Jeremy Ellis performing on Maschine

My man Jeremy Ellis killing it on NI's Maschine. Seriously, he's that good.

Enter the Octagon

DJ Q BERT PART 1 from The Cut on Vimeo.

Qbert's views on Money, Energy, Karma, Macrobiotics?

DJ Q BERT PART 2 from The Cut on Vimeo.

Thanks Givends 2009-One of my Favorite events ALL YEAR

Fusicology • Walk Talkin • Root Down • Firecracker • Afro-Funke • Descarga • Universal Rhythm • I n I Sound • BounceRockSkate • Zulu Nation • Kiss N Grind • Concrete Grooves • Bridges • Mekanic • BOXmusic • Nitty Gritty LA • Do Over • StonesThrow • KCRW • Flavorpill • Garth Trinidad • DEEP • Beat Junkies • HVW8 • Sonido • Transit Events • Soul Sessions • Real • Art Don’t Sleep • A-Side Worldwide • Mochilla • Step up Media • DPsound • Plei • PowerofthePeople Culture • Nu Soul Mag • Power Tools • Boombox • Spirit LA • Soul People • Ladies First • Greenehouse Ent • Footlong Development • Plug4 • Anything Fresh • Strictly Social • Spectre Music • Blu Events • Rhythm Section • Bodega • A-Marketing • Mochilla • Flock Shop • Bach Marketing • One Track Mind • Transmissions • Quintessential PR • Pitch Blend Media • Anda • Internationalists • MC Studio Art • Dirty Freqs • Porkn’Beats • Royal Black • Oh! Snap Studios • A.M. Freqs • Sail Away Collective • 213 • Deeper Shades of House

present.......

the 11th Annual
THANKS GIVENDS Benefit
Wednesday November 25th
An annual effort benefiting select organizations and individuals that promote art and music programs.
(this year the party benefits the Mar Vista Family Center and Peace 4 Kids.)

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ALL PROCEEDS GO TO CHARITY SO PLEASE HELP US (and build some good karma for yourself as well) BY SHARING THIS INVITE WITH ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS.

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confirmed artists are listed below...but just so you know, it seems like every year there are always last minute additions...and big cats like Vikter Duplaix, Cut Chemist, Peanut Butter Wolf, etc., so don't be surprised when you bump into em.
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this event has gotten so big that it's now gonna go off at:

The Church
606 e. 6th St, LA. CA. 90021 (corner of crocker-downtown)
9-4am 21 w/id $10 suggested donation Cash Bar

• Secure parking Lot off 6th & San Pedro st.
• Overflow parking lot 111 S. Central Ave (corner of 1st-Little Tokyo) courtesy shuttle pick-up every 15 min.

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★★★★ AREA 1: HIP HOP SOUL FUNK ★★★★

Anthony Valadez • Sloe Poke • Inka One • Wyatt Case • Concise • Dj 7 • Destroyer • Remitch • Marvski • Plann B • Frank (e) • Cee Brown • Cid Hernandez • Expo • BZ • Ben Diggin • One Man Jazz - LP

★★★★ AREA 2: HOUSE DISCO ELECTRONICA ★★★★

Scott K • Rj Spinher • Tony Watson • Valida • Joplin • Gerry Meraz • David Delano • Robert Change • Alex Costillo • Future Paris • Babby Bubba • B Nasty

★★★★ AREA 3: WORLD REGGAE BOOGIE LATIN ★★★★

A.M. Freqs (Shakespeare/Taarach) • Jeremy Sole • Michelle Q • J-Heart • Bobby Soul • Mando Fever • Gazoo • Ervin Arana • Mexican Dubweiser • Burt Blackarach• Soluz • Knoe One

Hosts/Performers:
Aloe Blacc • Basicali • Azul 213 • Shania D • Chezere • Lady Copper • JimiJames • Nav

Artists/Visuals/Photo:
Augustine Kofie • Brian Smith • MC Studio Art
OH! Snap Studios • Lowski Jones

Sound/Lighting provided by:
Harmony Sound

Mar Vista Family Center, The mission is to provide low-income families with quality preschool education, youth enrichment, and educational tools to create positive change in their lives and in their communities. Every program adheres to the basic premise that it is critical to empower children, teens and adults to play vital and responsible roles as decision makers, community leaders, mentors, classroom volunteers, and fundraisers at MVFC.

