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Croydub Review By DJ Raggs – 18th Dec 2011

This year’s generous Christmas helping of Croydub was served with the usual stone-cold dubstep line-up and a side order of ‘Christmas knitwear’ cheer.

Sgt Pokes gleefully tweeted those concerned that the dress code for the night was ‘christmas cardigans’, which caused much amusement online and the resulting outfits bringing much merriment and a relaxed, fuzzy atmosphere to the proceedings.

On arrival at the Black Sheep Bar with my sister, Sophie Horsepower and Janset Stinkahbell, I found Pokes sporting a fine grey snowflake design on his cardigan, and soon spotted Skream, Tunnidge and Benny Ill wearing similar items, although Tunnidge hadn’t quite fulfilled the fashion brief as his christmas knit was in fact a jumper.  However, snowflakes abounded.  Skandal, who later won the ‘cardigan of the night’ award was draped in a big fluffy oversized multicoloured dreamcoat cardie, as captured by Loe Fah in his photos of the night, and Benny Ill was actually wearing two cardigans, but this was not a huge deviation from the norm!

Kutz’s cardigan was a little on the ‘heavage’ side, whilst still remaining vaguely ‘grandad’, and Chefal sported what he & Coki donned ‘the hardigan’, customised of course, to match his meticulously tailored bespoke set.

So let’s take a look at the treats brought to Croydub by the artists, nearly all local to Croydon, and certainly all a part of the ‘close-knit’ Croydub family.

Surge played the opening set dropping an atmospheric and edgy selection of beats repping the sound that has him affiliated to N-Type’s Wheel & Deal stable.

My set followed which included my sax collab with Coki ‘Celestial Dub’, some bouncy 4/4 from the likes of Kutz & Dismantle, some hard Coki, Stinkahbell, Gangoon Dubz & Supreme dubs and some of my vocal/sax collabs with Dubface & Enme.

Hot on my heels was Skandal who dropped some tough grimey beats including a raft of his own forthcoming productions such as ‘sawz’ and ‘blogging’.

Next up was Walsh who fired off a deep and delicious selection of his own dubs together with forthcoming bits from his label Biscuit Factory, a stable encompassing many of the headline producers including Kutz & Dismantle.

HiJak smashed up the dance as per usual with hi-octane junglistical vibes & some classics that saw his brother bouncing across the dancefloor like Tigger on the quest for a reload!  HiJak’s sets are lively and rowdy: as a superior selector he is guaranteed to bring any dancefloor to its knees.

Chefal’s set started with as much heft & heart as was maintained throughout – kicking off with Dee Patten’s Sound System mix of ‘Who’s The Bad Man’ – a UKG 2-step classic apache break, and followed by his superior dub selection including some hard hard mixes with Coki’s outrageous version of Gyptian’s “Hold You”, and his collab with Coki ft Beezy, ‘Doomsday’.

Tunnidge had already laid down unyeilding levels with his melange at the Deep Medi party the previous Friday, and brought a more ‘christmas cardigan’ vibe to his Croydub selection, dubs like ‘Brixton Bass’ and ‘Universal’ not withstanding.

It was definitely a high point watching Skream & Sgt Pokes from the booth with Janset – one of the primo DJ/MC duos of the dubstep game – Skream’s set was packed with seasonal fun, not only for the seminally classic tracks that the meister of the genre himself created, but where he mixed in sweet vocals to murky hard bass, and switched up the 140 to old skool hardcore classics like Xpansions “Move Your Body” originally released in 1990 when the rave scene first took off in the UK.  Skream’s passion for clubbing and raving is intoxicating and rousing in equal measure, and the dancefloor was clearly as thrilled as I was by his “let’s get ravey” selector style!

Dismantle jumped up next representing Brighton and Gangoon Dubz, newly signed to Digital Soundboy and heralding massive releases like ‘Computation’ and ‘Clone’ on Wheel & Deal and Biscuit Factory from 2011.  Not one to disappoint he canoned the night forward with his superb productions and ingenius underground combo of poppy sounds, tough beats and dark bass.  It’s no secret that Dismantle is one to watch on the UK dubstep scene.

