Alex Lloyd plans to hip-hop along to one of the best parties in York.

YORK'S biggest hip-hop night is celebrating its second birthday tomorrow with a party that is not to be missed.

Beatsiality will be taking over Fibbers in what could be their last event for a while.

Planned headliners Rodney P & Skitz, of BBC Radio 1Xtra, have sadly cancelled their appearance after extending a visit to Australia. But don't be too disappointed because the more-than-able New Flesh have agreed to fill their shoes and the ticket price has been reduced to £7.

Organiser Jed 104 says this is an exclusive opportunity to see York collective New Flesh, who are not doing live shows at the moment.

They are also an apt choice, as they headlined the first Beatsiality night in Fibbers in 2002.

Expect fast action, futuristic hip-hop, taking in varied influences such as raga and plenty of complex rhythms.

"It's dynamic music. They do a really good live show and get bookings all over the world," he says.

Other acts on the bill will be Digga, aRRO & Fly J, mr SPLEEN and DMC finalists DJ Uppacut and DJ Sinical, with party host Toastie Tailor.

There will also be performances from Jed 104, Big Tim, Richie Friction and Joe Lung, as well as another 8 Mile-inspired MC battle.

Jed says it is impossible to pick a highlight of the past two years, which has seen names such as Out Da Ville, Karl Hinds, Fingathing, Flaredycats and UK Apache do their thing in little old York.

"We have had such a good run," he says. "The acts are all unique and each has their high points."

However, this could be the last event for a while as the Beats crew need time out to work on other projects.

"We all have music commitments and need to take a step back for a while. We don't make any money out of this. If York had a bigger venue it might be lucrative enough to make a living," says Jed.

"We are going to see what people think on Saturday and take it from there."

So grab the chance to see some live hip-hop while you can.

Beatsiality, The Second Birthday Party, at Fibbers, tomorrow (12th), 7.30pm til late, £7. More information at ww.fibbers.co.uk or www.beats.nu

Updated: 16:13 Thursday, June 10, 2004