Getting To Know The LDNC - Zagada Style!

1) How did u all meet each other?

The majority of us all knew each other before we formed the group! The only person that we recruited a bit later on was Yandi!! Zapaterro introduced him to all of us and we just clicked and well the rest is history I guess.

2) How was the group founded?

Zapaterro and Reagan founded the group. They matched us up together. At first we were all sceptical because we didn't really know who was in the group, but then when we all met up and realised that we all actually knew each other it became a very easy decision for all of us to join the group. 

3) What does LDNC stand for?

LDNC stands for London Connection . Our common factor is that we're all Congolese but we each have our unique backgrounds and talent that got connected in London.

4) Who are your musical influences, and how has that translated in your music?

We all have unique influences for example zapaterro's main influence is a Congolese artist named Bill Clinton; he was hype man for Werrason. Yandi's main influences are Koffi olomide and Fally Ipupa who is very known for he's dancing and Starz's influences are artists like Gatho Bivens, Kanye west and Rico Love 

These influences translate very much into our music!! We've adapted the sound to make it our own but the influences from these artist are very present in our music.

5) What was the inspiration behind the song and dance routine for Zagada?

We wanted to make a song that just made you want to get up and dance as soon as you heard it. Us being from a country like Congo that's very known for our dancing we just had to create a routine that was going to keep people on their feet and at the same time allow them to have fun with it. But the song and dance routine is very Congo-Angola inspired!!

                                                               

6) Who is the best dancer in the group?

That would be Yandiman Lelondonien by far! It's his passion lol.

7) How has your recent success affected your careers aswell as your social lives?

It's affected it a lot, our career has been affected in a very positive way. A lot has changed in the last couple of months. We have easier access to a lot of things such as studios, we get the chance to do what we love. Our social lives aren't always as positive, because we don't get to spend as much time with our family and friends as we really want to, but we're very lucky to have very understanding family and friends that support us 100%

8) What upcoming projects can we expect from your group in the near future?

We're planning the release of our next single called Cinderella and we're working on a EP aswell but we like surprising so just expect loads of surprises .

Artist To Watch: Stormzy, Young Teflon, Bonkaz, PBGR & Naira Marley

Stormzy ! Youngs Teflon ! Bonkaz ! PBGR ! Naira Marley! These are the UK artists that have got me cutting up the rug in my shower and throwing my pillows all over my room. 

Now I must admit that not all of these artist are on this list for the complexity of their lyrics,  however music is about making your audience feel something, all these artists  have done this for me in one way or another. 

Where do I start hmmm?
 Naira Marley -  From Marry Juana I was hooked. The melodic mesh of Afrobeats and Bashment was a feature that had never been executed so perfectly in my opinion and the best part about it for me was that it didn't sound forced. Naira brings a certain vibe to all his songs that just make you want to get up and do the ‘stupid dance’ – his signature dance – and that is what I love about his music.

 

Next up is Bonkaz - a rapper from Croydon he can be seen as rather stereotypical in his content, in regards to focusing on drugs, girls and weed. Although to my surprise he doesn’t dress like the typical ‘hood’ rapper. He prefers  to wear skinny jeans which would could be seen as a taboo in some areas. The fact that he is confident in being true to his character despite his surroundings is a feature I really respect and that in turn makes his music resonate more with me. 

Youngs Teflon and PBGR I chose these artist because of of their lyrical content . Young Teflfon has this laid back flow which just makes you want to sip coconut from a straw with some ray bans on. Whilst PBGR combine lyricism with energy, giving you no option but to listen to what they have to say. 

Lastly Stormzy, with his latest EP out Dreamers Disease, he is being spoke about highly amongst industry and fans. He also has quotable lines which stick in your head and had me blasting his videos all day; can’t say my mum was too happy about the noise, with her room next door, but hey; such is life.  

Recap Of The Week: Vapiano's

Now call me old fashioned, but I loooove me some McDonalds on a Monday and chicken and chips for the rest of the week. So when Bisoye (BloTV Founder) invited me to Vapianos let’s just say I wasn’t exactly jumping for joy. 