Peace4Kids.org provides programs and services for foster and at-risk youth from ages 5-18, and after emancipation until age 24. Peace4Kids is truly on the front lines in addressing the needs of foster and at-risk youth in the South Los Angeles neighborhoods of Watts, Willowbrook and Compton. They create a strong foundation through programs focused on creative expression and life skills, allowing our kids to discover their unique voice and limitless potential for success.

For More info or to volunteer you can reach us at:
thanksgivendsinfo@walktalkin.com

Can't make it? You can still support!! Just Click to Donate!

Vestax Spin

I see that this is already out in the retail world, but you know how we do. We're trying to get our hands on one so that we can give you an honest review of what we think. Here's the generic over view:

Your USB-based DJ-ing options aren't exactly all that limited these days, but there's few rigs out there quite as eye-catching as this new Spin controller developed by Vestax and Algoriddim. Designed for Mac users only, this one packs two touch sensitive jog wheels front and center, along with a full multi-channel audio system complete with the requisite sliders, mic input (and included microphone), audio output, and of course that USB connection, which also eliminates the need for a power adapter. On the software side of things you'll get Algoriddim's djay 3 mixing application, plus some out-of-the-box integration with iTunes to let you easily pull tracks for your mix. Sold? Then you can snag this one right now for $250.

Bobo Meets Rhettmatic

Last night my pare BJ gives me a call and lets me know that he and his girl had some friends visiting from out of town, and that they were heading over to the ROOT DOWN, and asked if I would like to join. If you've ever been to the ROOT DOWN, then you know that it was an easy decision to make. He had mentioned that RHETTMATIC & BOBO were going to be doing their thing, so I was in it to win it.

Right when we got there, you could tell that the night was well underway. No parking up on Sunset. Valet lot was full. Neighborhood parking was tight. Luckily we found a spot right by the lot, so it wasn't much of a hike. Right when we walked up to the front of the spot, we were greeted by a bevy of familiar friendly faces! My hermano Arturo was manning the door while Tina was keeping the box on lock. As we made our way to the bar, greeting friends,making introductions, (shout out to LOS, MIKE PARK, JEDI, ERVIN ARANA, ANALOG, ANTIQUE, DOLL ONE, NONSTOP, CHIKARA, PATEN), Slowpoke was on the stage rocking a full dance floor. The energy at the ROOT DOWN is usually good, but there was a little something different going on tonight. There was just a bit more electricity in the air. Whatever it was, it was building a beautiful vibe.

We went outside for some fresh air until Rhett and Bobo hit the stage. Damani was on the patio keepin it roots, Gregory Isaacs Night Nurse played as we walked out. Both levels of the patio were full of people, it was a good looking scene.

We went back in to catch Rhett & Bobo, and seriously...I figured out where the energy was coming from. Their act ranged from Ray Barretto's Pasttime Paradise, to Kraftwerk's Tour De France. With Rhett on the decks and Bobo on the congas, weaving, tempering, creating this intricate sound while playing off of one another, it was truly a beautiful thing to see and hear. There was a moment when Rhett & Bobo were just staring at each other's hands while playing as if to say, "I'm gonna follow you. No, I'm gonna follow you." Two masters at work, giving each other the space and respect they both deserve, and still living as instruments of music.

Ervin Arana captured the entire set on his trusty camcorder. I can't wait to see the footage and show it to Brandon. Conga was one of the first words that Brandon learned. Turntables & Congas, I think he's gonna lose his mind. I know I did.

Paten Locke-Breakin Thru

Born in Boston, then moving to Chicago, this dude has always wanted to put his spin on hiphop...whether its diggin, rhyming, choppin beats or cuttin it up party djing....he was always gettin bizzy...in the late 90s he moved to Florida...when he arrived,P. Locke "aquired" a pr. of turntables...and...armed with his record collection and rhyme booksbegan to go out and see what the city had to offer...he quickly became established as one of the illest hiphop cats to ever live in the city of jax, fl...he was known as "Therapy"... the Tripe Threat"...a true legend,that statement stands to this day....as he is till sought after by venues for his dj skills.

Being the illest local dj and illest local mc/producer wasnt enuff,so he decided it was time to take hisget bizzy ethics to the WORLD....so, along with 3 close friends, he formed a group called "Asamov"...tin 05 they put out an internationally critically acclaimed record called "And Now..."this dude produced, rhymed, and did scratches all over the record including theirmost popular single "BoomBox"...then, while Asamov became known enough to be sued over the use of the name Asamov(which is why they are now known as the ABs...)this cat decided to keep it movin by starting another group with 2 other close friends..."the Smile Rays"....they released two Albums..."Party...Place" and "Smilin On You"Both of which, he conceptualized, co produced and was the vocal frontman...this whole time, he had made many contacts in the rap worldand was producing for many cats including Mr.Lif and Akrobatikwhom he also traveled the world with as tour dj.

