Friday Flashback: Blondie

This time around, we revisit the sounds of New York City bred punk rockers Blondie, a pioneering band founded and led by Debbie Harry and co-founded by Chris Stein. In 1980, the founding pair penned "Rapture", the second single off their Autoamerican LP. The song reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for two weeks. Much like the band's sound, "Rapture" is a combination of new wave, disco, R&B, pop, and Hip-Hop, and also makes mention of Hip-Hop pioneers Fab Five Freddy and Grandmaster Flash. Grandmaster Flash included "Rapture" in his studio mix titled "The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash On The Wheels of Steel". For more info and tour dates, visit Blondie.net.

Forever Michael 2013: Tribute Mix

It's been two years since i've done my last Michael Jackson tribute mix. So, in honor of his birthday I mixed up another batch of his tunes. Don't forget about the previous tribute mix I did in 2011 that's still available on the same page as this mix. Hope you enjoy!

Elliott Keith: A Letter To Sandy (M.O.M.) [Official Video]

I'm excited to premier the finished product and have to give mad props to my man Elliott Keith on what I think is the biggest and most important song of his career. "A Letter To Sandy (M.O.M.)" is a heartfelt dedication to his mother who fell ill and is currently recovering. Elliott took full creative control in writing and producing this song, which turned out very elegant. To have known him for more than 20 years, I have seen him progress from a good amateur who had a lot of potential to a great, well rounded professional artist. Big respect to another great Houston emcee, SNAP of The Niyat who shot the video. ENJOY!

The Record Realm presents: Salute To DJs

Next week we will be doing a Salute To DJs from around the globe. It's going to be a lot of blended goodness for seven days, so get ready to get stuffed. Some will be hand picked and we're also open to suggestions. Shoot us a line if you have some DJs in mind. PEACE!

NOTE: Mixes will be reviewed before publishing.

Friday Flashback: Alison Hinds

I'm late out the gate for this week's post. We take you back to the year 2000 with the Queen of Soca, the beautiful Alison Hinds of Trinidad & Tobago and her hit tune "Iron Bazodee", with one of TnT's best bands' Square One. This is one record I still have in heavy rotation when I take it back to the islands during my DJ sets. Of course, this one never fails to get the party jumpin', even after 13 years.

Rest In Beats: DJ Elroy Boogie

DJ ELROY BOOGIE
November 13, 1986 - August 18, 2013
This past Sunday, the Houston area lost our friend Elroy Boogie (born Roy Samano) after battling lung cancer. He was one of the coolest people you could meet, who had some serious skills in his short six year DJ career. He was a member of the Kracker Nuttz, a local DJ collective that featured a hand full of Houston's best DJ's. Early this year he placed 3rd in the Red Bull Thre3Style DJ competition that was held here in Houston. We will truly miss this giant in the community. I would usually see him smiling or laughing, and he brought out the same in others with his witty sense of humor.

"When they say: live each day like it's your last one. It's not just some free pass to go nuts. When you live each day like it's your last one... You move with the conviction of a man with purpose and passion. You treat people - strangers, family, and friends as if this day, and this moment is the last impression they will ever have of you... of your legacy." - Elroy Boogie

Following the short interview that was caught on tape by Damien Randle, check out a recording of his set from the Red Bull Thre3Style competition.

Elroy. from ill Mannered Media on Vimeo.

Robert Glasper Experiment: Free Show @ Miller Outdoor Theatre

Just wanted to give my Houston family a heads up, once again, to remind you guys that the Robert Glasper Experiment will be performing tonight for a free show at Miller Outdoor Theatre. For seating, you must have tickets (4 per person over age 16 while they last) for the seating area, which you can get for free at the box office from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm. For more information, log on to MillerOutdoorTheatre.com

Friday Flashback: Meshell Ndegeocello

This week, we revisit the sounds of Meshell Ndegeocello and her sixth studio album titled The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the Infidel from 2005. The song of choice from this critically acclaimed album is "Aquarium", that features vocals from Sabina Sciubba, who fronts the electronica band Brazilian Girls.

The entire album is a very intricate piece of work that should be on your list of "must haves". On Billboard, it peaked at #4 on the Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. Other noted vocalists that are featured are Cassandra Wilson and Lalah Hathaway. A long list of gifted Jazz musicians were on hand to help aid Ndegeocello in recording the project.

