The Lab

MC AMBITION

2010-11-19T15:48:00.000-08:00

music mixed by omega nyc... hip-hop joints and a nice remix surprise at the end! (29:33) going out to pipomixes... I still get on the tables to chef something up, but not that often, so enjoy!

What does Touche et Lele Pu mean?

2010-11-19T14:51:00.000-08:00

Music inspired by that classic De La Soul intro question.... What does Touche et Lele Pu mean? I still have no clue! But this was the musical journey I took in search of the answer.

Can Hip-Hop Be This Smooth Again

2010-06-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

Nottz: New Single

2010-05-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

2010-05-22T05:43:00.000-07:00

hip-hop high school pictures

2010-03-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

Guess who! If you need a good laugh or two.

click here to see more photos

Funky Drummer

2010-03-02T11:08:00.001-08:00

New York to the Heart

2010-02-21T08:12:00.000-08:00

DJ Riz - Live from Brooklyn - download/listen to the mix

Originally titled Live from Harlem, I tried to pick up where Riz finished on Live from Brooklyn. The mix actually goes in a different direction so I called it live from 148th instead.
All the tracks are well known and the run time is about 30 minutes. Expect quick transitions and blends.

download/listen to live from 148th

Moving Forward and Looking Back

2010-01-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

KYLE STYLE: 5 Standout Tracks On Lost & Found from UR Chicago on Vimeo.

A new BBE release that I am sure will be sought after once hip hop producers get there hands on some of these tracks to chop up. 2010 is looking promising! 1/19/2010 will be a good day to go to the record store.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

Peace world. This is the year for independent labels and artist to shine!

Keeping in tune with my mission of saving the music I would like to start the year off right by giving my thanks to the Freestyle Professors for being true and living examples of how important it is to save the music and this culture we know as hip hop.

Freestyle Records independently pressed up this lost treasure by Showbiz & AG - "Broken Chains". This LP is a must have on vinyl. Even if you don't spin, add this record to your collection and thank the Freestyle Professors later. I am in the process of getting my copy ordered as well.

If anyone out there follows independent labels and catalogs take time to check out Freestyle Records.

Save the music and support those keeping hip hop alive.

official Freestyle Professors website

snippets from Broken Chains - zshare link

catalog for sale - direct link

omega:nyc - hip hop freaks mixtape

2009-12-06T10:05:00.001-08:00

download/listen to the mix

run time:approx 37 min

recorded november 29th, 2009

hip hop's new generation

2009-12-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

two of my favorite producers in hip hop speaking on there own ambitions and opinions

Production by omega:nyc

2009-11-22T22:47:00.000-08:00

When I get inspired, I sometimes hop on my beat production weapon of choice and create beats. I chopped up the intro of a soul record and looped up some drums from cracker beats. The lyrics are from Bumpy Knux. The result is a remix of "I Come To War"/Got Ya Gun is my title.

Plug in some headphones for optimal listening: time - 2 minutes

click here to listen to the track

1983 Mixed by OmegaNYC

2009-11-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

Tracklist

CANDYMAN - MARY JANE GIRLS
WHITELINES - FLASH & THE FURIOUS 5
OWNER OF A LONLEY HEART - YES
ROCK IT - HERBIE HANCOCK
LET'S STAY TOGETHER - TINA TURNER
LET'S DANCE - DAVID BOWIE
HIPS - MTUME
BABY BE MINE - MICHAEL JACKSON
TONIGHT - THE WHISPERS
YOU WON'T MISS LOVE - SHALAMAR
ENCORE - CHERYL LYNN
AIN'T NOBODY - CHAKA KHAN
ALL NIGHT LONG - LIONEL RICHIE
SHE'S LOOKING LIKE A HOBO - MALCOLM MCLAREN
WORLD'S FAMOUS - MALCOLM MCLAREN
DIN DA DA - GEORGE KRANZ
BILLIE JEAN - MICHAEL JACKSON
SWEET DREAMS - EURHYTHMICS
HOLIDAY - MADONNA
EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE - THE POLICE
ONE ON ONE - HALL & OATES
GET IN TOUCH - COLLAGE
A LITTLE SPICE - LOOSE ENDS
BETWEEN THE SHEETS - ISLEY BROTHERS
STAY WITH ME - DEBARGE
ANGEL - ANITA BAKER

DOWNLOAD/LISTEN TO THE MIX

Side notes: Read the list of songs (exclude the name of the artist) as if it were one long sentence. Also there are lots of hits that came out in 1983, these few tracks are just selections I put together for a certain 83 vibe that was missing from my batch of 80's mixes. Songs I wanted on this mix but didn't make it - Red Red Wine by UB40, The Crown by Gary Byrd, Nubian Nut by George Clinton, Heaven Only Knows by Teddy Pendergrass and Candy Girl by New Edition.

Can I Say Cold Chillin'

2009-09-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

Mixtape:2HungryBros:MyCrew'sAllThinner!

2009-08-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

Peace world. My name is Omega:NYC and I am a DJ. These are my written words that I dedicate to this web log of mine. I am in the process of figuring out why I decided to keep posting on the blog.

This mix has nothing to do with it but I am happy I found it out there, somewhere, to share. (I ain't rhyming!)

Back to the mix you see posted. This dude named 8thW1 is the main feature in my opinion. The other emcees are there to distract you from the fact that 8thW1 is featured on 6 out of the 23 tracks, which I clearly see as a push from the DJ team - 2HB.

Some might see this as a compilation and others may consider it a mixtape. Whatever you classify this as, take time to listen to the emcees. I miss raw hip hop and there is no better way to revisit that time and space than with a mix of who school rappers over a "rare groove" mixtape.

