Pete Rock

Shouts to Nick for telling me about these video sessions. Crazy.

Emskee

I hit the studio a few days ago with NY native 'Emskee', most know as the mc for a group called the 'Good People'. We met a while ago after seeing him DJ at the local bar, Black Betty's down the street from my apartment in Brooklyn. After realizing our similar tastes in music, it seemed only natural to start making music together.

For a quick intro, check the video below for 'These Times' that he recorded as the 'Good People' back in 07.

Pete Philly & Perquisite

I know it's an old track, but these guys were way ahead of their time. How many hip hop producers do you know that can play the cello?! They have a wicked new album called 'Mystery Repeats', which seems to be doing really well in Europe, judging from their packed live shows.

Nujabes

reflection eternal


Seeing this video makes me feel good about music again. It's so simple and it acts like a soundtrack to thoughts. It seems like all Japanese beat-makers have an impeccable taste for jazzy instrumental hip hop.

The Rare Radio Show

Last night I had the pleasure of coming into the studio and checking out the live sets played on WBAI 99.5fm's Rare Radio Show. It was 10 hours of soulful dance music, hosted by G-man and Jay Smooth. These guys have been spinning rare disco/boogie/funk beats on the show since 1999, and are real serious about records. Here are a couple of photos:


Dj Emskee


Dj Monk One (Waxpoetics)

To top the night off, on the way home I stumbled across this act playing at Union Square station. From deep disco records at the radio, to the muppets doing their rendition of 'Sexyback' on a train platform. Only in NYC...

Assembly Line EP Launch

Just found this footage from the Assembly Line EP launch party and it looked like an awesome night. From what I have heard of the EP so far it sounds incredible. Man I wish I was there to see the show, but i'm happy there's some footage. Make sure you grab a copy of the wax via their myspace. Cardboard City Records bringing the freshest beats around!

Doesn't look like i'm leaving the apartment today...heavy snow storm in NY.

Merry Xmas From Chin Chin

A very chin chin christmas


I came across Brooklyn band 'Chin Chin' a few months ago on the net, and went to see them play live at the Studio at Webster Hall. Their live show is full of energy, and unlike many bands they sound just as good on stage as they do on their recordings.
I met their trombone player after the show waiting for a subway on the L line, and he came around later that week and did some recording over a song I'm working on. I'm really happy with how it came out, and his playing fit perfectly to the track.
I would describe their sound as similar to the Dap-Kings, but with more of a late 70's modern soul/boogie feel.

They're offering a free download of some of their new songs as a 'christmas gift', and you can download them here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/joi7ki

Here's a preview of one of their new ones:

Chin Chin - Go There With You