Brand new inferno endangering the airwaves. This time epic link up with UK super team Triple Darkness from London and Wu Affiliate MaviMarxfrom the Wisemen crew outta Detroit. MaviMarx comes with GS Advance NYC Vet, and London mic serial killer, Solar Black on some real fire. Yo family trust this new ‘Blitz‘ joint is a banger and may cause major neck pain. Phoenix Da IceFire aka Solar Black weighs heavy alongside some of Detroits finest in this sick collabo.
Hope to see more of the same as Triple Darkness family spreads its grip across the globe. Get to know. Watch this space for more dope UK Hip Hop and info on Triple Darkness.
Sup people. As promised ‘The Beatles‘ video by Valiantft Phoenix Da IceFire and Ray Vendetta just landed. You know London Underground had to post this. Standard! Filmed by Abbey Road you can see how this whole shoot came together in the following link.
Yea make sure to grab yall neck braces for this head nodder family. Visuals by dope team Global Faction. Mixed down by musical mad scientist Chemo. So sit back and enjoy the new fire!!!
The Iron Chancellor out now!! Artwork by Rings of Saturn
Yo peoples dope underground news from the basement. Today the new debut album ‘The Iron Chancellor‘ was sent over to me for review. It is a joint project from Flowtecs and ill beatsmith, Bad company. Trust it is an honor to bring good news of sick upcoming artists. Flowtecs and Bad Company are two you need to watch. Be on the look out for ‘The Iron Chancellor‘ by Flowtecswhich is available for free download here
Flowtec and Ray Vendetta. Make sure you check all their tunes.
Here is a bit of background on Flowtecs if ya now just checking him. While Flowtecs new joint, ‘The Iron Chancellor ‘ is his debut. I’ve been following him for time now. Hailing from North London hes featured with many dope artists in the UK and is heavily featured on the dope album ‘#TeamGuavara: An Ensemble’ by K Zorro (Also a sick album yall should pick up) Available for free download here.
Flowtecsstarted out his music career as a producer. Though he hung around a lot of emcees. He was withdrawn and introverted type personality. Two years back when some of his production equipment broke. He gave the mic a shot for his first time. Attacking the music differently. This time from the emcee angle. Being around his friends who were also emcees gave him the basic idea of spitting. Now with this knowledge he was inspired by what he could do on a mic. Plus he could break out of his shell and realize the goals he wanted. Leading him on his musical quest ever since.
Check Flowtecsvideo landslide
Flowtecs has worked with many notable emcees from UK. Notably: Solar Black aka Phoenix Da IceFire, Cyrus Malachi, Ray Vendetta, K Zorro, Strive, Venom Spitter. Just to name a few. Flowtecs is not the type to rest on his laurels. He writes bars everyday and is constantly creating music. I would say Flowtec as an emcee has many strengths. Not only is he prolific as a writer and always grinding. As Guru of Gangstar once said in reference to what you need in this game to succeed “You got to have voice. Flowtec defo is on point with his. “Hes got a nasally, grimy vocal tone. Somewhere along the lines of a cross between a raspy B-Real of Cypress Hill and or a gravelly voiced version of Leaf Dog. Not in imitation of style but in some similarity in tone. Flowtecs still stands out vocally from the aforementioned artists. With the exception of some minor similarities, Flowtecs has his own style. His bars are tightly woven with breath control. Perfect timing with his delivery. Hes not locked into one way of rhyming and is comfortable with punchlines as well as serious topics. Flowtecs is the type of emcee that continues to grow in leaps and bounds as an artist. As is evident in his work I think we’ll see a lot more of Flowtecs in the future.
Bad Company solo comin soon. Bad Company is chillin on the Triple Darkness Reanimation set.
Bad Company is also a name you need to know. Right from Islington, in North London. Bad Companybrings the fire with his beats. Hes been on his beat grind for six years. Working with many artists and is the now apart of UK super crew Triple Darkness. He met Flowtec through his friendship with fellow artist K Zorro. Listened to Flowtecs work on Soundcloud and the rest was history. Be ready people cause Bad Company is in the final stages of his first solo ep. Bad Company says it will be different from what people are use too. So watch this space for more info on that!!
