Black Notes Podcast

Joined by Beth and Tope, Steph opens up with a about recent UK Number 1 albums (7:56). The lack of attention drawn to albums from female rappers (15:46) and the leaders who push boundaries in the UK music scene (26:47). Opener (0:00): No Idea - Jbxnu Closers (52:39): Can't Stop It - The KTNA, Nirvana - Skepta ft J Balvin

Joined by Beth and Tope, Steph opens up with a brief discussion about performances during lockdown 3.0 (5:23). How we deal with our favourite musicians branching off into other fields (9:03) and the steps Bashy (Ashley Thomas) and Asher D (Ashley Walters) took to becoming established actors (34:10). Opener (0:00): Topshottas Freestyle - Potter Payper Closers (46:55): Rukas - Lex Amor, Dupé - Azekel

Akeem joins Steph to have a discussion on how their upbringing altered their taste in music (2:13), if black musicians thrive because the talent is undeniable (20:16) and what the future could look like with more underrepresented groups filling roles within music (31:10). Opener (0:00): Purpose - Potter Payper Closers (43:55): Can't Stop The Clocks - Bandokay (OFB)

Joined by Soraya, a marketing whizz & friend, Steph & Tope discuss Wireless 2021 and the fallout from a male dominated line-up (5:11) and whether women need to start their own platforms (20:32) Opener (0:00): Supersize - ShaSimone Closers (42:10): Martyrs - Wesley Joseph | Die Young - Villz

The gang is back together for the 21st episode and kick it off with a discussion about platforms like Colors and how they bring through new artists (3:28) and how soundcloud has been left behind by the new generation of listeners (12:15). Steph come up with an idea which could potentially change the Spotify experience (21:45). Let us know if you agree with him. Opener (1:03): Evil Eye (Colors) - Bellah Closers (39:39): Slippery - Phabo ft DESTIN CONRAD | Plugged In - Dsavv (OFB)

Steph is joined with a special guest Dami and look into the pros and cons of being a rapper or singer (10:04), if singers have to look a certain way to get a look in (16:16) and whether songwriters deserve more credit (33:37). Opener (2:43): Bobby & Rowdy - DC ft Knucks Closers (40:59): After OT Bop - NSG ft BackRoad Gee | No Drama - JVCK JAMES

Tiktok has been making an impact on the music industry for over 2 years, Tope & Bethany discuss the new video-sharing platform (05:38), the story behind the #2 song in the country 'Latest Trends' (15:01) and finally, what we're looking forward to once live music returns (24:55) Opener: Latest Trends - A1 x J1 Closers (35:13): Getaway - JVCK JAMES | Joyride (ándale) - JVCK JAMES

Episode 18 starts with a quick discussion about how Ghetts and Digga D did in the UK Charts (3:26). With the Megan & Harry interview taking over the news Steph, Tope and Bethany discuss any issues musicians face as an independent artist or a signed one (16:03) Opener: Kudos - Ka-Li Closers (52:20): Interruption - Tiana Blake | Supersize - ShaSimone

There's no introduction needed, this episode is dedicated to the legend, Ghetts. Tope, joined by Bethany, think back to the first time they heard Ghetts (02:45) and provide a review of his 3rd studio album - Conflict of Interest. Finally, they explore what music shaped their youth (22:25) Opener: Good Hearts ft. Aida Lae - Ghetts Closers (32:30): No Drama - Jvck James | Take Time - Shae Jacobs

Steph is joined by Bethany as they discuss the growth Digga D has shown as an artist (7:50) and how powerful black twitter can be (19:58). Remember to follow @blacknotespod on Twitter and @grndflruk on Instagram. Opener (02:35): Moon - Karl Benjamin Closers (37:58): Bringing It Back - Digga D, AJ Tracey

Steph is joined by Bethany as they discuss authenticity within music and if it matters to them (4:37) and whether WSTRN are limited due to the size of UK (19:23). Remember to follow @blacknotespod on Twitter and @grndflruk on Instagram. Opener (01:49): Shotti - Zaire Closers (34:41): Bad Girl - Paige Lihya | Intro - Teeway

Bethany joins Steph and Tope again for a discussion on the BBC Sound of 2021 (5:59), the rise of UK music across the world (24:15) and ending with a tiny debate on Drake influence on the UK rap scene (32:30). Remember to follow @blacknotespod on Twitter and @grndflruk on Instagram. Opener (03:33): Vinyl - BERWYN Closers (55:11): Real Deal - Maths Time Joy ft Sinéad Harnett & J. Warner | Eye for an Eye - Benny Banks

2020 has been a hell of a year! Steve and Tope enlisted the help of a special guest, Bethany, to help round up this year in music. We list our: - Artists of the Year (16:24) - Albums of the Year (30:45) - Biggest Winners (46:30) - 2021 Predictions (52:22) Remember to follow @blacknotespod on Twitter, and @grndflruk on Instagram. Opener (02:45): Loading - Central Cee Closers (65:39): Once-Upon-A-Time - Jamilah Barry | Same Space? - Tiana Major9 | Shippüden - Blanco

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)

Welcome to the Black Notes Podcast! Follow our socials to keep updated on our content: www.twitter.com/BlackNotesPod www.instagram.com/grndflruk

With a busy week in the UK Music Scene, Steph and Tope sit to discuss new music from the UK scene starting with Unknown T's debut album (10:45), Headie One x Drake's Collaboration (26:35), the widely-debated Official Afrobeats chart (44:05) and the UK scene being recognised in the Ivor Noello Awards (62:10) Steph's Opener (7:10): Rocc - Ayar Closers (81:28): Koshi - Moelogo | Eastside - Rageouz

On this episode of the #BlackNotesPodcast, Steve and Tope go through the RATED Award Nominations (15:40) commenting on who they expect to win in each category. Openers (5:22): Cut Ties - Tiana Blake | Mirrorman - Blanco Closers (74:14): Shippüden - Blanco | Lucky - Tiana Major9