ARTISTS
SHOW IN SHOPDEADBEAT and SHADO first hooked up in the mid-nineties and formed the crew 'Nightbreed', dabbling in a dark and grimy style that evolved into the fully-formed sound of the Kartel, incorporating the finer points of first rate hip-hop production with classic UK vocal stylings.
DEADBEAT learnt his craft engineering from dusk to dawn, while also finding time to do production work for many up and coming artists. Equally at home with melodic tuneful stuff as with hardrock jam tunes, the same goes for his musical partner, and rhyming veteran of many years. From first catching SHADO's unmistakable gruff flow, you know he's got the mentals and the verbals to mess with those shambling shaolin wannabees, and the few tracks the crew released between 1998 and 2000 gave a tantalising hint of where they could have gone. Sadly, it was not be, life got in the way, but the Kartel's tracks stand the test of time as fine examples of that proper, rugged, UK underground shit.
Here's what they had to say about themselves at the time:
UK KARTEL ON UK KARTEL: We don't like to think of ourselves solely as UK artists, with appeal that doesn't get past the M25. We've got a wealth of international skills, and global appeal. Our vision is not new, just different in approach (whoever digs it, digs it!) The Kartel is not just three people, but peoples used and called upon when certain vibes of flavs for a track are needed. Although those artists may not be seen, they most definitely will be heard. This is what the Kartel is all about: connections in all areas in order to get the job done, the higher result.
SHADO: 10 years of hibernation and lyrical dwelling makes him one of the most skilled and impressive vocalists in the UK to date (check The B.U.R.Y.), be it dis, education, bragrap, whatever. Those who choose to ignore or choose to doubt... just come with it.
DEADBEAT: not your average everyday producer, he chooses to deal with the chemistry, and molecular structure of beats, rather than the mundane, average bullshit. His relation to beats and rhymes is almost abyss-like deep. But still only a beginner.. a new beginning in UK rap production.
MECA MELODY: the use of vocal tone and energy, intertwined with DEADBEAT'S production creations brings on a multitude of emotions able to change the vibe of a track with just a squeeze of her vocal tools. MECA MELODY is no doubt UK raps First Lady, and r'n'b's breath of fresh air.
End thought: UK Kartel does not need a pretentious philosophy for marketing... how it is, is how we is...
