Though they may lack the flash of turntablist crews such as the X-ecutioners and Invisibl Skratch Piklz, L.A.’s largely nebulous Beat Junkies DJ collective (the 1997 International Turntable Federation champions) are truly a force to be reckoned with. This two-disc mix mainly highlights the cutting and spinning of original crew member Rhettmatic, though fellow Junkies Melo-D, Babu, and …
Babu’s influence in hip-hop started in the 1990s, as he played an essential role in the evolution of the “DJ” with the Los Angeles collective, The World Famous Beat Junkies. Taking his talents to a higher level, in 1997, he stormed the dj battle scene and was the first to win all 3 categories (Scratching, Beat Juggling, …
Following up his successful Beat Konducta vinyl-only releases, Madlib rounds out his first CD collection of hip hop instrumentals with Beat Konducta Vol 1-2: Movie Scenes. These new, original tracks have been culled from the now-legendary beat CDs which provided the basis for Madlib’s 2004-2005 productions from Madvillain, Quasimoto and Jaylib. Movie Scenes presents a vivid hip hop …
Nowhere is the divide between the mainstream and the underground greater than in hip-hop. While most hip-hop fans nod their heads to Puff Daddy and Master P., still others take solace in the idea that artists like those who appear on Deeper Concentration exist to push the music further into the future. The artists featured on this compilation …
This collection of hip-hop DJ routines marked the first serious effort to reintroduce the DJ as a true artist to hip-hop fans. In the fog of producer-heavy rap music from the Bad Boy and Death Row camps that dominated listeners’ ears in the mid 1990s, Return of the DJ is a refreshing shot of oxygen. It contains outstanding …
Japanese only B-Sides & rarities collection from the quirky alternative Australian collective. 9 tracks in all including, ‘Electricity (Dr. Rockit’s Dirty Kiss)’, ‘A Different Feeling’ (Ernest St. Laurent Remix), ‘Everyday’ (non-LP), ‘Slow Walking’ (non-LP), ‘Thank You Caroline’ (Andy Votel Remix), ‘Yamaha Superstar’ (non-LP), ‘Undersea Community’ (non-LP), ‘Since I Left You’ (Cornelius Remix) (exclusive to this pressing) & ‘Electricity’ …
Like its predecessor, this installment in the Live at the Future Primitive Soundsession series features two DJs on five turntables in a live performance at a San Francisco club. Z-Trip and Radar might not be quite as well-known as Cut Chemist (Ozomatli, Jurassic 5) or Shortkut (Invisibl Skratch Piklz), but that doesn’t make them any less impressive on …
With his first album, Wax Tailor became the independent European sensation of the past year, popularizing his brand of cinematic soundscapes to the masses. Now he’s back with Hope & Sorrow , set to become his US break through album. Featuring past collaborators Charlotte Savary, Marina Quaisse & The Others as well as newcomers such as soul …
Drawing on their many musical obsessions, Black Rock Coalition founders Vernon (Living Colour) Reid and DJ Logic have teamed up to present a very potent blend of hip-hop, electronica, circus music, blues and soul, dub reggae, and, as is to be expected, full-tilt rock & roll. Front End Lifter offers a fresh set of eclectic vibes that will …
As a member of the X-Ecutioners, Rob Swift has made a name for himself as a particularly progressive turntablist. Embracing his technique as a vehicle for expression like any other artist, Swift solidifies this bold vision on his solo debut, The Ablist. Exhibiting a jazzy, freestyle DJ aesthetic with roots in rap, hip-hop, and urban soul, Swift produces …