Episode 14: ELIJAH BUTTERZ
Elijah & Skilliam are a DJ duo and owners of London’s Butterz record label, which since 2010 have done more than anyone else to promote underground UK genres like grime, bassline and UK funky to the world. We talk to Elijah about growing up grime and what the music means to young black Londoners of his generation plus we talk about grime’s best MCs, mixtapes, and artifacts. Elijah also recounts some of his most ridiculous DJ stories and drops wisdom on how to maintain longevity in dance music. Since this interview, Elijah, also an artist manager, has started the Make the Ting project, which asks pertinent questions about artistry and the music business.
Follow Elijah on Instagram.
Follow Elijah on Twitter.
Everywhere you can catch Elijah soon & more about his Make The Ting project.
Visit the Butterz label on the web.
Things discussed in this episode:
BUTTERZ: THE FIRST DECADE - A 30-minute doc gathering some of Butterz fav moments and touring adventures from 10 years of the label.
RBMA Butterz Interview - Elijah & Skilliam on Butterz history complete with some of the label’s best tracks.
Special Fabric - Tune in to this genre-defining Fabriclive 75 mix from Elijah & Skilliam.
2008 Gully vs. Gaza Soundclash - A legendary soundclash between dancehall kings Vybz Kartel and Mavado clash at Sting
Jaykae vs. Discarda - A wild clash of a different sort from the legendary grime DVD series Lord of the Mics.
Bluku Bluku - Tubby & Newham Generals on London pirate Rinse FM in 2007.
Ladies Night Freestyle - One of the best ever Tim Westwood sessions with female grime MCs Ny, NoLay, Lady Chann, Lady Leshurr, Lioness, Princess Nyah & Alex Mills.
Sherelle’s Boiler Room - The one that brought jungle back.
Sidewinder’s Untold Story - Joseph JP Patterson gets the story behind pioneering UK garage and grime event Sidewinder. Skepta & JME live at Butterz third birthday.
And Again - A whole YouTube playlist of era-defining moments from Sidewinder.
Essential Viewing - Skepta, JME, D Double E, Wiley and more on Lord of the Decks Vol. 2 and Vol. 3 and Lord of the Mics Vol 1 and Vol 2.
ELIJAH’S INFLUENCES
Boy Better Know
Hyperdub
Tempa Records
Stormzy @ Glastonbury 2019
The Heatwave
Music in this episode: