Monday, 21 December 2009
Merry Xmas From Bomb The City
Sorry for the slackness over the last week or so. I will be back in the new year posting up plenty of gems for yall. I hope you enjoy this live performance of Christmas in Hollis by Run DMC. Have a great holiday and ill catch ye in 2010 ya heard !
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
BRISTOL CLIP FROM - ILL BEHAVIOUR GRAFFITI DVD 2005
BRISTOL CLIP FROM - ILL BEHAVIOUR GRAFFITI DVD 2005
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Secret Wars - Battle
This isnt graffiti as we know it, this is illustration battles inspired by Graf. Good stuff . .
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Interview With Dr Krome - Rare Record Hunter, Dj, Graf Spotter and all round good guy . . .
Interview With The Legendary Dr Krome . . . . How long have you been actively involved in Hip Hop?
Actively involved and putting my stamp on things id say from around 91 when i got my first decks, I listened to rap before that but I was finding my way whilst also listening to metal!
Actively involved and putting my stamp on things id say from around 91 when i got my first decks, I listened to rap before that but I was finding my way whilst also listening to metal!
What was the first tune you heard and thought this is it I'm sticking with this music?
I'm not sure there was a tune which made me think BOOM that's it! It was all about Run DMC,LL Cool J and Public Enemy in the early days of Sidmouth College but it was probably around 1990 when i first heard Gunshot's Battle Creek Brawl and Hardnoise Untitled, there seemed to be no turning back from that point then in 91 came Def Defiance - dear oh dear! For me that sound will never die, awesome ....hang on a minute, ill stick it on now....
What do you believe Hip Hop to be?
The most creative, free form thing i know! and without trying to sound to cliche, Just a good happy family, everyone has their part to play in moving it forward but we all know some of us understand it better than others ! haha.. Bristol has a great unified scene, as did exeter when i was there as a kid, that's important.
The most creative, free form thing i know! and without trying to sound to cliche, Just a good happy family, everyone has their part to play in moving it forward but we all know some of us understand it better than others ! haha.. Bristol has a great unified scene, as did exeter when i was there as a kid, that's important.
Apart from mad skills on the turntables your also known for collecting the rarer rap records, how did that come about?
Well, Its always a sticking point this because whats rare to one isn't necessarily to another. As mentioned before that raw, undiluted, and pure sound that came from the 80s I liked and then when people started using breaks as a pose to drum machines in their beats i was hooked. Aside from the mainstream groups of the time, A lot of the mid to late 80s Indy break based joints that everyone collects now didn't get over here at the time so a lot of us are playing catch up. If I'm honest none of my lesser known heavy 12s from that era were bought anywhere near the time, they have been bought in the last 10 years or so. It goes without saying Ivory's HNE mix series has smashed a spotlight in the face of those slept on 12s over here and as a result the phrase RANDOM RAP appeared. This created a whole new sub-genre within old school rap, odd but dope ! except the prices have gone through the roof as a result, damm it.
Well, Its always a sticking point this because whats rare to one isn't necessarily to another. As mentioned before that raw, undiluted, and pure sound that came from the 80s I liked and then when people started using breaks as a pose to drum machines in their beats i was hooked. Aside from the mainstream groups of the time, A lot of the mid to late 80s Indy break based joints that everyone collects now didn't get over here at the time so a lot of us are playing catch up. If I'm honest none of my lesser known heavy 12s from that era were bought anywhere near the time, they have been bought in the last 10 years or so. It goes without saying Ivory's HNE mix series has smashed a spotlight in the face of those slept on 12s over here and as a result the phrase RANDOM RAP appeared. This created a whole new sub-genre within old school rap, odd but dope ! except the prices have gone through the roof as a result, damm it.
Is there any advise you would give to people starting to dig for those older Hip hop records?
