nonsensical nomenclature

DJ Norm Rocwell - Music Is Therapy: Session 1

2011-07-14T03:10:00.000-07:00

Listen / Download @:

Music Is Therapy: Session 1 by DJNormRocwell

It's been a long time...

2011-07-14T03:04:00.000-07:00

pistachio jones has returned.

Happy New Year...

2011-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

1.1.11.

Biggie Smalls...

2010-03-09T03:32:00.000-08:00

one of the best to bless the mic...

(May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997)

RIP.

Question - Soul Scheme...

2010-03-07T16:19:00.000-08:00

i, originally, was going to upload this back in mid-november but my laptop hard drive died... along with over a dozen notes of future blog entries... this is one of the them. i cannot remember what i wrote up, because honestly i can barely remember last week and during that period, i was on a roll.. the music speaks for itself. nothing beats soul music. you cannot go wrong with vintage soul especially when the person is mixing, it does it flawlessly... you may know him from back in the day under a different name... or even, as of recently, from his production and collaborative project, Study Guide, with the soulmeister, Freddie Joachim. his first solo album, Standard Translation will be out later this year. just go and DL this right now... click the pic.

spread the word.

check out his blog: Analogue Studies.

Twitter...

2010-03-07T15:55:00.000-08:00

@pistachiojones

spread the word.

http://twitter.com/pistachiojones

My Life As Liz...

2010-03-06T21:54:00.000-08:00

who!?!? pistachio joooones! that's what's up...

i wish it would rain...

2010-03-04T04:10:00.000-08:00

... and it is. i've always had a deep affinity towards the rain, particularly the aroma of the air in the brink of downfall. a simple whiff of it calms the nerves and gives me this solitary refreshing feeling that comes with the foresight and wishful thinking of the rain washing away the absurdities of this funny world. i love the rain... just not when i'm in it... i will probably regurgitate these very words every now and then, regardless of the fact, that's the way i feel... and you will read it again!

hmmm... first real post of the year.

my condolences and prayers to family of chelsea king. may her young soul rest in peace. life is way too precious.

ENJOY.

EVERY.

SINGLE.

MOMENT.

This year...

2010-01-01T16:37:00.000-08:00

will be a little more personal. enjoy.

LOVESPACE by Shred One & Roza

2009-12-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

one of my favorite mixes of the year... by some of my favorite DJs right now... true selectors to the craft. give your ears a gift for the holidays...

LOVESPACE: a musical journey through love songs in the soulful rhythms of boogie, discofunk, and house provided by DJs Shred One + Roza

LOVESPACE Tracklist:

1. “love so fine” intro / “just to be with you”- oliver cheatham

2. “kill that mother****”- dam funk

3. “single life”- cameo

4. “consequences”- bugz in the attic

5. “pleasure for your treasure”- first touch

6. “i didn’t mean to turn you on”- cherrelle

7. “e.t. boogie”- extra t’s

8. “beat the street”- sharon redd

9. “barely breaking even”- universal robot band

10. “the get down mellow sound”- the players association

11. “turn the music up”- the players association

12. “i’ll do anything”- lee mcdonald (patchworks remix)”

13. “sugar frosted lover”- flakes

14. “i love you, i live you”- chaka khan

15. “lies”- GQ (theo parrish edit)

16. “haven’t you heard”- steppah huntah

17. “how do you say…love”- deee-lite

18. “the light”- raw artistic soul feat. ursula rucker

19. “soul fever”- sinbad

20. “for your love”- peter brown

Download: HERE!!!!

Happy Holidays... Rest In Power, Mr. James Brown

2009-12-25T12:09:00.001-08:00

Dopeshoes: Sole Food

2009-10-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

Dopeshoes' second installment of her "sole series." Sole Food: Cold Bologna, Mayonnaise, & Bread is a largely retrospective mixtape for afternoons, bbqs, and whenever the hell else you feel like it. i cannot wait to hear it in it's entirety! DROPS TOMORROW! she keeps getting better and better with no signs of slowing down...

here's the tracklisting:

1. Masta Ace - 'Me & the Biz'
2. People Under the Stairs - 'We'll Be There'
3. DITC - 'Day One'
4. Common - 'In My Own World'
5. Mad Kap - 'When It Rains It Pours (Cheeba)'
6. Funkdoobiest - 'You're Dumin''
7. Scarface - 'A Minute to Pray and a Second to Die'
8. Marvin Gaye - 'Innercity Blues'
9. Marco Polo - 'Nostalgia' (feat. Masta Ace)
10. The Procussions - 'For the Camera'
11. Chill Rob G - 'Court is Now in Session'
12. Organized Konfusion - 'Fudge Pudge'
13. Grand Puba - 'I Like It'
14. Mary J. Blige - 'All My Love'
15. DeBarge - 'I Like It'
16. Freddie Joachim & Cypher Optics - 'Drum Machine'
17. Eric B & Rakim - 'In the Ghetto'
18. Dr. Dre - 'Lil' Ghetto Boy' (feat. Snoop Dogg)
19. Donny Hathaway - 'Little Ghetto Boy'
20. Jeff Lorber Fusion - 'Rain Dance'
21. Speak - 'Ballad of the Pop, Lock, & Drop'
22. One Be Lo - 'Unparalleled'
23. Intuition & Verbs - 'Touch the Moon'
24. Tokimonsta - 'Fool'
25. The Bar-Kays - 'You Can't Run Away From My Love'
26. Spice 1 - 'Doncha Runaway'
27. UTD - 'My Kung Fu'
28. Pete Rock & CL Smooth - 'Back on the Block'
29. B.T. Express - 'If It Don't Turn You On (You Oughta Leave It Alone)'
30. De La Soul - 'Big Brother Beat' (feat. Mos Def)
31. Casual - 'We Got It Like That'
32. Jungle Brothers - 'Because I Got It Like That'
33. Sly & The Family Stone - 'You Can Make It If You Try'
34. Diamond D & The Psychotic Neurotics - 'I Went For Mine'
35. Presto - 'Breath Control' (feat. Lowd / DJ Haul)
36. Bill Withers - 'Harlem/Cold Bologna (live at Carnegie Hall)'

peep the snippet: here

buy it: here

you can also check out snippets of her previous work:

I Know You Got Sole:

John Doe:

Link Of The Day

2009-10-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

and this is why they are STILL one of my all-time favorites...

