Audio Bullys vs. Radiohead

"100 Million" by Audio Bullys, from Ego War (2003)
UK hip-hop is a funny thing. It's difficult for me to take seriously. I don't know why, it's probably not fair, but it just seems like something they're still kind of pretending at. Or maybe it's just different. UK hip hop is actually more reminiscent of the hip hop I actually like, stuff from the 90s, from before the word 'bling' was invented, back when hip hop artists still had fun. That's what this track, from the Audio Bullys debut album, gives you. Opening with a puff from a joint and driving through three-and-half minutes of rapidfire wit and rhymes, this cut makes you want to dance, not stomp on someone's head. The difference between US and UK hip hop? If you ran into these guys in a dark alley you'd probably be challenged to a dance-off or something. At worst. If you bump into DMX his pit bulls just may eat your face off.

"Permanent Daylight" by Radiohead, from the My Iron Lung EP (1994)
This is what the UK does best. Love Radiohead, gotta state the bias right up front. This is two-and-a-half-minutes of pure screeching, pounding, fuzztastic guitarwork from O'Brien and the Greenwoods, backed by Yorke's subtle, muted, beautiful nonsense. This track comes from the 8-track Iron Lung EP released around the time of The Bends, almost as an outtakes album. This cut isn't even near to the strongest on the record (Lewis anyone?), but it still fills me with the anticipated pleasure of another Radiohead musical mindfuck. The Kingdom approves.

WINNER: A couple of wannabe Eminem brats from South London don't have a chance against Yorke and the boys. Thanks for the insanity Radiohead.