realm's word

Friday again and to kick things off, some chilled vibes for all you real Hip Hoppers.

Hope you enjoy... :)

It's about time I had a rant and recent music related news has certainly fuelled the fire.

Kanye West.
Beyonce Knowles.

Two of the biggest artists probably on the planet at the moment. Recent happenings at the Mtv VMA's have propelled both artists to the news headlines. Kanye disgraced himself by barging on to the stage when country newbie Taylor Swift was collecting her award. Kanye swiped the MIC and talked of how wonderful Beyonce's video was, whilst Taylor stood in disbelief as some arrogant rapper ruined what should have been the highlight of her career. The camera's panned to Beyonce who also looked shocked and embarrassed - later Beyonce in fact called Taylor to the stage whilst collecting her own gong so that Taylor could finish her speech.

Next day, Kanye appeared on Jay Leno and instead of performing only (as already planned), he briefly spoke with Leno, who in turn asked all sorts of questions to which Kanye 'appeared' choked, remorseful and upset at his actions the previous night.

I still think that Kanye told Leno what to ask, bringing up 'what would your mother think?' as a question. Now, given Kanye had to stop a recent show in Manchester after becoming tearful about his mother, I find it highly unlikely that Leno would ask such a thing without being told to. Therefore, I think the award ceremony debacle was a PR stunt by and for Kanye where he'd be able to get lots of publicity and then show his 'real' side next day during a public apology, thus maintaining his wild persona as well as his human side.

For what it's worth, Beyone did well to show her disdain for Kanye's actions. To boot, I know how talented she is as a singer. But that's all you'll get from me when it comes to Beyonce positivity and praise. She is to me, the culprit for the demise of the original Destiny's Child - it was Beyonce's ego that lead to the original members leaving the group and again it was the Knowles family intervention that further split the group, leaving us with the trio; Knowles, Rowland and Williams. Their music got progressively worse and more irritating and Beyonce increasingly made herself the lead singer of the group. I understand that her voice is reason for her lead singer status, but the original group managed without her in this position very well indeed.

Kanye's said Beyonce made one of the best video's of all time.
I couldn't care less about meaningless music videos - ever notice how the worst songs have the best videos?

Good videos don't constitute decent music. I'm sick of this 'independent woman' sh#t she constantly spouts.
The lyrics: 'if you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it' totally contradict her message... Beyonce refers to herself as 'it', an object. I'd respect Beyonce's talent if she didn't act like some diva b#tch with a giant chip on her shoulder.

The only one creating gender inequality is Beyonce - making issues out of subjects that were only pertinent 50 years ago. If you think that men always treat you badly, find a different man - you're an attractive and successful person - what are you scared of?

As for Kanye West - he was treading on very thin ice in my view...way before the VMA stunt after releasing the musical atrocity that is 808's and Heartbreaks.

My money's on Kanye releasing a collaboration track with Taylor Swift in the future. If that happens, my theory that this was a purposeful PR stunt will be proven. I'm done with Kanye for good.

When I was five years old, De La Soul started making hits. They’re still touring and still recording. I remember seeing them live and was impressed by their ability to get the crowd going, their understanding of one another and the sheer skill involved when they would rotate the DJ!

As a 20 year anniversary, Mike Boogie & Terry Urban have put together a tribute album.

A more recent track by De La is ‘Baby Phat’ and I’ve always listened, enjoying the beat, the way the rap flows with the stop-start beat and the humorous lyrics. Their music is never too serious, always tuneful and true to their original form. They’ve influenced Hip Hop in a way which few else can claim and it seems they will carry on forever.

Emcee ‘Skillz’ has been enlisted along with one of my ‘ones to watch’ for 2009, ‘Colin Munroe’ to give their own rendition of Baby Phat.

I’m not breaking any news, the good folks at illRoots already leaked this, but I cant get enough of this track. It’s been reworked extremely well and is more cover-version than remix.

Download, listen and enjoy.

I gave up on 'Rap' some years ago for a combination of reasons which all retrospectively seem to point towards my seeming accelerating age.
That said, I still listen to the Rap music from 'my day' and prior whilst attempting to remain open minded to the new stuff, but I cant help but feel like Rap music reached its peak about 5 years ago and the newer stuff is regurgitated carbon copy music. Substance went out of Rap a long time ago and that's fine, most music starts with good intention and develops into something else as demand presents money making opportunity.

