All Posts By

Thad Baron

Feb 03
0

Jay Electronica – A Written Testimony Tour !!!

By | Blog

The festiveness is over, even though I’m still seeing remnants of discarded Christmas trees outsde buildings..

The homie and birthday boy DJ Shortee Blitz hollared to invite me to a legendary event of Jay Electronica at the  prestigious Jazz Cafe on one of his sold out nights from his ‘A Written Testimony Tour’ UK tour.. My last Jay Elec performance was pre Covid times in Stoke Newington at a venue called Earth.. The excitement was peak as I really appreciate his lyricism.

The stage was rocking with a very talented live band and both singing and rapping duties performed from the main support Miss Kay Young.. a soulful neo classic artist with a flavouring of boom bap vibes to make you bop your head and move your shoulders. Her finale was an introduction to each band member who showcased their mastery of thier relevant instrument, to a powerful applause and screams of appreciation.

The venue was packed with an eclectic audience and the vibe continued rocking with the talented Billy Biznizz on warm up DJ duties.

Jay Elec came out to rapturous applause with engaging fans reciting his bars along with him for the majority of his performance. Acknowledement off his years living in west London and his comedic schooling of his support of Chelsea footbal club had the crowd in fits of laughter. He jumped into the dense crowd to perform a few songs and did all his hits and gave an honest political view of the world and showed his adoration for the great Detroit beatmaker Dilla… February being Dilla month worldwide since his death in 2006.

The show was GREAT !!!!

Click the link below to see Jay Electronica show night 2 👇🏾

Still enjoying the fond memories and vibes from the Monday night show I was lucky to get the heads up from his record label who invited me to the last nite of his tour. Ironically the first show was dope with an electric atmosphere, coupled with such unpredictability these last few Covid spolt years I duly embraced a second nite with Jay Elec !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Click the link below to see Jay Electronica show final night 👇🏾

Stuntin wid mandem @ the show 👇🏾

 

Socials :- 👇🏾

@jayelectronica

@kayyoungmusic

@billybiznizz

@thadboogie

 

Sep 09
0

Litttle Simz – ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’

By | Blog

So it’s September, the six weeks’ summer holiday’s are over for all those in education and the UK is inundated in a three day mini heatwave… yep I said 3 days.. 🙂

The famette Little Simz has announced on social media that she’ll be situated at Rough Trade East, the record store in Shoreditch London, all day.  I’ve known Simz for many years, being an avid supporter of her music for over a decade and whilst being committee member of the desirable music festival… The Camden Crawl.. I secured booking Little Simz to headline one of my events.

To both promote and celebrate, the East London Rough Trade performance kicked off at roughly 7pm and was like a 45 minute catalogue of some hits from her previous albums and current tracks from the present. Intense crowd interaction and participation resonated throughout the evening, her DJ also being very capable mic man and host.

Click the pic below to see her show 👇🏾

She has been a ferocious rapper with intricate pen and flow game over the decade and has attracted the collab talents of many of the UK and US rap fraternity’s nicest. Her new album ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ has just been released and already has a midweek UK Official Chart position entry of number 3.. This will definitely secure her a top 40 album and her highest UK chart spot.

Images from Rough Trade East Show 👇🏾

   

   

 

Socials :- 👇🏾

@littlesimz

@thadboogie

Sep 05
0

Code + Culture Exhibition !

By | Blog

 

Click image to see pics :- 👇🏾

A couple of days ago I ventured into central, Soho to be precise.. once the centrifugal point of club and vinyl world for many of us DJ folk… the talk was about photos being exhibited from my long time bredren… Teemax !

During the 90’s and much of the noughties my peoples like Paul H, Jennie Baptiste,  Eddie Otchere, Teemax etc were capturing and collating much imagery in the Rap / RnB concert world..

In conjunction with Soho Music Month, an exhibition was organised featuring the monumental images presented by these photographers, it lasted the duration of a calender month and it was FREE entry.

Organised by Hip Hip stalwarths Vincent Olutayo and Naheem Kassam-Bey  in conjunction with Illust Space and Mr Snappy’s the exhibition shows the changing Hip Hop camera technologies through the years with images from Aaliyah, TLC,  Busta Rhymes, Notorious Big, Mobb Deep and many more.

            

           

 

Socials :- 👇🏾

@thadboogie

@codeandculture_

Aug 04
0

Breakin’ Convention – King & Queen Of The Cobblestones !

By | Blog

 

Covent Garden

 

Internationally known for it’s famous cobblestoned piazza, the Royal Opera House, outdoor restaurants and busking street performers. If you were lucky enough to have visited between 1982-85, you would have also witnessed the nucleus of London Hip Hop culture.

