Filed under: Gigs, LDN Life, Music, Music News, Must Read, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Floetry, Gig, Hip Hop, Jazz Cafe, London, Marsha Ambros, Marsha Ambrosius, Review, Soul

Yesterday/Lastnight (Sunday 5th July) was insane.
Jumping between Hyde Park/Wireless and Camden/Jazz Cafe was, er, interesting to say the least.
Wireless of course was off the chain for all types of reasons which I will go into on another post (coming soon), but Jazz Cafe and more specifically Marsha Ambrosius was stupendous.
I’ve waited a long, long, long time to catch this lady sing live. Never got a chance to see her during the Floetry days and while they were dope as a group, it was always Marsha’s voice that got me locked in. Her vocals are like no one else’s, soon as you hear it, you know it’s her. Soulful, yet so Hip Hop.

So yea, arrived at the Jazz Cafe for about 10pm, listened to a couple of UKSOULJAM’s warm up acts and waited for the headliner to arrive. Once she did the audience was 100% locked in. A mass of people who knew lyric-by-lyric, adlib-by-adlib, all eager to see this home grown star return to the London stage. Lord knows it’s been too long!
She came on and opened with “Co-Star” off her insanely dope (cannotstoplisteningto) “Yours Truly” mixtape. A great way to start the evening, it’s one of the illest cuts off that tape. While the set was only short (about an hour) she covered a lot of ground and did the tunes everyone wanted to hear. As soon as she sang ‘baby’ from “Getting Late” – that was it. The crowd erupted into a shattering sonic scream, literally blowing Marsha back. She continued to perform one of her most stunningly beautiful tracks, in the most…Stunningly beautiful way. Her voice, I will say over and over, is mind blowing. She then went into “Say Yes”. Ha, you can only imagine the reaction of the soul-hungry crowd, right? Yup, everyone went mental [again]. She loved it, she knew it was the song everyone was waiting on. Easily one of Floetry’s best (and biggest) tracks – written of course, by Marsha. A sultry, sexy, meaningful and deep song that everyone soul fan references. She sang is perfectly.

Aside from “Say Yes”, the track I think we all, unanimously wanted to see her perform, was “Butterflies”. Marsha famously wrote the song for Michael Jackson which subsequently ended up on his Invincible album. Easily one of the stand out tracks on that record (outside of “Rock My World”). It was evident she was going to perform the song in light of MJ’s passing, and we were all anxiously waiting for an emotional rendition of it. But before she sang that song, just as she sat on her piano, she spoke briefly about the King of Pop saying “I worked with that man, spent time with that man, I spent time with his kids – I cannot believe he’s gone”. Visiably upset, it was clear that Ambrosius had been deeply affected by his sudden and untimely passing. She continued saying “before I sing ["Butterflies"], I’d like to perform a song we were working on, but never got to finish”. Wow, I mean, you can imagine what that was like. I for one felt incredibly privileged. I don’t remember what the song was called, but we do have footage of it (coming soon), but she sang and played with so much passion – the Jazz Cafe grew silent. No backing vocalists, no band – just her and her piano. It was a moment. After a roar of applause, she began to play “Butterflies” – most probably the most emotionally charged part of the evening. As an MJ fan, a Marsha fan and a fan of that song – it was phenomenal.

“Butterflies” signified the end of her set, sadly. I really could have done with another hour of her on stage – an hour wasn’t enough. She has tons of material and could have quite easily performed for the rest of the night, but that’s just me acting spoilt. I was happy I got to witness her music live, something, as I mentioned, I’ve been waiting for for a long time now.
I just hope she returns again soon!
PinBoard had the pleasure of interviewing Marsha Ambrosius just before her gig. We got some real exciting stuff coming, including some exclusive, exclusive material from the lady herself. The interview will be up soon. Watch out for that.
Peace, Love & Marsha Ambrosius
Speeakz
Shouts to UKSOULJAM, Keep the Faith, Paul Aaron & Marsha Ambrosius
Filed under: LDN Life, Music News, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Cargo, July 18th, LDN Life, London, Summer bubblers