Based upon my ears being tuned into alternate stations, it's no surprise that much of the current work bypasses the Dj Realm radar. I stay in touch up to a point.

Today I discovered Slaughterhouse thanks to Talib Kweli's Twitter. I respect Talib and he said Slaughterhouse are dope, so I thought I'll give it a go most especially as he had mentioned other 2009 releases of high quality including Sa-Ra and Maxwell - therefore he and I are on some sort of similar wavelength.
The name Slaughterhouse indicates a not so fluffy musical direction. Fine by me.
Turns out Slaughterhouse is a group formed of Royce Da 5'9'', Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden and Crooked I. All of the above artists have style, experience and undeniable ability in their own rights - whether you like them or not (and I for one never bothered listening to Joe Budden much or Crooked I for that matter. But Joell Ortiz and Royce are both awesome, by anyones standards.

The album hits hard, yes its aggressive but it's full of beats that scream that Slaughterhouse weren't looking for the generic formula and of course the lyrics, whilst 'gansta' are well written and delivered with fury.
Yes, it's full of your 'Ho', 'Bitch', 'N...' and the usual terms associated with Rap music. This isn't Hip Hop, it's Rap and designed to get you hyped...and it works. It's the first Rap album I've enjoyed in a while, for all of the wrong reasons, but it is what it is. I for one was entertained.

Spotify URL (paste this in your Spotify search): spotify:album:3to46oYyRXJq3TPZNr7MVk

Time to make this blog more credible, today we’ve been pretty mainstream orientated and for that I must apologise to those readers who prefer Realms Word when it’s focus is on that which has Soul, heart or an iota of social awareness.
In my defence, my first blog for the day was based on some substance. After all, Nas was and is a very gifted MC and has been a major influence on Hip Hop for a very long time. Remember Illmatic? No? Well then this blog (in general) is most likely not for you. Illmatic, Nas’ first commercially successful LP was and remains a genre benchmark. Admittedly, he’s yet to repeat work of that consistently high level, but that’s normal. My point being, talk of forthcoming, experimental Nas work with Damian Marley is exciting, for me!
To pay just dues to Nas, click play on Jay Electronica’s Nas tribute track... Jay is a gifted man.

It's official, Drake has made the full mainstream crossover. He was always a part of Lil Wayne's crew, so nothing new there...but to have a new track with Kanye West AND Eminem on it.... the dudes career just stepped through the door of a totally new world.

And you know what? I like the track, despite the Vocoder on Drakes voice. Eminem kills it, clearly.. and Kanye looks weak in comparison to the others...

Listen here...

I'm finally back after taking a Blogging break, sorry about that - had things to do!
So to play catch up, I'll be reviewing some new Ultrasone DJ Pro Headphones very soon, letting you know my opinion on the new Erro album and a few other bits... and if I'm not mistaken, Happy Friday last week was, well...not Happy at all... seems I owe you.

News wise, Erro's Music Fans First' album went straight into the RnB Chart top 10 in its first week, credit where it's due, he deserves commercial success after so many years hard work.

Nas and Damian Marley are to release an album together, which I'm looking forward to, watch more here...

Mariah Carey has finished recording a new album, the same can be said for Ludacris.

'Somehow' (yeah, like we're naive enough to think that new recordings of songs actually 'leak' within minutes of being recorded - EVER NOTICE HOW ARTISTS NEVER SUE THEIR PRODUCERS/RECORD COMPANIES ETC FOR LEAKING THEIR LATEST SONG? PERHAPS ITS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FACT THAT THEY DO IT ON PURPOSE, STOP INSULTING OUR INTELLIGENCE. JEEEEEEEEES. It would be a lot more truthful if they said 'here's a demo of one of my new tracks, do you like it?') Monica's new song is ready for the listening... Click here for a snippet
It's OK. Good vocals but a bit annoying and 'too much' They you go Monica, that's what I think, now stop over complicating your music.

