Murs and Ali 2: Electric Boogaloo!

We caught up with Murs at the Rock The Bells Press Conference at the Key Club last week, to talk about the label relationship he continues to have- at arms length- as well as well, a bunch of bullshit, frankly. Such as why complaining about the government is no different from complaining about bad service at Taco Bell, and which Summer blockbuster the comic book nerd is most looking forward to (Star Trek!). We may have started a new hip hop beef while we were at it. Well see if Joaquin Phoenix responds.

more about "Murs and Ali 2: Electric Boogaloo! ", posted with vodpod

Feed Your Soul – Noise In The Basement Music Festival

Hey Baltimore: Feeling the sorrow of another year the O’s wont bring home the pennant? Ease your soul with the Noise in the Basement festival, featuringsome of the best in soul and hip hop, including Janelle Monae, Nappy Roots and One Block Radius, featuring my old frined MDA from my Music Plus TV hosting days. MDA, youse is blowin up my friend!

 

The festival takes place September 17th-20th…more information below.

 

MUSIC MONITOR NETWORK BRINGS YOU NOISE IN THE BASEMENT – A FOUR DAY CELEBRATION OF MUSIC, FILMS AND GAMES FEATURING SOUL, R&B AND HIP-HOP ARTISTS SEPTEMBER 17-20 IN BALTIMORE 

Los Angeles, CA- Baltimore is bringing you a four day festival filled with rock, soul, R&B and HIP-HOP music. 

Noise In the Basement is a massive gathering of indie-record stores, representing over 700 stores from the 

US and Canada, in Baltimore, MD. 

Soul and R&B acts on the bill for September 17th are K’NAAN, One Block Radius, and Nappy Roots 

amongst a host of astonishing artists. 

My Crew Be Unruly presents a Tribute to K-Swift on Friday, September 19th at Fletcher’sBar. DJ K- Swift 

was best known as the Queen of Baltimore Club Edgerton’s radio show Off the Hook Radio which aired on 

92.3 WERQ-FM. K-swift masterly orchestrated the rise of Baltimore’s club music onto the airwaves. She was 

also the founder of Club Queen Entertainment, a group focused on creating signature graphics, production 

and management within the music industry. 

The festivities will wind down lavishly at the Sonar Lounge at 407 East Saratoga Street in Baltimore 

featuring Kindred Family Soul, Eric Robeson, Janelle Monae, Noot d’ Noot, and Ndelible, along with 

local celebrity DJ’s and special music industry guests. The event will commence at 8PM, Saturday, 

September 20th. 

Ticket and updated artist info for all events is available at http://www.cdjoint.com/nitb 

Music Monitor Network convenes twice a year, once at the annual NARM meeting and again at a 

separate Music Monitor Network Convention and Creative Conference, called Noise in the Basement, which 

is held in Baltimore, MD in September. 

Music Monitor Network was formed in June of 1997 to benefit both mid-sized independently owned music 

retailers and record labels/distributors. As retailers with 2 to 30 stores, Network account chains are large 

enough to deal direct with the major labels and are considered to be very important accounts in terms of 

breaking artists. By combining the marketing efforts of mid-sized chains across the country, the Music 

Monitor Network allows labels to save time and money by enjoying economies of scale in the execution of 

innovative promotional/advertising campaigns.

MILLION DJ MARCH DROPPING IT HOTSAUCE STYLE ON D.C.

Bringing DJ culture back to it’s roots and shining a spotlight on Dj culture, turntablism, community and activism, this festival will be a mixture of music and speakers, including KRS ONE.

And it’s taking pace in Dubya’s back yard. Torch it for me, guys.

