you could ever meet. He's had top 40 success with Mark B, featured on Top of the Pops... in fact, you all know the man, you don't need me to introduce him.....   DJ Excalibah Interview 24.06.04 DJ Excalibah: 1Xtra’s young and bright hope for the UK scene, in terms of getting airplay and exposure. From his carefully formatted show to his on-point selections and theatrical background, he has many strings to his bow. During rehearsals for our 10 Poet Jam gig, Nikesh got Excalibah on MD giving us his thoughts on the scene...   Dedbeat Interviews 17.06.04 Whilst enjoying 2004's Dedbeat event Nikesh actually did manage to get words with Insight, the rhyme inspector Percee P, Edan and Skinnyman and what's more he has slaved away getting them into a manageable state to try and sum up his first Dedbeat and their first experiences of British sun…   Yungun Interview 10.06.04 You must have heard his name on all those up-and-coming lists, seen him rock a gig somewhere. Obviously you weren’t paying attention cos Yungun is here, has been for a while and isn’t planning on going nowhere. Nikesh met up with Yungun in Camden’s World End to discuss the future, UK hip-hop’s lack of fun and the essence of a good MC...   Infinite Livez Interview #2 13.05.04 Infinite Livez has been slowly raising his profile and now, his album “Bush Meat” is scheduled for release and he’s very happy to have finished it finally. Nikesh caught up with Infinite for some lemon chicken and a chat about what he’s been up to, what his plans are and to meet his mate, the elusive Barry Convex.   Apocraphe 30.04.04 Not content with just releasing his own material, Apocraphe has expanded his Main Rock Records Label to include releases from the likes of Cappo, Baron Samedi, Lady Paradox, Meline Interlec, DJ Dise and DJ Casio, all coming soon. Mr Hiz interviewed him...   Little Brother 29.04.04 UKHH's Kobi caught up with Little Brother's abridged line-up (9th is up at Baseline Studios in NYC) at their hotel, the afternoon after their Jazz Café show. Ladies and gentleman, welcome to “the future of hip hop music”...   Mystro 12.04.04 We have been tracking Mystro for some time. He is now riding high with his Music Mystro releases and regular live spots. Receiving virtually universal acclaim it was on Nikesh to save the day and bring you the long overdue interview with Mighty Mystro...   Ozomatli 30.03.04 Nikesh met with Will Dog, Ulu Bayer and Jabu Lani [Ozomatli] to chat about their worldview, their experiences and what they hate about London. Respect and love go out to the band and anyone involved in the incident in Austin…   Dirtburg 15.03.04 Dirtburg, the dirtiest bucket of funk are slowly creeping up and their brand of good-time funk and Hip Hop, all completely live, is a refreshing relook look at the fundamentals of Hip Hop. Nikesh caught up with the lads...   Ty 08.03.04 It’s been a crazy 2004 for Ty, a monthly stint at the Jazz Café, tours, collaborations and new projects. Finally, after months of emails and phone calls Nikesh managed to e-mail over to him some interview questions for your consumption...   Aesop Rock 03.03.04 After 5 months constant touring and twelve hours crammed inside a van, the last thing anyone needs is some joker in a silly woollen hat badgering you about things that right now you could not actually care less about. Elplate1 squeezes blood out of the stone that is, a very weary Ace Rizzle.   ShortMAN 25.02.04 Next up on UKHH’s series on the spoken word scene, Nikesh has an interview with the charismatic shortMAN a.k.a. (dap-dap-da-dum-dap) Matt Black who featured on a track on Ty’s “Upwards” album as well as being a face on the spoken word scene...   J-Zone 18.02.04 Mr Hiz returns from the brink with a few words from J Zone, aka Captain Backslap – the man who made ‘Music for Tu Madre’ and threatened to open ‘A bottle of Whup Ass’ on us before presenting ‘The Old Maid Billionaires’. Is he really ‘$ick of being rich’?   Hoocinoo 16.02.04 K-Per brings you a combined live review of their night at Madame JoJo's and insightful interview with the organisers... Hoochinoo who speak of their links with Receptor records and their two nights where they aim to expose new talent...   