CLASSIC HIP HOP MUSIC AND CULTURE
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
(VIDEO) Henry Chalfant's All City - Classic Street Art
Director Henry Chalfant introduces his film All City (1983), which grew out of an idea to do a youth TV program about Hip Hop and other cultural phenomena of interest to young urbanites. The program was never realized, but the trailer grew into a portrait of the different elements of Hip Hop in the mid-80s. The venue is Fashion Moda, a popular art gallery on Third Avenue in the Bronx. There is a demonstration of Bboying, and Rap, followed by a discussion, hosted by Spank TC5, about art and culture with important graffiti artists of the time including Dondi, Butch, Mare and Brim. The video includes a montage of murals by Henry Chalfant and a Pop and Lock lesson by Mr. Wiggles. It features the young Bboy crew, VTB, The Very Tough Breakers.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
(VIDEO) DIAMOND D ALL 45 VINYL MIX LIVE @ A3C HIP HOP FESTIVAL 2012
Diamond going thru some 45 breaks @ the A3C festival. To book Diamond D hit 238beats@gmail.com.
238BEATS & DJ DOO WOP COMING TO BRAZIL 12/27 - 1/3
Looking forward to coming to Brazil this week!
Shouts to Arthur Coimbra, son of soccer legend Zico,
for bringing us out.
Shouts to Arthur Coimbra, son of soccer legend Zico,
for bringing us out.
We will be @ the 2012 Jogo das Estrelas in Sao Paulo 12/27
(AUDIO) Funkmaster Flex & Kool DJ Red Alert Christmas Eve Classic Mix
Monday, December 24, 2012
(VIDEO) Serato Icon Artist Series - DJ Jazzy Jeff
DJ Jazzy Jeff. One of the few DJs that could be considered a household name, DJ Jazzy Jeff has worn a few different hats throughout his career. From DJing, to acting, to producing and then all the way back to DJing, his enjoyment and passion for all things musical is obvious. So an obvious choice for a Serato Icon.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
(EVENT) The Classic: A 90s Hip Hop Revival 12/28 @ Public Assembly Brooklyn NY
Friday, Dec 28 - Front Room
The Classic: A 90s Hip Hop Revival
w/ The Artifacts, The Juggaknots, UG (Cell
Dwellas), Mr. Man (Bush Babees), Vast Aire (Cannibal Ox), Polyrhythym
Addicts, Scienz Of Life, House Of Repz, Finsta Bundy, Mistah Live, L.
Fudge, Yesh
Friday, Dec 28
9:00 pm in the Front Room
$15 / 21+
Proceeds will go to the families of P.S. 41 in Staten Island who were affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Presented by Est. 1975 and MCMI.
(VIDEO) @KOOLDJREDALERT Live on 98.7 Kiss Fm and Hot 97 Dec 2011
Looking forward to this years show! Still rocking last years show heavy!
@DJDOOWOP COMING TO BRAZIL 12/27 - 1/3/13
The Bouncemasta DJ Doo Wop will be in Brazil 12/27 - 1/3/13.
DJ Doo Wop will be in Sao Paulo Brazil 12/27 for the 2012
after party @ Club Offset
He will also be in Rio for New Years Eve 2013.
Promoters & club owners interested in booking Doo Wop please email 238beats@gmail.com for details.
 |
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW |
NOW ACCEPTING 2013 TOUR DATES. CONTACT: 238BEATS@GMAIL.COM
Saturday, December 22, 2012
(AUDIO) @DJJazzyJoyce ~ LIVE AT CLUB 11 NY DEC 15 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
CLASSIC FLICKS : FAT JOE & BIG PUN (RIKERS ISLAND)
 |
| Photo credit : Fat Joe |
Very classic pic! Fat Joe & Pun performing in Rikers Island Correctional Facility in Queens NY. #RIPBIGPUN
@KOOLDJREDALERT 'S : PROPMASTER RETRO CLOTHING
.jpg)
Uncle Red launched his new clothing line called "Propmaster Retro" . Make sure you check out the site and cop a few joints! Salute to you Uncle Red....
(VIDEO) DIAMOND D LIVE IN PRAGUE 2012 STUNTS, BLUNTS & HIP HOP 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Diamond performing " Superman " with live band in Prague. Shouts to DJ Sureshot
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
(DOCUMENTARY) NY 77 Coolest Year In Hell
New York City, 1977 - It was a time when the city had fallen into decay,
with too few jobs, money, police, schools, and social services. There
was a city wide blackout with major looting, a serial killer on the
loose, and the Bronx was burning. And yet out of the chaos emerged one
of the most creative times any city has ever encountered.
Executive Produced by Academy Award Nominee Nanette Burstein ("The Kid Stays in the Picture"), "NY77: The Coolest Year In Hell" is a two-hour documentary that tells the story of one astonishing year in New York City history. Premiering Saturday, August 11 at 9PM*, the documentary is told chronologically and weaves together the stories of the emergence of hip hop, punk and disco, graffiti art, and sexual liberation. In the background are the major political events and social issues of the day -- crime, urban decay, financial woes, the infamous blackout, drugs, Son of Sam, the bitter mayoral election and the overall poverty that gripped the city.
Out of chaos came creation. From the South Bronx came hip hop. From the Lower East Side, the thrashing guitars of punk. And all over the city, a disco revolution was underway. Elaborate, finely crafted graffiti art decorated the subway cars and break-dancers shimmied in the streets. The sexual revolution was in full swing. In January 1977, most of this activity existed in its own underground bubble. Yet by the end of the year this artistic expression was on its way to mainstream America, and would be with us for generations to come.
The documentary uses groundbreaking animation to help tell the story, and features interviews with those who lived it, including Ed Koch, Geraldo Rivera, Jimmy Breslin, Gloria Gaynor, Afrika Bambaataa, Chris Stein (Blondie), Richard Hell, KRS-One, Grandmaster Caz, DJ Disco Wiz, Legs McNeil, Annie Sprinkle, Al Goldstein, Tommy Ramone, Jellybean Benitez, Lee Quinones, and many more.
The Emmy Nominated "NY77: The Coolest Year In Hell" is the newest film in the VH1 Rock Doc franchise. VH1 Rock Docs are high-end feature-length documentaries that each reveal an untold story in the history of rock and hip-hop music, combining never-before-seen footage with a unique and unconventional narrative approach. The documentaries tell some of the most unique stories of artists and music from a wide range of genres, styles, and musical perspectives.
Executive Produced by Academy Award Nominee Nanette Burstein ("The Kid Stays in the Picture"), "NY77: The Coolest Year In Hell" is a two-hour documentary that tells the story of one astonishing year in New York City history. Premiering Saturday, August 11 at 9PM*, the documentary is told chronologically and weaves together the stories of the emergence of hip hop, punk and disco, graffiti art, and sexual liberation. In the background are the major political events and social issues of the day -- crime, urban decay, financial woes, the infamous blackout, drugs, Son of Sam, the bitter mayoral election and the overall poverty that gripped the city.
Out of chaos came creation. From the South Bronx came hip hop. From the Lower East Side, the thrashing guitars of punk. And all over the city, a disco revolution was underway. Elaborate, finely crafted graffiti art decorated the subway cars and break-dancers shimmied in the streets. The sexual revolution was in full swing. In January 1977, most of this activity existed in its own underground bubble. Yet by the end of the year this artistic expression was on its way to mainstream America, and would be with us for generations to come.
The documentary uses groundbreaking animation to help tell the story, and features interviews with those who lived it, including Ed Koch, Geraldo Rivera, Jimmy Breslin, Gloria Gaynor, Afrika Bambaataa, Chris Stein (Blondie), Richard Hell, KRS-One, Grandmaster Caz, DJ Disco Wiz, Legs McNeil, Annie Sprinkle, Al Goldstein, Tommy Ramone, Jellybean Benitez, Lee Quinones, and many more.
The Emmy Nominated "NY77: The Coolest Year In Hell" is the newest film in the VH1 Rock Doc franchise. VH1 Rock Docs are high-end feature-length documentaries that each reveal an untold story in the history of rock and hip-hop music, combining never-before-seen footage with a unique and unconventional narrative approach. The documentaries tell some of the most unique stories of artists and music from a wide range of genres, styles, and musical perspectives.
