W E R D - City of Stone [HD Music Video]

Beat production: STS (Paisley, Scotland)

Music Video Directed & Edited: Omar Al-Zidjali.

Twitter: @WerdSOS / @Omar_Al_Zidjali

For 'Free Download' + additional Tzusan Remix 'Click Here'.

The Hip-Hop House Vol.2 (Free Mixtape)

Collection of music from acts that's played Sketchy Beats Cafe at The Hip-Hop House event hosted by Werd (SOS) once a month. Including a mix of genres influenced & involving hip-hop.

*** CLICK HERE FOR DIRECT LINK ***

Mixtape is for promotional use only. By putting on these arts events and creating an open and inclusive atmosphere, we want to give local creatives the confidence to pursue their talents and share their work with the public. The cafe hopes to create a support network for local creatives and a space which can be used for exhibitions, events and workshops for aspiring artists of every kind.

Werd (SOS) - God Save The Public [LP]

God Save The Public: In these current times feeling trapped, stuck, without purpose and a little depressed in life is common. While Facebook and social media is pulling us apart, making us insecure or reinforcing people’s extreme beliefs, the media is dividing us with unwarranted fear and propaganda. If you notice and dislike this, you are certainly not alone...

‘God Save The Public’ is a mix of personal outlooks and political arguments over various styles of production. One man’s words, another man’s beats. This collection of 12 tracks shows both the offensive / aggressive side of hip-hop, countered with the calm and emotional song-writing; discussing inner battles and fear of current UK system and ruling class. If suicide doesn’t get you, the political elite might. This LP lashes out against both.



Werd (SOS) is an award winning Edinburgh based hip-hop artist & promoter well known throughout the Scottish scene. He has worked with, and continues to work with new and old artists in Scotland and abroad, creating music with some of Scotland’s top producers and artists in the genre. Making music for over 14 years in the capital, he now finds himself running more charity & non-profit community gigs, while pushing towards more emotional and political rap.

Darko Strauss makes whatever style of music he feels like making at the time. Having been influenced by metal, hip-hop and trip-hop when he was young, his music is an amalgamation of all three with a sprinkling of his personality thrown in. Sometimes melodic and emotional, however at times loud and harsh, he remains with a signature sound.

DIRECT BANDCAMP LINK CLICK HERE

Cover art by Suky Goodfellow.
Written and Recorded by Drew Devine aka Werd.
Beat production from Darko Strauss.
Released 30th November 2016 on all good digital outlets. Itunes etc.

 Email contact: SOS.Edinburgh@gmail.com
Twitter: @WerdSOS / @darko_strauss

Hip-Hop & Ya Should Stop (Music Video):

The Hip-Hop House Vol.1 (Free Mixtape)

Promotional use only. By putting on these arts events and creating an open and inclusive atmosphere, we want to give local creatives the confidence to pursue their talents and share their work with the public. The cafe hopes to create a support network for local creatives and a space which can be used for exhibitions, events and workshops for aspiring artists of every kind.

208 Great Junction Street, Edinburgh. A cafe celebrating art in all its forms.

Gig night hosted & ran by Drew Devine (Werd). Major thanks and shout outs to Ell and Cosima. 

Released March 4, 2016  

Direct Link: https://hip-hophouse.bandcamp.com/album/mixtape-vol-1

Encoded by The Urban Folk Crowd

"The Urban Folk Crowd are Conscious Route and Calum Carlyle. Bringing together a unique blend of Hip Hop, Folk, Indie, Reggae among other influences, the band have created catchy melodies and conscious thought-provoking lyrics in a way that is feel good.


The Urban Folk Crowd came together when singer / songwriter Calum Carlyle met Conscious Route through the Edinburgh music scene. After being fans of each other's work they created a debut album in the background of their busy lives.

The album, which is produced by Fraser Johnstone, mixes influences from all the people involved to bring a slice of difference while creating a crowd ethos for this musical endeavor. Calum's musical background coming from Folk, Blues, Indie, and other influences, while Conscious Route originated from Hip Hop, Poetry, alternative music and Reggae. The two let the experience flow, rather than directing to write certain songs to be a certain way. With many cups of herbal tea and talking, the album took over two years to complete. What set out to be a project of serious intent changed direction into an enjoyable journey of learning and appreciation for good music and good people. I think that experience of the journey is conveyed through the music itself."

Released October 28, 2015

System of Control - Clippers LP [Out Now]

Clippers is the debut album by System of Control (Cab Beats & Jay Hazey) and was released under Powercut Productions Record Label. Free Download / Stream link here.

 

Official Music Videos for this release can be found with these links:

The Analysation
(Shot & Edited by UGS Media) Special Thanks to Jeffery Aiwohi.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrTXdrKfcpY

Destined To Burn (Clippers)
(Video Production by UGS Media)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMX3eM7FqIQ

Silver Spoon
(Shot & Edited by Steg G) Special Thanks to Hendo
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx9nd44Mfss

Madhat McGore - Numbers Mixtape [Werd Reviews]

‘Wait, seriously… You’re actually going to hit me with a review that’s written by somebody he works with often and also happens to be a close friend?’ Yes, f*cking deal with it. Apart from ‘Scotland Stand-Up’ there is a lack of reviewing and discussion within hip-hop and rap in Scotland. How many blogs and online platforms can you think of just now? Yeah, thought so… Now read on people. I promise it will be as impartial as possible while avoiding mentioning a single track I’m featured on...

Madhat McGore: you know him already. If you don’t then I’m assuming you are either new to rap music in Scotland or are in one of those cliques that’s so cliquey that your clique’s got a cliques. It’s a common trait in this genre that people stick to their mates (this reviewing isn’t helping that image I admit). Furthermore, others seem to judge based on a couple songs that became popular online without looking in-depth at the artist and his catalogue. I’ve seen it happen, I’ve done it myself. It’s far too easy to dismiss certain acts and put them in a bubble, thankfully this release is the sharp pin we can wave towards those judgemental bubbles. 

The release: Already known for his high energy and rapid delivery over beats, this is exactly where we begin. Madhat clearly has a signature sound. I would think only a complete idiot could confuse the artist with another in Scotland or the rest of the UK. But, this also comes with a negative angle. Madhat can sound the same on various tracks, or similar production tricks us into thinking we have heard it before. It was only when dubstep hit the mainstream that he really took his place both on tracks and certainly raised his profile with live performances. While solo rap and hip-hop acts can struggle to get a crowd reaction and lift energies, Madhat showed many how it should be done. Now that dubstep is leaving our attention span the rapper remains spitting over harsh sounding beats and baselines. But have we heard it all before? At the start of the tape this is how you might feel, but hold off a second, let’s look into the concepts and lyrics within the first 5-6 tracks and dig a little deeper...  

First off it’s not Madhat we hear to begin with, it’s DJ Livewire introducing the release. Right away that indicates who this is for, it lets us know the audience is not the local scene but the larger UK scene as a whole. The intro track itself is standard for the artist, harsh beat, harsh voice and harsh words for both the listen and any other acts that might be tuning it. ‘Hands up, or I’ll take off’… Madhat doesn’t need to do these free tapes anymore, or live shows in the local scene. There’s a bit of anger here sugar-coated in confidence. Furthermore, ‘Bridge a Gap’ gives an idea of what he was attempting to do with the local scene and the UK perspective of it, while seeking more in his own life. ‘Going In’ produced by Show N Prove is also a continuation of the narrative, but in a more impressive and catchy way. Deezy’s distinct voice brings something more to this also, which leave us questioning why he isn’t pushing himself more. 

Skipping a few tracks in ‘What Can I Say’ really stands out, like really. Madhat is perfect on these kind of tracks, loud and imposing, yet chilled overall in feel. The beat adds to this, sounding faster than it should due to the relaxing nature of it. This reminds me in a way of ‘Simple Things’ released years ago. Sometimes talking about everyday life and the enjoyable parts is when Madhat connects with the listener. It’s all good killing a beat with a sick flow, but this is when Madhat stops rapping and makes a song for non-hip-hop fans. That is perhaps an angle he should look into more often when branching out. It is the polar opposite of tracks such as ‘Chances’ where we hear deep personal emotion and self-doubt. A run of tracks produced by Dale A Thomson gives the tape an escape with its brilliant hooks / angelic vocal samples. It’s really noticeable how the mood of the release has changed from track 10 onwards, now we’ve calmed down, we start to pay more attention to lyrics.

As I’m over half way into this I’m starting to notice I should be in the car, not listening behind my desk. It contains far too much energy for a solo listen indoors. ‘Quality’: And it is. Now that we’re this far into the release we have fully tuned in as a listener, now we find ourselves not listening to him, but with him. I mentioned it should be played loud, or in a car, but now I’m listening to the track named ‘Fast Car’ I want to be in the Meadows with a zoob and fruit cider…

‘Sitting With Bottles’… Produced by Jigz… why I have heard this before? Oh wait I’ve not, I’ve also used this same beat by Jigz on the Vagabonds album with Wardie Burns haha. I actually love that, that’s what mixtapes are and do. Re-use production and create different tracks, I’m loving the fact that Scottish hip-hop has grown to such an extent this is happening internally too. The following track ‘Stand There’ is a stand-out track. Madhat’s emotion has changed, a little depressing with a beat that shouldn’t suit, but does so well. I am honestly very impressed and into this second half content, Show N Prove returns with an incredible remix of Oasis’s Wonderwall which Madhat excels on. The last track I will mention is simple, and for good reason. A ‘Pure Grim Love Story’ is a brilliant piece of story-telling which drags the listener into a real audio experience. I can’t do it justice. Listen, and make sure you are sitting down towards the end…

