Introducing.. TS Family

North West London based hip hop group TS Family have officially arrived with their brand new smash single 'W.O.W (We're Officially a hefty club anthem set to introduce the inimitable trio to fans and media alike on the international stage.

Comprised of Sharky, Sandman and Don Realest (the latter two being twin brothers), TS Family earned their stripes following years of hard work in the uncompromising London underground hip hop scene. Having discovered their passion for writing and releasing music at just fifteen, the group went on to release various videos, four hugely popular mix tapes and collaborations with the likes of Sway (Konvict Muzik), SAS, PDC, Joe Black, Fem Fel and many other celebrated UK artists.

The consequential group have now clocked up over 750,000 views on YouTube, with avid supporters of the TS Family movement appearing in major cities across the UK and beyond, even as far as the Middle East, Asia, Canada and the USA.

Surprisingly, 'W.O.W' is actually the group’s first official single release, produced by up and coming Nottingham based producer Kimbo Hareez (D12, St Laz) and accompanied by an impressive video courtesy of the esteemed production team at Jacuzzi Films (Ludacris, Wiley, Enrique Iglesias, Fat Joe).

TS Family are setting the benchmark for independent artists in 2011, with high quality musical releases supplemented by a complete lack of fear for taking risks, backing their product and proving that the top is where they quite rightly deserve to be – with or without the backing of a major record label.

Introducing.. Zuby

One of the UK’s most prolific underground rappers, Zuby, is back with the debut single from his upcoming album, a song that is already exciting his army of loyal supporters and certain to earn him many new ones.

The track, titled ‘Comin’ at Ya’ takes hip-hop away from an age of over-production, back to a beat-and-sample led style reminiscent of mid 90’s East Coast US sounds.

Zuby is an anomaly in the world of hip-hop; having achieved an honours degree from Oxford University whilst building up a successful career in music, with three independent albums to date.

His previous releases; ‘Commercial Underground’, ‘The Unknown Celebrity’ and last year’s ‘How I Feel: The EP’ act as a strong foundation for the launch of Zuby’s upcoming album ‘Commercial Underground 2’ which hits shelves this autumn.

Since 2006 the now 24-year-old rapper has sold more than 6,000 albums without the aid of a manager or record label, spending most weekends selling his music hand-to-hand on the streets, building his following one fan at a time.

Zuby has a captivating sound fuelled by his hybrid accent. He moved to Saudi Arabia at a very early age and was educated at an American school before coming back to the UK. His voice sounds American at times, with a British twang, one of the things that make him unique in the hip hop world.

“I’ve been achieving a lot at an underground level for a while now, but I feel like it will be my next album that’s going to break my music to a larger audience.”

The production behind ‘Comin’ At Ya’ fuses all the great elements of hip-hop – a heavy drum-line, lots of scratching and tightly crafted, introspective lyrics.

The music video was shot in London by director Ed Christmas, using a single continuous take on the embankment next to the London Eye. It shows Zuby moving through crowds of tourists and passers-by rapping as he goes while they look on.

“I saw one of Ed’s videos that he did for another artist and I called him straight away to discuss ideas. The style of the video is attention-grabbing and serves as a perfect introduction to me as an artist.”

Early responses on ‘Comin’ At Ya’ have been promising with over 1,500 new fans following Zuby on Twitter in the last two months and positive feedback from many industry professionals.

Introducing.. TPS Family

Introducing TPS Family - a Croydon based three man outfit comprised of Skullybug, The Strange Neighbour and C-Sparks. After meeting and coming together through their love of hip hop, TPS spent years honing and developing their skills as a crew, creating song after song and performing extensively around the South East and the Midlands.

Their latest release is a raw, head nod inducing banger, accompanied by a no budget video which was filmed 'with a bag of beers and a camera phone'. Aptly titled 'Represent', the track is UK hip hop at its finest - original, completely undiluted, and brutally honest.

And that's the beauty of TPS Family - they aren't trying to be anything they're not. Taking inspiration from a variety of genres, including hip hop, jazz, folk, dub, reggae and rock, TPS simply make the music THEY want to make, and churn out heavy hitting hip hop music with intricate, yet witty, lyricism, which reflects who they are as both individuals and musicians.

If you like original, unblemished, honest hip hop, you will love TPS Family. And if you don't, we recommend you hide under a very large rock, because 'Represent' is set to spread the length and breadth of the UK and beyond.

New Startzy Video

Born Shunom Yusuf, Startzy has had his fair share of experience with the negative side of things that come with living in a high crime environment, yet still the aspiring artist thanks his parents for providing him with the proverbial ladder required to reach his potential.

Whilst still in secondary school, Startzy gained a strong following throughout South London, and even went on to sell over 1000 mixtapes completely independently off his own back. His first video release, ‘Up In The Club’ also received heavy support from his fans and industry members alike, clocking up over 25,000 views online and receiving playlist support from Channel AKA.

Here we have the latest release from the enterprising 19 year old – an infectiously laid back number which manages to encapsulate the brilliance of Startzy’s tongue in cheek punch lines whilst maintaining a feeling of sincerity from beginning to end. ‘Hood Love’ is just the first of many releases due from Startzy in 2011, and is sure to kick the year off in exuberant fashion for the esteemed MC, garnering support from the press, radio and fans alike.

New Sir Mic Single feat Cynikal & Jasmine Knight

Presenting Bournemouth based multi-genre rapper / lyricist Sir Mic. With three popular mixtapes (Mini Me Vol 1, 2 & 3), a host of impressive support slots (including the likes of Tinie Tempah, So Solid Crew, DJ Cameo and DJ Semtex), and a vast feature discography under his belt, Sir Mic is well on his way to establishing himself as one of the finest rappers to come out of the south coast in a very long time.

Renowned for his distinct and diverse style, Sir Mic has the ability to work in a whole host of genres including hip hop, grime, dubstep and dance, and has even been approached for feature work by producers of the biggest dance compilation in the UK, Clubland Smashed, as well as the hotly tipped up and coming hip hop producer Stealf, who later asked sir Mic to feature on his debut album alongside Jadakiss, Joell Ortiz, Ruste Juxx and many other US / UK heavyweights.

'I Ain't Going Anywhere' is the latest single from the south coast MC, and features a fiery guest verse from fellow rapper Cynikal and a powerful, uplifting chorus courtesy of singer / songwriter Jasmine Knight. Produced by Dyversity, the backbone of 'I Ain't Going Anywhere' is comprised of euphoric piano stabs, soulful vocal samples and some tight percussive work, setting the tone perfectly for Sir Mic and his collaborators to deliver an array of positive sentiments rarely seen in today's music releases.

Sir Mic has big plans for 2011, and the single to kick it all off should show fans, press and media alike that no matter what, he doesn't intend on going anywhere until he gets the job done.

*New* Ludwig Amadeus Video

Ludwig Amadeus’ follow-up to the hugely popular ‘God Only Knows My Shoe Size’ will be released this March 7th through Size 9 Records. The debut received a lot of radio and press attention with plays on Radio 1, XFM, Kiss, NME, Ministry of Sound and play-listing on many regional stations. The track also got 4/5 stars in Mixmag. Since then he's been preparing a string of 5 single releases and perfecting his live set with plenty of appearances across London.

German born yet British bred Ludwig Amadeus is a London based songwriter and producer who effortlessly crafts songs with pop funk electro house and jazz tinged beats. After being up for 3 days straight (a method he frequently uses to write), Ludwig recorded the awesome 'Don't Wanna Feel This' in collaboration with fellow producer Mickey P. It's about a weird phenomenon he's had since he was 5. Sometimes, when falling asleep, he sees a flash of light and feels shockwaves run through his whole body, like electricity but not painful; just a very strange sensation.

Amadeus described the whole recording process as with Mickey P as ‘a very creative experience’, counting this single as probably the deepest he has ever worked on. It was written over a year ago, and recent months have seen the track carefully fine-tuned, Amadeus keen to avoid over-production. DWFT is a genius in its sparseness and simplicity – a great offering from a new and exciting artist.

Introducing.. Kay 2

Introducing up and coming urban music group Kay 2. Comprised of rappers / singers / songwriters Michael Dowley (16) and Souhail Matrane (17), Kay 2 are far from shy in expressing their determination and will-power to take over the music industry step by step, and become a household name across the UK and beyond.

Having grown up on a small council estate in Chelsea / Fulham with a rich Moroccan and Irish heritage, music played a monumental part in the upbringing of Kay 2, something which has transcended into the music they make today. "It's basically Pop and Hip Hop, with a mixture of any other genre we like," they reveal, whilst name checking the likes of Mike Posner, New Boyz, Jamie T, Kid Cudi and N-Dubz and some of their musical influences. Indeed it's almost certain that fans of those mentioned will inevitably also be fans of Kay 2, but the fact that their music is so varied and easily accessible means that a majority of their fan base could come from even further afield. They've already peaked at Number 2 on the Myspace UK Unsigned Music Charts, and received interest from countless record labels, distribution companies, and even the American based footwear company 'Kashi Kicks', a trend which looks set to continue even further with the release of their latest single.

'Feeling Worlds Away' is a mournful ode to solitude and alienation, lending influences from the likes of The XX, The Gorrillaz and even Radiohead, resulting in something incredibly powerful which surpasses the age of its writers. The official video for the track alludes to several messages, but leaves the listener to make their own mind up on its meaning. In the words of Michael: "there is a story behind this visual but I can't be arsed to type it down, so if you don't like it f**k off."

From the depths of their home studio to the streets of the world, Kay 2 are set to deliver meaningful, diverse and truly incomparable music for many years to come, and 'Feeling Worlds Away' is just the start of what could be one of the biggest musical exports to come from the UK in many years.

New DJ RNS Mixtape

The crafty alter-ego of DJ RNS, Manotti da Vinci, has created another musical masterpiece once again. With much success from his “An ElektRemixed State of Mine” EP and other sought after mixes, DJ RNS has orchestrated a buffet of dance mixes sure to fill an appetite of any taste.

