A Fistfull Of Tofu

Found Grooves Mix

2011-04-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

So i actually went into a record store the other day. Its been a minute since i physically set foot in one instead of buying records online, and to be honest i had a blast. It was so much more fun getting down and dirty and flicking through crates and crates of records than thumbing through thousands of online listings on whatever site you use. I was so inspired i deciede to make a mix using the records that i found that day Partially influenced by these guys Diggin For Wax. It was something that i used to do back in the day, record that days finds into a mix and bump into onto Mini Disk ( yeah you remember those things right ? ) for the car, bus and train trips. So here it is. Its mostly on a boogie/disco tip but starts off with some Mary J and Jody Watly.

Broken Stylus Mix

2011-04-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

This is short mix on an instrumental beat and hip hop tip. Featuring tracks from Dj Cam, Dj Krush, Hermitude, F & D, Astronomy Class, Black Milk, Menahan Street Band and Curren$y. Enjoy and drop some comments if you dig the sounds or want any more track info.

Why Did You Have To Leave ?

2011-03-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

Okay hello all. Here's a selection of tracks that I've got on high rotation right now. Sounds from Atlas Sounds, Seekae, Skream, Dirty Projectors, Real Estate, Memory Tapes and a few more. On a rainy day/ indie electronic vibe. Hope you enjoy. Hit

Thats All Folks !

2010-12-29T02:15:00.001-08:00

Well this is my last post for the year and well maybe forever. I feel like the blog has run its course and its time to move on.
I've been really lucky this year to be able to travel to Japan and the States and also interstate to Melbourne, Caught up with many old peeps i havn't seen in ages and continue to be surrounded by friends and family.
Definetly going to keep it moving in 2011 and i wish you and all your family the best.
Going to leave you with Moon Rocks Ill Street Blues. Enjoy

Price Of Silence

2010-10-24T01:40:00.000-07:00

Price Of Silence was a Hardcore Punk group from South Australia.
This is their self titled 10" that came out on their own label and distribution company Spiral Objective.
I picked this up from Phantom Records in Pitt Street in 1995 when it dropped for the measly price of $9.
What you get is 9 songs of brutal hardcore. Tackling issues about everything from Homophobia to truth in the media, and protecting the planet.
Back in the day POS and anything with a Spiral Objective stamp on it were like seals of approval. You could happily pick any release unheard and know that it was dope.
Spiral Objective were responsible for distributing both Australian and overseas hardcore, anarchist and punk records,books, and zines all over Australia and in the days of preinternet were instrumental in pushing the scene forward.
I've ripped the whole 10" because this is well out of print and i want to share this piece of history with you.
This is going out for all the hardcore kids i knew back in the day. You know who you are.

Price of Silence ST 10"

Coming Soon...I Hope

2010-10-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

So i stumbled across this Australian producers youtube channel the other day (thanks to DOOM) and i was blown away by his music and videos. Julien Love has got the whole italo/modern boogie sound down. He must have a serious synth collection. His videos are amazing as well. I've had these all on repeat all day and still not sick of them. Hopefully M-Division Recordings will be putting out some of this incredible music in the near future.

Rap Video Wednesday

2010-10-20T02:06:00.000-07:00

Now that im not doing a hip hop radio show i find im actually enjoying listening to hip hop in my spare time. Here's a few videos that im felling right now.

Illmind is capable of being really boring some times but he kills this beat. Skyzoo comes correct too.

Freeway and Jake One just get better and better.

I always have time for E-40 but the Sade sample just hooked me in.

This isn't new but bangs anyway. Alchemist is underrated if you ask me.

COOL IT DOWN

2010-10-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

A music program heavily influenced by the beat digging aesthetics of hip hop. From the sounds of the boogie down Bronx 1979 to the disco edits of today’s blog scene to the experimental sounds of LA’s Future Beat scene of today. From early Detroit and Chicago house to the deeper dubbed out electro sounds of today’s Dubstep and B- more club. Blended with Funk, Soul, Reggae, Brazilian, Afro and Latin breaks from the dusty crates of presenters Lo-D, Sage One, Size 13 and Sandro.

Every Tuesday 3-4pm on 2SER FM 107.3 or streaming on www.2ser.com

So this is whats been taking up my time of late. Were' up to episode 8 and podcasts should be up really soon.
Mean while check the blog site for track lists and you can stream the show from the 7/09/10 below

Blog

Shades Of Green

2010-10-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

As summer rolls in what better way to spend a lazy Sunday than listening to DJs, drinkin beer and playing bare foot lawn bowls.
Every second sunday at Petersham Bowling Club. Kicks off this sunday

Shades Of Green

Just Blaze At Tone

2010-10-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

Just Blaze, The legendary DJ/Producer who has worked with everyone from Jay Electronic to Jigga hits Tone this friday in a sneak attack on Sydney's shore. Supports come from the UK's Sarah Love, Josie Styles and Cyberthief.

Back In The Day

2010-10-06T04:39:00.000-07:00

I was reminiscing the other day about bands we used to see back in the day and i found a bunch of clips on youtube.
The Hard Ons were the first band i ever saw live. I think i was 14 and it was on at the local PCYC. It would have been 94 or maybe earlier im not sure. I don't remember much about the show aside from the drummer vomiting on stage. Im pretty sure The Dream Killers supported and The Cosmic Psychos could have been there too.

Lawnsmell was the best band i'd ever seen play. They had two bass players and were heavy as fusk why managing to maintain a pop sensibility without being corny. I had the biggest crush on the bass player (Gina?) for years. Its funny i was at this show that the video is showing. Some great gigs at the Manning Bar in the late 90s.

One Inch Punch changed there name to Mid Youth Crisis for some reason that escapes me. Another great band that i was very happy to be able to catch live a few times. They had a seriously heavy live show. Their debut album was on constant rotation for years.

Gilgamesh was a punk/ska band from the late 90's. The video is from them doing a reunion show with a bunch of other bands like Blitz Babiez. I have fond memories of seeing them play at gigs at the Phoenician Club before Bob Carr and Anna Wood fucked it all up.

RIP Aaron Carl

2010-10-05T02:33:00.000-07:00

I was shocked to find out that Aaron Carl one of the legends of Detroit electronic music lost his battle with cancer.
Its weird as i was just pulling out a bunch of Aaron Carl records to listen to, Only to read the news in the music press today.
Mentored by Mad Mike Banks from UR and Ron Murphy from NSC, Aaron was able to effortlessly move between deep house techno, and electro funk. His music was deep, soulful and slamming moving dance floors across the world
You will be missed RIP to a Detroit legend.

Set The Tone

2010-09-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

Next Friday I'll be spinning at the night Set The Tone. There will be a an exhibition B-Boy battle, a live set from the jazz/hip hop group 5 Coffees and DJ Sets from Sage One, D-Lect and myself and the Swat DJs. So if your down with the jazz, funk, disco boogie and old school hip hop sounds get on down.

Ghost

2010-09-14T04:57:00.000-07:00

So i just picked up the new album from UK producer Ghost. Its his third album and limited to 300 copies available from his bandcamp site and a select few stores in NZ where he now resides.
Im not sure what they put in the water in NZ but it seems to agree with overseas producers who move there.
Postcards From The Edge (Which incidentally is also the title of Carrie Fishers autobiography) is a radical departure from Ghosts previous work on labels such as Breakin Bread. Gone are the jazz samples and the swinging organic drums. Also most of the vocals as well as only three of the thirteen tracks feature Mcs.
Instead they are replaced by dark and sweeping synths that create rich soundscapes akin to something that could have been put out on Warp Records in the late 90s. Hearts and Minds remind me of something Autechre or Black Dog would have produced.
This is not so say Postcards sound derivative, far from it. Ghost has crafted a dark yet uplifting album that conjures up blade Runner like images of the future.

Mexican Summer

2010-08-26T05:06:00.000-07:00

Mexican Summer is a label hailing out of Brooklyn that straddles the sounds of psychedelic folk, synth driven electro pop and echo and delayed affected rock.
They have an amazing roster of artists that include the chill wave sounds of Washed Out and the Lo Fi driven rock of Best Coast.
Most of their artists release their albums on vinyl as well as mp3 which is becoming a rarity in this day and age.
The move to vinyl seems to have payed off though with Washed Out's first 12" already in its 3rd press and with OG copies changing hands for increasing large sums of money.

Buying Old Records Is A Habit

2010-08-07T02:31:00.000-07:00

Check out the new blog from some homies over in London.
Basically its about records and music and all that good stuff.
One of the most interesting ideas is their Diggin For Wax Mix Series. The premise being that with a $20 (pound) budget they go into a record store and make a mix out of the records that they find. The first mix is up now. Check it out.

Diggin For Wax

Hot Flush

2010-08-06T04:45:00.000-07:00

Im loving the down tempo/lo-fi, pych, atmospherics of Mount Kimbie and Scuba.
Hot Flush is definitely one of the more interesting dubstep labels out there right now.

Eli Escobar

2010-08-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

Eli Escobar just dropped a new single on Planet Music and what a nice piece of seriously deep cosmic/disco it is.
Love Thing features Amanda Blank who is amazing on this yet managed to turn out a very disappointing album last year.
This track will be perfect for the upcoming summer months.
Props to The Late Show for the heads up.

Jingle Jangle

2010-08-03T05:16:00.000-07:00

The Legion were a group from The Bronx who were put on by Dres from Black Sheep and down with Show and AG.
I first heard this on Dj Krush's awesome Code 4109 mix.
Its fairly easy 12" to come by these days but the album is still worth loot.
One of my favourite hip hop 12"s of all time.. .1993 new york classic !

Computa Love

2010-08-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

My overactive imagination conjures up pictures of circuit boards, drum machines and synths getting it on in a seedy 70's themed love hotel in Tokyo with this track. But hey that could just be me.
Taken from Giles Peterson's Electric compilation on Brownswood Records this is by far the standout track for me.
San Fransico producer B. Bravo says he likes Soulful chords and melodies and heavy drums and bass in his music. He says sometimes his music is labeled Future Funk but he dosn't really care what you call it.
When its this good i don't think it really matters what you call it either.

