Friday, February 29, 2008

Low End Theory

Man, I've never been so f*cking jealous!!! My NYC fam is going to be offered and served some of the most scrumptious music spoils available. I had heard rumblings of this is party out in LA called Low End Theory, but it's out in NY this weekend for the inaugural East Coast night, and were it not for work - and this snow today - I'd be there for sure.



This is the 2nd time that's I've missed my man FlyLo whilst in NY and your man's upset! ARGH. All love. During the Black-Beatles's United Colors party last night, I had to snap some necks w/ some of that low end that FlyLo has mastered. And, to boot, my man Harmonic 313 told me that in AUS, FLyLo played him with this rmx that just made him lose it. Ha. I bet MP. Top of that, they got GasLamp Killer running a set as well. How sick is that gonna be?? ARGH!
Anyhow, if you're in NY and you're not hitting Knitting Factory tomorrow... [head shakes]. I'll have my chance, soon come. Shouts to my man Slott who's out there and planning to make that show. Tell me about it when we catch up next. Wrd.

After watching that Low End Theory trailer, I feel iike locking myself in my apt, with Logic and Ableton. Soon come.
So, I'm still @ work here, praying for that Low End. Here's my man FlyLo Stuntin, snapping your neck with no end. Say wrd. Enjoy.







Wednesday, February 27, 2008

YIKES! Release Party!?!

Did you hear that?!?! [heart pumpin]

Those were bullets whizzing by. BOP BOP BOP!



No. In all seriousness, I'm hearing rumblings of a Guilty Simpson Release Party @ the end this month. Ya heard?? The Ode To The Ghetto album drops March 25th so it would make some sense. But, meatier is the rumors of a special guest. WTF?!?! I ran into your man Guilty in London this past summer and in LA in Nov and he's been talking about wanting to come up... Sh*t. This could be f*cking heavy...

BOP BOP BOP! Guilty Simpson... Rude Bwoy Tings.

So whilst we wait for the Ode To The Ghetto like fiends, The Beat Conductor and Guilty himself tell us about this f*cking American Dream. Look for more deets about this release party. Say wrd.







Monday, February 25, 2008

Might Fool Around But Ain't A Damn Thing Funny.

So, several weeks back, my man Jay hits me with this Youtube for this cat in Vienna. Someone hit me with the same clip just a few days ago. Ok. [Apple-D]. Says he's fooling around....



Indeed. I might crack a smile, but ain't a damn thing funny. Kid is sick. Beat is fresh, and the style even fresher. He gets it. He being my man Dorian Concept from mother f*cking Vienna. Furthering my belief that there's been no better time for music and lovers. Heard this bangin rmx, refix, re edit he did for Phat Kat's Nightmare ft Guilty Simpson and I'll hopefully soon get my hands on it.

Love it. Who said there's no good music out?? [teeth kissing, frying eggs sound].

So look up and wait for the riddims to drop from the sky. Dorian Conept's Fort Teen will run in the deck for the mandem & I.







Saturday, February 23, 2008

Scientia: J-Rocc does it again

J-Rocc is the man. I've been meaning to post about this one for a little whilst now.
Blue Notes just released a comp titled "Droppin' Science:Droppin' Science: Greatest Samples From The Blue Note Lab" highlighting classic tracks that had been sampled in some of the more celebrated records known to most.



So, in a brilliant move, Blue Notes hit up The Funkiest President himself to make a mix to promote this record. They even put out a diff cover for it: Nice. But the original mix was not avail for download - just a stream. But, via the grace of Blue Notes and Stones Throw, you can actually get it now.

Say wrd.

In case you wondered about the tracks, samples and where they were used...

1. Lou Donaldson “It’s Your Thing” – Originally on the album Hot Dog (Blue Note, 1969).
Brand Nubian “Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down” (Elektra)
De La Soul “Bitties In The BK Lounge” (Tommy Boy)
Lox “Get This $” (Bad Boy/Arista)
Real Live “Day You Die” (Pirate/Big Beat)
Madonna “I’d Rather Be Your Lover” (Warner Bros.)

