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’!