Category Archives: reggae

Grab This DJ Andy Smith Exclusive Mix!

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I am starting up the Guest Mix Series again over here at FMF. Last time I had a great bunch of mixes from everyone from Funky 16 Corners to the artist COOP to Jason Perlmutter to Supreme La Rock and more. This time I’ve reached out to some different DJs to put together a mix of whatever they like, not necessarily Funk and Soul. I’m doing this for two reasons: one, I want to have some Big Ups people give you some great mixes, and two, I wanted to start a sort of pledge drive here at FMF. I do not make money on FMF, everything is out of pocket and done for the love of the music. However, as my server costs are rising, it’s getting more expensive on the monthly. I’m asking you, the FMF readers, the faithful who have been here since the beginning, to donate.

You can donate by clicking this link and following the instructions on the page. Any little bit helps. Thank you for your continued support on FMF!

That being said, the first mix is from my man DJ Andy Smith out of London. Known for his genre smashing classic Document mix series as well as label specific vault digging mixes (Greensleeves, Trojan) and let’s not forget his Jam Up Twist party that plays all over the UK, Andy took some time to make a mix that will be up on FMF for a month exclusively before going public. It changes styles like Son of Bazerk, it’s fresh, and I’m hoping you are going to dig it as much as I did. More Guest Mixes to come. Stay tuned.

DJ Andy Smith Many Styles Mix

1) Let’s Rock – Feel (Vista Sounds)
2) Dyin’ To Be Dancin – Empress (Prelude)
3) Chill Out – Free expression (Vanguard)
4) The Art Of Drums – Macattack (Baad!)
5) Brooklyns In The House – Cut Master D.C (Be Bop & Fresh)
6) One For The Treble (Fresh) – Davy DMX (CBS/Tuff City)
7) The Party Scene – The Russell Brothers (Portrait)
8) Oily – Juggy (Sue)
9) Tutti Fruiti – Lee Austin (Polydor)
10) Egg Roll – (Unknown artist) – (Funk 45)
11) Move To Something Funky – BLVD Mosse (Scorpio)
12) Paper Chase – Krown Rulers (Soo Deff/Warlock)
13) I Aint Wid Dat (Inst) – Funk Master Wizzard Wiz (Tuff City)
14) Soupy – Maggie Threat (Dyno Voice)
15) Hard To Road To Hoe – Otis Lee (Soul Magic)
16) You Got To Have Money – The Exits (Gemini)
17) I Got A Woman – Ray Charles (Atlantic)
18) You Had A Woman – Geneva Vallier(Cash)
19) Love Bandit – The Cadets (Modern)
20) Bloodshot Eyes – Wynonie Harris (King)
21) Soon You’ll Be Gone – The Blues Busters (BRA)

Download or Listen To DJ Andy Smith Many Styles Mix from the FMF Guest Series

Keep Diggin’!

Buying Records On the Cheap Daily

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I got a tweet from John Book on twitter that I thought was interesting. NPR published an article by Egon about digging in the East Village here in NYC. It went on to explain that in today’s economy, it’s a buyer’s market for vinyl and that you can get some great bargains today because of it. Egon gave himself a $100 budget, reminiscent of his broke college day record buying, the days he didn’t have a lot of time or cash to buy records before he had to hurry catch the Metro North train back up to Connecticut. It was an interesting story, and since I’ve been getting a lot of requests for more of my digging stories (like I used to write), I figured I’d follow up on that request. From the list of records Egon got (Brazilian Jazz Fusion, Jazz on the Folkways label, 70′s Nigerian High Life, and a Scandinavian rarity) it looks like a good haul. Although I’d rather get 50 records for $100, most likely they would not be on the level of the records Egon got. I still get good records, don’t get me wrong, but they are not the Psych or Nigerian face melters, those are definitely found in the better record stores (which like to browse through also). I’m happy to write about records on NPR though, so get at me guys if you’re interested. Here’s an inside look of the on the cheap records I have dug up over the past week.