Nivea is a type of moisturizing face cream and a name for an RnB singer who shot to short term fame on Mystikal's 'Been So Long'. Well, here's her latest track, sounds a bit Mya, a bit Rihanna (puke) and clearly somewhat meaningful to Nivea lyrically. Judge for yourself here

Speaking of Mya.... I always liked her, she was sweet, playful and had a nice voice.
This comeback from her is just a let down in every aspect, sorry to say so. I can't bring myself to review it.

Hi Folks! After a busy week where the posting is admittedly somewhat lacking, it is once again Happy Friday.
This is however, not the Happy Friday post.
This morning I felt the need for something abstract, upbeat, contemporary and jazzy. Most would say that it’s not an easy task. I beg to differ. The difficulty in such a task is having the artistic creativity to compose and construct such an unforgiving musical concoction.

Step up step up IG Culture. I’ve been a fan for some years now and am more than happy to pronounce my admiration for him – a true master of his trade.
Now press play on this and continue reading...

Trust me when I say that the creation of fusion music is no mean feat. Aside from having to satisfy a variety of audiences who are by nature, sceptical of manipulating their beloved art form, but to stay within the limits of normality so that you do not ostracise all audiences is a whole other kettle of fish.
IG Culture has been doing his thing for a long time now, be it solo, as part of a group, as guest producer for other artists or any other way he sees fit.
He tends to surround himself with the right people which in turn allows his music to remain grounded and maintain its original integrity.
I’d like to hear him live and I plan to as soon as he’s around next.
It doesn’t matter which of his albums you buy first, they’re all good. Take a listen to his broken beat style and judge for yourself. Then perhaps go find some stuff by the New Sector Movement for a slight flip on styles.
If this is too much for you, but you’re intrigued by the genre, perhaps take a look at Mark De Clive-Lowe who makes great music, albeit slightly more user friendly for broken beat first timers.

I know that this is a somewhat simply post, but I'm too busy to be playing today.

Simply put, whilst working today, I've been listening to a few albums, end to end. This is something that I seldom do, as there are few albums which allow for continual playback without interferences of skipping or leaving out a couple of tracks.

I’m gratefully reminded today of two facts.

The first being the Jill Scott, whilst a talented and consistently good musician, will likely never repeat her 2000 release ‘Who Is Jill Scott?’. IT is flawless, Jazzy, Soulful and full of attitude. Yes she’s done plenty of good work since, but this album was recorded on another planet. Listening to ‘A Long Walk’ for the millionth time since I first laid ears on it (?!) I’m reminded of the sheer amount of work that went into recording the ever changing layers of vocals – every time you listen, you notice a different vocal. Genius, pure and simple.

The second fact was that Hip Hop today should model itself around Kero One’s musical blueprint. Today I pressed play on ‘Windmills of the Soul’ and when that was done, straight onto 2009 release ‘Early Believers’. I don’t tire of his music and there’s simple nothing to dislike.
Granted, there will be people who disagree, but those are the same people who are either listening to Lil Wayne or perhaps Asher Roth, thinking they know and understand what’s actually important the Hip Hop world.
You need to have a flow, you need to have lyrical content, you must move in credible circles, you must think of musical creativity and purity ahead of what will make sub woofers pound... do you follow me?
Kero One is to me, a hope, a glimmer of real light in an otherwise dull musical genre... Hip Hop has been fighting for the full 12 rounds and is in a daze, Kero One should be considered as the smelling salts that wakes the World up and allows Hip Hop to fight another day.
Pressed and released his own first single and continues to release music independently, I’m not doing freebie’s on this post, support good music.

Kero One - Welcome to the Bay (Official Music Video) from plug label on Vimeo.

Too much is never enough... and so with this in mind I give you the second part to the Happy Friday compilation download....

This one has some more up to date stuff, decide for yourself whether you like the direction Hip Hop is taking – Of these artists, do yourself a favour and make sure you check Kero One’s solo work, Wes Felton and Colin Munroe – who I find very intriguing as he’s not an MC...but hangs with them?! He's talented for sure...check out this rehearsal video where he sings and plays the drums at the same time..


