The Year Is 2011

Why Hip Hop DJs Are Selfish(Secret to Co-op in the Art of DJing) Pt.3

2011-09-22T23:14:00.000-07:00

Let me ask you readers a trivial question, what is the suggested solution to better co op with other DJs? The answer lies in the last word of paragraph 2 in my last article. "Shared !?!?" Many of you are probably confused by such choice of words. A skill can't be shared! Of course it can't, but the hint is: what does it take for a band to be a band?

Here we have the World Famous Beat Junkies and here they demonstrate how to collaborate as DJs. While we find this highly entertaining, to note the least it also takes some form of cooperation. Yes ladies and gentlemen DJ bands do exist, and the work it takes to join different forces together means undivided teamwork. Just like any teamed sports you take different roles/positions and follow through. That is my biggest hint in the secret to co-op in the art of DJing. You can do your best in a single player field but to work with others there must be communication and a certain etiquette. And it all falls on those individual's attitude.

Most likely you will encounter those who have a good amount of experience already, or you will introduce some one new to this wonderful world. In my case I've experienced both. Since my startup I had a strict coach about mixing, and I've influenced a few to the world of scratch. While like most teachers both my coach and I have one thing in common - the mold we placed ourselves into to grow we intend to place it on another. Liberally speaking, it's restrictive and linear. But discipline wise it certainly helps to get the basics. Like any other forms of musical training, turntablism requires as many skills as any violin players would need. Until we have the basics down, we would not have an easier time in the progression through normal sessionings. Think what you will, but if we are the new generation to continue to prove that we can turn turntables into instruments, we must prove that we are capable to withstand the test of skills.

This impressive clip is from the movie "Scratch", and it is a wonderful documentary about turntablism because we are given a grand introduction. Within the movie we would see many individual DJs as well as groups and some brief showcasing of their performances. What it takes for DJs to be DJs and for DJs to work with each other is that DJs know (in some way) how to manipulate music or audio. While for DJs to work together is by not trying to be selfish in his/her performances or sessions. Of course through different skills and purpose comes the difference in the will to collaborate. Because if you are in a club, chances are you don't want to lower your ratings by trying to collaborate because it makes you much less desirable to be hired. However in Hip Hop - a part of the general definition for it means: it is the culture to share, expand, and have fun in it's appreciation and development. To say you are part of Hip Hop means its as if you've taken an oath for the responsibility as well. Of course I'm being a little too serious or too sarcastic about the subject, all in all why this secret is a secret is because we know it by instinct and subliminal thoughts. But the very fact that we people do not practice or reach a higher understanding of this matter is the same as to neglect in ignorance.

So to generalize even further in my opinionated review, DJs or "Disc-Jockies" are known for their knowledge and skills in manipulating music/audio. Turntablists intend to use music/audio on turntables as an instrument. Individually we work for a better solo performance while to hone our skills, and together we work to further demonstrate our combined efforts for a better display. We Hip Hop DJs are selfish because we believe in the security for recognition of our rank through competition. And the secret to smoothly collaborate our DJ efforts is to NOT be selfish because our efforts & results are shared. The world of Hip Hop is probably the one of the most liberal subculture/culture in the world, well... depending your purpose. You could always improve and you can always humble yourself to learn. Humility is another art, but perhaps the least obvious yet most useful virtues. You would do well to listen and learn and expand while the learning opportunity is available, and it would be easier if you care to share yourself through humility.

Why Hip Hop DJs Are Selfish(Secret to Co-op in the Art of DJing) Pt.2

2011-09-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

So any way continuing our quest to understand why Hip Hop DJ are selfish, another reason being is that when playing WITH music (Note: not only pressing the play button) there are different styles in how music can be manipulated. Having said that there are different styles that exist, the mentality of choosing what music to play is completely different than even your closest friend. No surprise here, because everybody is different. But it is because of that difference, it is the one of the main reason why Hip Hop DJs couldn't work with each other.

QBert + Kid Koala - Mayhem at the Mid from React Presents on Vimeo.