It’s back. I’m gonna be there. You? Do it.
Peace, Love & Summer Bubblers
Speeakz
Filed under: Features, Interviews, LDN Life, Music, Music News, Must Listen, Must Read, Must Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Banksy, Day N Night, Dilla, Exclusive, Interview, London, Melo-X, PinBoard, Treat Her Right (And I Know), Video
HERE IT IS PEOPLE!
I know, I’ve been promising it for tiiiime now, but it’s finally here!
The PinBoard crew had the pleasure of catching up with the incredibly talented Melo-X while he was over here in London on tour with Theophilus London. We shot on location in ‘Banksy’s Tunnel’ in the heart of London and got to know the man behind the music.
In this EXCLUSIVE interview, Melo-X talks about his influences, his album Mustafa’s Renaissance, Dilla, his favourite MC’s and much, much more. It’s a pretty dope and insightful interview, so sit back and kick it with Mr. Melo.
And so there you have it! We’ve been telling you about this man, if you don’t know by now – I don’t know where you’re living. His album Mustafa’s Renaissance is incredible, make sure you cop that. Also, hit up his myspace and show him some love. Aiight?
Peace, Love & Melo-X
Speeakz
Much thanks to Melo-X, Shan (Phearon Lightworks) & Shernay (Chocolate Bear Productions)!
Filed under: Gigs, LDN Life, Music, Music News, Must Read, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Floetry, Jazz Cafe, London, Marsha Ambr, Marsha Ambrosius, Soul, UKSOULJAM

UKSOULJAM brings you a UK Exclusive as MARSHA AMBROSIUS of Floetry headlines her first UK gig in a few years & also her first UK gig since Floetry split. For the first time in the UK Marsha will perform material from her eagerly awaited solo album which features collabs & production work from some of the finest names in Neo Soul & Credible Hip Hop.\
Avid Floetry & Marsha fans will be aware that Marsha knew, worked & recorded with MJ writing his hit “Butterflies” (originally a Floetry song). Marsha will perform a special version of “Butterflies” on this July 5th show.
You can buy tickets HERE or on the door. Price: £8 advance, £10 on the door. £13 for upstairs restaurant table spaces.
You know how much a fan of Marsha Ambrosius I am, so ya know I’m gonna be there.
Peace, Love & Marsha Ambrosius
Speeakz
Shouts to Paul
Filed under: LDN Life, Music, Music News, Must Read, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Album, Atlantic, Dancehall, Imperial Blaze, London, Playback, Reggae, Sean Paul

Today has been mental. First I headed down to Atlantic Records HQ for Sean Paul’s BBQ/Album Playback. Oh my, the food was off the chain! Jerk Chicken, Burgers, Mango Salad – tons of food. I don’t normally drink, but some lady handed me a coconut and I began drinking – turned out to be pinacolader – 3 or 7 later, I was feelin’ the effects. Anyways, the main reason was obviously Sean Paul’s new album Imperial Blaze, which drops this August. He spoke briefly about each track and I gotta say, it was straight up fiiiiiyah! Sean Paul’s never had a problem dropping them hits and so it’s no surprise that this album is full of them. Seriously, top to bottom, the album is serious! He also said that his video for “So Fine” has been shot and will be around real soon!
Oh, and we got some real dope news too! Tomorrow, PinBoard will be interviewing Mr Dutty Rock himself! So, watch out for that in the coming week!
Check the tracklist for Imperial Blaze after the jump!
Shouts to everyone who I saw/partied with lol!
Peace, Love & Sean Paul
Speeakz
Filed under: Gigs, LDN Life, Music, Music News, Must Read, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Gig, Hard Rock Cafe, London, Mr Hudson, Pop, Q Music Club, Review, the Noisettes
Last night I was invited to attend the Q Music Club held at the Hard Rock Cafe on Park Lane, to catch Mr Hudson & The Noisettes live.
I’m a big fan of the Noisettes and so I was pretty excited about seeing them live for the first time. I’ve seen Mr Hudson a few times previous to last night and while not his biggest fan, I remain open minded about his new material and really do love his new single “Supernova”…So was looking forward to hearing that live.

Anyways, Mr Hudson was up first – performing only 5 tracks including the aforementioned song and new single “Supernova” which sounded even better live! He also sang “There Will Be Tears”, another song that’s growing on me, as well as “Too Late, Too Late” from his debut album with the Library. It was a nice, albeit short, set.
After a short interlude and a few too many canepes (mini burgers, chicken sticks & chocolate brownies? Yes please!) and a couple (on the house) drinks, it was time for the Noisettes. As mentioned previously, I hadn’t before last night, seen this band do their thing live – not even on TV, so I had no expectations, but was curious to see how they got down on stage. And boy oh boy, was I in for a shock!