Kutz brought up the rear nicely in his blue grandad cardie, opening his set with a dramatic drop from his endless tough, bouncy, unique and squeaky clean productions. 2011 saw him hold his corner firmly in the 4/4 sector whilst boasting a steady stream of remixes such as Jack Beatz take on Leonard Cohen’s ‘End of Love’, and dropping bangers like Superman and Volt on us like it aint no thang.  Janset took the mic & dropped some stink bombs as usual.  Keep your ears peeled for Kutz’ Stinkahbell remixes!

It was a pleasure to see Horsepower there for my first play at Croydub, and much fun was had by all who reached, including Get Darker’s Lord Taylor who grinned enigmatically whilst swaying slightly on his axis as he observed the tomfoolery that unfolded around him.  Cluekid, Loe Fah, Benton, Pacematic and the gang were lurking in attendance, and the Croydub crowd brought extra christmassy warmth and fun to Croydon’s renowned dubstep event at the Black Sheep Bar.

This event is Sgt Pokes’ night and is held at The Black Sheep Bar.  The next Croydub is set for Easter: tickets will be available via the venue:  http://www.blacksheepbar.com so keep your eyes on the web site.

Croydub is well worth making the effort to reach, as you’ll find the giants of the scene chilled and comfortable in their own manor with nothing to prove, and passion for the music born in their hometown that shines through in the atmosphere, people and music of the night.

Many thanks to Sgt Pokes, The Black Sheep Bar, all artists and ravers alike for yet another outstanding Croydub.

more pics here

Sgt Pokes @ Croydub

Skream at Croydub

tonight is the last CAKE Wednesday, get

This Sunday Wrong Comedy is back with he

we are open tonight at 7 as usual :)

Wed 11th January will be the last CAKE W

Please be aware that our opening hours a

All you want for Christmas is right here

Sun 11^th Dec - The Tease Rooms

With The Divine Miss Em, October Rush, Miss Brusied Violet, Jenny Lockyear, Electra, Gin Atomic, Carmen D’Cruz & Dark Teaser.  £5 spec Guest list  £7 otd / Doors @7pm Facebook event

Thurs 15^th Dec –  Lady Starlight (DJ set)

All the way forNew York Cityand Fresh from the Epitaph US tour with Judas Priest, BLS + Thin Lizzy Lady Starlight will be rocking the Sheep for a Dammit! Christmas treat.  £2 b4 10pm / £4 after / Doors @ 7pm Facebook event

Sun 18^th Dec – Croydub

Controllers: Skream, Tunnidge, Chefal, Kutz, Hijak, Walsh, Dismantle, Skandal, Surge, Raggs, Sgt Pokes.  Wristbands are available now in the bar at £12 / more on the door / doors @ 8pm Facebook event

Weds 21st Dec – Mystery Jets (DJ set)

Cake Wednesday Christmas party with very special guests: Mystery Jets DJ set
+ the wonderful Thom Dorke playing Indie / Electro / Cheese
£1 pint Croydon Lager / Cider til 11pm.  £5 all night  / doors @ 8pm Facebook Event

Sat 24th Dec – Christmas Eve Party

Make your Christmas Day hangover worth while, Linton is playing party music + Indie / Rock / DnB / Dubstep / Funk / Pop.  £5 all night / doors @ 7pm Facebook Event

Mon 26^th Dec – Boxing day DnB

Work off your Christmas Pudd, Croydon’s greatest DnB night returns with a Boxing Day special, featuring: Bryan G, Bailey, Artificial Intelligence, Skopes, Mako, Golden Child.  £5 before 10pm / £7 after / doors @ 8pm Facebook Event

Thurs 29^th Dec – The SlaughterHouse Fetish Masked Ball

Those who wish to take part in acts of an abnormal nature, those who feel comfortable sharing their kinks with others and those who enjoy deviant physical behaviour are welcome. This is not a standard night and as such we will be enforcing a tight policy upon those who wish to enter. The dress-code will be strict fetish-wear only.  £4 b4 10 /£6 after / doors @8pm Facebook Event

Sat 31st Dec  - NYE with DJ linton

Should old acquaintance be forgot? Linton dusts off his collection of the heaviest dancefloor beats, filthiest funk and wettest cheese to make this New Year’s Eve one to remember… or not!.  £5 all night / Doors 7pm til late Facebook Event

Sun 1^st Jan – New Years Day Madhouse mash-up

Madness Promotions are joining forces with The Right Wrongun’s and Dirty Living Room Productions, to bring you a bass-binging night filled with:
Drum N Bass // Jungle // Electro // Techno // Reggae // Dub // Hard Dance And Breaks.  £5 all night / door @ 8pm Facebook event

Review of Croydub 28/08/2011 by DJ Raggs

Hatcha enthused about the latest dark & murderous sub-heavy dub he’d jumped on as we stopped every thirty seconds to chat to locals, pals, Dubstep fans & various ravers.