Just a recent video post I found through recommended, but for those unfamiliar with Qbert (or respectably Grand-mixer Qbert) he is known for his precision and variety of scratches as a turntablist. His credentials is his ability to out perform many other turntablists but just like breakdancing - even if you are SPY - "man with a thousand moves" there are many other b-boys that are just as good through other styles. The other turntablist Kid Koala is known for his skills through precise manipulation of turntables to turn those tools into instruments. Two seemingly unrelated in their skills and level working together. It's definitely easier discussed than done. Mainly because we live in a "Me Me Me" world where everybody wants to make their OWN mark. Well, from experience I can certainly tell you that it's easier to focus and improve without collaboration, but it's hard when you don't have some one to compare notes with. This principle goes to the philosophy of "Everybody's gotta have friends, because having friends just makes life more fun." Any way, philosophy aside they can work together because they are able to communicate before actually working together, most Hip Hop DJs only want to perform what they excel most and that often leads to the lack of understanding and compromising for another. Little do most of us know that the tricks and skills we do best can be "shared".

Following the path of individualism is what makes us who we strive to be, because there are less distractions to deviate us. But co op reaps many benefits both in the short and long run. I have met many DJs who claims truth to their status of popularity and efforts. But at the same time they either lack skill or understanding of true art of DJing. Although knowing two sides of a coin, the definition for the art of DJing is ever shifting because of it's purpose and ideals. A mobile DJ does not need to scratch because his/her job is to serve the public, a club DJ does not need to understand turntablism because their audience desire only the music. In short, different discipline leads to different focus and efforts, because the similarity ends with the general use of audio for an audience.

Next on Secret to Co-op in the Art of DJing Pt.3
To be continued...

Why Hip Hop DJs Are Selfish(Secret to Co-op in the Art of DJing) Pt.1

2011-09-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

Ever since I've been exposed to DJing I've been dragged into the world of "sessioning". Most of you music appreciators would say, "Sessioning? DJs can jam?" As history goes, as soon as DJs are introduced to the world of turntablism brought to you by the DJing art of Hip Hop. Sessioning was a very popular activity among DJs because it is fun, competitive, and mainly it is a way to compare notes in improving skills for turntablists. However many DJs today are either united through the Scratch Academy of NYC or the Skratch University of Thud Rumble online. In my opinion saddens me that I must pay money to an art that used to only requires the equipment and time to learn this skill. The price to buy all the equipment today is already an ugly fee, let alone paying more money to learn it. It's great when you have money but there comes a time when Hip Hop started from being poor and saving up money only to get the cheapest gear from pawn shops. Back then it was all parties, sessions & battles. What happened to them?

But going back to my main point why Hip Hop DJs are selfish, there are many reasons but mainly because in Hip Hop there is a different form of ego similar to MCs or rap artists. The pride of an MC shows in their lyrical contents, which is a more direct approach, but DJs cannot directly tell the tales of their struggles. Therefore DJs' pride are shown in their skills and the music they choose to play. In a general understanding, DJs aren't normally designated to play music with another, in fact - an individual alone by the music appreciator's standard should not even have more than 1 turntable! Here's an early example:

Hahahaha, that was fun. Such jokes aside, we should always consider that while battles and parties are ever important, sessioning is also another important activity of DJing, because it creates new tracks and it sharpens our ever itchings skills. But sessions can be in different fashions, be it the Qbert's Octagonal scratch session or DJ Moppy's Cut on Kutz sessions (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cutz-on-cuts) it is all part of an individual's contribution. However with the mentality of DJing today, when you mention the words "DJ" your audience are most likely have an image of DJs in radio stations or mobile DJs that work for entertainment companies. Right or wrong, those (again by example) only act as individuals. This only contributes more to the death of sessioning because nobody wants to have fun piecing tracks together. You can only go far by yourself in the art of hip hop, but when you piece another style to the art - it's like magic! Or it can sound like shit and be frustrated about it, but THAT is all part of the journey in DJ sessioning.

I've been very fortunate to have public battle experiences in my early exposure in DJing, more than anything I crave for more battles to fill the bloodthrist, but as my cousin or any one in NJ says "Being a DJ in NJ is a slow death..." I intent to prove that statement wrong, so any of you readers want to battle, or know of some one who would like to battle or session. LET ME KNOW. Let us take part in this activity together and alone no longer!