…The stunningly beautiful lead singer Shingai was spellbinding to watch. Her energetic stage antics and powerful (and I mean powerful) vocals brought the songs I love off their album alive, adding a whole new dimension to them in the process. I knew she had a dope voice, but I never knew she got down like that. Jumping in and out the crowd, on top of bar fixtures [see picture below] and back onto the stage again – I was out of breath just watching her! Strumming her bass, while rocking out with her band, Shangei oozed star quality. She most certainly has “it”, whatever “it” is. I was perfectly blown away – to say the least.

I have some footage of both acts on stage, and will try my best to get that up by the end of this week (if not sooner), so bear with me on that. In the meantime, make sure you check both Mr Hudson’s new stuff and the Noisette’s new album (out now)!
Peace, Love, Q Music Club, Mr Hudson & the Noisettes
Speeakz
Shouts to Natalie
Filed under: Gigs, LDN Life, Music, Music News, Must Read, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Beyonce, Gig, London, Pictures, Pop, R&B, Review, The 02

To be honest, it’s not much a review, because all I can say about Beyonce is that is, without any questions or debate, the best female R&B/Pop artist out there. Simple. Don’t come to me with your Rihanna’s, Ciara’s (whom coincidental I was sitting next to at the gig!), Keri Hilson’s etc – they don’t come close. Don’t get me wrong, I think they’re all cool in their own right, but next to Bey, they all pale in comparison. This may upset a few, but in my opinion it’s not up for discussion.


Her voice is as breathtaking as her beauty – flawless in fact. Not one note out of tune, not one ad-lib miscalculated, every song sang to pure perfection. I did warn you, not much a review here. Her choreography, while not the most complex I’ve seen was effective nonetheless. I enjoyed the show aspect of the concert too – I thought it flowed really well and played the ‘Sasha Fierce’ thing off quite well (a theme I’ve never really been too found of). Ms Knowles performed all the tracks we wanted to hear including “Crazy In Love”, “Upgrade You”, “Me, Myself & I”, “If I Were a Boy”, “Diva” and of course “Halo”. Not to mention a dope medley of Destiny’s Child biggest tunes! During “Baby Boy” she flew up and over the crowd and landed on the mini-stage right.next.to.my.seat – my girl was singing while dangling upside down – c’mon!
…I literally took some 200 odd pictures. I went ‘flicking’ crazy.




So yea, I was a stupidly huge fan before I saw her live and now – I have probably earned my ’stan’ stripes. All jokes aside though, I do not think there is a better female pop/R&B artist out there at the moment (or has been in a very, very long time). While many will hate and most will have their opinions the facts don’t lie. Her voice is faultless, her moves are cool and her concepts (videos etc) are contemporary and graceful. I have no doubts in my mind that in 25 years, people will look at Beyonce and hold her in much the same regard we now hold Tina Turner.
Peace, Love & Beyonce
Speeakz
Filed under: LDN Life, Music, Must Read, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Beats, Benji B, Brainfeeder, Dorian Concept, Hip Hop, June 20th, London

IT’S BAAAAAACK!!!
Last years Brainfeeder is still fresh in my head. Infact, a night since then has yet to top how bloody amazing it was. So, naturally I’m crazy excited about this! LDN people, I implore you – attend this and I promise you will have the time of your life!
What could possibly be better than raving in a big, dark car park to the sounds of Flying Lotus, Dorian Concept, and Benji B (to name just a few!). I mean really?! The PinBoard family is gonna be out in full force – you need to join us!
Cannot wait – June 20th 2009. Be.There!
Peace, Love & Brainfeeder Vol. II
Speeakz
Filed under: LDN Life, Must Read, Must Watch, Random, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Art, Fun, Gallary, LDN Life, Robert Morris, Robert Morris: Bodyspacemotionthings, Tate Modern