And what do I mean by that? Rappers spitting over breaks that are not broke!!! That's right... I said it... brakes that aren't broke! Classic tracks that have been sampled, but in this instance are played the entire way through, while we listen to the next hottest mc do his thing.

But I like it... I can't deny it, cause I tried it... but with records, not actual emcees. Anyway I dish it out, this is something you should have in your collection. If for no other reason than the song selection featured. 2HungryBros. stay true to the mixtape game and lace us with dope tracks and exclusive rhymes.

download/listen to this mix

Metal Face Music

2009-08-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

download/listen to this mix

The Chef File:Mixed by OMEGA:NYC

2009-08-14T20:33:00.001-07:00

I made this to hold me over until Cuban Linx II

download this mix : zshare file

Graff in my Heart

2009-07-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

This post goes out to all of those who check the writers block on this blog. Graffiti is a part of my life like the records I spin each day! My eyes still drift off when I see a new burner on the freeway out here in LA. No matter the city or the country graff is essential. So this one here is for all the graffiti artist and anyone out there who enjoys the art form.

Kobe likes Rice

2009-07-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

I don't post about topics like this all the time but after getting hit with alumni mail from my high school I had to represent. I never played basketball but I went to school with a lot of good players. Felipe Lopez was one of the most well known players while I was at Rice. My man Headache went to Rice too for a year but bounced to play for Manhattan Center, Cam'ron's high school. All in all high school was great for me. I held it down with my mixtapes and my classmates held it down on the court.

Thanks to Kobe Bryant for supporting Rice High School.

soul for those who still want it

2009-06-27T00:39:00.001-07:00

Before Slum Village dropped their signature sound on the LP Fantastic Vol2 (2000) their was a young hip hop artist by the name of Dred Scott reshaping the sound of hip hop music then unknown and not yet popularized as of 1994. A few of us may remember a song he did called "Check the Vibe"

This track featured Adriana Evans, a soulful young singer from San Fran who relocated to LA to pursue a career in music. In 1997 she partnered with Dred Scott and the result was her self titled debut album. The album's production is thanks to Dred Scott. If anybody out there missed this album here is a chance to rediscover a classic!

P.S. go back and check Breakin' Combs for that hip-hop vibe we all need in our life. I promise no regrets!

download/listen to this mix

tracklist

love is all around (ppp rmx)
reality (sv mix)
swimming (sv mix)
seein' is believing (sv mix)
hey brother (atcq blend)
in the sun (dela fusion mix)
say you won't (boogie down flatbush mashed)
trippin' (b-boy mashed)
love me (j-ro blend)
heaven
looking for your love
i'll be there (love is all around blend)

Nobody Does It Better

2009-06-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

These mixtapes in my shoe boxes never cease to amaze me. Even though this mix is not Doggtime's best it still holds a special place in the collection. The quality intro is why I bought the tape originally, but as do most mixtapes, the rest seems to grow on you. I get inspired by these mixtapes cause doing blends that make sense takes poise. This era of hip hop was crazy cause I was coppin' mixtapes over albums! From 1996 to at least 2000 mixtapes blew up the artists featured on the tapes. The DJ's who got famous during this time simply mastered the blends. And the tape covers... Yo they definitely had a vision!

download/listen to this mix

RonG 12 & World Wide 2

2009-06-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

Growing up in Harlem has indeed shaped my taste in music and preference for mixtape styles. Lots of heads reminisce about the Kid Capri tapes sold back in the days but forget about the "youngest in charge.... Roooooooooooon G!" Ron was one of the essential dudes holdin' it down for uptown. He was versatile on the mix, playing r & b, hip hop, west coast, east coast, southern rap, everything - so long as it was hot. I always liked Ron G because he would play records all the way thru. In todays world 90 min mixes are unheard of. CD's killed mixtapes and the entire format. But going back in time to re-write history isn't an option so I am here to save the music and bless the world with these two joints from the man who made the polo grounds famous for more than just basketball, mixtapes!

ron g 12 zshare download link

ron g worldwide2 zshare download link

Beat Junkie Radio feat. Kon

2009-06-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

A special treat for all the blog viewers! Here it is Kon on the mix with J.Rocc on the mic. Beat Junkie radio without the ustream feed. This is just a test to see if heads are ready. More episodes to come!

download/listen to this mix

D.E.F.

2009-06-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

2009-06-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

2009-06-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

For those who like to Groove

2009-06-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

2009-06-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

2009-06-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Percee P : Now & Then

2009-06-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Peace world. It isn't often in this digital world of music and mixtapes to come across gems like this. Percee P gave me the go ahead to post this mixtape that he recently compiled. The tracklist omits one of the best tracks on the mix, a cut which features MF Doom. But what we have here is essentially a best of Percee P mix. For those out there who are not fimilar with this legend emcee, consider this the introduction to a true lyricist on the mic.

download/listen to the mix

When the East is in the House

2009-06-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

Mos Def:The Ecstatic

listen to samples via fatbeats.com

Rep the West

2009-06-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

This beat is fire! I'm just happy these two dudes got a chance to make music.

