the audio goldrush

Winston Riley

2012-01-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

Jamaica, I love you, I'm fascinated by you...for a fairly small place you are responsible for what may be the largest amount of "audio gold" I've ever rushed for. But you're also on that bulls**t. When I read that Winston Riley had passed, I expected the next line to say: " from complications of name-an-illness that plagues our elderly or aging." Not gun shots wounds that had him comatose since November 1st.
Apparently, he'd been the victim of multiple unexplained attacks throughout 2011.

Now of course, I don't know any details...maybe Riley had an ill face past to reckon with. But I listen to the sounds and look at his face, and I don't get that impression at all.

the-log-os

2012-01-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

I dig a little mystery, esoterica, artworks that deny easy interpretation - at the same time immersing the person experiencing the work in an environment so complete, they can only abandon themselves to the process. Log-os does that in a few different ways. The art work that comes across as some lost Joy Division recording. Using the word Logos as a name; a word that defines "how we do" here in the Western world. And the music - I can't recall the last time the term "soul music" was used for a new release, but this recording is absolutely soulful, the definition of the term.

And it's free. Not that I wouldn't pay for work of such quality. But in being freely available, it trumps almost any Itunes release of the past year and lays bare the inner turmoil of a recording industry damn near dead and gone. The solution that would save them is here ( hear ). Release work of value and they will come.

Download immediately: http://the-log-os.com/
DJ's, pray for the vinyl release.

All rignt now, Etta...

2012-01-20T08:55:00.000-08:00

The voice of "At Last" ( one of the top 5 audition songs ever ), Etta James has left us. Her spirited voice and personality remain. Peace.

sbtrkt - atomic peace (2009) by sbtrkt

2012-01-20T08:23:00.000-08:00

Hey Leroy! Get away from that woman!! RIP Jimmy Castor...

2012-01-18T08:20:00.000-08:00

Hip-Hop forerunner, funk overlord, and bandleader who brought some of the craziest songs possible into existence, Jimmy Castor, has left the building. Thanks for the memories maaaan!

Goon Time

2012-01-16T19:52:00.001-08:00

KRS ONE : Teacha, Historian, Autobiographer

2011-11-20T18:20:00.000-08:00

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;T&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

This is cool but I thought Nas was gonna write this?

Sunday Soul Stroll

2011-11-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon!
I figured I'd give this a try. I've been addicted to this site lately and its potential continues to amaze me. Instead of posting a single record I've created a room on turntable.fm called The Sunday Soul Stroll. Hope you can join me. My name is boogiefever.

Obama 2012: Future Without a Past?

2011-10-25T09:01:00.001-07:00

I often spin an email or an FB update into a post like this or that. Recently I have had the privledge to correspond with Travis Gosa, professor of Social Science at Cornell and he threw down this idea about the upcoming elections:

"I see that it is almost 2012... My account is that most rappers are still name dropping Obama, but have little positive to say about his track record on race, poverty, etc. Assuming the Occupy Wall-Street raps die down, it might be worth revisiting these issues for 2012."

In late 2008, I wrote a lengthy piece for Philly's Foundation mag on Hip Hop power and its relationship with the rising star power of presidential hopeful Barrack Obama. The piece was constantly being rewritten that fall as new Obama mixtapes dropped every week and election poll results came in. I had attempted to be objective but there is admittedly a "Hope"-ful and perhaps naive tone to the article.

Looking back on that moment, my response below to Travis recounts what discourse in Hip Hop I may have intentionally overlooked in 2008. And as we look ahead to 2012, maybe it's time to acknowledge these uncomfortable grumblings were more accurate than not.

I recently revisited Dead Prez's 2008's "PolitriKKKs" M-1's lyrics took a thinly veiled swipe at 2008 presidential winner: "billion dollar campaigns / trillion dollar bailout / anybody know the definition of a sell-out?"

I will be honest, I thought Dead Prez was sour grapes at the time but they took the same stance as KRS ONE did that seems far more prescient that I probably cared to believe in those halcyon days of the fall of 2008. Here KRS' 2008 comments about the lack of significance of an elected black American president:

"If you really want to see what black governance is like, take a look at the mayors of major cities. When the cities were in power, we couldn't be the mayors, it was when the cities lost power, they put in black mayors. When the states had power, we couldn't be governors. When the states lost power, we have African American senators and governors. Now the nation has lost power, the dollar has lost power. The world is global. Now you can get a black president because it doesn't matter. It's global now" (from around 4:45 mark of interview)

Revolutionary, "conscious" rappers are not the only voices critical of Obama or suspicious of how this election is any tangible measurement of social progress. Peep Cornel West, a highly prolific initial supporter of Obama, throw down damning criticism of O's administration:

For a certain segment of our population here in the US in the fall of 2011, there now seems to be popular acknowledgement that the executive branch has been rendered powerless by Wall St and military oligarchs. 2008's "Hope" now looks like a smoke screen for business as usual.

So as we enter the 2012 elections, it is clear there is again a definitive need for (young black) youth to demand "Change" via Hip Hop culture. I don't know the numbers but I believe Hip Hop practitioners and its audiences had a direct contribution of creating popular interest and support for Obama in 2008; the suport was crucial in both essence and in actual votes.

It is all the more necessary in 2012. I suppose I am holding out hope against hope that O and his peoples are waiting for the blank check of a second term to truly enact structural political and economic change. Don't know why they didn't sense that the popular support that Obama received in 2008 was enough to start swinging in '09 but I will chalk it up to inexperience.

But, no doubt, a need for fiery calls of accountability flowing over a boom and a bap could help create the necessary discourse where popular culture and politics meet. Consider Black Starr's "Fix Up" a first volley:

Late on a Wednesday

2011-10-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Zoo Kid is now King Krule.

2011-10-19T18:37:00.001-07:00

And here's a new jam.
Watching over by djjdsports

You am Somebody: RIP DJ Mehdi

2011-09-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

Just reading about this, very sad to have it happen, on a birthday no less. Rock rock on.

Trading Places: No Church in The Wild video.

2011-09-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Kanye West and Jay Z - No Church In The Wild (music video) from High5Collective on Vimeo.

Thundercat, Hoooooo!

2011-09-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

A western wind has been blowing for a second now, and a day for a man is a minute to the Most High. What do I mean by this? Uhm, Thundercats' the Golden Age of Apocalypse is streaming via Brainfeeder. Good stuffs!

Who Stole The Soul? Maybe Nobody

2011-09-09T23:04:00.000-07:00

This post is brought to you by Paxil...

I’ve gotten to know Godilla over the last several years as a hungry, earnest MC who’s insight into Hip Hop culture is as sharp as his battle rhymes. His Jaguar Paw LP was a precise and efficient display of East Coast lyricism and rugged boom bap. Guest spots from eastern PA bosses King Magnetic and Adlib were woven seamlessly into appearances by underground luminaries such as Ed OG, UG of Cella Dwellas, Mr Voodoo and Gab Gacha. “Paxill” is an emotive track in the vein of ‘90s classics like “Tearz” or “Suicidal Thoughts.”

Now for today's presentation...

“nothin wrong w/tryin new directions musically but damn the east coast lost its identity...when was the exact time?” - Godilla Jaguar Paw, 9/8/11

Mostly I keep up with ‘Illa online as he posts his music, classic and contemporary rap bangers and his musings like above found on FB. In response to the question he posted, there were a lot of pop shots at Puff and jiggy rap; myself and others took swipes when NYC rappers and DJs began breaking bread with Dirty South rappers. But I have to be honest, it’s paradoxical to live and die for Hip Hop- a culture and music that has always broken “the rules”- and in the same breath dis another part of the country for its own take on the music.

Which got me thinking of the following Jay Electronica verse from “I Feel Good”:

They said Down South was wack when it came to rap

That our thoughts was too slow and we couldn’t adapt

When in fact we taught y’all how to build a label from scratch

While you was whining ‘bout the points in your contract, black

We slip when we talk, and we dip when we walk

When we came to the game, niggas stole our slang

Uh huh, we hit the game with a brand new funk

And plus we taught ya how to sling a record out of your trunk

New Orleans’s native Jay Elect has spent his time in New York, Philly and Detroit to know of what he speaks; the “they” in his verse is no doubt the “East Coast” or “New York.” To respond to Godilla’s request to identify what point did the game change for East Coast Hip Hop, it may not be answering when but how.

If You're Really Dope, Why Ain't Ya Signed Yet?”

Here's the deal, the “pioneers” and “G.O.A.T’s” of Hip Hop from New York City that succeeded financially and artistically beyond the five boroughs in the 1980s and 90s were more often than not, beholden to major record label deals. The “Golden Era” greats, Public Enemy, De La Soul, KRS ONE, Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Biggie and others were all trailblazing artists, yes. But were their careers independently managed and distributed? No. (Run DMC on Profile Records was the exception to this trend).

From New York straight talk

While there were independent boutique labels that undoubtedly recorded classic material in the 1980s and early 90s, rarely did they find any sort of national or long term success:

Sleeping Bag/Fresh
Wild Pitch
B-Boy
Next Plateau
Select
Tuff City
First Priority
Idlers
Uni

"Def Jam may tell you who I am" but read the fine print

What’s more, the most widely recognized rap labels of that era, the “independent” subsidiary labels all were overseen by larger corporations:

Jive / RCA
Tommy Boy / Warner Bros
Cold Chillin’ / Warner Bros
Ruff House / Columbia
Electra / Warner
Relativity / Sony
Big Beat / Atlantic
4th and Broadway / Island
Loud / RCA
Def Jam / Columbia

It makes you ask, when you think East Coast Hip Hop, who's runnin' this rap shit?

