Devlin + Island Records = Good For Grime

I love Grime, I think that's pretty obvious. I'm not the only one though, because the rate at which Island Records are going, they're won't be many unsigned Grime artists left !

 They've signed Wiley and Tinchy Stryder...and now Devlin is the latest act on the popular label which, since the late 1950's has rostered acts such as Eric B & Rakim, Bob Marley, Mika, The Sugababes and many more.

 The news comes as a big boost to all parties involved, none least than the young MC's crew, Outakers. With their status as one of Grime's earliest formed collectives, it's smiles all round. "It's a big deal for the whole camp" said the crews manager, Mikee. Devlin being signed will bring the profile of the crew up a few levels !" 

 Perhaps Island's most notorious movement of late is taking one of Grime's finest young artists in Tinchy Stryder - and transforming him from an MC who once tore down raves such as Eskimo Dance and Sidewinder to a number one selling artist. Devlin's been a part of the scene for a while now, ever since 2006's Tales From The Crypt featuring classics such as Take Me Away, Reality Is Sinister and the original to the track below; Community Outcast..



Of course it's only fair that the long-adoring grime fan would be worried about Devlin's next step musically, but to be fair, Stryder still maintains contact with the Grime scene despite his ever-soaring status. OT's manager spoke with me about this "He wont be neglecting the scene. He knows where he comes from. He'll still be making the same kind of music. I don't think many can see Devlin dancing about with a big gold chain talking love (Laughs)"

It seems that Island is the best label for taking the young talent and making them big, and O.T had mentioned on there site that there was a lot of competition from other major's, so why was Island the choice ?

"For me it was the fact that Island seemed to understand Devlin better than the others and we agreed on the direction he should go in." Mikee told me yesterday. With that taken into consideration, the move can only be described as marvellous, best wishes to Devlin and his on-going journey..

For all the latest on Devlin and the rest of the Outakers, head over to Outakers.com now !

A Dog Is For Life...Not Just For Christmas !

Well, where do you start with Dogzilla ? Front man of London's East-End music crew Outakers, Dogzy has been about for so long his name is pretty synonymous with the Grime scene and it's early movements, with Dogzy spending a short time with the Pay As You Go Cartel. Since his role on O.T's very 1st release (a 12" featuring Danny Weed), to his popular stints on Rinse FM and Roll Deep's Aim High Series, Dogzilla has been a constant talking point among listeners. 

 After a recent return to the scene he's been a part of for so long, his love/hate relationship with the listeners is set to chance with this: A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas. 

The completely free promo contains 11 tracks of Dogzilla at his best, with production from Danny Weed, Rachet, Points, Z Dot, MR Slash amongst support from singer McLean (of whom he worked with on Lowdeep's 'Unsung' album). For the listeners who appreciate Dogzilla's storytelling vibe, Boy In The Rain, Mirror Man and his rendition of Eminem's classic Mockingbird will suit you just fine. For those appreciative of his crazy no-nonsense approach to spitting, Oi and Grime Rockstar fit the bill perfectly.

 Tracklisting

1. Nobody Likes Me

2. Drunk On A Song

3. Boy In The Rain

4. I'll Be Loving You

5. Mockingbird

6. Devils Mouth

7. Grime Rockstar

8. Out My Face

9. Mirror Man

10. Stay Out The Way

11. Freestyle (Z Dot Beat)

Click here to see what Dogzy had to say when I caught up with him, and for now..

DOWNLOAD

Sooo That Was September

Have you ever watched Greyhounds race before ? If not then here's a good one for you:

That race above could in some ways be compared to the grime scene. Firstly it's a good laugh. Yes, that's right, sometimes I like to sit down with my Bearded Dragon on my shoulder and laugh at the grime scene. Because despite the "badman" stigma it carries, I believe thy artists to be comedians, particularly guys like Chipmunk, who in one random twitter rant said "Fuck the world". No son, the world says fuck YOU. Well I do anyway.

North London MC Hammer could well be the little greyhound who slips up at the start and then goes on to win the race. Because after his tremendously long absence from Grime, Mr Hurricane City has raced back at full speed and put out one of the year's best releases. Catch my review here.

CD OF THE YEAR. So far. But that's not to put a dampening doubt over it though, P Money's bananas flow over insane beats from Sukh Knight, Royal T and Silencer makes for brick-wall-testing listening. Review here.

If I'm honest, get it from iTunes so you can choose the Silencer remix.

Elsewhere...

24 Hours in the life of Butterz makes for a good watch and you get a shiny new mix with it ! Watch and download here.
Z Dot and Dolla Da Dustman's free EP 'Go Getterish: The Preview' plus mini interview !
Lawless (cousin to Rock N Rolla Kano) drops his promo "Heir To The Throne"
Merky Ace presents "The Best Of Merky ACE"

Oh and finally...

I said the race was like Grime also because September represents the opening gate. Expect a flood of releases now from the likes of Wiley, Dogzilla, Deeperman, Scorcher, Flowdan, Roll Deep, Blacks, Devlin, Ghetts and many many MANY more. (Don't hope too hard on Ghetts and Devlin though, eh).

Frankie.