The meeting point was Oxford Street, the date? Well I can’t exactly remember if I’m being honest, but it was sometime last week. We were going out for a meal to just catch up and discuss a little business but it was kind of hard to concentrate with the quality of food being served. I recommend the Scampi, but that’s just me. The meeting was fun, we talked about the joys of working long hours – that’s sarcasm btw  - as well as how I was finding the position I had been given, also discussing  where my vision was for the business moving forward. This was lovely and all but the way my taste buds are set up,  I could only think about the yummy Prawns in front of me. 

We then went out to have a look at some trainers because Bis thought her trainer game was better than mine, just because I said I like Nike TN’s; the cheek .

 To me Oxford street is like a civilized jungle there were so many people bumping and pushing into us  just to get to one destination or another, needless to say it is not my scene. 

EP Review: Kyan - Days In A Triangle

Recently on my search for new music I came across a new EP and I had to share it with you all, 'Days In A Triangle' by Kyan.

I did a little digging around about Kyan and discovered that Kyan is from Cambridge and already has a record deal with Virgin EMI.

What I liked about him is he seems to fuse a distinctly British sensibility to soul, funk hip-hop and jazz. It's not your typical British sound, he offers us something different.

Kyan’s R&B touch alongside his  smooth vocal performance kind of made me think of American artist such as Frank Ocean and John Legend, don’t ask me why, they just did okay . 

On his single ‘Taking The City’: he turns over a casino and gives his winnings to the poor, mixing a little Oceans 11 with a sprinkle of Robin Hood . But the track also serves as a form of social commentary on capitalism and the struggles of the average man.

The  EP could be the soundtrack to some badass card-counter in ‘Hustle’ or heist flick ‘21', which apparently inspired it. The EP's other standout song  ‘Cold Friend’,  blends modern soul with an historical tale not entirely unlike Frank’s ‘Pyramids. 

In my opinion I feel like Kyan’s still finding his own voice, but there’s enough here to suggest he might one day break the bank for real ; but legally of course.  


Let me know what you think of Days In A Triangle in the comment box

End Of The Week Recap

This week was no joke!

I’ve got to keep it funky this week was a bit stressful and booking overtime only made matters worse. When I got told that I had to re-do my whole EP review that had taken me ages to put together and looked somewhat decent, it burnt me. 

I can’t lie it was like all the hard work was for nothing, I missed this weeks episode of Love and Hip Hop and even that was in vein, but I guess it was my fault … kind of.

I feel like I focused more on getting the tasks done as opposed to enjoying the process; which I realised I’m not too fond of. All because of one misread email, what a Silly Billy. I had to balance out getting my tasks done, going to work and smacking my boys at FIFA.

Even now it is 3am in the morning and I am still trying to get everything completed, that my friends  is what you call dedication. 

To listen to five new Eps was looooong but in the end it made my material better and I discovered some new artists I actually jam to when I’m singing in the shower; so it wasn’t all that bad.   

Review: New Talent - PBGR

PBGR PBGR”, I’ve been up all night trying to get some work done and guess which London based  rap duo I am listening to? That’s right PBGR. I had never heard of this group before I was asked to do a review on their music; and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. 

From watching their videos the chemistry between Skeps and Crunch is undeniable, those are there names btw. They appear to bounce of each other and are equally as  lyrical combined with possessing  distinctive flows which kept me engaged. From ‘Billy a Kid ‘ a video they released from two years ago to ‘ La familia’ produced by DC, the group have progressed not only in sound but also in the quality of  videos they have put out.  

'La familia' was the song I had on repeat out of all their work, there was something about the beat that had my head nodding, it had me thinking about UFO’s for some reason, don’t ask me why. 

Lastly on their channel is the boys performance at LetMeLive ; they appear to have great stage presence and can control a crowd which will only improve with time. Next up is their album Black Market, so we’ll just have to sit back and see what the boys do in the near future.  

E.P Reviews - Sasha Keable and Rhodes

                    Sasha Keable 

Is it me or does the title remind you of one of those fancy teas that you might get in Shoreditch, lol maybe it’s just me. If you haven’t given this EP a listen I highly recommend that you stop what you’re doing and devote 15 minutes and 55 seconds to 4 tracks of soulful pop/R&B.

