Finebeats

Ok so we hadn't taken a look at a new offering recently and decided we should inspect the latest release from Late as he brings the hip hop world the latest installment in his ever increasing discography.

Right from the off Late steps up with the swagger of a seasoned vet and is quick to remind the listener that he is a long time deep in this hip hop business and when it comes to being a long serving member of the hip hop game late has a proven ability to bring a certain wisdom to his work.

Throughout the 12 tracks it is refreshing to see a large amount of solo work from Late, and doesn't need to hide behind guests on every track, however when he does introduce the likes of  Iron Braydz, TBear, Supar Novar, K9, Genesis Elijah, Creamo, the integration works nicely and they bring new dimensions to the verse work.The carefully placed introduction of Jai boo at points in the album definitely brought a refreshing and at times more emotional feel to the table and worked nicely.

If we had one grumble we perhaps thought that there wasn't enough variety to the production as a whole, and while the beats were bouncy and sinister in places, we felt that we would have liked to have seen the album take different directions at certain points to refresh the palette so to speak.

The artist producer relationship between Late and Tricksta is definitely clear for all to see right from the off and the pair make a perfect partnership in showing what Wolftown is all about when it comes to hip hop.

All in all we thought it was another steady addition to Late's rapidly increasing C.V, but we would have liked to have seen it take on a little more variety in places. For all fans of Late this is an album you should add to your collection and grab it now while it is available on FREE download .  

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According to reports, one of the key witnesses in the trail against Czar Entertainment president James Rosemond has been offered a plea in return for handing over the missing $100k.

The witness, Khalil Abdullah, former associate to Jimmy and one of the top members of the outfit known as the Rosemond Organization is alleged to have entrusted the missing $100k to an unknown associate that he cannot locate.

If the plea deal is to be completed, Khalil Abdullah must hand over the $100K that was allegedly stolen from the Rosemond Organization. It was this theft that aided in stepping up the current investigation into the Rosemond Organization drug trafficking conspiracy. 

It is believed that the organization used FedEx and various other couriers to ferry drugs and money between New York and the West Coast.

Khalil Abdullah was the person that originally contacted the lead prosecutor, Todd Kaminsky, stating that he had information on the conspiracy. Abdulla is alleged to have faxed a letter on April 25th 2011 containing details about a drugs shipment that was being sent to a recording studio in New York using a ‘road case’ or hard case for musical equipment.

When agents seized the package they reportedly found $790,000 in $20 bills. This helped Kaminsky to bring forward the indictment against the investigations main target, James Rosemond.

Abdullah is currently facing 10 years in prison for the part he played in the drugs operation and is trying to reduce his sentence by testifying against his former associate. 

You can read more about the story so far below:

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50 Cent has made it clear recently that he’s not happy with the speed and support of Interscope. Although nothing is certain as yet, 50 has hinted on many occasions that his time with the label may be drawing to a close. 

With only one album left before his obligation to Interscope expires will he say enough is enough and go his own way? 

During a recent interview with MTV News, he was asked whether he would stay with Interscope once the deal was up:

"I don't know, it will all be clear in the negotiations following me turning this actual album in. And, of course, the performance and how they actually treat the work will determine whether you still want to stay in that position or not…It's not like you're gonna be able to make a project bigger than the actual project is, but if the songs are right and you have full support and you feel that support, why would you want to go anywhere else? If not, if you don't have that support, why would you want to sign to another system? In the financial state that I'm in, you just do it yourself."

At the weekend, 50 got on Twitter and vented his annoyance at the repeated hold up on his new album release:

"My headphones and my album coming in NOV RT @EasierToSee: @50cent first the sleeks! now the album being pushed back!! What's next?,"

"Me and EM are going to record for my album soon."

Then, a few days back, he expressed his frustration over the way the album was being handled:

"Ok I tried to be cool with my record company . I went to the meeting talk to everyone and sh*t feels like there moving in slow motion,"

"I'm sorry to announce I will not be releasing a new album this year if we don't get on the same page."

So is this the end of the 50/Interscope partnership? Only time will tell. Either way, it is becoming obvious that the new album could make or break their future together.

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Eminem finally confirms his long awaited debut in Northern Ireland, only to have it boycotted by the locals. The fear raised amongst the community is that his performance will conflict with a prayer service at the 75th anniversary of the Bagnor Missionary Convention.

The show, scheduled for the 24th of August 2011 at the Tennent’s Vital, Ward Park has already sold over 55,000 tickets but no entertainment licence has yet been granted. 

The Belfast Telegraph has reported that locals intend to lobby the North Down Borough Council and call for the Debut performance to be cancelled. It has been reported that a meeting was scheduled today (24th June 2011) to address concerns and hopefully, reach an agreement that benefits all involved.

More on this story as it progresses.

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If you had asked anyone at the start of Snoop Doggs career if he should be nominated for an Icon Award, you would have been laughed out of existence! But a lot has changed since then and on the 26th of August 2011 at the BMI Urban Awards, Snoop Dogg will receive an honour reserved for few.

Snoop will join an elite group which, to date includes: George Clinton, Carlos Santana, The Jacksons, James Brown, Isaac Hayes, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, The Bee Gees and Snoops good friend Willie Nelson.

After twenty years in the game and with eleven studio albums under his belt, Snoop will get his well deserved award along with a star studded musical tribute, consisting of several artists performing renditions of his top hits such as “Gin and Juice” and “Drop It like It’s Hot”.

The DoggFather has managed to stay at the top of his game throughout his career, delivering flow after flow to critical acclaim. In a statement released by BMI he is described as:

“A fiercely imaginative songwriter, capable of cutting rhymes and wry wordplay”

Considering that Snoop started his career as one of the scariest men in the world, not helped by his involvement in a high-profile murder case, this is a testament to the man himself and the often overlooked potential of Hip Hop.

Our congratulations go out to Snoop Dogg… Keep doin ya thing!

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The Swizz Beatz collaboration titled ‘Dear Anne (Stan Part 2)’ was leaked a couple of weeks back and received a positive response but Weezy explains that he doesn’t like the track, mainly because it features old material and he doesn’t believe he has done the concept justice.

In an interview with Miami’s Hit Factory Lil Wayne explained:

“That was actually a record for Tha Carter III that just leaked. It leaked out and everybody’s thinking that it’s going on Tha Carter IV ’cause I was actually gonna put it on Tha Carter IV . But I had been listening to it and didn’t like it. I don’t like it ‘cause the song, all the verses are old. And me being a perfectionist, I hate going with old verses.”

He then continued to acknowledge the acclaim it had received, including props from his right hand man, Cash Money’s Mack Maine and his manager Cortez Bryant:

 “Mack and Tez and them, they love it,” he said. “They be like ‘Man, you trippin, you killed it.’ I be like, ‘Did you hear what I just said? I don’t wanna do that anymore.’ But I heard that the ‘Anne’ song has been getting buzzed up and everybody’s buzzin’ about it so it might end up one of those you might have to put on the album, you know what I mean. But I ain’t trippin’ on it like that; I don’t like the song. I love the beat; I love the idea. I don’t like my execution. I don’t like what I did, I don’t like how I delivered on it. The idea that I had for it, I didn’t accomplish that, what I thought I was gonna do. ‘Cause I was tryna make it a situation song. And I just don’t like it.”

‘Dear Anne’ is still a great track but after hearing Weezy’s thoughts you can understand where he’s coming from. The beat is deep but the concept is lacking a real storyline. Maybe he should revisit it and drop a new release with Tha Carter IV?

Check it out if you havn’t already and let us know your thoughts:

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Buju Banton, reggae singer and all round great musician was today (23rd June 2011) sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in an alleged Cocaine deal in Miami during December, 2009.

Buju Banton, real name Mark Myrie was convicted for introducing his friend to a dealer that turned out to be a confidential informant. He has been found guilty of conspiracy to possess, with the intent to distribute cocaine.

The evidence that finally led to the conviction included a hidden video camera that recorded Buju inspecting a Cocaine shipment in 2009 by dipping his finger into the package and tasting it.

Banton has already been tried for his involvement in the deal but no verdict was reached as the trial ended in a hung jury. This was mainly down to the controversial role of the informant who was paid a $50,000 commission after the arrest.

There was also a weapons charge agains Buju but this was dismissed. This could easily have seen the singer serve another five years on top of his 10 year sentence. It is said that with good behaviour, the reggae singer could be released from prison after six years.

It was also reported by the associated press that Buju prepared a statement prior to the verdict which was read out by his attorney, David Markus. 

“The days that lie ahead are filled with despair, but I have courage and grace and I'm hopeful, and that is sufficient to carry me through."

