Tuesday, 11 January 2011

More Herring Goodness for 2011



The Herring stikes again (and also get 3 mentions in my best of 2010 list). Make sure you bookmark http://www.choppedherringrecords.com/

Monday, 3 January 2011

Happy New Year and 2010 Rap Up

Happy New Year! Been slippin on posts and updates but should be back on it now, to kick off the New Year here's Mystro's 2010 Rap Up

followed by (Mad) Skillz who started doing a yearly rap up back in 2002

I've started getting a best of 2010 list put together so look out for that in the next few days and have a great 2011

Thursday, 9 December 2010

New Jaisu Beat Tape on the way...


Grab the Prelude EP now, featuring Maffew Ragazino, Laws and Cambatta and 4 instrumentals. It's FREE so no excuses!

Thursday, 4 November 2010

Big Tone - No Chaser

Some freeness courtesy of Tres and Big Tone (who's album Art Of Ink was one of last years best, don't sleep). This is taken from his Flesh & Sole EP out on November 12th.

Friday, 15 October 2010

RTKal The Prefix Free Download

(Click the pic to download it)

RT has been busy and this is flames, remixes and exclusives from Jon Phonics, Sivey and Figaro along with dubs over some big beats, enjoy and check the new Eat Good site. He's got an EP completely produced by Kela dropping soon!

Thursday, 30 September 2010

Scarecrows

you can hear it now, 7" available on YNR soon...

Akil, Louis Logic & Ceschi Ramos @ H&H, Tues 5th Oct

HEDUCATION + FREESTYLE present...

AKIL THE MC (JURASSIC 5)
plus support:
LOUIS LOGIC (FATBEATS NYC / DEMIGODZ)
CESCHI RAMOS
DJ MYLZ (HEDUCATION)
SAM REDMORE (FREESTYLE)

http://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/buy_tickets/events/?id=10012874

Tuesday 5th October 2010, 8 – 11.30pm

@ Hare & Hounds, 106 High St, King’s Heath, Birmingham, B14 7JZ

Tickets: £8adv / MOTD
The Ticketsellers - 0844 870 0000
http://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/buy_tickets/events/?id=10012874

www.heducation.com
www.hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk
www.dbdstore.co.uk

Sunday, 26 September 2010

Airtight

Something new from Sonnyjim with Asaviour on the beats, click the pic to get the track

Thursday, 16 September 2010

Chemo & Roc Marciano = Win



I need a copy

Some Vanderslice produced goodness to keep you going complete with a relevant intro, 80 Blocks review coming soon

Thursday, 26 August 2010

Louis Den Tonight

Didn't realise I hadn't blogged this, ooops, slippin!

June saw the second beat cypher of the 2010 season with producer/keyboard player BUG, Birmingham's up and coming SMITH THE MISTER and emcee/producers CAPPO, TRANQILL with Brum vet MALIK also sharing mic duties; although the beats banged all night we noticed a few faces missing from the usual Beat Cypher crowd (where you at??!) well with the football out the way hopefully you'll surface for this next instalment (you want us to keep doing this right??).

Ok so we're back; news would have come a little earlier but we were holding out for a special guest who eventually couldn't commit no problems, the line up is still strong as ever and here it is.

ON THE BOARDS
MUNESHINE - Producer/Emcee/Engineer hailing from Toronto Canada Muneshine has put in work in all 3 fields amongst the various crews he's affiliated with and with his own material as a soloist; his album Opporunity Knocks LP had features and production from the likes of DJ SPINNA, PETE ROCK, ILLMIND, M-PHAZES and guest verses from SUPASTITION, ODDISEE, KEN STARR and EMILIO ROJAs, with worldwide appeal Mune has managed to scan over 30,000 units just in Japan territory alone causing for a few exclusive releases for that region. Our third international guest at a beat cypher we're honored to have Mune grace the boards!.

