Dizzee Rascal Tour Dates

Having seen Dizzee perform at The Forum last year I am genuinely ecstatic that he will be touring the UK next month!

The tour kicks off in Cardiff on Sunday 5 April and comes to London on the 16th and 17th where Dizzee will be playing at Wembley Arena.

Now, if you can't get to either of those gigs, dont worry! There is another chance to see him in Hyde Park at the Wireless Festival on Saturday 4 July.

And before you thought it couldn't get any better...Dizzee will not be touring alone this April. He is joined by none other than The Prodigy.

Enjoy!

Project Urban 2009

Some of grime's most talented and well known artists will be performing at The O2 in London in two months time! Wiley, Tinchy Stryder, DJ Ironik, Bashy and Ghetts are among the headliners.

Gigs on the grime scene have been scarce so far in 2009, so the news that this star studded line up will be gracing the stage on Sunday 3 May has come as a welcome relief.

Tickets are £20 and available now on ticketmaster!

Shystie Album Update

Having constantly reviewed Shystie's myspace page in the past week...there is still no exact date for the release of her new album!

I can tell you though that Shystie will be releasing a "pre album", not too sure what that is, in July 09 and the new album, "Back In Uniform" is set for release sometime in late 09.

Back with a "New Style"

After releasing her debut album in 2004 Shystie is back, taking a break from filming the TV series "Dubplate Drama" broadcast on Channel 4.

Her new single, the aptly named "New Style" has a wicked electro vibe, hard-hitting bass line and is a tune that would hold up at any club or party.

However, it seems that Shystie's record label, Polydor, don't share my enthusiasm! They have yet to set a release date for the track and are thought to be testing the water before any commitments are made.

As soon as a release date is set or any other news emerges on Shystie I'll wack it on here! Meanwhile, I've put her new video on the video bar, see what you think.

New Boys on the Scene

There's a new group in town. Newham Generals have bursted onto the UK grime scene this month releasing their debut album. Their first single, "Head Get Mangled" (sounds lovely doesn't it) has been met with popular response...making its way onto Dizzee Rascal's own MySpace page no less.

Their latest track release from the album "Genrally Speaking" features Dizzee himself, possibly more of a reason why the generals feature on his MySpace page? But who knows!

However, taking nothing away from this new act I have to say I enjoyed listening to their music. It gives a more upbeat sound, offering less of a hip/hop vibe and more of a mix with drum & bass.

If you're into your grass roots Grime, I would say "Generally Speaking" is definitely worth a buy or a download...and it's out now.

You can also listen to a few of the Newham General's tracks on my video bar.

Grime vs. Crime

It's no secret that Grime has often been accused of glamorising knife and gun crime. It is therefore a relief that two big names on the scene have stated publicly in an interview that they are completely against the issues that seem to be going from strength to strength in this day and age.

Tinie Tempah and Bruza were in unanimous agreement on the subject, "It's got to a position where it's just ridiculous and something needs to be done." I think you'll agree it's quite refreshing to find a couple of new grime artists, who in their regular environment, would find it very easy to get caught up with the "hard" image that is supposedly linked with owning a "shooter" or a "blade" but instead choose to oppose it.

On top of this...Tinie released a record named, "Put the Guns and Knives Down." One of life's great lessons!

"Urban Classic"

Something recently came to my attention...an event aptly named "Urban Classic" was held in Hackney Empire in east London on the 16th of Feb.

Many of London's newest grime artists collaborated with the BBC's Concert Orchestra at the venue and the event was a big success.

Artists included Bruza, Purple, Pase and the beatboxer Face, as well as female rapper Tor.

This new prospect was masterminded by Bigga Fish, a not for profit youth organisation that helps budding rappers and musicians, alongside the BBC, and to be honest, I didn't think it would work.

Collaborations such as Wiley and Daft Punk and Dizzee Rascal and Calvin Harris have proven nationwide hits but the grime and dance genre has always been a suitable and obvious match.

However, classical music and grime are at such opposite ends of the musical spectrum, I thought this may have been a case of one step too far. But then I listened to the stream on BBC's 1xtra radio show and what can I say, I guess opposites really do attract!