–Ali On The Air

The Million DJ March

DJ’s have been regarded as “underground” since their beginning in the early 1970′s with founders such as Kool Herc and Grand Master Flowers. They were the “Band” to acts until tracks were just played in the background with little to no live presence. DJ’s then went on to “spinning” these records bringing extra life to parties after and during performances adding to fads and trends in music. Using the turntable as an instrument, DJ’s found new ways to utilize their talent by blending, scratching and sampling, giving longevity to the music we hear today. DJ’s are able to give variety to an otherwise 2 or 3 act performance, hyping up the crowd and making night life quite the experience. Influencing what individuals listened to in Clubs and parties effected what individuals wanted to hear personally. Since the beginnings of DJ, technology has advanced, morphing the standard turntable in to a modern engine full of possibility. DJ’s are a community that promote for many forms of corporation, the music industry being just one of them. What DJs say and do can be compared to the effects of a modern day commercial, as we notice on radio broadcasts and their choices in the music they play.Due to the advancement and sudden metamorphosis of their influence in music, there are very few laws protecting this art form as a craft and career. Self sufficient machines threaten this career choice, as so many fear to lose their jobs to in this advancing society. Depending on the audience, a DJ can custom blend the airwaves, to censor otherwise, “restricted” music and control what the masses hear. It is the responsibility of the DJ to make sound decisions based on the age and the want of the audience. The Million DJ March supports all forms of live music and will donate all proceeds from the march to keep music alive in Public Schools. Keeping Children learning.

THE MILLION DJ MARCH ITINERARY (08.29.08 & 08.30.08)

08.29.08 & 08.30.08

• Million DJ March Mix Master Weekend on XM Satellite Radio Station Raw 66 via Sirius XM Radio (August 29th, 2008 & August 30th, 2008 from 12:00PM – 12:00AM)

08.29.08

• 4:00PM – DJ Leggs: Panel Discussion (TBA)
• 6:00PM – DJ Roz: Insurance Dinner
• 7:00PM – Celebrity Basketball Game at The Boys & Girls Club (2500 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20019)
• 10:00PM – Nightclub Festivities (TBA)

08.30.08

• 11:00AM – 8:00PM – The Million DJ March {THE MAIN EVENT} on The National Mall (Washington, DC)
LIVE PERFORMANCES: Bang Bang Boogie, Chuck T, Cory Gunz, DJ Aaries, DJ Geometrix, DJ Nabs, DJ Self, Gillie Da Kid, Jazzy Jay, Joell Ortiz, KRS-One, Kia Shine, Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz, Saigon, The Dey, The Untouchable DJ Drastic, and many more.
• 10:00PM – Nightclub Festivities (TBA)

Sponsored By

Rane
Vitamin Water
Numark
Rock & Soul
Foundation Magazine
ThatsHipHop.com
Adonai
Mixcast TV
XM Radio (Sirius XM)
Thank you for your overwhelming support. See you at the march.

Sincerely,
A. Shaw
COORDINATORS (THE MILLION DJ MARCH)

Please e-mail the correct coordinator(s) regarding your inquiries:

• Sponsorship Coordinator: Gary@TheMillionDJMarch.com
• Sponsorship Coordinator: Marcie@TheMillionDJMarch.com
• Sponsorship Coordinator: Antoinette.Lawson@TheMillionDJMarch.com
• Sponsorship Coordinator: Overok@TheMillionDJMarch.com
• Sponsorship / Major Artist Coordinator: SVisible@TheMillionDJMarch.com
• Major Artist Coordinator: Sommer@TheMillionDJMarch.com
• A. Shaw’s Management (Massive): Wilkins.Chester@gmail.com
• CEO (A. Shaw)
DJ LEGGS: THE MILLION DJ MARCH PANELS

Providence, Rhode Island’s DJ Leggs will coordinate The Million DJ March Panel discussion board during the preceedings of the main event. Many Prominent DJ and artistic personalities will confront subject matters concerning DJ Technology, The Legacy of The Mix Tape, DJ Politics, and The History and Importance of The DJ In Hip Hop. The panels will be short seminars on August 29th, 2008 and August 30th, 2008 with plenty of press coverage and interaction from the crowd. If you are interested in contributing to the panel please contact DJ Leggs via e-mail at DJLeggs@themilliondjmarch.com. We will address a wide array of criteria concerning elements in hip hop culture mainly covering the DJ aspect but not limited to the cultural surroundings of the urban art forms that have transcended within the past 40+ years.
HOTEL BOOKINGS (THE MILLION DJ MARCH)

ATTN: DJs

Book your hotel room now! We have discounted rooms for you.

The Million DJ March will occur on August 30th rain or shine at 11:00AM sharp on The National Mall. Please make posters and/or picket signs as you would any march. Tent space is available for companies wishing to hand out or promote product to the crowd.