Biz Markie: Technics SL-700 Custom Turntables

Images courtesy of Jorge Fabel Pabon for Tools of War
The image of Biz Markie and his special set of Technics turntables, custom made for 45 rpm records, is not a hoax, nor is this a Photoshopped image. These are real! Recently, he showcased these bad boys at the annual Crotona Park Jam in the Bronx just last month. I first saw pictures floating around on Facebook a couple of weeks ago and have been waiting on some actual footage before deciding to post about this. The following video is amateur footage shot by a party-goer. You can also read more about the Technics SL-700's at DJ Worx.

Partpanda: Let's Build A Cinema

Partpanda is a group of friends (Vienna, Graeme and James) and skateboarders from Brighton, UK who consider their sound as experimental hip-hop folk music. Aside from working together as a group, each member also works on solo projects and help to assist each other where needed. To get a much more deeper glimpse, "LIKE" them on Facebook.

Starship Connection: We Can Go All Night

Bastard Jazz gives us 'A Taste of Tempo Dreams Vol.2' with a special 45 rpm record featuring two tracks off the upcoming Tempo Dreams Vol.2 compilation. Side A is B.Bravo and Teeko teaming up to form Starship Connection, producing a heavy bass filled melodic groove called "We Can Go All Night", while the flip side is "Dreaming of You", an uptempo boogie track by K-MAXX. For this issue, B.Bravo and Teeko hand picked the artists for the second edition of this series. You can order copies of the 45 rpm or direct digital at BastardJazz.bigcartel.com. For a limited time, get a free download of "We Can Go All Night" via the Bastard Jazz Soundloud page.

CharlieRED: GreenGREED

Hip-Hop & Blues duo CharlieRED, comprised of producer Cobaine Ivory and vocalist Rocki Evans, takes you back to the future with their "GreenGREED" track that will be on their forthcoming MUSE album that drops on August 20th. With them keeping it short and sweet, this track packs a lot of bang, along with plenty of soul reminiscent of days past when cats from back in the gap sang of issues surrounding them. I hear they are gaining a lot of industry support from fellow artists and also increasing their fanbase. Become a part of the movement and visit their website to find out how. Don't forget to grab your free download.

weareCharlieRED

Gregory Porter: Liquid Spirit

I'm super excited to be one of those to announce the Blue Note debut of Gregory Porter with his upcoming Liquid Spirit album that is set for release on September 17th. We get a tall, cool drink of what's to come through the upbeat, hand-clapping title track that makes me think that the spirit of Nina Simone was present when this song was being created. Porter retains the same core of musicians from his previous albums Water (2010) and Be Good (2012), who obviously compliments his sound through their chemistry. Brian Bacchus also returns as producer. You can pre-order the album now on iTunes or Amazon.

Fugees x Kriswontwo: Ready or Not (Remix)

That feeling...when you get something very special in your hands and you rush to the kitchen table, to shove everything off to have the space solely for this....

I'm wasting time. Just press play.

DJ Kool Emdee: 8813

I did this mix a few days ago. At the time, I didn't have anything to do and boredom can sometimes push you to be productive. Just as I wanted my spirits uplifted, I hope this mix helps you to feel the same. Most of the song titles have the word LOVE, so help spread it. Won't hurt to share the mix either.

Friday Flashback: Bell & James

For some reason, "Livin' It Up (Friday Night)" by Bell & James has been on my mind for the last few days. The duo consists of Philadelphia natives LeRoy Bell (drums/guitar) and Casey James (guitar/bass/keyboards), who both started with a local band called Special Blend, until the they disbanded. Bell's uncle, the legendary songwriter Thom Bell of Philadelphia International got them signed as songwriters for Gamble & Huff and they penned a number of hits for Elton John, MFSB, The O'Jays, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Freda Payne, Phyllis Hyman, The Three Degrees, and others.

In 1978, A&M Records took notice of their talents and singed them to a full deal. Their first album, the self titled Bell & James contained "Livin' It Up (Friday Night)" the opening track from the LP that hit #7 on the U.S. Billboard Black singles, and #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1979. It sold over one million copies in the U.S., plus the same track reached #59 in the UK Singles Chart.