New York 1977-1985

2010-07-29T21:27:00.001-07:00

Damn people this is the shit. This is what its about.
New York 1977-1985 Downtown. ESG, Talking Heads, Keith Haring, Jazzy Jay, Busy Bee, Larry Levan David Mancuso and the list goes on.
If i could time travel this is where i'd end up no doubt.

Peep The website here

Cuz Im Big In Japan

2010-07-29T06:03:00.000-07:00

A video of Wu-Tang touring japan.
I get chills to see them all on stage together, Would have been so dope to see.
Its funny to watch them bickering on the bullet train gives you an idea of the dynamics of the group and how hard it was to get them all in one place at the same time.
Also funny to see how wilding the Japanese crowd is.

Grown People Music

2010-07-27T04:55:00.000-07:00

Its been kinda slow in here lately. The real world has been keeping me busy. When i do have time to myself its all about chilling out and this song is perfect for that.
Ron Preyer's If You Don't Want My Love came out in 1978 on Shock Records.
I picked up this 7" at Big City Records in NYC. It caught my eye thanks in part to the funky logo shock records used and the fact that the B-side was entitled Baltimore. (Anything B-More related is generally worth investigating)
What you get is a nice down tempo soul number with just enough swing in the drums and funky instrumentation to make you smile as you lie back at the end of a hard day.

EARL

2010-07-19T03:49:00.000-07:00

"EARL" /// Music Video. from AG Rojas on Vimeo.

This is what happens if you crossed Harmony Korine's film Kids with Fondle'Em Records and transported it to LA.
Reminds me of early Cage before he went all emo crossed with some power violence band like Spazz.
These kids are young and Earl has great word play, Something most rappers lack today. The beats produced by his brother are sinister and dark but sound sonically pleasing. The video is funny as hell and fits the overall mood perfectly.
Get more of there music from their page.

Earl's page

Future Funk

2010-07-06T04:33:00.000-07:00

Onra is a producer from Paris who is killing ears everywhere with his new take on disco boogie and RnB.
Peep his new album Long Distance out on All City for proof of how deep, funky and spaced aged boogie grooves can sound pitched down to minus eight.
Sounding like something Prelude Records would have released if it was still around today mixed with LA's future Beat scene, Onra's grooves are supplemented by the vocals of Reggie B, Olivier Daysoul and T3 from Slum Village. Highly recommended to anyone with a remote interest in anything electro funk related.

Rammellzee Space Aged B-Boy

2010-06-30T03:39:00.000-07:00

Rammellzee was the original space age b-boy. He was one of the first writers to start camouflaging their letters in a style that would come to be know as wildstyle. The dude painted trains with Dondi and Dr Revolt. He created his own theory on letters and their hidden powers that he called Ikonclast Panzerism. He also was a dope emcee whose tracks were featured on the 1982 documentary Wild Style. He released a solo album in 2004 and collaborated with NY label Supreme for a range of clothing.
It makes me incredible sad that more and more of the pioneers of the late 70's and early 80s scene are slowly disappearing.
Some time in the future the world will wake up and realise that Rammellzee was one of the great mind of our time. RIP to a true legend.

ANTE UP

2010-06-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

STICK UP KIDS & FreshIn present ANTE UP STICK UP KIDS & FreshIn present ANTE UP "Nothing but a hip hop party" Golden Era Hip hop, classic 90s rap, raw rhymes & blog hype, local Oz and NZ flavour, some smooth 90s rnb and a bit more new jack.

Saturday July 3rd $10 Doors Open 9pm Brighton Up Bar 77 Oxford Street

Relax Yourself

2010-06-17T02:10:00.000-07:00

A Tribe called Quest are hitting Sydney. August 11th at that large shed that they call the Horden Pavilion.
Now i could complain about how this is a wednesday night, how high ticket prices are and how there's a VIP option ( what are we Rolling Stones fans ?) but aside from buying a plane ticket to the states this is the only way your going to see Phife, Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad doing what they do best. Pre sale tickets went on sale today and word is they are only going to get more expensive so get in quick.

What's Love Got To Do With It

2010-06-14T02:33:00.000-07:00

This post is simple really. Its about Jay Dee. I don't really need to tell you anything about this except to say that this is mix of Dilla productions,raps and samples broken down into three parts. It was originally done for the Radio show Droppin Science i host on 2SER FM here in Sydney to commemorate the fourth anniversary of his death. I know a lot of people are sick of all the hipsters jumping on the bandwagon of Dilla's death. But thats not going to stop me from celebrating the work of one of the best producers to ever live. Dude was light years ahead of the game.

Boogie Down

2010-06-10T05:25:00.000-07:00

This is a disco/boogie influenced mix i did back in 05 in homage to the club night Boogie Down that ran at Candy's Apartment for a number of years, and was hosted by Jimmy James, Blaze, Regal and Nick Toth. To many people including me this was the highlight of Sydney clubing especially for those that enjoyed the sounds of hip hop, breaks, disco boogie and funk. Too many great nights and memories were had here including watching Paul Nice, Young Einstein, Mark Rae, Quest Love and Cut Chemist among many others.
I found this mix on a mini disk (remember those ?) and bounced it to mp3. No tracklist again but if you need to know about anything just ask.

