Crate Diggers: DJ Scratch

DJ Scratch: "When was the last time the crowd looked at you?"
Grandmaster Flash: "I can't really recall."
DJ Scratch: "You want to know why?"
Granmaster Flash: "Why?"
DJ Scratch: "Because they can't see you over the computer. Serato and Traktor and all that, it's not special anymore. Everybody has it. Not everybody has vinyl."

That quote caused me to recall that one of the novelties of deejaying back when I started (late 90's) was vinyl. People didn't necessarily care about how skillfull I was (or wasn't in my case), they mostly cared that I actually owned vinyl in an era dominated by CDs. To them, that's what made the hip hop deejay "cool." Totally forgot about all that. Crazy

Electric Relaxation Part 3 - Mixed by DJ Kikkoman

This mix served as the soundtrack to my weekend as I basically played this bad boy on loop for two days.  Perfect for just some mood music to unwind with a bear after a rough day on the grind.

Some modern Soul tunes and beats mixed in for good measure. Recommended for a night time drive or relaxin' at home with a drink… High stereo levels required...
1. 40winks - Sleep Ritual
2. Flying Lotus - Getting There *feat. Niki Randa*
3. Muhsinah - Always (Smile)
4. Dwight Trible - Rise *feat. Georgia Anne Muldrow*
5. Dr. Who Dat? - Deep Blaque
6. The One - Pistol Whipped (Waajeed Remix)
7. Shabazz Palaces - Endeavors for Never *feat. THEESatisfaction*
8. Afta-1 - The Time in Between
9. Coleman - Write Thing *feat. Fatima*
10. Shafiq Husayn - Lost & Found *feat. Jimetta Rose & Bilal*
11. Mr. Beatnick - I Know All the Bitches (Bullion remix) *feat. Ahu*
12. Marvin vs WJK - City Blues
13. Pep Love – U.S. (interlude) *feat. Goapele*
14. Tahaj the First - Get High

J. Rocc Live on Heavyweights Radio (BrealTV)

J. Rocc swung through Heavyweights Radio promoting his Syndromes Live show on 11/3 and blessed the tables with a mix filled with newer bangers blended with their respective samples. J. Rocc mix begins at approximately the 1 hour 41 minute mark. Highly Recommended.

Out Da Box Radio Interviews Kev Brown

This week Out Da Box Radio is happy to bring you a special interview featuring accomplished DMV Hip Hop Producer “Kev Brown”. We got the chance to speak in-depth with Kev on a number of current and encompassing topics that reflect his entire music career. He took the time to speak on his initial connection to music and how he got inspired to test the waters as a producer. He also spoke on his famous “Brown Album LP” (The Remix of Jay-Z’s Black Album) and explained the role that Peter Rosenberg (Now, Hot 97 Personality) played in influencing the project. Kev also brought us up to speed on his latest “Brazil Dedication LP” and gave some insight into what he experienced while recording in Brazil. Among other things, he spoke as well on his approach to beatmaking, his motivation for writing raps, and his hopes to work with a greater variety of names in music. He even shared some info regarding some astonishing names he’d be excited to record with, and touched briefly on his anticipated collabo work with “Busta Rhymes”. There’s so much insightful information in this interview, I strongly believe that true beatmaking fans as well as those dedicated to supporting “Kev Brown” will greatly appreciate this. Please take the time to listen to this significantly in-depth interview and definitely feel free to spread the word if you like what you hear. Much Thanks always. We truly hope you are inspired!

Live at The 45 Sessions (8/17/12) - Mixed by Mathew Africa

This set from August 17th, 2012, is one of the last times Matthew Africa was recorded DJing live. From what I understand, it was an amazing night -- a packed house with none other than the Beatnuts and Alkaholiks in attendance, everyone buggin' out to Matthew's records and mixing skills. Mathew Africa is dearly missed and The 45 Sessions will forever go on in his honor.
Thanks to Jern Eye for hosting and DJ Delgado for the recording.
Hit the buy link above for a free DL via Mixcrate.