2. Ronnie Foster “Mystic Brew” – Originally on the album Two Headed Freap (Blue Note, 1972).
A Tribe Called Quest “Electric Relaxation” (Jive)
Rell “Real Love” (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam)
E.T.A. “Ayia Napa” (Flex)

3. Donald Byrd “Think Twice” – Originally on the album Stepping into Tomorrow (Blue Note, 1974).
A Tribe Called Quest “Footprints” (Jive)
Main Source “Lookin At The Front Door” (Wild Pitch)
De La Soul “Simply Havin” (Tommy Boy)
DJ Krush “Big City Lover” (Instinct)
J Dilla “Think Twice” (BBE)

4. David Axelrod/David McCullum “The Edge” – Originally on the album Music: A Bit More of Me (Capitol, 1968).
Dr. Dre “The Next Episode” (Aftermath/Interscope)

5. Jack McDuff “Oblighetto” – Originally on the album Moon Rappin’ (Blue Note, 1969).
A Tribe Called Quest “Scenario” (Jive)
J Dilla “Oblighetto Remix” (Blue Note)

6. Joe Williams “Get Out Of My Life Woman” – Originally on the album Presenting Joe Williams and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra (Solid State, 1966).
Kool G Rap “Ill Street Blues” (Cold Chillin’/Warner Bros.)
Biz Markie “Funk Is Back” (Cold Chillin’/Warner Bros.)
Cadillac Tah “You Loose” (Def Jam)
Jill Scott “Brotha” (Hidden Beach)

7. Grant Green “Down Here On The Ground” – Originally on the album Alive! (Blue Note, 1970).
A Tribe Called Quest “Vibes & Stuff” (Jive)
Madonna “Forbidden Love” (Boy Toy/Warner Bros.)

8. Lonnie Smith “Spinnin Wheel” – Originally on the album Drives (Blue Note, 1970).
A Tribe Called Quest “Can I Kick It” (Jive)
Pete Rock And C.L. Smooth “Act Like You Know” (Elektra)
Brian Austin Green “Didn’t Have A Clue” (Yam Yum Entertainment)

9. Jeremy Steig “Howling For Judy” – Originally on the album Legwork (Solid State, 1970).
Beastie Boys “Get It Together” (Capitol)

10. Lou Donaldson “Who’s Makin Love (To Your Old Lady)” Originally on the album Hot Dog (Blue Note, 1969).
Biggie Smalls “One More Chance” Remix. (Bad Boy)
Marley Marl & Craig G “Droppin Science” (Cold Chillin”/Warner Bros)
Mary J. Blige “Everyday It Rains” (Def Jams)

BONUS TRACKS (Digital album and LP version)

11. Ronnie Laws “Tidal Wave” Originally on the album Pressure Sensitive (Blue Note, 1975).
Black Moon “Who Got The Props” (Nervous)
Jackson 5 “I Want You Back (Remix)” (Motown)

12. Monk Higgins “Little Green Apples” – Originally on the album Extra Soul Perception (Solid State, 1969).
Gangstarr “Code Of The Streets” (Chrysalis/EMI)

13. Donald Byrd “Wind Parade” – Originally on the album Places and Spaces (Blue Note, 1975).
Black Moon “Buck Em Down” (Nervous)
2 Pac “Definition of A Thug Nigga” (Columbia Pictures/Sony) and (Amaru/Interscope/Jive)
2 Pac “Late Night” (Interscope)
Organized Confusion “Stray Bullet” (Hollywood)

And you're @ work and you just wanna stream this, enjoy.







Friday, February 22, 2008

Mezzo Forte: MP Madness

Man, what a night. So, this was my 1st official gig inna min [read almost a decade - real talk], I had a f*cking blast. Essentially, this was all born out of RBMA. After seeing some now friends of mine rip it up, I just had to make that dip. It was the change I had been looking for.



