Jehst
Encyclopedia
William G. Shields, better known as Jehst or a slew of aliases including The High Plains Drifter, Billy Brimstone and Jay Star, is an English rapper
and co-founder of hip hop label YNR.
in Sussex
before moving to Huddersfield
where he went to Honley High School
. After being admitted to the University of Westminster London for a degree in Illustration, Jehst subsequently dropped out due to an offer of a record deal and a opportunity to set up his own label .
His debut release came in 1999 with the Premonitions EP on YNR Productions, which he co-founded with Leeds hip-hop artist, Tommy Evans. His solo career extended further when he appeared on Task Force's
EP Voice of the Great Outdoors (2000) with the track 'Cosmic Gypsies', which resulted in a long time association with Low Life Records
. The release of four 12" records on the same label soon followed, while at around the same time in 2002 Jehst was also a pivotal member of the seven man group 'Champions of Nature', whose members included AM, Apollo, L. Dolo, Lewis Parker, Profound and Supa T. The group eventually released two EP's before disbanding, but not before the final release of the highly acclaimed full-length The Return of the Drifter
. Issued in June 2002, it was a double release with an accompanying 11-track CD of the same name. This was essentially a collection of previously released tracks and a cross-section of Jehst's work up to that point.
Furthermore, Shields had begun collaborating with producers such as Evil Ed, Harry Love
and Lewis Parker to further enhance his status as an established figure within the British hip hop scene. In 2003, he unveiled his debut album Falling Down
, which featured guest appearances from Lewis Parker, The Sundragon, Usmaan and Klashnekoff
. Jehst's next solo installment came in the form of the 2005 effort, Nuke Proof Suit
. The following year saw Jehst's production project, Jehst Presents: Underworld Epics come to fruition. In 2007 The Mengi Bus Mixtape was released, accompanied by a string of live shows including a small run of shows in Australia
.
Shields has also released material under the name 'Billy Brimstone' on his own label, YNR; the same label responsible for many up and coming and established British hip hop artists.
Prior to deciding to focus full-time on his music, Jehst was a founding member of the graffiti crew TCS - The Chemical Souls (previously FSB - Full Scale Burners) in Halifax / Huddersfield with Spymad Reap and Misc (later extended to include Reakt and others). Whilst not the most prolific artist in the area due to his musical commitments, Jehst was considered a talented and accomplished wall writer for a short time and was highly influential on his peers. The influence of TCS is still evident in the graffiti around the Kirklees district today, and fresh Jehst dubs have shown up in spots around East London as recently as 2009.
Jehst's highly anticipated album, 'The Dragon of an Ordinary Family' was released in June 2011. The first single from the album, Starting Over, was launched by a viral marketing video campaign in which a supposed Jehst fan recorded footage of the rapper appearing as a worker of the Post Office
. 'Jehst Is My Postman' later turned out to be a PR stunt, as this recording was followed up by a music video of the single, featuring many other rappers dressed in a variety of costumes.
Rapping
Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...
and co-founder of hip hop label YNR.
Biography
Born in Kent in 1979, Jehst spent his early childhood in CrowboroughCrowborough
The highest point in the town is 242 metres above sea level. This summit is the highest point of the High Weald and second highest point in East Sussex . Its relative height is 159 m, meaning Crowborough qualifies as one of England's Marilyns...
in Sussex
Sussex
Sussex , from the Old English Sūþsēaxe , is an historic county in South East England corresponding roughly in area to the ancient Kingdom of Sussex. It is bounded on the north by Surrey, east by Kent, south by the English Channel, and west by Hampshire, and is divided for local government into West...
before moving to Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield is a large market town within the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, in West Yorkshire, England, situated halfway between Leeds and Manchester. It lies north of London, and south of Bradford, the nearest city....
where he went to Honley High School
Honley High School
Honley High School is a secondary school situated on the edge of the village of Honley in the Holme Valley, West Yorkshire, England. The catchment area is the neighbouring villages of Brockholes, Honley and Meltham. Honley High has around 1,250 pupils aged 11–16...
. After being admitted to the University of Westminster London for a degree in Illustration, Jehst subsequently dropped out due to an offer of a record deal and a opportunity to set up his own label .
His debut release came in 1999 with the Premonitions EP on YNR Productions, which he co-founded with Leeds hip-hop artist, Tommy Evans. His solo career extended further when he appeared on Task Force's
Task Force (band)
Task Force are a British hip hop group from Highbury in London, England. The group is led primarily by two brothers Chester P and Farma G...
EP Voice of the Great Outdoors (2000) with the track 'Cosmic Gypsies', which resulted in a long time association with Low Life Records
Low Life Records
Low Life Records was an independent record label promoting UK hip hop music. It was founded in Leeds by Joseph Christie, Aaron Harrow, Tomas Stewart and Paul Edmeade before being relocated to west London by Christie. The label came to an abrupt end when Braintax announced his sudden retirement from...
