Chimpo: HIA (Stream)

New music from Manchester, as Chimpo releases his first solo LP on his recently established Box N Lock label. In true Chimpo style, HIA is an eclectic blend of styles, with the overarching electronic vibe complemented with bursts of live instrumentation. Plenty of switches in tempo too, from the more mellow cuts like the previously released single, Name Your Price, and the bluesy Rolla-assisted, Nothing Good, to the DnB rush of Get So Mad and the obscenely funky Like I Luv U; it’s a perfect reflection of the label as a whole and their ethos – go with what feels right. There are features too, including the aforementioned Rolla verse, plus appearances from DRS, Chunky and Slay. There is a stream available below and head to the label’s Bandcamp to cop a download.

DRS x Slay x Chimpo: Hurt Someone

Manchester favourite, Chimpo, recently started his own label, which aims to free itself from the restrictions of genres, by simply releasing the music he loves. The label’s first release is a perfect example of this, as he teams up with fellow Manchester sons, DRS and Slay, for Hurt Someone. The horns-laced jungle track is the perfect antidote to this cold, grey post-Brexit misery, as you can hear for yourself below. Downloads are available via the label, Box N Lock.

LEVELZ: Rainy Day (LVL 50)

I took a break over the festive/festering season so I’ve got a hell of a lot to catch up on. Let’s start with the latest release from one of Manchester’s more boisterous collectives, LEVELZ, as they return with Rainy Day (LVL 50). The track features vocal work from Chimpo, Fox, Skittles and Sparkz, plus production from Metrodome and Bricks. Rainy Day is available to download now via Bandcamp.

Nonames ft. Jammz, Marger and Grim Sickers: Til I’m Rich + Album Stream

Fresh cuts from the Foreign Beggars family, as Nonames unveils his new project, E Numbers. Featuring a bold list of grime guest spots, including President T, Nolay, Marger and Roachee, the release also comprises some hefty remixes from Chimpo and Sumgii, as well as the instrumentals for each track. The whole thing is available to stream below, plus there is a brand new video for the Jammz, Marger and Grim Sickers laced track, Til I’m Rich.

LEVELZ: Warning Call (LVL 47)

New music from LEVELZ, as the Manchester collective return with the LVL 47 aka Warning Call. This time round mic duties are handled by Sparkz, Chimpo and Black Josh, with Metrodome and Sparkz on the beat. As usual you can grab a free download over on Bandcamp. The video was made by Tarnish Vision.

LEVELZ: Respect Respect (LVL 44)

The Manchester collective return with their latest single, accompanied by a great illustrated and animated video. The MCs on board this time round are comprised of Chunky, Fox, Skittles, Truthos, Sparkz, T-Man and Chimpo, with production being handled by Metrodome, Chunky, Bricks and Skittles. There are also downloads available via Bandcamp. The animation comes courtesy of Stemfour Visual.

Levelz: Front Face

I love Levelz. Everything the Manchester collective does seems to be founded on the basis that they have a shit load of fun in the process and this latest joint is no exception. Front Face was filmed during the madness of Outlook Festival and features bars from Skittles, T-Man, Truthos Mufasa, Chunky, Chimpo and Black Josh, with Biome and Metrodome on production. The track is also available as a free download, which you can grab via Bandcamp. The video was made by Tarnish Vision.

Chimpo: 1996

More fresh sounds from Manchester, but with a look back to the past, as Chimpo takes us on a trip down memory lane on his new track, 1996. A big jump-up beat, some dreamy vocals on the hook and Chimpo’s ever-distinctive flows, took me straight back to those halcyon jungle days. It’s so true to the original sounds from back then, you could slip into a Brockie set from One Nation and no one could tell the difference. Great video from Tarnish Vision too. 1996 is available to download now via Box N Lock.