Rest In Power, Grandmaster Roc Raida...

2009-09-22T18:51:00.000-07:00

one of the best to EVER do it...

from the words of his wife:

Anthony "Grand Master Roc Raida" Williams was born in Harlem New York on May 17th, 1972 to Brenda Williams-Bolling & William “Tony”

He passed away on Saturday, September 19th, 2009 from a cardiac arrest resulting from injuries he suffered in an accident while training in Krav Maga, a type self defense system that he had been studying weekly for the last two years. He was proud that his 15-year-old daughter, Asia, shared his passion for Krav Maga and was the only girl in their class.

At an early age, Anthony joined the Mt Neboh Baptist Church & was baptized under the leadership of the Late Rev. William D. Gardner. It is at Mount Neboh where he served faithfully during his youth. He was a member of the Children's Choir, the Junior Choir, the Usher Board, and a former mascot for the Male Chorus of which his grandfather, the Late Deacon Early Williams was a member.

Anthony Williams was both African-American and Puerto Rican. He lived most of his life in Harlem but after marrying his soul mate, Tyeasha on June 26, 1997, they moved to the Bronx. Several years ago, they realized their dream of owning a home and relocated their family to Maryland. He encouraged and shared in his wife’s dream of one day opening up her own beauty salon.

He began DJing at the age of 12, spinning at local parties around Harlem. By 1995, Roc Raida represented the United States at the DMC World DJ Championships and won! He was the first DJ from New York City to hold this title and was automatically inducted into the DMC/Technics DJ Hall of Fame. Throughout his life, he lived his passion - being a professional Hip Hop DJ. He was blessed to have touring the world as his day job. Williams was honored to have worked with recording artists including Showbiz & AG, Lord Finesse, Kool G Rap and most recently, he toured exclusively with Busta Rhymes.

Although his family called him “Ant” (short for Anthony), he became known worldwide as legendary DJ Roc Raida. In 1999, Grand Master status was bestowed upon him by a group of pioneering Hip Hop DJs, during a conference at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.

Before he passed, he asked his 10 yr. old daughter, Nyra, who was the most interested, of his children, in DJing to take over for him as a DJ. She agreed!

With a very aggressive swagger on the turntables, those who knew Roc Raida were floored by his humbleness. His wife, Tyeasha reports, “His notoriety amazed him every day!” He never took that for granted. Williams was also known to be very quiet, private and easy going. His self-control was commendable unless he was pushed to his limit and then he would roar. In fact, Lord Finesse called his friend “the quiet lion” for this very reason. Those closest to him have the pleasure of remembering him also as a hilarious comedian, loving to joke and laugh.

Roc Raida through battles, performances, videos, dvds and even a Pepsi commercial, influenced thousands of DJs, both to party rock as well as to battle and he took several aspiring DJs under his wing to mentor personally. As a member of legendary turntablist crews, The X-Men and The X-ecutioners, he along with his brothers-in-vinyl took the world by storm, innovating, influencing and inspiring at every turn. In 2006, to progress and contribute to the Hip Hop DJ battle scene, he founded Roc Raida’s Gong DJ Battle, a national DJ battle that occurs annually, combining head to head turntablist dexterity with comedy and drama.

Not only was he a World Champion DJ, he was a dedicated father and husband.

Anthony leaves to cherish his memories; his loving wife: Tyeasha Williams; three beautiful daughters: Asia, Nyra & Tia; one son: Earl Tyric Smiley; mother: Brenda Williams-Bolling; his step-father: Clarence Bolling; mother-in-law: Clarice Powell; father-in-law: Deryl Hunt; sister: Tamneka Bolling; 2 brother-in-laws: Willie Neat & Keith Powell; 3 aunts: Arlene Tramble, Jacquline Knox of FL, & Jacquline (Donald) Tramble; 1 god-sister: Tina Carter; Adoptive Grandmother: Juanita Jackson and a host of cousins & dear friends.

Anthony is now reunited with his grandparents, Deacon Early & Helen Williams & his Aunt Minister Carol Knox.

The family would like to acknowledge these amazing "God-sends". They have truly been Tye's backbone throughout this ordeal. To: Henley "Pro" Halem, Sean C, Fat Man Scoop, Busta Rhymes, DJ Premier and Christie Z. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!!!

The family would like to expressly thank Chatman-Harris Funeral Home in Baltimore MD as well as Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem NY for their generosity and kindness.

Funeral Arrangements and Information for Thursday, September 24, 2009

The viewing for Anthony Williams will be held from 10am to 12 noon, followed by the funeral beginning at 12noon. Both will be held at:

Mount Neboh Baptist Church
1883 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. (W.114th St. & 7th Ave)
New York NY, 10026
Phone: 212.866.7880
http://mountneboh.org

Directions:

Train: 2 or 3 to 116th St. Exit near intersection of W 116th St and Lenox Ave. Go West on W 116th St towards Lenox Ave.
Bus M11 to W 116 St and Adam C Powell Blvd
Please visit http://www.hopstop.com for more directions.

* Those who wish to send flowers can kindly arrange for them to be delivered to the church on Sept. 24th between 9am – 10am only.

** The family requests that No Filming or Photography Take Place within the church during the viewing and during the funeral.

All accurate information, official tributes and fundraisers (approved by his family) will be posted at:
http://www.myspace.com/rocraida
http://www.myspace.com/thegongdjbattle

Donations can be sent via paypal.com using the email address: ladietye@yahoo.com.

Please contact toolsofwar@gmail.com for hi res photos- press purposes.