Monday, December 17, 2012
(AUDIO) DJ MELL STARR : Kool Dj Red Alert 30 Yrs Dedication Vol.1
Friday, December 14, 2012
(VIDEO) GASFACE - THINK B.I.G EPISODE #5
Think B.I.G # 5 by Gasface The final episode of Think B.I.G. is dedicated to the ear of NY 90's Rap Matty C & Schott Free, former Loud A&R's, talk the creative process on Mobb Deep 1st classic, meeting Wu-Tang in Shaolin... and how they tried to sign the Jiggaman at the dollar menu table !
(DOCUMENTARY) Wu The Story Of The Wu-Tang Clan 2008 (Full Movie HD)
Shouts to my man Dr. No & Firehouse studios......Lotta memories
(AUDIO) Ebro Darden of Hot97 On The Combat Jack Show
Thursday, December 13, 2012
CLASSIC FLICKS - DIAMOND D, AG & SHOWBIZ 1992
 |
| Diamond D, AG & Showbiz @ DJ Mark the 45 King's Studio with a View NYC 1992 |
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
(NEW WEBSITE) @DJDOOWOP 'S OFFICIAL LIVE MIXTAPE TOUR WEBSITE LAUNCH
DJ Doo Wop is pleased to announce the launch of the official
" Live Mixtape Tour" website. The site features videos, pictures & reviews of the tour. You can also see all the artists that are available for the tour.
The " Live Mixtape Tour " is a traveling mixtape experience unlike any other. DJ Doo Wop provides you 90 minutes of classic Hip Hop in it's purest form.
ATTENTION CLUB OWNERS, AGENTS & PROMOTERS:
The Live Mixtape Tour is now accepting dates for 2013 WORLDWIDE! Please visit The Live Mixtape Tour website for all details.
DJ Doo Wop will be in Sao Paulo Brazil 12/27/12 as the official DJ for the Juegos Das Estrelas ( All Star Soccer Game)
DJ Doo Wop will be in Japan for several dates February 2013.
DJ Doo Wop is available for DJ & MC dates worldwide in 2013. For all business and booking information please contact
Thursday, December 6, 2012
(AUDIO) KRS-One, MC Shan, Ras Kass, God Suns, FT, Bamboo & Feel-X - Line Of Fire (1999)
Shouts to Domingo for this classic.....
"DOMINGO fact: I am the ONLY producer to get both KRS ONE & Mc Shan on the same song together back to back....I was recording in 78/88 studios when Shan came in and said "Domingo I gotta jump on this right after Krs"....He went in the booth and IN MY OPINION SHAN BODIED KRS ON THIS SONG....Here it is...YOU BE THE JUDGE!!!!" Domingo
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
(AUDIO) @EDDIEBSWIFT vs @TEDSMOOTH Live from De La Souls Dugout
(NEW MUSIC) TRIPLE SEIS - For My Twin Pun prod by Guitar Slim ( Big Pun Dedication)
(NEW WEBSITE) @DJDOOWOP OFFICIAL LIVE MIXTAPE TOUR WEBSITE
(NEW MIXTAPE) International Horace Brown Mixtape (hosted by Horace Brown)
(NEW MIXTAPE) @TRIGGERTREACH - The Tribaltreach.Com Mixtape
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
(VIDEO) Where I'm From: JAY Z Barclays Center Documentary @S_C_
You can't front on Jay.....Happy Birthday SC....#SALUTE
Monday, December 3, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
(VIDEO) Thirstin Howl III ft. Hurricane G – Catch A Body, Body
Shouts to my girl Hurricane G.....Was just speaking about her last night!
Friday, November 30, 2012
(VIDEO) @KOOLDJREDALERT INTERVIEW WITH THISIS50.COM'S @JACKTHRILLER PT 1
Kool DJ Red Alert Remembers Chris Lighty, Talks Start of Violator. Shouts to Uncle Red. #RIPCHRISLIGHTY
(AUDIO) DJ Skeme Richards Presents: Cope2 "Undisputed"
(VIDEO) EASY MO BEE @ 2A IN NYC RECORDNITION PARTY (2 HOUR SET)
Shouts to Easy Mo Bee.....Very dope set
Thursday, November 29, 2012
(DOCUMENTARY) The Joy of The Single
Shouts to Break Beat Lou for putting me up on this doc......