My budget is even tighter now, because I have a baby on the way in a few weeks, so I have been dollar bin shopping quite a lot. My man M.Fasis and I hit up Bleeker Bob’s dollar bin before last week’s Hot Peas and Butta JB Tribute party and I came away with some Motherlode, Gil Scott-Heron, Vincentico Valdes, and The Flying Machine 45′s left in the bin for a buck. I just can not pass up on records, I just have to get more creative and a bit more selective on what I buy. I buy records from private dealers and ebay once in a while (my last attempt on ebay I’m still waiting for: a super clean copy of “Ride Your Pony Girl” by Harry Ray on All Platinum. The seller is jerking me around of course. That’s why I’d rather dig) However, the deal with FMF is I like to find the stuff on the cheap. There is a Thrift store by me that has always come through. It has got me some good Hip Hop 12″s, and weird Jazz records in the past. Very hit or miss, I still check it on the regular. This past week was a dud, as my only pick up was Jimmy Z featuring Dr. Dre “The Funky Flute”. The video solidifies that this record is straight cheese, with Jimmy Z playing some funky flute way before Ron Burgandy let people know that the Yazz flute was nuttin’ to fuck with. Even pretty 80′s girls can’t help this record. To my luck, however, another consignment shop opened recently. When I went in sans portable, there were about 500 records sitting in the back of the store. I propped my ass firmly on whatever I could sit on and started to dig. What I came out with were some pretty great finds. I didn’t pay more than $3 a record, and for 30 bucks I got 10 records that were all quality.


Scholly D – Gangster Boogie

First up we have some Philly Hip Hop from ’86. Schooly D (mislabeled Scholly D here) on Place To Be Records out of Narberth, PA. PTB Records was busy also releasing “P.S. P.S.K. (I’ll Tell You What It Means!)” by the Philly Crew and other 12″ by Tic and Toc. Schooly went on to say this about the record: “Gangster Boogie was about getting over, smoking jays and pulling out 8’s and all that.” Fair enough. A good mint pull, even though it’s not the first pressing on Cut Masters (with the cool hand written bubble letters). I’ll take it.


Marley Marl – Scratch

I’ve reviewed this before, when I got one off of DJ Jack the Ripper. This 12″ features MC Shan, and is a great example of quality of the Marley Marl production we have all grown to love. All you other DJs are a bunch of jerks, a classic line jacked and used for tons of break records. I used to buy them like crazy. Do they even make break records any more?


Sammy Dread – Road Block Lp

On the whole, the Lp that Sammy was known for, other than the “Bad Boy” side. On Hit Bound and put out by Channel One, Sammy was backed by the Radics band. Features “Dreadlock Queen” and “Roadblock” among others. Besides the the good music, the cover, with Sammy on a Jah Rasrafari motorcycle is classic.


Patrice Rushen – Kickin’ Back Promo 12″

Out of all the records I got that day, this is my fave. I’ve never seen it on the field before, so for me it’s a good pull. A promo, and from what I have gathered, one of the first in a group of 12″ records put out (besides being a promo), this side has pulled high $200+ prices in the past. Not that that really matters to me, I just want to play the thing. A solid 7 minutes plus of Disco Funk from Patrice on Prestige.


Yamaha Skank – V/A Lp

I knew something was up with this record before I even checked to see the label. A Rupie Edwards/ Striker Lee production, this record is solid all the way through. Highlights include “Riding with Mr. Lee” by Chinna Earl Smith and “President A Mash Up De Resident” by Shorty the President, plus a gang of other good sides. No artist is even mentioned in the liner notes, which adds to the mystique of this Lp.


United Dreadlocks Vol. 1 V/A Lp

This Reggae compilation on Joe Gibbs Music features Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, and Junior Ross & the Spear among others. Roots music is a beautiful thing, and when you’ve got Sly Dunbar, Tommy McCook and Lloyd Parks in the backing band, it’s damn near perfect. This record cover, lithographed by the Stephensons, is going up in my wall in a frame. Bless Bless.


Kangal presents: Tiger Meets Yellowman Lp

First up, I am a huge fan of this Lp art. Even if it sucked musically, I would still buy it. My next Reggae mix is going to have some sort of graphic like this on it. I love me some Yellowman, and it has the side “Titty Jump” on it, so that’s a bonus. I lean more towards the Yellowman side, but the Tiger side is growing on me. Both backed by the Saggitarius band, Reggae in ’86 was still relevant, and a lickle Dancehall never hurt anyone.


Liquid Liquid – Optimo Ep

A record I never come across, let alone on 99 Records. Cover design by the great Richard McGuire. Original 1983 pressing. Mint, still in the original shrink wrap. Fun baby.


Marcia Griffiths – Naturally Lp

This early Marcia Griffiths on High Note has “Feel Like Jumping”, as well as the Bob Marley cover “Lonesome Feeling”. Backed by a band that includes Ansel Collins and Sly Dunbar, and you can groove to this today just as easy as in 1978 when it was released.