Enjoy, Happy Friday

Click here for the link

Well, it’s that time again. Today’s the day where we celebrate having nothing to do for 2 days.
Although I’m technically ‘working’ on Saturday night (if DJing counts as work?), Friday’s are the day where we try not to take life seriously and so with this in mind, I’ve compiled a TWO PART Happy Friday playlist for you.
And as I mentioned last week, this week is Hip Hop and Rap orientated.

The first is a mixture of some older Hip Hop and Rap, some ‘credible’, some not. But who cares about credibility on a Friday really? Some head banging gangster sh@t, some west coast, some east coast and a couple of randoms for good measure. One thing’s for sure, you’ll be nodding your head to most if not the whole thing.

Here’s your artist list for Part One of Today’s Happy Friday, in no particular order:

Dr.Dre (its only fair to include this after my ‘translation’ this week!)
ODB
Jaz-O
Jay-Z
Trick Daddy
Ludacris
A+
Crown City Rockers
Souls of Mischief
Young MC
50 Cent
AZ
The Game
Busta Rhymes
Snoop Dogg
Jurassic 5
Digable Planets
DMX
Jayo Felony
Method Man
Krayzie Bone
Angie Martinez
K-Os

Click here to find the link and... enjoy...part 2 to follow this afternoon

Embracing ‘new’ technologies and fads is what our generation are all about. After all, it’s the communication age.

I think it must have been in January 2009 when I started using Spotify although I can’t and won’t become a premium user for a few reasons. The first and main reason is that the library of music which I know to be rapidly increasing, does not extend to the music that I would like to feature. As an example, even Anthony David – soul singer from Georgia – who recently signed to friend India Arie’s ‘Soulbird’ label which is linked with major label Universal Republic, is not on Spotify’s roster. Another reason is that there tends to be a great deal of what appear to be bootleg style albums. Of course, even if the song you want to hear is on the bootleg, it just doesn’t feel right.
Another reason is that if I’m paying – I like to keep the music all to myself, put it on my iPod etc.

That said, what Spotify allows for and I think, does very well – is the sharing of playlists.

I have compiled a collection for you to use freely and it’s full of some good and some not-so-good Rap, R’n’B and Hip Hop – mainly of the commercial variety.
Let’s just say that it’s a user-friendly, easy listening intro to the world of Pop style Rap and R’n’B music.

It’s got no soul, no credibility, but it’ll get your head bopping nicely.

Simply click on the following link whilst your Spotify programme is running and it’ll load up!

Put this link into your web browser address path:

http://open.spotify.com/user/gavvyb/playlist/0r5tTgjWYMDZS524m4GS41


Enjoy!

I’m willing to bet that none of the following names mean anything to you:
Leeroy Kesiah, Sly the Mic Buddha, Vicelow, Specta, Feniksi, Sir Samuel, KLR, DJ Fun, Alsoprodby, Eddy Kent and DJ Karve?
No?
Well, all of the above are current, ex or deceased members of French group ‘Saian Supa Crew’.

My experience from DJing and simply playing ‘new’ music to people is that music with certain quirks will either get more air time, be more accepted or even end up with greater commercial success. By ‘quirks’ I refer to the use of catchy, classic samples (e.g. Jay-Z’s ‘Can’t Knock The Hustle’ which heavily sampled ‘Fool’s Paradise’), perhaps a beat-box break or intro, perhaps some well written one liner hooks which the crowd can easily remember, a dance more (such as Usher’s ‘U-Turn’ – I know you’ve done it!)...you get the idea.

The Saian Supa Crew are arguably the most popular Hip-Hoppers to have hailed from our European neighbours, France. Yes, MC Solaar comes close and NTM are France’s version of East Coast USA gangster rap, but Saian Supa offer more. Their style is individual and although it’s in French (and dialects of), such is their individuality in delivery, ability to create awesome beats and add their own twist, that anyone can (and does) listen.

Click here

To help you along your Saian Supa Crew introductory journey, the following link will let you have a copy of their rather hard to get hold of ‘Stand Out’ version of 2005 album ‘X-raisons’.

This will be music to the ears of already fans who cannot find this illusive album and for the newcomers, it features: Roots Manuva, Brand Nubian and The Arsonists..