José James: Come To My Door EP

Making his Blue Note Records debut with his widely acclaimed No Beginning, No End, José James has released the second single "Come To My Door" as an EP, that features a remix of this title by long time collaborator Taylor McFerrin. Three other tracks have also been remixed by the likes of Falty DL, Oddisee and Flako. This Sunday, August 11th, he's set to perform at Giant Step's Summerstage show in New York City's Central Park with Shuggie Otis and Hiatus Kaiyote. This is a free show for all ages. For more info, visit the José James Facebook fan page.

Erik Rico: Love's Dance Vol.1

Erik Rico, the man with the master plan who has magic hands has released the first of his new EP series titled Love's Dance Vol.1. As the title says, be prepared to feel the love and to dance all you like to the percussion heavy foundation laid for the mellow chords and vitality in his vocal delivery. Track two, "Think of You", has a guest appearance by Taihisha, who also wrote the lyrics and melody. Love's Dance Vol.1 is available now at all major digital music retailers.

Visit: Life Notes Music Official Website

Spr1ngBreak4ever: Bullfrogs & Raindrops

This afternoon we're going to get a bit wicked with some more Houston flavor with the sounds of Jose Gorbea a.k.a. Spr1ngBreak4ever, who helped co-produce this massive Dubstep tune, "Bullfrogs & Raindrops" with DJ Baby Boi. Hopefully, this will make rounds on the rave and festival scenes soon, because this deserves some much needed play.

Robert Glasper Experiment ft. Jill Scott: Calls

The official announcement has been made days ago, and the Robert Glasper Experiment is set to release their follow-up, Black Radio 2 on October 29th, which will have all new original material, with the exception of one cover tune to close out the album. So far, a leak of "Calls" featuring Jill Scott is posted on the Blue Note Records Soundcloud page and it already has fans anticipating the release date. For those here in the Houston area, RGE will be doing a FREE SHOW on August 16th at Miller Outdoor Theatre. For more info, click HERE.


TRACKLIST:

1. Baby Tonight (Black Radio Intro)

2. I Stand Alone featuring Common and Patrick Stump

3. What Are We Doing featuring Brandy

4. Calls featuring Jill Scott

5. No Worries featuring Dwele

6. Trust featuring Marsha Ambrosius

7. Yet To Find featuring Anthony Hamilton

8. You Own Me featuring Faith Evans

9. Let It Ride featuring Norah Jones

10. Persevere featuring Snoop Dogg and Lupe Fiasco

11. Somebody Else featuring Emeli Sandé

12. Jesus Children of America featuring Lalah Hathaway and Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Roots Manuva: Stolen Youth

My favorite UK emcee, Roots Manuva has put pen to pad, then going into the studio to record a new track called "Stolen Youth", which will be featured on the forthcoming edition of the 'Skins' series issued by Ninja Tune. This will be the last compilation released in that series. Word has it that Roots is cooking up some other tunes that will be released sometime in the future. This one will have to hold you over til that time. Purchase this single, which also contains a remix by Segal, at the Ninja Shop. Enjoy!

Rest In Power: George Duke

George Duke
(January 12, 1946 – August 5, 2013)
I hadn't been on the internet for more than 12 hours. After finally getting on and logging on to Facebook, the first thing I see posted by producer Easy Mo Bee is that the legendary and pioneering keyboardist George Duke has passed away. Reading that news made me feel as if I got punched in the chest very hard in the area where my heart is. Another talented musician who will be greatly missed.

Duke first made a name for himself on the critically acclaimed The Jean-Luc Ponty Experience with the George Duke Trio (1969) and has recorded with the likes of Frank Zappa, Anita Baker, Al Jarreux, Jeffery Osborne and many others. There are a string of artists that he has been producer, arranger, songwriter and music director for. He has released 39 albums as leader, from 1966 to 2013. "Reach For It" and "Dukey Stick" being two of the most well known recordings from his music career. For a more detailed biography, log on to GeorgeDuke.com.

Below is We Love George Duke, a tribute mix put together by B+ for Brainfeeder that was done in 2011. Kriswontwo did a re-up of this mix on his Soundcloud page and has it available for download.

Hiatus Kaiyote ft. Q-Tip: Nakamarra

After catching the ears of Taylor McFerrin while he was in Australia, Hiatus Kaiyote have been catching the ears of others around the world and are steadily increasing their fan-base. Last month they re-released their debut Tawk Tomahawk and it features the remix of their soul filled "Nakamarra" tune that features a guest appearance from Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest. I have hopes of catching one of their shows soon. I hear it's an amazing time. Enjoy!

