Marvin Sparks

WTF @ the adverting at the end. That was weird. Saw him perform this at Kojo's Comedy Funhouse (premieres tomorrow April 1st MTV Base), although I don't think it made the final cut. I like this song; feel it has good crossover potential sound too - something for the kids, the popular yob/hooligan chant of "Who Are Ya?". Whether it achieves that or not I don't know, may be too cheesy. Even though the Midland accents are funny, I do like Trilla. He has single-handedly put 0121 (Biingham/Brum area code) on the map (well to me anyway) with "Don't think you're a G-star just cos you're wearing G-star" and the infectious "Tell dat gehwl seventeen fifteh". His Woo riddim freestyle is still hard! Good luck to him I say.

Feeling this song hard right now. I know this is on most blogs, but the video is deep, the thought behind the video deeper Shamelessly jacked from PinBoardBlog.com/ Click the pic ('cos I can't post it in readible form for some reason) then proceed to read from bottom to top. Now watch the video I refuse to speak on "that thang". That is disrespectful; Erykah Badu's like an aunt. People celebrate Lady Gaga's visual artistry, and recently banged on about a 9 minute ad break with Beyonce like it was an moment of greatness. Well I prefer this. Simple, but much more poignant and creative than Gaga's 'Telephone' to me. This is art

Reggae's summer hit for 2010, me seh so! Expect this on 1Xtra's playlist within the next 3 weeks. If you don't like it the first time, forward back in a couple days, listen again and see if this doesn't creep up on you like morning breath, donate your eardrums to a good cause [ http://www.nad.org/donate-now ]. Used it before and I shall use it again, this tune is "catchier than Swine Flu". Produced by Brooklyn's own Ricky Blaze (of Hard Slam riddim fame). If you likey, you can get it on iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hold-you-single/id359487865 . Probably your safest bet, 'cos if you download it you'll probably get the shitty quality version. Check my interview with Gyptian here Video isn't groundbreaking, but who cares? We don't sit and watch music video channels anymore; the tune knocks and that's all that should matter. The audio version passed 1,000,000 views pon Youchube. I would have liked a video shot outside as it'

*pours out a little Sprite into a cup* Today, we received the terrible news that a whole heap of coppers will be jobless. "Why aren't you rejoicing" I hear you ask. Well yes I listen to a lot of reggae music, but no this isn't an anti-Babylon blogpost. The Bill, a cop soap type program which has been on TV forever (as long as I've been alive), will be given the chop. This feels like when Woolworths closed down; I haven't watched it in years but it still felt like it's a part of my life. The Bill will end this autumn following ITV's decision to drop the long-running police drama after 27 years. "Times change, and so do the tastes of our audience," said Peter Fincham, the channel's director of television. The move follows a major revamp that saw the drama relaunched as a weekly programme in a post-watershed slot. read more Hold your head little homie (I really mean Babylon bwoy)! I'm fully going to do a post (fingers crossed next Friday

Wiley's latest project, A-List release Midnite Lover, and it's a steamy one Songs hmmmm not sure if it's my thing, but the girls are the highlight. Wrigley and Brazen's girls are the best Forget a F64, I'd rap every verse myself just so I can appear alongside these 6 females, Disclaimer: Before I start posting pics, I will say I have no right to own or post these pics (even though they are on Google/Facebook/Twitter) but ladies I hope you don't mind. You all look fabulous else you wouldn't have made it in these pages, bel'eeeeeeeee dat! Video would open with an obvious choice; A-List singer and overall hottest UK singer in the whole entire... UK, the beautiful Sadie Ama Just as a bonus Phwoar!!! Next scene would involve Grime Daily presenter and model, Donatella I'd feed Max from 1Xtra grapes while I spit my verse We need Max back on TV. A woman with such an adorable face shouldn't be stuck on radio. No disrespect but I can understand why Choice