Diehard first generation Hip hop heads from all over London and beyond would congregate in Covent to share skills, battle opponents and earn money. Poppers, lockers and breakers connected with graffiti writers and rappers. All captivated by the earliest TV images of this ground breaking artistic movement from the Bronx, created by kids that looked like us. A select few London Hip hop superstars made their names on those hallowed cobblestones. I’m honoured to be able to bring these legends together for a celebratory event this August!

Breakin’ Convention presents KING AND QUEEN OF THE COBBLESTONES. A Bonnie and Clyde style 2 on 2 battle for lockers, poppers, breakers and hip hop dancers in the heart of Covent Garden! Featuring the 1989 DMC champion, CUTMASTER SWIFT and fellow en4cer DJ BIZNIZZ playing funk breaks and hip hop beats alongside the SHEJAY. All the featured judges KING BREAKER, PERVEZ and DUKE danced in Covent in the 80s. There will be a mixture of invited duos and a prelim beginning at 1pm on the day. All couples are free to use any dance style, but the DJ will be playing strictly funk breaks and Hip hop. Hosted by B-GIRL SUNSUN and the original king of the cobblestones B-BOY DOLBY D.

Cash prizes for the finalists! Yes, it’s been a tough year for us all, so here’s a chance to make some money to contribute to your rent, bills and your summer staycation!

We also have some significant pa’s throughout the afternoon…

MC DUKE, East London’s original Britcore pioneer will be performing his classic material including ‘I’m Riffin’.

MC MELL’O’, original DETT representing South London. He was part of the first wave of conscious hip hop artists that would combine his skills with activism.

TRUEMENDOUS , bringing that Birmingham flava. The new generation of super skilled emcees commanding mics on the regular. Check out her debut album, ‘Huh?’ You may also catch her spitting bars while busking on Oxford St.

We build bridges at Breakin’ Convention. We welcome everyone from everywhere. As Rakim said ‘It ain’t where you’re from… it’s where you’re at’. Come and join us for this celebration of Hip hop history, youth culture and creativity.

 

Peace, Love, Unity and Family Fun! #LetsDoLondon

Socials :-

@BConvention

@Jonzid

Jun 10
0

TKorStretch – ‘Flamenco Dance’ !!!

By | Blog

 

TKorStretch – ‘Flamenco Dance’ 

Release June 11th

 

After a fire start to 2021, TKorStretch came out the blocks hitting the scene with precision and aiming  to put Bristol on the map 😊

2020 saw TkorStretch make immense impressions in the scene, a link up with Block 6’s iconic ‘GhostFace600’ on the track ‘Cali Buds’.

His manager / producer, ‘Rockizm’ hollared me towards the end of 2020 and told me he had a hot new rap kid from Bristol and he wanted me to get my teeth into the  project.

We hit the streets with the TeamDoubleG – ‘Lockdown’ at the end of 2020.

The start of 2021, TKorStretch gave us his first single of the year ‘Ham’ ; setting the tone and gaining massive support on radio, especially in Bristol. he was voted Number 1, three weeks in a row on Ujima Radio !

 

Watch TKorStretch :- ‘Ham’ (Music Video) 👇🏾

 

‘Visions’ was the second banger from TKorStretch this year dropping in March via Mixtape Madness.

Watch:- TKorStretch – ‘Visions’ 👇🏾

‘Flamenco Dance’ is the 4th release of the year for the Bristol artist, with hype increasing, so is his ability and this Drill influenced track is the evidence.

An innovative style combines his musically sharp melodies and enhanced flows. With the ability to switch between his Drill style rap and his smooth harmonious vocals at any point in the track. The beat is perfect for the track, using Eastern sounds with a lead melody and others to support. The drill 808’s intertwines perfectly with his most infectious chorus so far, bouncing off the beat in abundant fashion.

Taking place in his home city of Bristol, TKorStretch and his associates take up various areas of the city for the visual of this track. Underground car parks or picturesque views over the green city.

Full of energy and even choreographed dancers, this track goes hand in hand with its musical counterpart.

Just shy of 1 million views across his music videos on YouTube, it is clear that TkorStretch is doing his bit to put Bristol on the map. His dynamic style is being supported by rave reviews, cementing his position as a one to watch out for this year.

Watch :- TKorStretch ‘Flamenco Dance’ 👇🏾

 

Socials :-

Instagram :- @TKorStretch

Twitter :- @TKorStretch

May 13
0

Brit Awards 2021 – UK Rap !

By | Blog

 

The Brits… UK Rap

 

Aaah what a positive run we got poppin out here for UK rap..

Tuesday May 9th in UK is the prestigious award music ceremony of the year.

