Another great event coming soon…Footlong Development and Keistar bringin’ back ‘FLAVORS’ on December 11th at the Echoplex in Los Angeles. This time the all-star lineup consists of DJ Scratch (Scratchvision), DJ Spinna (BBE/Highwater), and J.Rocc (Stones Throw/Beat Junkies) with an opening set by Dubs One (Proper Audio). Bringin’ to you the best of Hip Hop and R&B from the 90’s. Ohh the Golden Era of Hip Hop…how I miss those days. Definitely take time out to turn back the clock and reminisce over the good ol’ days. Pre-sale tickets are sold on www.going.com/flavors2 for $10. More detail after the jump.
Back at you with another music inspired rant, but always with a BBJ flavor mixed in. This month I will be discussing the traditional essence of making Hip Hop beats. Now production on a whole can be done in a slew of ways…from live instrumentation to using keyboards for your beats or even computer programs, however this session involves getting those fingers dusty. Using records and a drum machine has been a formula that over the years has produced countless number of classic Hip Hop songs. So I decided to pull out a few records from the crates and assemble a beat for y’all. In this particular case, a total of 6 records were used to piece together this joint (check the pic). Here are the records I used: Fleetwood Mac, Terry Callier, The Undistriputed Truth, Ferrante & Teicher, Elliot Randall, and The J. Geils Band. I got the main groove from one record, but also found a nice snare on a different song from that record, then used another record for the vocal snippet, and so on. The whole fun in being able to make beats, in my opinion, is to be able to use pieces from different records and splice them together to come up with your own collage. Check out the beat below. Any questions or comments, feel free to hit me up…thespearl@AOL.com…Enjoy!
Last night, BBJ had the opportunity to roll up to Wonder-Full LA3 thanks to Asad at Footlong Development, and let me tell you…that place was bangin’! The night was spent listening to tracks that were either written, produced, sampled from, remixed or sang by Stevie Wonder. Bobbito Garcia and DJ Spinnawere both holdin’ it down (as they always do) and provided a combination of joints that got the crowd moving. During some moments throughout the night, the place turned into a huge karaoke club where everyone in the place was singing their asses off. The club was filled with a positive vibe with a little over a thousand heads in attendance. Upstairs they had live screen printing being done by Hit+Run, where people were able to pick and choose 3 out of 6 designs that were available and have them printed anywhere on the shirt. It’s a great concept! There was also live painting being showcased in front of everyone. Lastly, we were able to link up with Bobbito really quick to show him some of the new Bball Junkies gear for Fall 08/Winter 09 that will be ready to drop this week (stay posted), and he rocked one of the new joints immediately the rest of the night. Next stop for Bobbito and Spinna is The Do-Over. Check out some of the photos from Wonder-Full LA3 (Damn, I wish I had my other camera)! By the way, it’s because of this event last year, Asad was able to give Bobbito the BBJ logo tee (Thanks brotha).
Alright y’all…Here’s another opportunity that can’t pass you by. Wonder-Full is coming back to the west coast again, this time at the Echoplex in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 18th from 9 - 2:30am. Presented by Footlong Development and Keistar Productions with some special screen printing by Hit+Run. The show is featuring DJ Spinna and my man Bobbito Garcia aka Kool Bob Love, with an opening set by DJ Rashida. I can’t hardly wait for it. Peep out the flyer below for more details.
What up ya’ll? Let me get you up to speed with a few new Hip Hop releases that I’m sure will be worth your money. Jake One “White Van Music”, Termanology “Politics As Usual” and Diamond D “Huge Hefner Chronicles”. All these releases are due for a late September/early October release date.
Jake One is a producer out of Seattle who has been on the grind for the last few years. Coming up in the late 90’s with the Conmen tape series featuring samples, Jake has always had deep crates and over the last few years has shown his beat expertise, as he has cooked up some classic shit. Among those are De La Soul’s Rock Co Flow, John Cena’s The Time Is Now, and my personal favorite Arcee’s Super Educated. The album features a slew of mainstream and underground artists from Busta Rhymes to Posdunos to Freeway down to Brother Ali. A definite pick up.
Termanology’s “Politics As Usual” is perhaps one of the most anticipated album’s of the year. Besides the fact that Term is nice on the mic, the production roster is like the assembly of the original Dream Team (there is my basketball reference). From the likes of Primo, Pete Rock, Hi Tek, the Nottz, Easy Moe Bee, the Alchemist, Large Proffessor, Havoc, damn I just lost my breath writing that down. Another definite pick up.
Last but not least is the veteran outta the Bronx, Diamond D. This is Diamond’s third full length album and will feature production from the likes of the Nottz to Jake One to Illmind and himself. Being part of the world famous DITC crew, Diamond has always prided himself on using nothing but the finest beats, and I’m sure nothing will be different on this record.
