Skinnyman, Soul Biscuits, Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, Jan 19

After taking some well-deserved time off, Soul Biscuits makes a welcome return in January with a big name to grab your attention. The marijuana-loving Skinnyman, the man behind the infamous Mud Family and Taskforce, is hitting Edinburgh in January for a bit of grimy hip hop and socially-conscious lyricism. Influenced at a young age by the multi-cultural sounds of London including soul, reggae and dancehall, Skinnyman eventually went on to form the Mud Family with Mongo and Chester P, releasing the underground hits 'Itchy Town' and 'Lash Suttin'. Check out his latest release 'Change your Heart' featuring Nemesis & Arrogance (Real Records) and his 2004 debut Council Estate of the Mind on Low Life Records to get yourself in the mood.

Soul Biscuits has established itself as one of capital's most successful hip-hop and funk nights, after being set up by turntablist Nasty P. His own solo album When The Smoke Clears is out now on KFM Records, home to the likes of the Penpushers, David Jack and the Magnificents. Soul Biscuits' comeback is guaranteed to be a funkalicious night, just as it is a certainty that Nasty P and Skinnyman will have something special in store for the mighty return. Let Nasty P and co. funk you up good and proper! [Natalie Doyle]