The PinBoard family took full advantage of the lovely weather yesterday and drifted around London happily. We began with some good Japanese food, after which we headed to the Southbank for a lil’ walk and to visit the Tate Modern to check out the Robert Morris: Bodyspacemotionthings exhibition.
The new exhibition in an interactive installation where you can “climb, balance, crawl and roll” like you would if you were a kid. Robert Morris has transformed the Turbine Hall into a huge play ground with massive props including beams, weights, platforms, rollers, tunnels & ramps. Check the video…
“This [exhibition] is a re-creation of Tate Gallery’s first fully interactive exhibition which took place in 1971, inspiring a huge media and public interest, when an art gallery asked people for the first time to physically interact with an art work. Shockingly, it was closed just four days after opening, due to the unexpected and over enthusiastic response of the audience. This time around, it will be created using contemporary materials based upon the original plans, in collaboration with Morris, enabling you to experience an exciting landmark in Tate’s history”.
We had so much fun checking this out! Honestly, it’s like a massive, grown up playground. Running up walls, balancing on square contraptions, balancing on tight ropes & crawling through small spaces – helps rediscover your inner child! We spent about 45 minutes simply ‘playing’. The Tate is open till 10pm too, so you can check it out in the evening. I highly recommend you see this exhibition out before it ends, I don’t think you’ll regret it.
…Make sure you wear trainers.
Oh, our evening ended with some sickeningly good Haagan Dazs ice cream – was all a little too much really.
Peace, Love & Bodyspacemotionthings
Speeakz
Filed under: Gigs, LDN Life, Music, Music News, Must Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Cargo, Commercial, Flyer, Gig, LDN Life, Maluca
Yesterday I posted up the flyer for this event, now here goes the video commerical…
Maluca > Cargo > Saturday 30th May 2009 > Be There.
Peace, Love & Maluca
Speeakz
Shouts to Peggy & James
Filed under: LDN Life, Music, Must Listen, Must Watch, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Cargo, Funky, Gig, Hip Hop, LDN Life, Live, Maluca, Summer

London is experiencing some summer-like weather this week. It’s rare, and may not last, but it’s happening and this is exactly what the summer calls for. Can’t lie, I wasn’t that familiar with Maluca but after a quick myspace visit and google search, I realised she’s exactly what the summer calls for. Previously featured in the FADER & a few other noteworthy music publications, this New York based Dominican is providing some serious summer vibes. Her first single “El Tigeroso” is produced by Diplo and sounds…insaaaaane! Hit her myspace for a full listen or hit the jump.
So yea, I say head down to Cargo on Saturday and enjoy our ‘kinda’ summer!
Peace, Love & Maluca
Speeakz
Filed under: Gigs, LDN Life, Music, Music News, Must Read, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Deviation, Fabric, Gig, Hip Hop, J Rocc, Live, Madlib, Review

Last night was pretty intense. Fabric, a place I haven’t passed through since…Damn, my college days. A very different kinda Speeakz used to get down inna that place on a regular. It took two legends to get me back in that there, and boi, drunken memories aside, I can not regret attending, one bit.
It was truly an amazing sight to see that many people (850+ I hear) out, ready to rave, on a Tuesday night. It’s rare, very rare in fact, but people were ready and willing. The vibe was so on point, no ’scenester’ stooshness/stupidness (the kids stayed at home), no waste drunken foolishness – this was a strictly Hip Hop event.
I arrived about 11ish, at which point, J.Rocc was on spinning his soul out. The dude kilt’ it. Like, completely smashed the venue to pieces. The tunes he was dropping were sending us all into a sense of musical euphoria. I can’t possibly go through all the tunes he played coz they were all pretty serious, but I remember quite vividly going crazy when he dropped Aaliyah’s “Rock the Boat” (Lola, I SEE you!).

…Then, he dropped “The Red”. People who know me well enough, know that that tune is my all time favourite Dilla beat. But wait, what was that? Madlib on stage performing it LIVE? Are you taking the piss? By this point we were up on the balcony, and sh*t, I could have quite easily jumped over with excitement. Madlib, rocking “The Red” was most certainly the highlight of my night.
It was only a short time after this that Madlib took to the decks properly to start his set. Course, by this point everyone’s anticipation levels were reaching maximum. We were waiting for those classic Lib’ tracks, waiting for him to drop something that was gonna make us all go wild but, unfortunately they hardly arrived! Now, I don’t want to be too harsh or nagative on him, because all fans of his should know the kinda dude he is. He’s serious, he’s deep, he’s intense. So, to expect anything less that random instrumentals, new productions (”that you’ll never hear again”) and strange interludes would have been a lil’ naive of you. But, inbetween the odd chaotic musical rant, he did drop some new Madvillian, some new Quasi & some new Beat Konducta – which all seemingly went down well.

