DJ PREMIER + J.ROCC & MR.CHOC | Sunday May 26

Rolling Stone identified Premier as arguably Hip-Hop's greatest producer of all time. There is no debate here on our end.

One half of legendary hip-hop duo Gang Starr, with emcee Guru (rest in peace) his unique production style is how he creatively chopped up samples which brought an innovative approach by having just a few sample elements drive the track, with purposeful sparseness yet having a powerful presence.

The list of artists he has blessed with production is countless, and when you are putting it down for Jay-Z, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, Rakim, Common,  to Christina Aguilera recruiting him for her "Back to Basics" record, then your top game.

Most of us don't get a chance to kick it with Premier in his studio environment as he creates his next masterpiece, nor do we run into him at our local coffee spot by our cribs to pick his brain a little. So the next best thing is to hear him deejay to not only get to hear his creative works along side supportive fans but also to hear the selections of music that has inspired him throughout his life.

DJ PREMIER
with J.ROCC and MR.CHOC
Sunday May 26
@Icon Ultra Lounge 1248 S Figueroa St  Los Angeles, CA 90015 | 9-2am | 21+
pre-sale tix available for $20 at: http://flavorus.com/iconflava

SOUL SLAM 9 MJ vs PRINCE - DJ SPINNA - FRIDAY MAY 3

Prepare yourself for one of LA's most exciting dance parties of the year.....SOUL SLAM returns FRIDAY MAY 3!!

This event centers around the honoring of two of the most eclectic and innovative artists to date, Michael Jackson and Prince! From the inception of this concept back in 1999 the response for SOUL SLAM has been enormous. DJ Spinna sets the tone of this event as he lays down track after track from both MJ’s and Prince's extensive music catalogues along with tracks of their cohorts,i.e.; Jermaine Jackson, Vanity, Janet, Sheila E., J5, The Time etc.

 Last years visit to LA brought out 1200+ people....A capacity filled night with LA's top taste makers, fashionistas and music fans.
 What:  A dedication to Michael Jackson & His Royal Clan and Prince & His Disciples.  Featuring one of New York's finest, DJ Spinna.  Also, opening set by LA's own MonaLisa.  This is a world-wide event that originated in New York and has reached San Francisco, Japan, Los Angeles & Europe.

FRIDAY MAY 3, 2013
FOOTLONG_DEVELOPMENT & KEISTAR PRODUCTIONS
PRESENT

The Original Prince & MJ Party....
SOUL SLAM 9
Celebrating The Life & Legacy Of Our Greatest Icon!
THE KING OF POP!
MICHAEL JACKSON (1958-2009 R.I.P)
&
Honoring Our Most Prolific & Influential Artist
PRINCE

4 HOUR TRIBUTE SET BY
DJ SPINNA
(WONDERWAX,BBE,BK/NY)

OPENING SET BY
MONALISA
(KPL ALL-STARS,UMOJA HiFi,LA)

HOSTED BY
COGNITO(FROLAB)

LIVE PRINCE & MICHAEL JACKSON INSPIRED TSHIRT SCREEN PRINTING BY
FAMILY INDUSTRIES

ARENA NIGHTCLUB
6655 Santa Monica Blvd
(2 BLOCKS EAST OF HIGHLAND)
Los Angeles, CA 90038
9PM-2:30AM  21+

                                ADVANCE TICKETS: WANTICKETS.COM/SOULSLAM9
$20 @ THE DOOR

PLENTY OF $6 PARKING AND STREET PARKING AVAILABLE
EARLY ARRIVAL SUGGESTED!

BOTTLE SERVICE & TABLE RESERVATIONS: mistymansouri@gmail.com

LIVE PAINTING FROM
:: www.samiraidroos.com ::

SOUL SLAM LA Presents....DJ SPINNA "Prince Wrote It" B-Sides, Collabo's & Affiliations by Frolab Radio on Mixcloud

CUT CHEMIST & AMOEBA - KINGS of APRIL FOOLS

The headline was..
"CUT CHEMIST SELLS HIS ENTIRE RECORD COLLECTION TO AMOEBA HOLLYWOOD" . From what we hear, our friends at Amoeba have been saying people are still calling and showing up regarding what would have been one of the biggest record come-ups in the modern collection era.

