NOVEMBER 28TH, 2026 — SAVE THE DATE! 

Make November 28th, 2026 a date for the diary!

Together with King of the Beats and Chip Shop Brixton, we’re proud to present a very special one-off event celebrating the release of the limited-edition special pressing of the Mikey D & L.A. Posse — Paul C Sessions.

For this very special occasion, Legendary Queens, New York MC Mikey D will be making his way to London!

 MIKEY D — LIVE MEET & GREET

Mikey D will be at The Chip Shop, London, where you’ll have the chance to meet the man himself, grab a copy of the limited-edition album, get your record signed and take pictures with one of Hip Hop’s true legends.

 The album is selling out fast, and we’ll be bringing the remaining stock with us on the day. If you want a copy, make sure you get there early!

But that’s not all…

We’re incredibly excited to announce that joining Mikey D on this special trip will be KOOL KIM from the legendary group The UMC’s, responsible for the classic “One to Grow On” from Fruits of Nature.

Two legendary MCs. One very special day.

 DJs on the day:

DeeJay Randon — Steel Devils & longtime King of the Beats crew
Tha 4orce
Casz
Pritt Kalsi

 Saturday, November 28th, 2026
 1PM — 7PM
 The Chip Shop, London

Expect classic Hip Hop, legendary stories, records, signatures, photographs and a whole lot of history under one roof.

HIP HOP ROYALTY WILL BE IN THE BUILDING. 

MIKEY D. KOOL KIM. KING OF THE BEATS.

NOVEMBER 28TH — LONDON.

DON’T MISS THIS ONE.

We’re incredibly proud to announce the release of a very special project with Mikey D — The Paul C Sessions: Mikey D & The L.A. Posse.

This is a project we’ve put a lot of love and care into, and we’re honoured to bring it to you. Available to pre-order now, with shipping planned for late October / early November.

And that’s not all… Mikey D will be here in the UK for a special Meet & Greet at Brixton’s Chip Shop on November 23rd!

It’s your chance to meet the man himself, purchase copies of the project, or bring your own copy along to be signed.

Pre-order now and get ready for something special.

Pre – Order your copies here.

Check out Mikey D’s Interview on Rapindustry.com.

Most people who follow me or this blog will know that I made the documentary about the legendary hip hop producer Paul C McKasty.

Paul C helped shape the sound of hip hop during its golden era. Hailing from Queens, his influence and DNA live on through the artists he mentored, inspired and worked alongside. Names such as Large Professor, Ced Gee, TR Love, Moe Love, Organized Konfusion, Super Lover C & Casanova Rud, and Stezo all crossed paths with Paul. His contributions were instrumental in creating some of the most important and defining records in hip hop history.

While I was in New York filming one of my projects, I arranged an interview with Mikey D—the legendary Queens MC and park jam icon. Mikey played a major role in what I consider one of the defining moments in hip hop: The Battle for World Supremacy at the New Music Seminar, where he defeated old-school pioneer Melle Mel. It was more than just a battle—it symbolised the changing of the guard and the arrival of the new school era. It was an incredibly exciting time for the culture.

That interview turned into something much bigger. We connected instantly, and over the years our friendship grew into a genuine brotherhood. Eventually, Mikey came to the UK to headline my King of the Beats UK Tour, performing the classic Main Source material. We had an incredible time, and I later went on to produce several tracks for him, which were released through Mikey’s own platforms.

As I began building my record label, I always knew I wanted to release music with Mikey. The first project was a collection of rare park jam recordings. They’re incredible—capturing one of the greatest MCs of the golden era at the height of his powers, a perfect snapshot of hip hop culture in its purest form.

The second project was even more special: Mikey’s 1982 demo, featuring Johnny Quest and Rahzel, recorded and produced by Professor KB. Unfortunately, at the time I simply wasn’t in a position to give either project the release they deserved.

Fast forward to July 2026. Mikey got in touch to let me know that he and his partner were planning a trip to the UK. He was looking for live shows, but anyone involved in music here knows it’s a difficult time for promoters and artists alike.

Around the same time, I noticed Mikey posting about reissuing the Mikey D & L.A. Posse album—an important release produced by Paul C. Even more exciting, the project included two previously unreleased tracks recorded during the original sessions, featuring none other than Rahzel, the Godfather of Noise.