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Check this out and let us know if you're feeling it…

New track from Vakill, produced by Jake One. Video is more just a backdrop but when it sounds this good that's all you need! Enjoy…  

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Birthm4rk - My Life My Crimes My Cry's (Mixtape) & Tell Me Why Feat. Queen.T (Music Video)

There is no doubting that the West Midlands is a hot spot for urban talent. With a string of solid names making some serious waves here is another name that you should be aware of and be on the look out for.  For those that don’t know, let us introduce to you to Birthm4rk, a Wolverhampton rapper destined for big things.

Birthma4rk is the leading force behind his own music and his imprint Law Recordings, as well as directing his own music videos, creating beats, designing clothes and being an all around urban savvy entrepreneur!

The story began over a decade ago when he first picked up the pen and started rhymes with the well-respected crew Deep Soulz who went on to win the 2004 Urban Voice ‘Best Hip Hop Act Award’. From there he had  the perfect launch pad to jump off with a solo career and before long Birthm4rk’s skills and songs soon got recognition from the likes of BBC 1Xtra with Birthm4rk being a finalist in an MC competition, as well as support from Dream Team on BBC Radio 1, plays on Galaxy FM and numerous pirate & internet radio stations.

Birthma4rk is also no stranger to rocking crowds live with a string of superb events under his belt including opening up for reggae superstar Sean Paul with DJ Semtex, rocking the mic with UK Garage legend DJ Principal at Global Gathering in 2000 and becoming a resident MC at Sidewinder’s ‘Highflyer’ Under 18′s nights. Birthm4rk also received TV airplay of his music video ‘My Letter To Santa Claus’ on BBC West Midlands and last year he got to the Quarter Finals of ‘Live Unsigned’.

Now with a string of solid releases and music videos in his discography, Birthm4rk now drops his second fifteen track mixtape entitled ‘My Life My Crimes My Crys’ which is a must for any discerning Hip-Hop and UK Urban music fan. Ram packed full of underground hits  this is already making noise with a selected few DJ’s and leading blogs/websites. Featuring a bunch of talented Midlands artists and production from Mr. G, J’Man, 4th Lord (S-Squad) and Jimmy Chambers,  the mixtape is mixed to perfection by Wolverhampton legend DJ Bullet aka Bullet Movements.

 
DJ’s will be pleased to hear that the individual tracks are available from Birthm4rk’s Sound Cloud page.

 
BIRTHM4RK – MY LIFE MY CRIMES MY CRY’S (MIXED BY BULLET MOVEMENTS)

 
01 – Intro Freestyle Can’t Stop Won’t Stop
02 – Country Monks Feat. Queen.T, Caspa, Sy.Loc, T.Bo, Dotta & Dubz (Illfam). Red Banditt, Gee.T, Don.B, Coolio & Mr. G
03 – In These Streets Feat. Clockwork
04 – Ghetto Children Feat. Sunev & Shantae
05 – Don’t Leave Feat. Jemstone & Queen.T
06 – Letter 2 God
07 – Madting Feat. B1 & BFace
08 – Ooo Nananar Feat. Evil Gemini
09 – Woohah Feat Cutta
10 – Pain Feat. Melody Farell
11 – Run Away
12 – She’s Got That Fire Feat B1
13 – Tell Me Why Feat. Kelz & Queen.T
14 – Real Men Feat. Wesley Davies
15 – My Life My Crimes My Cries Feat Queen.T

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Fdot1 - So Grimey EP (Out Monday 21st March 2011)

The long awaited second studio album from the talented rapper and  producer Fdot1 (AKA Flo AKA Floriginul) is now finally here. The  ‘Special Limited Edition’ album is NOW AVAILABLE! This special edition  CD includes the full album as well as an exclusive bonus of the uncut  ‘So Grimey’ video and a stack of Fdot1ar$ (don’t try and spend these!)  in a custom sleeve.

This album has already been getting the thumbs up  from various tastemakers in the UK urban music scene, with a string of  leading DJ’s supporting both on radio and in the clubs, as well as  every  credible Hip-Hop blog and website showing support. Fdot1 has delivered  a  future classic with timeless production and diverse song concepts  giving  this so much international appeal.

Grab your limited edition CD now

Grab it on MP3 now from iTunes

ALSO HERE’S SOME IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY!!!

SATURDAY 25TH JUNE 2011

Check out Fdot1 at the Charlie Sloth Showcase at Brixton Jamm, London

http://www.brixtonjamm.org/events/2011-06-25

SATURDAY 23RD JULY 2011

Catch Fdot1 at the O2, London alongside N-Dubz, Tinchy Stryder, Roll  Deep, Tempa T and more at Live Fest, London’s biggest indoor festival.

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