--------------------------------------

“As one of the Godfathers of Hip Hop, this is a tremendous loss to the Dj community. It’s sometimes rare to meet an individual who was a supertalent, be so mild mannered and so calm. His skill level was admired worldwide. It was pleasure to see him in action. It was a pleasure to know him. I give my condolences to his family.” - Grandmaster Flash

“My heart is in pain over the passing of a good friend. He’s like a brother to me because he holds the same values I hold when it comes to my family, friends, music and life. He will be missed but not forgotten. I will keep his wife and children in my prayers. Rest in Peace Grand Master Roc Raida!” – GrandWizzard Theodore

“Roc Raida was an innovator on the turntables at a time when we thought the best of the best had been seen. His artistic wizardry seemed so effortless it reminded me of a young GrandWizzard Theodore. His easy going attitude was a pleasure to see in a time where most artists of his caliber were big headed. Salute young general and RIP to our latest Grand Master!” - GrandMaster Caz

"The Lord is forming his band right now. He called home Michael Jackson. But he was missing a DJ that could match the skill level as Michael. So he called upon Grandmaster Roc Raida." - DJ Scratch

“Since the day I met Raida, he was the most humble, strong willed, genuine, ultimate competitor. The greatest DJ in my book.” - Lord Finesse

“Grand Master Roc Raida was one of the greatest DJs to ever touch a turntable. To guys like myself and Craze who came up right after the monumental generation of X-Men, ISP and Beat Junkies, Raida was the ultimate inspiration as a battle DJ. For those who knew him personally, Raida was also the kindest, more generous and funniest friends we had. He was like a mentor to me, I can't even count the amount of times he helped me out over the years. I feel like I just lost a big brother. He will be sorely missed.” – DJ A-Trak

Link Of The Day

2009-09-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

dope commercial... and if you are going to cop it. get at ACCESS MUSIC: click here!

big ups to mr. hek for the linkage

Link Of The Day

2009-09-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

this girl is awesome!

big ups to gangsta ass shumOne

San Diego Zulu Nation 3 Year Anniversary Mixtape (Online Edition)

2009-08-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

by DJ Norm Rocwell & DJ Mane One

Side A: DJ Norm Rocwell

Tracklisting:

1. Ruby Andrews - "You Make A Believer Out Of Me"
2. Q-Tip - "Won't Trade"
3. Marlena Shaw - "California Soul"
4. Jay Rock - "Follow Me Home (Instrumental)"
5. Frank Nitt ft. DJ Quilk - "L.O.V.E."
6. The Notorious Big ft. Erykah Badu - '"Party & Bullshit (Astronote Remix)"
7. Deep Rooted - "D.E.E.P.R.O.O.T.E.D."
8. Blame One ft. Sean Price - "Distrurbed"
9. Mayer Hawthorne - "Maybe So, Maybe No"
10. The New Holidays - "Maybe So, Maybe No"
11. Big Tone - "Chocolate"
12. Illa J - "We Here"
13. The Jackson 5 - "I Want You Back (Jazz Mix)"
14. The Roots - "Act Too... Love Of My Life" / Slum Village - "Fall In Love" (re-edit)
15. Mayer Hawthorne - "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out"
16. Jake One ft. Vitamin D & Ish - "Home"
17. Shawn Jackson ft. Ty & Kory - "Go There With You"
18. BP & Odds - "The Uplift"
19. Abstract Rude - "Nuff Fire"

Side B: DJ Mane One

Tracklisting:

Figure it out! Classics galore!

DOWNLOAD MIX HERE!!!!

Link Of The Day

2009-08-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

props to Jenn Lui for the find!

Ya'll Sleepin' On: Kooley High

2009-08-11T01:27:00.000-07:00

met these cats outside of the do-over in los angeles this sunday. it was crazy because i was already bumping their mixtape, as well as checking out the myspace page earlier in the day. music speaks for itself... this is the new generation that we sorely need right now... HIGHLY IMPRESSED. do not sleep on Kooley High... check out their new video:

Bio:

Kooley High is comprised of six former N.C. State University students, who met on the campus bricks by way of hip hop. What started out as a student-run hip hop organization, known as H2O, soon turned into a fresh factory of beats, rhymes, and life. The North Carolina group is made up of three emcees, Charlie Smarts, Tab-One, and Rapsody, two producers, Foolery and The Sinopsis, and a deejay, DJ Ill Digitz.

This eclectic group of emcees, producers, and deejay have exploded out of the Raleigh underground scene with their latest release, "The Summer Sessions EP". In which, they recruited Grammy Award-winning producer, 9th Wonder, for collaborations on tracks like "There You Go" and "Water". No, music is in no way new to these "new-comers". Charlie Smarts and Tab-One make up half of another NC hip hop marvel, known as Inflowential. And, the lady of the group, Rapsody, is signed to 9th Wonder's label, "Its a Wonderful World".

DOWNLOAD the KOOLEY IS HIGH mixtape RIGHT HERE!!!!

http://www.myspace.com/kooleyhigh

Link Of The Day

2009-08-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Mayer Hawthorne - Maybe So, Maybe No Video

Props to eyeRONik!

Inspired Flight

2009-07-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

this is the type of music where you climb to the top of your roof at 2 am, lie down, blaze one, and stare into the infinite abyss before your eyes. just lay there and let your mind ponder till dawn breaks.

peep their bio:

"Inspired Flight is a duo comprised of master turntablist, OpenOptics, and accomplished guitarist/songwriter, Chavez. Both began their commitment to music at a very young age with a love for hip-hop. As teenagers OpenOptics became obsessed with turntables, collecting records and DJ'ing, while Chavez became fixated on guitar, British rock and songwriting. The two traveled their respective musical paths with true dedication and passion, honing their skills as musicians, and in 2006 they met one another. By this time, OpenOptics and Chavez had already seriously ventured into recording and producing music and simultaneously developing a strong love for electronic music. It didn't take long at all for the two to collaborate, and the fusion of musical interests, backgrounds and personalities ended up being the perfect balance for creating fresh, thought-provoking sounds."

Download Through Sight and Sound EP for FREE: RIGHT HERE!!!!

View Inspired Flight's EPK HERE!

Listen to Inspired Flight's music HERE!

