Bonafide is produced by people who care. It’s crafted outside of our 9-5s as something that we’d like to read and know there are a loads of people out there who like it too. Our aim is simple; provide original coverage on where hip-hop has been, is at and where it’s heading. For issue 03 DaM FunK and co. are here to set our musical, artistic and fashion frequencies to 2010 and beyond.
For this issue we some how managed to convince one of our favourite, and modern music’s most imaginative art directors to design our front cover. And Jeff Jank (Stones Throw records) certainly comes up with the goods in this comic book-inspired cut-up of a Strong Arm Steady/Planet Asia/J Rocc image – dope to the power of a gazillion. …Read More.
2010 marks the 15th Anniversary of Harmless records and to celebrate they’ve recruited award-winning compiler, record collector and DJ Dean Rudland to put together Pulp Fusion: The Return Of The Original Ghetto Jazz & Funk Classics all-new set of some of the best and most elusive cuts from the jazz and funk fusion scene. Nico Franks speaks to Dean and gets the skinny on the best way to craft the perfect compilation and why Pulp Fusion matters to anyone calling themselves a music fan. …Read More.
During this years Lovebox Festival Bonafide sent Prof C Renwick to talk to OG vinyl wrecker Grandmaster Flash. As this archival clip from The Tube demonstrates Flash is nothing but open-minded with who he works with (and what they wear).
Our interview focused on not just Flashes legacy but also what he is still aiming to invent, and explored his wide ranging interests and influences. Check out the quote below and look out for the full article in issue 05 (slightly getting ahead of ourselves). Props to Rizla and Exposure for facilitating. …Read More.
A trip darn sarf reminded me of Dettwork SouthEast Black Twang’s 1996 ode to public transport, that featured on the album of the same name. The LP has long been pulled and consigned to the lawyers shelf after a disagreement between artist and label but is all set for a re-release. Trainspotter’s might also like to know that the track sat between Compound One and Georgie Fame during DJ Facture’s tasty Milk ’n’ Anchovies mix.
For more info on the origins of Dettwork SouthEast check out this excellent blog dedicated to songs about old Landhan town.
Bonobo’s lush new album, Black Sands, dropped at the end of March and is a brilliantly deep piece of work. Appropriately this is complemented by some pretty nifty artwork. Art directed by Oscar and Ewan and photographed by Pelle Crépin, the LP and singles release feature lovely sweeping shots of the Lake District.
“Based in the beautiful landscape of the Lake District, the three shots (album and two singles) are photographed so the place where the next shot was taken from is in view, forming a triangle.”
The photography captures the atmosphere and stillness of the environment and makes you want to pack up, head to the Lakes and then put on your boots and just walk for as far as you can. Perfect.
We’ve got a copy of the limited edition release that includes a rare 5 inch transparent piece of blue vinyl goodness. To be in with a chance of winning, email mailbox@bonafidezine.com and answer the following (topical question).
What large land mass spits near a beach made of black sand?
Competition closes 30th May 2010. The winner, drawn out of the electronic hat, will be notified via email. Best of luck.
DJ Shadow has just launched a radio station and it’s worth checking out for the Dante Carfagna programme alone. No airplay chatter which in one respect is disappointing in another it isn’t – Carfagna chooses astounding track after astounding track that has you scratching your head wondering why you’ve never heard them before. I guess that’s why he’s a vinyl collecting deity and most of us aren’t.
If you’ve not heard of the man, try and track down his brilliant, effortless work released under the sobriquet Express Rising on the Memphix Records label.
Boombox pic courtesy of photographer Dan Medhurst, who has always brought professionalism to our wooly art direction ideas and made them look the biz.
Rising UK rapper and full time doctor, a combination that would make most Daily Mail readers heads implode with confusion, Chima Anya celebrates the release of his debut album Doctors Orders this month with a show at Camdens Bar Fly tomorrow night. Peep the video for Death, above, and check the natty freestyle over Flying Lotus’ Hello Schizo below.
The Psychonauts are probably responsible for some of the slickest, dopest and most accomplished mixes you have ever heard. When we talk about mixes, we are not talking about Back To Mine stylish, coffee table ensembles but innovative, intricate, milk fresh mash-ups that are so sick they require a health warning.
Take a wander across to Pearson Towers to join their mixtape community and share the love for the Essential Mix, a mash up of hip-hop, electronica, indie and funk and the Cream Live 2 Mix (produced with James Lavelle) that manages to stitch together Street Fighter dialogue, Dr Octagon and Air.
They’ve been operating as producers, musicians and DJs for the past 15+years and despite critical plaudits and being cited by the likes of DFA as major influences, have remained in the shadows. With the re-release of their excellent debut LP Songs For Creatures, an album they state is beyond definition, we attempt to lift the lid on one of the UK’s most uber talented groups. …Read More.
Choosing a name with such connotations ups the ante for Cappo’s new album. Entitled Genghis you get the impression that Cappo – pictured here from the Resiztance photobook – has returned with a plan for his innovative, raw and relentless energy and if it’s half as effective as it’s namesake, peeps better take note. Genghis is the follow up to the 03’s mighty Spaz the World and drops on the 6th April on Son Records.
Since its inception Bonafide has gone from strength to strength, last year saw a bi-annual release (issue 02 & 03), the launch of www.bonafidezine.com and our first foray into events management. As we continue to grow we are looking to spread the load and acquire the services of an experienced Sales Manager. Click Here to find out more.
