VINCE YALLOP Mercury Prize nominee Ty and hip hop legends The Pharcyde share top billing at the UEA in Norwich this Saturday (8pm-1am) at a night organised by Dedbeat.

VINCE YALLOP

Mercury Prize nominee Ty and hip hop legends The Pharcyde share top billing at the UEA in Norwich this Saturday (8pm-1am) at a night organised by Dedbeat.

Ty, a leading light of Big Dada label whose success has mirrored that of label colleague Roots Manuva, comes to Norwich to play live with his full band.

Nominated for the 2004 Mercury Prize for his eclectic album Upwards, Ty has developed an international reputation for inspirational hip-hop, working with the likes of Fela Kuti's drummer Tony Allen and Blur's Damon Albarn.

Next month Ty is due to appear at the Royal Festival Hall in London as part of the London African Music Festival - he is London born, of Nigerian parents - and also features with Roots Manuva on the forthcoming tsunami charity single Give and Let Live.

The Pharcyde came to worldwide fame in the early 1990s pushing laid-back West Coast hip hop; following in the footsteps of De La Soul and continuing the idea that rap music can be conscious and fun.

Their Bizarre Ryde II and Labcaincalifornia helped forge a soul and funk-tinged rap scene, continued on their latest album Humboldt Beginnings.

They too will be playing with a full band on this tour.

Tickets are £15 in advance from the UEA box office on 01603 508050, and from HMV and Soundclash in the city.