Winter Olympics
JSD/Ethan HIll
Last night, the vibrant streets of Manchester pulsated with the beats of homegrown talent as JSD took centre stage at 33 Oldham Street. Accompanied by the skilled Ethan Hill, the duo delivered a show that electrified the crowd and celebrated the release of JSD & Ethan Hill’s recent collaboration album "Winter Olympics."
From the moment the doors opened, anticipation filled the air as fans eagerly awaited the performance. The venue, despite being almost impossible to locate, with an intimate atmosphere, provided the perfect setting for an evening of raw, authentic hip-hop.
Tonight’s opening act was a little different, Amir La Kappa started the show in his native Italian and despite the fact that what I would imagine was a predominantly UK educated crowd with Italian lessons certainly not being on the curriculum, Amir showed us that Music really is the universal language, The beats slapped and the flow was amazing. Although I did catch a few words, “Batistuta” being one so props to Amir for recognising greatness in the former Argentina Goal Machine. No common tongue? No problem! Amir and the crowd were both fluent in Boom Bap!
Next up.. One6Wave sheller, Red Bull bar raiser and absolute, certified top spitter Gilly MCR took the stage. We recently reviewed Gilly’s new album “Tape 94” which we still highly recommend and Gilly came with the flawless energy and perfect delivery on some of the tracks from his recent drop. The One6Wave crew rolling deep, front and centre in support of their boy like always. D-Wayne joined the fun to add more sauce to this melting pot. Gilly doesn’t miss. Ever.
A short interlude before Battle rapper/barsman Daniel Son came to wax lyrical. I must admit, I wasn’t familiar with Daniel Son until tonight but I’m sure it won’t just be us who seek out his back catalogue after an exceptional performance of self-produced bangers. Wordplay was off the scale tonight and Daniel Son added to the mix. Check this guy out!
As the lights dimmed, JSD emerged with an energy that’s always infectious. His dynamic presence just commands attention, JSD just has that star quality, an aura that despite him being a man of the people, always approachable and humble, when you’re in his company, it’s kinda like what I’d imagine being in the same room as Kanye or JayZ is like. I can’t explain it, but I know you know what I mean.
Backed by the masterful mixes of the increasingly popular Ethan Hill, the duo effortlessly navigated through tracks from "Winter Olympics," seamlessly blending introspective verses with catchy hooks and infectious melodies. With the title track, “Winter Olympics” opens the set with so much wordplay associated with alpine sports, each time I listen to this track an additional one pops out, whether that be about Curling, figure skating or Shaun White.
Sit down and do the maths, JSD + Ethan Hill = A bunch of Manchester Classic Hip Hop Songs.
The album is fantastic, the performance of each song showcased JSD's versatility as an artist and storyteller. Ethan Hill’s beats are something else. With heavy Boom Bap influences, a real 90’s NYC vibe which compliment JSD’s penmanship perfectly.
The audience responded with fervour, their enthusiasm building with each passing moment. From head nods and raised hands to passionate sing-alongs to “No Time”, it was evident that JSD's music resonated deeply with the diverse crowd gathered at 33 Oldham Street. With plenty of Manchester Music people in the venue, Soul31, RJ, the aforementioned One6Wave, Arrow, Meduulla, Persia and obviously JSD’s wifey, soul queen Prima amongst the receptive crowd.
Throughout the set, JSD's charisma shone brightly, as he engaged with the audience between songs, sharing anecdotes and insights into the creative process behind "Winter Olympics." His genuine connection with his fans added an extra layer of intimacy to the performance, transforming the venue into a communal space where everyone felt like they were part of something special.
As the night drew to a close, the crowd erupted into applause, their appreciation for JSD's and Ethan’s talent and dedication echoing throughout the venue. It was clear that this was more than just a show—it was a celebration of Manchester's rich musical heritage and a testament to the power of hip-hop to unite and inspire.
Boyz In The Wood pt 2
The Witchwood
Saturday 30th July. A balmy night in Ashton Under Lyne. An epic night at at incredible venue.
