[[  October 19, 2009  ]]

What's Upper? 

Props to my brotha from anotha mutha, Blaze Wong who hooked me up to peep the L.A. advance screening of "Black Dynamite" starring Michael Jai White. Mannnnn, I loved this movie. It's a take off of the classic 70's blaxploitation films. If you loved the 70's classics like, "Cleopatra Jones," "Three The Hard Way," "Dolemite," "Black Belt Jones" & "SuperFly" than you will dig, "Black Dynamite." Peep B;aze's column  below for more info. Otherwise all you Jive Turkeys stop jivin' around & go see "Black Dynamite." In a minute...

Did anyone catch the "2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors" honoring Def Jam Records? Where was Def Jam's first artist to drop on Def Jam, T La Rock & where was Def Jam's first female artist, Nikki D.? Here's what DJ Kazzeo (KHDC-CA) had to say about the Hip-Hop honors:

"Well it only happens once a year my friends. No, not my birthday (although that is coming up soon). I'm talking about the annual VH1 "Hip Hop Honors" show. This year was the 6th edition and I have to say, despite some high points, there were a lot of low points.

So let me break it down from start to finish.

The show began with a really stupid skit where Tracy Morgan was dressed as a preacher and backed by a choir. He started running his mouth about Def Jam history. This was really boring. since he was already in costume, he should have re-enacted the Arsenio Hall scene from Coming To America instead. If VH1 was serious about honoring Def Jam, they have started the show where it all began & had T La Rock come out and do, at very least, a verse from "It's Yours". But instead they give us Reverend Morgan. Boring. And why was Ed Lover dj'ing instead of Dr. Dre? Hmmmm.

Then came a vignette of LL Cool J telling the story of how he first got signed. I've heard this story a bunch of times but the way he told it here, with the impersonations and such, was really funny.

Next up was The Roots joined by Jazzy Jeff and Eminem paying tribute to LL. This was dope. Jazzy Jeff is so damn smooth on the wheels. And you can really feel the love Em has for LL's early work. This was a real highlight of the show.
Every time they flashed to Rick Rubin all I could keep thinking was Santa & Buddha had a kid. Damn. The Rick Rubin who was on the show tonight must have eaten the Rick Rubin who was in Krush Groove.

All I could do was say "why?" when I saw Jimmy Fallon there. But okay, whatever.
Public Enemy hit the stage and sounded great but, and no dis to Jazzy Jeff, Public Enemy without Terminator X just isn't Public Enemy. And was that Boots Riley from The Coup on stage with them? And why did PE only do one song? "Welcome To The Terrordome" would have been nice.

I have a really funny story I may blog sometime about Kevin Liles and his visit to Santa Cruz back in 94/95. But for now, let's move on.

Scarface & Ludacris were next to spotlight Def Jam South. Scarface was solid but his stage presence was nowhere near Ludacris. That dude just has a really strong energy level.

The Tracy Morgan / Scoop Giles skits sucked big time. He really must have pictures of VH1 execs with farm animals in order to keep hosting this show.
The Beastie Boy tribute was next. The lead dude from Gym Class Heroes had a dope shirt on paying respect to DJ AM (R.I.P.) and Roc Raida (R.I.P.) but having tattoo's all the way up your neck looks super stupid. KRS-One's freestyle was dope. This was also the first time of the night that I asked myself "why do I not know who this Wale' guy is".

Lyor Cohen's story about meeting Warren G was boring.

Hearing Trey Songz makes me miss Nate Dogg, who actually always made me miss Mixmaster Spade (R.I.P.). Since Trey Songz appears to be a modern version of Nate Dogg, that just means for two years he'll sound good on everyone else's tracks. Then he'll make an album of his own, sell maybe 33,000, and then go into obscurity. Cool.

So Clinton Sparks shouts out DJ AM and says nothing about Roc Raida (R.I.P.)? That right there speaks volumes to me about this dude.

Redman & Method Man should have done "How High" instead of what they did. It would have been funny if the IRS would have come out mid-song and cuff up Meth. LOL. Big respect to DJ Scratch for shouting out Roc Raida (R.I.P.). Whoever was mixing the sound for the Mary J. Blige / Method Man performance should be fired. It sounded horrible. Maybe that's was the energy level didn't work for me. They just lacked the chemistry of the original record. But nonetheless, I'm a huge Mary J. Blige fan.

Out of nowhere, next came Onyx. This was interesting to me. First, I'm glad they shouted out Jam Master Jay (R.I.P.). But didn't they sign to Def Jam after they had already had all their hits and the career was basically over? I mean "Slam" & "Throw Your Guns" were on R.A.L., not Def Jam. But okay.