The Exception to Rule #4080

Hip Hop from NYC has always had a dubious relationships with records labels and the odyssey of being signed, having your music recorded and distributed nationally; see namely “Rapper's Delight” and Sugar Hill and Enjoy Records.

Like the kid from the Bridge
named the rapper Nas

It should be noted, that the Golden Era of East Coast Hip Hop music did succeed artistically and financially. Primarily this can be attributed to a “hand's off” approach to Hip Hop music parent record labels adopted from a period roughly between 1986 to 1994. Major label executives trusted artists more implicitly and they let those who knew the culture guide its prolific growth. For instance, DJs like the Awesome 2 and Red Alert supported Ed OG and Tribe Called Quest respectively. Instinctive A&Rs like Dante Ross from Electra helped bring to the world artists such as Busta Rhymes, MF Doom (Zev Luv X of KMD), Pete Rock, Sadat X, to name a few. Working at Sony, MC Serch was certain a kid named Nasty Nas from the Bridge was the Second Coming.

And I will be taking your wife as well

Ultimately, truth be told, most of what is considered the most successful New York Hip Hop has never been an independent venture. Furthermore, the biggest multi-platinum labels that defined 1990s Hip Hop that appeared “Black Owned and Operated” were under the ownership of the “Big Four” music companies: Bad Boy by Warner, Def Jam and Death Row by Universal.

(Wu Tang gets props for presenting each MC of the Clan as a “free agent.” It was a lucrative tactic for the individual performers but it increased the difficulty of sustaining the group, the very reason listeners were drawn to their music. Independent Rawkus Records also made an indelible mark in the late '90s but lost its potency when- surprise- it signed a deal with MCA in 2002.)

"And Then You Say, Goddamn, They Ruthless!"

But if you look at the artists to emerge from other parts of the country in the 1980s and 90s and virtually all of them independently launched their own careers: Too Short's tapes on his 75 Girls label; Ice T “6 N Mornin” on Techno Hop; Eazy-E's “Boyz In Da Hood” on Ruthless; 2 Live Crew on Luke Skyywalker Records; Ghetto Boys on Rap-A-Lot Records; Schooly D Records' “P.S.K.” These artists and their managers worked independent distribution networks throughout the country, getting their records into mom and pop shops and DJ record pools. These artists made a name for themselves by locking up a regional following that served as built in grass roots support when they went national, lending authenticity and excitement to their music. If that ain't Hip Hop, then I don't know what is...

No Limit, Cash Money and others began making noise in the late 90s following a similar independently produced formula. If you think about it, the Dirty South wasn't knocking on the door to try to get in, they were giving NYC a chance to get on board!

Southern rap (and the Bay Area should be mentioned too) also was aided by changing technology in media by the turn of the century. The ability to make a fairly professional recording, burn your own CDs or even start sharing them online became widely available to the aspiring local artist by the late '90s. These new avenues of distribution gave Southern artists market leverage, creative autonomy and, simply, swag.

So my answer to Godilla's question when you break it down is that East Coast Hip Hop may not only have lost its identity, it may have never owned it to begin with. “Tommy Boy wants another 'Say No'- huh”

Oh Snap. Battle Rap

2011-09-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

Like the titles sez. I'm not saying beef is worth glorifying, but I'm hearing thorough rhymes and beats, on both sides to a certain extent. First comes this little diddy from some guys you may have heard of...

And here's a response, with an...uhm, alternate view.

Never Not Working

2011-08-31T12:01:00.000-07:00

Aug. 26 pre-Irene show with yours truly and Oskar Mann puttin down some disco/boogie flavors. Lots of treats in here if you're throwing a dance party at home in your underwear

http://www.eastvillageradio.com/shows/nowplaying.aspx?contentid=1288&showid=212302

Downtown Affair

2011-08-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

This past Friday I was on WNYU 89.1 FM Newwww Yoooork for the second time. Very excited to have had the complete show to break out most of the disco/r&b 45rpms I don't often pull out. Crazy big ups to hosts Alex and Mike for the invitation. This show is great in general and I highly recommend it to all music lovers. Visit http://letsgetserious.net for dope mixes, events, and archived shows.

Ashford & Simpson “It Seems To Hang On” (Wb)
Chic “Dance, Dance, Dance” (Buddah)
Two Tons of Fun “I Got The Feeling” (Fantasy)
Funkhouse Express “Chase your Blues Away” (Roxbury)
Kokomo “Use Your Imagination” (Columbia)
Pat Lundy “Work Song” (Pyramid)
Maryann Farra & Satin Soul “Never Gonna Leave You” (Dakar)
The Glitter Band “Makes You Blind” (Bell)
Black Soul “Mangous Ye” (Bean Junction)
Frankie Gee “Date With The Rain” (Calridge) CD
- “That’s The Way I Like It” (Hoctor)
The Connections “Este es el Ritmo Que Me Gusta” (Infopesa)
BT Express “Express” (Roadshow)
Sandi Jones (Love With Sensitivity) “Tuscaloosa’s Calling Me (But I’m Not Going)” (Dakar)
Jean Carn “Don’t Let It Go To Your Head” (PIR)
Tarot “Reach Out Your Hand” (Mata)
Sister Sledge “Thinking Of You” (Atlantic)
Bill Withers “Lovely Lady” (Columbia)
Tavares “Never Had A Love Like This Before” (Capitol)
Bobby Militello feat Jean Carn “Let’s Stay Together” (Motown)
Claudia Field “To Love Somebody” (Roulette)
Richmond Extension “Lets Get Into Something” (Polydor)
The Trammps “Tom’s Song” (Buddah)
Cheryl Lynn “Encore” (Columbia)
First Choice “Love Thang” (Gold Mind)
Inner Life “Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair)” (Prelude)
Carl Carlton “She’s A Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)” (20th Century)
Sybil “Falling In Love” (Next Plateau)
Evelyn King “Love Come Down” (RCA)
Kashif “I Just Gotta Have You (Love Turn Me On)” (Arista)
I Level “Give Me” (Epic)
Central Line “Walking Into Sunshine” (Mercury)
Slave “Wait For Me” (Cotillion)
Luther Vandross “Never Too Much” (Epic)
Fatback “I Found Lovin’” (Master Mix)
Lillo Thomas “Your Love’s Got A Hold On Me” (Capitol)
Cameo “Single Life” (Atlanta Artists)
T.S. Monk “Bon Bon Vie (Gimme The Good Life)” (Mirage)
Kid Creole & The Coconuts “Going Places” (Sire)
Love Unlimited “Under The Influence Of Love” (Casablanca)
Curious “Midnight Star” (Solar)
Eurythmics “Love Is A Stranger” (RCA)
Sexual Harassment “I Need A Freak (inst.)” (Great)
Prince “Erotic City” (Wb)
Laid Back “White Horse” (Island)
Aquarian Dream “Look Ahead” (Buddah)
Foxy “Get Off Your Ahh! And Dance” (Dash)
Azymuth “Carnival” (Milestone)

Truth Alex Ebert ( feat.RZA )

2011-07-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

A sublime bit of throwback musicality, with a subdued, very West Coast RZA guest vocal. Interesting stuff.

We Can Get Down

2011-07-25T19:07:00.001-07:00

I'm taking this show on the road. B Boys Keith Alford, John Chen, Dan Cao rock styles at Lehigh University, Bethlehem PA, July 2011. That's me in the background, flipping "Peter Piper," a Kraftwerk medley and some Arthur Baker madness. It is a B Boy showcase for "Pass the Peas," my sociology class on Hip Hop culture that I have taught at Lehigh for the last 9 years.

Bonus Beats

This B Boy performance was like- boom!- let's do this. During a holiday department party at Lehigh I was DJing, these guys came in during their breaks from their jobs and threw down. I love all the elements that make up this vid: The eagle-eye view, the checkered floor, the back n' forth "Apache" being bumped through my man Fearless Jones' borrowed home stereo and, most of all, the wild styles of Keith and Iz.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/center&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Back to Black...RIP Amy Winehouse

2011-07-24T01:52:00.000-07:00

I made fun sometimes, use to call you "Amy Crackhouse" but all the way through I was geeked on your talent. Rest Easy....

Any Given Sunday

2011-07-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

New Thurston Moore. I like the sound of him playing acoustic. via Pitchfork.

Let Me Start From the Beginning At the Top of the List...

2011-07-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

This summer the somewhat respectable XXL published a special issue documenting the "250 Greatest Hip Hop Songs: 1990-1999" The magazine took a decided editorial slant on the cover declaring "Rap's Greatest Decade Ever!" an interesting claim depending on your perspective or age or both.

I am not writing to debate the injustice of M.O.P's "How About Some Hardcore?' drawing 181st place. Nor am I "mad" at the staff putting together this special edition unlike when The Source in 2003 self-servingly declared Hip Hop was in a "State of Emergency." I give XXL props for having the best intentions.

My criticism here is leveled at the magazine industry in general and Hip Hop "journalism" specifically. First, "Top 10" lists are tired, shallow and arbitrary. Lists reduce the amount of information relayed about a given subject, instead assigning importance numerically, sorry Listverse. As means to convey ideas and opinions, this is like "teaching to the test" in public schools. By align itself with Seventeen's marketing strategy, XXL undercuts its stated purpose in highlighting the staggering growth and transformation of Hip Hop music throughout the 1990s.

