The Hold Up

Not only can The Hold Up provide the best artists in your local but we can offer some of the best creative practitioners too! I’ve witnessed the passion first hand! Every project we do together I learn more and more, a true inspiration for all ages! Always allow time to give credit where it’s due, big up’s Doc BlackdaWho and all the staff and students at Cantref Primary School!

'Beyond their years': School children create identity and culture music video Abergavenny school pupils release music video, part of a larger project about identity and culture, funded by Arts Council Wales.

A few more snaps from The Hold Up’s 10th Anniversary!!! Was a wicked day, good to catch up with some old heads and new! Big ups Warren Peace Pitt for taking the pics, go follow him on Instagram and check out www.warrenpeacepitt.co.uk too!

Thank you very much to Linda and all of the Staff at Asda Brynmawr for having us on Saturday! And thank you to everybody who took the time to come and talk to us, play on the Decks and most importantly help us raise funds towards The Hold Up projects and events in our local communities.

If you’re interested in knowing more then get in touch on here or on our Website, https://theholdup.org/

For everyone asking us when the next event is, here it is. An all day event of pure Hip-Hop culture.

First off, in the day, it's a Breaking event. We have the "FloorGangz Worldwide Korea 2024 Qualifiers". A 2v2 Footwork battle qualifier for Korea. The winners will be flown out to Korea for the finals in November 2024!.

This is an all age event. If you like Breakdancing or Hip-Hop culture in general, this is an event not to be missed!. The event is from 12pm - 6pm.

£10 entry on the door/£5 for entrants.

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Then, the night event: We got the legendary JERU THE DAMAJA celebrating the 30th anniversary of the classic "The Sun Rises in the East" album.

Support from:

Billie Spliff AKA Mista Spyce (The Brotherhood)
DJ MK
DJ Alkemy

Hosted by: Amy True

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This will be a great event, celebrating everything that is great and competitive in Hip-Hop culture.

The event pages are in the comments section.

Tickets are on sale now. Go and grab them from the event page links. Please don't wait it out until the last minute, as when the tickets are gone, they are gone!

Attention South Wales heads!. To celebrate the new shop opening for HSG, they are throwing a Graff Jam on the boardwalk in Cardiff City Centre on the 18th May.

The Hold Up are supplying the music for the jam. It'd be great to see the South Wales Hip-Hop community turn out for this. We will also be bringing back the Hold Up Inner City Cyphers for the event, so would be great to get any emcees up for an open mic there too.

Even if you're not an emcee/graff artists etc, it'll still be a great day, as everyone is welcome.

Feel free to share this event on your timelines, or even tag people you think would enjoy this day below in the comment section.

Summers coming, so lets bring the sunshine vibes 🌞

Brilliant opportunity for a female DJ here. All the info is in the pic. I would hurry though, as applications finish by the end of today.

Been a busy few months here at The Hold Up, linking up with partner organisations and local councils to deliver creative projects and live events, it's been a blast fair play and there's loads more to come!

Here's a short video of the Take Over we did in Brynmawr in August, going in with our long time partners and Hold Up family members Hurts so good and Elemental Force HQ along with Blaenau Gwent CBC to put on a day for the whole family, where we brought the culture of Hip Hop to the local community!

We had a great time running this and it was great to see everyone getting involved with our workshops and live shows! Looking forward to bringing this back to Brynmawr and more places next summer!

Get in touch if you want The Hold Up to come take over you’re town!

Brynmawr Takeover 2023 The Hold Up, along with our partners Hurts So Good, Elemental Force, and Blaenau Gwent Count Borough Council, brought the culture of Hip-Hop to the streets o...

DJ Alkemy recommendation 🔥🔥

Drop The Needle | Official Trailer The story of the Toronto-based record store, Play De Record, and how it became a hub for underground music lovers across Canada. Based in Toronto, Canada, le...

Second album drop from Manlikevision and what an album it is! With a lot of the songs being produced by the man himself and featuring the likes of Verb T and Sox, this 13 track release does not disappoint!

With music videos to compliment the tracks Own Wave, La La and Bring it back, all available now on YouTube (links in comments) this release as a whole is next level for MLV, a man that is truly stepping up his game, Love Letters must bot be slept on and is available now!

DJ Alkemy rates this album HIGHLY. What about you guys? Anyone heard this yet?

Armand Hammer : We Buy Diabetic Test Strips

Another entry into my top 5 albums of the year, and a very strong candidate for the top spot. This is an album for underground/indie purists in my opinion, as it probably won't resonate with those who want a traditional/classic Hip-Hop sound, I could be wrong though.

For me, this is exactly what I'm looking for in albums. Beautiful soundscapes, great production, and lyrical content that makes me think, and keeps me interested.

This is a powerhouse release of artistry, and integrity.

9.5/10

U18's Gig in the in the middle of Cardiff

27 Sep 5:30-8:30pm
Clwb Ifor Bach
Check the link to book your free ticket!!!

Diff Ambition - Youth Music Showcase Part 2! Diff Ambition - Youth music Showcase is a platform for young musical talent in South Wales.