Album Review
Okay so first off the ‘The Iron Chancellor‘ is Flowtecs 8 track album debut. It features all production by Bad Company. Its mixed down by one of the best to ever do it ‘Chemo‘. With cuts by Sam Zircon (Get to know Sam as well). From the start of ‘The Iron Chancellor‘ you can tell off the bat this is a nicely mixed and well put together album. No vocals drowning out the beat. Or no vocals lost in the beat. The quality of the mix down is apparent instantly and stays consistent through out the release. Flowtecs sounds right at home flowing over Bad Company production effortlessly from tune to tune. Bad Company sends the listener on a head nodding journey. With a nice mix of production that seamlessly is interwoven into a powerful offering of hip hop for any beat nut. Old timey samples give this album a life of its own with or without vocals. Luckily for us Flowtecs blesses the listeners ears with bars that paint picture in you mind. Bringing the ingredients needed to make up a solid album. The feel of the music on this is realistic tales of life and struggle and coping with these struggles as we are living within it. In the track ‘Dust Cold‘ It emphasizes us trying to navigate through a city thats attempting to drag us down into it. Racing against time to achieve our success while we still can. Fighting both the clock and our fears at once. Its a struggle but we must traverse it regardless. The beat on ‘Dust Cold‘ is an understated soothing piano/keyboard sample over boom bap drums.The Track ‘False allegations‘ calls out over hyped artists pulling stunts and other various fakers of life we must deal with in our day to day path.The beat is horns keyboards and tinny piano on ‘False allegations‘ matches the punchlines perfect Flowtecs put his emotions lyrically on his sleeve in the ‘The Iron Chancellor‘. Blending his verses perfectly into Bad Company symphonic compositions to cause the audience to visualize his lines as if a paint brush painted them. If your looking for fun party music with grab a beer and smoke a spliff. Then stay away from ‘The Iron Chancellor The subject matter here is much darker and deeper and mature then that. While having its moments it not a depressing album. Quite introspective in many parts. Reflecting on the pain and everyday struggle while also warning of the snakes and hazards of our tenuous lives. Overall though its a nice debut from Flowtecs and Bad Company. A solid 8 track release for any fan of hip hop who like it raw and straight to the point bars. Beats are defo sick and you will not be disappointed with any of them. ‘The Iron Chancellor‘ is a must cop if you fall into the categories mentioned above.
Check the Track list of ‘The Iron Chancellor‘
Back Cover of Iron Chancellor ft Flowtec and Badcompany
Phoenix Da IceFire, Ray Vendetta,and Valiant from left to right. On the Beetles shoot with Global faction
New data straight outta the Triple Darkness Camp. Beatlesvideo soon come from Epic video producer Global faction. With up and coming dope London beatsmtih Valiant. Joining him is super emcees from Triple Darkness Ray Vendetta and Phoenix DaIceFire. Trust Ray and Phoenix always bring the illest wordplay. Make sure to check their back catalog. Go and cop that Silver Casket Mixtape by Solar Black aka Phoenix DaIceFire and Black Chronical in the link below. Plus watch out for Rays new project: Greater Good and Ray Vendetta present Rayoflight ‘Effortless‘coming June 2014. (Greater Good is a close friend of Heyzeus (from OBBA SUPA),and did photography and EP artwork for Rays 1st project Guess who’s coming to dinner
Valiants’ Beetles video soon come!! Watch this space!!
This Beatles video is mad anticipated here at London Underground! (Check the pics from the shoot in this article) Make sure you watch this spot when the Beatles video drops you can bet well have that locked on. If ya ain’t heard of Valiant here’s why. Though he’s making power moves in the game he only just started releasing his stuff last January. He’s been working with many talented artists. Such as Phoenix Da IceFire, Ray Vendetta, Iron Braydz, Non Applicable, Mike K from Streetsouls UK, Big Cakes, Wordsmiff, Logic, Sonny Jim, Amy True, Verb T, and DSOTM. Trust, that’s quite a list of talented artist. So you can see Valiant is gonna defo have an impact on the game.