Next on The Secret To Co-op In The Art of DJing
Pt.2 to be continued...

DJs? WHAT IS IT?

2011-09-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

Damn once again I've been neglecting my own hip hop blog for awhile, but honestly I've been doing a bit soul searching, and studying of hip hop around here & there. But the truth is I still have no conclusion to who, what, where, when, & why "Hip Hop" is "Hip Hop"? So moving forward towards my point today...

When it comes down to hip hop, more specifically one of the 4 elements - "DJing" in Central NJ. Unless you're in the inner circle(like any where else) you can't really get much exposure to the REAL idea about "DJing" because no one is around to tell you about it. Especially when you're so close to the big apple, really... the real of arts of hip hop isn't really exposed let alone DJing. This form of art has be so degraded by today's standards (kids/yound adults today) it's really hard to tell most people who enjoy music DJing is hard. It's definately easier to tell people they're wack than explain to them what DJing really means.

First up for the hate, we get hipsters. Takes one to know one, so to say the least I'm the worst kind, because I'm always true to my words. One of my reason to be a DJ is no different than the any musician out there, it is to get better with my craft so I can hope to challenge those in the lead. But we get hipsters who always claim they are who they are when they DO NOT practice the art. It's no surprise everybody's a DJ since they know how to play music, but music is as easy as being played by a press of a button. The real skill is the ability to manipulate and/or use songs in a fashion that you can use in different scenarios. Mainly in short (I will try to explain more about each later...) the skills of DJing are tested through parties/events, production, sessions, and battles.

If you do all the above or at least some of the above, that's great. In parties/events I don't hate on playlists because it is what I am weak at the most and in all honestly that fits the events. But you CAN NEVER call your self a DJ if you DO have a playlist on itunes or windows media player and play them in an AUTO CROSSFADE. Specifically you cannot fade one song into another random unrelated song because it is NOT apart of the art of DJ.

This is by example an outrageous attempt but it should bring you the idea of a session, when "you" a DJ that sessions, should be like one of the few turntables in the video above - a contributing factor. Unfortunately the lack of healthy DJ exposure makes the art of sessioning a dying practice.

Production... well... that's another story for another blog.

But for now the ones who read this should understand that being a DJ isn't hard, but being good is never easy.

You Really Don't Know Me

2011-04-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

Warning:
It's another rant blogging today, because I feel very frustrated against the "kids n' toys" in my social circle.

So the other day the person in charge of a local b-boy in my area (which I usually DJ for) came up to me and say "Hey, you've really improved in your DJing... ever since you've went to Georgia somethin changed..." Now most of you might say "Wouldn't/shouldn't that be a compliment?" Instead - of the 3 perspectives I see, the 2 as insults. Why? Because a.) I've been playing music off of a really large set of playlist which many of those b-boy toys could dance to. (which mind you, I have not update it since I first received it, only grouped it to my likings) Also if I ever played an alternative or "djing it old school" those self proclaimed b-boys can't get down. Many of you will say I'm just plain arrogant, but homie please - I've tried dancing and I can dance to almost any tunes even without drums (just plain old bassline filled tracks), the trick? Just find the rhythm. And once again, sadly they constantly ask me to play a track when I have "Living In America" playing, did I mention once this kid claim that song isn't James Brown? Dumbass.

Goin back to my original point b.) The style/way I've been playing my tracks, with exception to my equipment changes has always been the same. Maybe with minimal improvements, but the routine has always been the same. So either this toolbag for a fool is actually insulting my skills, absolutely oblivious, or he simply thinks...

Last but not least c.) I simply don't like him. Simple right? He owes me $180 and the last time we've talked about it, he blew up and called me selfish. Yes I am. But hey $180 is small money compared to where his future's heading. Let it be a gift for his remaining fun years. The next song is a sample source for the Wu Tang Clan's C.R.E.A.M. (for my none/starter hip hop readers).

Also let me do a shout out to my friend Rachana for being so patient with my introduction blog to hip hop.

It Really Saddens Me...

2011-04-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, for the ones who really knows me, I'm always discontent . Be it materialism or the people I usually deal with. It's a sad world we live in. Because no one can see signs.