Fall Mixtape - Mixed by DJ Ian Head

Ian Head, aka DJ Crunchy Groover returns with another mix filled with his latest finds from his recent diggin' adventures.  Ian Head's mixes are always recommended for those who enjoy random tunes that you've likely never heard filled with that warm vinyl crackle.

Here's the second tape in my "seasonal" series - a compilation of eclectic tunes from recent and past digging adventures. Something to bump on the headphones after you zip your hoodie up and stroll up the block, crunchy and soulful. No tracklist for this one - thumb through a crate or two and I'm sure you'll come up with some of these cuts.
I'm continuing to feature artistic friends of mine with this series of tapes. Big shout out to Brian Burk, whose beautiful photo of a cool fall sky graces the cover. You can check out more of his incredible photos at brianburk.smugmug.com. Also special shout to the homie Turiya, who's getting back into vinyl and let me feature part of an interview I did with her on this tape.
Hope you all enjoy. Stay warm.
- DJ Ian Head

Rich Kid?

A few of you seemed a little resentful of GLK a few weeks ago when his Crate Diggers episode was posted. Accusations of "spoiled" and "rich kid" were being thrown around at the time. Not that I see anything wrong with somebody growing up with means, but I think many of you would find this link of interest.

Crate Diggers: RJD2

Vinyl porn feigns rejoice!

Stones Throw v. Beat Junkies - Mixed by DJ Rhettmatic

North Warehouse: Stones Throw 45 Live
Special 45 sets by:
Prince Paul (Long Island)
Peanut Butter Wolf (San Jose)
Dam Funk (Pasadena)
Karriem Riggins (The D)
Opening Performance by: Jonwayne
South Warehouse: The Beat Junkie Sound
DJ sets by The Beat Junkies
Hosted by Rakaa Irisicience (Dilated Peoples)
Special Guests: Cypress Junkies, LMNO + MORE TBA!
Tickets: thebeatjunkies.eventbrite.com/
This is a very special, one night only experience. I don’t believe that the Beat Junkies and Stones Throw have ever teamed up to invade a warehouse like this before. This venue has some of the most amazing art in the city of LA. A rare, untapped gem. Join us as we celebrate Los Angeles with the worlds greatest DJ crew and one of the greatest record labels of our generation!
If you are coming out to see The Beat Junkies, purchase a ticket here. If you are coming out to see Stones Throws 45 Live, purchase a ticket here. A ticket purchased for either room will grant you unlimited access to both rooms.
Location info will be given out the Friday 10/25, to all who have purchased a ticket or have rsvp’s. We will have a shuttle location and secure, private parking. To RSVP go to: www.artdontsleep.com/2013/10/13/artstonesjunkies

ArtDontSleep presents: Stones Throw vs. The Beat Junkies by ArtDontSleep

Legendary Paul C Documentary

This is by all means not the definitive documentary or story of Paul C McKasty. The Legendary producer from Queens NYC who had his life cut short aged only 24 years old. This is a film put together from a footage I had accumulated from 2000 to April 2013.

Friends, Family and Fellow artists share some personal stories of their time with the man. I am as you may know a record collector and Hip Hop activist. I can admit that I never knew or had every record that Paul C had touched, I have plenty of them, not all of them. In the late 90s I had got to know Nottingham based group the P-Brothers very well.

I was around as Ivory made his now notorious ‘Here No Evil’ CD. He used to show me records I had missed out on, a lot of Paul C’s productions. Prior to that I had gone to New York to start work on my film ‘The Men & Their Music’. Chronicling the birth of New School Hip Hop, from 86 on. Interviewing Ced Gee and Moe Love they spoke highly of Paul, this was the beginning of filming a chapter on the man from Queens.

As I began editing the film the Chapter on Paul. It was so long that it manifested it self into its own film. Learning so much more about the man, watching back the footage of CJ Moore and how heartfelt he spoke about his friend. I felt that this was a story that needed to be shared. Read more HERE. Watch all three parts to the documentary HERE.

Black Moon: The Beginnings (Enta da Stage Documentary)

Black Moon: The Beginnings from Duck Down Music Inc. on Vimeo.


Black Moon, the iconic rap group from Brooklyn, NY comprised of Buckshot, 5FT and DJ Evil Dee, are celebrating the 20-year anniversary of their debut album, 'Enta Da Stage,' on Oct. 19th.

In this min-doc. the group discusses their early beginnings, exploring topics such as the first time they met; initial studio recordings; mixing 'Enta Da Stage; the origin of the album title & more.

Black Moon will be doing a special online streaming performance of 'Enta Da Stage' on Nov. 16th at 4PM EST at turntable.com. Fans around the globe can tune into the performance + a Q&A with the group, and those closely involved with the project, such as Dru Ha, Smif N Wessun, Da Beatminerz and more. Tickets on-sale now for only $5: turntable.com/events/34/black-moon

The Token Jazz Hour - Mixed by Bowls

A lot of uncovered ground here in terms of the jazzier joints sampled by Dilla, all mixed live and from 100% vinyl.

Used Volume 7 - Mixed by Fake Blood

One of the more liked (if the not the most liked) mix series to post on this blog returns. Volume 6 was supposed to have been the last mix. Let's hope for a volume 8. Highly Recommended.

Here is the 7th edition in my USED series.
I said I'd stop at 6, but I couldn't really do that, could I?

As with all the previous volumes, it's 100% original pressings of old tracks sampled in classic Hip Hop tunes, loaded into Serato (to save them getting wrecked and cos many of them are super rare), and then cut up on 2 copies.

Enjoy...

FB x

Diamond D Spinning 45's The Earwax Records Reunion

Diamond D spinning 45's will always get a watch and post from me.

Not a Beat, Not a Scene

Not a Beat, Not a Scene is a short documentary covering the diversity, roots, and promise of the beat scene (for lack of a better word) in Los Angeles, California. I don't think this video is as comprehensive (or as good) as the All Ears documentary still screening at a film festival near you, but still worth a watch.

Throwing Stones - Mixed by Kutmah

Many of you may have missed this mix when it was originally released because of a certain label's propensity for b*tchassness in regards to their mix posting policies that are as nonsensical as the tax code. Fortunately, said label is loosening their idiosyncratic policies just enough so that quality mixes such as this one can be heard free of the archaic itunes portal.  Oh yeah, Highly Recommended.

Track List:
1. KUTMAH - EAST L.A ONE FOR GONJASUFI (UNRELEASED)
2. ROYCE THE 5''9 + BUSTA RHYMES - DINNER TIME
3. FUGEES - REMIX BY JON WAYNE (UNRELEASED)
4. CUPP CAVE - JUNIPER (UNRELEASED)
5. AADVARK - DUNK
6. LAPTI - THEREMIN JOINT (UNRELEASED)
7. SAM BAKER SHIT - WHERE AM I (UNRELEASED)
8. SAMIYAM FEAT. JON WAYNE - JWSB BOOTLEG (UNRELEASED)
9. MAINFRAME FEAT. BLU - THAT SHIT (UNRELEASED)
10. DIBIASE - SHEETS RUFF CUT (UNRELEASED)
11. ZACKEY FORCE FUNK - DRINK ON THE FLOOR (PROD: PIOTRUS PAN, UNRELEASED)
12. RAS G - KINGS RIDDIM (UNRELEASED)
13. MANSON GIRLS
14. PACE ONE - I'M THAT GOOD (UNRELEASED)
15. ALEX B FEAT. COUNT BASS D - DRIP SPLATTER ALPHA PUP
16. JON WAYNE - TAKING OVER EMPIRES' (PROD: DIBIA$E)
17. DEM HUNGA - JLLYBLLY (UNRELEASED)
18. RAS G - RAS/GLK (UNRELEASED)
19. FLYING LOTUS - SLOW IT DOWN (UNRELEASED)
20. MONO/PONY - GLOW (UNRELEASED)
22. JON WAYNE BEAT (UNRELEASED)
23. KANKICK - DIG THE TRADITION 99
24-30. MADLIB
31. DANNY DRIVE THRU - VERTUA RAP
32. MOBB DEEP - SHOOK VUNZ DUNNY

Wonder-Full Party - DJ Spinna & Stevie Wonder

Unlike the many tweets I've read regarding this impromptu performance, I don't think it's the greatest moment in music history. However, it is pretty cool to watch Spinna rocking doubles of Funky Drummer with Stevie Wonder doing his thing.