 

The UK Brit Awards, it has a similar prestige to the much celebrated Grammy Awards across the pond.

Staring in 1977 and going annually from 1982 it is the single most important event of the calendric UK music year.

It’s a significant recognition awarded for excellence in music.. combinating in a groovy prize and kindly acceptance speech.

It represents successes covering a 12 month music period !!!!

 

We’re nearly half way in 2021 and already the rap lane has really been reppin’

It’s now May and we’ve had top ten UK Chart success with :-

Slowthai – Tyron

Ghetts – Conflict Of Interest

AJ Tracey – Full Game

Fredo – Money Can’t Buy Happiness

Dave – Titanium

Central Cee – Commitment Issues

Digga Dee / AJ Tracey – Bringing It Back

 

Having been immersed in the music industry for what is longer than my youthful looks 😊

I was keen and eager to see how the domestic rap culture would be represented in this year’s ceremony.

Last year had the world recognising that 3 of the most watched YouTube UK music videos in 2020 were from the UK rap culture..

Tion Wayne, Dutchavelli & Stormzy‘s ‘I Dunno’

Dutchavelli’s ‘Only If You Knew’

Joel Corry and MNEK ‘s ‘Head & Heart’

 

Perhaps one of the most prestigious prizes of the evening has to be Male Solo Artist.

This year’s prize quite deservedly went to east London rapper J Hus having been nominated for awards in previous years…

I am a great fan and supporter as he is a profound story teller, with emotion, witicism and great punchlines, in his absence the award was accepted by Sony Music A&R and Capital Xtra’s DJ Semtex..

The whole UK rap fraternity was represented in some capacity with performances, nominations, speeches etc from :-

 

Pa Salieu

AJ Tracey

Headie One

J Hus

Young T & Bugsey

Aitch & AJ Tracey Feat Tay Keith

Joel Corry feat. MNEK

 

so refreshing to witness the UK rap industry be recognised for social influences and international recognition.

#UKRAPSTANDUP

@thadboogie

Apr 26
1

Hmyna – ‘Mentiras’

By | Blog

Hmyna – ‘Mentiras’

Hmyna (Hannah to her friends) is an emerging and mercurial talent with an impulse to experiment and try out fresh ideas.  London-based for the last 5 years but with a lifetime of living in other places including France and Barcelona and with a strong family connection to Salvador de Bahia (the most Africanised part of Brazil) she first appeared as a featured vocalist on releases for UK R&B producer Tokyo The Producer.

The bumping ‘Mentiras’ unveils some of Hmyna’s time in both Barcelona and also her new life in London, the Cuban / Colombian fiesta colliding with London’s own Caribbean carnival vibes. A tough and deceptively layered soca rhythm and bass line led by a cheeky marimba riff. Touches of Spanish guitar and timpani rolls leave plenty of room for Hmyna to reveal the many cadences that she can bring to her soulful voice. Sang in both English and Spanish, this is a driving club track that could pop in São Paulo, Lagos or in Notting Hill alike.

Produced by Jake Wherry, founder of  The Herbaliser, stalwarts of the London beats scene and one of Ninja Tune’s early signings. Jake does a great job of allowing space for Hmyna’s rap, songwriting and captivating voice to come to the fore alongside a solid instrumental beefy enough for both sound systems and radio play.

Featuring the insanely talented Kaidi Tatham on piano, Herbaliser/Groove Armada percussionist Patrick Dawes and Jake’s oldest son George on guitar, “Mentiras” is the perfect tonic to kickstart Summer 2021.

Watch :- Hmyna – ‘Mentiras’ (video)

👇🏾

 

Socials :-

Instagram :- @hymna_

Twitter :- @Believemusic_uk

Apr 09
0

Pharaoh Santana Feat Cress Rilee – ‘Arvada’ (Freestyle)

By | Blog

 

Pharaoh Santana is a 25 year old rapper and actor from Westchester, Los Angeles and he’s got bars !

A graduate of New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, he also has his own multi-media company, New America Digital.

His acting resume includes, starring in Amazon Prime’s post apocalyptic comedy “Nuke City”, as well as Facebook Watch’s satirical news show “Fake News At Night”, both produced by New America Digital.

Recently heating up the airwaves and blogs with his last single… 👇🏾

Watch :- Pharaoh Santana – Playboy :- (video)

His newest single is an addictive journey of penmanship.. !!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Watch :- Pharaoh Santana Feat Cress Rilee – ‘Arvada Freestyle’ (video) 👇🏾

 

 

Socials :-

 

Insta :- @PharaohSantana

Insta :- @cressrilee

Twitter :- @PharaohSantana

Facebook :- www.facebook.com/PharaohSantana

Feb 23
1

Ghetts – Conflict Of Interest

By | Blog

 

 

It’s kinda mid February ish….