Ray Vendetta of Triple Darkness laying it down at the Beetles video shoot!!
Valiant is not afraid to get his hands dirty diggin in the crates. He’s a huge boom bap fan. Inspired by such beat legends as DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Stoupe, Chemo, Lewis Parker and Jesse James. Look out this summer as he is looking to do a video for a track he’s done with Mike K, big cakes, logic and Amy True. Keep ya eyes locked here for that drop!! He’ll be releasing his EP soon and its scheduled to drop in September.
“The Videos gonna have a different look and feel to it” Ray Vendetta
His LP will feature some of the artists mentioned before. So make sure you check for that and watch this spot for more info on Valiant and Triple Darkness. As soon as ‘The Beatles video lands London Underground will post that. Lock on to this site.
Headstone video just dropped from the Silver Casket mixtape
Fresh out the box from sick London duo Solar Black and Black Chronical comes the brand spanking new video Headstone. Of of their new Silver Casket Mixtape hosted by Tesla’s Ghost.Yo This video is dope make sure you peep dat and share it if you can.
Trust this tune is pure fire. If you haven’t copped your cd copy of Silver Casket get on that while supplies last.
Get your copy while supplies last. Available for only £7 UK
This album is really a well crafted mixtape. Top notch content bars and conscious flows mixed expertly by DJ Roast over quality beats. Defo a much purchase for any fan of Triple Darkness, Phoenix Da IceFire, or just hip hop with a message and concept. Also if you missed it check the interview by Solar Black from London Underground.
Yo undergrounders! Spectacular news for the Hip Hop heads out there. Solar Black and Black Chronical’s new album “Silver Casket mixtape” has just landed.
Just a bit of background this album is mixed by sick cut alchemist DJ Roast Beatz and hosted by vicious wordsmith Tesla’s Ghost. Trust this album is deep and Ive been rocking it non stop since I got my mitts on this gem. Its the first official full release from Solar Blackand upcoming emceeBlack Chronical. Also the first album from Solar Black also known as Phoenix Da IceFire since the epic album “Quantum Leap.” (Quantum Leap was picked best album of the year by London Underground. In a year of tough competitors).
Brothers Solar Black and Black Chronical join forces on Silver Casket mixtape
Solar Blackis from legendary London crew Triple Darkness. Make sure you check Solar Blacks back catalog and also Triple Darkness. Plus keep an eye out for sick newcomer Black Chronical as he makes his mark on the game in the years to come. As busy as Solar Black has been London Underground was blessed enough to get some of his time and ask him a few questions about the new release “Silver Casket Mixtape” among other projects of his on the horizon. Check out what he had to say in our in depth interview.
LU 1)What do you want people to take away from this Release? ( like a concept or an impression for example)?
SB- I want people to get a slight reminder of that first came on the scene with Baptism Under Fire, having roast scratch it up gave it that touch. I also wanted it to be a response to all of the skirt wearing, french manicuring, absent minded material plane crap my brothers across the world were going on with. These brothers are controlled by vampires sucking the blood from the veins of our beloved culture and the silver casket is symbolic of the end of that.
Dj Roast Beatz reunites with Solar Black plus first time collab with Black Chronical to mix down the album impeccably .
LU 2)You’ve mentioned this album as a warm up to Winged Scarabz. What can you tell us about Winged Scarabz?
SB- Winged scarabz is my first official offering as Solar Black, it features my entire Triple Darkness crew with a couple other special guests, there’s more to come and this is the beginning.
LU3)Seeing how hip hop is changing to a more mainstream sound. Do you think underground artists today should still strive to break into the industry? Or should they stay independent? Whats your take.
SB-I think being independent is the best way to go right now, the problem you get with a lot of contracts is the loss of creative control. I think anyone who loves this genre should hold their ground and create that timeless music the world first fell in love with. I believe things will change though I get a lot of support around the world and I’m certain I’m not the only one who is getting noticed for authenticity and talent.
LU4)We’ve heard your Crew Triple Darkness is working on an album. What can we fans expect from this long anticipated joint?
SB-People can expect a high level of production, lyricism & content. Every brother in the crew knows what the other one is capable of and because of that we all want to raise the bar.