Soul Food Mix

2010-05-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

Im probably the laziest DJ i know. I never really practice and i never get around to making mixtapes.
Part of the reason is that Im never really happy with the results and if i have to do several takes on an idea it starts to feel forced and i loose any flow and spontaneity that i had.
Anyway here's a mix i just did.
Its loosely based around the concept of Soul music and features DJ Day, Erykah Badu, Stephanie Mckay, Eric Lau, Slum Village,Liz Fields, Jill Scott, DJ Cam and Onra among others. If enough people ask i'll post a track list. It was done in one take and has a few mistakes but i like the feel of it so here you go. Hope you enjoy.

Kings Go Forth

2010-05-19T04:28:00.000-07:00

Formed in 2007 in Milwaukee's Lotus Land record store by owner Andy Noble and Black Wolf, Kings Go Forth bring the heat in a serious fashion. Preceded by a bunch of 7"s that have become collectors items. Their full length album The Outsiders Are Back is the perfect blend of soul/funk/disco and the Philly Sound to make the listener think it was 1978 all over again.
With seven players and three vocalists, the sound this band creates is massive. The singers harmonies are amazing and there are some ill drum breaks.
Out on the independent label Luaka Bop, The cover art is by Mingerinn Mike.
Buy this from all good record stores or straight from Luaka Bop's webstore.

The Do Over Do Vinyl

2010-05-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

The Do Over from LA have just entered the record game. The people responsible for the LA institution that is The Do Over have just put out a limited edition clear 10". They kept it an LA affair with Flyin Lotus on one side and newly anointed LA native DJ House Shoes on the flip. It's very obvious that a lot of time and effort has been put into the packaging and design of this release, which is great to see in this age where very little new music actually sees a physical release yet alone on vinyl. That and the music isn't half bad either. Grab your copy quickly they are limited to 1000.

ERIC LAU Plays Sydney

2010-05-10T05:02:00.000-07:00

UK producer Eric Lau hits Melt May 28th for Return Of The Real a night of Nu-Soul and Hip Hop beats.
The first time i heard Eric Lau was on the Guilty Simpson track from the Producer Nol 1 compilation. I'd never heard of him before but because he was on a track with Guilty called "For The D" i assumed he was some yet unknown Detroit producer.
Turns out i was wrong. Eric hails from the UK and gave up a university degree and career to follow his passion of making music. The result can be heard on his debut album fron Ubiquity Records entitled New Directions.
Eric's sparse beats are carried by off kilter drums and deep lush synth programming. Equally at home with singers or rappers they carry an air of sophistication and most definitely a sense of soul.

All City

2010-05-06T23:43:00.000-07:00

Well its been a few year since the last one of these back in the good old days of the Globe ( Damn that was a great venue).
There are two main reasons to check this out. Firstly the Bay Area's DJ Platurn and secondly the return of Blaze to the decks.
Next friday people don't miss out !

Diggin In Australia

2010-05-04T05:53:00.000-07:00

This is funny as hell. DJ Sheep is a fool for this.

Home Girls' Got A Blog

2010-04-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

Just a quick heads up that Miss Diola aka DJ, Singer and Songwriter (triple threat related) has finally got off facebook and started her own blog entitled Boom Bap Clap. Home Girls got impeccable taste in music so make sure you check it.

Peep Here or follow the link on the blog roll

The King of Monotone

2010-04-25T00:46:00.000-07:00

Gang Starr were one of the realest and purest hip hop groups that there was. They never diluted their sound or compromised for anyone. you always knew that they were going to bring that real hip hop sound. Guru was an MC of balance. Totally at ease with the hood and the street side of things, He was equally the teacher, Dropping gems of wisodm, waxing about jazz and teaching the youth to stay clear of drama. Guru was originally from Boston and Premier from Texas. Together they made Brooklyn home and created a sound that was so representative of New York.
I first heard Gang Starr on 411 videos in the mid 90's No Shame in my Game was featured in a section and i was hooked instantly. We grew up on Gang Starr, We skated, partied, and chilled to this music and im having a hard time thinking that Guru is gone and there will never be another Gang Starr album.

First up is Premier's Tribute and he sets a few things straight about the circumstances surrounding Guru's passing.

DJ PREMIER setting sucka's straight

Mister Cee on Hot 97

Matthew Africa's Tribute

Statik Selektah's Mix

RIP Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal

2010-04-20T06:19:00.000-07:00

Damn. Im searching for words. We just lost one of the greats today.
I grew up on Gangstarr and simply can't fathom that Guru is gone.
RIP to one of the illest EVER to hold a mic. More on this when i can get my head around it.

Off Track Brooklyn

2010-04-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

Back in the day when Kon and Amir's original On Track mixes dropped i remember chillin in Next Level and watching Mylk and Blaze (both of you need to call me !) trying to work out what all the samples were and who used them. It was informative and entertaining to say the least.
Now several volumes later, the On Track series has become the Off Track series and has also been picked up by BBE and pressed to wax as well.
The last installment was Queens. This time around Brooklyn gets the treatment. And its a warm summery affair ranging from modern soul to afro disco.
To help promote the mix Kon has released an edit of Donny McCollough's From the Heart which will be released as a limited edition 10" through Carhartt Europe. There's only 500 of them so get in quick. Peep the mp3 below its pure heat.
Off Track 3: Brooklyn drops April 26th.