Syndromes (Remix) - Mixed by J. Rocc

This is a "remixed," condensed version of the Syndromes mix I'm sure 99% of you have heard and played until pop.  I don't know if it's because I haven't heard the Syndromes mix in a few years or because this shortened edited version packs a more potent punch, but I think I enjoyed this version more than either Syndromes or Syndromes 2.  That's not the reason why I'm posting this mix though.  Apparently, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson is going to recreate the Syndromes mix with a live orchestra here in L.A. on November 3rd.  Ferguson's Suite for Ma Dukes was probably the last time my picky self left a musical event thoroughly satisfied so I encourage all of you in the area to attend if possible.  More information HERE.

Correction: The Mixtape Council has determined that this is Side B of J. Rocc's Syndromes Remix mix, not a new 2013 remixed version.  For those keeping score at home, there are three Syndromes mixes: Syndromes, Syndromes Remix, and Syndromes 2.

Gotcha Covered - Mixed by Lil Dave & Personify

Props to DJ Ian Head for putting this mix on my radar. Highly Recommended.

Philadelphia DJs lil'dave (Illvibe Collective) and Personify (Little Big Things) have joined forces to bring you Gotcha Covered - a genre bending mega-mix of covers songs from the mid-60s to the present. With more than 35 years of DJing and music collecting between them, these fellas dug deep in their collections to pull tracks for Gotcha Covered and spent months mixing, cutting and blending together more than 90 covers spanning Funk, Soul, Jazz, Afrobeat, Latin, Bossa Nova, Boogaloo, Reggae, Steel-Drum Band, Brass Band, R&B and Hip-Hop, to name a few. From the super rare to the under-appreciated and forgotten to the more common cover versions, Gotcha Covered offers up something for the serious digger and the casual listener alike. If you love good music, stop what you're doing, grab a copy of the mix, and prepare to be taken on a tour of some of funkiest and most soulful covers ever laid down. And sorry - no track listing...gotta do your own homework for this one!
Gotcha Covered is available for free download here (@soundcloud.com/lildave-personify/gotcha-covered), but if you're the collector type or prefer physical media, you can pre-order a limited edition Gotcha Covered CD for $10 by clicking on the "Buy Limited Edition CD" link on their SoundCloud page. CDs ship by November 1. And stay tuned...lil'dave and Personify will be releasing some exclusive edits of tracks used on Gotcha Covered in the coming weeks. Follow their SoundCloud page (@soundcloud.com/lildave-personify) for updates on the Gotcha Covered edits as they are released as well as info on other upcoming projects.
For solo mixes and production by lil'dave and Personify, you can also check the following links:
lil'dave SoundCloud: @soundcloud.com/lildave
Personify SoundCloud: @soundcloud.com/personify

Behind the Beats - Kev Brown Breaks Down Beats from Brasil

More home studio footage of Kev Brown's setup along with him dissecting the samples used for his latest Brasil influenced release.

Needle Droppin' Feat. Hec Dolo (Lost Dilla Episode)

Just some good old fashion record porn that many of you will enjoy.

Lefto Show #530 Featuring J. Rocc

Show#530 - new and unreleased music and hour two with J.Rocc (Beatjunkies/StonesThrow) guest set by Lefto on Mixcloud

This J. Rocc mix really reminded me of how he used to get down on the ol' Fantastik 4our Show days. Seamless mixing while still allowing each track to breathe, with a random song selection of exclusive/unreleased gems causing you to really get your google on. J. Rocc set begins around the 57 minute mark.