Documentary packed with memories, images and insights into the power of pop and rock's first and most abiding artefact - the seven inch, vinyl 45 rpm record; a small, perfectly-formed object that seems to contain the hopes, fears, sounds and experiences of our different generations. The viewer is invited on a journey of celebration from the 1950s rock n roll generation to the download kids of today, taking in classic singles from all manner of artists in each decade - from the smell of vinyl to the delights of the record label; from the importance of the record shop to the bittersweet brevity of the song itself; from stacking singles on a Dansette spindle to dropping the needle and thrilling to the intro. With contributions from Noddy Holder, Jack White, Richard Hawley, Suzi Quatro, Holly Johnson, Jimmy Webb, Pete Waterman, Norah Jones, Mike Batt, Graham Gouldman, Miranda Sawyer, Norman Cook, Trevor Horn, Neil Sedaka, Paul Morley, Rob Davies, Brian Wilson and Mike Love.
(AUDIO) @DJDOOWOP FREESTYLE OFF "CRACK IN THE BOX VOL 1" DROPPING THIS WEEKEND
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
(VIDEO) TRIBUTE TO KOOL DJ RED ALERT (DEVASTATING TITO FEARLESS FOUR)
Great tribute to Red Alert, put together by Tito from the Fearless Four. Love you Uncle Red... Happy Birthday and thanks for helping to shape our lives.....
(AUDIO) BIG PUN-FAT JOE-SHAQ - THE BIGGER THEY R
Shouts to Domingo who has been posting some classic ish on his FB.
THIS SONG WAS PRODUCED IN 1996 BY DOMINGO IT FEATURED BIG PUN...FAT JOE AND SHAQ IT IS CALLED "THE BIGGER THEY R". THIS SONG WAS UNRELEASED AND VERY HARD TO FIND UNTIL IT GOT BOOTLEGGED.
(VIDEO) BEHIND THE SCENES OF MR CHEEKS "RADIO" VIDEO
Shouts to Cheeks, Mic Geronimo & Royal Flush.....#3TheHardWay2013
(VIDEO) HOW THEY GET DOWN, "A Documentary Explanation Of The Music Industry" ( Trailer 1)
FEATURING INTERVIEWS WITH
(listed alphabetically by first name)
Allison Hinds
Andre Harrell
Bert Padell
Bill Krasilovsky, Esq.
Bruce Lundvall
Chuck D
Cory Robbins
David Hinckley
Eddie Palmieri
Eric Roberson
Gary Casson
Ice T
Joe Isgro
Joe Serling, Esq.
Kendall Minter, Esq.
Mark Siegel
Martha Manuzzi
Maxx Myrick
Otis Williams
Pastor Hezikiah Walker
Peter Edge
Professor Catherine Moore
Professor Jason King
Reverend Al Sharpton
Robert Christgau
Rob Thomas
Tom Mackay
Wayne Williams
Will Downing
and
Wynton Marsalis
Sunday, November 25, 2012
(VIDEO) DIAMOND D'S LIVE TOUR BAND REHEARSAL SESSION
"My Band Champion Sound rehearsing for the tour...they just happened to be fans of my work so memorizing the old and new songs was a breeze" Diamond
To book Diamond hit me up @ 238beats@gmail.com. 2013 DJ/MC dates now being accepted worldwide
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Sunday, November 18, 2012
(VIDEO) Fort Docx Documentary
Shouts to the whole Fort Docx crew....make sure you check this out..
Documentary on the Hip-Hop group Fort Docx... Original group members: Faice, Tons, Geez, K-Terror, Clak Willie, Clik Douglas, Kia. The group was signed to Half Life Ent. in the year 2000. The released hits like: You Know How It Is & Don't Like Them Kids.. The group of 7 eventually down-sized to a group of 5, Faice, Tons, Geez, K-Terror & Clak Willie aka Millano.... The group went independent after federal indictments were given to the Owners/CEO's of Half Life Ent.
