Rest In Power: Ms. Melodie

I just got word that femcee Ms. Melodie (born Ramona Scott), who was married to KRS-ONE, the older sister of singer/emcee Harmony and part of the Boogie Down Productions collective has passed away from a cause that's currently unknown. She made an appearance in Keenan Ivory Wayans' movie I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988) with BDP, as well as releasing her "Hype According to Ms. Melodie" 12 inch single that same year, which was produced by KRS-ONE. In 1989 she released her only album titled DIVA that had the chart topping singles "Wake Up, Wake Up" and "Live On Stage", with the latter being popular with video airplay.

We send our prayers and condolences to her two sons, her family and friends. I was fortunate to have met her once in the early 90's for a brief time and she had a great spirit.

DJ Kool Emdee: Rock The Beat

Here's a new mix by me folks! A little bit of Rock music, fused in with some killer Hip-Hop remixes and mash-ups. Another FREE download mixed and mastered at The Record Realm. ENJOY!

KRS-ONE & Buckshot: Survival Skills

A few minutes ago, I started listening to the new release by veterans in Hip-Hop, KRS-ONE and Buckshot. After getting halfway thru the second track, their first single off the CD, "Robot" (produced by Havoc), I had to stop the track and say...."Hip-Hop IS resurrected". "Robot" is another shot (much like Jay Z's DOA) at the commercial pop entertainer "rappers" who use Auto Tune.

Out the gate was the title track "Survival Skills" featuring DJ Revolution and produced by Ill Mind. This was indeed a great kickoff to get into the album, which is very reminiscent of the classic head nod Hip-Hop during the golden era. With the way DJ Revolution executed the scratches on this track, along with the lyrics in both songs (so far), I immediately wanted to set up my turntables and get in a hard practice, as well as kicking in my own lyrical juices.

Right now, I know it's a must that I finish soaking in the whole CD. Especially with production credits going to Havoc of Mobb Deep, Ill Mind, Black Milk, Marco Polo, Moss, Khrysis, Nottz, Coptic, DJ Mentplus, and 9th Wonder. Vocal/lyrical talents include: Mary J. Blige, Pharoahe Monch, Sean Price, Loudmouf Choir, Slug of Atmosphere, Rock of Heltah Skeltah, Melanie Fiona, Naledge, Talib Kweli, K'Naan, Immortal Technique, Smiff & Wessun, and Bounty Killer. All this sounds like a recipe for a tasty brain dish.

If you haven't gotten the CD, go get it. For now, check out the interview and the "Robot" video.





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