Pitching itself as the “ultimate online music production video tutorial website”, Sonic Academy launches today with the aim of being a one-stop shop for all aspiring producers, deejays and musicians.
Registration’s free, and anyone doing so gets access to two free online tutorials - click here to check it out.
The remix of Kidz In The Hall’s ‘Drivin’ Down The Block’ has finally dropped - click here to listen in. We’ve been bumpin’ it for a while now and have to say that while Bun B and Pusha T can certainly spit, The Cool Kids seem way out of their depth - a full new verse from Masta Ace would have been far more palatable.
Album’s out mid-May, so cop it then.
Taking place this Saturday, the Red Bull Music Academy presents an elite panel of German hip-hop artists, including Samy Deluxe, Azad and KIZ und Tai Jason, who’ll be discussing the evolution of the German scene.
Better yet, it’ll be broadcast live over the web - click here to log into the live-stream. There’s also a live chat section, which you can access by clicking here.
Going down on May 31st, the Hockley Flyover Project is a day-long street festival headed up by Soweto Kinch, and also featuring the talents of TY, Bashy, Jonzo D and more.
“My area only ever receives negative press for gun crime and unemployment; I want to use our art to inspire and challenge notions of privilege,” says Soweto of the idea to hold the event in a neglected corner of Birmingham.
You might not be up on the name yet, but Jose James is definitely one to watch, especially with a soon-coming cover version of Freestyle Fellowship’s ‘Park Bench People’ dropping soon.
In the mean time catch him at any of the following live dates, and click here to check out his interweb presence.
25th April 2008 – The Tramway – Glasgow
26th April 2008 – Jazz Bar – Edinburgh
1st May 2008 – Cambridge Festival, The Junction
2nd May 2008 – Cheltenham Jazz Festival – TBC
12th May 2008 – Jazz Café, London
Going down on May 2nd, Kashmere and J Rawls (of Lone Catalysts fame) will be playing live sets at Herbal, in support of their new albums. Also on the bill will be DJ Vadim, DJ Hooch, A-Cyde and DJ Spin Doctor. Click here for more info on the night.
Even better, HHC has two pairs of tickets and CD albums to give away - just tell us the name of Kashmere’s new album by clicking here.
Forget talk of whether he should or should not be at Glastonbury, ‘cos Jay-Z’s going to be hitting the UK for a whole string of dates this July.
“There’s an amazing vibe and energy in the UK. I’m looking forward to seeing my UK fans again,” said Jigga, who plans to play at the following venues throughout July:
3rd: O2 Wireless Festival, Hyde Park
15th: Bournemouth
16th: Cardiff
19th: Manchester, MEN Arena
20th: Glasgow, SECC
21st: Aberdeen, AECC
Click here for more info and tickets.
Back to burn after the huge success of his 50 Cent: Bulletproof title, Fif’s returning to the video game scene with the soon-coming 50 Cent: Blood On The Sand.
A third-person shooter, this time the plot involves Fif’ and his G-Unit soldiers getting involved with a shady jam promoter with links to gangland figures and international crime lords. Cue the drama; lots of drama.
Co-starring Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo and Whoo Kid, the title also features new and exclusive music from the crew, though it’s unknown whether it will also include a mini-game based around Fat ‘Elephant In The Sand’ Joe. Fingers crossed…
The Wild Styles hip-hop photo and art exhibition will be hitting London Town again soon at Camden’s Bar Vinyl. From May 19th you’ll be able to view a great selection of vintage prints from the likes of HHC snappers Normski and Janette Beckman, while from June 17th things will flip forward to the future with a display of work from 30 new and up coming photographers, painters and graff artists.
If you’re an artist interested in seeing your new school styles featured in the exhibition, email lucy@thinkespionage.com to get more information on the competition and submission process.
More info on the gallery can also be found by clicking here.
