Profound video causing a political stir.........

London Rapper M.I.A has always been known for her strong political views but her new music video has gone a step further than any words could ever be able to take.

Yesterday she released this video on YouTube but within hours it was taken off.

The Evening Standard said...

...Her latest video is by far her most controversial. The harsh treatment of redheads in the film supposedly highlights racial discrimination and many believe she is drawing parallels with the treatment of the Tamil people by the Sri Lankan government, and packaging it in a way that Western audiences can relate to....

Personally I say 'Hats off' to her for having the balls to tackle such difficult issues, and ones that most of us choose to ignore on a daily basis. She is using the media to educate the masses and help people relate to something that is so far beyond their comprehension.

So if you aint seen it, take a moment now to watch this 9 minute Tamil Tigers Homage and see how it makes you feel. There are many injustices in this world. Lets not ignore yet another with our busy western lifestyles.

M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.

Visit Wonderland whenever you want.....

Saturday April 3rd saw me and a friend, take ourselves out of the normal hustle bustle of London town and down a magic rabbit hole..... Which dropped us in London Bridge at Jack's, a fairly low key venue but home to many a random rave and party for the fun loving dance heads of this city.....

My contact at the gathering told me to look out for a March hare, who will show us the night of our lives....and I can happily say it was true!

I rocked up dressed in homage to Alice herself, and the warm welcome on the door was refreshing, and uplifting. As we opened the door into Wonderland's caverns, an array of beautiful neon colours bombarded my eyes, the place was stunningly decorated in fantastical trees, giant mushrooms, with an array of lampshades hanging from the ceiling.

In the first room, where mainly the live bands showed their skills, they had a large table with tea pots, cups and saucers, and placed on one side, sat the mad hatter, busily painting young ladies in body paints, stunning flowers that curved along their bodies and flashed in the neon lights. Like a little child I ran straight over and begged to be painted, so far a pound and a smile I got my wish and we were off to check out the other room....

En route we could hear throbbing Drum'n'Bass, a sound that always makes me shiver in excitement, tucked between the main musical areas, sat a mini house, with a giant mushroom growing in its garden, most exciting, but I knew that more drink would need to be had before I'd fit into that space easily...

The second room was banging! Amazing bass and so many happy people, large crayons scattered about the room, and LED POI's being swung about like no tomorrow. Amusement on all levels, and hey we'd even found the bar, SCORE!hehe

We danced for quite a while in that room, smiles from ear to ear on everyone's faces, it was fantastic. In face i've never been to a night where, within 6 hours I had met so many nice people, and had even exchanged numbers! London can be soooo stifling at times, with people choosing to stick to their friends rather than make the time to get to know each other, or just make silly conversation. I think the surreal factor makes people talk more, why worry about what people think, lets have some fun!!

And for me, I'm now a follower of wonderland, because it represents everything I want from a night out. Smiley faces, happy people, happy vibes AND it all goes to a good cause....Yes, thats right, all the profit made at the event is donated to charity, this means that you're having fun and also supporting a blimmin good cause.

Last year they gave £3167.63 to Cancer Research, this year they are supporting Wonder years, a charity working to improve the standard of living for people living in underprivileged communities in The Gambia.

The next event is the 14th May 2010 and is called the Elysian Project and is being held at the Islington Metal Works, all details are on their Facebook page. Please take a look and see what you think.

If you want a night where no-one judges you, where you can dress up raver stylee, enjoy good music and random fun. Elysian is defo the place to be! I've already persuaded half my friendship group to come so QUICK! before all the tickets run out!

Wonderland also has a facebook group which tells you about all of the other events they run, or try their website for even more updates and details....

Homage to the Old's Kool....

We at urban are paying homage to the old's Kool today. Lets bring back the retro style, bring out those old T-shirts with smiley faces and remember those computer games that dominated our childhood....

So check out the Old's Kool range on our website, we have Tees for Boys AND girls, and all designs are by Urban Species Artists, mixing retro with new skool, space invaders with transformers, with a twist of classic Hip Hop banging out in the back ground.

And to get you in the mood for all that, check out this amazing film, just like the mini you, it lets your imagination take over and makes the city your playground, just like it was when we was kids....

