Confucius MC: Somewhere (Stream)

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Continuing that run of beautiful releases with the latest album from Confucius MC. Somewhere is a reunion of sorts, as it is produced in full by Keor Meteor, who was the man behind the boards on The Highest Order, back in 2014. This new album captures the same creative spark they discovered back then and builds it up into an inferno of lyrical insights, compelling narratives and jazz-soaked beats. Plenty of notable features too, thanks to appearances from Jehst, Sonnyjim, Verbz, Strange U and Lee Scott. You can get lost in the full brilliance of the album below, while Bandcamp is the spot to find your downloads and physicals.

Strange U: Arm Leg

More new music from Strange U, as they deliver the second part of their new 7″. Arm Leg follows on from Maybe, which surfaced earlier this month, and combines the same murky production and bursts of vocal distortion that have elevated them to become one of High Focus’s most popular acts. And quite right too, as they are formed from the combined force of two established UKHH veterans – King Kashmere and Dr Zygote. The 7″ vinyl is available to pre-order now and features artwork from that mischievous collage maker, Matt Littler.

Strange U: Maybe

A very welcome return from Strange U, with the arrival of a brand new video which surfaced last week. On Maybe we find the dynamic duo questioning everything, as King Kashmere delivers his doubts over some fresh Zygote production. The track is taken from a forthcoming 7″ release, which is due shortly on High Focus. Pre-orders are available now.

Frosty: Crush (Stream)

As the temperature starts to drop and the evenings get darker, it’s best to have a good source of heat at hand to stave off the winter woes. Thankfully Frosty just released his new mixtape and it’s packed full of enough flames to melt what little is left of the Arctic.

High Focus 9th Birthday: Win Tickets

Next month on 18 April, as is now customary in Bristol, High Focus will roll into town en masse to celebrate their 9th birthday. Following on from last year’s success, once again they will takeover the SWX nightclub which is situated bang in the middle of town and will bring with them a selection of the finest artists that their ever-increasing roster has to offer.
On the bill this year we have performances from The Four Owls, Jam Baxter, Coops, Onoe Caponoe, Ed Scissor, Strange U, Ronnie Bosh and Pitch 92 as well as their latest signing Datkid, plus loads more MCs and DJs to get the place jumping. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of reaching one of these events in the past, then you will know what to expect and that what to expect is something special.
As is also customary, I have the opportunity for one of you lucky so-and-sos to win free entry for you and a faithful companion on the night itself. All you have to do to win is answer the following question:

What is the name of the forthcoming album from Datkid and Leaf Dog?

To enter, stick the answer in an email along with your full name and I will pick a winner at random on 1 April. The email address is allgingereverything@gmail.com. For the full line-up check the poster above and if you’d rather invest in some tickets instead, you can find them here.

High Focus Block Party: Competition

Next month Bristol welcomes back High Focus Records for their infamous Summer Block Party. Held in the courtyard of legendary venue, Lakota, for the past few years the event has proven to be a huge success and judging by the summer we are currently experiencing, we could see it reach it new heights this time round.

High Focus 8th Birthday Party: Competition Time

Next month Bristol once again plays host to one of High Focus Record’s legendary parties. In the past the city has given a stage to their summer roadblocks and winter parties, but this time they will be one of two cities taking part in the label’s 8th birthday celebrations. Stepping away from their usual haunt of Lakota for this one, HF are headed to SWX in the centre of town. This means more room, better acoustics and a better sound system, which equals a better night for all involved.

High Focus Summer Block Party: Review

It was already in the mid-20’s when I rolled down to this year’s High Focus Block Party in Bristol and it was only going to get hotter, given the days running up to the event. Last year’s party had been a smash and this year looked set to at least rival it, if not surpass it. Doors opened at 2pm so I got down there at about 3pm and already had to deal with the huge queue that had formed; a teeming mass of the new generation of UK hip hop fans all fully loyal to the HF brand (and all of whom I’m pretty sure I was old enough to be their dad).

Jehst: 44th Floor

Sticking with the theme of welcome returns, Jehst also makes his comeback this month, following a string of features over the past few years and his recent UK tour.
Arguably one of the most influential artists to ever emerge from these shores, The High Plains Drifter has given us the first leak from the album, in the form of 44th Floor.

Strange U: Terminator Funk

Fresh off the reels comes the latest video from the excellent Strange U album. Terminator Funk is the opening track from #LP4080 and sets the tone for the rest of the audible dope that follows. The video was shot by Huw Caddy. You can buy the album over at the HF store.