THE TARTAN BULLIES (S-TYPE & Jaisu) - You already know the names and the stomping beats!, S-TYPE and Jaisu are collectively the Tartan Bullies; given that its been the best part of 2 years since these boys graced the beat cypher stages we figured we get them back together to let us know whats been going on since they appeared at Beat Cypher 02 back in Dec 08. S-TYPE has been going from strength to strength with production work for Tek's (of Bootcamp Clik / Tek and Steele) lead single from his solo LP, Up and coming J.U.S.T.I.C.E League (Rick Ross, Toni Braxton, Mary J Blige) artist LAWS and Hall Of Justus (Little Brother) artist JOE SCUDDA, with more and more credits appearing and inevitable solo work S-TYPE has NOT been slouching!. Same applies to Jaisu whos been on the grind providing material for the likes of Detroits MARV ONE, MICALL PARKNSUN, SHA STIMULI, PUNCHLINE, PRINCE PO and more! still not forgetting the Beat Tape trend he started with AB0181 he's also been dropping frequent volumes of his sought after BEAT TAPE series on Youtube (now on Vol 7 - http://tinyurl.com/jaisuvol7) and featured in a dope Q&A/Instructional portion of the latest Behind Closed Doors Hiphop Production Magazine DVD (http://louisden.com/bcd)

JON PHONICS - Another familiar Louis Den face, Phonics is back simply because dude has been extra prolific in the 18 months since he appeared at Beat Cypher 03, Phonics has put out a myriad of releases in that time including the BEATS & PIECES beat tape which dropped last Xmas for free download and his sophmore LP "HALF PAST CALM 2" (http://jonphonics.bandcamp.com/album/half-past-calm-2) which had strong name checks such as KOSYNE (sorry hehe), JEHST, CYRUS MALAKAI, SONNYJIM, M9, VERB T, OBBA SUPA to name just a few not content with stopping there he's got 2 EP's dropping in the form a collab project (with other Louis Den producers) another collab effort with fellow producer from the Ill Rythmikz camp and Louis Den JEEKAY. Although the sounds have evolved but the funk is still present Jon will have plenty of treats in store!.

MR FIGZ - aka Figaro is Birmingham a native thats been tearing up the 4x4 and Funky House circuit (http://www.discogs.com/Mr-Figz-Mr-Figz-EP/release/1245147) for quite sometime but dont get it twisted though! He's been down with the Louis Den Movement since we first started out (http://youtu.be/P-wuZAA6RjU) and has always been crafting headcrack soul for heads to vibe to expect the unexpected as Figz combines elements from all influences to bring you the undeniable Quinton bounce!


ON THE MIC
TWIN PEAKS (MUNESHINE & GHETTOSOCKS)
Muneshine & Ghettosocks form the duo “Twin Peaks” (http://twinpeaksrap.bandcamp.com), We’ve mentioned Muneshine above, his rhyme partner Ghettosocks hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada he’s been an active contributor to the Halifax scene for a few years; he’s supported the likes of NAS, AFRIKA BAMBAATAA, SPECIAL ED, GZA, BEATNUTS and KOOL HERC to name just a few. “Treat Of The Day” his latest release features EL DA SENSEI, PUMPKINHEAD, EDGAR ALLEN FLOE, MUNESHINE and more.

As Twin Peaks the pair explore themes influenced by David Lynch’s work fused with stellar production, their “Perfect Strangers EP” is out now and features production from M-PHAZES, RICH KID, SUFF DADDY and BIG BIX which serves as a prelude to their full length LP “Shaking Hands & Kissing Babies”.

ENGLISH
A vet on the UK circuit English (http://youtu.be/Pz2MBm7rUaI) has been tearing up mics up and down the country; getting his foot in the door via the battle circuits of “Battle Scars” “Jump Off” he’s since gone on to release a strong catalog with his debut LP “Attack Of The Killer Loops” on DAT sounds to his Left Turn Radio mixtapes and the recent release “My Way” (http://www.englishleftturn.com) out on his own imprint he’s been building since 2005 Left Turn Records.

