Bulls dispatched the World Champs in short order. Looking forward to the match up with one of the best teams in the East. If the Bulls beat the Pistons (which they have 3 out of 4 this season) they should be good to roll all the way to the Championship.
Cool project that Blue Note did back in 2004 featuring remakes by J-Dilla, Madlib, 4Hero, Kenny Dope, Herbert and others of some Blue Note classics. I love jazz and of course love the downtempo stuff so this made for a great listen. Listen to the The Miles Davis Quintet's version (Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass, Wayne Shorter on sax who I also believe wrote the composition) then the re-do by AG favorite DJ Mehdi.
Great remix by Chicago’s favorite hipster DJ duo, Flosstradamus of Matt and Kim's "Yeah Yeah." Check it out:
So after they blew up on their track "We Are Friends" (done with Justice for those not in the know), Simian parted ways. James Ellis Ford and James Anthony Shaw formed their own group called Simian Mobile Disco (obviously infatuated with the word Simian).
Their new record set to be released this year is Attack Decay Sustain Release. A ten track banger which features 4 tracks already released tracks. Check out a highlight and a remix by SMD.
Mp4a: Simian Mobile Disco - "I Got this Down"
Mp3: Klaxons - "Magick" (Simian Mobile Disco Remix)
Buy: Get Simian Mobile Disco stuff here OR the Klaxons single here.
New video for Brother Ali's track "Uncle Sam Goddamn." Some pretty fierce political social stuff going on in this one. Check it out then buy the record.
Mp3: Brother Ali - "Uncle Sam Goddamn"
Buy: Get Brother Ali's The Undisputed Truth here.
My move to Chicago is quickly approaching. I need to start packing, which I declare every weekend, but nothing ever seems to materialize. This weekend has got to be that weekend. Also I need to find a job...which I might just do what this lady did to help with that. Check out some links to hold you over till Monday.
"of course you can’t "blame hip hop." Only white people ever have to take the blame for anything. Blacks can do whatever they want and never have to answer. That’s what the double standard is all about."
Never been all that crazy about Bjork but as you know I am a big Spank Rock fan. Check out this new remix they did of Bjork's 2007 single "Earth Intruders." The single features a beat by Timbaland and Danja and percussion from Konono N°1 (who I think are playing 80's thumb pianos?).
I think she is saying "We are the Earth intruders...we are the sharp shooters," no idea what that means and as usual I have no clue what she is talking about. Check out the remix nonetheless. Track is pretty good.
Here is a mixtape I was just forwarded. Its called "the Quasimoto Mixtape." Its Madlib in his appearance on the Gilles Peterson show on BBC Radio 1 back in May 2005. Check it out.
I spent alot of time in high school listening to Asian Dub Foundation's Raffi's Revenge and Dub Pistols' Point Blank...not sure why guess I only liked bands with "Dub" in their title back then. Anyways I lost track of them until this recent album surfaced. I was able to give it a listen (check out their myspace you can here the whole thing).
There is a decent Blondie cover (listen to a remix here), but my favorite track on the record is "Peaches" featuring Hall and Rodney P. Check it out:
Mp3: Dub Pistols feat. Rodney P & Terry Hall - "Peaches"
Pre-order: Get the new album from Amazon here.
Another coming to hip hop's defense against the latest couple weeks of bashing. Check out "Don't Blame Hip-Hop" by Kelefa Sanneh of the NY Times:
Hip-hop has been making enemies for as long as it has been winning fans. It has been dismissed as noise, blamed for concert riots, accused of glorifying crime and sexism and greed and Ebonics. From Run-D.M.C. to Sister Souljah to Tupac Shakur to Young Jeezy, the story of hip-hop is partly the story of those who have been irritated, even horrified, by it.
Even so, the anti-hip-hop fervor of the last few weeks has been extraordinary, if not quite unprecedented. Somehow Don Imus’s ill-considered characterization of the Rutgers women’s basketball team — “some nappy-headed hos” — led not only to his firing but also to a discussion of the crude language some rappers use. Mr. Imus and the Rev. Al Sharpton traded words on Mr. Sharpton’s radio show and on “Today,” and soon the hip-hop industry had been pulled into the fray....
Read the rest here. Also check out the 100+ comments.
Looking more like a Phi Kap frat dude than your typical emcee, El Gant has talent. Along with talent he obviously has a love for acronyms with El Gant standing for Everything Lacking Greatness Accomplishes Nothing Tangible (which do you think came first the name or the acronym?).
