Tag Archives: dj

DJ Appreciation and Recognition Holiday Toast Takes Place at the Brooklyn Chophouse

DJ Appreciation and Recognition Holiday Toast Takes Place at the Brooklyn Chophouse

“DJ Appreciation and Recognition Holiday Toast” hosted by American Values 2024 was a unique and exciting event that combined the celebration of DJs, holiday cheer, and political engagement. The gathering at the Brooklyn Chophouse in Times Square featured notable DJs like DJ Self, DJ Will, DJ Riz, and DJ Eclipse along with industry insiders Tramell Thompson and Joseph Mitchell (“Smitty”), who were not only celebrated talent but also had the opportunity to learn about Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s presidential run. 

Candace McDonald, the CEO of American Values 2024, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the importance of DJs in spreading messages. The event not only celebrated the DJs but also provided a platform to share the presidential platform of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. It seems like a creative way to engage with the music industry and promote political awareness. 

The surprise performance by hip-hop legend Alskratch, especially with his hit song “Where My Homiez?” on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, added an authentic touch to the event. The connection to the history of hip-hop likely resonated well with the audience. 

The event successfully achieved its intended purpose by bringing together influential DJs who have the power to spread messages, similar to any media outlet. The attendees left eager to learn more about American Values 2024 and its support for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as an independent candidate facing challenges in securing equitable media coverage. 

For those interested in more information about American Values 2024 and its support for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., visit av24.org.  

DJ Eclipse DJ Riz
DJ Eclipse DJ Riz

The post DJ Appreciation and Recognition Holiday Toast Takes Place at the Brooklyn Chophouse first appeared on The Source.

The post DJ Appreciation and Recognition Holiday Toast Takes Place at the Brooklyn Chophouse appeared first on The Source.

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Big Daddy Kane Talks DJ Stint Before Becoming An MC In New Interview

Big Daddy Kane Promotional Visit In Chicago

Source: Raymond Boyd / Getty

One of the genre’s greatest talents is detailing his career like never before. Big Daddy Kane reveals his transition from being a DJ to a God MC in a new interview series.

As spotted on HipHopDX, the Brooklyn native linked up with his long-time friend and peer MC Search. The founding member of 3rd Bass has launched a new podcast titled Did I Ever Tell You The One About which focuses on providing our legends a platform to speak on their career and more. The “Ain’t No Half-Steppin’” rapper has been slotted for the first season and it is primed to be a piece of very memorable content.

In the teaser, the Juice Crew member explains that he was originally manning the wheels of steel prior to picking up a microphone as DJ Sir Romeo.

Kane goes on to paint a vivid picture of his early years growing up in Brooklyn with his parents and brother Shane.  He also takes the listeners on what those early park jams were like where the DJs would play classics and party-goers who had the courage would reach for the microphone.

As Kane himself started to become an MC, he’d travel from project to project battling anyone that also rhymed. While BDK does the majority of the storytelling, we get additional commentary from Disco Ritchie, Little Daddy Shane, A.B. Money, Steve Brown, Cliff Love, and Grandmaster Caz.

The first season of Did I Ever Tell You The One About will highlight Big Daddy Kane over the span of nine episodes. You can listen to the first episode here.

Photo: Getty

Source: HipHopWired.com

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Celebrities Call for Justice for DJ Henry, Wants Case to be Re-Opened

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Some of your favorite black celebrities are linking up to call for the reopening of a 10-year-old case that resulted in the death of an unarmed Black man at the hands of Pleasantville police.

On October 17th, 20-year-old Danroy “DJ” Henry Jr was shot and killed by a white officer, Aaron Hess, in New York. Henry was unarmed, and although the case made it way to the grand jury, no charges were filed.

Today, celebrities such as Rihanna, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Pharrell Williams, Odell Beckham Jr, Charlize Theron, Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson, and more have gathered together to sign a petition and send a letter demanding justice to Attorney General William Barr on Monday.

“As the Department knows, this agonizing case remains an unhealed wound for the Henry family and the people of New York,” the letter states. “More concerning, even a cursory review of the fact pattern of what occurred distills more questions than answers.”

The celebrities continue by urging the department of justice to take new evidence “into true account.”

“The DOJ must truthfully determine whether a pattern and/or practice of discrimination played a role in the case of DJ Henry — and if it did — deliver the justice that restores this young man’s name and reputation, while giving hope to other young black men who are just like him and desperate for change,” the letter continues.