Despite my compliments to XXL above, my second argument essentially dismisses this special XXL 90s issue but not for the usual reasons. I really don't want to debate how could Biggie have 5 songs in the Top 25 and Tupac only 3. Or why "The Choice is Yours" is number 4 but "Come Clean" is 57. What I want to know is the WHY of any of this. What in the world is the difference between the dopeness of a song at 213 spot as compared to 196? Sales? Video requests? "Influence"?

XXL doesn't have a bad idea. Quantifying data systemically in itself is an excellent way to make some general statements with firmer footing rather than immediately being dismissed as subjective. (Hello, Emile Durkheim) I am not asking XXL to be sociologists but the editorial Introduction really outlines little to no methodology. In support of its subject, the Introduction's vague reasons for why these songs are being chosen range from 90s rap embraced both art and sales "in balance" (didn't Run DMC do that already?) and "an MC had to have a classic skill set to deserve platinum selling power" (is that why Da Brat's "Funkdafied" was a humbling 157?)

Here's what I am proposing and it is no different than what Sacha Jenkins, Elliot Wilson et al. have previously accomplished. Let's simplify the numbering and increase the complexity of the organization. No one cares what is beyond the Top 40 of anything and even forty might be stretching it. But Top 40 is an industry standard and the Ego Trip staff did an effective job of chronicling Hip Hop's first 20 years of music using this method.

Then let's choose categories to organize the acclaim and accolades. For instance, by all means include what are the Top 40 Best Selling Songs of the 1990s. It will interesting to see where there is crossover when you develop other means to organize what we believe are the signature works of the decade. It is our intention that many of the categories are quantifiable measurements such as the following:

Most Requested/Played Videos (MTV, The Box, Video Music Box)
Most Requested/Spins on Radio Charts
Longest Appearances on Billboard Charts
Most Appearances on Billboard Charts (as primary artist and featured artist)
Most Number of Releases In the Decade
Average Critical Rating of Artist's Album (like Rotten Tomatoes is for movies)

Are these the best measurements of Hip Hop artist's worth? Of course not! But with this data then you can start making interpretations that are worth more than just IMO. Consider the following categories if they are casually correlated with some of the above data.

Most Prolific Guest or Freelance Producers
Most Successful Breakout/"Featuring" Artists
Most Stylistic Lyrical Impact
Most Stylistic Production Impact

When you take the above measurements and begin to connect them with qualitative evaluations, we can make judgements about 1990s Hip Hop that is less water cooler fodder and actual generalized theory. For example, if we identify Pete Rock's early 90s signature horn samples as a key ingredient to not only his own profile but to the success of other imitative rap records of the era, then a claim that Pete Rock is one of the top producers of the era has a certain weight.

With this type of approach, now we can start taking into account the effect on the industry Cash Money and Pen & Pixel had on rap music marketing. Or how the game really did change when Puffy started rhyming. Or why Large Pro's first filtered bassline in "Looking At The Front Door" may have a more substantial influence than Dre's high pitched siren.

This really isn't rocket science and it is dubious social science as well because God knows Billboard measurements and radio programmer's data is skewed. But it's all we got! And we must try something other than reducing the history of a culture into a 250 iTunes playlist.

For the record, XXL's choice of "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang" as number 1 is fine in my book. It is the moment Dre stepped into his own and Snoop emerged as a pop star. More significantly, "G Thang" effectively ended the "Golden Era" of Hip Hop and ushered in what William Jelani Cobb called the "Industrial Era" of rap. I will end this tirade with 250 which was "Take It Personal" for whatever reason. Still missing, Guru! R.I.P.

Wu-Gazi

2011-07-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

Sleep Rules Everything Around Me by WUGAZI

Beats Up / Clowns Down: Death Grips

2011-06-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

Year ago I had fever dreams about future music that would realize the potential of all "undergroundedness" ever. Some tunes that would shamelessly straddle the false fence between the non pop genres, songs that would carry on the sonic work of the Bomb Squad and yet be so far from any throwback conceit that Chuck D would jump in the pit...Beastie Boys and Girls having kids that come out screaming these lyrics...Ladies and Hardrocks, I present Death Grips. Peep their free mixtape "Ex Military" below, go to their site for the whole shebang. "Spread Eagle Across the Block" had me on the floor the first time I heard it...love it.

Death Grips - Exmilitary by deathgrips

Shabazz Palaces "Black Up" released into the wild today.

2011-06-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Sub Pop has a live stream up on Youtube, and I'm all with it right now. It won't last long I'm sure, so go cop the album if you are reading this in a few days time. Support emotional range in hip-hop and "urban" music.

Yes Please

2011-06-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

Between this and the Tribe Called Quest doc, my whole lifestyle will be on display this summer.

"Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone" - documentary trailer from Tilapia Film on Vimeo.

Dirty

2011-06-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

New Nas. From the upcoming Life is Good long player.
NASTY (Produced by Salaam Remi) -DIRTY by Nasir Jones

Sunday Soul Stroll

2011-05-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

R.I.P.G.S.H

This past Friday at Main Squeeze we played this track in the middle of the party with a funky 6-man handclap orchestra. It was O'Flavious.
Awesome song for all the daddies.

Revolution in Progress

2011-05-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

R.I.P Gil Scott Heron, you served well. Many hands reach out to grab the Flag and carry it on.

Ten Tracks for the Apocalypse

2011-05-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

With word of the world ending (this Saturday, May 21, 2011) and all, I have made the very tough decision as to what ten records I'm bringing with me if I end up stranded on an island somewhere with a portable 45 player.
Any excuse to make a top ten.
Comments? Suggestions?

10. Ride Into the Sun - Velvet Underground
9. Across the Universe - Beatles
8. Still Thinking Of You - Steve Parks
7. Go Back Home - Allen Toussaint
6. You Don't Have To Worry - Doris and Kelley
5. Atomic Dog - George Clinton
4. Public Enemy #1 - Public Enemy
3. Blind Alley - The Emotions
2. A Change Is Gonna Come- Sam Cooke
1. I'm Still Waiting - The Wailers

NYC - Burial

2011-05-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

New work from an artist that stays in rotation back at mine, Burial, with NYC. Fan vid by theAccidentalPoet. From the 2011 Hyperdub LP, Street Halo

Are U a Robot? Bilal

2011-05-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Check an artist in the midst of evolving. Conscious loverman Bilal, off his latest long player, Airtight's Revenge with the question...

It's Still Halftime - Elzhi

2011-05-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

Elzhi of Slum Village fame is about to drop Elmatic - a track for track interpretation of the Nas classic Illmatic - with live band Will Sessions providing the beats we all know and love from the recording. Although the rhymes are beast, it doesn't take you as far into another world, like Nas gritty portrait of Queensbridge at the time - but it's great "art" for sure, and Sessions puts in work with a nearly perfect take on the original's sound. Check it...

Building Blocks

2011-04-21T05:05:00.000-07:00

Oh man. Check out this 1991 interview with pre-Wu crew. Absolutely awkward and hilarious and an interesting run-up to what would become the Wu Tang Clan you know and love...

RIP Gerard Smith of TV on the Radio

2011-04-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

This is only a month after it was announced that he was ill. Peace on your journey, Gerard, thanks for your music...
http://www.tvontheradio.com/splash/

Let's Get Pacific

2011-04-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

A really interesting documentary called "Wheedle's Groove", all about the recently unearthed soul and funk scene in 60's and 70's Seattle (!) is playing this week at Pitchfork TV. I imagine it'll be available on DVD or something later, but if you are a music nut ( and you must be if you have found your way here ) this has to be seen as soon as possible.

It's a pretty heartwarming look at a scene I did not know existed, along with great crate digging stories, social commentary on America at the time, and just the good time vibe you get from old archival footage. I mean, imagine hitting the clubs when this was the new music...awesome. Look out for the Kenny G cameo!

So now they're writing graffiti on canvas...

2011-04-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

...to quote Lee's character Zorro from Wildstyle. But that said, this LA installation is a definite powermove. I am not crying the death of graffiti. In some ways, the "graf" showcased here has been reborn aesthetically in its variety of forms.

But what's next? What will artists do in the 21st century that could be as radical, confrontational and transformative as bombing trains was in NYC in the 1970s? What will be the medium and what will the institutional reaction be? That's what I am curious about. So perhaps a museum exhibition of the past will inspire the artists of tomorrow today...

You know Frank Ocean?

2011-03-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

If not you should. Here's the thing - ever since the brief war between hip-hop and new jack swing R&B, culminating in the "I know I'd be the man if I could col' yank the plug on RnB / but I can't and that's bothering me..." line from ATCQ's Buggin Out, there has been a suspicion of our shiny brethren, the hood cat that could sang and pull birds, and didn't mess with rap.

Frank Ocean,of the now infamous OFWGKTA crew, released nostalgia,ULTRA a few weeks back via his tumblr, after having his music held in limbo by Def Jam, who signed him awhile back, only to drop him to Brill Building song peddler status.

His release redeems alot about modern rhythm and blues ( haha ) for me, lyrically twisted in the tradition of the best R.Kelly, with beats that play the form in sound collage mode. To consider it along with what the rest of Odd Future is doing, it's really exciting work - and maybe a final nail in the coffin for the old record industry model.

Just before a storm here

2011-03-30T15:11:00.001-07:00

Across the Pond

2011-03-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

I am still struck how my man King Magnetic has been able to capitalize on his talents overseas. In Mag's own words: "It's kinda fucked up when you got more fans in a country that doesn't even speak English than your own hometown."

