Dear Santa...

All I want for Christmas

Body Rock @ Napoleon...first Thursdays!

Baknefekt for November! And you know this!!!!!!



Come one come all!

Genuine for '09...


Body Rock
Thursday, Nov 5th @ 9pm
Napoleon Lounge
1847 Columbia Rd NW
Washington, DC

FREE
21+
Dress Code – Casual but stay Classy DC

No Shame in my game...

Growing up in Massachusetts, I remember traveling to NY/NJ to visit family and being real amped to hear Hot 97 and other NY-based radio stations because they always seemed to be way ahead of things back home. And they certainly were, this is back when there were regional differences in radio & music, and it would take maybe 6-8 weeks for a hit in NY to make it's way to the airwaves in MA on Jam'n 94.5. I used to have a blank tape in my boombox and wait up in my bedroom for the Top 9 at 9 each week...craziness. Anyway, I wasn't the most on top of everything back in the 90's, but I was digging for records at this spot Al-Bums (R.I.P.) on Highland Street in Worcester, and my dude over there this one time gave me the go ahead to check out the basement, where (I would soon discover) there were mad records. From that point forward, each time I visited, I'd check out the first floor, but ultimately make my way downstairs, where things were a bit dusty, dark, wet, and the ceiling had a tendency to bend and dip overhead...a bit hazardous I suppose you might say. But yeah, any DJ knows you gotta dig deep for the real joints, and I definitely found some great records downstairs. One of the coolest things about digging at Al-Bums though was meeting a cat who I would consider a friend, a guy who is definitely a dope DJ and producer, fellow native of the Holden/Worcester area, DJ Shame. For those that don't know Shame (for real though, I didn't know who he was when I met him, or who Edo or L da Headtoucha were when Shame would mention them at the time,) he's part of the acclaimed Vinyl Reanimators crew. Beat-heads and DJs may recall they put out a bunch of remixes back in the day, Fast Life by G Rap & Nas, the Back to the Grill remix, and of course a bunch of dope tracks with both L da Headtoucha and Edo G (amongst others.)



I used to buy records off Shame since he was getting serviced from a bunch of labels. He's got more records than anyone I know. Traveling Through Sampleland is regarded as one of the first (if not the first) sample-based mixtapes; it dropped in '93.



Dude definitely knows a lot about music and has amazing music on his shelves and in his crates...if you were one of the lucky ones to peep his XM show over the past few years, you know how deep it gets ("Vinyl Reanimations" on XM 65 The Rhyme...RIP.) You might still be able to get those mixes over at Shame's site, so hit him up.

Here's a few treats from Shame's catalog to bring you up to speed...and with permission from the man himself, one of my favorite joints from the archives, L da Headtoucha's "Too Complex."

DJ Shame collection - minimix
MC Serch - Back to the Grill (DJ Shame remix)
Kool G Rap - Fast Life feat. Nas (DJ Shame remix)
Scientifik - Jungles of da East
DJ Shame - Traveling Through Sampleland excerpt

L da Headtoucha - Too Complex

Body Rock @ Napoleon...first Thursdays

Now with an earlier start time of 9pm...so come thru early, often, late, whatever. We'll be do-ing it big on Thursday...trust!

Genuine for '09...


Body Rock
Thursday, Oct 1st @ 9pm
Napoleon Lounge
1847 Columbia Rd NW
Washington, DC

FREE
21+
Dress Code – Casual but stay Classy DC

Honored by my lateness

Apparently a lot of folks came down hard on Kanye after the MTV business the other weekend. Look, I don't think Kanye should've done what he did, but people need to understand it for what it is...a cat being disruptive and speaking his mind. He was out of place for interrupting Taylor Swift in that manner, but I'm not going to fault Kanye for saying what he said. Whatever ignorant/racist messages surfaced after this once-influential music video award broadcast, folks need to understand that just like in anything, bad news travels fast...negative comments always get the most press. So let's not get too carried away with all this.




People want Kanye to scale it back, tone it down, whatever...ok. If he does have problems (coping, addiction, whatever,) hopefully he's got family and friends close to him so that he can get whatever care he may be in need of. I've said it before and I'll say it again...Kanye is an entertainer...dude brought hip-hop performances back in recent years (see his SNL appearances.) Is he a primadonna at times? I don't doubt it. So long as he's promoting music and art in a positive/progressive manner, I don't really have an issue with him speaking his mind. Of course, it would be nice if he did it in a way that didn't rock the boat and cause such commotion, but that unfortunately isn't always the case.

While it's possible this MTV deal was a sign of what's to come and where he's at, I do think he can return to form and get it together. After all, in terms of mass appeal, he's one of the few cats worth keeping an ear/eye to.

All this got me to thinking about some of the reasons why I'm a fan of Kanye in the first place. A couple years ago during some down time in their touring schedule, I had the opportunity to chat with his (now former) DJ, A-Trak. We spoke about a number of topics, but one focal point was the time he'd spent with Kanye on the road and in the studio. As a DJ myself, these two joining forces was incredible not just because of the amazing talent they both possess, but the creativity that would result was just about unparalleled in terms of hip-hop. Needless to say, their output has been some of the dopest stuff of recent years.

To showcase a small bit of what I'm talking about, I wanted to share this with you here. Below is an excerpt from my conversation with A-Trak where we spoke in particular about some of the more memorable moments with Kanye on tour in the Late Registration/Orchestration era:



A-Trak - INT + Heard 'Em Say (LiVE @ Abbey Road)

Jim

Been meaning to share some thoughts on Jamie Lidell recently, but I'm not sure I've got anything revelatory to present. That said, I started to look around a bit and revisit the album that turned me on to this cat, and a couple things became apparent: (1) this dude is super talented and (2) although I'm not the only one who thinks he's terrific, there (apparently) are some who don't necessarily agree, according to some listener reviews, etc.

I don't know whether I needed the affirmation to write this, but it certainly gave me something to write about here...and that is, if you peep the Amazon page for the album 'Jim,' you're able to preview the songs but as well you can read reviews, etc. One of the reviews (pasted below here) is from another artist I'm particularly fond of, Esthero.

I see a lot of promise in Esthero's work, but perhaps even moreso in Lidell's. Regardless, she's a musician and a songwriter, so I'll let her words tell (have your dictionary handy) what this album is like...but in my words, I'll tell you that this record is one you should own and/or experience, no excuses:

Body Rock @ Napoleon...first Thursdays

One more time before summer escapes...



DJs Wondermike & 2-Tone Jones setting the tempo for the evening with some of this and some of that. Come thru!!!

Genuine for '09...


2-Tone Jones
(King RJ – DC/Bmore/NY)
www.myspace.com/dj2tonejones

Body Rock
Thursday, Sep 3rd
Napoleon Lounge
1847 Columbia Rd NW
Washington, DC

FREE
21+
Dress Code – Casual but stay Classy DC

New do + August updates

Thanks go to my dude Jose at Cozy Creative with the funky fresh design remix we've got going on over here at My Soul nowadays. Took us a little while to put this together, and I'm liking what we've come up with. I hope you like it!

Also, if you will direct your attention just to the right of these words right here, to the side-bar over there...yep, that stuff right there. As you can see, my regular "Rotations" and "Props Over Here" sections have been updated accordingly (it is August, after all) with some brand new brand new brand new brand new...for you.

In a nut-shell, as you might imagine, these two monthly offerings clue you into what's getting some spins in my system/jeep/earbuds ("Rotations") and what I'm reading/digging from elsewhere on the world wide web ("Props Over Here.")

In lieu of an archive from past months, I'm gonna share a few of the past items featured from earlier in the year so you know what it's all about:


February
Theo 3 - Make It Big (via Theo 3)

April
Kev Brown - Alternative Joint (via Kev Brown)

June
Major Lazer - Hold the Line (b. Cause's check ya Swag fix) (via Diamonds In the Dust)

Body Rock @ Napoleon...first Thursdays

Back again...



DJ 2-Tone Jones and yours truly rockin the 1-2 for the evening. Some inspirational dance floor jams as always. Come thru!!!

Genuine for '09...


2-Tone Jones
(King RJ – DC/Bmore/NY)
www.myspace.com/dj2tonejones

Body Rock
Thursday, Aug 6th
Napoleon Lounge
1847 Columbia Rd NW
Washington, DC

FREE
21+
Dress Code – Casual but stay Classy DC


***Props as always to the homies Patrick (Non-Social Productions) and Jose @ Cozy Creative for the slick visuals!!!***

Music Machine

My man Goldenchyld says you can't throw a rock in the Bay area and not hit a DJ, and I believe it. That said, the Fingerbangerz (who might could be going by The Bangerz these days) are head and shoulders above most, whether we're talking the Bay or elsewhere. You may have seen/heard them with The Jabbawockeez on America's Best Dance Crew or whatever, you may have seen them on tour, or you may have seen them killing shit in the greater San Jose neighborhood on any given night of the week.

Truth is, these cats can turn it out. I first heard of them when their debut album 'The Virus' dropped maybe back in 2004/2005 or so. From a production perspective, Goldenchyld, G-Wrex, Replay, Cutso, Ngobility and Square One got a good thing going. You can tell in listening to their stuff that they like to have a good time, and that's why I want to share this with you today.

***Perfect for house parties, corporate gatherings and underground booty clap contests***

DO NOT SLEEP...


Download the 'Music Machine' mixtape

Version

My friend and co-worker Efim gave me a CD a while back just on the strength that it was something he thought I'd enjoy. Not that a CD is the most extravagant of gift's that a DJ or music-lover can get, but it's nice to have people who look out for you and have similar interests and appreciations. At the time, I was certainly familiar with the name Mark Ronson (and admittedly had some preconceived notions) but had not really heard much from the dude until I was passed this copy of his debut album 'Version.' It might have taken a couple listens to soak up all that the record contains, but I must say that this album is something to check for (now that it's been out for a couple years or whatever.) This is some funky, soulful stuff. Of course, it doesn't hurt that names like Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Kenna and others are featured vocalists on the record, but in truth I'm equally if not moreso impressed by the music here. Call it pop, call it soul, I don't know how you classify this otherwise, but I like this. Don't get it twisted, not everything on here suits me or is top-notch, but when it's right it's right. A couple (of the handful) of standouts are the Coldplay-inspired uptempo rendition of "God Put A Smile On Your Face" featuring the horn section from The Daptones and "Apply Some Pressure" featuring British singer Paul Smith.



On a similar note, I once gave a copy of 'Sounding Out the City' to my friend Monica and my description of the album was that it sounds just the way that it looks (below)...I'm not sure my words can truly do justice to how strong this record is. So, in this case with my buddy Efim, when it was time to return the favor, I once again offered up one of my own copies of 'Sounding Out the City,' the debut full-length from El Michels Affair. I told him the same thing I told Monica...it sounds just as it looks.

That said, if you've not heard this record, in short, you truly are missing out. Many people have spoken/written praise for El Michels Affair for their covers of Wu-Tang tracks, etc. (I got to see them live at XM a few years back with Wu doing that shit live...for real, one of the many beautiful perks of working at a place like XM,) but they truly shine when they do their own original stuff, and in most cases 'Sounding Out the City' is original stuff from the group (save for an Isaac Hayes cover.)

Soul, funk, whatever...this is good music. Take it in...



Got a couple vinly-exclusive take-alongs for you here as well.

First, a little break from Leon Michels and crew...and second, another bit of smooth from the Truth & Soul Records camp, some classic material.

El Michels Affair - EMA break


Black Velvet - Is It Me You Really Love?

Body Rock @ Napoleon......first Thursdays

It's about to go down...



My man 2-Tone Jones and I will be providing the musical canvas for the get down. Genuine for '09 indeed...

2-Tone Jones
(King RJ – DC/Bmore/NY)
www.myspace.com/dj2tonejones

Body Rock
Thursday, July 2nd
Napoleon Lounge
1847 Columbia Rd NW
Washington, DC

FREE
21+
Dress Code – Casual but stay Classy DC



***BIG SHOUT to my partner-in-crime on this effort, Patrick (Non-Social Productions) and my man Jose from Cozy Creative for the artwork!!!***

In the Golden State

For whatever reason (pianos from Evidence + Defari monotone = success?) these records stay in my collection and will likely remain there for the foreseeable future. You need these records if you don't already have 'em. It's unfortunate because the dude Defari has not really ever been able to put together a solid album, but in terms of singles, he definitely did his thing. Maybe he was ahead of his time a bit since nowadays it's not albums that are being pushed but rather singles, EPs, etc. Then again, a few years back a hot single was the way you paved the path to making some noise (as evidenced by the entire ABB camp and much of the more prominent hip-hop artists of the era.) I'm not sure if that particular West Coast underground (read 'Dilated') sound is still hitting as of late, but these cats made some ill records. Not trying to hate on their recent stuff, but I just think a lot of their albums/projects have been somewhat forgettable, that is, when I've put in the effort to check them out. With that said, I have a ton of respect for Babu and the entire Beat Junkies crew, Defari, Evidence, Joey Chavez, ABB and everyone who crafted this sound and put(s) it down in LA and out west, because simply put, as a cat who grew up on the East Coast, this west-side stuff has been an acquired taste for me and remains some of the most progressive hip-hop music. Can't wait to hear some more of this type stuff from these dudes or whoever else got it like that (Are people still making actual hip-hop records in 2009??)