Billed as a new beginning in dancehall, the Daseca ( Da vid Harrisingh, Craig ' Se rani' Marsh C r a ig Harrisingh) produced riddim, aptly titled Genesis (first book in the Bible, you know), has broken the traditional format of promoting songs distributed by email blasts to soundsystems, DJs, dem friend... Despite its success in gaining buzz, email blasts of download links usually lead to the whole riddim hitting popular forums used by anyone which meant less records sold. However, the Alliance camp decided on a relase date of 23rd March (today), sent out a press release sighting their intentions of a new day to blogs and forums, and selected leading radio DJ's in popular regions to premiere the riddim; first stop Jabba and Bobby Konders Hot 97 show in New York, followed by Robbo Ranx's 1Xtra show, in Jamaica where I think Johnny Kool on Kool FM played it. I'm not sure who else debuted it, but I'm sure Danny Pepperseed must have. This strategy seems to have had

This is either funniest F64 or one of the best for quotables! Pound Sterling aka the "hussulah!" aka a self-procliamed "Souuljia" and if you don't know "You're a ideyut" is just something else. Awkward flow most of the time coupled with what would seem the laziest punchlines ever. You'll either love him or hate him. Too many quotables "Your boys probably cried when Bradley died/ I knew it was Stacey Slater, you're lazy hater, bring heat like a radiator!" "Get licked down like Chris Brown did to Rihanna. Got more keys than a piana" "Smoke weed til my lungs black like Heskey" This was classic Channel U stuff! One song (not the only song) epitomises the essence of Channel U *pours a little Fanta Fruit Twist on the ground for RIP Channel U* I know this is taken from Just Fabulous, what happened to that? This tune was good And Chanade Laroy does dis ting, so I'm posting this video Don't forget to check out w

For all my boxing fans out there, this is a great watch. Hosted by Max Kellerman, aka the guy that cut Mayweather's post-fight (vs. Marquez the blown up lightweight) interview short when Mosley confronted Mayweather. Should be a good old-fashioned grudge match. Two men with a lot to prove; has Shane Mosely still got it? Has Mayweather made a career off fighting stiffs throughout his career? being the 2 questions which will ultimately be answered on the night. As of now, I'm saying Mayweather, with Shane having a punchers chance. Gotta love how Americans throw on these promotional programs for boxing. Much better than the short-lived The Contender, which as good as it was, in all honesty the fighters were never going to amount to antyhing, much less a real contender. I'll probably do another one of my prediction posts closer to the fight. So far I'm 2 for 2; Mayweather vs Marquez and Haye vs. Valuev .

Damn, didn't know this song is almost a year old. First shown about it by Heatwave , about a month ago, never felt it that much. Grown on me like a mofo! Tune is currently gaining spins on many urban US stations including New York's Hot 97, and running the Caribbean. Beat is a simplistic piano loop, clap and bassline with Gyptian's soft vocals lusting after a female with intentions of Hold(ing) Yuh (see what I did there? Wasn't smart nor clever I know) gently floating on top. Mi dun talk, listen tune I know my African friends will love this tune! Gyptian gone clear in Africa (yes, I'm talking the whole continent) with the bookings this year I'm telling you! All he needs is a 2Face or another well-known artist on the track and the tune SHOT! Check my interview with Gyptian from last year: here

Yes another Maverick Sabre video! Filmed by SBTV for a BBC3 program called Jail Tales, Maverick Sabre drops some bars. I think it's a program hosted by Asher D about people who have been to (you guessed it) jail. I think these vids serve as viral vids. Hol tight SB each and every time! Big man innadis Big alie? He's one of my fave artists right now. Can't wait for some more material to drop Don't forget to check SB's site http://sbtv.co.uk/