We know that the Japanese, Europeans and Hip Hop headz kept jazz alive while others claimed it was on its deathbed. So it shouldn't be surprising that the popularity of "real" Hip Hop over the last ten years thrives in parts of the world far from the five boroughs.

Directed by emerging local talent J. Nuno (what up, Tug!), Magnetic's latest "Around Me" would have fit in nicely with gully '94 videos on Video Music Box like "Watch the Sound" or "Beg No Friends"

Lyrics, Somebody Want Lyrics? pt. 27 O.D.B. - Snakes

2011-03-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

O.D.B. - Snakes

____________________________
Taking it back to Sands 208...
5 deadly venoms...Killah Priest, RZA, Masta Killa, Ol Dirty, Buddha Monk....An undeniably high artistic achievement. Rza the ''Abbot'' kicked the best verse, maybe his best verse ever...double dose of Joe Tex - Papa Was Too sample of course, this track reminds me of "Tearz" and when I found out what the sped up vocal sample on the beginning was I flipped out...Now about Dirt Mcgirt....his style was surreal, truly fatherless.

_____________________________

"Now number 2, practice the snake style...
He was known as the snake spirit..."

(Killah Priest)

((( Niggaz is like serpents out there
Serpents will bite
Lay outside, and then they roll back into they holes
They slither, in the streets of Brooklyn, New York
Slither in the streets, of Manhattan
In the streets of Queens, streets of the Bronx
Streets of Staten Island
Wherever you see em they slither
Whoever... yo
Fearsome shit... check it out)))

It broke me up when they pat me on my shoulder
Said stay strong cuz his life is now over
I flash back to the heathens that he roll with
They shot him up and down nobody knows shit
My peers, little ears
Came up to me with a eye full of tears
Last night we was shootin dice and gettin nice
Kid rolled us, played us for our merchandise
We were in the hallway all day
Me, Steve, and Little Ray
Probably at first they tried to rob me
Back me in the lobby, pull out the shotty
Then came Scotty, fragile body
My first impression, he returned from a party
He was just staggerrin', smellin like Bacardi
The Dragon, braggin, how he was fuckin mad hotties
Pressed on the elevator button, then all of a sudden
He licked off, about a dozen
Slugs from the cannon, that ripped through my cousin
Nobody was standin when the nigga started bustin
Blood started to flood the floors, by the elevator doors
That's the last thing that I saw
Damn, we plan to make grands of our home

Jagged edge, rockin God, hard as Stonehenge
Pledged whoever crossed his path get scrapped with a sledge..
..hammer, he didn't give a damn about the manor
And on the block he was called by the momma's and the grandma's
Indecent, heathen, juvenile delinquent
His weekends was frequently, locked inside the precinct
His most recent cape for catchin papes
Was snatchin up snakes on a roof butt-naked hang em off like drapes
Then ask what's the combination to the safe, with the brace
And those who didn't reply they fell straight to their face
Razor blade sharp who invades the dark
And raid more spots than Spays and NARCS iron heart like Tony Starks
A fierce lion, who never leave the crib without the iron
And on the block he be slingin rocks and duckin from the sirens
Greetin niggaz he loved with a pound, and a bear hug
Those who wanted life, they catch a slug from the snub
A Five Percent, who all knew was one to ten
He loved the God with his heart but his brain was filled with sin
And when he came through niggaz be lookin out
Hopin he gets shot or tooken out, or locked the fuck up in Brooklyn House
In PC, on a liquid diet, but he was louder than a riot

Masta Killa

Do the knowledge to a nigga named Trigga
Bad rude boy from the land of Jamaica
With visions to venture, to the U.S.
To receive the gold that he couldn't acheive
in his country, even though he sold mad weed
for the next man, who was the Don of the clan
Niggaz actin like they got the block locked
Like I can't sling drug raps and eat food
But I be the rudest, bad boy steppin gun totin
Shots lash out like a violent explosion
at the nigga, who tries to stop my production
Intervene the scene and slow up the cream
None of that black, East New York, gun talk
Niggaz I extort from Baltic to Boardwalk
Memories of injuries wounds and burns
Walkin through the streets of Medina I stand firm
Cause I know this, which means I can hold mine down
without a doubt, niggaz who front, get snuffed out
Justice must be born there's no escape
cause a snake can't be reformed so I wait
Comin in the name to proclaim your fame for protection
and you don't know no fuckin lessons?

Verse Four: Ol Dirty Bastard

Bad, bad, Leroy Brown
Baddest man in the whole damn town
Badder than the deep blue seaaaaa
Badder than you and meeeeee
Niggaz comin thru the trees, like a salamander, bitin
Like a piranha, but I'm bitin you back, like a black pantha
The style I'm ampin the... fuck my name, who I be?
Fuck the game, it's all about the moneyyyy!
Owahhaerahh, sometimes I get high with the Meth
Then I turn to the Killah Priest
When it comes TWELVE O'CLOCK!!
I turn into the demon beast, yo

Yo fuck that shit!
[number two, the snake]
YO! SHOW THESE MOTHERFUCKERS WHAT TIME IT IS
[number two, the snake] Rawwrarrrah
Rahhwarwaahauh, rawwaroar!!
WHOSE THE BAD-ASS? *rawharrah*
WHOSE THE BAD-ASS?
[now number two] Rawwwaahrah
[he practiced the snake style
he was known as the snake spirit] YEAHhhhhh

Verse Five: Buddah Monk

Lyrics, never waitin, twelve days, penetrated
When I come with the ruffness, mad niggaz try to rush this
Slip into my killings, then I slays and you're helpless
When I try to stay sick, it's yacub grafted six
Calm for the kill, knowing the style that's ill
When I drop, lyric skills, brothers say, Buddah chill!!

Outro: Ol Dirty Bastard

I don't need to rhyme no more, niggaz know, yo!
To all the Wu-Tang Clan members
The Ghostface Killer, the GZA, the RZA, the Ol Dirty Bastard
The Method Man, the Chef - Raekwon, Inspector Deck, U-God
Yo!!!

Sunday Soul Stroll - Special Rocksteady Edition

2011-03-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Soulful Sundays continue with the train riding rhythm rub-down. Rock Steady!
All of these records which I wish to acquire. If only I could find a home to play these kinds of tunes. All. Night. Long.
50 scorchers in a row. Sit back, relax, do an art project, cook up a storm to the right soundtrack.

15 minutes with you....

2011-03-11T11:27:00.000-08:00

Sometime late last fall, a bootleg of material by legendary 80's band the Smiths was released. Unreleased Demos & Instrumentals, a collection that is exactly what it sounds like, is a pretty exciting prospect for production nerds like myself. You see, the Smiths were one of the few bands in the 80's post-punk / indie / pop scene to actually acknowledge the low end, maybe despite themselves. The rhythm section of Rourke and Joyce were the perfect grounding for Morrissey-Marr writings, jangly observations of their world at that time, and the universal pains of youth. Knowing the material so well, I'm most excited by the instrumentals: This Night Has Opened My Eyes is track 6 on the first disc. And it's blue vinyl! Nuts...

Sunday Soul Stroll

2011-03-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

The Sweet & Innocent - I Don't Know What You're Full Of

A beautiful b-side rarity I (thankfully) have a reissue of. Wintery sleigh bells, short bridges, and with a haunting harmony, the A-side 'Cry Love' is gorgeous. Though this b-side's addictive qualities make you yearn this 'pon the BIG sound systems! I sing this aloud while driving, I wonder if anyone's ever peepin'...I hope not.

we been together a long long time ((we been together a long long time))
and he's gonna drive me out of my mind ((out of my mind))
I find everything that the man could want
but when I want a kiss he says no no no ((no no no, NO, no, no))
I Don't Know what he's full of but it sure ain't love ((I don't know what he's full of but it sure ain't love))
I Don't Know what he's full of but it sure ain't love ((I don't know what he's full of but it sure ain't love))
Yeaa, Yeaaaaaaah
if I was doing it bad I wouldn't feel so bad ((if I was doing it bad I wouldn't feel so bad))
but I'm doin' it right and he still wants to fight
if wrong was right he'd be right ((if wrong was right he'd be right))
if bad were good he'd be good
I Don't know what he's full of but it sure ain't love ((I don't know what he's full of but it sure ain't love))
I Don't Know what he's full of but it sure ain't love ((I don't know what he's full of but it sure ain't love))
mmmMM Yeah
He'd do anything to make me cry ((anything to make me cry))
but want all day I won't even try ((I won't even tryyyy))
and he'll discover his well's run dry
yes he'll discover his well's run dry
I Don't know what he's full of but it sure ain't love ((I don't know what you're full of but it sure ain't love))
I Don't Know what he's full of but it sure ain't love ((I don't know what you're full of but it sure ain't love))

Cool Beans

2011-03-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

Abstract ripper Beans is back in full force like a golf course. Yo - his mic is on fire, what's your desire? Check it and respect it, but if you hate? Grate.

via Pitchfork TV

Take Care Claire

2011-02-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

the Goldrush would like to wish Claire Amory peace on her journey. It hurts to hear another of our extended creative family has passed on. Condolences to all. I was always impressed by her will to explore,to learn from life as it occurred. From drunken break dancing in front of Kline Commons to this song, one of my favorites from Excepter, Any and Every...

Say your peace: http://www.facebook.com/pages/excepter/21847455268?ref=ts

Still Ill : Ghostface, Together Baby

2011-02-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

Big East 1 2 1 2.

