Fish Gone Joyriding
Scott Garcia
Label: MI RAW
Release: Early December

The mastermind behind the legendary 4Liberty Recordings label returns with his new venture, MI Raw. One might wonder how you celebrate an event of this stature? Apparently you get one of your artists to take a huge House anthem and mash it up with an all time UK Garage classic to serious effect. As the name implies, "Fish Go Joyriding" sees Scott Garcia laying elements of Fish Go Deep's "The Cure and the Cause" inside Colour Girl's "Joyrider", combining the infectious bass/synth line of the former with the unforgettable vocals of the latter over a simple but effective 2-Step beat. If this is a sign of things to come from this new imprint, this could be a very good thing for the UK Garage scene in 2007.

G NOTORIOUS

Windmill Dub / The Black Forest
Moldy
Label: Heavy Pressure
Release: Early December

Large Dubstep release from the "original fungalist" known as Moldy [PROFILE], an artist we added to the SoulChampion artist pages last month, and a long time stalwart in the North East US DnB world. Sinister and suspenseful atmosphere encompasses tight beats and bass that take you on a neural journey through almost subconscious melodies hidden beneath the more obvious elements of these tunes. Moldy brings ultra clean production with beats that slap you in the face and bass that drives into your chest.

G NOTORIOUS

Stop Snitchin'
Lapidus and Stanna G F/ Skepta and Wiley
MCS / Release: December

Crispy production from Lapidus backs up the quality you would expect from big boys Skepta and Wiley on the mic alongside Stanna G. Nice dirty basline and clean beats with some orchestral instrumentation that's reminiscent of a James Bond suspense scene soundtrack. Top quality material!

G NOTORIOUS

Orchestral Duz Vol. 2
Studio Beatz Records

Two bangin Bassline House / Speed Garage tracks from the Studio Beatz camp. "Drum Beat Dub" brings string melodies and meaty "slugs" in the vamped bassline with the classic "drum beat goes like this... this... this... sample dropping in now and then. Flip for "There's No Love" if you prefer more vocals. Both sides are lively and would do well on any dance floor.

G NOTORIOUS

Dem Sinners
Grimejah
Aphex Recordings

Forthcoming Grimey instrumental from this French based producer. A definite DrumnBass influence in the heavy filter work on the bassline. Some nice atmosphere and beats that could find this track equally at home in any Grime or Dubstep set.

G NOTORIOUS

Speed Avengers Volume 3
Ying Yang Records

Two RnB Bassline mashups with an organ dub of the second for good measure. I'm not really up on my RnB so I couldn't tell you who did the original lf "If You Love Me, Say It" but a little research turned up Dante Thomas' as the original of "Miss California". Both tracks feature some chunky beats and nice solid basslines.

G NOTORIOUS

Evolution:EP
DJ Klassic
Nexgen Recordings

Four 140+ BPM slices of grimey darkness, each with it's own distinct flavor. This EP lands somewhere between Dubstep and Grime with a dose of DrumnBass added to the sonic blend. DJ Klassic layers atmospherics under breaky beats and an assorted barrage of bass sounds with some almost indistinguishable vocals melded into the background of a couple of the tracks. If you like it dark and breaky but still upbeat enough to be moving, this one's for you!

G NOTORIOUS

The Lethal Bizzle EP
Lethal Bizzle

Guess who's back in town? The Bizzle with a collection of 4 heavy instrumentals. One has been previously released as a vocal choon with a name that I can't remember but works just as well as an instrumental. The other three appear to be new or previously unreleased. Overall a diverse package, each track having it's own unique sound set and character. My personal favorite is the second track on the B side which consists primarily of a simple but effective beat with a constantly falling series of blips that drop to bass tones as the sequence gets lower. I could hear any number of MCs riding this one and as an instrumental it makes a great mixing tool.

G NOTORIOUS

Riddler 6
Riddler Recordings

For a while now, the folks over at the Riddler camp have been releasing quality remixes and refixes of known popular tracks. The sixth edition of this UKG phenomenon hit shops recently with a resounding boom. Riddler 6 throws some garage flavor onto popular tracks by the likes of Gwen Stefani, Ray-J, and others. Most notably, Robbie-T's remix of the hip-hop classic "Regulators" by Nate Dogg and Warren G shines with an old school 2-Step flex. Also featured from Robbie is his remix of Craig David's classic "Fill me in," a serious 4x4 jam that has recieved the attention of many pirate radio DJs including the likes of Charma and EZ. He may be new to the scene, but judging from this, he's got some big things on the way! Of course, the boys of Ctrl-S can't be left out. Their remix of Ray-J's "One Wish" is a smooth, piano-rich track in the form of pure 2-Step sex. Those looking for a rougher sound won't be disappointed. "Have it Like that (Riddler Remix)" plays on the rougher ends of garage to a 4x4 roller. Keeping with Riddler tradition, this release is full of dance floor friendly vocal cuts. If you pick this one up Feet will tap, heads will nod, and good vibes will spread.