The evening started out with Rowen James launching his lyrical tirade against the music industry on “Me against the mainstream” with special guest Donnie Danko joining Rowen on stage for North Manny marauders and G-Rok joining the set for “Options” before finishing with the always popular classic “Greatest Trick” with a good “Vent” in the middle. The crowd were instantly hooked and ready for more.
Mr Jones took to the stage next. With his bouncy, feel good vibe to keep the energy “Levels” high before dropping a selection of his vast catalogue with the summery “Feeling Good” going down a treat, and new song “Why I came” hitting harder than usual. “Forgiven” brought up some clearly painful memories for Mr Jones before he ended with the popular “Closer to 40”
The sea of merch clad Conduit fans then rushed the stage as the East Manchester wordsmith came next. Conduit doesn’t follow any “Trendz” but he certainly starts them. When he says “Manny way” you say “Manny What!” Thems the rules! And everyone knows it. With the crowd bouncing, Conduit smashed his set without missing a bar. Ending with the ever popular “Same Place”.
The night could’ve ended there and been a rousing success but the headline tonight was the exceptional Soul31. Entering the stage once again with a WWE theme. The lights went dark as Degeneration X’s newest member rocked up, glow sticks in hand and went straight into latest single “Lights” featuring the fantastic RJ. Soul31 let us know he was “Raised in Fire” and certainly brought the fire tonight with his performance (like always) the crowd went wild and danced along to the catchy “Fool Me” and unreleased epic “Drunk again” was a surprise treat for the ears. “Perspective” lit the place up before “Storm” had the place bouncing. The perfect way to end the evening.
The Boyz in the Wood took to the stage together alongside promoter Made In Smoke to receive another rapturous round of applause.
Another seminal moment for The usually Hip Hop avoiding Witchwood as the Boyz showed that good music knows no boundaries. And these local lads will not be kept down. Some of North Manchesters finest talent took over Ashton under Lyne for what we hope isn’t the last time!
Check out the video below. Filmed by Arkive Productions. Song: Lights by Soul31 ft RJ (Out now on all platforms)
Mic Check Media
Tribeca, Manchester
If you're from Manchester, you really should know who Mic Check Media are. Since their inception in 2016, starting out as a live music promoter, they've evolved into a full scale multimedia platform, propelling some of Manchesters' best up and coming urban acts into successful artists. Weekly radio shows, artist development, music promotion, interviews, freestyles, cyphers and live shows. It seems like there's a Mic Checker at every event these days.
When it comes to putting on a show... the team at Mic Check know exactly how to do it. Saturday 26th of February, A cold (but albeit dry) manchester night, Sackville street just south of the Gay village, Tribeca was the venue.. The fire was brought by some of the North's best spitters featuring the inevitable D Jordan of the Midication crew, Mic Check Media's very own David Rey, accompanied by stable mates NZR and Take Note, The versatile, silky voiced, triple threat that is Ten23. Joel Simmy, Skarlito and Larboonz.
The legend that is Mic Check Media DJ Stefan (who is a great ambassador for the Manchester music scene BTW) was on the one's and two's, spinning bangers to get the crowd ready for what was to come. A packed full house in Tribeca's underground bunker of a venue was buzzing. With plenty of Manchester music people in the house to support. The night started with artists from a little further afield.
Yorkshire native Joel Simmy crossed the border into Lancashire to make it "Right". Jumping off stage and rapping straight into the faces of the crown who chanted back the anthemic track. "Swerving" into his vibe with high energy and perfect delivery. The crowd lapped it up and we realised that this cold night could only get hotter from here. Huddersfield isn't a place you'd associate with banging HipHop, but Joel Simmy showed us that good music knows no geographical boundaries. This was no war of the roses, with Lancashire and Yorkshire together, supporting and hyping eachother up. The way things should be. Leave the rivalries for the football fans. Music is universal and should be celebrated by all.
Ten23! What can I say? From the one6wave camp. Producer, singer, rapper. We were blown away by the delivery. If you don't know about Ten23... (which admittedly, I didn't and I can only apologise to myself for not gracing my life with his talent beforehand) Then you should. There are very few people in this industry who can sing, spit and produce the way this man does. Over some old school Boom-Bap beats, Ten23 vivaciously glides over, with brilliant wordplay and sublime bars, this is enough for most people to enjoy... but then the real treat for the ears starts when Ten starts to sing the hooks. With a voice that wouldn't be out of place in the finals of any TV talent show (and I mean that as a compliment) Ten23 was a perfect addition to the Mic Check organised soiree.