Honestly, very few Hip Hop artists are as creative and diverse...give them a try... some of my favourite tracks are:
‘A Demi Nue’, ‘Hey Yo My Man’, ‘Ils etaint Un Fois’, ‘Maladie’, ‘Soldat 2’ and dig a bit deeper to find classics like ‘Angela’ and ‘Darkness’ from their KLR album
Saian Supa Crew, Angela:


Some cool beatbox stuff to feast your eyes on too...

Ever had problems understanding what these Rappers are saying? In reality, nobody actually knows the meaning of what they’re saying and that rule extends to those actually using the language.

‘Ebonics’ might be a term that most would not recognise or some might remember from the Big L (RIP) album – but it strikes me that most people certainly don’t know what it means. Cue the Wiki search... You done?

So, now you’ve Wikipedia’d ‘Ebonics’ and I don’t need to explain what it means. My personal concern is that somewhere, most likely in the 1970’s when people evolved Ebonics into Jive talk, the water became so muddied that words got lost in translation.

In order to partially clear this issue up, this is the first instalment of a lyrical translation of a famous Rap track by West Coast Crip gang members Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg from Dr. Dre’s ‘The Chronic’ album:

Black text is the original lyric, Red Text is the translation of previous line or paragraph

One, two, three and to the fo
One, two, three, Four
Snoop doggy dogg and dr. dre are at the do
Cordazar Calvin Broadus and Andre Young are at the door
Ready to make an entrance, so back on up
Stand aside as we’re about to walk through said door
[cuase you know we bout had to rip shit up]
[by now you should be aware that we will cause a scene]

Snoop Dogg:

Gimme the microphone first, so I can bust like a bubble
Please allow me to commence, I’m raring to go
Compton and long beach together, now you know you in trouble
He’s from Compton and I’m from Long Beach
Aint nothin but a g thang, baaaaabay!
Please excuse our baby like ways, but being Gangster’s is all we’ve ever known
Two loc’d out gs so were craaaaazay!
As do most Crip Gang members, we are wearing Loc sunglasses, which means we are mentally unhinged
Death row is the label that paaaaays me!
We’re signed to the Death Row record label
Unfadable, so please dont try to fade this [hell yeah]
Please do not switch this song off, nor indeed kill me (I concur)

But, uh, back to the lecture at hand
Perfection is perfected, so Im a let em understand
From a young gs perspective
What was my point before? Oh dear, I digress, to date I’ve had an important life lesson
Let me tell you, practise makes perfect
I learnt that as a child

And before me dig out a bitch I have ta find a contraceptive
You never know she could be earnin her man,
And learnin her man, and at the same time burnin her man
It is imperative that one should practise safe sex
There are ladies who try to take advantage of men
These ladies appeal to a gentleman’s’ ego, all the while hoping to mislead and ultimately conceive a child
Now you know I aint wit that shit, lieutenant
Aint no pussy good enough to get burnt while Im up in it
I agree, I too am against ladies who do such things
I’d be disappointed if any ladies I know did that to me
Now thats realer than real-deal holyfield
And now all you hookas and hos know how I feel
You’re quite correct in your opinions on this occasion
And all you ladies listening, I think I’ve voiced my concerns, but to confirm
Well if its good enough to get broke off a proper chunk
Ill take a small piece of some of that funky stuff
You know, as opposed to finding a lady of such ill intent
I would prefer to participate in the consumption of illegal narcotics

Its like this and like that and like this and uh
Its like that and like this and like that and uh
Its like this and like that and like this and uh
Dre, creep to the mic like a phantom
We cannot think of a chorus to what is admittedly, a strange subject of song
We cannot think of a chorus to what is admittedly, a strange subject of song
We cannot think of a chorus to what is admittedly, a strange subject of song
Andre, stop being shy, it’s easy, have a go

Dr Dre:

Well Im peepin, and Im creepin, and Im creep-in
I’m spying in preparation for a drive-by shooting
But I damn near got caught, cause my beeper kept beepin
That was close! My victim almost saw me, I shall switch my Pager to vibrate mode
Now its time for me to make my impression felt
Now’s as good a time as any to make my move
So sit back, relax, and strap on your seatbelt
Car safety is of the utmost importance to me, please buckle up - did you know that even if my passengers dont ear i belt, i can get points?
You never been on a ride like this befo
I’m willing to bet that you have never been on such a metaphorical ‘journey’
With a producer who can rap and control the maestro
I can multi task
At the same time with the dope rhyme that I kick
On one hand, I am able to speak in rhyme form
You know, and I know, I flow some ol funky shit
All whilst maintaining a funk like disposition
To add to my collection, the selection
I select music from a wide repertoire
Symbolizes dope, take a toke, but dont choke
My repertoire tends to be narcotic driven, but don’t let that surprise you
If ya do, ya have no clue
If you are surprised by this, please see the previous verse where my colleague mention the narcotic side of things
O what me and my homey snoop dogg came to do
Both of us enjoy music and narcotics, we see them as our calling

Its like this and like that and like this and uh
Its like that and like this and like that and uh
Its like this, and we aint got no love for those
So jus chill, til the next episode
We cannot think of a chorus to what is admittedly, a strange subject of song
We cannot think of a chorus to what is admittedly, a strange subject of song
We cannot think of a chorus and we dislike various individual people
The song is almost finished, feel free to relax


Snoop:

Fallin back on that ass with a hellified gangsta lean
I shall take a seat for this verse, similar to a car with custom suspension
Gettin funky on the mic like a old batch o collard greens
Much like green vegetables which are past their ‘use by’ date, I shall now make an awful aroma on the microphone
Its the capital s, oh yes, the fresh n double o p
I am able to casually spell out my stage name with whimsical basic rhymes
D o double g y d o double g ya see
I told you I could rhyme my stage name, that’s why I chose it
Showin much flex when its time to wreck a mic
I can really show my abilities when I want to
Pimpin hos and clockin a grip like my name was dolomite
I run a human traffic empire and I’m a big man, a superhuman if you will much like Dolomite,
Yeah, and it dont quit
Did you think I was a quitter, let it be known, I’m not.
I think they in a mood for some mothafuckin g shit
The audience are clearly in need of being taught more about us Gangsters

So dre. [what up dogg? ]
So, Andre.. (you rang, Calvin?)
We gotta give em what dey want [whats that, g? ]
People want things (I don’t follow you?)
We gotta break em off somethin [hell yeah]
We’ve not made much sense as of yet, we’re merely talking around the point (so we are)
And its gotta be bumpin [city of compton!]
Let’s tell them more (yes, more about my home town of Compton)

Its where it takes place so Im a ask your attention
Geographically, Compton is a vibrant place
Mobbin like a mothafucka but I aint lynchin
I’m part of a local group of misfits with the Oedipus complex, but we do not participate in drive-by shooting
Droppin the funky shit thats makin the sucka niggaz mumble
Once again, back to my abilities as a musician, I do enjoy funk
When Im on the mic, its like a cookie, they all crumble
When I perform, people around me seem to fall over
Try to get close, and your assll get smacked
If you get cheeky, I shall bend you over and smack your bottom
My mothafuckin homie doggy dogg has my back
My friend Calvin who too has the Oedipus complex is also a masseuse, which is a plus
Never let me slip, cause if I slip, then Im slippin
Calvin never lets my back go untended, he takes massage oils wherever we go
But if I got my nina, then you know Im straight trippin
As a precautionary measure, I bring my gun with me, as the USA allows such things legally
And Im a continue to put the rap down, put the mack down
I intend to carrying on with my music career for the foreseeable future
And if your bitches talk shit, I have ta put the smack down
I’ll be most displeased if people don’t like my music as I work so hard on it
Yeah, and ya dont stop
This is a grey area for me, not much I can say after that previous comment
I told you Im just like a clock when I tick and I tock
Life goes on, much like time
But Im never off, always on, til the break dawn
I’m an insomniac
C o m p t o n, and the city they call long beach
To remind you, I’m from Compton and Calvin is from Long Beach, both of which are in Los Angeles, California
Puttin the strength together
Between us, we have twice the muscle power
Like my homey D.O.C., no one can do it better
I have a friend called Tracy Lynn Curry, if I was named that, I took would change my name to D.O.C., he once made a record called ‘No one can do it better’

Like this, that and this and uh
Its like that and like this and like that and uh
Its like this, and we aint got no love for those
So jus chill, til the next episode
We cannot think of a chorus to what is admittedly, a strange subject of song
We cannot think of a chorus to what is admittedly, a strange subject of song
We cannot think of a chorus and we dislike various individual people
The song is almost finished, feel free to relax

Starting a tradition requires innovation.
Someone, somewhere at one point in time coined a phrase similar in meaning. Only, their version was written differently and will be remembered for years as being an insightful, profound piece on language.

