Grand Groove Radio Holiday Edition (#39)

Grand Groove Radio airs live every Sunday night from 12am-4am with DJ Selecta on 91.3FM WYEP in Pittsburgh and online worldwide. He can be reached @ 412-916-7365.
All music for consideration can be mailed to:
91.3fm WYEP
Grand Groove Radio
Attention/James Scoglietti
67 Bedford Square
Pittsburgh PA 15203

Download link for this Holiday Edition Show:
http://www.areweontheair.com/grandgroove122010.mp3

12:00 AM Bill Cosby Fat Albert Christmas Special 12" White 2:00
12:02 AM Grillade Just A Sad Christmas 12" White 4:01
12:06 AM Jimmy Smith God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman (Oh No Remix-Mic Break erve Remixed Christmas Verve 2:30
12:09 AM Mayer Hawthorne Christmas Time Is Here 12" White 3:00
12:12 AM Dj Jazzy Jeff & Ayah Xmas Time 12" White 3:02
12:16 AM Mar Last Christmas (Mar Variation) Mar Variations White 2:55
12:19 AM Musiq Soulchild O Christmas Tree Christmas Musiq Columbia 4:22
12:23 AM Rahsaan Patterson Wonderful Christmastime The Ultimate Gift Artistry Music
12:27 AM Collette Keep Christmas Alive 12" White 3:12
12:30 AM Stephen Colbert & John Legend Nutmeg A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! Comedy Central 3:00
12:33 AM The Soul Saints Orchestra Santa's Got A Bag Of Soul In The Christmas Groove Strut 3:44
12:36 AM Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings Ain't No Chimneys in the Projects 7" Daptone 3:01
12:39 AM Binky Griptite Stone Soul Christmas 7" Daptone 3:20
12:42 AM Rufus Thomas I'll Be Your Santa, Baby Very Best of Rufus Thomas Stax 3:45
12:45 AM Albert King Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin' Christmas In Soulsville Stax 4:34
12:50 AM James Brown Soulful Christmas Funky Christmas Polydor 3:23
12:53 AM Carla Thomas Gee Whiz, It's Christmas The Complete Stax-Volt Singles 1959-1968 Stax 3:40
12:55 AM Milly & Silly Getting Down For Xmas-Mic Break In The Christmas Groove Strut 3:00
12:58 AM Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra My Favorite Things-Mic Break A Very Ping Pong Christmas: Funky Treats From Santa's Bag Ubiquity 1:30
1:00 AM Run-DMC Christmas In Hollis 12" White 2:59
1:02 AM Clarence Carter Back Door Santa 7" Atlantic 2:33
1:04 AM Dana Dane Dana Dane Is Coming To Town Christmas Rap Profile 3:00
1:07 AM Sweet Tee Let The Jingle Bells Rock 12" Profile 3:33
1:10 AM Juice Crew Cold Chillin' Christmas Winter Warnerland Warner Brothers 4:02
1:14 AM Hard Call Xmas My Christmas Bells Peanut Butter Wolf Presents Badd Santa Stones Throw 3:00
1:17 AM Blondie & Fab 5 Freddy Yuletown Throw Down (Rapture) 12" Chrysalis 3:30
1:20 AM Treacherous Three (Feat. Doug E. Fresh) Santa's Rap 12" Sugar Hill Records 4:00
1:24 AM Super Jay Santa's Rap Party 12" Sound Of New York, USA, Lonnie Records 3:22
1:28 AM Bootsy Collins Santa's Coming (AKA Santa Claus Is Coming To Town) Christmas Is 4 Ever Shout! Records 3:59
1:32 AM Kanye West Christmas In Harlem (feat CyHi Da Prynce) 12" G.O.O.D. Music 4:00
1:37 AM The Roots Millie Pulled a Pistol on Santa Just Say Noël Geffen Records 3:55
1:41 AM Kev Brown Christmas Wish (Feat. Tanzania) A Low Budget Christmas White 3:22
1:46 AM RoddyRod Donny's Carol A Low Budget Christmas White 2:45
1:49 AM Cocoa Tea Christmas Is Comming Rocking Dolly RAS 3;00
1:52 AM Horace Andy Christmas Time 12" RAS 2:49
1:55 AM Freddie McGregor Come All Ye Faithful A Reggae Christmas RAS 3:00
2:02 AM Leaders Of The New School Classic Material T.I.M.E. Elektra 3:02
2:07 AM Ultramagnetic MC's Raise It Up 12" Wild Pitch 3:32
2:11 AM Caig Mack Get Down (Q-Tip Remix) 12" Bad Boy 3:00
2:14 AM EPMD You're A Customer 12" Sleeping Bag 2:45
2:17 AM House Of Pain Word Is Bond [Diamond D Remix] 12" Tommy Boy 2:56
2:18 AM Bizmarkie Pickin' Boogers Goin' Off Cold Chillin' 2:00
2:20 AM De La Soul Afro Connection At A Hi 5 De La Soul Is Dead Tommy Boy 3:45
2:23 AM Marley Marl The Symphony In Control Volume 1 Cold Chillin' 4:02
2:29 AM Marley Marl The Symphony Pt. 2 In Control Volume 2 Cold Chillin' 2:22
2:32 AM A Tribe Called Quest The Hop Beats, Rhymes & Life Jive 2L33
2:35 AM D-Nice Call Me D-Nice Crumbs On The Table Jive 2:37
2:40 AM Special Ed Taxing Youngest In Charge Profile 2:49
2:42 AM Eric B & Rakim Paid In Full Paid In Full 4th & Bwy 2:21
2:44 AM Poor Righteous Teachers Time to Say Peace (Remix) 12" Profile 2:04
2:47 AM Common Communism Resurrection Relativity 2:06
2:49 AM Naughty By Nature Uptown Anthem 12" MCA 2:31
2:51 AM Big Daddy Kane Raw 12" Prism 2:01
2:52 AM Redhead Kingpin Do The RIght Thing A Shade Of Red Virgin 2:00
2:54 AM Digital Underground Doowutchyalike Sex Packets Tommy Boy 4:32
2:59 AM UMC's One To Grow On Fruits Of Nature Wild Pitch 3:00
3:02 AM The Detroit Experiment Think Twice The Detroit Experiment Planet E 6:18
3:10 AM Erik Rico & Marc Mac Destiny DIrect Soul EP Third Planet 4:12
3:14 AM Glenn Lewis Good One 12" White 3:06
3:17 AM Peter Brown For Your Love 12" T.K. Records 4:12
3:22 AM Rahsann Patterson What Am I Gonna Do (Spinna Mix) 12" Dome Records 7:00
3:28 AM Light Of The World London Town 12" Mercury 3:25
3:32 AM Screan & Shout 1 (Feat. Miles Bonny) 12" White 3:12
3:38 AM D'Angelo Left & Right (Sam Champ Remix) 12" White 4:00
3:42 AM Dwele Free As A Bird Sketches Of A Man Kock Records 3:26
3:45 AM Eric Roberson Been In Love (Feat. Phonte) Left Blue Erro Soul 3:53
3:49 AM The Foreign Exchange Don't Wait Authenticity FE Music 3:52
3:52 AM ZO! & Tiagllo Something About You (Nicolay's Quite Storm Nighty Night Remix) ZO! & TIgallo Love The 80's ZO! 4:05
3:56 AM The Pharcyde Emerald Butterfly 12" Delcious Vinyl 4:01

Enjoy,
M.G.

