Stram: Unused So Far

It's sort of a lazy Sunday afternoon here at The Record Realm headquarters, and the relaxing soundtrack that's being played in the background on repeat is the recent release from Montpellier, France based producer STRAM, titled Unused So Far. This is one of the hottest beat albums out right now and it's been in heavy rotation bumping through my monitors for the last few days. There's an excellent remix of Aaliyah's "Rock The Boat" that gives a much different twist, in comparison to other remixes of the song. Hit up his Bandcamp page and get this offering as a free download. He has other projects for purchase, so make sure you check those out. They are just as amazing. Enjoy!

Original Concept: Bite'n My Stylee

Before getting a record deal with Def Jam Recordings, the Hip-Hop group known today as Original Concept used to go by the name of the "Concept Crew", hailing from Long Island. Doctor Dre, T-Money, Rapper G, Easy G and Wildman Steve hosted a radio show called “The Operating Room” on WBAU-FM, the same station that featured the Spectrum City DJs (Chuck D & Flavor Flav), now known as Public Enemy.

Original Concept produced two singles; "Can You Feel It?/Knowledge Me" (1986) and "Bite'n My Stylee/Pump That Bass" (1986), before releasing their only full length LP Straight From The Basement of Kooley High! (1988). "Bite'n My Stylee" is a reggae influenced Hip-Hop track, but is a parody of the reggae genre, stating in the opening line; "Wait. I'm not Jamaican." All songs were produced by Doctor Dre', credited as the first person to introduce the "extended bass" sound into Hip-Hop.

GRiZ: Fall In Love Too Fast (Exmag Remix)

On my way to get something to eat, I was listening to the Chill station on XM Radio and this awesome remix of GRiZ's "Fall In Love Too Fast" by New York City electronic band Exmag caught my attention. I get back here to headquarters to search for this tasty treat to see it is a free download! Sign up for his mailing list on his website and you get a bonus. Not much to ask for to get some goodies. Just remember, your support helps make that happen.

Pomo: Start Again Ft. Andrea Cormier

Happy Thursday! Just thought we would get you kicked into high gear this morning by posting a new track from Montreal multi-instrumentalist producer Pomo, known for his upbeat dance tracks that takes many electronica fans for a fantastic ride. "Start Again" is the first single from his debut EP The Other Day that will be released soon on HW&W Recordings. Vocals are provided by ambient and acoustic performer Andrea Cormier. Pomo is currently on tour. Check for show dates and venues.

Kuumba Freeque: 8 Nytez N NYC [ft. Kila Jai, Bel​-​Ami, & R​.​A​.​P. Phenomenal]

If you heard the broadcast of The Groove about a month ago, then you heard this track by Houston's own Kuumba Freeque, who knocked this big tune out while on a visit to New York City for an artists showcase. Additional vocals are from songstress Kila Jai, Bel-Ami, and New Jersey rap sensation R.A.P. Phenomenal. Grab this free download via Bandcamp and go check out their show if you're in Houston.

Da-P dabeatX: Havok Highway

Here's a producer by the name of Da-P dabeatX from Montreal, Canada, who dropped this nice five track album earlier today on his Bandcamp page. My favorite is the opening track called "Tortoise". ENJOY!

Turntable Tuesdays: Summer In The City (Sunlight)

Since the summer is sizzling with plenty of great music to last for several seasons to come, I decided to put together this mix to celebrate this time of warmth. Packed with memorable originals and action packed remixes, this blend of tunes should help to get you in a partying groove. Currently, SITC has been climbing the Top 100 R&B chart on Mixcloud. It started out as #100, but has climbed up 40 places, cruising at #60 for now. If you guys help to get it past #40, i'll supply a download link. Share & Enjoy!

Summer In The City (Sunlight) by Djkoolemdee on Mixcloud

Happy Birthday: Grand Mixer DXT

We take this time to salute a Hip-Hop pioneer, Grand Mixer DXT, formerly known as Grand Mixer D.ST, credited for being the first to establish the turntable as a fully performable and improvisational musical instrument. By performing the scratches on Herbie Hancock's 1983 single "RockIt", DXT helped to popularize DJ culture. "RockIt" is cited as being the first popular song to feature a DJ scratching and using turntablism techniques.