According to an officer’s report, Danroy was out celebrating with friends when approached by police and asked to move his vehicle from the fire lane. Danroy then allegedly put his foot on the gas and rammed into two officers, causing one of the officers to shoot the college student to death.

According to witnesses, when attempting to move his vehicle, an officer stood in front of him and shot him to death.

Purportedly, ballistics bolster this hypothesis, as this theory is in accordance with the direction of the shots that were fired, and that the officers weren’t in harm’s way.

The letter ends by urging DA Barr to re-open the case and “probe the wrongful death.”

We will keep you updated on this story.

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Today in Hip Hop History: Nas Releases His Iconic ‘Illmatic’ Album 26 Years Ago

26 years ago today, Nas dropped his debut LP ‘Illmatic‘. Released on by Columbia Records in 94’ Nas recorded the album at Chung King Studios, D&D Recording, Battery Studios, and Unique Recording Studios in New York City. Produced by DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S. and Nas himself; the bangers on the album will be embedded in Hip Hop culture as classics merely based upon it’s production alone.

The album sold 60,000 in the first week and debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart. On January 17, 1996, the album was certified gold by the RIAA in 2001 it earned a platinum certification after shipping 1,000,000 copies in the United States alone.

Lyrically, Nas delivered street certified verses on ‘Illmatic‘ that influenced the majority of the 90’s and is regarded as one of the greatest LP’s of all time by critics and major publications globally.

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Today in Hip Hop History: Nas Releases His Iconic ‘Illmatic’ Album 26 Years Ago

26 years ago today, Nas dropped his debut LP ‘Illmatic‘. Released on by Columbia Records in 94’ Nas recorded the album at Chung King Studios, D&D Recording, Battery Studios, and Unique Recording Studios in New York City. Produced by DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S. and Nas himself; the bangers on the album will be embedded in Hip Hop culture as classics merely based upon it’s production alone.

The album sold 60,000 in the first week and debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart. On January 17, 1996, the album was certified gold by the RIAA in 2001 it earned a platinum certification after shipping 1,000,000 copies in the United States alone.

Lyrically, Nas delivered street certified verses on ‘Illmatic‘ that influenced the majority of the 90’s and is regarded as one of the greatest LP’s of all time by critics and major publications globally.

The post Today in Hip Hop History: Nas Releases His Iconic ‘Illmatic’ Album 26 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

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Pete Rock Recreates “They Reminisce Over You” Behind The Turntables (Video)

Last Wednesday (May 22) at New York City’s Chelsea Music Hall, Pete Rock celebrated the release of his latest instrumental album, The Return Of The SP1200, with a party. Of course, Rock had to show off his DJing skills and have some fun of his own. He jammed with a band that included a respected cast of Daru Jones, Marcus Machado, and MonoNeon. Ambrosia For Heads was in the building to catch the momentous affair. Meanwhile, “The Chocolate Boy Wonder” posted up behind the turntables and other sound-providing equipment. While spinning some records and showcasing his chops and scratching talents, Rock gave his crowd a smooth transition from a classic joint he sampled for one of his most beloved creations, 1992’s “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.).” Pete Rock Speaks To Video Music Box After The Death Of Trouble T. Roy That Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth class samples Tom Scott & The California Dreamers’ brassy cover of the Jefferson Airplane track, “Today”. From Mecca And The Soul Brother, “T.R.O.Y.” features some legendary saxophone riffs that echo and loop throughout its benchmark Hip-Hop/Jazz fusion. P.R. shows off the beat connection between the brass heard on “Today” by playing his sample’s source, while flawlessly transitioning into his and C.L.’s homage to Heavy D & The Boyz’ “Trouble T. Roy,” who died from a fall in 1991. Rock shows off his skills once again, as he casually allows “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” to play out. The cool, jazzy influence is definitely noted. Stream A Collection Of Previously Unreleased Pete Rock Beats From The 1990s (Audio) #BonusBeat: Some additional footage from AFH of Pete Rock jamming out with the band. Make sure you follow us on Instagram for more exclusive footage, clips, and Hip-Hop love.