Skarlito was up next to grace the stage with his exceptional performance. The ever growing crowd was hyped for this one. As Skarlito bounced, heads nodded, vibes grew and Skarlito pulled out some of his high calibre back catalogue. 1% is a song you should definitely check out along with it's accompanying music video.
Mic Check Media's very own Nzr was next (pronounced "Neezer" for the uninitiated) With a style thats hard to pigeon hole into one Hip Hop sub-genre. Nzr bridges various elements of grime, drill, trap and boom bap into one unique package. The Mic Check Media stable is looking strong with Nzr and more to come. With Bangers like "Sober, Brokeboi and Candy Rain" Nzr is one to watch for the future.
Take note of Take Note. 3 fine artists in their own right who clique together and let us know that we can't do it like them. Coming hard with their signature, aggressive, high energy style. Another mix of genres here ranging from Grime and drill to more traditional Hip Hop blends. A relatively new inception with only one released song leaves us excited to see what comes next from the trio. If the first drop is anything to go by... We're all in for a real, high tempo journey. With unreleased "That Take Note Shit, Flawless Flow and You fucked up" sure to raise some eyebrows and make people take note.... no pun intended.
Mic Check Media continued to deliver us their protégés with the one and only David Rey. Mr Rey is quickly rising through the ranks in the fictional Manchester Hip Hop hierarchy. Mic Check made sure that he was locked down firmly in their home and we ain't talking about Corona! David Rey always brings the heat. The crowd was in full swing for his performance and rightly so. The new track "Mind your business" went DOWN! Incredible scenes Jeff. David is the "Big Man" making moves in the right direction. Every second of his performance was on point. Stefan wheeled it back several times as the crowd got more and more hyped with each track. "Sit Down" and "Mains" slapped.
D Jordan stepped up. Supported by Boss man JSD and rolling deep with the rest of the Midication crew - RJ, Persia and Prima in the crowd to support their boy. We've spoken about the Midication family on this site before. And a family vibe is exactly what we get from them all. The all turn up to each others shows, support, sing a long, chant and back their label mates. The way things should be. Mic Check Media have a similar vibe going on too. But let's get back to D Jordan. Calm and calculated in person.. but when it's time to perform, D Jordan flicks the switch and goes hard. Like always. Starting out with the Charlie Sloth endorsed freestyle "No pretending" followed by "Cream of the crop" featuring Killa Benz. the always popular "Stunt Hard" and "Hate on me". by this time the whole place was jumping. I got some serious 8 Mile vibes watching this night unfold. The venue, the crowd, the vibe. All reminiscent of the Eminem inspired biopic. D Jordan brings something to every show. This is the second time he's appeared on one of my reviews and the way things are going... won't be the last.
Larboonz comes to bring the official night to a close. There was No fairytale and No Tinkerbell with this set. The South Manchester native captivated the crowd with his performance. New song "Thug" was a firm favourite which is coming soon to all platforms. The end to an epic night which was followed by an impromptu grime cypher with JSD and more taking the mic and letting go.
So shoutout to Dubz, Zest, Lvllz and Stefan at Mic Check Media UK for inviting me down to witness what was an epic night for Manchester Hip Hop. A night which will live long in the memory of many people who attended. Mic Check Media are out here, putting in the work and paving their own path through the music scene so that we can follow. Growing their own base but also elevating others around them. Including myself. You can check them out on Instagram @Miccheckmediauk for the next events and tune into their radio show on Wednesday nights, 10-11pm on Reform radio to listen to the latest Manchester up and comers.
Mic Check... I salute you.
Written by Mr Jones.
#2 Goldie Lookin Chain
Nottingham Metronome
We are fully aware that this website is dedicated to Manchester and predominantly unsigned artists but when the chance to write about the GLC comes up, you can't really pass.