As for the sounds, some of my favorites, and surely some of his most popular joints, the homie Defari from the Likwit camp, Dilated, ABB, etc. The intro here features yet another bit from the aforementioned Cornerstone mixtapes, Tony Toca and Hi-Tek making it do what it do. Otherwise, Evidence on the beats, Defari on the mic, simple and plain, give thanks and maintain!


Defari - choice cuts

1. Hi-Tek intro (WKRP Tony Toca ish)
2. Defari - Joyride
3. Defari - Bionic
4. Defari - Say It Twice
5. Defari - I Can't Wait (L.A. City)

Let's do this

goin out to all the ladies,,, from all the guys

Machinedrum - Want to 1 2? available on CD & 2 x 12" on May 12th.
www.myspace.com/machinedrum

Sign of the times

So a number of folks have been talking about the closing of DJ Hut here in DC. Obviously, this is a significant blow to all the DJs in the area, but as well for the music scene in some respect in my opinion. For as long as I've been in this city, DJ Hut (or 12 Inch Dance Records as it used to be known) has been a mainstay for all the area DJs, hip-hop, house, reggae/dancehall, whatever. I know the game has changed in terms of music sales (admittedly, in the past few years I can count the number of times I've shopped at DJ Hut on two hands,) especially for retail, but in addition to the city losing a point of purchase, we're losing a meeting place, a library, a town common, a musical oasis, all that. DJ Hut has been the place in DC (perhaps similar to a select couple other shops that have come and gone over the years) where you could go to hear the latest selections from the store staff and be able to test drive whatever was on the shelves and stay in the loop by grabbing the event flyers, etc.

DJ Hut had been the last store standing for some time now, so it's closing is particularly telling of where things are at.

For myself, I'd just like to say thanks to all the cats at DJ Hut and 12 Inch who over the years provided a spot for myself and everyone else in this area to come scoop the newest, freshest music. Thanks for keeping the doors open over the years through all the challenges that small businesses surely face in this city. But most of all, thanks for just being about the music and supporting the music community of DC. (I would be remiss to not give a shout to Capitol City Records which closed 2-3 years back and did a terrific job in cultivating the scene here as well.)

I'm also sorry that the business was not able to survive. I realize part of the reason they didn't survive is because cats like me didn't barely shop there in recent years, but that is what it is, just reality. Like I said, the game has changed. For some time I've been more inclined to shop and dig for more used than new music. But still, there is quality music being released in 2009, we just need to look for it sometimes, and this spot was one of the few places where you could find it.

Below is the official release issued from the DJ Hut staff at the beginning of April (looking at the date of this email, it's too bad it didn't come just a day earlier, things could be different.)



From: DJ Hut
Date: Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:15:05 -0400
Subject: We're Closing Down
DJ Hut friends and customers,

We have some sad and disappointing news to share with you. DJ Hut can no longer battle the dual headwind of the demise of the music retail industry and the economic downturn. As a result, we are forced to shut down the store and go strictly online at the end of April. Effective immediately, all vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and books will be liquidated at the rate of 20% off the regular price.

We would like to thank you for your support over the last 7 years at the store and we look forward to your continued support online.

Best,
DJ Hut Crew

Visit DJ Hut online/digital at http://mp3.djhut.com


Finally (you still with me?,) just to spread a little love and a little music, I'm putting up some of the last few joints I picked up (that's right, purchased...on vinyl no less) from DJ Hut. I love these songs, and I love that I'm able to share them when I spin out and in this forum too.

Maino - Be Me
Y Society - Never Off
Alicia Keys - No One (Curtis Lynch reggae mix)

Ain't That Right

This is a mix I did recently with a certain spot in mind here in my neighborhood. Short and sweet. Yeah. Let me know if you like...


Wondermike - Ain't That Right mix



1. Lyrics Born - The Bay remix feat. The Poets of Rhythm
2. Placebo - Balek
3. Large Professor - I Jus Wanna Chill
4. Flex Matthews - Up In My Room (Gospel mix)
5. Oh No - Get Away feat. Aloe Blacc
6. Slum Village - The Look of Love
7. The Cure - Close to Me

more to come...

Drastik

I've been playing this mix a fair bit lately in my iPod, in the studio, you name it. On the real real real real real real real real REal real rEAL...the dude Drastik is pretty nice with his.

Definitely (in terms of rockability) is up there with some of my favorites (Dirty South Dance, Live from Body English, So Fly, etc.)

Indeed, this is a must-cop situation.

Ante upped