I on the other hand am not innovating here, I’m enlightening and sharing my love of music with you in recognition of the fact that it’s Friday.

From this point forth, every Friday will come with a Download treat of some sort.

This week I bring you a compilation of audio files from the likes of:

Lynden David Hall (RIP)
D’Angelo
Reel People
Yolanda Johnson
Erykah Badu
J. Rawls
Middle Child
Sharlene Hector
T3
Laura Izibor
Brotherly
Eska Mtungwazi
Rudy Currence
John Forte
Van Hunt
Ebrahim
Nneka
Eric Roberson
Dj Jazzy Jeff
Raheem Devaughn

If you know all of those artist, you’ll love this....

If on the other hand, you know a few, but there are some question marks next to a few... well... take a listen.

Remember, the music industry is changing. By all means download and listen to this compilation.
But remember, to continue making music for us to enjoy and to keep food on their tables, artists need to sell music, so I implore you – if you enjoy this, go and buy the music.

Happy Friday people, happy damn Friday!

Remixing... the art of improving mediocrity? The art of brutalising a masterpiece? A way to transcend alternate genre’s? An admission of a poor original? A DJ’s prerogative?

In most genres of music, remix’s exist and serve a variety of purposes. Some sound similar to the original, but with alternate vocals, others employ an entirely new design upon an original blueprint.
A DJ is normally happy to have a remix, most especially those rare ones which differentiate you from other DJ’s – they turn heads (if they’re good) and delay our boredom of playing the same songs.
I thought I’d share a few of my favourite remix’s over the years – some of which may well surprise you, given their pop music-ness, but hey, I'm open to all sorts... enjoy!

It seems like I've an increasingly 'old man' outlook on the world and at the tender age of 25, It's somewhat worrying.

When it comes to Hip Hop however, I feel that my age puts me in a decent position to have the odd moan, given that myself - Realm - and she -Hip Hop - are of similar (ish) ages. Whether you think that's justification or not, quite frankly is immaterial, those who know me will testify to the fact that I believe I'm always right.

There has been little to make me feel as if Hip Hop has much much to offer me any more. Like any fan, I've watched it fall into a state of seeming perpetual disrepair pretty much since it's initial conception - and I'm not naive enough to misunderstand why, everyone needs to eat and so the money takes over, that's the world we live in.
However there is the odd occasion that makes me think otherwise.
It seems that there are those artists who thankfully keep the light shining bright and with the global/international creative minds adding to the 'new wave' Hip Hop, there does seem to be some hope left. I personally think that the likes of Dj Mitsu The Beats are amongst those kindred spirits who recognise how Hip Hop should sound as we continue into this new millennium.
Readers will know that I'm a Neo Soul kinda guy, which will also tell you that Hip Hop for me needs to have some sort of credibility either in it's lyrical content, instrumental or both (preferably).

Who better to personify my point than Wes Ellington Felton... son of infamous Jazz pianist Hilton Felton (may he RIP, 13/02/2007), Wes has the pedigree and comes from the Washington DC movement who collectivey are firmly fixed on the Neo Soul circuit with the likes of Raheem Devaghn and Sy Smith making waves. The album has spacey beats, meaningful lyrics and guest appearances from some of my current individual artists of the moment - Bilal Salaam, Chronkite (Raheem Devaughn) and Yahzarah (Purple St James).

To understand my sentiment about the disrepair of Hip Hop, listen to 'Breathe A Bit'.

If you like this album, be sure to check out the Crossrhodes albums - the group to which Wes belongs.

This isn't an album review, judge it for yourself... I've put a link to a place where you can download a version of Mr Felton's fantastic 'Distraction City'. Once you've got a taste, please DELETE IT and BUY the album - support good Hip Hop.