Gant launched himself in 2001 when he was undefeated battle champion on MTV's DirectEffect. Since then he's released two full length albums, The Evolution of Execution Vol. 1 and Hungry Vol. 2. I haven't given his 2004 release a listen, but Hungry Vol 2 came out of leftfield for me. Its a solid album and this kid can really rhyme. He's got some good credentials from working with Kool Keith, Pycho Les of the Beatnuts, Paul Nice and Ill Bill. Check out a track:
Mp3: El Gant feat. Blanc - "So Simple"
Buy: Pick up his latest here on Nacirema Music.
Well Wiley aka Eskiboy at 28 (calling Mase) is calling it quits. I first was exposed to him on the Run The Road series but eventually picked up Treadin' On Thin Ice on his past label XL Recordings. He is now on Big Dada were he plans on releasing his final album, Play Time is Over in June.
Nah not really, but Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings are bringing back that 1960's funk sound. Strip the track of the artist name and there is no way you place this track in the 21st century. This track is from their 2005 release Naturally.
Not sure if I can endorse reheated naan and curry, but I do love some fresh naan and curry. This of course really has nothing to do with anything regarding DeeJay OM other than its the name of his latest mix record. Check out a sample track:
Mp3: DeeJay OM - "The Arrival"
Really great stuff and it comes highly recommended for those digging this. Its got hard hitting baselines and plenty of that middle eastern sound (not sure how you would characterize this). You can purchase the record from his label Galapagos 4, here.
Mp3 link: Get the best track on this album, "Silk Dealers of New Delhi," here.
As you know AG has been loving everything DJ Mehdi and Chromeo related. Especially this track but I had no idea there was such a great video to go along with it.
Reminds me of the little league baseball days where I'd make handshakes that would take 3 minutes to complete. Good stuff...I gotta make a friend like Mehdi's in Chicago. Couple Ed Banger cameos in the video as you'll see.
Not sure about everyone else, but its beautiful weather here. One of my favorite things to listen to when its nice is some mellow stuff. Here are a couple tracks I have been digging this Sunday.
Mp3: Large Professor - "Tribe Called Quest"
Mp3: Pepe California - "Guadalupe" (Nobody Remix)
Enjoy your Sunday. Saturday was good for Chicago fans with both a Bulls and Cubs win. Looking forward to more of those days in the future! Peace.
From Mr. Williams from Counterpunch.org:
Dear Ms. Winfrey,
It is with the greatest respect and adoration of your loving spirit that I write you. As a young child, I would sit beside my mother everyday and watch your program. As a young adult, with children of my own, I spend much less time in front of the television, but I am ever thankful for the positive effect that you continue to have on our nation, history and culture. The example that you have set as someone unafraid to answer their calling, even when the reality of that calling insists that one self-actualize beyond the point of any given example, is humbling, and serves as the cornerstone of the greatest faith. You, love, are a pioneer.I am a poet...
First if you know about this series you can just skip reading this and pre-order Vol. 4. For those that don't know Guru's Jazzmatazz is essential listening...like all 4 of them. He is master of the jazz/hip hop cross over and all his records need to be purchased.
Funny part about this whole thing is firing US States Attorneys is completely legal under the law. Where the problem occurs is when you lie and then try to do a half-assed cover up. Once again the Bush Administration proves that it can't pull anything off...well I guess they did promise to veto states rights for the District of Columbia. I am sure that Bush will be able to sign his name to a veto on that one.
Jazz Liberatorz aka Dj Damage, Dusty and Madhi are french hip hop producers from MeauxTown (no clue where that is). The Jazz Liberatorz are signed on Kif Records and have released 12"s with Aloe Blacc (Emanon), Declaime (Stonesthrow) and Wildchild (Lootpack/Stonesthrow).
They are currently working on a full length LP which I am excited about. As of now I only own their Music Makes the World Go Round 12", but they show alot of promise in only 5 tracks. Check out one of my favorites:
Mp3: Jazz Liberatorz - "Dark Keys"
Keep an eye open for the full length. Its sure to be a keeper.
New DJ Jazzy Jeff featuring Big Daddy Kane. The track is from Jeff's upcoming record The Return Of The Magnificent. Check it out.
No place for handguns or any guns in our society. Ban them. Ban them all. There is no constitutional support for every dude around to sport a firearm. England did it, Australia did it and it drastically reduced their instances of gun violence.
All you need in Virginia to buy a handgun is two forms of identification and pass a computerized background check. That is seriously flawed. As is our system of regulation. John McCain stated yesterday that, "This brutal attack was not caused by nor should it lead to restrictions on the Second Amendment, which guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms." He is totally wrong and I bet he gets some gun lobbying money to make statements like these. He must have missed the part in the 2nd amendment which states "a well regulated militia" cause individuals toting around firearms is in no part "well regulated."