While on tour in 08,a label in LA (TRES) said to him"YO , your doing all these groups, ...rhyming,djing, producing..and your ill on stage...why dont you do a solo album where you can flex all that solo?"so...Therapy thought about it...and he said "Wordup, but im gonna use my real name".....without further ado here he is....his name is Paten Locke...
Be on the lookout for Super Ramen Rocket Ship, his debut album.

Paten Locke will be in LA rocking the tables at THE RHYTHM SECTION alongside your RSResidents: Frank(e), Concise, Azul, Idea, and BZ on Saturday, Nov. 14th. Valet Parking out front, and don't be afraid to bring that date. The spot is lovely. The address is 3705 West Sunset Blvd.Silverlake, CA - 90026.

Raw Fusion/G.A.M.M. - Get Your Music Game Up

If you're a DJ, or have been in this soulful music scene for awhile, then RAW FUSION/GAMM is nothing new to you. If you've ever been to a club/party anywhere around the world that is playing that sweet soulful dance music, then you have probably heard alot of their catalog without even knowing it. But if you are not sure, you better pay attention and get your read on, then get your dig on, and then get your listen on because this is definitely one of my favorite labels.

Raw Fusion Recordings - a loud minority!

With over 50 records released, Raw Fusion Recordings founder and CEO, "Mad" Mats Karlsson continues to rule the Swedish underground club music scene. Artists such as Freddie Cruger aka Red Astaire (SWE) Spiritual South (UK), Simbad (UK/FR), Future Beat Investigators (FI) and Povo (DK), keep granting the label life as Raw Fusion releases some of the greatest tunes to come out the studios of these artists.

The brainchild of Raw Fusion, Mad Mats, started his path into the future by the way of DJ'ing after leaving his successful days of break dancing behind (Swedish champ 1985!). Over years Mats became one of the most well known DJ's to come out of Sweden, touring the world with his diverse musical selection. After many years of continuously discovering new sounds and connecting with fresh inspirations, Raw Fusion was born as the start of a new era.

The Raw Fusion trademark started out as a monthly club night founded by Mats in boogie down Stockholm back in 1996. The premier night was an instant hit and the Raw Fusion Club still to this day attracts a large dedicated audience and has reached cult status within the Stockholm club scene. Since 2002 the musical vision of Mats has grown into a prosperous recording label, dedicated to spreading the future of black dance music across the globe. And in 2003 Mad Mats created a sub label to Raw Fusion Recordings. It was called Jugglin' Records (named after the Ragga Twins underground hit tune with the same name!) and was intended to have a much more urban sound than the mother label had had so far. After only 10 releases, the label was taken out of commission and was rejoined with Raw Fusion Recordings, which now is limitless to genre and musical styles.

The musical roots of Raw Fusion Recordings rest on a steady foundation based on black music of the underground club scene. Genres like soulful house, cutting edge hip-hop, electronic funk, raw street-soul, dance floor jazz, rough latin and deep Detroit techno boogie are represented. Since day one the catalogue has consisted of various artists who all represent a raw, innovative, urban, street feel, which signifies the music that we love, live and breathe.

"In everything we do quality and musical integrity have since day one been our main goal. We're a music company, not a corporation!" - Mad Mats

Feedback:
"When I go shopping, the first (and sometimes only, when I'm crunched for time) labels I check for are Raw Fusion & Jugglin. That whole swedish crew must be eating some hearty soul and latin food, cuz they shitting out some fucking amazing records consistently!!!" - Bobbito

"I really love the label as a whole, and I always ask for their joints at the stores when I'm digging. I wish there were more American labels that were as adventurous as these guys..." - Rich Medina (Kindred Spirits)

"Well, what can i say. Fantastic forward thinking music in a quality package from one of the best labels in the world. Loving the scandinavian vibes for sure and definately big in my box and already igniting any dancefloor where i play. More of this music please. Note to other pretend labels: watch Raw Fusion and see how it should be done." - Charlie Dark (Attica Blues)

"Both labels are putting out heat. hands down...fighting musical mediocrity takes balls. y'all got big ones." - Garth Trinidad (KCRW/Chocolate City)

Get deeper at: http://www.rawfusionrec.com/

Pure P, BZ, Red Astaire @ CaliSoul

After messing around with DJ Hero (review to come shortly) I had to reconnect to some turntablism that truly moved me. 4 time DMC CHAMPIONS C2C always inspires me.