The atmosphere was live as usual at the Black Sheep Bar.  The buzz around this event is not unfounded.  Croydon is now legendary on a global scale as a vital geographic location in the evolution of underground music, beginning with the explosion of UKG, the phenomenon of Big Apple Records, and the eruption and subsequent epidemic of Dubstep around the planet.

Croydub is as much a gathering for local key figureheads of the Dubstep community, such as Hatcha, Skream, Pokes, Coki, Chef, N-Type, Crazy D, Plastician and the gang, as it is a Mecca for those who travel far and wide for this event, and for those who have been part of the scene in South London since its birth, and enjoy a more laid back event with a decent system and lively sociable atmosphere.

The line-up included Lost & Shiverz (extended set), Kutz, Breakage & Youngman who smashed the place with Breakage’s extraordinary beats and versatility, Mensah, and a guest appearance by Stinkahbell hosting Plastician’s set.  In attendance were the main man and organiser Sgt Pokes, also lurking were Walsh, Cluekid, Enme, Ashley Get Darker, Darkside, Cyrus, Pacematic, Mutated Mindz, Bannerworx, Dfuse, Nrgee and myself, Raggs.

The night was busy but not uncomfortable – you could just about swing an unsuspecting mosher round the dancefloor with minimal carnage, and the entertainment levels were well over and above the standard at your average Dubstep night.

Artwork’s set took us from his seminal genre-forming early classics to the gargantuan hits of Magnetic Man in one easy flick of the wrist, and included a special appearance by Skream, who couldn’t resist jumping up for a surprise mix – one of his notable favourites is the remix of Rossi B/Killa P “Police a Come” which dropped nicely and roused the rabble as desired!

Chef & Coki brought their usual darkness and skills – Chef, the most articulate deck technician in Dubstep, dropped his usual intricate web of subs, lathes, tough beats and grimey slimey grooves, all mixed with wizardry and a cheeky grin.  Chefal’s mixing levels were matched only by his inimitable selection – exclusive dubs from Coki, Kromestar, Cotti, Lost, Mala, all formed the foundation of his cogent sound.

Coki dropped an impeccable dub plate selection as always, with classics such as “Burnin”, “Goblin” and his infamous version of “Loving You”, and a handful of his new dubs such as “Marduk”, “Emergency” and a new remix of Gappy Ranks’ “Stinking Rich”, Coki also dropped plates of Stinkahbell’s “Grimey” and a tasty new morsel from up & comer Pacematic entitled “Say What Again”.  Chef and Coki are definitely heavy on the taste making for those who like dark underground authentic sounds.

Plastician’s set was a wonder to watch as he manipulated the dancefloor like a puppet master, playing some of the grimiest popular tracks such as “Blukku Blukku”, Joker’s “Vision”, to the most up-front Skream & Benga dubs, to for me what was definitely a high point as a member of Ghost, where Plastician flipped back to originator music by seamlessly blending El-B’s mix of Brasstooth’s “Celebrate Life” into his set – Plastician showed us how and why El-B is one of the original kings of wub – mayhem on the dancefloor ensued.

Croydub is Sgt Pokes’ night, and was hosted by the one-and-only-accept-no-substitute-original –Dubstep-MC himself, MC Crazy D, stamping the Dubstep stamp of authority on the night.  Janset, one half of Stinkahbell, a hugely talented producer, musician and MC, emerged from under Crazy’s wing to command the mic over some of Plastician’s set, and brought some much needed, hard-headed feminity to the dance!

The night was topped off nicely by a classic Hatcha & Crazy D set like a Dubstep cherry on top of the Croydub cake!