(VIDEO) Lord Finesse & DJ Boogie Blind - Live @ Bounce in Manchester
Some more footage from Finesse's European tour. Shouts to Boogie Blind..One of the best DJ's I have seen...#Salute
(VIDEO) LORD FINESSE: BIG L TRIBUTE LIVE @ HIGH 5 CLUB GERMANY 2012
Shouts to Finesse & Boogie Blind. RIP BIG L #DITC
Saturday, November 17, 2012
(VIDEO) MAESTRO - The History of House Music & NYC Club Culture (DOCUMENTARY)
A movie about dance music history, oldschool housemusic
and club culture like the legendary Paradise Garage, DJ Larry Levan, The Loft, The Gallery, David Mancuso, Nicky Siano, Frankie Knuckles,
Thursday, November 15, 2012
(NEW MUSIC) @DJDOOWOP, SNAGGAPUSS & SHADY RAY "STAY MAKIN MOVES"
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
(VIDEO) @DJDOOWOP LIVE IN GERMANY WITH SADAT X & JERU THE DAMAJA
TO BOOK THE LIVE MIXTAPE TOUR HIT 238BEATS@GMAIL.COM
(NEW MUSIC) @AstronomicalKid - Methods (Prod. By Astro)
Shouts to Astro....Looking forward to hearing more from him.
(AUDIO) DJ Jazzy Jeff & Shortkut Live at The Do-Over
After cutting his teeth around Philly’s block parties where the competition was ruthless, Jeff Townes aka Jazzy Jeff quickly made a name for himself with his natural flair for cutting and scratching. But it wasn’t until he spun at a party on Will Smith‘s mum’s block that Jeff met his comrade in arms and long-standing musical partner. Their debut LP Rock The House was mostly made in Jeff’s basement, but that still didn’t stop their blend of party jams, goofy humour, and adolescent narratives from striking a chord from Philly to Jersey to DC and New York. It didn’t prepare the duo for what was to follow however, as their second LP He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper scooped them a Grammy Award, before nationwide fame arrived with their TV comedy show ‘The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air’. He went on to create the production company A Touch Of Jazz, and helped a raft of Philly musicians achieve critical and commercial acclaim, among them James Poyser, Musiq Soulchild, Vikter Duplaix, and Jill Scott. From working with greats like Roy Ayers, Questlove, or Mac Miller, Jeff’s creative energy and boundless enthusiasm is infectious.
Just like his Philly partner Jeff, DJ Shortkut has been making major contributions to the world of turntablism for more than twenty-five years. In fact, he’s probably the only DJ in history to claim membership in three of the most influential and long-lasting DJ crews ever: Invisibl Skratch Piklz, Beat Junkies and Triple Threat DJs. Besides his indisputable skills in all competitive aspects of his craft, his often marathon-like sets never forget what’s most important: Do not leave the crowd without a strong beat to step to.
(AUDIO) @KOOLDJREDALERT ON CRAZY LEGS " LUNCH BREAKS SHOW " 11/13/12 @CRAZYLEGSRSC
 |
| Red Alert & Crazy Legs cooking up some treats live in the kitchen |
Red Alert. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Check out some fact about Red Alert from Crazy Legs website
15 Facts you probably didn't know about DJ Red Alert...
1 Did you know that DJ Red Alert has appeared in over 50 Music Videos.
2 Did you know that DJ Red Alert is honored with his own exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
3 Did you know that DJ Red Alert was named one of the 50 most influential people in music by Rolling Stone Magazine.
4 Did you know that DJ Red Alert has 6 Compilations albums to date.
5 Did you know that DJ Red Alert is the host of the NBA Superstar #3 Video.
6 Did you know that DJ Red Alert is an original member of the world famous Universal Zulu Nation.
7 Did you know that DJ Red Alert was a regular host of the internationally acclaimed DMC (Disco Mix Club) competition finals.
8 Did you know that DJ Red Alert is a member of Boogie Down Productions (KRS One).
9 Did you know that DJ Red Alert regularly visits schools to encourage young people to make education a priority.
10 Did you know that DJ Red Alert appears in a photo with the artist Shyne inside his album "Godfather Buried Alive"?
11 Did you know that DJ Red Alert provides the Intro and Outro on The Fugee's Groundbreaking Worldwide 17 Million Seller "The Score".
12 Did you know that DJ Red Alert did a cameo in the movie Juice.
13 Did you know that DJ Red Alert was named an honorary ambassador to the United Nations in recognition of his achievements in the field of music.