LU5)While being a sick solo emcee. Your also known to have a lot of dope featured emcees. Such as Keith Murray, Action Bronson, Klashnekoff ect.. Who can we look forward to you colabbing with in the near future?
SB-Well…. I’ve been working overtime lets put it that way lol. Im on a posse cut with life, Cappo & Manage on one track. Si Philli n Dotz & Black Twang on another track. TPS, Split prophets and Gee Bagular. Reks & Paul strange from Snow Goons. Tragedy khadafi & Timbo King. Too much to mention if I’m gonna be honest and that ain’t even it that’s just a snapshot.
LU 6)Being a prolific writer. Its known you’ve got mad tunes and albums saved in the chamber.I heard about your Cinematic project your making. Is there any news on a release date.
SB- I’m currently in talks with a very renowned record label we’ll see how that plays out lol, me and Strange Neighbour will keep peeps in the loop though, most likely do a video interview breaking everything down, we’ll air the snippets of the album soon.
LU7)What other projects can we look forward to from you in the years to come?
SB- Project Chimera LP is being worked upon as we speak in addition to that I got another mixtape entitled Buried in Armour & an Ep called Nostalgic. I’m not going to let the cat out the bag for the other 2 projects I got coming those are top secret we’ll talk offline on those 2 lol
“I expressed that I wasn’t going to take it easy on him and its only because I respect him, my craft and myself.” -Solar Black on his expectations of his brother Black Chronical.
LU8)What inspires you most to write? Are there any artists or others who stoke those flames when you pick up the pen?
SB- Good production inspires me to write to be honest and in addition to that the whole Triple Darkness crew make me wanna step up my game in a big way. As soon as I pick up the pen I think of my brothers in the crew so I guess that plays a big part.
LU9)What next for Phoenix DA IceFire?
SB- At the moment I’m just trying to get all the product out there, I’m do ahead of myself project wise that I play my 4th album on the way to work lol, I need to get it out there honestly.
LU10)Tesla’s Ghost is hosting your mixtape. How did that come about?
SB- After M9 hosted my first project I kind of sat down and thought you know what? My team should be the ones hosting my mixtapes and if I have longevity in this game I got enough members in the crew to make that a reality lol. Me and Tesla are doing an album together entitled “Army of the moving statues” I won’t spill the concept but yeah I’ve been working close with him these days, I guess it came about in an organic way.
LU 11)Black Chronical is your brother right? How was that to work with him. And did sibling rilvary spur on more creativity?
SB -Yes for the record Black Chronicle is my blood brother lol. my brother knows I got very high standards even from myself so when I put it to him that we should do a project together I said to him “this will either make you or break you” I expressed that I wasn’t going to take it easy on him and its only because I respect him, my craft and myself. He respects me both lyrically and as an older brother and that is reciprocated as far as respect goes so it wasn’t hard to work with him on.
LU 12)You’ve got some amazing artwork on the Silver Casket Mixtape. Can you tell us who did it? Also can you explain the concept behind the dude in the coffin?
SB-A close friend of mine by the name of Dr Cyclopz does my artwork, he is responsible for the face of my body of work for the most part of it. The guy in the casket is actually a symbol of the fallen black men in hip hop who’ve sold their souls to the true vampires of the game, the big corporations that cheapen, debase and pimp our expression for money. That character ” Rick Jones” is symbolic of a human bill board, a media whore and sell out, hence the dreadlocks and the red dress which I see brothers donning these days.
LU13)On the Silver Casket mixtape do you have any favorite tracks on there?
SB- Use your imagination pt 2 has got to be my favorite out of the whole tape, for me this was truly a pleasure to write and the fact that I got my mum in the studio to jump on the hook makes me feel like I achieved the impossible, knowing she has faith in what I do really is empowering.
LU14)What challenges have you had to overcome as an artist to get where you are today?
SB- I’ve been lucky enough to be in the right circles and to have been embraced by the likes of Word play magazine, Disorder, all the fans/supporters, hip hop kings, blue cheese, chemo, Joseph Media, Grindworks Management, Blade, global faction and Ryan proctor. All of them have contributed to my success and made my journey to through the game easier than most creatives. The only major issue for me has been money and I feel things could be turning around for me so fingers crossed.