The story seemed legit, from a quick read stand point, but little small clues gave you insight that something was not kosher. One of the main story components was CUT'S new affinity to MP3's. Now if anyone has had the pleasure to kick it with this iconic Dj then you would know the mere mention of that acronym would cause him to rash up a bit with nausea requiring a fresh-air walk around the block before he could continue the conversation. Maybe that's why he is juicing and meditating these days, practicing the art of letting go, to get himself prepared for the day when he might have to sell his lovelies. Just not on April 1st. 2013.
(FULL AMOEBA BLOG HERE)

PHILLIP MORRIS slaps STONES THROW, is there another slap! coming?

Last year STONES THROW records put out a Jonwayne cassette with a sort of familiar look to it. Well Phillip Morris came in and slapped a nice fat cease and desist letter. Who knew you could trade mark pyramid shapes? (Check out letter)

Well in response from one of the more progressive labels and why they are still in the game is to issue a Jonwayne Cassette #2. Not sure if squiggly lines in wave shapes, in firetruck red looks familiar but maybe it might cause a shakedown in someone else's corporate trademark office.

The irony of this whole thing is aren't all these companies targeting the same consumer for their products? I see a wonderful marriage forthcoming in the future. Just make sure your company vehicle has a cassette player included. (Full Story link)

 

Club Kid REGGAE POPS Turns 70 - BDAY Event Friday MAR 22

As many of us get ready to go to sleep, he's shining his shoes and primpin' his fedora to go out. As some of our alarm clocks annoyingly go off, he's probably taking his last bite at a 24hr diner with a posse of beautiful ladies at his booth discussing where they will be going that night. Here is the real most interesting man in the world for sure, REGGAE POPS.

The iconic LA figure is seen around town doing it up like it's 1999. Maybe he's always had this kind of energy, maybe an unknown change of events occurred many moons ago where he decided he was going to live each day as if it was his last.
Whatever happened his spirit is contagious and Friday night, MAR 22, there's an expected 1,000 individuals who will be coming out to help him celebrate his 70th bday.

POPS invited some of his favorite DJs to spin including KCRW's  JEREMY SOLE, Mochilla's ERIC COLEMAN, Root Down's SLOE POKE and PHYZ ED, MONALISA, SELECTA 7 and MC DR. OOP to complete the nights festivities. Also proceeds will be going towards his children's college fund so this is more than a coming of age fiesta for him.

This is a celebration with a purpose as he does every night, except one "I need my one day to rest" as he states. Pops needs to bottle up whatever he's been drinking these many years so we can all be as engaged with full energy when there is none to be found, so we don't wither away on our couches going through 300 cable channels of mind numbiness. The inventor of the disco-nap, I'm sure Pops furniture is still in wrapped in plastic since he probably has yet to use it.
Check out this link for the LA MAG feature on Pops

REGGAE POPS 70th BDAY CELEBRATION
FRIDAY MARCH 22nds
@ARENA
6655 SANTA MONICA BLVD LA CA 90038
21+ | $10 | 9pm-2:30am
$5 rsvp at dtelsla.com
let us know you are coming
FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

DONALD BYRD legacy is forever lasting

Homage to Donald Byrd. The legendary passed on last week but left a lasting legacy. He was ahead of his time pushing the pure jazz movement into a progressive soulful funk era with classics "Dominoes", "Think Twice", working with the Mizell bros. Was a mentor to Herbie Hancock and was influential in the creation of the Blackbyrds of "Walking in Rhythm" and "Rock Creek Park" fame. He was also one of the most heavily sampled in hip-hop classics, and appeared in Guru's Jazzmatazz series.
Writer Mike Sonksen captures his life in his blog Donald Byrd and Revolutionary Words....
"The music of hard bop impresario, and later soul jazz innovator, Donald Byrd shares the same spirit as the poets. DJs around the world have been in mourning since Byrd died on February 4, 2013. I wish I could say I heard Byrd's music first in my parent's record collection, but like many of my generation I learned of his music from hearing his samples in hip hop songs by A Tribe Called Quest, Digable Planets, Public Enemy, and other early 90s records. Sampled over 200 times, Byrd's recording career spanned over five decades, primarily with Blue Note Records. Two of his best known albums are "Blackbyrd" and "Spaces and Places." (READ FULL BLOG)

