Brand New Heavies (Indigo2 - 16 October 2008)
This acid-jazz and funk group, formed more than 20 years ago in Ealing, has put out hits like You Are the Universe and You've Got a Friend. The four-member group is now on a European tour with a one-night stop planned for the capital. |
Roots Manuva (Shepherds Bush Empire - 18 October 2008)
Rodney Smith, a.k.a. Roots Manuva, represents Stockwell in south London with lyrics about drinking bitter and eating cheese on toast. Also called Lord Gosh and Hylton Smythe, this rapper has a distinctively warm voice and stick-in-your-head tracks. |
Kanye West (The 02 - 11 and 12 November 2008)
The much anticipated Glow in the Dark Tour is hitting London, so you can see the latest from the controversial rapper soon. Kanye's latest album, Graduation, has a more experimental sound, but the steady beats of Gold Digger and Jesus Walks will take you back to the classics. |
Yo Majesty (Barfly Camden - 17 November 2008)
Don't expect any male-chauvinist lyrics from this Florida hip-hop duo. Blogs are sparking notice for rappers Shunda K and Jwl B - and their collaboration with Wiley's Wearing My Rolex producer certainly couldn't have hurt their reputation. |
The Roots (The Forum - 5 and 6 December 2008)
This Philadelphia-based group is known best for its jazzy sound and its ability to put on some of the best live sets of its genre. For the past 20 years, The Roots have gained a dedicated underground following while helping build the live-rap scene. |