Flying Lotus signs with Warp

Posted on February 24, 2007 by plugoneboss

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Flying Lotus, the L.A. producer whose memorable debut 1983 signifies the L.A. beat scene’s current primacy, has signed with Warp Records. He revealed the news during a February 20 episode of BTS Radio, Andrew Meza’s two-hour show on CSU-Fullerton’s Titan Radio, where he spun a set alongside Michigan producer Samiyam.

With the signing, Flying Lotus joins an imprint that spawned trendsetting hip-hop artists Prefuse 73 and Anti-Pop Consortium as well as hip-hop-influeneced electronic acts like Autechre, Nightmares on Wax and Boards of Canada. “There’s a whole movement waiting to happen,” he said during the broadcast.

Since debuting with 1983 on Plug Research last fall, Flying Lotus has developed a strong Internet following, and his miscellaneous tracks are coveted by downloaders. During the broadcast, he disdained the appearance of an online bootleg, Raw Cartoons, that compiles beats he made for Adult Swim, remixes and demo tracks.

He didn’t specify when he will make his Warp debut, but hypothesized that he may compile an imaginary movie soundtrack for the label. He is also working on collaborations with Samiyam under the name FlyamSam, and contributed tracks to Declaime/Dudley Perkins’ upcoming album Astormsacomin. According to the MySpace page for Japanese imprint Jazzy Sport, he will soon issue an album for them as well. Stay tuned.

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Anticon figurehead Sole returns

Posted on February 19, 2007 by plugoneboss

sole_jay soldner.jpg

Bad boy icon Tim “Sole” Holland has kept a low profile over the past few years. He lived in Spain, issued an album in 2005 (Live from Rome), and nurtured his Anticon emblem from a pioneer for underground hip-hop into an outpost for indie-pop mordancy.

He’s back in the States, living in Flagstaff, Ariz., collaborating with Skyrider and preparing to issue a new album. First, though, comes a instrumental joint under his pseudonym, Mansbestfriend. On May 29 he’ll issue Poly.sci.187, which translates to Political Science 187: “Political Science: This Shit’ll Kill You.”

A press release from Anticon describes it as “filled with such sonic explorations. The album is an accomplished work that testifies not only to the fine art of experimentation, but to the aural abilities of Tim Holland, instrumentalist?may he be loud even in silence.”

And what about the album project with Skyrider? “This album is going to be far less sample based than my other music,” he writes on his new website. “It’s a mature, raw sound, i feel like i’ve finally hit the nail on the head. I can’t remember being this excited about a sole project, so far we have completed 10 songs, and i expect the project to be completed in a month or so, but we’re not rushing this, we want it to be a classic.”

While you wait for that one to hit the streets, check out Poly.sci.187. Here’s the track listing.

  • 1. “Dedemma Speaks”
  • 2. “The Teachings of Leviticus”
  • 3. “Wilting Onward”
  • 4. “High Noon and Sobered”
  • 5. “Allieverwanted”
  • 6. “Stuck In My Head Since I Was 12”
  • 7. “Giant Man Eating Bird”
  • 8. “Bosnian Jazz”
  • 9. “Spin The Humans”
  • 10. “50 at 30”
  • 11. “Firefish”
  • 12. “Father Vs. Courage”
  • 13. “Party Till We Drop”
  • 14. “Missile Defense”
  • 15. “How Big Is Space”
  • 16. “6million Wayz 2live”

Also, here’s a short documentary on Sole that aired on Current TV last month. It’s directed by Chris Row.

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www.soleone.org
www.myspace.com/timholland

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Styles of Beyond cracking on new album

Posted on February 18, 2007 by plugoneboss

styles of beyond_myspace.jpg

It’s been almost four long-ass years since Styles of Beyond dropped their last album, the slightly disappointing Megadef. Some of you new jacks — and is it me, or does it seem like every major indie rapper is over 30? — may not remember that, back in the late 90s, the L.A. group was supposed to be one of the groups that blew up, thanks to the underground classic 2000 Fold.

But after all the crappy record deals and almost nearly breaking up, Styles found fortune with Mike Shinoda, the rap guy from Linkin Park. Shinoda featured them heavily on his solo bow as Fort Minor, The Rising Tied, took them on tour, and signed them to his boutique label, Machine Shop/Warner Bros. Styles have been “in the studio” for a while now, but it finally seems as if their trials and tribulations will come to fruition. A third Styles album is tentatively scheduled to drop in July, according to a Warner Bros. rep.

Ryu, who shares the group with Takbir, producer Vin Skully and DJ Cheapshot, posted an update on Styles’ MySpace page. He mentioned collabos with hyphy production dynamo Rick Rock from Federation, J-Dilla (R.I.P.), Apathy, Divine Styler, Celph Titled and the RZA.

“This time we recruited none other then THE RZA himself,” writes Ryu. “Now if you’re a fan of hip-hop, then you know what THE RZA brings to the table. Known for his classic records with the Wu-Tang Clan. He is one of the best producers in this game and we were blessed to have him with us in the studio. He laced us with an incredible beat that was meant for the upcoming Wu-Tang album 8 Diagrams on SRC Records, so you know he cooked up a beast of a track.”

Ryu also revealed that the group completed work on a new recording studio. “Vin Skully, our producer/engineer extraordinaire, designed the place and it looks amazing,” he writes. How the group can afford a new studio despite being on hiatus for four years is beyond me. Maybe it’s one of those basement joints?

www.stylesofbeyondmusic.com
www.myspace.com/stylesofbeyond

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Brother Ali presents the Undisputed Truth tour

Posted on February 18, 2007 by plugoneboss

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Lots of heads hate on Rhymesayers. The backpacks, the earnest boom bap rhymes, the multicultural lineup … it’s all very oppressive. But you can’t knock their hustle. Over this decade, the Minneapolis crew built a reputation as indie-rap road warriors, carving out territory from major markets like New York City to small college towns like Humboldt, Calif. and Gainesville, Fla.

