Wu n B Blend Mixtape - Mixed by DJ Bam

RnB acapellas blended over Wu beats.  Very enjoyable listen if you enjoy blend tapes.


WU N B THE BLEND MIXTAPE-DJ BAM by therealdjbam

Jeru Da Damaja MC Battle

I've never been the biggest fan of MC battles, scratch battles, or really any kind of a battle. For me, it's always been like boxing. The best boxing fights have always been in the movies and the real thing just can't compare. With all that said, I found this video while doing some random youtubing the other night and thought it was absolutely hilarious. I think the battle is from the late 90's/early 2000's. MC Starr (pretty much an Eminem clone) starts dissing Jeru pretty good. As I'm watching Jeru get dissed pretty good I'm feeling like I'm watching Jordan stumble over himself in a Wizard jersey all over again. I'm just thinking to myself: "Ah man, how the mighty have fallen. I don't think my man Jeru can defend himself here. Please don't tell me this is how it ends. Don't let some no name MC do Jeru like this." Just as all hope is lost, Jeru grabs the microphone, mumbles a few week bars, and then..........(Watch the entire video to see)

Mobb Deep Interview from 1995

Interesting to see how subdued Prodigy and Havoc are as they talk about their "upcoming" album (forever considered classic) Infamous. Compare their demeanor with all the hype artists put behind the throw-away albums that have been released since Infamous dropped.

Jeru Da Damaja Interview from 1996

Wondering why you should watch this video? Here's why...

Interviewer: Are you concerned about repercussions from your song (Ya Playin Ya Self)?

Jeru: I didn't diss nothin'. I didn't say nothin' like Puff is a faggot or she (Foxy Brown) is a stank ho or somethin'. I'm just speaking how I see things. If there is shit on your shoe I'm going to say there is shit on your shoe.

DJ Ta-Shi and DJ Shortkut - *Live on 4 turntables*

Found this recording from a show me and Tahaj put on back in 2001 or 2002.....The highlight of the night was having *DJ Ta-shi* (Zulu Nation/Beat Knuckles) and *DJ Shortkut* (ISP/Beat Junkies/Triple Threat) comin through and rockin' it live on 4 turntables....I ran out of recording discs at the end which explains the abrupt cut off.....

As you can tell from the energy they're puttin down, they were f*cking rocking the place!!!.....people were going bonkers!!! It was amazing to see their DJ communication and veteran skills in person....still inspires me to this day.....Enjoy...

Courtesy DJ Kikkoman

Lafayette 8 Year Anniversary - Mixed by DJ Soul

Wow! I didn't realize that there was this much new quality hip hop out right now. Props to Soul for a very tasteful selection. Tracklist after the jump.

Jazzy Joints - Mixed by Digumsmak

Digumsmak how got the whole "best of..." thing down on lock. I still think his Tribe mix is the GOAT. Here is his newest contribution to the "best of..." catalog that pays tribute to one of our own, Jazzy Jeff.

A Hip Hop Conversation #1

I've been sitting on way too many of these conversations.  Here is a new feature to the blog where different hip hop related experiences, conversations, and memories will be delivered to you for your reading pleasure.  In the below conversation that I had a few months back with a student of mine, please notice the distinction between what Pipo says versus what Pipo's Brain thinks.  Enjoy.