I told Mikey I could organise some meet-and-greet events around the release and suggested he bring copies of the record. That’s when he told me there were no plans to press it on vinyl.

There are still plenty of Paul C fans around the world who appreciate his legacy, and I believed a properly produced vinyl edition would not only honour that legacy but also find its audience. I offered to handle the project. The artwork needed redesigning and bringing up to the standard I expect, but I knew it was worth doing properly.

Today, we’ve officially signed off on the artwork, and the project is now heading off for vinyl production.

This will be a limited edition release, available directly from the artists themselves.

Even better, Mikey D will be in the UK this November, where fans will have the opportunity to buy signed copies and meet him in person.

Saturday 28 November
Brixton’s Chip Shop

More details will be announced soon.

It’s quite surreal when I think back. Many years ago I set out to track down Mikey D from the second chapter of Main Source, simply because I wanted to tell part of hip hop’s story. I never imagined that journey would lead to a lifelong friendship—or that years later we’d be working together to bring this important piece of hip hop history back to vinyl.

Sometimes things come full circle.

Join Tha 4Orce for a very special event. He has worked really hard to deliver his first double vinyl release.

One of the the most talented artists out of the UK presents his 5th self funded album. It has been 4 years of releasing one project after another. If you would like to meet the man himself and support his work. Pass through Chip Shop who have always supported our releases for an afternoon of good music and good vibes.

Expect some special guests DJ’s to be announced soon. The event starts 1pm to 7pm. its free entry. Brixtons Chip Shop.

An outstanding project delivered by @tha_4orce.  Double vinyl.  Pure quality.  My role was to redeliver the original artwork and redesign it to fit the gapefold format. 

This really is an artist to support.  His 5th self funded independent vinyl release.  Get your copy from the man hinself.

It is interesting how so often he is left out of the conversation when it comes to the topic of who is doing it.  Who is flying the flag when it comes to making grass roots authentic hip hop. 

A producer m.c and dj who has made sure are the elements are represented through his music.

Imagine the only uk artist to be featured in the bbe series featuring J. Dilla, Marley Marl, Pete Rock and Jazzy Jeff to name a few.  This record holds its own. 

No space shoes music ORDER HERE

The Absolute Hip Hop Event is back—touching down at London’s BBE Store on Wednesday 15th April, and it’s set to be something special.

Step into an evening hosted by the one and only DJ Tha 4Orce, with a heavyweight guest stepping in—DJ Devastate of the legendary Demon Boyz and production outfit The Twilight Firm. Expect serious pedigree behind the decks and nothing but authentic energy all night long.

This is a free event running from 6PM to 11PM, just a two-minute walk from London Fields station (quick route from Liverpool Street for those travelling in).

More than just a night out, this is a celebration of Hip Hop in its purest form. From the sounds that laid the foundation to the tracks that shaped generations of DJs and producers, you’ll hear the full spectrum of the culture. It’s all about the music, the history, and the community.

We’re building something bigger here—a space for people who truly love and respect Hip Hop to connect, vibe, and keep the culture alive.

We’re also looking to expand. Birmingham,—if you’ve got a venue that can host the movement, get in touch.

So much has changed over the last 12 months. Finding the motivation to get up and go has been a challenge since my father passed away.

After spending time reflecting, I started thinking about everything I was doing while he was alive and just how much he was part of it. When someone who played such a big role in your life is suddenly gone, it’s easy to lose direction. It becomes very easy to slow down, become comfortable, and lose the drive that once pushed you forward.

At the same time, other big changes have happened in my life. Earlier in the year I got married and have had to adjust to sharing my space and life with a partner. I’ve been incredibly lucky to meet an amazing human being in Cristina. Being married for the second time meant making changes and finding balance that maybe first time round I could of done better.

Looking back, I realised something about the old version of myself. I was so committed to my craft that I completely neglected many of the normal pleasures of life. For over 20 years I never took holidays or weekends away. I’d never been to a beach just for the sake of relaxing. My life was always about the work. If I travelled, it was to film or attend events. When I did take time off, I would go to New York… to film.

One place that brought me real enjoyment over the last five years was the Hockley Social Club. I was a regular DJ there and it became an outlet where I could share the music I truly love. Not just music I played as a DJ, but the records I genuinely enjoy digging for. It allowed me to develop my technical skills and meet a lot of new people.