T-BEAR
Finally completing the PA line up is the charismatic Colony affiliate T-BEAR aka TB aka Tuberculosis (http://www.myspace.com/tbworldwide). With a unmistakable voice and delivery T-BEAR has been grafting the last few years having collaborated with the likes of JON PHONICS, FARMA G, CHEMO, ENGLISH, PYRELLI, SHAMELESS, MR 2IBBS and more!, be sure to check his “The Beast From The East” Mix CD from a couple years back which was cut up by none other than DJ MK! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0KaYBeA0zE)

OPEN BEATS / BEAT BATTLE / DJ CRO
We've got the usual OPEN BEATS where producers of all levels are encouraged to bring some material to test the crowd reaction (3 beats max), this is a perfect opportunity to let others hear your material on a club PA and also lets knows in attendance know about the sort of talent on their doorsteps, perfect for networking, handing out beat CD’s and generally connecting with other artists.

Those feeling like they want to take something home can compete in the legendary BUCKS FIZZ BEAT BATTLE where names dawn out of a hat can compete for a bottle of bubbly and bragging rites as the Louis Den Bucks Fizz Beat Battle Winner!!...and finally it wouldn't be a beat cypher with our very own DJ CRO providing the backdrop of hip-hop beats, breaks and treats inbetween the nights action.

*ARRIVE EARLY TO SIGN UP FOR OPEN BEATS, ONLY 3 BEATS MAX PER PRODUCER AND WE MAY HAVE TO REDUCE THAT NUMBER IF THERES A HUGE AMOUNT OF SIGN UPS (prefence is given to newer names)

* NO MP3 PLAYERS/PHONES/ DATA CD's FOR OPEN BEATS/BATTLE, sorry but its an ache to get all this sorted and the cables/pc's are for the showcased producers only...bring an audio CD or most likely its not happening!!.

* THERE IS NO GUESTLIST AT THE BEAT CYPHER, please don’t try it and blag it…respect the cypher and the other heads paying, the more heads supporting the more chance of us being able to keep the movement going and bring you great line-ups of this seasons calibre!

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Louis Den BeatCypher 11
Live Hiphop Production Showcase & Beat Jam
MUNESHINE | S-TYPE | JAISU | JON PHONICS | MR FIGZ
TWIN PEAKS | ENGLISH | T-BEAR
+open beats/beat battle/DJ CRO


26th August 2010
Downstairs @unPlug Digbeth
79 Digbeth High St
Birmingham
B5 6DY
9PM - LATE
£4.00 ENTRY BEFORE 10PM £5.00 AFTER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spread The Word!, Tweet/RT, Blog and invite your people to the facebook event!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Facebook event link: http://bit.ly/amuJDY
louisden.com blog link: http://bit.ly/bAeVPA
flyer front : http://bit.ly/997L2Z
flyer back : http://bit.ly/93KXef
Twitter links: @louisden @Muneshine @S_TypeBeats @Jaisu @JonPhonics @Mr_Figz @GhettoSocks @EnglishLeftTurn @DJCro @RedBeard00 @Kosyne @SONNYJIM01 @EatGoodRecords

The Tragedy...DO IT!

The peeps over at DWG have teamed up with Iller Regime and 25 To Life to bring you some very dope previously unreleased Tragedy (aka Intelligent Hoodlum) tracks from his second very dope and slept on Saga Of A Hoodlum album. At the time of writing it's nearly sold out so be quick if you want to get one...3 original unreleased versions and the album versions on the flip (only one of those has been on official wax before)

Heres the unmastered snippets






Heres the info straight from the source...

Many of you will have heard the original versions of "Death Row" and "At Large" - well, the opportunity arose for us to get involved in a 25 To Life approved pressing of these tracks, plus the previously unheard demo of "Pump The Funk". These original versions were due to appear on Trag's unreleased/controversial 2nd album "Black Rage" (1992), but A&M Records got cold balls and decided to change the title to "Saga Of A Hoodlum"(1993) change the tracklist and remix some of the tracks (we have put the 3 previously available album 'remixes' on the flip).

The "Black Rage Demos" are sought after (previously only available as crusty dubs from Westwood's Capital Rap Show) and production wise are closer to Trag's earlier work, the depressing original mix of "Death Row" is genius and the venomous production of the original "At Large" is nothing short of amazing - Trag holds no bars. The original "Pump The Funk" (this was originally named "Shit For Your System") is totally different to the final version with a stripped back beat for the jeeps.

