Kendrick Lamar & Lady GaGa

Kendrick Lamar has described Lady Gaga as “a beautiful person” with a “genius mind” after collaborating with the Born This Way star earlier this year for his good kid, m.A.A.d city album.

The Swimming Pools rapper added: “It’s just great to be around people that inspire you from another genre, you know. In fact, it’s even bigger for her to respect hip hop music the way she does, true hip hop music, so much respect to her.”

Kanye West lands role in new Anchorman movie

Kanye West has reportedly landed a cameo role in Anchorman: The Legend Continues.

According to Breaking News, Yeezy was spotted filming scenes on set inAtlanta on Tuesday (May 7), where he was apparently dressed in an afro wig.

Anchorman: The Legend Continues is due for release at the end of the year.

Rapper Ja Rule released from Prison

Rapper Ja Rule has been released from prison in New York after spending several months in the slammer.

He was originally sentenced to 24 months behind bars for reportedly carrying a firearm in his car, but he was handed another sentence for failing to pay taxes for $3 million in income between 2004 to 2006.

Beyonce’s New Single – Rise Up

Beyoncé has confirmed plans to premiere a new song, titled Rise Up, later this month.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Queen B has recorded the track for her new animation flick Epic and has co-written the song with Sia.

Epic sees Bey voice the character Queen Tara, with the likes of Colin Farrell, Amanda Seyfried and Josh Hutcherson also offering their vocals for the film.

Mic Righteous is a well known & respected rapper & lyricist on the UK Underground scene, however ‘Up All Night’ is the 1^st mainstream cross over single from the artist hailing from Margate, Kent, and it has done the job perfectly. The catchy Hook and Mic’s witty as always lyrics are sure to make this track a future anthem bringing Mr Righteous to a brand new crowd.

Make sure you grab your copy of the record as the single is released this week.

Whether you are an Ibiza party veteran, or you have been waiting for your opportunity to go, now is the time!! With heavily discounted tickets for entry to all the events we broadcast from, you will spend the week partying with Unity Radio DJs, and watching some of the biggest acts on the planet including Ms Dynamite and Subfocus.!

Join the Unity Ibiza Invasion Team as they live broadcast the sunshine party vibes from

• Cafe Mambo
• Amnesia
• The Zoo Project
• Ibiza Rocks
• And our top secret Grand finale!

To book a place on this unmissable event, visit Invasion Travel. In there you can also purchase the amazing Unity ticket package, which will get you tickets to all of the Unity broadcasts and access to all the Unity parties. We will be sending out a full itinerary for this event closer to the event, so please look out for this once you have signed up.

Please note Flights must be booked seperately

www.invasiontravel.com/unity2013

Check out the weekly podcasts on the run up to the Unity Radio 92.8FM Ibiza Invasion 2013 below!

‘Forefarther’ is the 1^st sing to be released from Benga’s upcoming album ‘Chapter 2’. The record is out this week & features UK MC Veteran Kano. Listen in this Friday to catch Drive Time Host Joshy B question Benga himself on what made Kano the perfect choice plus more.

M.O. – Aint Got Time

‘Aint Got Time’ is the brand new single from up coming Girl Group M.O. (Nadine, Annie & Frankie). Our Daytime Team will be catching up with the ladies themselves this Friday to get to know a lot MO! About M.O., plus you can grab your copy of the EP this coming Monday (06/05/2013)

Chris Brown to Release New Hip Hop Album?
Chris Brown has announced his plans for a possible Hip Hop album but says he wants to “be taken a hundred percent serious as a rapper” before releasing anything to the public.

Brown was recently criticized for his rapping skills by fellow artist Drake, which may be why Chris Brown is so hesitant to go forward with the album, claiming he doesn’t know “if the world is ready for Chris Brown, the rapper.”

Beyonce Tour ‘Mrs. Carter’ Kicks Off

Beyonce’s world tour is now in full swing with the first of her UK dates taking place in Birmingham over the weekend.

The show is said to have got off to a stomping start with Beyonce performing tribal inspired choreography to her woman empowering song ‘run the world’. Whilst featuring many of her best loved classics, the show also debuts some of Beyonces new material, which has been greatly anticipated by Beyonce fans.

Wretch 32 To Headline Reading and Leeds Festival

Wretch 32 has been announced as the final headliner for Reading and Leeds festival, which takes place over the summer.

Wretch will be headlining the BBC Radio 1Xtra stage whilst the festival also plays host to a range of other artists such as Fall Out Boy, Eminem, The Lumineers and Kate Nash.

Will.i.am Reveals His ADHD Disorder

Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am has revealed that he suffers from the behavioural condition Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD.

The artist has claimed that whilst being difficult to focus his attention on one particular thing at a time, the condition has proved helpful for him during the creative process in the studio.

Over the Easter holiday, VICA , a charity founded by Manchester City Captain, Vincent Kompany, teamed up with FYZ to put together a course for budding Dancers, DJ’s and MC’s aged 13-17 years old, with Unity Radio facilitators drafted in to help young people write and record a track which would then be performed at Manchester City Football Club’s Etihad Stadium ‘Legends Lounge’.

Unity’s Facilitators, Sasha, DJ Pypz and Manchester’s RIO worked with the youth to teach them the basics of DJing and MCing, for recording and live performance.

After equipment training sessions, and lyric writing and composition, the youth were divided into 3 groups with a focus on MCing and Singing. MC’s were asked to write a 16 bar verse and singers wrote the chorus to an instrumental of choice with a positive them of life and progression.

Group 1: Dream Chasers

Track: Life Long Dreams

Group 2: Hooli Gang Music Ft. Rushawn

Track: You’ll See

Group 3: A.K.A

Track: 0161

As part of the build up to the performance, special guest Blizzard  dropped in for a listen to the young peoples work, providing advice for their live delivery, followed up with a performance of one of his tracks, really showing them the importance of depth of delivery.