Go out and support all these artist and all that they participate in. Peace, the EARL
Here’s an interview with hip hop pioneer Pete Rock, which he talks about some of the tracks he produced and some of the dopest artists he worked with. Here at Bball Junkies, we are definitely fans of Pete Rock’s work…The Earl even wrote about his album as his first post with BBJ. Peep out the video.
Introducing The Earl vs BBJ mixtape entitled Jumpball. This is the first of a series of mixtapes that will be released as part of the Overtime Edition set forth by Bball Junkies. The outcome of this project was to provide to the listener a raw, nonstop, uncut mixtape that contains break beats and uptempo hip hop tracks that gets your blood boilin’ as you get ready to prepare for a basketball game. If you ain’t hyped up and ready to play after listening to this mixtape, you might as well stay home or sit the bench. This promotional album is free with any purchase of BBJ products. Hit me up if you listened to last week’s show on CAS and I will send you a link to download the mixtape (expires soon). Stay tuned for an update of the shopping cart. Check out the CD cover.
Last week, I was able to roll up to Cerritos All-Stars live, interactive mixshow with The Earl and watch him spin a special set. It was the last time CAS was broadcasting from the Yuco Entertainment Studios, so I felt it was a great opportunity to stop by. Big ups to DJ Redline for holdin it down for CAS (Happy Birthday and Congratulations!! - my boy proposed to his girl on his birthday…she said yes). The Earl played some beats from original artists, and then played the hip hop songs where the samples were being used. It’s amazing to think that most of today’s songs are being sampled by artists that many people don’t know of. One could argue about originality, but I think it’s pretty damn creative if you ask me. I love hearing how producers take snibbets of beats and turn them into somethin’ bangin’! In case you missed the mixshow I can send you a link to download the set with The Earl, just hit me up at rob@bballjunkies.com. Check out some of the photos at the mixshow.
This past weekend was the monthly Orange County Record Show in Buena Park, a record lovers paradise. Just as is the case when you find that shop or event like the Dunkxchange for all you sneaker addicts; the record show can be a vinyl enthusiasts chance to fill up the stock in their collection. With this event, you have a chance to meet some record dealers and other vinyl heads that are down for the same cause, VINYL. Serato users need not apply for this show, strictly vinyl. Along with the vendors, you’ll might be lucky to bump into your favorite local Hip Hop producer: Dj Numark, Madlib, Cut Chemist, Evidence, Alchemist, J-Rocc, Dj Babu are just a few of the many that will attend these events. EBAY is always an easy alternative on buying records, but the record show allows for inspection of the vinyl and there is always the $1 bins that are waiting to be picked through, to find that gem that you have been waiting for. For upcoming shows visit www.asavinyl.com. Until next time, keep diggin’…
Tune in to the live interactive radio showwww.cerrritosallstars.com for a special set with The Earl on Monday, July 28th around 9pm (Pacific Time). If y’all don’t know about The Earl, he’s the only cat I know that’s got a grip of dope vinyl. He also got a wicked jump shot so you gotta guard him close. Oh yeah, he also blogs for BBJ too! Tune in to the show as The Earl will be droppin’ beats and spittin’ commentary at the same time, something that’s never been done previously on CAS. Also, there’s an exclusive promotional album release of The Earl vs. BBJ mixtape entitled Jump Ball. The album will be available on www.bballjunkies.com and will be free with any purchase of BBJ products. Don’t worry we’ll keep you posted.
What up ya=ll! Quick intro… the EARL…B-Ball Junkie…Crate Digger…overall music fiend. Gonna bring you my views on what=s good out there in the music game. This month, Pete Rock=s ANY=s Finest@. This album is yet another quality piece of Hip Hop brought to you by one of the best to ever do it, Pete Rock. With samples taken from soul, reggae, jazz and ez listening records, Pete shows his diverse selection and brings out the SOUL in each production. Some of the highlights to the album are AQuestions@ ft. Royal Flush and AThe Best Kept Secret@ ft. The Lords of The Underground. These tracks alongside the 16 tracks in total display that true essence of Hip Hop that isso desperately desired from Hip Hop fiends. With money tight these days, this is definitely a piece that should be added to your collection. Peace, til next time…the EARL…official B-Ball Junkie…Keep Diggin‘!
If you haven’t gone to one of these parties, y’all are missin’ out! I had the opportunity to check out Happy Feet at the Echoplex last night and it was off the chain. Bobbito Garcia and Rich Medina laced us with those ill tracks that kept everybody’s feet movin’. They provided us with that feel good music and I can’t wait for the next one! Their tour continues up in the bay area tonight at the Mighty nightclub in San Francisco. Big ups to Asad from Footlong Development. Special shout out to the 4 Horsemen (Wu, The Earl, Krispy & G-Money), Nate, and Buddhabong who was at the event. Mad props go out to my man Bobbito who was rockin’ a never before released royal blue BBJ New Era Cap last night. Thanks Bob.