DXT has appeared as himself in several movies throughout his career, such as performing with Rammellzee and Shock Dell at the Amphitheatre in Wild Style (1983), Fast Forward (1985) (writer: "Hardrock" - as Derek Showard), Scratch (2001) (performer: "Rockit 2.000"), Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap (2012) (performer: "Megamix 2 (Why Is It Fresh)"), Sound and Chaos: The Story of BC Studio (2014) (Himself), and Art Officially Favored (Himself), which is currently in production. Television appearances include The 26th Annual Grammy Awards and Saturday Night Live where both appearances were performances with Herbie Hancock in 1984.

View the discography of Grand Mixer DXT at Discogs.

KING: Mister Chameleon

Artwork by Donald Ely
It's been three years since the debut EP The Story from KING, consisting of twin sisters Amber and Paris Strother, along with good friend Anita Bias. In 2013 they released "In The Meantime", increasing the anticipation for a full album. That same anticipation continues to grow with their latest "Mr. Chameleon", the first single off their new album which is a continuation of their melodic story-telling style of songwriting and singing.

Log on to the weareKING website to sign up for their mailing list to get future concert dates and all things KING. You can also follow them on Youtube for video updates, as well as get the lyrics to this song. "Mr Chameleon" is OUT NOW and available for purchase on Amazon and iTunes.

J-Dilla x Biggie: (Cold Steel) Shot Ya [DJ Kool Emdee Edit]

By being a huge fan of J-Dilla's work and respecting Biggie as a lyricist, I decided to take my own spin on the two to put together this blend. Hope you enjoy!

HAYWYRE: Smooth Criminal

About a week ago, Minneapolis born producer Haywyre, born Martin Voigt, posted this smashing video of his re-interpretation of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal". His start to learn piano came at the age of six, then honed his skills as a pianist after spending time in the capitol of classical music, Austria.

The following comment is Haywyre's expression of his view of the track. He doesn't consider it to be a remix:

This video marks one of many more performance videos that I will be uploading in the future. The performance aspect to my tracks has always been absolutely huge; this video explores this concept to its fullest.

Also, re-interpreting a great musicians track can be controversial. Most of the time a balance between material from the original track and new material is expected. My remixes have always contained way more new material than content from the original track; hence I felt it wasn't appropriate to call this work a remix.

Additionally, I will not be posting this track to my Soundcloud because I think its meant to be an audio-visual experience. Hope you all dig it, more coming soon!

-M

Super 3: When You're Standing On The Top (DJ Day Edit)

DJ Day has uploaded this exclusive edit of the Super 3 to help celebrate 13 years of the First Friday Super Jam. August 1st will mark the official anniversary with massive sets by DJ Day, Magneto & Mr. Jeigh, at The Goodfoot in Portland, Oregon. Enjoy your Friday freebie.

Malika Tirolien: Sur La Voie Ensoleillée

This past Tuesday the debut album Sur La Voie Ensoleillée from Guadeloupe native Malika Tirolien was released. Thanks to one of our supporters, singer/producer Meemee Nelzy, I got the heads up on this gifted artist who is a pianist, singer-songwriter, and producer. Tirolien has opened for and performed with the likes of Lalah Hathaway, Snarky Puppy, Ruben Blades, Steel Pulse, and other artists. Get a better feel for who this talented artist is by checking the reel below.

Finding Fela: Documentary

Finding Fela is a documentary that tells the story of Fela Anikulapo Kuti (October 15, 1938 – August 2, 1997), his political and social impact, and the creator of a new genre he called "Afro-Beat" that helped spark a movement. The film is produced and directed by Academy Award winning director Alex Gibney [Taxi to the Dark Side (2007)], and co-produced by Jack Gulick. The film hits theaters starting August 1st in New York City, and premiere in other cities through September 19th. Go here to view schedule of showtimes.

The soundtrack for the film will include 17 of Fela's classics and a never-before released version of “Colonial Mentality” recorded live at the New Afrika Shine and features his son Femi Kuti on saxophone. You can pre-order the soundtrack from Knitting Factory Records. All orders will ship on July 29th.