Call (202) 266-9000 to book your rooms. Limited rooms are remaining!
INDEPENDENT ARTIST PERFORMANCES (THE MILLION DJ MARCH)

All independent artists looking to perform are advised to contact TheMillionDJMarch@gmail.com immediately.

If you are interested in volunteering please e-mail Promo@TheMillionDJMarch.com

Mr Lif embeds himself in the campaign/election trail

8 years of W. An insane look at what happens when a complacent, paranoid and indifferent country gets caught sleeping.

Sounds like a horror book by Orwell, does it not?

Now hip hop artist Mr Lif will write the epilogue – and hopefully the first chapter in a new story. Hopefully a story about a country’s redemption. Hopefully. Sweet Jesus, it better be…

MR LIF UNVEILS PLANS TO RELEASE NEW MUSIC IN AN UNPRECEDENTED FORMAT!

1-2 NEW TRACKS CREATED, RECORDED AND DIGITALLY AVAILABLE EVERY THREE WEEKS

FIRST SINGLE, ‘I HEARD IT TODAY’, COMING 9/9! FOLLOWING SINGLES RELEASED ON 9/23, 10/14, 11/4 (ELECTION DAY). FULL ALBUM AVAILABLE 1/20/2009 (INAUGURATION DAY)

The voice of the people is back!!! Mr. Lif returns with more cutting edge political commentary in his new series titled I Heard It Today. Presented in a completely unprecedented manner, Mr. Lif will write and release 1-2 songs every three weeks until Election Day (November 4), following which Mr. Lif will release one more single based on his post electoral thoughts. This single will preface the release of the I Heard It Today (Bloodbot Tactical Enterprises) full length on Inauguration Day (January 20, 2009). The album will feature additional unreleased tracks and corresponding artwork.

Mr. Lif has his hands on the pulse of American society as he rhymes uncompromisingly about important issues that currently affect us. We are looking toward perhaps the most anticipated administration change in American history, and I Heard It Today boldly holds a mirror to the face of the society we have created and perpetuated. As one of the most versatile voices in the game, Mr Lif has enlisted some of hip-hops most talented producers (J Zone, Edan, and Illmind, among others) to create awareness on current political issues and agendas for Americans and the global community.

Mr. Lif adds, “With a new administration on the horizon, many of us are hoping things will change for the better. We are all hoping our voices will be heard and our concerns met with solutions. This project allows me to voice and magnify the all too often ignored opinions of the American people. My research has led me to speak with so many citizens nation wide, and the stories of your struggles combined with the knowledge of my own struggles have given birth to the project now known as I Heard It Today. “

In addition, Mr. Lif will be issuing regular “Presidential Reports” commenting on recent events in national and world politics. “The Presidential Report, Vol. 1″ tackles tension between Obama and McCain and the recently erupted conflict between Russia and Georgia, and can currently be heard on Mr. Lif’s MySpace page (www.myspace.com/mrlif). Stay tuned as more “Presidential Reports” are sure to follow, connecting the dots between each new installment of I Heard it Today.

AllHipHop.com will host exclusive streams of the tracks one day prior to release. They will then become available to fans worldwide, via The Orchard, through hundreds of digital music store and wireless carriers, including iTunes, eMusic, Amazon, Rhapsody, Napster, Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint and more.

Peanut Butter Wolf’s 888 kicks it at Root Down

It’s not like Peanut Butter Wolf has a lot of time on his hands. The man runs Stones Throw records, in addition to recording, producing, and spinning all over the world. So for Wolf to follow up last year’s 7 days of Heaven with 888: 8 days of music videos at 8 clubs in 8 styles – and no repeats nonetheless – well, god bless him. He’s the Little Prince of scratches.

Thursday night’s set at Root Down at Little Temple Bar in Los Angeles, was to be an hour of hip hop videos. I’ve been Wolf’s little blond shadow this week, following him from club to club. So, I was curious to see what he would break out to wow this crowd of uber hip hop fans. I feared it would be a bit like throwing Wolf to the lions.

With a fervent line snaking around Virgil Avenue, the mood was palpable. These lions wanted beats and wanted them bad. A capacity crowd, which included veteran and legend 9th Wonder, crammed themselves into the tiny room to see what Peanut Butter brought.

As PB stepped up to the mic, the crowd surged forward.