So I showed up last night @ Andy's Pool hall w/ the MP in hand, as well as the recently bought Serato (those guys are ca$hing out hand over fist - not mad. That device is solid). In concept, after making all my midi assignments, I knew that this set up should work. And it did. I ran my whole set on the MP. Pitch and all. It was nuts, but fun. I need efx now. The blends were train wrecks @ times, but that was actually my 1st time using it. Seeen.



So I had a bunch of bangers that I had been longing to play for cats. Robotica, Future Beats, Hoodtronica - what ever tickles your fancy ---> it ran all night. And oh yes, some Detroit delerium as well. ;)






A massive shout to CRCL RSRCH. Let's build for sure. Lifetime of blies to Scarlett. Could not have started w/o you dude. Link up soon, seen?? Good look to the ones who came thru and repped. That bitter cold is so not sexy. Bday shout to Harold & Jee-EM. Shouts to my man BB for the shots. Needed those!!!

And whilst I'm beginning to get thing poppin for the Roboticaphiles, ppls like A.D.A.M. are showing cats how to change your style. BANGER!! Say wrd. Enjoy. (and yes, this was one of the man EIDs I dropped last night).







Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The Ecstatic

YO. I was not joking abou the missing H. Every year about this time, I vanish from cyberspace. Too swamped @ work - or more like, it's just crazy enough to keep me off. I'll manage...

But I'm just days removed from a few trade shows. But you know, I keep my eyes peeled. Anyhow, after regretting not getting any footage of Black Dante aka Mos Def @ a show in Toronto, I caught up with him in Las Vegas last week.



Madlib turns dem strings up!

I feel that Mos has been more excited about his coming LP, The Ecstatic that we are. He's been raving about the Madlib beats ever since last fall. Hell yea I'll co-sign that. In fact, word is that he carries a beat tape w/ him @ all times. Seen.

Anyhow, you got me Mos. I'll cop it fa sho.

BTW, good look to Nah Right for the post.

Moslib?? Maddef?? Regardless, this LP The Ecstatic is due to certainly be one of the best. Hold this Madlib The Bad Kid beat.







Friday, February 15, 2008

Imagine....

I've just been absent for almost a week, but could we envisage a more permanent displacement? How crazy would that be? Hmmmm....



Whoa.

Missed you yyz. De vuelta indeed.. Looking fwd to seeing you out. Let's have a drink muy temprano.

Mucho beso.

Enrique.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Man @ Work

Back in 5 minutes days. Gone to bathroom Las Vegas.



Sin City, Lost Wages... What have you. Been a good but kinda rough week y muy occupado! Next to no internet, raspy throat, expensive food and cabs. Argh. But getting to catch up w/ fam from out of town, p r i c e l e s s . Will try to post some pix temprano.
Looking to come back home soon, despite the reports of snow, snow and more snow. ARGH!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

yyz got it.



No doubt. We do.
There are certain events and conversations that i will never ever forget.
♥ The original Slum Village lineup performing @ Comfort Zone.
♥ Dilla showing up in a limo @ the Opera House right before the SV set, with and MPC under each arm.
♥ Dave1, former (?) senior music writer @ Vice magazine and now co-head of famed Chromeo inexplicably watching women lose it whilst ?uestlove played some SV during his 1st Toronto DJ Set.
♥ Dilla showing up minutes before his set @ the now defunct Roxy Blu, and cutting thru the crowd amidst the jubilation.

yyz got it - yep. Toronto does Love Jay, in case you knew not. Say Wrd.

Tonight: TO Love Jay. Click here for FB group & deets. Shout outs to BLK BTLZ. (you looking for the ni**az, yea we be dem...)



Have fun folks. Again, I'll reach in spirit but duty calls. Shouts to Merv and Cairo. Good look on the adv tee.

