2007 After Carnival Report

As usual this year’s Notting Hill Carnival showcase was fantastic, went off with a bang and viewed by all concerned as being amongst one the most successful Carnivals ever.

On Sunday it kicked off with bang and was all about AMAZING               with their ENCONA brand (the official Rapattack Sponsor for 2007).     They sure did create an impact. Commencement of the distribution of a truckload of soft drinks delivered earlier that morning began around mid-day, together with a few thousand branded whistles, bandanas and goodie bags and we can’t forget that ‘hot pepper sauce’. These were all appreciated and well received. Drinks included Nurishment, Ginger Beer, Coconut Water, Mighty Malt and umpteen flavours of Grace’s brand leading ‘Tropical Rhythms’ juices. No doubt as Chaka Khan would say “Ain’t Nobody” was going to get thirsty on what turned out to be 2 gloriously beautiful days. With an endless supply of soft drinks to be given away absolutely free, things could only get better. Grace also supplied the manpower, or should we say girlpower inasmuch as the 12 strong team consisted mainly of sexy blonds. Their job was to mingle amongst the Rapattack crowd (in branded gear and jetpacks) ensuring that people didn’t dehydrate or have too far to travel to get replenished. 4 of these doubled up as dancers, body-painted to resemble ‘Nurishment’ brand strawberry, vanilla and banana flavours (sensational). This obviously added spectacle, colour, turned heads and brought true Carnival spirit to the Rapattack stage on both days (Check out the photos).

It was absolutely fantastic and definitely a hard act to follow. But enough about that for now, let’s get right back to business.

After the official warm up, the showcase really kicked off and started jammin when DJ Ricky came on the wheels (turntables), vibeing up the crowd with some upfront selections from the likes of Tweet & Music Soul Child etc., etc., etc. Ricky then progressed and rocked the crowd severely, playing a cross section of oldskool grooves which emanated the Rapattack flavour and what Rapattack is truly about. DJ Ricky smashed it. He definitely touched the hearts of Sunday ravers whose faces shone with delight as loud oohs of appreciation echoed throughout the capacity filled site. He played a serious beat droppin' selection of golden oldies that haven't been heard for ages-  from Funkadelic’s-  “Knee Deep” to Linda Clifford’s-  “Runaway Love”  and lots more!!!!!!!!! (check playlist). Awesome or what? The atmosphere was just terrific and you have to give credit to the quality of DJ’ing considering he was preoccupied throughout the 2 days performing live interviews for the Carnival cause and needless to say didn’t get much sleep.

Anyway, moving on……..

Rapattack’s female DJ Lady Misstify made her mark, staking her claim as a true Rapattack Dj by absolutely rocking the place superbly on the Bank Holiday Monday. She played what can only be described as a wicked and uplifting, quality, bubbling, house and garage set. She had the whole place bubbling and believe you me when I say champagne corks were just poppin' left, right and centre throughout the entire site. Misstify’s set was supported by special guest MC DT who together with the host of Rapattack MC’s present played an integral part in hyping up the crowd. Together they all generated a true Carnival party atmosphere in expressing themselves and no doubt their humour came across as terrific and well received.

Rapattack MC’s present included the main men Bronx and Soulski Jam together with Valentino, Double J and the deadly veteran MC Dizzi Heights who took centre stage and provided a commanding performance of lyrical professionalism while perched above the soundsystem’s huge front of house speakers.

A highlight of the event saw the audience being absolutely blown away by a fantastic live Carnival performance from the talented 13 year old, artiste MX1. Regulars to the site would have remembered the wicked unforgettable debut performance, smashing up the stage with his singing and dancing when only 9 years old. ‘Seeing is believing’ and this youngster was 100% professional and commanded the stage like a veteran. Daddy (DJ Toyboy) must be very proud.

MX1 AND DAD

There was also a performance from fresh, white British reggae artist Ava Leigh (signed to Virgin Records) who came down specially to perform the singles “Burning” and a rendition of Louisa Marks classic lovers rock “Caught you in a lie” (currently available by free download). Ava with her 2 dancers rocked the crowd in an unbelievable way. She’s gonna go far so- REMEMBER WHERE YOU HEARD IT FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.               More info- http://www.myspace.com/avaleigh

As for the DJ Master MC- what can we say. He was boppin' around the site all day long, working hard as usual monitoring and fine tuning the 30 kilowatt soundsystem which always sounds crisp and magnificent. When it came to the crunch and he was let loose on the decks for the finale, it was business as usual. Absolutely ecstatic and mind-blowing. The delivery of tracks from the likes of Kenny Burke, Frankie Beverley, Michael Jackson, Jean Adebambo, Gwen McRae etc., etc., etc was perfect, putting the finishing touches on what turned out to be a great and fully entertaining day that’s not gonna be forgotten for some time.

