TOTR's: One's to watch for 2011!

Maxsta


East London is definitely back with this youngster and don't you forget the name Maxsta. After a fairly successful year and also releasing two mix tapes the 'Maxtape' and 'The Come Up' this busy young lad has firmly cemented his credentials as the next big thing. Think Maxsta and the comparisons of a young Dizzee are not far behind. Look out for him!

J. Cole


J Cole the rapper not the footballer has been around for a little minute, patiently biding his time whilst wetting our pallet with his mix tapes. Yet to release his debut album "Cole World" (dropping in December) J Cole the first artist to be signed to Roc Nation has been teasing us with a variety of mix tapes. Most recent one being "Friday nights lights" , evidently talented and with a lot to say I have no doubt that J Cole will be taking his place among raps elite in no time soon.

Jessie J


Jessie J is the lady of the moment, everyone and their cat has been banging on about this young lady and it's justified. Signed to Island Records Jessie J released the visuals to her first single "Like a dude" and in under a week has already reached 2million views. People watch this space 2011 will be Jessie J's year.

Mac Miller


Mac Miller, a 19 year old rapper Hailing from “The Burgh” Pittsburgh USA has been making some serious strides over the pond, currently signed to Rostrum Records he recently released his latest mix tape K.I.D.S (Kicking Incredibly Dope Shit). After a great response he plans to release another mix tape Best Day Ever in December, look out for the debut album dropping in 2011!

Ed Sheeran


The singer-songwriter from Suffollk is on the verge of big things, signed to Elton John's management and appearing on Jamie Foxx's radio show in California. It seems like Ed is well on his way, always with his trusted guitar Ed Sheeran has played and continues to play at a host of gigs and none other than our night TOTR in December (make sure you're there). Keep tabs on Ed Sheeran, I don't want to say I told you so.

Sound familiar?

Mr Thing Q&A

We recently caught up with Mr Thing, legendary DJ and all round nice guy. We talk record shops, Pro Green and what the future holds. Read on.

TOTR: Can you give us a brief history into who you are? How did it all start for you?

Mr Thing: I think I started to learn how to DJ round about 1986, two of my friends both called Phil had turntables at their houses. I used to go there and learn the basics off them, we use to use 7″s to start off with because the turntables were belt-driven and if you tried to use a 12″ it would take ages to get going once you let it go. Eventually I got some 1210’s in 1989/90 and that was me, I started to do a couple local youth clubs and got my first paid gig in my local town hall. I was also going to parties in the next town over Tonbridge. Where we went to see Derek B, Cookie Crew, Jungle Brothers, Ice T, it was crazy and I used to see First Rate DJ over there too. We eventually linked up via a night I was doing in Tunbridge Wells called Funky Buddha in the mid-90s and started practicing together. At the same time we met Tony Vegas through Mr Bongos record shop, the whole Scratch Perverts thing came about through hanging out there and meeting people and just getting on it. Then we started doing the DJ Battles and everything and it all snowballed from there .

TOTR: What are your thoughts of the UK music scene at the moment?

Mr Thing: I like it, it’s been interesting chatting to people and seeing how they figured out how they are dealing with the digital side of things now that people don’t really buy physical copies of music anymore. Also, watching UK artists have number 1 singles. I don’t really like a lot of the music that’s making it in the charts these days. However, it’s good to see people like Pro Green doing well, I remember him killing it at open mic battles in Camden years ago. It’s also pretty encouraging how people are supporting each over here too.

To read the rest check it out at Myboxfresh.

Mos Def - Umi Says

This is a timeless classic !!!

These lyrics get me everytime:
'I aint no perfect man
Im trying to do, the best that I can,
With what it is I have'

Mos Def we salute you !!!

We're Feeling !

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