Alicia Keys Sample from You Don't Know My Name

(1:45)




Enjoy,
M.G.

The White Album gets an MF Doom Spin

(1:49)




Enjoy,
M.G.

Friday Feel Good Jam

Clavius Crates

Get to know Clavius Crates. Thanks to DJ B-Tips who played this for me while we were cutting up some records, I fell in love with this track. The group is out of Ann Arbor, Michigan and can really bring the funk. DJ Cataclysmic has a nice little solo in the video as well.



Enjoy,
M.G.

Friday Feel Good Jam

Enjoy,

M.G.

Kanye West Slow Jamz Sample

Luther Vandross - A House is not a Home (5:55)


Kanye West- Slow Jamz


Enjoy,
M.G.

Michael Larsen aka Eyedea Dead at 28

Sad to say that rapper Michael Larsen, who goes by the stage name of Eyedea passed away in his sleep Sunday morning. Larsen was 28 years old. First time I saw Eyedea perform was in my college dorm room watching the Blaze Battle in 2000 on HBO. He had a special performance through this tournament bracket single elimination format. At the time Ali Vegas was a heavy favorite and New York City native that had a lot of buzz in the underground. Eyedea won the battle between the two in the first round and Eyedea moved on to win the whole thing. He continued to perform and eventually teamed up with DJ Abilities to make the duo Eyea & Abilities. Prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends. R.I.P. Eyedea.

Clip from the Blaze Battle vs. R.K.


Eyedea and Abilities - Junk


Enjoy,
M.G.

Cage- Probably Causes Paranoia

Sound Familiar?


The LP version.


Enjoy,
M.G.

Bobbito Garcia's Álala Records

ÁLALA Records is Bobbito Garcia's new vinyl-only label, and third imprint in his 15 years of releasing forward thinking music on wax.

In 1997, the visionary DJ put out M.F. Doom's first album DOOMSDAY on his FONDLE'EM hip hop imprint. Later that year, FONDLE'EM was voted Best Indie Label (all genres) by URB Magazine.

From 2001 to 2003, Kool Bob Love expanded wonderfully to other genres with FRUITMEAT, licensing 7" and 12" releases from eventual Grammy Award winners The Spanish Harlem Orchestra. FRUITMEAT was also responsible for debuting Vinia Mojica as a solo artist with her "Guilt Junkie" single produced by Geology. The vocalist was reknowned for her work with De La Soul, Common, and Black Starr throughout the '90s.

In 2010, Bobbito returned to the vinyl market with Álala Records, distributed by FAT BEATS (www.fatbeats.com). Here's a list of the releases, with music ranging from Latin Funk (Yosaku), Neo-Soul (Mark de Clive-Lowe), Afro-beat/Hip Hop (Blitz), and Boricua Roots (Tato Torres y YERBABUENA)!

Yosaku feat. Bobbito "Malembe" 7"
http://fatbeats.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=9311

Mark de Clive-Lowe presents Lady Alma/Rahel "I Can't Help It"/"Hope" 7"
http://fatbeats.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=976&products_id=9339

Blitz The Ambassador "Remembering The Future"/"Breathe" 7"
http://fatbeats.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=9521

Tato Torres y YERBABUENA "Casita De Chema"/"Ser De Borinquen" 7"
http://fatbeats.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=9586

Be on the lookout for future 7"s by Jesse Boykins III, Riri Garcia, Khethi (from South Africa), Coultrain, and Bobbito's own Álala live band project!
www.fatbeats.com

I wish Bobbito Garcia the best with this one!

Enjoy.
M.G.

Friday Feel Good Jam

Enjoy,
M.G.

Rob Swift

This is a badass pic of a badass DJ. I had the pleasure of seeing Rob Swift last year and I was not dissapointed. The former member of the x-ecutioners has been doing his thing over a decade and just showing some love today. I hope he comes back to Pittsburgh soon.





Enjoy,
M.G.

Friday Feel Good Jam

Enjoy
M.G.

Notorious B.I.G.- Ready to Die Sample

Dave Grusin - Either Way



Enjoy
M.G.

Grand Groove Radio #28

Grand Groove Radio is a very soulful show on 91.3 FM in Pittsburgh, PA. DJ Selecta plays these wonderful jams every Sunday night from 12 am - 4am. If you have questions or want to show your support:

91.3 FM WYEP
Attn: James Scoglietti
67 Bedford Square
Pittsburgh PA 15203

Here is the playlist from show #28. And the download link to listen is:
http://www.areweontheair.com/grandgroove092010.mp3


