Following a last minute cancellation to the January 26th event due to technical difficulties at Proud 2, the Musicalize team are happy to announce a new date for Musicalize of Thursday 9th February.

Musicalize is quickly building a reputation for its quality line-ups and welcoming atmosphere as well as cemeting itself as the live music night to be at having previously showcased artists such as Ed Sheeran, Wretch32 and Ghetts. This time around, attendees will be treated to performances from MC’s Lady Leshurr, Marger, Amplify Dot and the new and exciting duo LDB.  The line-up will also feature a number of singers who are set to do big things in 2012.  Amongst these are Kaleem Taylor (recently chosen by 1Xtra as their One-to-watch‟ on their UK 1Xtra Live tour), Alex Mills (recent support act for Rizzle Kicks) who will perform a stripped back acoustic set, ex X-Factor contestant Duane Lamonte and Charlee Drew (fresh off the back of a support tour with Skepta).

As the name of the event suggests, Musicalize is the perfect opportunity to not only listen to live music, but also to socialise and network with a diverse crowd made up of fellow live music lovers and music industry professionals including A&Rs, producers, record label representatives and professional radio DJs. Media representation is also a strong feature on the night with professional media broadcasters filming as well as reporters, journalists and well respected Internet music bloggers all attending.

Following on from the success of Chamber Music Society, bass playing virtuoso Esperanza Spalding is set to release her new album, Radio Music Society, next month. Black Gold, being the first single off the new record has been released, only increases the anticipation for the new album. Given the sonic direction of this track, fans, old and new, can expect to hear a more accessible sound, especially for those who couldn’t get down with the very strong jazz influences of the last album.

Check out Black Gold below. Enjoy!

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Here’s a perfect little number for a Sunday. An anticipated return from one of my favourite British singer-songwriters is coming, as Jack Peñate releases new material titled ‘No One Lied’. While working on his third album, Jack one evening performed this track with Dani Castro directing, it all being shot and recorded in one take.

The tune’s a beautiful comeback for Peñate, as it’s stripped down to a minimum, while he’s plucking away at his guitar and revealing a strong voice. Check it out below. If you like what you hear, it’s available on free download. Enjoy!

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For the sixth year running, the awesome The Doctor’s Orders celebrate the life and work of influential hip-hop artist, James “J-Dilla” Yancey, with a ‘J-Dilla Changed My Life’ party.

A dream team of DJs, who are all spinning for free, will be joined by Detroit’s own Phat Kat — one of Dilla’s close friends and collaborators — who’ll be helping with the proceedings. The string of DJs including Mr Thing (BBE /Extended Players), Spin Doctor (The Doctor’s Orders), Harry Love (Extended Players) Morgan Spacek and DJ LoK will all be running exclusive J-Dilla related sets for free to raise as much money as possible for The J-Dilla Foundation and Lupus UK.

Attendees will be able to get their hands on t-shirts exclusively printed by Dephect clothing for the event with all proceeds from these and the door going to charity. This will be a jam packed evening and is to go down on Sunday 5th February at Scala, Kings Cross.

There’ll be a minimum donation £6 in advance or on the door. Tickets are available from Ticketweb.

One of LA’s finest and most reputable hip-hop acts is soon to be going on a European Tour and have added a London date to their schedule!

I first came across Dilated Peoples whilst watching MTV Base, during secondary school. Their video for The Platform was a welcome variation he usual ‘bravado’ styled hip-hop videos of the time. Since then I have obviously grown, and so has the trio, with their collective resume producing a number of acclaimed LP’s, producing music videos with some of hip-hop’s finest and revered artists, and performances on worldwide stages.

Most recently, individual albums from Rakaa Iriscience (‘Crown of Thorns’, 2010), Evidence (‘Cats & Dogs’, 2011) and DJ Babu (‘The Beat Tape Vol. 2′, 2010) have been leaving fans eagerly awaiting for the 2012 release of their ‘Directors of Photography’ album.

Dilated Peoples will be performing at the O2 Academy Islington on February 27th. Tickets can be purchased from AMPG. Remember the following gems? They’re definitely back again…

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The UK’s newly hot tipped hip-hop/rock outfit have teamed up with original hard spitter Kano to deliver a crossover track with a big electro/rock sound, following in the footsteps of Tinie Tempah and Wretch 32. Clement Marfo & The Frontline have already been nominated for the MTV Brand New for 2012, HMV Next Big Thing and playlisted on BBC 1Xtra, they are headlining the MOBO tour, shortly with their single ‘Mayhem’ coming out officially on March 12th. In the meantime, you can get a free download of their tune ‘Overtime’ (Cruelty Remix) off the group’s Facebook page. Stay up to date for future releases and other goodies on their website.

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Unveiled at this years’s music product trade show NAMM, Numark and Akai unveil a non-functional prototype of a product they call the MPC-DJ — a combination of turntables, a mixer and MPC drum pads. Apart from the visual side, they haven’t yet figured out how exactly the product will work and are currently accepting ideas from all the DJs and producers out there. Let us know what cool features you would like to see or how you envision this product taking both elements to the next level!

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Over the last couple of months London rapper Thai Matic has been releasing a track every Friday as part of his End Of The Weak mixtape campaign, as we heard most of it last week.

The mixtape showcases a spectrum of tracks boasting some of Thai’s most versatile, insightful and authentic lyrics and beats. We come to the final installment in this post leaving behind a dramatical history into what will evidently be breaking or ‘making’ the dopest. I personally have good and high expectations for Thai, he has a great and dedicate yet precise following with a great team to match. Keep up the good work and thanks for this one. We really like it at HQ.

For a full back log of the last seven weeks of Thai’s ‘End Of The Weak, listen here.

Enjoy!

London rapper ItsNate comes into the new year with his latest track ‘Call A Cab’, produced by Livin’ Proof and Piff Gang production general Budgie Fire Beats. The tune’s taken from ItsNate’s forthcoming mixtape ‘Suede Jones’, that’s layered in London referencing, while the great visuals have been directed by Johnnie Ford, PHDLDN and Joey2Bunn. The tune is a lot to say the least — it kind of makes me high from just listening to it.

Check out the video and tune for yourselves. Enjoy!

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Rock The Belles returns to Notting Hill Arts Club this Friday with yet another all female line-up as always, this time showcasing two of the UK’s arguably best female MCs, Shystie and No Lay.

Shystie’s one of the pioneers of the British female music game. Her explosive live shows are not to be missed and bringing her edgy and unique style back to the scene, she prepares to drop her new EP ‘Pink Mist’ that’s coming very soon!

Performing alongside Shystie on the bill is No Lay. The South London lyricist, singer and songwriter has seen support from the likes of 1Xtra, MTV, SBTV and i-D. Recently dropping her new EP ‘He Said, She Said, I Am Bad’, she’s definitely one to watch for 2012.

To complete the live bill is Sylvia Stone. She’s a Brit School graduate with a unique, arresting voice, striking self-styling and a fantastic work ethic. Her songs range from tongue-in-cheek 40’s-esque blues and jazz, to epic cinematic belters all the way to bass heavy bangers. This girl is a genre-straddling, experimental artist with killer vocals and a clear vision to tickle the back of listener’s souls.

On the night, there’s also DJs Emily Rawson, Fearney and Malenya, who’ll be on the decks spinning everything from hip-hop, dub step, house electro, garage and bass. It’s free before 9pm. Peep the flyer below for full details!