. The release of four 12" records on the same label soon followed, while at around the same time in 2002 Jehst was also a pivotal member of the seven man group 'Champions of Nature', whose members included AM, Apollo, L. Dolo, Lewis Parker, Profound and Supa T. The group eventually released two EP's before disbanding, but not before the final release of the highly acclaimed full-length The Return of the Drifter
The Return of the Drifter
Return of the Drifter was Jehst's first full-length LP. The album was produced by Jehst, except for "Alcoholic Author" and "Staircase to Stage", which were produced by Harry Love....
. Issued in June 2002, it was a double release with an accompanying 11-track CD of the same name. This was essentially a collection of previously released tracks and a cross-section of Jehst's work up to that point.
Furthermore, Shields had begun collaborating with producers such as Evil Ed, Harry Love
Harry Love
Harry Love is a British hip hop record producer and dj from Laylow Ladbroke Grove, London. He has produced joints for artists including Jehst, Verb T, and Klashnekoff....
and Lewis Parker to further enhance his status as an established figure within the British hip hop scene. In 2003, he unveiled his debut album Falling Down
Falling Down (Jehst album)
Falling Down is Jehst's second full-length LP after The Return of the Drifter. It features the underground anthem "China Shop Taurus", with production being handled by distinguished British hip-hop producer Lewis Parker....
, which featured guest appearances from Lewis Parker, The Sundragon, Usmaan and Klashnekoff
Klashnekoff
Darren Kandler, known by his stage name Klashnekoff or Ricochet Klashnekoff, is a Jamaican-English rapper from east London. Klashnekoff was born in Hornsey, but then moved to Hackney in London where he began his career in rapping...
. Jehst's next solo installment came in the form of the 2005 effort, Nuke Proof Suit
Nuke Proof Suit
Nuke Proof Suit is an album by British hip hop artist Jehst. This release reveals evidence of a new style in terms of production and lyrics, as the album takes a more 'catchy' approach with rhythmic hooks and 'Rap-a-long' style rhymes...
. The following year saw Jehst's production project, Jehst Presents: Underworld Epics come to fruition. In 2007 The Mengi Bus Mixtape was released, accompanied by a string of live shows including a small run of shows in Australia
Australian hip hop
Australian hip hop music began in the early 1980s; originally it was primarily influenced by hip hop music and culture imported via radio and television from the United States of America. However, since the 1990s, a distinctive local style has developed. Australian hip hop is an underground music...
.
Shields has also released material under the name 'Billy Brimstone' on his own label, YNR; the same label responsible for many up and coming and established British hip hop artists.
Prior to deciding to focus full-time on his music, Jehst was a founding member of the graffiti crew TCS - The Chemical Souls (previously FSB - Full Scale Burners) in Halifax / Huddersfield with Spymad Reap and Misc (later extended to include Reakt and others). Whilst not the most prolific artist in the area due to his musical commitments, Jehst was considered a talented and accomplished wall writer for a short time and was highly influential on his peers. The influence of TCS is still evident in the graffiti around the Kirklees district today, and fresh Jehst dubs have shown up in spots around East London as recently as 2009.
Jehst's highly anticipated album, 'The Dragon of an Ordinary Family' was released in June 2011. The first single from the album, Starting Over, was launched by a viral marketing video campaign in which a supposed Jehst fan recorded footage of the rapper appearing as a worker of the Post Office
Post office
A post office is a facility forming part of a postal system for the posting, receipt, sorting, handling, transmission or delivery of mail.Post offices offer mail-related services such as post office boxes, postage and packaging supplies...
. 'Jehst Is My Postman' later turned out to be a PR stunt, as this recording was followed up by a music video of the single, featuring many other rappers dressed in a variety of costumes.
Albums
- The Return of the DrifterThe Return of the DrifterReturn of the Drifter was Jehst's first full-length LP. The album was produced by Jehst, except for "Alcoholic Author" and "Staircase to Stage", which were produced by Harry Love....
(2002, Low LifeLow Life RecordsLow Life Records was an independent record label promoting UK hip hop music. It was founded in Leeds by Joseph Christie, Aaron Harrow, Tomas Stewart and Paul Edmeade before being relocated to west London by Christie. The label came to an abrupt end when Braintax announced his sudden retirement from...
) - Falling DownFalling Down (Jehst album)Falling Down is Jehst's second full-length LP after The Return of the Drifter. It features the underground anthem "China Shop Taurus", with production being handled by distinguished British hip-hop producer Lewis Parker....
(2003, Low Life) - Jehst Presents: Underworld Epics (2006, Low Life) (Various Artists/Handles production duties)
- The Dragon of an Ordinary FamilyThe Dragon of an Ordinary FamilyThe Dragon of an Ordinary Family is an album by British hip-hop artist Jehst, released on his label YNR Productions, on 19 June 2011. This release is his first in six years since 2005's Nuke Proof Suit....
(2011, YNR Productions)
Singles and EPs
- Premonitions EP (1999, YNR)
- Nuke Proof SuitNuke Proof SuitNuke Proof Suit is an album by British hip hop artist Jehst. This release reveals evidence of a new style in terms of production and lyrics, as the album takes a more 'catchy' approach with rhythmic hooks and 'Rap-a-long' style rhymes...
