Follow up to the Players Ball

DBB presents the follow up to the massive Players Ball

The Players Anthem features a more streamlined line up but by no means compromises on the quality. This time we welcome The Nextmen and Dynamite MC undoubtedly 2 of the hottest properties in UK hip hop at the moment. They will be joined by Wellington band Trinity Roots, who are reveling in the success of a brand new album and a sell out nationwide tour. The Main room line up is rounded out with DJ Sean returning to Wellington from Melbourne and locals Dancehall Dons and Wellyz Most Dangerous Ddog and Sal. The lounge will be the second room showcasing the latest hip hop and dancehall riddims. The top floor will be open as a chill zone, to get away from the other 2 rooms and have a quiet drink.

THE FULL LINE UP

ROOM 1

• THE NEXTMEN [UK]
• DYNAMITE MC [UK]
• TRINITY ROOTS [LIVE]
• DJ SEAN [MELB]
• WELLYZ MOST DANGEROUS DDOG AND SAL
• DANCEHALL DONS
• MC KYLA

ROOM 2

• SOLID WAX
• KAVA
• MAREK
• CLINTON SMILEY

Strictly limited $35 presales available early next week from DMC and Real Groovy

THE NEXTMEN BIOGRAPHY

"We met over a drug deal in the playground," deadpans Dominic Betmead ¼ one half of The Nextmen. "Brad tried to sell me a tiny bag of magic mushrooms for thirty quid."

"That's slightly exaggerated," laughs the Nextmen's other half, Brad Ellis. Not your stereotypical true thugs, the amiable Cambridge born production duo have just finished their sophomore album, Get Over It, a near-flawless declaration of intent as they up the ante for home-grown hip-hop and music in general.

A razor sharp slice of forward-thinking production that's been three years in the making, Get Over It reconfigures the format for British urban music, drawing influences from drum and bass, the highest grade riddims of dancehall, and potent funk and jazz amongst others. It's a supremely funky grooveline that tears apart the sublime yet traditional blueprint of their debut Amongst the Madness. As British major labels flail around looking for even one decent hip-hop star to sit next to Roots Manuva, Brad and Dom have been creating the record that will be responsible for making the rest step up their production game.

"We always come out of nowhere, " opines Brad. "Our first album Amongst the Madness surprised people who were expecting some of the more established names to deliver instead, and we'll do the same with this one."

"Too many of the people around us don't try anything progressive with their production," adds Dom. " It took us a while to be confident enough to attempt what we have but this album goes beyond the format you're hearing elsewhere. We want to broaden our audience which may mean some hardcore fans aren't going to get it straight away." Only if they're deaf, dumb and blind.

The album's standout moment, High Score, featuring Reprazent's Dynamite MC over a headbanging halfway drum and bass track instantly challenges any preconceptions The Nextmen's sound. A bit like hearing Cut Chemist's classic accelerating beat on Blackalicious' Microphone Mathematics whilst on an nandrolone drip at a jungle rave. Damn, it's packing enough heat to give Westwood an all-over tan and heart attack in one sitting.

From these dizzy heights let's go back to the start of the Nextmen's story - despite the fact that they both attended virtually every hip-hop show that called into Cambridge during the late 80s and early 90s - Stetsasonic, EPMD, KRS-1, De La Soul, and Ice T included ¼ the pair didn't link until later on when Brad had been offered the opportunity to remix the London Posse's Style single in 1997. "We had really basic equipment and didn't really know what we were doing," admits Brad. "But everyone loved it and Westwood and John Peel played it on Radio 1. I still think it's the third worst remix of all time though." Both the Nextmen declare themselves to be huge fans of London Posse's inimitable Rodney P and the remix was the start of a relationship which has seen him appear on several of their records, culminating in the forthcoming Hear What I Say single. It also lead to the Nextmen moving to London and inking their first album deal with Scenario Records a year later.

After the rapturous reception to Amongst The Madness The Nextmen found themselves appearing on the Groove Armada album, remixing Public Enemy and opening up shows for Eminem and Dead Prez.

"The reception to our first album was a turning point," declares Dom. "We didn't have much in the way of funding but we managed to reach a lot of people. Despite the success we knew we were capable of making much better music. We were holding back and sticking to a formula that the people who were buying the record were happy with. We both needed to accept that it wasn't enough and start again."

In 2001, halfway through making what they thought would be their second album they scrapped it all. It was the best decision the pair have made to date. The extra thump of the new production direction they've brought to the mixing desk helps furnish Get Over It with more bangers than are usually allowed on one album. It's one of the most ambitious hip-hop records you'll ever hear; witness bashment blast Silent Weapon with Cutty Ranks, the low slung bass grind of 31st February with J Live and the disco stomp of Put Your Hands Up with Soulson and the euphoric title track Get Over It with old pal Ty. By the time they reach their third album they'll have the UK on lockdown.

DYNAMITE MC BIOGRAPHY

The magnetic brilliance of front man Dynamite MC began developing with his childhood influences spanning early Motown, and reggae. Later drawn to fledgling hip hop and house clubs, by the time rave and drum & bass broke he was already deeply absorbed by the scene.

Initially harbouring ambitions to be a DJ, Dynamite discovered he couldn't afford early a set of turntables and opted for the next best thing. A natural on the mic, he was already a jobbing MC when he met Roni and Krust in a club in '93. Impressed by the way in which Dynamite captured the attention of the crowd, Size asked him to accompany some early DJ sets spreading the Full Cycle word and Dynamite rapidly became a regular with the Full Cycle DJs on their nocturnal turntable exploits. Immediately convincing as a front man, he slipped into the mix like a third turntable, hyping the crowds and elevating the already unique sonic experience with his lyrics and rhymes.

During his early years as an MC, Dynamite would meticulously plan his lyrics, often penning and practising them before hand, whilst these days he places more emphasis on freestyle performance which allows him to maintain the characteristic fluidity of his sets.

Though Dynamite only featured on the opening track of 1997's 'New Forms' album, 'Railing', he became an integral part of the Reprazent live experience, perfecting a dynamic live juxtaposition with singer Onallee. Having developed his style considerably, he headed the first 2 singles from Reprazent's In the Mode 'Who Told You' and 'Dirty Beats' as well as album tracks like 'Switchblade' and 'Snapshot'. He also guested on the Kamanchi track 'Hey DJ' for Die''s mix lp 'Through the Eyes'. These days Dynamite is known and loved well beyond the drum and bass scene and has also provided guest vocals for the Nextmen, Skitz, and Zinc on their own projects.

Signed to Talkin Loud as a solo artist in his own right, Dynamite MC started recording his debut album 'The World of Dynamite'. When Talkin Loud was closed down by Universal, Dynamite took the decision to finish the album and release it himself, forming his own label Strong Records for that very purpose. Whilst licensing the single 'Ride' to East-West, he maintained control over the album himself, striking a distribution deal with Vital and releasing it worldwide on June 14th.

The album is a landmark release from a vocalist from the Drum'n'Bass scene. Working with the cream of the D'n'B producers Roni Size (Gold, The Scene), Andy C (Hotness) and Marky and XRS (The Feeling), Dynamite was keen to bring out all his influences and spread out across the spectrum of UK dance and urban music. Key tracks include the hip-hop productions of Stone (Bubble) and Skitz (Mar-Val-Lous), the breaks sounds of Wookie (Choices) and Zinc (Topped Up) plus his own killer hip-hop production on Visions. Dynamite has also worked with two of the most respected fellow vocalists around fellow MC Skibadee on Over Here Now and Jamaica's man of the moment, dancehall MC Elephant Man on Pressure.

TRINITY ROOTS BIOGRAPHY

Formed in 1998, TRINITYROOTS have established themselves as a leading act in the New Zealand music scene. The band produces a contemporary sound with roots in the guitar/vocal melody and harmony of reggae, a rock-steady groove and the improvisation of jazz-schooled talented. However, it's not just dub, it's not just reggae, it's not just jazz , you get the picture. It's fresh and unique.

The contrast between their genre-busting recorded work and hypnotic live show is testament to their creative sensitivities and ability to entertain. With singer Warren Maxwell at the helm, he is suitably backed up by Rio Hemopo (baritone) laying down five strings and Riki Gooch (falsetto) on drumkit and assorted items.

Both of their long play albums have achieved gold status in New Zealand . This is a major achievement for a band without a commercial single and an inspiration for all independent artists in New Zealand .

TR's live show brings in elements of a rock-steady rhythm and guitar/vocal melodies, lyrical strength and rhythmic diversity . The the band have a unique ability to improvise within the structure of each song - always breaking into a black-hole that takes the audience on a mesmerising journey.

"We use roots as a vehicle or medium to convey emotion. We combine lyrical message with primal rhythms. We are organic in our music and spiritual in the way we play it."Warren Maxwell

They have celebrated shows alongside Ben Harper, Lee Scratch Perry, The Mad Professor, Rockers Hi-Fi (all on NZ tour appearances), Fat Freddy's Drop, King Kapisi, Che Fu and Salmonella Dub. Through their presence and live energy, TrinityRoots liberate what is the essence of integrity and heartfelt performance.

Riki Gooch also attended the Red Bull Music Academy in London , Feb 2002, working alongside the world's top kindfolk during a two week intensive music seminar.

Warren Maxwell plays saxophone with the outstanding Fat Freddy's Drop.

WWW.TRINITYROOTS.COM
WWW.BASSFRONTIERS.CO.NZ
WWW.SJOOSHI.COM
WWW.THENEXTMEN.COM
WWW.FULLCYCLE.CO.UK