Malachai...Rainbows

2011-02-24T08:54:00.000-08:00

Giving me good memories of music's recently departed friend, Trish Keenan of Broadcast, this record is an inexplicable slice of nice. Mixing psych with all the new toys you like, Malachai featuring Katy Wright, Rainbows...

Malachai - Rainbows (Feat. Katy Wainwright) by DominoRecordCo

Current events...

2011-02-22T05:51:00.000-08:00

Hey! New Radiohead is out. I've only listened to the single "Lotus Flower" so far,s'good...watched the video on Youtube. When it ended this was next on the playlist:

Got jokes?

Roll Call

2011-02-19T16:12:00.000-08:00

A homage to some of Hip Hop's greatest by long time eastern PA rap vet LPerfex. This flows free and easy like Diamond's third verse of "Stunts", not preachy but sincere, a quality most "lyrical" MCs lack.

1nce Again

2011-02-13T13:52:00.000-08:00

Not sure how I missed this, but it must have been "hilario" . Did you go? Tell your story, send a link...

If I Knew Then, What Would It Mean Now?

2011-02-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

My quest to compartmentalize hip hop history into some neat and clean narrative becomes more Quixotic with each double click. And this is a good thing.

For instance, there is dramatic tale that in 1996 Tupac attempted to squash East/West tensions by initiating recordings with Boot Camp, Greg Nice and Big Daddy Kane for an LP titled One Nation. The recordings are real and the reasons for their un-release only add to the conspiracy fodder. So much so, we have made the correlation that Biggie and Tupac lost their lives directly or indirectly over such beef an accepted mythology. These recordings make the East/West Coast less of a "war" and more of a mess of music, money and murder. It was certainly a period where hip hop had tremendous more cultural impact than presently.

But really, it is this digital digging that presents new perspectives such as the surprise of finding collaborations of French hip hop group AfroJazz with the Wu in 1997. AfroJazz's debut LP had production from Beatminerz, Diamond D and Buckwild, all 90-now heavyweights. It is no wonder these groups make coin overseas and have loyal fans 15 years later; DITC, Beatnuts, etc. connected with their foreign fanbase at the height of their popularity, lending credibility, creativity and energy to these emerging hip hop scenes in the 90s.

But maybe it's just because I miss Ol' Dirty. Sample lyric: "Not sayin I'm the most but truly I'm the utmost / BABY, have you ever caught the Hip Hop holy ghost?"

Earth Girl Helen Brown

2011-01-29T05:53:00.000-08:00

I won't go in to the backstory, as I try to keep it musical. Besides, this blog did a great job of that already. But it's got a groove and it would have cool to bust this out at a party in the 90's, ha! Pre order vinyl here:http://forestfamilyrecs.bigcartel.com/product/earth-girl-helen-brown-story-of-an-earth-girl-10-ep

Levels

2011-01-26T13:55:00.000-08:00

Continuing a steady flow of work from the awesome Cosmogramma, here's some new Flylo. A multimedia remix of the 2009 Bilal song, Levels, with a Flying Lotus directed video to match. And effects work by Special Problems !

Here Yesterday, Gone Tomorrow

2011-01-25T19:44:00.000-08:00

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Gangstarr's Step In The Arena, HipHopDX holds an interesting convo with Premo about the group's coming of age second LP. Below is fascinating passage that, in a sense, no hip hop MC or DJ would likely admit to such diverse taste 20 years ago. No Hip Hop journalist would dare to ask.

Which posses this paradox: Hip hop music 20 years ago had greater musical variety and vitality but in print and in appearances it kept up a "keep it real" pose. Currently, rap music's most popular contemporary songs are woefully one dimensional but would anybody bat an eye if Lil' Wayne admitted he dug Marilyn Manson?

DX: I wanna bring it back to “Step In The Arena.” The intro beat heard in the “Step In The Arena” video was “Street Ministry.” Along with “Say Your Prayers,” why the one-verse quickie joints; why weren’t those made into whole songs?

DJ Premier: Well, I’m a fan of more than Hip Hop… I also listened to Rock music real hardcore. I’m very in to New Wave, Punk music. I was a rebel in my family; I was into the Punk scene. I used to stick a needle in part of my skin and let it stick out the other skin without completely bleeding out of my thumbs, just to look all wicked and crazy. I used to go to Devo concerts, and I’d buy their yellow [suits]. [I’d] put that on, wearing the weird glasses with a flat-top. Like, I was a weird dude… I used to listen to a lot of New Wave stuff, like The Smiths, and Psychadelic Furs, and The Cure, Siouxsie And The Banshees, Dial House, Joy Division… I was into all that stuff. The Thompson Twins, just all this crazy stuff. And sometimes they would have a song that just had one verse. And then it’d fade out. So I took a lot of [inspiration] from that. Prince, he’d do a record called “Gotta Broken Heart Again” on the Dirty Mind album, and then as soon as the verse is over he’d make the guitar collapse like he’s killing stuff. And that’d be the end of the song… I was like, “Yo, I wanna do stuff like that!” I took a lot of pointers from Prince, and Michael Jackson, and The Commodores, Earth, Wind & Fire, with their interludes.

SY told me to give you this.

2011-01-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

http://www.sonicyouth.com/jukebox/jukebox.html

Paris Suit Yourself is the New Black

2011-01-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

A pretty satisfying bit of spirit in sound, gospel -punk-synth-funk, screaming a warning like a dust-nervous resurrection of Louis Armstrong. They made Flavorwire's list of 10 bands with the potential to save Rock in 2011. But their sounds seems even broader than just that.

Sing Yr Life: Zoo Kid

2011-01-17T14:40:00.000-08:00

I can't remember where i first stumbled on this youth, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear he was only 16. These stripped down jams he puts out have a ( rubber ) soul to them, and I got a ear open for whatever he does next. Hear more at his Bandcamp site...

120 Minutes

2011-01-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

Never Not Working on East Village Radio

I always enjoy 45 Fridays with these heads, especially at this location at 1st and 1st. The sound system is thumping and the enthusiasm is high. People love watching the 45s revolve and occasionally you'll get a random homeless lady coming inside to tell us how much she loves the sounds. I know I've been posting so many funky 45 mixes, but this one is a bit different. It includes some powerful ballads in the second half. This time I also had a crew of beautiful ladies in the house too. Thanks to Katia, Nydia and Theresa for showing love and coming out in the butt-ass cold to listen to some premium chunes.

The Interpretations - Trippin'
Ray Johnson - Funky Way
Honey & The Bees - Baby, Do That Thing
Gene Faith - Love Of A Woman, Soul Of A Man
Blue Gin - Light Blue
The Village Soul Choir - The Sissy Football Part 1
The New Apocalypse - Stainless Soul
Smokey Brooks - Spin-It Jig
Flight 505 - Love The Bass Man
The Bar-Kays - Humpin'
Sir Guy - Georgia Walk
Obrey Wilson - Headman
Detroit Emeralds - You're Getting A Little Too Smart
Eddie Bo - Check Your Bucket
Jonah Ellis - I Get Hot
Pete Parker - I Can't Stop Loving My Baby
Clarence Paul & The Members - Operation Breadbasket Pt 1
Berry Street Station - Chocolate Sugar
Willie Tell & The Overtures - Kick-Back
Captain Freak & The Lunacycle Band - What Ever Happened To Superman
Sonics - Chase
Otis Redding - Papa's Got A Brand New Bag
James Brown - Papa's Got A Brand New Bag pt. 2
Roger & The Gypsies - Pass The Hatchet Pt.1
Sam Baker - I Can't Turn Her Loose
Larry Williams - Boss Lovin'
Syl Johnson - Ode To Soul Man
Johnny Williams - Breaking Point
Little Joe Cook - Crazy Baby
The Minx - Something We Got
Marie Adams - That's The Way To Get Along
Dave Hamilton - Pisces Pace
Lynn Westbrook - African Strut Pt 1
Fifth Unit - Looking In The Breeze
Harper Valley P.T.A - Carolyn Sullivan
Al Green - So Glad You're Mine
The Pitter Pats - It Do Me Good Pt 1
Benny Spellman - Sinner Girl
Betty Harris - I'm Gonna Git Ya
The Charles IV - Better Get A Hold Of Yourself
Black Blood & the Chocolate Pickles - Mississippi Mud
Baby Lloyd - There's Something On Your Mind
King Davis House Rockers - We All Make Mistakes Sometimes Verve
Al Anders - Do You Love Me?
The Lost Weekend - Little Black Child
M-W-T Express - Nothing I'd Rather Be Than Your Weakness

Chase Does the Weather Dance

2011-01-11T07:10:00.000-08:00

As the East Coast preps for part 3 of an ongoing snowpacolypse, I begin my weather dance. This weather dance is ancient and powerful, and one must be very careful when performing it. Why? Because the weather gods show preference to the children and young-at-heart of the world. When an adult does the weather dance in winter, it's usually in the hope of retaining a decent parking space - a request the weather gods are occasionally sympathetic to.

Which one of these am I? Which one of these two are you?

From Fire Records new "Dance to the beat of ESG...

Winter Blends reprise

2011-01-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

Massive Attack...Portishead...Thievery Corporation...Rachel Sweet...Herbert...CodyChestnuTT...Handsome Boy Modeling School.Miho Hatori.Mike D...DJKrush.Deborah Anderson....Gorillaz...Zero7...Slow Country...Belly Button Window...Constipated Monkey

Keep warm. Snuggle tight. Shake up the musical boggle board, spell out winter blendzz and discover the (un)slept on joints of the 90s and the new milennininum, all on wax, of course. Lost&Found gets metaphysical. Peace to JBX for spontaneously putting together that KMD joint with the Jimi original. Aiiight!