14 Did you know that DJ Red Alert was inducted to the Bronx Walk of Fame on June 22, 2003.
15 Did you know that DJ Red Alert was the Official Voice of the 2003 Source Awards held in Miami, Florida.
16 Did you know that 2013 will mark DJ Red Alert's 30th Anniversary on Radio.
1 Did you know that DJ Red Alert has appeared in over 50 Music Videos.
2 Did you know that DJ Red Alert is honored with his own exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
3 Did you know that DJ Red Alert was named one of the 50 most influential people in music by Rolling Stone Magazine.
4 Did you know that DJ Red Alert has 6 Compilations albums to date.
5 Did you know that DJ Red Alert is the host of the NBA Superstar #3 Video.
6 Did you know that DJ Red Alert is an original member of the world famous Universal Zulu Nation.
7 Did you know that DJ Red Alert was a regular host of the internationally acclaimed DMC (Disco Mix Club) competition finals.
8 Did you know that DJ Red Alert is a member of Boogie Down Productions (KRS One).
9 Did you know that DJ Red Alert regularly visits schools to encourage young people to make education a priority.
10 Did you know that DJ Red Alert appears in a photo with the artist Shyne inside his album "Godfather Buried Alive"?
11 Did you know that DJ Red Alert provides the Intro and Outro on The Fugee's Groundbreaking Worldwide 17 Million Seller "The Score".
12 Did you know that DJ Red Alert did a cameo in the movie Juice.
13 Did you know that DJ Red Alert was named an honorary ambassador to the United Nations in recognition of his achievements in the field of music.
14 Did you know that DJ Red Alert was inducted to the Bronx Walk of Fame on June 22, 2003.
15 Did you know that DJ Red Alert was the Official Voice of the 2003 Source Awards held in Miami, Florida.
16 Did you know that 2013 will mark DJ Red Alert's 30th Anniversary on Radio.
Monday, November 12, 2012
BLACKOUT RADIO 3 HOUR TRIBUTE TO LORD FINESSE (AUDIO)
D.I.T.C.'S FOUNDING MEMBER LORD FINESSE IS COMING TO ZAGREB TO PERFORM AT BLACKOUT RADIO'S 19TH ANNIVERSARY THIS TUESDAY NOV 13th, 2012. WE DID A 2 HOUR SPECIAL ON FINESSE, HIS ALBUMS, PRODUCTION, REMIXES, D.I.T.C. ETC. CHECK IT OUT & ENJOY THE SHOW! SHOW
LINKS:
HOUR 1: http://limelinx.com/eewlg
HOUR 2: http://limelinx.com/fn4ok
HOUR 3: http://limelinx.com/b5n7o
Thursday, November 8, 2012
LORD FINESSE @ CARGO UK : REVIEW
Shouts to Lord Finesse & Boogie Blind....Original article from http://www.broken-culture.co.uk/?p=5007
The increased ammount of nights, releases and press for UK hip hop acts are currently receiving isn’t the only positive effect of the boom in this little culture of ours we’re currently benefiting from. With more heads, promoters and publicity in general knocking about, the ammount of overseas artists hitting our fine shores recently has also been, frankly, ridiculous. With Phife, Immortal Technique, Premier, Pete Rock & CL Smooth and Doom all touching down in London town over the last couple of months, we’ve been spoilt for choice, leaving our mind state high and out wallet states low.
As if to put the cherry on the cake, Wordplay Magazine and Will Not Be Televised teamed up last night (7th November 2012) to book the mighty Lord Finesse, of the infamous Diggin’ in the Crates crew. I’d been told Lord Finesse’s stage show is on point, but no amount of accolade and praise for the mighty producer/DJ/MC could prepare me for the pure volume of education the funky technician dropped on Cargo club out in Shoreditch. With Boogie Blind (of the Executioners) blessing the decks behind him (and the mic in fact, with an outgoing and at times hilarious stage presence) they literally put on a lesson in rocking a raised platform.
First though, we arrived just in time to catch Glastonbury owls BVA and Leaf Dog. I’ve sung their praise plenty of times before and I’m sure there’s no need to say it again, but these two just work together on stage in a way that no one but tight friends can. If you think they pop up on this website an awful lot, it’s because they also pop up in hip hop in general an awful lot, two absolute troopers that fully rep for the UK wherever they go and are helping to elevate our scene no end. Although the Cargo crowd, in typical London style, were fairly unreceptive, they still put everything into it and, with a lot of heads in the place who were obviously more up on their US material, no doubt left with a few new fans. Living and breathing boom bap.