Instant Funk: A Dopeshoes x Thumbprint Mixtape

2009-07-07T00:17:00.000-07:00

A funky as hell mixtape ear f*ck done by the lovely dopeshoes (dojo soundz / homegrown blends) and the savage thumbprint (kids of soul / soul province). you will love it. not only is this a mixtape, but an event going down this weekend. lucky you, san diego folks. believe me, i will be attending. put on your dancing shoes ladies and gents...

you can catch me holding up the wall in typical pistachio jones fashion... which i fully abandon when i get enough courrrr... er... why lie? spirits in me.

DOWNLOAD HERE!!!!

Rest In Power, Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

i'm still in disbelief... damn... in my eyes, he was the world's biggest icon. why is the does the media have to spot light all the negativity... lets focus on what he gave us... some of the greatest songs ever. in the words of the homie, neil, "he wasn't perfect, but he music was..."

damn... we just lost another legend.

The escape(ism) Sampler: FREE DOWNLOAD

2009-06-08T02:40:00.000-07:00

i heard this guy is pretty good. =) a snippet from his upcoming mix, escape(ism), which will be an aural journey into nujazz, upbeat soul, afrolatin vibes, and good ol' hip hop. Be on the look out... very. very. very soon. you will be hearing of the name, dj norm rocwell... more. sampler art by shumONE. voice work by... ?????? ??????? (it's a secret i heard... that will be revealed later... try to figure it out!)

listen and/or DL. spread the love...

Download Here!!!!

DJ Vinroc - Luv Luv (Feat. Zumbi of Zion I and Jenisis)

2009-05-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

Video by Cadre Media
Directed by Hayves Streeter

all i can say is about time... is there was a video to be made of one helluva song, then it's about time! originally released as a bonus track on the golden state inspired instrumental comp, Ethnicali, which was a collaborative work between the likes of Vinroc, Teeko, Swift Rock, Donovan Savage, Sophomore, and DJ Rasta Root. oh yeah, pick that joint up!right here.

but yes... as soon as you watch this you'll be familiar with the song... why? for those of you that know me personally, i play this like all the time and you know what... it WORKS all the time. such an ill ass song! don't sleep on dj vinroc as a producer. homie got blaps for days... and wait for The Revealing coming out very soon... i also heard there will be a sneak peek at a track or two on that upcoming DJ Norm Rocwell mixtape joint called Escape(ism). he also another instrumental project out called Beat Freaks (out on iTunes) but anyways..... good choice on using Zumbi (of Zioin I) and Jenisis, who i might add is pretty fly! i love them bay area girls. that's that... and that's what's up.

get the song here:

www.thatsthatlabel.com

Ya'll Sleepin' On: Zee Avi

2009-05-21T04:32:00.000-07:00

ya'll sleepin' on Zee Avi...

i'm not gonna front either, because i did too.
you'll love it or you won't. either way, appreciate.
so, yeah, check it...

i cannot get enough of this song! has been on repeat for the last couple days. she rides the rhythm of the guitar strings with a melodic wave of playful, yet intricately placed lyrics. this one helluva beautiful jewel is definitely going on an upcoming mixtape with swiftness... yes. it's now in the tracklist. so don't bite the steez. i, even, contemplated not sharing this joint with you.... but a song like this... cannot be withheld from ears void of good taste, and force fed the substantial mockery of music heard on the airwaves these days. this needs to be played on the radio, and if it is, even more... maybe then i will start listening as if it were the 90's... it's safe, but sad to believe that i will have to keep dreaming on for that day. Zee Avi's album came out this tuesday... the entire album is superbly well-done. this will be in my top ten releases of the year. i suggest you cop one.

soothe your soul and set adrift... this is a perfect soundtrack for the summer...

i gotta thank Trevor K. at Up Above Records for putting me on to this... you should thank Jack Johnson for signing this Malaysian singer / songwriter on his Brushfire imprint, as well as Ian Montone on his Monotone label. You might as well thank YouTube for putting Jack and Ian on... actually... just watch this and get to know her better... you can thank yourself later for watching it.

whoa... she kinda reminds me of my last... uh... um, i'll stop right there. ha ha ha. if you know, you know. if you don't. oh well...

J Dilla x Pete Rock x The Beat Junkies: Jay $tay Paid Sampler

2009-05-14T02:39:00.000-07:00

Jay $tay Paid Sampler. J Dilla. executively produced by ma dukes. mixed by soul brotha #1 Pete Rock. compiled and hosted by The World Famous Beat Junkies. nuff said.

Download Sampler Here

rest in power.

buy this when it drops on Nature Sounds in june 2nd. SUPPORT. do YOUR part in preserving and cultivating his legacy.

PRE-ORDER the CD HERE!!!! or VINYL HERE!!!!

SOURCE: DJ Rhettmatic (via Twitter) & 2DopeBoyz

Link Of The Day

2009-05-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

yes. a link with some substance. you will be seeing this more often... as long as the homies provide more top notch links. this one comes from the homie, Language Art, from the Tru Skool Tuesdays blog. peep this out.... the article is called, "2nd Fiddle."

"The entertainment duo is a familiar staple in pop culture. There’s something about the relationship between two great personalities that cannot be replicated by half of the duo and often times can be more dynamic than that of a larger group. Lucy and Desi, Paul and John, Romeo and Juliet – some even exist as a single entity, i.e. “Bennifer” and “Brangelina.” The only drawback to the duo is the fact that one member may outshine the other. Potentially, one may become more popular; and although both may be extremely talented, the comparison might often leave the less favorable member overlooked in obscurity. Let’s shine the light on the often overlooked members of some Hip-Hop’s most legendary duos... "

Read The Whole Article Right Here!!!!

SOURCE: Tru Skool Tuesdays

( catch their show online, 9pm PST, on Earthbound Radio on iTunes Right Here , as well as their live video show Right Here )

Link Of The Day

2009-05-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

"you bastard! you've summoned the FAIL WHALE!"

hahahah

fail whale.

props to Opoetik (via Facebook)

Happy Birthday To...