An alert by DJ Alkemy: Fresh music to check out! It's absolute 🔥🔥

Well this is a DEFINITE "album of the year" contender for me. Been on constant repeat. The production is so creative, varied, and of a very high level. It's got a great vibe throughout. It's a kinda throwback to the Jazz Funk era in parts, but not once does it sound dated or "on the nose" in any way shape or form. This album will definitely transmit well to a live show, and I'll be on the lookout for a Noname tour, and hope she has a band in tow. There's so many highlights, it's a no skips album, but at this moment, my absolute standout is "hold me down", maaaaaaaaan, the Gospel feel to it gave me goosebumps. This is a GREAT album, and I highly recommend it.

Noname: Sundial 9/10

What a great day we had at Brynmawr Takeover!. The Hold Up, with the help of Julian Gardner, and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, brought a full day of Hip-Hop culture, to Brynmawr town square.

We had DJ'ing, Emceeing, and live performances throughout the day, as well as Breakdance and Graffiti workshops, put on by our friends from HSG (Hurts so good), and Elemental Force HQ.

It was great to see Hip-Hop culture being embraced by all ages. We are looking forward to doing more of these in the future, and we'd like to thank everyone for turning up, showing enthusiasm, and support.

What's up everybody? If you are anywhere near Brynmawr or surrounding areas, put Friday 4th August in your diaries. In conjunction with Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, and Levelling Up, The Hold Up bring you "Brynmawr Takeover", a free event promoting Hip-Hop culture. So much to do for all ages.

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From 11am - 3pm @ Brynmawr Town Centre:

* Main stage with music spun by DJ Alkemy, Live PA's (young artist showcase). There will be an open mic session, so come and flex your mic skills, also, an open invitation to any breakers who want to come and and represent!.

* Breakdance demonstrations and workshops, with Elemental Force HQ: Open drop-in workshops, come and show us what you got!

* Graffiti demonstration with HSG (Hurts so good): Create your own graffiti style canvas and try spray painting (get involved in creating a collaborative piece of graffiti art!

* The Hold Up HUB-Info stall

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From 7pm - Late @ The Talisman Pub (over 18's only):

Live Hip-Hop event, featuring sets from

* Manlikevision, Truth (truthunderrated), Niques

* DJ Alkemy spinning floor filler Funk and Soul!

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Come and have fun, get involved, and experience Hip-Hop culture!. Hope to see everyone there, peace!

Yooooo, what's everyone?. The Hold up took on a 7 week project (well, 3 hours, at one day a week) to talk to some of the younger generation about what goes into creating music. From the initial production, to lyric writing, vocal recording, promotion, and actually releasing the music. It was a hard task in such a small space of time, but the group responded brilliantly, and blew our expectations away.

So here's the fruits of their labour. A 3 track EP, on their own record label (which is now setup for them to release further music). Two of the beats were produced by members of the group, and all the raps were written, and recorded by them too. We also got a guest verse from the project lead, Nic Havard (aka Pun Ra), and our friend from across the ocean, Virginia emcee, Empuls (from Man Bites Dog Records). DJ Alkemy also supplied a beat for the project.

https://soundcloud.com/inspirerecords23/sets/dystopia-ep

We really enjoyed our time at Inspire 2, Torfaen, and hopefully inspired some of the younger generation (these guys are 13!!) to remain creative, harness their skills, and to keep working at their craft.

Peace!

ATTENTION:

What's up everyone?. Here at The Hold Up, we're always on the look out for new artists to work with, and support, and it's easy for quality Welsh artists to be overlooked.

So step up yourself, or link us to someone we should know about. If you're under 25, and want to potentially be part of showcases, and events going forward, drop us a message, or send any links to your music, or performances, to:

[email protected]

Peace!

Some great news. A Complex feature is a good look for Conrad Stone. He's always been one of the most creative artists in South Wales, and now, hopefully this is his breakout moment. He definitely deserves it. If you're not familiar, then check out some of his work. Also, click the link and pre-save the new track, released tomorrow, with visuals too.

Follow Conrad Stone on the following links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsconradstone
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsconradstone/

Premiere: Soulful Singer-Songwriter Conrad Stone Steps Into A New Era With “Moonlight” Although he released his first official track as Conrad Stone in 2020, the path the young, South Wales-born artist is on now is a decade in the making.

Sad news for Hip-Hop. Trugoy (Dave) of De La Soul, has passed away. All of us at The Hold Up were influenced by De La Soul in some way. Our condolences go out to the other members of De La Soul, and his family and friends. His influence and music will live on. RIP to a legend.

De La Soul - Much More (feat Yummy) Chappelle Show J Dilla en el beat!! Extraído del álbum "The Grind Date" (2004)

Whattup everyone!?. Some fresh new music from one of our favourite artists here at The Hold Up, Oddisee, with his new album, "To What End".

DJ Alkemy: For me, one of the greatest all round artists over the last 2 decades. He's the link between my favourite music genres: 70's Soul, and Hip-Hop. It's more than that though, it's the guarantee of heart, on every album. Always love an Oddisee album release day!

Check out the link, listen to the album, and if you like it, why not support great artists by copping a purchase?.

Great start to the year for Hip-Hop albums.

To What End, by Oddisee 16 track album

Whattup everyone. Here's DJ Alkemy's annual top 20 Hip-Hop albums of 2022.

Another good year for Hip-Hop releases. Here's my top 20 of the year.

20 Deca: Smoking Gun
19 Mopes: Unwound
18 Kojey Radical : Reason To Smile
17 Denzel Curry : Melt My Eyez, See Your Future
16 Coast Contra : Apt. 505
15 Danger Mouse & Black Thought : Cheat Codes
14 Cordae : From a Birds Eye View
13 Kendrick Lamar : Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
12 Kno & Sadistik: Bring Me Back When The World Is Cured
11 Lupe Fiasco : Drill Music in Zion
10 Rapper Big Pooh: To Dream In Color
09 Joey Badass : 2000
08 Elzhi & Georgia Ann Muldrow: Zheigeist
07: billy woods : Aethiopes
06 Alsace Carcione : Luto
05 Saba: Few Good Things
04 Nerves Baddington: micro
03 KA: Languish Arts
02 Marlowe L'Orange & Solemn Brigham : Marlowe 3
01 JID: The Forever Story

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Honorable mentions: A few of these came out very late in the year so I haven't listened to them half as much as the others.

Apollo Brown & Philmore Green: Cost of Living
Black Star: No Fear of Time
The Bad Seed: Five Finger Ring
Tom Caruana: Strange Planet
Che Noir: Food for Thought
AJ Suede & Televangel: Metatron's Cube
Willie the Kid: Deutsche Marks 3
Apathy & Stu Bangas: King of Gods. No Second

Albums of the year 2022! The rundown of my favourite Hip-Hop albums of 2022. Plus, a playlist of tracks I enjoyed from those releases and more.

Some wake up juice from D-Styles & J Scienide!. This is super dope, taken from the forthcoming album, titled "The Periodic Tables of Excellence".

If you dig it, head to the following link, and support artists making great music: https://fatbeats.lnk.to/periodictables

D-Styles x J Scienide - When The Wind Blows (Official Video) D-Styles x J Scienide - The Periodic Tables of Excellence (Pre-Save): https://fatbeats.lnk.to/periodictablesTurntablist extraordinaire D-Styles connects with...

Whattup everyone?!. The next track/visual from DJ Alkemy & Melo's forthcoming album is out!. Some breezy, vibey business. If you like it, give it a share, and maybe grab a pre-order. Physical CD's and digital downloads.

Grab ya pre-orders here:
https://djalkemy.bandcamp.com/album/to-finish-a-fools-errand

Melo & DJ Alkemy: Work It Out The second visual, taken from the forthcoming Melo & DJ Alkemy album "To Finish a Fool's Errand", dropping 16th December. -----------------------------------...

What's up peoppplllleee?!!

New track/video, taken from our very own DJ Alkemy and Melo's forthcoming album "To Finish a Fool's Errand". They went with some neck snapping Boom Bap flavour for their first drop.

If you dig it, share it, and why not grab a pre-order of the full album, available on CD as well as digital download.

More to come from these guys. Hope you enjoy it.

Peace!!

Melo & DJ Alkemy: Yoko Ono The first visual, taken from the forthcoming Melo & DJ Alkemy album "To Finish a Fool's Errand", dropping 16th December.-------------------------------------...

What's up everyone? Hope you're all good.

For our first post in a long while, we bring you one of the founders of The Hold Up, BeSpoken, who's joined forces with Catalystic. This EP is so good, and the single release is sublime. The production is so smooth, and BeSpoken shows just how top tier a lyricist he is. If you like this, why not grab a pre-order of the EP for a few sheckles.

Plenty more music to come from both of these artists, so give them a follow on Bandcamp/Spotify etc.

Hope you enjoy. Peace!

Higher Goods Vehicle, by Catalystic / Bespoken 5 track album

Black Thought is in the upper echelon tier of emcee. Here's the the latest greatness, alongside the awesome Danger Mouse. The album looks like it's gonna be HEAVY!. Features include Run The Jewels, MF Doom, Conway and more. Ooooosh!!

No Gold Teeth Provided to YouTube by BMG Rights Management (UK) Ltd.No Gold Teeth · Danger Mouse · Black ThoughtNo Gold Teeth℗ 2022 BMG Rights Management (UK) LimitedRelea...

Fresh KXNG Crooked & Joell Ortiz. Addressing some of the recent Slaughterhouse rumours and theories in fine fashion. This BANGS!!

Kxng Crooked & Joell Ortiz: Sorry (Official Music Video)

DJ Alkemy has a new blog entry on his website: We're obsessed by lists in Hip-Hop, so here he is adding to it with his top 20 verses in Hip-Hop of all time. Some obvious picks, and probably a load that you will be wondering how he missed them out, but these have always resonated with him he tells us. Have a gander!

Lists 'n' Things: Verses A rundown of my favourite verses in Hip-Hop, of all time!. This was harder than I thought, and it may change slightly day by day.