Z-3 MC’s – Triple Threat 12″

Despite the cheesy The Snakecharmer’s Song sample, this human beat box filled mid 80′s 12″ is not a bad score. Put out on Beauty and the Beat Records, straight outta Elizabeth, NJ, it’s Hip Hop in it’s infancy, raw and untainted. Not sure, but I heard this crew was out of Baltimore, MD. All and all a good come up for $3.

So for the people that were requesting some digging stories, here you are. If you do your research, have some patience, you too can get good records. I am in no, way shape or form claiming to be a record expert. I like what I like, and that’s good music. Egon is a music expert, running a label, reissuing lost gems, and constantly exploring different genres to expose these gems to the masses. I have the same philosophy here, as FMF tries to keep this music alive and well, while proving that you too, can dig for these records on the cheap, daily.

Keep Diggin’!

Jazzman Records: The Interview

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I’m excited to announce that the next Big Ups interview will be, to me, the best digger and preserver of Funk, Soul, Jazz, and many other genres. A true defender of the underdog musicians throughout the world. A man that has dedicated his life to keeping this music we all love alive. I, along with countless others have bought these records, gained knowledge from Gerald, and enjoyed the many Lps, 7″s, and compilations he’s put out through the years. He was the first person to actually do a regional Funk compilation properly with Hard Texas Funk. While others were bootlegging, Gerald did his due diligence, put the legwork in, and came out with the official compilation. This set the bar for all of the future compilations. Label scans, rare photos, band info, studio info, and anything else that was relevant was included. All of this (for the most part) is common place these days. Everyone from Numero to Now Again to anyone else resurrecting and releasing these forgotten artists and music owes a debt of gratitude to Jazzman.

“ We’re validating a style of music that was already there but wasn’t being done properly. ”-Jazzman Gerald on Jazzman Records, 2011

Here is an interview done in December 2011 in Lausanne, Switzerland where Gerald speaks on Jazzman Records, how he got his start, and what the label is all about. It’s a great insight on the label’s philosophy, a brief history of the music he preserves, and why it’s important that it’s to be done properly. As I said earlier, I’ve got Gerald in a Big Ups interview that will drop next week. Here’s a little back ground for those who are or aren’t familiar. It’s a great insight into the life and views of the man they call Jazzman Gerald.

Jazzman Gerald Interview 2011

Keep Diggin’

Big Ups with Chairman Mao

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This week we have a special treat. Our Big Ups is none other than Jefferson Mao, aka Chairman Mao, co-founder of ego trip. If you have been living under a rock for the last 18 years, ego trip was the go to Hip Hop culture magazine in the 90′s. I think I may have shed a tear the day they stopped publishing it. Luckily, there is egotripland, your daily fix of the best Hip Hop music culture you will read, and I back that up 100%. Chairman Mao is a well known DJ, crate digger, writer, and all around good guy who knows his shit. We’re happy to have him aboard on FMF and Big Ups.

Check Out Chairmqan Mao’s radio show Across 135th St. on RBMA Radio.

Check out egotripland.

Keep Diggin’!

Big Ups with DJ Teepee

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Bristol, UK Selector Tim Partridge aka DJ Teepee has been holding down court with DJ Andy Smith with the Jam Up Twist series of nights around the UK, as well as his Bop & Soul night, spinning everything from Ska to Northern Soul to Jump Blues. FMF is happy to have Tee Pee in our Big Ups series, a veteran of the Bristol scene, and a guy with a very good taste in music.

Check out Tim when he and Andy educate the youngins at Bristol’s Jam Up Twist here .

Also check out Tim’s night at Cosies if you’re in the Bristol area.

Keep Diggin’!

A Flea Market Funk 2011 Retrospective

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2011 has been a banner year here at Flea Market Funk. I’ve got a lot to be thankful for, and I wanted to go over a few highlights this year and shout out the people who have motivated me to keep doing what I’m doing, as well as pushing me to be better as a writer, DJ, and a person.