It's different for everybody how or what they see. But from what I know most people miss the big picture, and some miss the important details. Or in many cases, those people miss both! But I won't focus on their downfalls, instead let's look at the days where MTV actually showed decent shows of what the "rap" (or MCing) form of hip hop was really about. This was the last show where many of the influential artists came in to say goodbye.

Another example of how hip hop was back in the day.

There are more examples of old school hip hop (much too many). But overall people should do their diggings back to the origins of hip hop to be educated. Since It's only natural we learn about our past.

Me Digging

2011-03-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

So I know I'm a hoarder of music and various things(used to be video games), but note this, it's nothing overly physical that fills up the rooms of my house. Instead it's digitally related. Yes I am a hoarder in internet downloads. My brother has the courtesy to call me the Cut Chemist/DJ Shadow of the internet. (I liked that one alot) sounds like I am...

Jurassic 5 my favorite hip hop crew of all time, I was introduced to their "What's Golden" track from ATV Offroad Fury 2 back in my PS2 days. The crew contained 6 members, which 2 of them are DJs (one being DJ Nu-Mark, the other Cut Chemist) This crew inspired me to become a more appreciating listener to later hip hop tracks that came into mind. Here's an example:

Going back to digging, from my previous trip to Atlanta, Georgia I came back with $130 worth of music, of course I haven't had a chance to listen to all of it (I will in time). Most of those CDs/Vinyls are actually instinctively selected with little or no background information. However CDs/Vinyls such as Zero 7, The OJays, Little Richard are well known names. However I must stress the feeling of buying/paying for something which can be so easily obtained by free downloading certainly has a different feel to it. I guess what they say about the harder the work the sweeter the fruit is true.

From my point of view, digging can be researching before obtaining (so you don't waste your time or energy), or go for something completely new. This applies to music searching and to life, because we are never sure what's gonna happen next. But that's another story.
So here's a random song I want to throw for the readers. Enjoy

So Once Again It's The Year 2011

2011-03-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I last updated this, for that I can explain. But more importantly, here's a gift for ya'll.

For those who are not familiar to Q-Tip, he is a producer DJ for the well known hip hop group - A Tribe Called Quest. And I must say his beats are smooth as silk. Just listen.

So what else? Recently I had a small conflict with a friend, but it's more one sided than mutual. The problem? She doesn't listen to the right things and makes the wrong decision. What makes me a judge in what's right or wrong for her? Simple, there's no reason for her to keep doing things that simply hurts herself over and over again and only to cry and question why later on. Also the ability to unable to understand the truth while constantly talking unwilling to "talk" about the truth, THAT is what annoys me.

Aside from that, I've been to ATL or Atlanta , Georgia for my spring break vacation to visit my brother (soul brother) What I've learned/accomplished/experienced there - was unfortunately unrecorded, but I should never forget it. The parties, talent shows/open mics would be the highlights, but the spirit of the "Renaissance Men" was the real catalyst to my motivation for my academic life and life in general. Look up "Morehouse College" when ya'll got the chance to. Sure it's predominantly black, but to be surrounded by the people that are capable in many different talents and incredible intelligence - surprisingly do not put my sorry ass to shame... Instead, I am even more motivated. Perhaps living a life of humility is not to be offended when shown a higher place, but to strive to reach a higher understanding and status.

http://www.morehouse.edu/

Words accomplish nothing however, it should be my actions that does the showing. So a new trial begins and although much weren't accomplished, hopefully I'll be more than willing to live up to my own standards. With this I leave you all with this:

Partial Intro to Breakdancing Hip Hop Art 2 of 4

2011-02-13T23:55:00.000-08:00

So it's been 13 days since I last posted anything & I've been real lazy(busy)...

And while it's 2:30 in the early morn, and I'm finishing up my programming homework. And believe it or not it's valentine's day. A great start of a week I'd say. Kudos to those with their targets/lovers/partners, and to those still waiting patiently (or other wise) keep up the good wait, cuz it'll only be sweeter sooner or later.

Allow me to start off with some serious but uplifting soundtracks:

If you don't know Basement Jaxx, seems that you're missing some good party tunes (or uptempo tunes), gotta get em down if you like house or any other hip hop/electronica music. So here's another from yours truely.