I really liked Chris Lighty's vignette. Very sincere in his words.

Eve walked on stage and one thing was clear. She really should have implants by now.

Ashanti & Ja Rule were next up. This performance really had no chemistry to me. My tv started to form ice when they were on. Ashanti's body is bangin' but damn girl, what was up with the hair do. Seriously, it looked like a dried out Jheri Curl, half Mullet, half Mohawk with lines shaved in the sides. There really was a lot going on there. LMAO.

As they ran another Lyor Cohen vignette, a light bulb went off above my head and I came to the realization that while he may be and incredible behind the scenes genius, Lyor is a really boring to listen to. But it was hilarious when he put Death Row & Bad Boy on blast. That was hot.

Now earlier I mentioned that VH1 didn't bring out T La Rock. So when they brought out Oran Juice Jones, I said to myself "what the f*ck". But it was funny hearing him do the rap from the end of "The Rain". Silly rabbit. Hey! Don't touch that coat. Hahahahaha.

So when I caught my breath from laughing at Oran, I saw that they brought out Kimbo Slice's fat, out of shape brother. Oh I'm sorry. That was Rick Ross. This is about the time I dropped the kids off at the pool.

I got back just in time to see some block head hit the stage to hype the crowd for "Mr. I'll steal your car at the airport and pretend to be a D.E.A. agent" DMX. The dog lover sounded good but in the back of my mind I was thinking how cool it would be to see him beat the shit out of dog killer Michael Vick. Maybe the block head who was acting as his hype man is actually his probation officer or bail bondsman.
As the show was close to ending, I thought about some really glaring omissions from the performance list. Where was 3rd Bass? Where was Original Concept? Where was Jay Z? Where was LL Cool J? Where was Boss? Hmmmm.

Now it was time for the grand finale'. I had deja vu of my junior year of high school when I saw Kid Rock sporting the LL Cool J Troop jacket. That was dope. Wait, could it be? Yes!!!! EPMD is in the house. And just when it couldn't get any better, it did. Sort of. Out came Foxy Brown with boob's a blazing. Good lord those ting were huge. And I am not complaining about that. But what I am complaining about is seeing Fabolous out there with her. Again, I was asking myself "why?". And can anyone tell me what song that was that Ghostface was doing? Totally not his best track. Then Wale' came back out to do Kanye West's "Touch The Sky". Kanye must have been somewhere else throwing a tantrum and couldn't make the show. Not that anybody missed him anyway.

Then Russell Simmons came out and did his "Goodnight & God bless" line and the show was over. That was very predictable. But okay.

So that was it for this years Hip Hop Honors. Clearly, VH1 was trying to create a sort "Motown 25" type show but it didn't work. This was not as entertaining as past shows. Hopefully they bounce back next year.

And with that, I'm out. Thanks for reading, " DJ Kazzeo...

This week at CMJ:

Tues 10/20

DJ Souljah, Jasmine Solano, Stalley, Mr Move, Trouble Andrew, Wiz Kalifa, Grand Puba, U-God

Time: 8:00pm

Venue: Southpaw

Location: 125 Fifth Ave (btwn St. Johns’ & Sterling ) Brooklyn

Pitbul

Time: 8-10pm

Venue: BB Kings

Location: 237 W 42^nd St (btwn 7^th & 8^th)

Wednesday 10/21

Brooklyn Bodega Showcase: DJ Parler, Those Chosen, Kimberly Nichole, Jesse Boykins III, Diamond District (XO, YU, & Oddisee), Big Sean, Pac Div, Miz Metro, Terry Poison

Time: 6:00pm

Venue: DROM

Location: 85 Avenue A (btwn 5^th & 6^th St)

Thursday 10/22

Annual CMJ DJ Meet N Greet: Lushlife, DJ JS-1, Edan, Rich Medina, J Rocc & More

Time: 5-10pm

Venue & Location: Pls contact Jessica @ Spectre or Double J from Foundation Media for invite and location

Describe, Diwon, Darshan, Eprhyme, Kosha Dillz, Electro Morrocco & Dreams In Static

Time: 6:00pm

Venue: DROM

Location: 85 Avenue A (btwn 5^th & 6^th St)

Mike Posner, Big Sean, Theophilus London, 2am Club, Camp Lo, Brandon Hines, Pill, Freddie Gibbs, Shawn Chrystopher, DJ Jesse Marco, hosted by Jabari

Time: 7:00pm

Venue: S.O.B.’s

Location: 204 Varick St. (at W. Houston St.)