Foolish DJ

If You Wanna Party (Boogie Down)
Wideboys feat. Dennis G
Garage Jams

The Wideboys are at it again! This new release from the garage legends will get any person with a pulse out to the dance-floor. Funky bassline riffs work compliment the vocals of Dennis G (from classic Wideboys hit "Sambuca") to create the lively 4x4 original mix. And if it is indeed time to party,
throw on the "Up Norf Dub Mix". This rough and rugged bassline mix is guaranteed to tear the roof off of any venue, anywhere. No matter who you are or what you do, the drop on this track will get you breathing heavy. The release also includes the "Atari Era electro house mix", which simply sweats
funk, and the "M1 4x4 dub", a playful organ 4x4 dub complete with twitchy vocal cut ups. All in all, an absolute must for the dance-floor friendly garage head / DJ.

Foolish DJ

The Concerto EP
Mr Slash feat Syer Barz & Faction G
Army Bullet

2 BIG new riddims with a vocal and instrumental mix of each. Army Bullet extends their reputation for great use of dramatic orchestral samples as a label courtesy of Mr. Slash. The vocal of the Concerto Riddim features Syer Barz and is the standout at first listen, blending large strings with in your face vocals. Firearm, vocaled by Faction G, is more subtle but, by no means, one to sleep on either! Both instrumentals also work well without the vocals. Overall, a solid package of 4 quality choons.

G NOTORIOUS

Mr. Right
Jam & Face featuring Aspira
Solo Recordings

Garage legend Matt Jam Lamont teams up with Gavin "Face" Mills to produce a vocal tune destined for 'classic' status. Aspira provides some smooth, RnB styled vocals to compliment the classy 2-step production. The classic vocal mix sounds just like that, classic styled bump & flex-ing beats with bubbly bass and emotive vocals. The familiar Delinquents sound comes out to play in their 4x4 bassline mix. Four to the floor beats, rolling basslines, and cut up vocals provide an awesome re-interpretation of "Mr. Right." If you like things on the Grimey side of life, you're in luck. Both the Iron Soul vocal and dub keep tings down and dirty with haunting sub bass and liquid effects. Anyway you slice it, this release from Solo keeps up the standard of quality UKG in all areas of the scene.

Foolish DJ

Streetz Vol I
Streetz

The introductory EP from the new label on the scene brings a fresh, multi-faceted vibe to the garage scene. Featuring artists from across the UKG scene, Streetz Vol I covers all the bases in this release. Misty Dubs and Shyam represent the bassy front with "Out Tonight," featuring vocals from Shyam. In typical Misty Dubs style, this organ infused track flows with a casual 4x4 grooves. Australia gets some representation in the UKG scene with Michael McAvan's chilled out 2-step track "Parkways." Chunky basslines and xylophonic synth lines combine with subtly glitched out vocals to weave a cooled-out tapestry of broken beat goodness. An excellent introductory track for Mr. McAvan to say the least. Will Phillips comes correct as usual with his jazzy, MJ Cole influenced 4x4 vibes. "Whatever" has a real soft yet soulful vibe, tailor made for a classy listening experience. Finally, The Dragon strikes again with another killer Rnb/Hip-hop refix of Amerie's "Talkin' about". This track is rough and rugged, coming strong with its infectiously energetic drum work. A great rub of Amerie's work. This EP is an all around great release with a variety of sounds and flavors. Absolutely worth picking up!

Foolish DJ

Scream & Shout
Agent X featuring JD aka The Dready
Heatseeker Recordings

Big bad Ragga business, courtesy of JD aka The Dready from the late So Solid Crew, over a big bad 4x4 choon with a heavy triplet bassline the way only Agent X knows how to deliver! I heartily welcome the Ragga vibe back to the Garage scene. It's been missing in action for too long. Bashment party vibes burst forth from this one. Fits quite nicely in the mix with 4x4, 2-Step, Bassline / Speed Garage and / or Grime.

