As usual we’ve raised the stakes and aimed to put out something that you won’t find anywhere else. A UK themed issue from the red and blue colour scheme to the fashion imagery through to the innovative musicians and artists we’ve spoken to, issue 04 celebrates our very own local originators.

Peep the roll call of exclusives. On the music tip we’ve got exclusive features with the bedrock of UK hip-hop. From the grey High Plains of Huddersfield, Jehst and the YNR crew, cover star Klashnekoff reloading for his next saga, the cerebral thoughts of Ty, electronic pioneers Coldcut/Ninja Tune and Daddy Skitz. Also in the mix is the un-definable Jamie Lidell, floating vocals from Fatima, the relentless underground warrior Cappo and Radio 1xtra DJs Benji B, Mista Jam and DJ Target.

On the visual side of things we chat to street artist agent provocateur D*Face, visual storyteller Slinkachu, dope designers Oscar and Ewan, and include illustrations by some of the UK’s finest pencil wielding talent.

Oh yeah, and from across the Pond, the one and only Mutha Fecking Gaslamp Killer drops in for a cup of tea. Cop your copy here or from the usual stockists including TATE, Fopp, Magma, Rough Trade and all good record stores.

…Read More.

Filed under: Artists, Bonafide magazine, DJ/Turntablism, Dub-step, dubstep, Electronic, Fashion, Graffiti, Graphic Design, Hip-hop, Magazines, Photography, Soul, UK hip-hop by J.G.
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Erykah Badu’s trademark mix of husky, dusty and occasionally squeaky vocals + Flying Lotus on hand to provide some other dimension ideas for the video promo = win!

Filed under: Dub-step, Soul, Video by J.G.
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Sam Champ is a Brooklyn based DJ/Producer with the ability to touch existing records with a fantastically, and no doubt considered, deft tweak and send the sounds spinning in a whole other direction.

His latest EP of Sam Champ Remixes is currently shaving the stubbly roughness of most music blogs. With vocals from artists such as Amerie, Erykah Badu and D’Angelo, it doesn’t sound entirely 2011. But his knack for song selection (seemingly honed as a DJ) is what initially makes the tracks stand out. He then manages to bring a fresh sense of inspiration to what are already a set of renowned vocal recordings. Hell, he even takes time-out to elevate a young Usher ballad to a point higher than the dead-eyed, Will.I.Am puppet we dismiss him as today. With more than a nod to the neo-soul, a subtle hint of 9th Wonder – particularly with the soft, futuristic basslines – Sam Champ Remixes interrupts all other music like a rainbow interrupts all other weather.

Words: Adam Hutcheson

Filed under: DJ/Turntablism, Free Downloads, Soul by J.G.
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“When you bring out a new CD you get noticed. I have read a lot of things about me this year. One was that I had disappeared. So excuse me during tonight’s performance if I go ‘poof!!’ and disappear!!” …Read More.

Filed under: Funk, Live, Reviews, Soul by D.K.
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Only a few days left on this beauty but well worth a post. DJ Shadow drops in to play unheard gems and long-lost vinyl classics with fellow digging fiend Gilles Peterson.

The opening two tracks are worth the license fee alone. Superb stuff as you would expect from individuals who between them own zillions of pieces of vinyl.

Filed under: DJ/Turntablism, Free Downloads, Funk, Soul, Uncategorized by J.G.
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Lift the gloom to your Monday morning by heading to Tru Thoughts and helping yourself to this sumptuous Belleruche track.

Filed under: Free Downloads, Funk, Soul by J.G.
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Since it’s inception Spine Magazine’s TV.net incarnation has delivered some innovative features. Personal favourite’s would be the Mystro Investigates series (big love for the Bonafide Beats installment too) and Life Drawing on the Tinternet (porn for arts sake some may say but I couldn’t possibly comment). Anyhow the project that is really lush on the ears is the recently launched podcast series. Episode two see’s the team speak with Stone Throw’s very own rising star Aloe Blacc. It is a rare treat indeed.

Filed under: Free Downloads, Funk, Soul, UK hip-hop by J.G.
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Chromeo
Business Casual
Backyard Recordings

Listening to Chromeo’s third and newest album sound very much like, well like a Chromeo album. Following up the success of 2007’s Fancy Footwork the duo have decided not to venture off on a new tangent, instead mining the falsetto disco funk that made their last album such an essential release. …Read More.

Filed under: Funk, Reviews, Soul by D.K.
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Taschen’s Jazz Covers illuminated jazz’s love affair with laidback cool and originality. It traced the rich visual history of the covers that housed some of the most and least well known releases within the genre. Crafted to appeal to designers and music lovers alike, Jazz Covers was not some coffee table fodder but a resource to savour and gawp at. Following on from this, Funk & Soul attempts to do the same for the soul train generation. A release well worth keeping an eye out for.

On the Taschen tip, also check out Alex Steinweiss: The Inventor of the Modern Album Cover. A wonderful tribute to the highly respected Mr Steinwiess, a true design innovator.

Filed under: Book Reviews, Funk, Soul by J.G.
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Check out the dope new video for Fatima’s Warm Eyes with production by Dam Funk. We’ve interviewed the first lady of Eglo for the forthcoming issue of Bonafide magazine, a UK special, coming very soon…

Filed under: Bonafide magazine, Soul, Video by D.K.
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