R.I.P Baseline Studios
January 30, 2010
On Thursday January 28th producer/label Exec Just Blaze said good-bye to Baseline Studios. A home-going ceremony was held and documented by photographer Alexander Richter and Nodfactor’s Christopher B will be showing us his video shortly.
Lots of folks have pieced together some of their favorite memories of Baseline, namely the homey Paul Cantor and several others. I’ve got a few of my own.
The very first time I entered Baseline was to have Jay-Z play the Black Album for The Source staff. I’m just gonna let that sit right there…
The next time after that was to interview Just Blaze for his first feature in The Source magazine. I had been steering away from the rapper coverage and damn near begged my then boss Kim Osorio to grant the feature on the super producer. Just was already killing it on the radio but after seeing him shut down a Beat Society at the Knitting Factory with a guest set I convinced K.O. that the time was now. As with everything Source related there were some political hurdles that I was unaware of that kept the story from happening sooner but the powers that be finally relented.
So after a few attempts were made to meet up I showed up at some u-Godly hour to interview Just in his office at Baseline. You can check out that interview clip HERE.
A short while after that experience I had made my exit from The Source and took over as EIC of Scratch where my first cover was none-other than Just Blaze. I relinquished the writing duties to my man Sean Sharp for that piece and timing didn’t permit me to attend that shoot, but trust that Just would make it back into the book a few more times.
Later that year I had the idea to do a Year End Roundtable with DJs and producers giving their opinions on what was hot. So I got Needlz, Mr. Collipark, Cipha Sounds and Just Blaze to gather at Baseline for a piece I called “Sofa Kings” where they debated the merits of Common vs The Yin Yang Twins. Good times were had by all. Just Blaze in his polo and Collipark in a suit and cigar. That’s in that epic Nas/Premier Cover issue we put together.
After that I went back to Baseline to interview Saigon for his dual cover with Just Blaze and for a quick re-up with the MegaTron Don. Sai played me some joints from The Greatest Story Never Told that I have yet to hear anywhere else-yet. I hope the world gets a chance to soon.
The last time I think I was at Baseline was for a joint listening session for Buckshot and 9th Wonder’s The Formula and Kidz in The Hall’s The In Crowd. Interviewed them both for the day gig and even chopped it up with Young Guru.
There were probably several other miscellaneous times that I’m forgetting but there was never a bad time had at Baseline and it will definitely be missed.
VIDEO: DJ Babu’s Monday Morning Quip
January 26, 2010
Short Film # 4: Babu demonstrates how to take a “quip”, plays some drums, checks out some ill records, talks to his friends on twitter, and gives you a sneak peek into his home studio.
Video: 9th Wonder x Laws - Shining (Preview)
January 26, 2010
Is it just me or does this dude look like Drake? LOL (spotted @NR) by way of DirtyDan.
9th Wonder + Laws: Shining (Preview) from Decatur Dan on Vimeo.
RADIx (Quite Nyce and SEEK) In Studio With Statik Selektah
January 26, 2010
(spotted@ 2dopeboyz)
Statik Selektah takes viewers in his studio behind the scenes. He makes a beat live with RADIx (Quite Nyce and SEEK) called THE RETURN. This will be the lead single for the new RADIx album.
Little Brother Announce Last Album “Left Back”
January 26, 2010
My man DJ Brainchild got the scoop from Phonte on Gordon Gartrell Radio, but here is the official announcement:
Favorites of fans and critics alike, Little Brother, the North Carolina duo of Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh, is proud to finally confirm the release of an album people have been waiting on for years. LeftBack, which will be the fourth album of Little Brother’s illustrious career, will be available April 20th via Hall Of Justus.
Little Brother members Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh worked through several versions of the album before locking in the final version of LeftBack. Close followers of Little Brother may already be familiar with the LeftBack title, however, any previously held notions of this album being an EP should be dismissed. Little Brother opted to scrap the EP concept and instead, crafted an album’s worth of material for those who have been waiting patiently for new content. “I didn’t want our last record to be a bunch of second-rate material,” says Phonte. “I wanted to walk away from Little Brother knowing that I gave our fans all that I had to give, and said everything I wanted to say. With LeftBack, I’ve done that.”