So it’s only natural that Brother Ali would set off his forthcoming album The Undisputed Truth with a huge 40+ date tour (following a warm up date at the Paid Dues Festival). After you purchase the album on April 10, you can go see the big man in the flesh alongside DJ BK One, with hot prospect Psalm One opening and Twin Cities hypeman Toki Wright hosting. Trama, Reef the Lost Cauze, One Be Lo and Boom Bap Project will join him in select cities. Tour dates are below.

Brother Ali, DJ BK One, Psalm One and Toki Wright:

  • 3/24: NOS Events Center, San Bernardino, CA
  • 4/10: Pizza Luce, Duluth, MN
  • 4/11: House of Rock, Fargo, ND
  • 4/12: What’s Up Lounge, Mankato, MN
  • 4/13: Picador, Iowa City, IA
  • 4/14: Sokol Underground, Omaha, NE
  • 4/16: Belly Up, Aspen, CO,
  • 4/17: Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO
  • 4/19: Blue Devil Lounge, Menomonie, WI
  • 4/20: High Noon Saloon, Madison, WI
  • 4/21: Subterranean, Chicago, IL
  • 4/22: Bluebird, Bloomington, IN
  • 4/23: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
  • 4/24: Uncle Pleasants, Louisville, KY
  • 4/25: Blind Pig, Ann Arbor, MI
  • 4/27: Coachella, Indio, CA
  • 4/28: Skully’s Music Diner, Columbus, OH
  • 4/29: Grog Shop, Cleveland, OH
  • 5/01: Higher Ground Lounge, Burlington, VT
  • 5/02: Middle East, Boston, MA
  • 5/03: Knitting Factory, New York, NY
  • 5/04: The Church, Philadelphia, PA
  • 5/05: Ottobar, Baltimore, MD
  • 5/06: Starr Hill, Charlottesville, VA
  • 5/08: Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC
  • 5/11: The Social, Orlando, FL
  • 5/12: Drunken Unicorn, Atlanta, GA
  • 5/14: The Nick, Birmingham, AL
  • 5/15: House of Blues, New Orleans, LA
  • 5/16: Emo’s Lounge, Austin, TX
  • 5/17: Launchpad, Albuquerque, NM
  • 5/18: Club Congress, Tucson, AZ
  • 5/19: Orpheum, Flagstaff, AZ
  • 5/20: Glasshouse, Pomona, CA
  • 5/22: Belly Up, San Diego, CA
  • 5/23: Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
  • 5/24: Downtown Brew, San Luis Obispo, CA
  • 5/25: Slim’s, San Francisco, CA
  • 5/26: New Oasis, Reno, NV
  • 5/29: Wow Hall, Eugene, OR
  • 5/30: Hawthorne Theatre, Portland, OR
  • 5/31: Vera Project, Seattle, WA
  • 6/01: Night Light, Bellingham, WA
  • 6/02: The Loft, Missoula, MT
  • 6/04: Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City, UT
  • 6/05: Bluebird Theatre, Denver, CO
  • 6/06: Record Bar, Kansas City, KS
  • 6/07: Vaudeville Mews, Des Moines, IA
  • 6/08: First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN

3/24: Paid Dues Festival w/Felt, Blackalicious, Jean Grae, Visionaries, Mr. Lif, Cage, Zion-I & The Grouch, Devin the Dude, Evidence w/the Alchemist, Pigeon John, Los Nativos, Hangar 18, Mr. Len, DJ Magi, Luckyiam.PSC
4/10-4/24: w/Trama
4/25-5/08: w/One Be Lo
5/09-5/19: w/Reef the Lost Cauze
5/20-6/08: w/Boom Bap Project

www.myspace.com/brotherali

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Marco Polo establishes “Port Authority”

Posted on February 17, 2007 by plugoneboss

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I’m always shocked to discover artists whom, though seemingly unknown, end up being down with major artists as if they’ve been around all along. That’s sort of the case with Marco Polo. I’ve never heard of the guy, but he’s copping heat in Scratch, URB and a whole bunch of other joints. Though seemingly unknown, he’s worked behind the scenes over the past four years, producing tracks for Boot Camp Clik, Pumpkinhead, Rasco and Masta Ace.

The latter returns the favor on Marco Polo’s full-length debut, Port Authority. The disc features a bevy of underground names, including Wordsworth, Large Professor, Buckshot, AG, Sadat X, J*Davey and many others. It arrives via Soulspazm/Rawkus on May 1. You can taste the first single, “War” feat. Kardinal Offishall b/w “Hood Tales” feat. Kool G. Rap & DV Alias Khryst, through the links below.

“This album represents the last three years of my life; my big move to NY from Toronto four years ago and the musical growth I’ve gone through while finishing it,” says Marco Polo in a press release. “It represents a part of hip-hop that is slowly and undeniably withering away. This album also represents my efforts to unite dope artists and make music that has lasting power. My project is not a compilation, it’s my ‘Soul Survivor’ (Pete Rock) and Port Authority will attest to that!”