The best way to describe this EP would be 80's infused. It was  actually a joy to listen to, with it having a very chilled out and soulful vibe. Which served as  a perfect backdrop for this summer weather, well when it wasn’t pouring down with rain.

The follow up to her 2013 debut EP, ‘Black Book’, this  eclectic mix features classics  such  as ‘Memories’ and ‘6”4’; as well as one my favourites,‘Sweetest Talk. 

Sasha Keable is a South London native, which is also where I grew up, just thought I’d  chuck that in there. She keeps it very real in this EP, which is evident on the  tracks like ‘Living Without You’. She muses about ‘selfishly’ dumping an ex, poor guy.  We all know break up can be hard.

 She manages to do all this whilst balancing an irresistible slice of modern mid-tempo R&B, with  '80s/early '90s R&B. This really showcases Sasha's diversity and her love for denim jeans, hoop earrings and Timberland boots.

The future looks bright for Miss Keable as the soulful songstress has signed to a label Disturbing London, which is home to names like Tinie Tempah, Jessie J and G Frsh.

                        Rhodes 

24-year-old singer, Rhodes, from Hitchin, Hertfordshire. I go to Hertfordshire University so I like him already. The four song EP was produced by Ian Grimble, who has worked with the likes of Tim Bran and Roy Kerr which highlight and showcase the raw talent of Rhodes.

My first thought upon listening to his EP entitled ‘Morning’ was  wow is he moody? Rhodes' music is no laughing matter. Really, it isn't. It's very serious and solemn, with lots of echo and whatever else studio types use to give a sense of space and drama.

The lead track off the EP and the debut single ‘Your Soul’ showcases Rhodes’ impressive sound of gentle percussion over an electric guitar with heartfelt vocals –wipes eyes-  projecting a yearning  that his lyrics suggest ‘I am holding on and on and on and on…’; sounds like he needs a hug doesn’t he. The title track, ‘Morning’ is a stand out track, the raw simplicity in sound and soulful vocals are qualities that really stood out for me as a listener and really show his quality as an artist. 

(image 2)

All things considered, 'Morning' is a sterling collection of songs that it'd be well worth your time to check out. If you're unfamiliar with Rhodes, I'd suggest checking out his first EP 'Raise your Love' before fully engaging with this one.

Last minute.com : Christmas In July

 *rant mode* 

Guys you know when you’re enjoying that beautiful sleep, dreaming about your favourite celebrity – mine is Beyoncé- and someone comes along and ruins it. Well that’s exactly what happened to me this morning. 

There was an Christmas in July press event that took place earlier on today in Shoreditch, but guess when I was informed that this event was going down ….today. I had to rush out of bed, jump in the shower, eat my coco pops and find some white socks- by now you should know how I feel about my white socks – within the hour. Oh and it gets better, it was boiling hot and clever me had decided to wear all black, just great ; Bisoye, I blame you !!

Needless to say I still I had a great experience looking at all the collections, from the jewellery to the clothes; there was even some fancy luggage on show.  I have added some pictures of the different collections I saw.

Amy karine

Charli Cohen

Pearly 

Just next time all I ask is for a little heads up, so my Beyoncé dreams don’t get interrupted, is that too much to ask? I think not.

Felicities PR "Christmas in July" Press Day

Christmas has come early people. I know a lot of you are thinking what on earth are you on about Victor?

Well I am going to tell you, don’t you worry. Felicities Issue hosted a press day in their Shoreditch showroom today and we at BloTV were invited along to go and check it out, and boy I’m I happy we did.

Normally my knowledge on fashion stretches from about Topman and ends at Zara, but today I feel almost like a new man, I got a chance to get a closer look at some designers which I had never heard of before. I was almost  like a kid in a candy store going from one amazing  collection to the next. The exhibition featured talented designers such as Shilpa with her statement headpieces to Early Morning Rebel, a music group based in LA who have created a  casual, ready to wear range which features their signature with each item, I thought it was pretty cool. 

                                                                     Amy Karine

One of my personal favourites was by David Longshaw. The simplicity of his designs, along with his use of basic colours, quirky images and choice of texture were all factors that garnered my interest;  it was evident that a lot of thought had gone into  making each piece. What made his collection so memorable to me was that he named them after different animals – you read me  right, he actually does that – this seasons was no different with Beryl the badger taking centre stage . The designer  does not just stop with the name but  creates a whole character for these animals, which he made into a book. I for one am definitely getting my copy tonight .

