Monstrous Rap Track & The Princess of Dubstep

NMU News

• Eliza Doolittle's (NMU 1/2/10) popularity has grown greatly since her last single 'Pack Up' went straight to number 5 in the chart. Her self titled album also rose to an impressive number 3 after its July release with a Gold certification. 'Rollerblades' hopes to continue the success as her third single out 18th October.
• Disc-Overy, Tinie Tempah's (NMU 1/2/10) debut album, is out next week 4th October and features collaborations with Kelly Rowland, Swedish House Mafia and Ellie Goulding. Third single 'Written In The Stars' is out this week whilst currently sitting at the top of the iTunes chart almost confirming a number one on Sunday.
• Continuing to churn out the singles is Marina & The Diamonds (NMU 16/5/09) with fifth single 'Shampain', a stand out from the album 'The Family Jewels'. Out 11th October, the video is influenced by Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' with a group of female zombies. She hopes for a better position than last single 'Oh No!'s number 38.
• Deadmau5 (NMU 16/5/09) got his biggest promo gig yet at the beginning of the month as the house DJ of the MTV Video Music Awards where Travie Mccoy, Jason Derulo and Robyn performed remixed versions of their songs. 'Animal Rights' is the name of his latest single in collaboration with Wolfgang Gartner out now.
• The latest pop act to get their own reality TV series are The Saturdays (NMU 6/8/09) with 'The Saturdays 24/7'. You can watch the entertaining series that gives an insight to their busy showbiz lives Thursdays 9pm on itv2.

Song Upfront

Kanye West feat. Jay Z, Rick Ross, Bon Inver & Nicki Minaj - Monster

Rap, Hip/Hop

www.myspace.com/kanyewest

Mr egotistical and the self confessed royal highness of rap is back on the music scene and as ever he wants the world to know. Although he has a personality with the unashamed audacity to rub people up the wrong way (most notably Taylor Swift), it's Kanye West's music that speaks much more volume than the attention he frantically strives for in the tabloids. There is no doubt his perfectionist studio skills pay off whenever the finished articles are let loose on to the public. Currently his competition for rap king crown is hindered slightly by Eminem's triumphant return, but this is no challenge for the fearless Yeezy who has always been deserving of punching above his weight. Promo for the upcoming release of album number five, Dark Twisted Fantasy, couldn't be bigger. Closing the MTV Video Music Awards with an exclusive performance of 'Runaway' is striking for the audience enough clad in full red suit and big gold chain, but Kanye hysteria revolves online around what he calls 'GOOD Fridays' on his official website. Every Friday since 20th August, Kanye has added a free download of a new track which can be accessed by simply entering your email address. This new music business model of free music may be inventive but surely this will majorly hinder his sales come 'Dark Twisted Fantasy''s 15th November release. On 27th August the second track to be uploaded was 'Monster', which is one of five tracks taken from an EP called 'Watch The Throne', a project undertaken with his good friend Jay-Z. Featuring a collaborative line up only someone in his position can, including the odd vocals of inde-folk singer Bon Iver for the intro, this is a song that strongly pushes Kanye far in front of his contemporaries. Nicki Minaj, a US female rapper currently riding high at the top of the Hip Hop property rankings, also throws down some distinctive verses on the track as she brags about how popular she is despite having 'no album out' yet. It is arguably her best performance on a track to date and definitely the most powerful. 'Monster' has been produced with one of the heaviest and rhythmic beats you've ever heard, whilst aggressive lyrics distinctively annunciated by the rappers in turn will whip any Hip Hop fan into a frenzy. This track acts as a message to the haters and other artists that Jigga claims are 'fake fucks with no fangs' who are copying his work by trying to 'draw blood with [his] ice cold veins'. Also notable on the song are unique samples such as a repetitive voice in the background giving further impact to the beat and a lion's roar which culminates each verse with added strength. It is fair to say that 'Monster' is one of the biggest Hip Hop tracks of the year. 'Monster' is free to download from Kanye West's official website now and is taken from EP 'Watch The Throne', due for release 23rd November.

Watch Kanye West close the MTV VMAs with a show stealing performance of new track 'Runaway' featuring Pusha T here.