563, Ghost & Kashmere 11.02.04 IThree artists: 563, Ghost & Kashmere, one interview, many pints of beer and our intrepid reporter, Nikesh spilling an entire vase of water over a lady’s coat. That’s basically what happened in a nutshell.   Paradox 10.02.04 In what could be the first in a series focussing on Spoken Word Sires Nikesh returns to let you all in on the work of Paradox and explains how poetry is the basis for all raps and that you have to master your voice before you can shine on wax...   Late 27.01.04 Ghost manages to get a few words with Wolftown's Late in order to get the low down of whats up Wolves and more specifically to find out abut the International Rhyme Spittin EP, for which Late was MC, producer and organiser.   Michael Franti 21.01.04 Next up on Nikesh's menu is a deep interview with Michael Franti who as some very interesting things to say on all manner of topics from his past incarnations to the Prison Industrial Complex to Michael Moore's views on Mumia.   Kung-Fu 18.01.04 KUNG-FU! You’ve all heard of the night in London, but not much is known of the mysterious brains behind the night. Lingo caught up with them @ Worlds End, drank quite a lot, chewed the fat, watched some Greyhound racing, and got this interview from them....    Saul Williams 12.01.04 For the first interview of '04 Nikesh hooks up a quick few words with Saul Williams, the supreme intellect, the poetic visionary and the multi-tasking workaholic. Read what he had to say on the 'Not In My Name' project amongst other things...    Immortal Technique 31.12.03 Nikesh got an indepth email conversation going with one of the best MC's around at the moment, Immortal Technique, to get some deep and insightful thoughts and comments..   Mr Hectic 25.12.03 2Hip caught up with Mr Hectic and worked hard to prise some short answers out of him. Hopefully we can get at him again when he has a bit more to say...   Keltech & Johnny B 25.12.03 2Hip is back on a roll and has an in depth discussion with award winning Cardiff residents Keltech & Johnny B to find out about the Severn barrier, the new The Name' LP and their proudest moments amongst other things... Iomos Marad Interview 08.11.03 Nikesh conducted an inta-by-email with Chicago based and All Natural affiliate Iomos Marad to talk about his drumming, his contributions to the Chicago scene and whatever else springs to mind... Gokh-Bi System Interview 18.10.03 Reclaiming Rap To It's Heritage are Senegalese crew Gokh-Bi System. Nikesh had an email conversation to find out their thoughts and how their brand of 'ekonti-rap' originated Ras Kass Interview 15.09.03 Kobi caught up with Ras who is in a California State Penitentiary, incarcerated for DUI. With listeners and the industry starting to take notice of the perennial underdog, things maybe looking up for him…. Kid Acne Interview 17.08.03 Spoon went to Brumijum to meet and chat with acclaimed artist and emcee Kid Acne DJ Suki Interview 17.08.03 Shook-Yaa continues to broaden our horizons with an interview with DJ on the Asian underground - DJ Suki   The Nextmen Interview 15.07.03 The Nextmen are about to unleash their 2nd LP so K-Per went along to quiz the dynamic duo...   Funky Fresh Few Interview 10.07.03 Muncible took a trek down to Blackpool to hook up with Grand Central's hiphop representatives the Funky Fresh Few to find out which of the trio can be most likened to the 'celeb-loving' Pharell from The Neptunes..   Code:Breaker Interview 03.07.03 Code:Breaker is one third of the London based collective Buttercuts. To celebrate their new release (the City of Greed E.P) Lady Cook dug into her interview tape archive (yeah that shoebox) and discovered his first interview tape from 2002, still interesting … due to facts like he is the voice of one of the radio stations on Grand Theft Auto 3 !!   