Asita Recordings

Nonce - The Only mixtape

2010-06-03T14:18:00.002-10:00

French DJ Bachir created this limited edition deluxe CD mixtape with 65 minutes of tracks by The Nonce, produced by The Nonce, and from Sach's solo career. "This mix is a wonderful introduction to one of the most talented mc's/producers to ever come out of los angeles!" -Omid Walizadeh

Tracklist :

1.	Mixtape Intro
2.	The Nonce - 'From The Ground Up Eighty Five Mix'
3.	The Nonce - 'Who Falls Apart?'
4.	The Nonce - 'Live & Direct'
5.	Supherb - 'Dominoes, Cards & Chess'
6.	Aceyalone - 'Mr Outsider'
7.	Supherb - '90008'
8.	The Nonce - 'Mix Tapes'
9.	Global Phlowtations - 'To The Turn Of The Earth'
10.	Sach - 'Black Earth'
11.	Sach - 'Number 9'
12.	Lynn Ness & Sach - 'Droppin' Jew-els'
13.	The Nonce - 'Good To Go'
14.	Supherb - 'Mr Hollywood'
15.	Sach - 'Go Just To Stop'
16.	The Nonce - 'The Sight Of Things'
17.	The Nonce - 'On The Air'
18.	Sach - 'Joy'
19.	The Nonce - 'Just What I Needed'
20.	Sach - 'Gold Lace Au'
21.	AmmonContact & Sach - 'Into 777'
22.	Sach - 'L.I.F.E. Gives'
23.	Project Blowed - 'The People'
24.	Presto, Sach & LA Jae - 'Soloist Virtuoso'
25.	Create - 'Sonny Sharrock'

Thanks to Vulgar visual artist LazPit for the tip!

Pre-order

This Is The Life - free to watch [hulu]

2010-05-21T14:54:00.003-10:00

This is amazing news for all of you who may have been living under a rock, and have yet to check out this seminal documentary. Directed by Ava DuVernay, THIS IS THE LIFE chronicles "The Good Life" emcees, the alternative music movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the artform.

Thanks to Jack Devo!

A message to all members of Good Life Love...

Hello Family,

Just a quick note to let you know that THIS IS THE LIFE is now streaming on HULU.com. Yep, that means FREE, homie! Watch the award-winning doc on The Good Life Emcees streaming free w/ commercials on HULU anytime at http://www.hulu.com/watch/150135/this-is-the-life.

Of course, you can still buy the full DVD with 70 mins of bonus features at www.goodlifelove.com or via Netflix. You can still download to your IPod on ITunes. But now, you can also watch for free on any computer. Just go to Hulu.com and enter the title or click http://www.hulu.com/watch/150135/this-is-the-life. Then let it play.

The filmmakers get a couple cents every time you watch, so please watch and spread the word. Please support hip hop filmmaking and respect the art. If you're watching a bootleg of this film, you don't really love hip hop, period.

Enjoy THIS IS THE LIFE at Netflix, I-tunes, GoodLifeLove or streaming free on Hulu.com. Spread the word!

GoodLifeLove,

Ava DuVernay

Director | THIS IS THE LIFE

Visit Good Life Love at: http://goodlifelove.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

Raised by Seuss on vinyl! [skate soundtrack related]

2010-05-16T15:39:00.003-10:00

From what I can piece together Raised by Seuss was a group from San Jose who released one cassette EP and then promptly vanished forever. Of interesting note, is that most of the EP was used for background music on the skate video 411 VM #3, released in 1993. Luckily for all of us, Age of New Medina Music plans to release the whole thing on vinyl!

Age says:
These are cats that I grew up with and this, got some fame from 411VM® (A skateboarding Video Magazine). It was used during the “Metrospective” segment For San Jose, Scott Johnston's Part and other various segments. As far as I know, there is one other person (besides myself) that has a master copy of this and they used to or still work to at 411VM® (you need to stop bootlegging this).The Original DAT was destroyed because they could not afford to pay off the studio time and was never released to them (with the exception when I had it in my hands to turn into the video suite) Which, I was lucky enough to record back in '93. They had one demo before this (89-90) which was ok and had this dude Steve and after this EP, Troy (True One) did one more song(that I remember) and never recorded anything else (at least that I know of).He was or still is playing guitar & singing in a hardcore punk group(last time I saw him '02).So, the track I picked is called "Face The Music".

About the vinyl:

Raised By Suess:S/T LP (limited vinyl release)
Some of you might remember it from my "ISH" review and also, was in the 411VM years ago (San Jose Metrospective). Was and is still considered, highly sought after material. Since I have the only master and they are the homies, we decided it was about time to give this a proper release with not only both first demos, but a couple of nice bonus tracks you most def, do not want to pass up on. We are only doing a small limited run on vinyl(300 to 500 max) and there will be no digital release of it.

Original post about the vinyl release here.

Thavius Beck b/w Inoe Oner split 45 on Vulgar!

2010-05-11T10:10:00.004-10:00

I guess the cats finally out of the bag. Vulgar is back with another quality release for your ears. I've been looking forward to this ever since I came across the amazing Lazarus Pit artwork, and saw who it featured. Get your pre-order in here. Or listen here.

Thanks grandgood!

Depth Affect feat Riddlore - Else's Vision

2010-04-23T14:01:00.002-10:00

Ridd never disappoints..

sixtonarmor.com pseudozero's psych podcast

2010-04-19T13:14:00.004-10:00

First heard about this new Psych Mix project via a tweet from super artist Lazarus Pit. He does all of the art for Vulgar and some of the brilliant Oooh That's Heavy pic discs. I think it is Laz Pit, pseudozero (from vulgar), and several others.

Six Ton Armor is a platform meant to offer regular psych music podcasts
from various DJs/producers.
By "psych" we mean all music with a psychedelic aspect to it, could be rare 60es / 70es garage records, rare turkish soundtrack, brit Invasion stuff, somalian psych funk, or, well, more recent materials like Broadcast... (anyway, you get it).
We want selectors to show up the amazing/weird pieces of their collection, not the usual boring 3/4 wonky novelties.
We want the other stuff, we want to be suprise! Just like you do when you're looking
for new music.
Don't forget to check out the selector's own pages too, they're mostly accomplished musicians with great music of their own as well.

By clicking once on each Psychcast the mix will start as a stream. You can pause by clicking again. You can't navigate through the mix though.
But! You can download the mixes in MP3 by clicking on the right link and then navigate
as freely as you want.

Rimrimrim is the visual / design guru, while Black Olsun is the almighty curator.
You can hit us at blackolsun[at]gmail[dot]com if you feel like.

Eventually we're supposed to turn into a label with factory pressed stuff,
so be on the look out

http://sixtonarmor.com

Bleek/Avatar - SPEAK EASY 'ST. PATTY'S DAY' [youtube]

2010-04-18T14:23:00.001-10:00

Cameos galore..

Kofie [video]

2010-04-16T14:28:00.002-10:00

TQOL "Augustine Kofie" from The Qualities of Light on Vimeo.

Quality of Light recently posted a slick mini-documentary about the Los Angeles based artist/painter Kofie and his inspiring creative process. He's responsible for many great things but notably cover art for Lab waste, Orko, etc.

Thanks to Hi Suerte for the heads up!

http://keepdrafting.com/

S.F.S.M. - San Francisco Street Music page [facebook]

2010-04-14T16:01:00.004-10:00

Join Chaz's S.F.S.M. (San Francisco Street Music) page on Facebook. Not only are there a ton of old pictures and scans but also some new music! Fan photos welcomed!

San Francisco Street Music (SFSM) was an underground hip-hop group in San Francisco during the early to mid 1990s. Originally formed by Corey Harris and Charles Hurbert in 1994, SFSM's music was defined by their highly personal lyrics and emotionally charged beats.

Following the self-produced "Word o' Mouth" album (cassette) in 1995, SFSM became a collective of other local artists such as Joe Dub, Jes (Who Cares?), AC75 and many others. "Still Defiant" was released in 1996 as a compilation of songs and snippets recorded during 1995 and featured artists such as Big Shawn (Bored Stiff), Shon Rich (7Gen), Po' EM (Knot Tight), as well as many others. 1995-1998 saw the relase of multiple off-shoot albums such as "The Pride," "The Money Tree," "Coincidentals & Instrumentals," "Skool of Thought," "Noise Pollution" and "From There To Here."

While SFSM never realized broad commercial success, they were considered by many one of the more unique and overlooked groups to emerge from the West Coast underground scene.

link

Hunter S. Thompson: Rum Diaries

2010-04-12T13:48:00.007-10:00

Hunter S. Thompson wrote the Rum Diaries at the age of 22.