The lack of action by policy makers shows that many of them were elected on pro-gun platforms or just how much kick downs they are getting from the gun lobbyists. Well if you want to keep these lax gun laws then people need to be able to stomach the violence that is associated with them. Sure it only happens every so often and most gun owners are responsible but the fact that it happens at all is too much for me to stomach. Ohh and lets not forget that 3,300 U.S. troops have died in Iraq, which is 100 times the amount that just died at Virginia Tech. Death and violence is a tragedy no matter how it happens.
Sorry I am going a bit bananas today but I just got passed this from my dude over at K7! records (actually he produced the damn video!) and the beat is undeniable. Been and am a big Masta Ace fan but I have admittably been sleeping on Marco Polo and he obviously has a knack for production. Check it out.
Marco Polo's Port Authority is out May 15th.
Check out a High Quality QT version HERE.
A few of my favorite things coming together. Check out Stone Throws' latest podcast with Madlib doing a Motown mix. If its anything like his last cast this ish WILL be classic.
New 2007 release by the Beastie Boys. B-sides and Bullshit Vol. 2 (not sure where volume 1 was) is a collection of a couple b-sides of course then some remixes by some of the best around. Madlib, Large Professor, Peanut Butter Wolf, Prince Paul, Paul Nice and Evidence all show up with their signature BB remix. Check out a hightlight:
You can thank Catchdubs for the heads up on this one. Clinton Sparks is a radio and mixtape DJ and producer. All his 28 some odd mixtapes are available for download for free from his official site. The dude is obviously unabashed by the stuff that went down with DJ Drama.
His Monch mixtape was pretty good as well as his Clipse one...not so sure about the one he did with Tommy Lee but who I am to judge something I haven't even listened to. Anyways check it out here.
You can here Sparks on SmashTime Radio on Sirius Satellite Radio.
I am sickened by what has happened today at Virginia Tech. My heart and thoughts go out to all those that are suffering because of this inexplicable act of hate and violence. 33 dead so far, so awful, so disgusting.
I have no idea what this country's problem is with guns and violence. While this is a normal day in Iraq (which should put things in perspective), this kind of stuff shouldn't be happening anywhere, let alone our places of education. Places where people are trying to better themselves.
Its time to get guns in this country under control. What a tradegy. Sometimes I just question what in the hell is wrong with people. Again, my heart goes out to those that lost loved ones. So disturbing and so so sad.
Sunset Scavanger is a damn good record and when I saw that Zeph is collaborating on a new disc with Azeem (who I admittedly know nothing about) I was excited to check out the results. So far I'm impressed. Their new record is Rise Up and its out May 22nd. Check out the title track.
Last week's Ear Fuzz post reminded me that I need to listen to more Paul Nice so I picked up Paul Nice's latest blend record. He takes the impeccable Sade and over lays her on point vocals on top of some essential hip hop beats. It gives Sade a whole new feel. Here is what TTL has to say:
These theme mixtapes are often times really tough to pull off, but leave it to the man Paul Nice to kill you softly with Sade Blends. Mr. Nice lives up to his name by dropping hot club beats under Sade's sultry tracks creating a grown-n-sexy vibe that'll straight melt a nubian soundgyal. Includes all her hits with heavy beats beneath like Clipse's "Grindin'" under "Keep Looking," "Drop It Like It's Hot" under "Love Is Stronger Than Pride," heavy BDP beats under "By Your Side," "Cherish The Dre" and more.
Skream aka Oli Jones continues his assault on the UK dubstep scene with his latest release Skreamizm Vol. 3. A two part 12" featuring five tracks and an appearance by Warrior Queen. Check out this track then go support this 20 year old producing prodigy.
Mp3: Skream - "Lose Control"
Enjoy that Star Wars sample. Get the whole album HERE. Here is a bonus of Dizzee over my alltime favorite Skream track.
Bonus Mp3: Dizzee Rascal & Skream - "Request Line Freestyle"
In case his latest pop venture wasn't your thing RJD2 just released an instrumental album of his work as Soul Position (RJ and Blueprint). I am still trying to decide whether I like the new RJD2 album or just the idea of him venturing outside of what is familiar. What is unquestionable is RJD2's ability to construct a damn good beat. Case in point:
Mp3: RJD2 - "I'm Free" (Instrumental)
Buy: Get the instrumental album of "Things Go Better with RJ and Al" here. Get this Diplo meets RJD2 album.
Here is a couple great tracks and blogs to get your weekend started. If you live in Vermont you are loving that 5-6 inches of Spring time snow....actually you're probably wondering like me what in god's name is going on. It's April I should be outside running! Anyways check out the music:
Big Stereo
Don't miss out on this killer Basement Jaxx track with some sweet sweet Shante vocals.