Time Artist Song Album
09/20/10 - 12:00 am - WYEP Afterhours: Monday with Selecta
12:00 am Twizz Rememberlude (Feat. PM) 12"
12:06 am The Floacist Forever (Feat. Musiq Soulchild) 12"
12:10 am Esthero Thank Heaven 4 You (Freddie Joachim Remix) Olive Juice (Love Remixes Vol. 1)
12:13 am Full Crate, FS Green & Grand Jackson Feel Like (Feat. Mar) HomeMade
12:16 am Joanna Newsom The Book of Right-On The Milk-Eyed Mender
12:19 am The Roots Right On (Feat. Joanna Newsom & STS) How I Got Over
12:24 am John Legend & The Roots Little Ghetto Boy (feat. Black Thought) Wake Up Everybody!
12:28 am John Legend & The Roots Hang On In There Wake Up Everybody!
12:32 am Kanye West Lord Lord Lord (Feat. Mos Def, Swizz Beatz, Raekwon & Charlie Wilson) 12"
12:38 am Trackademics Fool On The Hill (Feat. Phonte 12"
12:46 am Fata Hey Jij Gewoon Bam
12:49 am Consequence Got Me Trippin (The Amerie Joint) 12"
12:52 am Black Milk Over Again (feat Monica Blaire) Album Of The Year
12:56 am Huey Nuetron (B Blunt + Vex) I Just Wanna Be 12"
09/20/10 - 1:00 am - WYEP Afterhours: Monday with Selecta
1:03 am Mayer Hawthorne No Strings (Classixx Original) 12"
1:07 am Paper Dolls I Can't Get You Off Of My Heart 12"
1:11 am Roy Ayers Aragon Coffy OST
1:14 am Jonnny Pate Can't Even Walk Shaft In Africa
1:17 am Edwin Starr Easin' In Hell Up In Harlem (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
1:19 am Martha Reeves Keep On Movin' On Willie Dynamite (Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
1:23 am Bobby Womack Across 110th Street Across 110th Street
1:27 am James Brown Make It Good To Yourself Black Caesar
1:30 am Willie Hutch Brother's Gonna Work It Out The Mack OST
1:34 am The Impressions Make A Resolution Three The Hard Way (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
1:38 am Isaac Hayes Run Fay Run
1:41 am Brer Soul & Earth Wind & Fire Sweetback's Theme Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
1:43 am Mike Bloomfield / Al Kooper / Stephen Stills Season Of The Witch Super Session
1:46 am James Mason Funny Girl Rhythm Of Life
1:57 am Kool & The Gang Give It Up Kool & The Gang
09/20/10 - 2:00 am - WYEP Afterhours: Monday with Selecta
2:00 am Uptown Dope On Plastic 12"
2:03 am MC Lyte Cappuccino (Remix) 12"
2:06 am Mic Geronimo Unstoppable 12"
2:09 am Cannonball Adderly Capricorn Soul Zodiac
2:10 am Pete Rock & CL Smooth In The House Mecca & The Soul Brother
2:12 am Lords Of The Underground Flow On 12"
2:13 am John Legend & The Roots Our Generation (J.Period Remix) Feat. Pete Rock & CL Smooth Wake Up Everybody!
2:17 am Tower Of Power Sparkling in the Sand East Bay Grease
2:18 am Diamond D Sally Got A One Track Mind Stunts, Blunts, & Hip-Hop
2:20 am Show & AG Fat Pockets (Remix) 12"
2:22 am Doo Wop The Bounce Master 12"
2:24 am Charles Wright What Can You Bring Me You're So Beautiful
2:27 am Brand Nubian Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down 12"
2:30 am Brand Nubian Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down (Diamond D Remix) 12'
2:32 am Beatnuts Reign Of The Tec !2"
2:33 am Organized Konfusion Stress Stress:The Exinction Agenda
2:34 am Smif-N-Wessun Let's Get It On Dah Shining
2:37 am Nas Represent Illmatic
2:41 am War Deliver The Word Deliver The Word
2:44 am Gangstarr The Planet Hard To Earn
2:47 am Gangstarr Brooklyn 12"
2:48 am Main Source Fakin' The Funk White Man Can't Jump EP
2:51 am Special Ed The Mission Legal
2:54 am Eric B & Rakim Lyrics Of Fury Follow The Leader
2:55 am Jungle Brothers Straight Out The Jungle Straight Out The Jungle
2:57 am Mandrill Mango Meat Just Outside Of Town
09/20/10 - 3:00 am - WYEP Afterhours: Monday with Selecta
3:01 am Foreign Exchange Come Around Connected
3:04 am Mabanua Mystery (Feat. Nicholas Ryan Gant) Done Already
3:07 am Will Sessions Kindred A Tribute To The Pioneers of Jazz Fusion EP
3:12 am Fatima Warm Eyes (Feat. Dam-Funk) Mindtravelin EP
3:17 am Yahzarah Cry Over You (Feat. Phonte) The Ballad Of Purple St. James
3:19 am Jim Bennett Hold That Groove Peoples Potential Family Album
3:23 am D-Train You're The One For Me 12"
3:26 am Mophono Tighten Up 7"
3:30 am Curtis Mayfield (Don't Worry) If There's A Hell Below We're All Going To Go Curtis
3:33 am Rudy Ray Moore's Filmore Street Soul Rebellion Put Your Weight On It 7"
3:37 am Kitty Winter Gypsy Nova New Morning Feel It
3:40 am Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno Dub Y Guaguanco Dog With A Rope
3:44 am Soulive Something Rubber Soulive
3:47 am Bootsy's Rubber Band Rather Be With You 7"
3:52 am Erykah Badu Certainly (Flipped It) Baduizm
3:54 am The Pharcyde Emerald Butterfly 7"
3:56 am Zo! and Tigallo Take On Me (Feat. Phonte & Carlitta Durand) Zo! and Tigallo


Show your support and hit up James Scoglietti aka DJ Selecta on his facebook page. He is the man on the wheels at Shadow Lounge for his regular set Classic Material which is just like it sounds, all classic hip hop gems. I thoroughly enjoy Classic Material Nights and they often have great acts to finish up the night that are in theme for the music being played. Such pasts guests include Large Professor, Pete Rock and Rob Swift just to name a few. Keith Murray will be coming next on October 16th, make sure to get your tickets for that.

http://www.facebook.com/jscoglietti

Enjoy,

M.G.

P.U.T.S.

It's People Under the Stairs appreciation day :-). My favorite Hip-Hop act who hail from Los Angeles occupied my time last night as I just couldn't take my head phones off. Here are some lovely jams for you guys. Have a great weekend.






Free Download of The Outage
http://www.mediafire.com/?e67vainht5oos87



Free Download of The Dig
http://www.mediafire.com/?e67vainht5oos87



Free Download of Good Co.
http://www.mediafire.com/?e67vainht5oos87

Enjoy,
M.G.

Friday Feel Good Jam

J Sands & A.C. the PD - Why Ya'll Hating AC?

AC The PD & JSands - Why Yall Hating AC by A.C. The P.D.

Enjoy,
M.G.

Substantial and A.C. the PD - Humble Beginnings

Substantial and AC The PD - HumbleBeginnings ref by A.C. The P.D.

Enjoy,
M.G.

Friday Feel Good Jam

It's coming a day early, I'm out of town visiting one of my best friends at the beach. :-)

Dr.Oop Capone - The Greatful Dread

I'm super excited to provide a link to what is to be a mega smash of a true hip-hop album. Dr. Oop Capone from Los Angeles California has just released The Greatful Dread LP. I am feeling this from start to finish, extremely fresh, funky and just makes you want to smile and move your feet. The breakout single is titled Green Butta and here is a link to that video.



I would like to give a special thanks to A.C. the Program Director for leaking this to me this past December when they were finishing everything up on the album. Have been bumping it ever since. Here is a link to purchase the LP for $10 or individual mp3's for $1. Enjoy.

http://droop-capone.bandcamp.com/album/the-grateful-dread

Thanks
M.G.

Solid Hip-Hop Mix

Inspired by DJ Selecta's Classic Material Night, here ya go keeping the solid hip-hop alive.

1. Ultramagnetic MC's - Ego Trippin
2. Fu-Schnickens - True Fu-Schnick
3. Public Enemy - Shut em' Down (Pete Rock Remix)
4. The Pharcyde- Officer
5. Smiff N Wessun feat. Keith Murray - Pay Ya Dues
6. Blackmoon- How Many MC's
7. Gangstarr- All 4 the Cash
8. Krs-One - Outta Here
9. Yo-Yo feat. Ice Cube - You Can't Play With My Yo Yo
10. LL Cool J - Jingling Baby
11. Lord Finesse- Down For the Underground
12. Masta Ace - Sittin' On Chrome
13. Ice Cube - Check Yo Self (Original)
14. Jeru The Damaja - Come Clean
15. Kurious - Walk Like a Duck
16. N.W.A.- Fuck the Police
17. Public Enemy - Public Enemy No.1
18. Wu-Tang Clan - Protect Ya Neck

Free Download
http://www.mediafire.com/?nucpn448icvyavp

Thanks,
M.G.

Friday Feel Good Jam

Happy Birthday Roy Ayers.

Conversation With Basick Sickness

An in depth look into the recording artist and his group that make up Basick Sickness. Having rocked over 200 shows and going strong I dig into what is behind this powerful force on the music scene.


What are your earliest memories of music you enjoyed when you were growing up?

My first concert was Michael Jackson. My first casette was Public Enemy. My first CD was Aerosmith - Get a Grip. First record was the McDonalds Menu Rap (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da7LMVB68j8). I remember breaking my dad's electric guitar and rocking out to my grandpaps accordion. My grandfather was in a band with his four brothers called the 4 Aces. I have also always loved rock and rap.



When did you decide you wanted to be more than a listener and become a performer?

I got my first guitar when i was in 5th grade. The change really came when I worked at Starlake Ampitheatre around the same time and saw so many live concerts, every genre. I was hooked. I started writing lyrics in 9th grade.


Your music does not easily fit into traditional categories, how would you describe yourself as an artist?

Creative. eclectic. diverse. great. Obsessed with many different acts and arts. Thats why my music is accepted by different genres and also why I have my hand in so many different creative outlets.


