6ix 6ix 6ix

Liverpool's music scene has gone from strength to strength in recent years, but there is one group in particular who continue to excite and astound scouse audiences with their stupidly fun live funk show. The boys from 6ix Toys combine all the energy of live funk with elements of hip-hop, making what was originally a relatively exclusive genre accessible to a much wider audience, further bridging genre gaps with live covers of dance classics (perhaps their most popular track being a cover of The Prodigy's Voodoo People)

Recent collaborations with Liverpool's hip-hop heavyweights ASM and Chicago-based Pugz Atoms show 6ix Toys going from strength to strength, and it seems as if every new musical project in Merseyside has at least one of the 6ix involved in some way. Also worth checking out is the band's DJ Fredo's other crew No Fakin', consistently smashing Liverpool venues with blinding hip-hop based DJ sets.

Listen to 6ix Toys' discography at their bandcamp page, where you can pick up their new EP at any price you choose. Go on, be generous.

R.I.P. GURU

Yesterday bought the tragic news of Guru's death, after a long battle with cancer. As one of hip-hop's most forward thinking and iconic figures, he'll be sorely missed. It's hard to imagine hip-hop music without Gang Starr, and his more recent solo work is some of the most interesting and refreshing rap music i've ever heard. Read the full details of his passing here.

"Is this really the end? Or is it a new beginning?"
R.I.P. Keith Elam - 1962 - 2010

FOURTWENTY

The 20th April isn't a date that's going to mean a whole lot to the average human being, but for those who enjoy the herbal side of life it's a reason to get excited, and this year is no exception.

Madlib continues his brilliant Medicine Show compilation series this month with 420 Chalice All Stars, an erratic but chillin' voyage through all things reggae and dub. The man clearly knows the way to a smoker's heart, and has even taken the liberty of including a directory of all medicinal marijuana dispensaries in the LA/SF region in every CD booklet. Buy it from Juno from, of course, the 20th April.

Also due for release on the pothead public holiday is Nike SB's limited edition "Skunk Dunks". Picture says it all really, but apparently Method Man, Redman, Curren$y and Snoop Dogg all called Nike with the same idea for the shoe's release. Hip hop telepathy?

It's no secret that Flying Lotus is a big fan of the green, and anyone celebrating this year should be excited to hear that he has kindly decided to soundtrack the event, with a special live online broadcast on his Brainfeeder Radio station. He'll be previewing his new album and inviting his friends down (likely participants include The Gaslamp Killer, Ras G, Daedelus, Teebs, Matthewdavid, Dr. Strangeloop and more) for what should be a special few hours. You can listen to it from 8pm UK time on his website. Get involved!

MIND ALTERING DEMENTED LESSONS IN BEATS

MADLIB

I've been pretty slow to discover Madlib and his array of alter-egos, but its easy to see why he's achieved such cult status, in more than just the underground hip-hop scene. An insanely prolific DJ, producer and MC, his blunted beats and mixtapes take you on epic musical journeys through his staggeringly diverse record collection, never stopping off too long in one continent, decade or genre. His dedication to beat-digging is reflected in frantic compilations such as Beat Konducta in Africa, part of his 12-part, one-a-month series Madlib Medicine Show, taking the listener further into Madlib's hazy world than they've ever been before. Just what the doctor ordered!

(does anyone else think he's a dead-ringer for Bubs?)

Madlib - The Frontline (Liberation) (mp3)

Madlib - African Voodoo Queen (Drama) (mp3)

Buy from Stones Throw

FLYING LOTUS

FlyLo will be unleashing Cosmogramma on the world in a couple of weeks. Check this interview with him, in which he reveals a little than usual about his thoughts on the state of beat music and his evolution as an artist.

Grab 3 unreleased non-album tracks here, and keep a look-out for the new album Cosmogramma, due to hit stores 3rd May.

SKANKY PANKY

Also pushing the crazy futuristic glitch-hop sound is the recently founded Skanky Panky label. Based in Liverpool, they've already given away a few very impressive samples of things to come on their website, with the release of Skanky Panky: Volume 1 last month showcasing their most exciting new artists from across the globe (as far as Vancouver & South Africa). Listen to a couple of my favourite heavy selections and buy their debut release below.

mp3: William Breakspear - Every Filter

mp3: Huxley - The Disappeared

Buy Skanky Panky: Vol. 1 (Juno)

FRESH LOOK - FRESH START.

DFD have been enjoying an extended holiday somewhere just outside the blogosphere.

but now we're back and will be providing you with a healthy diet of dope shit to delight the senses.

get onboard for the cream of the music, art & culture crop.

new contributers welcome.