Very catchy eh? While you enjoy this you also learn a phrase of Russian. (good deal ;D)

Now if you noticed the great Trepak (or Russian Style Dance) moves by those dancers, not only if its hard to perform by action, but the agility they have to perform those fresh moves at those speeds brings me to this:

It may not be the full root in the roots of breakdance, but it is certainly impressive in how they can preform those moves. But going back to the roots, breakdancing isn't always about moves. It all started about how one can enjoy "the movement to the beat". However as breakdancing got more involved in the mainstream media, complexity of recognition grew with the standards of competition. It's only natural one genre of dance that involve the expression of one self evolve. After all like all humans we change to improve.

To any one interested in breakdancing, it is as simple as moving your arms and legs without pulling off amazing acrobatic moves. (as those come with time) But I urge people should start with the foundation basics and history. Which that I will continue to update later... Until next time!

So What About DJing? (Hip Hop Art 1 of 4)

2011-02-01T21:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, so DJing... the art that is basically plays music and/or revolves around "audio manipulation". See how I quoted "audio manipulation"? That's DJing in 2 words, the job of DJs, and the secret to being - a good dj.

Be it scratching (the current technique of today's world), mixing/mashing (often heard in clubs, dancefloors, remixes), beatmatching/beatmixing (the unexplainable transition of one song into the next without you noticing), and simply playing the music to a group of people. (Radio DJs any one?)

The irony is I learned so much today from a book called "How to DJ right" by Frank Broughton & Bill Brewster.
http://www.amazon.com/How-DJ-Right-Science-Playing/dp/0802139957
I would suggest for any starter DJs such as I buy this book before buying any of the actual equipment ASAP. The info within this book is simply refreshing and realign the path of DJs to the actual meaning of DJing after the introduction of mainstream media today.

To learn you must learn, obviously, but where to start?

Here are interviews with a few important DJs:
Francis Grasso:
http://www.djhistory.com/interviews/francis-grasso
DJ Kool Herc:
http://www.djhistory.com/interviews/kool-herc
DJ Shadow:
http://www.djhistory.com/interviews/dj-shadow

There are tons of other interviews by the authors Frank Broughton & Bill Brewster with many other DJ related goodies on this site:

http://www.djhistory.com/

And here's a little gift of old school hip hop. This track is mixed and mashed by Double Dee & Steinski which narrates the history of breakdancing favorite/classic breakbeats.

As for review on technologies of DJing (which is often a favorite of article readers), we first go to the person that is the master of DJing (the master of mix masters haha!) - Francis Grasso. If you read his interview article link I posted before, then you would know his skills before DJ mixers without faders/crossfaders. Those techniques are:

Beatmatching:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatmatching

Slip-cueing:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slip-cueing

Although in today's fader oriented world, it is a basic technique, it is not without great history behind it. And here it is the gear review of today - The history of DJ mixer.

http://www.ehow.com/about_5421938_history-dj-mixer.html

Good music playing. Cuz Hip Hop Can't Stop & Won't Stop

School Ain't Cool For Fools

2011-01-31T07:06:00.000-08:00

So school started last week on monday for me, and as of right now I'm in class. It makes me go way back to when school just started for me. The meaning of school is for us to be educated so we have a chance to survive.We all know this, but little do we know that life outside of school is like BR(or Battle Royale)

If you haven't watched the movie, do so. It's great for inspiration/motivation to life.

Although we do not have explosive collars physically, it resembles the "risk factor" in everybody's lives. And to people like me, it's like whoever pushing us to school EVERYDAY.

Well time for a little hip hop exposure aside that BR reference to school.

If you interested in learning solely to scratch, you can always apply or pay for DJ Qbert's scratch academy. But remember a DJ is not just SCRATCHING, it's about the music. Be it mixing, mashing, or even just playing music for some one. I will explain more after this post.

This is True DJing:

To the people that do not know what makes this so EXTREMELY impressive. This DJ - Kid Koala is using one of the highest form of DJing skills. Again I will explian soon in the future. In short, try doing the same thing with turntables. See how easy it really is.