The whole saga was caught on camera by the one and only Kevi-Kev (the cameraman) who was never too far away from the action. Yes there was loads going on and it was proper happening. Dancers on roller skates, breakdancing, bongos and percussion plus the antics of the crowd and Rapattack Family left Kevi with more than enough to do. Cheers Kev.

CD’s and DVD’s of the Rapattack Carnival showcase and DJ sets are available NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! click here for details 

Our indicators suggested that a minimum of 30,000 people visited the Rapattack site on both days with many more just passing through. There was an over average and unusually high volume of interest from the media this year, with interviews and filming from various TV and radio production companies including BBC London and BBC 1xtra on site.

Overall all I can say is- “My my my, what a fantastic Carnival. Once again the Rapattack Roadshow certainly did smash it up this year (2007).”

We would like to thank our sponsors...

Grace Products-   for their support, dedication and the tremendous amount of effort put into the supplying and distribution of all the free soft drinks, bandanas, goodie bags, whistles and other merchandise on site.

MTJ-   Publicity and Marketing. Big up- the MTJ crew for services rendered to both Rapattack and the sponsors brand ENCONA. Also for doing a fantastic job ensuring that things ran extremely smoothly on both days. Special thanks to Louisa- you’re a ‘star’, babe.

Bay Media-   for having faith and the vision in seeking a great opportunity. Peace & love to Anthony. Well done and thanks again-------- got there in the end.  

T Mobile-   for supplying the crowd with additional whistles and foghorns.

Notting Hill Tandoori-   for the ablution services.

SUSD-   for again letting us have the run of their design studio and accessing electricity from the fuse box to spark  up the Rapattack Mix Machine. -special thanks to the world famous designer Tom Dixon and director Peter Harris whos quote will forever remain with us-

“We didn’t realise how so well organised and                  professional Rapattack are” (2006)      

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Big up to all the celebrities who came down and a special shout to the premiership footballers incognito for passing through (you know who you are). Shout out to Tim Westwood (Radio 1 DJ and Pimp my Ride host) who spent the Monday afternoon bubbling back-stage with the crew. Last but not least, a very special thank you to all of you out there who attended and contributed towards making the days extra special. All the dj’s, live acts and everybody backstage in the VIP enclosure, not forgetting praises to the efficiency of the crew and RPK security. You’ve all done it again.

Thank you very much.

Also got to say thanks for your ‘after carnival' e-mails. Just keep them coming.

We have selected the following for this years posting...

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Hello there

I was at carnival and it was wicked. My friends and I had a great time and you lot brought back loads of memories with the blasts from the past. Please can you add me to your mailing list. Top marks guys and keep up the good work.

Bev

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Hi Rapattack

Please could you let me know what/where the next event will be held.
I had an excellent time at carnival

Kellie

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Hi Dj’s

I'm really looking forward to hearing Rapattack play out and am very pleased to know that you’re at the BLAG club and I'm not sure how to get to there, but will find out!!

My sister and I were at the Carnival this year and found your spot by accident. The music was good, and just as we were thinking of going elsewhere "Buttercup" came on the system. It was such an unexpected blast from the past, we just started rocking! I looked around and saw that everybody was moving: people were smiling; looking up the sky; looking down at the ground; eyes open; eyes closed; just enjoying the groove - that was such a brilliant moment - I didn't want it to end!

That's when I thought I have to have more. Had to find out where you play so I can get some friends to come with me to check out of your sounds.

Anyway, better go now. Take care.