LU15)Were there any difficult challenges in the making of this album?
SB- it was actually quite easy to make which made me think twice if it was good enough lol
LU16)At the end of the day what do you want fans to take away from the Silver Casket Mixtape?
SB -I want fans to know that my mixtapes are at a certain level and that what I stand for is real hip hop
So please cop that Silver Casket Mixtape. Watch this space for more news from Solar Black and Black Chronical.
Watch Tears of Poseidon Video from “Silver Casket Mixtape“
Watch Devils Messame Video from Silver Casket Mixtape“
Yo people!! Good news from the Triple Darkness camp. Don emcee and ill producer Iron Braydz has dropped his long awaited, new album Verbal Swordz. Available for download here Verbal Swordz. I just heard it last week on an album stream he released. Its was sick as hell and a must for any hip hop head lookin for wordplay skills and lyrical content. This is it look no further. So even though its been a minute since Iron Braydz released his last joint Holla @Braydz, I can tell you this new one is mad ill. May be his best album yet. Trust that is a strong endorsement. Iron Braydz whole discography is dope.
The new Verbal Swordsalbum contain many sick guest vocals. Guests include Solar Black, Ray Vendetta, Prince Po, Kyza, Skriblah, Sean Price,Phat Kat aka Ronnie Euro, Black Crypton, & Cyrus Malachi. So you can see the kind of quality emcees gracing this VerbalSwordzand can tell its ill. Defo this album is pure fire and should not be place near combustible household items.
Also for a little preview check out the new Video off the album RAMBO (Watch Here)
This Verbal Swordzalbum is a 5 out of 5 star album and London Underground endorses it fully. Cop that and support dope Hip Hop.
Yo people. For all the headz out there following the Triple Darkness camp. London Underground brings great news from one of its most prolific members. Solar Black also known as Phoenix Da IceFire. Has long been a member of Triple Darkness for time and has coll abed with hip hop greats from both sides of the pond. From teaming up with Keith Murray, Action Bronson from the US to Klashnekoff, Kyza, M9 ect. from the UK. Solar Black has not only proved his mettle as a solid emcee with sick bars but also proves he belongs there as well by holding his own when spitting with legends. Check his dense body of work for reference. Today Solar Black just posted some long awaited info about his latest drop coming soon. And with a bonus no doubt. Here is his specific status update from facebook
:”I will soon be announcing a date for everyone to be able to Pre order the physical copy of the WINGED SCARABS LP featuring TD & get the digital copy of the SILVER CASKET Mixtape hosted by Tesla scratched by DJ Roastbeatz for FREE instantly if ordered before a selected date….” -Solar Black
Thats right people not only is he droppin one sick album Winged Scarabs but blessin us with his new Silver Casket mixtape. -People get ready!!! Truss these albums will be dope. If your into hard rhymin with lyrical depth. Look no further. And if your new to Phoenix Da IceFires’ body of work get to know.
South East London born mc Phoenix Da Icefire has worked with the best of both UK and Us. From Klashnekoff to Melanin 9 to Keith Murray and Rusty Juxxe just to drop a few names. He started off spitting bars in the garage scene known then as Swiftly. Now not only has he developed his own unique style but also worked with the some best of UK and US. From his albums Baptism Underfire to his fresh release of the highly acclaimed Quantum Leap. Phoenix was gracious enough to stop by London underground & UK HIP HOP to fill us in on some of what led him to who he is today and whats soon to be in store from Phoenix as he lets us in on his new Cinematic project.
LU?) So since learning about your grime days I was wondering if any grime tracks exist out there with you on them?
Phx) No I’m afraid, I just had a look on the net & no joy lol I can’t say I’m upset about that though.
LU ?) What first moment inspired you to emcee? And would you mention any artists or music that influenced your choice?
Phx) I was left an angry & frustrated child because of what I went through growing up, from domestic violence, being a murder witness and just trying to defend myself on the street I needed an outlet, I literally thought I was gonna explode and told my mum I don’t know what’s going to happen to me if I don’t get vent this energy I had inside, I used to draw to vent my frustrations but from the age of 16 it wasn’t cutting it anymore so I picked up the mic.
