45 Friday: Tramp!

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My babies: three copies of Tramp by Otis & Carla

When I first realized that music expressed my world way better than words, I was listening to recordings on the Stax/Volt label. Otis Redding is my favorite artist, and this particular song is so iconic—I think it expresses the Stax sound: the raw funk, the big personalities, the great voices, the Southern common sense. I loved it from my first listen, and you did too. Here’s one of the best 45s I have on that label, and the songs that it inspired. And if you like the Stax label, we may have some real treats here for you soon!… Read more...

New KRS-1

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Now that the dub mix is posted, I can catch up on some new music and I’m excited about Mistah F.A.B.’s new one as well as Undun from the Roots. I was surprised running across this though—looks like the legendary KRS-1 will be dropping an album soon as well! Check it out!

Especially fun that it’s produced by Mad Lion, who has always been down with BPD and was featured on my most recent edition of the Fire series of mixtapes… Read more...

Mixtape Monday: Delgado in Dub

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Those of you who know me well (or even just read my last post), know that I love dub music. Although many of the most famous reggae tracks ever are associated with great vocalists, there is no doubt that drum and bass is the foundation and enduring truth of reggae music. This is my tribute to dub.… Read more...

Dub Dubplates

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As many of you know, I am a big fan of Roots Reggae Dub music. Not dubstep or any digital offshoots, but the original spacey, big bass tunes of live musicians being tweaked by a crazed genius in a smoke filled studio. A great way to explore the instrumentation of reggae, a great genre to inspire meditation and wonder. I’ll write more about the genre later, but wanted to give everyone a little teaser of a mix CD I plan to be releasing within the next few weeks. Read more and download the tracks below!… Read more...

Mixtape Monday: Soul Boulders 2!

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I’ve mentioned before that Oakland gives me an opportunity to surround myself with some really great DJs. This week we feature Matthew Africa, a soul encyclopedia who is also frequently the answer to the question “who is your favorite DJ’s favorite DJ?”… Read more...

Keeping 45s Alive!

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Tomorrow is the monthly 45 Sessions party at Disco Volante in Oakland, featuring the Oakland Faders‘ own DJ Platurn, DJ Enki, and E Da Boss. For those of you who live in the area and haven’t been yet—you’re missing out.… Read more...

Remember Rappin Duke?

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Remember Rappin' Duke?

Remember Rappin' Duke?

I heard Notorious BIG‘s “Juicy” on the radio at work lately and heard dozens of 13 year–olds singing along, reminiscing on “The Rappin’ Duke” and Heavy D being photographed in limousines in the pages of Word Up magazine. The irony was extreme, considering the children were born long after Biggie was dead, and long long after Heavy D had fallen from the pages of Word Up magazine. (Since I initially wrote this, Heavy D has passed away. Much to my surprise, Word Up is still published. Hate… Read more...

RIP Heavy D

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As many of you know, Heavy D passed away this afternoon. I was always a fan because his songs were danceable and fun, and he always kept it classy and clean which was a big plus for those of us who had to sneak rap albums into the house.

He was always loved by the entire music, and strangely enough I was just doing a whole separate blog post that referenced him as well. Recent tributes have pointed out that he recorded with Biggie, Supercat, Michael Jackson, and the entire Stop the Violence Movement—how many could say that?

Below are a few of my favorites by the man. This Saturday… Read more...

How to Be a Bicycle Based DJ

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Bike art by Jose Pulido

As many of you know, I am a bicycling fanatic. Ok, not like a spandex guy, but I simply don’t see the reason to operate a car in a situation where you can ride a bike. I ride my bike to work as often as possible… no matter what work it is!

The bike I ride…. everywhere.

In the 90′s I did a radio show and played hundreds of parties, bars, and clubs, but didn’t have access to a car. On reflection… Read more...

Equipment

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It’s the Xmas season for many of us, and I know a ton of DJs are playing with their new toys… or furiously exchanging gifts for cash to go get some! One thing about us (not sure here if I’m talking about DJs, musicians, or men in general) is that we LOVE electronics—and the newer the better. No matter what type of music a DJ plays, I can always start a conversation about the equipment they use. It’s also one of the first questions I get asked by newer DJs, and it is indeed the very first question this blog received (thank you Juan R. in Hayward)! 

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