2009-05-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

the godfather of soul

if you don't know who this is...

hold up...

pause!

cuz i'm about to slap the shit out of you!

The Official: Pound-For-Pound...

2009-05-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

tiiiiiimmmmmmmmmmberrrrrr!!!!!!

we keeps it thanksta' homie.

kinda reminds me of this one movie...

The Great White Hype (Theatrical Trailer)
Uploaded by NakedBrotha2007

Photos by Wally Skalij. Awesome gif by EYEroniK.

Mayer Hawthorne - Maybe So, Maybe No

2009-04-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

Mayer Hawthorne was an anomaly in 2008. As soon as the first single dropped, labeled, Mayer Hawthorne & The County Line - "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out." it was released as a limited red clear, heart-shaped 10" vinyl record released by Stones Throw Records, which in turn became one of, if not, the most sought after record of 2008. within months of the initial drop of the release, people were left with the impression that it was another Stones Throw re-release of a slept on banger, only to find that it was newly recorded material. later on in late-2008 / early-2009 (i cannot remember), the label was forced release a second pressing due to it's demand. the second pressing were swiftly sold to the masses, but there was one problem. a manufacturing defect left the single without it's popular titled track. the vinyl had two B-sides, front and back. Stones Throw repressed it for a third time to make up for it's mistake and replaced everyone who had the misprint, but with something like that, you would not want to let that go... this was one of the best singles of 2008. Stones Throw has made an official video for it... enjoy it!

"Maybe So, Maybe No..." this is Mayer Hawthorne's second single, and first this year. Lets hope he doesn't drop a single a year, that's too long of a wait. i had the opportunity to meet him in his pre-Mayer Hawthorne days, as Athletic Mic League's and Now On's DJ Haircut. He is one hilarious character. while preparing for an in-store in San Diego's indie hip hop store, Access Music, we (Now On & I ) were talking and someone started to seemingly joke on how DJ Haircut was not only one ill ass DJ, but a stellar vocalist... it turns out they weren't joking! ha ha ha. one the other side of the spectrum, what if this was all just a silly joke, that got big. that right there would be some ill shit. needless to say, this is and was no joke. this is the second offering of that classic soul aesthetic. "Maybe So, Maybe No" picks up where the first single left off. Hawthorne comes in a dire age when there is an undeniable need of some real soul music... other artists, please take heed. it is now available as an advance digital download at Stones Throw Records, vinyl will be coming soon. So act quick!

DOWNLOAD HERE (leads directly to Stones Throw)

SOURCE: Stones Throw and TruSkool

Link Of The Day

2009-04-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

just watch it. no need to explain.

linked by DJ Eclektic (Full Clip DJ's / Tru Skool Tuesdays) via Twitter.

DJ Thumbprint - This Ain't No Breaks!

2009-04-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

DJ Thumbprint, reppin' Kids Of Soul, Massive Selector, Earthbound Radio, and Soul Province, dropped this ill mix a couple weeks ago. being, that i am so lazy, i am finally throwing this up for grabs. yessir, this is free. it has a little nujazz, a little latin vibes, a little afrobeat, and whole lot of dopeness . damn it is a great listen. this was made in for the Massive Selector SD 2 year anniversary. DL this shit, and bring it with you in your car, ipod, zune, and etc. it will make your day a little more enjoyable. free. yes. free... and btw... he has also has a disco-funk cd, Penasquitos Nights... very dope! get that right by clicking this image:

you can catch DJ Thumbprint every 2nd and 4th Thursdays on Chief Rocka events @ Red C Lounge, Downtown Gas Lamp District, San Diego. he is also one of the original resident selectors of Earthbound Radio's weekly show, Tru Skool Tuesdays... follow their awesome blog:

Tru Skool Tuesdays

DOWNLOAD MIXTAPE HERE!!!!

RBST x MF Doom x KMD Cubeecraft w/ Removable Mask

2009-04-19T15:05:00.000-07:00

the homie erik, RBST, made this... this has been getting so much pub from Stones Throw! his cousin, hektik, called me the other day telling me of his ill achievement... getting featured on the main page of Stones Throw's website and i just finally got along to posting this up (due to a binge drinking weekend)...

but yeah... this is some cool ass shit hahah. easy to make and affordable (free). if you cannot buy the paper to make this... then that's sad. get your chips up... or borrow ten cents from the bum next to kinko's.

RBST advice:

"I think the best thing to do is get some cardstock to print on. you can pick some up at Staples or Office Depot. Inkjet’s cool, but if you can, i’d say go to Kinko’s or some other copy place and have the templates laser printed onto some 95# cover stock. Or, if you have some 8.5″ x 11″ photo paper around, you could inkjet onto that. If you want your model to be glossy, and you’re printing it at home, that’d be the way to go."

as well as A4 letter paper (rappcats)

here is the two part download:

Part 1

Part 2

SOURCE: RBST and Rappcats

Ab Rude Is Back...

2009-04-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

i can't wait for Rejuvenation, originally titled, Dear Abby... such a long time in the making... its gonna be worth it, just you wait...

Rejuvenation will be released May 5th on Rhymesayers Entertainment.

Get It Right Here

ha ha ha the homies all up in the vid!

oh yeah... here's the title track:

DOWNLOAD HERE

Freddie Joachim & Question: Study Guide

2009-04-16T03:45:00.000-07:00

san diego is on the rise... especially in the land of the rising sun. san diegans' Freddie Joachim and Question (aka DJ Style) bring to you their debut joint venture, Study Guide, on DJ Tonk's Milkdipper imprint. being fortunate enough to preview the album months ago, i should have blogged about it at a more approximate length nearing the release date... not the day after. that is neither here, nor there, because the past is not of any relevance right now. pick this up... jazzy and soulful beats for the soul, that will most undoubtedly make your neck sore. if you like pete rock, kev brown, sound providers, and etc... then this is in your steez.

(i'll touch up more on this later on... it's 5 AM and i have work tomorrow... this right here is something for you to read right now...)

although the physical CD is only available overseas in Japan... you can still cop it digitally thru iTunes...when? NOW.