Audible Treats: DJ Keelay, Jern Eye, Illa J & Frank Nitt, Finale, Oddisee, Kam Moye aka Supastition, Trinity (A.G., Sadat X, DJ Jab), Tanya Morgan, Souls Of Mischief

Time: 9:00pm

Venue: Southpaw

Location: 125 Fifth Ave (btwn St. Johns’ & Sterling ) Brooklyn

Roc Raida Tribute, X-Ecutioners, Beat Junkies, Craze, A-Trak, Allies, Z-Trip, DJ Scratch, Roli Rho, Idee, DJ Dummy, Slyce, Shiftee, D.I.T.C,

Time: 11:00pm

Venue: BB Kings

Location: 237 W 42^nd St (btwn 7^th & 8^th)

Earatik Statik

Time: Midnight

Venue: Kenny’s Castaways

Location: 157 Bleecker St (btwn Thompson & Sullivan)

Friday 10/23

Kidz In Space, Smashproof, Fat Tony, Kokayi, Mr. SOS, Substantial, Pack FM, Tonedeff

Time: 7:00pm

Venue: Bowery Poetry Club

Location: 308 Bowery (btwn Houston & Bleecker)

Bobby Brown

Time: 8:00pm

Venue: BB Kings

Location: 237 W 42^nd St (btwn 7^th & 8^th)

The Foreign Exchange (Phonte & Nicolay), YahZarah, Darien Brockington, Carlitta Durand, Zo!, & The Els

Time: 11:30pm

Venue: BB Kings

Location: 237 W 42^nd St (btwn 7^th & 8^th)

Saturday 10/24

DuckDown Showcase: Da Beatminerz, Team Facelift, Smif N Wessun, Ruste Juxx, Skyzoo, Marco Polo & Torae, Blue Scholars, Kidz In The Hall, Boot Camp Clik

Time: 8:00pm

Venue: Gramercy Theater

Location: 127 E. 23^rd St (btwn Park Ave & Lexington Ave)
 

DJ Savvy from KSJS & KDON (see photo above) in Cali wanted to share this article with you guys as well as send a big shout out to Statik Selektah. Their show on KDON has not even been out for 6 months yet and is getting rave reviews from their local paper. Please take a moment and read about it. Savvy thanks you all for your continued support:

 KDON’s Savvy is an all-too-rare female DJ with a penchant for independent Hip-Hop. By Michelle Fitzsimmons

James Brown once wailed, “This is a man’s world,” and in most circles, professional and social, that declaration still holds true. 

But DJ Savvy, the “hostess with the mostess” of 102.5 KDON’s Project Hip-Hop, happens to have two X chromosomes. And she’s busting down the gender barricades in a male-dominated genre one Sunday at a time. “I think since I’ve been [DJing], I’ve definitely seen more females on the scene,” she says. “I’ve seen [Hip-Hop] evolve, and I think it’s a beautiful thing. We can’t move forward without them in the movement.”

 Every week, propelled by the mixes of her co-pilot Statik Selektah, Savvy broadcasts a two-hour show from KDON’s Salinas studios that is dedicated to the artists and tracks normally ignored by mainstream music moguls. Savvy, who goes by the single moniker on and off the air, works relentlessly in the days leading up to the show to find out who’s hot in the underground hip-hop scene to present a program that’s as entertaining as it is illuminating.  “There is so much s*** going out in this world,” she says. “Artists talking about popping champagne and pouring it on girls’ chests. But there’s also artists putting honest, conscious music out there.

Savvy sees herself as their messenger. “My mission is delivering the new music to the people,” she says. “For me, it’s really important to play a record first. And finding those buried treasures is such a reward. I like keeping people up on music, but also giving people the history behind the songs.”

For an underground Hip-Hop DJ, it’s surprising she doesn’t hold the music KDON plays 166 hours a week in contempt – “I’m not mad at the mainstream music,” she says. “I like to get dumb sometimes” – but she is concerned about the effect popular hip-hop has on kids too young to discern bad influences from good ones.“There is a sense of spirituality that youth are being robbed of,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s the artists’ fault or the record labels’ fault. If the listener looks a little deeper, they’ll find more.”

 The 26-year-old Detroit native recalls people laughing at her when she started out, solely on account of her gender. “People would automatically dismiss me,” she says. “It was very discouraging.”

 She came close to retiring her turntables for good until a conversation with Harlem rapper and political activist Immortal Technique.