My Nuh Tortoro II

2011-01-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

What more can I say?

iGorillaz

2010-12-25T15:24:00.000-08:00

New Gorillaz tour recording, streaming for the holidays here: http://thefall.gorillaz.com/
Recorded with an iPad apparently, so let's see if this makes it worth breaking on stage like a geeetarrrr...

UPDATE:
Interesting listen. It comes across as tour diary, most of the songs alluding to the place they were recorded, or music puns that will make you smile, like Bobby In Phoenix...a fine piece of modern soul with legend Bobby Womack.

A World Beat

2010-12-24T06:45:00.000-08:00

As we gain traction on the road through the 21st century, it is endlessly interesting to observe the ways in which the aesthetics of " underground " have oozed up to the surface, to bask in the light of a digital sun. What? Well just watch these, either one or both, and tell me what you think is going on...

Lyrics aside ( and I did crack a smile at a few English lines ) the beat is pretty accomplished, and the video (both by Zorik Istomin ) is a real stunner - I love all the over saturated color - perhaps an unintentional ode to the work of 90's video king Hype Williams? Here's a clip by the same director, again from somewhere in the Eastern European / Russian sprawl...

Mr. Gorbachev took down that wall - and we rolled through with a more efficient psy-op than the CIA could ever dream up! You can draw a direct line of reference from these guys to a million different American hip-hop / indie rock acts - but calling it an imitation isn't my point. Revealing pop culture as the unifying language of the Earth is...Barack Obama was something different, but maybe now is the time for a true Funky President ....

Up Jump

2010-12-20T14:41:00.000-08:00

Snatches from the ______step sound of the moment, Casm, Nicky, Queen Sharon,Arlene,Jayson "Glover" and Daaave - thanks for the introduction -looks like the sound is coming round - back in the garage again...

Sbtrkt with Jessie Ware ( where did she come from?! ) Nervous

Young Lust revisited

2010-12-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

Side 2 of cassette mix: Young Lust. This side steps it up some notches. Foreign funk/rock and sleaze. No shield, all this must be revealed and remain obscured. Pack Your Romantic Mind. Find the time. Stop worrying about the time you don't have. You can go for a drive and hear this one...but stay on the right lane and imagine yourself riding on trains across the sea with a secret knowledge of backroads. Styles runnin' from Ian Hunter and Funboy 3 to Stereolab and APB. Strangely mixed indeed but Enjoy!

Young Lust

2010-12-17T18:50:00.000-08:00

Side 1 of a cassette memoir - Pop music with Soul. Elements of Hip Hop mixed with Rock And Roll. Mind Games being played. World, Hold On. You need to cuddle up near the crackle of the fireplace for this one...change your stride. It's as soothing as Hope Sandoval's vocal chords. Mood swings from Tricky and John Lennon to Talk Talk and Pavement in 45 minutes. All wax straight from the fountain of youth. Enjoy!

Winter Blends pt. 2

2010-12-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

Mississippi Mud...If Loving You is Wrong, I Don't Want to Be Right...Fu-Gee-La...Your World Don't Stop...You're Welcome, Stop on By...Kismet...Don't Trust Anyone...Stop The Rain...Gotta Get Over...Hole In Your Head...The Bird...Hip Hop Vs. Rap...Ain't No Sunshine...Rescue Me...Movin' On 'Em...Freedom...Get Up And Dance...You Must Learn...Ready To Attack...Fat Pockets...No Future In Your Frontin'...Flip Styles...Bilbao...Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers...Strangers In The Night

Winter Blends

2010-12-10T21:07:00.000-08:00

Bill Withers....Nice and Smooth...Brand Nubian...Bobbi Humphrey...B.I.G...El Debarge...Black Star...Don Randi...Timmy Thomas...Kool G Rap...Extra P.Pete Rock...Albert King...Kane...Breeze Brewin.Prince Paul....Brother Bones....De La Soul...Chubb Rock.Wordsworth.Prince Paul...Don Sebesky...Black Moon...XClan...KRS1.DJPremier...Big Daddy...Sylvester...Das Efx(meant to play If Only)...Stanley Turrentine...Billy Cobham....Diamond D...Spinna...Roy Porter...Funk Inc.....BoogieDownProductions....Marva Whitney....Organized Konfusion...Jungle Brothers...Billy Vera...........

A December blend done at Savalas on Dec. 7. A little sloppy but a flow is established and there're some pleasant joints in here. Enjoy!

Funky 45 Fridays

2010-12-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

So Friday night Dec. 3, 2010 I took another trip solo to the station, EVR, to do a set for Radio Rios and Oskar Mann for their dope 2 hour weekly segment called Never Not Working. It's located at 1st St. + 1st Ave. It was lots of fun, a nice funky 45 workout that went on for more than an hour. I can't stress enough how much I love these (mostly) instrumental records. I did manage to slip Plynth in there...but mostly they're just about partying, nothing profound, nothing out of this world. Always shouting out cities throughout the States, bigging up their own musicians and just having a good ole' time. Fierce hand-clapping, and background sounds of hooting and hollering. I noticed this particular set has a bunch of songs with really interesting guitar work and of course serious drumming, especally on Akiwawa by Cupit and whoever's plucking away on Soul Woman. There are a few exceptions, of course, some songs falling more into a "soul" category and one that can't be missed (if you're truly listening all the way through) is the final track titled Get It On. A very special ballad to end the night with. These productions themselves are monumental. Huge! With an avg. of about 7 musicians per track. Sickness. Hope you enjoy this soundtrack as much as I do.

Download this here...I think you need iTunes or one of those iPods...who knows...I still listen to and record on those cassettes ARM18 found on the side of the road more than 10 years ago.

Playlist:

Give The Drummer Some - Little Hooks
Lets Get a Groove Going On - Ruby Andrews
Soul Power Pt.1 - Jimmie Willis
Louisiana Groove - King Solomon
Spead - Soul Partners
Lose The One You Love - Soul Partners
I Gave My Heart To You - Leevert Allison
The Red Fuzz - The Growing Society
Love Comes In All Colors - Forbidden Circle
I've Got Money - James Brown
On The Way To L.A - We The People
Hustle On Down Pt. 2 - Michael LeGrair
Jive Man - Exit 9
Free The Soul Man - LaMay
Trainman (Akiwawa) - Cupit
Afro Mania - Preston Epps
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is - Jodi Gales
Put 'Em On The Right Track - Full Speed
Soul Woman - Funky Sisters
Check Me Out - Little Denice
Let's Have Some Fun - Mod Singers
Tuscaloosa's Calling Me (But I'm Not Going) - Sandi Jones
Run Jody Run - Charles Wright
Black Skin, Blue Eyed Boys - ST-4
West Oak Lane Jam - Rodney Jerome Keitt
I'm Gonna Break You Down - Tony Gregory
Fool Fool Fool - Barbara Lewis
No More Heartaches, No More Pain - Vicki Anderson
Plynth - Jeff Beck Group
Something Or Other - Richard's People
The Cat - Calvin Owens
Ask Me No Questions - Eddie Armen
Do the Dance Called The Motion - Marvelle and the Blue Mats
Buttermilk Pt. 2 - Sly
Let The Groove Move You - Gust "The Groove" Lewis
Sing A Simple Song - The Hearts of Soul
Soulin' - Gus Jenkins
Lulu - The Highlighters
Nobody Loves Me But My Mama - Johnny Holiday
Get Your Own - Paul Kirk
Hot Tamale Pt. 1 - The Prime Mates
Get It On - George Campbell

Sunday Ska-thedral

2010-11-28T09:03:00.000-08:00

Subtle but sick double-sider on Rio, this one called the ¡'Toughest'! sounding like it belongs on the soundtrack of a Rasta/Samurai flick ca. 1956. Galloping riddim actually produced by Prince Buster in 1966. Flip it over and get a soulful boyish rock steady-like version of Love Me Forever by Errol Dunkley. Proper.

____________________________________________________________

Gift Ideas for the Audio nut in yr life...

2010-11-24T07:54:00.000-08:00

Available here: Diesel

Sunday Soul Stroll

2010-11-21T09:45:00.000-08:00

Vivian Copeland - Chaos (In My Heart) - D'Oro

mad powerful soul record from nineteen-sixty-something exhibiting some serious frantic romantic steez. damn this lady was feeling her man...it's Chaos!! she's pulling out her hair bro. Leave her alone, but first call her up and apologize.

everyday's a ...
of mass confusion
can't separate reality
from illusion
my world is upside down
my soul is in the lost and found
since WEEEE've been apart...
there's been nothing!!
nothing
nothing
but Chaos
Chaos
in my heart...
oh yea

my life is a jigsaw puzzle
can't put it together
there's 24 hours in a day
without you it seems like forever
I'm a victim of these frustrations
nights filled with hallucination
since WEEEE've been apart...
there's been nothing!!
nothing
nothing
but Chaos
Chaos
in my heart...

fIGHT tHE pOWER

2010-11-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

My respect for PE is akin to Chase's veneration for the Clash. I willingly remixed their new single "Say It Like It Really Is" in September, taking part in the fan driven promotion that has kept PE fresh and relevant in their third decade. No doubt, stand up and salute and support the Public Enemy camp and their extensive successful online ventures.