DJ Blakey Interview 20.06.03 Not everyone knows someone who competes in the DMC's. The talent showcased at this esteemed competition evolves and develops year on year, Muncible caught up with DJ BLAKEY (Truesician member) over the internet to get the low down on when he's gonna walk away with the gold plated decks.   Outlandish Interview 19.06.03 Outlandish been around in Denmark for a good few years and have finally managed to break the UK's notoriously difficult pocket-money infested market with the radio airplay of chilled summery crossover hit "Guantanamo" with its Spanish vocals and its Cuban guitar straight off the streets of Havana.   Infinite Livez Interview 27.05.03 Infinite Livez is a funny man. Mr Lingo and Shook-Yaa entertained him at the Vibe Bar as he described his immense history and hopeful-looking future...   Terra Firma Interview 08.05.03 Orsini catches up with Ricochet Klashnekoff, Kyza & Scribbla to find out what is up with the Terra Firma crew….    C-Mone Interview 01.05.03 C – Mone is a female MC from Nottingham, formerly in the group Out Da Ville, she is now busy organising the release of her solo tunes… Lady Cook caught up with her via e.mail for a quick update….    Propa Propaganda Part Two: The Makeshift Patriot 29.04.03 Continuing in the series on Propa Propaganda and artist reactions to the war in Iraq and the media whitewash on public opinion and artistic protest, Sage Francis has his two cents worth. Having recorded "Makeshift Patriot" over a year ago, in response to September 11th Sage Francis has never been willing to compromise his opinion.   Propa Propaganda Part One: Big Jus Begins 28.04.03 Big Jus is the first in a series of e-mail interviews Shook-Yaa has conducted over the last month or so. He e-mailed five musicians, two comedians and one poet the same nine questions. They were kind enough to reply and I will be printing their answers word for word as they appeared in my in-box over the next few weeks.    Prince Paul 13.04.03 DJ Moneyshot just about prised some words from the man recently, Prince Paul is one of the select few who can claim to of helped define the sound of an era. Prince Paul... read on.    Task Force 23.03.03 DJ Sketchy catches up with Task Force and finds out what they have been up to and what the Chester P for Mayor campaign is all about…   P Brothers & Cappo 15.03.03 This tape has unfortunately been lost in the Lady Cook vaults BUT it is interesting and explanatory as to what is the Heavy Bronx…. Although unfortunately the time lapse led to the P Brothers being now christened 1 and 2, but erm it adds to the intrigue…..   Wildchild 09.03.03 Kobi caught up with Wildchild from the Lootpack crew and found out what is going on with him and his crew...   57th Dynasty - Believe The Hype 12.02.03 On the verge of dropping their second long player Spyce caught up with the high-ranking group 57th Dynasty. Perhaps the hottest Hip Hop group on the streets with their unique style and commitment...    DJ Bias 09.02.03 BSE met up with the esteemed Mr. Bias on the eve of his new "Worry Beads" EP hitting the shops. He looks like a regular feller, not obviously someone you would picture locked in a room with a sampler and stacks of charity shop records....   Kashmere- The Iguana Man 24.01.03 In his first interview Ghost managed to find the Iguana Man in central London and was pleasantly surprised to see him still waiting there. Known more his mic prowess than his time-keeping skills (sounds like someone I know!), here is the deal ......   Carpetface 22.01.03 Welcome to the world of Carpetface. Conventional boom-bap this ain't. In the interests of science UKHH.com sent its most dispensable scribe, The Twizt, along to see what on earth was going on...   HKB:FiNN - I Am You 06.01.03 The diversity of Hip Hop continues to astound the music industry and no other advocate for diversity is the seasoned veteran HKB: Finn. On a rainy night in London Spyce met and talked with the interesting deep young man….   Lewis Parker - Return Of The Jedi 02.12.02 Lewis Parker took time out from his cloud stepping and spent some of his time on promotional duties speaking to Kobi about his new LP, the tracks that will never see the light of day, and the lack of support from his label.   