Jman & The Argonautz: Dying Breed

I was very pleased to see the news that Jman had recently joined the High Focus roster. He’s been on my radar for a long time and regular visitors to the blog will know that I’ve been pushing his various musical guises for years, whether it’s his ragga-rap crossover releases with Illinformed, or his work with the likes of DJ Vadim and The Mouse Outfit. Now he’s bringing another dimension to his music, thanks to the formation of The Argonautz.
I don’t have much information on them at the moment, but they appear to be a live band if this first video is anything to go by. Lonely jazz keys allow Jman’s introspective vocals to be the main focus, before the drums drop and the full track comes to life. It ends with a burst of instrumentation from the band. Apparently the group also features Maddy on vocals, who is another superb addition to the lineup (and another artist I’ve been championing for years).
No release date for the album yet, but in the meantime you can make the most of the video for Dying Breed, which was made by Parallel Media.

Babylon Dead: The Underworld

Ever wondered what it would be like if Aardman ditched the kids TV angle and decided to take up arms in the eternal battle against law enforcement? Well look no further than the latest video from Babylon Dead, where they bring claymation vibes to their usual brand of anti-authoritarian ragga rap. The Underworld is the third single from their sophomore album, Book of the Dead, which is due for release on 4 September. The video was made by Chris Younes.

Babylon Dead: Resistance

Babylon Dead continue to flex their anti-authoritarian muscle with the next single from their forthcoming album. The much anticipated Book of the Dead is due for release on 4 September, along with an accompanying graphic novel which has been exclusively created by Greg Blackman. Resistance is another rabble rousing anthem, with Jman’s energising flows tearing through Illinformed’s latest brooding bassline. The video was made by Badger. Pre-orders for the album are live on Bandcamp.

Babylon Dead: Nineteen84 + LP News

A very welcome and much needed return by Babylon Dead, as they bless us with the first single from their long-awaited second album. It’s been three years since Jman and Illinformed burst onto the scene with their refreshing brand of ragga-hip hop, tearing up stages and people’s preconceptions in the process. Now they’re back with Book of the Dead, an ambitious project which also features an accompanying graphic novel, courtesy of Greg Blackman. The first single, Nineteen84, saw its release today so go and absorb that, then get over to Bandcamp to secure your pre-order. Trust me, this is an essential one. The video for Nineteen84 was made by Rogue Ethic. The album is due for release on 4 September on RLD Records.

DJ Vadim & Jman ft. Lasai: Upright

A much needed dose of postivity from DJ Vadim and Jman, as they hit us with the latest video from their superb Likkle More album. The reggae-rap fusion is in full effect, as they connect with Spanish vocalist, Lasai, who is a major contributor to the whole album. The video was made by Si Haze. Likkle More is out now at all the usual spots.

DJ Vadim & Jman: Bad Like This ft. Shanty B

Bad Like This is the third single from DJ Vadim and Jman’s recent rap-reggae fusion album, Likkle More. The album is the perfect soundtrack for this late summer we’re enjoying right now, as Vadim blends reggae with rap, dub, grime, hip hop and DnB, further highlighting Jman’s dexterity on the mic. Bad Like This features reggae and dancehall queen, Shanty B and the video was filmed in Kampala in Uganda, as we get to see the locals showing off their dance moves. Likkle More is out now.

DJ Vadim & Jman: Likkle More (Stream)

Staying with the reggae flavours for now, as we see the very welcome arrival of the new album from DJ Vadim and Jman (J&V). Following on from their successful collaborations on Vadim’s Dubcatcher series, they decided to dedicate their combined talents into one full-length project. Likkle More is the ideal antidote for these UK summer blues, mixing dub, reggae, rap and more into one euphonious blend that plays like a dream from beginning to end. As well as the two main players, there are also a selection of supporting features from the likes of Lasai, Daddy Freddy, Sr. Wilson and Maddy. Likkle More is available to stream below and you can cop the limited edition vinyl run over on Bandcamp.

DJ Vadim & Jman ft. Lasai: Militant

Another serving of dope from the forthcoming collaboration between DJ Vadim and Jman, as they draft in Lasai for Militant. The track is taken from their album, Likkle More, which sees its release on 14 June. The video was made by Si Haze.

DJ Vadim & Jman ft. Lasai: Heart Attack

A strong start to the upcoming album from DJ Vadim and Jman, as they offer up the first single from the project. Heart Attack is a frantic reggae fuelled banger, with the ever-versatile Jman delivering a particularly blistering flow. The track also features Lasai, plus another great animated video from Monsta Animation. Likkle More is released in full on 4 June, with pre-orders available now.

Chatta & TheFilthyBarKid: Raise a Fist (Stream)

Strong sounds emerging from the GK Beats camp, as Chatta and TheFilthyBarKid unite for their new EP, Raise a Fist. As the title suggests, this is a project which smacks of empowerment and it rises to the surface at a time when the need for revolution is rife across the world. Chatta is a confident lyricist, a confidence which is not at all misplaced as he laces TheFilthyBarKid’s consistently solid production. There are some superb guest spots too from NY MC and freestyle aficionado, Bjorn Majestik, as well as Jman, Joe Burn and Fiona Jane, who all lend their ample assistance on the title track. You can stream the EP in full below and there is also a video for the title track, directed by Si Haze. Downloads and physicals are available via Bandcamp.