Alongside my childhood pal Jason Coombes we took part in our second appearance at Hockley Socials Monthly MKT.

A monthly market made up of a wide range of interesting local independent businesses. We are there selling our Diggers branded clothing and Records from the King of the Beats Label. This weekend was special as we made this day the first day that the public could get their hands on our new vinyl release. The Shaw Theatre Art Project.

Each and every cover is painted by the original Graffiti Artist The Artful Dodger. A true Legend in this artform. Somebody I have had a friendship almost 25 years.

Long before that as a child when I first got into Graffiti and Hip Hop I had seen his Tag and was totally blown away by it. Although we have done bits together over the 25 years this is probably our first official project presented to the public together.

The project we presented has been 2 years in the making. Saturday the 29th at Hockley Socials MKT seemed the perfect opportunity to present the piece to the public. In respect, we could of done it better. I did kind of hijack the projector in Cafe Artum to screen footage of A.Dee painting the LP Cover which to my disappointment people didn’t really connect to our stand. However, those that did catch on came over to find out more.

Come Join us Saturday the 5th of Feb at Birminghams Diskery ( Record Store ).  The Original Artful Dodger presents his project.  THE SHAW THEATRE 1985.  Each and every cover is individually painted by the legendary artist.  Tha 4orce will be there, Look out for Setting Standards 3 coming soon.  Pritt Kalsi will be there to launch the new artbook from him.  The book features photography and art from the team who behind the scenes help the label on the projects.  The Book is limited only 100 copies printed.

Huge Thanks to The Diskery for their support.  Check out portraits of the Diskery team in the book.

Here is the new single by Tha 4Orce.   taking from his forthcoming album, SEtting Standards 3 Remix project.  One of the most outstanding producers/artists to ever come out of the UK.  4Orce has been a driving force behind the label along by myself.  We are currently working on the artwork for the next lp.

Our latest update on the Shaw theatre project.  We apologise for the delays.  There is a shortage of wax palets used to make records across the board with all the pressing plants.  All the records have been painted by A.Dee and all the covers books and inserts are at the plant.  This is a very exciting art peace. May we ask all those that have supported the project to be patient.

As soon as they arrive they will be mailed out.

thanks

Thanks to all pre=ordering the artpiece.  Here is an update on the project.  We received the Test pressings yesterday.  Which I have approved.  So the pressing will go ahead.  All the components such as the book and Poster are here.  We are now looking still for a factory space location to paint the artwork.  We apologise for the delays but I can assure you the project is moving forward.

Please bear with us and look to the site for future updates.

We are proud to let you know that as of today our new release is available to pre-order.  Planned Shipping November.   In Partnership with the Artful Dodger we are proud of this important piece of history. 

When we talk about Culture, This culture in the UK began in the very early 80’s.  As the scene grew in 1985 there was a landmark event where New York got to share the stage with UK Talent.  The American guests were shocked and impressed with what they saw here in the UK.  They could not believe the levels we were at.

This is your chance to own a very special piece of history presented in art form.  Order your Copy now

Long before the Covid 18 Pandemic, We at King of the Beats started work on a project alongside L.A Posse / Main Source M.C Queens NYC legend Mikey D. 

We got about 6 tracks deep then, unfortunately, KOTB founder lost his job like many others in the Automotive Industry.  Mikey working on Pass The Torch Project took the reigns on the Project and set up his own distribution company and is putting out the project via his network.  Mikey has been super supportive and with his team locked in all the artwork created by Stevecasart. The Video was directed by Big Vegg. Photographer Calvin Smith all worked on the project.

This is one of the first beats I made for the project.  It sparked something off in Mikey.  On production is also Jay King who has produced the Follow-up Single, Look out for that.  We salute Mikey who has been putting in work behind the scenes with the help of  Rob Schwartz on this project.  Available on all Digital formats as of today.  Spotify Link here

These guys have been making some noise for a while in the big Smoke.  Djs Mr Higgs and Mr Parker have been holding court for a few years now.  It’s hard to drive through South London and not find a spot they haven’t played.

Andy Higgs and Graham Parker joined forces combining there knowledge and passion for music maintaining the old tradition of Hip Hop DJ culture.  Both of them are fantastic selectors and will always guarantee to play something that will have you digging for it the next day. They are not secretive in any way about what they play and will always be kind enough to give you the details on the tracks.  Their sets are made of records old and new. Playing you records that came out that week.  Anyhow, I have been to a few of their sessions and this week as I was in London I was invited to join the guys to play a set.  The venue Brixton’s now-infamous spot the Chip Shop.  This is a daytime event starting at 4pm which on this occasion continued almost to midnight (it was a late one). Thank God the Chip Shop is what it says a place that serves food.

Considering venues are limited we had a great turnout. From London Legend and En4orcer Crew member Billy Biznizz, Curoc from Son of Noise, Tom Dice from Don’t Bite Records and surprising us all DJ Rob Life of Breakin Bread fame made an appearance.

For when this country does open back up.   I would like hope that music lovers and followers of Hip Hop Culture, Breaks and samples.  Diggin Culture take the time out to check these guys.