Question is......can you name all the games featured in the film?

Trends via TrendHunter.com.

More info of this film please click here

Urban has new pop-up shop opening next MONDAY

Yes thats right folks, on Monday 19th April we have the official opening of the new Urban Species Pop up Shop - And this time its for you cool dudettes who wanna be bang on trend this Summer...

To see what kind of stock they'll be wowing us with please join their Facebook page and if you want to come to the event then HERE are all the details you will need :-)

The clothing is well....bargainous cos its all small designer companies but with the price tag of high street trends. What more can a girl want?

So ladies, get saving, cos you really dont wanna miss out on what they have to offer!

23/04/10 - Deadly Rhythm vs Better Never Than Late @ The Legion, Old Street

Featuring:

Special Guest To be Announced
Kito (London Debut Show)
Elijah and Skilliam
Deadly Rhythm Soundsystem

Deadly Rhythm and Better Never Than Late team up to present the debut performance from one of the most talked about producers, Kito. Hailing from Austrailia she was picked up by Skream on his Disfigured Dubz label which released the irrepressible 'LFO.' Mary Anne Hobbs describes her sound as 'a poetic take of dubstep' and she has gained support from pretty much every big hitter in the scene. Definately one of the most exciting prospects and her first London performance is not to be missed!

Support comes from Rinse FM's Elijah and Skilliam. They dropped a huge mix for Blackdown's blog back in Jan featuring unreleased tracks from their own Butterz labels and since then have been smashing clubs up and down the country. Expect a set full of the most exclusive grime dubs mixed at breakneck speed guarnteed to destroy the dancefloor.

Anyone who made it down to the summer series of Deadly Rhythm parties at The Legion will know how busy these shows get. Get down as early as possible or grab one of the limited advanced tickets to guarantee entry.

Free before 9.30pm
£5 all night after
(Advanced Tickets avail from Ticketweb)

www.myspace.com/deadlyrhythmclub

22/04/10 - Eden's Garden

ABSOLUT PRESENTS :

Brick Lanes EASTGALLERY gallery brings together two individuals from the new breed of multi-tasking artist/ clothing entrepreneurs with a collaborative exhibition titled ‘Eden’s Garden’. Interpreting the classic biblical reference in their own unique styles, the two artists will be presenting a collection of paintings, photography and drawings that highlight their very differing techniques and approaches to the subject.

From amongst the shadows, you will find the monochromatic dark sexual themes of Amar Stewart’s paintbrush and spray techniques while on the other hand you will be hit in the face with bold, tongue-in-cheek humour spraypainted in pop colours by Mister Batlow. The centre piece of the show will be a mural and installation combining the artists two styles with a very special guest: a pet snake.

The show will also host a temporary pop up shop, with a select collection from each of the artists clothing lines; Amar Stewarts ‘Aum Wear’ and Mister Batlows ‘The Ugly Kids Club’. To see previews of the work being exhibited, behind the scenes action and for more

information please visit the ‘Eden’s Garden’ blog: EdensGardenExhibit.tumblr.com

About The Artists


AMAR STWEART

www.reignart.blogspot.com

Amar Stewart has a very distinctive style. Very rarely does he use colour nor does he use clean lines. His work is heavily influenced by Horror, Death Metal and Women. He has worked with various brands such as Nike, Reebok, Upper Playground and has had a number of commissioned works. If you can’t find him painting in his home with stacks of photo’s and clippings of women (for reference of course) then he will be walking through China Town looking for inspiration. He spends most of his time there!

MISTER BATLOW

www.batlowsapples.com & www.misterbatlow.com

Mister Batlow has established him self as an award winning customiser, an artist for hire and a director of his own label; The Ugly Kids Club. Batlow produces work in his signature colourfully audacious manner. His work is bold, eye catching and filled with his own brand of wit and humour.

Batlows styles have been applied to fashion prints, clothing, designer handbags, walls and vehicle graphics and freelanced to the likes of Levis, Nike, Don’t Panic, Year Zero and Sony with a list of celebrity clientele include Cheryl Cole, Mariah Carey and Vanilla Ice... yep, Vanilla Ice!