Artist Upfront

Katy B

Dubstep/Dance/R&B

www.myspace.com/katyblondon

Every new urban scene needs credible artists to launch its music respectfully over to the mainstream. For garage we had The Artful Dodger's formidable, fresh samples that turned us into the 21st century, for grime we had Dizzee Rascal's ruthlessly sharp tongue lashing out of our speakers, and for modern day dubstep we have the mighty beats of super group Magnetic Man aided by the essential contributions of Katy B. In the past couple of months dubstep has officially hit the unforeseen public of the mainstream. Magnetic Man, compromising of top producers Benga, Skream and Artwork, were eager to follow up Skream's 2009 breakthrough remix of La Roux's 'In For The Kill' and have crafted a number 10 debut hit in 'I Need Air' (July 2010). Now stepping up to the plate and bettering the position with her own debut single is 21 year old South Londoner Katy B with her number 5 smash 'Katy On A Mission'. With Benga, one third of Magnetic Man, producing the track infused with a dark whomping bassline, an addictive chorus and complimented by an undergound club scene video, it's understandable why the single was able to top both the indie and dance charts. To date the video for the track has managed to clock up nearly four millions views. The B-side of the single 'Louder' proves her other tracks are just as delectable by making a mark in the dance chart at number 21. Perhaps the coolest Brit School graduate to date, Katy Brien has shot from underground to stardom status far quicker than the usual artist having already played at impressive venues such as Fabric, Matter and Ibiza Rocks, whilst just last weekend she performed at BBC Radio 1Xtra Live. Before being snapped up by former pirate radio brand turn record label Rinse, the start of her career consisted of her lending sweet soulful vocals to funky mixes by Geeneus and DJ NG whilst touring the live club circuit around the country. Katie B's next single 'Lights On' will feature the returning Ms. Dynamite who is making a big impact on the underground urban scene with her new sound, so it's sure to be a song to look forward to. Due for release 3rd October, watch the unofficial video for Magnetic Man's second single 'Perfect Stranger' featuring Katie B below.

Check out Katy B featuring on an earlier track called 'Fade Away' that shows the versatility of her vocals shining through over drum and bass beats.

Finally

Here's what you need to...

Hear...Plan B's album 'The Defamation of Strickland Banks' because it is one of the best albums of the year.

Watch...Indie band OK Go's latest music video for 'White Knuckles' featuring a troop of performing dogs. It has followed the band's trend by going viral with over 4 million views.

Read...'We Are Pop Slags', a music blog nominated for the BT Digital Music Award 'Best Blog'.

Stryderman's Third Number 1? & Best New Band of 09 Competitor

NMU News

• Asher Roth's (NMU 24/1/09) new single 'She Don't Want A Man' was exclusively played on Zane Lowe's Radio1 show this week. It features the vocals of Keri Hilson in the chorus.
• 'Ghosts 'N' Stuff' is the title of Deadmau5's (NMU 16/5/09) next single with Rob Swire from Pendulum on vocals. Currently on Radio1's B List, it's due for release 28/9/09. the song will be a track on Deadmau5's forthcoming new album 'For Lack Of Better Name', released the previous week (21/9/09).
• A monster rap collaboration has been made on Kid Cudi's (NMU 31/10/08) next track 'Make Her Say'. Not only does it contain a 'Poker Face' hook sung by Lady Gaga but Common and Kanyé West have also lent their rapping talent to the track.
  
• A catfight for number 1 is almost upon us in the singles chart as Pixie Lott's second single 'Boys & Girls' goes head to head with The Sugababes' 'Get Sexy'. The Sugababes look set for number 1 with their release 31/8/09, whilst Pixie Lott is hot on their heels releasing her single the week after (7/9/09).
  

V Festival Roundup

The sun shone on Hylands Park, Chelmsford for the 14th annual V Festival last weekend (22nd-23rd August) to create a heated star studded weekend. Aussie dance sensations Pendulum were easily one of the most popular acts of the weekend, creating a storming set to an energetic crowd Saturday night. Moshpits were pocketed across the crowd whilst others raved with glowsticks in hand to the sounds of hits 'Blood Sugar', 'Turantula' and their insane remix of The Prodigy song 'Voodoo People'. Hysteria levels could not be beaten by Lady Gaga however, who filled out The Arena tent on Sunday night with a screaming, jumping crowd. She power vocalled her number one's 'Just Dance' and 'Poker Face' and danced all over the stage so much so that she broke a heel. Headliners of Saturday evening The Killers played many album tracks the revellers hadn't heard before, but an encore of 'All These Things That I've Done' and 'When You Were Young' had the whole crowd clapping their hands and singing along at the V Stage. Dissapointment of the weekend came from Oasis who could have walked all over The Killers' headline slot the next day had they not cancelled due to Liam Gallaghers 'laryngitus'. Fans had to make do with Snow Patrol, MGMT or Keane Sunday night who all played Oasis covers in their absence. Other highlights of the weekend included Dizzee Rascal's crowd pleasing 'Bonkers', Katy Perry's crowd dive, and a healthier looking Amy Winehouse joining The Specials on stage during their set.