That chapter ended on New Year’s Eve 2025 when the venue closed. In a short space of time, several places and people that were a big part of my life disappeared.

Now I often find myself sitting in my studio — a space I built a couple of years ago with my classmate Brett Knight. Around me are things my father gave me over the years. Photos of him. Equipment. Records I’ve collected since I was a child.

For years I used to say that I took my work seriously because of friends who once supported me but are no longer here. In some ways I felt like I was living out their dream by continuing the journey. But when my dad passed, I stopped thinking like that for a while.

Eventually I looked around and came to a simple conclusion.

I need to keep going.

But this time, I need to work smarter, not just harder. I have had to accept im not a young person anymore. I lived a life truly working 24-7 on the move and extremely dedicated. That took effort and a toll on me.

I want to finish the things I set out to do, and honour my father who supported me for so many years. At the same time I now have responsibilities — a wife and a mother who will need more support moving forward.

Back in mid-2025 I started a GoFundMe to help purchase some much-needed equipment. I didn’t quite reach the target, but I invested a third of the amount myself to make it happen. That allowed me to buy a high-spec machine capable of handling the huge volume of footage I’ve collected over the years.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported that.

I haven’t yet raised the money needed to cover the AI subscription I was planning to use, but honestly I’m not worried. AI technology is evolving so quickly that by the time I’m ready to use it properly, it will likely be capable of producing far better vintage scene reconstructions than what exists right now.

We’re already seeing people create entire films using these tools.

Which brings me to the next step.

I have a film to finish.

Thanks to my current day role working in education, I now have something I didn’t have before — time during half terms to focus and be productive. The role pays less than my previous work, which means I need to be careful with spending. But it also forces me to invest my time and energy wisely to create something meaningful.

The goal is simple: to build something sustainable and produce work with integrity — projects that genuinely represent the culture and the truth.

On the music side, over the years myself and 4Orce have built a strong relationship with a pressing plant. They now allow us to pay half upfront and the rest on delivery, which wasn’t always the case.

Looking ahead at the label, I think a realistic goal would be to aim for three releases a year.

If we could find around 300 dedicated supporters who buy and back each release, that income could go directly into funding new equipment and covering the production costs of the films.

Since Setting Standards 1 by 4Orce, we’ve made a conscious effort to make every release feel like a complete package. We want people to feel they are getting real value for their money — especially knowing that buying records isn’t everyone’s priority right now during difficult times.

My feeling is that we’re not always reaching the right audience.

There are a lot of people who claim they want to support artists but are really just looking for free records. In the long run that hurts artists far more than it helps them. So moving forward, we have to be more careful about who we work with and how those collaborations actually benefit the project.

We need to focus on finding and reaching our audience.

Over the last few months both myself and 4Orce have been working on improving our websites. He’s building a new one, while I’ve been fixing bugs and dealing with hacking issues I experienced last year.

And I want to say thanks to Igi for being someone I could talk through those issues with when things got frustrating.

Over the last few days I’ve taken some time to sit down and really think. Pen to paper. Setting out some goals, some targets — things that are realistic and achievable.

But there’s also a question I want to put out to the people who’ve been following our journey:

Are we wasting our time… or do we have something substantial here that’s worth building?

Everything we do comes from a genuine love for the culture. That’s the foundation. Documenting it, preserving it, and creating new pieces of our own within it.

As many of you know, manufacturing vinyl isn’t cheap. Hip Hop culture has shifted over the years. Vinyl sales were once heavily supported by a strong DJ culture — DJs needed the records, they played them, they broke them. Collectors existed, of course, but today the majority of buyers seem to be collectors rather than DJs actively using the music.

At the same time, there are far fewer magazines, journalists, and platforms actively pushing and supporting the scene. Artists now have to make their own noise. I thought we were doing a decent job of that, but clearly there’s more we need to rethink. We need to find better ways to reach people and communicate what we’re doing.

One project that really disappointed me in terms of response was the Shaw Theatre Project. Here was a record with real cultural significance — carefully packaged with a book, poster, and original artwork from the Artful Dodger. A product with real integrity and historical value. Yet the sales didn’t reflect what I genuinely believe is an important document in UK Hip Hop history.

So with all that in mind, I’ve mapped out a rough plan and vision moving forward. One thing is clear: we need to improve our communication and marketing. We need to engage more, connect more, and build stronger relationships with the community.

Here’s where my head is at:

1. Absolute Hip Hop at BBE
4orce has started the Absolute Hip Hop night at BBE — a prestigious spot in London. The aim is to build a community space where people can not only support what we do but also share their own creations and their love for the culture. We’ve already seen some great artists and DJs come through just to hang out and enjoy the vibe. That’s a good sign. The question now is: can we grow this further? And maybe even find a home for it in Birmingham?

2. Three releases per year on the label
This is the biggest financial commitment. Ideally, we need to build a dedicated audience of around 300 people who consistently support the releases. Could that look like some form of subscription? In the past I chose to handle distribution ourselves and keep things direct. Now I’m considering working with distributors to improve placement and reach. Manufacturing is something we’ve got locked down — but pricing is another conversation. I’ve always tried to keep prices fair while competing with labels that have much larger buying power. I’d genuinely like to hear people’s thoughts on that.

3. Events and collaborations
I’d like to be in a position where we can present releases properly and tie them into small events — especially if artists featured on the records happen to be touring the UK. I mentioned previously about putting on an event, and that idea partly came from last year’s B.Sides Festival. One long-term goal would also be to sit down and have a meeting with Mass Appeal.

4. Completing the photography book
In 2025 Brim offered me the opportunity to publish a photography-led book. I started it and was really active with it, but everything stopped when my father became sick and sadly passed away. I need to get back to it. It’s important to me that it gets finished.

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5. Growing the Diggers Clothing brand
The custom pieces we were doing became very time consuming, so I want to streamline things and focus on what the brand actually represents. No matter the genre, the Diggers symbol stands for those who have a passion for searching, discovering, and preserving music.

6. Using photography and film to support the projects
If I can monetise some of my photography and film work by helping others with their projects, it could generate funds that can be reinvested back into everything we’re building.

At the end of the day, I truly believe in what we’re doing. We’re far from culture vultures. Everyone involved in this journey has deep roots in this culture — decades of experience and a lifetime of love for it.

I want this to grow into something meaningful. Not just a platform for ourselves, but a platform and community that supports others too — whether they’re artists, DJs, or simply people who share the same passion for the culture.

I can only wish that those close to me understand that to be successful and achieve these goals  requires hardwork a lot of effort and dedication.  I fully understand that I need to manage my time and also give time to my wife and family.  Years before I met Crisitna I started the studio build to build that space to have some separation in my home.  I only hope and wish that my wife as supportive as she has been can maintain support when the work really needs to start. 

I do hope to leave somewhat of a legacy and have for the last 30 years been working diligently towards that.

For me to succeed and truly achieve the goals I’ve set, it takes more than just ambition. It requires hard work, persistence, and an immense amount of dedication. I can only hope that those closest to me understand the depth of that commitment.

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At the same time, I’m fully aware of the importance of balance. My time and energy cannot belong solely to my work—I must also give meaningful time to my wife and my family. Long before I met Cristina, I began building the studio as a way to create some separation within my home, a space where I could focus while still keeping that balance.

My hope is that the support my wife has always shown continues, especially as the real work begins and the demands grow greater. Her belief in me has meant a great deal, and I know how important that support will be moving forward.

For more than thirty years, I’ve been working diligently toward something meaningful. In the end, I hope that effort leaves behind more than just work—I hope it leaves a legacy.

Almost 20 years ago the 4Orce released his album on BBE as part of their Beat Generation Series. The only UK artist to be featured as part of that project.

The series featured the likes of Dilla, Pete Rock, Marley Marl, Jazzy Jeff to name a few.

20 years later he returns with this very special anniversary project. Here is the first single from the project.

ONLY AVALIBELE AT HYPERLINK “http://www.tha4orce.bandcamp.com” www.tha4orce.bandcamp.com PLEASE SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ARTISTS

Some years back before the pandemic myself and 4orce started an event in Birmingham at the venue Alfie Birds which was once the Medicine Bar a very influential location throughout the 90s. We were also joined by DJ Spara former DMC champion and others.  

4orce had previously been working very closely with Creator Leke Adesaye (RIP) the man behind the Junglist Movement brand.  Together they created the HIP HOP Movement brand a spinoff of the Junglist one.  At a point Force wanted to put together a event / club night where we just get to play the music taking into account our roots and skills and abilities on the turntables. 

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Both of us love to digging for records, we both love traditional styles of DJing, cutting up doubles and scratching, both of us have produced records, 4orce is a very accomplished producer.  I had my brand ‘king of the beats’ which is very rooted in all of the above.  We have been doing this since we were children.  Together we agreed to come up with a new name and identity for the events and 4orce came with the name Absolute Hip Hop which was based on the Absolute Vodka brand.  The idea being was to aim for a sponsorship or collaboration in the future.  The name itself highlighted our passion for everything that makes hip hop all the music the influenced the culture. 

Individually we are influenced by many very different types of music but through the medium of hip hop and the way the traditional hip hop dj plays music very easily we are able to fuse the sounds to create in my eyes a very brilliant and individual soundscape.  

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We do not follow trends pay attention to what other djs are playing.  We go with our truths and personal feelings giving the listener a journey into music through from our personal pallet or crates you may say. 

When Alfie Birds closed, we then did a few pop up events at the records store ‘The Diskery’ and one or 2 events at the Hockley Social Club.

Force has always had a relationship with the label BBE long before he met me.  He was the only UK artist to be featured as part of their ‘Beat Generation’  sharing the stage with artists such as Dilla, Marley Marl, Jazzy Jeff and Pete Rock to name a few.  

Together we did two record release events at the BBE stores.  The original location and the new one.  Since those times 40rce has maintained his relationship with the BBE team. 

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This is a our passion, we are motivated and driven not just by music but everything that surrounds it the creativity the culture and the community and family built over years meeting people who have a similar mindset or compelled and gravitate to our energy.  This has been formed over years of activity.  

So when 4orce approached the BBE Store to put on an event they agreed.  Although midweek for now dedicated hip hop nights are not what they do, even though a lot of hip hop DJs do and have played there.

For those that don’t know too much about BBE and what it means to play there.  I would say from someone living outside of London that its really a very prestigious place to play. Some of the most respected DJs in black origin music play there.  It’s a hugely respected internationally known location.  As a label they have been behind close to 500 releases.   That’s a mammoth amount considering they are a indie label.  They don’t let anyone just play there. 

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Although we have done events previously at BBE.  What we are doing as Absolute Hip Hop this was our second event in the last 5 months.  Our first event London DJ both Mr Higgs and Mr Parker played.  Both of them have been actively djing in London for decades and are considered family. Check out their regular events at Brixtons Chip Shop. This goes back to what I said earlier in  regards to building a community over years.  Both of them are outstanding DJs who should be followed and checked out.  What can I say about the events.  Although we have been involved in a lot of projects and have a lot of output we are not part of the trendy community.  We exist on actual skills and ability and truth.

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We have had some truly incredible DJS who have taken the time out to join us for our events just to come and listen and relax, a nice night off for them,  that’s been for me very motivating and shows the love and deeper respect shared between us all as a community.  Some great artists have passed through.  Huge respect to 4Orces family that join us.  There is a small crew of dedicated people who make the effort to come out on a midweek evening who Im pleased to know that they enjey what we do. 

What we are aiming to build and grow here is an event where guests can be truly free to showcase their passion for music through the hip hop landscape of music and turntable skills. To be clear we do not get paid to do this event or charge anyone on the door.  This event has given us the opportunity to replant some seeds and help rebuild a community rooted in some very primitive and simple values.  As a label we are able to bring some of records and sell them to help get our music out there. 

At our last event Normski passed through.  He and 4orce have been friends since the early days.  This is a man who played a massive, monumental role in our music and culture.  One of the greatest photographers of our genre.  Influenced me for sure.  This is what we are seeing.  Truly great influential artists and DJs joining us for a night off.  I only wish that people can catch on to what we are doing and join us.  Don’t expect the rap top 20 always played records.  We are very aware of the BBE brand and what we do might be a little bit different, but we are about playing records in a way that we have seen that old formula passed on by the likes of Jazzy Jay and others works. 

We are grateful and thankful to all those that have been to our events and have supported us. 

If there is a Birmingham venue that would be interested in working with us to bring the Absolute Hip Hop Experience to their location. Get in touch.

Big thanks to Cristina Kalsi for the photographs