Keep It Real?

In the land of Hip-Hop, "Keeping It Real" is such an over used statement but there's always an exception- one being The Roots from illadelph. I just love this music video simply because the captions just poked fun of all the typical music videos during the 90's when everything was "jiggy". Thought I'd take ya'll back. This joint is what got me hooked on The Roots.. Oh, and don't forget that soulful dude Raphael Saadiq who sings the catchy hook! From being the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and their new album, How I Got Over dropping next week (June 22nd)... The Roots have come a long way with more success to come in the future. Gotta love Hip-Hop music with content...

that's why my motto's to "Never dooo... What They Do, What They Do, What They Do..."

video via YouTube
LINK: The Roots

Five Boro Bass Mix - Hip Hop x Drum and Bass

5 Boro Bass Mix by Its Overture


Check out this quickie 7 minute mix called, "Five Boro Bass Mix" from DJ RiVerse from the music duo Its Overture. RiVerse takes you on a Hip Hop x Drum and Bass 5 borough tour (even including the forgotten borough, Staten Island- WHAT!). Here's what's on the play list:


1. New York State Of Mind (Its Overture’s DnB Edit) - Nas (+) Mr Majestik (drums) - Calibre & High Contrast
2. Liquid Swords - Gza (+) Tough At The Top (drums) - EZ Rollers
3. Bucktown - Smif-N-Wessun (+) Tough At The Top (drums, bass) - EZ Rollers
4. Vital Nerve (Its Overture’s DnB Edit) - Company Flow (+) Railing (drums) - Roni Size
5. Takeover instrumental - Jay-Z/Kanye West (+) Overload - Future Cut


Love how he starts the mix off with the early 90's hip hop hit, "NY State of Mind" and progresses through the years. I actually think he even went in order (not including the Blahzay Blahzay "Danger" ending though). The mix is well calculated and I enjoyed the drum and bass mash up. I'm not well versed in drum and bass but after listening to this mix, it's something I wouldn't mind listening to another time. I also enjoyed how threw in some Company Flow (my favorite out of the 5 joints) for the underground hip hop heads and ended with Jay-Z's "Take Over" for something a little bit more familiar in this time period (my second favorite). Well done RiVerse! Can't wait for the next mix to drop.


If you liked this mix, be sure to check Its Overture and their counterpart, Voidstar tomorrow, April 17th at Fontana's (105 Eldridge Street) for Dubstep/Drum and Bass/Electrogrime goodness! I'll be there! ;)

Follow @ItsOvertureDJs on twitter! 

LINK: Its Overture!!!

JAY ELECTRONICA <-- OH MY GOD!!!

"Exhibit C" by Jay Electronica (produced by Just Blaze)

I was hyped about J.Cole... but I think Jay Electronica is a better lyricist! Just listen. A breath of fresh air as we end '09 and continue on to the new year. I know I'm kind of late but I swear on iTunes (yes I buy music) and they just put this joint up. Listened to it once- didn't do anything for me. Gave it a few more listens and paid attention to the lyrics and got hooked. 

They call me Jay Electronica... F#@$% that! Call me Jay ElecHannukah... Jay ElecYarmulke... Jay ElecRamadaan... Muhammad... Asalaamica... Rasoul-Allah-Supana-Watallah through your monitor...

OH MY GOD!! Talk about word play. Question, so when is his album really going to drop? I want more! This is some hip-hop crack. 


On another note, so I thought I heard this sample before too from another person and I just realized it now. Guess who it was? J.Cole in "Get Away" from The Warm Up Mixtape! Funny koinkidink. 

DRACULA!!

As I read Bram Stoker's book, Dracula (thanks Tre), I wanted to get into the groove by thinking of vampire or Dracula related hip-hop songs. Remember "Dracula's Wedding" by Andre 3000 featuring Kelis from the Outkast album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below? This joint is awesome! I love the vampire references: haunted castle, fangs, heartbeat, 'biting the right one', meeting the sun, stake, silver bullet, immortality, Van Helsing, even Count Dracula! If you haven't heard it, give it a listen! It's pretty catchy.

Here's a 30 second snippet of the song:

Draculas Wedding (Feat. Kelis) - Andre 3000

The sequel, Dracula: The Undead then Dracula the movie is next for me!

EVENT: VH-1 Hip-Hop Honors Pre-Party @ Touch Night Club NYC

Yesterday I decided to come out from hiding to attend DJ Enuff's VH-1 Hip-Hop Honors Pre-Party honoring 25 years of Def Jam Records at Touch Night Club in NYC. Doors opened early and the drinks were flowing with Ty-Ku liquor up to a certain time... the Rapper's Delight mix was awesome! Performances were dope. Heavy Hitter DJ Enuff invited talented up and coming artists (Mickey Factz, Torae & Skyzoo, XV and J.Cole) to bless the stage with their renditions of their favorite Def Jam artist's hit joints as well as to perform their new singles. Ghostface was the main performer of the night but I missed him because it takes me forever to troop it back home. I'll catch you another time Ghost!

Here's some pics from the event:
Open Bar Drink Menu from Ty-Ku

Rapper's Delight Mix Drink! :)

DJ KO x William Yan

My boys: Rah-Lo , KO & Marl

Mickey Factz as Slick Rick the Ruler

Torae & Skyzoo as Red & Meth

XV as Warren G (to my surprise, he's Warren G's nephew!)

Rotten Apple Chicks: DJ Lady Chellez (it was her birthday!) and Laura Stylez

My besties: Keith, Lady Chellez and William Yan (UNK!)

Me and Lady Chellez

J.Cole as Jay-Z

Special appearance from the Duffle Bag Boys, Playaz Circle

Me and J.Cole. It's pretty funny because as we left the venue, I actually ran into J.Cole in the street. I was mad hype to see him so I flapped (my noisy sandals) my way to stop him for a picture. Keith and Willy Yan were laughing at me! :-( J.Cole was laughing himself but was nice enough to flick it up with me. He's the truth.. move over Drake.. I'm calling it! Everyday.. a STAR is Born- so clap for em'

Shouts to the cats I chilled with and seen for a hot minute last night: @almightydjko, @keefwasheretoo from anotherfashioninterpreter, Mr. @williamyan(.com), Rah-Lo, Marl, @HasanInsane, @SaintsNSoldiers dope hair!, @LAURASTYLEZ (nice to meet you finally), and last but not least- the birthday girl and best female DJ ever- @LadyChellez

Make sure you guys watch the 2009 VH-1 Hip-Hop Honors Show on Tuesday, October 13th, at 9 pm ET/PT. Check your local listings!