Unfortunately, raving on Tuesday has its downfalls, the main one being work the next day. So, we retired relatively early-ish. But I heard after we left J Rocc jumped back on the stage and once again, brought the house down. I’m even hearing (from various people) that he’s the best live DJ peeps have ever seen. Hmmmm. I mean, I wouldn’t like to comment on that, but I wouldn’t necessarily complain about that claim. He’s incredible. But together, Madlib & J Rocc are even better. Their chemistry is something very cool to behold.
Benji B & Co took Deviation to the next level last night. They truly outdid themselves. Til’ the next one!
Peace, Love, Madlib, J.Rocc & Deviation
Speeakz
Filed under: Gigs, LDN Life, Music News, Must Read, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Benji B, Deviation, Fabric, Hip Hop, J Rocc, London, Madlib

London, it’s that time again! Last week our excitment was shattered with the news that the Madlib/J.Rocc gig at Fabric was cancelled, but this time, this time it’s all systems a-go! Tonight is the night! Deviation @ Fabric featuring the LEGENDS that are Madlib & J.Rocc. Oh. My. Daze!
…Tonight we shall worship. And rave.
Tickets still available on the door – GET THERE EARLY to avoid disappointment!
Peace, Love & Deviation
Speeakz
Filed under: Gigs, LDN Life, Music, Music News, Must Read | Tags: Cargo, Hip Hop, June 20th, Lixo, London, Melo-X, Midnight Rockers Express, Rox, Summer bubblers
Filed under: Gigs, LDN Life, Must Read, Things We're Diggin' | Tags: Bashy, Crazy Cousins, Hip Hop, ILuvLive, Kele Le Roc, Leicester Sq, Sound, UK

I’ve only been to one ILuvLive event (which I think is pretty sh*teous of me) and that was the one that Ms Dynamite headlined – it was such a heavi night! Their line up is always impressive and when I went the vibe was overly cool!
Anyways, it’s ILuvLive’s 5th birthday and to celebrate they’ve pulled out all the stops with one killer line up. Performers on the night include: Bashy, Baby J, Kele Le Roc, MJ Cole, Attacca Pesante, MPHO & PA’s from MJ Cole, K.I.G, Shysti, Maxwell D, Bring it Back & Gracious K. Damn. Can’t knock that hustle one bit!
The event, hosted by Ras Kwame & Twin B will be going down @ Sound in Leicester Square. Tickets cost £8 in advance (book HERE) & £12 on the door.
I highly recommend you be there. I will be.
Peace, Love & ILuvLive
Speeakz
Filed under: Gigs, LDN Life, Music News | Tags: Deviation, Fabric, Hip Hop, J Rocc, Madlib, Postponed

It is with great disappointment and many apologies that we announce that tonight’s event, Deviation at Fabric (featuring Madlib and J Rocc), has had to be rescheduled. Due to passport issues, Madlib was unable to catch a flight in time for tonight – as a result, the event has now been moved to TUESDAY, 19 MAY. Tickets (including the half-price tickets we gave away) are valid for the rescheduled show, but Fabric can also offer full refunds if necessary.
We sincerely apologise for the many inconveniences and disappointment this may cause you.
For more information, please contact info@fabriclondon.com or call the Fabric office on 0207 336 8898.
*RE-SCHEDULED EVENT DETAILS*
TUESDAY 19TH MAY 2009. DEVIATION SPECIAL AT FABRIC HOSTED BY BENJI B, JOINED BY SPECIAL GUEST DJS MADLIB & J. ROCC.
FABRIC, 77A CHARTERHOUSE STREET, LONDON, EC1M 3HN// 9-3 AM// £10.
TICKETS: 0870 0600 100 OR WWW.FABRICLONDON.COM
Gutted. Literally, this messes up my life. Ergh! These things just can’t be avoided, so can’t be blaming the promoter, venue or artist. Sh*t happens. So, now I need to go change some things around (praying that’s possible) to ensure that I can make it next Tuesday!
Peace, Love & ______
Speeakz























