“Grammar school” means different things in different parts of the world. British grammar schools select their students on ability. Many schools were set up in this system in Britain’s American colonies, but these days American selective schools are normally called “magnet schools”. In America, “grammar school” is an alternative name for elementary school.

A hammer is a gun. Taking a gun to high school is a sign that it’s a rough school, but Ka’s been carrying since he was a small child in elementary school. That shows how tough his childhood was, and explains why he knows so much about guns.

Marcus Garvey was a radical pro-black activist who sought to further black identity, make industry work for blacks, and create a homeland for African-Americans in Liberia. Mike Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight world champion boxer known as one of the strongest punchers of all time.

Mike combines Garvey’s activism and social conscience with Tyson’s ferocity, giving him an unmatched ability to get good work done.

In recent presidential elections, Americans have had a choice between a highly conservative Republican candidate like George W. Bush or Donald Trump, and a moderate Democrat like Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. Neither option is ideal for voters whose politics lie to the left of both of those options, but most choose to support the Democrats because they’re, as the saying goes, “the lesser of two evils” and they don’t want to risk a potentially disastrous Republican victory, as in 2016.

Mike asserts that taking radical action to dispose of the existing power structure is the only way change will come about quickly. After many failed attempts, Mike feels cynical about what he views as the “get upset, protest, nothing really changes” model. He understands, however, that these kinds of hugely disruptive changes ask a lot from those who would undertake them.

Mike was a vocal supporter of Bernie Sanders' unsuccessful 2016 campaign to become the Democratic Presidential nominee.

“The stuff that we rap about, the stuff that we talk about, the stuff that outrages us, Sanders’s policy deals with that.”

RTJ are always willing to speak out against people who abuse their power. Unfortunately, tyrants aren’t afraid to lock people up for opposing them, even in the US.

Don’t worry about RTJ being silenced – they’ve always known the risks. Mike talked about the danger of being outspoken on “Reagan,” which El-P produced:

They only love the rich, and how they loathe the poor
If I say any more they might be at my door
(Shh..) Who the fuck is that staring in my window
Doing that surveillance on Mr. Michael Render

The band formerly known as Viet Cong produce highly-acclaimed art-rock influenced by Television and Joy Division. They are a great live band and not to be missed!

Notable songs: “March Of Progress”.

Mitski’s fourth album, Puberty 2, was her most realised yet. The 26-year-old splits the difference between punk and dream-pop, and somehow makes it work. That’s probably down to her incredible songwriting. Mitski writes songs about emotional disconnect and disappointing sex that will make you feel like never before.

Key songs: “I Bet On Losing Dogs”,, “Your Best American Girl”, and “Happy”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_hDHm9MD0I

The xx’s début had a minimalist sound that catapulted them to success and spawned countless imitators.

There’s been a five-year wait for their third album, I See You, due out in January. In the meantime, Jamie xx pursued a successful solo career.

With a relatively small discography and a sound better suited to intimate venues, it’s likely that the xx will be the “supporting” headliner, playing just before or after one of the others.

Key songs include “Angels” and “Intro”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gxNW2Ulpwk