Flea Market Funk made the switch from Asbury Park, NJ to Brooklyn NY in early 2011. I need to thank my wife, first and foremost for getting me up to NYC, and for always pushing me harder to do more creative things and be a better person. Without her, this site would not have shaped up the way it has. She encouraged me, when I wanted to change the format and add my love of Hip Hop culture (sampling, producing, mixes, DJ culture and the like) to the site to just “go for it”. I believe that this added a whole new dimension to FMF. For that I thank you my dear, you are my best friend, and the best wife I could have ever asked for. This past year I started my most successful venture besides my mixes, the Big Ups interview series. I wanted to showcase the people I respect in this music game, and thank everyone who participated in it. I’ve got a great line up to start 2012, so please stay tuned for that. 2011 also brought my collaboration with Mr. Skeme Richards, The Nostalgia King, and the Hot Peas and Butta Crew. Skeme and I made the hook up, I DJ’d one of their events, and what can I say, he’s my brother from another mother. Look out for some HP&B x FMF collaborations in 2012. Salut! to one of the originators. This past year brought my successful residency over at the Ace Hotel here in NYC. I want to shout out the Friday night staff and booker for always making me feel at home, welcoming my creativity and choice of music throughout the Fridays. Whether I was playing Jay Dilla or Dawn Penn, or a Dre remix of the Rolling Stones, you all supported the night and promoted the hell out of it. I am looking forward to doing more with all of you in this upcoming year. I’d also like to shout out Richard Smith aka Spice of Slice-of-Spice Records, who is one of the hardest working men in the game I know. Churning out releases faster than Gareth Bale scores goals (and he’s a Spurs supporter), looking to hook up with some SOS in the ’12. I again wanted to thank the one and only Heavy Soul Brutha Dave, who has been a huge supporter of FMF as well as my mixes, and has promoted the shit out of me through his site, and Mixcloud. Looking forward to getting together with you in the future over a beer and talking music. Shout out to Terry Cole over at Colemine Records, for keeping the Funk flowing like they used to out in the Midwest. 2011 saw FMF get a shout out (and a link to) on BBC, for an article I wrote on Gilles Peterson and David Rodigan’s Sound Clash (and a retweet by Daddy Rodigan). There were also mentions by Dilla’s mother Maureen Yauncey, who promoted one of my mixes that featured her son, talk about honored! New connections were made with artists like Small Pro out of Philly, Jet Tricks of of the UK, The gang over at Our Label Records in Germany, and the great Jim Thompson from Brooklyn’s own Electric Cowbell Records. A huge thanks to Brett and the people at Nixon, who have kept me fresh dipped in Nixon gear, as well as their new line of headphones, which are top notch. If 2012 is anything like 2011 was, I’m going to be busy. I’ll be busy anyway, as my wife and I are expecting a son in February. I’m looking forward to teaching the little youth all about the music, which will be my best accomplishment yet.

Finally, I’d like to shout out all my DJ people: Larry Grogan, DJ Prime Mundo, DJ Bluewater, Devil Dick, mFasis, Rob None, DJ Andy Smith, DJ Shawn Francis, Neil Nice, and anyone else I have missed. Thank you all for the support, and for driving me to find these records and get them out there. Trying to get an AP 45 Sessions reunion up here in BK or NYC, so let’s make it happen. Lots of projects in 2012, including a second guest mix series, a pledge drive, and lots more. Bring it on! Have a soulful and funky New Year, and I will see you in the ’12.

Keep Diggin’!

Gift Wrap: The Ace Hotel Mix Twelve, Holiday Style

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Christmas and the holidays only come once a year and here’s an all live mix to blast while you decorate the tree or dance at your holiday party. With holiday tracks from Bootsy Collins to Binky Griptite to Lee Perry to John Lee Hooker, plus staples from Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, Clarence Carter and more. The twelfth edition (like the 12 days of X-Mas) to the Ace Hotel Live Mix, get your funky holiday groove on with some Funk, Soul, Reggae, Hip Hop and even some Brazilian rhythms. Happy Holidays from DJ Prestige and Flea Market Funk!

Xmas Intro
Bootsy Collins – Winter Funky Land
James Brown – Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto
Zapp & Roger – Please Come Home For Christmas
Lee Scratch Perry And Sandra Robinson – Merry Christmas
The Aggrovators – Santa Claus Dub
Al Green – Winter Wonderland
Snoop Dogg Feat Daz Dillinger, Nate Dogg, Tray Dee And Bad Azz – Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto
John Lee Hooker – Blues For Christmas
Binky Griptite – Stone Soul Christmas
John Holt – Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Dinah Washington – Silent Night (Brazilian Girls Remix)
Soul Saints Orchestra – Santa’s Got A Bag Of Soul
Clarence Carter – Back Door Santa
Run DMC – Christmas In Hollis
Busy Boys – Funky Fresh Christmas
Otis Redding – Merry Christmas Baby
Electric Jungle – Funky, Funky Christmas
Freddy Mcgregor – Feliz Navidad
Kurtis Blow – Christmas Rappin’
Carla Thomas – Gee Whiz Its Christmas
The Emotions – Black Christmas
Michigan And Smiley – Drummer Boy
Eek-a-Mouse – Christmas A Come
Xmas Outro

Get Gift Wrap: The Ace Hotel Mix Twelve, Holiday Style now!

