Kieron Boothe: "It Feels Like Yesterday"

I'm am loving this sooooo much!! Great flow, Great Vibes from the East London rapper Kieron Boothe

"It Feels Like Yesterday" is a great collection of 8 well produced tracks. "We Keep Moving" and "The Ocean" are my two most played from the EP but in all, the whole thing is magnifique!!  
Don't just take my word for it. Check it out for yourself!!!


"We Keep Moving" #IFLY  
   


Get the EP here!


@Kieron_Boothe

kieronbootheuk.bandcamp.com/album/it-feels-like-yesterday-ep

Miss Radcliffe Meets......Chiedu Oraka

Chiedu Oraka is definitely an artist on the rise. The UK rapper from Hull, has gained the respect from his city and is now set on taking his music even further. I was fortunate enough to have a little interview with the man himself.

Miss R: I must ask you the generic "When did you first get into music" question. It's a must!

I started getting in to music at the age of about 16. My boy Crafty was rapping at the time and his mum had just bought him a Boom Box which had a few pre made beats on there. So we used to just mess around to the beats and freestyle, but back then it was just for a laugh. I never really took it that serious. I started taking it serious at around 2010 when I came back from university,  me and Crafty created a home studio and went to work on our solo mixtapes.

Miss R: Who were your musical influences growing up?

Wow.. growing up I had so many influences in regards to music. I would say my early memories of music was very African and Caribbean.  My mum used to throw parties all the time and the majority of the African community in Hull would come to my house and party till the morning. So Chaka Demus and Pliers, UB40, Shaggy, Prince Nico Mbarga, Soukous Stars, so many names to mention when it comes to early years of my life. 
As I got older I discovered Hip Hop and RnB and growing up with a big sister and a big cousin they would listen to TLC, Bobby Brown, Aaliyah, Total, Usher, Mariah Carey, Keith Sweat, honestly the list goes on. I was really punished as a child haha. But my love of Hip Hop music is when my aunty gave me a battered version of 'All Eyes On Me' by 2pac and my love for rap music blossomed from there really. Moving forward a few years the guys who mainly inspire me would be Nas, Fabolous, Wu tang, D block, Dr Dre and Snoop again the list goes on.

Miss R: Do you come from a musical family?

In regards to playing  instruments or performing no but my family are avid music listeners.

Miss R:How would you describe yourself/sound to someone who has never heard your music?

Tough question. I would say my music is very honest and could be described as raw. It's far from polished anyway. I try and focus on situations I’ve been or going through. I try and paint pictures about the working class life in my city and I try and be positive a lot in my music too. I consider my self as a bit of an underdog so I try and demonstrate through my music that the under dog will eventually prevail.

Miss R:You started this year off with your  video for "I'm from A City"
What has the response been like from the people of Hull?

The response has been so overwhelming. Everyone from Hull has really got behind the song and supported me since the release. The feedback has been great from everyone from young people to gran ma’s, everyone has been so kind with there words. The local media and radio have really supported the track too by writing articles and inviting me into there studios for interviews. This week has been crazy. My booking list has definitely gone through the roof since the release of this track.

"I'm From A City" (Prod. DJ Onestep)

 Miss R:What has the feedback been like from people outside Yorkshire?

Well on Friday I was invited by ITV Calendar to go speak to there presenters in Leeds about the track, which was a really good experience for me, as that was the first time I have ever been on television. People from all over Yorkshire have tweeted me saying they love the track and wishing me the best of luck.

 

Miss R:Have you ever been involved in battle rap?

 No, not really.  That aspect of rap dosent really interest me.

Miss R:You write about life experience and things you know about...when writing, what is the process for you.  Do you need to hear a beat first?

Erm.. theres not really that much of a process, I can’t lie and say I get real technical. If the beat is right I will write to it. I can’t really write without the music playing. I mean if I think of a bar in my head I will write it down in my phone, but the majority of the time I will need to hear the beat and If I connect with it I will start writing.