The Best of DJ Quik

2009-06-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

download/listen to this mix

1. America'z Most Complete Artist
2. Sweet Black Pussy
3. Loked Out Hood
4. Get At Me
5. Down, Down, Down feat. Suga Free
6. Tonite
7. Pitch In On A Party
8. I Don't Wanna Party wit U
9. We Still Party
10. Let's Get Down (Tony Toni Toné)
11. Let Me Know (Hi-C)
12. Up 'N Da Club (2nd II None)
13. Hand In Hand
14. Black Mercedes feat. Nate Dogg
15. Do I Love Her? feat. Suga Free
16. Don't Walk Away feat. Suga Free
17. Safe + Sound
18. You'z A Ganxta
19. Dollaz + Sense
20. U Ain't Fresh! feat. Erick Sermon
21. Til Jesus Comes
22. Tha Truth Is... (Mausberg)
23. Trouble RMX
24. Jus Lyke Compton
25. Trust No Bitch (Penthouse Players Clique)
26. Born & Raised In Compton
27. Summer Breeze
28. So Many Wayz
29. 50 Ways feat. Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men
30. Speed
31. Sex Crymee
32. Ni**az Still Trippin' feat. Hi-C
33. Smoke II Much (Fixxers)
34. So Good (Fixxers)
35. Can You Work Wit Dat (Fixxers)
36. I Got That Feelin'
37. Me Wanna Rip Your Girl
38. Chocolate Lover feat. Sexy Leroy & the Chocolate Lovelitez
39. One On 1 feat. El DeBarge

check out matthewafrica at his blogspot

The Super Adventures of Public Enemy

2009-06-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

Written with Chuck D, illustrator Adam Wallenta presents an impressive graphic novel featuring the legendary rap crew Public Enemy. With an original storyline and original illustrations on each of its 152 pages.

The Life of MF Grimm

2009-06-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

I have yet to read the PE graphic novel but this one by MF Grimm is a must have. To all my graff heads in the world this is like the equivalent to Subway Art. I highly recommend the read!

In SENTENCES, Carey chronicles his life in the sometimes glamorous, and often violent, hip-hop industry; from the first time he picked up a microphone at a block party as a youngster, to the day he lost the use of his legs to gang violence, to his incarceration, and eventually, to his self-reinvention and rise back to the top of his game, becoming a Hip-Hop Grand Master and being placed among the pantheon of the culture. No questions are left unanswered and no apologies are made, resulting in what's sure to be a groundbreaking graphic novel.

Enuff vrs. Primo

2009-05-31T04:31:00.000-07:00

Peace to 238 Beats

DJ Enuff on the mix spinning the best of Primo produced tracks.

side a download zshare link

b side download zshare link

2009-05-31T04:20:00.000-07:00

Peace to Pipomixes

Just some shoebox flavor for everybody to enjoy. You won't find this anywhere else!

download/listen to this mixtape

The New Summer Cool Out

2009-05-31T00:59:00.000-07:00

Click the image above to view track list

download/listen to this mix

source:tapemasta

No words except enjoy and understand mixtape dj's put in work! Even when they cover mixtapes! That's right this mix is a cover... but its far from a rip its a dope tribute to the original.

Big L R.I.P.

2009-05-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

POST ONE HUNDERD

2009-05-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

100 DROPS FROM :OMEGA:NYC: THANK YOU TO ALL THE BLOG VIEWERS

TRACK LIST

Shook Ones, Pt II - Mobb Deep
All About the Benjamins - Puff Daddy
Rock Box - Run-D.M.C.
The Message - Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Mona Lisa - Slick Rick
Treat 'Em Right - Chubb Rock
Mama Said Knock You Out - LL Cool J
Missin’ Linx – M.I.A.
The Next Episode - Dr. Dre
The Choice Is Yours - Black Sheep
Scenario - A Tribe Called Quest
Crossover – EPMD
Slow Down - Brand Nubian
Rock Dis Funky Joint - Poor Righteous Teachers
Eric B. is President - Eric B. & Rakim
They Want Efx – Das Efx
Trends of Culture – Off and On
No Delayin’ – Nice & Smooth
I Don’t Care – Audio Two
D E F – Doug E Fresh
I’ll Do 4 U – Father MC
Gettin’ Funky – Kid n’ Play
Off The Books – Beatnuts
Fine Tune The Mic – Maestro & Showbiz
Iced Down Medallions – Royal Flush
Just To Get A Rep – Gang Starr
Cappucino – MC Lyte
2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted – 2 Pac
Amerikkka’s Most Wanted – Ice Cube
PIGS – Guilty Simpson
F The Police – Jay Dee
Get Lifted – Kieth Murray
Come Clean – Jeru The Damaja
Danger – Blahzay Blahzay
The Brownout – Sputnik Brown
The Love Song – K-OS
Superstar – Lupe Fiasco
Check One, Two – Diamond D
#1 Player – Red Hot Lover Tone
Players – Slum Village
One Two One Two – Kool Keith
Ninety Nine – John Forte
Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See – Busta Rhymes
Can’t Do Nuttin’ For Ya Man – Flava Flav
J Beez Comin’ Through – Jungle Brothers
You Know My Style – Nas
Rider Pt. 2 – 50 Cent
The Truth – Fat Joe
C.R.E.A.M. – Wu Tang
Wamp Wamp – Clipse
Oh My Lord – Junior M.A.F.I.A.
Warning – B.I.G.
All For The Love – Jadakiss
Beaches & Crème – The Rose Family
The Movement – Strong Arm Steady
Move – OhNo
Cold Steel – Phat Kat
Streets Move – Big Shug
Grit Dat Grime – Freestyle Professor
Rapperfection – Edan
Road To The Riches – Kool G. Rap
Billy –Kid Capri
2 Tons – Natural Elements
Oooh! – De La Soul
Keep It Live – El The Sensei
Thin Line – Rasco
Work The Angles – Dilated Peoples
Alright – Visonaries
Go For Mine – Buc Fifty
Jitterbug Fonk – Eagle Nebula
9th Wonder – Digable Planets
We Roll – Jim Jones & Max B
Pull It – Cam’Ron & DMX
It’s Me – Swizz Beats & Lil Wayne
Tonight’s The Night – Redman
I Got To Have It – Ed O G
Spacey – Large Professor
Fazers – King Geedorah
Napoleon Dynamite – Mos Def
I’m Still # 1 – Boogie Down Productions
Just Rhymin’ With Kane – Just Ice & Big Daddy Kane
Let The Ho’s Go – Naughty By Nature
Here Comes The Lords – Lords Of The Underground
Reservoir Dogs – Jay-Z
Dangerous – OC & Big L
Freestyle With Remy Martin – Big Pun
Ready 2 Attack – Special Ed
Thin Line – Dice Raw
93 Til’ Infinity – Souls Of Mischief
Who Got The Props – Black Moon
Let It All Hang Out – A.D.O.R.
Go! – Common
Go With The Flow – Pete Rock & CL Smooth
Cherchez La Ghost – Ghostface Killah
Love Is The Message –Cappadonna & Raekwon
Let’s Get Blown – Snoop Dog
Blow The Whistle – Too Short
Tell Me When To Go – E-40
Dreadlocks – Murs
Rosa Parks - Outkast