Yep, Look through everything, Hardcore, Drum and Bass, Country! and never ignore the 50p bins or the shit out the back that the shop owner thinks is fit for the skip....u just never know....If you want to pay Internet prices then cool, I have over the years but digging is what its all about and when you find that gem for 50p you'll be smiling for a week!
Yep, Look through everything, Hardcore, Drum and Bass, Country! and never ignore the 50p bins or the shit out the back that the shop owner thinks is fit for the skip....u just never know....If you want to pay Internet prices then cool, I have over the years but digging is what its all about and when you find that gem for 50p you'll be smiling for a week!
So what makes a good record in your opinion?
A tuff hook, a paper label and if I'm lucky a tight scratch where I didn't expect it, a-la Cage 1.
A tuff hook, a paper label and if I'm lucky a tight scratch where I didn't expect it, a-la Cage 1.
Nowadays Hip Hop has kind of lost its way, how do you feel about the onslaught of artists and different genres which claim to be hip hop?
Hip Hop's musical element is beats, raps and cuts as we know but we need use that to put that out there in the right way, Guns and drugs don't do that whether its meant tongue in cheek or not, if your a gangster fuck off and stay a gangster, and as for U2 trying to rap, come on !!!? what are you thinking bono, or is it bone -dawg now? stick to what your fans seem to think your good at and leave rap alone to evolve in the right way.
Hip Hop's musical element is beats, raps and cuts as we know but we need use that to put that out there in the right way, Guns and drugs don't do that whether its meant tongue in cheek or not, if your a gangster fuck off and stay a gangster, and as for U2 trying to rap, come on !!!? what are you thinking bono, or is it bone -dawg now? stick to what your fans seem to think your good at and leave rap alone to evolve in the right way.
Graffiti is an essential element of Hip Hop culture, you have been a keen follower over the years. What floats your boat graf wise?
Right now I love Paris, He's killing it again at them mo, his style takes me back to when i first used to see graf in hip hop connection late 80s/early 90s however the style i love most is that "blunted funk" type style (not sure where i just got that term from !) we used to see mind 90s back in Exeter, Fix, Kilo, Soe, Scarse etc, thats the stuff ill always cherish .............
Right now I love Paris, He's killing it again at them mo, his style takes me back to when i first used to see graf in hip hop connection late 80s/early 90s however the style i love most is that "blunted funk" type style (not sure where i just got that term from !) we used to see mind 90s back in Exeter, Fix, Kilo, Soe, Scarse etc, thats the stuff ill always cherish .............
From this neck of the woods it was all about Inkie, his style in 89/90 was just out of this world for me, barton hill was the place to see it - good times, not forgetting Turo, Shimz, and later Acer, all have done amazing styles and are up there for me as the nicest writers.
What do you think about the ever expanding medium of street art? Is it Graffiti?
Well yeah you can label it Graffiti but its not really the essence, Not for me. I'm not one for stencils etc, they are dull and lifeless, graf for me should slap you in the face, it should be the visual equivalent of funky drummer looped or I aint no joke loud as fuck on a boombox.
Well yeah you can label it Graffiti but its not really the essence, Not for me. I'm not one for stencils etc, they are dull and lifeless, graf for me should slap you in the face, it should be the visual equivalent of funky drummer looped or I aint no joke loud as fuck on a boombox.
Many people will know you from scratching on tracks by Rola and BR38, what is your favourite memory from being in the studio?
Well, me and you have had some good'uns, recording your second 12" was a good moment for me. Another would be when me and Swift went up to London and pressed up the 2nd BR38 12" I recently recorded a tune called "Details" with Rola and Mr Fantastic which i also loved doing but my fondest memory's to be honest are just the regular Tuesdays we used to hook up as BR38 to work on stuff, it was always a good laugh, Fantastic would always be late, Id always be drunk, Gee would build barricade's and Trukka was the hub holding it all down! we'd just lark about I think that shows in the music! Performance wise, Supporting Jeru at The Thekla, cracking night.
What projects are you working on now?
I've sort of taken a step out for now but I'm working on bringing a mix tape together, just good old rap 12"s. I may be doing some work with The Journeymen over the next few months and i might get round to putting my graf flicks to good use in a mag for the heads, who knows, ill keep you posted.
I've sort of taken a step out for now but I'm working on bringing a mix tape together, just good old rap 12"s. I may be doing some work with The Journeymen over the next few months and i might get round to putting my graf flicks to good use in a mag for the heads, who knows, ill keep you posted.
What do you think about UK Hip Hop? Do you have any particular favourite tracks or crews from over the years?
There are a lot of good UK rap crews out there that barely see the light of day, you just have to dig a bit deeper to find a solid one now, too many "sound a like" London Mc's seem to be doing well at the moment, maybe its because they go for it and push harder, i don't know. It seems to be a popular sound at the moment. YES BLOOD! not.
Touched on it earlier but yep;
Fav crew's/Mc's - Def Defiance, Numbskullz, Gunshot, Hardnoise, Caveman, Mello, Construction, Blade, Hijack, Most Dominant, Prime Rhyme Masters, Krispy 3,
Dominant Force, Kolbalt 60...not forgetting the DJ's - Beans, White Child Rix, Renegade, SON, Prime Cuts, Format....
There are a lot of good UK rap crews out there that barely see the light of day, you just have to dig a bit deeper to find a solid one now, too many "sound a like" London Mc's seem to be doing well at the moment, maybe its because they go for it and push harder, i don't know. It seems to be a popular sound at the moment. YES BLOOD! not.
Touched on it earlier but yep;
Fav crew's/Mc's - Def Defiance, Numbskullz, Gunshot, Hardnoise, Caveman, Mello, Construction, Blade, Hijack, Most Dominant, Prime Rhyme Masters, Krispy 3,
Dominant Force, Kolbalt 60...not forgetting the DJ's - Beans, White Child Rix, Renegade, SON, Prime Cuts, Format....
Whats your all time 10 favourite Hip Hop tracks
Thats difficult, so many good tunes for so many different reasons and they change all the time depending on your state of mind..so...these aren't of ALL TIME but they are up there, in no order....
Divine Sounds - Do or Die
Thats difficult, so many good tunes for so many different reasons and they change all the time depending on your state of mind..so...these aren't of ALL TIME but they are up there, in no order....
Divine Sounds - Do or Die
Bed StyKeek & Oagee - Dont Say It Sing It
Def Defiance - Chemical Attack
Marley Marl & Shan - Marley Marl Scratch
Kool G Rap - Men At Work
Eric B & Rakim - Dont Sweat The Technique
Fearless 4 - Rockin It
Numskullz - The Difference
Harnoise - Untiled
Showbiz & AG - Silence Of the Lambs Remix
Name your all time 10 favourite Breaks
Not buying many breaks nowadays but i love;
APACHE (always be the best break for me )
Name your all time 10 favourite Breaks
Not buying many breaks nowadays but i love;
APACHE (always be the best break for me )
Commodores - Assembly Line
Sapo - Been Had
Sound Foundation - Soul Foundation
James Brown - Funky Drummer
Fausto Papetti - Loves Theme
Ramsey Lewis - Back In The USSR
Manzel - Space Funk
Skull Snaps - New Day
ESG - UFO
...above all just great tunes throughout.
Shout outs
Specifik, Project Cee, Fantastic, Gee, Trukka, Beaner, Rola, Rumage, Jay, Shar, Fine, John Kennedy, Coherent, Aroe, Le Mart, Shar, Vertebrae, 3pm, Smurf, Turoe, Hip Hop
Lounge, Mike (Prime cuts) DWG, Ivory. Kool Herc, Flash and Bambaataa.
...above all just great tunes throughout.
Shout outs
Specifik, Project Cee, Fantastic, Gee, Trukka, Beaner, Rola, Rumage, Jay, Shar, Fine, John Kennedy, Coherent, Aroe, Le Mart, Shar, Vertebrae, 3pm, Smurf, Turoe, Hip Hop
Lounge, Mike (Prime cuts) DWG, Ivory. Kool Herc, Flash and Bambaataa.
Thursday, 3 December 2009
Dj Jazzy Jay cutting it up back in 1983
Dj Jazzy Jay cutting it up back in 1983, Check out Kool Keith In The Striped Sweater!
Monday, 30 November 2009
Specifik & Project Cee - The Medley Live at the Cavern 2002
More shamless self promotion - Specifik & Project Cee - The Medley Live - Cavern Exeter 2002
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Graf Flick Of The Day
I check my flickr account everyday to see what new as this baby popped up!
Pure skills from my man Sago1.
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Saturday, 21 November 2009
SouthSide Alliance on Daytime Live
Classic footage from Kilo - Legendary Exeter crew SouthSide Alliance on Daytime Live.
COSM - BOBBY - BOMBS OVER BOURNEMOUTH
Big Tings coming straight outta Bournemouth ! My man Cosm drops his track Bobby from his forthcoming mixtape "BOMBS OVER BOURNEMOUTH". Look out for some new material in 2010 featuring my goodself Specifik & Dj Cutzilla.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Dope Posse - Mind Over Matter (Djax Records - 1991)
01 - Intro02 - Mind Over Matter
03 - Here Da Bring Trouble
04 - Rhythm With Madness
05 - Always Calm Under Pressure
06 - Put You Funky Dancing Shoes Together
07 - The South
08 - Can You Do Without Rhythm
09 - Dancing On Pure Energy
10 - The True Meaning Of Dope
11 - Startime
12 - D.T.F. The Manipulator
13 - Black And White United
14 - Just Funkin' Around
15 - More Real Than A Heart - Attack
16 - Massive
17 - Outro
Credit to Bust The Facts - Password: bustthefacts
Download
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Graffiti documentary london Altered egos (part 1)
Part 1 - A unique insight into UK grafitti culture/art. By letting some of the most respected artists speak for themselves, the film explores what drives 'writers' to go to such lengths to get their work out to the public, how it feels to take such risks and ultimately, what grafitti means to each of them.
Graffiti documentary Altered egos (part2)
Part 2 - A unique insight into UK grafitti culture/art. By letting some of the most respected artists speak for themselves, the film explores what drives 'writers' to go to such lengths to get their work out to the public, how it feels to take such risks and ultimately, what grafitti means to each of them.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
R.I.P Derek B - A Bad Young Brother
Pioneering UK Hip-Hop artist Derek B. died over the weekend according to reports.Derek B., born Derek Boland, died after suffering from a heart attack over the weekend.
Derek B. launched his career at the age of 15 as a DJ on various pirate radio stations that were flourishing in the United Kingdom in the early 80's.
In 1986 Derek B. recorded his first rap track title “Rock the Beat." The success of the single led to high profile appearances on a number of UK shows, including Top Of The Pops.
In 1988, Derek B. linked with United States based management company Rush Artist Management, which was owned by Hip-Hop Mogul Russell Simmons.
Derek B.'s best known album was titled Bullet From a Gun, which was released on the record label Tuff Audio in 1988.
Additionally Derek B. experienced success as a producer and a re-mixer working with girl group The Cookie Crew, as well as rap pioneers Eric B. and Rakim.
Derek B. would have celebrated his 45th birthday on January 15th
Credits: Nolan Strong
Bad Meaning Good UK Hip Hop documentary 1987
Bad Meaning Good appeared on the BBC back in 1987 and has gone on to become a seminal document of the fledgling London Hip Hop scene. Shown here in its entirety, it features Tim Westwood,The London Posse, The Chrome Angelz and lots more. .
Black Sheep - The Choice Is Yours (Live) @ Yo MTV Raps (Spring Break) 1992 (HQ)
Black Sheep - The Choice Is Yours (Live) @ Yo MTV Raps (Spring Break) 1992 (HQ)
Possibly one of the greatest Hip Hop joints of all time.
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Graf Flick Of The Day
I thought I was about time I put a few UK tubes up. One thing I want to know is, why hasnt anyone done a book on UK tubes, In my collection I have 428 photographs but that is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of whats been painted. This picture is Mr Fikz - Those that know will know, enough said. Props to all the Exeter writers. . .
From Tags to Riches
From Tags to Riches is a short UK Graffiti Documentary, mainly filmed in Bristol with a few bits from London. Features artist such as Inkie, FLX, Paris, Sickboy, Cyclops, Sweet Toof, Tek33 & more.
Friday, 13 November 2009
Deep Concentration with DJ Loctite
One of the best UK Hip Hop radio shows worth checking from my man Dj Loctite - Every Friday night 8pm till 10pm - Playing the best in old and new Hip Hop with lots of guests from the local scene, including regular appearances by live MCs.
Tune in by going to the website http://www.phonic.fm and clicking LISTEN
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Graf Flick Of The Day
Skarse - SSA 1992 - Exeter Hall Of FameBack in the good old days Exeter had a trackside hall of fame which was an abandoned warehouse. We visited this spot on a regualar basis to paint and to take pictures. This is a personal favourite of mine by Exeter legend Skarse.
Monday, 9 November 2009
GRAFFITI OLD SCHOOL 1970'S NEW YORK CITY TRAINS
GRAFFITI OLD SCHOOL 1970'S NEW YORK CITY TRAINS - Found this one on you tube with no more info. Rare footage . . . .
Futura 2000 (ft. The Clash) - The Escapades Of Futura 2000
New Video using a lot of original footage by Dean Winkler and Stephan Gosweski. Music by The Clash featuring Lenny Futura and Fab ...
www.the-breaks.com
Most of you probably know and use this site but those that dont check it out.
Back in the days we used to rumage through charity shops, record fairs and our parents music collection for breaks. Every now and then you would stumble across a sample that had been used or something fresh that one day we could use ourselves. Word of mouth was the only way to find out certain breaks, long before sample books and the internet.
Fast forward to 2009 and you can search your favourite break on http://www.the-breaks.com/ and then listen instantly on Spotify. How the world has changed - enjoy
Back in the days we used to rumage through charity shops, record fairs and our parents music collection for breaks. Every now and then you would stumble across a sample that had been used or something fresh that one day we could use ourselves. Word of mouth was the only way to find out certain breaks, long before sample books and the internet.
Fast forward to 2009 and you can search your favourite break on http://www.the-breaks.com/ and then listen instantly on Spotify. How the world has changed - enjoy
Graf Flick Of The Day
This Zephyr tag and photos are from my personal collection. All original and sent direct from the man himself a number of years ago. For more info on Zephyr check out http://www.zephyrgraffiti.com/Thursday, 5 November 2009
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Big Daddy Kane Documentary
Short documentary about Big Daddy Kane's career - Directed by Anthony Marshall
News Flash
It has come to my attention that the legendary Visual Grafix series by KILO has been re-released on DVD! Rumours are Vol 1 is done and Vol 2 is just about ready! As soon as I have more information I will post the details.
NEW YORK SUBWAY GRAFFITI 1973-1975 by Keith Baugh
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM HARLEM, SOUTH BRONX, TIMES SQUARE & CONEY ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHS BY KEITH BAUGH -
NYC Subway Graffiti Reportage
Props to my man Krome for this one! UK programme Reportage talking about the death of New York subway graffiti.
Graf Flick Of The Day
Naples Italy 2002 - I always new the train in Italy were bombed but when I visited my uncle in 2002 I was blown away. I spent the whole holiday in the station watching the trains go by, every car was painted. This for me was the closest I was going to get to the New York Subways in the 80's. For more Italian trains check out the Solvent download.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Ultramagnetic MC's (Kool Keith)-- Poppa Large live @ Bomb Party in San Francisco 7/5/1993
"Poppa Large" performed by Ultramagnetic Emcees, in San Francisco, at the DNA Lounge on 7/5/1993, at one of Dave Paul's Bomb parties. Other artists who performed that night were the Alkaholiks, Prime Minister Pete Nice & DJ Richie Rich, Total Devastation, Invisible Scratch Pickles, What the Hell, Rymskeme and the Dereliks.
Credit to apkallu
Graf Flick Of The Day
I took this one in Atlanta January 1997, I think its by the 3A Crew. If anyone knows any different let me know.
Monday, 2 November 2009
'Chap-Hop History' by Mr.B The Gentleman Rhymer
Funny stuff from The Gentleman Rhymer - check it out!
Dj Craze - DMC US Finals 1998
Possibly one of my favorite routines in DMC history. Dj Craze in 1998 took it to a new level. Still amazing now ! !
Specifik - Chopped Potatoes pt2
A little bit of self promotion never hurts! Back in 2002 I decided I wanted to release a cut & paste 12". Limited to 200 units Chopped Potatoes / The Last Bongo In Sidmouth was well received and played out by the likes of Dj Yoda & Dj Format.
I started out making pause button mixes back in the eighties and was heavily influence by the Lesson series by Double Dee & Steinski. This project was always a personal goal of mine and Chopped Potatoes was born. Number 2,3 and 4 are all on Limited 12's but I have never released number 1 which i will upload in a few weeks.
i hope you enjoy pt 2 - Peace Specifik
Download
I started out making pause button mixes back in the eighties and was heavily influence by the Lesson series by Double Dee & Steinski. This project was always a personal goal of mine and Chopped Potatoes was born. Number 2,3 and 4 are all on Limited 12's but I have never released number 1 which i will upload in a few weeks.
i hope you enjoy pt 2 - Peace Specifik
Download
Jon Naar: The Birth Of Graffiti
This ones for the hardcore graffiti enthusiast - Jon Naar took a series of over 3000 photos over a two week period in 1973 and has featured in the highly acclaimed book the Faith Of Graffiti. This is a talk he did about his newer book The Birth Of Graffiti and his experiences.
Solvent Abuse 98/08
I had to put this post up . . Free Graffiti film from Skire "Solvent Abuse 98/08".This is possibly one of the best graffiti films ive ever seen and well worth checking out. I personally think Skire should release this on a dvd. I would certainly purchase a copy.
Enjoy . . .
Graf Flick Of The Day
Soker - 2009 Bristol - In my opinion Soker is one of the UK's finest writers. A true master of the letterform. This one was taken on one of my many trips to Bristol to link with Dr Krome. It was raining and we had stinking hangovers but as usual always up for taking pictures of quality graf.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
MasterBlast Crew Vs Accelerate - Exeter 1984
MasterBlast Crew versus Accelerate...live & direct from Exeter, UK 1984'ish! Credit to Big Daddy Kilo
Graf Flick Of The Day
To get things going heres a classic picture I took in 1991 (i think!) of Inkie at the famous Barton Hill hall of fame Bristol.
Welcome To My Blog
Welcome to my blog, Bomb The City. Over the forthcoming months I hope to share with you my outlook on a culture which has shaped me into the person I am today. Hip Hop to me is about the true elements of this culture which include Mc'ing, Deejaying, Graffiti, Beatboxing, Beat Making, BBoying, Digging For Breaks and like Krs One said "you got to have style and learn to be original". I wont go on because this topic has so been done ! I hope you enjoy this blog and get to see and hear some stuff you may not have heard or have heard but forgot about. I aim to bring you some treasures from the past as well as keeping you updated on stuff happening now. Although im old school im not stuck in a old school mentality. There is so much more to come from this culture and i hope to be there for all of it. Enjoy - Specifik
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