Keep Diggin’!

WFMU’s Coffee Break for Heroes and Villains Relaunched

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For those of you in the Tri-State area, WFMU was required listening. If it was Reggae on Sunday mornings, Soul on Friday nights with Finewine, or the Wednesday night Hip Hop from 11pm til 2am with Noah Uman’s Coffee Break for Heroes and Villains, it’s no wonder that WFMU is one of the country’s most diverse and beloved radio station to the left of the dial (and also streaming on the internet). For the last seven years, Uman’s radio show was a staple in the FMU rotation, playing good Hip Hop, Rare Grooves, Afro-Beat, Electronic, Soundtracks, Reggae and anything he was digging (a DJ after my own heart). Whether it was Rap’s beginnings, or the latest coming from the Underground, Noah visited it all. Consider his list of guest on past shows: Treach from Naughty by Nature, Bobbito, RA The Rugged Man, Ladybug Mecca of Digable Planets, DJ Premier, Mr. Len, Steinski, Jean Grae, and many others, including Slice-of-Spice’s own K-Def (who was the last guest artist on the show).

He recently moved out of New Jersey to Nashville, and did not make it to the WFMU schedule this time. “I figured instead of me not doing the show at all, I might as well try another route. I’ve put a lot of hard work into it over the years. From making physical flyers, t-shirts, setting up a website, basic online promotions, to booking all the guests as well. I shouldn’t let not being on a radio schedule stop me from doing what I love. The decision to re-launch the show via social networking sites is the best move at the moment as far as getting the word out there, let’s keep our fingers crossed, and give it a shot!” We here at FleaMarketFunk.com think it a very viable shot for Uman and Coffee Break.

Here’s December’s show:

Here is the information on Noah’s new home for now (hopefully until next radio season), the internet:

Coffee Break for Heroes and Villains website.

Check out the facebook page.

Follow Coffee Break on Twitter.

Coffee Break for Heroes and Villians Soundcloud.

Playlists and archives for Coffee Break from .

Good luck Noah!

Keep Diggin’!

Gourmet: The Ace Hotel Live Mix Eleven

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I was going to put this up on Friday, but since the story about Jonathan Toubin broke, I thought that helping a fellow DJ in need was a little more important than my shameless self promotion through a live mix. Here’s an update from Brooklyn Vegan on his status.

That being said, here was my live mix from last week.

Who doesn’t like some Gourmet treats, especially if they’re beats? This week’s live mix has a little West Coast love from Suff Daddy, DJ Numark, and J Boogie, and some flavorings from the Soul Investigators, Willie Bobo (with help from Dan the Automator), Maggie Threat, and Julian Covey, a Primo sample from Jeff Beck, some fresh vegetables from Tony Rebel, a Cream cover by Spanky Wilson, Hip Hop from De La Soul (and a nod to Paul McCartney’s original) and repping the D, the SV aka Slum Village plus my fave new producer, Tall Black Guy.

The mix cover is a mock up of my own Gourmet magazine with my favorite weekly eats at the Ace Hotel, the Breslin burger. The best hamburger with pork belly and cheese you will have ever (let’s not forget the thrice cooked fries). Genius. Enjoy the mix, and if you like it, pass it on. Bon Appetit!

Gourmet: The Ace Hotel Live Mix Eleven Track List

Suff Daddy Featuring Miles Bonny – 5 O’Clock
Paul Mccartney – Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time
De La Soul – Simply
Soul Investigators – Brown Sauce
J Boogie’s Dubtronic Science – Golden Nectar
Slum Village – Hold Tight (Instrumental)
Jeff Beck – Come Dancing
Willie Bobo – Friend Neckbones And Some Homefries (Dan The Automator Remix)
Maggie Threat – Soupy
Julian Covey And The Machine – Sweet Bacon
Spanky Wilson – Sunshine Of Your Love
DJ Numark – Flute Fidelity
Smif’n Wessun – Sound Bwoy Bureil
Tony Rebel – Fresh Vegetable
Tommy Guerrero – Thin Brown Layer
Tall Black Guy – It’s Mine

Check out the mix here.

Keep Diggin’!