DOWNLOAD/LISTEN TO THIS MIX

De La Soul was Dead

2009-05-10T12:38:00.000-07:00

What better than a De La Soul mix to start the week off. DJ Manifest put this mix together which features some of De La's best tracks. The beauty of the mixtape game is experiencing each DJ's style and their unique way of blending our favorite tracks. I got put on to this mix by my young homie J.Ross. Run time is about 75 minutes and the mix has definite replay value.

download/listen to this mix

Aries Spears

2009-05-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

So this is what happens when you smoke ghost weed? You can rap and sound like your favorite mc's! I guess DeLaSoul wasn't joking about this stuff after all

Doom vrs. Ironman : When Armor Collides

2009-05-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin...? This mix is not new at all. Its one that I have had on the shelf for years now. But the mix is one that I made because of my love of the marvel universe and the mc's in hip-hop that personified these characters. Ironman is the one and only Tony Stark, better known as Ghostface Killer in the hip hop community. Doom is simultaneously known as Kool Keith and Mr. Dumile formerly of KMD, but also known as Viktor Vaughn.

As for the mix it was created at a time when no mistakes were allowed! What do I mean by that? No four tracking, no editing, no second takes. Good mixing and planing went into this masterpiece. I can't front on tape mixing because it made me the dj I am today. I used to rock this mix everyday after i made it. It took weeks to perfect, mastered with two turntables and a sampler for the sound bites.

So enjoy and peep this mix by none other than OmegaNyc

P.S. - this mix is like a choose your own adventure book - you decide the winner! And since this marvel adventure actually took place you can go get the comics and see for yourself.

download/listen to this mix

This Mix Brought To You By The Letter C

2009-04-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

Track List

The Letter C Intro
Chemical Brothers - Block Rockin’ Beats
Common - The Game
Camp Lo - Glow
Camp Lo - Lumdi
Canibus - Get Retarded
Common & Canibus - Making A Name For Ourselves
Choclair - Flagrant
Craig G - Droppin’ Science
Cormega - Take Mine
CNN -Calm Down
CNN - Stick You
Craig Mack - Get Down
Cassidy - I’m A Hustla
Curtis Mayfield - Freddie’s Dead
Camu Tao - Hold The Floor
Cannibal Ox - Vein
Consequence - Job Song
Cracker Beats - The Funky Punani Break
Common - Can-I-Bust
Common - Soul By The Pound
Crooklyn Dodgers - Crooklyn
Cella Dwellas - Wassdaplan
Company Flow - Lune TNS
Chubb Rock - Dummy Smacks
Cam’Ron - Live My Life
Cypress Hill - Latin Lingo
Channel Live - Mad Izm
Clipse - Mr. Me Too
Cool C - Enemy Territory
CRU - Bubblin’
Cracker Beats - Bitches Brew
Camp Lo - Cookers
Cracker Beats - Daisy Lady
Casual - Thoughts Of The Thoughtful

Download/Listen to the Mix

Music City

2009-04-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know much about this dj but I do know he likes diggin' for music. So kick back and enjoy this weekend with a mix you may or may not have already heard by a cat named bowls.

Peace to Bowls - I hear you spinning that Mtume! But it ain't juicy! Props for that one. Dam-Funk too... you got it on this one... this mix is like a set at the do-over out in LA.

download/listen to the mix (zshare link)

Originals & Remixes

2009-04-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

peace to justice for requesting this mix

zshare download link

any mixtape requests are welcomed, I have plenty of vinyl and time to get creative... in fact I think I need the motivation more than anything else. save the music and request those mixes you want that don't exist... but remember I mix vinyl... you know what I mean right?

Clockin':The Hustla's Mix

2009-04-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

Clockin'... What is it? Is it an idea dedicated to the art of drug dealin' or more than just the selling of drugs?

clockin'

hustlin', sellin anything to get money

clockin'

Hustlin'. Selling weed, sneakers, woman, what ever as long as its a hustle

	clockin'
	To check-out or watch something. Man I be clockin' da hoes at duh club. Hoping to get up n'im tonight yo.

what ever your definition of clockin' is, so be it... this mix goes out the the heads I know on the grind trying to make it the only way they know how... check the mix and feel the vibe... save the music.