The dull crowd problem quickly changed though, when Manchester’s Estate Recordings/Broke N English DJ Konny Kon stepped up to the decks, pulling out US classic after classic from (would you believe it) a real vinyl bag. Although he was having a bit of trouble with skippy vinyl which seemed to upset his game at the start, he got more and more comfortable as the set went on and tunes from Biggie, Wu and all the usual suspects had the middle section bouncing like a herd of hoodied up kangaroos.
After a short twenty minutes though, the crowd began to point and whisper as he swapped places with Boogie Blind, who instantly asserted his stage presence even from the back of it, utilizing his mic to hype up the crowd with a “here comes the funky technician” chant, at which point the man everyone had been waiting for eventually swaggered into view. I mentioned earlier how much they schooled the crowd, and without you being there it’s hard for me to fully explain the sheer class of their act, but I guess I’m obliged to try…..
Firstly, the simple ease in the way Finesse holds a mic. Even when spitting his faster flows, he never seems short of breath and just straight jams on stage, putting pitch perfect delivery out across the room as if it’s nothing. Then there’s the fact that they’re both very entertaining guys. From crowd mockery, through banter between them about Boogie Blind’s increasingly liquored up state (which in no way effected performance) to somehow finding new angles for age old rants against the autotune hip hop of today, it almost became a stand up at times.
They’re also humble though, shouting out Wu and plenty of other crews along the way. Finesse’s story of how he met Big L (RIP) and began rolling with him made for good knowledge, and brings me on to one of my favourite sections of the show, Big L tunes! Taking more of a backseat for a little bit, Finesse let Boogie Blind chop his way through a mix of Big L classics, occasionally spitting verses alongside, to a sea of L’s from the crowd in the midst of a pretty incredible, although bittersweet, homage to the departed rhymer. Some may call this lazy, I’ve heard people in the past get irate about performers simply playing tunes from other artists, but in this case you’d definitely be chatting Belgian’s finest waffles. For while Finnesse was billed from 10:40-11:30, he started near enough on time and didn’t finish till 1:00, extending his show out of sheer love for the craft.
Having worked through material, more or less chronologically, from all of his albums, they began delving deeper into the discography with remixes and guest verses, Finesse seemingly having an encyclopedic knowledge of his bars to any tune Boogie Blind decided to cut in. They were literally just having fun in that infectious way that means the crowd can’t help but join in. Finesse stepping behind the decks for a beat juggling battle with Boogie in which they switched places every bar was simply nuts, and he said it himself, after admitting defeat to Boogie, when he exclaimed “No rapper, no fuck that, no MC, rocks it on the decks like I do“. Another nice little gimmick was getting someone up from the crowd to be his hype man and adlib a tune for him. When BVA appeared onto the stage, I was admittedly quick to assume it had been set up, but just as quickly realised that neither Finesse nor Boogie had a clue, as BVA gave him back up with expected effortless ease. “London, I think you’ve found a new star” were the words leaving Finesse’s mouth as the Four Owls member stepped off the stage.
Frankly, you shouldn’t have missed it, but make it up to me by making sure you catch Finesse if you ever get a chance. You can tell he bleeds hip hop and his pure passion for it, not to mention intense skill in all the musical elements of it, makes for a humbling experience. He played all the popular classics as well as the tunes for the more on point fans, with none of that ‘I’m only playing my new stuff’ arrogance that’s kicked me in the teeth in the past and he did it all with style and grace, effortlessly. I’m sure I’ve made my point. More photos over on Facebook.
(VIDEO) @RasKass Barmageddon 2012
Ras Kass talking about upcoming album, the title change from PUMA to Barmageddon, pre order packages, sponsorship by Tribal Gear clothing, how to get limited edition T shirts, merchandise available with purchase of album, interactive opportunities for fans to write bars on last song "iSpit", fans can submit 1 bar of lyrics with order of 'bloodDiamond' Barmageddon package for contest http://raskass.bandcamp.com/releases
ATTENTION: @DJDOOWOP'S LIVE MIXTAPE TOUR NOW BOOKING 2012/2013 DATES WORLDWIDE
CLICK PICTURE TO PLAY OR LINK BELOW
DJ DOO WOP'S LIVE MIXTAPE TOUR is a traveling mixtape experience featuring some of Hip Hop's most elite MC's.