G NOTORIOUS

In Da Place / Run 4 Cover
Rossi B & Luca featuring N.A.S.T.Y. Crew
White Label

Two of the Garage scene’s top DJs Rossi B & Luca know how to cater to the crowd when it comes to top of the line mixes such as their More2DaFloor mixes and their sets at Club Sidewinder. Their musical energy can now be found on the production side of things courtesy of these 2 impressive tracks both featuring N.A.S.T.Y. Crew on the mic. On the A side we have the more up-beat track “In Da Place” that has a great DJ-friendly intro for mixing and features MCs Lightning, Nasty Jack and Stormin rockin’ party lyrics that could lure the ladies to the dancefloor as well as rile up the fellas calling for the pull up of this tune. Side B is the slow but deadly “Run 4 Cover” which is a re-work of “Welcome 2 Jamrock” riddim that uses the original sounds but stutters them in a crunk-ish manner. This grime adaptation twists and turns almost naturally and once again there is vocal support from members of N.A.S.T.Y. and Teddy Bruk Shot.

THA MEGATRON

Behind tha Scene DVD
Grime, Garage & Bassline Volume 1
Heatseeker Recordings

G NOTORIOUS

Midnight Request Line / I
Skream
Tempa Recordings

This record has been blessed by the dubplate gods and has been granted full access to dancefloors around the world. In other words, one of the best dubstep releases of the year has finally been released to record shops courtesy of Tempa Recordings. The man of the hour Skream has crafted a classic with the track “Midnight Request Line” which starts off with a mysterious sample of a woman calling into a radio station asking to make a request. Its at this moment that one realizes that this is no ordinary radio station when the song builds into a spaced out, haunted melody lost in space and found again on earth by NASA. In other words, this dubbed out masterpiece defies gravity with a massive bassline and orbiting synths. On the flip of this record is “I” which channels early Tech-Step Drum & Bass soundscapes and lowers the speedometer to 140 bpm. This eerie track is rich in Sci-Fi sound texture sending listeners into deep concentration through hyperspace. Skream has brought to us a double A-side record in which both tracks stand the test of time and will be referred to 10 years from now as a classic record.

THA MEGATRON

Blame it on the Bass Doms
Bass Dominators / RGZ
Warped Records

Bassline House meets UK Hardcore. Straight Bassline / Speed Garage number here with a dirty, dirty bassline and OLD school (as in Hardcore, not Sparks & Kie) style MCing over the top. This one wins for the nostalgia factor and for bringing some unique influences to the sea of forgettable recycled Bassline bits and RnB remies out there at the moment. I can't listen to this one without picturing a see of people with lighters in the air and horns and whistles blaring!

G NOTORIOUS

LTD Remixes
???
White Label

Ok, considering this is a completely unmarked white label collection of 4 RnB bootlegs, I can't say for sure who was involved but the first track, a Speed Garage style remix of Marxman featuring Arron Soul's "Oh No" is rumored to have been a collaboration between Dezz Jones and D&G, and it's HEAVY. I couldn't get this out of my head for about a month after I first heard it. The 2-Step mix of "Going Thru" I've also been told was done by CJ Reign. In total, there are one Bassline track, one 4x4 track, one 2-Step track and one that switched from 2-Step to 4x4 about halfway through. Another buffet style remix record that's good to have in the bag during a set.

G NOTORIOUS

Hoodie/Ch-Ching
Lady Sovereign
Island Records

As she makes the transition from underground sensation to major label sensation Lady Sovereign drops a bomb on us with the “Hoodie” vinyl with will definitely have something for everybody. Side A features the original track produced by Bassment Jaxx  and has “pop hit” written all over it while the remix by Brucker & Sinden has an experimental Grime sound featuring a guest appearance by Tinchey Stryder, who rides the beat like a natural. On the flip is “Ch-Ching” which is an older track by Sov and producer Sunship that was one of the stand out tracks from the “Run the Road” compilation and may also be the most familiar to people just now introduced to the UK Garage/Grime sound. This brings us to the last track on this 12” which could go down as one of the top Grime posse cuts of 2005, if not the best. MCs Skepta, Jammer, JME, Ears & Baby Blue team up with Sovereign for the remix that’s so fire it’s literally a blazing inferno across many archers. From the superb production by Mizz Beats to the onslaught of MCs that command the mic, this version of “Hoodie” takes the cake and in my view should have been the original version. One thing that is certain about this single is that it works well on so many levels and appeals to a wide audience which is something missing in underground music these days.

