August 19, 2002 the beginning of the biggest week in the lives of Platnum and 9 other 16-year-old school friends from East London. The boys 9 MCs and a DJ released their debut single, Crossroads, a cover of the Bone, Thugs n Harmony hit, on the Monday. On Thursday, they learned that theyd achieved an impressive 66 GCSE passes between them. By Sunday, Blazin Squad had scored their first number one single.
Platnum, Kenzie, Strider, Freek, Melo-D, Reepa, Spike-e, Krazy, Flava and Tommy B had known each other since they were babies. Inspired by a mutual love of hip hop, garage and all the sounds of the underground, they began MCing and DJing at the age of 13. Blazin Squad began as two crews, Incredible Crew and Blazin Squad, and a star (or several) was born when they joined forces in early 2000.
Blazin Squad soon established themselves as one of the UKs most successful home-grown acts. The bands critically and commercially acclaimed debut album In The Beginning, released in 2002, included the smash hit No. 1 single Crossroads and two further Top 10 singles, Love On The Line and Reminisce/Where The Story Ends. Blazin Squad also found themselves gracing the covers of countless magazines, and built a notoriously fanatical fan base that followed their every move. In May 2003 the band completed a sell-out UK tour, which saw them play 21 dates at 17 different venues around the country, showcasing the sounds of the then teenage ten-piece from north-east London.
Blazin Squads second album Now Or Never, was released to rave reviews in November 2003. The first two singles from Now Or Never, We Just Be Dreamin and Flip Reverse, were both Top 3 hits for Blazin Squad followed by Here 4 One which became their 6th Top Ten hit in just 18 months.
Kenzie along with 2 other members of Blazin Squad (Mus and James) have now formed a new band Friday Hill (www.fridayhill.com) whos first release Baby Goodbye went straight into Number 5 in the UK Charts in October 2005.
Blazin Squad now consists of Marcel (Platnum), Stuart (Reepa), Sam (Spike-e) & Chris (Melo D). They are currently writing & recording their new album. The first single release from the album is scheduled for June 2006. Although still very close friends of Friday Hill theyre looking forward to giving them some stiff competition in 2006!