‘Edens Garden’ 23rd April - 5th May 2010 . Private View Thurs 22nd April 2010

EASTGALLERY gallery, 214 Brick Lane, London E1 6SA

16/04/09 - Synthony Warehouse Party

SYNTHONY WAREHOUSE PARTY ON THE 16TH APRIL PROMISES TO BE THE BIGGEST ONE YET!!

-- MASSIVE 2000 CAPACITY MULTI ROOM VENUE
-- FUNKTION 1 SOUND SYSTEM
-- FULL LASER & LIGHT SHOW
-- CHILL OUT AREA
-- HUGE LINE UP TBA
-- CHEAP BAR
-- MUSIC POLICY -- DRUM & BASS // DUB STEP // HOUSE // REGGAE // MINIMAL TECH
-- THE HAPPY HELPER KREW WILL BE BACK FOR THIS EVENT :):):)

FIRST NAMES TO BE RELEASED :


***** ROOM 1 *****

**** APHRODITE 2 HOUR SET****
**** NICKY BLACKMARKET EXCLUSIVE JUNGLE SET ****
**** JACOB WITH SHABBA D **** (SYNTHONY & HIGHLY BLESSED)
**** RATTUS RATTUS B2B KLOSE ONE **** (URBAN NERDS & ATG)

*** ROOM 2 HOSTED BY REGGAE ROAST ***

EXEL
MOODIE
RAMON JUDAH
DUB HUNTER

MORE HEADLINE NAMES TBA....

*** EXTREMELY LIMITED ULTRA EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL THE 16TH MARCH ONLY 6 POUNDS !!!!!***
(these ticket holders will recieve synthony priority getting discounted entry for all synthony events. you will also be placed on the guest list for the night and recieve a programme and no queuing)
TO BUY PLEASE MESSAGE JACOB COLLINS OR SEND AN EMAIL TO synthonypromotions@googlemail.com
SOLD OUT!!!


*** EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL THE 4TH APRIL ONLY 8 POUNDS !!!!***
*** STANDARD TICKETS JUST 10 POUNDS THEREAFTER ***

SYNTHONY PRIORITY MEMBERS WILL RECIEVE A DISCOUNT ON THEIR TICKETS PLEASE CONTACT SYNTHONY PROMOTIONS @ synthonypromotions@googlemail.com

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT www.synthonypromotions.co.uk
************************************************************
AFTER A COMPLETE SELL OUT IN FEBRUARY, BE SURE TO SECURE YOUR PLACE NOW AS THIS IS AN EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
************************************************************
A LIST OF TICKETS SELLERS AND THE E-TICKET WEBSITE WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE 17TH MARCH.

AS USUAL TEA & TOAST WILL BE AVAILABLE ALL NIGHT.

Join their Facebook page?

16/04/10 - The Doctor's Orders present - On The Real

Ty “Special Kind Of Fool” (BBE Records) Album Launch Party

9pm - 4am Friday 16th April 2010
@ Plan B, 418 Brixton Road, London SW9 7AY
(Brixton Tube)

£5 in advance through ticketweb.co.uk / 0844-477-1000
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=378509
£10 on the door

Ty performing live
With DJ Big Ted

Plus Resident DJs
Shortee Blitz (Kiss FM / Extended Players)
DJ 279 (Choice Fm)
Spin Doctor (The Doctor's Orders)
Snuff (Speakers Corner / End Of The Weak)
Hosted by MC Prankster

& Southern Hospitality hosting room 2
Dedicated to the sounds of 90’s Swingbeat & R&B

To mark the release of the fourth studio album from the incredible Ty. “Special Kind of Fool” is Tys story. The tale of an artist who after ten years, three critically acclaimed albums (Awkward 2001, Upwards 2003, Closer 2006), collaborations with the likes of Tony Allen, De La Soul, and Estelle, a Mercury nomination amongst other accolades, and a worldwide army of fans, has always followed his heart. He will be performing new and already classic material for this knowledgeable fun loving crowd.