Student: So Professor, I heard that you are a deejay.
Pipo: Yup.
Student: What kind of deejay are you?
Pipo's Brain: The kind that uses turntables and a mixer.  What do you mean what kind of dj am I?  
Pipo: I guess you can call me a hip hop dj.
Student:  Wow. That's cool. I'm an emcee.
Pipo's Brain: Here we go...At least he didn't say he just bought a computer program and is a dj too.  Hey, give the kid a chance, you don't hear "I'm an emcee" that much anymore.
Pipo: That's wonderful to hear.  So you are a hip head huh?
Student: Oh yeah. I'm an emcee and a spoken word poet. I've been rhyming since I was 10 years old.
Pipo: Okay, okay, give me your favorite 3 albums.
Student: Ah man, that's tough.  There's just so many albums.
Pipo's Brain: I bet he hasn't heard an entire album in his life.  This damn mp3, itunes, single song listening generation.
Pipo: You're stranded on a deserted island and can only take 3 albums with you.  Which ones do you take?
Student: Marshal Mathers LP - Eminem
Pipo's Brain - Oh god, here we go.  Man you're getting old.  Stop judging the kid.  Your top 3 didn't go further back than 10 years when you were 18 years old.  I know, I know... but he could have at least gone with Eminem's first LP.
Student: My Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West
Pipo's Brain - Solid album, but couldn't he have gone with Graduation, College Dropout, or whatever the other album was called that he dropped before 808.
Pipo: So you liked that Kanye huh? I think that's one of the better albums to drop in the last few years.  I'm a fan of Kanye because he's brought sampling back to mainstream music.
Pipo's Brain: Don't bring up Watch the Throne and leave yourself vulnerable to that's the greatest album in the history of mankind blah blah blah.  If you do that, and he does that, you know you can't help yourself but to go on your WTT rant.  Don't do it!!  Remember, you didn't always know everything about music.  
Student: Oh yeah.  That album was incredible.   That was like his comeback album after the whole Tayler Swift thing...
Pipo's Brain: Oh, I thought he was going to say it was his comeback after the 808 flop. 
Pipo's Brain: I've had enough of this list. I've got a feeling his #3 is going to force me into a fake reaction that I'm not capable of right now.  Change the conversation fast before he lists #3.  Hurry, think of something quick.....
Pipo: You said you are a poet.  Have you ever listened to Gill Scott Heron?
Pipo's Brain:  Nice thinking tex.  Let's find some safe common ground.  All those spoken word, def poetry types love themselves some Gill Scott.
Student: No. Never heard of him.  Who is he?
Pipo's Brain: I wonder if he's even heard of Mos Def.
Pipo: Some consider him the original emcee.  He was a poet, singer, musician, etc... Trust me, you'll enjoy his stuff.
Student: Oh, I just love anything spoken word.  That's why I love the last track on Kanye's album (Who Will Survive)...
Pipo: Do you know who that is on that Kanye song?
Student: Isn't that Kanye messing with his voice........

Andre the Giant (A.G.) Documentary

"I love hip hop. I didn't abuse it. I didn't get more from it than I gave to it." - A.G.

Anybody who says such words is cool in my book.

Chi Ali Documentary

In case you didn't already know, murdering a fellow human being is not a good thing to do. For those who don't remember, Chi Ali was the youngest member of The Native Tongues. He started rapping when he was 14 making guest appearances on songs by Black Sheep and De La Soul. His one and only album, The Fabulous Chi Ali came out in 1992. The album became an instant classic of The Golden Era. In 2000, he committed the crime of murdering his girlfriend's brother. He was arrested in 2001 and began serving a 14-year sentence for the offense. He will be released in two years. Man, seems like it was just yesterday that I was hearing the news of him being locked up. Can't believe dude is going to be released in a few years. Very interesting to watch a man discussing how his life went wrong.

Roc Raida Tribute Documentary

I saw this circulating earlier in the week, but didn't post it because I thought it was the same video that was circulating this time last year. Fortunately, I have this tendency to watch these sort of videos over and over again. While watching it last night I realized that this is a new tribute video featuring interviews with Dj Precision, Dj Boogie Blind, Dj Sean C, Dj Rob Swift, J.Rocc, Mr. Choc, & MF Grimm.
Performances by Dj P-Trix, Melo-D, D-Styles, Babu, J.Rocc, Rhettmatic, Mr. Choc, Boogie Blind, Precision, Sean C, Rob Swift, & Ny Raida.

WBLS Mixmaster Mix (7/3/11) - Mixed by DJ Spinna

   

I can't even tell you the last time I listened to fm radio.  Instead, I just cherry-pick class mixes like this one from the web.  Part II after the jump.

VH1 Special: Planet Rock

I watched this on Sunday night and found it worth the 2 hours I spent watching it. Not a lot of new territory is covered here, but the doc does a nice job of weaving together the story of crack with the rise of hip hop. Planet Rock features Rza, Raekwon, Snoop, and B-Real. Part 2 after the jump.

