Datkid & Illinformed ft. Babylon Dead: Thorn In Your Side

A fresh video from Datkid and Illinformed, as they continue to polish off the gems from their WAKMO album. Thorn in Your Side sees the duo teaming up with another duo – although they share a common partner in the shape of Illinformed – with a typically rowdy guest spot from Babylon Dead, WAKMO is out now on High Focus.

Wish Master x Illinformed: Coldharbour Tales (Stream)

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I somehow let this one slip through the gaps last month, but better late than never and it definitely hasn’t lost any of its appeal in the interim. Wish Master continues to position himself as one of the most prolific and consistent MCs of his generation, with another strong collaboration, this time alongside the equally prolific, Illinformed. Coldharbour Tales is a distinctly Bristolian album, from the title itself to the guest stars that Wish and Illinformed have enlisted for the event. Features from the likes of Axel Holy, Upfront, Datkid, Eric the Red and Flying Monk, keep the Bristol flag flying, as well as appearances from Verb T and Gee Bag, which push beyond the city walls. You can experience a taste of the album for yourself below, then head to Bandcamp for all your digital and physical needs.

Twizzy: Crabs In A Bucket (Stream)

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A very welcome return to the blog from Twizzy, with the release of his latest album. It’s been a few years since we heard a full-length solo project from the Bristol MC; his hiatus fuelled by a mixture of personal struggles and disillusionment with the rap scene, both of which I’m happy to hear have been curtailed, giving him some new creative zeal in the process.
Crabs in a Bucket is testament to that, as we hear Twizzy sounding more enthused and focused than ever. The production on the album is handled in full by fellow Bristol artist, Chillman, and boasts features from Komposa, Genesis Elijah, G00SE, CAM, Jinxsta and Jolene, as well as cuts from DJ Rogue. You can check out the full album below, with downloads and physicals available on Bandcamp. And it’s Bandcamp Friday today, so what better excuse to support some independent artists.

WISH MASTER x Illinformed – Got Em Shook/Got Em Scared ft Axel Holy

Back to the UK now, with news that Wish Master and Illinformed have an album on the horizon. They have already let loose two singles from the project, including this latest cut, Got Em Shook/Got Em Scared, which also features a welcome verse from Axel Holy. The album, Cold Harbour Tales, is due for release next month.

Portishead: SOS

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It’s been a while since I’ve been in a position to post anything new from Portishead, but that changes this week thanks to the release of their cover version of the ABBA classic, SOS. Originally recorded as part of the High-Rise soundtrack back in 2016, they have now given the track an official release through SoundCloud’s fan-powered royalty program. It’s quite amazing how much the song sounds like the perfect vehicle for the band, as soon as Beth Gibbons’ vocals emerge. The Swedish pop original is brimming with lament, which translates beautifully into this more atmospheric version. You can stream it for yourself below, with proceeds from the streams going to mental health charity, Mind.

Datkid x Baileys Brown: Grubby Mits (Stream)

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More music from Baileys Brown and this time a reunion of sorts, as he joins forces with Datkid once again for a new EP. Grubby Mits follows in the footsteps of joints like Teeth Ledger and the pivotal, Home By 8, which was the release that first brought Datkid to the attention of many UK rap fans. On this new EP, the duo are joined by some familiar names, including Datty’s SP affiliate, Flying Monk, who drops in on Better Than The Rest, alongside fellow Bristol rap advocate, Draper. There is also a Blah link up courtesy of Stinkin Slumrok, on the closing track, Yeah Right. You can hear the EP in full for yourself below, with downloads available via Bandcamp.

Baileys Brown: An EP (Stream)

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Earlier this month, Bristol producer Baileys Brown treated us to the next release from his extensive catalogue. An EP takes things on a more soulful turn than his work with say DEDW8 or his rap alter-ego, Axel Holy, but if you know Brown’s work you’ll also know it’s definitely not new territory for him. And we’re not just talking in terms of the production, but also thanks to the features, which include contributions from Maddy, Marie Lister and Bukky, as well as a single rap appearance from Verb T. You can test the EP out for yourself below, with downloads available over on Bandcamp.

Twizzy ft. Komposa: Truth

A fresh drop from Twizzy, as he gets us in the mood for his forthcoming album with this Chillman produced cut. Truth also features a tight appearance from fellow Bristol MC, Komposa, who has been enjoying a nice run recently. The video was made by Oscar Barriball.

Twizzy & Jinxsta JX: Living Story

Fresh visuals from my neck of the woods, as Twizzy and Jinxsta release the latest video from last year’s excellent First Word Last EP. The track is produced by Chris Lucas, who is also the man behind the camera. The EP is available now via Bandcamp.

Split Prophets: Kept Humble

Bristol represent in the latest video from Split Prophets. It’s been a while since we heard from the crew, so it’s good to hear Res and Upfront going back to back on this tasty cut from Badhabitz. Also props to This & That Media, who pulled out all the stops to put the video together, resulting in a sublime patchwork tour of the city.