preview: elements Launch Night in Leeds

A much respected rapper in the UK hip-hop scene and founding member of Taskforce, Mud Family and Bury Crew, Chester P earns particular praise for his freestyle capability. His lyrics are as notable for their leaning towards mythology and esoterica as for their descriptions of life on the streets of north London. Mixed with his inimitable philosophy and spectacular wordplay he weaves a tapestry of London life, its perils and dreams, disasters and diatribes.

Also a member of Taskforce too, Ramson Badbonez is renowned and repsected in the Underground scene for his raw content and unique word juggling. Whether it’s getting straight-up rowdy, thoughtful and reflective, or simply spitting fire, Ramson Badbonez has already cemented himself as one of the most important voices in the scene and has been delivering heat for years.

The West Londoner rose to attention with Central Control, the inaugural full-length on the fledgling Audio Doughnuts label. Onoe Capnoe's music has been dubbed “Funk Mafi Slump Bashy Drunk Smashy Crunk Mashy Skunk Trash Punk Flash Funkadelic West Coast Tripple Playaz Slayaz" in past reviews. Signed to Audio Doughnuts, this deconstructed ‘LSD-meets-hip-hop’ style is making serious waves in the scene. Unafraid to take stylistic risks, LP Willows Midnight Gallery is a stunning triumph of a developing genre with Caponoe at its rudder, steering assuredly into another dimension.

Producing some of the best hip hop instrumentals coming out of the UK, Hashfinger has dopped creative gem after gem on his circulated mixtapes. The Bradford Beatmaker and Turntablist's style consists of soulful and jazzy chopped beats with a distinct relaxed groove. Instrumentals steeped in jazz and dripping with boom bap steeze, this is some super smooth dope, spread it on toast and you won’t believe it’s not butter stuff.

Hosting the night will be the DS crew's Joe Snow. His skippy flow will contrast well with Ramson especially. From arguably one of the most highly acclaimed Leeds based Hiphop groups on the circuit: Defenders of Style are a group of 4 Leeds MC's who started up in 2001. Their crew consists of Jack Danz, Tongue Tied, Prys, Joe Snow, and most recently the addition of female vocalist Chenai, not forgetting their jaw dropping turntablist DJ Knight.

Taking place at Beat Bar in Leeds on 7th June, tickets can be purchased for the Elements Launch Night here