Friday Flashback: Johnny Clarke: None Shall Escape

Total Sounds is a record label in Kingston, Jamaica that archives early recordings from Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, U-Roy, John Holt, and an extensive roster of young talent who went on to be well known across the world. The focus this week is the sounds of Johnny Clarke, a well respected favorite in Jamaica and amongst Reggae enthusiasts.

Discovered after winning a talent contest, his first recording didn't make much of an impact due to lack of promotion of the single. After moving on to several producers and scoring moderate hits, Clarke would end up recording with producer Bunny Lee and his band The Aggrovators in 1974. "None Shall Escape" (1974) was an instant success and became the title track of his debut LP, which earned him the Artist of the Year award in Jamaica for 1975 and 1976. None Shall Escape was mixed in its entirety by the innovator of dub, King Tubby.

Expansion Sound Vol.2 [Compilation]

Go ahead and grab a cup of coffee as we make a toast to the rising sun. It's Friday morning and the weekend is on its way. For those with the traditional five day work week, here's a nice little ditty from Netherlands based producer Peeano called "Sunrise" taken from the Expansion Sound Vol.2 compilation that dropped 2 days ago. Want some sweetener for that coffee? Get the whole album at a "name your price" basis via the Expansions Collective Bandcamp page.

Big ups to beatmaker Mecca:83 for selecting tunes for this beat treat. There will be only 50 limited edition baby pink cassette tapes [that's right, cassette tapes] of this compilation for purchase. As they are saying; "Once they're gone, they're gone!"

I, CED: In Your Eyes

While I was hanging on Facebook, multi-instrumentalist/producer/singer I,CED of the Hawthorne Headhunters sent me a message to let me know he had a new tune posted on Soundcloud. Since it is "Throwback Thursday" on social media, this is, in a sense, a throwback cut based on the way it sounds, along with the fact that it was originally done in 2009. Now polished and available for eardrum consumption, I gave it a listen and was hooked before a minute passed. I have always loved how CED's music grabs you, then pulls you in. To me, this tune has the feel of three eras in music; the texture and feel of today's music, yet connected with 1960s and 1970s rhythm & blues roots.

CED says that this will be available soon on one of his upcoming hidden projects. There's also a new album in the works. Get caught up on his previous material if you're not hip to his goodness. ENJOY!

I Wish You Love: Nat "King" Cole Stage Play at The Ensemble Theatre

Playwright Dominic Taylor of the Penumbra Theater Company captures the essence of a year in the life of late singer Nat "King" Cole (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965) in his stage play "I Wish You Love", named after one of Cole's tunes released in 1966. Cole is the first African-American to host a variety show called The Nat King Cole Show, which aired on NBC from 1956 to 1957. The setting of the play is themed around his television era, with Minnesota music hall of famer and jazz vocalist Dennis Spears cast as Cole, along with supporting actors Derrick Brent II [as Jeffrey Prince], Jason E. Carmichael [as Oliver Moore], cast as members of the Nat King Cole Trio, with Ron Jones, and Jack William Rogers to finish out the rest of the cast.

"I Wish You Love" is currently running at The Ensemble Theatre here in Houston through July 27th. The command performance is at 7:30 pm, which will also be the theater's season finale. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit The Ensemble Theatre's website.

Shag: Really This Time

Shag is a 21 year old record digger and beatmaker from Denton, Texas, currently attending one of the local universities to get a degree. In the mix with his studies, he's in the lab working on music for upcoming local acts in his area. Shag says that this is going to be a busy summer for him. Keep your eyes and ears locked for more. Giving a "LIKE" on Facebook will help.

Inhyeok Yeo: I Wish [Stevie Wonder A Capella Cover]

There's a new internet sensation by the name of Inhyeok Yeo, a singer from Seoul, South Korea, now based in Japan, who has taken the internet by storm with his cover versions of popular tunes. He's not just singing songs like many others are doing. He's vocally performing all parts of the songs he covers, which include bass lines, harmonies, lead and background vocals, drums, and all other instruments. Yeo records each part separately and then puts in all together for a final mixdown. The end result is pure brilliance.

There's a great article about Yeo in The Japan Times to help give you a better understanding of who he is, his inspiration, and ambitions. Follow Yeo on Youtube, check out his other videos, and drop him some words of encouragement. ENJOY!

