As you may remember, CMU has teamed up with MUZU to champion some of the best smaller independent record labels out there, giving you the chance to meet the people behind them, and enjoy exclusive videos from the artists they've signed. This week, Son Records.
Throughout the ten years CMU has been in existence we've always been tipping, suggesting, anticipating or just hoping that the UK hip hop scene was about to go mainstream. When Eminem, 50 Cent, Jay-Z and Kanye West can top the charts and pack the stadiums so easily, it seems unfair that equally talented home grown talent frequently doesn't get the attention it deserves, sometimes even from the hip hop press.
But while, with a couple of exceptions, UK hip hop has never really reached the masses, that's not to say there's ever been any shortage of great new British hip hop talent out there to be enjoyed, it's just you have to make the effort to find it. But having to make an effort sometimes makes the rewards - that brilliant track or producer or MC you find on your travels - all the more sweet. And given what happened to some parts of US hip hop after it went mainstream, perhaps it's better the UK scene stays underground.
If you're looking for a good first port of call in your search for great British hip hop, may we suggest Son Records, which has been releasing tracks and albums from some of the best for more or less exactly the decade CMU has been looking for it. Run by self-proclaimed hip hop fanatic Alastair Nicholson, whether it's the humour of Pitman, the lyrical masterpieces of DPF, the solid sound of Deftex or the freestyling wonder that is Cappo, Son Records has it all.
We spoke to Alastair about the label, its history, its aims and its current projects and you can read the interview at www.cmumusicnetwork.co.uk/labeloftheweek. Alastair also provides us with the lowdown on his five main artists, plus if you check the Son Records MUZU channel (www.muzu.tv/sonrecords) you can experience some of best in British hip hop for yourselves, including some extra special treats posted just for you. Enjoy.
PUT YOURSELF FORWARD FOR LABEL OF THE WEEK: We are always eager to discover (or rediscover) new independent labels, whether you're a long established enterprise or a brand new outfit. If you want to be considered for the 'CMU Label Of The Week' title, send all your details to [email protected]. If we like what we hear we'll tell you how to set up a MUZU channel of your own, and what we need to feature you in the Label Of The Week slot. You can set up a MUZU channel right now at www.muzu.tv.