Diggin' Music

Rap. Rap. Rap.

2011-03-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

There was a time when the DJ was called the backbone of Hip-Hop...a tastemaker that brought new content to listeners in a creative and unique way. Pioneers like Kool Herc, Africa Bambaatta, Grand Master Flash, Grand Wizzard Theodore, Grand Mixer DXT, and Jazzy Jay all introduced new music and captivated an audience even before there was a genre of music called rap.

So, I present to you my newest mixtape titled, Rap. Rap. Rap. In the same vein as the pioneers, absolutely free. No catch.

This project features no complex trick mixing or annoying “DJ” voiceovers because I made the focus to be all about the music, just like the pioneers. The artists showcased on this tape are a few of my own personal favorites--Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, Eminem, Drake, Snoop Dogg, DJ Quik, Lil’ B, Raekwon, Blu, Pac Div, and Frank Ocean.

What is unique to this particular mixtape is that 47:55 features an exclusive snippet from my upcoming sophmore album As Serenity Approaches. The album will feature a few of my favorite artists like Danny Brown, Oddisee, Roc Marciano, One Be Lo, Raashan Ahmad, Tanya Morgan, Clara C, TiRon, Outasight, Theo Martins, MED, Y-O (of U-N-I) and of course my Subkrew team. Check for it dropping mid-April 2011.

Thank you for your support! Please spread the word if you enjoy the tape!
Mixtape download (click here)
For promotional purposes only. Mirror 1

Malicious of the Clipse

2011-01-28T15:05:00.000-08:00

I was wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked (filthy)
So much so, I had left my family forsaken
A troubled soul whose heart was often achin’
So much dough, but my spirit ever so vacant
Foul and fragrant I was taken off course
The road ahead should have ended me in divorce…

Last night what I’d seen made my life change…made my life change

-Malice

The Brothers Thorton (Malice and Pusha T aka The Clipse) have officially been in the rap scene since 1997 (when they first signed to Elektra), a time when rap was returning to a more “conscious” state. People were actively looking for Hip-Hop with intelligent content. Rawkus Records was starting to build serious momentum and two murdered legends, 2Pac and Biggie, were still fresh in people’s minds.

When one thinks of the Clipse, two things come to mind: cocaine and wordplay. Yes, Pusha and Malice mainly rap about serving that powder white, but they’ve both delivered their share of incredibly complex lines to elevate them beyond the average mainstream rapper. Throughout their discography, they have been critically acclaimed; however, it wasn’t until their mixtape in 2005, We Got it For Cheap 2 that solidified their place in middle America’s rap radar.

Come 2011, Pusha T now runs with Kanye West’s GOOD Music label (last seen delivering his lyrical ability on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy), but the eldest Thorton, Malice, has taken a more passive role. He’s temporarily stepped aside from rapping and decided to independently release an autobiography. Wanting to share his experiences within the music industry with those who are willing to read, this is Malice—rapper turned author.

Your music career has taken you through an incredible journey. Starting with a vaulted first album, Exclusive Audio Footage, then critically acclaimed albums and mixtapes, to pop collaborations such as the one with Justin Timberlake you guys absolutely murdered…what was your motivation through the ups and downs during the early part of your career?

The motivation was always having a love for Hip-Hop. I never really thought we would take it as far as we did. It wasn’t until the Neptunes started to get their foot in the door that we started to take it seriously. Before that, I would always rhyme and freestyle and kick it…you know, with the homies that were doing the same thing or whatever. But growing up with Chad and Pharrell we said, “Hey, we might as well try to take this somewhere.”

Word, you guys should definitely be mentioned in the pantheon of the rap elite!

(laughter)That’s wassup! Appreciate that, thank you.

In your opinion, if there was anything you and Pusha could have done differently to get out there, what would it have been?

Hmm…differently…I really believe and am truly a believer that everything happens for a reason. I think everything happened the way it was supposed to happen. I never subscribed to the whole, Clipse is underrated, this; that; and the third. I think everybody gets exactly what they deserve and are viewed at the way they are to be looked at. I mean, I don’t think it’s cool to say “we’re underrated,” and then pout about it because someone else is mainstream and so over the top. Nah, I mean the end justifies the means to me. You know what I’m sayin’?

I know some of the fans want to say that we’re underrated or we should be this or we should be that, but yo…whatever comes my way—I humbly accept it. That’s just what it is. I never look at myself and say, I should be this or I should be that.

I completely understand. Where do you see the Clipse in relation to other Hip-Hop groups?

I think Clipse is definitely a rare…a VERY rare breed, if not the rarest. I think the intellect of the Clipse is something that you just do not find with most groups or solo artists for that matter. I do not believe that you get the true-to-life aspect too much in Hip-Hop. Most of the time somebody is basically wearing a façade, or maybe they can rap but they didn’t live what they’re rapping about, or maybe they can’t rap but they can fake it real good. A lot of the times it’s one or the other, but the whole Clipse story man, it’s an open book. [Every record] is an open book to everything about the Clipse, it’s definitely no fakin’.

You said in a previous interview, “it’s the hip hop that we come up on, it’s the hip hop that we love and it’s the hip hop that got us where we are” who were your inspirations in rap music?

Definitely…the Jay-Z, Biggie...whole kind of MC. That’s like right up our alley. That’s the hip-hop that we thought was everything. The Hip-Hop we identify with, street hustlers turned rappers. We love that. Even prior to them, Big Daddy Kane…Rakim, those kinds of brothers were straight lyrical.

Any Hip-Hop artists you’ve got your ear to?

I don’t really listen to too much Hip-Hop these days, but what I do hear...I like a lot of the stuff. I don’t like it for the Hip-Hop that I like, but I like it for...you know, when [I’m] out in the club and I see how everybody enjoys the music...the fun that they have, the dances that go with the songs, everybody recitin’ to the song and swag surfin’, and all that kind of stuff. I can enjoy that, I really do...and appreciate it, I don’t turn my nose up at the new stuff at all.

In your online video vignettes, you say you wrote a book because your life had changed, tell us about Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind & Naked. Why this title from Revelation 3:17?

Well, that title best describes the condition that I was in. I wasn’t even aware of it when I was in that condition. The things that I wrote weren’t easy. It’s not the cool thing or the convenient thing to do, but it is a must because I had such a wild experience. Matter of fact, I had the wildest experience...it’s such a phenomenon that I can’t even believe that I was even chosen to go through what I went through, but it does make sense because I have to share it with everyone.

The book itself entails my life--my childhood, life in the industry, my family life...this book is extremely personal and Malice is all the way exposed in this book. I left nothing back. I had to do it because everyone’s seen me in my splendor...they’ve seen me at the top of my game, they’ve seen me at my highest point so I’m sharing my lowest lows with them as well. I think it’s very important, especially to the younger cats that aspire to be in this industry, that they know the truth about everything.

There’s nothing wrong with Hip-Hop, there’s nothing wrong with having lots of money, there’s nothing wrong with gettin’ it...but you better have your head on straight because you’re either going to succeed or meet destruction, one of the two. I mean look at artists in the game now, you see them in rehab and facing alcoholism, drugs or going to jail...that’s a real thing. You can even attach that to successful artists. No one’s exempt, anyone can fall for any of that stuff. If you don’t have your head on together, money can destroy you. That all I’m sayin, I’m not badmouthing anything. You should get it, take care your family, help those that are less fortunate and enjoy life. You know what I’m sayin’? Enjoy life.

My whole movement and everything that I’m doing…it is not a movement to convince, convict or make people believe what I believe. I’m just telling my story, and when you hear my story…there’s no way anyone’s going to be able to deny it.

Definitely, man. You talk about taking care of your family, how do you find a balance between your work and family? How do you find the time?

Man…first things first, nothing comes before your family other than God. Other than that, nothing comes before your family. You know, you do what you have to do. I spent a lot of time on the road away from home, but that was to take care of the financial things that everyone has to go through. I’ve been fortunate to be very present in the lives of both my kids. I have a son and a daughter, and I give them all of the knowledge that is so essential to survival. I’m just glad I’m a present father to my children.

Speaking of God, we know you’ve been spiritual in your rhymes since Lord Willin’, but these days I come across the question, “What happened to Malice from the Clipse, why did all of a sudden he become religious?” How do you feel about that? What would you say to people who say that to you?

It’s not so much that I’m religious, I just believe in Christ. No one will ever really be able to say that [I just became religious], because if you listen to all of my work...I’ve always incorporated God into my work—always. In “Exclusive Audio Footage,” the first interlude is called “The Prayer.” I said, “Lord, if these words hurt more than they help...forgive us.” If you hear that interlude, there’s no way you can say that I just hopped on this [religion]. There’s another song on that called “Watch Over Me,” and if you listen to the lyrics on that, it’s nothing but us speaking to God. So I’ve always been on that, and really all I’m doing is basically…coming back home.

Where can people find your book? When does it get released?

It comes out on Valentines Day [February 14, 2011]. You can either go to my website http://mademylifechange.com/, some people know it as http://maliceoftheclipse.com/, but they both go to the same link, or you can go straight to http://thorn10publishing.bigcartel.com/. I did everything myself man, I wrote it, started my own publishing company to publish it, did all the videos and vignettes for the video blog that you see, marketed it...did everything myself. It’ll also be on Amazon so you can get the e-book for your Kindle and all that other good stuff, but it won’t be out until February 14th.

I also want to say, I can’t leave out my man, John Spruill. We went to junior high together, high school together, and he supported me throughout the entire writing process. I would write it and he would make sure all the punctuation was correct and vibe with me. He was my support throughout the entire process, but make no mistake: I had no ghostwriter. What you get is definitely coming from my bedroom straight to ya’ll crib. There’s definitely no middle man.

I want people to know that. It’s not that I turn my nose up to the ghostwriting thing, because I actually tried that. But when I got it back, it wasn’t my words so I had to go back to the original plan. I think the book is really going to change lives, man. I already know it’s going to change lives because it already has. I mean, the comments and feedback I get on my twitter (@malice757) alone...people are giving me a lot of support and telling me that they went through a lot of the same things and can understand and relate.

Dope, dope. So, what’s next for you after the book drops?

After the book is the audio book, and we’re also writing another book with my man and manager [Anthony "Geezy” Gonzalez] who’s incarcerated right now. We’re going to be telling that whole story because that’s also going to be crazy. It’s going to be called 32, which refers to the sentence he got, 32 years [for drug trafficking]. We’re working on writing that together.

I didn’t actually know how sensitive that was to you, but wasn’t sure if I should bring that up about your manager...

Why not? It’s all out...all out. (laughter) Yeah, we talkin’ about everything. Let’s talk about everything, straight up.

Word, how has your manager being incarcerated affected you as an artist?

That situation has made me wisen up. It’s definitely a heartbreaking situation for our group...we’ve been together before the music. We came up together and we’ve always been [tight]. There are a few more homies that got locked up and caught up in this whole mess…it definitely affected the group. Personally, it affected me in my writing. You know, I just feel compelled to let everybody in on the full spectrum. Not just one side of it, but I gotta let everybody know the ins and outs, the good the bad, and that way once you know everything then you can choose what you want to do or how you want to be.

So before 32, will this situation be touched on in Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind & Naked?

Yeah, a lot of it is included in the book, but my story is very compelling and one that deserves its own spotlight. I touch on it a little bit.

Malice, thank you so much for your time. I appreciate it!

Nah, I thank you. Thank you for even being interested and even willing to share with your followers and readers and stuff man. It’s great, and I just really wanna say that it’s like we’re a real intimate community right now. Especially with my movement and the things that I’m doing and the things I’m talking about. So, like Descry, if you’re interested…this is my family right here. All of you are my family, for real. Real tight knit, and I’m letting you know that ya’ll are gonna be the first to be on something that is definitely going to impact Hip-Hop. This book is something that’s going to put a dent in Hip-Hop and all the fronting’s going to come to cease.

Before I go I just want to say, the book is a great read. It’s not some book you’re going to have to sit with for weeks or months at a time to finish it. It should only take you roughly like three to four hours to read it. There’s nothing long or drawn out that’s going to bore you. It’s poppin’ from the beginning. I want everyone to see what it is I saw cause I saw the wildest things, bro. I saw the wildest…THE. WILDEST. Things. But when you get the book, don’t expect this book to be a Clipse record in book form. You already know everything that the Clipse is about, but this is something different.

G-Koop & O-Man - Coltraney pt.1 featuring Prozack Turner

2010-10-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

My Subkrew family member, G-Koop (best known for his work with Jake One) showed me this little series he's working on with O-Man.

Built from scratch (no samples) Koopa and O-Man take you on a journey from a humble honky-tonk piano to a real smooth/jazzy R. Ayers/J. Coltrane type vibe.

Prozack Turner (Foreign Legion) also makes a surprise appearance and does his thing on the freestyle tip. Solid.

Wake Up In Neverland (Descry Remix)

2010-09-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

<a href="http://descry.bandcamp.com/track/wake-up-in-neverland-descry-remix">Wake Up In Neverland (Descry Remix) by descry</a>

Closed Sessions: Outasight

2010-07-08T14:06:00.001-07:00

When I first interviewed Outasight, I had no idea what was going to happen almost exactly a month later. In October 2009, Outasight signed a major label deal with Warner Brothers Records (under Asylum Records).

When that news hit, it made me proud instantly. One of my peers got a foretaste of greatness. I was ecstatic…telling all of my friends that this guy was going to become one of the greats. Fast-forward to the present now with LRG and Warner behind him, he’s been steadily on the path to completing his debut album, “From Here to There.”

So, it brings me great pleasure to post the newest song from one of my favorite artists, Outasight. Closed Sessions featuring LRG and Outasight!

Closed Sessions: Outasight Edition from Ruby Hornet on Vimeo.

DOWNLOAD SONG HERE?!

Descry Interviews One Be Lo

2009-09-08T10:37:00.001-07:00

I (Descry) was chillin' w/ the homie One Be Lo, and we got into a discussion about various projects/trading ideas to see how we could smash on you foos for 2010. What resulted at the end of that discussion is this a quick impromptu video interview (conducted with my Blackberry Curve, so excuse the poor quality).

In the video he talks about his anticipated album entitled, B.A.B.Y. (being a black youth), a new Binary Star project (of which I'm helping engineer some of the beats... 'Lo produced some incredible joints), an album with Black Milk (the bonus track on Black Milk's Popular Demand is a track from these sessions), Bean One, a project with Zumbi from Zion-I, various other collaborations, and a brand new show set in the works that I can guarantee will blow your mind.