The Combat Jack Show: Chuck D + Keith Shocklee [Interview]

The Combat Jack Show is a Brooklyn based internet radio talk show that is considered a "must listen" and trailblazing. Highly regarded as one of the biggest voices for real Hip-Hop by interviewing some of the most legendary and well known artists in the genre. Hosted by hip-hop attorney Reggie "Combat Jack" Ossé, alongside “Internet Celebrity” Dallas Penn and producer Just Blaze.

Their latest podcast features Hip-Hop icons Chuck D and Keith Shocklee of the Bomb Squad/Public Enemy. Word has it that Freddie Foxxx [Bumpy Knuckles] helped to make this interview possible. Enough of my rambling, stream or download this informative podcast. Don't forget to follow and tune in.

Introducing: Numark NV

Numark has fought its way back into the ranks of innovative DJ gear by introducing their latest controller called the NV, that eliminates the laptop with integrated screens, making you "focus on the music and not the computer". For now, they have the bragging rights to claim that "THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!". Check the video to see why, then visit the Numark website for more info.

Daniel Crawford ft. Vikter Duplait: The One

Los Angeles is home to a lot of great musicians. Daniel Crawford has proven to be one of those in the ranks, who's skill has earned him privileges to tour with the likes of Raphael Saadiq, Angie Stone, Evelyn "Champagne" King, The Brothers Johnson, and many other notables in Soul and R&B. His sophomore album The Awakening houses the vocals and writing talents of Amp Fiddler, Vikter Duplaix, and Cleveland Jones, as well as the musicianship of flautist Monet.

The Awakening is another solid production that takes you on a musical journey through Jazz, Hip-Hop, Soul, and R&B. "The One" visits the electronica side, with the vocals and lyrics of Vikter Duplait, in traditional Broken Beat fashion. Deep House producer Osunlade picks this as his favorite from the album.

After you follow Daniel on Soundcloud, I recommend you grab the download of his remix of Usher's "Good Kisser". The guy is a heck of a re-mixer and does some excellent mixtape work, paying homage to J-Dilla and Michael Jackson. Enjoy!

MusicalProf: Sharp Eyes (Redux)

Taking this time and space to give a shout out to Chicago based producer MusicalProf, who I connected with via Soundcloud and Facebook after coming across his selections of goodness. "Sharp Eyes (Redux)" is a recreation inspired by the original tune by the same name from the Street Fighter III video game. You have to give this brother extra kudos for staying away from the madness to keep his head on straight, after the declaration of calling the city a "war zone". Hats off to you MP!

Friday Flashback: Masta Ace: Me & The Biz

For this week we take it back to 1990. Masta Ace featuring Biz Markie on "Me & The Biz", one of the hardest Hip-Hop tracks, in my opinion, produced by Marley Marl, and co-produced by Masta Ace. The track features a sample of Cymande's "The Message".

Soundcloud: No Flawless Victory

Soundcloud is one of my favorite sites to go to, to browse for unique music by indie artists from around the world. Recently, the streaming music site [which I also use] updated its app for iOS and there are several complaints about the functionality of the app, along with missing features. Read more on the story at Hypebot.

HYPEBOT ARTICLE: SoundCloud Throws Out Baby With Bathwater? Nice App Design But Musicians Feel Screwed

Friday Flashback: Clever Jeff: Year of the Fly Emcee

It's 1994, and the tune I put in the mix was "Year of the Fly Emcee" by Oakland based rapper/producer Clever Jeff who caught the attention of Quincy Jones, then signed to his Qwest Records imprint. This is a non-album cut I got as a promo, which got a lot of love from me, as well as from the people who flooded the dancefloor when I put it on. It seems that I would be the only DJ who knew about this song locally, and although it didn't have commercial appeal, it eventually faded.

Around 2001, DJ Chicken George was in the mix at one of the local eateries. I saw him reach into his crate, take out this record, cues it, blends it, then suddenly I hear a familiar bassline that I hadn't heard in years, but couldn't quite put my finger on what it was. At that time, I wasn't familiar because CG played the instrumental of the song, where I normally played the vocal version. I went to ask what played and he shows me the label. My mouth dropped. Seems like it was sweeter to hear him play the instrumental, than the vocal. And i've been a copy-cat since. LOL