The Alchemist: Water Bed

Little burst of brilliance here from The Alchemist, thanks to this extract from his recent project alongside streetwear company, BornxRaised. There is also a short film that accompanies the EP(?), made by Jason Goldwatch, who is also the brains behind many dope rap videos that have featured on this blog over the years. The full project, Carry The Fire, is out now on all the usual streaming platforms and there are also picture discs available.

Dolenz: Howzer + EP Stream

Fresh out of the Potent Funk stable, comes this new EP from London-based producer, Dolenz. You can check out an instrumental cut from the project above, and then below you can explore the remaining tracks, which include features from Dabbla and Black Josh. The cuts come courtesy of Matt Frost. Downloads and physicals are available via Potent Funk.

DIRTYTHREE: Moon Groove

Village Live continue their Live & Direct single series, with this laid-back gem from Russian-based producer, DIRTYTHREE. Streams and downloads are available now, plus there is an ongoing Spotify playlist which features all the current singles in the series.

Small Professor: A Jawn Supreme Vol. 3 (Stream)

A new selection of beats from Small Professor, as he continues his run of instrumental releases with A Jawn Supreme Vol. 3. Partly inspired by the current global mood, while also serving as a glimmer of hope for the future, it’s another solid release from a producer who deserves your attention (and money). Check the full tape for yourself below and then head to Bandcamp to cop a download.

Aver: An Ode To Joey Deez (Stream)

For those of you unaware, Joey Deez was one of the co-founders of Village Live Records, alongside Doug Barclay (Remulak). He sadly passed away a few months back, which brought a lot of sorrow to the many people within the scene who were glad to call him a friend. As well as being a hip hop fiend and vinyl junkie, Joey was also a staple part of the Brighton skate and graff scenes, and so when his death was announced, the streets were inundated with tributes. Now Aver is back with his own tribute, an album he has made which draws on a lot of the inane conversations the two of them had over the years, and some of the newly discovered breaks they would send to each other. There are also bits of new music which Aver was working on during lockdown, with fellow Village Live affiliate, Doron Segal. It serves as both a personal memorial for those who knew Joey, as well as an introduction to those who might not have had the pleasure of making his acquaintance over the years. You can listen to the album in all its glory below, and then head to Bandcamp to check out details of the vinyl release, which includes images of the AROE tribute (as above), plus a huge piece that was painted at Brighton’s legendary Black Rock. All proceeds from the vinyl sale will be going to Joey’s family.

Aver & MOVE 78: Middling

New music from Aver and MOVE 78, the Berlin jazz band, with whom the Village Live producer has collaborated with in the past. Last year they released Housecat together and now they’re back with Middling, which is due for a 7″ release on 30 October. In the meantime, you can stream it now in all the usual places.

Kuartz: Vapour Rays

Village Live continue their Live & Direct series with this newly polished gem from Kuartz. The Manchester producer is no stranger to the label, having already released a number of solid projects through them, and Vapour Rays carries on the same tradition. It’s also available to stream and download at the usual spots.

Badhabitz: Lost for Words (Stream)

Lost For Words is the latest beat tape from Bristol producer, Badhabitz, as he serves up a fresh batch of instrumental gems. It weighs in at 23 tracks, which should be enough to remind you why he’s been such a staple part of the UK scene for so long. You can hear the full tape below and downloads are available via Green Brick Records.

Brelstaff: Eulogies EP (Stream)

Another artist I’ve neglected to champion, while at the same time happily enjoying his music, is Scottish producer, Brelstaff. Once upon a time moving under the more formal moniker, Daryl Donald, he emerged with his new name a few months ago and blessed the world with his titular ‘debut’. Since then he has released this excellent EP and a collection of beats from the archive, so he is definitely putting the work in. And with good reason, as you will hear from his music which is overflowing with intriguing samples, weighty drums and infinite head-nodding potential. You can stream Eulogies below and then head to Bandcamp to find the rest of his music.

Remulak & Type Raw: Mad Skillz

A new venture here from Village Live, as they unveil the first single in their Live & Direct series. Mad Skillz is a co-produced joint featuring the unwavering talents of label co-founder, Remulak, and Norwegian production don, Type.Raw, resulting in a paradigm of that sample-flecked dusty boom bap sound. The track is available to stream now from all the usual spots and if you’re on Spotify, you can follow the Live & Direct playlist, which will feature the singles as and when they drop.