Here is the track listing:

  • 1. “Port Authority Intro” (feat. O.C.)
  • 2. “Get Busy” (feat. Copywrite)
  • 3. “Marquee” (feat. O.C.)
  • 4. “War” (feat. Kardinal Offishall)
  • 5. “Nostalgia” (feat. Masta Ace)
  • 6. “The Wrong One” (feat. Wordsworth)
  • 7. “Low Budget All Stars” (feat. Kev Brown, Kenn Starr, Oddisee, Cy Young & Kaimbr)
  • 8. “Speak Softly” (feat. Jo Jo Pellegrino)
  • 9. “Time And Place” (feat. Ed O.G.)
  • 10. “The Radar” (feat. Large Professor)
  • 11. “All My Love” (feat. Jaysaun)
  • 12. “Lay It Down” (feat. Roc Marciano of The U.N.)
  • 13. “Go Around” (feat. Buckshot)
  • 14. “Hood Tales” (feat. Kool G. Rap & DV Alias Khryst)
  • 15. “Heat” (feat. Supastition)
  • 16. “Rollin” (feat. Sadat X, AG & Ju Ju of the Beatnuts)
  • 17. “For The Future” (feat. Critically Acclaimed)
  • 18. “Relax” (feat. J*Davey)

www.marcopolobeats.com
www.myspace.com/marcopolobeats

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Madlib & PB Wolf head to “The Other Side of L.A.”

Posted on February 13, 2007 by plugoneboss

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As if I don’t write enough about Stones Throw, its affiliated artists and sundry products, here’s another news bit. Madlib and Peanut Butter Wolf, two of the masterminds (along with Egon) behind the label, will collaborate on a CD/DVD for Time Out magazine and Deaf, Dumb and Blind Recordings’ “The Other Side” series. Their installment, The Other Side: Los Angeles, will join excellent contributions from Fischerspooner, Damian Lazarus, Blackstrobe, and Ellen Allien (hers is due in April).

Madlib will compile the mix CD. Peanut Butter Wolf will make the DVD, which will document Stones Throw’s history through an interview and videos. The Other Side: Los Angeles is due May 8.

The track listing for Madlib’s mix CD is below.

  • 1. The Lightmen Plus One, “Energy Control Center”
  • 2. Cybotron, “Clear”
  • 3. Dabrye feat. Jay Dee & Phat Kat, “Game Over”
  • 4. Steve Grossman, “Inmate Man”
  • 5. Prince Jazzbo, “Blood Dunza”
  • 6. Sun Ra Arkestra, “Nuclear War”
  • 7. Quasimoto, “Greenery”
  • 8. Outlaw Blues Band, “Deep Gully”
  • 9. Madlib, “Infinity”
  • 10. Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace, “Herb Vendor”
  • 11. Rhythm Machine, “Freakish Love”
  • 12. Mark Murphy, “Sly”
  • 13. Harris & Orr, “Spread Love”
  • 14. MED feat. Poke, “What It Do”
  • 15. Beat Konducta, “Smog Theme”
  • 16. Jaylib, “Survival Test”
  • 17. Freestyle Fellowship, “Park Bench People”

www.myspace.com/madlib
www.myspace.com/pbwolf

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Plug Awards honors J-Dilla, random indie-rock bands

Posted on February 13, 2007 by plugoneboss

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On Saturday, Feb. 10 the Plug Independent Music Awards took place at Irving Plaza in New York City. And although the late J-Dilla, as noted before, drew a slew of nominations, he didn’t win the big one for Album of the Year. That trophy went to indie-rock favorite Band of Horses and their Everything All the Time. Meanwhile Hip-Hop Album of the Year went to Spank Rock’s Yoyoyoyoyo, and DJ Album of the Year went to Girl Talk’s Night Ripper. Seems like when it comes to awarding deserving artists, the Plug Awards are just like the Grammys.

To be fair, though, J-Dilla picked up an award for Artist of the Year and Record Producer of the Year. I didn’t actually attend the awards, but with performances from El-P, comedian/host David Cross and backpack lovers Deerhoof, I am sure it was very amusing. You can check out the list of winners below. Peace to Amaechi.

2007 PLUG AWARDS WINNERS

  • Album of the Year: Band Of Horses, Everything All The Time (Sub Pop)
  • New Artist of the Year: Arctic Monkeys
  • Female Artist of the Year: Neko Case
  • Male Artist of the Year: Sufjan Stevens
  • Indie Rock Album of the Year: Yo La Tengo, I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass (Matador)
  • Metal Album of the Year: The Melvins, (A) Senile Animal (Ipecac)
  • Hip-Hop Album of the Year: Spank Rock, Yoyoyoyoyo (Big Dada)
  • Americana Album of the Year: Band Of Horses, Everything All The Time (Sub Pop)
  • Punk Album of the Year: CSS, Cansei De Ser Sexy (Sub Pop)
  • Electronic/Dance Album of the Year: Thom Yorke, The Eraser (XL)
  • DJ Album of the Year: Girl Talk, Night Ripper (Illegal Art)
  • Avant Album of the Year: Xiu Xiu, The Air Force (5RC)
  • Artist of the Year: J Dilla
  • Live Act of the Year: Broken Social Scene
  • Song of the Year: Band Of Horses, “The Funeral” (Sub Pop)
  • Record Producer of the Year: J Dilla
  • Music Video of the Year: Wolf Parade, “I’ll Believe In Anything” (Sub Pop)
  • Album Art/Packaging of the Year: Hot Chip, The Warning (Astralwerks)
  • Record Label of the Year: Sub Pop
  • Live Music Venue of the Year: Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY
  • Music Festival of the Year: South By Southwest
  • Music Website of the Year: Pitchforkmedia.com
  • Music Blog of the Year: Brooklynvegan.com
  • Magazine of the Year: Paste
  • College/Non-Comm Radio Station of the Year: KEXP, Seattle, WA
  • Record Store of the Year: Amoeba Music, Hollywood, CA
  • Best Music DVD of the Year: The Pixies, loudQUIETloud: A Film About The Pixies
  • Zine of the Year: Wax Poetics
  • Specialty Show of the Year (Commercial Radio): SIRIUS Left Of Center – Blog Radio (New York, NY)
  • Podcast of the Year: WOXY.com?s Lounge Acts
  • Internet Radio Station of the Year: woxy.com
  • Online Radio Station of the Year (w/terrestrial counterpart): KEXP, Seattle, WA (kexp.org / 90.3)
  • Online Record Store of the Year: amazon.com

www.plugawards.com

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Review: Sean Price, “Jesus Price Supastar”

Posted on February 13, 2007 by Marc Stretch

Sean Price
Jesus Price Supastar
Duck Down

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

In 2005, Sean Price made the Boot Camp Clik resurgence official by releasing his first solo joint, Monkey Barz, and turning the underground on its ear. After he toured nationally with Ghostface and Boot Camp, the album was blessed by many with album of the year honors and more praise than loosies in the penile.