“I was like, ‘I’m over this. I can’t do this anymore,’” she remembers. “And he said, ‘Nah, man, you’ve got to do this, you’ve got to persevere.’ And I did. In my heart I knew I shouldn’t quit, but there were definitely times when I thought I couldn’t do it anymore. If I had quit, I’d be missing a huge part of my life.”

Savvy makes a point to feature local artists on her show, encouraging them while she’s on the air to e-mail her and send tracks her way.  

Sincere, a Watsonville original now residing in Berkeley, is a rapper grinding away in the underground scene. He met Savvy at a bar years ago while promoting a mix tape. They’ve stayed in touch, and Sincere has gotten encouraging calls from Savvy telling him how much buzz surrounds his work.

“She’s all about pushing artists from the Central Coast,” he said. “She’s all about pushing the roots – the heart of the music. That’s what I appreciate about her show.”

 Without DJs like Savvy giving him play, Sincere says it’s impossible for unconnected artists to get their music to the masses.

“With Clear Channel, it’s definitely hard for an underground artist to get through,” he says. “That’s why it’s very important to know people like Savvy to get you in the rotation.” Northern Californian Hip-Hop producer Nima Fadavi is also quick to recognize Savvy’s rare vision.  “She’s very unique. She’s definitely helping a lot of local, underground artists and she’s definitely keeping that community vibe, which a lot of people just don’t support,” he says. “She gives them a chance they wouldn’t normally have.” Fadavi says this deepens her appeal with dedicated rappers.

 “Savvy has the vibe of an independent artist,” he said. “She helps them out and they help her out, and that’s why her show has such a big following among independent artists.”

While Savvy can go on at length about her hopes that her music movement can move beyond the underground and onto festival stages and airwaves across the country – and can speak articulately about her aspirations for other female DJs – she needs just two words when asked what she would tell skeptics who don’t think a female can play with the boys: “Hi, hater"...

Michael Jackson who has dominated album sales since his death, received 5 posthumous American Music Awards nominations on Tuesday, including the coveted artist of the year. Beyonce, Jay-Z, Jamie Foxx, Keyshia Cole, Mary Mary, Black Eyed Peas, Keri Hilson, Maxwell and T.I. also received nominations...

Rap Attack caught up with NY's, DJ Eclipse from WNYU & here's what he's got going on, "Here's my Mr. Magic Tribute from this past Wednesday on The Halftime Show. I pulled out a lot of old 12"s, radio tapes, rare demos and took calls from Kool DJ Red Alert, Special K (Awesome Two), the Mighty Mitchski and Just-Ice. Some of the music sounds crispy and some sounds like it's been sitting in mud for years. None the less, I'm sure you'll enjoy it all as there are definitely some classic moments I dug up for this show. From the groups that Magic put on, to the early years of the Juice Crew, to the records he mixed/co-produced, to the battles and then ultimately to the demise of the Juice Crew, it's all in this show. R.I.P. Mr. Magic:

The Halftime Show Mr. Magic Tribute 10/7/09 (2 parts)

 DOWNLOAD LINK: http://www.zshare.net/audio/667199824e9353e3/
FILE NAME: Halftime Show Mr. Magic Tribute PT.1.mp3
FILE SIZE: ~88.60 megabytes

DOWNLOAD LINK: http://www.zshare.net/audio/667198507123e23e/
FILE NAME: Halftime Show Mr. Magic Tribute PT2.mp3
FILE SIZE: ~88.83 megabytes
 

TurntableU.com - LEARN TO DJ - Register Now & Get 3 Lessons Free

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Turntable U is the first on-line DJ school to provide DJ's around the world with access to dozens of world-famous DJs through high quality DJ tutorials. All lessons are presented through state of the art digital video production. We bring you unequaled access to turntable fundamentals that are essential to being a well-rounded DJ. In addition, Turntable U will help you to refine your own DJ style—which is the secret to success. Turntable U's world renowned faculty of DJ instructors takes the guesswork out of learning. All you have to do is PRACTICE! Learn to how to rock the party from DJ legends you know and respect. No matter what type of musical genre you prefer—or your skill level—with Turntable U you will be able to rock the party.

Please contact: info@TurntableU.com for more information...

Bekay is available for interviews, phoners, drops, etc. Reach out to matt@coalminerecords.com ...
 

WHAT'S BLAZIN' WITH BLAZE WONG? by: BLAZE WONG:

 Great week in all things Black Dynamite! All screenings and premiers in Atlanta, Seattle, NYC, philly, LA and Chicago went great! I hope you guys had a chance to go see it? If not, please go check it out when it hits your market, good guaranteed laughs! Check out the site for more info: (www.blackdynamitemovie.com)

This week begins the craziness of CMJ! I've been so crazy with the commercial side of things I don't know what's up or down. I believe we have some events on the FADER side of things and I believe Duck Down Records has a crazy event lined up too! Now just to find some time from this chaotic schedule I have so I can chill out at one or both of them!

