Sony Music have announced the release of the legendary “lost” debut Blak Twang album ‘Dettwork SouthEast’ on Monday 22nd September. An un-released British masterpiece that has reached almost mythical status, and undoubtedly the holy grail of UK hip-hop, the album has been re-mastered and includes a brand new 2014 bonus track, ‘Dettwork London Revisited (Dettwork SouthEast Remix)’. The revisited version now features Jehst, Rodney P and Samson AKA Black The Ripper – each repping their corner of the city over a new Harry Love production. Already receiving early support from BBC Radio 1’s Charlie Sloth, Itch FM DJ’s and the Hip Hop scene in general ‘Dettwork SouthEast’ has been met with widespread excitement.
Considered an all-time classic of the genre, ‘Dettwork SouthEast’ (a pun on the rail company Network SouthEast) was ranked at No.3 in the Hip-Hop Connection list of the Top 50 UK hip-hop LPs, even though it never got past an initial test press and small promotional-only (not for sale) run on cassette for journalists in advance of what should have been its official release in 1996. For what later became an album of scarce availability amongst music aficionados, its influence upon the UK hip-hop scene is undoubted. Both singles from the album, ‘Real Estate’, and the title track, ‘Dettwork SouthEast’, gained widespread recognition upon release, which served to only further fuel the cult-like status the album is now known for; an absolute lost gem.
However, at last ‘Dettwork SouthEast’ is finally set to be given a full UK release with its original track listing and packaging, including collaborations with Roots Manuva, Seanie T and Fallacy plus the aforementioned bonus 2014 track ‘Dettwork London Revisited (Dettwork SouthEast Remix)’.
“For the ‘Dettwork SouthEast’ album to finally get a release now, as it deserved when it was first recorded in 1996, is quite incredible. The reason this has been possible is really due to the fans, who have been the never-ending fuel that have kept the fire blazing and the engines running. It was the genesis of my career and really defined what I’ve gone on to achieve since then, so for everyone to get behind this project and truly believe in it has been amazing!” – Blak Twang
Dettwork SouthEast will be available on CD, 2LP vinyl and digital download on September 22, with a launch party on the same day at The Jazz Café in London, with the host DJ Big Ted and DJ Sarah Love supplying added Hip Hop vibes !!!!!
