As we say goodbye to a particularly busy summer period, September seems set to pick up where August left off in the world of grime, although this month it is remixes that have caught the scene's imagination.
Royal T, fresh from the launch of his superb debut album, Faze Miyake and Spooky have all been busy in the rework department, with Royal T's glorious trap-rework of N.E.R.D's 'Lapdance' a particular highlight. Mr Mitch's latest release has also enjoyed a good reception over the last fortnight having been released at the end of last month; MIK even referred to 'Tash Wax' as being his favourite instrumental of the year so far.
Notable mentions are also due to Midlands-based producer Rynsa Man who continues to forge a reputation down south with some great new material and Manchester's Deeco, who in my opinion, is one of grime's most underrated beatsmiths – his new track 'Space Bar' is incredible.
On the MC front, there are high hopes for Kozzie's latest single 'I'm Grime', with a notable feature from JME, whilst MIK has readied his latest EP on stateside grime hub 'Slit Jockey' to be released on September 17th; The 'Contrast' EP will feature beats from Starkey, J Sweet and Dev 79 amongst others. P Money's feature on Royal T's album in 'Cruel To Be Kind' is also newsworthy, as is the excellent 'Roll Call', a tribute to grime's elite tastemakers, released as part of his latest EP for Rinse, 'Dubsteppin'.
Events wise, the Butterz countdown is now down to a little under 2 months with DJ EZ and The Heatwave the latest to be confirmed to join the label on November 10th. Croatia's Outlook Festival also played host to notable appearances from a whole host of DJs and MCs last week, whilst Terror Danjah's 'Dark Crawler' Tour kicks off shortly, in advance of the release of his second album on Hyperdub, due September 29th.
A host of DJs including Elijah & Skilliam, Preditah and Spyro will also be performing over the Rinse 18th birthday weekend events in London and Manchester on September 28th and 29th.
Top 5 Tracks of the Month:
Royal-T: Trapdance
Words do this monstrous trap rework of N.E.R.D's 'Lapdance' little justice. Caused absolute mayhem when played at his album launch at FWD.
Faze Miyake: Powers
After doing the rounds with the colossal 'Gunpowder' (a supreme refix of Wu Tang Clang's 'Gravel Pit'), Faze Miyake's latest club banger sees him work Quincy Jones' timeless sample from 'Soul Bossa Nova' (you'll recogise it as the theme music from Austin Powers) into a typically tough, bass-laden feast.
Audio: Can be previewed in Mr Mitch's SR x UA mix > http://www.sonicrouter.com/2012/09/mr-mitch-sonic-router-x-uncle-albert-mix/
Deeco: Space Bar Arcade-themed gritty goodness from Manchester's Deeco – a great fusion of sounds complete with screw-face-enducing kicks galore.
MIK: Grime Doesn't Pay
MIK at his raw, charismatic best over an 8-bar monster from J-Sweet. Perfect. Audio: Preview alongside rest of Contrast EP > http://world.idolweb.fr/slit-jockey-records/mik/contrast—ep/3700551738946.html
Mr Mitch: Tash Wax
Rough and ready grime from exploratory producer Mr Mitch. Arguably one of his best offerings of the year, the B side 'Super Freak', is very, very good too. Favourited by MIK and vocalled as part of his 'Exhibits' series.
Words by Tomas Fraser