Mind As Well Be It All Just A Dream

2011-01-22T04:05:00.000-08:00

Every one knows of the movie "Inception" and their theme "dream within a dream". Well, it's the story that grabbed the attention, and it is certainly the ending that allowed endless discussion of the possibilities of the outcome. However there is another movie which I just recently finished, it's called "Vanilla Sky", and this movie is more drama than action.

Here's more information on the movie (Spoilers Warning!)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanilla_Sky

Here's a fan made teaser:

I couldn't embed the original trailer on my blog so instead I present to you a one of the soundtracks in the movie, great tune really.

After watching "Vanilla Sky" I realized that memories of happiness can feel unreal like a dream. But knowing that it actually happened is much better than staying in a dream. As humans we obviously have emotions - we have five basic emotions. Love, joy, sadness, anger, and fear. From simple observations, majority of the emotions we have are negative emotions. However as I like to say without contrast we face no reality. We are always in pursuit of happiness, who doesn't want to be happy? I'm not here to discuss ways to achieve happiness, since it works differently for different people. But there are always perspectives that makes happiness seem a little closer than a wild goose chase.

In the general population of US, we are often encouraged and motivated to be individualistic. The truth is - as unique as we genetically and emotionally are, we often desire to group with people with common feats. A note of humbility and placing ourselves in a closer reach to happiness, it's harder but better and easier to communicate when we relate (or sympathize) to another rather than finding one that can do so. In simple words, it's better to use their words than using yours in a conversation. Which brings me to communication, but I will save that for another time. My mother tells me, "To find happiness, only you can look for it." But where to start? As the saying goes "every bit counts" or "a penny's save is a penny earned", we can start small.

Quoting the 2009 zombie comedy film Zombieland, "Enjoy the little things" or appreciate more contemplate less.

So What is Hip Hop? Or is it... "dead" already?

2011-01-20T23:07:00.000-08:00

What information can you gather from the video? Aside from the title that contains the name of this world's most infamous "douche bag" in the hot media world namely - Kanye West. But what else did any one gather? Ohhh perhaps the fancy equipment we called samplers? Well I won't mock any one any more further, the person working on the MPC 2000 and his stack of floppy disks is no other than the DJ Premier. Look him up and you'll realized that he is the famed yet underrated DJ/Producer in the world. Why? Simply because he produced instrumentals for many hip hop artists around the 90s. Or the ONLY DJ of the legendary two men crew - Gang Starr. (RIP Guru)

Here's More Info on the song:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classic_(Better_Than_I've_Ever_Been)

I won't hog my post and your time for the above video, however I will lay a few standards down on hip hop. For those who do not understand the cornerstones of hip hop, it is the music, clothing, language, and most importantly - the people. And that's where it all began. Hip Hop is a culture, a form of art, or a trend. Hip Hop has a fluid definition, yet it has parameters. Those parameters are the 4 main elements which are MCing, DJing, Breakdancing, and graffiti art. I will explain.

MCing, which sadly I had just recently discovered it is the abbreviations for "Master of Ceramony" or "Mic Controller" or any other abbreviations you could think of. It involves one taking the microphone and broadcast one's expression through words. Those can be from freestylers to lyricist, from Hip Hop entertainers to rappers. It is a form of art that involve the usage of words. Titles such as rapper or singer is a different category. Since I am talking about fruits in general, not apples to oranges

DJing, the form of art that "manipulates audio". Many confuse people with turntables for DJs, and most even confuse those fully equipped with professional looking equipment more qualified than those do not. It is a superficial world we live in, but only for the ignorants. Audio manipulation is what DJs are for, and to make musics from individuals even more enjoyable than what it already capable for.

Breakdancing, where Hip Hop dancers "break" the standards or rules of traditional dances by dancing differently. Like any form of dances this form art still incorporates different discipline. However - breakdancing (old school or new school) is not being limited to Thomas Flair, do Crazy Legs Windmill, or preform insane acrobatic flips. It is an art originates from different "styles" of dancing, such as popping, jazz dancing, krumping, or locking.