Good Weather for Airstrikes
Another club masher get Justice's "Let there be light" (Breakbot Remix) here!
Electric Zoo
Get Goose's remix of the Sister Sisters here. Its stellar.
the Rub
Download all of these if you know whats good for you. Essential hip hop listening (1979-1988 so far!). Also get Ayres 4heros remix here.
Funky 16 Corners
One of my favorite blogs out there. Don't sleep on the Queen of Soul.
Ear Fuzz
Check out a couple Paul Nice tracks here.
Check it out. The official page is a bit cumbersome to navigate. Somebody went a bit too nuts with the macromedia flash. I'll be there and you can count on seeing me at (as long as they don't conflict) Daft Punk, Pearl Jam, Stephen Marley, M.I.A., My Morning Jacket, LCD Soundsystem, TV on the Radio, Lupe Fiasco and The Roots for sure.
If you want to hang let me know by emailing me. I can't wait to be in a city where there is going to be crazy good music. Consider me excited. Hopefully they will add others as the date gets closer.
One of my favorite downbeat electronic records is Fahrenheit Fair Enough by Telefon Tel Aviv (TTA). TTA is the duo of Joshua Eustis and Charlie Cooper. Thier new record the Telefon Tel Aviv: Remixes Compiled is just that a collection of remixes culled from the first seven years of TTA's career. The record features Nine Inch Nails, John Hughes and Phil Ranelin to name a few. Check out one track off the record:
Rhymesayers' newest record is Brother Ali's The Undisputed Truth which couldn't be more amply titled. Its an open book on Ali's political, personal and emotional dealings. Sam Chennault of Pitchfork describes it as:
Ali's focus on his inner landscape is the rapper's greatest asset and his biggest liability. There are times when his tales of personal disillusionment, righteous political anger, and emotional calamity are scarily realistic, but as often as not this obsession with his own emotions is incredibly megalomaniacal and incalculably boring. It isn't that his troubles are minor or tedious, it's that we don't entirely know his troubles--only that he's troubled.There are some great stand out tracks. One that takes on Ali's frustration with the current Bush foreign policy stands out in my mind:
DJ Muro a Japanese hip hop producer released Tokyo Tribe 2 in 2006. Muro has worked with Japan's most famous hip hop DJ, DJ Krush where in 1987 they formed "Krush Posse" along with MICROPHONE PAGER, TWIGY and others. He has also produced one of Japan's most famous hip hop groups, Nitro Microphone Underground. Check out a couple tracks off his latest record:
I've been able to catch some of my favorite shows every now and then here in Vermont. Typically they are sparsely populated but hey I can't complain. Anyways I'm excited about one of my favorite acts of the last couple years coming to town. Junior Boys will be playing Higher Ground this Easter Sunday. If you are in the area check'em out.
First and foremost you need this record in your life. Lucky Boy by Mehdi is a masterpiece. His latest is the release of the single "Lucky Girl" which is a great song in its own right but the highlight for me on this 12 is the Outlines Remix of "Lucky Boy" one of my favorite songs on the Lucky Boy record. Check it out:
Mp3: DJ Mehdi - "Lucky Boy" (Outlines Remix)
Looks like the real deal couldn't get cleared for mass release but thanks to Vice the real deal can be spread across the mass grey area that is the internets. Check out Chicago's own Flosstradamus' latest mix which was supposed to be part of the Scion Mixtape series. Here it is in all its un-edited glory.
Finally I am able to attend a big time music festival. I've been to Sasquatchfest in Washington State many a time but that was before they just recently started getting really good.
His last single got taken down real quick and had a title I wasn't all that crazy about but another track has been leaked thanks to the dudes at The Fader who are always on the top of their game. Check it out!
From Stones Throw:
Hella International is the name of a 3x12-inch box set and a big party we threw in Miami at the 2007 Winter Music Conference. DJing were Madlib, PB Wolf, J.Rocc, A-Trak, Busy P & DJ Mehdi from the Ed Banger crew, BBC's Benji B, Karriem Riggins, Egon, Do-Over's Haycock & Strong, and James Pants.
You can win the box set here or you can buy it from Turntable Lab sometime in early April. In all the record is 14 tracks featuring the likes of Madlib, Dilla, Aloe Blacc, J Rocc and others. Check out one track here:
Mp3: J Dilla - "The $" (Madlib Remix)
Photo from The Fader Magazine blog.
Could it be this man? How great would that be? Just in time for me to move there. Story from ESPN here.
Got back from New York City yesterday. I had a great time had some dinner with friends in SoHo, was able to get to Central Park, the MET and MOMA as well. It was a pretty quick trip and very hectic. My feet are tender from walking and standing for pretty much two days straight but had such a great time.