DJ Shadow ft. Little Dragon - Scale It Back (Pandaboy Remix)

Here's another fresh find from Soundcloud by Pandaboy who hails from Rotterdam, and is part of a music unit called Stone Detectives and co-founder of BeatsForChange.org, a movement created to help give aide to those in need following the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011. Stone Detectives released a fundraising project called Sendai Selections, where proceeds went to relief efforts in Japan.

Here in 2013, Pandaboy has put his own spin on remixing DJ Shadow's "Scale It Back", which is on his The Less You Know, The Better (2011) album. I'm not sure if he was part of the remix contest they had about a year ago for this tune. If not, I have to say that this remix is that deal.

Raashan Ahmad ft. Ty & Sarsha Simone: Music [Official Video]

Thanks to a tweet from Ty (who did the world famous "Look For Me" tune), I got hipped to the new album Ceremony from Raashan Ahmad, front man of the Crown City Rockers collective. For me, Raashan has always kept things consistent by delivering fresh, organic rhyming over music that fits his style. As of lately, he has released the official music video of "Music" that features UK emcee Ty and Sydnee soul songstress Sarsha Simone. Along with enjoying this great tune, be prepared to smile a lot through the course of the video. The concept is pretty darn clever.

You can grab a digital download of the album, CD and limited full length double vinyl over at the JAKARTA RECORDS Bandcamp page. While you're there, be sure to get your copy of the Low Fidelity, High Quality album that features production by ‎Ta-Ku.

Raashan Ahmad Blog

Dezaray Dawn: The Dawning

The new full length release The Dawning from the talented singer-songwriter and producer, Dezaray Dawn is available now via Bandcamp. For those of you who like an eclectic blend on one album, this is another sure-shot to have as part of your collection. Outside of the groove on "Chameleon", one of my other favorites on the album is "Brand New", a tune about renewal of self. The wake up call comes on the jazzy Afro-Beat influenced "Don't You Dare", mentioning of how we have to play the cards that were dealt to us and not blame anyone else for mistakes we have caused for ourselves.

To keep updated for upcoming shows and other news for Dezaray Dawn, give her a "LIKE" on her Facebook fan page.

Facebook: Dezaray Dawn Music

C.I.T.Y. Chronicles: Clinton Era [Produced By Yinfluence]

One of the next bright stars to grab the ears of those around the world will be Houston based C.I.T.Y. Chronicles. His latest effort "Clinton Era" displays his versatility on the microphone as a lyricist, as well as the way he flawlessly flows on the track, which was produced by ‎Yinfluence/Young Influence. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open to see and hear more from C.I.T.Y. in the near future.

Dhema IndusTree: Jede, Keine und Vor Allem Sie

A couple of days ago I came across a 16 year old beat genius from Berlin, Germany by the name of Dhema IndusTree on Soundcloud. "Jede, Keine und Vor Allem Sie" [roughly translates as: "each, and they do not particularly"] immediately caught my attention, so I had to post this to share with you guys. In the words of Dhema about this track; "Beautiful night, me and my man got bizzy. Oskar Brown seducing the base...dude walked in, started playin' the sweetest sound i've heard in a looooong time!" He's offering this sweet sound as a gift, so hit him up to say thanks.

DJ Kool Emdee: The Grill [A Cookout Mix]

Summer as a season is soon coming to a close, but we here in Texas are still going to feel the heat for several more months. That means extended time for cookouts and other summertime fun. With that in mind, I extended the time I normally do mixes for this one. Here's two hours of Soul, Funk, Rock, Reggae, Latin and more packed into one huge mix to get the outdoor party started. Enjoy!

The Grill: A Cookout Mix by Djkoolemdee on Mixcloud

Happy Birthday: Chuck D & Professor Griff

Blessed earthstrong to both Chuck D and Professor Griff of Public Enemy. Both Chuck and Griff were born on August 1, 1960. We're all pretty familiar with the history and impact of Public Enemy around the globe, so there's no need for me to ramble on about who they are. They all are currently still touring, as well as continuing to speak out on injustices against citizens through the music, lectures and interviews. For more details on Public Enemy, log on to their website by clicking the banner below.