As was leaked early in September 2009, Pigs is a track that was recorded during the B.A.B.Y. sessions and features Mike Posner on vox. The album itself is amazing and hasn't left my car stereo since 'Lo dropped it off a week ago. It's gonna be released on the MYX Music label and features a host of great underdog MC's and vocalists. Rappers like Freeway (it's the ROC!), Phonte, Jean Grae, Longshot, Supastition, and other dope, DOPE cats rip their features with swift ninja-like skills. Producer Eric G is a relative new comer to the scene, but he contributes ALL of the beats...ALL of them. A few live musicians were contacted as well to really the album some edge, guys like Miles Bonney easily weave through Eric G's production and add great sparkle to beats that already shine...anyhow, enough about that...onto the interview!

Descry - Experiences in Full Duplex

2009-07-09T08:21:00.001-07:00

Descry
Experiences In Full Duplex: Episodes
(2006, no label)

In 2005, I collaborated with Swamburger from the Sol.illaquists of Sound (if you're not familiar, check them out here: Epitaph Site and Solilla Site). It was my 2nd year into production, and I was extremely excited to work with such an incredible MC.

At the time of the release, music was going through a transition phase. Hip-hop was starting to see a return to form through Common's "BE," and other incredible albums were released that year such as the self titled Clap Your Hand Say Yeah LP, Sufjan Steven's "Illinois," Bloc Party's "Silent Alarm," and the proper revealing of John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk's live performance at Carnegie Hall.

Thinking about it, 2005 was a great year for music.

In any case, check out the tracks which saw a limited release of 200 copies.

Artwork was helmed by David Chun

Enjoy!

Why Go

2009-03-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

P.O.S.
"Why Go (Pearl Jam Cover)" from Rock The Deuce [2009, MTV2]

"There's no Auto-Tune in grunge music..." - P.O.S.

Kutiman - ThruYou

2009-03-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Kutiman
"ThruYou (Kutiman remixes YouTube)" from Thru-You.com [2009, no label]

"What you are about to see is a mix of unrelated YouTube videos/clips edited together to create ThruYou. In other words - what you see if what you hear." - Thru-You.com

Visit the website to watch and listen, or click here for a collection of .MP3's and .FLV videos from the site.

You can hear more from Kutiman on his MySpace.

All Good Funk Alliance - Social Comment

2009-03-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

All Good Funk Alliance
"Major C feat. Swamburger" from Social Comment (2006, Funk Weapons)

"Perfect for a summer’s afternoon, the All Good Funk Alliance’s 'Social Comment' is great for any listener who wants to be transported to a place where music is pure, lyrics and harmony flow, and most of all, life is good." - Planet Urban

More from All Good Funk Alliance on their MySpace.

Sendin' Slugs Your Way.

2009-03-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Slugabed
"Poomp (video)" from Slugabeatmix (2008, YouTube)
"Slugabeatmix (MP3)" from MySpace.com/SlugabedMusic (2008, Stuff Records)

Slug⋅a⋅bed (noun): A lazy person who stays in bed long after the usual time for arising.

Beat Grinder

2009-02-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

Damu The Fudgemunk
"Beat Grinder (Madvillain ReVISIONS Project)" from ReVISIONS (Damu vs. Joe Buck) [2009, Redefinition Records]

"Album Cover ReVISIONS is a spontaneous, ongoing digital art project originally conceived by acclaimed painter/illustrator/designer Joe Buck, along with Redefinition Records. Imagined as a way to pay tribute to, and expand upon a noteworthy theme or piece of art, the Album Cover ReVISION series allows the incredibly talented Buck to revise and present his vision of a particular album or single’s cover image as he sees fit.

Expanding further on the concept, from time to time, Joe Buck and DJ/producer/MC Damu The Fudgemunk will collaborate exclusively on special A/V editions of ReVISIONS. These special editions, available for free download, will feature a Joe Buck design alongside a related musical production by Washington DC native, Damu." - RedefinitionRecords.com

More information on this project at the Redefinition Records website.

A zip file containing the MP3, cover art, desktop wallpaper and two videos here.

More from Damu The Fudgemunk at WonkaBeats.com.
More from Joe Buck at ArtilleryDS.com.

Walkie Talkie

2009-02-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

DJ Shadow
"Walkie Talkie (video)" from The Private Press (2002, MCA Records)
"Walkie Talkie (Extended Radio Edit)" from The Private Repress (2003, Universal Island Records)

Always liked this video. More from DJ Shadow at his website.

Her Favorite Colo(u)r.

2009-02-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

Blu
"Her Favorite Colo(u)r." from MySpace.com/HerFavColor (2009, independent)

"ToYouAll,FromMyApreciationForYourInspiration.
HerFavoriteColorIsntBlu(e)ItsU.
ProducedByMe.
ForYou,
All.

GoodDay
February14th,2009" - Blu

Love Lockdown

2009-02-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

Kanye West
"Love Lockdown (DJ B.Cause Disco Edit)" from unreleased (2008, none)
"Love Lockdown (Blockhead Remix)" from unreleased (2008, none)

"I threw together a remix of it...I literally just added drums and few sounds but it certainly makes it way more playable to a crowd of drunk people dancing..." - Blockhead

More from DJ B.Cause and Blockhead here.

Amsterdam Gangster

2009-02-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Jay's Soul Connection
"Frankie's Party Life" from Amsterdam Gangster (2009, white label)
"The Skum Says Hello" from Amsterdam Gangster (2009, white label)

Jay-Z x Leftie's Soul Connection x Umatic = Jay's Soul Connection

"Amsterdam Gangster" can be preordered here. More from Umatic on his MySpace.

Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story

2009-02-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

Great Performances
"Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story (trailer)" from Great Performances series (2007, PBS)

"Between 1959 and 1975, Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee released international chart-topping hits such as 'Soul Man,' 'Dock of the Bay,' 'Green Onions,' 'Midnight Hour,' 'Respect Yourself,' and the theme from SHAFT. The label's artists included Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the MG's, Rufus and Carla Thomas, the Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes, and even Richard Pryor and Jesse Jackson. Founded by a white conservative bank teller who played country fiddle music, Stax became the preeminent soul music label in America, and became identified with the civil rights movement of the 1960s and '70s. RESPECT YOURSELF documents the Stax label, its visionaries, and most of all, its music." - PBS.org

Check your local listings for air dates.

Parisian Goldfish

2009-02-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Flying Lotus
"Parisian Goldfish (Video)" from Los Angeles (2008, Warp Records)
"Parisian Goldfish (MP3)" from Los Angeles (2008, Warp Records)

This video isn't safe for work. Scratch that...it's not safe for anyone. Especially the dance moves. You've been warned. More from Flying Lotus later I'm sure.

Of Pads and Patterns

2009-01-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

Blu & Exile
"Of Pads and Patterns (interview)" from Red Bull Music Academy, Barcelona (2008, Red Bull Music Academy)

"Blu & Exile have fingers in so many pies, it’s a full-time job keeping up. But beyond their collaborations, solo projects and plans for the future, there’s the Below The Heavens album, an already classic slab of noughties hip hop that emerged in 2007 to universal acclaim. The duo discuss how they hooked up in the L.A. underground, and detail their myriad projects, from ripping samples from the radio to the leftfield stylings of C.R.A.C. Exile talks about his background in music, and how he owes his hip hop career to a fictional character called Shabba Doo, while Blu is a late starter who owes it all to DMX and Common. In a hip hop landscape beset by mediocrity, these two are making some of the most innovative music around." - Red Bull Music Academy

A transcript of this interview can be found here.

Sounds from the Cave

2009-01-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

Mr. Chop
"The Caveman (video)" from Sounds from the Cave (2008, Jazz & Milk Recordings)
"Snob" from Sounds from the Cave (2008, Jazz & Milk Recordings)

"In amongst the mediocre and the shit that I regularly receive through both the physical post box and the virtual inbox there is occasionally a gem, a jewel, a nugget of light to brighten my day. They appear once in a blue moon, and are increasingly rare in these days of hyperbole, heresy and the tedious boasts of the press release. This record is one such nugget, in fact It's more like a huge heaving slab of something so precious it has yet to be named. Except it has been named, it's called 'Sounds from the Cave' - well done Mr. Chop for unearthing this for everyone to hear. Record of the year so far!" - DJ Food, 2008

MP3 via Cubik Musik.

Learn more about Mr. Chop and his EP here.

The Obamix

2009-01-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

King Most
"The Obamix" from MySpace.com/KingMost (2008, Plug Label)

"The intent of this mix was to try and capture what WE'VE all been feeling these past months: hope, struggle, and the importance of facing a challenge. It also serves as a reminder, and perhaps an introduction to what OUR candidate is all about." - King Most

Thought this was fitting for inauguration day. Tracklisting and more on King Most's MySpace.

The Death of High Fidelity

2009-01-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Robert Levine
"The Death of High Fidelity (article)" from Rolling Stone (2007, Rolling Stone)

My bookmark folder is a jungle. Here's something I found trying to sort through it. A 2007 article detailing "The Loudness War" which affects the sound quality of music you hear today. Sure it's 2009 now, but I have a feeling things haven't changed much. Enjoy!

The Wig and the Wildcat

2009-01-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

Skratch Bastid
"2003 Scribble Jam DJ Finals" from Cincinnati, Ohio (2003, YouTube)

"You know how Bastid makes nachos? One at a time, that’s how. He puts a dab of salsa and grated cheese on each individual nacho chip and then puts them all into the oven like little nacho cookies. That’s dedication to a craft. That’s attention to detail and a creative mind. That’s a mad scientist. That’s also a really slow way to make nachos." - SkratchBastid.com

Didn't I?

2009-01-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

Darondo
"Didn't I (video)" from Let My People Go (2006, Luv N' Haight)

"The life story of William Darondo Pulliam (a.k.a. 'Double D' or 'Dynamite D') remains subject to myth and mystery: His label once reported that he'd worked as a pimp for many years, a claim the singer now denies. Whatever his day job at the time, in the early '70s, Darondo recorded his sole commercial output as a musician, crafting three singles for three different studios." - NPR.org

DJ Day Says...Step Bacc!

2008-12-31T12:00:00.000-08:00

People Under The Stairs
"Step Bacc (DJ Day Remix + Instrumental)" from unreleased (2008, Gold Dust Media)

One of my favorite producers over the last few years. Too many great tracks from him to share, so I decided just to post a recent PUTS remix he's put out there for free. Do yourself a favor and check out his MySpace for more info on him and his music.

Sweet Cream In It

2008-12-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

Jel
"Sweet Cream In It (video)" from ...his bedroom? (2007, YouTube)

Jel performing "Sweet Cream In It" live on an Akai MPC2000XL and Boss SP-303 Dr. Sample. The studio version of the track can be heard on Jel's 2006 album "Soft Money". You'd be surprised to hear how close he comes to recreating the original without the use of sequencing or a backing track.

You can find more from Jel on his MySpace.

Rising Down Remixes

2008-12-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Roots
"Criminal (X:144 Remix)" from Rising Down Remix Contest (2008, Indaba Music)
"I Can't Help It (Static Pro's Shakespearean Interpretation)" from Rising Down Remix Contest (2008, Indaba Music)

Indaba Music is currently hosting a remix contest featuring music from The Roots' album "Rising Down".

You can listen to the top 25 from each round here:
First round - "Criminal"
Final round - "I Can't Help It"

The final round is being judged by The Roots, with the winner getting a chance to record with them. The winner gets announced on January 1st, 2009.

Links to my favorite from each round up top.

We Are Not Hippies

2008-12-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

De La Soul
"3 Feet High and Rising Press Kit (video)" from Tommy Boy Records (1989, YouTube)

Introducing De La Soul...you might've heard of these guys before. Appearances by KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, DMC and a few more towards the end.

This Time (I'm Gonna Try It My Way)

2008-12-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

DJ Shadow
"This Time (video)" from The Outsider (2006, Island Records)

The story on this song according to DJ Shadow from an HMV.com interview:

"The vocals on 'This Time' are about 40 years old. A recording studio in the Bay Area closed down and a friend of mine got hold of all these reels. It's literally 1 minute 20 seconds of this guy tuning up his guitar, singing this little song, and I just fell in love with that vocal track so I literally built the song around it and I'm happy with the way it came out. I have a lot of imitators back home following the 'Endtroducing' model so I just wanted this album to be as hard to imitate as possible. That's one of the reasons I called it 'The Outsider'."

Some additional insight from Austin, Texas audio engineer Mike Manewitz via the SoulStrut.com boards:

"I can absolutely 100% guarantee that the vocals on 'This Time' are not redone. I did some tape transfers for Soulstrut's own Jinx74 ~18 months ago and the vocal was on one of the reels. Labeled in yellowed tape 'Joe'. There were a few other songs on the reel, but 'This Time' was the standout. I must have played that track on repeat for months. Just vocals on one track and acoustic guitar on the other. SO AMAZING. When Josh [Josh Davis, DJ Shadow] was doing some work in the studio I was at, I asked him if [Jinx] had played him any of the reels we transferred and gave him a copy on CD in case he hadn't heard. I mentioned the 'Joe' tracks and how he needed to hear them. Next thing I heard was Jinx calling me up to get the reel because Josh was in love with the song and wanted to use it on the new record.

I was pretty amazed with how the track turned out, especially after listening to the raw version for so long. Maybe at some point that version will get released. I have been a fairly unapologetic Shadow geek for a while, so it was a very cool experience."

Nardwuar vs. Questlove

2008-12-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Questlove
"Interview Part 1 (video)" from Much Music (2008, YouTube)
"Interview Part 2 (video)" from Much Music (2008, YouTube)
"Interview Part 3 (video)" from Much Music (2008, YouTube)
"Interview Part 4 (video)" from Much Music (2008, YouTube)

Interview of Questlove from The Roots conducted by Nardwuar the Human Serviette. They discuss famous Philly musicians, a few legendary samples and more.

If you aren't up on Nardwuar, check out his YouTube channel here. Some classic interviews of Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg in there.

Speaking of The Roots, they've been confirmed to become the house band for 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' on NBC. You can check the announcement on video here. If you didn't know, Jimmy Fallon will replace Conan O'Brien in March 2009 as he moves up to take Jay Leno's time slot.

It'll be interesting to see The Roots on national TV every weeknight. Hopefully they'll find the time to continue recording music and put on a live show here and there.

Take Me Away Fast

2008-12-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

Leigh Iacobucci
"Take Me Away Fast (trailer)" from Tro-Tro Productions (2008, Vimeo)

These are select scenes from an independent documentary film, currently entitled "Take Me Away Fast", chronicling the adventures of Frank "Conakry" in West Africa and this music which must never be forgotten. If you didn't arrive here from his blog, go check it out: voodoofunk.com. This film was directed and shot by Leigh Iacobucci. More information can be found at trotroproductions.com on the Works-In-Progress page.

According to Frank's blog, the documentary should see release sometime in 2009.