Special thanks to Iller Regime Recordings for hooking up the audio (infamous QBC aficionado) and Robbie at www.unkut.com for putting us in contact with Trag.... hopefully one day the remaining lost album tracks will see the light of day, tracks like "Adolesents At War", "Black Rage" and the anti-cop "Bullet" are just too good to be lost in the A&M vaults!


DWG009 - INTELLIGENT HOODLUM / TRAGEDY - 'BLACK RAGE DEMOS' (sticker sleeve / limited to 250 hand numbered copies)

Containing 3 previously unreleased Intelligent Hoodlum / Tragedy tracks (together with the 3 final album versions on the flipside) re-mastered for optimum audio quality. This release is in association with Iller Regime Recordings and is fully endorsed by 25 To Life, who will directly benefit Trag who is now (fresh outta Sing Sing) working on new projects to revitalise his career.

Tracklist:

1: Death Row
2: At Large
3: Pump The Funk

SIDE A - ORIGINAL VERSIONS

SIDE B - ALBUM VERSIONS

COST = £25.00 GBP PER COPY + POSTAGE

POSTAGE COSTS

We have tried to make the postage costs as simple as possible, if in doubt or placing a large order (if ordering more than 6 records please contact us first) drop us an e-mail and we'll get back to you:

UK - Royal Mail 1st class standard = £3.00 for the first record / add 50p per record thereafter

Europe - 1st class airmail = £4.00 for the first record / each extra record add £1.00

USA / Japan / Australia - 1st class airmail = £7.00 for the first record / each extra record add £2.00


***for postal insurance, please add £5.00: we are not responsible for lost packages***

ORDERING INFORMATION

To place your order simply work out your total and send payment to trag@diggerswithgratitude.com

We will try to confirm all orders in due course but please be patient as this may take some time, so long as you send the money to the correct paypal address then you can assume that we have received your order.

Please ensure that you have the correct address linked to your paypal account as this is the address that we will be shipping your order to!

.: We anticipate shipping commencing the weekend of August 30th, 2010 :.


If you have any questions please e-mail: trag@diggerswithgratitude.com

Thursday, 29 July 2010

Amazing Maze, Lord Tariq and Wyld Bunch

Not sure whats happening with New Style at the moment so shows on hold for a minute, may end up just doing it as a podcast but we'll see.

Maze has been busy, tracks dope, enjoy, cop here and tell him he needs to press up vinyl! Filmed out in the Bronx, I was lucky enough to go there earlier in the year (shout to $am), the T.A.T.S. Pun piece is crazy, added a few pics I took. Also don't forget to grab the free Maze, Nutso & Copywrite track here


Thursday, 24 June 2010

Breakestra w/ Chali 2na @ Hare and Hounds


Gonna be crazy! Breakestra sold out on their first visit to the H&H last year, this year they have the added addition of ex Jurassic 5 emcee Charli 2na! Info here, if you're not at Glastonbury don't miss out !
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122413434447296&ref=ts

Monday, 14 June 2010

Louis Den Beat Cypher Thursday 17th June - CAPPO, TRANQILL, BUG, SMITH THE MISTER & MALIK




CAPPO - A cornerstone of the Nottingham scene MC/Producer Cappo has been putting out releases since '99 with his early EPs, his debut LP - "Spazz The World" (released in 2003) received great reviews across the board and cemeted Capz place as one of the countries premier MC's (Grand Finale - http://bit.ly/au6pvy / Learn To Be Strong - http://bit.ly/djOnTA), more recently he's dropped EP's with fellow Notts producers ENDEMIC and frequent collaborator STYLY CEE in the form of the Needledrop and H Bomb EPs.

While this may read like an MC's CV Cappo also puts in solid work behind the boards having produced the RESILLIENCE EP on Main Rock which featured a whole host of Nottingham emcees including MR 45, SCORZAYZEE and more; earlier this year his follow up LP GENGHIS which was entirely self produced, banging drums and a hard hitting style is what we'll be blessed with at the Den, no doubt Capz will tear it up! - http://www.cappohq.com/

BUG - Louis Den regular BUG has been making waves with his debut release "Cosmic Lab" b/w "20 Winks" (downloadable here - http://bit.ly/bZwqqF), the release has been getting national radio burn courtesy of tastemakers such as Benji B and Giles Peterson and favourable quotes from the likes of Ty, Kidkanevil and Ohmega Watts.