Chart Update (as of 23/8/09)

David Guetta added another number 1 to his collection this week in the singles chart with 'Sexy Chic', this time with Akon on hand for vocal duties. Also hitting the top 10 is new Justin Timberlake signing Esmee Denters at number 7 with 'Outta Here'. Elsewhere, Just Jack makes a re-entry to the chart at 11 with mellow pop song 'The Day I Died' proving his popularity has returned somewhat. The highest riser moving up fourteen places to 23 is Lily Allen's '22', proving her popularity is still strong. 'So Fine' by Sean Paul is the only other new entry at number 25.

There was a battle between Calvin Harris and Tinchy Stryder (NMU 23/12/08) for number 1 in the album chart this week. Harris prevailed by budging Michael Jackson off the top spot for the first time in a while and Stryder settled for number 2. After 40 weeks, Beyoncé's 'I Am Sasha Fierce' is still going strong at number 3, whilst new band Vagabond's 'You Don't Know The Half Of It' makes its debut week in at 27. Little Boots' 'Hands' is the highest riser this week, moving nine places up from 34 to 25.

This time NMU brings you...

Song Upfront

Tinchy Stryder- You’re Not Alone

www.myspace.com/tinchystryder

Rap, Dance, Pop

Possibly one of the best samples of the year comes from 22 year old Tinchy Stryder (NMU 23/12/08), with his third single off his debut album 'Catch 22', 'You're Not Alone'. The chorus features an Olive sample from the original song under the same name, which was a standout mid 90's dance track. With the familiar hook and his popularity at its peak at the moment, this next single could easily be another number one for the East Londoner. Tinchy Stryder has built a reputation with his music by choosing the right synths to please everybodys ears, which also bodes very well in the clubs. He repeats the words 'keep holding on' in a song about convincing the one he loves that they should be together, ending with the sample's 'maybe it's time to be with me'. His rapping fills the gaps between the Olive lyrics with ease and when the synths breakdown for a few seconds he advances his chat up line verses over a melodic piano. Other than debut single 'Stryderman', the only negative behind Tinchy Stryder's releases is that he seems nerved to go it alone (no pun intended) considering two previous collaborations and now a sample. However, this isn't going to stop him releasing some of the most popular songs of the year. Calvin Harris may have won the fight for number 1 on the album front last Sunday, pipping Stryder to number 2, but this track could put him ahead to 3-1 on the singles front. Don't put it past him to release a fifth single if all goes to plan with 'You're Not Alone', he has plenty other songs to choose from his 18 track album. Although at number 50 in the singles chart on downloads already, a release date for 'You're Not Alone' is set 2nd November. An official video is yet to be released.

To compare Tinchy Stryder's sample to the original Olive song 'You're Not Alone', see the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_q5dG8pjOY

Artist Upfront

The Tempertrap

www.myspace.com/thetempertrap

Indie, Alternative, Rock

If you’ve heard any other new bands so far this year, The Temper Trap has the potential to knock them all out the water. This four piece pop/rock group from Melbourne, Australia create music that hits the soul. As the beginning guitar chords resonate on lead single 'Sweet Disposition', the last breeze of a brilliant summer gone by phases over you as August comes to a close. Fond memories of times we have laughed and soaked up the sun will flood by as lead singer Dougie Mandagi’s vocals call out as if from hill tops. 'Sweet Disposition' is recognisable from both the 4Music V Festival advert, a SkySports HD advert, and it has also been a ‘Single of the Week’ on iTunes. Most new bands really don’t get a set up as good as this. A metaphorically creative name has been chosen for this band who caught the attention of Arctic Monkey and Kasabian producer Jim Abiss. With Abiss taking up producing duties, The Temper Trap have created Coldplay-esque melodies with Mandagi's vocals complimenting the style as greatly as Chris Martin can. Tracks like 'Love Lost' and 'Fader' have a sound that empowers the air. A newly relaunched Infectious Records will be very pleased the album 'Conditions' is being praised by the critics, achieveing 3 stars from Q and an 8/10 from NME. 'Sweet Disposition' has been out to download since 27th July but is now climbing up the charts at number 35. See the official video below:

A break beat remix of previous single 'Science Of Fear' has been created by Mistabishi, which can be heard here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrTERFG_21M

Finally

Here's what you need to...