As I revisit this book for the third time, it's a fact that never ceases to amaze me. Set in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Rum Diaries chronicles the misadventures of a pre-Gonzo Thompson, a young journalist in a foreign land. Though I'm a big fan of all of his material (even the past his prime sports columns) this remains one of my favorites, as much for the story, as for what it represents as a formative work.

In digging around for the perfect image, I discovered these box sets that a Los Angeles gallery MBFALA is selling. They are incredibly beautiful and limited to 100 sets. All pictures are from Thompson's private collection. Though I couldn't find a price, a friend promptly messaged me with an answer, "Holy hell these box sets are $4,500 each!"

Still fun to look at...

BOX SET
EXCERPTS

Coming soon a post about Oscar Zeta Acosta the real life Dr. Gonzo.

*Edit: My friend Robert made a wonderful point in directing me to an affordable book version of the pricey box set. Apparently the originals of these were also made in limited numbers (3,000 made) but were subsequently repressed and available for $14. Link

SFSM Rase logo

2010-04-10T17:20:00.002-10:00

Incredible little hand drawn logo thing Rase did for Street Music. Somewhere along the line shirts were made. I want one! If you any of you have pictures of old school gear, shirts, stickers, etc, get in touch and I'll post them on the blog. Did you know that there were Log Cabin and Universal Soldier shirts made?

Flyers: SF Street Muzic / Univesal Grooves PT II

2010-04-10T17:12:00.003-10:00

Perhaps these images are better served on a tumblr. Still debating/resisting as cross posting on your fb/twitter/tumblr/blogspot/wordpress/website seems a little redundant. Just a little.

click to enlarge ^

Flyers - High Noon SFSM Flyer / March 31, 1996

2010-04-10T17:06:00.003-10:00

Another box of tapes, flyers, notebooks and other ephemera was delivered from our storage spot in S.F. to our door step in Hawaii.

[click to enlarge]

Wheedles Groove Trailer

2010-04-06T13:47:00.002-10:00

Supreme is a true OG...a consumate collector of vinyl, stellar dj, and ambassador for Seattle hip-hop. Check out the trailer to the upcoming Wheedle's Groove DVD he's releasing on Light In the Attic. It's his ode to the amazingly rich music scene which took root in Seattle through the years, and particularly, how the environment shaped the music. The interviews alone look pretty amazing. Two words: Quincy Jones.

http://supremelarock.blogspot.com

Stocklist: Ellay Khule - Rifleman / Knuckle Sandwich vinyl 45 available at

2010-04-05T00:23:00.005-10:00

These are going fast. You can procure them directly from our shop, in LA directly from Khule, as well as the stores listed below. Support these fine record retailers! All proceeds going to put out the Cali Classics Volume 2!

US
la2thebay.com
accesshiphop.com
teak 23 records (portland)

EUROPE
vulgar records (france)
hhv.de (EUROPE)
substrakt records (switzerland)

JAPAN
we nod (japan)
yellow dog (japan)

more stores soon..

Vinyl Exchange 1996

2010-04-03T14:57:00.002-10:00

[click pic to enlarge]

A blast from the past and only the beginning of our massive scanning efforts. Here's the front page of a June 1996 issue of DJ Stef's Vinyl Exchange. Peep out P-minus' Potpourri a sadly short lived column dedicated to Bay Area hip-hop. Many thanks to both Stef and Paul for showing love over the years!! Remarkably both are still active with music in their own ways. Old ATAK catalogs coming up next. Bored Stiff Timeless on wax for $6.50??

Press: Ellay Khule - Rifleman 45 @ John Book's Record Crack

2010-04-03T14:07:00.002-10:00

Music encyclopedia and long time Asita friend, John Book, posted a new review of Cali Classics #1 - Ellay Khule - Rifleman b/w Knuckle Sandwich on his Record Crack blog. Mahalo John!

Via twitter:
RECORD CRACK: Ellay Khule circa 1993 released on 7" 45 rpm single circa 2010 on @AsitaRecordings. Buy in triplicate http://moourl.com/p1ddb

Neila - New Songs [youtube]

2010-03-31T14:32:00.003-10:00

Lifelong Asita friend, Neila, drops two new unmixed songs during a peak period of creativity. Finnish based producer Ameba supplies the beat for "Not Okay." Look out for him on the upcoming Painkillers album. It's coming..

i got a whole set up...made a mix tape off vinyl...to cassette...recorded a song, made two youtube videos, and drew this...and went, to costco...as you can see, i took out the vacuum but never used it:/..also drove too some tuesday mash up that was not mashing up...

the song I recorded today...rough...unmixed....

Dust and Grooves asks "Why Vinyl?" [interview]

2010-03-30T16:24:00.005-10:00

Elion Paz who runs Dust and Grooves, my favorite blog dedicated to records, is back at it again. This time he interviews "Bongo Head" a Latin music collector from North Hampton, MA.

In this electronic world, I get this question a lot - Why vinyl? Especially in light of our Cali Classics project, what motivates us to continue releasing on this "dead" format? For those who live on the periphery of our secret club of dusty grooves, it's sometimes difficult to explain, but I think Bongo Head eloquently pins down much of the reasoning in his interview. You have to care.

Q: Why vinyl?

A: It’s what I grew up with. It’s the ritual of playing records, collecting records, discovering treasure hidden in the grooves. Dealing with vinyl records is so labor intensive, it’s not for just anyone; playing, caring for, and collecting vinyl is a holistic pursuit because you are a very active part of the process, you have to interact with the medium, you have to care. I dig the participation in vinyl, you know? As for the record as an “object” as opposed to downloading and storing a digital file, vinyl is attractive to me because of the size of it, the object-ness, its many parts. Also, I am a graphic designer so of course the cover art makes me high. Yes it’s great that CDs have shrunk down how much space music storage takes up, and double yes it’s great that the digital revolution had made it even smaller and taken the emphasis off our obsession with rarity, collecting, and objects in general, but Hell, call me old fashioned; I love vinyl all the same, and the evils of capitalistic materialism be damned!

Q: Any words from deep within?

A: share the wealth – pass along the good word, that music is the healer and vinyl is the medium. Support current artists that still have the cojones to put out 7”, 10” and 12” plastic! Having records around is like possessing an art collection – enjoy it on your own level, but don’t forget to share it, don’t be greedy like a banker, just let the public enjoy it the way you do – so go out and play it at gigs, or do podcasts, trade and lend, pass around CD-R burns of the best stuff to the young.

Bongo Head Interview on Dust and Grooves

Juxtapoz: Travis Jensen

2010-03-29T19:37:00.004-10:00

I meant to post this one a long time ago but life caught up. Better late than never!

Check out our good friend Travis Jensen (a.k.a. the SF Masher) being interviewed in Juxtapoz Magazine. The opening photograph with Travis standing in front of a giant wall of cassette tapes, provides a fitting introduction to how our lives originally intersected.

I've told this story many times, our paths collided through a mutual love of west coast underground rap, trading tapes and stories, and generally geeking out on music. He was the first person to ever play me Joe's music, excitedly I might add, on a short train ride to Shane Nesbitt's Below the Surface store in Burlingame. Travis went on to write a book of short stories, brave the bright lights of the big city, and as Issac mentioned "make it" where others before him have failed. Travis' story is familiar but inspiring.

He also wrote the liner notes for the back cover of The Walk which has always been a favorite of mine. Stories like those have always meant more to us than selling cd's. He also hosted the Walk release party in San Francisco.

Travis Jensen is currently writing a novel, raising his newborn son Stan, hanging with his beautiful wife Eva, curating art shows, and engaging in a newly found obsession with photography. We are proud to count him as a friend.

In a semi related observation, is it just me or do writers gravitate to photography because it is the antithesis to the structured discipline of writing? All of my big-brained friends have caught the shutter bug, some hobbyists and some doing it professionally, but all seem to comment on being drawn to the rush of pulling the trigger and it's now or never finality.

http://www.juxtapoz.com/18315-travis-jensen-s-san-francisco

Beatroot Bodega - Success!

2010-03-28T15:05:00.004-10:00

The Beatroot Bodega was a complete success! Thanks to Kavet/Lightsleepers crew for hosting the event. While the turn out could have been better, I think this first run was a good gauge for future possibilities. The Fresh Cafe venue was really great, spacious, and not too hot after they turned up the fans. I might be getting old (or deaf) but I would have turned down the music from the dj booth just a hair. Otherwise the dj sets themselves were sick. I really loved the Controller 7 - Egg blend thing Observ did.

