Forgive me FADER.com readers for I have sinned. It's been a month since my last blog post—and in that time a lot has happened. Firstly, last month saw the sad passing of Slew Dem Crew's Esco. It seems when a rapper dies they are automatically promoted to legendary status—often regardless of talent—but I can genuinely say Esco was one of my favourite grime MCs. Kiss FM's Logan Sama recorded a tribute show to the MC, which you can download here. In the mean time, listen below to Esco's vocal of Skepta's "DTI" from the CD that accompanied Lord of the Decks 2.
Skepta feat. Esco, "DTI Freestyle"
I recently discovered on Gabriel Heatwave's rather excellent blog that the Jamaican dancehall scene is starting to embrace the UK funky sound. Your ears can witness this if you download the latest Heatwave show on Rinse FM. The standout of the whole show, for me, is Aidonia's vocal of Crazy Cousinz's "Inflation"
Crazy Cousinz feat. Aidonia, "Bounce"
I have to admit I'm constantly underwhelmed by UK MCs on funky beats so it's great to hear dancehall deejays vocalling these tracks. I asked Serani about funky when I interviewed him over the phone this week and he said he'd heard lots about it and was planning some funky tracks later this year. Fun and interesting times ahead. While you wait for that to happen, download the Heatwave refix of Donaeo's "Party Hard" featuring a host of MCs.
Download: Donaeo, Rubi Dan, Capleton, Vybz Kartel and Danny English, "Party Harder" (The Heatwave Refix)
If you listen to the Rinse FM show you'll also discover that Ward 21 are currently making some dubstep beats, such as the lush trancey-synth-laden "Dubby Man." Less successful, though, is their slightly surreal electro-workout "Electrocution," which sounds like what would happen after a week listening to nothing but Miss Kittin & The Hacker's "1982" and lots of old Judge Jules sets.
Finally, two grime mixes you need to download: Oneman's classic grime selection for Butterz.co.uk and Mumdance's live set with Jammer and Envy in Prague.