Hear: Eve's dirty, dance-dub return track 'Me N My Up In The Club'

Watch: Hadouken's new video featuring an angry asbo mouse- M.A.D.

Read: Number 18 in NME's Future 50 list and popular music blog with the stars www.popjustice.com

A Musical Mau5 & A Diamond in the Rough

NMU Update:

• Coldplay have decided to release a full album worth of new tracks this week, which is available free from their website www.coldplay.com.
• In the bid for a better chart position, 'Jump In The Pool' by Friendly Fires (NMU 31/8/08) has been re-released.
  
• Surprisingly, Steve Appleton's 'Dirty Funk' (NMU 7/5/09) did not enter the top 40 singles chart. A re-release of the song or a second single in the future is sure to give the singer the success he deserves.
• Soul legend Chaka Khan is still going strong as she is set to release a new single with the help of Mary J. Blige. See the behind the scenes footage for the video to 'Disrespectful' here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb1_6suMrRA
  

Chart Update:
The Black Eyed Peas have made a welcome return to the singles chart by hitting the top spot this week with club track 'Boom Boom Pow'. In the top 10, 'We Made You' by Eminem goes up from 7 to 4, whilst Ciara ft. Justin Timberlake 'Love Sex Magic' goes down from 6 to 10. The highest riser is the new Soulja Boy Tellem ft. Sammie song 'Kiss Me Thru The Phone', which rises fourteen places from 30 to 16. The other two new entries slipping into the top 40 this week is album track 'Beautiful' by Eminem at 38 and a return is made from Bill Withers at 40 with soul classic 'Ain't No Sunshine'.
Album chart top 10 highlights include punk rockers Green Day shooting into the number 1 spot with '21st Century Breakdown' while new releases come from Maximo Park 'Quicken The Heart' at 6 and Jim Reeves' 'The Vert Best Of' at 9. Alesha Dixon has had a good week with single 'Lets Get Excited' going 25-13 and album 'The Alesha Show' 27-12.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week


I Remember- Deadmau5
www.myspace.com/deadmau5
Dance/Trance

Granted this song has been around for a while, but it is a good song and Deadmau5 clearly deserves the hype. You will be hearing a lot more from this Canadian DJ as his popularity grows and not just because of his cool name. With a leet five for the s that ends his name, this can also be found in his record label 'Mau5trap'. He wears a light up mouse head on stage, naturally, and has an array of impressive dance tracks meaning a Deadmau5 gig is a definite treat. He really knows how to work a crowd and none more so than with his new single along side Kaskade, 'I Remember'. This song is more of a chilled out approach for Deadmau5 featuring soothing vocals over synths and a pulsing bassline. The opening chymes take you off to a dreamy world before the soft singing sends you into a trance coma. Listening to this song will conjure up imaginations of a lively, alcohol fused crowd filling a festival in the summer air. A scene not unfamiliar for the DJ and happening all over the world at his shows this summer including his set at Creamfields. 'I Remember' is the start of Deadmau5's attack on the mainstream and bigger singles are bound to follow. 'I Remember' is out to buy and download now. See the exciting short film video below:



Deadmau5 recently performed a crowd pleasing slot at Radio 1's Big Weekend: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/bigweekend/2009/artists/deadmau5/


New Artist
Marina & The Diamonds
www.myspace.com/marinaandthediamonds
Pop/Alternative

Another new '& The' artist but this singer should be anything but overlooked. Flatteringly, Miss Marina tells us it is the fans who are The Diamonds. There is a lot of theatrical type women out there in the charts at the moment but it's Marina's creative songwriting and nack for a piano hook that makes her stand out from the other Nash's and Florence's. Influences of Kate Bush run arife in her punchy lyrics and fluctuating vocals that range from deep trembles to harmonic highs. Just like her myspace friend Little Boots, Marina is making a similar strong build up before any album release. Backing from the BBC should mean Marina & The Diamonds is a sure fire succes with performances at Radio 1's big weekend and a live lounge session on Radio 2, whilst Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephen's is raving about his fellow Welshman. Festivals featuring an appearance from Marina this summer include Glastonbury, Underage fesitval and Bestival where she's sure to cause a stir. Marina & The Diamond's second EP 'The Crown Jewels' is released on 1st June through Neon Gold Records. The artistic video for previous captivating first single 'Obsessions' can be seen below:



Marina writes her own blog that can be found at: http://marinaandthediamonds.blogspot.com/

Recent iTunes Uploads:
Bloc Party- Signs (Armand Van Helden Remix)
Enter Shikari- Take To The Skies
Marina & The Diamonds- Obsessions