In total there were seven vendors selling everything from jazz, to Hawaiian, to rock, to reggae, to hip-hop. The father/son vendor team with the psych rock had some amazing pieces at good prices. That genre is basically completely missing from local record stores so it was a treat to see those titles in the "flesh," and not just online.

Hungry Ear was killing it as usual with some impossibly rare Hawaiian LP's (I've never seen that Tony Tam Sing in person and they had 2!) and the jazz guys at the first booth, had a lot of great stuff as well. Everything was reasonable.

We sold a bunch of drum breaks, punk, jazz, and funk. I think we'll do a dollar bin next time and also bring some heavier pieces too. Here's some of the stuff we sold:

Hopefully by the time Beatroot Bodega 2 rolls around the next Cali Classics release will be out by then. Thanks to all who purchased records and who love music as much as we do!

Bay Area to Hawaii - Matt Gamin / Abomination Oner - Savages EP

2010-03-28T14:33:00.005-10:00

The strange connection between the Bay Area and Hawaii is undeniable. If I told you any number of the stories I've collected, of friends crossing paths in either city, you wouldn't believe me.

And no matter how many times these coincidences continue to reassert themselves I'm still amazed. Maybe it's that the world isn't as big as we think, or perhaps that like minds end up finding each other, no matter what.

Whatever the reason here is yet another Bay/Hawaii connection for you. San Jose rapper Matt Gamin of Lurk Music, has joined forced with Abomination Oner (of Kaneohe), to create Lurk's second release, the Savages EP.

Ironically Abomination Oner, though from Hawaii, creates a decidedly apocalyptic "San Jose sound" which works perfectly with Matt Gamin's gritty delivery. The Savages EP provides a breath of fresh air during a time fraught with throw backs, imitators, and in betweeners.

Thankfully it looks like this geographic sound clash will only continue to get stronger. I overheard a rumor that Computer Chip/Megabusive and Omega Six will be joining Matt Gamin and Abomination Oner on a future track.

www.lurkmusic.com

Leila Peterson - Wedding Photography

2010-03-28T11:51:00.008-10:00

After much hard work, trial and tribulation, my best friend Leila (a.k.a Topic,) has finally posted her wedding photography site, for all the world to see! Adjectives like effortless, clean, and timeless come to mind when browsing through the gallery.

Now based in Los Angeles, Leila has been quietly building an amazing portfolio of her latest work. What I love most about these images, beyond the technical skill, is her innate sense of the perfect moment. True passion is contagious...I love my friends!

http://leilapeterson.com/

To Have and to Hold [trailer] + Beatroot Bodega

2010-03-25T17:55:00.005-10:00

To Have & To Hold - Taster Tape from Jony Lyle on Vimeo.

I am beyond excited for the new documentary, To Have and To Hold, which chronicles the sickness we call vinyl collecting. Unlike a lot of movies about digging, which I find can be a bit boring (I can only watch someone digging through a crate for so long..), it seems like To Have And To Hold explores some of the deeper reasons of why we are all so eternally addicted.

I was just having a conversation about this with a good friend. ... Albums are like time machines. Records transport us to different times in our lives. They remind us of where we were when we first heard a song, where we were when we found that particular record, who we were with, what we were doing. Files will never be able to replicate this experience.

Each mythical disc is encoded with the dna of some moment that has passed. Records are vessels for conveying ideas, thoughts, emotions, time and place. They go far beyond mere sentimentality, but they are that too.

The ritual of listening to a record is transformative. A heady alchemy is evoked from the very first rotation. A completely unscientific mixture builds. Cover art and liner notes draw us in, enhancing the mood. Then the music takes over, the sonic warmth floating effortlessly off the grooves.

Throw on a Public Enemy record and you can almost imagine what it's like to be 12 again.
This is the power of listening to a record, and the reason why it remains important to us, to release vinyl every chance we get.

There is also the thrill of the hunt, but I'll save that for a future entry.

Join us at Hawaii's version of Los Angeles' Beat Swapmeet. The Beatroot Bodega, organized by Kavet the Catalyst, is this Saturday, March, 25, at Fresh Cafe.

Peace to flwrpt.com for the heads up on the film!

DJ Shred One - Eighties Ladies mix

2010-03-23T11:58:00.005-10:00

Even before I realized we had a large circle of mutual friends I was bumpin' the hell out of this new mix "Eighties Ladies" by DJ Shred One from San Francisco's Sweaterfunk Crew. Her blog confirms that we both share a big love of modern soul, eighties funk , San Francisco, and Little Dragon.
Not to be missed!

By the way, she has another mix called Love Space that you should also check out if you get a chance. I wish people played this kind of stuff in Hawaii : /

link
skip to mix

shredone.tumblr.com

ARCC01 - Ellay Khule / Cali Classics

2010-03-22T20:53:00.005-10:00

I was about to put this Ellay Khule/Cali Classics 45 up on discogs.com for fun, when I discovered that it was already up there. Who is this Sarin07 character? He is all knowing!

http://www.discogs.com/Ellay-Khule-Rifleman-Knuckle-Sandwich/release/2198162

Many thanks to @emynd for helping me with the video and to all our homies who have been supporting. It's truly humbling. Just wait for what we have in store for Asita Recordings and Cali Classics this year. More follow-through in 2010!

Press Mention: Contra Band x Devin 45 on Steady Bloggin'

2010-03-22T12:41:00.004-10:00

Peace, to Steady Bloggin'!

link
www.steadybloggin.com/

Press: Cali Classics - Ellay Khule 45 @ Cocaine Blunts

2010-03-18T11:50:00.004-10:00

Noz posts about our new Ellay Khule b/w Knuckle Sandwich 45 on his "Tumblin Erb" site.

http://tumblinerb.com/post/456803158/asita-recordings-kicks-off-thier-cali-classics-7#disqus_thread

ELLAY KHULE - RIFLEMAN B/W KNUCKLE SANDWICH 45...CALI CLASSICS NOW AVAILABLE! VINYL ONLY!!!!!

2010-03-18T09:48:00.001-10:00

These are finally here but going fast! Available at the asita store first and everywhere else later in the week.

www.asitarecordings.com

PS22 Chorus preform Sade - Pearls

2010-03-13T13:45:00.004-10:00

This is exactly why we need to support music programs in our schools. The depth with which these children sing these songs is amazing. I love these kids!

PS22 doing Sade - Pearls

PS22 doing Phoenix - LISZTOMANIA

Check out the site for many other videos.

http://ps22chorus.blogspot.com/

Grand Invincible CD Release Party [video flyer]

2010-03-12T10:09:00.003-10:00

Ah, the GI posts keep on comin'! Here's the video flyer for the Cold Hand In The Dice Game release party that will be going down this weekend. Video courtesy of Thuggy Fresh.

Grand Invincible cd release party for their new album "Cold Hand in the Dice Game" Featuring live performances by Grand Invincible Sequenced Mindset & Fist Fam and as always COMPLETELY FREE! Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 10:00pm Tee Off Bar & Grill 3128 Clement st San Francisco, CA

grandinvincible.com

SFSM: Still Defiant

2010-03-11T16:33:00.003-10:00

You gotta love P-minus dropping knowledge. Apparently this has been reissued on cd-r (a lot of people have asked us about SFSM stuff in the past) via P's Dusty Tapes series. What you know about Knot Tight??

If you love underground hip hop, then you surely keep SFSM high upon the rap altar as one of the most respected crews ever, though during their heyday they rarely got the props they deserved. This release cements them as major players in the game.

It was originally released on a 90-minute tape in 1996 as “The Defiant Ones” and then later shortened and edited in the “Still Defiant” tape. In 2002 the bonus tracks were restored and this came out briefly on cd for the first time. Now it’s back on CD-R in ATAK's “Dusty Tapes” series so it can teach hip hop history 101 to a whole new generation of fans. The disc has 28 tracks, lasts almost 71 minutes and features Chaz, Ko-1, Jess, Joe Dub, PK, AC75, Big Shawn, Shon Rich, Degree and Po’eM (Knot Tight).

truehiphop.com
buy still defiant

Freestyle Fellowship - Bullies of the Block [video]

2010-03-11T14:04:00.001-10:00

Big Boi featuring Too $hort and George Clinton - Fo Yo Sorrows

2010-03-11T12:10:00.005-10:00

Usually mega collabs like this fall short but I think this one is an exception. Big Boi's still got it.