“So far, seven days and I’m here, rocking the same white tee shirt and the same Dodger hat…and I didn’t even know that we got Manny.” A few cheers were heard from fresh Manny Ramirez fans, but the rest of the crowd wanted music.

With a shout out to Dilla to kick things off, Wolf masterfully blended videos new and old, mixing flicks by Snoop Dogg, Wu Tang, and Method Man, with oldies by KRS One and De La Soul. Lest there be neophytes in the audience, he dropped hits by House of Pain, Onyx, and the Beastie Boys, but also broke out MOP, Leaders of the New School, and for the lovers of a high fade, Whistle’s ‘Just Buggin’.

The crowd was brimming with the kind of excitement only seen in kids on Christmas morning…that or the dudes in line at Best Buy the night before the premiere of the new Halo. However, the greatest testament to Wolf’s set was the complete joy on the faces of his peers. 9th Wonder, Jedi and Rhettmatic cheered him on, rapped along and peppered his scratches with shout outs.

Wolf finaled his hour long set with a video by Breakestra, featuring Root Down promoter, and Breakestra founder Music Man Miles. He stopped to mention that though he promised to play all hip hop, Breakestra and DJ Dusk were masterful enough to blend funk, soul, latin and jazz and expand the ears of hip hop fans everywhere. So with that testament and a shout out to Dusk, Dilla and Charizma, Wolf ended with some Ruben Blades.

“Damn, it’s hot in here.” PBW exclaimed as he left the stage. “I think I lost five pounds.” Likewise, the capacity crowd who stayed and sweated to the end, probably lost a combined ton in water weight. But that was just an added bonus to a night of electric sweat on the decks.

Oh and a side note – Wolf wasn’t wearing the actual same white t-shirt for the past 7 days. Just like his week of 888 spinning, Peanut Butter Wolf smells like roses.
Peanut Butter Wolf performs his final night of 888 on Friday. For more details, visit stonesthrow.com

Cassettes Won’t Listen launches a Beat Kanye site – It’s On!

Here’s a throw down for the ages…Cassettes is challenging Mr. West to an internet duel.

We all know how graceful Kanye is under pressure…and since I often enjoy watching egos implode, I highly suggest you log on and help CWL beat Kanye. Plus, it could provoke a “George Bush hates black people” truthiness response…fingers crossed.

Cassettes Won’t Listen Vows To Offer Up Next Album Free If Cassettes Won’t Listen Beats Kanye West

Cassettes Won’t Listen has agreed to to give away his next album for free if he beats Kanye West in the nominations for Best Male Video.  MTV is giving fans the chance to nominate their favorite artists for this year’s Video Music Awards. So far, Cassettes Won’t Listen’s latest video for ‘Paper Float’ is in the running.  So, Cassettes Won’t Listen launched BeatKanye.com, because we know Kanye is a good sport when itcomes to losing awards, so people can cast their vote and help make MTV about great music once again.

And to show he’s serious, Cassettes Won’t Listen is offering his next single for free right now!  Freeze and Explode, which Pop Matters calls “stunning, gorgeous, flawless pop song just explodes off of the speakers, filled with an incredible sense of rising catharsis. It demands your attention, simply because it is one of the best songs that 2008 has produced to date,” will be released in the September with remixes, unreleased b-sides and a brand new video.  But for now, you can download
 
        
Visit BeatKanye.com to view the Paper Float video and
click the ‘VOTE’ link on the left to have your chance at helping beat Kanye West!”

Check out www.beatkanye.com for more info!

Murs & Me: A Hip Hop Delight

Please enjoy the comedy stylings of Murs & MacLean…note: in solidarity of the writers strike, this interview was not scripted. If anyone wants to buy the rights to this slam dunk of a TV show, inquire within…

MURS & ALI MACLEAN, PART ONE

more about “Murs & Me: A Hip Hop Delight“, posted with vodpod

MURS & ALI MACLEAN, PART TWO

more about “Murs”, posted with vodpod

Interviews: A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, Flogging Molly, Supernatural, DJ Zegon & Squeak E Clean

More interviews, more hot content, more Ali for your eyes to feast on.

A Tribe Called Quest:

The Pharcyde (part one of two):

Supernatural @ Rock The Bells Press Conference:

Flogging Molly (part one of five):

posted with vodpod

Hanging with DJ Zegon and Squeak E Clean at their studio: