Bhavna Malkani (@bstarproduction), Author at AllHipHop

ATCQ Unites, Q-Tip Talks Trayvon Martin at Wireless Festival UK

By: Bhavna Malkani (@bstarproduction)Category: MOBILEJuly 16, 2013

(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop took over the stage this year at Wireless; a three-day festival which took place at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London from July 12-14 2013. This year, the festival’s main headlining acts were Snoop Lion, Nas, A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lemar, John Legend, Will.I.Am and many others. Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake capped off the Festival on Sunday (14 July) by giving the audience a taste of Legends of Summer tour, which is due to kick-start in North America on July 17 in Toronto. The duo was also joined by Rihanna, who appeared as a surprise guest, for a rendition of the track Run This Town. The other main headliners of the festival were the legendary group, A Tribe Called Quest. During the group’s performance, Q-Tip made reference to the Trayvon Martin case by stating “This is not the first time it has happened where a young black man in our country, in America, life is devalued so grossly.” Q-Tip praised the system in the UK by admiring the way information is analyzed before making a verdict. He asked the crowd to pray for America and said “There’s a lot of motherf***ing black on black violence going on in Chicago and Miami and all over our country man. We are losing our youth at an incredible rate. We need you to pray for us man.” It was the first time in over 10 years, the group performed as a trio in the UK’s capital.

Yasiin Bey (AKA Mos Def) Force-fed Under Guantánamo Procedure In Short Film

By: Bhavna Malkani (@bstarproduction)Category: MOBILEJuly 8, 2013

(AllHipHop News) Yasiin Bey (the artist formerly known as Mos Def ) is featured in a short film where he is brutally force-fed, to protest against the conditions of Guantanamo Bay for human right charity Reprieve. The Brooklyn born rapper re-enacts the procedure of prisoners on hunger strikes, in a four-minute clip created by award-winning director, Asif Kapadia. Details of how prisoners are forced fed were found in a leaked document, which sets out the military instructions for U.S. Army authorities Guantanamo currently consists of prisoners accused of terrorism offenses; the vast majority of those contained within the system are of Muslim faith. Many prisoners are taking part in Ramadan, which commenced today (July 8) The video raises awareness of prisoners being force-fed by US Army authorities during one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar. Watch the video below (Warning: viewers may find these images distressing).

Wu-Tang Clan to Reunite in UK for 20th anniversary

By: Bhavna Malkani (@bstarproduction)Category: MOBILEJune 24, 2013

The legendary Wu-Tang Clan will reunite in the UK to mark the 20th anniversary of their classic debut album Enter the Wu-tang (36 Chambers). The group will perform on July 25th at O2 Apollo in Manchester and July 26th at O2 Academy, Brixton, London. The UK tour is part of a year-long celebration of the Wu Tang’s anniversary. In April, the group reunited at Coachella Festival and announced at Method Man’s 42nd birthday the release of their sixth studio album. The group confirmed the title of the new release will be A Better Tomorrow, which references song #10 on the first CD of their double disc studio album, Wu-Tang Forever. A release date for the album is yet to be confirmed. Expect to hear new material and classic tracks from Wu Tang’s debut album at the UK performances.

Will and Jaden Smith Reunite with DJ Jazzy Jeff and Alfonso Ribeiro in London

By: Bhavna Malkani (@bstarproduction)Category: MOBILEMay 25, 2013

Television audiences in the UK were surprised when Will and Jaden Smith, reunited with The Fresh Prince of Bel Air co-stars, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Alfonso Ribeiro to perform classics from the hit comedy series. The father and son duo, made a guest appearance on popular BBC program, The Graham Norton Show on Friday night [24 May]. During the interview, chat show host, Graham Norton, asked the Smiths about collaborating together on a record. Will replied that the family have a built-in studio at home and a collaborative project may happen in the future. Norton then persuaded the Smiths to perform a freestyle for the live audience. This was followed with Will performing the theme tune to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, before inviting DJ Jazzy Jeff and Alfonso Ribeiro [aka Carlton Banks] on stage for the coup de grace. Earlier in the week, Trey Smith, Will’s eldest son, made his DJ debut at London nightclub, Bijous. Will, Jazzy Jeff and Alfonso Ribeiro attended the event. Watch the clip from The Graham Norton Show. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwS14TiO7Pk&w=560&h=315]

Big Daddy Kane Congratulates Public Enemy on Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Induction in London

By: Bhavna Malkani (@bstarproduction)Category: MOBILEApril 27, 2013

Hip-Hop legend Big Daddy Kane performed several classic joints, freestyles and tracks off his latest project, Las Supper, in London on Thursday night (April 25). During the performance, the Brooklyn-bred rapper performed songs from his catalog,such as “Raw,” “Warm it up Kane,” “Smooth Operator” and many other tracks. Kane congratulated Public Enemy on their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was proud that hip-hop was a part of the museum, which archives the history of some of the best-known and most influential artists and producers around the world. He also paid tribute to artists who have passed such as Big L, Guru, Heavy D and Lisa “Left Eye”Lopes, who passed away 11 years ago, on April 25, 2002. The show is part of a two night tour at London’s Jazz Cafe. Watch Big Daddy Kane perform classic tracks “Nuff Respect” “Set it Off” and “Warm it up Kane” in the video below: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzDUkH8pxrk&w=560&h=315]

UK Honors Late Great Producer J Dilla

By: Bhavna Malkani (@bstarproduction)Category: HeadlinesFebruary 3, 2013

(AllHipHop News) Various tributes took place this weekend (February 2 and 3) across London, UK to honor one of the greatest producers of all time, J Dilla aka James Yancey. J Dilla passed away in 2006 at the age of 32, after being hospitalized for pneumonia whilst battling Lupus. The Detroit born and raised artist became widely regarded as one of the most influential producers of all time, producing for groups such as A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, De La Soul, Pharcyde and his own group, Slum Village. In honor and in celebration of his music, J Dilla is being remembered in London with a release of a documentary titled The View From the Other Side: J Dilla A European Remembrance which features European artists and DJ’s such as Shortee Blitz, Mr Thing, Onra, Lefto and Chief. Directed by independent filmmaker, Shernay LaTouche, the film explores underground communities and cultures influenced by J Dilla in London, Berlin and Paris. The premiere took place on Saturday February 2 at Hackney Picture House, London. J Dilla’s music was also remembered at the seventh annual “Doctor’s Orders Dilla” on Sunday (February 3) at The Scala, London. Previously, the event was attended by J Dilla’s mother, Maureen ‘Ma Dukes’ Yancey. This year, DJ’s spinning on the night will include Kidkanevil, DJ LoK and Spin Doctor. It was hosted by J Dilla’s close friend and artist, Phat Kat. All proceeds will be donated to the J Dilla Foundation and Lupus UK. Watch a clip from the Doctor’s Order’s tribute which took place in 2012. The event raised over $18,000. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1WUgS1BQys&w=560&h=315]

9th Wonder to Attend UK Premiere of Documentary “The Wonder Year”

By: Bhavna Malkani (@bstarproduction)Category: MOBILEDecember 4, 2012

(AllHipHop News) The UK premiere of Hip-Hop documentary “The Wonder Year” is set to take place on December 8 in Brixton, London. The 78-minute documentary follows a year in the life of Grammy Award-winning producer 9th Wonder. The film provides audiences with a closer look at 9th Wonder’s life as a Hip-Hop producer, academic and father. The North Carolina bred artist also pays tribute to his Winston-Selem roots and discusses his participation in a program at Wake Forest University, designed to inspire young black men to further their education. The documentary features a host of rappers and producers including Drake, DJ Premier, DJ Green Lantern, Phonte, Sha Money XL, The Alchemist and more. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with 9th Wonder and “The Wonder Year” documentary director, Kenneth Price as well as a two-hour DJ set from 9th Wonder. The producer will also be joined by female rapper, Rhapsody and DJ’s Spin Doctor, Chris P Cuts and BBC 1Xtra’s CJ Beatz.

The Pharcyde Return to London to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde

By: Bhavna Malkani (@bstarproduction)Category: MOBILEDecember 1, 2012

(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop group The Pharcyde returned to UK capital London last night (November 30), to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde. The two remaining rappers in the group, Imani and B##### Brown, performed tracks with a live band, which included “Running” “Drop” and “Passin Me By.” During the performance, the group thanked UK acid jazz and funk group, Brand New Heavies, who introduced Pharcyde to UK audiences in 1993. The Californian group also performed with the late great Gil-Scott Heron as part of their first tour in the UK. Earlier this year, a host of other Hip-Hop acts have also chosen London to celebrate their 20th anniversaries including Pete Rock and C.L Smooth and The Beatjunkies. Watch The Pharcyde perform classic track “Oh Sh*t” in the video below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgy0uLP74tU&w=420&h=315]

Pete Rock and C.L Smooth Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Mecca and the Soul Brother In UK

By: Bhavna Malkani (@bstarproduction)Category: MOBILEOctober 29, 2012

(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop duo Pete Rock and C.L Smooth reunited in London last night (28 October) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their album, Mecca and the Soul Brother. During the performance, the pair performed songs from their catalog which included “T.R.O.Y” “Straighten it Out” and “On and On.” Pete Rock also played a DJ set in between tracks. The group paid tribute to fellow Mount Vernon rapper, the late Heavy D. Pete Rock stated that he would not be involved with music if it was not for the influence of Heavy D, whom he is also related to. The show is part of a three night tour at London’s Jazz Cafe. The duo are expected to perform on 29 and 30 October, with support from UK artist, Micall Parknsun, who is promoting his forth coming album, Me, Myself & Akai. Watch Pete Rock and C.L Smooth perform classic tracks in the video below: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL28SaGSLoE&w=560&h=315]