Peace to NYC and LA

Tracklist

Brothers Gonna work it out Intro
Terminator X - PE
Clock Work - Juelz Santana
I'm A Hustla - Cassidy
Same Team, No Games - NY G's
Footwork - Guilty Simpson
Fall Back - Peedi Crack
Half Baked - MF Grimm
A Beautiful Mind - Cormega
Get Down or Lay Down - Planet Asia
Sport - Ultimate Breaks & Beats
Night of the Living Baseheads - PE
Kid Charlemagne - Steely Dan
Soul Clap - Styles P
Crack Music - Kanye West
Heaven - Moody Man

download/listen to this mix

Scion Mixtape Tribute

2009-04-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

download/listen to disc one vol. 19

download/listen to disc two vol. 19

download/listen to vol. 10

download/listen to vol. 8

download/listen to vol. 7

Hello Again - OmegaNyc

2009-04-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

Peace world... Shout out to the # 1 record store, only in my book, only in LA..... Record Surplus! I haven't posted in a minute and this store is the reason why. I have been on the search for some new music to listen to and I have discovered it. Red Clay... First Light... these cuts off this album (pictured above) take me back to the time and place when discovery in hip hop was treasured and further more, respected. What was diggin' before DITC created the phrase? Just heads lookin' for that sound to fill their ears. With music so readily available and at the click of a button I find the past time of record collecting and diggin' refreshing!

So refreshing, to the point that I have discovered breaks for the new music I enjoy. Creation is limitless! We as listeners and music collectors have an obligation to save the music. And this is where it begins.

This is the prelude! Let's keep open minds and save the music!
Waxpoetics.... is down with us
PipoMixes..... is down with us
Saving fresh music is a must!!!........

Video : Doin' it in the Park

2009-04-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Always good to see DJ's keepint the breaks alive and actually finding new ones!

Art work by Kutmah

2009-04-15T00:32:00.000-07:00

The same DJ who took you on that trip shows you where you went in this detailed sketch.

Kutmah:Live in 09

2009-04-15T00:28:00.000-07:00

Take another trip and this time listen closely!

Listen to the mix

Kutmah:On the Mix in 06

2009-04-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

Music for those who want to take a trip without leaving the house.

Listen to the mix

Cut Chemist

2009-04-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Watch this then listen to The Audience's Listening by Cut Chemist.

2009-04-13T20:32:00.001-07:00

No records! No tables! What!!!

2009-04-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

I am dropping this one because I think this release flew under the radar but was very well constructed. You might ask is it a mixtape or an album? I am not sure. But when crate diggers get a chance to make music I think the DJ in them takes the lead. Enjoy this musical masterpiece!

download this mix

2009-04-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

Recorded live at The Future Primitive Soundsession, May 25th 1997. All effects and mixes were unrehearsed and improvised in five turntables by The Cut Chemist and Shortkut. The audience was unintentionally recorded through the turntables styluses.

Go Diggin'

2009-04-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Insightful video dedicated the the art and skilled trade of beat diggin'. This documentary features members of D.I.TC. and Da Beat Minerz. I buy records like crazy! But beat diggers go deep underground to find gems. Thank you diggers, beat makers and producers for finding those dope breaks and chef-n them into classic hip hop tracks.

Just a little more... Peep Dj Muro at the end of this clip.

Rekonstrukted

2009-04-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Its friday! Time time to chill and listen to the Bay Area's chief rocka.

download this mix

First in Flight Mixtape

2009-04-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

download this mix

Up from the 36th Chamber

2009-04-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

To any record collector out there or dj that digs this is a must have. I can't thank the Daptone and Truth&Soul labels enough for putting out vintage soul that's new to our ears. Now we can add Fat Beats to the list with this new release by El Michels Affair set to hit the stores April 21st.

For Enter The 37th Chamber, a name that pays homage to the title of the Wu-Tang Clan's historic debut album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), El Michels Affair, took the time to interpret fifteen of some of the most legendary and well-known Wu-Tang Clan songs, including "Can It All Be So Simple," "Protect Ya Neck," "Cherchez La Ghost," and "Incarcerated Scarfaces." Also included on the album are the El Michel's interpolations of Wu-Tang Clan anthems "C.R.E.A.M." and "Bring Da Ruckus," two songs fans will undoubtedly remember from their previous release as 7" singles through the Truth & Soul label. Similar to the sounds found on those two records, on Enter The 37th Chamber El Michels Affair are able to bring their own astute musicianship, artistic touch, and soul vibe to each instrumental, breathing new life into already classic songs. It was that musicianship and versatile sound that led to El Michels Affair joining the Fat Beats family, and now, two years later, the album is finally ready for the masses.

A Beautiful View

2009-04-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

A sampler of choice beats! Dig in!

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something lovely part 2

2009-04-07T13:40:00.001-07:00

Part 2 of this journey through sound

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something lovely part 1

2009-04-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

A dope mix I coped at APT in NY last year from one of the resident Djs. This is part one of three.

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The Vision

2009-04-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

Most of the mixes I make start off with a grand vision, but are not often manifested. This mix is one of my grand visions completed. Essentially it's a journey through my crates. My Blending Nations brother put the idea out there of creating a dj manifesto and here it is.

DJ : somebody playing recorded music, somebody who plays records or other recorded music, e.g. at a live dance or on the radio.

Manifesto : a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or views of its issuer

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Herbie Jr.

2009-04-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

Legendary mastering and lacquer-cutting engineer who worked for years at Frankford Wayne Mastering Labs’ NYC facility and was responsible for cutting a respectable share of classic Prelude and West End titles, as well as tons of other disco, house, funk, and hip-hop classics over the years.