Your group is comprised of yourself, Joe Palermo and Isaac Goldszer (DJ B-Tips), can you explain the roles you play to form Basick Sickness?

I am the captain of the ship and the story of Joe and I go back to the 4th grade. We had a band back then, he moved away, came back like 4 years later and it was like we never missed a beat. Joe is the man behind the boards. We pride ourselves on doing EVERYTHING ourselves: creating, recording, mixing and mastering. We paid for studio time once... he is extremely talented with mixing and mastering, he is a beast on the drums and with programming. He used to be the hype man when we did hip-hop shows and he ususally pukes before every performance. B-Tips (slips) is the DJ and a late edition to the group. From the jump he came in as the DJ for the hip-hop performances, but I had bigger plans for him from the first time we met (we had a hit radio show on WPTS - "The Pre-game Show" for over two years) - for him to DJ in the full band. He is a very very talented DJ and total artist in his own rite. B-Tips writes (better than some local rappers) and can play a few instruments himself. We also have a guitar player,Rick Topping, who plays with us occasionally for live shows. As I previously said, his role is guitar and backing vocals.


What are some personal goals of yours at the moment?

New music new music new music new music new music. I feel as though we are very very well established in the local hip-hop scene. Next venture is the local rock scene. Releasing the EP, "Before It's Too Late" and jumping right into the next full LP.


Do you feel that Pittsburgh is a place that you can grow as a musician and achieve your goals?

Of course and if not, than it wasnt meant to be. I love everything about Pittsburgh.


If you could change something within the music industry, what would it be?

Not so much the industry, just my position in it. Labels are afraid to take and sign great acts because they dont have 1,000,000 YouTube hits.


What was your most fulfilling moment(s) in music thus far?

Opening for acts that I look up to. Stage diving at one of my own shows. Performing for thousands of people and making music that i like to listen to and feel proud of.


Tell us about your new music that you’re working on.

We are about to release a new EP called, "Before It's Too Late". The whole EP has all live drums, guitars, and bass. Its rowdy as hell. It will be on my twitter, facebook, myspace, and i'm sure the links will be everywhere. I hate over promotion, but yes this will be everywhere. Should be out first week of October, but we'll see... I always write, even when not making new music or recording, but at the moment we are really in a good place creatively and I do not want to stop.

Basick, thank you very much for me and your fans this opportunity. They were recently showcased as part of a mixtape that was released this past April called, You Know! Vol.1 by DJ NoPhrillz. The mixtape included national recording artist Fabolous, Flo Rida, Wale, J Cole and many others. You can contact Basick Sickness as well as Joe Palermo and DJ B-Tips on their social network sites listed at:

http://www.basicksickness.com/

Thanks

M.G.

Friday Feel Good Jam

Friday Feel Good Jam

Bobbito Garcia To Be First Latino To Announce Basketball Game

Hip Hop Icon and a personal hero of mine Bobbito Garcia is about to make history yet again. Show your support for Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love as he becomes the first Latino to broadcast a nationally televised basketball game in ESPN's 30 year history and perhaps the first on any network. The Elite 24 High School All-American Game (Sat. 7:30 pm) as well as the Dunk Contest Fri. 8pm).

He needs no introduction to many of you as he was co-host of the greatest Hip Hop radio show of all time, WKCR 89.9 FM along side Stretch Armstrong and Lord Sear. Bobbito was also a part of the famous bboy group The Rock Steady Crew. Bobbito had a long standing monthly column in Vibe Magazine. He is the owner and chief editor of Bounce Magazine. He is the author of Where Did You Get Those? with exceptional photography done by himself. He has done over 40 commercials for Nike and does radio work for the New York Knicks. Has starred in many independent films. He does the voice work for NBA Street Vol.2 and Vol.3. Bobbito has his own limited edition Nike shoes as well. With everything mentioned Bobbito is an extremely talented street basketball player. There is so much more that I didn't even list. Bobbito keeps it about as real as anyone possibly could. I appreciate his work and his talents. Thank You for everything you've done.

M.G.

Friday Feel Good Jam

Fat Beats NYC and L.A. Close Shops

It's a true sign of the times when such iconic images, stores and influences are closing their doors and moving on. Such is the same for the vinyl monster Fat Beats who decided to close up shop in their legendary NYC and L.A. stores. It's not just the fact that those locations are no longer selling vinyl, these are two cities rich in hip hop history and relevance. The live performances, the art work, the people, the culture and the music will be strongly missed in those respective locations. Hip Hop is far from dead, but the online dominance of our culture with convenience and specificity is going to lead to a disconnect to it's audience. It make sense from a business stand point to make such a move for the company, but that word business is exactly what almost everything has become. The love, the genuine emotion and talent is just being left in the dust in general, not just in music. We need to stay together and keep great expression alive people. It's in our power to do so and should be our responsibility.

M.G.

Friday Feel Good Jam

Friday Feel Good Jam

Friday Feel Good Jam

A.C. The Program Director and HipHopPhilosophy Radio

In 2010, it's really hard to find outlets for music, art, expression, athletics, and many more that have integrity. It's sad to say that but it's true. With so much bullshit out there in this world and people selling out on an hourly basis, this is an important outlet not only to me personally but to everyone who loves real hip hop music. It's A.C. The Program Director who holds the foundation together like no one else out there. He's representing a greater power than himself, he's representing hip hop music. All the quality music that has been put down he's passing it along and keeping it alive so that people like me can enjoy it and keep it alive as well. With his contributions, hip hop will live. No matter what corporate puppetmasters feed you through the mainstream print media, large fm city radio stations and television, there is another option. It's the real option. And if you're a person who stands on his or her own two feet, you don't have to rely on the weak and heartless music that you're being accustomed to. You have this man doing real things and doing it with honor. It's my pleasure to take this time and say I appreciate you and support you. You can show him love and support through his facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/acthepd?ref=ts

He will post announcements when the show goes live and will have links on his page.

M.G.

Kool G Rap New Album (Finally!)

Lyrical icon Kool G Rap is preparing a new, untitled album and told AllHipHop.com it has been a long time since he's been so excited about his music.

"I haven't been this passionate about s**tin a long time, so when someone asks me a question about it I got so much s**t to say, its not just recording a song, this is spilling my f**king guts out there," the Corona Queens native told AllHipHop.com.

He also said that this looming album would reveal parts of storied life never told before.

"This is G Rap right here, from childhood to adulthood. This is the part that I'm a give the people," he continued.

Kool G Rap even alluded to losing the passion for Hip-Hop music, even though he is widely regarded as one of the best the genre has offered.

"This is G Rap being excited about even doing this s**t again. There's been times in my life I lost interest, or even desire to do this s**t. But this, is me." he said.

Kool G Rap began his career in the late 80's and is credited with ushering in a new wave of lyricism to Hip-Hop with others like Big Daddy Kane and Rakim. He released seminal albums like Road to the Riches, Wanted: Dead or Alive, Live and Let Die along with DJ Polo. His last work was 2008's Half a Klip.


http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/07/07/22290268.aspx

M.G.

Friday Feel Good Jam

Immortal Technique Speaks On Haiti Situation

(Cormega, Immortal Technique and Styles P)


While it’s saddening that most of the hip hop culture (and people in general) have already forgotten about the ongoing situation that is going on in Haiti (it’s almost as if world tragedies are as disposable as new song leaks these days); Immortal Technique took some time out to write an article detailing his recent trip there. And while the write up might be lengthy, it’s definitely worth the read.