Maureen

DJ Ricky Playlist
Carnival Sunday 2007
1. Gimme That (Remix) - Chris Brown
2. Entourage - Omarion
3. Boogie Tonight - Tweet
4. I Was Not Kidding - Angie Stone (Samples: Baby I'm Scared Of You - Womack & Womack)
5. Got To Have Your Love - Mantronix
6. I Found Lovin' - Fatback Band
7. In & Out - Willie Hutch
8. So Different - Kinky Fox
9. Come To Me - Jermaine Jackson (UK 12" Mix)
10. Let The Beat Hit Em - Lisa Lisa
11. I Wonder If You Take Me Home - Lisa Lisa
12. Rub You The Right Way - Johnny Gill (Hype Mix)
13. Whoop There It Is - Tag Team
14. It Takes Two - Rob Bass
15. Don't Scandalize Mine - Sugar Bear
16. Do It My Way - Kid & Play
17. Saturday Love - Cherelle & Alexander O' Neil
18. Lets Get Serious - Jermaine Jackson
19. Do I Do - Stevie Wonder
20. Behind The Groove - Teena Marie
21. The Beat Goes On - Whispers
22. I Hear Music In The Street - Unlimited Touch
23. Your The One For Me - D Train
24. Beat The Street - Sharon Redd (US Original Mix)
25. In The Glow Of Love - Change (Featuring: Luther Vandross)
26. All This Love I'm Givin - Gwen McRae
27. Candy - Cameo
29. Sexy Girl - Lillo Thomas
30. Roses Are Red - Mac Band
31. Tell Me How It Feels - 52nd Street (Classic Groove)
32. Slow Down - Loose Ends
33. Icing On The Cake - Paul Lawrence
34. I Want Her - Keith Sweat
35. Gonna Make You Mine - Loose Ends
36. Optimistic - Sounds Of Blackness (US Original Mix)
37. Upside Down - Diana Ross
39. Get Down On It - Kool & The Gang
40. We Got The Funk - Positive Force (US Original Re-edit)
41. Got To Be Real - Cheryl Lynn
42. Treat Her Like A Lady - Temptations (12" Remix)
43. I'm In Love - Evelyn 'Champagne' King
44. You Can't Hide Your Love - David Joseph
45. You To Me Are Everything - Real Thing (Classic)
46. Ain't No Stopping Us Now - McFadden & Whitehead (Anthem)
47. Bring The Family Back - Billy Paul (Anthem)

DJ Ricky Playlist
Carnival Monday 2007
1. Get Low - Busta Rhymes Featuring: Mary J. Blige (Remix)
2. Me & You - Cassie
3. I'm Sprung - T' Pan (Original Mix)
4. Run It - Chris Brown
5. Nasty Girls - Notorious B.I.G.
6. Deja Vu - Beyonce
7. All & All - Joyce Sims
8. I'll Be A Freak For You - Royal Delight
9. Single Life - Cameo
10. Pick Up The Pieces - Average White Band
11. My Loves Comin At Ya - Melba Moore (Friday Night 'Best Disco In Town' Classic)
12. Your The One For Me - D. Train
13. Beat The Street - Sharon Redd (US Original Mix)
14. Come To Me - Jermaine Jackson
15. Let The Beat Hit Em - Lisa Lisa
16. I Wonder If I take You Home - Lisa Lisa
17. Set It Off - Harlequin 4's (Original US)
18. Takes A Little Time - Total Contrast (US Funked Up Remix)
19. Get Loose - Aleem Featuring Leroy Burgess
20. Young Soul Rebels - Mica Paris

Lady Misstify Playlist
Carnival Monday 2007
1. Corporation - vol3 - Freak
2. KP: No Frills - I Need a Rhythm
3. Da Click - Good Rhymes
4. Y Tribe - Enough is Enough
5. Rose Windross & Creed - Liferide
6. White Label - Salt 'n' Pepper Remix
7. MJ Cole - Sincere Remix / Mj Cole - Slum King
8. Smokin Beats - Dream
9. Baby D - Fantasy Remix
10. K Warren Remix - What I am
11. Architechs - Body Grove Feat Nana
12. M Dubs - Bump 'n' Grind
13. DND Remix - You make me go OOOH!
14. White Lable - Ear to the beat
15. Mark Ryder Project - MC Kie 'n' MC Sparks - Joy
16. Stonecold Classics - Dont you want some more
17. Ms Dynamite - Booo!
18. DJ Luck 'n' MC Neat - A little bit of luck
19. DJ Promo - 138 Trek
20. Monsta Boy - Sorry! (Didn't Know')

Click here for forthcoming gigs or parties

24 YEARS OF MUSICAL EXCELLENCE
The year 2008 marks the 24th anniversary of the Rapattack Roadshow!
Watch out for forthcoming celebrations.

Were you an avid supporter of Rapattack in the eighties, nineties or present day? -------or got something to say about Carnival.

We'd love to hear from you
Comments please to : dj@rapattack.co.uk

IT’S ALL ABOUT MUSIC - peace, love, togetherness