Metal Blade Records history by Dan Slessor:
Founded upon owner Brian Slagel's enduring drive to find great bands and get their music out to as many people as possible, since 1982 Metal Blade has brought wave after wave of powerful, innovative, and often genre-defining music to the ever-hungry metal masses. It is this ethos that has seen Metal Blade build up a stunning and diverse catalogue, weather the various storms facing any independent label, and in an age of declining record sales boast the most successful years of its existence as it strides into its fourth decade.

What perhaps makes this achievement all the more notable is the fact that Slagel never even intended to start a label. Working in an LA record store and writing for various publications, Slagel was acutely aware that many great bands in the local metal scene were being ignored, and he decided to release a compilation of tracks drawn from these ranks. "There were a lot of really good bands and I was just bummed out that nobody could hear them. It just seemed like I could help them out and have some fun at the same time, and that compilation was the first Metal Massacre," he states. Collating tracks from then unknown bands including Ratt, Bitch, Cirith Ungol, and Metallica amongst others, the compilation sold out immediately. "How important is Metal Blade to our career? They're only the reason we are enjoying the worldwide success we have today," states Metallica's James Hetfield. "Without Brian's openness to some raunchy teens with a crap sounding cassette tape we would be who knows where, and playing who knows what!" With the popularity of the tape spurring Slagel on, the first seeds of Metal Blade were sown. "After the success of those compilations I just started putting out records of bands that I was friends with, but without ever really intending it to be a label at all," he explains. "After I put out four or five releases I started to feel like something was happening, and I decided to quit the record store and quit college and see where it went."

Battling through the first few lean years, when the label consisted solely of Slagel working out of his mom's poorly ventilated garage in the San Fernando Valley, it gradually grew in both revenue and stature. Within a few years Metal Blade would go on to release the debuts of Slayer, Armored Saint, Trouble, and Corrosion Of Conformity amongst others, fanning the flames of the burgeoning metal scene and launching careers of bands that would go onto reap global success. "Without Metal Blade, there is a damn good chance we never would've made it out of L.A," says Slayer's Kerry King. "That was the one bit of luck we needed. You can be the most awesome band on the scene, and if no one notices you, you don't catch on. And Brian Slagel is still one of the biggest metalheads I know!" This genuine love and devotion to metal is central to the relationship many of the artists have with Metal Blade, and King Diamond credits much of its relevance and strength to this passion. "I refer to it as having 'boots on the ground'," the mighty Dane states. "It's not like a major label where some people might be into what you're doing but a lot of them just see it as a job – there's a genuine love for metal there. Through staying true to that and doing their own thing they've carved out a very specific niche that they control, and as an artist it's wonderful to be a part of that."over the years. Clearly without those people we couldn't do what we do, and to everyone out there who has helped us along by being a fan we are so very grateful to you."

Read more: http://www.metalblade.com/us/about-us/

Marc Hype began his DJ career, inspired by the late great Jam Master Jay, in 1988 and went through the several decades of hip hop with countless releases, tours and competitions like the ITF championships, which he won twice in 98 & 99. During this time he collaborated and recorded with artists like the Juice Crew legend Masta Ace, Souls Of Mischief, DJ Z-Trip, Killa Kela & Mr. Lif. Over the years his record collection and his musical mind  expanded and led him to all kinds of funky music. His selection on the decks as on production is freestyle, always with a unique groove, no matter the genre.

Jim Dunloop began to train as a classical piano player at the age of four. At his minor age he was analyzing the compositions of Gershwin and Bruback, leading to a keen interest in jazz music. He quickly developed his knowledge of the creative works of many great jazz/funk pianists such as Herbie Hancock , Bob James , Chick Corea and Adam Makiewicz.

In the year 2004 they both met in Berlin for the first time and quickly began to collaborate on shows and production. Their first vinyl releases on the infamous Milk Crate label, "The Antique Anthem", "Bombay Raw" & "Finale 74", were very successful in the worldwide dj-circuit, followed by a cover version of Babe Ruth's "The Mexican" in 2006, which was dubbed by UK's Jazzman Gerald as "the" version to have. On the remix tip they build a strong reputation with works for artists like All Good Funk Alliance, Deela or Kid Gusto.Their past tour schedule proved their ability to rock internationaly with stops allover europe as in NYC, Japan, Hong Kong, Russia, United Arabian Emirates, Israel & Australia.

The live performance of Marc Hype & Jim Dunloop is best defined as a mix of DJing, Turntablism and the highest of piano art. Together they gain 50 years of musical experience!

The Album

"Stamp Out Reality" is the musical manifest of Marc Hype & Jim Dunloop. A diverse mix of different styles which reflects their unique live concept. On the one hand you have classic hip hop joints like "Predominant" ft. the magnificent Mr. Lif or "Oh Really" ft. Queen's own Mr. Complex, on the other you might listening to Miami's Old School Funk legend Blowfly on "The Pussy Song", cuban diva Malena Perez from NYC on the latin influenced "Rare Occasion, heavy break stompers like "Wah Wah Wah"" or a funk cover version of the 80s electro classic "Al Naafiysh (The Soul)". The concept of the album is to display the diversity of the two maestros, coming from different backrounds, met inside the hip hop culture and travelleling through the paths of 21st century funk.


Poet & Radio Presenter Mr Gee: 
Presented BBC Radio 4's "Rhyme & Reason", "Bespoken Word" & 'Poetic Justice"
Starred as "the poet" for the West End run of "Into the Hoods"
Was the "poet laureate" for Russell Brand's SONY Award winning Radio Show (yes I was there during "Sachsgate")
Supported Russell Brand on the "Messiah Complex" tour (first performance poet to do a set at the O2, in front of 17,000 people!),
Had a cameo role in the film "Get Him To The Greek"
Writes current affairs poems for BBC regional radio.
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"A charming and politically articulate street poet” - The Times 



One time Soundclouder of the day and former billionaire playboy, Rockshamrover is now a full time stuntman and part time musician. Both careers have caused him lots of pain, but he cherishes the memories and the scars have mostly healed.

Always interested in new music and collaborations. Have done lots in the past with some very talented people. Sadly, most are no longer active on Soundcloud, which is a shame.  

I have drifted in and out of here over the years as life beyond music has to be lived too. 

Hoping you all enjoy your time on Soundcloud.

Discover amazing music of the street culture, from high energy Hip Hop beats to chill lofi vibes – crafted to make you move and feel inspired.

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