Give The Drummer Some

2008-12-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

Bernard Purdie
"Groove Lesson (video)" from Groove Workshop, Japan (200x, YouTube)
"Give The Drummer Some (interview)" from Red Bull Music Academy, Rome (2004, Red Bull Music Academy)

"Whether it's James Brown or Aretha Franklin, jazz heavyweights like Jimmy Smith or Galt MacDermot, firing Latin leaders like Pucho and Mongo Santamaria or even - controversially - The Beatles, his innate timekeeping has provided the foundation for innumerable hit tracks, and the Purdie break has become the stuff of drum folklore." - Red Bull Music Academy

Excerpt from the interview:

RBMA: There's a rumor...

Bernard Purdie: No, no, no.

RBMA: That nobody really ever confirmed - that you may have fixed some of The Beatles tracks that Ringo Starr played (laughter)?

Bernard Purdie: ...There are four drummers on The Beatles music, and Ringo's not one of them...

Charlie, That Really Hurt!

2008-12-02T14:41:00.000-08:00

Mike Relm
"Live Set (video)" from YouTube Live. Nov. 22, 2008 in San Francisco, CA (2008, YouTube)

You can watch the original video he used here.

More from Mike Relm at his website.

Yo, Moe Pope!

2005-12-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Moe Pope
Mission: - "Soul Chips" from Soul Chips 12" (2001, OM Records)

Electric - "Electric (Remix)" from Life's a Struggle (2004, Sun Moon Records)

Project Move - "Butterfly Theory" from Love Gone Wrong/The Butterfly Theory (2006, Sun Moon Records)

A few months back we had a chance to conduct an interview with talented Boston MC Moe Pope. You may recognize the name from his work as a member of the Bay Area staple Mission: (now known as Crown City Rockers), to his more recent outings as a part of the Boston crews Electric and Project Move.

Diggin' Music: Peace Moe Pope, thanks for taking some time out to answer a few questions. Let's start it off from the beginning. What’s your earliest memory of Hip Hop? Also, do you remember the first Hip Hop album you copped?

Moe Pope: My neighborhood, people blastin' out the windows. My sister getting DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince "He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper" and me lovin' every second of it. It was one of the first records that my mother let us buy that was Hip Hop. The first record I copped wasn't even a Hip Hop record, it was New Edition. I loved R&B back then, New Edition was my favorite group because they from The Bean baby.

DM: When did you decide a music career was something you wanted to pursue? Was there an artist, album or other influence that pushed you towards it?

MP: I always wrote lyrics but I never took it seriously until I was about 18. Just freestylin', I saw a bunch of kids freestylin' one day and I just jumped in. I dunno what made me jump in but...a couple of the older cats took me under their wing. They told me I was terrible but...you know (laughs), I tried to perfect it being around them. It helped me see the world, just that one little instance you know. I've gotten to see certain things since my freestyle that one night.

DM: You’re most well known for your work as a member of Mission:. How and when was the crew originally formed, member by member? How did the move from Boston to The Bay come about?

MP: I met Ethan Parsonage, who's Headnodic, the producer and bass player of Crown City Rockers and Mission:. Me and Raashan Ahmad from Crown City, I met him in a basement one day makin' beats, and he asked us if we wanted to be on his record, and he jumped at the idea of it. The rest of the members came about just by chance. They were in another group called EKG, and went to Berklee College of Music and it just formed perfectly, one after the other within months. We stayed together for a couple of years and moved out to The Bay just because we wanted to see. I mean, if you're in Boston it's such a small scene that everybody knows you. We wanted to see if we could make it where nobody knew who we were.

DM: Eventually you ended up moving back to Boston. What was your motivation to leave the group and head back east?

MP: My motivation basically was my child, my daughter Tamia. She lived back in Boston and I had been out in Oakland for about five years. The band had been together for a while, they'd been stagnant. Cats had started arguing, growing up, having families, meeting people. After awhile if things aren't progressing, which they were, they were progressing to a certain point, but we had our fair share of heartbreaks and setbacks. Different labels, stuff like that. I was missing out on my daughter's life and I needed to see that, that was more important to me at the time.

DM: As a crew Mission: released an EP, several singles, and a highly praised full length, “One”. How do you view the legacy of Mission: now that it’s all said and done?

MP: I wouldn't say that it's said and done, because they're my family. We've produced songs together still, we've done, you know, me and Headnodic are still doing an album together. Hopefully Raashan is gonna be on it. We're still family, so I wouldn't say it's all said and done. The legacy of that one album, I wish there was more because I feel we all as artists have grown so much since that record. But it put its stamp, I've gotten to see things that even my folks haven't gotten to see through just making a record that we loved. I loved making that record and I'm happy that it happened and, you know, I'm moving forward and trying to pursue other things yo.

DM: After returning to Boston you linked up with Insight, Dagha, Raheem and Anonymous to form the group Electric Company. After a few releases Electric Company eventually came to be known simply as “Electric”. What was the reason for the name change?

MP: There was a rock group called Electric Company already in the U.K. So uh, basically they called us up and said, "give us our name back or we'll sue you" (laughs).

DM: The crew’s debut EP, “Life’s a Struggle”, was very ill in our opinion…definitely one of the most slept on releases of 2004. Are there plans for another release? We’ve heard there was a fallout amongst the members. Would you like to discuss that?

MP: I wouldn't say necessarily a fallout. I would say just like the same with Mission:, we're all family, and with anyone that you love care for and work with, feelings get hurt in certain situations you know? I still contact every one of those members in both groups so...

I do think it was a slept on album. I think we put our hearts into it and you know, anything you work hard on and see it kinda crumble in your hands, it definitely leaves a little bit of a bad taste in your mouth. Hopefully, we're all still friends, and there's always an opportunity to come back when friends are involved.

DM: Raheem, Anonymous and yourself have formed an offshoot group Project Move. The full length entitled “Love Gone Wrong/The Butterfly Theory” has been pushed back several times since the beginning of the year. Is there any particular reason for the hold up? When can we expect to see it on the shelves?

MP: The holdup I think, basically is trying to figure out how to market in the Boston area and not have it fall apart such as the Electric Company album. There is so many different students that come in and out of Boston that it's hard to find your niche. On a small scale, like in the Underground Hip Hop scene, you don't want to see a good album not get heard, as did "Life's a Struggle". So we just wanna make sure that we have the time to get the right publicity, get the right time to drop it so that people will actually hear it and give their feedback, you know?

The record will be out really soon actually. In Japan, later in October. In the states it should be out by January. Just wanna make sure that everyone hears it. If we put it out three months ago, chances are it wouldn't have been the right time.

DM: Headnodic produced both of the tracks for the lead single, “Woo / Butterfly Theory”. Who else can we expect behind the boards for the full length?

MP: Sayzeer, who we also call Gooney Bird. He's a local producer on his way up. Beyonder, who works with 7L and Esoteric. He's also doing great things around Boston at this time, works with a lot of artists. He's our DJ, so special love to that guy. Headnodic, big fan of Headnodic. Oakland, Crown City to the fullest. Who else? Soul Supreme, who's from Europe. He produced "AM to PM" on the record. I think that's a young producer that definitely needs to get heard a little bit more. DJ Real...Shin from Japan did a couple of our tracks on the Japan version, remixes. So there's a lot of great producers, and young producers, that just need to be heard that people just haven't gotten the chance to really fully soak up yet. But hopefully they will with our record.

DM: You touched on a collaboration album with Headnodic earlier. What can we expect from the album, and when do you plan on releasing it?

MP: I hope a wide range of stuff that I haven't done on everything. I try to make the album as different and as much me as possible, and fall away from stuff that I've already done. I love music so I try to have a wide range. Plus, you know Headnodic, he's a music freak so...(laughs). I try to have a little splash of him and a little splash of me on one record and hopefully it will come out. Plus we recorded in Oakland so I hope a little bit of Oakland vibe comes out in it.

DM: All of your music to date has been as a member of various crews. How does it feel to finally be able to release something as a solo MC?

MP: Great you know, and humbling. I'm a little frightened because if it falls to pieces it's my fault. But you know, still I've got some great artists on there. We're trying to get Zion I on it. It's not done yet, we're still working out the small kinks and stuff like that. We have Raheem Jamal and Anonymous, who's coming out with his record, from Project Move on it. Hopefully to have these artists on that record, it kinda helps me out a little bit. I do love being able to get my own points and my own opinions across and not have to worry what other people think. This is my first record, and I just wanted to be able to say everything I wanted to say.

DM: Out of all the projects you’ve had a part in making, which are you the most proud of? Why?

MP: The next one, I'm most proud of the next one, you know? (laughs) I listen to all those things, sometimes I get tired of it. Sometimes I critique myself a little bit too much. But I'm proud of every one of those things. You can't not be proud of something that you had a part in making birth to. That's like saying if you had a child, which child are you most proud of, you know? (laughs) I can't really say that, but hopefully the next record that I do is better than the last.

DM: Are there any other upcoming projects or collaborations that we haven’t spoken on yet that you’d like to discuss?

MP: No, Project Move is my baby right now. Me, Raheem and Anonymous really put a lot of work into that record. "Megaphone", that's coming, but the Project Move album is definitely my baby right now. We went through so much during the making of this record that we hope that it really takes off, we hope that people like it.

DM: What are you listening to these days, Hip Hop or otherwise? Have a favorite Hip Hop release of 2005?

MP: 2005 release? Definitely "Be", Common's last album is phenomenal to me. But I love all different types of music, I'd say probably the thing that I'm most listening to is Bloc Party, an indie rock album, it's unbelievable. Bloc Party, MF DOOM, that Common album. The old stuff, Ramones, Beatles, Bob, you know? (laughs). I love everything man, I love music.

DM: Thanks for your time Moe, it’s definitely appreciated. Do you have any last comments or shout outs?

MP: I just hope everyone feels that record when they hear it. Go out and get that "Woo" single, and we've got another single coming out soon so go and cop it. Project Move!

Project Move's latest single, "That's How It Was (Love Music) / AM to PM" has just hit the shelves and can be purchased from Boston's online Hip Hop retailer, UndergroundHipHop.com. Be on the lookout for the crew's full length release, "Love Gone Wrong/The Butterfly Theory" in early 2006. Until next time...

A Man of Many Names

2005-12-13T07:49:00.000-08:00

Raks One
Sycorax - "Guess Who" from Identity Crisis EP (2002, Basement Troubadour)
Phocus - "Homecoming (Bring It Back)" from A Vision and a Plan (2004, Handcuts Records)

In my first post here I thought I'd bring you folks up to date with one of the best slept on MCs out of New York - Raks One. I'll forgive you if you haven't heard of him before; this cat has had almost as many name changes as he has official releases. Starting out independently as Sycorax, or Sycorax One, he released his Identity Crisis EP in 2002 which exemplified his abilities as a versatile MC - not only in his flows, but also in the topics he chose to rhyme about. Addressing topics from his issues with President Bush (see Burning Bush) to a relationship with your dream girl (Tongue Tied), Sycorax's smooth voice guided the listener on a tour of his skills, showing why he would soon become a staple in the underground scene.

In the world of Hip Hop it often seems that talent attracts talent. This is exactly what has happened to Raks recently, as he has hooked up with the great production team over at Wax Reform. The skilled production team of DMinor, Muneshine, ILLMind and M-Phazes not only span the globe (Saskatchewan, Canada to Australia) but have laid down tracks for gifted MCs such as Supastition, MF Grimm, Akrobatik and Louis Logic. In 2004, Raks One (as he is now known) hooked up in house producer Muneshine as Phocus to deliver the album A Vision and a Plan. With the solid, soulful production of Muneshine behind him, Raks elevated his game to another level. Flowing perfectly over the smooth beats with meaningful, yet realistic lyrics, the New York native keeps you listening for the entire LP, while 'Shine ensures that your head is nodding the entire time. The track I've posted above from this release is Raks' tribute to the B-Boy in Hip Hop, calling for a retrieval of the old school flavor in today's money-focused scene over a nicely crafted beat, and an impressive display of scratching from Phocus' DJ Realone.

Raks also recently dropped his Wax Reform solo debut, For Good, which featured guest spots from Supastition and Kenn Starr, as well as production from the in house Wax Reform boys. This album is the next step in Raks' maturity as a solo artist, and with it he lets us know that he's only improving and polishing his skills. Luckily for the fans, Raks has made his recent mixtape Raks One vs. the Industry available as a free download on his website RaksOne.com - so check that out for a nice free sampler.

Expect nothing but more great Hip Hop to come out of Raks and the Wax Reform crew - and look out for Phocus' next LP entitled Threshold to be released in the near future. Shout outs also go to the clothing label 3sixteen Fabrications who put out clothing with a meaning - you can notice Raks sporting their "Speak Out" tee in the picture above.

The Creamy Spy Contest

2005-12-06T00:03:00.000-08:00

Digable Planets - Beyond the Spectrum: The Creamy Spy Chronicles (2005, Blue Note Records)

Diggin' Music is teaming up with Blue Note Records and Elemental Consulting to bring you "The Creamy Spy Contest". Two contest winners will receive a CD copy of Digable Planets' latest release "Beyond the Spectrum: The Creamy Spy Chronicles", a collection of hits, remixes and rarities. For a chance to win, simply email us the correct answer to the following question:

Q: In what year was Digable Planets' debut album, "Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space)" originally released?

Answers must be received by December 20th, 2005 to be eligible. Winners will be selected at random and contacted at contest's end. Good luck!

Blockhead Gets Live

2005-12-01T20:26:00.000-08:00

Blockhead
"Blockhead Live From N.Y." from The Block Is Hot Pt. 2 (2005, Ninja Tune/HipHopSite Recordings)

Sorry for the lack of updates y'all, I've had a busy last few weeks. Here's some Blockhead goodness to get things rolling again...

"Blockhead Live From N.Y." is a widely bootlegged performance (originally recorded on December 3rd, 2004) finally seeing official release as part of the promotional album "The Block Is Hot Pt. 2", which comes free with purchase of Blockhead's latest outing "Downtown Science" at HipHopSite.com. For the most part, the set plays out as a new spin on his first Ninja Tune full length "Music by Cavelight". Tracks from the original album have been revised for the live rendition, and blends of popular tracks from the likes of Phil Collins, Michael Jackson and Rakim are thrown in for good measure. This is how a live set ought to be done.

Not up on Blockhead? Shame on you. For more information on the man, visit his label home at NinjaTune.net.