(2005, Reprezent) - Alcoholic Author ('Nightbreed' Ft. Kyza & Klashnekoff on B-side)
Appearances
- 'Finalisation' from Champions of Nature's - Finalisation EP (2000)
- 'Breakfast' of Champions from Champions of Nature - Finalisation EP (2000)
- 'The Bodyclock' from Nmonic's 'Voice Mail' EP (YNR Productions) (2000)
- 'Carpe Diem' from Champions of Nature - The Fuckoff EP (2000)
- 'Jazzy Styles', 'Finalisation', Breakfast', 'Carpe Diem', 'Salsa Smurf', 'C'mon! (C.O.N.)' from Champions of Nature - Self Titled LP (2000)
- 'Cosmic Gypsies' from Task Force'sTask Force (band)Task Force are a British hip hop group from Highbury in London, England. The group is led primarily by two brothers Chester P and Farma G...
Voice of the Great Outdoors EP (2000) - 'Riviera Hustle' from Braintax'sBraintaxBraintax was a British hip hop artist and producer. Joe Christie had also recorded or appeared under the pseudonyms Brando Flux and Joey Brains. All of his releases were on his own record label, Low Life Records....
album Biro FunkBiro FunkBiro Funk is the debut album by Braintax, released on Low Life Records in 2001. By the time of the album's release, Braintax was a solo artist - Joseph Christie. Prior to the release of Biro Funk, Braintax had released a number of EPs and 12" singles, originally as a two-piece band. The album was...
(2001) - 'Communications', 'Cold Sun' and 'Seasons Of Espionage' from the Lewis Parker album It's all happening Now (2002)
- 'It's All Live' from DJ MK's compilation Westwood UK Hip Hop 2002 Vol. 1
- 'Adventures In New Bohemia' and 'City Sickness' from the Low Life RecordsLow Life RecordsLow Life Records was an independent record label promoting UK hip hop music. It was founded in Leeds by Joseph Christie, Aaron Harrow, Tomas Stewart and Paul Edmeade before being relocated to west London by Christie. The label came to an abrupt end when Braintax announced his sudden retirement from...
compilation Food (2003) - 'Freedom Fighters' from The Answer & Genesis mixtape FTP Radio Vol 17 (2003)
- 'Weed' from Evil Ed's mixtape The Enthusiast (2004)
- 'Fantastic 4' from Rhaja's album Tierre Caliente (2004)
- 'Freestyle Exclusive' from DJ Louis Slipperz mixtape Task Force Presents DJ Loius Slipperz: £10 Bag, Volume 1 (2004)
- 'The Guns Of Navarone' from the Micall Parknsun album The Working Class Dad (2005)
- 'E.V' and 'Suicide' from the LG & Biscuit album Smoke Rings (2006)
- 'Souls Of The Unborn' from the Kashmere album In The Hour Of Chaos (2006)
- 'Concrete Shoes' from the Sir Smurf Lil album Myalpha (2006)
- 'Money in the Bank' and 'Findaz Keepaz' from the Asaviour album The Borrowed Ladder (2006)
- 'Equal Portions' from the Verb TVerb TVerb T aka Dick Trusay is a UK hip-hop artist and producer based in London. He has worked with most of the biggest names in UK Hip Hop including Jehst, Sway, Harry Love and many more, as well super producer William Orbit and Edwin Collins...
album Bring It Back To Basics (2006) - 'Sound of the Drum' from the YungunYungunYungun is a UK hip-hop artist. He released his debut album The Essance on Janomi Records in 2004. He was born in North London where he currently works and resides.-Bio:He was educated at Eton College....
album Grown Man Business (2006) - 'Water Torture' from Cee Why's album Kidulthood OST (2006)
- 'Winterland' from the Verb T and The Last Skeptik album Broken Window (2007)
- 'Centre of the Sun' from the Kashmere album Raiders of the Lost Archives (2008)
- 'Sleepy Little Town' from the Jack FlashJack FlashJack Flash was a character in the British comic The Beano. The strip starred a flying boy from the planet Mercury. The character sported four tiny wings on his ankles and this is thought to be the source of his flying ability. The strips first series began in 1949 in issue 355...
album The Union Jack Album (2008, Klink Records) - 'Dysekta into Bass 31' from the DJ Nonames mixtape Strictly Grizzness (2009, Dented Records)
- 'We Won't Mind' from the Thundamentals album Sleeping On Your Style (2009)
- 'Dust' from The Optimens album The Out Of Money Experience (2010)
- 'I Can' from Bliss n EsoBliss n EsoBliss n Eso are an ARIA Award-winning Australian hip hop band based in Sydney, and were originally known as Bliss N' Esoterikizm for their debut EP The Arrival...
's album, Running On AirRunning On AirRunning on Air is the fourth studio album by the Australian hip hop trio Bliss n Eso. It was released on 30 July 2010. The album debuted at number one in Australia for the week commencing 9 August 2010. It has since been certified Platinum by ARIA...
(2010)