Check out the review of the first stop on the 13 date, European Live Mixtape Tour @ Jazz Cafe in London.
Between them, Brand Nubian’s Sadat X and former Gang Starr Foundation member Jeru The Damaja share a hefty catalogue of classics, all of which have aged well and still stand as musical monuments to the lyrical brilliance and sonic creativity that the best of 90s Hip-Hop had to offer.
After the Bounce Master himself DJ Doo Wop had warmed the crowd up with a selection of real rap staples, a lively Sadat X bounded onstage to the sound of the Brand Nubian favourite “Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down”, leading the crowd as they chanted the hook in unison before launching into the timeless “All For One”.
Pausing to remind everyone that he reps “New York City, Brand Nubian, D.I.T.C. and Lo-Lifes”, the emcee with one of the most recognisable voices in Hip-Hop proceeded to drop his verse from the late-90s Rawkus banger “1-9-9-9″ and also delivered a rousing rendition of his “Ready To Die”-era collaboration with Biggie Smalls, “Come On Motherf**kers”, with Sadat reminiscing on the time he spent in the studio writing the track with the BK giant as they both got drunk on champagne.
Promising to return later, X left the stage, leaving the audience in the capable hands of Doo Wop once again. Dropping some rhymes of his own, the Bounce Squad leader took the opportunity to dedicate the segment to his fallen friend Guru (complete with a “F**k Solar!” moment), going back-to-back on the turntables with some Gang Starr classics, including “Take It Personal”, which was Jeru’s signal to make his first appearance.
Reciting Guru’s rhymes in his own inimitable Brooklyn baritone, the NY emcee, decked in jeans, hoodie and Timberlands, smiled widely as he was greeted with roars of approval. Working his way through a number of DJ Premier-produced cuts, including “D. Original” and “Tha Bulls**t”, the gritty wordsmith mixed some humour into his performance, engaging in light-hearted exchanges with various audience members and playfully chastising the crowd for apparently not making enough noise.
Something that was apparent from looking around the venue was the number of younger heads in attendance, some of whom looked like they would barely have been born when both Sadat and Jeru were first making their respective marks on the Hip-Hop landscape. Encouragingly, the majority of the more youthful faces around the Jazz Cafe definitely didn’t appear to be fair weather fans, rhyming along word-for-word to twenty-year-old joints as if they were the soundtrack of the present day. A situation which can only be viewed as a positive thing as, judging from the lack of old-school heads at this and other recent gigs, it will be those younger fans who keep artists such as Sadat and Jeru touring for years to come, as long as their interest in classic Hip-Hop isn’t just a passing phase based on the music’s potential retro-cool appeal.
With Sadat and Jeru each performing a second individual set, which included anthems such as “Love Me Or Leave Me Alone” and “Come Clean”, the show closed with an impromptu freestyle session. As Jeru stepped behind the turntables to spin some familiar breaks, Sadat and Doo Wop invited any emcees in the house to approach the stage, with UK talent such as Oliver Sudden and Chima Anya taking the opportunity to rock with the three Rotten Apple representatives.
Ending a seamless night of classic material by mingling with fans to graciously sign autographs and take photos, Sadat, Jeru and Doo Wop left having ensured those older fans in the crowd were able to relive some of their Hip-Hop memories, whilst helping the younger heads in the audience create some new ones of their own.
Ryan Proctor
ATTENTION PROMOTERS, AGENTS,CLUB OWNERS:
DJ DOO WOP'S LIVE MIXTAPE TOUR is now accepting dates for 2012/2013 WORLDWIDE.
SOME OF THE ARTISTS AVAILABLE:
ROYAL FLUSH
RAS KASS
MIC GERONIMO
PLANET ASIA
MR. CHEEKS (LOST BOYS)
LORDS OF THE UNDERGROUND
Other artists & DJ's are available upon request. Complete tour package including riders available upon request. Contact TEAMDJDOOWOP@GMAIL.COM
ATTENTION DJ'S:
If you can book THE LIVE MIXTAPE TOUR in your city or country, you can open up for DOO WOP and even make some $$$$. For more information contact
For all business and booking inquiries for DOO WOP contact 238Beats@gmail.com.
FOLLOW DOO WOP ON TWITTER
&
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)