Home to Dubstep, home to Dubstep’s finest, and the perfect location to bruk out without a care to some business class Dubstep levels brought to us by the Kings of Dubstep, Croydub is undoubtedly one of South London’s finest Dubstep events, and is most definitely one for the heads.

original article here http://djraggs.tumblr.com/post/9592155947/croydub-black-sheep-bar-28th-august

Cal’s Blog #4 – 21/09/12

I must first apologise for my lack of blogging over the last month and a half, a lot has been going on in my life in regards to relocation and other boring stuff which isn’t really worth talking about (in other words being lazy and forgetful) but I’ll try and make this a good one!

Since my last blog there have been several events at Sheep which have all been jolly good fun ^_^……….

Lady Gaga Night……..
The rest of the staff and I partook in a random dress up night which saw me for the first time in my life (no really I swear….) dress up as a woman. Sporting red leopard print skinny jeans from my flatmate and one of my BESTEST friends Lucy (they were size ten…… they fit perfectly……. That aint right). Using them as tights I went shopping with Paul to be alerted to the fact that he had already bought me a dress……. I never thought it would come to a point in life where my boss would buy me a dress to wear at work…… but there you go. So I went downstairs at work to be greeted by a very questionable cream floral frock (from Oxfam) with red roses all over it, attached to it reads a note saying “To Callum, Because I love you” lovely eh. After some customisation of the dress (It went to the floor so I decided to bring it up to date and make it shorter ) some red hairspray, trademark sunglasses, a rose and a little leopard print hairclip/hat thing, and not to forget Hayley’s much appreciated but very uncomfortable size 7 boots (I’m size ten and they were far to small for me) I was ready…….
It was a fun night, with lots of good outfits!, although I was quite worried about the amount of people walking in when I was on the door at the start of the night and not questioning why I was dressed as a woman, and then commenting later on in the night saying that I looked good as a woman…… apparently I suit that look.

UV Crash and Carry Night…….
Anyone who knows me knows that I like bright, colourful lighty-uppy shit! So I love UV nights, I got to frolic in the colours with my poi briefly with some Hoopists….. twas jolly good fun ☺. Lots of people made an effort, got painted and in general and bright and happy time

Fetish Night…….
What can I say, another textbook successful fetish night with practically everyone making an effort to dress up (or dress down rather…..) and getting involved in the various playfully questionable stuff that was going down. There were beds, a dark room, a crucifix, stocks, girls on hooks…… a massive playground for the corrupt and twisted. Me and my sexy lady counterpart (for the night anyway) Krystian had a good view of things from the back bar. A good time was had by all. Props to Lousifa, Mr. Lee and everyone who helped with the decorations!

Me in a cage

I also found out that people think I look good in make up, so I look good in a dress AND in make up……. Interesting lol.

Croydub……..
Croydub was amazing!, bringing together some of the best Dubstep DJ’s in the country the atmosphere in the room was awesome, and I had the perfect view of it all working on the floor! (I was quite excited when I found out I was on the floor). The line up consisted on Lost, Shivers, Chefal, Kutz, Mensah, Breakage, Youngman, Hatcha, N-Type, P-Money and Plastician which were all sick! But my highlights of the night included Coki, who tore it up. Then came Artwork with a special unbilled guest….. Skream! It was dubstep heaven really, not much more can be said!

Right that concludes a loooong blog, I shall try and make them more frequent in future, go look at our upcoming events also!

We have a celebrity morgue event on Thursday 27th October, essentially come dressed as your favourite dead celebrity, simple really! We will also be having the live musical stylings of the Spindle Sect again (go look at my review of them in Cal’s Blog #2) with some sideshow entertain also ☺.

In Brief Summary…….
I look good in a dress……
And in Make-Up……..
Krystian looks good in a dress…….
And in Make-Up…….
Bright colourful stuff makes people happy!……..

Dead celebrities……. Pick one

me in UV

A poem for the Sheep by Ally MacDizzle

I could compare you to a summers day,
But the summers here are cold and shite.
You’re home to the straight, bi and gay,
And garentee the punters an incredible night.
I dance to the classics with my crazy friends,
Cider and Black in both hands, doing the running man.
Rockers, Indies, Freaks and all different trends,
All different ages.. Including the Sheep’s Gran!!
Croydub, Cheap Sheep and a Fetish Ball,
Dj’s playing music to blow your mind.
Greeted always with a hug from Paul
Which to me is better than booze and drugs combind!
I party hard until we’re all kicked out at four…
It is my lover, I’m the Black Sheep’s Whore!!

Thanks Ally, we love you too.