Herb still cuts vinyl, but most of his business is now in the digital domain, and he now runs his own mastering facility called Powers’ House of Sound in New York City. He almost always includes shout-outs and dedications in the lead-out area of his vinyl work, noted with a signature and a smiley face. He also scratches messages into that area at a label’s request.

I wanted to shine light on this man because he is a true master in the music industry. I first heard about Powers' House from the last verse of Just Hangin' Out by Main Source. Herb is responsible for making some of the dopest hip hop tracks sound dope on wax. As a record collector and digger I buy vinyl because it definitely has a warmer and rich sound, so thank you to all the engineers and record cutters who have mastered their craft. With that said......

Check out this tribute to Herb Powers its worth the read.

LargePro

2009-04-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

I ran into LargePro at the record store last night and it was good to see him still diggin'. The best producers stay on top of their vinyl game. Peep the new album by LargePro as well and enjoy the fresh mix below.

2009-04-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

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89.1 & 89.9 FM in New York City

2009-04-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

One of my best recordings of New York City radio during the 95 season. Martin Moore had ODB on his show while Stretch & Bobito invited AG up to their show. Here are the highlights from both shows. Consider this a radio mixtape cause I would pause and restart to assure I recorded the best parts of the shows.

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april fool's mix

2009-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

I jacked this mix from my cousin many, many, many moons ago. Its an early 90's mix so expect to hear all those up tempo - new jack flavors. The only problem is...... I have no clue who the DJ is! But at the end of the day it doesn't matter. This mix is one of my favorites because of the song selections and the energy the mix has. The unknown DJ speaks with his hands so listen close and enjoy that classic 90's sound!

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UK INVASION

2009-03-31T22:28:00.000-07:00

More flavor from dj chill winston. This mix is a blend of acapellas and deep beats. Tracks from Black Milk, MF Doom, and Flying Lotus bless this mix. Run time is about 30 minutes so enjoy it even if pressed for time.

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S&S - Swerve On

2009-03-30T00:22:00.000-07:00

95 was one of the best years in hip hop but let's not forget about the r&b side. Check out this mix from S&S for that r&b flashback flavor from nine-five.

About 68 minutes into the mix listen for the extended version of Who Shot Ya with Biggie Smalls and Kieth Murry.

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PIPOMIXES

2009-03-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

Something to hold you over till 4-20-09

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DJ Jazzy Jeff

2009-03-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

Your favorite acapellas over fresh new beats. Definitely worth the download.

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Chief Rocka - Fresh Fridays

2009-03-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

One of the best to ever rock the mic back in the day. Whether emceeing or just rockin' the party, Busy Bee was that dude. I remember hearing Cool DJ Red Alert playing Busy Bee records back in the KISS FM days. So I had to dig up this old school tape recorded live at Harlem World. The Def Committe blesses the mic after a guest apperance by Busy Bee on the m.i.c.

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Brand New Heavies

2009-03-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

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Straight Into Compton

2009-03-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

By the 1990s, the mere mention of the name Compton had become so toxic that the nearby southern California suburbs had the city of 100,000 erased from their maps. Its schools were crumbling. Drugs were rampant, and street-gang tensions had escalated into what historian Josh Sides describes as "a brutal guerilla war." The city became the U.S. murder capital, per capita, surpassing Washington with one homicide for every 1,000 residents—and the details were numbing. In 1989, a 2-year-old was gunned down in a drive-by as he wandered his front yard; a 16-year-old was shot with a semiautomatic weapon as he rode his bike. The image of Compton as a defiantly violent ghetto was crystallized by the rap group N.W.A., whose 1988 album, "Straight Outta Compton," went multiplatinum, even though it was banned by many radio stations; the record even attracted the attention of the FBI, which felt the group was inciting violence with its song, "F--- tha Police."

Check out this photo gallery of Compton's history.

In the 1950s and early 1960s, the community was a magnet for migrants seeking suburban tranquility and blue-collar jobs. Trouble brewing in nearby Watts helped spur the settlement of middle-class blacks in Compton—which became known as "Hub City" because of its central location (today it sits amid five freeways and two ports). George and Barbara Bush lived here for a brief time—in 1949, while the senior future President Bush was working as an oil-field-supply salesman.

In 1952, Compton received the National Civic League's "All American Cities" honor, and by 1960, the city's median income was almost twice that of Watts, with an unemployment rate of less than a third, according to Sides, a professor at Cal State Northridge, whose research on Compton was published in the 2004 book, "LA City Limits." In 1963, the city elected its first black politician, Douglas Dollarhide, who would later become the state's first black mayor.

But the Watts riots of 1965 shattered that calm; white business owners fled so fast. In their wake were deserted storefronts and boarded-up homes. The black middle-class population also bolted. Unemployment shot up, along with the crime rate. The Crips were founded in South Central in 1969; the Bloods followed, on Piru Street in Compton, adopting the red color of their local high school, Centennial.

Conditions spiraled downward; a 1982 Rand study declared the city "a disaster area." And that was before crack came to town. Between 1984 and 1991, gang violence in L.A. County increased by 200 percent, with half of all black males between 21 and 24 said to be affiliated, according to a 1992 report by the district attorney's office. By 1991, Compton had its highest number of homicides on record, with 87—or three times the per capita murder rate of the city of Los Angeles.

