British music producers are in demand by America's rap pack, and top of their most wanted list is Londoner Alex Da Kid, whose satisfied customers include Eminem, Rihanna - and U2's Bono... more
Was it working under Terra Firma's Guy Hands for two years that compelled music industry veteran Shabs Jobanputra to quit managing artists and set up a business running festivals? The entrepreneur pauses, then shakes his head. "Guy taught me a lot - I was just sick of working in a declining industry" ... more
Four Brit nominations for Tinie Tempah, three for Plan B — British urban music has never been so vibrant, or so popular. So how did our rappers step out of the shadow of America?... more
There are a few moments of sharp humour in Off The Endz but there’s not much subtlety or shading, and the characters’ foibles are overfamiliar.... more
His first career in So Solid Crew resulted in a number one single and a prison sentence. Eight years on, Ashley Walters is a fêted BBC actor about to appear at the Royal Court... more
Tonight the 14th Mobo Awards take place — outside London, for the first time in the event’s history. But even as the move to Glasgow causes speculation over A-list no-shows, I for one am as pumped as ever to see what this year’s awards hold... more
The soulful singer/rapper talks frankly to Zena Alkayat about her musical resurrection after quitting Britain and moving to the US to mix with the hip-hop big boys.... more
David Smyth sees Blur bassist Alex James make an ironclad case for London to be named Favourite Music City, compares Prince and Barbra Streisand and checks out what's new on the net... more
David Smyth discusses unorthodox British rapper Stig of the Dump, line-ups for the upcoming festival season and the latest internet music releases.... more
The east London collective Roll Deep fronted a police campaign against gun crime last year. Music isn't going to solve the problem, they say - but it can help.... more
An Evening Standard investigation into the state of West End theatre shows musicals in danger of finishing off straight plays. But what are the figures?... more
Daddy Cool, a thoroughly modern metropolitan musical, reliant upon hits from that best-selling band Boney M, left Nicholas de Jongh little more than medium-warm.... more
Tonight:
3°c