Conclusion: This isn’t his best work, far from it. It touches his brilliance but repeats much of it’s content and message over a few times. Perhaps it could have been shorter, but it is a mixtape after all. Everyone following the music in Scotland knows he hasn’t hit his potential either. But remember this is a FREE MIXTAPE. Nothing more than keeping up the buzz before the main album drops. That said album should be incredible, personally I have heard tracks from it over the years and it blows everything else away. Yes, this is a review of the mixtape, but while writing it I really want to phone Hatter up and tell him to get his f*cking album out. Madhat has the potential to bring Scottish hip-hop into the UK scene in a way not done before (ironically from an artist which backed Scottish independence). While the Scottish scene has become over-saturated and messy we need acts such as this to fly the flag in a professional manner. He’s not everyone’s cup of tea in the local scene, but he doesn’t need to be, he out-grew it long ago. It’s about time everyone was fully aware he isn’t seeking your approval, he’s far past that. Now Madhat is getting to the stage he’s planning his direction and style for a larger audience. So listen to this, mainly the second half of the release is where you should pay key attention and I guarantee you will find something new to the Edinburgh artist. As he plays with styles and his image it’s apparent this is still only a preview, clearly the best is yet to come… I mean, if ‘Pure Grim Love Story’ didn’t make the album… what did?

Thank you for reading.

Pea-suit. Werd x

Photos used by TDSLR Photography. All rights remain.

https://twitter.com/Madhat_McGore

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Madhat-Mcgore/202669713111698

Mog - New album on Free Download + Interview.

 MOG

2xBAFTA award winning rapper/poet.

Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland.

Also a member of Bang Dirty & Forgotten Policy.


Produced & Mixed by King Blue (SGM)
Additional Mixing & Mastering by Adam Holmes. Recorded at DKM Studios, Edinburgh

Direct album link: https://mogiam.bandcamp.com/releases

Debut EP from 'Sloany'

From the small Scottish town of Kilbirnie comes the debut release from 16 year old local emcee 'Sloany'.

Released 24 April 2015

Schizo Creator + Artist Autistic - LOST SCROLLS [Free DL]

Following up on the Iron Masons first album ''Iron Mayan'' - Schizo Creator and Artist Autistic are back with a time-traveling, swash buckling adventure through time...



Nostalgia, theme tunes and all out mayhem. Get it in yer chop. Inspired by Steven Segal, Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris.



Welcome to The Lost Scrolls!


Download FREE HERE: https://you-sonix.bandcamp.com/album/the-lost-scrolls
The Lost Scrolls by Iron Masons / You-Sonix / Sons of Scotland. Released 24 April 2015.

Wanna hear what the Iron Masons first album sounded like? Wanna put pieces of the puzzle together?
The ''Iron Mayan'' album link: https://soundcloud.com/iron-mayan

Glasgow Grime: Best of Bright Sparks

Bright Sparks is an MC from Glasgow, UK known for working in the grime, hip hop and bass music sector. Repping Glasgow for many years he is one of the reasons the cities hip-hop is thriving. Now you can download a collection of his tracks for free here: https://brightsparks54.bandcamp.com/album/best-of-bright-sparks

Also check out interview on the release below.

MOG - In Black 'N' White (Free Download?!)

Well, if you are reading this, and you didn't already buy the release. Good news...




Shouts to Steg G / Powercut Productions.

Direct link: https://mog-in-black-n-white.bandcamp.com/album/in-black-n-white

Seeing Sounds by Drage [Free Album]

Released 26 January 2015

Direct link: https://coldimpact.bandcamp.com/album/seeing-sounds

ZEE - SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION RAP

Direct link here: https://murderzeewrote.bandcamp.com/album/spontaneous-combustion-rap

SOS: AYE-Tunes Vol.1 [FREE Download]

Recorded at Sons of Scotland (SOS).
Mixed and mastered by Drew Devine.
Cover Artwork by Alistair Devine. 


Direct download link via website: www.hiphop.scot

Doss #4 by Zero Feedback

Written and produced by Zero Feedback.
Direct link: https://zerofeedback.bandcamp.com/album/doss-4

Conscious Route & Madhat McGore - Edinburgh Residents

New EP from the Edinburgh Residents Conscious Route & Madhat McGore. Released on Music Comes First Records. Direct Link here: https://soundcloud.com/madhat_mcgore/sets/conscious-route-madhat-mcgore-edinburgh-residents

Savage Sound System - Shan Times [Free EP]

Sixth EP from the Edinburgh based eclectic collective 'Savage Sound System', featuring Werd, Conscious Route, D.Soul the Soulsamurai, ShilohZen and Pete Duffy.



Free download releases from savage recordings. Downloads include mp3s (320 kbps), album artwork (jpg) and credits (rtf) in a single zip file. If you like what you hear please consider buying a release / attending a concert by the artist.

http://www.savagerecordings.com/sssshantimes.html

Riddlah / Steg G - High to Low [Free EP]

6 track EP

released 04 May 2014
All tracks recorded and produced by Steg G 

 

Free Download / Stream: http://stoneztheriddlah.bandcamp.com/album/high-to-low

Thomson - Impact Of Buddha [EP]

Also feature / production from: DJ Sokol (Paraletic Universe), Riddlah (UV Beatz), One OZ (Paraletic Universe), Aye Q and E.V.I.L (Prophetic Justice).