A NEW rap group has formed to produce a song and video aimed at putting Bolton's urban music scene on the map.

Bolton’s Elite — made up of 10 local artists — has uploaded its new video for the song Round 1 to YouTube and has already racked up 1,500 hits.

The video sees the boys in a variety of locations around Bolton town centre, including the Octagon car park, near to the River Croal and in the vaults beneath the Market Place.

It is very much a project born in Bolton, with every aspect — from the production, recording, filming and editing — carried out in the borough.

Those with a knowledge of the urban music scene in Bolton may recognise a few of the more familiar faces in the video, including Ryan Abbey also known as Optimist — who has previously featured in The Bolton News after launching his B the Movement brand, which aims to unite the town through music and events.

He is joined on the track by Kie W, Nitrous, Mr Ronic, Lynks, Mercury, Big Sam, Trouble, Kickz and Dollar.

Mr Abbey said: “The track itself has been made possible by a number of local companies including B The Movement, with recording facilities provided by Studio RTY and all the music produced by Mercury."

He said word had spread around the underground scene that such a project was in the offing.

He added: “Momentum around the track swiftly built up, leaving a number of followers counting down to its release date in anticipation.

“Judging by the reviews, the initial reaction and the fact the video reached over 1,000 views in the few hours it was released, Bolton's Elite has not disappointed.”

He added: “There are so many talented people within Bolton that collaborating is not uncommon.

"But we wanted to build on that. We wanted something that was going to be bigger than anything before it.

“I am fortunate enough to have worked alongside a variety of artists within the town so putting together the line-up wasn’t difficult.

“Working around 10 different schedules proved to be the real challenge — but I can proudly say we got through it, we stuck with it and the rest is history”

The group has said that Round 1 will not be the last we hear from Bolton’s Elite and they are keen for anyone who would like to be involved in the project to get in touch.

Anyone interested can like and message B The Movement on facebook or email bthemovement@gmail.com.