Always glad to welcome a guest on the show and this week's guest is the one and only J.Rocc from the Beatjunkies crew and Stones Throw records artist. He dropped a great set full of own remixes, releases, some of his favorite tunes, originals and exclusives from Doom as well as collaboration track with M.E.D. - It's a great mix, i'm happy with it. That's for hour two. Hour one starts with a new TY track from his new album coming out on Tru Thoughts. Followed by Azymuth's re-release, new artist signed to Stones Throw, Julian Malone, local french rapping artist Veence Hanao, Chris Dave and his Drumhedz project, ATL artist Darryl Reeves, into poetry with Jayne Cortez, rip. Lion Babe once again in the playlist, a killer Machinedrum remix for Fracture, unreleased. Typesun unreleased material as well, new Heidi Vogel album, great tune. DJ Day is in it, Leighton Masters, Kyodai remixing Nolan and ending with Roberto Rodriguez. Thank you for listening. DL http://we.tl/IwCK3dlFVj

Souls of Mischief '93 Til Infinity' 20th Anniversary Mixtape - Mixed by Chris Read

Souls of Mischief '93 Til Infinity' 20th Anniversary Mixtape mixed by Chris Read by Whosampled on Mixcloud

I know the title doesn't suggest the most novel of themes, but Chris Read has really mastered the art of the tribute/break mix. As with all Chris Read mixes, expect a well planned and technically executed mix.

Hailing from Oakland, California, Souls of Mischief for many epitomise a wave of West Coast acts who broke from the dominent ‘West Coast Sound’ associated with the late 80s / early 90s output of Los Angeles and to an extent the Bay Area, delivering refreshingly honest lyrical content against the backdrop of an eclectic palette of sample material.

The album’s lead single ’93 til Infinity‘ and its prominent use of Billy Cobham‘s ‘Heather’ was an instant classic, still regularly lauded as the anthem of one of Hip Hop’s most celebrated years. The album that followed lived up to anticipation, drawing on sample material from disparate elements of Jazz, Funk, Soul, Rock, Hip Hop and Folk, all assisting in giving the LP its unique feel, often compared with the similarly eclectic approach of The Pharcyde and other celebrated acts of the era.

In celebration of the album’s 20th Anniversary, we’ve teamed up with Wax Poetics to present an exclusive mixtape comprising tracks from the album, alternate versions and of course original sample material used in the album’s production. Mixed by WhoSampled’s Chris Read:

1. Souls of Mischief – ‘Tell Me Who Profits’ (Instrumental)
2. Chris Read – ‘Theme #3′ (Scratchapella)
3. George Benson and Brother Jack McDuff - ‘Shadow Dancers’ (Sampled in ‘Let ‘Em Know’)
4. A-Plus Interview Extract
5. Too Short – ‘Dope Fiend Beat’ (Extract) (Sampled in ‘Let ‘Em Know’)
6. Souls of Mischief – ‘Let ‘Em Know’
7. Detroit Emeralds – ‘You’re Getting A Little Too Smart’ (Sampled in ‘Let Em Know’)
8. Boogie Down Productions – ‘Jah Rulez’ (Extract) (Sampled in ‘That’s When Ya Lost’)
9. The Doors – ‘Who Do You Love?’ (Sampled in ‘That’s When Ya Lost’)
10. Jack Bruce – Statues (Extract) (Sampled in ‘That’s When Ya Lost’)
11. Souls of Mischief – ‘That’s When Ya Lost’
12. Lafayette Afro Rock Band – ‘Hihache’ (Sampled in ‘That’s When Ya Lost’)
13. Jerry Butler and Jerry Peters – ‘Speak the Truth to the People (Frankie’s Theme)’ (Sampled in ‘Disseshowedo’)
14. Main Source – ‘Fakin’ The Funk’ (Extract) (Sampled in ‘Disseshowedo’)
15. Souls of Mischief – ‘Disseshowedo’
16. Les McCann – ‘North Carolina’ (Loop) (Sampled in ‘What A Way To Go Out’)
17. EPMD – ‘I’m Housin’ (Extract) (Sampled in ‘What A Way To Go Out’)
18. Souls of Mischief – ‘What A Way To Go Out’
19. Freddie Hubbard – ‘Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey’ (Sampled in ‘Never No More’)
20. Souls of Mischief – ‘Never No More’
21. Beastie Boys – ‘Pass The Mic’ (Loop) (Sampled in ’93 til Infinity’ (Remix))
22. Souls of Mischief – ’93 til Infinity’ (Remix)
23. Billy Cobham – ‘Heather’ (Sampled in ’93 Til Infinity’)
24. Souls of Mischief – ’93 Til Infinity’
25. Souls of Mischief – ‘Anything Can Happen’ (Instrumental)
26. Traffic – ‘Rainmaker’ (Sampled in ‘Anything Can Happen’)
27. Souls of Mischief – ‘Anything Can Happen’
28. The Loading Zone – ‘Can I Dedicate’ (Sampled in ‘Live and Let Live’)
29. Souls of Mischief – ‘Live and Let Live’
30. Souls of Mischief – ‘A Name I Call Myself’
31. Gang Starr feat Damo D-Ski – ‘Knowledge’ (Extract) (Sampled in ‘Make Your Mind Up’)
32. The Ramsey Lewis Trio – ‘Collage’ (Sampled in ‘Make Your Mind Up’)
33. Souls of Mischief – ‘Make Your Mind Up’
34. Curtis Mayfield – ‘We’re A Winner’ (Live) (Sampled in ‘Limitations’)
35. Souls of Mischief – ‘Limitations’
36. Souls of Mischief – ‘Outro’
37. The Propositions – ‘Africana’ (Sampled in ‘Outro’)