Why are 75% of our youth reading magazines? / 'Cause they used to fantasy / and it's what they use to dream / call it fiction addiction / 'cause the truth's a heavy thing

Big Boi feat Too $hort and George Clinton

George Clinton/Parliament 1969

There are way too many Short Dog songs to put up on here. But I'll put up Life is ... Too Short because I love the video.

Subtitle - Leggings are the style of the day [video]

2010-03-10T18:55:00.004-10:00

Peep out Gino's new video produced by Robby Massey. Also make sure to check out his giovannimarks.net blog. He has a lot of interesting things to say and a mind worth getting to know. With any luck we'll figure out this digital conversion thing and be able to post some old school Westcoast Workforce videos for you soon.......la2thebay rolling out to shows in 99, gino and joe on the cal train, p-minus slanging tapes at shows..

it's the crev classic "leggings are the style of the day" produced by @mussck & directed by @robbymassey http://bit.ly/qyrRm

Buy Trunk Bomb over here at BandCamp or preview all of the tracks for free.

this record took me 4 years to prepare to record. I have lots more songs done but I figured why wait? If you like it, your money goes to what you will read about ad nauseum below.... I would have liked to mix and master the record, but to do it right costs money and I'm not Ras Kass, so Kickstart wasn't a successful option for me to explore. originally the plan was to raise money to make this record the right way, but now I'm about to sell my computer to pay back rent and I need to find a solution to a future of couch surfing. the moral of the story is that anything of assigned value costs to make and refine to the point where it reaches it's ideal form. just because you got it for free doesn't mean that I made it for free, or that I would be able to KEEP making it for free.
art kills, but it also costs.
(oh yeah, I always give away goodies because sharing is caring and I'm out to share information.)

Interview with designer Brent Rollins

2010-03-10T16:26:00.003-10:00

(pic via themagazine.com)

Everyone in the music industry, both in the underground and mainstream is losing their shit trying to find the next IT thing. Whether that be in the way they market acts, the whole free mp3 thing, band camp, twitter, or the limited edition idea, which becomes meaningless at a certain point, it all seems to be pointing to the same conclusion. The music "industry" of old is dead. People are bombarded and don't buy CD's anymore. El-P, Sole, and Subtitle among others in different ways, have hinted at the necessity to break the chains of convention and look for fresh ideas and new models for gaining fans and prosperity.

As I've stated in the past, I think that one of these new methods is next level packaging. The idea is create a tangible object worth having and the consumers will follow. We've already seen it with Stones Throw and Rhymesayers. I predict this will definitely be emulated in the future and will set those who can afford such luxurious packages apart from the rest.

But I digress! This post is really about the great Ego Trip/Quannum/etc. cover design artist Brent Rollins. He's most recently responsible for the Jake One/Freeway cover and seems like a very down to earth artist. He has some interesting thoughts related to my little diatribe above. Can anyone confirm or deny whether or not "Understanding Mass Media" by Jeff Schrank was an influence on the design of the Ego Trip books?

When I work with large labels it’s like pulling teeth just getting them to use something like a metallic ink on an album cover. Sometimes they talk about something like 5 cents out of a dollar extra to do something. I know that adds up when you’re printing a lot of them, but we’re talking about giving something back to people. You know, before, back in the day in the 70s, early 80s, there were no music videos. Music videos took away the money that was allocated towards record packaging, they became the primary way of letting people now about an artist. Now at a certain point, they started spending all this money on music videos and not every music video could be seen. No one was really thinking, they got into this robot, auto-pilot mode, where it’s like, now we’re doing music videos and that’s where all te money goes. No one was really thinking about how we get people’s attention when people don’t even watch music videos anymore. Record labels, any kind of big company, they get slow and they get out of touch with people. That’s what happens.

Read it all here:
http://therapup.net/2010/03/its-about-ideas-an-interview-with-brent-rollins.html

TRU: Do you have any advice for people trying break into design, or just something you want to get off your chest?
Nah, man, just don’t bite. Study your lessons, study the masters and work on bringing your own personality into it. Create concepts and ideas, not just eye candy.

http://www.brentrollins.com

Luke Sick and Grand Invincible - Ultra Limited Collector Pack

2010-03-10T16:12:00.003-10:00

Always raising the bar Grand Invincible (Luke Sick's new group) is back with a beautiful deluxe package for their second record Cold Hand In The Dice Game. You've got to give it up for folks that still care enough to put out both quality music and packaging for their fans. If people only knew how much time, effort, nagging, blood, sweat, and tears went in to project like these!

As I always say.. you can't download passion...

Time to geek out!

Grand Invincible “Cold Hand In The Dice Game” LIMITED EDITION PACKAGE Extremely limited version of GI’s brand new 2nd album. Includes CHITDG CD, signed & numbered 11” x 11” print of the cover by Eric Kneeland, promo version of the “Purse Thieves” 12” with a handmade cover, 2 buttons, a zine, stickers, etc. Limited to 61 copies!

13 tracks to furthering the GI movement, based on the philosophy that hip-hop as an art form was best served under the technological limitations of the late-80s and early-90s and that the best hip hop records were made using records. Featuring all original artwork by Eric Kneeland inspired by 60’s horror comic books.

link

Oh yeah and check out their press kit.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble: Documentary [trailer]

2010-03-10T14:48:00.002-10:00

Trailer for upcoming documentary film Hypnotic which chronicles the band The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

New York-based jazz group featuring 8 sons of Phil Cohran on horns. Originally from Chicago, the brothers started as a street ensemble before recording in 2004.

I heard about the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble a few years ago when videos of their amazing sidewalk performances began cropping up on the internet. The sound was so beautiful, soaring, expansive, and harmonious, it was hard not to instantly fall in love. Since then they've gone from street performers to coveted guests on albums by Mos Def, Erykah Badu, and most recently on the Gorillaz record. They also released a couple of solo albums on Honest Johns.

Hypnotic Brass playing Art of Noise' - Moments in Love.

Hypnotic Brass - Shaft in Africa

Z-man: Interview on Thizzler on the Roof

2010-03-10T13:47:00.002-10:00

(pic via betterpropganda.com)

He's a living cartoon! Z-Man took a break from working on his album 6 Pack Of Dynamite to meet up with Em Dub for a quick interview at BOAC's studio off Divisadero. They talk about his new EP, Show Up Shut Up And Rap, dropping March 2nd, how long he's been rapping, when 6 Pack Of Dynamite is coming out, One Block Radius, and so much more.

Someone needs to bring this man to Hawaii!

http://www.thizzlerontheroof.com/underthebay/episode-9-z-man.html

Z-man - Show Up Shut Up and Rap EP [free download]

2010-03-10T13:38:00.002-10:00

Z-man is a one of a kind. Been looking forward to some new Z shit for a long time. This free EP does not disappoint, featuring: Bored Stiff, Eddie Def, Eddie K., and more. Check it out!

Description:

Z-Man is back with his first solo effort since 2005's 'Don't Forget To Brag' with 'Show Up, Shut Up and Rap' off SF indie label Machete Vox. The 8 song, free-downloadable EP is much like a painters pallete, covering a wide spectrum of styles from cold lyricism on "Go Hard," to tales of bittersweet love on "Cupcakin" and party rockin on "Gurp Logo." With production from fellow San Francisco natives Boac and DNAEBEATS (producer and fulltime DJ for Gift Of Gab – Blackalicious), 'Show Up, Shut Up and Rap' finds Z in a new place sonically, but as with each preceding album it's the world he builds around the beats that make his work so unique. As he put it, "We have a gang of rappers, but there are only a few who stick out. Do you want to be another face in the crowd, or do you wanna be noticed?" With 'Show Up, Shut Up and Rap' there is no question Z-Man will stand out, and set the precedent for 'Six Pack Of Dynamite' which is to follow later this year.

http://machetevox.bandcamp.com/

Accepted Eclectic Radio with Jus Jones tonight!

2010-03-10T13:29:00.005-10:00

The homie Jusoneo and his wife Celskiii a.k.a Mama Funk (along with many other talented dj's...Im a big fan of the modern soul stuff Chungtech plays) will be hosting a new radio show called Accepted Eclectic on Wednesdays. Check it out!

Wednesday
6:00PM - 7:00PM

http://www.alldayplay.fm/shows/accepted-eclectic

Tapes: Jundax - Spills (2000)

2010-03-06T14:58:00.003-10:00

Another one via HW&W. Anyone have this? I wouldn't mind a copy. Didn't know Leila was on it. Jus?