 

The snow and ice grip of the UK which has lasted more than a fortnight has subsided and dare I say it, we’ve got a little warmth in the offerings 😊

Fresh from Slowthai, another domestic rapper having recent chart topping success, its now the release of east London MC, Ghetts new album..

I’ve been aware of Ghetts from Nasty Crew but became a huge fan of Ghetts pen game and wordplay ever since he was in The Movement,

A rap group with Wretch 32, Scorcher, Devlin etc.. his similes, wordplay and witticism are profound.

Having been involved heavily in the UK rap scene, with my own rap show on Channel U called #Hotbarz !!

I was also a committee member of the renowned London music festival, The Camden Crawl and we had the opportunity of getting Ghetts to rip mic at The Monarch Camden.

His incorporation of eclectic features on his new album ‘Conflict Of Interest’ is both exciting and refreshing.

From heavyweight singer/songwriter talents such as Ed Sheeran and Emile Sande to an academy of UK rap talent; Skepta, Stormzy, Giggs, Dave and Wretch 32 to mention just a few.

I have been supporting much music of Ghetts on my Itch FM radio show and many singles from this new album which hit the streets & digital stores and became available everywhere on February 19th.

Being from Forest Gate, an east London native like Ghetts, I’ve observed how he acknowledged and showed respect to the ends..

Having being an A&R man at major labels most of my working life I’m a huge fan of this thing called lyricism and I’m overjoyed at this quintessential aspect of this UK rap culture flourishing at a national level.

IC3, Crud, Mozambique have all been singles already shared from ‘Conflict Of Interest’ album and express Ghetts pen game.

Watch :- Ghetts Feat Skepta – IC3

👇🏾

Watch :- Ghetts Feat Jaykae & Moonchild Sanelly – Mozambique

👇🏾

 

Watch :- Ghetts Feat Giggs – Crud

👇🏾

 

On subsequent repeat listens I have become attached to new favourites :-

Autobiography, Dead To Me, Sonya… his story telling is both from an honest and intriguing point of view.

His penmanship expresses deep and personal recounting of his teenage home life, his years of offending, relationships with police & former music managers etc.

Having originated from early Grime’s rap and fast tempo, Ghetts shows his appreciation of the whole rap culture & musicality with the varying tempos and production styles on this album.

An absolutely heartfelt, lyrically astute exhibition of sincere worldplay, story telling and emotion.

Ghetts – ‘Conflict Of Interest’ is a strongly recommended purchase !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Socials :-

@officialghetts

@skepta

@jaykae10

@moonsanelly

@officialgiggs

@thadboogie

Feb 16
0

Marlon Craft – ‘How We Intended’ Album

By | Blog

We still only kinda fresh into 2021, six weeks ain’t that deep !

New presidential inaugartions and invasions of the White House take a back seat to this worldwide disease ‘Covid 19’, which seems to be awkwardly re-inventing itself frequently.  It’s with excitement and anticipation that I welcomed the arrival of New York MC Marlon Craft’s new album.. ‘How We Intended’ !!!

His pengame and rap delivery has captivated me with such social and political awareness and commentary over the years. His previous songs ‘Shithole’ and ‘Gang Shit’ had me intrigued and hence received much DJ support.

The project arrived on Feb 10th and its been on repeat.. !!

Donald Trump the former president of the United States has been globally chastised for inciting the riots. With references to inequality between the races and white America not wanting to embrace equality and this Corona virus influencing election results… ‘State Of The Union’ acted as a powerful introduction to the new project..

“Fuck a popular lie, I’d rather be a truthful secret”

“You can’t fake lighting but you can plan thunder”

“To defeat white supremacy we have to want to defeat white supremacy. I don’t think most of us really do.”

“Truth is if not for COVID, Trump would’ve won re-election in a landslide”

watch Marlon Craft – ‘State Of The Union’

👇🏾

Marlon making a song and video wherein him and his buddies embody the demeanour of pensionable old men and interacting with the youth of today, is not too far removed from the different generational views of yesterday and now.

“They be sneak-diss cussin’ the kid
Shit, at least they discussin’ the kid”

watch Marlon Craft – ‘Get Off My Yard’

👇🏾

Marlon’s writings are from an objective and humble point of view and making conversational the advantages of white America compared to other minority groups. He’s encouraging dialogue and emphatically wants and hopes that we all just get along.

Grateful, Tell Me Today, Loyal, The Working Man are just some of the songs I’ve had on repeat !

I recommend a full listen from this new project and y’all make your own conclusions…

Socials :-

@MarlonCraft

@Thadboogie