Shortly before his debut release BUG had also worked is way through the 12 week duel that was the LOUIS DEN BEAT BATTLES LEAGUE 2009 beating over 70 producers to come out ontop of our sample based tournament (listen to BUG's league beats here - http://bit.ly/bxvqq8), expect headcrack soul and lush soundscapes! -http://www.bugmusic.net/

TRANQILL - Is a reclusive South London producer and MC who tells brutal tales of street life with rare wit and panache. It’s like the first time you heard the Wu-Tang: raw, spontaneous, urgent paranoia that’s instantly compelling, his most recent release "The Hidden Treasures EP" on Onehanded Music serves as a perfect introduction having selected 3 tracks from the vault to bless listeners ears.

Tranq's style is gritty rhymes over raw loops, straight to the point and no nonsense!!; enough to catch the ears of DJ Mary Anne Hoobs who threw the Paul White Dub of "Payroll" onto her Wild Angels compilation last year, next from Tranqill is a full length LP entirely produced from former beat cypher guest ODDISEE (Diamond District, The UN, J-Live and more) - http://www.myspace.com/tranqill


SMITH THE MISTER - Birmingham based producer Smith The Mister first came to our attention via Louis Den's own MYKE FORTE, Smith's got a wide range producing a mix of Electro, Down Tempo and Broken Beat. Its work in these fields that got the attention of Dave from the legendary DE LA SOUL who recruited Smith into his collective of music/art/fashion creative's SODA BOYS (which also includes louisden affiliate BUDGIE), Smith produced their debut single "EVERY BODY CHA CHA" which dropped towards the end of '08 http://youtu.be/VjvEfSy85UY /http://www.myspace.com/sodaboy4ever

More recently Smith also took part in the Louis Den League 2009 and despite entering the contest over a third the way in still managed to chart within the top 3 producers of his division (http://bit.ly/aC5ORE) Smiths bangin beats prove the second city got heat, expect him to do more than keep up the pace at the beat cypher! -http://www.myspace.com/smiththemister


ON THE MIC

MALIK
Birmingham legend Malik is a member of Brum based hiphop collective MD7 who have released the albums "The Power And The Glory" and "Life In The City" much to critical acclaim thanks to well received singles such as silent screams (http://youtu.be/51cjXRnRiG0) and The Rain (http://youtu.be/r3yStnFmK3g), as a soloist Malik has made moves with his own singles "Something Real" (http://mysp.ac/9aVNjn) and "Blues Ground" (http://bit.ly/bCLFBB).

Malik has performed along side artist such as Fabolous, Amy Winehouse , Immortal Technique, Jay-Z, Heartless Crew ,Mark Ronson, Skinnyman, A-Alikes, Rodney P, Yogi, Mike GLC Black Twang and Foxy Brown to mention a few, he's also worked with producers such as Baby J, Urban Monk,Cipher and Mark Ronson. As a regular guest on radio shows such as the Tim Westwood show on Radio 1, Choice FM's DJ 279 show and 1-Extras Ras Kwame and Rodney P.

Quite the resume!!, at the Beat Cypher Malik will be performing over the backdrops provided by the nights producers as well as some newer treats!


Also performing will be CAPPO and TRANQILL who are also MC's as well as beatmakers!! a first for a Louis Den beat cypher as the producers take to the mic as well as being behind the boards!

Friday, 28 May 2010

The Mighty Hard Rocker Live This Sunday!