I recently arrived home from Haiti.

While I was there I worked in a few aspects of the relief effort including a solidarity mission to aid the Earthquake survivors. In addition to all of this Myself, Cormega and Styles P participated in a show to support Haitian Hip Hop and rebuild the community. I would like to thank Arms Around Haiti and Hip Hop for Haiti for inviting me to be a part of this movement. While I was there I saw both devastation and rebuilding efforts. I also broke bread with people who had lost their entire family. Literally, everyone but them was deceased. Then there were those whose grief centered around losing a mother, father, brother, sister, son, or daughter as a direct result of what happened. It should make everyone reading this feel blessed to have anyone in his or her life. Think about that… Now think about it some more.

I saw so many different things as I walked through the slums and rode around Port-Au-Prince (as well as the area surrounding it.) I met mayors, townspeople, and the Arms around Haiti (Sobs staff) introduced me to several visionary Haitians with good ideas to rebuild the country that I am seriously considering investing my time into.

But one of the most powerful experiences came to me when I was holding this little baby girl who couldn’t have been more than a year old. She was crying because she was hungry, thirsty and tired. I picked her up and she hugged onto me with the newfound control her young muscles had recently provided her. She was one of the many orphans that I met while I was there, and as I held her I wondered what the future would hold for this little precious life. Her father would never hold her again and rock her back and forth to sleep while whispering stories to her. She might find good hearted and righteous people to one day adopt her, but her father, the man who created her would never tell her that he loved her or that she was special, save for the length of a dream or a subconscious memory. So I told her in French that I loved her, that she was beautiful and that she was special to me. I gave her all my water and her young face was immediately full of focus and comfort. After a few minutes of holding her, she fell into slumber. I gave her back to her to a 11-year old girl who had also lost her parents and was acting like a surrogate mother to most of the younger children.

Then I looked at my hands, they seemed like such strong hands before I went to Haiti. Strong like my will that is made of iron, and my resolve, which I consider unbreakable. But the strength of this young adolescent Matriarch and her newfound responsibility served as God’s gentle reminder and it humbled greatly as I realized what she carried on her shoulders. I am a Revolutionary but rather than just going to places around the world to bring people freedom, I seem to find it among them.

I felt great sadness leaving this place but I also felt anger at the things I saw. So I began to detail a few observations about Haiti and Revolutionary action associated with it in general. I wrote these things as I saw them or felt them but I waited until I was home for a few days so as to not elicit an emotional response but rather one of logic and understanding concerning the various things I saw.

The Spirit of Toussaint is Alive:

- Although the people have suffered here immensely, I still see their spirit still very strong, unbroken and defiant. Even though the sun floods the day with sweltering heat, the vast majority of people are working in some capacity. Many have their own small business or hustle and they take great pride in what they do. They find no shame in their work, however menial because, as it was told to me they felt blessed to have anyone to provide for. In the camps when dusk settles in, children play soccer with pieces of garbage tied up or maybe an old volleyball. They are survivalists as their history has taught them to be. The tent cities are home to usually 2 or 3 families per tent. Perhaps it is their past dealings with dictators sponsored by this nation, or by years of civil strife and a long Revolutionary history but they have become so resilient, so much so that they now serve as a personal inspiration to me of what mankind/original man can overcome.

All about the Benjamin’s, Mon Cheri:

Foreign Aid. That is a deceptive phrase. Many times the countries who, pledge money to a disaster-ridden nation are not giving that country money at all. They are really pledging the money to their corporation to rebuild the country at an inflated price set by the global conglomerate. It changes the very nature of what that means. Imagine if your house burnt down and I told the news and every local media outlet I was going to “donate” $100,000 to rebuild it. This is the catch the job really costs $20,000 to do. Yes, from the Capitalist pro business point of view I am providing a service that I deserve to be compensated for. But the characterization of what I am doing is purposefully altered so as to disguise the real motivation for “aiding” you. I’m not condemning the idea of foreign aid on a whole although there are aspects of it that create dependency and de facto vassals. But the system by which some of this “aid” is raised and distributed sometimes has little to do with anything resembling a humanitarian effort.

Let’s recap. I give you money, which you’re essentially giving back to me plus interest for doing something at twice the cost. I don’t give you fish anymore. That was Imperialism. This is Neo Liberalism, we teach you to fish, and collect 75% of the profit…forever. This system is actually the one that seems rational to first world powers now and is still implemented today all over the planet. Corporate Non Government Organizations (NGO’s) raise billions of dollars just to spend a fraction of that on the people who are actually affected and suffering. Then as if overpaying themselves wasn’t enough they act like they really did something. This system gives a bad name to real non-profit NGO’s and people that are selflessly doing something out of the kindness of their hearts. The Foreign Aid field is infested with corporate socialites and poverty pimps who troll around the mud with us dark people so you have something to talk about at your bourgeois industry parties. And where is the money going?

Waiting in Vain:

There is about 12 Billion dollars of Aid, waiting to be distributed, (conveniently earning interest for someone by the way) and since world agencies (take your pick) do not trust the shell of government left in Haiti, the situation has spiraled into a game of tit for tat in some instances. Corruption is not relegated to the surviving members of a fractured government. The customs area has thousands of pieces of clothing and non-perishable food that is simply sitting in store-rooms because customs is sometimes demanding $8,000 (US) to allow it into the country. You read it right, $8,000 American dollars to let a few boxes of supplies collected by people like you into the country. There are organizations such as the one I was there with, and Wyclef’s ‘Yele’ that use their longstanding connections with local power players and government officials to navigate around these bureaucracies, but it made me wonder how many good hearted people’s donations were just sitting there in some hangar collecting mold and dust. The supplies I handed out, the stuff I brought myself to give to people, the houses we put people in seemed like a good first step but now I wish more than anything to return and really make an impact having studied the situation. (* I remember after the Earthquake happened the mainstream media did a few stories criticizing smaller Aid Organizations on the ground and encourage people to direct their donation to the Major ones. Now I wonder if it was to promote efficiency or was it to safeguard their corporate partners monopoly?)

Children’s Story:

In Haiti, child trafficking is still going on, because it’s a lucrative business. It hasn’t stopped just because the news has stopped covering it, this right here is still happening. (http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/01/27/haiti.earthquake.orphans/index.html http://gvnet.com/humantrafficking/Haiti.htm ) I have even heard rumors about aid workers trading food for sex with little girls and boys. I’m not repeating these charges to try and substantiate them in any way. Because I hope they’re a lie, or at worst an exaggeration of an isolated incident. Far be it for me to try and pass innuendo off as fact but when you hear something like that from dozens of people from different walks of life, it makes you think. The reality after the Earthquake was that many of these children were (and still are) stolen and shipped out immediately or taken over to the Dominican Republic whose government is also very corrupt and sold to every corner of the world. Sad to think that the nation that showed the world that a successful slave revolution was possible has it’s sons and daughters sold into slavery in 2010.

