Rapha CC

You wait ages for a cycle-centric cafe to open in London, then two come along at once, a stone's throw from one another.

At 49 Old St is Look Mum No Hands, to do the place justice I'll cover it another time but suffice to say the staff are great, the food is lovely and you can watch the Giro on a big screen (although it suffers in sunlight).

For now, the focus is on the Rapha Cycle Club

Based at 146-148 Clerkenwell Rd, it's a temporary cafe/gallery/retail space, taking the european model and adding the familiar Rapha sheen. Rapha seems to engender strong opinions but personally I love it - I doubt I will buy a cycling cap for a one-er but I do like their approach and there's no denying the quality. Anyway, if you have a passing interest in cycling I strongly recommend a visit here. The Coppi exhibition is great, especially the replica bikes and the coffee is good too. I also found the staff super friendly, contrary what some might have you believe.

A few pics below.

END OF.

It's up to you.

I wasn't aware this was a big problem...

Airwaves

Firstly, massive thanks to everyone who turned out for the Secret Order on the 16th including Rhenna and the birthday crew and the usual reprobate suspects. Special big ups to Emma on the door (thank god someone took over from Will) and Tom Sheppard for his sterling job behind the jump early doors. It always feels a little dicey down Gramaphone but by 1am we had a good crew making moves on the floor - we'll have photos from the night up on the website soon (more details of that to come asap). We've got some interesting plans for our summer parties so stay tuned.

For the time being, it was my turn to do the faithfanzine radio show this week - some excellent music (even if I do say so myself) and my own little personal tribute to someone who was a huge influence and inspiration to me - GURU of Gang Starr and Jazzmatazz fame. On a related note, Mr Beedle did his own tribute on Ross Allen's show on Monday (putting my 4 records to shame with a 1 hour mix) so I advise you to check that out too, link here:

http://www.ministryofsound.com/radio/artist/RossAllen

Listen again to my show here:

http://www.ministryofsound.com/radio/artist/FaithFanzine

Or download from here:

Hour 1

Hour 2

Here's what I played, hope you enjoy the show... it was a bit calamitous - I turned up to the studio to find the CDJs missing! - but I managed to play all the music I wanted to. Dedicated to Keith and Malcolm.

Tracklist:

HOUR 1:

Freeway feat Allen Anthony - Alright (instr)
Gang Starr - Just To Get A Rep
Guru's Jazzmataz - No Time To Play
Gang Starr - Code of the Streets
Gang Starr - Moment of Truth
Paul Weller - No Tears Left to Cry (Leo Zero rmx)
Pariah - Detroit Falls
Jozif - Jus You
Mount Kimble - Maybes (James Blake rmx)
Ramadanman & Midland - Your Words Matter
Grace Jones - Love to Life (Mala/Digital Mystix)
Falty DL - St Marks
Shit Robot - Norfolk Nights

HOUR 2:
Four Tet - Sing (Extended mix)
Ikonika - They Are All Losing the War
Ramadanman & Midland - Your Words Matter
Audion - Just Me
Oleg Poliakov - Caravan
Feygin - Khiara 003
Cosmin TRG - Groove Control
Komonazmuk - Dance Too (Lee Jones rmx) PIPS011
Boris Hotton - Artica (Moodymanc)
Africa Hitech - The Sound of Tomorrow

Until next time

Sunshine

Make the most of it - it'll be gone by Wednesday

Rest in Peace Keith

It was with genuine sadness that I learnt of the demise of one of hip hop's greats this week - Guru of Gang Starr and Jazzmatazz fame finally lost his battle to cancer. These events often pass me by a bit, I'm not one to break out the black armbands the moment a musical favourite passes, but Guru's voice was a huge part of my life. 'Code of the Streets' immediately transports me back to a time driving round looking for skate spots, and in my mind's eye I can still see the cover of the 411 skate video which contained 'No Time To Play' oversome US contest footage. I remember sending my mum out to pick up the Jazzmatazz album as I had flu but NEEDED it on release day and I have fond memories of playing 'She Knows What She Wants' at one of my first DJ gigs in London way back when.

Politics aside, his work with Premier will stand the test of time and is up there with the best hip hop ever made. In fact, while the likes of Nas, Biggie and the Wu got the headlines and the 'GOAT' plaudits, I felt Guru and Gang Starr were always sitting at the top table too.

Remember the music, and a pioneer with a unique voice.
Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal.

Cooly's coming!