C2C was born in 1998 from the meeting of 4 french Dj’s : Greem, Atom, Pfel and 20Syl. Member of an emerging movement called “scratch music” (or turntablism), this crew keeps working on finding original sounds and knows how to benefit from its technical control to put forward some musical quality which makes its identity. Each member uses his turntable as an instrument, recreating in turn drums or bass guitars, scratching a riff of guitar or shearing the brass… to lead to a general harmony such as bands made up of instruments known as “traditional”. C2C has obtained in September 2006 its fourth DMC team world champion title in a row. With their previous victory in 2003 ,2004 and 2005 they achieve a historical quadruple and break Dj Craze’s records, the only Dj that has made it 3 times in a row until today… This crown is in fact the result of a keen upstream work : while taking part regularly in competitions, they make progress and make a clean sweep of the best ranks as they also won ITF 2005 team world Champion title and Hip Hop World Challenge title. Pfel, the last Dj getting in the crew, round off this prize list by his collection of trophies won in solo competitions (DMC, ITF). This rise leads them in parallel to perform all around the world with Q-Bert, A-Track, Dj Kentaro, The Scratch Perverts or DJ Vadim. Exploiting at the very maximum human as well as material possibilities (mixers effects, feedback, larsens…), the show presented on tour is out of breath for the listener. The denseness of sequences is cut by technical parts meant to underline individual performances. Routines give way to live compositions mixing turntables of one, machines of another finish brilliantly with the 6 minutes sets having made them champions of the world four times in a row! On the creation side, the quartet excels too and particularly in realizing pieces intended for producing. Thanks to their various experiences and after a long soundgrubbing work, they launch out a whole series of breakbeats entitled “Flyin’ Saucer” (3 volumes to date) including several own innovations. A recent proof of their qualities in this field : 20Syl and Greem, respectively Mc and Dj of the band called Hocus Pocus, invited the two others C2C Djs to take part in its new album “73 Touches” (On And On records). This collaboration has just led on a track completely played with turntables. They’re now working on their first album which will lead them to a further step in their artform.

Find more videos like this on video.filestube.com.

LIVE RE-MIXING 101

Urb Magazine presents Keys N Krates' new live mix, entitled Live Re-Mixing 101, that is slated for release on November 15, 2009. Live Re-Mixing 101 is a live recording showcasing the rising outfit's party rockin' performances including their signature deconstructed compositions of:Mos Def's Miss Fat Booty, Tribe Called Quest favorites, The Fugee's, Fu-Gee-La, Talib's Get By, Dr. Dre's, Next Episode, Simian Mobile Disco's We Are Your Friends and more. Live Re-Mixing 101 will be available for digital download the morning of November 15 at http://www.urb.com with physical releases available at select retailers nationwide. Keys N Krates will be touring throughout the U.S. to promote Live Re-Mixing 101 beginning November 15, 2009. Legs of their tour include Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Austin and New York City.

Through first hand experience, Keys N Krates is a superpower that commands closed eyed headnods, overhead hand bouncing to the beat, and all around aural captivity through their musical abilities. If you ever have a chance to catch these guys live, DO IT. No bullshit.

Besides putting on a great show, the members of the group, Adam Tune(drums), JR-Flo(turntables), and Matisse(keys) (just went in alphabetical order...no favorites here) are Grade A people! No egos here, just music lovers sharing an aweinspring experience.

Seriously if you don't yet know, get in the know now!!! Find out more at http://www.keysnkrates.com/

Miles for your Earhole

They say that the Miles Davis Tribute Jazz Headphones are designed and precision tuned with Miles and the unique acoustic tones of jazz in mind. Also, with the sonic accuracy of Tributes, you’ll discover all of your favorite music, even beyond jazz, all over again. You’ll hear details in the music you’ve never heard before. New Monster technologies in headphone design make it possible.

Like a limited pressing, Miles Davis Tribute Headphones will not be available to everyone. Each box is numbered, and packaged in a special case reminiscent of Miles trumpet case Tributes is the best in-ear headphones for jazz available, and a rare keepsake celebrating Miles’s career and the music that has meant so much to us all.

If anyone out there has a Monster connect, as an audiophile, I'd love to review this product personally. But at 499.95, I guess we'll have to take their word for it.