But, yo, Chuck, man, we got some indecisive judges out there. It's been 2 months and no verdict has been rendered. Listen, Imma put it like this: I am not sure what the debate is- the Staxattack is up there with the Shut 'Em Down remix in the PE cannon. With this Pete Rock live radio mix as an inspiration, how could it not?

Yunno, who needs to wait for validation when you can offer your remix to download or even hi-jack the video for your own purposes? Caught, can I get a witness, indeed!

Say It Like It Really Is (ARM 18 Staxxattack Remix) MP3
Say It Like It Really Is (ARM 18 Staxxattack Remix) MP4 Video

wHY i gENERALLY dEPLORE tHE dIGITAL mUSIC aGE

2010-10-29T08:11:00.001-07:00

While not executed seamlessly, this video is both an interesting "how-to" and indirect cautionary diatribe on being a "recording artist" in this day and age.

Seriously, there are politicians who have more warmth and presence than some musicians out there. If you are in a band or a musical performer and you want to separate yourself from the pack, go out there and go do something: kiss some babies, rock some crowds, duck a bottle being thrown, argue with a promoter. Logout, unowhutimsayin?

jUST dO iT

2010-10-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile I let my guard down as my hyper critical eyes and ears troll through the digi-verse of sight and sound and I find something that sparks. Through HPRS weekly email I discovered the work of Wash DC DJ/producer/MC Damu. (HPRS is a whole other post in itself).

Check out this vid & song from Damu and MC Insight's newest material. I caught a flashback to the future with this joint, admiring Damu's 9Ds production as being faithful but not derivative and Insight's verses being normative yet unwaveringly confident. As straightforward as the song sonds, it's like, necessary, like it just had to happen. Isn't that what drives the best DIY music? And dude is sporting a bow tie. That shit's fly.

dON'T dO iT - y sOCIETY

bONUS bEATS:

Deja Vu: Nas vs Industry

2010-10-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

This is a republish via the Lefsetz Letter, and a heads up for all young ( or old ) hopefuls:

From: Nas
To: LA Reid, Steve Bartels, Steve Gawley, Michael Seltzer, Joseph Borrino, Chris Hicks
Subject: PUT MY SHIT OUT!
Peace to all,
With all do respect to you all, Nas is NOBODY’s slave. This is not the 1800’s, respect me and I will respect you.
I won’t even tap dance around in an email, I will get right into it. People connect to the Artist @ the end of the day, they don’t connect with the executives. Honestly, nobody even cares what label puts out a great record, they care about who recorded it. Yet time and time again its the executives who always stand in the way of a creative artist’s dream and aspirations. You don’t help draw the truth from my deepest and most inner soul, you don’t even do a great job @ selling it. The #1 problem with DEF JAM is pretty simple and obvious, the executives think they are the stars. You aren’t…. not even close. As a matter of fact, you wish you were, but it didn’t work out so you took a desk job. To the consumer, I COME FIRST. Stop trying to deprive them! I have a fan base that dies for my music and a RAP label that doesn’t understand RAP. Pretty fucked up situation
This isn’t the 90’s though. Beefing with record labels is so 15 years ago. @ this point I just need you all to be very clear where I stand and how I feel about "my label." I could go on twitter or hot 97 tomorrow and get 100,000 protesters @ your building but I choose to walk my own path my own way because since day one I have been my own man. I did business with Tommy Mottola and Donnie Einer, two of the most psycho dudes this business ever created. I worked well with them for one major reason……. they believed in me. The didn’t give a fuck about what any radio station or magazine said….those dudes had me.
Lost Tapes is a movement and a very important set up piece for my career as it stands. I started this over 5 years ago @ Columbia and nobody knew what it was or what it did but the label put it out as an LP and the fans went crazy for it and I single handlely built a new brand of rap albums. It’s smart and after 5 years it’s still a head of the game. This feels great and you not feeling what I’m feeling is disturbing. Don’t get in the way of my creativity. We are aligned with the stars here, this is a movement. There is a thing called KARMA that comes to haunt you when you tamper with the aligning stars. WE ARE GIVING THE PEOPLE EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANT. Stop throwing dog shit on a MAGICAL moment.
You don’t get another Nas recording that doesn’t count against my deal….PERIOD! Keep your bullshit $200,000.00 fund. Open the REAL budget. This is a New York pioneers ALBUM, there ain’t many of us. I am ready to drop in the 4th quarter. You don’t even have shit coming out! Stop being your own worst enemy. Let’s get money!
-N.Jones

Sunday Soul Stroll

2010-10-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

- Sonny Knight - If You Want This Love - Aura Records - 1964 - went to # 71 on the R&B chart

Just perfect right now...

Lyrics Somebody Want Lyrics? pt 26

2010-09-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

O.C. - Time's Up - Wild Pitch Records - 1994

Buckwild dug deep, pulled out the big band Beatle version and flipped it with an extra thump to go along with O.C.'s thesis, that to this day, applies more than ever. Here comes the rant...It's just one of those songs, you know? The ones that stand the test of time from when it was birthed in 1994. Maybe it will always be relevant because frauds will always exist. So what to do but stomp on them with a slew of syllable packed verses over a non commercial D.I.T.C. rhythm. The emphasis here is not on who's a realer thug, but who's a realer M.C. or who would be willing to sacrifice fame and wealth for dignity and respect. A schoolyard battle, nothing regarding whips, vacationing trips and casino chips. Fake ass sissies, your time's up!

"Non-conceptual, non-exceptional, everybody's either crime related or sexual..." Perhaps he means that there are too many people trying to do things that truly do not come naturally to them in order for them to sell. Yes, it's just a "scrimmage".
Jerking their Jimmies but they still can't cum off. (Ed OG lyrics coming soon)
________________________________________________

You lack the minerals and vitamins, irons and the niacin
Fuck who that I offend rappers sit back I'm bout to begin
'bout foul talk you squawk, never even walked the walk
More less destined to get tested never been arrested
My album will manifest many things that I saw did or heard about
or told first hand never word of mouth
What's in the future for the fusion in the changer?
Rappers are in danger. Who will use wits to be a remainder?
When the missile is aimed, to blow you out of the frame
Some will keep their limbs and, some will be maimed
The same suckers with the gab about, killer instincts
but turned bitch and knowin damn well they lack
In this division, the connoisseur, crackin your head with a 4 by 4
Realize sucka, I be the comin like Noah
Always sendin you down, perpetratin facadin what you consider
a image, to me this is just a scrimmage
I'm feel I'm stone, not cause I bop or wear my cap cocked
The more emotion I put into it, the harder I rock
Those who pose lyrical but really ain't true I feel

"Their time's limited, hard rocks too"

Speakin in tongues, about what you did but you never done it
Admit you bit it cause the next man gained platinum behind it
I find it ironic, so I researched and analyzed
Most write about stuff they fantasized
I'm fed up with the bull, on this focus of weed and clips
and glocks gettin cocked, and wax not bein flipped
It's the same old same old just strain it from the anal
The contact, is not complex or vexed
So why you puhsin it? Why you lyin for? I know where you live
I know your folks, you was a sucka as a kid
Your persona's drama, that you acquired in high school in actin class
Your whole aura is plexi-glass
What's-her-face told me you shot this kid last week in the park
That's a lie, you was in church with your moms
See I know yo, slow your roll, give a good to go
Guys be lackin in this thing called rappin just for dough
Of course we gotta pay rent, so money connects, but uhh
I'd rather be broke and have a whole lot of respect
It's the principal of it, I get a rush when I bust
some dope lines oral, that maybe somebody'll quote
That's what I consider real, in this field of music
Instead of puttin brain cells to work they abuse it
Non-conceptual, non-exceptional
Everybody's either crime-related or sexual
I'm here to make a difference, besides all the riffin
To traps are not stickin, rappers stop flippin
For those who pose lyrical but really ain't true I feel

"Their time's limited, hard rocks too"

Freedom of Expression: Colin Greenwood

2010-09-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Colin Greenwood, bass player for Radiohead, shares some thoughts about the nature of creativity, the process of releasing music ( that's a beautiful phrase: "releasing music" ) and the good aspects of the old recording industry business model. Follow the link below:
http://www.indexoncensorship.org/2010/09/radiohead-copyright-freespeech-music/

WBLS Marley Marl's In Control with DJ Pete Rock

2010-09-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Speaking of tapes, some classic hip hop radio addict static right here. The back & forth of "Tramp" was my inspiration for the Staxxattack beat that I have flipped for the upcoming PE remix contest. More to come...

Reggae City

2010-09-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

I gots Bard College classic flavor from the B crates. Reggae loaded with good memories from a time of youthful enthusiasm, visceral experiences, experimentation and promiscuity.
Jr. Byles original followed by the nasty Upsetter production DJd by the one, the only U Roy. Both these treats have found their way to my crate after 15 years of searching. Finally. I get this bassline bumping straight from vinyl to needle instead of from the best reggae mixed tape made for me by B himself. One of these days when I learn to upload tapes onto the internets I'll post that whole mix with PS Chase art and everything.

Still Wild for Wax?

2010-09-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Jack White's Third Man has some new craze, Triple Decker Vinyl. We've come along way since the hidden track days...

More Goodbyes...

