Calvin Harris: Feel So Close

Hot on the heels of the Kelis collabo, the Scottish producer delivers a video for his latest single, set in both cowboy land and the 'hood'...

X:Factor US: The Return

Well, this is a bit amazing.

Shunji Minami, G-Shock's R&D On GQ.com

G-Shock's R&D head is featured on GQ today.

Here's an extract from the interview.

How many broken watches do you have at G-Shock HQ?
When we first launched the G-Shock Mr Ibe, who developed the first G-Shock and broke 100 watches every day. But now we have a basic structure, so to make one new model we break ten. Of course we have a level, how far we can go, but we like to test to the maximum. The model can go even higher than the level we advertise, so we go even higher so we can know exactly how far.

What's the most extreme thing you've done to a watch?
Sometime we drop the G-Shocks from the sixth floor. We just do it as an experiment!

Where do you get your inspiration?
The concept is G-Shock for the ultimate environment. We had conversations with people who work in extreme jobs such as firemen. For the aviation model we exchanged opinions with pilots. By having a conversation, we develop.


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Sherlock Holmes: The Return

The dapper Downey Jr re-teams with Jude Law and director Guy Ritchie in the second instalment of the Sherlock Holmes films. As with the first flick, this one looks as action-packed and explosive as before. Not quite how we remember dusty old Sherlock back in the '80s! Not that we remember the '80s at all, of course...!

'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows' is out this December.

Bluey Robinson: I Need A Dollar

The brilliant Bluey takes on Aloe Blacc's recent smash, 'I Need A Dollar'.

Euro, pounds and pence all get a nice remixing as the former 'Eastenders' actor (he played Billie in one episode!) gets his thespian on.

Rather than imitating the likes of Chris Brown or Trey Songz, Bluey, who recently toured with Justin Beiber, is aiming for the greats.“This might sound cliché, but I’m trying to follow Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, Prince and Stevie,” he says. “That’s who I want to be in years to come; I want to be someone who’s remembered for changing the game and who leaves an imprint on music, worldwide.”

Master Shortie: Social Groups

It's the return of Theo Kerlin, AKA Master Shortie. The south London MC has been through many stages in his career - including being the first artist to work with producer Labrinth (the pair did Shortie's debut 'A.D.H.D', a long time before Tinie and Pro Green got near him.

Shortie returns this summer with a mixtape, 'Studying Abroad', that features, among others, Bruno Mars, Bluey Robinson and Ed Sheeran. We have a quick catch up with the MC Master to see where he's been and where he's going.

You were signed to Jive but they dissolved. Are you signed now? What's going on with Shortie in 2011?
I am not signed. Let me just repeat that - I am not signed - I would like to be signed but for now it's about putting my music out for as many as want to hear it.

'Social Groups' is pretty sick! Is there a sample on there?
Lenny Williams's 'Cause I Love You' is the sample in the background. Thanks for the love shown toward the track.

Tell us how it sets you up for the mixtape, and presumably forthcoming album?
The Mixtape will still have that Shortie cross-genre style but hopefully lyrically it will have progressed - that's all I can hope for. Anything else is a bonus-so far so good!

You seemed to have upped the lyrical levels - is that fair to say?
I had to up the stakes on everything. All you can do is try to get better at what you do. People have picked up on the lyrics this time which makes me happy and means I'm growing. As long as I'm growing up, that's OK for now.

The mixtape looks like it's got some serious guests. How did you hook up with Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran?
The mixtape has some great guests - some "borrowed" (laughs) some legal. Ed is an old mate and I love his music.

Since you worked with Lab, he's become quite a big deal. Will you be working with him again?
Would you believe I still have tunes that we never put out from the first time! Labz is a genius and I was fortunate enough to be first in line so I am still the only artist that he has ever produced a whole album for. I will be putting that album on iTunes again soon. I'm very proud of what he has achieved- very proud - we are all his children really. I will be doing stuff with him in the future, but for now he has his album to finish and I must respect that. He has already given me soooooo much.

What's been the toughest decision you've made within your career?
To admit that I was an a**hole in the past and dust myself down and start again.

What's the toughest part of your job?
Realising that not everybody is going to like what you do and that you have to just speak to those that understand what you are about and hope it spreads.

Where can people catch Shortie next? (Live, releases, websites etc)
Check my site. It's early days but I'm happy. I just want to get better that's all.

Check the video for 'Social Groups', featuring Jade Dragon and Bluey.

Crazy Cousinz Ft. Omarion: Arch Your Back

When it comes to exclusives, few can beat 1Xtra's finest Mistajam.

Jammy debuted what is SURE to be a smash this year at Carnival - and beyond. Featuring Omarion, the track is produced by Crazy Cousinz of 'Bongo Jam' fame, and will be released by Disturbing London, the label run by Tinie Tempah and his manager, Dumi.

Be prepared to hear this everywhere over the next few weeks.