Reanimator - Music to Slit Wrists By

2005-11-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

Reanimator
"Everything You Know Is Wrong" from Music to Slit Wrists By (2005, Litterthugz Entertainment/GrandGood)
"I Feel Good Today" from Music to Slit Wrists By (2005, Litterthugz Entertainment/GrandGood)

Reanimator's "Music to Slit Wrists By" is one of my favorite instrumental albums of the year (although it happens to be a rerelease of a limited 2003 effort). The album is a sombrous eighty minute experience, spanning twenty-seven tracks. I had a hard time picking out a pair of tracks for y'all to check out, selecting only two of them doesn't do the album justice in my opinion. "Music to Slit Wrists By" is really something to hear from beginning to end to appreciate fully. Each track seems meticulously created to compliment the next for a flowing, full album listen. Anyway, I won't go on with too many of my own thoughts. Here's some insight on the album from Reanimator himself:

"Hopefully, not too many of the samples are easily recognizable. I didn't necessarily intend to try to use rare samples by any means, nor do I spend alot of money on rare records, I mainly tried to use records that typically weren't sampled much, except for the breaks.

Anyway, the album is primarily all samples from records and old tapes of things I've recorded over time. In addition, the instruments/equipment I used were...

Fender Rhodes Suitcase Model Electric Piano
Wurlitzer EP-200A Electric Piano
Korg MS-10 Synthesizer
Ensoniq ASR-10 Sampler
Guitar
Bass
Sonic Foundry Acid
Sonic Foundry Sound Forge
Technics SL-1200 Turntable

The album was sequenced mostly in Acid, not really for it's looping functionality, but more so because PCs have so much RAM, that it made it easier to hold large sections of audio at a time. Also, the timeline interface made it much easier to see larger parts as a whole rather than trying to sequence on a hardware piece, like an ASR or MPC, whose functionality is usually based on stringing together smaller events. Also, with Acid, it made it much easier to zoom in real close to make sure all drum hits in a break were falling precisely with the hits of the other samples since there are a lot of layers going on at times and I didn't necessarily want to quantize to any standard meter. Instead, I moved events to hit with whatever sample had the groove I wanted to match, which is tough to do on hardware samplers.

It took probably 3 years to make. I had put together most of the basic songs in about 2 years and then the last year was spent merging songs and interludes to make it flow mostly in a continuous manner for 80 minutes, and mixing everything down and mastering it. No real funny stories about it except that I had to do tons of little trimming here and there to get it to 80 minutes and still have the elements I wanted to be on there. It started out originally at about 120 minutes and then I removed and merged a bunch of songs to get it to about 85. Then, I just kept trimming little pieces to get it to 80. I kind of wanted it to flow like a mixtape. If I do another album, I would probably keep it in a more proper song format because sometimes the songs on Music to Slit Wrists By seem a little short if you consider them individual songs.

There are a few elements here and there that re-appear on Sage's Healthy Distrust. Sage heard some early versions of the album if I recall. One of the earlier versions had a stripped down version of what ended up being "Strange Famous Mullet Remover".

There are no plans for a vinyl release of the full album. I have toyed with a possible 45, but am leaning towards putting new songs out on a 45 instead."

"Music to Slit Wrists By" is available from a number of online retailers, but I would suggest purchasing it from our friends at GrandGood directly. It's only $13.50 out the door, who can complain? Until next time, peace.

Supastition - Chain Letters

2005-11-08T19:25:00.000-08:00

Supastition
"Chain Letters Sampler (Mixed by DJ Statik)" from Soulspazm.com (2005, Soulspazm Records)
"Nickeled Needles" from Chain Letters (2005, Soulspazm Records)

To quote the man on his own album intro, North Carolina native Supastition has "made it through the stormy weather". From being a victim of shady business practice at Freshchest Records, to having unfruitful stints on both Grit Records and Pockets Linted Entertainment, he's had more than his share of struggles. But now, after having his track "The Williams" selected as the winner of Okayplayer's "True Notes Vol. 1" contest (out of five thousand plus entries, no less) and successfully building hype with his "Deadline EP" at his new label home Soulspazm Records, things are looking up for this MC.

Supastition's latest Soulspazm effort "Chain Letters" is the result of his industry hardships, and in my opinion his most consistant release to date. The album is accompanied with a real sense of achievement, a "finally making it" attitude. You could call it borderline cockiness, but with all he's gone through in the last few years, can you really blame him? As he says on the track "100%", "I just write what I feel and speak from experience". Let me tell you, the things he's experienced make for one hell of an album. On top of Supastition's stellar, assertive rhymes "Chain Letters" possesses solid production from the likes of budding super producer Jake One, Nicolay of The Justus League, Madwreck, and one time Wax Reform crewmates Illmind and M-Phazes. The combination of Supa's newly found swagger and a consistant production lineup makes "Chain Letters" worth every cent. Go out and support, "Chain Letters" is in stores now...

To learn more about Supastition, visit his recently relaunched website Supastition.com.

Florida: Hip Hop's Best Kept Secret? [Part 4 - Asamov]

2005-10-31T20:41:00.000-08:00

Asamov
"Blow Your Whistle (Remix)" from The Trailer Mixtape (2005, 6 Hole Records)
"Gone Head" from And Now... (2005, 6 Hole Records)

Asamov, an up-and-coming Jacksonville crew consisting of (from left to right in the picture above) Therapy (MC/producer/DJ), J One-Da (MC/producer), Willie Evans Jr. (MC/producer) and Basic (MC/producer/DJ).

These multi-talented artists were the first signees to MLB switch hitter Desi Relaford's 6 Hole Records in 2003. In 2004 they released their first single with the label, "Standing Room Only", which featured an unlikely combination of guests: J-Live, Wordsworth and...Cassidy? The single went through three pressings to accomidate demand.

Asamov really picked up steam in '05. Early in the year they released the precursor to their full-length, "The Trailer Mixtape", which featured several tracks from the upcoming album, along with a few tracks from previous efforts. A standout track from this release is the "Blow Your Whistle (Remix)", which originally appeared on the "Standing Room Only" single in edited form. Additionally they released their second 12", Supa Dynamite, which features Mr. Lif of Definitive Jux. This month they released their full-length release, "And Now...". The album has been met with critical acclaim, receiving high marks from the press circuit. That includes us here at Diggin' Music, this album is as solid as they come. Expect an interesting blend of Jurassic 5 and Little Brother flavor (which isn't a surprise, considering 6 Hole label mate 9th Wonder contributes a beat). "And Now..." can be found at the usual online Hip Hop shops, go out and support if you like what you hear.

Still not convinced? Click here for a free download of their "Gettin' to Know Us" mixtape, a.k.a. "The Return of Otis Holdem", courtesy of 6 Hole Records. More information on Asamov can be found at MySpace.com/Asamov.

Tapedeck #3

2005-10-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

Move.meant - "The Rebirth" from The Move.meant EP (2003, Wax Paper Records)

Move.meant, a Los Angeles-based group consisting of Champ (MC), Spider (DJ) and Just Beats (producer). You may have heard their music once before, they did a few tracks for the Crash soundtrack last year. "The Rebirth" served as their debut single and the lead track to their first EP, "The Move.meant" in 2003. For more information on Move.meant, visit their website MeantToMove.com.

Strict Flow - "Move!" from Without Further Ado (2003, Authentic Recordings)

Strict Flow, a four-man crew out of Pittsburg. They got their start with a 12" on Brooklyn's Raw Shack Productions (former home of J-Live, Mr. Complex, Yeshua dapoED) in 1999. By 2003 they had founded their own label, Authentic Recordings and released "Move!" as the lead single to their long-awaited debut full-length "Without Further Ado". Just some dope, no-nonsense Hip Hop here.

The Procussions - "Miss January (Snippet)" from 5 Sparrows for 2 Cents (2006, Rawkus Records)

An advance MP3 leak from The Procussions to promote their upcoming album, "5 Sparrows for 2 Cents". The track can currently be purchased in it's entirety on iTunes and will be out on 12" soon. We've been looking forward to the new album for a minute now, and it sounds like we'll be in for something special once it drops. For more information, visit TheProcussions.com.

CYNE - Evolution Fight

2005-10-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

CYNE (Cultivating Your New Experience)
"Rousseau feat. Rico Suave" from Evolution Fight (2005, City Centre Offices)
"Moonlight" from Evolution Fight (2005, City Centre Offices)
"Running Water (Music Video)" from Evolution Fight (2005, City Centre Offices)

"Evolution Fight", CYNE's sophomore outing, is a versatile, multifaceted experience. In one respect, this album serves well as soothing, rhythmic backround music. This can be accredited to the soulful production of CYNE's pair of producers, Speck and Enoch. The beats are extremely lulling, almost hypnotic, with the aid of tranquil vocal samples and the occassional use of live instrumentation. Expect nothing overpowering here. Furthering the experience, Speck and Enoch make frequent use of brief instrumental interludes in between tracks. It's easy to zone out to this album. Overall you can expect a relaxing, forty-some-odd minute listen.

In another respect, if you make a concious decision to pay attention beyond the beats, you're met with insightful, intelligent lyricism. "Evolution Fight" is laced with vivid commentary on social woes, political angst and the hardships of black Americans from the group's two MC's, Akin and Cise Star. Both MC's have a non-abrasive delivery, which blends well with the production. While this is a plus, the smoothness of their delivery can at times detract from their message. If you make an effort to hear what they have to say, you'll be in for a surprise. Underneath the album's soothing rhythm lies a serious, at times dark view on many of life's struggles.

On first listen, the combination of serene, calming beats with flowing, non-abrasive lyricism may strike you as boring. Make an effort to let this album play through a few times, you'll be glad you did. This album really grows on you. After having this album in my rotation for several months, there's no doubt in my mind that "Evolution Fight" is one of the very best albums 2005 has to offer.

For more information on this Florida-based crew, visit their website at CYNE.net. "Evolution Fight" is in stores now.

What's Up, Fatlip?

2005-10-13T02:40:00.000-07:00

Fatlip
"What's Up Fatlip? (MP3)" from What's Up Fatlip? 12" (2000, Delicious Vinyl)
"What's Up Fatlip? (Music Video)" from DeliciousVinyl.com (2000, Delicious Vinyl)
"What's Up Fatlip? (Documentary)" from DeliciousVinyl.com (2000, Delicious Vinyl)

"What's Up Fatlip?", the lead single from former Pharcyde member Fatlip's long-delayed solo debut "Thelonliest Punk" (originally to be entitled "Revenge of the Nerd"). This self-reflective cut is produced by Fatlip himself, under the pseudonym Edy Crahp (Pharcyde spelled backwards).

Following the success of the single, a music video was put together under the direction of Spike Jonze. During the filming, Spike also conducted a mini-documentary on the filming of the video, in which he interviews Fatlip on the lyrical content of the track, amongst other things. Many topics are discussed, including Fatlip's musical influences, his thoughts on past drug use, and the embarrassing origin of his verse on the classic Pharcyde jam "Oh Shit". Both the music video and documentary ended up being released on DVD. The music video appeared on Pharcyde's "Cydeways - The Best of The Pharcyde" DVD in 2002 and the documentary appeared on Spike Jonze's "The Work of Director Spike Jonze" DVD in 2003.

So, why am I making this post? It seems Delicious Vinyl is finally releasing the full-length as a CD+DVD set. Come on, for real this time! One-sheets have been sent out to retailers, including the artwork and a track listing. Keep an eye out for "Thelonliest Punk" in early November (of 2005, I hope). Now that's what's up!

Ohmega Watts - The Find

2005-10-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

Ohmega Watts
"That Sound feat. Lightheaded, The Procussions and Noelle" from The Find (2005, Ubiquity Records)
"Treasure Hunt feat. Sugar Candy" from The Find (2005, Ubiquity Records)

Ungh...faunky! Ohmega Watts (one-third of Portland's Lightheaded crew) hits us off with his solo debut, "The Find", an eclectic mix of funk, soul and Hip Hop flavor.

What makes this album dope? For one, its refreshing. "That Sound", a west coast posse cut consisting of Lightheaded and The Procussions, with Noelle of The Rebirth singing the hook, personifies my sentiment. This is one of the most vibrant and upbeat tracks I've heard all year. Can you say "fresh"? This is only the tip of the iceberg, "The Find" is filled to the brim with funkiness.

An impressive detail of "The Find" is that it's completely self-produced. Ohmega Watts often takes a break from the rhymes to show off his talent on the production side of things in the form of instrumentals and vocalist-backed cuts. A stand-out example of this would be "Treasure Hunt", which features the soulful vocals of Sugar Candy. These tracks serve as a welcome departure from the purely Hip Hop cuts, forming a diverse yet cohesive album.

Above all else, what sold me on this album is its consistency. Despite clocking in at over seventy minutes long and being twenty-two tracks deep, all tracks meld together to create a solid, front-to-back listen. It's not often an album of such length isn't met with the gripe of having too many "filler tracks". This definitely isn't the case with "The Find", nothing here is expendable. From its funky, rare groove Hip Hop bangers to its soulful, vocalist backed tracks, this album represents the perfect balance of both quality and quantity.

To learn more about Ohmega Watts, visit his crew's website at WeAreLightheaded.com. "The Find" is in stores now.

Dag' Yo.

2005-10-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

Dagha
"Dé Jà Vu" from Object in Motion (2005, Last Arc)
"Whatever It May Be feat. Cloke" from Object in Motion (Japan Version) (2005, Miclife Recordings)
"No Sheets (Remix)" from unreleased (2005, Miclife Recordings)

Diggin’ Music: Let’s start it off from the beginning. Who were your inspirations musically growing up?

Dagha: Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Stevie Wonder, Del The Funky Homosapien, Run-D.M.C., Rick James, John Coltrane...I think I could go on for a while. The innovators, what I would call pioneers of good music.

DM: At what point in life did you realize Hip Hop was something you wanted to pursue as a career?

D: The first time I rocked a show and the told the crowd to say “ho!” and they did it. I realized that I had a voice and needed to use it to communicate my art.

DM: Your first venture into music was with Cloke as the group Cloke-N-Dagha. How did you end up meeting Cloke?

D: He was my next door neighbor in Mattapan. We actually started off as b-boys for this local group then decided that they were whacked and started writing our own rhymes.

DM: You recently announced on your website that Cloke-N-Dagha is back together. When can we expect a release from you two?

D: The album is done and it's actually in phase two of its production cycle. We shopping it now for the best deal but most likely it'll come out on Last Arc in the U.S. hopefully by the summer of '06. Believe me when I tell you too it's ridiculously hot! There's a bonus track on the Japan release of “Object in Motion” (Dagha’s new solo album) called “Whatever It May Be”. A little appetizer…

DM: Later in the mid 90’s you were part of “The Legendary Knights of the Roundtable”; a group consisting of you, Insight, Mr. Lif, T-Ruckus, and several others. How was the group originally formed?