Sunday see's the Freestyle debut of one of my favourite DJ's in the world (and World DJ Champion if you needed any convincing. Event info here, tickets here (inc buy 2 get 1 FREE!) and support from Sam Redmore, Roy Roastbeef and Myself

Wednesday, 21 April 2010

Louis Den Beat Cypher, Thurs 22nd April @ Plug

We're back! Please note the new venue!!!! PLUG (was previously O.C.'s), hopefully see you there
Louis Den BeatCypher 09
Live Hiphop Production Showcase & Beat Jam
ERIC LAU | BEAT BUTCHA | METABEATS | JEEKAY
JEHST | ASSOCIATED MINDS (ruffstylz / ralph rip shit / skamma / beatbox fozzy)
+open beats/beat battle

22nd April 2010
Downstairs @Plug Digbeth
79 Digbeth High St
Birmingham
B5 6DY
9PM - LATE
£4.00 ENTRY BEFORE 10PM £5.00 AFTER

Tuesday, 20 April 2010

RIP Guru

Damn just heard this, sad news. RIP to one of the greats

MI 20-04-2010 & TDS Mob

Finally got a new show done, some exclusives (thanks Bob, DWG & Ras) and dopeness for your listening pleasure. See below for info on the DWG TDS Mob releases or click here. Also Louis Den Beat Cypher this Thursday at Plug (previously O.C.'s in Digbeth) full post on it tomorrow but Facebook info here.

Main Ingredient Radio Show
Mon Nights 12-2am New Style Radio,
98.7FM (West Midlands) / Sensei FM 20-04-2010

DOWNLOAD HERE

Southpaw Chop feat Large Pro – Here We Go (SCMP)
P Brothers feat Sam Hill – That Kid Is Nice (Heavy Bronx)
Shadez Of Brooklyn - Everyday Livin (Chopped Herring Exclusive)
Get Off The Playground Jeekay Remix
CNN feat Tragedy & Nas – Calm Down (White)
The LOX – Recognize (Interscope)
Cappo – Loyalty (Son)
TDS Mob – The Rhyme Your About To Hear Is True (DWG Exclusive)
Masta Killa feat Ghost & Rae - It’s What It Is (Nature Sounds)
Chris Lowe – Treacherous 3 (Buds)
Eric Lau feat Guilty Simpson – For The D (Fat City)
Mr Complex – Visualize (Raw Shack)
Pro Town Records – AM To PM Remix (PTR)
Bronze Nazareth - Think Differently (TDMG)
Ghostface – Mighty Healthy Ras Beats Remix (Exclusive)
Nutrageous feat Royal Flush & Mic Geronimo (PPM)
3 Kings – College (Dunham)

DWG006 - TDS MOB - 'THE DOPE COMMITTEE E.P.' (sticker sleeve / limited to 350 copies)

Containing 3 previously unreleased TDS Mob tracks, together with instrumentals, taken from the original reels, baked and re-mastered for optimum audio quality.

Previously Unreleased Ltd Press

DWG007 - TDS MOB - 'THE BOSTON CLASSICS E.P.' (picture cover / general release)

Four previously released golden era nuggets from Boston's finest, TDS Mob... taken from the original reels, baked and remastered for optimum audio quality. As if that isn't enough, we've thrown in some audio intros from recently-discovered live footage of the crew and also knocked up our first picture sleeve in a instantly-recognisable TDS style. Throw in the previously unreleased acappellas for 'Dope for the Folks' and 'Crushin Em' and you've got a great slab of wax at a very affordable price.

As it says an EP of Classics!

DWGCD002 - TDS MOB - 'TREACHEROUS, DEVASTATING, SUPREME' (CD+DVD anthology / general release)

We've faced some pretty heavy criticism from the MP3 generation over the years for our high priced vinyl releases so now it's time to put up or shut up as, for the first time, we will be making a DWG release available in digital format in this incredible package. The CD features all 7 studio recorded TDS cuts in their remastered glory, but that's just for starters. We were given full access to Mark Cohen's extensive stash of TDS paraphernalia and we unearthed some real gems for you. For starters we have both videos from the "What's This World..." 12" which have pretty much remained unseen until now (other than a few local Boston airings back in the day). On top of that we also have the live video footage from two TDS shows in all its lo-fi glory, plus a great selection of vintage TDS press shots and concert flyers. We round the package off with full multi-track acapellas for 6 of the 7 TDS tracks for your remixing pleasure.

CD/DVD Combo with Video's and Acapella's