Sydney Dam Funk

2010-04-12T03:56:00.001-07:00

Those cool cats at Niche are bringing out the world's premier expert on all things Boogie and Electro funk related, LA's Dam Funk.
Fresh from conquering Tower Records in Japan. Dam will be hitting Sydney for a Basement show on May 15th.
This will sell out so grab your tickets now.

Ante Up...Whats that Sound

2010-04-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the peeps at Freshin and Stick Up Kids ANTE UP will be hitting the Brighton Up Bar Saturday April 17th.
So if you want to get down to the sounds of 90's Hip hop, RnB and New Jack Swing then come on down
I'll be playing the late night slot dropping some killer 80's dancehall tunes.

Year of The Madlib

2010-04-07T19:33:00.001-07:00

Its been a running joke for us for a while that Madlib releases everything that he produces, And with news from Stonesthrow that this year Madlib is going to release an album a month it seems that we weren't that far off. Peep it, Its already April and were up to album number 4.
Up until 2004 you could pretty much pick up any record with a Madlib credit on it and know that it was going to be dope without listening to it. Now days with so much product out i can't wade through all the mediocre tracks to find the good ones. I simply tune out.
While i respect that Stonesthrow let their artists release what they want maybe a little quality control might be in order.
Now having said that Madlib is still cable of doing straight bangers. The new Strong Arm Steady album Search for Stoney Jackson is probably their best release to date. Madlib's chopped soul loop sits perfectly with Phil and Krondon's verses.
Phonte kills it on the his verse and the hook as well.
Peep the J.Rocc ( aka Stoney Jackson) cameo.

TREME

2010-04-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

New HBO show from David Simon one of the creators of The Wire about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on the city of New Orleans and how a community puts itself back together.

Andres II

2010-04-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Most people will know Andres better for his hip hop alias DJ DEZ. Providing the cuts for many legendary Detroit hip hop acts such as Slum Village, Phat Kat and Black Milk amongst others.
However the Detroit sound is as diverse as it is deep ranging from everything from Hip hop, house, techno, electro to disco, funk, latin and of course Soul.
This is where Andres II comes in. Blended together by a sampler and a drum machine but left raw around the edges, Its a sonic melting pot of all the styles mentioned above and moves effortlessly between them. Several well known samples are used but Andres flips them in such a way that a sense of familiarity is created likened to playing your favourite records and only enhances the listening experience.
Co-produced by Moodymann and put out on his own label Mahogani Music it also features Amp Dog Knight aka Amp Fiddler playing keys on several tracks.
For people who have a love of deep soul music whatever style it may take Hip hop or house this is a perfect album for you.

Black Magic

2010-03-31T03:49:00.000-07:00

Jose James' new album Black Magic has finally dropped.
A certain music journalist from Sydney (who shall remain nameless) wrote about how Jose james was a jazz alias of Flyin Lotus. With Flyin Lotus being related to Alice Coltrane this intrigued me enough to go out and find it.
Although it became obvious at once that Jose James and Flyin Lotus are obviously two separate people (Well Duh) the album blew me away with its mix of spoken word, jazz poetry and some serious skills on the piano, and became one of my favourite albums of 08.
Moving on and two years later we finally get some new work from Jose and funnily enough Fly Lo produces several tracks on it alongside Moodymann and Mistu The Beats. The music is more on a new soul/beat tip than the jazz workings of the first album, and Jose displays a more mature approach this time around both with his vocals and production.
Only time will tell if this remains on my playlist as long as The Dreamer but you really need this album in your collection.
Check out Electro Magnetic which is a bonus track on the japanese release.

Back In OZ

2010-03-31T01:05:00.000-07:00

Okay everyone Im back in this penal colony that i call home. Big ups to my Tokyo and New York crews for all the love that was shown. Also shout outs to Drum and Bass Records, Small Axe, Big CIty and Deadly Dragon Sound for the dope tunes.
Brought back a bunch of new music so it should be all systems go from now on.

Just Checkin In

2010-03-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

Life is good people. Been chillin in New York with good peeps, good food and good music. What more could you want ?
Im going to leave you with this wonderful gem of knowledge i heard at a bar the other day
"Money ain't a problem unless you don't have it"

RIP NUJABES

2010-03-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

Jun Seba famed Japanese beat maker Nujabes has tragically passed away.
Long time collaborator with Fat Jon out of Five Deez, Jun had been making some of the best down-tempo beats to come out of Japan and was also responsible for the soundtrack to the animae Samurai Champloo.
Jun will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

RIP Ron Banks

2010-03-04T16:56:00.000-08:00

Damn Ron Banks from the Dramtics just passed away. So sad. The Dramatics are one of my favourite bands ever and they had joints for days. Too young for real RIP.

Ever Think About How You Outta Here

2010-02-24T03:51:00.000-08:00

In the words of the immortal KRS Im outta here.
Im off to spend March in the land of the rising sun and the good old US of A.
So the likely hood of me doing any blogging is probably zero. Actually less than zero if thats possible.
But never fear i'll be back in April hopefully with a ton of new music and mixes to post.
Im going to leave with a clip of a song off the new Jake One and Freeway album The Stimulus Package. This shit is ridiculous you need to cop this with the quickness. Check the cd packaging too. Ryhmesayers and Brent Rollins killed it.
Jake One is one of the few producers today that you can pretty much pick up anything he's done and know its quality. Freeway ain't bad either.
See you fools in April.