D: We all lived in one house. I actually lived in the closet...it was crazy man. Insight was like a machine, he would record heads all day and we would just come up with concepts etc.. We came up with The Knights. We actually made a lot of noise with it too. I would love to see that re-released. We actually put together two albums... manufactured and distributed them ourselves and created the ill buzz on the street level…

DM: How about a “Knights of the Roundtable” reunion? That’d be something to hear.

D: Yeah it would! Let me know if you hear anything (laughs).

DM: A few years back you were a part of Electric (Company), which released the highly-praised full length “Life’s a Struggle”. Since then a few of the members have broken off into a new group called Project Move. Is this a product of any bad blood between members, or is it a side project of sorts?

D: Nah, there's no bad blood there at all. I have nothing but love for those cats. I've actually recorded six songs with Anonymous since and I'm still cool with Moe and Raheem. The Electric thing is something that I feel we all grew from and was necessary for us to raise our professionalism to the next level. I'm REALLY looking forward to an Electric reunion. We did not maximize the capabilities of our work for sure.

DM: Can we expect a new Electric album in the future?

D: When you have five cats with five different energies and five different work ethics it's hard to stay on the same page. We're good though, stay tuned...I have a feeling you haven't heard the last of Electric. There's still a bunch of unheard, unreleased tracks that out there!

DM: I remember reading a year or two back that your solo debut “Live by the Dagha, Die by the Dagha” was finished. Is this the album now known as “Object in Motion”, or did you end up reworking the album?

D: It was totally reworked and revamped. Crushed and remolded. I've been sitting on tracks and rhymes for years waiting for this opportunity. “Live by the Dagha, Die by the Dagha” is an album that was done with Ampt Records a few years back. Because of serious business differences I left that album with them. Fuck it, like I said I'm sitting on so many tracks…

DM: “Object in Motion” is due out soon through Last Arc. What can we expect to hear once it drops?

D: “Object in Motion” is the past, the present and future. The path that I have been on while living this Hip Hop culture. I've been through so much personal shit, so many groups and producers and labels and I'm still in motion. So many stop positive movement and become a non-factor.

DM: What’s next for Dagha? Is there anything in the works that you’re willing to speak on?

D: I'm in motion man... On the business tip, I'm co-partner with Insight and Last Arc so we have a lot of plans in store. You can definitely look out for the Cloke and Dagha project, my sophomore LP, Midnight Shipment (Dagha, Insight, and Adad), Soloplexus (Insight as six MC's) and a bunch of raw untapped talent with sick productions. The whole package. I got a lot of thangs I'm sitting on and I'm just waiting for that right door to open at the right time.

DM: As a Boston native, do you think it’s currently being given its due props as a Hip Hop hotbed?

D: Not at all. Not until there are more Hip Hop venues. Not until the true raw talent gets its opportunity to shine. This ain't like NY. Boston is too small and the competition is too big. In addition, the venues are scarce. The scene in Boston will mislead the person looking from the outside. From the outside, you will see Hip Hop nights at bars and pubs but nothing in the urban areas. The same cats always get the same props and there's just so much more here. Fuck it, maybe I'll just do a documentary on wassup!

DM: What music have you been listening to recently, Hip Hop or otherwise?

D: 70's music, John Legend, Michael Jackson, Chris Botti, Insight, Edan, Project Move, Dagha. I try to keep it in the fam. I listen to a bunch of stuff but don't really feel it.

DM: Do you have a favorite Hip Hop album of all time? If you can’t narrow it down, how about a few favorites?

D: Run-D.M.C. - Raising Hell, Slick Rick - The Great Adventures of Slick Rick…, NWA - Straight Outta Compton.

DM: When it’s all said and done, how would you like to be remembered in the legacy of Hip Hop music?

D: Someone who LIVED Hip Hop and did it from the heart. Someone who recognized he had a voice and used his voice to create positive energy. Dagha loves the kids… it's all about the seeds, the hereinafter.

DM: Thanks again for your time. Any last comments?

D: Buy the album. I'm hungry and it's good.

You heard the man. The album can currently be purchased at MySoundLab.com, and will be available in stores nationwide in November. For more information on Dagha, visit his website Dagha.com. Until next time...

They Came From Outer Space

2005-09-29T00:19:00.000-07:00

Martian Gang (DJ Real and Shin-Ski)

DJ Real - "JuicyJazz.com Mix" from JuicyJazz.com (2005, independent)

Insight - "Bother Me (Shin-Ski RMX)" from Targeting Zones (2004, Bad News Records)

Time Machine - "Thinking About You (DJ Real RMX)" from unreleased (2005, independent)

Diggin’ Music: Thanks for taking some time to answer a few questions. For starters, introduce yourselves.

DJ Real: Wassup, this is DJ Real. I’m one-half of the production team, the “Martian Gang”. I’m also one of the best DJ’s that you’ve never heard of.

Shin-Ski: Hi, I am Shin-Ski. I am a producer/DJ, and half of a production team called “Martian Gang”. I am also half of a production/performance team called “Levitatorz”, which is me and DJ Ryow a.k.a Smooth Current. I play drums, percussions and samples all in real time on the MPC while he does all of the turntable work when we perform.

DM: What are some of your musical influences?

DJR: As a DJ my first influence was DJ Scratch from EPMD. I was a big fan of theirs and he would tear it up at the end of every track. Other influences are Mista Sinista, Roc Raida, Primo, QBert and Melo-D.

As far as producing I've been influenced by Marley Marl, Primo, J Dilla, Madlib, Insight and Pete Rock. I also should shout Shin-Ski out since he was the first cat I ever saw make beats and got me started.

SS: I grew up listening to many kinds of music from jazz, classic to Hip Hop, soul, funk and house. So every single music genre that I have encountered is my influence I would say. Hip Hop wise, Pete Rock, Beatnuts, ATCQ, Primo, DITC, Wu, Madlib and tons more. But most importantly, all the cats that I am really down with, such as O (DJ Real…I hate calling him DJ Real, so I’ll just call him “O” from now on [laughs]), Insight, Time Machine, DJ Ryow and more that I have personally worked with.

DM: What is your production/DJ equipment of choice?

SS: I use a Roland SP-808 for the main samples and efx, a MPC 2000XL for drums and some chop-ups, and a BOSS DR-202 Dr. Groove for basslines. I do all the recording on Pro Tools LE. I also use two Vestax Pro 2000 turntables and whatever mixer that works fine. Oh and of course, a bunch of wax!

DJR: As far as DJ'ing, I use Tech 1200’s and whatever mixer is not broken at the time. For beats I mainly use the Zoom SampleTrak, but Shin hooked me up with the MPC 2000 so I’ve been messing with that lately. I record into Pro Tools LE, so having a computer as a recorder makes using cheap equipment possible.

DM: DJ Real, as both a DJ and a producer, which is your true passion? Tell us about your progression from being solely a DJ to becoming a producer as well.

DJR: DJ’ing. I’ve always been infatuated with the scratching on records back in the day with groups like Run-D.M.C. and EPMD. I got my first table somewhere around ‘91-‘92. It’s something you hear often, but it really is a natural progression to go from DJ’ing to production. There’s some things that I think DJ’s hear that most people don’t. For example, from mixing acapellas over random beats back in the day, I can usually hear a beat or sample and have an idea of the type of MC or voice that would sound dope over it. Coming from the battle side of things, I was used to trying to make a new beat with two records and a mixer by beat juggling. Using a sampler is so much easier…(laughs). Oh, and don’t sleep, Shin gets busy on the tables too…

DM: So together you’re known as Martian Gang. How did you two meet? Roughly how long ago was this?

SS: We both attended the same school (University of Massachusetts Dartmouth), and I met him through a friend of ours. We both knew each other before I got to know him personally, but I was scared to talk to him (laughs). I think it was around 2000. At the time I was more into production and less into the DJ’ing side. Since I majored in music, I had access to the school’s finest music studio at any time. I would just go into the studio, experiment and produce many different kinds of music just for fun. One day I came up with this ill Hip Hop/breakbeat track and I wanted to have some cuts on it. So I asked O to fill in some cuts for the track. I think we never really finished that track though (laughs). Anyway, he came over to my crib or I went to his…either way I played him a bunch of tracks that I was working on at the time, and he just started sharing ideas that I wouldn’t have come up with. Since then we’ve been a team.

DM: Shin-Ski, you’re also one-half of “Levitatorz” with DJ Ryow a.k.a. Smooth Current. Same questions as before: How and when did you meet DJ Ryow?

SS: I met Ryow in Japan around 2002. I believe around that time we (Martian Gang) just finished the “Miami Vice” joint with Time Machine. I went back to Japan to settle the record deal for this joint, and I was introduced to DJ Ryow who did the remix for it. We just got along so well from the beginning. It was like I found a missing half of me in Japan. After I came back to Japan, I rented an apartment. That apartment happened to be real close to his crib, so we would get together and just talk shit for hours, even days. One day I was like, “Yo, ya wanna make beats with me?” and he was like, “hell yeah”. Since then we’ve been a team.

DM: As a pair you’ve produced for two of Boston’s finest Hip Hop acts. How did you end up hooking up with both Insight and Time Machine respectively?

DJR: I used to be heavily into battling. There was a DJ named Dusty Frasier who used to compete also. He was a good friend of DJ Mekalek so I’d always chat with him. After a battle once, Mek asked me if I would spin at his radio show at URI. In between then, I sent him some remixes me and Shin did. They loved them and would play them every week. Once I finally spun on the show, I met Jaysonic who was the host. Having heard so many beats, he was really interested in working with us.

As far as Sight goes…I had heard of him since “Universal”. When I heard “Updated Software” I was so impressed by the beats that I emailed him. It turns out he had heard my name around and he called me out of the blue. From the first conversation, it was like we knew each other for years. Originally I was gonna do some cuts for his new projects. Once we got together, he heard some of our beats and really wanted to work with us. He gave us a copy of the Electric EP and in a week we did all the interludes, cuts and some arranging.

DM: Shin-Ski, you had the opportunity to produce for The Procussions. How did this come about?

SS: Well this record label in Japan called “Miclife” had a remix competition for their album (Up All Night EP). I wasn’t really interested in this “compete with each other” thing because I believe making beats is not about competing with each other; it is more about competing with myself. Anyway, Miclife asked me to join this competition and since I had nothing better to do at the time, and also loved their rhymes, I did it just for fun. It turned out that the remix I did was picked up by The Procussions. It was a real great moment though, because they were definitely one of my favorite groups at the time.

DM: How does Martian Gang go about making one beat as two people?

DJR: Most of the beats we have done were done while we were roommates in Mass. Since we shared the same equipment, we would always work on each others’ beats or just give advice on a beat one of us started. It was dope because we both have our strengths and I could just leave a beat half-done and Shin would add another sample and a bassline and make it dope or vice versa. Nowadays we send files back and forth through the net.

DM: So, why the group name Martian Gang? Ya’ll happen to be from outer space?

DJR: Shin can answer that best. It used to be his name…

SS: Well this is a real funny story. Since I majored in music I had to take several music courses such as jazz ensembles, chorus and so on. When I had this annual chorus concert around Christmas season in a crazy gothic church, I was on stage with a dark Italian suit and bright red hair. One of the audience members at the chruch, who happened to be my friend, yelled at me “Yo Shin! You look like a gang member from Mars!”. I was kinda embarrassed at first, but then I was like “hmm, that’s kinda ill!”, so I came up with this “Martian Gang”. I really liked the sound of it too. Since I was a foreigner in the states, this gang from outer space concept just hit me. Also, it represents my hope that in the distant future, when people will be able to live on Mars, I want them to be rocking the real good music that we do now-a-days.

DM: Since meeting each other, Shin-Ski has moved back to Japan. Are you able to continue working as a group or are you now producing as separate entities? Explain this situation.

DJR: We try our best to keep working together, but of course it’s far more difficult with Shin being in Japan. The thing is, we’ve compiled so many beats while we were roommates, that some of them are still being released on projects to this day…

Being on our own, we’ve both perfected our own way to make beats and have become very efficient. We plan on linking up soon to knock out an album.

DM: Are there any MC’s out there you wish you had a chance to collaborate with?

DJR: There’s tons. I would like to work with some of the dope MC's that are slept on or don’t get enough credit…like Masta Ace, Devin The Dude, Motion Man, or Ed OG. Oh yeah, and Ghostface…I have this beat I’ve been holding for a minute and no one but Ghost can rock to it…

But I’m not someone who believes in collaborating for the sake of collaborating. If dope music doesn’t come out of it, what’s the point? Take De La Soul for example, every collaboration they have on their albums is dope. They never just throw Busta Rhymes on the hook just because.

SS: Yeah! Tons! Kurious, Al Tariq, Roots Manuva, Masta Ace, MF Doom, Quasimoto, Percee P, the D.I.T.C MC’s, BCC (Buckshot!), and many more. But basically I don’t wanna do cheap collaborations like O says. I am totally with that idea.

DM: Do you remember the first time you heard Hip Hop music? If you do, tell us about it. How about your first album purchase?

DJR: I was very fortunate in that I grew up around a pretty big family. As a real young kid, my uncles and aunts were in their teens and really into Hip Hop so I grew up around it. I remember the first song I knew the lyrics to was “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel. Of course, my family was amused by that and would ask me to kick that rhyme daily. I was the little kid that everyone would get to breakdance for entertainment.

As far as records go, I would always go to the record store with my uncles or even my mom and tell them to buy all the songs I liked. Then I would play them on my mom’s turntable while everyone chilled. As far as the first joint I bought on my own, I would guess it was either an LL, Run-D.M.C. or Kurtis Blow tape.

SS: Well I think it was when I was 13 or 14. It was around the time that Heavy D was real big. Heavy D’s song was on the radio every single day in Japan. I had never heard Hip Hop by that time, so when I first heard it I didn’t quite get it. Then years passed and I started getting into it more. I think it was after hearing Pharcyde’s first album “Bizarre Ride…” that I finally decided to commit my life to Hip Hop.

DM: What music are you currently listening to, Hip Hop or otherwise? What’s your favorite Hip Hop album from 2005?

SS: I listen to any kind of music. Lately I am in love with house music. Other than that I am deeply into jazz music. I also check out Japanese popular music too. Well I never buy those CDs though (laughs). So far the best Hip Hop album of the year is Common’s “Be”. This is it! I just love this album!

DJR: The best album so far this year was Sean Price's “Monkey Barz”, with Edan’s “Beauty and the Beat” and Common’s “Be” right behind. I’m looking forward to Little Brother’s next joint though, I know they’re gonna bring it.

DM: What future music releases are you a part of? What’s next for each of you?

DJR: Up next is Dagha’s album, “Object in Motion”. Me and Shin did about half of the production. I think a lot of people are gonna be impressed by how dope of an MC Dag is. Also, hopefully I’ll also be touring with Dag this year.