The Almighty UN:

When I was young I thought the UN was a powerful entity, like the Super friends from Saturday morning cartoons. I was fed the idea that they provided a solution to arguing nations and would be helpful in taking the side of the underdog, the oppressed and colonized. But as I grew I realized it was just a way of making it look like America and Britain were not acting alone and it rewarded participants who conscripted their troops there. They are a Right Wing punching bag but really that’s duplicitous because they have been used to justify our actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. As if it is full of equal partners who are committed to the mission. Truth is the UN peacekeepers are full of many soldiers who would otherwise be getting paid $100 a week to be a soldier in their own country. The UN security-council resolutions have no teeth without the US’s approval, and sometimes they go to a country (like Haiti) and get a paycheck for doing very little. As I keep having interactions with them, my opinion just keeps on worsening. I by no means had any of those young teenage illusions about them going into this trip, but this is my observation. There is no salvation for the 3rd world in this entity. Truthfully, the UN are a war (with a real country) away from being as much of a part of history as the Hanseatic League. As we speak. They act as the de-facto military rulers of Haiti, with the US leaning over them looking at possible candidates. I think in all honesty they want a Haitian Karzai of their very own so perhaps their weakness is deceptive on purpose and they are just the arm of a face that has not revealed itself yet. “Le temps est un grand maître, dit-on, le malheur est qu’il tue ses élèves.”

Jesus’s Power Broker:

- Haiti is flooded with Christian missionaries. There were 40 of them on the plane with me headed to Port-Au-Prince. In case you don’t know what a missionary is kids, it’s not just a sexual position. (Although plenty of people have been fucked over the years.) It means someone who goes to other countries and tells people that their religion or native custom is savage and full of useless ceremonies to God’s & spirits that don’t exist. And while I know some of these people mean well, their very existence and purpose is in complete contradiction to what their religion actually teaches. Some are working to build schools and help out with social programs, but always with the agenda to prosthletize and solidify their religious control over the area. So no matter what their intentions are, they look like their peddling Jesus on a fishing pole with foreign aid wrapped in Bible paper on a hook. In the past they were dispatched to countries to make them as Christian as possible in a direct effort to bring them into the colonial power’s sphere of influence. You see Imperial powers could not win by military force, and so conversion directly aided in our subjugation and apparently still aids in our placation. As long as we let other people define God for us we will not only be the physical but also the spiritual prisoner of our oppressors vision.

Mission Impossible:

- Spain, Portugal, England, France and Italy, etc… did this “missionary work” all over Africa, Asia and Latin America. Many of you people reading this who are of the aforementioned faith have them to thank, not divine intervention for what you believe. I am not in any way shape or form trying to detract from the individuals who really have the message of Jesus Christ in their hearts. I honestly believe if we lived our lives by the teachings of Christ this world would be a better place. But there are too many frauds making money off of Yeshua these days. The crazy thing is, that as many Muslim and Jewish charities that are working in Haiti, I haven’t witnessed any effort by them to convert people to Judaism or Islam. What is it about this faith that we hold so dear in America that makes us so insecure about what other people believe in? You’re going to have to stop using the excuse you want to “save people” and just admit that you don’t feel comfortable around someone until they believe in what you believe, spiritually. What gives us the moral authority to go around the world and tell the indigenous people of every continent that their religion is a farce and the only real truth was compiled in Constantinople in 325 AD? Isn’t the most “Christian” thing in the world to give charity to the poor and suffering without asking for anything in return? (Least of all, the culmination of all their beliefs.)

Blood Roots:

As I walked through the tent cities full of families waiting for water and cooking whatever they could find for their collective I happened upon a long road. It led me through the scorching slums of the outer area of Port-Au-Prince. While I was walking these two young brothers who ere dressed in red asked me if I was a Blood. I looked at them both and I responded that I wasn’t and one of them then raised his eyebrow, “you Crip then?” He asked with a heavy Creole accent. I said that I was neither and I was more like a Black Panther. After all OG Black Panthers and people from the Indigenous movements have taught me a libraries worth of knowledge. The younger one asked me what a Black panther was. I searched my surrounding for an analogy and there just happened to be a small tree near by. So I walked them over to it. The tree had two branches littered with a few leaves. Holding one branch I said, “this one is the blood” and pointing to the other one I said, “this one is the Crip” and then putting his hand on the trunk close to the roots, I said “this one is the Black Panther”. “Ne de la Revolution” which means Born out of Revolution in my humble French. The young kid smiled at me and asked me more about the Black Panthers. I stood there speaking to him for a little while and then we saluted one another and went our separate ways. Although Haiti is twice as hood as any place in the US, they are such a young country full of children who must become adults before their time. If they are to succeed, someone must educate them to the fact that what people call Black history is in fact world history. I would be honored to be a part of that someday. Don’t worry I won’t NGO them for hundreds of G’s either. I’d settle for a room and some coffee in the morning.

La Revolucion de Latino America:

For those of us who are studying Latin American Revolution, Haiti is the prequel, the seemingly invincible power of France being challenged and overcome. The Napoleonic wars gave America a chance to breathe away from the eyes of Europe long enough to affirm itself. France’s assault on Spain weakened the European states enough for us to take the moment that we cherish as our time for ‘Revolucion’. The story of our Revolution doesn’t begin in the 1950’s but in the Indigenous revolts of the conquest era and the early 1800’s when a small island of enslaved Africans showed the world that it was possible. Estudiantes Latinos, estudia esta Revolucion, sus lecciones son unas de las mas importantes para apprender. Tienen te todo, de raza, de classe, de corrupcion, y por supuesto del sacrificio necessario para obtener la libertad.

In parting:

I learned something very reassuring about myself in Haiti, something I am proud to acknowledge and leave my people on a good note with. When I meet someone who is a better activist, or Revolutionary, (I’ll be happy to make that distinction later) when I see someone whose actions achieve more than mine, or who has a more complete perspective I become inspired. I don’t get bitter or jealous and think about trying to “out-revolutionary” them. That’s so pointless and yet it is something that I see sometimes in the movement, people who think that because another doesn’t adhere to the same ideology or the same faith that we must bring them down. I am a Revolutionary and I need no one’s permission to be. We were successful at breaking ground in Haiti, but my mission there is by no means complete, I wish to plan further actions with my friends at Arms Around Haiti and the staff at SOBS. I would like to thank Jube, Mario, Cormega, StylesP, Herbie, Clef, Yele, Arms Around Haiti, Parrish, BC, and my Haitian Soldiers there for making this trip possible I look forward to returning soon.

“Le travail éloigne de nous trois grands maux: l’ennui, le vice et le besoin.”

Peace & Respect,

Immortal Technique

http://www.2dopeboyz.com/2010/07/01/immortal-technique-speaks-on-haiti-situation/

Friday Feel Good Jam

Dj Shadow Scene From Scratch

Sorry for not posting recently. Little thing called life has just gotten in the way. Let's keep the hip hop flowing...

Friday Feel Good Jam

Friday Feel Good Jam

Friday Feel Good Jam

Soul II Soul- Back To Life (Back To Reality)

New Music From Kil Ripkin

I had some music sent to me from Kil Ripkin and it's definitely worth a look. Thanks for hitting me up. Kil Ripkin is one half of the Coalescence and has been a respected producer including doing work with Curtis Blow. He is from the Coney Island section of Brooklyn N.Y. Here is the video for Not You.



M.G.

N.W.A. Movie On The Way

Rapper/director Ice Cube has confirmed that he is in the process of bringing the story of pioneering rap group N.W.A. to the big screen. Ice Cube has directed blockbuster’s like Friday, The Players Club, Barbershop and most recently the documentary Straight Outta L.A. He revealed that he is working with Eazy-E’s widow Tomica Woods-Wright and super producer Dr. Dre to bring the N.W.A. movie to theaters. “I think that’s the ultimate when it comes to the tribute with the group and what the group meant to the world,” Ice Cube told AllHipHop.com. “Hopefully we will bring it to the big screen.”

http://www.allhiphop.com

M.G.