 

Miss R: Can you make beats yourself?

No. I just leave that to Deeze or Joey.

Miss R:What are you working on now? Do you have a new Album/EP?

I am currently working on my next EP ‘The Progression’ and also just trying to work on my stage show.

Miss R: Where can people keep up to date with you and your music? Do you have a website?

I currently don’t have a website but this year we are looking into it but I would say the best place to find me and my music is my twitter @orakald and my Facebook page Chiedu Oraka Official

"Drink So Much" Ft. Bacary Bax (Prod By. Deezkid)  

Miss R: Do you have any shows coming up?

 My closest show is on the 17th of February in Hull at The Sesh (Polar Bear)

Miss R: What is your goal..Where do you want your music to take you?

I really don’t see any limitations so I want my music to reach the highest places possible, I  want it to take me out of Hull so I can perform in arenas all over England and the world to be honest. ANYTHING is achievable you just have to want it hard enough combined with a high work ethic.

 Miss R: Are there any producers or other artists you want to work with in the future?

There are so many artists and producers I would love to work with. I’m unknown so it wouldn’t benefit them to work with me yet but I would like to work with Show and Prove or even the Splurge Boys and artist wise some like Ghetts or even someone like Laura Mvula. Skepta is a great artist too and I think me and Mikill Pane would make some great music too. The list could go on forever there are too many names to mention.

"Dumb And Dumber" (Prod. By Deezekid)

Miss R:  What are your thoughts on the music currently played on the radio? Do you find it hard as a independent artists to get the exposure you deserve?

My thoughts are quite strong. I feel a lot of the music getting played on the radio is very saturated. It's too polished and too structured. If I am going to be honest I don't listen to any commercial radio. I don't think it's true reflection of the best music in Britain. Theres a lack of passion and originality in the music played on radio, so for that reason alone I can't condone the trife that gets played on there. 

There are real things happening in Britain and a lot of artists are talking about these issues and the radio choose to ignore what's really happening and play what they get told too by the government. And I find it very hard epesically being from Yorkshire. We don't have the facilities and the same outlets they do in places like London and Brum town. So I have to fight twice as hard to even make it on a station like 1xtra. I don't rap about the roads, sleeping with loads of women and all that other cliche boring rap stuff so I feel my options are limited but I will break down the door, It just might take a little longer. But its definitely harder for independent artists. The industry don't seem to want to take a gamble on something that's not ready made and something they can't fully control.

 Miss R:What other interest do you have outside of music? What do you do for fun?

 Love fashion and love playing football and going to the gym. Without these things I would be lost.

 Miss R:I noticed you wearing a "workrate" jumper... the title to your 2013 EP. Is this also your clothing line?

Well yes, thats the name of my merch gear and that came about because the EP was free. I didn’t want no money for it but I wanted to extend my brand and I thought the logo was really cool so I thought putting it on tshirts and jumpers would be a great idea, and it was.  I have sold over 400 garments in around Hull and planning on doing some items this year.  

"Its Lockdown" (Prod By. Albudri)


Miss R:Who else in Hull is hot right now? Who should I take a listen too? Who is making good music????

Errrrmmmmm….. My team Lockdown obviously errrrmmm…. The Talks, Bud Sugar, Paris XY, Northern Donz, Red Eye, Annie Harmeston, Max Taylor Stafford and thats really it.

Miss R: Finally is there anything you want to add?

Just look out for me and my team this year, theres going to be a boat load of music, visuals and gigs up and down the country. The new culture will prevail.


Miss R: Big Thanks Cheidu



Follow Cheidu

twitter.com/orakald

instagram.com/orakald

soundcloud.com/chiedu-oraka

chieduoraka.bandcamp.com

New Music: "Be A Man" Olivia Louise

Starting the year off right with a funky new track from my girl Olivia Louise. "Be A Man" produced by Moony.