I also want to drop some “real” mixtapes soon. No one really does it anymore and I’ve already got quite a few done.

SS: Well, I did several remixes that are coming up within next couple of months. I did a remix for an MC from the UK called Funky DL. Me and Ryow did two remixes for Project Move as Levitatorz. I am also currently working on a project with Insight. This album is going to be real sick! I am releasing an instrumental album with my friends (Ryow and Grooveman Spot). These will definitely come out this year, and several more that are uncertain but may come out too. Also me and Ryow are working on a Levitatorz album.

DM: Martian Gang is currently part of Insight’s Last Arc imprint. Are there plans for a Martian Gang full-length? How about solo albums?

DJR: There will most definitely be a Martian Gang album. We’ll probably release it in Japan first, since we seem to be building up a following out there.

Eventually, I’ll drop my solo album. I want to make sure I take my time with it though, to make sure it’s not just another album. I’d like to do something different. These days, because of technology, “everyone” can make a CD/album. As a DJ, I hear a lot of CDs from cats that are good, but nothing stands out. To make an album worth listening to when everyone and their mom is doing what you do, it has to stand out.

SS: Well I am going to Boston this October to bang out an album as Martian Gang, so wait for that. I am also working on my solo album. I have pretty much all the beats done. I just have to offer MC’s to rip out ill rhymes. I can’t tell you who they are gonna be yet, but they all are real dope MC’s for sure!

DM: Any last comments?

SS: Yo O, wait for another two months. I will be there! And big up and thanks to Slade for the interview!

DJR: Shin, hurry up and cop that ticket over here so we can finish this album! …Oh and thanks for the interview!

DJ Real has supplied us with a mix he compiled for JuicyJazz.com (dope clothes, don't sleep!), along with a few uncut tracks that were used in the mix. These can be downloaded at the top of the interview. The tracklisting for the mix is as follows:

01. DJ Real - Intro (prod. by Insight)
02. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth - Take You There (Martian Gang RMX)
03. Martian Gang - Martian Gang Theme
04. Time Machine - Thinking About You (DJ Real RMX)
05. Common Sense - I Used to Love H.E.R. (Martian Gang RMX)
06. DJ Real - Funky Guitar
07. Time Machine - Personal Ads (Martian Gang RMX)
08. Insight - Bother Me (Shin-Ski RMX)
09. Dagha - No Labels (DJ Real RMX)
10. Slum Village - Get Dis Money (Martian Gang RMX)
11. DJ Real - Get Up
12. Soloplexus - Farewell/Be Safe (DJ Real RMX)
13. Ahmad Jamal - Poinciana

Tapedeck #2

2005-09-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

Del Tha Funkee Homosapien - "Neighborhood" from Hiero Oldies (1996, Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings)

An early 4-track recording from Hieroglyphics frontman Del Tha Funkee Homosapien. Originally recorded in 1992, "Neighborhood" chronicles the experiences of Del in his hometown of East Oakland. This track was pulled from "Hiero Oldies", a cassette compilation of early Hieroglyphics recordings assembled by the crew's longtime producer Domino. Reworked, remastered versions of the Hiero Oldies cassettes were released on CD in 2003. "Neighborhood" appears on volume two of that series.

OVM (Original Vibe Monsters) - "Sunshine Days" from Gods and Monsters EP (2001, Newkleus Entertainment)

Original Vibe Monsters: a New England crew consisting of MC's Alias, Nodoz and Sunny Black. Sunshine Days is a soulful, nostalgic reflection on the joys of childhood from the group's now hard-to-find debut EP, "Gods and Monsters". Production is handled by Soul Searchers. "All my wiffleballers, holla".

Swann Notty - "4 Steps (in tha Game)" from 4 Steps (in tha Game) 12" (2002, CNJ Records)

Boston resident Swann Notty details the uprise and subsequent downfall many MC's experience in their careers step-by-step on this addictive, guitar-laced headnodder. Production credit is split between Joey Beats of Non-Prophets fame and in-house CNJ Records producer 8th Wundah. Cuts are courtesy of DJ Mekalek from Time Machine.

A Real Killer

2005-09-13T02:36:00.000-07:00

The Herbaliser
"The Real Killer" from The Real Killer 12" (1995, Ninja Tune)

"Blowin' It" from The Real Killer 12" (1995, Ninja Tune)

The Herbaliser, London-based producers Jake Wherry and Ollie Teeba, have been responsible for genre-blurring instrumentals for well over a decade now. The Real Killer 12" is the group's now hard-to-find debut single that started it all. Both the a-side and flip gracefully interlace piano, drums and horns for an overall amazing jazz-inspired experience. With this kind of debut, it's no surprise The Herbaliser continued on to become one of Ninja Tune's cornerstone powerhouses.

For more information on The Herbaliser, check out NinjaTune.net and Herbaliser.com.

The Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew

2005-09-09T02:05:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew
"The Super Bowl Shuffle (Extended Vocal Mix)" from The Super Bowl Shuffle 12" (1985, Red Label Records)

Yeah, I went there. The football season just kicked off, it was only right to do a tribute!

Nearly 20 years ago the Chicago Bears put out Super Bowl Shuffle 45's, 12"s and cassette tapes to raise money for "Chicago's neediest families" and to celebrate their Super Bowl XX birth. The single reached as high as #41 on the Billboard charts, and garnered a Grammy nomination in 1986 for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance, Duo or Group. Not to mention it was certified gold by the RIAA within 3 months of its release.

The track features verses from (in order of appearance): running back Walter "Sweetness" Payton, wide receiver Willie Gault, linebacker Mike Singletary, quarterback Jim McMahon, linebacker Otis Wilson, backup quarterback Steve Fuller, cornerback Mike Richardson, defensive end Richard Dent, safety Gary Fencik, and last but certainly not least, defensive tackle (and occasional fullback) William "Refrigerator" Perry.

The Fridge brings the heat on this gem. Seriously, he can't be touched lyrically.

"You're lookin' at The Fridge, I'm the rookie,
I may be large, but I'm no dumb cookie,
You've seen me hit, you've seen me run,
When I kick and pass, we'll have more fun,
I can dance, you will see,
The others, they all learn from me,
I don't come here lookin' for trouble,
I just came here to do the Super Bowl Shuffle."

Head over to SuperBowlShuffle.net for your merch. You know you want a poster.

Tapedeck #1

2005-09-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

Introducing a new series for the audioblog: Tapedeck (forgive us, we'll think of a better name eventually). This is a series dedicated to the music we enjoy that doesn't quite fit into or qualify for a full length article on the site. We'll have a bit of everything, from obscure b-sides, golden age classics, to underappreciated gems.

In other news, we've got a good amount of interviews on deck. If all goes as planned, expect us to start rolling them out in the coming weeks. If not, bare with us, we're doing our best to bring you the illness. Also, we're going to begin to delete old mp3's to conserve disk space and bandwidth. You've been warned! We might start limiting the mp3's bitrate to 128kbps so we can keep tracks around for a longer period of time. Not sure on that yet. Anyway, on with the music.

K.M.D. - "Nitty Gritty (Dog Spelled Backwards Mix) feat. Busta Rhymes and Brand Nubian" from Nitty Gritty 12" (1991, Elektra)

Zev Love X, his little brother Subroc and neighborhood friend Onyx The Birthstone Kid team up with Hip Hop mainstays Busta Rhymes and Brand Nubian for this often forgotten remix. Definitely favored when compared with the original in my opinion, Busta rides the beat to perfection.

Da King & I - "Mr. All That" from Contemporary Jeep Music (1993, Rowdy Records)

Plenty of blogs have posted on Da King & I, I thought I'd chime in aswell. Here's my favorite album cut from the group's lone full length, Contemporary Jeep Music. This is early nineties braggadocio at its finest, courtesy of Izzy Ice.

Bushwackass - "Who's Wylin'" from How Real Israel? (1994, Pallas Records)

Any Hip Hop track that mentions Chia Pets gets the nod in my book. This shit is raw like a skinned knee, plain and simple. Need I say more?

Nujabes - Metaphorical Music

2005-08-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

Nujabes
"Blessing It (Remix) feat. Substantial and Pase Rock" from Metaphorical Music (2003, Hyde Out Productions)

"Horn in the Middle" from Metaphorical Music (2003, Hyde Out Productions)

Metaphorical Music: the melodic full length debut of Japanese born Hip Hop producer Nujabes. The soulful, rhythmic, often jazz-based style exerted through Nujabes' music has made this album a Diggin’ favorite since its release in 2003.

The moment I popped in this gem I was sold. The first track, "Blessing It (Remix)", is a reflection of Hip Hop’s true spirit from self-proclaimed "Hip Hop apostles" Substantial (QN5 Extended F@mm member) and Pase Rock (of Five Deez fame). As a pair, Substantial and Pase Rock lead you on a trek through their thoughts on Hip Hop culture and their promise to stay “on point like the pens we right with” through conscious, thought provoking lyricism. Nujabes "stays blessin’ it" himself via a soothing, saxaphone laced instrumental masterpiece.

Next on deck is a jazzy, electronic fused instrumental entitled "Horn in the Middle". Man am I a sucker for brasswind, this track reminds me why. Nujabes brings the heat with an addictive horn loop you won’t soon forget. The track is broken up with somewhat unintelligible speaking and electronica inspired breakdowns, then wraps up with a solid drum solo. Aspiring Fruity Loops producers, take notes. I know you’re out there.

The album continues on as a relaxing, part instrumental, part lyrical affair. Guest spots include Cise Star from CYNE, Uyama Hiroto, Shing02 and the whole Five Deez crew. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up, I promise you won’t regret it. You’ll most likely have to import it (yeah, more imports!). An easy place to do so would be HMV Japan.

From his beginnings as the label head of the highly lauded Japanese Hip Hop imprint, Hyde Out Productions, to his current success as co-creator of the soundtrack to Japan’s animated television series "Samurai Champloo", Nujabes is an amazing producer that demands your listening attention. Until next time, keep diggin' ya'll.

The Dereliks - A Turn on the Wheel Is Worth More Than a Record Deal

2005-08-29T01:29:00.000-07:00

The Dereliks
"I Am a Record" from A Turn on the Wheel Is Worth More Than a Record Deal (1995, Low Self Discipline)
"The Phrase That Pays" from A Turn on the Wheel Is Worth More Than a Record Deal (1995, Low Self Discipline)

The Dereliks, comprised of MC Iz and DJ/producer Hen Boogie, hit the scene back in 1994 touring and releasing compilation singles for Bomb Hip-Hop. Hailing from San Jose, California, the duo released this EP a decade ago on New York record label Low Self Discipline. It has truly stood the test of time and is now a highly apprized record, even attaining bids of over $100 on internet auctions. This is all accordingly deserved. After Boogie captures the listener with a jazzy intro-lude on "I Am a Record", Iz expresses an ingenious personification of a piece of wax (À la Common's "I Used to Love H.E.R." or Nas' "I Gave You Power"). Another stand-out pick is "The Phrase That Pays", a fresh, somewhat melancholic outlook on the fraudulent nature of the music industry. The EP has a true old school feel to it, which arguably holds comparative to the classic sounds of The Pharcyde in their prime.

The Dereliks have recorded demos spanning as early as 1992 and collectively recorded around 40 tracks. In 2003, they released the first part of their chronicles on Sublevel Epidemic entitled "Change for the Bus Ride Home". It is an album full of unreleased material which also includes an '89 revised mix of "The Mate That Fate Created" and a re-mastered version of "Iz on Some Other...". You can purchase it from Sandbox Automatic.

If you're wondering what Iz and Boogie are up to these days, Iz is now known as Peral and is part of the group Tha High with fellow members J-Smit and Trax A Million. They released and album in 2004 entitled "Crowd Control". I feel obligated to mention, it is ironic that his name is a spin on the word peril, just listen to the tracks on the website. A true travesty indeed. Another dope artist flushed down the jiggy shitter. On the other hand, Hen Boogie hooked up with Female Fun Music/Domination Recordings and released "Nobody Beats the Boog" which is a collection of rare and classic breaks. He's also done a 7" with Kegs One on Sublevel Epidemic. You can check out Hen Boogie's website at DJHenBoogie.com.

"A Turn on the Wheel..." is a true representation of how such genuine musical taste can become corrupted towards lucrative, lustful matters. It is even further exemplified by Iz AKA Peral's determination to get people bouncing while sippin' on Cristal. Don't let that mislead you though, as this record's a true gem. Mark this as another addition to the wish list. Keep diggin'.

Dave Dub: On to the West

2005-08-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

Dave Dub (photo by Marco Romano)
Peanut Butter Wolf - "Necromancin' feat. Dave Dub" from My Vinyl Weighs a Ton (1999, Stones Throw Records)
Dave Dub - "On to the West" from Programmed D (2005, Grand Good)

The man known for killing the lovers and destroying the idols, lounging with the executives of California’s Bay Area, and jotting down notes from the cliff is set to discharge havoc on the masses with his “Programmed D” scheduled for release September 06, 2005. The Baron, Dave Dub, is a controversial figure in the world of Hip Hop and rightfully so. We were forewarned about his feelings of interviews and what types of questions to ask. So, we gave thought to our questions before we spoke.

Diggin’ Music: Just to get the record straight…some say that Dave is still located in the Bay, some say he is getting jiggy in Florida, and others say that he is throwing house parties for Castro in Havana; where on the atlas is Dave Dub operating from today?

Dave Dub: Currently, I'm operating out of San Jose California. The Ze', San Hopeless or whatever one chooses to call the turf of sharks that seek prey on dry land. Fidel is anxious to get me back out to Cuba though. We had a ball when I was out there last...and Florida, well let's just say that I came across some incriminating photos of Jed Bush when I was out there, they caught wind so I had to raise up.

DM: OK Dave, how do you find “interviews” and, in general, journalism in Hip Hop today? Has your opinion changed from your past beliefs or been influenced in any way recently?

DD: Well, I remember the first issue of The Source when it originally dropped. I've seen the importance of Hip Hop journalism transition from being really informative to lackluster attempts to promote wack acts. The only vicious journalism nowadays worth tuning into is usually online. That's what's beautiful about the whole journalistic realm. The alternatives. There's still a couple mags that I pick up on occasion. Fuck 'em all though, cuz none of those mags ever cover me or the fools I'm affiliated with. We're too out there I hope.

DM: Do you feel like music could exist without the politics of the business?

DD: Why would it want to? The corruption, dishonesty, disloyalty, death, disease, payola, bitches, snakes, con men, hustlers and such. It's great. It's a microcosm of America in its purest form. I love it. And it exists on both, the indy and corporate level of the game. I hope it never changes. I love the current state of the culture. The music by itself would level shit down to strictly talent and artistry. Who the fuck would want that?