The tension culminated with the Rodney King riots of 1992, in which more than 50 people were killed. But then the fever broke. Amid the bloodshed, the Bloods and Crips agreed to a truce, and the violence began to subside, slowly but surely. Crime in Los Angeles began declining in 1995 in most major areas; in 1997, the Los Angeles Times reported that, in Watts, gang-on-gang slayings over turf or gang clothing had "virtually disappeared." By 1998, despite having one of the densest gang populations in the country—there are an estimated 65 gangs and 10,000 gang members packed into Compton's 10 square miles—the city's murder rate was its lowest in more than a decade, with 48.

As the economic climate worsens we should all be mindful of how this hip-hop culture plays a part in making life better or worst. Hopeful cities like Compton will not relapse into turmoil. Lets save this music and our communities as well. Peace to all the folks out there working in the communities to help the youth of today.

2009-03-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

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P.Skillz - Because I Love You

2009-03-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Its spring again and love is in the air! Or at least for the man above. Get your spring season off to the right start with this soul mix by Mr. P.Skillz.

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89tek9:Technics negative 1200

2009-03-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

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Live radio at its best was the Stretch Armstrong and Bobito show. This episode is one the funniest shows I ever taped. Stretch was handicapped by non-functional turntables or in his words “technics negative 1200’s”. Bobito was frustrated by the guests on the show who were giving way too many shout outs, but back in the day shout outs were essential - look at any old school hip hip liner notes - shout outs were expected.

This excerpt from their show is about 45 minutes long and features some great music from Lord Grayson and the Artifacts. Tape quality is not the best but I cleaned it up as much as possible. As always, save the music.

Stretch and Bob provided an outlet for people to here music that commercial radio refused to play. In the same fashion Blending Nations is doing the same, stay tuned!

Old School vrs Original School

2009-03-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

Peace world. Today I pose a question to all the Lab viewers – what is old school? Yesterday I put up a post about the new Nat King Cole album Re-Generations. Today I went to the record store to pick it up on vinyl. While I was there in the jazz section an older gentleman informed me that the album I was about to purchase was a “rip-off” and an insult to the original works by NKC. It was apparent to me that this guy was a product of the original school. He had me thinking I was wrong for liking this new adaptation of music by NKC. But before yesterday I didn’t even care about Nat King Cole and his music.

My old school is a lot different from that of the older generation of music lovers, who I label the original school. That school of music has heavily contributed to the music we enjoy called hip-hop. Especially old school hip-hop which has always been mostly sample based.

So is it old school or original school? Which school wears the crown when it comes to style? As a member of this hip-hop culture I have to give it to the old school. Big Daddy Kane said it best on young, gifted, & black – “you’d be another memory to us”. Original school music will always be classic but hip-hop made a lot of those old tunes sound better! Hip-hop has been saving the music for the last 30 years. When Kanye samples an original school tune all of a sudden the original artist is popular again.

Hip-hop simply keeps music current. Re-Generations will introduce a new generation of listeners to Nat King Cole that would have otherwise not considered the legend. To all to original school die hards, give those new renditions a listen. Let’s save the music before we end up worst off!

Listening Pleasure

2009-03-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

To all the hip-hop heads that wish the music of the past had a touch of today's flavor - here it is!
This project features production from the roots, salaam remi, just blaze, will.i.am and many more. Definitely saturday night chill music.

listen to samples from this album

please listen to my mixes

2009-03-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Cuts and efx. Mashups and blends. Classic tracks and mixing. Enjoy!

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a.t.c.q. – butter
mc lyte – I cram to understand you/w come clean (jeru)
lord finesse – strictly for the ladies
b.d.k. – smooth operator
rakim – microphone fiend
soul 2 soul – back to life acapella mix
grand puba w/mary j – check it out
:omega:nyc: psa
b.d.p. – remix for the p is free
whodini – one love
pete rock & cl smooth – lots of lovin w/ rmx
arrested development – people everyday/w whirlwind
sister nancy – bam bam/w whirlwind thru cities(afu-ra)
main source – just hangin’ out rmx
black moon – how many mc’s w/pete rock instrumental
j-88 – look of love
madlib – a.v.e.r.a.g.e. (kazi)
jungle brothers – how you want it
master ace – born to roll rmx
little brother beat break
igt – street music
black milk – hell yeah
nas – the genesis
m.o.p. meets the isley brthers
method man meets maze
rakim meets frisco disco & ewf
nas meets vandross
mob deep meets shalamar
50 cent and whodini meet the o’jays
greg nice meets stevie wonder
smiley the ghetto child – no win situation
mob deep – still shinin’
royal flush – movin’ on ya weak production
camp lo – coolie high
p.r.t. – rock this funky joint
a.t.c.q. – buggin’ out
beatnuts – props over here rmx
heltah skeltah – caca gosa vixen
ten thieves – it don’t matter
lil’ dap – speak ya clout
m.o.p. – salute pt 2

Masterpeace 6

2009-03-19T19:39:00.001-07:00

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your new favorite band

2009-03-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

city of gods

2009-03-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

DELA not DeLaSoul

2009-03-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

This is Dela not DeLaSoul. French producer Dela proved himself to be one of the most promising young producers on his debut full length "Changes of Atmosphere," and this vinyl edition not only includes 5 of the best tracks from that release, but their corresponding instrumentals! Great for DJs, and just as great for the casual listener as Dela's production is some of the smoothest and most polished in recent memory. All-star vocals from Elzhi, Large Pro, Talib Kweli, Blu, and J-Live.

Don't sleep. When I picked up this record I thought it was DeLaSoul but soon enough realized the truth. But if you miss the sound of true hip hop rediscover that passion that's been missing!

