Blak Twang visited Morocco from 23 to 30 May 2004 and had the opportunity to collaborate with the successful local band, H-Kayne.

Blak Twang and H-Kayne met in Casablanca to prepare their on-stage collaboration and did a jam session together at the FOL. Some of our Rabat Teaching Centre Senior Studentshad the opportunity to meet Blak Twang for a Q&A (Question and Answer) session on 26 May afternoon. Blak Twang was delighted to answer the kids' questions and also went on a freestyle following students' request.

Last but not least, Blak Twang and H-Kayne performed two tracks together on stage  at "Boulevard des Jeunes Musiciens" in front of around 5000 people.

Blak Twang said he was impressed by the level of Hip Hop in Morocco and eager to come back for more collaborative work.

Possessor of the sharpest wit, the most dynamic turn of phrase, a self assured swagger, and beats for days, Blak Twang is an undeniably charismatic figure. Now the stars are in alignment, the stage is set, and Blak Twang returns with a new album 'Kik Off' on Wall Of Sound.

2001 was a landmark year for British urban music. Yet despite UK Garage flying high in the charts and and UK rap being in its rudest health for years, there was not a hip hop record which universally appealed to the mainstream, the urban and the underground fraternities. 2002 saw Blak Twang change all of this.

Blak Twang is a man of many monickers. Simultaneously known as Blak Twang, Taipanic and Tony Rotton, the latter alias is inspired by The Sex Pistols’ Johnny Rotten, whose rebellious anti-establishment attitude is reflected in Blak Twang's music.

Blak Twang's pedigree is second to none, with two classic albums under his belt (‘Dettwork South East’ and ’19 Long Time’), a MOBO award, and incendiary guest appearances on wax with both the Wu Tang and Talib Kweli, he's one of the most respected and influential figures in the UK scene.

Since the release of '98's ’19 Long Time’ Tony has been working on his magnum opus the 'Kik Off', drawing on his experiences of touring extensively throughout the UK and Europe, and becoming a father for the second time. "Obviously I’ve experienced a lot of things in life and within the music
industry, so I’m more knowledgeable and enlightened about activities that go on".

Being with his kids also influenced Twang’s creativity. "It's made me more focused," smiles Tony. "Before, there were things I just didn’t want to say, but kids will say whatever they are feeling. I let them freely express themselves, and that’s the vibe I’m on right now. If I’m not happy about certain situations, I’m going to say it, I’m not going to hold back my tongue."

One of the finest rappers this country has ever produced, Blak Twang is one of the few emcees that can hold a listeners attention over the course of an entire album. Possessor of a broad rich voice, his incisive lyrics, and explosive punchlines are delivered in an unselfconscious London twang (no pun intended), liberally peppered with ragga inflections. Whether gruff and electric, or soft and reflective the weight of his words are carried to the listener loud and clear.

As always, social commentary and London life feature boldly in 'Kik Off', such as the reggae dancehall-infused ‘Blood & Fire’, with Twang's searing polemic riding triumphal horn stabs. "It deals with a lot of situations in London, and once again the class divide, the stuff between the rich and the poor, the racism,  black on black crime some of those things," explains Twang. "While poor people are starving to the point of paralysis, these heads of big companies are getting bigger salaries. You hear we’re experiencing a big loss in profits, then the day after the chairman of the company has given himself another £5 or £10 million more on his wages."

Whilst Twang is no stranger to biting political commentary, he's also a dab hand with an up tempo jam, ‘Trixsta' features hot property Estelle over snapping synth riffs and stuttering drums. "It was a vibe thing, and I really liked the whole perspective of what I was talking about. Which was telling the men to watch out for the girls that just want to take all your money and leave you broke," explains BT. "But at the same time, I didn’t want to be one-sided. So I brought a female MC, Estelle - I like her vibe and what she’s dealing with."

On ‘So Rotton’ Tony links with vocalist Jahmali on a skanking hip hop riddim. Thematically the track address Blak Twang’s questioning of the materialistic and superficial mainstream, as evident in the widespread images of bling-bling excess in most hip hop and garage videos. "I don’t mind too much, but it almost seems like they only want to show one side on the TV … I’m just reminding people that it might be lovely, but it’s still so rotten".

The ‘Kik Off’ album is jam packed with standout tracks. ‘Dirty Stop Out Uncovered’ features Rodney P on typically scorching form and a saucy narration by broadcaster Lisa I’Anson. On ‘Half And Half’ Tony trades rhymes with Mystro, a "really wicked punchline king", while 'It’s Happening In England’ features Rottonous Crew members Karl Hinds and Seanie T.

In addition to his skills as a rhyme raconteur, the vast majority of the tracks on 'Kik Off' are produced by Tony himself - a welcome change in an era where most hip hop albums rely too heavily on the beats of numerous producers du jour. For additional production duties Tony has cherry picked the talents of the 19yr old Harry Love and the German gold selling artist DJ Dynamite. From the digi funk of 'Trixsta', to the reggae vibes of 'So Rotton' and the relentless dancehall stomp of 'Fire Power' Tony displays a mastery of a broad range of musical styles while simultaneously keeping a unified, highly personal feel to proceedings.

Artwork for the album will be supplied by the pen, spraycan, and razor sharp mind of political agitator / graphic artist Banksy, who will also make his directorial debut with the video for lead single 'Kik Off'. "I think the UK scene has obviously developed some more since I put the last album out. As I was told, my album seemed to have set a big standard. And people stepped up their game after they heard it," opines Twang. "I think the scene’s lovely right now, but I’m hoping to set another standard with 'Kik Off': raise the level of the game, because that’s what we have to keep doing in order to maintain this success story."

Previous successes aside, Blak Twang's time is here and now - 'Kik Off' is a musical testament whose significance will echo for decades, and is sure to guarantee his position within the pantheon of British black music's most innovative and influential artists.