Ahhhh … what a difference two years doesn’t make. The United States is still in Iraq … George Bush still looks like a cross between a chimpanzee and Adolf Hitler … and Sean Price is still “the brokest rapper you know.” His Jesus Price Supastar is a tribute to all things grimy and Brooklyn. It sounds like Monkey Barz: Part Deux, and I mean that in a good way. If you’re looking for super complex wordplay, deep metaphysical concepts and uplifting words then you’ve got the wrong damn record. On the other hand, if you love to hear about the life and times of a cat who’s probably been wearing the same underwear for the last three days, then this is your joint.

First off, Sean Price has more personality than 80 percent of the rappers out there. He’s not afraid to be abrasive or self-deprecating. He sounds like he has a smirk on his face and a wink is only two bars away. It’s these qualities that carry you through the album’s lulls (though there are only a few). If you thought his first album was short on features, he’s taken care of that this time. With Rock (of Heltah Skeltah), Buckshot, Ruste Juxx, Flood, Chaundon, Skyzoo, Phonte (of Little Brother) and more adding guest spots, you get to hear Price balanced out with other raw spitters.

The production is handled predominantly by independent button mashers Khrysis and 9th Wonder (9th is still indie to me, so there). Producer 10 shows up nicely for “Like You,” providing a head nod beat that feels comfortable with Sean’s subway flows over it. Rock rips the chorus on “P-Body.”

“Director’s Cut” is the closest thing to a concept number on this 16 track banger as Sean plays both lead actor and director, giving the song that much more character. Another strong track is “Hearing Aid” featuring Chaundon. Sean’s special brand of humor (“I’ve worked so hard to be this stupid”) combined with Chaudon’s braggadocio swagger (“Shit is diesel/Getting brainwashed in the Regal/Still fuck with birds from the chickens to the eagles”) and 9th’s brightly-lit production makes for one of the brightest spots on the record. Phonte puts the screwface on your mug when he spits on “Let It Be Known,” like, yo, that dude is soooooo nasty … But that’s nothing you didn’t already know about Tiggalo. But peep the subtle change in Sean’s flow on that song. Notice that his timing shifts just a bit to mesh quite nicely with Phonte.

Overall, if you liked Monkey Barz, you’ll love Jesus Price Supastar. Price is still hungry and it shows. Thank god.

— Marc Stretch

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Little Brother & Mick Boogie bring “Justus for All”

Posted on February 12, 2007 by plugoneboss

and justus for all.jpg

This morning, Cleveland DJ Mick Boogie and Durham, North Carolina’s finest Little Brother posted And Justus For All for free on the Internet. It’s the first offering from the group since producer 9th Wonder left the group. In fact, he only appears on two of the disc’s 27 tracks. Instead, Phonte and Big Pooh enlist RJD2, Oddisee, DJ Babu, Khrysis and Midi Mafia to kick down beats. Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Kardinal Offishal, Skillz, Chaundon, Rhymefest, Supastition, Cormega, AZ and others contribute guest shots.

“I worked more closely with Mick on this mixtape than I have with any ‘A&R’ on any album I’ve ever done,” says Phonte in a joint interview with Mick Boogie for popular blog Nah Right.

Mick Boogie adds, “I met Little Brother a couple years ago when they did a show in Cleveland, then I saw them last summer. They were familiar with my CDs so we discussed doing something together. We worked very hand in hand on this. Hundreds of emails back and forth discussing beats, concepts, ideas, skits, promotion, guests? you name it. Definitely the most hands on I’ve ever been on any project.”

You can download And Justus for All through several websites, including here, here and here.

In related news, Phonte posted a bulletin on Little Brother’s MySpace page about 9th Wonder’s defection from the group. “Just know that Pooh and I will be as committed as we always were to delivering top notch material,” he writes. “I was making music long before I had a record deal, and will continue to do so afterwards. I’m an artist, not an act.” Still no word on Get Back, though.

www.myspace.com/littlebrother
www.myspace.com/mickboogie

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Onry Ozzborn enlists Aesop Rock, Murs for new project

Posted on February 11, 2007 by plugoneboss

the gigantics_upheaval design.jpg

Seattle rap vet, Grayskul member and Oldominion leader Onry Ozzborn has created a new project, the Gigantics. “The Gigantics is a five member production team headed up by Onry Ozzborn,” reads a MySpace bulletin sent by Oldominion. “It is unclear at this point in time exactly who the other members are, Onry’s being secretive about it.”

He isn’t being secretive about the guest list for the album, which is currently titled Die Already. In addition to the massive Oldominion squad, Aesop Rock, Swollen Members, Awol One, 2Mex, P.O.S., Qwel, Murs, Jumbo and Vursatyl from Lifesavas, Vitamin D, N8 the Gr8 and many others will contribute features. Die Already doesn’t have a label home nor a release date yet, but should street sometime this year.

“The album, entitled Die Already is both an Onry Ozzborn solo album and a compilation of sorts. It’s part autobiographical concept album, as Onry takes you through moments in his past, and album guests take on the roles of people in Onry’s life who helped make him who he is today,” reads the Oldominion MySpace bulletin. “Production is wrapping up, the album is about 90% completed.”