Evidence's 10 Favorite Sample Flips

Typical record nerd type ish that you all love to read.  Read HERE.

DJ Premier Hears Elmatic Instrumentals

I'm not sure if it's a testament to how well executed the Illmatic to Elmatic concept was, or more a reflection of the lack of quality rap albums recently released, but Elmatic is undeniably my favorite album of the last few years. With that said, I have two observations watching this video. (1) It appears that Primo is actually hearing these beats for the first time and is genuinely impressed. (2) I always thought the story behind the Memory Lane beat was that it was originally a Gang Starr track that Guru passed on. However, the story Premier tells in this video is completely different. Can anybody confirm or refute my previous understanding here? Am I just making ish up in my old age...

Used Volume 3 - Mixed by Fake Blood

You all didn't think I'd post volume 4 without posting volumes 1-3 did you? Volumes 1-2 after the jump.

Rembering Roc Raida

I'm not trying to get into the trajedy olympics here, but something about Raida's death hit me harder than the rest. I hope that 2 years later his family has been able to find some kind of peace.

Used Volume 4 - Mixed by Fake Blood

Forgive me Lord of Mixtapes for I have sinned. I confess that until a few hours ago I had no idea who Fake Blood was. I'm just going chalk this up as another example of my American-centric bias blinding me from the more beautiful things in life. Long story short, this mix of dusty breaks is Highly Recommended.

Steady Rockin - Mixed by DJ Pump

DJ Pump is quickly becoming a favorite here at the blogspot. Perfect way to bring in the weekend. If any of you want to play a game of where's Waldo/Pipomixes, I'll be at the L.A. Coliseum Saturday with 80,000 of my closest friends watching USC v. Syracuse. I'll be the guy wearing the "Mixtapes are for the Babies" t-shirt.

This mix officially dropped back in 2006 and features some of the dopest breaks, funk disco and other obscure records.

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STEADY ROCKIN VOL. 1 [2006]
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1. Steady Rockin The Party Intro
2. Spoonie G - Love Rap
3. Wayne Mcghie Break
4. Uncle Louie - I Like Funky Music
5. Radiance - This Is A Party
6. Grand Master Flash - Flash To The Beat
7. Zapp Party Break
8. Rick Summer - Shake It Up
9. Positive Force - We Got The Funk
10. Jackson 5 - The Mirrors Of My Mind
11. Fatback Band - Fatbackin'
12. Bell & James - Livin' It Up (Friday Night)
13. Weeks & Co. - Rock Your World
14. Secret Weapon - Must Be The Music
15. Cissy Houston - Think It Over
16. Dr. York - Shake-n-Skate
17. The Marvelous Three & The Younger Generation - Rappin' All Over
18. Gino Dentie & The Family - Direct Disco Break
19. Heard It Through The Grapevine Break
20. Harvey Scales - (Show Up) For The Showdown
21. King Tim II - Personality Jock
22. Steady Rockin Break
23. Sambo Soul - Mambo #5
24. Two Man Sound - Que Tal America
25. Carol Douglas - Love Sick
26. Lord Rhaburn - Disco Connection
27. Ross Carnegie - F Minor Disco / Sizzle - Love Is All Around
28. Black Heat - Love The Life You Live
29. De Wolfe Music Librairie - Party People
30. Wood, Brass & Steel - Funkanova
31. Barry Kunzel - Supervisor
32. Secret Break
33. Southroad Connection - You Like It, We Love it
34. Nightlife Unlimited - Peaches And Prunes
35. Tropique - The Runner
36. Crown Heights Affair - Dreaming A Dream
37. New Mastersounds - Nervous
38. Bus People Express - Augusta Georgia
39. Nina Simone - Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter
40. R.D. Burman - Aa Dekhen Jara
41. Hungarian Break

Live at the Do-Over - Mixed by DJ Jedi (7/19/09)

Since the Do-Over doesn't post their mixes anymore, here is a high quality Do-Over mix from 2009.  Jedi's description of the mix below.