Jundax a.k.a. Kea a.k.a. Kaos was a member of the formative Hawaii crew Hidden Habitats and later branched out to do a lot of solo stuff, including some guest spots with Ceschi and La2thebay (see Raj's - Conscious Contemplation CD), as well as collaborations with the group INK and Private School. Consistently it was her clever use of double entendre, and her flowing stream of consciousness style, which demanded repeat listens and which set her music apart and made it fresh.

INK consisted of Da Golden Ray and Ian Johnson an amazing painter who specializes in jazz portraits. Ian's done stellar work in the past for Wax Poetics and WESC among others and was responsible for the cover art for Joe Dub's Pooretry.

http://huhwhatandwhere.com/post/429532663/jun-dax-spills-diminished-fifth-records-2000

Contra Band x Devin the Dude 45 available at hhv.de

2010-03-06T13:11:00.004-10:00

A quick note.. For all those in Europe who asked me to post once hhv.de gets their shipment in, it's official, they finally have the Contra Band x Devin the Dude - Electronic World 45's in stock.

link

We've also redone the front of the site to include some of the newest items to hit the store. This includes the Ghesol - Chin Music CD (a must have album from Hawaii), Deeskee's picture disc (ltd to 300 copies) with Ikey of Mars Volta, and Factor's newest compilation 13 Stories. Full overhaul coming soon.

Also stay tuned for Cali Classics Vol. 1 - Ellay Khule - Rifleman b/w Knuckle Sandwich 45. It's coming next week!

Full Contra Band Stock List

Secondhand Surehots DVD [video]

2010-03-06T11:51:00.003-10:00

This film project has been a long time coming and to be honest I didn't know if it was still happening. But thanks to a helpful daedelus_music tweet I was not only informed that it was out, but that you could view a mini version for free for a week via Pitchfork TV. I haven't had a chance to watch yet, but based on the trailers this is a must watch for all record lovers and beat makers.

Secondhand Sureshots is a filmed experiment in creative sound recycling. Dublab Dublab directors Bryan “Morpho” Younce & Mark "frosty" McNeill sent beatmakers Daedelus, Nobody, J.Rocc and Ras G on safari into L.A. thrift stores with orders to make new music out of five finds while the cameras filmed the whole process. The result is a mini-documentary about putting new life into old vinyl. Over 2 hours of footage, music & bonus material.

In line with Stones Throws new marketing technique of insanely well designed tangible goods, the packaging for this release is next level.

watch
buy

Tape Scans: Underbombers - White Label Chronicles

2010-03-05T17:40:00.004-10:00

Here's another rare tape that was never officially released. Features the genius of one Dave Dub along with Peanut Butter Wolf, Fanatic, and D.J. Stephan. If you guys have an rare tape scans you want to submit, hit me up at asitarecordings@hotmail.com. There are big things coming to Asita soon!

Tape Scans: Tray Loc - Jean In The Front Row

2010-03-05T17:35:00.004-10:00

Here's proof positive that an actual copy of this tape exists. Not that we have it. We lent it out and only have the cover. Check out the Goodlife DVD for the full story on Jean in the front row, a die hard patron of the Goodlife. This tape contains some of Tray Loc's hardest raps and some of my favorite CV beats as well. Will try to dig up a fifth gen dub of the song "Loco Motive" (imperator put it on his radio show I believe). Loco Motive was the song featuring Jyant of Figures of Speech and NGAFish!

Tape Scans: SFSM: Word of Mouth II

2010-03-05T17:28:00.003-10:00

Let the tape extravaganza begin! This was a companion "promo" tape to San Francisco Street Music's - Word of Mouth.

Bay Rap: New Eddie K.

2010-03-03T17:52:00.003-10:00

(Pic by limeandkingcobra.com)

Be sure to check out Eddie K's new album Future Spit out on I-tunes. He is one of the most underrated rappers from the Bay. Also trip off the song he guests on for Joe's new album Praise Dirt. It features some of the Bay's best including Ad Kapone of Totally Insane and Chunk!

After dropping his group album with Brandon B, TRUNK DRANK - We Got Trunk Drank, last year S.F. vet Eddie K is back with his new solo Future Spit on Gurp City

1. Bananas 3:29
2. Grindish (feat. Philo) 4:27
3. Gurp City USA 3:21
4. She Wanna Ride (feat. Mike Marshall & Bo Rat) 4:31
5.Hustleman 4:34
6. Gurpfam (feat. Philo, Frost & John Boy) 5:58
7. Gurp All Night (feat. Lush One) 3:42
8. Ball 2 This (feat. Brandon B & Equipto) 3:35
9. Future Spit [Explicit] 4:40
10. Ready To Go (feat. CJ Story) 3:09
11. Hustleman (Remix) 4:37
12. The Game's So Easy (feat. Mac Dre & Spank Pops) 4:02
13. Last Song (Feat. Bruno, Sick Yg, Akil, A-Jax, Word Smith, Kristo & Fdog)
out 2/16

Peace to B-cause for the info and remix.

SFSM: Word of Mouth (via HW&W)

2010-03-02T22:43:00.002-10:00

This post (originally discovered via the Cocaine Blunts tumblr) brought a smile to my face. It's hard to believe that it's been sixteen years since Word of Mouth dropped. From what I've heard less than 300 of these tapes were made. They were then mostly sold hand to hand, or via P-minus' mail order distro ATAK. WOM was recorded in the early days of SFSM when it was just the founding members of the group, Charlie and Corey.

For those who don't know San Francisco Street Music was a tight knit group of friends/musicians that came up in the city in the early to mid 90's. What was dope about street music was the level of honesty and passion that dripped from every song. They often stated that their goal was to make enduring music for the every man. I think they've succeeded.

This rediscovery comes at the perfect time as we've just cracked open a number of boxes from our storage in San Francisco. Among the hundreds of cassettes and video tapes in those boxes, we found a one of a kind WOM "outtakes" cassette that we'll be scanning in soon. It's also the perfect segue to our tape trading post which will include a lot of crazy finds. Stay tuned for that.

http://huhwhatandwhere.com/page/2#418214848

PRESS: Luke Sick reviews the Contra Band 45

2010-03-02T18:46:00.002-10:00

Luke Sick is one of my favorite writers because he gets the context of the music he reviews, champions, or talks shit about. As a fellow music nerd he knows his stuff. Oh yeah and on top of writing reviews and archiving he's an even better rapper.

Contra Band 45 review
Easy Rider 45 review

Vote for the Contra Band 45 on discogs here

Factor - 13 Stories URB 4 star review

2010-02-16T12:54:00.004-10:00

Oooh That's Heavy does it again this time with what I believe is their first CD release. Well known for their beautiful, limited edition picture discs, this time around they drop Factor's brand new full length 13 Stories. From what I've heard a vinyl EP of some of the songs will also be released on pic disc later this year.

01. Sounds Good To Me (Hip Hop) feat. Ellay Khule, Medusa and Joe Dub

02. Don’t Jock The Dead feat. AWOL One and Sole

03. Batteries Not Included feat. Onry Ozzborn

04. Black Fantasia feat. Sunspot Jonz

05. Keep It On track Now feat. Sleep

06. Money In The Bank feat. Existereo

07. In Through The Alley feat. Cam The Wizzard

08. Pulling The Wings Off Of Angles feat. Nolto

09. Vicious Cycle feat. Icon The Mic king

10. Luck Ducks feat. Def3

11. Tell Me feat. NoCanDo

12. Sinking Ship feat. Kay The Aquanaut

13. Sacrifice feat. Noah23

All beats produced By: Factor

URB gives it a hearty four star stamp of approval in a review here.

www.myspace.com/othrecordings

ellay khule - rifleman b/w knuckle sandwich 45 / test pressings are in!

2010-02-15T19:50:00.001-10:00

Contra Band 45 at turntablelab (warehouse sale)!

2010-02-15T17:16:00.003-10:00

Turntable Lab is having a rare warehouse moving sale which means 20% off all vinyl, cd's, and dvd's. That means you can score that Contra Band 45 for less than a fiver! Or get that limited edition 9dw 2LP for an unreal price! It's a total buyers market out there right now (at online stores/e-bay, etc) Don't be left crying when the economy rebounds!

John Book flips through vinyl [video]

2010-02-15T17:12:00.002-10:00

John Book's recent video proves that there are still folks who buy new vinyl (and new music for that matter). In this short but sweet video, he flips through some recent favorites.

Filing records away (February 15, 2010) from John Book on Vimeo.