DM: You have been a noticeable force of Bay Area rap for well over 10 years now, and that’s longer than some rappers’ career, have you achieved everything you wanted to do with your music or are there elements that you have yet to implement in your sound?

DD: When I first started rhyming in '88, my goal was to hear my voice on a 12'' record. That's it. I did that. Everything else was just for kicks. I take my craft very seriously, but unfortunately, I was never into selling myself. My career has probably suffered as a result. I do what I do cuz I have to. Sometimes I wish I could quit but I can't. It's like, my life is an immune system and Hip Hop is full blown AIDS. It's unrelenting, and it has taken my life. I guess that's why I'm so sick. There's still hella shit I'm interested in exploring style wise and sound wise, but I don't know what yet. Actually, I know exactly what I'm on the verge of doing...stay tuned.

DM: What was your first song and what did it speak about?

DD: "I Go For Mine". It was a battle rap I recorded through some headphones into a tape deck. It was one of those contraptions with the turntable attached to the tape deck. This was in 1989. Me, my cousin Mike and the homie Keno had a group called Big Mac Productions, and they kicked me out or some shit, so I dissed those fools. I rhymed over an instrumental for Shaft. It was strictly fun shit. I came for those fools though...

DM: Would you ever do an R&B song? Something a la Murder Inc.? It’s murdaaah!

DD: Man, I've got a whole pop album I'm sitting on. It's gonna be a sonic mind fuck. It's gonna be like Johnny "Guitar" Watson meets Michael Jackson when "Thriller" was manhandling the charts.

DM: But, seriously though, your music is raw! It’s a sound that, shall we say, is exclusive to that San Jose area. How did your style form and what influences did you draw from prior to doing your first song?

DD: When I was a kid, I was influenced by all types of shit. Musically, soul and Hip Hop. As I got older my tastes became a hybrid of soul, punk, funk, jazz and reggae. Basically, weird, unorthodox, unrecognizable shit. Especially since Hip Hop embodies everything.

DM: It’s almost impossible to listen to Dave Dub and not ask how Uncle Sam helped shape your savagery blunted raps? (Respect to Mr. Aeks)

DD: Well it's very simple. I'm a fuckin' commie parading as a capitalist! Nah, seriously I love this country. I just hate most of the lames in it and the lames that make up the governing body.

DM: Those of our readers checking out this interview right now are most likely already aware of the things you’ve put out in the past; from those early EIM days and Underbomber Clique, to the more recent SubContents material. Those that don’t know you, fuck ‘em! What projects are you working on today and what are we to expect in the near future?

DD: Man, I was never a part of none of that shit. I'm a big fan of all those groups mentioned though. As far as now, there's hella projects cooking. The "Stalin and Lenin" album with me and Jihad from Third Sight. The "Fucking Mutants" album with me and Megabusive. The Dub Brothers album "Bad Luck and Bad Bitches", a collaboration between me and Young Joseph aka Joe Dub. The Epidemic album with comrades Grunge Toefu and Kaoe Device. Those are just a few projects, not to mention the "Ligaments For Amputees" twelve inch. That's me and my folks Ro pushing boundries. Release dates? Who knows...

DM: Since early 2004 there was buzz about the album entitled “That, Which Don’t Bleed”. It was extremely anticipated by your fans. How did “Programmed D”, out of left field, come about before this? Are any of songs recorded for “That, Which Don’t Bleed” on “Programmed D”.

DD: Yeah, "Programmed D" is actually "That, Which Don't Bleed". But that was initially the first concept. I dropped a 12" called "Upgraded Text", with my folks the Architect some time back. And that was technically the single for "Programmed D". " The album is produced by Tapemastah Steph, Ro, Clishe' and Megabusive. It's a compilement of a bunch of nutty shit I've been reconfiguring on and off for the last couple of years.

DM: This album is strictly indie, will you ever do a major label release after the demise of 75ark? How did SubContents end up with 3 different versions of the album “Notes From the Cliff”? Please, explain.

DD: The whole 75 Ark thing was fucked. "Notes From the Cliff" was a classic album. When the label folded, the album kinda sat in limbo and a couple of different people tried to put it out. Hence, the different covers and rearranged tracklistings. Nowadays I'm really deadset on getting my label, Isolated Wax, back on its feet. Especially since with this indie, underground shit, fools call you to tell you lies and the business side is crooked. No different than corporate shit really...

DM: You’ve worked with a sleuth of legendary beatcrafters in the past, including Peanut Butter Wolf, The Architect, Fanatik and Tapemastah Steph. With such a vast spectrum of production each of them brought a unique sound to your music and it’s possible that if somebody liked tracks you did with one producer they may not be feeling tracks you did with another. This is true for any artist-fan relationship. How do you feel about this?

DD: I feel like each producer a rhymer builds with, will pull out different styles and subjects from him or her. I spit usually according to what the beat says to me. So I feel like fans are definitely gonna get a vast array of songs from any artist that works with hella producers. Some of it fans might dig, other shit they'll wish never existed; including the artist.

DM: Any valuable advice you might have collected over the years for aspiring MC's out there?

DD: Stay away from fake, 6 faced people, style the way you want to, don't do hard drugs and get all the pussy, money and spirituality that you can...

DM: Dave, you’re a busy man and your time’s highly appreciated. Please forgive the long-winded questions and thanks again. Do you have any last words, shouts, or F.U.’s?

DD: Yeah, fuck all you faggots that front. Dave Dub and the Sutter Cain Gang don't even exist.

Dave Dub’s “Programmed D” hits stores September 06, 2005 and you can pick up your copy at Access Hip Hop.

Headnodic Beats

2005-08-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

Headnodic (photo by Scott Anderson)
Mission: - "BS II MF (Puba Remix)" from Mission:One (Japan Version) (2002, Bad News Records)
Headnodic - "Vallejo" from Now a Daze 12" (2004, Tres Records)

We recently got down with Crown City Rockers' bassist to ask him a few questions about his work. The man is also an avid producer for the group and has composed beats for several of today's finer underground acts. He is known as Headnodic. The name says it all, and without a doubt, you can expect his melodies to be whiplash inducing, bum burning, drum juggling, thumb bugging, funky, rhythmic, and bombtastically scrumptulescent.

Diggin' Music: Please tell us about yourself, who is Headnodic?

Headnodic: I'm a Sagitarius... I make beats all day long (mostly for Crown City Rockers)... I play the bass... and I'm the north-midwest regional US champion of the "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon Game"... (challenge me MFers).

DM: Do you have any particular goals you want to accomplish through your music?

H: To get better at what I do... thats it.

DM: The "Plate Fork Knife Spoon" album just recently dropped. It was mentioned that one of the reasons why Mission: changed into Crown City Rockers (besides the legal matters behind the name) was because of the minimal focus on the production and more attention directed towards the MC's. Was "Plate Fork Knife Spoon" solely a dedicated effort towards expressing the melodic aspects of you and your crew? Please explain.

H: Plate Fork Knife Spoon - was a project we made out of several jam sessions. Kat, Max and myself have been grooving and improvising together for years. This was a chance to make a record that focused on the free-form grooves that we play. Most of the album (minus about 3 songs) were made up on the spot.

DM: You produced the Project Move single on Sunmoon Records, Woo b/w Butterfly Theory. Did you work on anything else that is going to appear on their forthcoming album?

H: There is another joint that we did that will be on that album (slammin' album by the way).

DM: Just recently, Moe Pope united with the Crown City Rockers for a San Francisco show. This was regarded as a "Mission: Reunion". From there, it was speculated that Mission: would be reformed. Is this true?

H: I can not confirm nor deny such allegations... no, I'm playin' Mission is in the past. Moe's doing good with his group and Crown City is doing good. We'll definitely get him on the next Crown City record if possible.

DM: What can you tell us about the upcoming Megaphone album with Moe Pope?

H: Moe Pope and Headnodic present..."Megaphone" is the album that we did in 11 days, when he came out to Cali. We were going to do an EP, but it sounded a little too good, so we've decided to make a couple more tracks, and make it a full-length...

DM: Are your beats something you work on insistently? Do you sit in front of your equipment and progressively build upon a track, or is it something that comes fortuitously?

H: Some tracks take 15 minutes... Others take 5 years. I just keep bangin' on it 'till it sounds right.

DM: How has your production developed over the past few years? What kind of tools are you working with? Do you plan on expanding your current musical boundaries?

H: I use a computer now and make a lot of my own samples in ProTools. I try to make that 70's vinyl sound so alot of it is recording drums in large rooms with 2 mics. It works out perfect for me because I tour with Crown City's drummer Max MacVeety and we play different size rooms all the time, so we'll get out my DAT machine and do a "Break session" wherever we go. I'll sift through the patterns and loop up the dopest part, and mix it, and make a beat.

DM: You graduated from Berklee College of Music, was it your initial plan to pursue a career based on music? How early in life was this ambition engraved in your mind?

H: I got a bass in 7th grade and I've been at it ever since. I bought a (one button, 8 sec.) sampler in high school, and a 4track and made an album with my homie Balance the MC. We sold them out of our locker, and that was it.

DM: Tell us about the video shoot you did for the song "Beautiful" with DJ Tonk and Raashan Ahmad. You're up in there rocking a large bass and eating a cheeseburger, which is ill.

H: I still haven't seen that. I think it's at DJTonk.com I'm gonna check that out after this. They recorded the vocals for that song at my studio, so when it came time to do the video they came back and I tagged along. Tonk is dope... What up Tonk?

DM: Who has had the most influence on you in terms of your production? Is there anybody you would like to work with? Any dream collaborations?

H: I just hit Ghostface off with a beat CD... that would be the illest. of course Rakim, I'd love to get him back on some fast "follow the leader" shit. I want to get Raashan and Airto in a room together (I just want to push record on that). there are countless people I want to work with... for now I'm looking around the bay. I hope to do more stuff with Zion, Gift of Gab, and P.E.A.C.E.

DM: What music have you been listening to recently, Hip Hop or otherwise?

H: Tango music: Astor Piazzolla
A lot World music: Indonesia Gamelan stuff, Boliwood, Brazil (as always), Caetano Veloso, Lila Downs.
HipHop: The Perceptionists, Zion I, Ludacris, Wu, Timbaland.
Rock, Soul, Jazz etc.

DM: Are there any other projects not yet discussed that you're currently working on? What's next for Headnodic?

H: I did this joint "Viles" with Micha 9 and P.E.A.C.E. that I've been bumping a lot... That should be out on Micha's record in a couple months. I'm working with Destani Wolf (who sang on our album) and the new Crown City album, I'm staying crazy busy.

DM: Is there any advice you would like to impart upon aspiring producers?

H: Don't use cheater-records or sample CD's.

To learn more about Headnodic, you can visit both CrownCityRockers.com and WideHive.com.

Florida: Hip Hop's Best Kept Secret? [Part 3 - Seven Star]

2005-08-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

Seven Star
"An Error's End" from My Mother and Father Were Astronauts (2004, Counterflow Recordings)
"Gender Affection" from My Mother and Father Were Astronauts (2004, Counterflow Recordings)

Stars, those fascinating entities light years away from Earth, are in fact significant. When a star re-combusts (namely referred to as a nova), the fusion causes the creation of new elements, distributing more essential components needed for humanity to exist. Through a nova, the least noticeable star in the sky may become the brightest.

Similarly, Counterflow Recordings artist Seven Star has been dispersing his lyrics through a single element of Hip Hop, while still not gaining deserved regard. But as his recent release of compiled material prepares us for his major debut, Seven Star steadily continues to bless us with his music.

Diggin' Music: Please tell us about yourself. Who is Seven Star?

Seven Star: Just a regular guy in search for truth, in love waiting for the paradigm shift, but definitely a hip hop junkie all the way.

DM: What is the meaning behind the astronomical influences in your work? (Your name being "Seven Star" and your latest release entitled "My Mother and Father Were Astronauts")

SS: My first name derived from the influences I recieved while goin' to church. 7 is a holy number to some, a divine number if you will, and to me divinity lies in the cosmos, in the stars....in all things and since scientists say that we're made up of the same stuff as the stars, I connected them both.

DM: DJ Manuvers has produced the majority of your music. How did you guys get together?

SS: I've known Manuvers or Pancho as his closest friends and family like to call him for maybe 10, 11 years. We met while still in school through some mutual friends. He was just DJ'ing at the time and didn't get in to producing 'till a little after that. We recently formed a crew that we call MILES and will be releasing shit soon on our own label.

DM: How'd you hook up with Counterflow Recordings? How has it been working on this label?

SS: I hooked up with C.F about maybe 5 years ago. C.F.'s 2nd release was Avatar, produced by Seth P. Brundel of Algorithm right after the 1st release by Spirit Agent, "Agent Ethos". Since then we've released 2 more singles. "John Doe Lamarckian" and the "My Mother and Father were Astronauts" sampler followed up by the album. We're now getting ready to release a fourth single entitled "The Philosophy of Letting Go". Working with any label is a challenge. To me, the record industry is filled with devils of all colors trying to suck your creativity dry. We have been through some hardships, but we're still goin' strong. We got Dave Ghetto, Plant Life, Dynas and a whole bunch of surprises for hip hopers world wide. Stay tuned.

DM: Do you have any ulterior goals in terms of making music?

SS: Eventually I would like to write books and maybe even scripts for movies. My ulterior goal would definitely have to be to escape the city and settle down with my girl in a mountain somewhere, nowhere.

DM: You've lived in various areas of the world, describe in greater detail your past situations and how that has molded you.

SS: Born in Manhattan and lived in the Bronx 'till the age of 5. My mom and I move to Santurce, P.R. where I lived 'till 12 or 13. Mom dukes decides that P.R. work isn't paying her very well so we decide to move to Miami. I head out to Arizona to stay with my pops foe a while until mom dukes got her shit straight in Fl and the rest is history. The past situation that molded me the most was this one time when living in P.R. My mothers roommate, I think his name was Ralph, son came to visit for the summer. I wake up one morning to the sounds of music coming from Ralph's room so I get up to investigate and knock on Ralph's door. His son opens the door and greets me with a handshake, he's a few years older than me, but when you're that young a few years older was a big difference. He asks me the way to the beach and proceeds to sing along with the music. I'm not sure what exact song it was but it was definitely RUN DMC. I thought what he was doing was incredible. I bet him that he couldn't keep singing if the volume was down. He laughed and began to lower the volume kickin' the rhymes the whole time. I think that was the moment when I figured it all out 'cuz a couple of weeks later I wrote my 1st rhyme.

DM: Your lyrics carry a sense of conscious thought and self-contemplation. What impels you to write?