I Need A Dollar

2010-02-13T04:50:00.000-08:00

Aloe Blacc just landed himself the theme song to the new HBO show How To Make It Happen In America.
They possibly could have used Billy Paul's Let The Dollar Ciruclate or even Spacek's version but hey this is just as good.
I really think Aloe is coming into his own with his recent work after what was to me at least a disappointing debut album on Stonesthrow.
Havn't seen the show yet so i'll reserve judgement, But it dose star Shannyn Sossamon so thats almost good enough for me to give it a pass.

Major Lazer

2010-02-13T04:02:00.000-08:00

I found most of the Major Lazer album pretty boring to be honest but this new track is FIRE. Mia and Busy Signal on the mic.
This is guaranteed to set the dancehall ablaze. Drops sometime in April.

Club Zirconia

2010-02-13T03:34:00.000-08:00

Club Zirconia the brand new project from vocalist Tiombe Lockhart (of PPP fame) have just dropped their 2nd single after the aptly titled Fuck Work.The Dam Funk remix is essential.
This time around Dj Sega works his Philly Club magic on the remix and turns out a killer of a tune. The Waajeed remix is also dope. Buy this and support.

Fusk Valentines Day

2010-02-13T02:28:00.001-08:00

\

Okay maybe its because Im single yet again for another Valentines day (fourth year in a row but hey who's counting).
But really am i the only one who hates this day with a passion ?
Its just an international conspiracy hatched by a global conglomerate of florists, greeting card and confectionary companies to fleece you of your hard earned cash. Im not buying it.

Illuminator

2010-02-10T02:50:00.000-08:00

I don't have a favourite song. It always seems such a stupid question to me. Once people find out you are into music they always pop off that question. But to me its bullshit. My favourite songs change daily with my mood and how im feeling. They are too many genres and styles of music to know where to begin to be able to narrow it down to one song.
But if i had to...only if mind you. Then this song would be pretty close to it.
Its a song that reminds me of some one. (They should know who they are) But thats not why i like it. To me its a song that reminds me to live. That we are here for too short of a time on this earth and there is no room for regrets. And finally that music truly is the healing force of the universe.

This:

2010-02-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

It was a good weekend. Props to everyone who came down to Fresh Out Da Box. Birthday shouts to the homies AZ and Gibs.

Window Seat: I just want to fly

2010-02-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

New single from Erykah Badu's new album New Amerykah Part II: Return Of The Ankh. Its a seriously smooth affair. Something about her voice always make me feel good deep inside. Produced by James Poyser and Badu with Questlove on Drums.

House Shoes Hits Sydney

2010-02-07T03:10:00.000-08:00

Detroit's own Dj House Shoes hits Sydney this friday at Ruby Rabbits for the 2nd installment of Grindin's The Genius Of J-Dilla
Limited capacity so get there early as many people missed out last year.

Fresh Out The Box

2010-01-28T17:36:00.001-08:00

Oaky all you sneaker heads and anyone with a love of hip hop get down to Brighton Up Bar Sat 6th feb for a nite of indie underground rap. That and its Gibb's b'day so come on down and represent.

Die Antwoord=Next Level Beats

2010-01-28T17:12:00.000-08:00

Wow just wow...

Take That Shit To The Breaks

2010-01-28T04:39:00.000-08:00

At the risk of turning this blog into a youtube version of the breaks these two songs have been high in my weekly rotation. I love how Alchemist murders this William Bell loop. I also love how if he had never used it i would have never ever had the joy of putting the needle on a William ( i make grown ass woman cry with this song) Bell record. And that my friends would have been a great injustice. What i don't like is how how copyright law and greedy ass corporations and lawyers put the brakes on this art-form.
I could keep ranting but i'll leave that for Dj Shadow. Anyway comment or tell me

A-YO

2010-01-20T03:17:00.000-08:00

This

Plus

=

One of my favourite tracks of 09

Under The Street Lamp

2010-01-18T02:37:00.000-08:00

Just some stuff that in listening to right now. Early to mid 60's Style.

Gun Club

2010-01-14T04:37:00.000-08:00

Some how i ended up on the NRA's mailing list. God knows how. I think i accidentally got drunk and signed up thinking NRA stood for National Record Association. I've tried blocking their emails and asking to be taken off the list but to no avail. I've even emailed them telling them that im a black,gay jewish member of the the communist party but they didn't buy that either.
Anyway this post is about a way better Gun Club.

My Favourite Things

2010-01-14T04:26:00.000-08:00

Well not really but hey..
I found a box of old CDs the other day that i'd thought i'd lost and this gem was amongst them. Play it for your folks.

J.ROCC and BREAKESTRA in Sydney

2010-01-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

Okay my favourite DJ in the world J.ROCC and the band responsible for starting the new funk revival of the last ten years ( Yes they were holding it down long before anyone else) BREAKESTRA are hiting up one of my favourite venues in Sydney the Hyde Park Barracks for Sydney Festival. Its a different festival director this year and this reflects in the absence of hip hop and funk related nights compared to the last few years. But at least they picked a winner with this line up. Supporting will be Space Invadas the new project from KATALYST and STEVE SPACEK.