With this example and guidance the groups continued to practice and prepare themselves for the recording and performance.

Working onsite at the Factory Youth Zone’s music suite, the group had access to recording equipment to lay down vocals before the FYZ Showcase the next day. The standard of delivery whilst recording was very high, with their efforts in practice shining through.

Having completed the fortnight programme, the group then set about completing their last challenge,  a live performance at the Etihad Stadium. Having trained and applied discipline and focus, the Saturday’s delivery was on point, and it was clear that they took the audience by storm, making Unity Radio very proud of the work and effort put in by all the participants involved.

Unity Radio would like to thank all the young people who worked so hard to create their showcase, Vincent Kompany, VICA coordinator Charlotte, along with the FYZ staff; Andy and Danny, for involving Unity Radio in this fantastic project.  The Elevate project was a great collaboration between forward thinking youth providers and young people,  supporting the fantastic talent and potential of Manchester’s next generation, and we look forward to playing a part in the next Elevate project!

Don’t just take our word for it though, you can check out the recorded track’s of all 3 groups below.

Posted in: News   By: sasha     0

Misha B – Heres To Everything

Unity Radio Favourite & our City’s own Misha B this week builds up to the release of her brand new Single ‘Heres To Everything’ this coming Sunday (28/04/2013, Available For Pre Order Now). The Record is the 3^rd track of the debut upcoming album & Miss B recently passed by the studio for a chat on what else can be expected, plus much more. Stay locked throughout this Friday to hear what went down.

Manchester trio Aaron, Michelle & Mina better known as the much loved group ‘Platnum’, this week drop there 1^st single of the year ‘Love You Tomorrow’. The record see’s the group on top form & is a great insight to the new album ‘Lost In The Music’ which will follow up the release of the track on the 21^st April.

 Ty – Like You Never

UK Hip Hop Veteran Ty this week releases his brand new EP ‘A Kick, A Snare & An Idea’ with new label Tru Thoughts. ‘Like You Never’ is the lead single from the project & the wordsmith is lyrically on point as always. The Song reminisces on the classic days Of Hip Hop, including story telling greats & super scratches from legendary DJ’s whist still sounding fresh for 2013.

Petition for Rick Ross to be dropped from his Reebok advertisement deal

A petition for Rick Ross to be dropped from his Reebok advertisement deal has received 51,000 signatures,this comes in light of lyrics that critics say allude to date rape.The line “Put some walli in her drink” that features on Rocko’s U.O.N.E.O. single sparked widespread outrage from women’s groups.The Maybach rapper has defended the lyrics claiming that they have been taken out of context stating in a recent interview that he would never condone rape.

Lil Wayne fight with epilepsy 

This week Manchester’s own The Mend release there debut single ‘Where Were You’. After making the city proud on Britain’s Got Talent, but unfortunately not clamming the title. The four local lads have come out on top with amazing soulful record. To get to know more about Jay, Kris, Craig & Dean, stay locked this Friday as our Breakfast Devious Duo Tango & Envy will be speaking with the team to find out there plans for the future.   

Elevate – Urban Dance and Music Camp

Love music? Got a passion for dance? Aged 13-15 years old?

Then listen up!

The Factory Youth Zone in North Manchester and VICA, a charity run by MCFC’s captain, Vincent Kompany,have launched a new Dance and Music camp – called ELEVATE.

Taking place over the Easter break, ELEVATE will offer you the chance to take part in music and dance workshops, visit Manchester’s hottest music and dance venues, participate in showcase performances and receive an ELEVATE kit.

Don’t forget you need to aged between 13-15 years old to apply – and successful applicants will be asked to pay a £5 registration fee. The rest is free!
Visit www.thefactoryyz.org/elevate for all the details and to download the application form. The deadline for applications is Thursday 29st March.

This Easter Half Term Holidays Unity Radio 92.8FM’s Street Team will be in Clayton training young people to produce street art as part of Manchester City Council  Hewlett Johnson Playing fields graffiti mural project, aimed at brightening up the park and refreshing the exterior of the changing rooms!

If you are aged between 11 and 19 yrs old and live in Clayton, and would like to be involved in a fantastic mural project, then we want to hear from you.

For further details email workshops@unityradio.co.uk  or call the studio’s on 0161 9234800 and ask for Youth Engagement.

Lil Wayne’s second Hospital stay in five days

Since the news broke of Lil Wayne’s second hospital stay in five days,there has been conflicting reports from Lil Wayne’s friends and business associates and updates have been slim.What is known is that both Drake and Birdman visited the artist at Los Angeles, California’s Cedars Sinai Medical Center,where Wayne was a patient twice this week.Within two hours of initial reports of assisted breathing and a coma, Lil Wayne took to Twitter to tell fans that he had begun recovery and was “good.” Birdman and Mack Maine also publicly disagreed with the early accounts of the gravity surrounding Wayne’s hospitalization.TMZ’s reported that the New Orleans,star’s stomach was pumped,but Wayne has yet to speak on those allegations.Reports earlier this week indicated that Lil Wayne, who is currently 30 years old, was suffering from dehydration, causing him to suffer seizure-like symptoms and just over an hour after the original report from TMZ.com broke, Lil Wayne took to Twitter for his first tweet in days to refute reports that his life was in danger.
 

Taking to Twitter, T.I. claimed that Lil Wayne was okay – contrary to TMZ reports – and then took TMZ to task,explaining that some of the reports could have had a negative impact on his family.

 Jay Z set to produce music for ‘The Great Gatsby’.

Jay-Z has been asked to executive produce and record original music for Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby.Hov will oversee the soundtrack that will feature “a varied collection of the world’s most talented and compelling musical artists.” His contributions will be included alongside Craig Armstrong’s original score.

