Brutal - Hell Yeah I'm Here Vol.2

After releasing 7 mix-tapes including ‘School Days’ and ‘Welcome To The Strip’, collaborating with some of the industries biggest musicians such as Wiley, Mercston, Chipmunk, Ghetto, Griminal and Scorcher, in addition making over 200 tracks throughout his career, the only question left, is why hasn’t he blown?


Brutal is a talented musician from East London who has spent the better half of the last decade expanding and perfecting his skills as a Rapper, MC and Singer. At the tender age of 19 he has devoted his life to music, with the determination to bring something different to the UK music scene. Earlier this year Brutal released the single ‘Say Somethin’ which is now available via itunes and amazon. I though I’d catch up wit Brutal himself to find out just how he got into music.

You chcek out the interview via MTV The Wrap Up.

Bamboss - The Revolution EP

After opening for the likes of Tinie Tempah, Kyla, Ms Dynamite as well performing at The Bigchill, Hackney Carnival and Lovebox he has continued to excel along his musical journey which he hopes will take him 'All Around The World'. Bamboss is a 21 year-old musician from East London who has recently released his second music video 'Wagwan' from his debut EP 'The Revolution'.

I thought i'd catch up with him to find out how he got into music, as well as what he has in store for us this year.




What is your stage name and what does it mean?

My stage name is Bamboss which is basically my nickname. Everyone’s called me that since secondary school. I didn't like it at first, but then it just stuck. There's no particular meaning. My real name is Adebambo which is a bit of a mouthful LOL. People would call me Bambo for short but in school the two s's were added. My teacher back then went on holiday to Greece and he said everyone down there had a name ending with 'Oss' so every time he called my name - which was at the top of the register - he would say 'Bumbus Arelius Abumbus' LOL. That's me trying to spell it, but yeah, that's what he would say. Then from that Bamboss came about.

How and why did you get into music?

In school I had a friend who was sick at MCing so as a joke I clashed him and he demolished me so I thought I should write a couple 16's and done his dance. From there I was writing 16's and partly participating in showcasing bars to the mandem in school. When I got to year 11 I made a ‘Diss Track’ about some guys I had a problem with, this eventually circulated around schools in Hackney which allowed me to made a name for myself and just took it from there. Since then, I’ve been banging out studio learning how to do songs. There was a period I stopped making music, but then found my way to ‘Rising Tide’ where I progressed more. From there I learnt to master my style and learnt to produce.


What music labels you would like to sign to and why?

So far the only label that looks interesting to me is ‘All Around The World’ label which N-Dubz and Skepta are signed to, they are doing things. Creative control is giving to the artists, videos are not cheap looking. Overall it’s a good look. I would sign to them any day.

Could you briefly describe your music-making process?

If it's me producing it, I would make a template beat, write a verse, keep repeating that verse then finish the song. The beat will remain the same until I finish recording the song. After it is recorded I export an acapella then edit the beat around the song to make it special and unique. If it is by another producer and the beat is already made I'll keep playing the beat then chat a whole load of nonsense until something makes sense then I go with it. If I'm with the producer making the track - which is how it’s been I have been lately - we would start everything from scratch. I'd hum out a melody think of a drum pattern then while the producer is messing around with sounds I would just write whatever comes to mind even if it's stupid then go along with it. That way it's more enjoyable and real instead of having rules, pausing and all that malarkey. After all that is done it always surprises me every time I hear the tune because it's not remembered until I play the tune back to myself.


Where is the best place your music has taken you?

It has taken me to underground radio stations such as Deja Vu, Flames Radio. I’ve done opening performances for Tinie Tempah, Kyla, Ms Dynamite, Scorcher, Akala, DJ Ironik, Bashy and Kele Le Roc. I’ve performed alongside Mz Bratt, Griminal, Fundamental, Aggro Santos, R.D etc. I’ve also Performed at LoveBox, Big Chill, Hackney Carnival, Waltham Forest Carnival, Barbican and so forth. I've made a lot of connections just through these performances alone and this was all just in one year. Imagine the other years down the line.

What sacrifices have you made to pursue your career?

I've cut a lot of unserious people out of my circle. I’ve only made time only for important people and important things in my life.

What mediums to you used to promote yourself as an artists and how effective have they been for you?

I've been using Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Radio, Shows, Word of Mouth, Blog/websites as well as using my songs as ring tones on my phone, so far it's been alright. Now the next step is television and daytime radio. I've got the music to achieve that. I’ve got a plan., it’s just putting it all go into motion now. Giggidy LOL


How important is it for you as an artist to buy music and what was the last album you bought?

I generally think if the music is good then buy it. No harm in it. I bought Skepta's album because I like his music. I hope if people like my music they would buy it as well.

What can we expect from you in 2011?

I’ve just opened up a new Youtube account which is strictly music videos from me. I’ve also recently dropped my second video called 'Wagwan' coming off 'The Revolution EP' produced by me. I’m going to be banging out more video's and I’ll definitely be on TV music channels. Bigger and better shows then hopefully an official single by the end of this year or next but we'll see how things go this year.

For more of Bamboss, you can check out his music videos such as Introduction (Let's Jive) and Wagwan via Youtube, or you can download his debut EP, The Revolution. Furthermore you can also contact him personally via his Facebook and Twitter pages.

Teeza - The Bounce EP

Whoever said playing games was a waste of time was definitely wrong. For this budding musician his big break came whilst playing around on Playstation at the age of 14. Teeza is a 23 year old musician from West London who has been working hard experimenting and expanding his craft as a DJ and Producer 'purely for people to hear and love music'. I thought I'd catch up with him to find out what he has planned for 2011.


How and when did you get in to music?

I got into music randomly to be honest, I was about 14 at the time. My older brother had music on PS1, so I just fiddled about with it out of interest. Before I knew it, I was making music every other day. It's pretty much the best things that[s happened to me.

How has your style changed since?

When I think back, I wouldn't say my style has change too much. It's developed more. I went through stages, experimenting and what not, but I always revert back to the old style of beats I've always made.

What is the The Bounce EP?
It's a 4 track grime instrumental EP made by me. Bounce is currently one of the biggest grime beats around. The beat has also been used as Firecamps new single 'Move' featuring Scrufizzer & Lady Leshurr. It will be available on all digital outlets such as itunes, zavvi, amazon etc, as well as various shops on purple vinyl.


What has been your best performance?

Well, as a DJ I've performed at a club in South London called Citizens and I had the crowd going crazy! That was a lot of fun. As a Producer, I can't really say I've performed anywhere so to speak.

What would you say are 5 necessary qualities of a musician?

Patience - LOL that is KEY.

Consistency - never think you've done enough or even too much, music is for life! It doesn't stop.

Originality - It's not always easy to be completely original, but for me following your heart is where the originality lies. You don't have to do things a certain way, do it in a way that suits you best or do it to the best of your ability.

Understanding - A lot of people just make music, but don't really know how to go about things. You've really got to analyse music in depth. Not necessarily the technical side, but more sonically.

Creativity - That's pretty simple, be creative. Explore, expand, express in order to excite - that's kinda cheasy but it is what it is LOL.

What are your views on the current UK music industry and is there anything you should change ?

I'm happy about the whole Urban side of things, I think it's been accepted more in the UK. There's a lot of good things happening and doors opening, so I'm pretty happy with the whole UK situations. I think people - both listeners and musicians - should start to appreciate what people are doing. I think most of the listeners should stop being ignorant and love music for what it is.


What are your hobbies?

Aside from music I'm into graphic design, a bit of photography and I enjoy playing football from time to time. I used to be a hard raver, but i've calmed down a lot since then. I'm currently looking for bookings. I'm involved in so many different aspects of music I don't really get time to anything else.

Are you looking for fame or fortune?

I'm looking for love LOL. I'm here purely for people to hear and love my music. To inspire people and put smiles on their faces. Try to uplift the youth, because they're the most important to reach out to. As for fortune, DEFINITELY! I want to look after my family, send my mum away on holidays and all that good stuff! Shouts to mumzillr ;)

Describe your journey in one sentence...

A challenging journey that has opened my eyes and ears - I tried to think of something nang to say, but hey I tried LOL



What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Familiarize yourself with the industry and take in as much as possible. Work hard and the results will manifest with time. The phrase "when the time is right" is very real, you'll never know when it's your time to blow. You've just got to keep it moving and most importantly enjoy making music. Also, never say to yourself "I cant". Take the T off - word to Chipmunk

Where do you see yourself musically in 2011?

Hopefully somewhere special, somewhere exciting. I'm all about progress and that's my word yo!

You can listen to more of Teeza via Mixcloud and Soundcloud, or you can contact him personally via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Myspace.

Industry Takeover - Do Politics Have A Place In Music?

For those of you who say or said 'Grime Has No Meaning', you really should have attended Urban Development's Industry Takeover - Talking The Hardest' which showcased at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green last night. Not just for the urban showcase of talented musicians, but most importantly the debate.


The night kicked off with an in depth discussion from a panel of prominent individual know to both media and politics. Chantelle Fiddy, (Contributing editor of RWD Magazine) chaired the discussion between the five other guests. Ghetts, (Musician), Jody McIntyre (Poet and Political Activist), Fusion (Journalist, Producer and Educator), Austin Daboh, (Music manager of BBC 1xtra) and Helen Bray (ONS Stakeholder for 2011 census). The panellist battled it out, each bringing controversial ideas to the table in an attempt to answer the question, 'Does politics have a place in music?'

Over the years we've seen significant transitions in music from blues to jazz, reggae to hip hop and now grime. Yes, the genres may be different, but what they all share are the hidden messages of struggles, both socially and politically. In the 21st it seems even harder to act against politics, whether it be through marches and strikes such as the mass demonstrations against financial cuts in the education system or vocally through music and music videos.


The genre Grime to outsiders is seen as the 'gunk' of the streets - inner-city kids rapping about guns, crime and violence, yet to a majority this is the reality of everyday life, they take what they've learned from the streets and relay their struggles via music. Kano, Skepta, Dizze Rascal and Wiley have come from these very foundations and where they stand today proves allot about Grime.


Ghetts recently released the track 'Invisible' which was written to engage young people in participating in the 2011 census Although, the debate brought along ideas of intrusion and opposition the fact is more than 60% of the British people will fill it in, will you be one of them?

Marshay Ramone - Wetter

To some he's a typical musician, to others an individual. One who's not afraid to break barriers or shy away from the reality of life and the harshness of music industry. Although certain DJ's have attempted to block him out of the music scene, he's persevered with his music. Marshay Ramone is a rapper and singer from South London aiming to reach the top, musically. According to him the music industry Is 'like a safe with money inside, if you mess around long enough and you'll be inside anytime soon'. He has just released his new single Wetter, which is now available for download on itunes. I thought I'd catch up with Marshay himself to find out a little bit more about where it all started.


What do you do and where did it start?

I rap. I only sing if I know the girl will take her panties off, other than that, I leave the singing to the R Kellys and the Trey Songz. Sometimes I just think im to talented for my own good. I think I'm one of those people that are 50% percent good at everything they do, but others may say I excel more than I think, I just keep things humble.

What problems have you faced and how have you overcome them?

Problems? LOL! People that call themselves DJ's when really they are Juke-Boxes. All they do is play the same old American shit. The Americans dont even respect them or even know they exist. How do I over came JukeBox DJ's? I just give my music to other DJ's who are better or who aren't in their circle. I always get good feedback that from other DJ's near them. Some DJ's are real idiots, but there are some DJ's who are real cool, like Celebrity Supa, DJ Data, Dj Links, DJ Supah Litey, Mykal Million and many others.

The Next one is bitchy guys - The males with female emotions! Those that hate on me simply because I'm different or just don't give me ratings because I'm better than them. I overcome this by just ignoring them and keep doing me. I got more ladies to love, cant waste my time with guys that need hugs from their mums.


Where is the best place music has taken you and why?

Well I've met Puffy and a few other people from the music industry. It's shown me it's possible to reach goals you just have to stick with it. I see the progression but it's a slow one. It's like a safe with money inside, if you mess around long enough and you'll be inside anytime soon. Thats my observation on things.

Who are your inspiration and why?

My Uncle. He showed me I could be myself and still present to others an illision to obtain what I want. He taught me to think smarter. Although, he has a criminal past - unlike most people - he's one of the ones that never ended up in prison. A lot of guys in my area have older uncles or brothers that have come out of prison and these are the kind of people the younger ones get advice from. So you can pretty much predict what happens to them LOL!

I don't have much inspirations, but I guess I have influences. I take a little bit from everybody I meet. I'm like some sort of genetic human sampler, only look for the best part of people who have achieved or are trying to.

What 3 musicians do you currently admire and why?

I admire Puffy, Jay Z, 50 Cent.

Puffy, because he came in the game and started something that others were not looking to do or believed they could not do - which was start their own record company from the bottom and take it to the top. Death Row came after with Tupac and Snoop, but besides all that. After all that time Puffy or P.Diddy is still.

Jay Z, because he was trying for so long in the industry - about 16 years or more before he came out with Roca Fella Records with Dame Dash and he never gave up. Well he did give up, but it's only because Dame Dash went back and found him to gave him a second chance. So he jumped back on music and chased his dream and now he's sitting pretty at the top of his game.

50 Cent because he was another trying artist before he got shot and after that he still tried to do it. So he never gave up on his dreams. Not only that but, he is a smart business guy. He bought a vitamins drink company and sold it to Coca-Cola and that's what saved him from his fate of what other rappers get after their music doesn't sell. 300 million in the bank.

What are you hobbies aside from music?

Observing human behaviour and ladies. I like undersatnding things and I like to know the reason why certain things happen in the way they do. I don't know why, but i would say thats my hobby. Oh and staring and women's bootys LOL! I need to get eyes implanted on the back of my head so I dont have to keep missing out on the ones that pass me by!


Tell us a typical day in your life...

Without getting myself arrested i'll just say... I like to lay in bed, wake up and just stare out my window. I have one of those big floor to ceiling windows, real nice when its raining or snowing. If a girl stayed with me the night before then she'll get to make me breakfast in her lingerie or in the nude that's my thing...ooh yeah! LOL

I holla at my producer Orlando Breve and see what tracks we need to complete. Read text's on my phone, return calls then fresh'en up in bathroom. Drop the girl to the station, then go studio.

If I dont have studio then I just get up to mischief, doing something to make money or go Peckham and check my boy Dukez Mellenium, who's the next rapper to come out.

How does music effect you and the world around you?

Music doesn't really effect me now as much as it did when I was younger. I used to get hyped over certain tracks. But as far as the world around me goes, I see music as a positive and a negative force. It brings happines and sadness, influences people to do things like strip, shoot guns, fight, have sex. It's all good with me, but what I don't understand is when people say "the music we make doesn't influence violnce, we're just talking about our environment". Then they say "when you see guns in hollywood films no one ever says they influence people". Well the reason for that is, all intelligent people know that you can't drop out of a 50ft window shooting guns, hit the floor and get up running! LOL I know whatever I say as a musician will have influence on the people who are listening, that's why we all have fans. They are the people who are influenced by musicians, but everyone still has a choice.


Why should people listen to your music?

Why? Have you heard my single "Wetter" on itunes or Pimp Suit with the x-rated video? Because if you have not your a hater! I don't care, im the real Rick James! You should like my whole album, if you dont like one track on their, your a hater!I guess im not giving much choice other than to like me! LOL.

I'm joking. You should listen to me because you'll here something different, you don't want water all your life, sometimes you want a little fizz. That's me, I bring the fizz. You can check out my new tunes via itunes Wetter.

What can we expect fro you this year?

Music, music, music! I'm also doing a film with a film director called Tman the Hustler, real cool guy, laid back type.

For more of Marshay Ramone, you can watch his latest video Wetter via Youtube or you can contact him personally via his Facebook, Twitter or Myspace.