This week's "Triple Freshness" is brought to you by Rosco's Chilli and Donuts! Lol - go watch Black Dynamite if you don't get it:

1. Sean Price & Buckshot "Can't Fight The Feeling (Black Dynamite)" Black Dynamite Movie
2. LL Cool J "NCIS: No Crew Is Superior" Boomdizzle
3. Drake f. Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Eminem "Forever" Interscope

The above are available for download at www.1200squad.com and always remember, "The DJ is The Cornerstone of Hip-Hop"! Please feel free to hit me up with anything.
Blaze Wong
Cornerstone Promotion / National Manager of Urban Promotion
blaze@cornerstonepromotion.com 
www.cornerstonepromotion.com 
www.1200squad.com
www.twitter.com/1200squad
 

Ok it started years ago with Friendster & then I joined MySpace & then FaceBook and now Twitter! Soooooooo follow me on Twitter at: www.Twitter.com/NastyNes1...

WE'VE GOT SOME OF THE WORLD'S BEST DJ's! THE RAP ATTACK DJ'S! GET TO KNOW OUR DJ's BY LOGGING ONTO:
www.MySpace.com/RapAttackLives  AND PEEP OUR UPDATED PHOTO PAGE...

Rap Attack takes a "WHAT'S UPPER" look this week with:

Chill Will (WCBN-MI): "What's up? Gonna keep it short. But it's been a great week at the clubs and for radio. Plus I've been bangin that Ghostface album that's dope. If you haven't checked it out do so. Shout out to all the Steeler fans that were in town and came by the club. For more information about me DJ Chill Will go to www.myspace.com/djchillwill734...

DJ Jason-D (RadioBoise.org): "Lots of new music this week. I've got a few cds in heavy rotation in the car right now... Royce Da 5'9" "Street Hop", Raekwon's "Only Built For Cuban Linx 2", Big Twins "The Project Kid", Diamond District (XO, YU, & Oddisee) "In The Ruff", & Skyzoo "The Salvation". Real Hip-Hop is not dead. You just got to dig a little"...

DJ Sage (CFRO-Vancouver, BC): "Alright people I am sure everyone in the same boat right now with the Fall/4th Quarter on us, but I am too busy right now to ramble on about what has been good (other then watching the MLB playoffs go Dodgers – hahaha). However, I will let you know I have another mix CD dropping
in about a week, interviews with both Brother Ali and Fabolous just waiting to air, and some exciting new changes to URP Radio"...
 

Nate Abney (WKDU-Philly): "Another week and the Phils got the Rockies out of there and the Dodgers are next. The Eagles did the same with the Bucs. Man ya boy was happy this week. Not sure if I'll be making CMJ. The economy has killed my pockets so there are some things that have to get cut out for a little while. But hopefully next year I can end my absence. Look out for JJ BROWN'S album CONNECT THE DOTS, dropping on Nov 10th on WELL DONE ENTERTAINMENT. A lot of dope tracks and a lot of quality guest appearances. Check out his youtube clips as well leading up to the album. This year has went by fast already in the middle of October. I was a little bit more pleased with the music this year overall but there is still more room for improvement"...
 

Kevin Sakoda (KSPC-CA): "Hope everyone's doing well. If you're not in the LA-area, you can catch the show live (via iTunes) every Saturday, 5-7PM (west-coast time): http://www.kspc.org/popup.html  You can also find archived playlists and download links 24/7: http://blogs.myspace.com/kevsakoda  Enjoy!

Here is our address for 2009 to send material for review, etc (vinyl & cd's)!

RapAttackLives.com

4750 Kester Avenue, Ste. 11

Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Attn: Nasty-Nes

 (FOR MP3's): nastynes818@gmail.com 

Attn MySpace heads! If you haven't joined our exclusive RAP ATTACK page on MySpace, log on NOW & join at: http://www.myspace.com/rapattacklives...

SHOUT OUT TIZIME: Happy Birthday this week to Dan Shores formerly of NY's WHRW celebrating this Saturday, October 24th...

PEACE, LOVE & HIP-HOP UNITY (God Bless & Isa Mahal),

Nasty-Nes

http://www.myspace.com/nastynes

http://www.myspace.com/rapattacklives 

(Pinoy Pride4Life / John 3:16)