THA MEGATRON

Top Shotta
Chase & Status featuring Roll Deep
Breakbeat Kaos

When Drum & Bass and Grime cross paths there’s bound to be extreme cases of bass overdose. Producers Chase and Status have teamed up with the top Grime crew at the moment Roll Deep and have created a sonic monster. “Top Shotta” features Riko Dan, Scratchy D and Trim on mic duties while Chase & Status handle the buttons, pushing just the right amount of them to pound this tune into the heads of anyone who happens to listen. The arrangement of the order of mcs works well with the energy of the track especially since Riko Dan’s energetic flow pulls the listener in instantly. Chase & Status have done a massive job combining the Grime / Drum & Bass scenes in 3 minutes and one has to wonder what is in store if more of these artists continue to collaborate and trade ideas. One thing that is certain is that energy will be a plenty.

THA MEGATRON

Superwoman / Shakedown
Disco's Revenge / Caught Out There
Paleface / Dragon
Riddler Records 4

G NOTORIOUS

Wizzbit EP featuring Nicole’s Groove 2005
Wizzbit
White Label

Superb 12” from Wizzbit who has been totally on point as of late with big releases such as “Grand Theft Auto” on Dump Valve Recordings. This EP features 4 top notch tracks including the massive “Nicole’s Groove” 2005 remix, originally produced by Phaze One (aka Wiley) back in the day. Wizzbit’s version creeps subtly before the drop where the synth slithers its way into the track until that all familiar sample appears. After that moment it’s time for a Wizzbit beat workout on this proper track. Also on the A-side is “I Robot”, a very playful, bouncy track that retreats the straight forward 2-step drum pattern and scatters amongst the dancing robotic bleeps. Side B features “Crash Bandit” and “New 7”; two rolling instrumentals that capture a lighter mood compared to older Wizzbit releases. A dope 4 track EP by Wizzbit that also does justice to the original version of “Nicole’s Groove” in fine style.

THA MEGATRON

Pull Up That Remix
D’Explicit f/ Ribz, Flirta D, Napper & Shizzle
DXP Recordings

As if the original version by DJ Mondie was enough (which is on Mondie Recordings) there is now a version by D’Explicit and if people have been taking notes on this producer lately they will know that this guy turns anything he touches to gold. On the vocal side of the vinyl there’s much lyricism brought to us by the original MCs of the track. Even though they have different styles MCs Ribz, Flirta D, Napper and Shizzle work very well on this beat together providing the listener an action packed Grime Rave in less than 5 minutes. D’explicit’s jump-up style of beats wrap around the vocal taking them in a totally different direction than the original and makes the song more accessible to dancers with its delightful bounce.

THA MEGATRON

 
Forward 2
Fire Camp
White Label

The original “Forward 2” was leaked out on radio and the net about a year ago and was a continuation of the massive anthem “Forward Riddim”, featuring plenty of special guests on both tracks. Well the vinyl is out in the shops and there is good news and bad news. First, the bad news is that the original version of “Forward 2” is not on this 12”. The Good news is that the new version takes the beat in a new direction using pulsing square tones that creep in your ear and locks into your mind. Firecamp decided to keep the vocal track all within the crew so there are no outside MCs on here like the original “Forward”. No worries though because this version has a whole unique and different vibe without the orchestra hits like the previous “Forward” riddims, giving the track a breath of fresh air. For those who aren’t into the lyrics there is also an instrumental version on the B-side that could appeal more to DJs collecting instrumentals by D’Explicit, who is on top of his game at the moment as a producer. Weather it’s the original or the new version of “Forward 2” one thing that is certain is that when any version of “Forward” is played anywhere in the world, all hell breaks lose!

THA MEGATRON 

Trim & Scratch
Roll Deep
Related Distributions

Roll Deep has literally been on a “roll” with the release of hot tunes back to back on white labels and other independent labels and the latest offering is brought to us by MC’s Trim and Skratchy on the lyrical tip. The intro of the song is the classic “Its Trim & Scratch” hook that’s been heard at many raves and radio shows lately and both MCs trading off back to back with great team effort. The instrumental is featured on the b-side with a walloping bottle blowing bass followed by a nasty distorted tone that matches the aggressive vibe of the lyrics. Roll Deep’s underground roots shine so bright on this release with two members who stand strong alone and are even more in destructive when combined.

THA MEGATRON