ARISE ROOTS "MOVING FORWARD" New Release

The goal of Arise Roots is to create a fresh reggae sound with a modern feel that appeals to all ages and races, but one that doesn’t compromise the true feel of roots reggae. Anybody who has had the opportunity to witness the band play a live show understands the powerful sound and positive vibrations that they produce. Always paying homage to past reggae legends, the album Moving Forward brings to mind the influences of Black Uhuru, Dennis Brown, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Israel Vibrations, Alton Ellis and Gregory Isaacs. From a broader view, “Moving Forward” is an album for the people that creates consciousness with a modern edge, yet grounded in traditional roots. (FULL STORY)

DEEP 14 year anniversary with LOUIE VEGA, MARQUES WYATT, DOC MARTIN plus more

If your flavor is deep soulful house or you have at some point been curious to experience what "deep soulful house" means then look no further than the DEEP 14 year anniversary party with the legendary LOUIE VEGA at the helm.

From Deep's early days 1999 - 2000 at Viper Room, to 2001 - 2005 at Club Vinyl, & 1650, to 2006 - 2012 the Vanguard, and 2011 - present at King King. Deep has been musical sanctuary in the city of Los Angeles (as well as in San Francisco, New York, and Miami) providing quality house music for 14 years. One of Deep's greatest qualities is that it is a musical temple for underground music specializing in; Soulful, Deep, Afro, Latin, Jazz, Gospel house and beyond. Furthermore, Deep has consistently presented house music's finest dj's, producers, and artists. Another unique quality of Deep is its supporters; people from all over the world, have heard about and attended deep, along with its local support system of house warriors and veterans whom are faithful to its dance floor; hands in the air, foot stomping, hand clapping, dancing, sweat drenched, rival some call "church", a place where people of all races, colors, and religions, congregate harmoniously.

SUNDAY FEB17
@BELASCO THEATRE 1050 South Hill St. LA
LOUIE VEGA
live performance by JOSH MILAN (Elements of Life)
MARQUES WYATT & DOC MARTIN
RICH MEDINA & JEREMY SOLE
GET TIX

LOVE LIKE THIS Valentine's Mix by DJ ERVIN ARANA

DJ ERVIN ARANA issues a nice Valentine's mix for those needing a playlist to set the mood right.
Playlist;
Common "Come Close (Nicolay Remix Ft Mary J Blige)"
Aloe Blacc "Bailar (Exile Remix)"
Maxwell "Lock You Up N' Love Fa Days"
Paid & Live "All My Time (Too Hot Remix Ft Lauryn Hill)"
A Tribe Called Quest "Bonita Applebum"
Hi-Tek "Get Ta Steppin' (Ft Mos Def & Vinia Mojica)"
Common "The Light (Remix For U Ft Erykah Badu)"
Danny Boy "Blow Your Mind Away"
Davina "I Can't Help It"

QUETZAL wins Grammy

Flying under the radar during Grammy time and not shown on national TV are artists receiving the award that truly deserve the spotlight for their commitment to their artistry. QUETZAL has been a Los Angeles staple for close to two decades and finally got recognition for their work. Congratulations!

Quetzal, the L.A. band that weaves together funk, rock and regional Mexican folk-music varietals such as son jarocho, has won the Grammy for Latin rock, urban or alternative album.
Quetzal won for its release "Imaginaries" (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings), a characteristically ambitious foray into cumbia, neo-'80s-style R&B, Cuban charanga and Brazilian pandeiro, charged with the band's collectivist political passion. It is the band's first Grammy.
(FULL STORY)

MARA HRUBY - The Simply Beautiful Tour

Courtesy of our friends at Nu-Soul, Bay Area singer/songwriter Mara Hruby is finally coming to LA. As part of the Romantic Movement of artists which includes Jesse Boykins III and Melo-X, Mara has been gaining notice with her sultry vocals and iconic style. Be sure to catch her first full LA show at the Virgil in Silverlake with her band The Park on Saturday February 2, 2013. Get al the details (here)

The 2010 debut EP From Her Eyes introduced to the world a young artist named Mara Hruby. Hailing from Oakland, CA, she arrived on the scene at the start of 2010, playing shows throughout the Bay Area. Since the release of her debut EP, she has garnered over 70,000 downloads and media attention from the likes of Vogue Italy online, Essence Magazine, Vibe, Billboard and more.