In related news, Oldominion continues to toil away at its anticipated new album, which is scheduled for fall 2007. Meanwhile the Saturday Knights, an Oldominion project featuring MC Barfly, will soon issue its debut EP for rock imprint Light in the Attic. Finally, Grayskul will drop its new album Bloody Radio on Rhymesayers this year.

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Mike Relm hangs with Blue Man Group, prepares for solo shot

Posted on February 8, 2007 by plugoneboss

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I remember when DJ Relm was a fledgling turntablist in the post-Skratch Piklz Yay Area, battling kids with Supernatural Turntable Artists and putting out skratch records with hot Asian import models on the cover.

The man’s come a long way since them days. Now known as Mike Relm, the Bay Area musician is a DJ to the stars. Last year he toured with Mike Patton’s all-star troupe Peeping Tom; and this year he’s part of the Blue Man Group’s massive “How to be a Megastar Tour 2.0” production, spinning tracks during the opening set of a circus-style revue. The upcoming Aqua Teen Hunger Force flick (favored by Boston’s finest) will include his tracks, and he’s collaborating with the makers of the Disney Channel series “Too Many Robots” on a short film. These projects are appetizers for a full-length album set to street before the end of 2007.

How is Relm’s stage show? A press release describes it like this:

Combining the mindset of a filmmaker with the musical palette of an obsessed record collector, Mike puts on a live show that shatters any conventional notion of a DJ set. Using DVDJ technology, he spins, scratches and mixes video clips along with records. He is the one artist who has mastered the art and skill of simultaneously manipulating music and film live, creating a seamless re-imagination of pop culture. Always donning a black suit and tie, he mashes up combinations from hip-hop, classic rock, the 80s and Danny Elfman compositions, sharing the stage only with two giant screens onto which his cleverly edited film montages are projected.

Sounds cool! You can watch a film of Mike Relm in action underneath his tour dates, which are listed below.

  • 2/02: Everett Events Center, Seattle, WA
  • 2/03: Memorial Coliseum, Portland, OR
  • 2/06: Spokane Arena, Spokane, WA
  • 2/07: Idaho Center, Boise, ID
  • 2/09: Arco Arena, Sacramento, CA
  • 2/10: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
  • 2/11: Rabobank Center, Bakersfield, CA
  • 2/12: Gibson Ampitheatre, Los Angeles, CA
  • 2/13: US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ
  • 2/15: Amarillo Civic Center, Amarillo, TX
  • 2/16: CenturyTel Center, Bossier City, LA
  • 2/17: Beau Rivage Casino, Biloxi, MO (two shows)
  • 2/18: Alltel Arena, Little Rock, AR
  • 2/19: Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL
  • 2/21: Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center, Tallahassee, FL
  • 2/22: Amway Arena, Orlando, FL
  • 2/23: BankAtlantic Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 2/24: St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL
  • 2/25: Germain Arena, Fort Myers, FL
  • 2/27: BankUnited Center, Miami, FL
  • 3/01: Colonial Center, Columbia, SC
  • 3/04: Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN
  • 3/06: Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, VA
  • 3/08: Chevrolet Center, Youngstown, OH
  • 3/09: Patriot Center, Washington, DC
  • 3/10: The Mark G. Etess Arena at Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ
  • 3/11: RBC Center, Raleigh, NC
  • 3/13: Columbus Civic Center Arena, Columbus, GA
  • 3/15: Roberts Stadium, Evansville, IN
  • 3/16: DeSolo Civic Center, Memphis, TN
  • 3/17: Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY
  • 3/18: Nutter Center, Dayton, OH
  • 3/20: Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, Binghamton, NY
  • 3/21: War Memorial at Oncenter, Syracuse, NY
  • 3/22: HSBC Arena, Buffalo, NY
  • 3/23: Casino Rama Entertainment Center, Toronto, ON
  • 3/24: The Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit, MI
  • 3/25: Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
  • 3/27: Resch Center, Green Bay, WI
  • 3/28: Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth, MN
  • 3/30: Xcel Energy Center, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
  • 3/31: Kemper Arena, Kansas City, MN
  • 4/01: Kansas Coliseum, Wichita, KS
  • 4/03: Peoria Civic Center Arena, Peoria, IL
  • 4/04: Convocation Center of Northern Illinois, DeKalb, IL
  • 4/05: Tyson Events Center, Sioux City, IA
  • 4/06: Fargodome, Fargo, ND
  • 4/07: Sioux Falls Arena, Sioux Falls, SD
  • 4/09: Mayo Civic Arena, Rochester, MN
  • 4/10: Kohl Center, Madison, WI
  • 4/11: Mizzou Arena, Columbia, MO
  • 4/13: BJCC Arena, Birmingham, AL
  • 4/14: New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA
  • 4/15: Mobile Civic Center Arena, Mobile, AL
  • 4/17: BI-LO Center, Greenville, SC
  • 4/19: Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA
  • 4/20: Giant Center, Hershey, PA
  • 4/21: 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, MD
  • 4/22: Wachovia Arena, Wilkes Barre, PA
  • 4/28: Coachella, Indio, CA

Watch: Mike Relm live video

www.mikerelm.com
www.myspace.com/mikerelm

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Remembering James Yancey, one year later

Posted on February 6, 2007 by plugoneboss

February 7 would have been James Yancey’s birthday. Instead, one of hip-hop’s great producers died three days after his 32nd year on Feb. 10, 2006 and then achieved a most bittersweet triumph with two posthumous albums: The Shining and Donuts.

Who knows if J-Dilla’s name would continue to be remembered if not for the new material that continues to spring forth, from the ever-reliable Stones Throw (a reissue of Ruff Draft packed with unreleased material that’s due next month) to his many friends (Phat Kat, among others, will issue J-Dilla tracks over the next several months)? Certainly hip-hop — and popular music in general — does a poor job of remembering its fallen idols. Even the dead are subject to the same trends, peaks and valleys in popularity as the living. That’s why we celebrate Tupac Shakur and not Big Pun; and Big L and not Cowboy.

