SP6

After briefly discussing previous episodes song choices Steph and Tope begin this episode talking Drill and if it deserves its own category at the MOBOs (4:44). The conversation leads onto Chip's attempts to transition into the American market (20:39) and Kano's firm stance in the UK entertainment scene (26:33). The discussions end with opinions on the COVID-19 vaccine (35:48).

Opener (2:28): Statements - Teeway

Closers (47:13): Through Your Eyes - Marie Dahlstrom Ft Jeremy Passion | Blue Afternoons - MANIK MC, Natty Wylah

The UK Scene has been extremely chaotic over the last couple of weeks from Headie One & Tion, to Dutchavelli, to Octavian. This episode starts off with Steve & Tope sharing their thoughts on these recent events (08:48). Followed by Steve's thoughts on Loski's tape (32:50), and how Tope feels about Digga D and his BBC Documentary (39:02).

Finally, they couldn't help but explore the MOBO nominations (45:00).

Opener (03:14): Think About You (ft Haile) - Tiana Major9

Closers (57:35): Life So Deep (ft Emeli Sande) - Loski | On My Sleeve (ft Kaash Paige) - Scribz Riley

Episode TEN! We made it! (Small wins)

Steve and Tope briefly discuss the challenges with podcasting, then Tope questions where JME falls in the Top Rappers in the UK.

The pair spend the majority of the pod discussing Dutchavelli's & Gigg's Mixtapes, and if the distinction between mixtape & album still stands (13:40).

They finish off by detailing their experiences with heartbreak (46:20)

Opener (10:24): BTD - Emil ft Knucks

Closers (62:25): Standout - Knucks ft Loyle Carner & Venna | One Sided - Joe Hertz x Kaleem Taylor

With Headie One gaining a #1 Album, Steve questions whether it is easier to chart now due to the introduction of streams (07:40), then argues that artists are paying less attention to their visuals (25:20).

They pay a revisit to Chip v Stormzy, and where their views now stand (37:25), before discussing other viable revenue streams for artists during Covid (54:58) and many more topics.

Opener (04:59): Hunch - Che Lingo

Closer (96:19): Timeout - SVMI | IC3 - Ghetts x Skepta

DUBS on DUBS!

Steve and Tope kick off speaking about Headie One's album - Edna - and its impending success (06:31).

With a week full of diss tracks, they start off addressing Ivorian Doll's Daily Duppy which sparked 2 further disses from Miss R Fabulous, and Abigail (15:35) followed by a heated debate on Chip v Stormzy (50:07)

Opener (04:03): Princess Cuts - Headie One ft Young T & Bugsey

Closer (90:25): Cool With Me - Dutchavelli ft M1llionz | Wagwarn - Jevon x Berna

On this episode, Apex Steph & Tope speak about influencers making music (2:01), the definition of 'lyricist' (21:28), the announcement of Smoke Boys' last project - 'All The Smoke' (33:02), Big Narstie's Entrepreneurship (39:46), Channel U returning to TV (51:24) and what has Steph so rattled this week (59:48)

Opener (17:29): Nothing on You - Gigi Lo

Closers (70:00): Breakfast at Tiffany's - Knucks | Mad About Bars - Teeway

Paying a revisit to the views expressed in Episode 1, Steve and Tope review the Rated Award Winners (19:50) and the strength of the UK Music Scene. They, then, discuss the significance of Nines' first #1 album (35:21) and what they felt about Burna Boy's 5th album, Twice as Tall (45:40).

With the TL discussing recent views on the King of Grime, Steve & Tope debate whether there is actually a current Grime scene (60:00)

Openers (09:28): Anakin - Blanco | My Family - Pa Salieu ft Backroad Gee

Closers (74:05): Hurting - Duchess | Return of the Mac - MizOrMac

Busy week in the UK scene!

Both Steve and Tope begin exploring Nines' album - 'Crabs in a Bucket' (09:30) and the complexities of escaping the street life as a successful artist (12:17). They also reflect on mental health challenges in the creative industry (21:13), the importance of staying true to yourself, and ownership, which leads them to discuss Joe Budden v Spotify (34:00).

Finally, they celebrate Frisco & BBK, Kano & Newham Talks (56:47), then discuss the backlash caused by Carnival Adele (66:20).

Openers (03:13): Intro - Nines | However Do You Want It - Swarmz ft Krept & Konan, and Bandokay

Closers (83:04): NIC - Nines ft Tiggs Da Author | Pain (Promise Me) - Shakka

On this episode of the #BlackNotesPodcast, Apex Steph and Tope discuss the publishing of Mummy Adenuga's book 'Endless Fortune' (7:53), what it felt like pursuing creative careers in a Nigerian household (16:34) and the usefulness of the UK education system (51:15).

They wrap up debating navigating friendship groups where you're constantly left out (63:04)

Opener (03:57): Still Mean - Geovarn

Closers (84:44): Bait Lies - SVMI ft A1 & P1 Caps | Spaghetti - Che Lingo

A special episode for both Steph and Tope!

They sit down with Producer Maniac to speak about his journey and view of the UK Scene. From why he chose producing over rapping (4:51), the decision to switch from grime to drill (10:26), the difficulties navigating the music industry (27:10), how he learnt the business side of music (41:30) and who is a 'legend' in his eyes (48:31)

Opener (0:01): 8 Style II - Digdat

Closers (56:33): Sweet Like Sorbet - Just Banco | Survivor Stories, Pt. 2 - Youngs Teflon | Mozambique - Ghetts (feat. Jaykae and Moonchild Sanelly)