Crate Diggers: Gaslamp Killer

I think this is my favorite Crate Diggers of the series. This episode provides some great shots of GLK's home studio and house (which are both quite impressive) along with some insightful stories of musical inspiration.

New York Reality Check 101 - Mixed by DJ Premier

Haze Presents New York Reality Check 101 (1997) by Dj Premier Blog Radio on Mixcloud

I just finished listening to this mix for the first time in at least 5 years. Man, I feel so hip hop right now. You all should see me. I've got my hoodie and backpack on and I just came back from the Footlocker with some new Timbos. Only thing I'm missing is the razor blade in my mouth and it's 1996 all over again. Give it another listen if you haven't recently. Damn, just remembered how hyped this mix made me for J-Live's LP back in the day.

Dibiase Live Boiler Room Set

It makes no sense, but for some reason I consider a set more "authentic" if an SP-404/303 is used due to its limitations. Yes, I am aware that my view is illogical.

Kutmah at Club Maria, Berlin

I've got to say that the more I watch/hear Kutmah's sets, the more I'm impressed with his track selection. Part 2 after the jump.

DJ Revolution Live at Boombox (7/12)

Rev is one of the few deejays with such superior technique that he even sounds fresh when spinning what would otherwise be considered "played" classic hip hop joints.

What Do You Call This?

Let me first clarify that I am in no way dissing what is being done here. In fact, I kinda think it's cool how you can use controllers to trigger songs and apply effects etc... But what do you call this? Does this pass as deejaying in 2013? Or, is it categorized better just as a live performance. Not that labeling it is all that important, but I'm just curious what people are calling this. Maybe I'm a little naive or I just don't get out that much anymore, but I'm just not sure how to classify this. Again, no diss is intended. I'm just trying to catch up with the times.

Hip Hop Vol. VII (1999) - Mixed by DJ Excel

Here's a nice little piece of history from Excel's mixtape archive from his early days on the tables.  I'll let Excel explain it to you all.

My good friend Flipside found this old mixtape I made 14 years ago. This is pre everything for me. No Serato & No computer. At this point I was 19 & I've only had my own turntables for 2 years. One take to cassette with all my drops playing through the line channel off a portable recorder I used to carry around with me. I collected some really fresh drops on that recorder! Shout out to my ace, Wreckk, for making my name drops with his pitched down voice in Goldwave.

Much respect to Flip for keeping this around & for converting to mp3 so I can share with all of you.

Give it a play, my cuts ain't too shabby for 14 years ago!

Download

The King James Version (Soundcloud link) - Mixed by House Shoes

This mix has been posted before, but I thought some of you would appreciate the soundcloud link so you can stream/download the mix while on your phones.  Enjoy.