J-Dilla remains in our thoughts because his music is more relevant than ever. The future soul locus that now occupies much of the black music underground, with its mixture of heartfelt neo-soul, tentative leaps into house music and broken beat, and occasional yet unapologetic thug-ism was anticipated by J-Dilla and his village of the slum. It is important, too, that we are celebrating his birthday. Unlike Tupac and Biggie, we aren’t celebrating his death-day with magazine covers and tributaries to the moment he was slain and burst forth into the mainstream public’s conscience. We’re hailing his life and music.

You can visit Stones Throw’s website and learn more about its activities, from tribute parties and a special podcast to the aforementioned Ruff Draft. This site’s efforts are much more modest, but no less heartfelt. Below you’ll find an essay I wrote on the day I learned J Dilla passed. RIP James “Jay Dee/J Dilla” Yancey.

Photo by Rafael Rashid from the book Behind the Beat. Taken from Stones Throw’s website.

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Count Bass D sizes up the road

Posted on February 5, 2007 by plugoneboss

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Have you ever seen Count Bass D live? The man is all over the place, punching keys on the sampler like it’s a piano, then turning around and busting a rhyme you can hear clear as day. He’s got head-knocking beats, too, as anyone who’s heard Dwight Spitz and MF Doom’s “Pot Holderz” will confirm.

Now you can experience the Count yourself when he hits your town … or a town that may be close to you. He’s touring in support of Act Your Waist Size, which came out last October on Fat Beats. Maspyke members Tableek & DJ Roddy Rod and punchline rapper Verbal Kent (who’s supporting his recent album Move with the Walls) will join him. The entire shebang, titled the SnoRock Rebel Tour, is sponsored by auto manufacturer/marketing whiz Scion.

Enterprising heads with promo/venue connects can reach out to Count Bass D, too. While the tour’s already in progress, he’s looking to add dates. Check out the booking information track in his MySpace standalone player. “If I mess with you, you want a show, you gotta send my deposit!”

Here are the dates:

  • 2/06: Jackson Hole Play House, Jackson, WY
  • 2/08: Grove Street, Boise, ID
  • 2/09: Zebra Cocktail Lounge, Bozeman, MT
  • 2/10: Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City, UT
  • 2/11: Hodi’s Half Note, Ft Collins, CO
  • 2/13: Trilogy Wine Bar, Boulder, CO
  • 2/14: La Rumba, Denver, CO
  • 2/15: La Montagne, Telluride, CO
  • 2/17: Taos Ski Valley, Taos, NM
  • 2/18: Santa Fe Brewery, Santa Fe, NM
  • 2/24: Club Six, San Francisco, CA

2/06-2/18: w/Tableek & DJ Roddy Rod, Verbal Kent
2/24: w/The Scandals

www.countbassd.com
www.myspace.com/countbassd

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Lex’s 2007 itinerary: Jneiro Jarel, Neon Neon, Doom & Ghost

Posted on February 4, 2007 by plugoneboss

lex records_logo.jpg

Cutting-edge British imprint Lex Records has unveiled its lineup for 2007. On deck for new albums are Jneiro Jarel, Kid Acne, Neon Neon (a collaboration between Super Furry Animals leader Gruff Rhys and Boom Bip) and Fog. None of them have release dates, but are slated to come out during the next several months.

Lex also holds UK rights to the highly anticipated Ghostface Killah and MF Doom collabo, Swift & Changeable. The album has been delayed for nearly a year, undoubtedly to the politics involved in dropping an independent album by two of hip-hop’s most coveted artists. But everyone promises that it will finally come out this year. Nature Sounds has the U.S. rights, but Lex’s version should entice American trainspotters who like its amazing album covers. The label also hints that a new Danger Doom EP similar to last year’s Occult Hymn will soon arrive.

Londonite Kid Acne is better established as an aerosol artist; you may have seen deluxe copies of his comic book Zebra Face in your friendly neighborhood scenester shop. Similar to REQ, another graff writer who tinkers with music, he puts out records on his imprint Invisible Spies. (He also appeared on REQ’s Car Paint Scheme). Kid Acne’s stuff is raw, punky and abrasive like Beastie Boys or Edan. After appearing on the Lexoleum compilation, he’s making a proper Lex debut with Romance Ain’t Dead.

Philly MC/producer Jneiro Jarel dropped the underrated Beat Journey last year under Dr. Who Dat. For this project he’s assembled a collective called Shape of Broad Minds. Its members include his many aliases (Panama Black, Dr. Who Dat, Mel Owens and Rocque Wun) and actual people (Jawwaad Taylor and Capital Peoples). The future soul offering includes guests such as Count Bass D, Q-Tip, MF Doom, John Robinson, Deborah Jordon and Micah Gaugh.

Neon Neon, as reported elsewhere, brings together acclaimed producer Boom Bip and singer-songwriter Gruff Rhys (who appeared on Boom Bip’s Blue Eyed in the Red Room). The guest list for this one includes Kudu, the Magic Numbers, Spank Rock, Yo Majesty and Fat Lip. “The project is based on the life and times of John Delorean and goes in and out of electro-pop to steady bouncing beats,” writes Boom Bip on his MySpace page.