Ty is without a doubt one of the most talented and unique MCs in the UK. Never one to follow the crowd he has always cut his own path, refusing to jump on bandwagons or to fit into musical boxes. Much loved for his lyrical honesty, ability to conjure emotion-fuelled poetry out of every day realities, dynamic live shows, and his eclectic sense of musicality On The Real is in for a real treat as Ty hits the stage with his DJ Big Ted.

Big Ted is as established as Hip-Hop itself in this country. An statesman of the game he has packed clubs, rocked live shows and of course blessed the airwaves with his distinctive style on the wheels of steel. As well as spinning for Ty’s live show he will be blessing us with a club set sure to fill the floor as only he can.

Shortee Blitz is a shining light of the Hip-Hop scene in the UK. Whether supporting traveling US stars, holding it down on one of his weekly Kiss FM show or tearing the roof off clubs all over the globe one thing is for certain and that is that this MOBO award winning DJ is always going to be spinning with a smile on his face. Even more so now he is a resident at for a night dedicated to the Hip-Hop & Soul styles he truly loves.

DJ 279 has been rocking the airwaves since 1992 on London’s Choice FM. With MOBO nominations coming thick and fast `alongside other awards throughout the year and gigs around the world it is fair to say that Numbers has the ear of the underground with every MC worth his weight in gold plaques coming though the show to shout out London. His sets at On The Real have become a highlight of the night and always leave the dance-floors sweating and smiling.

Spin Doctor is the driving force behind the phenomenal success of The Doctor's Orders and while not planning domination of the UK's party scene is most at ease behind a set of decks. The early influence of his 5 older brothers and sisters record collections developed into an obsession with soul tinged music of all styles which he uses to this day when treating dance-floors to his fearless sets of party platters.

DJ Snuff is an esteemed figure in UK Hip-Hop culture. After founding the notorious 'Speakers Corner' event in London he has become a key player in the international Hip-Hop movement 'End Of The Weak'. A true-school scratch DJ and crate digger known worldwide for rocking MC cyphers with the leading names of today and tomorrow, representing the raw no-sellout side of Hip-Hop in his energetic club sets.

15/04/10 Jaggernaut @ Gramophone

The Jaggernauts team is proud to present it's their first event night and it's gonna be a banger!

We have two up and coming dubstep artists Grizzler and Daudstep releasing their EP's on the night, so except to hear some exclusive fresh tracks, with an impressive lineup to follow.


The event will be on the last weekend of the easter holidays, at The Gramaphone in Shoreditch, no doubt one of the most entertaining areas in London.
1 ROOM
300+ CAPACITY
FIRST 50 PEOPLE IN WILL RECEIVE A FREE GOODIE BAG WITH A COMPILATION CD + PARTY MASKS + EXTRAS
MASSIVE LINEUP!

PHYSICAL TICKETS/ETICKETS NOW AVAILABLE


LIMITED £5 ADVANCED TICKETS ONLY!!


Levi Greene Barrett 07859878809 (North west + West London)

Kigu crew

Something has taken over me, its big, white, with black stripes and makes me go grrrrrrrrr

Yes, you might not have heard about this new craze thats sweeping the country, most people just look at me with confusion and.....well...confusion but Kigu's are the coolest, most comfortable thing I have ever worn and everyday since it arrived I have wondered how my life was fulfilled without it.

Now, I'll admit, when my best mate started goin on about these strange all in one animal suits, the cost of them wasn't that appealing, I mean hey, I already have a handmade lion costume, why spend £40 for a factory made item from Japan BUT then I saw it; 'Limited edition White Tiger' and then all I could think of is of me running around, being the cat like creature that I have always wanted to be, and snuggling at home in the coolest pyjama's possible.....

This whole obsession started because of my best mate, she was so obsessed with these loveable outifts that she organised, for her birthday, a Kigu/Animal Party. This prompted ten other people to invest, including me, and the outifts ranged from Hello Kitty, panda's, kanagaroos, tigers and even Carebears!

