In The Mix

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Follow esteemed journalist Peter Dalton as he investigates the trials and tribulations of rap group Blazin Cartel, who use hip-hop as an escape from inner-city deprivation.

In The Mix

Follow esteemed journalist Peter Dalton as he investigates the trials and tribulations of rap group Blazin Cartel, who use hip-hop as an escape from inner-city deprivation. The Cartel has recently received newfound exposure and funding from government initiative The Bloom Trust after the success of their socially conscious track, “Put Down The Knife”. As a result, Dalton is eager to understand the inner workings of their culture and background as their recognition and respect is on the rise.

Episode 10: Ending On A High (Released 11.03.11)

Released 11.03.11

In The Mix Trailer #2

In The Mix Official Trailer

DJ Buzzard

In The Mix / DJ Buzzard

DJ Buzzard aka Buzzy B is the Cartel’s resident record spinner and beat-maker extraordinaire. By his own admission, he was always a beat junkie. After discovering a trunk containing soul records belonging to his dead uncle his fate was sealed as he began to craft breaks and beats using whatever was to hand.

“In my hood I had no studio access. The earliest Buzzard beats were made by me recording straight to a tape player and adding extra sounds during takes. Man used to bang pots and pans and s**t. But all my bredrins would cipher to it still, so I just progressed from there.”

Buzzard was aware of MC Jester from the London scene but after a chance reunion at a Leeds house party in 2008, a partnership was formed and Blazin Cartel was created. Now that Buzzard’s trademark production style is finally pricking up ears nationwide, the future looks brighter for the man who used to rob tourists to buy a hot meal and a couple of 12” records

Level 7

In The Mix / Level 7

Level 7 has been on the scene for a hot minute. Although finally seeing recognition of his lyrical talent in current outfit Blazin Cartel, Level 7 aka Levs has been putting in work since the age of 11. Along with his elders in Manchester’s notorious Moss Side, Levs made a name for himself in the illegal rave scene spitting bar after bar, to much acclaim.

In 2006 he released his first long awaited mix CD entitled ‘Seven Day Speak’ which spawned the street anthem ‘Seven Deadly Spins.’

Frequent brushes with the law eventually took their toll, in 2007 he was arrested and served time for a number of charges including aggravated assault. Upon his release he had decided his elder statesmen role in the ends could be used to motivate and inspire the youth to change their ways and learn from his lessons.

Since joining the Cartel he has helped mould the crew into the hip-hop powerhouse you see today.

Jester

In The Mix / Jester

Jester has been putting in work for the last decade. From pirate radio to the stage and everything in between, he has mastered it all. Although he only has a few releases to his name, “If you ask your favourite rapper about me, about my rep in this music s**t, they will all tell you I’ve been on this ting.”

Growing up wasn’t easy for Jester, spending his early years in the grimey side of north London, he worked on his skills to form roots all over the city. However, after some ‘ghetto politics’ left him a marked man, he left to bless Leeds with his lyrical dexterity.

“It was like a game to me. Although I missed the LDN I had a whole new city to tear.”

Since forming with Buzzard, Jester has been on a mission to spread his gritty road rap as far as possible. Finally after receiving crucial funding for the Cartel’s forthcoming LP he will have the opportunity to do so.