Source: AmbrosiaForHeads.com

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Biz Markie’s 30-Year-Old Springtime Anthem Still Feels Fresh & Bright (Video)

Across the globe, temperatures are rising this week. In less than seven days, spring is officially here (March 20). While for many Mid-Atlantic and northerners, that is no guarantee that snowfall is done for the time being, it is a reminder that the coats, gloves, and scarves can usually go to the back of the closet. In Hip-Hop, many songs reflect the changing seasons, usually at a symbolic level. When it comes to the month of March and what many Heads are experiencing this week, few made an anthem better than the Diabolical Biz Markie. While B-I-Z’s gold-certified sophomore LP, The Biz Never Sleeps may be best remembered for containing his crossover hit “Just A Friend,” the song right before it on the Cold Chillin’/Warner Bros. Records LP is also a jewel from the nearly 30-year-old release. Ever See This ’91 Cypher With Leaders Of The New School, Biz Markie & More? (Video) “Spring Again” is a whimsical nod to this time of year. “Don’t you like when the winter’s gone / And all of a sudden it starts gettin’ warm / The trees and the grass start lookin’ fresh / And the sun and sky be lookin’ their best / Birds be singin’, flowers be bloomin’  / A lot of brand new cars be zoomin’ / Fly girls lookin’ the best they can be,” Biz begins in the song. The MC/producer/DJ utilizes his cadence on a simple but effective rhyme. By the second and third verses, the artist born Marcel Hall uses the idea of spring to address renewal as it applies to love and broken hearts. As spring is the time of year where people are outside, enjoying scenery and nature, so should hurt lovers, looking for the next apple of attraction. Moving away from children’s nursery rhymes, Biz references STDs, prostitutes, and drug peddlers without getting heavy-handed. He does it all with his unique charms, making the kind of Hip-Hop that seemingly possesses something for everybody. Produced by Biz and DJ Cool V, the song involves multiple, far-reaching samples from the ’60s and ’70s. As the Juice Crew member was stepping beyond Marley Marl’s creations, he pulled from Third World, James Brown, Manzel, Lee Dorsey, and Roberta Flack records. This, of course, was pre-All Samples Cleared Biz, and some of his best work. Bumpy Knuckles & Biz Markie Team Up For A Video With A Purpose. Check It Out, Y’all. Like the lyrics, the video is fun, colorful, and imaginative. The Biz and Cool V hit the links, perhaps inspired by Caddyshack. There is a DJ coffin connected to a golf-cart, a drag race down the fairway, and some cheap animations of the Diabolical doing his best John Daly impersonation with the driver. As the sequence unfolds, the Long Island, New York representative and his sidekick take on personas that pull from pirates, Little Richard, and Lou Rawls—who Biz mimics with his baritone chorus. Along with the fun, Biz flosses with gold chains on a plush estate and in a 1920s kit car. One of the more successful-yet-respected MCs of 1989 is still enjoying the good life, while haters continue to catch the vapors. Meanwhile, Cool V (who recently authored a book inspired, in part, by this album) does some impressive turntable tricks. Biz Markie’s music videos age well, just like this message. Other Ambrosia For Heads Do Remember Features As spring is in the air, put some overlooked Biz in your speakers with some enduring vibes. Several Biz Markie videos are available in the Video Music Box collection of AFH TV. We are currently offering free 30-day trials.

Source: AmbrosiaForHeads.com

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Idris Elba Is A DJ Turned Nanny In New Netflix Series ‘Turn Up Charlie’ [Video]

Idris Elba in Turn Up Charlie stills 1

Source: Nick Wall/Netflix / NICK WALL/NETFLIX

The world’s sexiest man plans to show more of his comedic range on his next project. Idris Elba is starring in a new sitcom that finds him as a live in babysitter.

As spotted on Vibe the Golden Globe award winner will play a washed up DJ trying to get his life together in Turn Up Charlie. In the trailer Elba’s character is clearly on a career slump until he reconnects with an old friend who is married to a world famous DJ. Days later he gets a call from his buddy with an offer for work with his star wife but the opportunity has nothing to do with music.

To rebuild his struggling music career he takes a nanny job watching over their 11-year-old daughter. Providing childcare is clearly out of the life long bachelor’s wheelhouse which provides the basis of the humorous plot. The series also stars Piper Lisa Perabo and JJ Feild; Elba also serves as an executive producer.

Turn Up Charlie will debut on Netflix on March 15 with eight episodes slotted for the first season. You can view the official trailer below.

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Source: Nick Wall/Netflix / NICK WALL/NETFLIX

Photo: NICK WALL/NETFLIX

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