Luhrmann explained that the film’s star Leonardo DiCaprio introduced him to Hov, which led to their two-year collaborative effort. “[Collaborating with Jay-Z was] a credible and natural fit,” he said. “Fitzgerald was a pioneer, famed and controversial for using the then-new and explosive sound called jazz in his novels and short stories-not just as decoration, but to actively tell story using the immediacy of pop culture. He coined the phrase ‘the Jazz Age.’ So, the question for me in approaching Gatsby was how to elicit from our audience the same level of excitement and pop-cultural immediacy toward the world that Fitzgerald did for his audience? And in our age, the energy of jazz is caught in the energy of hip-hop. Not only is Jay-Z a great artist, full stop, but I had heard that he was a great collaborator. Leonardo and I were lucky enough to be present in a recording session over two years ago as Jay-Z was recording ‘No Church in the Wild,’ and the collaboration grew from there.”

Jay-Z said that his respect for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic work inspired him to sign on with Luhrmann. “As soon as I spoke with Baz and Leonardo, I knew this was the right project,” he said. “The Great Gatsby is that classic American story of one’s introduction to extravagance, decadence and illusion. It`s ripe for experimentation and ready to be interpreted with a modern twist. The imagination Baz brought to Moulin Rouge made it a masterpiece, and Romeo + Juliet‘s score wasn’t just in the background; the music became a character. This film`s vision and direction has all the makings of an epic experience.” The soundtrack for the film will be released via Interscope Records.

Snoop Lion AKA Snoop Dogg – ‘Reincarnated’ First Reggae Album

Snoop Lion aka Snoop Dogg has been discussing the creation of his first Reggae release ‘Reincarnated’.Along with Diplo & Major Lazer, the album features production by 6Blocc, Dre Skull and Supa Dups with appearances by Chris Brown and Busta Rhymes on “Remedy and Akon on “Tired Of Running”.Snoop’s daughter Cori B is featured on “No Guns Allowed”—an anti-gun violence anthem which also features Drake rhyming in an Andre 3000-like style.

When asked his thoughts on what individuals can do to help quell the recent rise of shootings nationwide, Snoop offered a solution. “One of them is doing what I’m doing: correcting my mistakes by being a better person and putting out more energy and more music that represents what we’re going through as opposed to what we went through,” he said. The Lion continued,“I ain’t going through that no more. I’m going through what you’re going through, watching the world and watching the power that I have and watching the way people react when I walk into a room. What should I do with this power? Should I abuse it? Should I continue to send my peoples down the wrong path? Or should I at least try to wake them up and let them know that there is another way and show them that the way that I’m doing it may be the new way. They’ve been following everything else that I’ve been giving them, let me give them something that got some substance to it with thought behind it.”

During last July’s New York City press conference where he first announced his name change, Snoop Lion said he was initially drawn to Jamaica because he always thought he was “Bob Marley“ reincarnated.” Last January, original Bob Marley & The Wailers member, Bunny Wailer lambasted Snoop’s Rasta conversion, calling it an “outright fraudulent use of the Rastafari communities personalities and symbolism.” In response to Wailer, Rohan Marley—Bob Marley’s son—spoke out in support of Snoop Lion.

Reincarnated the album is available for purchase on April 23. The documentary of the same name hits theatres in the U.S. on Friday, March 15. Visit SnoopLion.com for more information.

Wiz Khalifa Partners up with Converse, Allstar

Wiz Khalifa has confirmed his latest branding partnership.The Rostrum/Atlantic Records star announced a deal with the shoe and athletic company Converse and according to a tweet, the Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania native who previously appeared in campaigns for Converse,has now reached something “major” with the brand.Wiz has yet to elaborate on details,but throughout his career,Khalifa has been known to wear and endorse Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star shoes,one of the inspirations to the name of his label and collective,The Taylor Gang.Previously, Kid Cudi and Big Boi have worked closely with Converse.The brand also maintains its Converse Rubber Tracks studio in Brooklyn, New York, which has been used by artists ranging from GZA to Action Bronson.The announcement comes less than a month after Wiz and Amber Rose welcomed their first child, son Sebastian into the world.

About International Women’s Day

Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women’s craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

Many global corporations have also started to more actively support IWD by running their own internal events and through supporting external ones. For example, on 8 March search engine and media giant Google some years even changes its logo on its global search pages. Year on year IWD is certainly increasing in status. The United States even designates the whole month of March as ‘Women’s History Month’.

So make a difference, think globally and act locally !! Make everyday International Women’s Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.

Unity Radio International Women’s Day in Association with Active Voices

Unity Radio got the Girls together for the morning and after noon for International Women’s Day. Jay Diamond, Mistress De Funk and Sasha were down at Manchester United, Old Trafford for the Active Voices Conference.  Listen back to the girls  interview’s from some of the speakers and people behind the Women’s day programming.

The Manchester Active Voices Youth Empowerment Programme is rooted in a community development approach, based on the belief that the success and sustainability of any activity  depends on local support, local resources and specified approaches to local needs.

It is essential that we work towards enabling young people to move from a position of social alienation to one of empowerment. Active Voices encourages all young people to share their experiences, aspirations, concerns and ideas – but not just to voice their concerns but to work towards change within the areas that concern them.

Posted in: News   By: sasha     0

 Syron – Here

Tipped 2 Blow for 2013 by the Unity Family, Syron is well on her way to proving us right.  ‘Here’ see’s a new R&B influenced direction in the 1^st lady of Black Butter records work,  However still retains all the coolness & originality of her debut single & former ROTW ‘Breaking’.

Listen in this Friday as we replay what happened when Mistress De Funk met with Syron for a chat about the single, plus the year ahead. 