The Do-Over was established in the summer of 2005 as a free weekly outdoor Sunday jammy jam complete with booze & barbecue that went down all day long in the heart of Hollywood, California. Hosted by Jamie Strong, Chris Haycock, & Aloe Blacc, each installment featured a laundry list of superstar mystery guest DJs rockin' the sunny jams & classic tunes you grew up with, plus whatever other insanity that might come out of the speakers.
The Do-Over has since grown into an international phenomenon, with satellite installments popping up everywhere from New York to London to Oslo, and everywhere in between. The party is now world-renown for showcasing everyone's favorite DJs and their favorite DJs.
On this particular Sunday in July of 2009, I was part of a jam-packed line-up that included fellow Rootdown family Wyatt Case, Inka One of Boombox fame, and Spinderella. Yeah THAT Spinderella...
You'll find everything and the kitchen sink in this set. Over the course of an hour, you'll hear me rockin' everything from Dilla to Ice Cube to classic boogie funk. I also somehow managed to cram some New Jack Swing and Brazilian treats in there too. Somehow it all works out.
Regular master of ceremonies Aloe Blacc was out of town that day. But big shout to LA legend Medusa and the multi-talented Jneiro Jarel, who more than capably held down the crowd motivation duties in Aloe's absence.
Enjoy!

DJ Evil Dee at Rock'n'Soul

I think Rock'n'Soul just brings the best out em. Here you can watch Evil Dee get busy inside my favorite record store in the entire world.

Psychonaut Mix - Mixed by DJ Pirumov

Excellent mix filled with laid back psychedelic breaks.

DJ Rockin Rob Live

I was youtubin' my favorite record store on the planet (somebody please tell me that Rock'n'Soul is still in business) and I came across these gems of videos. More Rockin Rob after the jump.

J. Rocc - Stones Throw Loves Japan Tour 2011

Here is some footage of J. Rocc's set from the Stones Throw Loves Japan Tour 2011.  Nothing overly special here, but I'll take J.Rocc video footage as I can get it.

Break it Down - Mixed by DJ Enki

There are break mixes and then there are BREAK mixes.  This is the kind of mix that Highly Recommend you listen to.  Description of the mix and download link after the jump.

K-Def - The Making of "For Def's Sake"

It's been a minute since I last posted a beatmaking video. Here, K-Def breaks down how he remade Pete Rock's "For Pete's Sake" and created "For Def's Sake" using Cubase.

Pipomixes Get Interviewed

Though the mix was unfinished, DJ Delgado enjoyed the Bring 88 Back mix enough to want to interview yours truly.  If you are interested in learning about what I was doing back in 1988, the equipment I use, my process of weeding out all the mix submissions, or my favorite mixtapes of all time, read Delgado's interview HERE.

Portland Eclectic - Mixed by DJ Ian Head

Ian Head returns with his September mixtapes filled with all sorts of dusty, crunchy finds.  Description of the mix below.

This month's mix is basically a crate digging, dusty knuckles session. Spent some time in August back in my hometown of Portland, OR, aka City of Thorns aka Rip City, eating maple bars and checking my favorite record spots (plus a couple new ones). As usual, dug up a bunch of assorted flavors - rock, jazz, blues, etc. - mostly on the cheap. Breaks and samples but mostly just interesting, good music on crunchy wax. (but if you wait until the end there may be a little treat...)
And the cover art of this tape is taken from the Love album, which I dug up in PDX as well. So ill - check for it.

Download

DJ Ian Head Spinning 45's

Just some bedroom deejay type ish that I'm sure all of you can relate to.

Right On - Mixed by DJ Expo

One of the best in the biz delivers an all 45 mix filled just about every genre that gets funky.  Description of the mix below.

A live mix of all 45s that I spun last year at my monthly spot Escapism! This mix jumps through Salsa, Cumbia, Hip-Hop, Funk, Soul, Reggae, and more! What you hear on this mix is similar to the sounds you can expect to hear if you come by for a night of sound traveling at Escapism!

Escapism goes down every 4th Saturday of the month in Los Angeles at The Blu Monkey (5521 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028). Phoreyz and I hold it down with special guests every month. You can catch us spinning sounds of the past, present, and future from all ends of the globe (Hip-Hop, Funk/Soul, Reggae, Latin, Rock, and much more). It's always free to get in!