SS: My undying love for Hip Hop, God and what it might be, history and most definitely humanity in all it's splendor. I believe that musicians are a species of prophet here to help the world figure shit out.

DM: Do you have any aspirations to work with any producers or MC's out there? What would be some dream collaborations for you?

SS: Pete Rock, Primo, Just Blaze, Bjork, Bobby Mcferrin, KRS, De La, Rakim, Tribe, Monk if he was still here maybe even Billy Joel. There's so many.......

DM: What music are you feeling right now, Hip Hop or otherwise?

SS: I'm feeling the new Climber stuff on Botanica del Jibaro and I can't wait for the Dave Ghetto release to drop 'cuz that shit is goin' to be the nastiest. I'm listening to the new De La and Common, but my heart lies with my Latin American MC's like Mustafa in Argentina, Gravsound in Spain, as well as Soarce Spoken who is one of the nastiest MC's out right now.

DM: What releases can we expect from Seven Star in the near future?

SS: The next single on C.F is "The Philosophy of Letting Go" set to be released in about a month, hopefully. My sophomore album will be released with Botanica del Jibaro entitled "A View of Heaven From a Seat in Hell" set for early 2006, late 2005. I'm also working on a project called The GUILD. The Great Conjuction is here! Oh! and also I'm working with a really dope MC/DJ/producer/engineer named Rise Up from Hawaii. The project that I am most excited about is MILES with Manuvers and I. MILES might just save the world.

DM: Any last comments you would like to make?

SS: Business is a devil's art and prepare for The Great Conjuction! THE GUILD THE GUILD THE GUILD! Just a couple of MILES to go!!!!!!!

To purchase Seven Star's music, hit up CounterflowRecordings.com. Also check out BotanicadelJibaro.com for more dope releases. Until next time...peace.

Chris Craft's Aljera Music

2005-08-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

Aljera Music - Alexandria, Virginia.
Chris Craft - "Clear One feat. John Robinson and DJ Rhettmatic" from Clear One 7" (2005, Aljera Music)

Blood Diamonds (Chris Craft and B.I.) - "Pineapples" from unreleased (2005, Aljera Music)

We recently had the opportunity to conduct an interview with Chris Craft, CEO of Shaman Work Recordings and creator of a brand new Hip Hop label, Aljera Music.

Diggin' Music: For those not in the know, introduce yourself. Who is Chris Craft both musically and business wise?

Chris Craft: Peace all… The name is Chris Craft… A preppy black dude with a lot to offer… Just kidding… Well let me start with business wise because that’s honestly my main focus for the time being… I’m CEO of the record label - Shaman Work Recordings and the founder of a second record label - Aljera Music… I’ve dabbled in some things in the past like AlphaBeats.com and BeatBattle.com but I’ve found some great stability in running the labels… I’m not giving up on my past ventures… I’m going to bring them back when I have more time to give some focus to them and when Shaman Work is clicking on all cylinders.

Now let me touch on the music side of things… I pretty much started to make beats at around age 14 or 15 back in Houston, TX (my birthplace and hometown ‘til ‘97) … And making beats pretty much carried me into the formation of Divine Mind… A crew made up of friends while I was at college at Morehouse in Atlanta… I rhymed a little bit but my true skill is in the beats… Not many people know because the business side of things takes up so much of my time… But you’ll be hearing from me and my MPC 4000 a lot more in the near future folks… But everyone should go find some of the old Divine Mind stuff and some of my more recent stuff with DOOM and John Robinson to hear my sound… It’s REALLY all over the place… But I got some things planned that I’m excited about… I can tell you all that Vinia Mojica is really into a raw track that I just hit her with… So just stay on the lookout.

DM: What's the story behind Aljera Music? You're already the founder of an upstart indy label, Shaman Work Recordings. What posessed you to begin a brand new offshoot label as opposed to continuing to release your music on a single label?

CC: Aljera is really personal… The name of the label is a combination of parents’ names – Albert L. Craft and Jeraldine Beavers… They’ve both passed away within the last two years and I owe my life to God and my parents… My parents sacrificed so much for me… So this and other things I have planned in their names are my dedications to them… But don’t get it twisted… Aljera and Shaman Work are very much related… Shaman Work is the “parent company”. Aljera is just a creative outlet for my personal music… That’s all.

DM: The first Aljera Music release, the Clear One 7" is the first of seven releases in the Crafted Music series. What does the future hold for this series? Is anything planned as of now that you can reveal?

CC: Well I have a track done with Aceyalone that’s super… Maybe I should put that on a seven-inch for part two huh… But yeah “Clear One” is special… I came with the idea of basing a song around the number “one” and J.R. aka Sci just ran with it and Rhettmatic brought it on the ones and twos… I have a ton of fun releases planned for Aljera.

DM: “Pineapples” is an amazing track in my opinion. How did you hook up with B.I.?

CC: I’ve known B for quite some time… Met him through one of my old music buddies Trice… B is the young gun… I swear that his future includes being one of the mainstream’s top sought lyricists… He has what it takes and I believe that… “Pineapples” is a rough little mixtape song that we did up… After I heard it for the first time… I just had to leak it on the Aljera website.

DM: Is a full length Blood Diamonds album planned? When can we expect a release from you two?

CC: I would love to get an album out late next year for Blood Diamonds… or early 2007… Seriously… I would like to see B.I. drop a solo album before the Blood Diamonds album though… So in the meantime expect more 12”s and mixtapes from Blood Diamonds… We’re just in the process of getting the buzz where it needs to be.

DM: As I said earlier, you're the founder of Shaman Work Recordings. Recently you signed none other than C.L. Smooth. How did this go down? When can we expect a C.L. Smooth release? Fill us in.

CC: The C.L. signing was a move we had to make… Before we even signed C.L. … I was talking to my business partner, Lamar Gilliam, about picking up an artist for the roster… We wanted a legend in the game; but at the same time, we wanted someone that still “had it” with a new focus … C.L. is ferocious right now. He’s spitting harder than ever and I love it. The single “Warm Outside” b/w “I Can’t Help it” drops on August 5th, ’05 and you can expect a mix-cd hitting the streets in September… After that… An EP entitled ‘American Me’ in February / March of ’06 and the full-length will follow the EP not too far after.. tentatively entitled ‘Silver and Lead’.

DM: Is there any more news on the Shaman Work side of things that you'd like to speak on?

CC: Ta’Raach (Lacks) is in the studio recording… Scienz of Life is in the studio… We’re finishing up our ‘Beatology Vol. 2’ instrumental release with producers like Count Bass D, Locsmif, S1, Fat Jack, and others… Of course you all have to go out and cop our latest two releases – ‘Special Herbs Vol. 9+0’ and ‘The Family Files Vol. 2’ (dropping on August 9, ’05) … 2006 is going to be a special year indeed… And we just might hit ya’ll with news of another “blockbuster” artist signing before the year is up… Who knows?

DM: Thanks for your time Chris. Any last comments or shoutouts?

CC: Just support good music and good people in general… We’ve seen so much propping up of negative things… Let’s all try our best to give light to the positive spirits, forces, beings, thoughts, ideas, people, places, and things around us. Peace.

To purchase Aljera Music and Shaman Work Recordings releases visit EssDub.com. Support the music y'all, peace.

The Rural Files Volume 1: Arcee

2005-08-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

Arcee
Da Grassroots - "Thematics feat. Arcee" from Passage Through Time (1999, Conception Records)

Arcee - "Super Educated feat. Fatski" from The Exquisite 12" (2001, Certified Records)

Toronto-based artist Arcee, (phonated as initials R.C., real name Rana Chatterjee) first created a buzz on Eclipse’s single, “World Premiere” in 1998. The following year, he appeared as a guest artist on Da Grassroots album, “Passage Through Time”. On the track, “Thematics”, he verbalizes an introspective view on the positive aspects of his music-making journey. Arcee reveals his multi-faceted style by intermingling rhythm-heavy wordplay and strangely-suitable battle raps with expressive sentiment. His love and passion is evoked immensely through the hook, which is consistently preceded by shout-outs to significant relations in his life. Da Grassroots provide him with a boom-bass beat, melodically aligned with fresh drum kicks and a very catchy, yet delightful string-loop. After lacing the verses, Arcee compliments the track accordingly with smooth intervals of vocal spurts. Arguably, this track stands out as the album's gem.

In 2002, he released the single “Stripes” on the renown independent label ABB Records, which proved to be a pivotal move in his career. Many didn’t know this, but before producer Jake One blew up, he was counterparts with Arcee, and singles such as “Essay On Pseudoism”, “The Exquisite”, and “Super Educated” exemplified their potential. In 2003, he released a compilation of his singles entitled “Mixedwell” on Fifty-Fourth Records, mixed by Toronto’s own Lil’ Jaz. This release was a true showoff of Arcee’s wide spectrum of musical endeavors. The tune “Twelve” (taken off Nautilus The Navigator’s vinyl single) is strictly funky B-Boy material accentuated by the freshness of both MC’s. Though not given the opportunity for proper exposure towards a sufficient sphere of listeners, in 2004, Arcee landed his acclaimed single “Super Educated” on DJ Premier’s compilation mix, “Step Ya Game Up”. Give it to Primo to shed the light, as in past years he has been illuminating overlooked artists and their raw talent through mixtapes.

With Canada’s regressive transition towards Hip Hop’s demise, which is similar to the likes of America’s current absorption towards screaming and name repetition as a means of hit songs, there is no doubt that the temptation to sell out is highly manifested in today’s array of musical contemporaries. Arcee refrains from doing so and maintains his status as the “advocator of the truth”. His meticulous vocal-compositions combined with refreshingly delivered raps channel through as a declaration to Hip Hop’s golden era.

Arcee doesn’t pay homage to the culture in a single, constricted manner. He also runs a weekly Hip Hop radio show called “The Real Frequency”, which airs on Toronto’s CLKN, every Saturday from 1 to 4 PM PST.

Florida: Hip Hop's Best Kept Secret? [Part 2 - Swamburger]

2005-08-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

Swamburger
Swamburger - "Sun Vibes feat. Zano and Deuce Logic" from The Roots of Kin (2003, Eighth Dimension Records)
Descry / Swamburger - "Help Me Up" from untitled demo (2005, unknown)

Orlando resident Swamburger enjoyed critical acclaim early in his Hip Hop career, having his music featured on MTV (Real World, Road Rules, etc.) and on the soundtracks of Electronic Arts' hit football video games Madden NFL 2002 and 2003. Currently he's a member of the Sol.iLLaquists of Sound, who are fresh off a nationwide tour with Rhode Island political powerhouse Sage Francis. Look out for a new Sol.iLLaquists of Sound full length entitled "Explorations of Sol.itude" in late 2005 on Nonsense Records and a yet to be titled collaboration with up and coming Bay Area producer Descry.

To learn more about Swamburger, visit the Sol.iLLaquists of Sound website (under construction). A special thanks to Descry for supplying an early demo for a future Descry/Swamburger collaboration. Check out his website here (also currently under construction).

Look!

2005-07-30T03:45:00.000-07:00

Look Records - San Francisco, California.
Grip Grand – “Poppin’ Pockets (Remix) feat. A.G.” from Poppin’ Pockets 12” (2004, Look Records)
A.G. – “If I Wanna” from Look Records 2005 Sampler (2005, Look Records)

A few of the latest offerings from the promising Bay Area label Look Records. Keep an eye out for a full length album from A.G. on Look Records featuring production from Madlib, Oh No, J Dilla, Lord Finesse, Showbiz and several others. You can purchase the Poppin’ Pockets 12” from the Look Records store here. Currently all orders ship with a free copy of the Look Records 2005 Sampler.

Production Credits:
“Poppin’ Pockets (Remix)” produced by DJ Design.
“If I Wanna” produced by Jake One.

Soloplexus - The Illusive Avenues of 6 Intrinsic Musicians

2005-07-29T22:59:00.000-07:00

Soloplexus
"Should I Letem In?" from The Illusive Avenues of 6 Intrinsic Musicians (2005, Bad News Records)
"The Magic Instrument" from The Illusive Avenues of 6 Intrinsic Musicians (2005, Bad News Records)

The latest Japan-only release from Boston native Insight: Soloplexus - The Illusive Avenues of 6 Intrinsic Musicians. If you were a fan of "Seventeen MC's" (a track from Insight's stellar 2004 release "The Blast Radius" in which he forms a one man posse cut, speaking in seventeen different voices), this is the album for you. The fictitious group Soloplexus is Insight himself, slimming his roster of alter-egos down to six for the length of a full album. Insight goes to great lengths to add to the illusion, as far as to list himself as a guest artist on a few tracks and have some non-descript bios cooked up (enjoy the broken English, haha). Trust me, he isn't fooling anyone. All six emcees hardly depart from Insight's standard vocal offering, you'll have a hard time telling the seven apart. This is a small shortcoming in the grand scheme of things though. All nitpicking aside, you're left with a very solid album. Soloplexus' emcees rarely take the music's content too seriously, often devoting whole tracks to the simpler conflicts and activities of life (answering a knocking door, confronting a tow truck operator, and enjoying a lazy day to name a few). Many listeners will appreciate the departure from the standard braggadocio-laced Hip Hop fare. Sit back, relax and enjoy the rhymes.

This album is available for online purchase through Bad News Records for 2,400 yen (link). I know importing music can be expensive, so here's some good news for those who can be patient: word is Insight will be releasing the album stateside sometime in 2006.

Not familiar with Insight? Visit his website, Insight.fm.

Florida: Hip Hop's Best Kept Secret? [Part 1 - CYNE]

2005-07-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

CYNE (Cultivating Your New Experience)
"Steady" from Movements 12" (2003, Botanica del Jibaro)
"Automaton (Four Tet Remix)" from Running Water 12" (2005, City Centre Offices)

I had the pleasure of getting my hands on an advance copy of CYNE's sophomore album, "Evolution Fight" in March. We're at the end of July, it's yet to leave my rotation. Consistant conscious lyricism backed by soulful beats, this album is solid end-to-end and not to be slept on. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up when it drops, it has "Top 5 of 2005" written all over it (at least in my opinion).

It's a shame their music isn't readily available in the United States. I had a hard time purchasing their music, even through online Hip Hop retailers. I finally managed to cop both a Japanese version of their debut album "Time Being" and a Japan-only collection of b-sides entitled "CYNE Collection (1999-2003)" through the online retailer Forced Exposure. $21 a pop is a little steep, but it was well worth it. If you enjoy the music, definitely go out and (attempt?) to cop a release. Hopefully their sophomore effort will be a little more easy to come by stateside.

To learn more about this Florida-based Hip Hop crew hit up CYNE's Official Website or their MySpace. "Evolution Fight" is due out August 23rd, 2005 on City Centre Offices (CCO).