A Hidden Gem from JME....

JME - Scotland.

No idea why this track is called as it is but you can tell it's from a few years back before he released his breakthrough song 'Serious'. I'm feeling this a lot.

Interview with Ricta

Blatantly Blunt is all about exposing new talent, and following on from the interview with Terra Kid from Red Hot Entertainment last month, we have an interview with UK hip hop emcee RICTA, who's also blessed us with a free download of his latest mixtape, 'Rictape', which can be found at the bottom of this interview. If you're a fan of UK legends such as Jehst, Taskforce or Foreign Beggars, Ricta's following suit with his own blend of real life content and razor sharp flows."I love the underground, I love un-watered down real hip hop, it ain't dead cus I live it everyday."

1. Do you have a crew/producer you make your tracks with and where do you rep?
Yeh, I'm also part of a 3 man group called 'Addicted Dictionaries' which compromises of myself, Idyllic & Tony Gumboots we've all know each other for years doing our solo stuff and thought it was time to start focusing some of our energy on a group project , I wont let loose any surprises just yet but were gonna be working with a lot of big UK names through out the course of this year.

I make a lot of the beats for the group but shouts to DJ Kutclass, DJ OP1 and Jabba Tha Kut for there input and beats on my solo stuff. To be honest I'm just repping myself and 'Addicted Dictionaries' obviously were carrying the flag for the UK too but i try not to get to caught up in that.

2. Who would you say were your main influences including those from the UK and who are you feeling in the game at the moment?
My main influences our all the late 80's / early 90's rap cats you know , Large Pro , OC, Common, Jeru (The Damaja), Lords Of The Underground, Nas, I really could go on forever , in terms of UK influences Jehst, Taskforce, Tommy Evans, Foreign Beggars, Cappo, a whole lot of names... I'm a hip hop junkie!

At the moment Joell Ortiz and Papoose are definitely two cats who are bringing New York back in my opinion , I've not really heard much UK stuff as of late but Stig's 'Homeless Microphonist' was dope along with the new Hoodz Underground LP good to see them guys back too definitely.

3. What's been the best show you've done and which cities do you get the best crowds in?
The best show Ive done hmm I'm not too sure there's been a lot of dope nights but the best ones have definitely been in my hometown (Coventry) cus that's where we get the bigger crowds you know, I'm more known around here than in other cities.

4. How do you feel you're gonna take your career forward?
Just with consistency and dedication, I'm not going anywhere, the Rictape is the first release which I've got into stores and as we speak I'm in talks with stores all over the country trying to secure stock and promotion, I just think with a hard work ethic and a true love for the
music you cant go wrong , I'm not really looking for a major deal or anything like that , I love the underground, I love un-watered down real hip hop, it ain't dead cus I live it everyday.

5. Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I'd collaborate with anyone thats got talent and I'm feelin really regardless of if they've already made a name for themselves or not I've always thought me and Tommy Evans would fit nice and a track but hey who knows, also 'Addicted Dictionaries' are looking for a dope DJ for shows
and stuff as we speak so if you fit the picture hit me up!

For more information on Ricta check out...
www.rictamusic.com
www.myspace.com/rictaofficial




Ricta's Mixtape, 'Rictape' can be downloaded for FREE here:
Direct Download Link :
http://www.rictamusic.com/Ricta%20-%20Rictape%20(2008).rar

OR
Rapidshare Download Link :
http://www.rapidshare.com/files/91753617/Ricta_-_Rictape__2008_.rar

The YouTube theme song by the guy whos been making hits since the 1920s

Irving Field's the name and he's recorded over 90 albums.

Scouting for MTV Presenters in 2008 - The 'most clicks counts' method

This works so well...

Banana Joe's Reggae Remix of the Beyonce Hit "Irreplaceable". This works so well it had to exposed. The extra edge this brings to the track makes it that much better.


and now the inverse/complete opposite of the last video.. Collie Buddz' 'Irreplaceable' Remix with the original instrumental. Pretty hot. Hopefully we'll be hearing some more from the Bermudan star soon.


Finally.. a classic track from Sizzla Kalonji - Thank U Mama. Seeing as it's Mothers Day in the UK I felt this was appropriate. This dude's overly sick

Benjamin Zephaniah breaks down the media's (brainwashing) tactics

Pure wisdom in my opinion, as a slam poet extroadinaire, this piece entitled 'Rong Radio Station' is lyrical wisdom with a varied and strong set of influences in terms of delivery, content and political stance. I know he doesn't rap but I can't think of any emcee from our shores that bring consciousness in this way, apart from perhaps Scorzayzee (especially with his track 'Great Britain'), Skinnyman, or Chester P. I think it's fair to say he's the UK's equivalent of KRS ONE when acapella? This was brought to you by Just So Films and is part of a series called The Black Cab Sessions, getting (mainly indie) artists to do their thing in the back of a black taxi somewhere in the Big Smoke.