Friday Feel Good Jam

Chaka Khan- I Feel For You

Conversation With Girl Talk

Greg, you've been making music for about a decade now; how do you feel the music industry has changed since you first started compared to now?

CD's used to sell. People's opinions on the internet used to not matter too much. People used to watch videos on TV. Seriously, it's an entirely different world now.

You have been the center of attention on copyright issues with your style of mash-up music, do you feel that the industry has backed off a bit from trying to use you as an example or are they still trying to cite unfair use?

I've only been the center of attention on copyright issues in the eyes of certain media sources. That's been newspapers and magazines, which I understand. It's an aspect of the music, it's a story, so people tell it. The actual "industry" has not done anything with me. No letter of complaints, no cease and desist.

We did talk about this briefly before, RIP: A Remix Manifesto in my opinion did a good job portraying you as an artist. How did you feel the documentary showcased you?

I believe in most of the politics pushed in that film. It's just a little complicated because I'm not trying to be the posterboy for any sort of movement, but I think the film captured that aspect. Everything I have to say about copyright is implied in my music and how I release it. Bottom line is that I want to make sample-based compositions because that's the style of music I grew up on and enjoy. I never set out to break down the laws or anything.

You have a unique live show experience in that the audience can get on stage with you and be a part of the performance. Where did this all start? And do you ever fear that things might get out of control or you are in an unsafe position?

In the early days, I would play many venues with no real stage. Back then, it wasn't weird to just exist in the crowd and get people involved in that way. So when things started taking off a little bit, when shows started getting larger, I wanted to stick by that idea, and I would pull people up. From there, I think people saw videos and pictures, and it just became the standard etiquette.

You have been able to travel the world over the years and play some pretty large crowds. Do you notice a difference in how you are received by fans when you play for example in France compared to Australia and then play in the U.S.?

Definitely. I think it all depends on exposure. In Australia, for instance, I've been able to go over there 4 years in a row now and play at some larger festivals. So when I do club shows, it's about as large as it is in the United States. I've spent less time in Europe, so it's just like at the level of the US a few years ago. Shows can go well, but it's at a smaller level. Then, dealing with sample-based tunes, there is a different level of recognition for certain songs. When you sample AC/DC in Australia, people are probably gonna get rowdy. If you're in Lille France and you're remixing a song from the new Wacka Flocka mixtape, you really can't be sure how familiar the crowd will be.

What are your future music plans?

I'm going to make a new album, starting this summer, hopefully being done by the end of the year.

How do you feel about living in Pittsburgh in general and as your music popularity is increasing do you see yourself staying in the area?

I'm happy living here. I don't think I'm going to move anytime soon.

If people want to contact you, what is the best way to reach you whether it be for booking of shows, fan support, etc.

I answer all of the facebook, twitter, myspace. For shows, my booking agent is Sam Hunt: sam@windishagency.com


I really respect your contributions to music and wish you the best Greg, thanks for taking the time to do this.

thanks man!

Mighty Casey

Get to know Mighty Casey. Original Rudeboy was released in December of 2003. Very original flow with very distinct style and humorous topics. Famous for his video for White Girls, that had regular rotation on BET's uncut. Very funky stuff that I am a fan of. Can purchase mp3's or the whole album on amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/Original-Rudebwoy-Mighty-Casey/dp/B0000E2RQZ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1274809560&sr=1-1

Hit him up on facebook and show your support.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Casey-Gane/507990152

New Video Crackhead Superheroes


Enjoy

M.G.

Friday Feel Good Jam

Friday Feel Good Jam

People Under the Stairs - July 3rd

Friday Feel Good Jam

Debarge- I Like It



Sampled by LL Cool J- Make It Hot, (among many other samples)



Enjoy,

M.G.

Dj Premier Tribute

In case you missed it, don't worry. Here is the official Dj Premier tribute mix to Guru. Eventhough not on great terms and a letter released by Guru prohibiting Permier to release and own any work done by guru, Premier put the differences aside as he put it, "...this isn't a tribute, this is a salute." I'm glad to see this and even more important, hip hop is glad to see this. Enjoy.

http://usershare.net/jebx6uj7gtbw

M.G.

Do Not Support 7 Grand Records

Fuck You 7 Grand Records. "Never Sell Out" is a random 2 track release that came out almost immediately after Guru passed. That is no way to handle a delicate and emotional situation of an icon who has recently left us. To try and profit off such an event is dispicable and needs to not be taken lightly. Please share your comments on amazon.com (where it's being sold)about how tasteless and ridiculous this really is.

http://www.amazon.com/Never-Sell-Out-Final-Verses/dp/B003J8580W

M.G.

R.A. the Rugged Man Speaks

Enjoy

M.G.

Reports of Fake Fan Page Soliciting Funds

Immortal Technique just posted on his facebook page that there is a fake page claiming to be the artist and that reports are getting back to him that this page operator is soliciting funds from fans. It's extremely frustrating as a fan of Immortal Technique and knowing what his mission and focus is on, that someone is using such a platform to try and steal money from these fans. It's fucking sad and needs to be stopped. Go do that with a bubble gum pop artist who no one genuinely cares about. You can't stop an army like Tech. VIVA LA REVOLUCION!!!

Real Immortal Technique Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=503386058&ref=ts

M.G.

DJ M.G. Mixtape The No Show

The event in which this playlist was to be performed was eventually cancelled. Dj B-Tips said I wanted to see what you were going to play for your set and would love to hear it and why don't you just go with it and we can record it. I had a lot of fun putting this together and was just pretty much just an off the top of the head mix. No beat juggling or scratching here, just really made this about the music. Hope you guys enjoy.

http://www.mediafire.com/?gytmm53ttt1

M.G.

Guru Dead at Age 43

After a nearly two-month hospitalization, legendary rapper Guru (best known as the frontman for Gangstarr) died Monday morning (April 19), after a long battle with cancer, reports DJPremierBlog.com.

He was just 43 years old.

Solar, Guru's business partner and sidekick in recent years, told the Yo!Raps (who's PR company had been coordinating press for Guru since his hospitalization) that the 43-year-old rapper had been suffering from a "malicious illness for over a year and after numerous special treatments under the supervision of medical specialists failed".

He had tried to keep the cancer diagnosis private, but in early March, news leaked that Guru had been admitted to the hospital, suffered a heart attack, and was recovering from a mystery illness. Previous reports said he suffered from Anoxia, effects from a lengthy history of asthma and lung problems, but these new findings reveal a much worst condition.

"The world has lost one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all-time -- my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru," Solar said in a statement. "Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically, this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius.

"For the fans that reached out with love and support, I can't tell you how much that meant to Guru and myself. Guru prepared this letter (read below) while he was in the hospital for the fans," the producer continued. "I hope now that Guru has moved on to a better place."

According to Yo! Raps, Guru penned this letter to fans, explaining his illness while in the hospital with terminal cancer. Read it below in its entirety:

I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world. I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options. I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting.