Download Right Here!!!!

support the artists.

Breathing Slow...

2009-04-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

breakin' all the shit that i don't want to hold...

makin' all the slumbers inside me flow...

so in all the seasons can make me grow...

and i'm breathing...

i'm breathing slow.

Link Of The Day

2009-04-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

if you can't do it right...

then... don't do it at all.

this genius probably passed out, seconds afterwards. way to go, champ! i bet his friends do this to him on a weekly basis... if i knew someone this dumb, i probably would too. now that i think about it... he's most likely blowing into it. shamwow!

thanks to ShumOne for the funniest shit i saw today

In The Spirit Of Easter...

2009-04-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

i bring you bunnies. i bring you camels. i, also bring you, the middle east, to take you back to that old school steez. happy easter.

this new animated series, Cat Shit One, looks amazing... a very Metal Gear-esque trailer. but i'm sure it will stir up all kinds of wrong... on many levels. haha... can't wait to see how it pans out this winter... or is it japan winter, and u.s. spring... ack. oh well...

now back to my lazy "easter" sunday.

Link Of The Day

2009-04-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

Props to RonChiChio

DJ Neil Armstrong - Sweeet Pt. 2

2009-04-06T05:12:00.000-07:00

it's been a long three years since the homie, mixtape-extraordinaire, DJ Neil Armstrong (5th Platoon), blessed us with some ear candy... in those three years, he has accomplished accolades most DJ's will ever see in their lifetime. yes, he is now Jay-Z's DJ.

that's something i believe changed many mindsets in our DJ community. he is a prime example of where DJing can get you... no longer are you succumb to dreams, little or big, of playing at bars, clubs, with the hopes of making it in vegas, la, nyc, and etc... there is more... there is the rest of the world... arenas, stadiums, festivals... if you have the heart, soul, and passion for the artform. yes, again... he is Jay-Z's DJ... but most of all, he is one of us. he is proof that hard work will persevere. he gives everyday DJ's hope that one day it will pay off. he is the proverbial slap in the face of nay-sayers and people that insist that DJing will get you nowhere... DJing got Neil Armstrong where he is today... touring the world as the DJ of one of the, if not biggest,hip hop superstars in the game, some of the best mixtape series around (2Original is personally one of my all-time favorites), and i might as well add, one of the most humblest people you will meet, awesome nyc driver, og bmx'er, and oh...

the FIRST DJ at the presidential inauguration ball of the FIRST african-american president, Barack Obama.

and so...
without...
further ado...

well worth the wait... another great addition to his timeless, Sweeet series. i've listened to it about five times so far and it just keeps getting better. another DJ Neil Armsrtong masterpiece which will make you say... "ooh that's my shit!" pretty much throughout the whole entire mix. let's hope we don't have to wait 3 more years for the next one. please support him... he's well-deserved of it... and that's my word.

PISTACHIO JONES APPROVED.

here is a little sneak peek into Sweeet Pt. 2:

DOWNLOAD RIGHT HERE!!!!

you can now pre-order it here:

Access Hip Hop
or
5th Platoon

Link Of The Day

2009-04-06T02:01:00.000-07:00

just watch his moves... wow.

Props to Law (St.Clogs) via Daeta's Facebook.

Won't Do...

2009-04-03T12:43:00.000-07:00

this video should be watched once a month... at least! i always find myself coming back to this one...

rest in power...

Q-Tip x J.Period

2009-03-27T03:58:00.000-07:00

soooooo good! seriously... i pretty much listened to it all day yesterday and will so again today. J.Period does it proper... and Tip (aka THE ORIGINAL TIP) breaks it down.

J.Period & Q-Tip present The Q-Tip For President Mixtape

DOWNLOAD HERE!!!!

Check out www.jperiod.com for more goodies...

if link does not work or loops... use this one

Download here!!!!
(Source on RE link: www.flawlesshustle.com)

Link Of The Day

2009-03-26T01:30:00.000-07:00

Where The Wild Things Are

TRAILER!!!!

MF

hands down... my favorite book... ever!

i feel like a kid again...

you da man, Spike Jonz!

for best quality go to this link:

Click Here!

thank you JB for the linkage.

ps... 4 posts in less than 24 hours... i am on one!

Don't Give Up On Love...

2009-03-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

"Laura's Song"

a new song and video from Tanya Morgan's Donwill. from his upcoming album, Don Cusack in High Fidelity. directed by Marques Green. featuring Fringe's Jasika Nicole.

i love the fact that it's a recreation of one of my favorite movies... notice how i didn't say, re-make. god forbid a silver screen re-make of High Fidelity. Donwill's album is going to be in constant rotation, when it hits. this was actually going to be another Ya'll Sleepin On... but i think people are completely sleeping on the entire Tanya Morgan crew. i'll touch up on that later one.. until then... be prepared to watch "Laura's Song" a few times... at least. if you haven't already.

good shit, Donwill!

Ya'll Sleepin' On: Chip Fu

2009-03-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

it's been long time coming.... from his haydays with Fu-Schnickens , to this day... this cat has been holding it down with his melodic rapid-fire delivery. nobody can front on Fu-Schnickens... ha! that was like one of the first cd's i ever bought (prior were tons of tape cassettes). who remembers Chip Fu rappin' backwards on Fu-Schnick's "The Movie Scene?" he was one of the handful of people who could pull that off and sound ill. nowadays, it seems like he's moving in silently, with numerous guest appearances.

chip fu is back with an indie sensibility and roots n' culture reggae tinged vibe. he has been working with illmind, kay, nicolay, and pete rock lately... peep him killin' it on Pete Rock's "Ready Fe War." fiyya! don't sleep on his comeback to the masses... actually, you can't call it comeback because he's always been here (came back in 2005)... remember his 8 bars on nas' "where are they now remix?" he kills it. don't sleep on the resurfacing of Chip Fu. 2009 will be his year... i wonder what happened to Moc Fu and Poc Fu????

he JUST dropped this mixtape...