Then there are those of you who love the gym- of which I am certainly not, but just cannot figure out how to make your gym attire look cool, well never fear for Victor is here, with the perfect solution; and her name is Charli Cohen. 

Her collection is tailored around luxury performance and by the looks of it a lot of orange. Her designs are not only comfortable but also stylish in the same breat , therefore  you no longer have  to worry about  bumping into your friends on your way back from the gym because Charli is  going to have you looking fly as a kite.

Was that a Thank You Victor I just heard you say to yourself; well your welcome.

Battle Rap: Victors Choice Of The Week: T Top

Alright guys, let get straight down to it.

For those who saw my post on the Joe Budden Vs Hollow Da Don; this week I am going to be giving you something different. 

What is it you ask? Well it was I like to call my rappers choice of the week- sounds a bit like a menu haha. Anyway every week I will profile a new battle rapper; discussing why I like his/her particular style, what I believe their strengths are  and pretty much why they I think they are cool.

This week we have * drum rolls for about five seconds * T Top. 

First of all on behalf of T Top I just want to apologise for such a poor choice, for a name, but you know what they say; everyone makes mistakes. 

Battle rap is very confrontational by nature, T Top embodies this through his aggressive demeanour and undeniable stage presence, giving you no option but to take notice. His combination of punchlines and aggression, just make you want to break a Kit Kat bar for no reason –at least that’s how he makes me feel anyway. 

                                                                       T Top Vs City Towers

One of his breakout battles was against rapper Jon Jon da Don. In this battle  T Top was ‘wiggin’, that’s a term the battlers always use. He was confident and in control, he showed the crowd he could hang in there with one of battle raps elite. From start to finish he did not let up, consistently hitting Jon Jon with hard hitting rhymes back to back, which left the crowd in awe and me needing some water from all the screaming . 

And that ladies and gentlemen is why T Top is my choice for this week, feel free to watch a few of his battles and thank me later . 

New Kid On The (Blo)ck : The BloTern Project

Yo Billy's and Susan's, don't worry I’ll explain later. My name is Victor Osagu.

Who are you? I sense you asking. Well I am an intern at BloTV. Why should I care you say? Well primarily because I am cool. But also because I am responsible for recounting the events and artists that BloTV is assigned to, I will take you on a journey of what it is to be an intern for BloTV.  As well as this I will be simultaneously giving you an insight into me as an individual, pretty much just showing you guys how cool I am – well sometimes lol.

So be prepared to read about my obsession with white socks, yes I said white socks to my passion for battle rap, Ooo I do love me some battle rap.

Get ready for this journey we are about to embark on, should be fun and a lot of laughs ....I hope* bites nails*.

Recap: Battle Rap: Hollow Da Don Vs Joe Budden

People, people, people – yes you – stop whatever you are doing now, because the biggest battle of all time just took place this past weekend between Hollow da Don and Joe Budden. 

A lot of you may not know this but battle rap is one of my greatest passions, well minus food anyway, so I could hardly believe it when it was first announced that this encounter was going to take place. To actually see it come to fruition was nothing short of monumental. 

If you haven’t got a chance to watch it yet, you need to. Well after you read my post of course. I constantly had to pause the battle at certain segments, so I could scream, jump and azonto in special cases - don’t judge me – as a result of the high level of performance that both artists displayed. Joe Budden gave a good account of himself, delivering the odd haymaker, which had me nodding my head in approval on numerous occasions. Although his decision to sport a velour tracksuit, made him look like he wanted to go to bed rather than a battle – but that’s none of my business. But Hollow, oh Hollow, Hollow, Hollow; had me doing all sorts of flips around the room with his material; he was flawless in my opinion.

If that was exciting enough, a fight almost took place between the two. After Hollow accused Joe of hitting his former partner Tahiry, for a second it actually felt like someone was about to throw a punch, that is how tense it got between the two.

Ultimately Hollow ended the night victorious and deservedly so in my opinion, and now Joe can go back to bed, Goodnight.