New Flesh

by John BushAround since 1990, New Flesh took ten years to release an LP but quickly became dons of the British rap scene, as original and cutting-edge as their much-hyped Big Dada labelmate Roots Manuva. When originally formed (as New Flesh for Old), the group included York native and graffiti sprayer Part 2 (aka Keith Hopewell) along with rappers Toastie Tailor (a native of Grenada), Horny Baker, and Out of Order. They did a few shows during the early 90s, and debuted with a 1995 single (This Is the Space Age) on their own New Flesh Music. Mesopotamia followed a year later, and earned critical praise as well as a spot on DJ Vadims Organised Sound compilation. Now consisting of Part 2 and Toastie Tailor plus newcomer Juice Aleem (a Birmingham native), the act started recording for Britains Big Dada label with 1997s Electronic Bombardment EP. The full-length Equilibriums followed in 1999, while their second LP, 2002s Understanding, displayed their increased standing in the hip-hop community via a series of high-profile collaborations — with Big Dadas own Roots Manuva and Ty, plus Blackalicious Gift of Gab, Antipops Beans, and hip-hop pioneer Rammellzee. A period of relative calm followed, although all three members were active, and Part 2 released a full LP of productions on assorted rappers and vocalists titled Live from the Breadline. The trio returned as New Flesh in mid-2006 with Universally Dirty, featuring their pioneering blend of bashment, dancehall, and old-school rap.