My loyal best friend, partner and brother, Solar, has been at my side through it all and has been made my health proxy by myself on all matters relating to myself. He has been with me by my side on my many hospital stays, operations, doctors visits and stayed with me at my home and cared for me when I could not care for myself. Solar and his family is my family and I love them dearly and I expect my family, friends, and fans to respect that, regardless to anybody's feelings on the matter. It is my wish that counts. This being said I am survived by the love of my life, my sun KC, who I trust will be looked after by Solar and his family as their own. Any awards or tributes should be accepted, organized approved by Solar on behalf myself and my son until he is of age to except on his own.

I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this. I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ. As the sole founder of GangStarr, I am very proud of what GangStarr has meant to the music world and fans. I equally am proud of my Jazzmatazz series and as the father of Hip-Hop/Jazz. I am most proud of my leadership and pioneering efforts on Jazzmatazz 4 for reinvigorating the Hip-Hop/Jazz genre in a time when music quality has reached an all time low. Solar and I have toured in places that I have never been before with GangStarr or Jazzmatatazz and we gained a reputation for being the best on the planet at Hip-Hop/Jazz, as well as the biggest and most influential Hip-Hop/Jazz record with Jazzmatazz 4 of the decade to now. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time. And we as a team were not afraid to push the envelope. To me this is what true artists do! As men of honor we stood tall in the face of small mindedness, greed, and ignorance. As we fought for music and integrity at the cost of not earning millions and for this I will always be happy and proud, and would like to thank the million fans who have seen us perform over the years from all over the world. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time and is my most creative and experimental to date. I hope that our music will receive the attention it deserves as it is some of the best work I have done and represents some of the best years of my life.
Guru (real name: Keith Elam) rose to fame in the 80s as the frontman to the legendary rap duo, Gangstarr, also consisting of DJ Premier. The group released the classic single, "Words I Manifest," which was followed by their critically acclaimed debut, No More Mr. Nice Guy, in 1989. The group went on to release six official albums through 2003, before they split and went their separate ways.

Guru went on to found 7 Grand Records, partnering with producer Solar, and embarked on a solo career.

Since falling ill, there's been a lot of controversy over news of his hospitalization. Family members of Guru publicly claimed that Solar had taken over control of the rapper's decision making and had even barred them from visiting. The only official statements being released from the veteran rapper were relayed through his longtime partner Solar, which raised eyebrows from former Guru collaborators and friends. Solar, however, publicly denied claims of any malicious intentions and was only following the rapper's instructions.

Unfortunately, Guru never got well enough to clear things up himself.

On Monday (April 19) when Guru passed away, so did a piece of hip-hop. He'll forever go down in history as one of the best MCs to ever do it. Rest in peace GURU!

Allen Starbury
4/20/10
http://www.ballerstatus.com/2010/04/20/guru-dies-after-long-battle-with-cancer-report/

:-(
M.G.

Talib Kweli's Laptop and Phone Stolen

Last night Brooklyn emcee Talib Kweli was performing in Melbourne, Australia with rapper Jean Grae when an intruder broke into Jean's dressing room and stole Kweli's laptop and cell phone.

The Black Star artist took to Twitter to alert fans of what happened. "Someone came in Jean Grae's dressing rm last night, stole my laptop & phone. They was with the opener whos dressing rm was next to mine."

According to video footage from the hotel, the thief was identified as Amir Elashir, a fan who wrote on Jean Grae's Facebook fan page just days before the show.

Talib Kweli later updated his Twitter status with "We have Amir Bashir # we called he said he had my phone and laptop and was gonna bring it then changed his mind."

Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek are slated to perform on Wednesday in Cincinnati, Ohio as part of Reflection Eternal’s Revolutions Per Minute tour. Their album hits stores May 18.

UPDATE: Via Twitter, Talib Kweli confirmed that an east coast Rap veteran helped the Blacksmith emcee see his laptop and phone returned. Although the details of how are presently unclear, Kweli tweeted acknowledgements to Naughty By Nature's Vin Rock and DMV Rap blogger, DDotOmen. "Shout to @DDotOmen and Vinnie from @naughtybynature for being instrumental in getting me the stuff back. Dude dropped it off and ran."

At present, Naughty By Nature is planning a reunion album with producing group member Kay Gee.

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11060/title.talib-kweli-robbed-in-australia-suspect-identified

M.G.

Buscrates Alert

Buscrates will be making an appearance on Friday April 30th @ Helter Shelter for "Alter States" 9:30 pm. Party hosted by Tom Cox and Matthew McDermott. Buscrates might be performing live using his MPC (Upon status of repair) that would be awesome to see. Other appearances by TMEYE, TUSK LORD and EDGAR UM. Confirm on their facebook event page...

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108895135810787&ref=ts

Helter Shelter
50th and Harrison
Lawerenceville, Pittsburgh PA

M.G.

ZBTahiti 4/17/10

Making my official Hip Hop debut and pretty excited. Should be fun experience with some great music and people involved for a wonderful Saturday afternoon that will carry into the evening. Big thank you to B-Tips for thinking of me and giving me an opportunity. Will be funky fresh to say the least. Will be playing a wide range of hip hop starting out with old school and making my way to more current influences. :-).

M.G.

Hell Razah Undergoes Surgery

Wu Tang Clan affiliate Hell Razah is recovering after undergoing surgery for a brain aneurysm. The rapper, real name Chron Smith, was admitted to a U.S. hospital last Tuesday and went under the knife on Wednesday. Doctors insist Smith, who is in a coma, is recovering well and is expected to regain consciousness later this week.

Wu Tang Clan collaborator Bronze Nazareth confirmed the news in a post on his Twitter.com account and called on fans to pray for the hip-hop star. He wrote, "Hell Razah... Yo Lord push thru (sic) this! Much love fam (family) your blessings are needed so fight thru it (sic)!!! All Love."

Article from /jam.canoe.ca
http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/2010/04/13/13562376-wenn-story.html

M.G.

Krs-One Comes to Pittsburgh

A man who needs no introduction or bio, hip hop legend Krs-One will be performing Friday, April 23rd @ Shadow Lounge 9 pm. Tickets are $25 and at the bottom of the page will be a link to purchase them. This is an over 21 show. Please support the Shadow Lounge, here is there facebook link.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4205829&id=39442731149#!/pages/Pittsburgh-PA/Shadow-Lounge/39442731149?ref=ts

To Buy Tickets:
http://www.showclix.com/event/9176/

M.G.

Just A Bad Ass Pic

Diabolic Debut Album

For those of you who are Immortal Technique fans, the name Diabolic is familiar in your vocabulary. He has made some very solid contributions to Tech's catalouge and now he's coming strong on his own. (It's about freaking time!) Diabolic's debut album titled, Liar & a Thief will drop on April 6. For those of you are not familiar with Diabolic, he has laid down some intense verses on Immortal Technique's Payback, Diabolical and Peruvian Cocaine just to name a few. I was able to see him live when Tech came into town and I left and even bigger fan of both of them. I"m looking forward to this release and hope it's as good as it should be!

M.G.

Good Recovery For Guru

The reports have indicated that Guru has had a successful string of surgeries and has a good healthy future ahead of him with recovery. I'm sure everyone is happy to hear the news!.

M.G.

Pray for Guru

Legendary artist Guru of the famed Gangstarr has been in a coma as of this past weekend. We pray for you to get well.

http://www.billboard.com/news/gang-starr-s-guru-in-coma-after-heart-attack-1004071684.story#/news/gang-starr-s-guru-in-coma-after-heart-attack-1004071684.story

M.G.