The UK Rap Scene - Let's Start Keeping It Real.

After Chipmunk called out Charlie Sloth and 1Xtra for removing Charlamagne's opinion on Bugzy Malone's freestyle, I expected to see many people step up and say something, but as time has gone by, nobody has tweeted or said anything about this and due to this being the UK, realness and honesty means nothing, especially within the "urban" music scene. This is why I am so fed up with the "scene".

"Nobody talks up."

As Chip said on Twitter, when the video was originally uploaded, Bugzy's name was a part of the line-up (as you can see in the picture below).

Below missing video, lists the names of artist shown to Charlamagne

In the clip uploaded on Youtube, it seems that there is someone missing.

Still from interview - Bugzy is on the screen

"Is that Bugzy on the screen?"

Bugzy in the booth.

Whilst watching the video, Charlamagne is familiar with Kano and actually says his name, so why at the end of "all" the freestyles, did he say "the first guy" and not say his name like he did at the beginning?

"Was Charlamagne speaking about Bugzy or was this really about Kano?"

UK Rapper, Chipmunk

Chip was the first and only artist to really step up and say something, but obviously due to his "lyrical beef " with Bugzy, some people were making it sound like he was just being bitter, but after watching Bugzy's 'Fire In The Booth' freestyle, in my opinion I thought he was nervous, he didn't show much of a personality and he should never have "spat" on that beat - he was the least experienced out of everyone shown.

He sounded very monotone - "Sorry, Not sorry."

If Charlamagne gave some constructive criticism, then that should of been shown - how will a man learn?

Could it not being shown have something to do with Bugzy being linked to Charlie Sloth's 'label', "Grimey Limey"?

"Saving face."

This is why I don't like the scene - a DJ is supposed to be neutral, all this repping an artist is bullshit.

If that's the case stay off mainstream radio, because your influence is misguided.

Chip talking that sense.

 Admittedly I haven't really invested much time or energy into the UK Hip Hop and Rap scene, due to the fact that some of the people that the industry uses to promote the music, the DJ's, the presenters, the artists, they are not authentic to me.

There's only one hip hop UK radio DJ I have time for, and that's, Tim Westwood. Back when people used to make comments about his "American" accent and call him fake and ask "What does he know about black music?"
That was down to people being protective of their culture and not wanting it used to get someone a radio show, whilst them not giving two f's about the music or where it came from. Those sentiments have been lost, these days people care about themselves rather than the music and genre and where it can really go.

Some of these artist' only seem to care about their music being on the radio so they can get their PRS money, getting signed by a label that wants to change them or give them some sort of fucked up record deal, not the fact that someone who respects your culture and sees that you actualy have a talent is investing in you.

When I think of Westwood, I also think about Rodigan. What these two men have done for black music - Hip Hop and Reggae - in the UK has been phenomenal.
They have both opened doors and made the genres available to everyone, without making the culture seem like a joke and using it as something to help them rather than helping the music.

Westwood and Rodigan had to earn the right for their names to be associated with these genres, now anybody can get up and claim to be a Hip Hop or Dancehall DJ.

I've always felt Westwood was all about the music rather than himself and this was confirmed last week whilst watching an interview he done with Giggs.

Unbeknownst to me and probably many Tim started 'Crib Sessions' because of radio stations not playing Giggs' music or supporting him. Tim created something that enabled Giggs to get his music out to the public and the rest is history.
Crib Sessions has given many UK rappers and Grime artist a way to showcase their music in a comfortable, non-restricted environment whilst also getting the support from someone who is seen as a legend.
Westwood didn't have to do this, he had his show, he was getting booked but he was about the music evolving and growing.

Hip Hop is a black genre - "Not urban, Black." - so Tim really had to work hard to be seen as "that guy."
Starting from pirate station and making his way onto legal radio without having to change his core morals and still being respected. He is a part of the culture.

So let's get back to Sloth. When Westwood was replaced with Charlie Sloth I was majorly pissed.

I had never heard of this Sloth dude, so when I first saw him I thought "Who the fuk would take this guy seriously?"

Do we not have any respect for our culture?

He's a failed rapper, who gives opinions on new and old rappers flows and bars.

He has no originality and has brought nothing new to his show.

Charlie doesn't like to be called out, he'll either delete his tweets or block ya.

"Bitch got herself blocked by the sloth. lol"

LOL

Can the UK industry, starting with the labels and radio stations to the media, start working with people who actually fully embrace the culture, not people who think being a Hip Hop artist or DJ means you have to look like an Ali G look-alike or people who don't even understand our "slang".

Bring back shows like what Commander B used to have on Choice FM (now capital Xtra). People calling up to spit some bars over the phone. It's about finding real, raw talent.

Another sidenote: Wretch 32's freestyle was fire.

Before I go, I would like to leave a message for Charlie.  "The next time someone comes and spits some bars which are on fire - DO NOT RELOAD unless they tell you to!!!  - Fire in the booth is not a  set or a clash and when you do things like this, it really shows that you have no clue about the culture."