[INTERVIEW REMOVED] Hold tight for updated link Marvin Sparks caught up with Gappy Ranks to discuss how recent commercial success by home grown urban artists affects him as a UK reggae artist, whether he’ll change his sound for the pop market, exclusive information about collaborating with Beenie Man and if he ever thought of getting the now famous gaps in his teeth closed... http://www.mtv.co.uk/music/urban/230349-gappy-ranks-the-interview For more info on Gappy Ranks , check his MySpace: www.myspace.com/gappyranks You may also be interested in: Peetah and Mojo Morgan (Morgan Heritate) interview Tarrus Riley interview Big Ship's Laden and Chino interview Shane "JukeBoxx" Brown interview Jah Cure interview Anthony B interview Beres Hammond interview Gyptian interview Busy Signal interview Etana interview

OUT NOW. iTunes that! I'm saying this will reach top 20, which for an indie release will be an outstanding achievement (remember them ones from school reports?) I couldn't take this song seriously once upon a time; Skepta confused me. In the interview I did with him back in November in the lead up to the release of Boy Better Know's BANGURGH 'Goin In', he said: On making commercial music Skepta said: If you just keep it real to yourself and keep it credible then the tune is gonna be an anthem for time. People don’t like commercial shit - I’ve noticed that. No matter how much people like to see success, once a song goes commercial or videos commercial people just go off it, because people that don’t really know about it start liking it. When you’re walking down the road and some guy in skinny jeans is tryna say “You don’t know about Boy Better Know” then people get mad and say “Boy Better Know are shit!” Then on his previous attempts (FAILS!) at going commersh Marvi

Made up my mind months ago that I will post this beautiful mothers tribute on the day we celebrate mothers day in the UK (and some other places I'm sure but not America or Jamaica. That's some time in May). I-Octane (one of my favourite artists out there), pays tribute to his single mothers struggle to work, manage a house and raise kids. Tek it dem yoot! Followed by Garnett Silk. This song seems much more poignant since his death or should I say the reason for his death. He literally died saving his mother from a fire in the house which ultimately killed both of them. I come from a dual parent family, so I don't directly relate to the above song, but I feel it 'cos I understand the place where it is coming from. So for all of us

This is probably the most gossip post I've ever made in my entire blog life but hey. As the title said, dancehall's only artist, well according to the MOBOs, Sean Paul has chopper the canerows off. Judging by what I've read/heard every time SP was seen before, this will be good news to many out there. Question is, is it for better or worse? A. He went from bald B. To canerows C. To (the horrific) slight trimmed sides/fade x canerow D. To this Gal dem, which looks the best? A, B, C, or D? Which looks the worst; A, B, C or D? I'm going with C by a long shot Who reckons he'll still insist on canerowing the top piece of hair he has left?

I don't think I've ever posted a dubstep tune on here before. I've been a fan of it from about 2008, so a bit later than a lot of people but still ahead of loads, surprisingly. Seeing DJs & MCs who I would guess are supposed to be ahead of the game tweeting about old tunes like they're new I'm left slightly confused. Anyway, Sukh Knight from the True Tiger camp linked up with OGz MC P-Money. This tune is an absolute madness!!! Reminds me of the energy grime had once upon a time. P's sits on dubstep nicely. Makes me wanna wild out and start punching up guys! If you listened to that without a deformed look on your face like someone let off the dirtiest fart, there's something wrong. I'd love to hear Trilla Jermaine Trilloski on a remix with some Midlands slang. OMG that would absolutely be the biggest remix of the year This is the other song I know of where P and Sukh linked up

Jamaican DJ (rapper) and producer Leftside / Mr Evil recorded this tune during the hype of Chris Brown's 'Transform Ya', but for some reason decided to make a video. Check it out Oh, what do I think? Well I'm not sure, its alright. Yeah, that's it. I know you expected more didn't you? I mean "Marvin Sparks usually writes more than this" most probably crossed your mind at some time, but that's all I have for ya. If you have time, I'm interested to know what you think about it.