So a 2 hour drive to Nottingham, a quick hour in the casino (gamble responsibly people) and MMG are on their way to Nottingham Metronome, which is a venue i've never heard of to be fair. I was expecting an arena, then I remembered that Goldie Lookin Chain are not quite the parody powerhouse of 2004. The 400 capacity venue was the perfect set up. In these times of COVID, I was unsure if we were to be sat down, masked up and shackled 2 metres apart but no, it was a free for all. A few beers in the bar surrounded by what looked like some hardcore GLC fans. Tracksuits, 3" fake gold chains, light up sunglasses and someone walking around with a severed leg with a lampshade on the top.... obviously. GLC has more members than some of these people had teeth but everyone was there for a good time. You fucking knows it.
Just the one support act tonight. Unknown Era who were 100% unknown to me before I got there but will live long in my memory going forward. To pinpoint the genre of Unknown Era is a difficult one, part Ska, part Reggae, throw in some Indie, a sprinkle of funk, a dash of HipHop and you get nothing but pure entertainment. With no less than 7 band members on the stage, 2 guitars, 2 Brass dudes (trumpet and trombone), drummer, bass and lead singer. Unknown Era kicked off the night and within seconds had the first few rows of the crowd dancing, skanking and stomping around to their mash up style. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it. But I soon looked down and saw my toe involuntarily tapping, then my whole leg was moving, head nodding... I ain't gonna lie, after the first song, I was loving it. The lead singer was brilliant. Charismatic, great voice and could spit fire at parts. I don't know the guy but I'd bet my house that the guy used to be a rapper. He was the full package, good lookin' bastard as well to to be fair as my better half pointed out. As live bands go, they were up there with one of the best I've seen. With songs like "The Misfit" which is what you might get if the band Madness decided to pursue a journey down the south London HipHop scene and "Read between the lines" was my personal favourite, a classic tabloid basher, a tale of 21st century life where everyone is told what to believe by the news agency. I highly recommend checking out Unknown Era and their newest album " A State of Affairs"
Quick break and it was time for the main event. For those of you unfamiliar with Goldie Lookin Chain, before the internet made everyone a celebrity. A bunch of friends from Newport, South Wales smashed out album after album of comedy, satirical HipHop songs before getting some major label interest. Their song "Guns Don't Kill people, Rappers Do" was a massive success and charted at Number 3 in the UK charts. They continued to release more until the hype finally died down but we all remember their iconic "Your mothers got a penis" song. It was a common insult around my neck of the woods when I were younger.
The GLC invaded the stage, in velour tracksuits, leather Nike golf gloves, Kanye West style slat sunglasses and the kinda bling you might get if you ordered a "old school hiphop" starter pack from Amazon for £3. Classic Chain vibes. They instantly got the crowded bouncing. Straight into songs like Half Man, Half Machine, Soap Bar and Your Missus is a Nutter. The crown loved it. There was something strangely hypnotic about seeing a gang of men in their 40's and I believe at least one in their 50's jumping around a stage rapping with caps on sideways. It was a seriously nostalgic journey that I didn't know i needed. I felt instantly transported back to my friends house in my college days, the smell of weed, Need for Speed most wanted on the playstation 2, and "Your Mothers Got a Penis" playing on my Nokia. There was nobody in the crowd under 30 and that's what made it great. It was a trip down memory lane. Back to the days before the internet made everyone a rapper and subsequently ruined HipHop. This isn't Rap for the HipHop purist. It's more akin to a comedy show, but a very good show at that. GLC have lost none of their stagecraft or presence. Adam Hussein is clearly the most talented performer when it boils down to it but everybody played their part. The show continued with songs like "I've got a van" which was oddly catchy, the tale of just... well... having a van. We all know someone who has a van and is immensely proud of the practicality that a van brings. The GLC joke about shagging in the back, dumping bodies and moving furniture over an 80's style, video game beat. It's pure brilliance. If Lil Dicky brought this song out, it would be a viral hit. I enjoyed it. The set finished with the romantic "You knows I love you" the classic Newport love story.
If you loved Goldie Lookin Chain back in the day, They are definitely worth going to see again. Even if it's just for the pure nostalgia. Well worth the ticket price to see people who are clearly enjoying and relishing the opportunity to still be fortunate enough to get paid to perform.
Safe as Fuck. You Knows it.
Written by Mr Jones.