Friday 29th Jan People don't miss out !

I Can't Let Go

2010-01-01T02:20:00.000-08:00

A very appropriate track for the first day of a new year. So beautiful and emotive. Frankie Knuckles Your Love is classic Trax house at its finest. It reminds me so much of Model 500's Ocean to Ocean with its ghostly male whispers. Enjoy the New Year make it count. 2010 is going to be big i can feel it.

Peep Here

Happy New Year Batches

2009-12-30T21:27:00.001-08:00

Hope you all get your drank on or whatever it is that floats your boat. This year was kinda painful for a lot of reasons. We lost a lot of good people this year so hopefully that trend dose not continue into 2010.
With all the hype of new years all i want to do is be at some house party surrounded by my peeps. I love all you guys. Lets make 2010 that year.

Exhibit C

2009-12-21T03:07:00.000-08:00

This is for all the Just Blaze and Jay Electronica fans out there. Fuck the Hype Jay is the freshest thing i've heard in rap in ages. Just kills the beat. Now i want to hear some Jay over some Rich Harrison beats.

And this is just incase you don't know what im talking about...

And Now For Something Completely Different

2009-12-16T03:07:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just want to rock out. New York 1977: The Dictators covering the Stooge's classic Search and Destroy "Yes the reason that Henery Rollins has that tattooed on his back). I first heard these guys on Wanye DZ's The Alternative Music show on 2SER FM in the late 90's. Wanye would play all kinds of stuff from garage rock to pychobilly/rockobilly to b grade movie soundtracks. His show is still going today tune in and be educated.

Stream 2SER Here

Sucker For A Pretty Face

2009-12-09T02:34:00.000-08:00

That cheeky Manchester lad Trus' Me is back with his second album entitled In The Red. It features guest spots from Dam Funk and Amp Fiddler so that should give you an idea of which direction Mr Trus is heading in. Less experimentation than the last one and more stripped back sexy electro funk goodness that would work well in the club.

Peep Here

The Real Shit

2009-11-26T05:35:00.000-08:00

Zerohour Music presents COLD CRUSH…Electro funk and old school rap. Pure party freakmakers baby!

Patrick HAF (San Francisco – Southern Outpost/Datadisk Records)
Simon Caldwell
OSC-001 (Panic Zone)
RETALI8 (Zerohour Music)

Friday Dec 4th
202 “Boogie Down” Broadway

I don't have to tell real electro heads that this is an event not to be missed.

Nite Jewel

2009-11-24T02:30:00.000-08:00

Nite Jewel is exactly the kind of lo fi, deep, lush tape delayed kind of electronic music that i love listening to lounging around after a hard day doing what exactly it is that i do all day. Having released some music out the label Human Ear and Italians Do It Better. Nite Jewel was rediscovered so to speak by Dam Funk finding their out of print record Good Evening and bringing it to the attention of Stonesthrow Records who are distributing their 7" Weak For You courtesy of 1984 records.

Edan Echo Party

2009-11-24T02:06:00.000-08:00

If you only buy one CD this year make sure its Edan's Echo Party mix cd. Here's a snippet to give you an idea about how damn good this is. Its only 29 mins but worth every penny.

Dock Ellis vs LSD

2009-11-22T03:49:00.000-08:00

Well its not music related. But it's hilarious none the less.

RIP Derek B

2009-11-19T18:37:00.000-08:00

We lost a lot of people this year and it is indeed sad news to hear that Derek B has passed away. I used to bump his track Bad Young Brother on repeat back in the day. Thoughts go out to his friends and family.

Peep Here

Stay Tuned

2009-11-18T03:16:00.000-08:00

Yo I've been a little busy lately so here's some of the best quotes from HBO's award winning series The Wire to tie you over.

Back Spin at 202 Broadway

2009-11-02T02:29:00.000-08:00

Summer sundays in Sydney are looking fresh with a brand new night starting at 202 Broadway.Themed around a different classic album each week guest DJ's will spin tunes inspired, sampled, and referenced to each weeks album.

J-Zone Rocks Tapes

2009-10-27T03:49:00.000-07:00

Real G's Rock Tapes from richdirection on Vimeo.

J-Zone waxs lyrical about the benefits of tapes over I-Tunes.

Shake This

2009-10-22T05:10:00.000-07:00

Im not gonna lie hip hop in general these days bores the fusk out of me. But just as im about to write it off along comes something that makes me remember why i loved this ish. The reason i used to stay up late at night taping radio shows. The reason that after payday i'd run to the record stores and be broke until next payday. The reason why i used to sleep, eat and shit this music.
Royce sounds hungry as ever and Primo slays that Axelrod beat. Buy Street Hop when it drops

Koolism Jam Master Jay Tribute

2009-10-20T03:02:00.000-07:00

Well its coming up to the seventh anniversary of the death of Jam Master Jay and those nice boys from Koolism have done a tribute to one of the most influential DJs in the world and a true pioneer of this thing we call rap music.