Chip Fu aka Jungle Rock Jr. - Stop Playing Mixtape

DOWNLOAD HERE

www.chipfu.com
www.myspace.com/chipfu

The Sun Is Shining...

2009-03-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

accidently left the blinds open last night and was woken up by the sunlight. as i was lying down trying to go back to sleep... it hit me... i'm feelin' good right now, i think i will start my day. go to the gym, eat a nice breakfast, get ready for work...

it has been an hour since i woke up and wrote the aforementioned piece (up above). all i've done is this blog entry...

time to get it goin'...

Evidence - "Chase The Clouds Away"

(one of my favorite songs of his debut solo album, The Weatherman)

Get It Here!!!!

Link Of The Day

2009-03-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

this guy is so gangsta wid it! almost made me wanna buy one... probably not, but o' dude gets an A for effort. production-wise... he's definitely in my top fifty thousand of all time.

props to vin on this one. go peep out his blog right here:

That's That Shh!!

It's Supposed To Rain Today...

2009-03-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

i love the rain. what i love more, is the aroma in the air you get right before it rains. that right there, my friend, is my favorite smell. i wish i had a covered balcony, i'd enjoy it more. so... it's supposed to rain today. i don't have work today, so let it pour! so in ode to this appreciated and anticipated forecast, one of my favorite songs and video:

TALIB KWELI - The Blast (feat Hi-Tek)
Uploaded by homhom

Bonus Video produced, filmed, and directed by the homie...

DJ VINROC

Link Of The Day...

2009-03-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Self Defense Dorks - Watch more Funny Videos

thanks to myself... got bored and looked thru some old bookmarked videos. with the constant dangers that surrounds us... now, you can be ready for anything... why don't mma fools take heed to these guys' vast array of badassness... hahaha. i guess the text in the beginning explains it all. thank you for blessing the interworld with you secret techniques.

"if we are going to fight, let me take my glasses off?"

seriously?

that's like being in the middle of a beatdown and asking for a time out.

but then again...

if you look like these "ass clown punchers"...

never mind.

Freddie Joachim - Nights Alone EP

2009-03-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

the homie, freddie, just dropped this on his blog (see link to his at the bottom), so i've decided to share it with you as well. he is superb beatsmith outta San Diego, who is need of more shine. if soulful, jazzy intricate beats are your cup of tea, then freddie joachim is the kettle... support independent artists when they drop their albums, mixtapes, etc... especially those who give you free stuff... and support your local record store while you at it.

DOWNLOAD.ZIP

01. Silent
02. Baiser
03. Glass
04. Arruga De Agua
05. Meditation

all tracks produced by Freddie Joachim.

*for promotional use only. not for individual sale.

"note: please do no contact me asking permission to use tracks on your album. You DO NOT have my permission. FREE is always good, but please support independent artists." - Freddie Joachim

(Study Guide by Question & Freddie Joachim available on iTunes April 15th)

Make sure you check out his blog on the regular:
Freddie Joachim

Link Of The Day...

2009-03-17T22:29:00.001-07:00

so... everyday i am bewildered and highly amused by a constant barrage of links (via aol/ichat/gmail chat/email) from various friends, acquaintances, and random folk. some i check, so i know not to check (you know who you are you dirty filthy sunovabatch). i know i am in need of constant updates for this thing. i will post the link, and credit it to the person gave it to me first. if it is a picture, i'll just post that f*cker right on here to save you the hassle of clicking. yes. i feel the laziness in you, so i am deciding to help you out. so behold...

the...

LINK OF THE DAY:

Props to DJ Emphatic for the linkage.

in the event of my laziness... the name could change to Link Of The Week or Link Of The Month.

Ya'll Sleepin' On: Shawn Jackson

2009-03-16T02:43:00.000-07:00

For those who slept on one of the best albums of 2008... Time to open your ears up this time... and your eyes, cuz you are about to watch some ill shit. Here's two smooth joints from Shawn Jackson's debut album, First Of All...

Feelin' Jack:

Go There With You:

Don't Sleep...
again...
But for those who already know...
Yeah.
That's what's up!

Get It Right HERE!!!!

Support your favorite artists and local record stores.
www.myspace.com/shawnjackson

Let The Right One In...

2009-03-11T01:09:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite movies of 2008. brilliant. this is how you bring freshness to an over-saturated genre. i just bought this earlier today... i should save it for the weekend, perhaps. we'll see about that. do yourself a favor and watch this, regardless, if whether you are or not a vampire aficionado...

Who Shot Ya?

2009-03-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

THIS IS THE LIFE...

2009-03-10T05:37:00.000-07:00

An amazing, vital piece of hip hop history... Its about time that light has been shed on this birthplace of so many styles. A definite must-see for anyone who calls themselves a fan of hip hop culture.

Welcome to The Good Life Cafe...

In 1989, a collective of young artists gathered at a storefront in South Central LA. Their mandate? To reject gang culture & expand the musical boundaries of hip hop. THIS IS THE LIFE chronicles “The Good Life” emcees, the alternative music movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the artform. Featuring new interviews, rare footage and stunning performances from Freestyle Fellowship, Chali2na and Cut Chemist of Jurassic 5, CVE, Abstract Rude, Pigeon John, Ellay Khule, Medusa, Born Allah, Ganjah K, Fatjack, JMD, Omid, 2Mex, Xololanxinxo, Figures of Speech, Big Al, T-Love, B+ , Mear One, Garth Trinidad, Monalisa Murray, Hines, Busdriver, Monique Matthews and many other LA underground notables.

THIS IS THE LIFE Official Trailer - GoodLifeLove

Directed by Ava DuVernay.

Winner! Best Documentary Audience Award
Pan-African Film Festival 2008 (Los Angeles)

Winner! Audience Award, Documentary
ReelWorld Film Festival 2008 (Toronto)

Winner! Audience Award, First Place
Langston Hughes African-American Film Festival 2008 (Seattle)

Official Selection:
- National Black Arts Festival (Atlanta)
- UrbanWorld Film Festival (New York)
- San Francisco Black Film Festival
- Don't Knock The Rock (Los Angeles)
- Black Lily Music & Film Festival (Philadelphia)
- Roxbury Film Festival (Boston)
- Arizona Black Film Showcase (Phoenix)
- Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival
- Charlotte ReelSoul Festival

THIS IS THE LIFE DVD AVAILABLE TODAY:

CLICK HERE TO GET IT NOW!!!!