Next week my man Bobbito Garcia along with Rich Medina and DJ Rashida will be in town for an event called Happy Feet on June 6th at the Echoplex in Los Angeles. They’ll be spinning a combination of Afro-Beat, Latin, Jazz, Dance, Breaks, progressive Hip Hop, and soul. They got that feel good music that will make you walk outta there with Happy Feet! For more detailed information, check out the flyer below. There is a $10 guest list RSVP available on www.frolab.com/happyfeet. Presented by Footlong Development and Frolab. More detail about the event on the next page. Yo Bob, I’ll be there brotha.
Just saw this posted on Bobbito’s website Bounce Magazine and wanted to post it here on Bball Junkies. It’s a friendly uprock battle between my man Bobbito Garcia and Jose Parla aka Ease when they were at Genoa, Italy for Jose Parla’s Art Opening. Just in case you guys don’t know about these two they are living legends. Look them up! If you haven’t seen Jose Parla’s stuff, check it out on www.joseparla.com.
Yo big ups to my man Jerrico for representin’ Bball Junkies during the Fiesta Lakers event back on March 23rd at the Los Angeles Convention Center. There were thousands of people out there showing support and rallying for the Lakers who have been considered the team to beat in the NBA. Check out some of the photos taken from behind the stage where you can see the West Hall consumed in purple and gold. Props to Jerrico and the Yuco Entertainment camp for holdin’ it down!
Check it out! Jerrico along with Yuco Entertainment artists will be performing at an event for the Los Angeles Lakers this Sunday, March 23 from 12pm - 5pm. There will be special guest appearances by Sasha Vujacic, Ronny Turiaf, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant. Jerrico will also be throwin’ out some Bball Junkies t-shirts during his performance so don’t sleep. The event is free…don’t miss it! Check out the flyer for more details or visit www.yucoent.com.
Beat Junkie Sound and Rakaa Iriscience presents Nightlife45 (The J.Dilla Edition Pt.2) at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood on Saturday, February 9th (and every 2nd Saturday of each month). Doors open at 9pm and everyone is free before 10:30pm. Hosted by Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples. Donations will be taken and all proceeds go to help pay for J.Dilla’s medical bills and debts. Check out the flyer below.
In case you haven’t heard, our man Jerrico just dropped his highly anticipated album entitled “Against The Grain”. He will be performing live on Cerritos All-Stars Monday Mixup on January 28th from 8:30pm to 12:00pm (Pacific Time). Tune in to www.cerritosallstars.com. If you want to read more about Jerrico or listen to some of his tracks check him out on www.myspace.com/jerricomusic.
Check out what’s crackin’ with Soled Out Tuesdays on December 18th at the Crash Mansion in LA. They got DJ Rhettmatic performing a special set along with Mr. Choc from the World Famous Beat Junkies.
We gotta give a shout out to my man Jeru The Damaja for representin’ Bball Junkies at the Dunkxchange show in Miami. Here he is flashin’ a Bball Junkies Beat Tee. If you don’t know about my man Jeru, he is a legendary MC hailing from Brooklyn, New York and is responsible for one of the most acclaimed hip-hop albums of its time entitled “The Sun Rises in the East”. A true hip-hop classic. Peep out his website on www.thedamaja.com.
Looks like we have QuestLove from the legendary Roots crew showing up to Soled Out Tuesdays at the Crash Mansion in Los Angeles on November 20th. Also featured that evening is Mr. Choc from the World Famous Beat Junkies as well as the crowd favorite DJ Journey. Come out to enjoy the exclusive DJ set by QuestLove.
Alright BBJ fans…Bball Junkies will be on Cerritos All-Stars live mix show on Monday, October 29th around 9 pm (pacific time). Tune in to hear what Bball Junkies is all about. During the show, we will be giving away free t-shirts to 3 lucky listeners who are able to answer some BBJ trivia questions. So check out our website, because some of the trivia questions will be coming from there! Tune in the rest of the week for your chance to win some free t-shirts. To listen [click here].
If you’re not doing anything on Tuesday, October 30th make sure you come out to Soled Out Tuesdays at the Crash Mansion in Los Angeles. BBJ will be out there to represent and give away free t-shirts. There will be a special guest performance that evening by U-N-I and also an open bar from 10pm - 11pm. So come out, chill, represent and look out for Bball Junkies. Make sure you wear your freshest sneakers. For more information, or if you want to be put on our guest list, hit us up at rob@bballjunkies.com.
We were chillin’ at The Earl’s Studio this evening to hook him up with some new BBJ gear and rap about the upcoming Overtime release. Be on the look out for The Earl vs BBJ Mixtape entitled “Jump Ball”. To see what’s crackin’ with The Earl go to www.myspace.com/theearl.