YNR - Asaviour, Tommy Evans & Usmaan 13.11.02 Kobi gathered three of the hottest talents on the YNR label together in one place, questioned them and carefully transcribed what they said. Just for you.   Wolftown Comittee 10.11.02 Wolftown Committee, a collaboration act of Wolverhampton's Wolftown Recordings get the chat treatment from Riz, who ask's who is afraid?   Capital Rhyme Force 23.10.02 Twizt managed to rugby tackle C.R.F. to the floor and pin him long enough to get a few words before he ran off to put in more work....   Lordroc 13.10.02 Eddie Venom gets the low down from Queens rapper Lordroc and finds out about his label Skygod Entertainment amongst other things...   Corrupt Village 02.10.02 Eddie Venom catches up with the Corrupt Village label founder Capriciouz, a man who prefers Ms Dynamite to Holly Vallance and coincidentally has an album out...   DJ Vadim 01.09.02 With a schedule that was literally becoming more and more hectic by the minute, DJ Vadim, Mr. Russian Percussion himself, took a little time out to answer UKHH's computerized darts. Read on people...   Skinnyman 26.08.02 ukhh.com worker Fraksha catches up with Mud Fam's finest over a cup of Tea and a Garibaldi to find out about PM Muzik and dissin' peoples momma's...   Ugly Duckling 16.08.02 Moneyshot catches up with Ugly Duckling and discovers how these three cats from Californ-eye-aye injected a sense of  novelty and creativity back into the proceedings...   Ricochet Klashnekoff 10.08.02 A man of many names, verses, feelings and opinions The Black Russian aka The Angel Of Death aka Son Of Nia breaks bread with Riz...   Necro 05.08.02 The MC everyone love to hate for his extreme views against gays and women tells Riz how it really is...   New Flesh 20.06.02 Nursing a hang-over, Lady Cook catches up with Toastie and Part 2 at the Big Dada Headquarters.....   Herbaliser 15.06.02 Matt G gets Oli Teeba to admit that he ain't too sure about any of the remixes he has done.....   Icepick 22.05.02 Icepick meets Lady Cook in South London for a chat over a nasty meal...   Wordsearch 20.05.02 New correspondent Rhodesy catches up with Wordsearch as he puts the final touches to his 'Up Norf' UK Hip Hop documentary.   Brad Strut 12.05.02 After hearing Brad's LP 'Authentic', Riz knew we had to expose this guy and find out what he is about.   Bandit 27.04.02 Matt G has a full and frank discussion with MSI's Bandit - a man on a mission...   Michaelis Constant 21.04.02 Fresh with their second LP, Michaelis Constant rip roar through the pages of ancient text and into your ear drums with Gondwanaland. These boys really are something, and they have a lesson to teach, its really up to you if you wanna listen..   Supra 21.04.02 Probably best know for his work with Doyen D and the Microdisiacs - Supra is a shining example of the dedicated hip-hop artists filling our shores...   Dirty Harry 12.04.02 Big Smoke Magazine's editor gives Matt G the lowdown on the freshest magazine in British hip-hop....   DJ Yoda 07.04.02 Universon talks to DJ Yoda about his Hip Hop career, women and basically anything else that either of them thought of...   MC Pitman 24.03.02 Riz finds out about Arthur Scargill, Jimmy Saville, Jamie Oliver, Battered Sausage, Biscuits and life down the pit.   Cannibal Ox & Aesoprock 05.03.02 Kobi & Lady Cook hook up with Aesop, Vast, Vordal and Cips on their recent visit to these shores and let them talk and talk...  Mat C 04.03.02 Survival Series. Riz breaks bread with one of the names behind some of the dopest journalism you have read...  Disorda 09.02.02 Survival Series. JonnySimps grabs a few words with the hardest working man in the UK scene...  DJ Excalibah 08.02.02 Caramac does an interview for us with a DJ you'll all hear lots about once the BBCs urban digital radio channel gets launched...  Midnyte 07.02.02 Spoon catches up with an MC you heard on this site first. just releasing his debut EP, Notts MC Midnyte  Tricksta 22.01.02 Survival Series. Riz starts a new series about the hardest working in the UK scene, first up Tricksta  Braintax 16.12.01 Riz caught up with the Tax Man and managed to get a piece of his schedule to discuss politics, girls and his tremendous new Biro Funk LP...  