@Olivia_LouiseUK

New Music: "Black Mongol" by Shiesty L

Shiesty L brings us his second video from his "Barbaric Musik" mixtaple "Black Mongol"



@ShiestyL1

You can download Barbaric Musik here!!!
 

Miss RadcliffeMeets......Anthai

Big up Hip Hop artist and Producer Anthai for taking time out for this interview.

I recently listened to "Beats Behind Bars" (which is available in the link below) I was impressed with the production. I especially love track 3 "Death Before Dishonor" make sure you check it out!!

       Get 'Beats Behind Bars' here > itunes.apple.com/us/album/beats-behind-bars

 

Miss R: When did you first get into Hip Hop and rapping?

I got into writing and rapping in the mid 90's first started doing the Roll Call battles on Power 106 FM radio.  From that, it inspired me to compose and make my own music. I am also a producer (beat maker). I've produced about 5 different albums consisting my group 71Raw and some solo projects for myself. I am planning on releasing my latest project "The Prince" which I produced entirely dropping in late January 2015. 

Miss R: Who has been a major influence in your music?

My Mother would be one of the influences and also uncle and grandfather. We love music. Growing up hearing different kinds of music influenced me to craft my own style and create art through sounds.

Miss R: What music did you listen to growing up?

I grew up to a lot of 80s music first came to America in '85. At home I mostly hear French music from the 60s 70s. All classic music.

Miss R: For those who may not have heard your music, how would you describe your style?

My style is raw and uncut. No upper management directing you how to create your own work but only from myself. I like to talk about world activities and what's going on in the streets of America. Speak for the unspoken. Hip-Hop is the voice of the street. 

Miss R:  What makes you different from other Hip Hop artist ?

I am different but also alike. Differ in a sense where I do not promote materialistic things nor do I advocate gun violence like many mainstream artists. I am alike with some of the great artists such as Masta Ace, Q-Tip, to name a few, they speak from the heart to uplift. I try to do that but in a raw form of styles.  

 Miss R: You have a new EP coming out in Jan 2015. "The Prince"

What can your fans expect?

Yes, my new EP "The Prince" is fully produce by myself. Currently I am not rhyming as often as before. I am more focused on producing beats and collaborating with groups trying to help each other to expand. But back to my new EP "The Prince", people can expect more of a positive nature type of sounding project. It is called "The "Prince" because it is dedicated to my Newborn son Rza Prince Thai. This EP can be played in Starbucks or the library, it is that smooth and relaxing. The messages in each songs are inspirational. I have guest artists such as Prosperus, Christ Bearer, Martial Art, Shogunna, and Platto.  It's a great EP to listen to especially on the next data free partying so it can revive you back to reality. It's basically organic type rap.


Shogunna - Cross The Galaxies (Prod. By Anthai)   taken from the EP "The Prince"

Miss R: Do you prefer making beats to rapping?

I never like answering this question because it's like asking me if I like a bowl of pho or a bowl of ramen.  I love to write lyrics and rapping about whatever I can think of. Producing beats on the other hand, I would have to follow with the samples I choose but once I make a banging beat, I would have it blasting on repeat for hours late at night, really though.

Miss R:  Are there any other producers/artists you would like to work with in the future?

I would love to work with Jay-Z, Prodigy,  KRS One, Action Bronson, and Curren$y. 

Miss R: Where do you want your music to take you? What's the ultimate goal?

Back when I started in 2004 my ultimate goal was to have my music available so the people can buy it. Now, my goal is to produce for more artists and establish a bigger name in Hip-Hop.

Miss R: What has been your biggest achievement so far?

If you are referring to Hip-Hop then I would have to say I have been blessed to be affiliated with the West Coast Wu-Tang Killa Beez. Started from my ninja Christ Bearer who introduced me and my group to everyone. Respect him for that!

Miss R: Are you a fan of UK Hip Hop? Would you work with a UK artist?

I am not too familiar with UK Hip-Hop but I am sure they have talent. I would love to work with them.

Miss R: What other interests do you have outside of music?

My only interest outside of my music is my family. Raising my son Rza the proper way because this world we live in  is chaotic. We have to start teaching children early.  Lastly I want to say "look, listen, and observe". Peace

"The Prince"  official release date is 27th January 2015 and is available via www.71Raw.BandCamp.com

@Anthai

itunes.apple.com/us/album/beats-behind-bars

Miss Radcliffe Meets......Fes Taylor

Miss R: Do you remember the first song you wrote?

The first real song I wrote was called "little did u know" lol my G, Body Snatcha, a rapper I looked up to from my projects , helped me write it.  
He taught me how to write bars, format songs, do hooks ect.. I learned it all from him. Since then I've been on it.  

Miss R: Who did you listen to growing up?

Well, In the early years, I liked rap, but it wasn't until I heard Big Daddy Kane that I knew I wanted to be a rapper.  
I wrote my first rap playing around. I was wild young then, but then I heard the Nas album and I knew this is what I wanted.  
To grow up and be a rapper.

Of course Big, Jay Z. Mobb Deep, Wu Tang  and artist like that I loved their music. Even 50 cent but I was an artist myself. I liked these dudes,  but I felt I had to be good enough to even take them on, if I had to.
I learned that from KRS One.

Miss R: You started your career by featuring in talent shows and battling emcees. When did you first realise music was your passion?

Ever since I did the talent show, and I felt the love I received when on stage, I was hooked!!  I grew more addicted to it as the shows grew bigger and the fans screamed louder.  
I did a show at Freek Nick in ATL back in the day.  The roars from the crowd were so loud.. there ain't no feeling like that in the world!! We also did  the Summer Jam, it was crazy. I was hooked on the game ever since.  

Miss R: What inspires your music?

What inspires my music the most is the struggle.  The real life shit we go though every day. 
I don't have a gimmick, I'm the "keep it real" rapper lol

What I'm saying is...  I tell the story of the every day person who is tying to turn their life into something.  
I ain't no better than the fans.  I'm just a voice for them to tell the stories they can relate to. 
Every body has a struggle, this built us to be strong enough to take on any thing.

Miss R: How do you differ from the other Hip Hop Artist?

Well I'm me, so there is only one me. 
I don't try to sound like any one. I just do what I do.

I don't do fake shit to impress people either. You fuck with me, or you don't. 
I'm good either way. I got my own style, my own sound, so Hey, I'm just me. 
Play my shit, then play their shit.. you will soon see how different I am.

Fes Taylor Ft Lot A Nerv - Welcome To My Hood

Miss R: Has your life changed since becoming a artist?

Yes very much. I  put in a lot of time.  My life is music.  I'm dedicated to this. Music saved my life. Most of my friends are dead or in jail. 
I could have been in either place. If I wasn't doing music who knows how my lives would have gone.  I've been  shot, stabbed, cut ect... charged for a crime I didn't do. which could have me locked me up for years, but God kept me here. I feel like this is my calling. To speak the word of the people, be the voice of my community. It's bigger than me. My goals are to help build the next Def Jam on Staten Island.

Miss R: What do you think about the Hip Hop music today?

I'm not mad at music today, most hate it lol, but I like a lot of the new artist and the new music.

A lot of the old artist need to give it up lol. 
I ain't saying no names lol. A lot of  the new ones also lol, but good music is good music that's all I care about.  
If it's dope, its dope. If it's wack, it's wack. Old or new.

You can't say which is better, you gotta keep up with the times. If you get stuck in the '90s its over for you lol.

Hov did it best. He kept changing with the times, I admire that.

Miss R: I read somewhere you made a movie called 'Pay Me In Respect' what was that about? Do you plan on making any others in the future?

We never did the film but we planned on doing it.  I released the soundtrack, but no film.  
I still hope to do the film and others soon. I just want it done right.

We also make videos, but movies are a lot more work. Watch the end of any movie and see just how many people helped out. We will be working on short films soon, "Pay Me In Respect" and other full films too. We started a new film company Black Out City Films.