Finally there’s former turntablist-turned-indie-rock troubadour Fog, whose supporters include MF Doom, Dose One and Kid Koala. Once a pseudonym for Andrew Broder, Fog is now a full-fledged trio including Mark Erickson and Tim Glenn. Like their fellow Lex artists, Fog’s upcoming Ditherer features plenty of esteemed guests such as Why?, Low, Andrew Bird, Dosh and the Pedestrian.

www.lexrecords.com
www.myspace.com/lexrecords

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Track listing, tour dates for El-P

Posted on February 4, 2007 by plugoneboss

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While you mull over that sloppy-ass Super Bowl game, consider another event of magnitude — a new El-P album! After a five-year hiatus that saw him carefully navigating Definitive Jux through backlash criticism (S.A. Smash, anyone?) and a tentative comeback (thanks to Cage and the Perceptionists), Jamie Meline is ready to step back into the spotlight. His new album, I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead, is set for release on March 20, and it features a doozy of guests, from Trent Reznor and Cat Power to Def Jukkies Aesop Rock and Camu Tao. A teaser single, “Everything Must Go,” has been spinning across college radio stations for weeks. And though it sounds like vintage El-P — his production style is as familiar as the RZA’s at this point — it doesn’t sound as weird as you might expect.

El-P will perform a handful of tastemaker shows when the album hits stores, including an appearance at Coachella. There’s no SXSW dates yet, but I’m sure it’s in the offing. In the meantime, check out the dates below.

  • 3/22: Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY
  • 3/23: Logan Square Auditorium, Chicago, IL
  • 3/25: Mezzanine, San Francisco, CA
  • 3/26: The Troubadour, LA, CA
  • 4/27: Coachella, Indio, CA

For those who don’t live in a major metropolitan area, here’s the track listing for I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead. Most of the tracks feature turntable cuts by Mr. Dibbs.

  • Intro: “Moog Liberation” (w/Matt Sweeney, Wilder Zoby)
  • 1: “Tasmanian Pain Coaster” (w/Omar Rodriguez-Lopez & Cedric Bixler-Zavala of The Mars Volta)
  • 2: “Smithereens (Stop Cryin)” (w/Hangar 18)
  • 3: “Up All Night”
  • 4: “EMG” (w/Big Wiz)
  • 5: “Drive”
  • 6: “Dear Sirs”
  • 7: “Run the Numbers” (w/Aesop Rock)
  • 8: “Habeas Corpses (Draconian Love)” (w/Cage, Daniel Kaufman, Mr. Len)
  • 9: “The Overly Dramatic Truth” (w/Darryl Palumbo of Head Automatica, Camu Tao)
  • 10: “Flyentology” (w/Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails)
  • 11: “No Kings” (w/Tame One)
  • 12: “The League of Extraordinary Nobodies” (w/Joey Raia, Slug and Murs)
  • 13: “Poisenville Kids No Wins/Reprise (This Must Be Our Time)” (w/Cat Power, Kareem Bunton, Ikey Owens of The Mars Volta)


www.myspace.com/elproducto

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Galactic branches out with hip-hop

Posted on February 2, 2007 by plugoneboss

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Over the years, Bonnaroo mainstay Galactic have shared stages with forward-thinking hip-hop groups such as Jurassic 5 and the Roots, and even backing fellow N’awlins son Juvenile. Now, in the wake of losing their vocalist Theryl DeClouet, the funk-jammers are going all Brand New Heavies and collaborating with a slew of indie rappers.

Some of the MCs Galactic are working with include Chali 2na, Gift of Gab, Mr. Lif, Lyrics Born, Boots Riley from the Coup, Lateef the Truth Speaker and Ladybug Mecca, along with New Orleans musicians Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and Mardi Gras legend Big Chief Joseph “Monk” Boudreaux. The sessions are set to be released this fall through a to-be-determined label.

“Everyone in the band listens to a lot of hip-hop,” says saxophonist Ben Ellman in a press release. “We have always felt there is a natural connection between the New Orleans funk and brass band music that has inspired our sound and the rhythmic aspects of hip-hop. We wanted to push ourselves on this record to do something really different. We felt it would be fun to make an album with some of our favorite MCs with us as a foundation since it’s always felt great when we’ve had the opportunity to do it live.”

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Review: Peanut Butter Wolf presents “Stones Throw Ten Years”

Posted on February 2, 2007 by d. mcnice

Peanut Butter Wolf presents
Stones Throw Ten Years
Stones Throw

Rating: ★★★★½ 

Since 1996, Chris Manak, aka Peanut Butter Wolf has proven himself to be left-coast indie hip-hop’s answer to Ahmet Ertegun. His label is instrumental in launching the careers of a disproportionate number of the last decade’s new masters.

Formerly available exclusively at Guitar Center, Stones Throw Ten Years is a two-CD, 25 track retrospective that’s true to the label’s “don’t call it hipster-hop” tradition, offering the indoctrinated an Easter egg hunt for dopeness. The dense collection is galvanized by contributions from alias-happy producer/MC Madlib (also known as alter-ego Quasimoto, part of Lootpack and one-half of Jaylib and Madvillain), MF Doom and the late J-Dilla; and covers the work of lesser-known artists such as producer Oh No, former Jurassic 5 turntablist turned solo act Cut Chemist, indie soul Aloe Blacc and über-abstract MC/Producer Edan (who reworks Mr. Magic’s “Coast To Coast”). PBW steers clear of the overly self-referential, and only includes his work twice, most memorably on “My World Premiere,” recorded with slain partner Charizma.

Although the CD release of formerly wax-only tracks such as Madlib’s self-remix of “Figaro” (from the Madvillain project) might prove noisome to the hardcore vinyl snob, their inclusion further averts dismissal of Stones Throw Ten Years as a mere “best of.” The two discs could have thrown the listener a little more of the early-days Charizma & PBW and more generous with selections from Stones Throw’s ballsy funk & experimental releases. (Nothing from Breakestra? Ouch.) Regardless, the album is a more than adequate primer on the Stones Throw legacy and bodes well for the next ten years.

— d. mcnice

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Sage Francis helms “Human the Death Dance”

Posted on January 30, 2007 by plugoneboss

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‘Tis the season of great white rappers! Following anticipated releases by El-P and Brother Ali (who, granted, is albino), Sage Francis returns with a new album of spoken-word-styled rhymes and Ernest Hemingway-sized manifestos. The Providence, Rhode Island citizen will soon release his third major album (and umpteenth overall), Human the Death Dance.