Some of our past guests at Escapism:
DJ Day, Jeremy Sole, Byze One, JFX, Eric Coleman, DJ Mahf, C-Minus (Fantastic 4), Boogie Blind (X-Ecutioners), Inka One, DJ Destroyer, Wayneski (Beatminerz), Ervin Arana, and more!

I'd like to dedicate this mix to my son who was born today (same day as the release to the public), 8/23/11.

If you're interested in getting a song identified or just want to reach out, feel free to shoot me an email to: expothedj@hotmail.com

Download

Evidence Flud Interview

FLüD Presents: Beats Per Minute Series with Evidence from FLuD Watches on Vimeo.

Apparently, the good folks at Flud Watches have decided to market to all of us.  Perfectly fine by me.  The best part about this interview is that it allows a pretty lengthy view of Evidence's home studio.

Diamond D Live @ Shadow Lounge + Digging Stories

Diamond D spinning live at the Shadow Lounge Pittsburgh PA from 33 1/3 Media on Vimeo.

If you enjoy watching legends spin 45s and discussing diggin' stories you'll enjoy this short video.

Via Cratekings

Ultimate Breaks and Beatles - Mixed by Scott Down and DJ Cutler

Last month I finished a Tarantino Breaks and a Bootlegs and B-Side mix that will both post sometime in the future.  I was in the early stages of putting together a Beatles themed mix.  At least that was until I heard this mix.  Just like all deejays should refrain from doing a Dilla mix unless they can top Act III or IV, I recommend stepping away from the Beatles (or UBB for that matter) unless they can build on this mix.  Description of the mix and download link after the jump.  Highly Recommended.

Mowtown Mondays - Mixed by Vinroc

Slapped a little playlist together of some of the best Motown and Motown by relation joints in the Library. I mixed it live from my living room while watching the Jackson 5 story on Vh1! Ok made that part up, but it's live though. check out Motown on Mondays at Madrone Art Bar in SF and at Nextdoor in Honolulu!

Download

DJ Spinna Speaks with Flud Watches

FLuD Presents: Beats Per Minute with DJ Spinna from FLuD Watches on Vimeo.

 Flud Watches presents the fifth “Beats Per Minute” Video featuring legendary Producer/DJ, DJ Spinna, in celebration of their “BPM” Watch as part of their new Summer collection. The “Beats Per Minute” Video Series showcases some of hip hop’s most influential producers highlighting their craft, while discussing changes in the game, crate diggin’, equipment and their advise to the new generation.


In this episode, we follow DJ Spinna from his 8-Track recording days in the 80′s to his cassette tape winding days in the 90′s to what the internet has given (and taken) in the present. The man practically gives us a history lesson on all of the equipment that he’s used over the years, while talking about his his DJ roots and his work with the group, the Jigmastas.

Sounds Like Soul II Soul - Mixed by DJ Mpenzi

Man, I had no idea that many people have sampled Sou II Soul. Great concept. Download and tracklist after the jump.

In this mix I explored songs that sampled from and sounded like the Soul II Soul hits "Back To Life" & "Keep On Moving". It was a fun mix to make and hope you enjoy the beats!!

Outskrewed - Mixed by Pipomixes

   

 Warning! This mix is not for everybody. Only listen to this mix if you appreciate Screw tapes. I was playing around with Cool Edit and slowed down the Outkast mix I did a few years back and thought it sounded good (by Screwtape standards). So if you like a little syrup with your weekend, have at it and enjoy.  You can listen to the original version HERE

Reggae Mix 25 - Mixed by DJ GabeReal

 

The last few reggae mixes I've posted have been very well received, so I thought I'd send you all into the long weekend with some crunch groovin' reggae.  Stay tuned for a surprise post this weekend that some of you will love, and some of you will hate.

Forty Fivan Volume 4 - Mixed by DJ Forty Fivan

 

This mix is for those of you who enjoy your mixes dusty, funky, rare grooved, and filled with ish you can only find on 45.  Wait a second, I guess that's all of you.  Enjoy.