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Dj Skitz
In 1996 his debut 12" is released on Ronin.'Skitz alongside Roots Manuva' and gains him immediate success.
The song not only causes a stir on the Hip-Hop underground but it also crosses over to the Jazz scene. The track gets picked up by Giles Peterson and also Patrick Forge who later use the track for the Rebirth of Cool series. The single also opens doors for the talented Roots Manuva.
In 1998 Skitz releases 'Fingerprints of the Gods' the only British track to reach Hip Hop Connection’s top ten of the year and is clear evidence of Skitz's commitment to working with flourishing UK talent. The song features the likes of Roots Manuva, Phi Life Cypher, Skeleton and Tony Vegas (1999 DMC World second)
Skitz’s rep continues to grow with the release of the excellent hip hop dancehall classic ‘Dedication’ which receives Best Single of the Year at the 2000 UK Hip Hop awards. The tune features the mic skills of Rodney P and turntable contributions from the likes of The Mixologists DJ Go and Ronin label pal Deckwrecka.
Countryman. Skitz’s first long player combines distinctive production with a whole array of conscious lyrical contributions. The fact that there are no less than 25 fresh MC’s and DJ’s on this LP is a clear message to major record labels. Some of the artists include Skinnyman, Est’elle, Dynamite MC, Phi-Life cypher, Taskforce, RodneyP, Roots Manuva, to name a few. Skitz is a firm believer in 'long term industry investment.’ Unfortunately the music business seems to want ‘instant pot noodle packaged bands’ when what’s really needed is a situation which can ‘build and invest in real talent'.
Videos for two singles ‘Domestic Science’ and ‘the killing’ get heavy rotation on MTV Base and MTV.
The classic jump up track Simon Says by Pharaohe Monche gets the Skitz remix treatment and he is the first British Producer to have a record on Rawkus Records. In the same year we are treated to the sequel to 'Fingerprints..', 'Twilight of the Gods'. This time the single is released on the Wordplay label and Skitz uses the vocal talents of more of Britains best MC's.
Riddla, Wildflower, Rodney P and Skinnyman all feature strongly and are complimented by turntable wizardry from DMC supremo Prime Cuts.
So popular is Skitz's UK Sound that ex-Galliano rapper Rob G writes a track all about searching for the elusive Skitz track. He also gets sampled by US producer Dallas Austin for Monicas huge R’n'B album on which he is also credited.
Countryman wins Hip Hop album of the year at the 2001 Hip Hop awards.
In 2002 with a steady ‘production line’ of releases under his belt and remixes for the likes of Roni Size, Sain Supa Crew and Faithless plus a compilation for a major and a 7" release for Nice Nice Records under the Pseudonym Drilla the ball is rolling. Skitz has also lent his heavyweight hand and produced six tracks for folk singer Eva Abraham on City Rockers. A collaboration with Dj Die, Dynamite and Rodney P for Virgin/Wordplay smashes bassbins up and down the country. Skitz produces Tracks for Rodney Ps album as well as a track on Dynamite MCs pending release.
The year 2003 also sees the growth of his own label Titan Sounds. Set up alongside old friend and talented producer Mickle and featuring MC's Riddla, the Extremists , Skeme and Big P. Four releases deep and all getting heavy rotation, with an LP to come soon Titan is just another example of Skitz’s commitment to achieving 'the roots of a mighty homegrown tree'. A mighty tour in May with the whole Titan family sponsored by 55 Dsl is rolling featuring Titan Skateboards, Merchandising and a promotional mixtape as well as the June cover for Hip Hop connection.
Skitz has been on the cover of Hip Hop Connection, Fatboss, Touch and Straight no Chaser.
June 2002 1Xtra is born. A sister station to radio 1 but only on digital format it features the cream of the crop of black music DJs from all genres and Skitz and Rodney P are asked to present the flagship Hip Hop show playing British rap alongside American and interviewing big names from both sides of the atlantic. Entitled ‘Original Fever’ the show gets a phenomenal response from around the whole world. He interviews 50 Cent, Redman and Method Man, Ludacriss, Chuck D, Talib Kweli, The Roots, Beanie Seagal, Memphis Bleek, Pharrell from the Neptunes, Nappy Roots and the Clipse to name a few. Skitz produces the track alongside Agzilla that launches the station which features Beverly Knight, Roots Manuva, Rodney P and Gemma Fox.
2003. Skitz is commissioned to launch a new compilation series BAD MEANING GOOD. This gains critical claim and the series continues on with Roots Manuva, Peanut Butta Wolf and The Scratch Perverts.
A remix for the Funky Fresh Few and Grand Central Records is completed as well as mixes for Skint Records Freq Nasty and also festival favourites lamb; all to critical acclaim. Skitz tours Australia with Rodney P and also plays out in Miami, Norway, Taiwan, Greece, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, France and Switzerland.
Deejaying throughout his career now with 1Xtra things pick up. Skitz deejays alongside Kool Dj Herc, Cash Money, Jazzy Jeff, Grand Wizard Theodore, Kenny Dope, Blak Twang, Roots Manuva, Talib Kweli as well as performing live with Rodney P alongside Outkast, Reprazent, Ms Dynamite to name a just a few. Skitz and Rodney P are sponsored by Addict Clothing, Clown Skateboards, Adidas, Puma, THTC and their new club ‘show some Love’ is backed by Alphanumeric. Two dates in Spain with the brit flag holder Roots Manuva go down a storm. A tune is penned for the mixologists compilation with Deadly Hunta. There isn’t a town on England that hasn’t witnessed the onstage antics and vibe Rodney P and Skitz bring to a show.
The atmosphere charged. Basslines thumping - jack daniels flowing. They also are embarking on a live band project to take their live stage show to the next level.
2004. Once again Skitz is asked to launch a new series of compilations. 'Homegrown'.
Put together for React Music. Featuring the cream of the crop of British Hip Hop plus a springling of others, it is a fitting showcase of the raw talent to come from these English shores. Release date April 26th. A launch party at Subterania showcases some of the family and friends....Roots Manuva, Million Dan, Navigator, Demolition Man, Mista Jam and Joe Buhda, Skeme, Big P, MCD, The Extremists and more.
It charts in the national charts at 76. The 12" to accompany features MCD and 2ice.
Things are runnin'. Watch this space, feel the bass bins rumble.
Written: 6th Jun, 07
Read: 3787 times