2010-09-10T16:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a week of change! Forgot to give a heartfelt shout out and RIP to Fat Beats. THE spot for all things hip-hop clear through the 90's and the first decade of 00hs...of many memories I'll never forget picking up the Organized Konfusion "Walk Into the Sun" remix single...chatting with Percy P about just what the hell was going wrong in hip-hop...10 years ago now!! and lots more..you did your thing kid! All the best to ya'll. For more in depth coverage of the final hoo-haa, see here:
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/archives/venues/fat_beats/

So Long Mary..

2010-09-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

Electronic and experimental music champion Maryanne Hobbs just wrapped her farewell show on BBC Radio 1, guest DJ'ed by Kode9 and Burial. All goodness, all vibes...thanks for the memories!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tm12t

That's Whassup: Crazy Coffee Lady remix...

2010-09-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

She's got a story for you, listen up...

via the Mod Wolf by way of LiveLeak

Yo, you might dig this...

2010-08-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

Jay Electronica live in Paris. I'll be up front, I haven't even checked for MCs lately, but if anyone is still crushin' it's this man, bruv.

MmmHmm[ft. Thundercat] by Flying Lotus

2010-08-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

I have to say I'm a fan of music video. I use to catch a lot of crap for this in film school, yet I maintain that a well made video, that marries itself to the music correctly, achieves a kind of super condensed narrative that can stand with any short film. This is one of those.

Loft Babies

2010-08-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

Video Game Club Music

What kind of reaction would this get in a club, anywhere, anytime? Crazy Italo Boogie or whateva u call it provided by Anfrando Maiola and Stefano Cundari.
I always loved the idea of sampling video games. There are more than handful of pretty good examples too. Which ones can you think of?

Somebody Want Lyrics? Addendum

2010-08-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

"Knowledge is power, and knowledge can be the difference between life
or death...you should know the truth and the truth shall set you
free."

Verse 1

I was raised like a Muslim
Prayin' to the East
Nature of my life relates rhymes I release
like a cannon
Cuz I been plannin' to be rammin' what I wrote
straight on a plate down your throat
So digest as I suggest we take a good look
At who's who while I'm readin' from my good book
And let's dig into every nook and every cranny
Set your mind free as I slam these thoughts
And just like a jammy goes pow
You're gonna see what I'm sayin' now
You can't be sleepin'
cuz things are gettin' crazy
You better stop being lazy
There's many people frontin'
And many brothers droppin'
All because of dumb things, let me tell you somethin'
I've been through so much that I'm such
a maniac, but I still act out of faith
that we can get the shit together so I break
on fools with no rhymes skills messin' up the flow
And people with no sense who be movin' much too slow
And so, you will know the meaning of the Gang Starr
Guru with the mic and Premier raise the anchor
swiftly, as we embark on a journey
I had to get an attorney
I needed someone to defend my position
Decisions I made, cuz now it's time to get paid
And ladies, these rhymes are like the keys to a dope car
Maybe a Lexus or a Jaguar
Still, all of that is just material
So won't you dig the scenario
And just imagine if each one is teachin' one
We'll come together so that we become
A strong force, then we can stay on course
Find your direction through introspection
And for my people out there I got a question
Can we be the sole controllers of our fate?
Now who's gonna take the weight?

[what happens here is something so much more interesting then what hip hop began to embrace as a hook later on - Primo cuts and freaks the pitch on that J.B.'s horn sample...or so it seems]

Verse 2

The weight of the world is heavy on my mind
So as my feelings unwind I find
That some try to be down just cuz it's trendy
Others fall victim to envy
But I'll take the road less travelled
So I can see all my hopes and my dreams unravel
Relievin' your stress, expressin' my interest
In the situation that you're facin'
That's why I'm down with the Nation
Spirituality supports reality
We gotta fight with the right mentality
So we can gain what is rightfully ours
This is the meaning of the chain and the star
Land is power, so gimme forty acres
Let's see how far I can take ya
Original invincible
That's how I'm lookin' at it
I use my rhymes like a Glock automatic
Any means necessary, I'm goin' all out
Before the rains bring the nuclear fallout
So let me ask you, is it too late?
Hey yo, who's gonna take the weight?

Lyrics Somebody Want Lyrics? pt. 25

2010-07-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

Just to Get a Rep - Gangstarr - 1990 - Chrysalis

Another forever fresh 12" by Gangstarr - 'Just To Get A Rep/Who's Gonna Take The Weight'. From the LP 'Step In The Arena', Hip Hop heads flipped for this back in 1990, especially since it was the album after their debut record "No More Mr. Nice Guy". High Art in Hip Hop?? Yes, of course, Premier demonstrated this having changed his Marley Marlesque technique after the debut by tapping into a jazzy sound with grimy drum loops.
In terms of lyrics, here R.I.P. Guru (Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal) takes us on a 3 verse reality rap journey into the New York City streets. A good combination, to say the least, is what these two were able to achieve at this time. The chemistry between his monotone sound and Primo's trademark choruses full of clear and concise scratches and/or hella creative musical bridges wasn't annoyingly full of too much braggadocio bravado, or wasn't so obvious when Guru chose to be conscious and/or political. They seemed to be themselves, and that's how the sound came off more authentic which is what I mainly appreciated.
________________________________________________________

Brothers are amused by others brother's reps
But the thing they know best is where the gun is kept
'Cause in the night, you'll feel fright
And at the sight of a 4-5th, I guess you just might
Wanna do a dance or two
'Cause they could maybe bust you for self or with a crew
No matter if you or your brother's a star
He could pop you and jet without a getaway car
And some might say that he's a dummy
But he's sticking you and taking all of your money
It's a daily operation
He might be loose in the park or lurking at the train station
Mad brothers know his name
So he thinks he got a little fame
From the stick-up game
And while we're blaming society
He's at a party with his man
They got their eye on the gold chain
That the next man's wearing
It looks big but they ain't staring
Just thinking of a way and when to get the brother
They'll be long gone before the kid recovers
And back around the way, he'll have the chain on his neck
Claimin' respect, Just to get a rep

Ten brothers in a circle
Had the kid trapped, the one wit the hood, he said, "We'll hurt you"
If you don't run out your dues and pay
Give up the Rolex watch or you won't see another day
See, they were on the attack
And one said, "Yo, you wanna make this to a homicide rap?
Make it fast so we can be on our way
Kick in the rings and everything, ok?"
The kid was nervous and flinching
And little shorty with the 3-8, yo, he was inchin
Closer and closer, put the gun to his head
Shorty was down to catch a body instead
Money was scared so he panicked
Took off his link and his rings and ran frantic
But shorty said, "Nah!" pulled the trigger and stepped
It was nothing - he did it just to get a rep

The rep goes bigger and now hes known for his trigger finger
Rolling with troops of the sons like a gangster figure
Hes near the peak of his crazy career
His posse's a nightmare macking jewls and some crazy gear
but as we know these things do come back
and shortys now peeping others that are scheming the kind of act
Cuz the kid that got shot didnt perish so
He pulls up in a jeep with tinted windows
Too late shorty was caught in the mix
His time ran out his number came up and thats it
Ya know the rest so dont front the plan has been upset
Some brothers gotta go out, just to get a rep

Back Up East with Cerebral Ballzy

2010-07-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

And now, a word from the youth of today:

Next: Ronald Jenkees

2010-06-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

Just found this dude on the random Youtube crawl.. All I gotta say is - DamFunk and Ronald Jenkees could rule the Earth with a club tour right now.

http://www.ronaldjenkees.com/mp3-store/

Tacklebox: New Cool Kids

2010-06-15T05:46:00.000-07:00

Label-less, but still doing the damn thing, the Cool Kids have dropped another throwback 808 freebie, just in time for some early summer porch-steppin. It's kind of an admirable business model, considering the fact that they blew up via Myspace. The music gets heard, and they get paid for the live show. Yeah, man! Download the jaun now:http://www.coolxkids.com/

Sunday Soul Stroll

2010-06-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

The Fascinations- I Can’t Stay Away From You - Mayfield - 1967

No question Curtis Mayfield is the ultimate. Here is an amazing ballad he produced for a honeydripping lady line-up (originally from Detroit) on his smaller label Mayfield Records. In the beginning, two co-founders, Shirley Walker and Martha Reeves, brought in singers Joanne Levell, Bernadine Boswell and Fern Bledsoe. The quintet was named the Fascinations before Martha Reeves left the group in 1960 to go become a superstar with Motown. A few years later they met up with members of the Impressions, Fred Cash and Sam Gooden, who introduced the quartet to Curtis who helped them get signed to ABC-Paramount.
The were dropped by ABC-Paramount but Curtis kept with them once he opened up his smaller label Mayfield in 1966. They recorded some nice records that didn't sell too good in the States but blew up in England.
They didn't accumulate enough material to release an album but what they did record was some intensely passionate soul music, like what you hear here.

R.I.P Marvin Isley

2010-06-08T04:59:00.000-07:00

Funk bass overlord Marvin Isley passed away on Monday. Pick your favorite Isley Brothers jam from 72' on and you'll hear the man thump. Turn it up! Thanks for everything Marvin.

Dam-Funk: Fly Away With Me

2010-06-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been into a specific performance of a favorite song? You LOVE the song, but a certain performance of the song brings it all together? That's the deal with Dam-Funk and this live version of Fly Away With Me. Dude occupies a zone in music that's just impeccable to me right now. Loads of feel in playing and voice...check it:

A Gif to U

2010-06-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

Found on the web, artist unknown.

The Heavy ,Purple Remix by Joker

2010-06-04T06:14:00.000-07:00

And in the spirit of our modern times,here's a remix of the song below from Joker,front runner in the dubstep spin-off genre,"Purple":