Miss R: What other interest do you have?

I just like to have fun, enjoy life, play sports and hang with my kids. 
Family is the most important to me when I'm not on the grind. I'm a simple person. I don't want much. I just grind so I know my family and friend are good. That's what makes me happy. I hope I can help people and inspire them to help others.

I did a lot of wrongs on the come up . I'm trying to make up for all the wrong we ever did.  Don't get me wrong, I ain't preaching or nothing. I ain't perfect, I'm still learning myself but don't get it twisted, I'm a hood nigga 4 life lol

Miss R: You have your own label 'Two 4 War Entertainment' how hard is it being a independent artist, who do you have under your label?

It's great ! We started this in 2002. We make it work.  I make a living off music. I ain't 50 cent or Jay Z,  but I survive off what I love to do.  We have built are own machine. I'm about to put out a few new artist under this company soon. Like I said, we are the new Def Jam of Staten Island, watch this space!  
Shouts to Chamber Musik Records, they have worked with us for years, we do great work together.

Miss R: What other projects are you involved in?

I'm working with Nueliphe and M2o Kingz. We have work coming soon. 'Buzz Killer' and all my other projects are in the stores. We have a liquor coming out soon, so yeah, we are making a few moves. 
2015 is gonna be the year we step it up like crazy. 
Salute to my Str8 Biz fam,  Angry Elephant clothing line and Real Job Studios 2090 fam.

Miss R: Do you get a lot of support from others in music, or do you feel it's more of a 'Dog eat Dog' situation?

It's crazy in this game. I know people are fake, but just respect me that's all I ask.  
If not, then we've got a problem! Other than that, I'm good. I play the game. You gotta just play the game or else you lose and I ain't tryna do that.

We are winners over here, so I feel like everyone is trying to get one over on you, but as long as you gain something- then its cool.

Miss R: Are you a fan of any UK Hip Hop artist?

Yes. I like a lot of UK artist, they are dope. MYG late is one of my peoples, that's fam right there. Check him out. We did some dope music. Salute to the UK I get a lot of love over there.

Miss R: You have 2 new albums coming out "Buzz Killer" & "Staten Ain't Big

Enough" What can we expect from these albums?

One is a mix CD and the other is a EP. Expect it to be the hottest shit you ever heard lol. But on the real, the fans know I don't make garbage, but I'm stepping it up. We are going for main stream now.

I know they love that hard shit I do, I still got y'all... I'll be making some hard radio shit lol. 
I learned from Fifth (50 cent) he does great at that.  
Salute to G Unit.  They linked back up and still have the formula. 

You gotta be good every time. I feel like I'm better then ever, this is some of the greatest work I've ever done.

Miss R: You created the group with other talents from Staten Island called 'Staten All Stars'  How did that come about? Are you guys working on anything at the moment?

It's not a group, its a family of artist who came together to build unity on Staten Island, and we did what we set out to do. 
We did that for the city not for rap or fame.  It was a time when there were all kinds of violence against each other. We even helped slow  some of that down. We brought the love back to our city. I say "our city" because we feel like Staten is our very own city. 

Miss R: Do you have any shows/Tours coming up? (...Any in the UK?)

I'm trying to plan that now.  Getting my paper work right. I had a few issues but it's all cleared up now. To book me for tours over seas contact festaylormngt@gmail.com

Miss R: Looking back from when you started. How have you developed as an artist?

I have become more than an artist. I'm a director and a producer. I've learned the game from every angle. I am able to do everything myself, if I have to.

Miss R: What advice would you give to anyone wanting to make it in the music biz?

Never stop dreaming, work hard,  grind even harder and you will make it happen. Being great at music ain't enough. Know the game, then you have a chance to win.

Miss R: Where can we get your music?

You can pick up my music on  itunes chambermusik.com amazon.com bestbuy.com and in stores ect  

twitter.com/taylor2fly

itunes.apple.com/us/artist/fes-taylor