Platinum Pied Blending

2009-03-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

Its a sunday and if you are just waking up at 2 in the afternoon then last night must have been good. So start this sunday or any sunday off the way I did with this exceptional mix by DJ Topspin. Peace to Tapemasta for this one.

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TOPSPIN'S PPP REMIXES
PPP vocals meet unreleased & exclusive Waajeed beats...

01. INTRO
02. ACT LIKE U KNOW - PPP ft. J. DILLA
03. YOUR DAY IS DONE - PPP ft. GEORGIA
04. 1 LUV 2 U - PPP ft. NECO RED (NON-ALBUM EXCLUSIVE)
05. SHOTGUN (w/ UNRELEASED DILLA 2nd VERSE) - PPP ft. J. DILLA
06. STAY WITH ME - PPP ft. TIOMBE LOCKHART
07. FEVER - PPP ft. ZENO
08. ONE MINUTE MORE - PPP ft. GEORGIA

TOPSPIN'S DILLA REMIXES:
keepin' it Detroit on em...

09. TALKIN 2 ME (TOP'S DILLA MIX) - AMERIE
10. YOU GETS NO LOVE (THELONIUS FONK RMX) - FAITH EVANS
11. BE HAPPY (INHALE MIX) - THE QUEEN OF HIP-HOP SOUL
12. CAN'T KNOCK THE HUSTLE (THE REMINIX) - JAY-Z ft. MARY J. BLIGE
13. JUSFRIENDS (DILLA LUVLEE RMX) - MUSIQ
14. YOU - LLOYD ft. LIL WAYNE
15. OOOH! (WAAJEED'S FAVORITE RMX) - MARY J. BLIGE
16. DUDE (DILLA DANCEHALL RMX) - BEENIE MAN ft. SHAWNA
17. 1 THING - AMERIE
18. SATURDAY NIGHT - Z'HANE
19. NAUGHTY GIRL ($$$ MAKIN' RMX) - BEYONCE

BONUS PPP REMIX:
20. DEEP INSIDE - PPP ft. SA-RA

Maybe there's an additional bonus PPP remix,
maybe they're isn't...

What has it all meant?

2009-03-14T00:02:00.000-07:00

Am I a Disc Jockey? Am I a DJ? What does it all mean and what has it all meant. I collect records and search for new music to listen to because I have never liked the radio. STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN! Its that simple. If radio was as goods as mixtapes I would never have bought a mixtape or decided to be a deejay. Since "Live At Union Square" by Jazzy Jeff I have always known that DJ's make the record sound better. Believe it or not, the record you like doesn't become a hit until you hear it in the mix. The mix is a level of creation that any one can reach once. Pipomixes, J.Rocc, Dirty Harry, Revolution, MyManHenri, Melody, Neil Armstrong, Spinbad on to Steinski and Double Dee. All of these DJ's have taken music to the next level by throwing songs we like in the mix. To all the people who download mixes - we can agree when you find songs played in the order you like its a great feeling. When Steinski and Double Dee made the lessons I could have cared less! I was too busy listen to New York radio. What I heard has shaped the style of music I like and contributed to my overall opinion of hip-hop. But when you take that blast to the past Ski and Dee hit you hard. They shape the way I feel about the breaks. Its a journey thru the present and the past. I think all DJ's should take that journey thru the present via the past. Let's appreciate the music we had and make it last. A lot of blog viewers were recently feelin the SuperRix mix Ultimate, Ultimate, which revisited the breaks. That mix is the perfect example of how old tracks never get old. Hip-hop don't stop and won't stop. DJ's of the world unite! Keep breakin it up!

Break it Up!

2009-03-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Lessons

2009-03-13T22:42:00.001-07:00

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The Who School Has Arrived

2009-03-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

I call em the "who school" because I can't tell the difference between each artist or group without a tracklist. However the vibe is dope and I think this is the best mixtape I have found to introduce new listeners to their music. Peace to J.Ross for putting me up on this mix.

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A Few Dollars More

2009-03-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Neil Armstrong with Dirty Harry. Off the Hook Part 2 is a classic Dirty Harry mixtape. The mix reminds you of a back in the days when deejays took chances and made mixtapes to stand out from everyone else out there. High in production quality and blends this mix should even impress the most avid mixtapes diggers looking for those gems. Peace to Dirty Harry.

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Hot Buttered Soul

2009-03-11T18:12:00.000-07:00

This is the perfect record label to do a tribute album to Ike.

One of the greats has passed and Truth & Soul has compiled a digital EP of Isaac Hayes covers to pay tribute to one of the most talented and innovative songwriters of the twentieth century. One of the creative forces behind Stax Records, Isaac Hayes has left behind a body of work that includes legendary film score, Shaft, classic albums such as Black Moses and Hot Buttered Soul, to name a few. The EP features versions from El Michels Affair.

Chill Winston

2009-03-10T15:27:00.000-07:00

This one goes out to pipomixes. This mix is crazy! Its on that dj apollo vibe.

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Back on the Blog

2009-03-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the wait. I'm back! This one goes out to RLFM.

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Columbia In My Crates

2009-03-01T17:24:00.000-08:00

A Blending Nations mix of Columbia Records artist.

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wop got the ill street blues

2009-02-28T19:40:00.001-08:00

This mixtape from the legendary DJ Doo Wop was one of my favorites from back in the day. Classic! Don't sleep.

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Twist the Cap

2009-02-27T18:57:00.000-08:00

Listen to this!

This song has the same hook as Tap the Bottle by Young Black Teenagers. I remember this song from way back in 91 before the more popular version by YBT.