And finally - graffiti art, the closest visual art that is as traditional as painting. But it is not without a dark history with hopes of a brighter future. Graffiti is drawn art that expresses one self through unregulated display of visual art. Many graffiti display hopes for revolution with a protest for change, and along with many casual and unbiased pictured envisioned by graffiti artists. More importantly, there are no right or wrong of drawing graffiti. Only the opinion that is appreciated by those who look at it.

Which brings me...

If you took your time watching the video of Alien Ness's interview, he talks about the sub-culture of "b-boying" of breakdancing.

To sum it all up my wish to you fellow hip hop enthusiasts is that in the world of Hip Hop, where the culture is based on expression of one's self through those different forms of art. Opinions often come before understanding, and we become "haters" more than "appreciators". Therefore hard as it is, try to appreciate before you hate.

Speaking of hating, what is wack today is just cuz it's simple and maybe as childish as my childhood poetry. Go hard on the paint? Do I flocka flame my car? or Obama-nate the hurtful greetings of continuous hand slaps to one's and another's arm?

Jam Session 2011

2011-01-10T23:15:00.000-08:00

So as I promised the the last post before I would release the jam session I had with a few fellow musicians. Unfortunately I do not have the audio mix down yet. But! I do have the video footage of the 2nd session we just had yesterday. & Here is a small part of it where Charles caught the footage where I unofficially turned my cd turntables into a legit instrument. But more importantly introducing everybody's faces (except for charles's).

If you have an ear for talent you can witness my friends - Charles Corpening(aka Mix Master Mecc)'s skillful vocals mixing and sampling, Jamie Garry's creative electric guitar playing, Ali Berger awesome bassist capabilities, & Mike's fluent drumming. Of course yours truely - DJ WokJockey. What you will find in the video below is just a gathering of musicians, freestyling with their instruments.

Again, all thanks goes to the participants to this legendary performance, and thank you all for watching.

All About Karma, Fate, & Luck

2011-01-06T00:23:00.000-08:00

Karma, what goes around comes around. But never in your favor does whatever comes around go around. I'm being realistic here ya'll. It never works in your favor. But that's the trial we've been given in testing ourselves and prove that we are entitled to our lives. What life be without hardships? Coming from me I'd say it would be a f***in better one than what I have. But that goes for every one else.

Fate, whatever exist that aid us or block us in the path we choose to walk. For me, I'd say my fate is like life cancer, I won't spare any details (although it does not relate to any crime or conspiracy). But hey, life goes on.

Luck, ahhhhh ever since the day of my 19th birthday, everything turned bittersweet chocolate with the aftertaste of doo doo brown in your mouth. But it's getting better after my 20th birthday. Hopefully my luck would change. But ultimately like any of the 3 keywords in our title, luck is not within our grasp for control.

So why would I bring up those keywords which were all defined by many great philosophers before? Well it so happened today (well, the day before) I had a little dispute with my best friend. And I wasn't upset at him but at the words he used(which I had explicit history with). The cause? Curiosity of certain information. Feeling guilty and not knowing the truth(that I wasn't upset at him but with the words). He decide that he should leave me at peace. But thankfully I explained before he left. When we cleared things up, we were invited to session/jam at a friend of a friend's place. And... well we made miracles. Unfortunately I do not currently have the recorded session since it's being processed by our friend, but I will promise to upload it to my podcast ASAP. (So please be patient with the mix, thank you)

For now I will explain that karma fate luck have been sour (if not bitter) to me for a year, but today and days before when we struck the spot. It was the best feeling. So yea, life sucks. While my father says only those with freedom (with nothing left to lose) live life for the moment. But honestly there are more of despair, depression, and negativity than positive moments. We really do live for the moment of glory.

Life without the negativity is unreal, since it makes the positive stuff worth your patience. So remember the contrast.

And with that I'll leave you to this, yes it's another KRS One track. But hey, he speaks the truth.

Let's Talk About The A-Word

2011-01-03T01:02:00.000-08:00

Love and Hate are strong words, but it seems that many of us are confused by our emotions. And it's okay. But people do need to know the boundaries. Unfortunately and fortunately I can't give a proper education since it relates to personal experience (nor do I have the right experience yet). But as a substitute I could talk about the "A-word", or "affections". When you feel that you really like someone and its worth your time, you are willing to give your affections to that person. But be wary! Affections can be one sided, and sadly - is mostly the case for many boys and girls men and women. But there is some one out there, it just takes (you guessed it) patience.
Time is relative when it comes to waiting or science. The question is how occupied you are to care to ponder about the current status and time.