FMF x The Ace Hotel NYC: Extended Stay

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Photo Courtesy of Not Cot dot Com

It looks like the good people over at the Ace Hotel in NYC have appreciated the Flea Market Funk/ DJ Prestige Friday nights, as they have extended my residency until January 2012. That means that in December on Friday nights I will be holding down the decks in the lobby starting at 8pm. I’m excited for this, as the Ace is kind of like a home away from home. Good people, good music, and well, let’s not forget good food and a really classy hotel as well. So, if you’re looking for something to do on a Friday until the end of the year, I will be doing my thang over at the Ace, and there is no cover. A huge shout out to the staff and to the people that have been coming through, I appreciate the love. See you on Fridays, I’ll be the guy eating the best burger around before I star needle dropping some gems. Also, I plan on still dropping a new live mix every week until the end of the year, so stay tuned for that series of more mixes. Listen to the previous mixes here. Keep Diggin’!

Music Is The Weapon: The Ace Hotel Live Mix 7

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For this week’s Ace Hotel Live Mix, I decided to take a little trip. Mind you I didn’t plan on it, it just sort of unfolded that way. This week we jet from France with Serge Gainsbourg to Brazil with Arthur Verocai and Super Erotica, to the UK with T.Love, and finish up in Jamaica with U-Roy and Super Beagle. In between we visit some backpacking, head nodding instrumentals from Pete Rock, Thes-One from PUTS, and the ever changing DOOM, Hip Hop from PE and the Pharcyde, plus the funky Soul of Inell Young and Laura Lee.

With so much stuff going on in the world today, I wanted to take a quote from the great Fela Kuti, when he said “Music is the weapon of the future”. Any one of these songs could be used as a weapon, as music can change the world. This mix was done all live, in one take, and any pop, crackle, or skip you hear is exactly how you’re going to hear it at any of my Friday nights at the Ace Hotel in NYC. Good Music brought to you by DJ Prestige and Flea Market Funk. Enjoy.

Music Is The Weapon: The Ace Hotel Live Mix 7 Track List

Music is the Weapon Intro
Pete Rock – Placebo
Serge Gainsbourg and Bridgette Bardot – Bonnie and Clyde
Arthur Verocai – Presente Grego
The Pharcyde – Soul Flower (Remix)
Super Erotica – Jungle Fever
Inell Young – What Do You See In Her?
Public Enemy – Contract On the World/ He Got Game
Laura Lee – Crumbs Off the Table
T.Love – Queen Mood Swing
Thes-One – Hy-Vee
DOOM – Benzoin Gum
Super Beagle – Dust a Sound Bwoy
U-Roy – Tom Drunk
Bumbaclot Outro

Stream Music Is The Weapon: The Ace Hotel Live Mix 7 from my Mixcloud page.

Get the direct link here.

Keep Diggin’!

The Reggae Influence of Heavy D

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Photo Courtesy of ABC News

Yesterday the Hip Hop world lost one of it’s pioneers. Dwight Arrington Myers aka Heavy D died suddenly at age 44. The Overweight Lover, who was born in Jamaica, relocated with his family to “Money Earnin’” Mt. Vernon, NY. It’s here where Hev would begin to make his impact. Although you may just know him for his flashy, neon leather outfits, wicked dance moves, and quick flow, his influence on Hip Hop music goes way back.

Reggae music and Hip Hop were destined to be together from day one. Kool Herc was of Jamaican descent, and he injected that influence over his music with his Sound System in the Bronx. He would have a guy like Coke La Rock on the mic, not rapping so much in the modern sense, but really toasting phrases that would go on to become popular rap slang from the get go. These poor, inner city residents who went to see Herc could relate to what Jamaicans were saying on wax, as they were going through the same thing there.

“Directly or indirectly, elements of hip-hop can be traced back to the sonic experiments that began in Jamaican studios 25 years ago. Hip-hop had to start from some idea, and it is visible that not enough Jamaican artists are credited for its technical development. ”