So whilst TO shows you the deal, this SV rmx will show the mandem how I feel.









H!

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Thank you Jay Dee: Act 1 + 2. (Happy BornDay Dilla)


Stones Throw & J-Rocc has been responsible for one of the more celebrated mixtapes. The Dilla Trilogia. A triple disc set of of the Jay Dee aka J Dilla catalog mixed by the Funkiest President himself J-Rocc of Beat Junkies fame.
With the release of Act 3 this week, many Stones Throw fans and Dilla fanatics have been inquiring about Acts 1 + 2.

It's all about love, no??

So it seems that the ST heads are contemplating a re-release of the archived Acts. With that being said, pls keep your eyes peeled and dialed in to Stones Throw for more announcements.

And in case you forgot....

★ February is Dilla Month ★.



Cheers!

H!

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Thank You Dilla: ACT3.



February is Dilla Month. Hope you show love, and you have lots of opportunity in Feb to do so in Toronto.

Feb 10th: TO Love Jay. Click here for FB group & deets. Shout outs to BLK BTLZ. (you looking for the ni**az, yea we be dem...)



...Feb 16th. Stones Throw & GoodFoot present:

MOVE.

The new bi-monthly in Toronto. Deets and FB group here.




Finally, I have a low-key dedication organized as well myself. Music inspired by and performed by James Yancey.

...Feb 21st @ Andy's Pool hall with CRCL RSRCH.



Mymanhenri presents: You Know What Love Is.

All info is here.

[exhale].

We do it for the love.

Speaking of love, did I ever tell you that I love J-Rocc?

Some of us have been in high anticipation of the new mixtape in the Thank You Jay Dee series. So here it is!

February is Dilla Month, it's plain to see. So for you, J-Rocc presents the last of the Trilogy:

★ ★ ★ ★ Thank you Jay Dee - ACT3 ★ ★ ★ ★


Enjoy!











H!

Monday, February 04, 2008

Fat Ray: The Set Up



Man, I still recall having this convo w/ Phat Kat about some of the cats in the D and who I felt had next. Yes, I used to run my mouth all day about Black Milk and with reason. Sh*t. Dirty District 1 was enough for me to know and hear sickness. That beat alone...
But when Dirty District 2 dropped, I took notice of this one cat. I still recall a touch of confusion as the 1 ot 2 tracks I had were mislabeled so for a min, I didn't know who had the hot verse. After sorting that out, Fat Ray is who emerged. Sick.
Every time afterwards, I would tell Kat how I felt that Fat Ray was next to rep the D. If you were familiar with Dirty District 2, Man Up & Number One were two of my faves. He also had this sick verse on Xtra off the T3 mixtape. Just bananas.
Anyhow, I had this same Fat Ray convo a whilst back w/ Black as he played me this banger he did w/ Fat Ray (Hello - which may remain in the vault now - more no that another day.)
So now, the good news:

Fat Ray, Black Milk - The Set Up. In Stores March 4th

What started as an EP quickly became an album just to put out there. All bangers co-signed and produced by your man, Black Milk. Black was here this past Friday (for the Real Frqs anni party) and played me the whole record. ¡Jesus! If you love the D, this one is for you.

Even better news is that Fat Beats just inked a deal w/ Koch Canada, so this should be avail in HMV - and such outlets. Say Wrd. Shouts to my man Heath Blzzard & Jay Dev.

So xtra xtra, Fat Ray's now in town, and here's The Set Up and how he & Black get down. Enjoy.









H!

One For Don Shula


The G-Men did it. Don Shula has had some Moet Chandon sitting on ice for a while. Did he think he was going to have to wait til the big dance to pop the cork on the bubbly? No matter.



POP.

Don Shula can calmly lie in his hammock, spark it and sip it. NY will quaff it. Good work. I'll be watching on Tuesday.

H!

Friday, February 01, 2008

BHM



Though I don't need the month of February to celebrate, I show love.