KRS One - The Godfather of Hip Hop Speaks the Truth and of Wisdom about the "L-word"

The joy of recognition in my position is (I'll admit it) much more appreciated than my strong crave for a female companion some time before. Even if its from 1 person as great as my best friend/soul brother/brother - Charles Corpening. The whole ideal of being occupied and having that certain someone is part of the "making-the-journey-of-life-easier". There is a Chinese Proverb out there - when you are as tired as you are occupied, you wont worry about small details that bothers you. I guess it's true when it comes down to wanting some one. But hey, it's only natural right?

Well, here's another gift from me to you audiences. I think I'm spoiling you all a little too much haha.

Remember, liking some one is an easy thing. But you must be in the clear so you don't hurt yourself in the process. A cheers to those in love and hurting or those hurting for love.
Cheers.

Day 2: Hello Toonami, we miss you.

2011-01-02T14:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Online Blogging Blogspot Community Public Diary,
It is day 2 of this new year, although it doesn't feel any newer than regularly washed laundry. It's 2011, and it does not get any more underground than this.

I wonder if people(specifically in America) today in our generation misses or even know about a show hosting program called "Toonami". Well being one of many that constantly grow in age, I think it's justified for me to say that I'm more nostalgic than most. A year ago I downloaded the whole Toonami Original Soundtrack, which was the ultimate drum and bass in relations to the cartoons in the early years. And no surprise, those tracks were the cause for my crave to make music that sounds just as good.

Share the love ya'll. (Search in "Features" for deep space bass ost)
http://www.toonamiarsenal.com/

Well fast forwarding 5 or 6 years later, I finally bought an MPC500, even though I never used it as much nor as effectively as any amateur producers. But it serves as a constant reminder, never stop listening even if you can't make something as good. I'll find some time later to use it. Call it... a procrastination to drumming.

Cartoons were the ones that filled my boring days with excitement and fantasized thoughts of the next episode in its story. But the music behind it were the ones that gave the cartoons life. Cartoons in general are for entertainment purposes, but making you happy and educating you is what makes cartoon more valuable than being categorized as a children's show. (I mean go watch the original gundam or even gundam wing and you'll learn more about space and able to appreciate being ahead of it's time).

So here's another gift for you old school cartoon watchers. This is my 21 tracks salute. (or around that number haha)

Work hard, but also work smart.

Later.

Let us Begin...

2011-01-01T16:06:00.000-08:00

Another new year, perhaps that this was the attitude that enveloped my bad year before. But the truth is, it's just that simple - this is just another year in my life. I can make as much new year resolutions as I would before, not that they can be fulfilled to my standards. My best friend - Charles Corpening, explained that he does not make those, since many of those are long term goals that go beyond a new year.

Here's a gift from my best friend Charles Corpening (DJ Mecc1) & I (DJ WokJockey)

This is his podcast site (he's been a dj since 8, 13, or 14, he changes his age every time lol)
http://djmecc1.podomatic.com/

This is mix is on my podcast (I just started DJing 3 months back since lateOctober 2010)
http://donotbeafoolman.podomatic.com/

Here's the MP3 download on mediafire
http://www.mediafire.com/?f7z77lnr98o6ucl

Any way, it's the start of a new year and there are many things we should be concerned other than the world around us. And THAT should be ourselves. (Sounds selfish don't it? Welcome to The Narcissist's Blogspot) Some people might ask - why obsessed with the words relating to "narcissism"? Because it's a popular personality due to the self centered nature of our generation. Most refuse to communicate, and I don't mean reaching out, but receiving other's broadcasted messages.

Much like music, people should listen to others more. (Not that it's one sided LIKE MUSIC) but it'll be easier to understand each other in our generation. I've got a few friends that "hear" what I have to say, but do not comprehend. And it's very aggravating. But hey what is a world without the imperfection?

With time comes experience, and experience to wisdom. Hope ya'll had a nice start of a new year. I did. ;P
Peace