While Herc was changing the game by inventing Hip Hop, extending the drum break, and continuing to break ground, it was inevitable that the Jamaican Sound Systems, toasting and boasting would be the foundation of what Hip Hop and rapping is today. Heavy D would then lead the charge as he dipped into the Reggae record pool to sample. When Heavy D and the Boyz reworked Third World’s cover of the O’Jays “Now That We Found Love” into their own hit, the game changed. He would later go on to do records with Frankie Paul, Supa Cat, Sizzla, Buju Banton throughout his career. Many other artists followed suit in both sampling and collaborations. Special Ed sampling Desmond Dekker’s “007 (Shanty Town)” on “I’m the Magnificent”, Dave and Ansel Collins vocal from “Double Barrel” landed on the aforementioned track as well as tracks by Biz Markie, Grandmaster Melle Mel & the Furious Five and many, many more, Shinehead’s “Who the Cap Fit?” using Bob Marley, The Brentford All Stars “Greedy G” was used by BDP, Eric B. and Rakim, Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince are just a few early examples of Hip Hop turning to JA for sample material. It wasn’t long before artists like Sister Nancy, Tenor Saw, U-Roy, Jackie Mitoo and Augustus Pablo among others were being sampled. The flood gates were opened. Reggae music is now a huge source of sample material, not just in Hip Hop today, but all throughout all genres in music.

Heavy D was a pioneering rapper, actor, singer, and producer. His early work with Marley Marl, Teddy Riley, the Boyz (including Trouble T.Roy Troy Dixon) and a young Pete Rock (who was influenced by Hev and paid tribute to T.Roy on his hit “T.R.O.Y.”) Uptown Records (how about a young Biggie with Heavy on record?) morphed into New Jack Swing, Hip House, In Living Color themes, collaborations with Michael and Janet Jackson, and BB King among others. If you think that Hev was just an 80′s Cross Colors wearing big man dancing, you are wrong. A huge contributor to this Hip Hop game, he has left us way too early, but left an everlasting mark on Hip Hop whether people realize it or not.

“Heaven’s at the door so there will be no bum rushin’- Heavy D, “Self Destruction”

Third World – Now That We Found Love


Heavy D and the Boyz – Now That We Found Love

My fave Heavy D appearance: Stop the Violence Movement
Check Out Hev at 4:31

Keep Diggin’!

Original Stylin’: The Ace Hotel Live Mix 6

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Another week is upon us and well, here’s another mix. This week’s mix brings the bachelor pad tropical Funk of Les Baxter, some reworked De La Soul from the DeLaSoviet project with another De La sampled track by Taana Gardner, El Michels Affair adding a children’s vocal Wu Tang Clan cover plus a Bomb Squad remix of the Budos Band, West Coast Soul from A Combination of Sound and the Latin infused Hip Hop music of Ozomatli, the Visioneers payin’ tribute to Isaac Hayes, Willie Bobo and the Bo Gents doing their thang, Raw Dog’s own DJ Louis Slipperz from the UK (let’s not forget the great MC Maestro), the hilltop Hustlers outta Philly 3 x Dope, Harold Mabern doing his cover of the Jackson 5, plus Reggae styles of Faithless (yes I did it), King Yellowman, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and The Upsetters.

It’s also a little tribute to to a pair of my favorite designers Charles and Ray Eames, with a a molded plastic rocker on the cover. The furniture and music have so much original stylin’ in them (let’s not forget another Herb Lubalin tribute with the reworked fonts in the name) that this is my favorite mix of the series so far. Enjoy it, and if you like it, feel free to pass it on to a friend.

Original Stylin’: The Ace Hotel Live Mix 6 Tracklist

Eames Original Stylin’ Intro
Les Baxter – Tropicando
De La Soul – Itsoweezee (DeLaSoviet TenDJiz Remix)
A Combination of Sound – West Coastin’
Visioneers – Ike’s Mood
Ozomatli – Cut Chemist Suite
Rawdog feat. Jehst, Mystro & Braintax and DJ Louis Slipperz
Taana Gardner – Heartbeat
El Michels Affair – Shimmy Shimmy Ya
Three Times Dope – Funky Dividends
Harold Mabern – I Want You Back (Daytoner Edit)
Budos Band – T.I.B.W.F (Hank Shocklee Remix)
Wille Bobo and the Bo Gents – Boasted or Fried
Earl Zinger – Just Killed A Sound Bwoy
Faithless – Fatty Boo
King Yellowman and Josey Wales – A Weh Dem A Go Do
Upsetters – Scratch Walkin’
Bill Laimbeer Outro

Keep Diggin’!

Go to my Mixcloud page and get it.

Download Original Stylin’: The Ace Hotel Live Mix 6 here.