“With all the work Epitaph plans on putting into this record, I suspect it will break the 100,000 point, which is something I have never done. Fingers are crossed,” writes Francis on his website. “The material on this album is strong as hell. I have to say…there are Personal Journals moments…there are Hope moments…there is ONE Healthy Distrust moment…and the rest is probably the stuff I will be most remembered by.”

Guests featured on Human the Death Dance include eccentric folk stylist Jolie Holland, character rapper Buck 65 and trumpeter/movie composer Mark Isham (Crash, The Cooler). Several of Isham and Francis’ collaborations will appear in Pride & Glory, a forthcoming drama about New York police corruption starring Ed Norton and Colin Farrell. Human the Death Dance hits stores via Anti/Epitaph on May 8.

In the years since 2005’s excellent A Healthy Distrust, Francis burnished his reputation as a fierce and unpredictable artist. He founded a muckraking website with spoken-word poet Bernard Dolan called Knowmore.org. Admirably, the site uncovered hipster clothing line American Apparel’s use of sweatshop labor. He also mentored new artists like Sol.illaquists of Sound and Macromantics, and collaborated with artist Sarah Coleman on a series of projects.

Human the Death Dance is being billed as Francis’ most personal album to date, but I can’t see how that’s possible. His breakthrough, after all, was called Personal Journals. Maybe this one has fewer cryptic metaphors? Song topics, according to the press release, range from “9-to-5 cubicle madness and addiction to sex and hip hop.” Titles include “Hell of a Year,” “Woke Up This Morning” (with Holland), “Keep Moving,” “Underground for Dummies” (a montage of his earliest tracks produced by Odd Nosdam), “Civil Obedience,” and the politically-oriented “Hoofprints in the Sand” (which may be a nod to President Bush’s fascination with Western iconography.)

“As the album stands now it is 55 minutes long,” writes Francis. “I want it to be something people can digest in one sitting. Not something you have to break up in 3 parts just to hear the whole thing. But I think 55 minutes is a good length. Perfect for an hour long road trip.”

www.sagefrancis.net
www.myspace.com/sagefrancis
www.strangefamousrecords.com

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Snowgoons bring “German Lugers” to America

Posted on January 30, 2007 by plugoneboss

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In recent years Americans have heard hip-hop from the UK (Roots Manuva, Lady Sovereign), Japan (DJ Krush, Teriyaki Boyz), Canada (K-os, Buck 65) and even Australia (Macromantics). But next month, Babygrande will bring the Snowgoons, a quartet of German producers (Det, DJ Illegal, Torben and DJ Waxwork), over to America. Their debut, German Lugers, is set for release on February 27.

German Lugers…corny, right? But check out the crazy guest list: Sean Price, O.C., Edo G., Living Legends, Rasco, Chief Kamachi, Last Emperor, Jus Allah, El Da Sensei, Wise Intelligent, Reef The Lost Cauze, Doujah Raze, MED, Craig G., Celph Titled, Baby Blak, Pumpkinhead, Afu-Ra, Wordsworth …the list goes on and on. With over twenty MCs on tap, the album is one big massive cipher.

German Lugers‘ first single is “Never,” a joint featuring Reef the Lost Cauze. Sample some tracks on Snowgoons’ MySpace page. It’s on some backpack thug shit — that’s what Babygrande mostly specializes in — but the beats ain’t bad.

www.snowgoons.de
www.myspace.com/snowgoons

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Wu-Tang Clan reunites for “8 Diagrams”

Posted on January 29, 2007 by plugoneboss

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On December 22, Street Records Corporation CEO and rap industry legend Steve Rifkind cooly announced that he signed Wu-Tang Clan to a one-album deal. “I just got off the phone from Divine and RZA from Wu-Tang. We are joining forces for one more album,” he said in a memorable YouTube video. “Wu-Tang and Steve Rifkind are back in business together.”

A month later, plans are solidifying for the fabled Clan’s fifth album, 8 Diagrams. “People want something that gives them an adrenaline rush,” said RZA in a press release. “We’re here to supply that fix. How could hip-hop be dead if Wu-Tang is forever? We’re here to revive the spirit and the economics and bring in a wave of energy that has lately dissipated.”

Wu-Tang Clan is the preeminent act to emerge from Rifkind’s Loud Records, an imprint that yielded Mobb Deep, the Alkaholiks, Xzibit and Big Pun during the 90s. Iron Flag was the last hit from Loud before Sony Music liquidated the company. The Clan were temporarily signed to Sanctuary Records, issuing the live DVD and CD Disciples of the 36 Chambers in 2004. Memorably, the group helmed the Rock the Bells festival in August 2004; it turned out to be Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s final performance with them before he passed away on November 13. Disciples of the 36 Chambers captured that final show.

Now with 8 Diagrams, Wu–Tang is reuniting with Rifkind, whose SRC imprint is soaring with artists like Akon, David Banner and Pharoahe Monch. “The mind state is the 36,” Rifkind told Allhiphop.com. He says a tour will follow — a particular treat, since Wu-Tang are an amazing live act.

8 Diagrams is tentatively scheduled for a summer release on SRC, which is distributed by Universal Music Group.

In the meantime, producer and longtime Wu associate Mathematics assembled a compilation of rarities, Wu-Tang Clan and Friends: Unreleased, for Nature Sounds. Also, the RZA created a soundtrack to the Spike TV cartoon Afro Samurai for Koch. The former comes out today, while Wu-Tang Clan and Friends streets on February 6. Raekwon is working on an album for Aftermath/Interscope; and GZA’s album for Babygrande should be out soon.

www.wutangcorp.com
www.myspace.com/wutangcorp

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