@asitarecordings / twitter

2010-02-15T17:08:00.003-10:00

Still learning the ropes of this twitter thing that is all the rage with the kids. To say Joe is unimpressed/disinterested by it would be an understatement.

But if you want, you can add us @asitarecordings. We'll be updating frequently.

Elliot Bergman (NOMO) creates Kalimbas in his workshop.

2010-02-09T14:47:00.002-10:00

Buy 1 of 20 handmade kalimbas

Maurice White freaking the kalimba:

Kalimba Wiki

Jake One/Freeway - Stimulus Package Album Packaging

2010-02-08T14:38:00.005-10:00

The new Jake One/Freeway album The Stimulus Package comes with some of the flossiest packaging I've ever seen.

Freeway & Jake One went all out with this package: money green marbled double vinyl, 4 Freeway Bills, 4 Jake One Bills, with lyrics and liner notes on the backsides, a Gate Fold Sleeve, plus a download card with the Instrumentals and MP3s. This unique package was put together by Hip-hop's Iconic Designer, Brent Rollins.

Lest we forget about the true star of the show, the music. The sample song is pretty damn dope. I'm definitely looking forward to this release.

CD packaging:

How big is the stimulus package?

Grain Edit: Album covers selected by Cool Chris (Groove Merchant)

2010-02-07T11:37:00.003-10:00

Grain Edit is a favorite of mine featuring extensive coverage on design and music and all points in between. Here Cool Chris of Groove Merchant Records San Francisco shares some of his favorite album covers.

Check out Groove Merchant when you get a chance. If you have the money, they have the goods. You won't be finding those dollar bin miracles here, but you will find solid, fair prices on high quality, hand picked, music.

Let me holler @ that James Tatum record! Beautiful deeply spiritual/religious jazz from Indiana.
Listen here.

Look at album covers here.

PRESS: Contra Band 45 review by John Book

2010-02-06T22:24:00.002-10:00

John Book reviews the Contra Band 45 on his blog, This Is Book's Music . Read the review here.

Just saw this now. Thanks John!

Nonce interview from 1995 [video]

2010-02-04T12:25:00.002-10:00

Finally, someone ripped this interview from 1995. Nonce one of the greatest groups to ever do it. R.I.P. Yusef.

What keyboard did the Nonce use on World Ultimate?
Hear: Sight of Things

Amoeba's; What's In Your Bag

2010-02-01T20:31:00.004-10:00

Cool little feature hipped to me by someone on twitter. (I guess it does have its non brain cell burning uses!) The basic premise is that folks share what kinds of records their picking up. A brilliant way of sharing love for music.

Africa Bambaata
Barry Zito
Look Daggers
Large Professor

Grand Invincible - The Way We Revolt [video]

2010-02-01T20:21:00.002-10:00

The first single off their second album "Cold Hand in the Dice Game" Released in early 2010 on the Zerofriends label. Grand Invincible is DJ Eons One and Luke Sick.

http://rippedopenbymetalexplosions.blogspot.com/

Triumph of the Underdog

2010-02-01T16:59:00.001-10:00

“The rhetoric surrounding jazz is changing. The notion that jazz is the music of the underdog’s liberation, that it is intrinsically radical is not to be found in most serious discussions about jazz today. The best jazz playing today has made room for the notion that this music makes its own meaning without the superimposition of any political or intellectual one, that it will advance by slow degrees, and that it will go around and around in further understanding and refinement of itself, eating its own tail. Structural newness, genre newness, is not necessarily what we are looking for; what we want is the musician’s individual expression: honoring the past while being yourself.”

Ben Ratliff in his recent book, “Coltrane: the Story of a Sound.”

Copyright Criminals premieres tonight on PBS

2010-01-19T13:37:00.002-10:00

Remember the Copyright Criminals movie we mentioned back here? It premieres tonight on Independent Lens. 10 pm in Hawaii. Check your local listings for times in your area! Looks promising.

CONTRA BAND - Electronic World 7" available at these fine stores!

2010-01-11T15:38:00.014-10:00

The new Contra Band seven inch is making it's round to retail stores now. Please support these stores! This list of stores will be updated frequently.

Last updated: February 24, 2010

Copies are now available at Amoeba's, San Francisco.

Available at turntablelab.com (Restocking)
www.accesshiphop.com (San Diego, CA and on-line)
www.la2thebay.com
www.hhv.de (Finally stocked)
www.truehiphop.com (p-minus!)
factoris@gmail.com (Canadian/SK folks, you can get copies from Factor)
At Lifesaver Records in Finland
At Yellow Dog in Japan

New: www.undergroundhiphop.com (Boston based)
Now exclusively in Hawaii at Stylus Honolulu
------
Or you can always get them from us: www.asitarecordings.com (on the street or online)

Big things are on the horizon. More limited vinyl pressings for 2010. Stay tuned!

Stores if you would like to sell copies please contact us here. We are the exclusive distributors of this record. We will ship from San Francisco, CA.

We've been getting a fantastic response to this record. Thanks to Alex, Chad, Deeskee, Devin, and countless others who helped us make it happen!

Deeskee - How Many MCs '09

2010-01-10T13:51:00.002-10:00

I remember when Joe and Leila recorded their verses at Deeskee's house in Moss Beach!

Bonus track from the 2009 album "Audiobiograffiti" Featuring Joe Dub, Subtitle, Premonition, Doc Lewd, Maleko, Metfly, Existereo, Akuma, Liferexall, Awol One, Tommy V, Neila, EVS, Raj, Spaceranger, Die Del Amor, Thesis Sahib, , Nocando, Topic, Matre, Ceschi & Xololanxinxo

Buy Audiobiograffiti here

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T17:47:00.003-10:00

First off we want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Two thousand nine was a rough one for nearly everyone we know, and we are looking forward to the dawn of a new decade. Asita has been working non-stop as we prepare to launch a number of unbelievable projects and collaborations this year.

For the hard heads who still appreciate the smell of vinyl, Asita Recordings and Easy Rider team up to release the first single off the upcoming Contra Band album Praise Dirt. The Electronic World b/w P.S.A 7" dropped on January 1 and is OUT NOW! Check out the sound clips on the site and let us know what you think. Proper post coming soon.

Also in waiting in the wings is the Painkillers - Hate Parade album, Contra Band - Praise Dirt, Ellay Khule the Rifleman and Joe Dub present That Was Then This Is Now, Contra Band - Rhythm and Brews, the Cali Classics project, and much more!

On a technical note, we've improved our shopping cart by leaps and bounds.

The cart is now capable of giving you shipping calculations in real time and before you commit to purchasing anything. It also calculates international shipping accurately. Beyond that it does a lot of other fantastic behind the scenes things that no one will ever see, but which, will help us provide you with an overall better service.

Perhaps most excitingly the cart will also be set up to deploy digital goods, if that's your thing. The full blown store upgrade should go public soon (within the next week or two) and will be followed up by a completely new web site look and vision for 2010.

Here's to continued health and happiness in the new year. Thank you to all of the musicians who continue doing it despite the long odds, and to all of the fans that continue to show interest and support for original creative expressions.

www.asitarecordings.com

Contra Band (Joe Dub/DJ Marz/Alex75) x Devin the Dude 7"

2010-01-03T00:58:00.003-10:00

For the hard heads who still appreciate the smell of vinyl, we're ringing in the new year right. Asita Recordings and Easy Rider team up to release the first single off the upcoming Contra Band - Praise Dirt album.

The first track, "Electronic World," featuring Devin the Dude is a contemplation of the unexpected consequences of a world of technological convenience. Electronic World asks the question, "What kind of music comes from a place where everything is easy and nothing is earned?"

On the flip, P.S.A continues this line of questioning, serving as an anthem for those who demand more. Perhaps best summed up by this line: "home of Street music, home of hip-hop's muse, home of brave heart underdogs who dare refuse."

Pressed on limited edition vinyl. Sound clips on the site.

www.asitarecordings.com

INDEPENDENT LENS | Copyright Criminals [documentary]

2009-12-18T23:05:00.004-10:00

I'm looking forward to this documentary about sample based music and all of it's implications.

It's interesting to reflect on the current state of sample based music, which has been fractured in to two camps: one the mainstream artists who can afford to clear samples (Kanye, Jay-Z, etc) and secondly, underground artists who are selling just enough to fly under the radar. Years of these unspoken limitations have landed us in a very precarious spot, causing a trickle down effect on the end product, the music. The grimy sample or soulful loop is somewhat a thing of the past, giving way to music that is either re interpolated or completely played from scratch. These changes can neither be classified as "good" or "bad" but they have definitely restricted the creativity that artists from 25 years ago reveled in, pushing them to constantly grow in new directions. As someone who respects the power in both completely sample based music and this new hybrid of music making, I think it really comes down to thoughtfully utilizing what you have at your finger tips. Hip-hop was built upon innovation, creating something out of nothing.
On a grander scale, I feel uncomfortable with the notion that only those who can afford to clear samples should be able to use them. Of course there is the issue of fair compensation that I also think needs to be addressed, but I'll leave that one for another day.