Scorsayzee 01.11.01 Ladycook is so impressed by Scorsayzee she had to sort out an interview. So here it is  Eastborn 04.10.01 Hiz chats to our own Riz about being Eastborn...or something.  Iriscience from Dilated Peoples 01.10.01 A trans-Atlantic phonecall between HennaCee and Iriscience sets the scene for a future bigger hookup...  Champions Of Nature 03.10.01 Kobi drops his first interview, a chat with Supa T and Apollo - two sixths of the C.O.N. Artists...  George from Big Daddy 08.09.01 Precision talks zines with the editor of one of the finest publications around at the moment...  SuparNovar 08.09.01 Kate catches up with M.U.D. Fam member SuparNovar to find out who he actually is...  Scotland Yard 29.08.01 Hiz goes north of the border to chat with Edinburgh based Scotland Yard...  Breakin Bread 29.08.01 Spoon chats to the organisers of arguably the finest London club night and 7" labels, Skeg, Tufkut and DJ Life from Breakin' Bread  DJ 279 14.06.01 After more problems with his dictaphone D-One gets down with one of London's biggest and most respected DJs and Promoters in the back of his car...  DJ Supreme of Hijack 02.06.01 With K Sly & Undercover sitting at number 1 with their garage anthem we're left wondering why DJ Supreme hasn't followed them, but also what he's been up to. Luckily Karnage found out..  Estelle 19.04.01 You thought it was time we got around to it, so 2hip tracked down one of the UK's most active female MCs. Estelle is just about everywhere right now, guesting on loads of peoples stuff, so don't sleep...  Killa Instinct 04.04.01 One of the originators of the UK Hardcore sound - DJ Snypa (Ex of Killa Instinct) chops it up with our man Karnage.  Huntkillbury Finn 21.03.01 HKB Finn talks to Rooke about the past, present, future and Fresh 2000.  Evil Ed 18.03.01 Smiffy catches up with the YNR supremo to talk production, ukhiphop and stuff up north...  Doyen D & Cocka 18.03.01 Spoon finds out the truth about the Tony Vegas coke scandle, fat girls and why Doyen and Cocka are going to resurrect the hardcore styles...  Supra 18.03.01 Supra tells us about the life and death of the Blindside & Sightless zines, the birth of Landscape Recordings and his own production plans and techniques...  DJ Halo 27.02.01 Yet another new interview as Karnage continues tracking down his old-skool heroes...DJ Halo from The Criminal Minds  Simon Harris 27.02.01 Karnage chats to the man behind the legendary Music Of Life label about his artists and why we should all convert to house music...  Class A 27.02.01 Ladycook chats to Class A - the recent winner of heat 1 of the Battlescars Lyrical Combat tournament  Daddy Jaes 12.02.01 Guest interviewer Mike Check from Me-God comic asks who's the Daddy to the Café Recordings producer...  Def Tex 12.02.01 After 2 acclaimed EPs Riqu talked to Def Tex before Son Records locked them away to actually get around to finishing their LP!  Creators 28.01.01 Our new boy D-One caught up with the elusive Simon and Julian to ask them about their new LP, their choice of MCs and the UK Hip Hop market...  Tommy Evans 23.01.01 'Tom Evans don't do none of that tomfoolery' he told us on his debut EP, so Crobe went to find out what he does do...  Procryptix 23.01.01 After two nice EP's that didn't seem to get much exposure 2-hip talks to the emceeing half of this crew...  Blade 07.12.00 Part 2 of Spoons epic with Mark B & Blade. This part covers Blade and includes a few words from Defisis too...  Mark B 28.11.00 Spoon had the opportunity to talk to two of the biggest names on the hiphop scene this year. They weren't together at the time so here's part 1 of our Mark B and Blade interview. Blade will be up next week....  Troy Scalpels 22.11.00 We heard the hype so 2-Hip went to track the man down..Troy Scalpels - the UK freestyle champion, about to release his debut EP  The Ruf 31.10.00 A lovely interview to finish the month on as Flat4 makes a fleeting return from foreign climes to meet one of the hardest working people in the UK scene - Dave Ruf - the man with three recording aliases!  