Continuing the tradition they set with the critically acclaimed GetBack, Big Pooh and Phonte have enlisted multiple producers for LeftBack, both from within and outside of the Justus League camp. Producers for this album include frequent collaborator Khrysis and GetBack producers Denaun Porter and Zo!, as well as efforts from Symbolyc One and first time Little Brother contributors, J. Bizness, and King Karnov.
In addition to production, Khyrsis will also be contributing guest vocals on the album. Joining the North Carolina producer/MC are Torae, Truck North, Jozeemo and fellow Justus League MC’s Chaundon and Median. Resident crooner Darien Brockington and songstress Yahzarah also supply vocals on the album.
Despite Little Brother’s dominating presence in the hip-hop world since the 2003 release of The Listening, LeftBack will mark the duo’s first album with a true multi-media experience. Accompanying LeftBack will be four official music videos, all shot and directed by Matt Koza, known for his previous work with Foreign Exchange, Rapper Big Pooh, Kam Moye, RJD2, and more. While not customary for a Little Brother release – the group has had only one previous official video, for The Minstrel Show’s “Lovin’ It” – with LeftBack, Little Brother is excited to offer loyal supporters a long-desired visual take on the group’s music. Says Big Pooh, “Three albums, three mixtapes, one video. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense in this day and age. We have always lacked in the visual department, and I think it will be refreshing to finally offer the people those visuals.”
Building on the album’s multi-media offerings, the initial pressing of LeftBack will also feature a limited edition DVD full of exclusive bonus material. Compiled in a documentary format, the bonus DVD will include recent tour footage, as well as exclusive Little Brother footage shot and archived throughout their career. For fans that miss the initial run, a subsequent DVD-only release will also include all official music videos from LeftBack.
Fans can expect further announcements from Little Brother, including tour info and other interesting developments on LeftBack’s road to the release.
Hydrosonics-The Letter C
January 26, 2010
In our next installment of Nodfactor.com’s “unsigned hype” for producers we interview Beast Of The Beats II Champion and Grind Music apprentice, The Letter C.
Hydrosonics-The Letter C from Jerry Barrow on Vimeo.
Announcing Reorganized J Dilla Estate & Plans For J Dilla Foundation
January 26, 2010
From J-Dilla.com
j-dilla.com January 24, 2010
The family of late music producer James “J Dilla” Yancey is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of West Coast probate attorney Alex Borden as administrator of Yancey’s estate, and also to announce the establishment of the official J Dilla Foundation. The developments mark a new chapter in preserving and enhancing the legacy of the legendary artist and secure a means of future prosperity for his mother, Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, daughters Ja’Mya Yancey and Ty-Monae Whitlow, and brother, John “Illa J” Yancey.
“I’m so excited because it’s like one big organization,” says Maureen Yancey, who has worked tirelessly to ensure that the well-being of her family remains a priority for all involved and her son’s accomplishments are held in a positive and productive light. “We’ve got cutting-edge people all over the country waiting to work and be a part of it. Everybody’s on one accord it seems like the universe is working with us.”
READ MORE HERE
VIDEO: Raekwon & Evidence in the Studio
January 26, 2010
From the insomniacs over at 2dopeboyz.com
Ev and The Chef in the studio cooking up some heat over an Alchemist-produced banger. Cats & Dogs is gonna be the shit!
Bekay - “Top Of The Food Chain” (prod. by DVient)
January 25, 2010
Bekay - “Top Of The Food Chain” (prod. by DVient)
Will Grandmaster Flash Ever Retire?
January 25, 2010
In this interview with PP2G’s Grandmaster Flash answers whether he’ll retire. (spotted @ Cratekings.com)
“My biggest problem was carrying my prized vinyl on an airplane and when you get to the hotel they were broken…”
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