The party was the best thing I've been to in ages! I felt sooooo comfortable in my outfit, it was like a sleepover, only wit peeps you didn't know and heavy dubstep blaring out of the livingroom. I even managed a trip into the real world, wandering the streets of Stoke Newington and Clapton, hiding behind trees and pretending to hunt the cars, hilarious! I seriously recommend you try it sometime :-P

And from that night, we became the Hackney Kigu crew! And there are many more out there doing the same, just check the facebook page. And I bet that once you take a look you'll want one too! If not then hey, its your loss not theirs, maybe when your life feels cold and lonely, you'll remember why. Kidding yeah, life is cold and lonely anyway :-P

So guys, welcome to my world :-P

COST OF CLUBBING PLUMMETS

Research released today by London based PR company, Outpost, shows that the cost of clubbing has dropped by more than 9% in real terms over the last 20 years.

As Chancellor Alistair Darling announces the budget for 2010 and heaps more misery on millions of British people, Outpost's findings will give light-hearted relief to the hundreds of thousands of young people who go clubbing every week and are struggling through the bleak economic climate.

Outpost's David Silverman said "Our research shows that consumers are getting a much better deal in today's clubbing market than they have had in previous years. We could put this down to a general rise in cost effective events providing a quality experience, while at the same time offering good value for money."

The average cost of a night out in 1990 was £32.64 compared to £59.40 in 2010. Taking inflation into account, these figures show that painting the town red is considerably cheaper in today's money than it was 20 years ago.

Possible reasons for this could include increased competition from nightclubs giving rise to lower door fees, cheaper drinks and more happy hour promotions.

The research also found that alcohol consumption amongst clubbers has risen by 15% in the last 20 years and the price of a pint of beer could hit £5.00 by 2012.

	Average 1990	1990 adjusted to 82% inflation	Average 2010	Difference
Average median salary	£14,560.00	£26,499.20	£20,801.00	- 22%
Average door price of clubs	£12.00	£21.84	£12.52	- 43%
Average price of a pint of lager	£1.19	£2.17	£2.82	+ 30%
Consumption of alcohol per year (Litres per head of 100% alcohol)	7.9 litres	N/A	9.1 litres	+ 15%
Average travel cost per night	£10.00	£18.20	£13.71	- 25 %
Average price of a night out	£32.64	£59.40	£53.89	- 9%

For more information please contact:
Print - letitia@outpostmedia.co.uk / 020 7684 5635
Radio - ben@outpostmedia.co.uk / 020 7684 5636
Online - johnny@outpostmedia.co.uk / 020 7684 5639

brrrrrrrp

Shook One's Rampant Rant of banging tunage


SHOOK1's - Rampant by SHOOK1's

If this dont get you in the mood for dancing then you really need a soundcheck, one, two, one, two....
Shook one is part of the 'Why am I so beat?' crew that host a number of nights in Shoreditch,Playing The Best in Ol' School Hip Hop, Garage, UK Hip Hop, Dubstep, Afrobeat & D'n'B.

All coming events will be included on our events page so keep checking the updates and reviews

reTroTasTic

Distribution of our new DC Retro Tees is getting larger by the day!

Yes that's right! Truffle Shuffle are now stocking our Tees...

Seems everyone wants a piece of the new DC designs and on 4th May we will be releasing a load more designs for the ladies section, specialising in retro Batman and Supergirl.

We love the truffle shuffle website - its full of amazing retro goodies that we think you all deserve to splash out on so click on the banner and take a look:

Turn on, tuuuuune in

Artist: Proton & Grateful
Title: Salvation
Remixers:Torqux
Genre: Breakbeat
Cataloge #:BR048
Release Date: April 29th, 2010

For Bass Reflections' 48th release; they proudly bring back the Russian duo know as Proton & Grateful! 'Salvation' is deep, lush, and seductively uplifting. This release takes you on a journey through the progressive side of breaks while maintaining a very heavy punch. Out of the trance inducing melody, through the thought provoking strings comes a deep growling bassline that means to carry you away off into eternity!

Along-side the original is a remix from Torqux that will absolutely blow your mind! Anyone keeping up with the dubstep scene surely knows the power behind a Torqux tune; Bold and beautiful to say the least! The Torqux remix is quite possibly the most epic breaks tune of 2010 just wait till you hear it!!!

Be on the lookout this is due to drop April 29th, 2010!