K Koke, Rita Ora – Lay Down Your Weapon

K Koke teams up with Roc Nation label mate ‘Rita Ora’ for this latest single released this week. Koke’s new LP ‘I Ain’t Perfect’ will be released in summer & has more features including ‘Emelie Sande’ & ‘Maverick Sabre’. K’ is on point with his plans for the year ahead & fast becoming one of the UK’s leading rap artists, we cant wait to bring you more from the album.     
 

MTV HOTTEST MC LIST 2013! CONTROVERSY!?

There has been some controversy surrounding the latest MTVlist of “Hottest MCs in the Game.”

The Hottest MC in the Game List was formed in 2007 and every year a group of Hip-Hop journalists known as “The Brain Trust” debate on who is their favorite rapper of that year.

This year’s list has certainly putting a lot of MC’s in the Hiphop world, Nose’s completely out of joint. Asap Rocky and Mr West most notably being the most disgruntled with their positions on the annual installment.

Kanye called in to Hot 97′s DJ Enuffto discuss MTV’s list, on which he placed at #7. Yeezy said he is upset with his placement at the lower end of the list, saying that the decision was influenced more by his personal life than his music. He also vocalized his disappointment in Sway Calloway, reporterand executive producerfor MTV News.

From Kanyes epic Rant (as per) on Hot 97  which led to the hilarious “Rap Fix Live” co-hosting gig by Sharpeezy—Sway’s First TV—on this week’s show,to A$AP Rocky’s petulant “take me off the list” diatribe, to Danny Brown’s “#HottestMC” “dis” track,to Drake’s sly dig at his #5 placement on the liston the incendiary “5 AM In Toronto,” the hottest rappers in the game have definitelyfelt some kind of way about the annual list..

Drake: ‘I made Forbes list, n—* f— your list, everything’s looking gorgeous.’

Yeezy: “I didn’t really wanna like even call to talk about the number seven list, I just wanna tell everybody I gave Sway his first TV. And he need to remember that.” *hangs up*

A$AP: “It’s frustrating when I’m #8. Don’t put me at all. I need to be #1, I’ma come clean.”

Big Sean, who took the #6 spot, thanked MTV for recognizing his improved flow on the G.O.O.D. Music compilation album, Cruel Summer.

“Wow thanks to @MTV 4 saying I was a star on Cruel Summer n My Detroit mixtape n features were crazy last year. #6 hottest MC is awesome…,” he tweeted. “I promise Hall of Fame won’t disappoint… I spent a lot of time on it to make it just right… n next year we’ll at least be top 5 MC’s.”

2 Chainz, who landed at #2 on the list, was grateful for the accolades and vowed that his next album would hush all the critics that didn’t ride with his debut LP, Based on a T.R.U. Story.

Check out the controversial annual top ten list what’s your opinion:

MTV’s “Hottest MCs in the Game VIII” List

1. Kendrick Lamar

2. 2 Chainz

3. Rick Ross

4. Nas

5. Drake

6. Big Sean

7. Kanye West

8. A$AP Rocky

9. Future

10. Meek Mill

Justin Timberlake Disses Kanye West On “Saturday Night Live”

Justin Timberlake fires back at Kanye West with a thinly-veiled shot.

Two weeks ago, Kanye Westmade headlines during a London performance after he said, “I got love for Hov, but I ain’t f***** with that ‘Suit & Tie,’  referring to the Jay-Z assisted Justin Timberlakesingle.

Now, it appears as though Timberlake has responded.

Serving as host and music guest on Saturday Night Live on March 9th, Timberlake performed “Suit & Tie,” and switched a line in his second verse from “And aw, s*** so sick, got a hit and picked up a habit,” to “My hit’s so sick, got rappers acting dramatic.”

So far, Jay-Z hasn’t responded to Kanye’s barb, nor has Justin Timberlake before switching the line.

Jay-Z and Timberlake are scheduled to go on tour togetherthis summer.

Frank Ocean Sued Over Production Credit On “Lost”

Frank Ocean has been hit with a lawsuit over his single “Lost.”

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Frank Oceanhas been hit with a lawsuit over his song “Lost.”

AllHipHopreports that the OFWGKTA affiliate was recently named in a lawsuit over the production featured on his song “Lost.” Songwriter/producer Micah Otano claims that he was neither credited nor compensated for his co-production on the fourth single off Ocean’s Channel Orange.

In the lawsuit, Otano contends that he collaborated with producer Malay on a track originally titled “Daylight.” However, Otano says that Malay took sole credit for the duo’s production when it ended up on Ocean’s debut album.

Otano also names Malay and Ocean’s label Island Def Jam/Universal in the lawsuit. Despite the suit, Otano received a songwriting credit for the track.

This isn’t the first time Frank Ocean has faced a lawsuit over his music. Last year, Don Henelythreatened to sue Ocean over his Nostalgia/Ultrasong “American Wedding” due to its use of an uncleared sample of the Eagles’ “Hotel California.”

Most recently, Channel Orangenetted the Louisiana-born singer a Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album.

Rappers Remember Christopher Wallace 16 Years After Unsolved Murder

On March 9th, the world of Hip-Hop celebrated the life and mourned the loss of one of Hip-Hop’s most iconic figures, Notorious B.I.G..

Brooklyn bred rapper Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace, was gunned down on March 9, 1997, during a drive-by shooting in front of the Petersen Automotive Museum in downtown Los Angeles, CA.

The rapper died after he was struck by four bullets that pierced the passenger side of the Chevy Suburban, in which he was a passenger.
To date, his murder is still unsolved and no one has ever been arrested for the murder of Notorious B.I.G..

While this anniversary marks 16 years that “Biggie” is not with us in his physical form, his music still lives on today as his catalogue makes him one of the greatest selling rappers of all-time.

Amazingly, Life After Death has been certified Diamond by the RIAA and his other albums have reached all reached Platinum status.