As I'm sure you all know by now, the 'ardest urban UK song to be released in a very long while, Pass Out by Tinie Tempah, reached the number 1 spot in the UK singles chart!!! We knew chances of it hitting there were high from Monday last week as it shot out of the blocks faster than them stupid greyhounds chasing after a fluffy motorised Duracel Bunny looking thing. Isn't about time those foolish four-legged monsters realised they're chasing a dead cause? I would tell (series of barks obvs) my trainer dude "You are 'avin a laugh mate? Fool me once, shame on me..." I was fortunate enough to be at Tinie's number 1 celebration on Sunday (shouts to the hook up), and I was a happy camper pleased to be a part of it. Ex-Sugababe Keisha Buchanan (oh my she is a lot of things!) was in the building, big'd up Jungle/DnB legend Shy FX whilst they played Original Nutter; classic UK song! Skepta, Tinchy, G Frsh, Wretch 32 and all them were in there Haven't g

Care not if the month has just started, this will be the best tune you hear this month. Yes, this is far superior rather lack-luster (but will do as it's supposed to do) to Drake's first single Over. Sounds like the perfect successor to his first Jamaican #1 'Evil Head' Sorry but Stephen Di Genius McGregor's talent is frightening! He only turned 20 this year, yet this will be his 4th year at the top of the dancehall game, won producer of the year 3 years on the trot. As fas as I know, he works solo, and still managesto produce different sounds. Yes, some do sound rehashed like old ones, but every producer has their kit and sounds they prefer, so that is inevitable. Who said dancehall is all about slackness? Former Jamaicacn #1, Aidonia 'Evil Head'

Touched down at one of them showcase thingy's called Wired yesterday. Man like Lawrence Gichgi ( http://onceabartender.blogspot.com/ ) informed me that Pixie Lott performed the previous month, and Amy Winehouse was in the house gulping wine* (gulping wine may or may not be true, I put it in there for the lolz). Couple acts were there but stand out artist for the night was this guy Ed Sheeran. Me and my girl Leats ( http://thatgirlleatz.blogspot.com/ ) are fans. Coincidentally, keyhole to the roads SBTV ( http://sbtv.co.uk/ ) uploaded a video of him on Sunday (see below). Ed Sheeran is one of these urban accoustic artists that I'm feeling - the other being Maverick Sabre. Tune in He had the same thingy he uses to record the beat on the spot last night. Never seen it in my life. That alone blew me away let alone his voice. Broke into Welcome To Jamrock last night much to the crowds pleasure. Both him & Maverick Sabre seem to have urban influences including reggae, social comm

Trigga, Tremaine, Trey Songz new video for Neighbours Know My Name lifted from the banging album Ready. Don't worry mandem, you won't question your sexuality after watching this. Arguably the hottest (not in that-a-way) commercial R'n'B artist out right now. Apart from the fact I feel the song, I've wanted to blog the reason for his success in my opinion. Many say "It's just his time now", "It's because of Chrihanna incident" or some next "It's a coincidence" type reasons but I am here to set the record straight (well share my opinion). Although this is Trey's third album, his name has frequently left females mouths as one of the most desirable singers in the game, but his music never really captured or sold as many as the amount of fans of his anatomy would suggest. Guess you want the reason for that, right? Well it is a bit of a coincidence in the sense that the doors in the R'n'B game opened up with a lot of e

Previous blogged on my post 2010 to watch. Simply put, if you don't like this tune music is not for you. Isn't it funny the guy we were all a bit surprised to hear he got signed or suggested other people who should have been signed ahead of him, because to be honest, his songs were for little girls, makes the most credible commercial crossover song. I'm not one of those support UK guys, I don't support anything I don't like for the sake of it, whether it be music down to my local football team. But on the same hand, I'm not forcing anyone to do anything. Advising that this is the right thing to do for you life because you won't have the same fulfillment without it is a different thing to forcing. If this top the charts, music execs will be confyooooooooooooooosed dot com! Has the potential to shatter all the perceptions of succesful urban chart hits as we've previously seen from the likes of Chipmunk, Tinchy and NDubz. That isn't me disrespecting &#