Double Dose Of Dopeness...

2009-03-08T04:40:00.000-07:00

BONUS CONTENT:

SUPER BONUS CONTENT II: TURBO HD REMIX:

1,2,3,4!!!!

Big ups to the homie, Thorobredren.

Who's The Real Winner?

2009-03-06T04:40:00.000-08:00

The Thrill of Victory - Watch more amazing videos here

thanks to the homie, law, on this waaaay too good find.

SOURCE: Blog St. Clogs

Guess What!?!?

2009-02-19T05:03:00.000-08:00

Wednesday
March 18, 2009

11:54 AM

i woke up today, hit the power button on my laptop, and decided to call one of the local game stores.

11:58 AM

my third call = two Street Fighter IV: Collector's Edition PS3 extra copies just arrived. worker dude, literally just opened the UPS box when i called. first come, first serve basis was in full effect.

12:01 PM

what did i do? i bought both them mu'fucka's... i drove VERY fast. thank you, Gamestop.

see. you don't need to pre-order shit... actually, you should, but then again, you miss out on the adventure in finding one... my homie and i pretty much drove all over and called up every store in our vicinity that carried video games.

yesterday, i was presumptuous in thinking that i will easily locate one of these limited edition gems...

but, today... absolutely victorious (with the exception of my bank account).

i will be playing this all week... and throughout the weekend...

~~i'm pretty sure~~ nothing will be getting done during this SF4 binge.

olivia munn...

is FRESH.

Michael Phelps AKA Iron Lungs

2009-02-02T05:28:00.000-08:00

How can I lose all those sponsorships and jeopardize my participation in the 2012 Olympics?

i'm not sure... but this shit is cashed... who got me on the next hit?

Saux... Haux Maux

2009-01-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

Big ups to Fresh Daily on the humorous find.

Quasimoto x Kid Robot

2009-01-26T03:44:00.000-08:00

I want one of these... seriously.

Kid Robot and Stones Throw have teamed up for the Quasimoto figure, which will be released February 19, 2009. The Quasimoto figure is 8-inches tall, available in equal quantities of yellow and blue, each with a brick and spliff. The hip-hop artist Quasimoto (aka Lord Quas) was created by Madlib. He has released two albums, The Unseen and The Further Adventures of Lord Quas, a collection of singles, and guest appearances on albums by Madvillain and Jaylib. The Quasimoto figure is based on the character drawn by Jeff Jank.

Just So You Know...

2009-01-21T23:03:00.000-08:00

Should be renamed... "Extremely Vanilla, And That's What You'll Taste The Rest Of The Day."

President Barack Hussein Obama

2009-01-20T10:31:00.000-08:00

At last...

M to the L to the K

2009-01-19T06:04:00.000-08:00

Take the time to remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dreams come true...

When you wake up Tuesday morning, open your eyes... change is here... but most of all... remember that CHANGE starts with YOU.

Thank you, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I say to you, this morning, that if you have never found something so dear and precious to you that you will die for it, then you aren’t fit to live.
You may be 38 years old, as I happen to be, and one day, some great opportunity stands before you and calls upon you to stand for some great principle, some great issue, some great cause. And you refuse to do it because you are afraid.
You refuse to do it because you want to live longer. You’re afraid that you will lose your job, or you are afraid that you will be criticized or that you will lose your popularity, or you’re afraid that somebody will stab or shoot or bomb your house. So you refuse to take a stand.
Well, you may go on and live until you are ninety, but you are just as dead at 38 as you would be at ninety.
And the cessation of breathing in your life is but the belated announcement of an earlier death of the spirit.

You died when you refused to stand up for right.

You died when you refused to stand up for truth.

You died when you refused to stand up for justice.”

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MemoryStorm

2009-01-18T03:05:00.000-08:00

The homie, DJ Psi-Kick (San Diego) released this self-titled gem around the first half of 2008. This is his first album, with the other half of this duo, DJ KOR-1 (Japan). MemoryStorm is known for their electrifying, as well as improvisational, live sets. DJ KOR-1 hold it down on the MPC, while DJ Psi-Kick kills it with swift and intricate cuts. A melodic gully, slumpin' hip hop composition with a touch of soulful, house experimentation.

AVAILABLE NOW!

Best described as if DJ Shadow and Massive Attack had a child... and if Portishead and DJ Krush had a child... and in the future, those two meet and had a beautiful child. MemoryStorm would be that offspring. i highly recommend this aural treat to hungry ears. Perfect music to vibe out and just get lost into.

A true joint venture of East meets West, San Diego and Japan representing lovely. Check the album video trailer (just below) to see the ending result and a taste of a few tracks. Props to Temple ATS, the most slept-on label in Japan. MemoryStorm straight up kills it!

Don't sleep...

DJ Vinroc - Beat Freaks: Vinstrumentals

2009-01-14T22:18:00.000-08:00

Beat Freaks is a hodge podge of production work from the mind of Dj Vinroc. a collection of a simplistic collage of samples reinterpreted through a drum machine, Vinroc's influences and experience can be easily seen as that of a true fan of Hip Hop. A compilation of pre released, unheard, and never released tracks, Beat Freaks is intended for the true beat aficionado who can appreciate the grit, simplicity, and beauty of Hip hop music.

Cop it here...

Losing battles, but hopefully not the war...

2009-01-13T16:09:00.000-08:00

sooooo... my notion and hoopla of anti-laziness propaganda has kinda backfired. in an attempt to remedy the fact of the matter... regular entries? hopefully. only time will tell, right? so let me reiterate myself... try not to be lazy in 2009. get up and do something. that's what i'm about to do right now... okay, in a few minutes.

Happy New Year To You & Yours...

2009-01-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

This

going

interesting

one...

Don't

lazy.