Hip Hop From The Southside

Date: 25/09/14

Author: Administrator

Southside Deluxe are a Scottish hip hop label. Based out of Glasgow's Southern end. They bring some of the best MCs from this fare island, and release quality music at an astounding rate. Their core artists - Sentanalez, Mistah Bohze, Auld Alliance, Toy Control show dexterity and passion in both their rhymes and beat making. So let me tell you a story...

In 1987, a Scottish teenager had a passion for all things hip hop. This youth was Mistah Bohze. He endeavored to form one of the earliest UK crews - II Tone Committee, and by early 1990, together with fellow heads Defy, Smiz & Sace they were making a significant dent on the circuit. Busy earning themselves the reputation and legendary status they have with true heads today. Passionate and honest, II Tone is still a great example of the energy of the scene in the UK at the time.

A little further into UK hip hop's life, finding a new maturity, another collective were forged in the Glasgow scene. 'Sentanalez'. Bohze, together with Chuck, aka The Deluge aka Uzi from the mighty Course of Procedure, and NC Epik from Toughtz of Mortalz recorded hour upon hour of (now lost) mix tapes and jam recordings. There are plenty of astoundingly good albums still available from this period from their website, which i highly recommend.

Bang up to date, Mistah Bohze has released some phenomenal solo projects, as well as collaborating with French hip hoppers in Auld Alliance, and with The Criminal Mind's very own 32 Troop. Also, a fairly new crew definitely worth mentioning is 'Toy Control'. Featuring some of the most challenging MCs in the Glasgow scene. " Its a different mix of personnel guaranteed at each show and each release. And a real desire from each member to raise the bar for each others sakes, and for the greater good." - Mistah Bohze

And so we come to Southside Deluxe. Although existing as a concept for years before, SSD was officially established in 2011 as a way to bring all the elements in the scene together under one professional umbrella. Their back catalog is unbelievably good, with albums and singles to explore galore. Southside Deluxe do Scotland proud, and in my humble opinion, are a true example of some of the best available underground hip hop.
Invokal - Verbalist Journalist

Its hard to pick just a few favorite tunes from their wealthy back catalog, but we've included a small selection of videos to tease you into seeking out more. Also make sure to check out the official Southside Deluxe website.