Rappers across the world remembered his legacy Tweeting out their sentiments and thoughts of the iconic rapper.

“Our last night and pict together . Miss you BIG! Love u bro,” Diddy said via Twitter.
“RIP MY G NOTORIOUS GLORIOUS B.I.G.,” Nas Tweeted.

“R.I.P B.I.G ? #ThrowYaRolliesInTheSky 4 BIG The Legend,” Dipset’s Juelz Santana Tweeted.

 
In honor of Biggie,  The Lox (Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch) paid tribute to their fallen label mate while at Bad Boy at New York station  Hot 97’s tribute show.

Joining the Lox was Lil Cease who performed some of Junior Mafia’s greatest hits like “The Players Anthem,” “Get Money” and many others.

About International Women’s Day

Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women’s craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

Many global corporations have also started to more actively support IWD by running their own internal events and through supporting external ones. For example, on 8 March search engine and media giant Google some years even changes its logo on its global search pages. Year on year IWD is certainly increasing in status. The United States even designates the whole month of March as ‘Women’s History Month’.

So make a difference, think globally and act locally !! Make everyday International Women’s Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.

Unity Radio International Women’s Day in Association with Active Voices

Unity Radio are getting the Girls together for the morning and after noon for International Women’s Day. Jay Diamond, Mistress De Funk and Sasha will be down at Manchester United, Old Trafford for the Active Voices Conference.  Listen in as the girls will be linking live to the studio through out the day with interview’s from some of the speakers and people behind the Women’s day programming.

The Manchester Active Voices Youth Empowerment Programme is rooted in a community development approach, based on the belief that the success and sustainability of any activity  depends on local support, local resources and specified approaches to local needs.

It is essential that we work towards enabling young people to move from a position of social alienation to one of empowerment. Active Voices encourages all young people to share their experiences, aspirations, concerns and ideas – but not just to voice their concerns but to work towards change within the areas that concern them.

International Womens Day Breakfast Special

Bye Bye Tango! Hello OneDa of IconX / BatzIndaBelfry. Join Envy for International Women’s Day Breakfast Special with Envy & OneDa.

Ottilia will be spinning some quality tunes from our city’s finest urban singer songwriters, both established and just emerging, appearing for the first time on the Unity Radio & the Beat Bazaar Show, Anna Melcam is an up and coming singer songwriter, who’ll be popping in to talk about music, life and ambitions and to reveal some of her songs.

To celebrate the occasion of international women’s day, Ottilia will also be talking to an inspiring young female entrepreneur, street dance leader, business and enterprise student, Christina Taylor about how to put your ideas into motion, and get ahead. Also on the show there will be an interview with Kathy McGuirk from the Lesbian and Gay Foundation who has directed and produced a showing of the Vagina Monologues to raise awareness to V-Day, and the international one billion uprising campaign. www.onebillionrising.org

Each year Unity Radio 92.8FM name the talent who we ‘Tip to Blow’ in the year ahead.

In February 2011, specialist presenters chose the ‘ Hot 5′ including Mz Bratt, Nero and Kendrick Lemar.

In 2012, Unity Radio championed Stooshe, Yasmin, Delilah and Tyler Daly.

To find out about who Unity Radio are Backing to become big in 2013, tune into daytime from Monday 25th as we bring you 5 of the hottest artists that you should know about!

Only on Unity Radio’s Tipped to Blow Week!’

Monday’s Tipped to Blow – For Hip Hop

BLIZZARD!

After creating a major buzz through an impressive string of freestyle videos (most notably his SB.TV warm-up session and F64 video, with over 100,000 combined views) Its no surprise that this 17 year old Manchester Emcee/Producer is ‘Tipped to Blow’.

Fans of both Hip Hop and Grime will love this gifted Mancunian who combines Grime Flows with punchlines, Lyricism and maturity beyond his years.

Tuesday’s Tipped to Blow – For Drum & Bass

DUB PHIZIX!

Manchester based Drum and Bass producer Dub Phizix has spent over 20 years evolving his music and style, inspired by a diverse collection of artists who range from the likes of The Yardbirds through to A Tribe Called Quest. Dub Phizix began his experimentation of music with a guitar, a tape deck and a collection of his dad’s 7″ records. It wasn’t until 2000 that he decided to persue his love of D’n'B, developing a forward thinking, eclectic sound which embodies the music which influenced him.

His music has been released on high profile and respected labels such as Exit, Commercial Suicide, Soul:R, Critical, Dispatch and Ingredients. Dub Phizix has made collaborations with the likes of Future Cut, Marcus Intalex, Skittles, Lox, Stray and Virus Syndicate. 2011 saw the total domination of the Drum and Bass scene from a tune called ‘Marka’. Penned by Dub Phizix alongside regular collaborator Skeptical with guest vocals from Strategy (of Broken English), ‘Marka’ adhered to no known recent stylistic formulas.

Dub Phizix has been in high demand through out the UK and Europe guest performances at high profile club nights like Fabric, A Bunch of Cuts, Soul:ution, Exit Records and Hospitality.With his depth of knowledge of what makes a great Drum and Bass tune, mixing up often neglected classics with the freshest upfront material available to anyone. 2013 is set to be the year for Dub Phizix to reach his full potential and put his mark on the world of Drum and Bass.

Wednesday ‘s Tipped to Blow – Bass Music

 SYRON!

Capturing the heart and minds of many in such a short time. Syron is like a stick of dnamite ready to blow.

Syron has recently featured on tracks with chart topping Rudimental and MNEK. Her debut single ‘Breaking’ was recently featured as Unity Radio 92.8FM’s Record of the Week and picking up exposure from DJ’s, Journalists and bloggers.

With I.D Magazine calling her one of 2012′s ‘coolest females’ and The XX blogging about her as well as RWD, FWD, Guardian, MTV amongst more. Syron is destined to take 2013 by storm!

 Thurday’s Tipped to Blow – R’n'b – Charlie Brown

CHARLIE BROWN

There are few that give real credence to the cliché ‘Good things come to those who wait’. For singer and songwriter Charlie Brown, it’s almost become his life motto, his raison d’tre. And while he’s had some incredible highs and some devastating lows, the wait, to coin another cliché, really has been worth it.

Having signed to Universal label in July 2012, recent months have been spent in the studio recording his debut album with an array of established producers and writers. Collaborators include Quiz & Larossi (Conor Maynard, Cover Drive), MoJam (Emeli Sandé, Professor Green), Wayne Rodrigues (Natasha Bedingfield, Nelly Furtado, Kelly Clarkson) and newcomers Focus (Dappy, Misha B).

A captivating, charismatic writer and performer, this self-taught singer and songwriter is an incredible vocalist with serious and raw soul. Combining the melody-driven hooks of artists like the aforementioned The Script with the attitude and energy of Plan B, Charlie Brown is one of 2013’s most exciting prospects.

Friday’s Tipped to Blow – House Music

ALI LOVE!

Ali Love’s name is popping up all over the place. Perhaps you know his infectious, funk electro-pop album ‘Love Hater’ which included singles ‘ Diminishing Return’ and ‘Moscow Girl’, and his featured vocal on the Chemical Brothers single ‘ Do It Again’.

More recently with his 2012 features you’ll definitely recognise his signature vocal on ‘Infinity’ with Infinity Ink and ‘ Benediction’ with Hot Natured.

These alongside many more features have finally began to see his recognition bring face to the spotlight.

We can’t wait to see what 2013 hold for Ali Love. He’s Definitely one to watch out for in the House scene!

Wiz Khalifa & Amber Rose Give Birth To Baby Boy Sebastian Taylor Thomaz

Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose welcome their first child as a couple.

Months after revealing that they were pregnant with their first child at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose welcomed their baby boy into the world earlier today.

With an original due date of February 24th, Rose went into labor early and gave birth to Sebastian Taylor Thomaz, who Khalifa has nicknamed “The Bash.”

“Daddy time,” tweeted Khalifa several hours ago, posting a picture of him in the hospital that can be viewed below. He later tweeted, “Happy Birthday Sebastian “The Bash” Taylor Thomaz!!! Y’Yo/ooY(TM)OE Everyone welcome this perfect young man into the world.”

Prior to the birth, Khalifa and Rose appeared on Power 106′s Big Boy’s Neighbourhood to discuss how they were preparing for the arrival of their baby. The rapper stated that he anticipated having a male baby shower.

“I’m at home full-time,” he says. “I’m just working on videos for O.N.I.F.C., bringing that to life. We about to drop the group album as well. I’m really staying around because this is an important time for Amber. She needs that support.”

Snoop Dogg & Suge Knight Reportedly Reconcile

Snoop Dogg and Suge Knight take a photo together at a club in Los Angeles, California.

Ever since Snoop Dogg’s contentious departure from Death Row Records in the mid-‘90s, he and co-founder (and then-CEO) of Death Row Suge Knight have been at odds. Now, it seems the two have buried the hatchet.

In a surprising turn of events, Snoop Dogg posted a picture of himself posing with Knight at the AV Club in Los Angeles earlier this week.

The move is unexpected, as the fallout with Death Row lead to songs such as “Pimp Slapp’d,” a diss aimed at Suge on Snoop’s 2002 release Paid Tha Cost To Be Da Boss.

Below is the image, which was posted on Snoop’s Instagram page with the caption, “N d club wit Suge miss those death row days!”

Jermaine Dupri Brings Out Jay-Z, Usher, Ludacris & Young Jeezy At So So Def 20th Anniversary Show

Jermaine Dupri‘s iconic hip-hop label So So Def turns 20 this month. To celebrate, Jay-Z and Mariah Carey crashed its anniversary concert in Atlanta — what was already a star-studded affair.

The So So Def 20th Anniversary concert at The Fox Theater in Atlanta definitely turned out to be much bigger than people expected. There were some obvious performers including Kris Kross, Bow Wow, Da Brat, Jagged Edge and more but the big surprise of the night was none other than Jay-Z. This was after JD had already pleased the crowd by bringing out Mariah, Usher Nelly, young jeezy and Ludacris.

Fellow Atlanta native Usher also performed a greatest hits medley of sorts, and to close the evening, longtime Dupri collaborator Mariah Carey wheeled out a cake and squealed at the sight of So So Def’s own Da Brat.

Producer and record label owner Jermaine Dupri brought southern Hip-Hop to worldwide audience 20 years before anyone realized the future of rap music was in the south.

Kanye West disses Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake’s ‘Suit & Tie’ and Grammys

Kanye West took to the Hammersmith Apollo on Saturday night for an impromptu performance for the London audience; tickets went on sale just the week previous and sold out as fast as you could predict. The GOOD Music boss performed ‘Clique’, the track that he features alongside Big Sean and Jay-Z on, and afterwards he began freestyling. Talking about the music industry, he asked ‘since when was making music and art about getting rich?’ before going into classic Kanye mode, rapping, ranting and preaching about everything that was on his mind…

The shocker came though, when the rapper took a shot towards Jay-Z after dissing the Grammy Awards, rhyming: “Remind me again why we’re in this ***t? Remind me again why the Grammys could suck my d***? Remind me again who’s the original Superfly? And I got love for Hov, but I’m not f****ng with that ‘Suit & Tie’”.

Whilst it is unknown if Kanye and Justin Timberlake have any issues between them, it is known that Jay and Yeezy are friends – which makes the statement a surprising one.

Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake To Headline Wireless Festival 2013

Additional acts include Frank Ocean, Miguel, Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Kendrick Lamar and more.

The lineup for the upcoming Wireless Festival 2013 has been announced (via HHNM).

The event, split into two days on July 12th and 13th, sees headliners Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z headlining the respective dates. On the first day, additional performers include Frank Ocean, John Legend, Miguel, Snoop Dogg and Trey Songz. The closing day of the festival will feature Calvin Harris, Kendrick Lamar, DJ Fresh, Emeli Sande, Miguel and Rita Ora. More artists are set to be revealed.

The festival will take place at London, England’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with tickets going on sale on February 22nd.

Last week, reports indicated that Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake would embark on a joint stadium tour. While it’s currently unclear if that tour is in the works, this marks their first co-headlining performance that could be included on the trek.

Shea – Where Did You Go

This week the team catches up with Shea, who 1^st come to are attention when she featured on the UK Funky classic ‘Make It Funky For Me’ as ‘Shea Soul’. Now starting fresh for 2013 with her solo project, this 1^st record is a great sign of things to come. The record will be released on 11^th March, Keep locked this Friday to find out how she is feeling about the project.

IRS Goes After Snoop Dogg Over $546,000 Tax Debt

 
Whether Snoop Dogg is a Lion, Rastafarian or reincarnated, he is still Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. to the Internal Revenue Service.
 

On February 8th, the IRS hit Snoop D-O-double-G with a tax lien claiming the rapper owes $546,270.29 in unpaid back taxes according to documents obtained by TMZ.
 

The documents claim the ”Gin & Juice” MC owes $101, 952.44 in unpaid taxes for 2009 and $444,317.85 in 2011. One possible reason for Snoop’s back rent could be him paying back another tax lien from the IRS back in 2011 for roughly $467,000 in back taxes dating back to 2008.
 

Forbes reports that Snoop Dogg raked in $14 million in 2011 and $11 million in 2009 while recently only pulling in $8 million in 2012. With a new documentary arriving on March 15th and his 12th studio album expecting a Spring release(with the DVD of the documentary) it looks like Snoop’s lucrative 2013 could partially go to Uncle Sam.

Drake and Chris Brown Sue Each Other Over Club Fight
The Chris Brown-Drake nightclub fight saga continues, and the two stars are planning to take the next round of the battle to the courtroom. According to TMZ, Brown and Drake both filed legal suits against each other recently claiming that the other was responsible for the late night brawl that broke out at the W.i.P. nightclub last summer.
The bottle-throwing altercation in the VIP section of the SoHo club caused extensive damage to the venue and several people were injured including club patrons, NBA star Tony Parker, and Brown himself.

The “Don’t Judge Me” singer and the “Started From The Bottom” rapper both managed to avoid criminal charges from the fight, but they have been named in a civil lawsuit from French model Romain Julien who is claiming that he has suffered permanent damage to his right hand as a result of the melee.

Last August, Brown and Drake were also sued by the owners of the W.i.P. club asking for $16 million for damages and ruining the reputation of the brand. Jon Bakhshi, owner of the club, claimed that his Entertainment Enterprises was about to close a $4 million deal to expand his clubs nationally, but the fight at W.i.P. effectively scared off other investors.

Now Drake and Brown have apparently turned to sue each other in order to get a judge to decide who was responsible for the fight. The guilty party would then be forced to pay any damages resulting from the civil lawsuit filed against both performers by Julien.

Brown has had a string of legal issues arise in recent weeks. On February 6, he was back in court in Los Angeles to face a possible probation violation stemming from his 2009 assault on girlfriend Rihanna.

Lil Wayne Under Fire For Disrespectful Emmett Till Lyric, Epic Records Pulls Song

Lil Wayne is under intense scrutiny for a rap lyric that blatantly disrespects the memory of Emmett Till, a young boy that was murdered in 1955 for whistling at a white woman.

The rapper appears on the Future song “Karate Chop,” where he proclaims he perform a sexual act like Emmett Till.

Epic Records has already released a statement indicating that they are pulling the remixed record, which was apparently leaked to the internet.

“We regret the unauthorized remix version of Future’s `Karate Chop,’ which was leaked online and contained hurtful lyrics,” the statement said. “Out of respect for the legacy of Emmett Till and his family and the support of the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. … we are going through great efforts to take down the unauthorized version.”

Another version of the song is coming out without the reference to Emmet Till. The move corresponds with the wishes of the family.

Earlier this week, the family of the Till family has released a statement expressing their outrage at the lyric.

Airickca Gordon-Taylor, founding director of the Mamie Till Mobley Memorial Foundation, said the song is “disappointing, dishonourable, and outright disrespectful to our family.”

“My agenda is not to be disrespectful to Lil Wayne, even as much as I feel he’s been disrespectful to my family. We just want Emmett’s name removed from that song. That entire segment is very misogynistic and promotes domestic abuse toward women by our own race.” Gordon-Taylor told the Sun-Times on Wednesday.

“But it also shows total disregard of where you’ve come from. He wouldn’t even be out there rapping these stupid lyrics without the sacrifice Emmett made. Personally, I think Lil Wayne should just go ahead and apologize to my family. It’s hurtful.”

Lil Wayne has made no comment at press time.

KimYe Stops Plane, Gets In Trouble With Airport Security

When Kanye West was a part of one duo he once asked “who gon’ stop me, huh?” TSA gave the Kanye and Kim Kardashian (KimYe) duo that answer when the celebrity parents-to-be had their plane delayed due to bypassing security clearances at New York City’s John F Kennedy airport.

Returning from their samba-filled Brazil trip with Will Smith and Duane Martin Tuesday (Feb. 12), the power couple received some unauthorized help reaching their connecting flight to LAX from an opportunistic American Airline staff member.

“An airline employee escorted the two travellers through a non-public area,” says a spokesman for the Transpiration Security Administration (TSA) ”in order to provide expedited access to their domestic flight.” Since the unnamed airline employee “violated security protocol” KimYe’s connecting flight was delayed an hour while TSA “conducted a private screening of the two passengers in the area of the jetway.”

‘Worry About You’ is out this week, it is 2^nd single from Tyler’s upcoming album ‘A Place I Go’. The follow up to Mr James debut ‘The Unlikely Lad’ which came ou0t in 2005. Joined by UK Rap sensation Kano this record has taken the Unity airwaves by storm.

Make sure you tune in this Friday as the team will be speaking the East London singer / songwriter.

Hip hop goes innnn at the 55th  annual Grammy Awards

Hip hop was well represented at music industry’s most illustrious awards show.

Ending the 2013 Grammy Awards ended with a bang! Chuck D and LL Cool J joined forces with Tom Morello, DJ Z-Trip and Travis Barker to perform “Welcome to the Terrordome,” a cut originally off of 1990′s Fear of a Black Planet.
Shortly after, the crew ripped into “No Sleep Till Brooklyn,” A massive Tribute to the Beastie Boys.

Rihanna, Bruno Mars & Sting Perform another epic tribute to the late great Bob Marley, during which Marley’s sons, Damian and Ziggy, came out shortly after to join the trio on the icons track, “Could You Be Loved.”
Big Winners on the night included Jay-Z and Kanye West, whose song “”N****s in Paris,” who won In both the Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song.
Toronto rapper Drake took home the coveted Best Album of the Year award for his album Take Care.

Best R&B song went to “Adorn” by Miguel whilst Usher took home the trophy for Best R&B Performance with “Climax,”

Check out the list of winners

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE

Climax
Usher
Track from: Looking 4 Myself
Label: RCA Records

BEST TRADITIONAL R&B PERFORMANCE
Love On Top
Beyoncé
Track from: 4
Label: Columbia Records

BEST R&B SONG
Adorn
Miguel Pimentel, songwriter (Miguel)
Label: RCA/Bystorm Entertainment; Publisher: Art Dealer Chic

BEST URBAN CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Label: Def Jam

BEST R&B ALBUM
Black Radio
Robert Glasper Experiment
Label: Blue Note

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE
N****s In Paris
Jay-Z & Kanye West
Track from: Watch The Throne
Label: Roc-A-Fella Records, LLC

BEST RAP/SUNG COLLABORATION
No Church In The Wild
Jay-Z & Kanye West Featuring Frank Ocean & The-Dream
Track from: Watch The Throne
Label: Roc-A-Fella Records, LLC

BEST RAP SONG
N****s In Paris
Shawn Carter, Mike Dean, Chauncey Hollis & Kanye West, songwriters (W.A. Donaldson, songwriter) (Jay-Z & Kanye West)
Track from: Watch The Throne
Label: Roc-A-Fella Records; Publishers: Hit-Boy Music/Very Good Beats, Hip Hop Since 1978, Dean’s List Productions, Unichappell Music

BEST RAP ALBUM
Take Care
Drake
Label: Cash Money Records

Gospel Songwriters Sue Dr. Dre, Jay-Z & Rick Ross Over “3 Kings”

Jay-Z, Rick Ross & Dr. Dre are being sued by Clara Shephard Warrick and Jimmy Lee Weary over a sample on “3 Kings.”
Gospel songwriters are suing Rick Ross, Dr. Dre and Jay-Z over a sample on “3 Kings.” Of course, the lawsuit, which was filed by Clara Shepherd Warrick and Jimmy Lee Weary, also names producer Jake One and Universal Music Group.
Warrick and Weary own the rights to 1976′s “I’m So Grateful (Keep In Touch).” They say that the lawsuit is about more than just the sample but also about how it connects them to a song that is against their values.

“The video includes very graphic depictions of drug use, vulgarity, nudity, gun violence, criminal conduct, actions demeaning to women and many other items that are certainly inconsistent with Plaintiffs’ wishes for how Plaintiffs’ song would be portrayed,” the lawsuit says.
They even believe that giving Ross a Grammy for his work with the song would cause “irreparable harm” for their brand “worldwide.”

Weary is listed on Rick Ross’ album as a writer of the song. However, Weary says he was never contacted for permission. He also says he was not paid for his work. As a result, Warrick and Weary are suing for copyright infringement, unfair trade practices, unfair competition by misappropriation, conversion and unjust enrichment.

Eminem Plots for a Summer Return

Eminem’s longtime manager Paul Rosenberg recently told Billboard that Eminem’s eighth studio album will be release “post-Memorial Day.” (May 27th)

He assures fans that the highest selling rapper of all-time is “far into the process” of recording his follow up to his multiplatinum 2010 album Recovery and his 2011 collaborative album Hell: The Sequel with Royce Da 5’9.
Details about the as-of-yet untitled opus began leaking Thursday (Feburary 7) when The Sun reported that Eminem would be sampling newcomer UK artist Jamie N Common for his first single.

“It’s scheduled to be Eminem’s big single this summer when he headlines the Reading and Leeds festivals in the UK.” Rosenberg made mention of Mr. Mathers’ scheduled UK performances and consequently they are “trying to see what else lines up. Eminem will headline the Reading and Leeds Festival this August.

The Shady Records general is not the only one gearing up to release music.

Eminem’s last solo album, Recovery to date has sold over 5.8 million records.

Out this week is the brand new single from The Mike Delinquent Project, featuring long time collaborator KCAT & the lyrical talents of Mikill Pane. Mike is no stranger to the Unity Radio R.O.T.W with past track’s such as ‘Out Of Control’ & ‘Step In The Dance’ Receiving the honour.

This Friday our daytime team will be catching up with the super producer, to talk about all these hits & more