LU ?)Can you let us on any features we can expect to see from you soon?
Phx) You can expect to hear me on tracks with…Four Owls: Fliptrix & Verb T Caxton Press: manage & emcee Killah People’s army: Big Cakes & Logic
Triple darkness: Cyrus, Teslas Ghost & M9 & Genesis Elijah & D21, Copywrite & Kevlaar 7 from Wu Tang
LU ?)What about the 5 star general project? How did you link up with Action Bronson? Can you tell us how it came about.
Phx) Well my DJ mr DJ Roastbeatz is working on an album which has a phenomenal line up, action Bronson put a hook on the track as a favor to roast & I put the verses on, it was before he got more known than he is now so that was a good look for me, the track is called 5 star generals as in 5 star restaurant being as though he’s a chef and 5 star as in quality it’s also like an echo from the 5 jewels as well.
LU ?)Is there any news on the silver casket? Is it finished if so is there a release date planned?
Phx) Silver casket which I recorded with Black Chronicle who’s also my blood brother??? Lol yeah it’s finished just waiting on Dj Roastbeatz to scratch & beat match the tape but next year for sure along with Cinematic the LP
LU ?) If any? which artists who would you’d like to link up with worldwide on a collabo?
Phx) Nas, Kool G Rap ( that should be happening next LP) Dead Prez, Common, Mos Def & Eryka Badu
LU ?) On your tune Point of no return off the quantum leap with legends Keith Murray and Klashnkeoff how did that track come together?
Phx) I was brought in as a support act by Rewd Adams, when I saw Keith Murray I just spoke to him & added him on facebook and took it from there, with Klashnekoff I told him who I had on the track and he was keen to do it & the rest is history
LU ?) You have used the emcee name solar black on the Vigorous Denial track, and Cyrus Malachis’ mixtape. Can we expect some releases under this name?
Phx) I’m thinking of using it for the silver casket project and the triple darkness album we’re working on
LU ?) Now fresh off your knew album Quantum Leap, arguably in my opnion the best album I heard this year. What can you tell us about the new Cinematic project you’ve been working on?
Phx) This cinematic LP produced fully by strange neighbor from TPS is very true to the title. In this album I’ve paid homage to the entertainment industry with tracks like “Stunt man” where I hail out all the famous stunt men such as Vic Armstrong as the unsung heroes of film I then make a comparison to the actors being like the main steam artist as they are less gritty than the stuntmen/underground emcees. Me & strange was only supposed to do one or two tracks but the chemistry was so good we decided on an EP then it turned into an LP because I wanted to push the concept to its extreme…. We even got a track called Blue movie lol stay tuned I’ve done it all!!
LU ?)Where do you think hip hop is going? And what impact would you like to stamp on it?
Phx) Hip Hop is coming back in its true essence & I want to be known as the most creative emcees to ever emerge from the UK rivaling the quality displayed in the states in all honesty I want to be the UK’s Nas
LU ?)any parting words you’d like to impart to the headz who’ve been following all your work or any people youd like to shout?
Phx) just a personal quote of mine “Things that take time stand the test of time”
Yo undergrounders! Spectacular news for the Hip Hop heads out there. 
Yo people!! Good news from the Triple Darkness camp. Don emcee and ill producer 
The new 
people. For all the headz out there following the Triple Darkness camp. London Underground brings great news from one of its most prolific members. Solar Black also known as Phoenix Da IceFire. Has long been a member of Triple Darkness for time and has coll abed with hip hop greats from both sides of the pond. From teaming up with Keith Murray, Action Bronson from the US to Klashnekoff, Kyza, M9 ect. from the UK. Solar Black has not only proved his mettle as a solid emcee with sick bars but also proves he belongs there as well by holding his own when spitting with legends. Check his dense body of work for reference. Today Solar Black just posted some long awaited info about his latest drop coming soon. And with a bonus no doubt. Here is his specific status update from facebook
London Underground and uk hip hop 