The new mix, GIRLS <3 GLOW STICKS, is a 3-Disc Compilation that is skillfully blended with Electro, Bmore/Jersey Club, Dubstep, Disco House and Hip-Hop/R&B dance tracks. The Compilation also features signature remixes and mash-ups by DJ RNS in conjunction with the hottest DJ’s and Producer’s in the industry today.

Also along for the ride on this musical roller coaster is DJ Aztec, an up and coming female electro DJ/Producer who has just recently signed to Iregula Muzik Records. More music will be dropping VERY SOON from this electrifying duo. Until then, we hope you enjoy the 3-Disc!

Click to download!

Big Man Zest - Who I Am

Following on from his previous club smash 'Jump In The Middle and Skank', top new UK talent Big Man Zest is back with a brand new single release ready for clubs and holiday hotspots across the world.

'Who I Am' is a collaborative effort with pioneering production duo Beatnik, and is an infectious combination of UK funky, and electro, topped with the inimitable vocal tones of the big man himself. Described by DJ Pioneer (Kiss FM) as the "true sound of UK funky, destined to be a club anthem", the single is set to once again radiate Zest's effusive personality and stimulating energy across the airwaves and TV screens of the UK.

The single is being released in support of the ACLT (The African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust), with the first months sales being donated to the charity. The ACLT is currently in crisis, and needs to raise £80,000 before the end of March 2011 to avoid closure. The fundraising plea has already been supported by many other artists and DJs in the UK scene, and pledges like Big Man Zest's really can make a huge difference to the charities chances of survival.



CLICK HERE TO BUY WHO I AM

New Shaun White (Fr3e) Mixtape

Introducing Shaun White, an illustrious recording artist / songwriter / producer, and one half of the acclaimed urban duo Fr3e.

Having been born and raised in Peckham, UK, Shaun spent most of his teenage years as a diligent battle rapper in the London grime scene, something which put him in good stead as a recording artist in future years to come. Even now, with an expansive musical pallet and vast range of genres evident in his releases, Shaun utilises every aspect of his environment and cultural experiences to create a basis for music which can’t be defined, nor held back, by any type of boundary.

With his latest solo release, a 20 track deep mix tape titled ‘Hooks & Verses: Volume One’, Shaun emphasises his ability to deliver on an array of different musical styles, from the tongue in cheek punch lines on ‘Tag’ (which sees him going back to back with fellow Fr3e member Big Ven) to the thought provoking subject matter on tracks like ‘Away From Reality’ and ‘Follow Your Dreams’.

Unlike many other artists, Shaun has resisted the temptation to throw together a disconnected bunch of genres, instead, utilizing his abilities to create a style and theme which runs throughout, meaning every track has its own unique flavour whilst maintaining a vague sense of familiarity. This gives ‘Hooks & Verses’ a feeling of connectivity rarely found in mix tape releases, and means that if you’re a fan of hip hop, grime, pop or RnB, chances are you’ll be a fan of Shaun White..

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Veronika Vesper in Open Mic UK GRAND FINALS!

It's official - London based singer / songwriter Veronika Vesper has qualified for the grand finals of Open Mic UK, beating thousands of other aspiring artists from across the UK. Now she needs your help and support to win the competition, along with a life changing record contract!

The final takes place at the prestigious 02 Arena THIS SATURDAY (15th January), with a huge expected turnout and celebrity panel of judges.



VERONIKA NEEDS YOUR VOTES! IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR AND WANT TO HELP A STAR OF THE FUTURE PLEASE TEXT 'OPEN82' TO 86222!

For more info on Open Mic UK, head over to: http://www.openmicuk.co.uk

New Fr3e Video

Shaun White and Big Ven - otherwise known as Fr3e - have teamed up with North London rapper Young Spray for their incredible new single 'Round Here'.

Following on the from the huge success of their previous singles 'Tribal Skank', 'I Got My Beads On' and 'Let Me Go', 'Round Here' is an anthemic tribute to the day-to-day lives of those living in any inner city urban environment across the world.

Musically, 'Round Here' is a rich blend of melancholic keys, infectious melodies and poignant vocals - all delivered without at any time sounding pretentious or contrived - meaning anyone and everyone can relate to it's message. The black and white video is a simple yet visually powerful reflection of London City, oozing slick production and portraying a subtle honesty in each and every frame.

The single is co-produced by Shaun White, who also wrote and sang the single’s hook. Shaun is currently working on a solo EP release, affirming the fact that FR3E have the ability to shine as individual artists in their own right, in synchronicity with their work as a collective duo.

When writing, Fr3e clearly try to create the unexpected, and have their sights firmly set on making music which can't be defined or restricted by one singular genre. “The UK funky, grime and hip-hop scenes have been great platforms for us, but we’re aiming for more than that," says Big Ven. "Yeah, we like Lil Wayne, Jay Z and Outkast, we loved Michael Jackson, but Kings of Leon are great. Popular music is in a good place now and that’s where we want our sound to take us.”

And if 'Round Here' is anything to go by, their sound is set to take them very far indeed.