Peep here

Renee Geyer

2009-10-19T04:15:00.000-07:00

I haven't been buying much music lately. Instead i've just been digging through my collection and enjoying some of the records that i have. One that i pulled out the other day which deserves far more play than it gets is Moving Along by Renee Geyer. It came out in 1977 and Be There In The Morning is probably my favourite cut off it although there are many golden moments. Its not a hard record to find so pick it up next time you see it. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Peep Here

Dante Ross Hip Hop 101

2009-10-08T04:59:00.000-07:00

Yo head over to the Berics to hear more of Dante Ross's hip hop stories. They have to give this guys his own show seriously.

Peep here

Scottie B in Sydney

2009-10-06T04:07:00.000-07:00

Alright people Scottie B is playing Heat this saturday night @ The Cross which is just left of that horrible eyesore The Bourbon. Anyone with a slight interest in club music will know that this is not to be missed.

Don't Tell Me Tell Her

2009-10-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

I was totally sleeping on Odyssey for a long time. So now when i can't sleep i thought i'd upload one of their best singles IMO.

Peep Here

You Were Fly Once, Now you Loosing all Your Fronts

2009-10-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

After witnessing Sydney in long weekend mode it seems there are a bunch of people who need to heed the Brand Nubian.

FUCK FED EX

2009-10-05T01:56:00.000-07:00

Seriously people never ever use this fucked up piece of shit company to ship anything. These guys have no idea what the fuck they are doing at all. Avoid them at all costs.

Mike Slott

2009-10-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

Mike Slott is my new favourite producer right now. Peep this video of his track Soul Investigators. Post Hip hop in full effect.

Grand Theft Audio

2009-09-28T03:55:00.000-07:00

Its that time of month again people. Catch the usual suspects down at the Sly Fox this friday night for the September installment of Grand Theft Audio. 9pm-3am and its Free !

2SER FM Turns 30

2009-09-27T04:56:00.000-07:00

So this Oct community radio station 2SER turns 30. Its a pretty big achievement for a station to be broadcasting for 30 years. To celebrate their throwing a whole bunch of gigs and events. One of the events is a party night at Melt Bar in the Cross. Playing will be Frenzie, Simon Caldwell, Huwston, Meem, Trevor Parkee, Vaughan and myself. Peep the website for more info.

You Must Learn

2009-09-27T02:45:00.000-07:00

Some thoughts from KRS aka The Teacher. Some coherent some not so. But interesting none the less.

Arabian Prince

2009-09-25T06:55:00.001-07:00

Should have blogged this sooner but oh well. Arabian Prince at Oxford Arts this Sat. Supported by Def Wish Cast. All true heads should know the deal. Will be an awesome event. You might even catch a rare sighting of Blaze.

Deebeephunky

2009-09-24T06:05:00.000-07:00

This track is a nice little slice of dubbed out phunky minimal tech. Best heard on a huge system it builds up for ages. Out on Muller Records by the artist Beroshima. I think picked this up at Reachin Records when it was still around. I have fond memories of dancing around to this track dropped by James Bond at a Jungle Punks NYE party back in 99. Big shouts to the Dark Energy guys.

Moonrock

2009-09-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

From 98 out on Creative Vibes Moonrock was the project of two Sydney producers Katalyst and Illpickl (RIP). Mostly instrumental, only two tracks featured vocals it was an atmospheric, down tempo beats affair with cuts being provided by Leroy Brown. At a time when australian production wasn't widely know outside its own shores or even within them this was a world class effort. Eventually one their tracks Ill Street Blues was picked up by Jose Padilla for the Cafe Del Mar compilation series. Here's one of the vocal tracks off the album. Enjoy

RIP Roc Raida

2009-09-20T03:04:00.000-07:00

The X-Ecutioners did so much for the art of turntablism. They really were so far ahead of their game in 97 when their first album X-Pressions dropped. So technical yet they were one of the few crews that managed to retain an element of funk and creativity to what they were doing. With their skills and knowledge they brought the whole scene up to their level and pushed the boundaries of what people though you could do with two turntables and a bunch of records.
RIP Roc Raida one of the illest DJs to ever get down.

Synkro

2009-09-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

Atmospheric and moody track from my favourite Dubstep producer Synkro. Listen to it at 2am through headphones to get the full effect. Awesome music although i think they new a new graphic designer for the label.

PPP

2009-09-17T23:34:00.000-07:00

It suddenly occurred to me that i had been remiss in mentioning how PPP's album Abundance came out earlier this year. I was lucky enough to catch them at the Days Like This Festival here in Sydney ( Promoters if your reading this please do it again). Waajeed and Saadiq totally killed it. I had high expectations for this album after how amazing their first one was. After several listens and the fact that its still in high rotation on my stereo. I have to say that they came correct. I like how they update and change their sound every record its very refreshing. Cop this on vinyl to really hear the grooves.

Edan Interview

2009-09-17T05:55:00.001-07:00

Señor Kaos Interviews Edan from Señor Kaos on Vimeo.

Edan is that dude. You ever seen him rocking doubles of a break and rapping his ass off on the SBX dvd ? If not then you need to. Peep what he's up to these days on this interview with Senor Kaos.

Aphex Twin

2009-09-12T06:14:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favourite music videos of all time. Its so twisted yet fits so well with the track.