Selected Cuts: The Ace Hotel Live Mix 5

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I have been really into my design stuff lately, and well, my inspiration this week is drawn from Robert Brownjohn and of all things, a vitamin package. Super clean stuff, and I like the “selected” cuts label, so here goes. Always in awe of the stuff Dilla did, his lifting of a Stereolab sample for Busta Rhymes is genius, while some originals by the Los Angeles Negros, The Battered Ornaments, The Coasters, The JB’s, and Gary Wright have been sampled before, heavily and well, not so heavily. There is some Golden Age Hip Hop with Pete Rock and CL Smooth featuring Grand Puba (and using the Coasters sample) while Diamond and KRS-One meet and Da Bush Babees swing it, newer Hip Hop straight from Shaolin and Ghostface feat. Raekwon and Capadonna, some funky Reggae with Boris Gardiner, rockin’ steady with Delroy Wilson, and ecellent re-interpretation of Eddie Harris by DJ Nu-Mark, and some Rock with the Who. I mean if you can’t get down with “Emminence Front” think about it again. Shout out to Shut Skateboards vet Derek Rinaldi on that track. Always switching it up for you on these Ace mixes, it was done all live, one take, and is a good representation of what you’re gonna hear if you come out on Fridays at the Ace Hotel in NYC to hear me play.

    Selected Cuts: The Ace Hotel Live Mix 5 Track List

Stereolab – Come and Play In the Milky Night
Busta Rhymes/ Jay Dee – Show Me What You Got
Los Angeles Negros – El Rey y Yo
The Battered Ornaments – Crosswords and Safety Pins
The Coasters – Down Home Girl
Pete Rock & CL Smooth feat. Grand Puba – Skinz
Boris Gardiner feat. Leslie Butler – Funky N*gg*r
Bohannon – Run It Down Mr. DJ
Bobby Hutcherson – Montara (The Roots Remix)
The Who – Emminence Front
Gary Wright – Love Is Alive
Ghostface feat. Cappadanna – Ghetto
KRS-One – Hip Hop vs. Rap (Prestige Edit)
Da Bush Babees – Swing It (Instrumental)
The JB’s – More Peas
Eddie Harris – Bold and Black (DJ Nu-Mark Edit)
Delroy Wilson – Dancing Mood

Check out Selected Cuts: The Ace Hotel Live Mix 5 on my Mixcloud page.

Use this to download it.

Keep Diggin”!

What The World Wants Is Reggae: Seven Inch Selections

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So I finally got off my ass and put together an all 7″ Reggae mix. I have been stockpiling these records for such an occasion, and here are 15 to start. I did this mix in one take, so it’s live and has a live feel (cracks, pops, one lickle skip) and added a few drops from Bob, Daddy Rodigan and the tour guide we had when we stayed in Jamiaca. Her shout of “To the wooooooorrrld” was something I always wanted to use. I’m glad I got the chance to do it. For the most part, this mix has a lot of Rocksteady throughout, with a few Roots cuts and a small amount of Dub. The Johnny Jones side I had to research because the entire name on both sides of the label was blacked out, so if I’m off on that one (I was off when I reviewed the white label “Cool Operator” side) someone give me a shout. Leave it to those Reggae dudes to hide their records in their sound system. At any rate, I’m hoping you enjoy this side, all these records are original Jamaican sides with the exception of a few UK Pressings and the Steady side out of NYC, many are hand stamped and all found in the field. Sometimes you gotta have some Reggae your way, all on 7″. Enjoy. Bonus label scans at the bottom of the page.

What The World Wants Is Reggae: Seven Inch Selections Track List

Jah Grundy – Shaolin Disciples/ Belmont Records
Leroy and Rocky – Love Me Girl/ Coxsone Records
Eddie Lovette – Together/ Steady Records
The Gaytones – Build Up (Version)/ High Note
Sugar Minott – Vanity Pt. 1/ Studio 1
Delroy Wilson – Cool Operator/ White Label JA
King Tubby & The Aggrovators – Straight To Andy’s Head/ Jackpot
Johhny Jones – More Dub/ Gibbs Record Globe (Artist Name Scratched Out on Label)?
Val Bennett – Blow Mr. Horn’s Man Blow/ Roots from the Yard
Robert French – Give Me Your Love/ Mister Tipsy
The Revolutionarys – Rig-Ma-Roe Dubwise/ High Note
Tony Tuff – Run Come Come/ Scorcher
Marcia Griffiths – Peaceful Woman/ High Note
Dennis Brown – Money In My Pocket/ Lightning Records
Harry J. All Stars – The Liquidator/ Harry J

Listen to What The World Wants Is Reggae: Seven Inch Selections from my Mixcloud page. Enjoy. If you want to download the mix, use this.

Label Scans:















Keep Diggin’!