Insane Macbeth 27.10.00 Our third 'The Message' interview features London producer Insane Macbeth, who's just released his much anticipated debut album. Read about that, his thoughts on the London scene and the much talked about beef with Blade...  Paco of CPV 25.10.00 Following on from the article on the Spanish Seen, Caballo Locco interviews Paco from CPV, one of the major players in Spanish hiphop.  MF Doom 20.10.00 The interview frequency has slowed down again but this should be the first of another burst of quality interviews. 2-Hip chats to the legendary MF Doom about...stuff!  Ty & Shortee Blitz 12.10.00 The 2nd interview pilfered from 'The Message' archives as Riz chats with Ty & Shortee Blitz....  D-Lyte-1 08.10.00 The triumvirate of todays interviews concludes with the main reason we're here - to promote the homegrown. 2-Hip catches many words with London based MC D-Lyte-1  Cypress Hill 08.10.00 Cypress Hill?! Yep. Our first interview from Riz of 'The Message' zine is a repro of his intreview with Muggs & B-Real of Cypress Hill...  Nex Wavelength 06.10.00 A four-way conversation between Que n McM of Nex Wavelength and HennaCee n Celltrait for ukhh.com..  Intik 05.10.00 Flat 4 talks to a French n Arabic speaking Algerian hip-hop crew who you probably won't have heard of .. a very interesting read (en Anglais)..  Iceberg Slimm 23.09.00 In the words of some twat, Ice Ice Baby.. 2Hip asks n the purple haired Iceberg Slimm answers..  Villains 14.08.00 DJ Precision has a go at the interview thing and serves up a really good un - the UK's most wanted hip-hop villains, the Villains (hey thats sad crobe - ed)  Lost Island 01.08.00 Spoon goes to Nottingham to talk to Son Records artists, Lost Island, to ask them about being the first Notts crew to release a long player  All Natural 28.07.00 2-Hip makes it 4 interviews in a row, with his first U.S. artist, Capital D from All Natural, discussing books, records and the UK scene.  T.T.C. 28.07.00 2-Hip's on a roll with these interviews, dropping them at a rate of knots....French crew T.T.C. who are hoping to be signed to Big Dada any moment offer opinions on the hiphop scene both sides of the English Channel  Jonzi D 26.07.00 2-Hip gets busy with the MC/poet Jonzi D, a man who really does care about this music, to discuss his past projects, current projects and the UK scene  The Nextmen 21.07.00 Back to the UK with 2-Hip talking to a couple of producers that have recently released their excellent debut LP and been getting acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic...  Ca$hino 11.07.00 2-Hip liked his 'Power Moves' EP so much that he tracked him down and asked all important questions about his music, the UK scene and his accent.  Juice Aleem 06.00 The Big Dada showcase series continues...this time Smiffy catches up with another third of New Flesh 4 Old - Juice Aleem  Mercury of Gunshot 06.00 2-Hip collared Mercury for a chin wag about his origins, Gunshots new LP, the Gunshot future and why it's soon gonna be orange.  The Planets - Interviewed by Rough  The Numskullz 04.00 Spoon meets up with three heads from Somerset somewhere in the East Midlands and talks about all things ship-shape and Bristol fashion  Part 2 04.00 The first interview in our soon to be legendary 'Big Dada Showcase' series....Smiffy had fun with reknowned MC/producer & graf artist Part 2, some sellotape and a telephone....  Gizroc - Interviewed by DJ Enema  The Ruf Meets Afrika Bambaataa All hip-hop heads should read this...  Lowlife Collective 06.99 The Lowlife crew fully interviewed and pictured. BSE and Rooke finally apprehended them up on a rooftop and forced these Easter Island heads to explain a few things about upside-down cloudstepping and the practical science of beatdigging...  The Brotherhood 04.99 The mighty Brotherhood had a lot to say about things like the music industry, the uk scene, technology and Busta Rhyme's clown outfits. This is an interesting interview so roll up your eyelids.