During an interview with a local entertainment magazine, Hruby was asked to describe her sound: "My sound [and] style [come] from what I have experienced in life. I feel my sound is organic, distinct, melodic, eclectic, and filled with sensitivity. To say the least, I'd call my music a melodic melting pot."

Hruby is a mesmerizing artist who performs on stage with poise and grace. Catch her in the intimate, vintage setting of The Virgil with backing band, The Park, and you'll be surprised how naturally her music will enter your heart.

http://MaraHruby.com/

DJ FATLIP and guest host MAYA AZUCENA at CHERRY POPPIN Wed Jan23

CHERRY POPPIN keeps on and poppin with special guest DJ FATLIP from the one and only, PHARCYDE. Also singer MAYA AZUCENA will be guest host and premiering her video "Dance Revolution produced by DJ SPINNA, directed by RAE MAXWELL. A song and video to end violence against women for the international campaign ONE BILLION RISING

To highlight the night MAYA will be premiering live her latest single, the infectious "COME WITH ME" produced by newly formed production duo TRIGO FARE, made up of LOSLITO of the REBIRTH and CALEB SPEIR, co-writer of ESTELLE's "AMERICAN BOY". A magical collabo and keep checking for more production gems in the future. FOLLOW ON SOUNDCLOUD

CHERRY POPPIN WEDNESDAYS
@THE ROOM Hollywood
1626 N. Cahuenga Blvd
Free b4 10:30/$5 after

THE LIONS - THIS GENERATION - 45 BOX set

"You can't roll a spliff on no MP3" Well if your record players plays strictly 12" then get your adaptors ready....

Stones Throw is accepting pre-orders for THE LIONS - THIS GENERATION - 45 Box set.

The Lions album This Generation is being released on vinyl in the form of a 45 box set.  The box comes with 8 records:  the album's 12 tracks + four additional "dub versions" not available on the CD or digital release. 
FOR MORE INFO

STRICTLY SOCIAL with MELO-X SAT JAN 19

Nu-Soul Magazine, Soul Union, and Project Live present STRICTLY SOCIAL
Saturday January 19, 2013

LA’s premier night of Eclectic Soul Fusion returns for a special night of Beats, Bass, and Soul.

Live Performance By MELO-X

MeLo-X is an Emcee, DJ, Producer, Audio Engineer and photographer from the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, NY. MeLo-X is renown worldwide for not only his own music but also for custom Remixing of current classics.

MeLo is known for bringing a new approach to all of his work and has released a wide range of music projects from remixed albums with original production to custom blends over studio and live performances. His remix of Maxwell’s Grammy Award winning album BLACKsummers’night, reached a worldwide audience and was the topic of the day for many blogs and traditional press outlets. Maxwell himself, raved about the remix over Twitter so much that Sony Music purchased it for use during his world wide tour. MeLo’s mixtape Mustafa’s Renaissance was praised by industry influencers and tastemakers alike....  
KEEP READING and EVENT INFO

DJ NU-MARK - BROKEN SUNLIGHT RELEASE

With so much information going around its hard to keep up and as quickly as it enters your periphery as quickly as it goes. Here is a release that may have flown under the radar a month ago but we want to make sure we share with you...

After more than three years of brainstorming, experimenting and collaborating, DJ Nu-Mark’s debut solo album Broken Sunlight will be finally released. Featuring a variety of guests, including Bumpy Knuckles, Large Professor, J-Live, Aloe Blacc, Charles Bradley, Quantic, A-Skillz and Tiron and Ayomari, Broken Sunlight showcases DJ Nu-Mark's love of hip hop, funk and cumbia.
“A lot of things in my life were broken, my group broke up, my long term relationship broke up, the music industry and economy seemed to be broken so It was time for me to take a break” NuMark explains. “And that’s where the title of the record stems from. It’s not so much I’m broken. I’m moving towards the sunlight these days. It’s more like a tale of perseverance and forging ahead through difficult times.”
DJ NU-MARK WEBSITE