Saturday, April 21, 2007
The English Patient #7
Overlord X - So Damn Def
Overlord X - Prototype
Overlord X - Beast Killer
UK-UK baby!
We present some rare mp3's from the original UK Vet Overlord X. After he recorded his first two lp's "Weapon Is My Lyric" and "X vs. The World", X went back into the studio for album #3.
However, his label Mango St (parented by Island records) decided to pull the plug on their UK Hip Hop roster (which also included The Demon Boyz, Outlaw Posse, MC Mello'O' & Stero MC's), and so the album was never completed, or released.
Overlord went onto perform in the mid 90's R&B boyband "Benz", who scored a minor underground hit with "Boom Rock Soul" before imploding. He also got involved with a similar styled girl group this decade with "Tommi", who unfortunately ended up going out like their male precursors.
Fear not though rap fiends, because X has released 3 demo's from his shelved untitled 3rd lp, which were recorded around 1991/92.
"So Damn Def", "Prototype" & "Beast Killer" are a much welcome reminder that old skool UK Hip Hop was certainly cut down in it's prime, by the major labels back in the day.
Lord Veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Monday, April 09, 2007
Back To The Grill Again
Another retrospective compilation appears!
This time it's former 3rd Bassman, MC Serch with a selection of tracks he recorded in 1994/95. This material was recorded as part of Serch's follow up to his 1992 debut 'Return of the Product'. Unfortunately the long player was never completed or released, following the Wild Pitch/Serchlite fall out in 1995.
'Many Young Lives Ago' also features a trio of 3rd Bass re-union material, which also didn't see light of day. Judging by the production, these tracks appear to have been recorded in the late 90's or early 00's.
Finally, if this new/old compilation has got you in the mood for more 3rd Bass shizzle then be sure to check the highlighted fansite, which contains a whole host of videos and rare mp3's.
Here it comes....I said here it comes!!
The Heavy Bronx Experiance #3
We keep 'diggin in the crates', and have unearthed a boot of O.C.'s rarer shizzle.
Word....life!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Fast Rap #2
Hold tight!
We take it back to 1988, and some mo' Fast Rap.
The UK dance label Rhythm King pretty much had the House/Rap scene on lock down in the late 80's, with chart success coming from the likes of The Beatmasters feat Cookie Crew, S'Express, Baby Ford and Betty Boo.
Bomb The Bass certainly created the most impressive RK legacy, with a string of popular singles including "Don't Make Me Wait", "Megablast", "Say A Little Prayer", "The Air You Breathe", "Winter In July" and of course the international club smash "Beat Dis".
Megablast is fondly remembered here on CHHV in 3 different versions; the 'Orginal Rap' and 'Rap Remix' versions feature UK Veteran MC Merlin, who also showed up the "Who's In The House" produced by The Beatmasters, which stormed the charts pretty much at the same time (also on Rhythm King).
The 'Original Rap' mix was considered too hardcore as BTB's official follow up to Beat Dis, so it was relegated to feature only on a Record Mirror magazine give away 7", making it quite rare and sought after at the time.
Tim Simenon gave Megablast a non rap makeover in the form of the 'Hip Hop On Precinct 13' mix (named so after sampling the theme from the film 'Assualt In Precinct 13'). This version ended up being the AA side to his more chart friendly "Don't Make Me Wait (feat Lorraine)".
A second 12" appeared shortly after promoting "Megablast Rap (Remix)" as the main A-side flipped with a Dub Mix of "Don't..".
Megablast enjoyed more success years later when it was used as the soundtrack to the Bitmap Brothers 16 bit computer game smash "Xenon 2" on the Commodore Amiga.
We'll leave it to you to decided which 'Blast' version has the most 'Mega', as well as featuring Don't Make Me Wait in video form.
Dance bwoy, and ya better dance fast... M-E-G-A - BLAST!