The three trailers look promising with interviews with Clyde Stubblefield, Chuck D, El-P, Eyedea and Abilities (woopee), and many others. Premieres in January 2010 on your local PBS station. I'll post again when it gets closer to airing.

Trailer 1
Trailer 2
Trailer 3

Mission Street Food [video]

2009-12-13T17:57:00.003-10:00

Mission Gourmet from The Quotidian on Vimeo.

This is worth watching.

It's incredibly inspiring to see someone of our generation successfully mixing passion with charity. The basic premise of Mission Street Food is that every month a guest chef will create a delicious multi-course menu that will be enjoyed by people that line up around the block. The twist is that a portion of the proceeds goes to help various food charities around the city of San Francisco.

What I also love about this story is how the owners createsolutions where many would only see obstacles. Some of these include hosting Mission Street Food out of a space which is a Chinese Restaurant during the day, thus eliminating costly overhead. The commitment/vision of creating delicious food with "great technique" vs. expensive ingredients is also a choice I completely admire and perhaps what made this work where other things have failed.

They serve meat but are also cook many vegan friendly dishes which do not seem like after thoughts.

Owner Anthony Myint has also opened Mission Burger (out of a Vietnamese grocery) which he says provides a more scalable example of the intersection between charity and money making.

While the idea of donating sales proceeds to charitable causes isn’t necessarily new, what’s impressive about Mission Street Food is that it’s taken place in the dining world, where profit margins are notoriously hard to come by even with the most established restaurants and competition is cutthroat. Mission Street Food has succeeded as a foodie destination and business in spite of (or perhaps because of) its charitable roots, proving that it’s possible to be a successful small local business with a great product while giving back directly to the community in a real, meaningful way.

http://blog.missionstreetfood.com/
http://thequotidian.org/2009/12/11/foodies-on-a-mission/

BAYVI + Asita: The Hawaii Chronicles

2009-12-12T14:58:00.004-10:00

all photos courtesy of Leila Peterson

I can think of nothing better than spending a day with good friends. Whether it's building sand stadiums @ Lanikai, filming black ice sculptures, or just relaxing, there are few things in life more rewarding. Visiting with our good friends from BAYVI was a much needed distraction from this holiday rush reality.

Leila (a.k..a Topic) was able to capture a lot of it in photos. She's amazing. Check it out over at the BAYVI blog and just wait for some of the new collaborations we have in store!

bayvi.com

Brain Storming Weather - Pacific RX [video]

2009-12-07T17:28:00.002-10:00

Posse cut Ft. Sideroad records (Joe dub, Def3, Kirby Dominant, Forgetful Jones & Kay the Aquanaut) Prod: Riff Raff Recorded in 2008. This was recorded during the Sideroad Hawaii Tour, Hilo leg.

Thanks Riff Raff!

Review of Easy Rider 7"

2009-12-05T14:11:00.004-10:00

Ripped Open By Metal Explosions blog recently posted a really great review of the ancient DJ Marz / Joe Dub - So Much Drama In The Industry / 95 seven inch which was released in 2002 and promptly sold out. You can read the review here.

From the official press release:

After almost a year of set-backs that included the evils of Drugs, fast women, health problems, Broken down cars, false promises, cocaine abuse, unemployment, thousands of Red Bull and Vodkas and Hypnotic cocktails, doing doughnuts and almost wrapping into a KFC and all the other influences that we have to inspire us to make music (that will be documented in the Easyrider DVD: Behind the Music)....at long last it is here.

"....already a classic.." - Vapors magazine

"....This shit is cool though..." - Londa B.

For the record, the pressing of this release was indeed minuscule, limited to 300 copies worldwide and most of that given away to friends. In fact, the only copy we have is half eaten by our dogs, so if anyone wants to sell us a copy, hit us up.

For those who don't know the ROBME blog is run by Luke Sick of Sacred Hoop and his partner Eons One. It provides an incredible wealth of information about hip-hop, specifically Bay Area rap, though like the Asita blog, keeps it eclectic with whatever they find to be interesting. They also demonstrate what a blog should be about....original content, original thoughts, and lots of crazy back stories.

READ THE REVIEW

Mo Illa Pillaz - Raps to Da Max

2009-11-28T17:14:00.004-10:00

This is a completely unbiased review of Mo Illa Pillaz - Raps to Da Max.

Mo Illa Pillaz - Raps to Da Max is the new album by Hawaii rap veterans ~~Todd G~~ Fame and Buzz (aka Buzz One) both of whom were members of HI State. These guys were putting in work long before many of us were old enough to go to shows! It's good to see that they are still making music.

To me "good music" is a completely unique and unwavering expression of one's experience...whether that experience is growing up in Kaimuki, on the streets of Los Angeles, or in the swamps of Louisiana. It doesn't matter where those inspirations come from either, from dreams or nightmares, childhood memories or the place where you grew up, but what's most important is to have a distinctive way of telling that particular story.

Mo Illa Pillaz succeeds on this account, providing a colorful stroll through the streets of Honolulu and taking the listener a long for the ride. There are the inside jokes and lingo that only someone from Hawai'i is going to get. I love that. They have definitely captured Hawaii in a way that is far more creative than a lot of folks who are attempting to chase an aesthetic that is not native to their experience... Though not a perfect album (it could be tightened up in a few spots), Raps to da Max is certainly worth the free download, in fact it's worth purchasing. I'm told you can find it at the usual places locally (Stylus, etc).

By the way, who could really resist the Fax 2 Da Max inspired album cover art? Too classic!

Read the Contrast review here
Download the album here

Edit: I was misinformed about Todd G being a part of this album. Thank you to the anonymous poster who corrected me. Should have known from the cover ah?

DJ Quest and Bas-1 Who What [music video]

2009-10-30T01:08:00.003-10:00

DJ Quest is one of few "scratch" dj's who has remained a favorite of mine through the years.
If you aren't familiar with his music do yourself a favor and look up some of live dj footage. It's amazing stuff and easily findable on youtube. He was also responsible for "Ghetto Stash" with Eddie K which is a classic. "Who What" is the lead single off his upcoming album Questolous. I've never really heard anything Bas-1 was on before, except for compilations, but I have to say I was impressed. Check it out.

Ellay Khule's Riflepuppet and his son producing a beat [video]

2009-10-30T01:03:00.002-10:00

This has got to be one of the greatest things I've seen in awhile. In this youtube clip the Rifle Puppet is finally unleashed on the world. Also you get to see Khule's 11 year old son create a beat on the spot.

www.ellaykhule.com

Eddie K and Brandon B - We Got Trunk Dank [video/song]

2009-10-10T15:32:00.003-10:00

Eddie K and Brandon B present Trunk Dank the newest project out on Gurp City. Though the names may not be familiar to some (living under a rock, or outside of the Bay), these are two of the best from the talented collective. Eddie K aka 88 has been holding it down for years, rapping for years with the Bullet Proof Space Travelers, and on his own successful solo albums.
You might best know Brandon B from the great Arizona based rap mega group Supermarket.

For the record, party raps are kind of limited to me, but they pull it off with class. Highly recommended!

Anyway, just check out the video. The single is catchy as hell. Check it out!

http://www.trunkdrank.com/
http://www.myspace.com/gurpcitydigital

It's on i-tunes, people who use i-tunes.

Ellay Khule video interview on bruti-ful.com [5 parts]

2009-10-09T16:00:00.002-10:00

Check out this five part video interview with Ellay Khule the Rifleman on bruti-ful.com. Here Khule speaks his mind on a variety of crazy topics including: the origins of his style, the story behind the beef at the Anniversary, meetings with the producer from Above the Law, and much much more. He also breaks down his thoughts on why many at the Goodlife were never appreciated by the mainstream. I don't know about you, but these are stories that need to be told. Props to the interviewer for actually asking good, engaging questions.

I didn't know anything about bruti-ful.com before stumbling across the interview, but I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised, both by it's presentation and content. There are very few west coast sites that pay as much attention to detail. Check it out, it's worth clicking over. They also have video interviews up with NoCanDo, nosaj thing, flying lotus, Open Mike Eagle, etc.

Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

bruti-ful.com

new Thavius Beck tracks from upcoming album Dialogue

2009-09-23T14:14:00.002-10:00

Thavius Beck just posted three new tracks from his upcoming album Dialogue. If the album sounds anything like the taster tracks, I'm hooked! Finally some music to look forward to. The page mentions it will be licensed by Big Dada, so it should be fairly easy to find.

http://www.myspace.com/thavius

Asita on blip.fm

2009-09-18T20:28:00.004-10:00

Join us on blip.fm and see what we've been spinning lately. You don't have to create an account to listen.

http://blip.fm/joedub
http://blip.fm/anasarca

Jel and Odd Nosdam make a beat with $40 worth of records [video]

2009-09-13T16:08:00.004-10:00

Pretty cool concept. Jel and Odd Nosdam go to a Berkeley junk shop with $40 in hand, buy records with said money, and collaborate on a beat. Footage courtesy of XLR8R TV.

Bored Stiff Interview with What Up Though [video]

2009-08-15T20:20:00.004-10:00

Check out this tight three part interview, with some of the members of the San Francisco based hip-hop collective known as Bored Stiff. BS has always been a pioneering force in the Bay Area hip-hop scene since the early 90's. I've always appreciated their particular expression of San Francisco, which was both mellow and jazzy, but also a true representation of the City.

Peace to What Up Though blog for putting this together.

Watch the video interviews: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Bonus Video:

Omid on KXLU [your lucky day]

2009-07-21T19:55:00.004-10:00

Omid – We Came From Beyond Mix 7/19/09 (KXLU 88.9)

Thanks to the old school tape trading homie mchakko the Mike Nardone/Omid show has been preserved and is now available for download. Having just listened to the mix, I can say you're in for a rare treat. My mind is blown by depth and quality of the selections.

About the mix:

I'll be filling in for Mike Nardone's "We Came From Beyond" radio show this Sunday night (july 19) from 11pm-2am on 88.9fm KXLU in Los Angeles, or you can listen live on the web at www.kxlu.com I'll be playing tons of rare stuff, such as MC Ace's (mike eric and eddie), t-spoon, nonce before they were the nonce, some of my new ish with no sleep, babazoom, plus los undergods will be up there with me with their deep record collection of early 90's, late 80's hip hop, tune in!!!
-Omid

Read what Cocaine Blunts had to say here including word of a new Spoon/Omid album in the works!

WMFU Record Sale [video]

2009-07-20T19:55:00.002-10:00

Hawaii really needs to get on the ball and orchestrate a high caliber, quality, record/vinyl show like the WMFU or other swaps that appear in the States. I know, I know. Do it yourself, right?! I've definitely been researching the possibility. How many would turn out for an event like that? How many vendors could we get to participate? What venue? The possibilities are endless!

Omid on KXLU [playing mc aces! and much more]

2009-07-20T19:51:00.000-10:00

Why didn't anyone tell me??

I'll be filling in for Mike Nardone's "We Came From Beyond" radio show this Sunday night (july 19) from 11pm-2am on 88.9fm KXLU in Los Angeles, or you can listen live on the web at www.kxlu.com I'll be playing tons of rare stuff, such as MC Ace's (mike eric and eddie), t-spoon, nonce before they were the nonce, some of my new ish with no sleep, babazoom, plus los undergods will be up there with me with their deep record collection of early 90's, late 80's hip hop, tune in!!!

Omid

Ellay Khule - Rock On [video]

2009-07-19T11:19:00.003-10:00

Ellay Khule's Rock On video makes it's worldwide debut today! The video was directed by Daniel Anthony of Eyelevel Pictures, also responsible for the excellent Returners (2mex, Die, Deeskee) Powerless video. Rock On appears on Ellay Khule the Rifleman's - In My Own World album produced by Joe Dub. Be on the look out for the pairs new one That Was Then This Is Now, slated for release in the coming months.

Click above or here to watch the video.

Also new to ellaykhule.com are two new features. The first is the new and improved message board. It couldn't be easier to register or post on the new Forum, but most importantly it should keep the spam to a minimum. You can join the conversation here. Lastly, Khule started up his own blog which you can get at here.

July 4, 2009

2009-07-04T13:24:00.004-10:00

I was never in to July 4th for my own reasons. But I've always loved the company of family and friends, fireworks, long weekends, and good food, that seemed to come with it. Here's to a safe day with those you love!

De La Soul – 3 Feet High Press Kit (1989)

2009-07-01T17:59:00.002-10:00

Brilliant video press kit made by De La Soul's PR team in 1989 to promote 3 Feet High and Rising.

Album Art Exhibit [video]

2009-06-19T01:06:00.003-10:00

This is really quite old, but I didn't hear about it until last night. Such a great idea. I could look at album art for hours. It's incredible to see this stuff curated and put together under one roof. I still need that APG!

Slanging Tapes on Telegraph 1997 b/w 3mg's Sunsprayed video

2009-06-19T00:54:00.002-10:00

Though I never got in to Kemetic Suns when they first came out (no exposure related), I can definitely appreciate the Bay Area scene they were born out of. This was a fleeting epoch when artists could sell their wares on Telegraph or Market, out of boxes or trunks, and really reach people on street level. Music was passed hand to hand, invalueable converstations struck up, leading to some of the best "chance" musical collaborations ever. Big thanks to Jon Paycheck for drudging up his old tapes and stories for a unique look in to this era.

"Here’s something that was featured on Cocaine Blunts a week or so ago. The late 90’s phenomenon of dirt hustlin’, slanging tapes. Videos shows independent Bay Area hip-hop artists selling their tapes and doing that hip-hop ish. Artists featured include Eclipse 427, Living Legends and DJ Vin Roc. "

Original Post on Cocaine Blunts

Did you know there was a 3MG - Sunsprayed video from 94?? I didn't.

40 Years of KTUH: A History on the Air [trailer]

2009-06-18T23:18:00.002-10:00

KTUH 40th Documentary Trailer from KTUH FM Honolulu on Vimeo.

KTUH the University of Hawaii's college radio station has always been a good gauge of the of what true music lover's in Hawaii are listening to. Like most college stations, the programming is much more progressive, and the commentary follows along those blurred lines. Growing up, KTUH and Radio Free Hawaii were instrumental in exposing my young mind to a veritable melting pot of music. From Nirvana and Primus to Unit 101 and Saafir, everything was devoured insatiably. Don't even get me started on the Lightsleepers show.

It's great to see this documentary finally coming together! The importance of KTUH can't be overstated. Especially back in the pre internet days when all you had was a radio and word of mouth.

By the way, vimeo has always been a little buggy for me. Try launching the clip in a new window, by hitting the word "vimeo" on the player. It always ends up loading faster that way.

Kavet's post about the documentary

Hamburger Eyes short documentary by Nick Fogarty

2009-06-17T23:07:00.004-10:00

Hamburger Eyes from Nick Fogarty on Vimeo.

I love the way Nick Fogarty shot this short doc on Hamburger Eyes. The 16mm treatment really sets things off! Of course, Hamburger Eyes are the homies from way back, even showing up at the Walk release party all those years ago. It never ceases to amaze me how many mutual friends we share.

Good folks - check em out!

B/W, I know it's hard for everyone out there right now, but if you are in a position to, check out their Kickstarter page. Hamburger Eyes has managed to raise $4,000 in a few days, in order to defray printing costs for the upcoming issues. The target goal of $3000 came and went due to the generous contributions from friends and fam. I truly believe that platforms like Kickstarter will be the new model for small projects and businesses, people believing in people, and voting with their dollars. I could go on forever about the emerging idea of micro loans, but let's keep this about Hamburger Eyes triumph fow now. Congrats guys!

h.e.'s kickstarter page
www.hamburgereyes.com

Still Bill trailer

2009-06-06T21:36:00.002-10:00

"Bill Withers is an unexpected superstar. "Ain't No Sunshine," "Lean On Me," "Lovely Day," and "Just the Two of Us" are only part of a complex and fascinating character: an icon who left the music industry but never gave up his soul. You know the songs. Now meet the man."

Still Bill premiered at SXSW in 2009. While the celebrity interviews appear a bit unnecessary the trailer gives me high hopes for this new documentary.

stillbillthemovie.com

Death of the Autotune

2009-06-05T20:32:00.002-10:00

Here's the new Jay-Z/No id song that's got the internets going wild. It's refreshing to hear the sentiment from a mainstream artist. I think a lot of us, music lovers, whether mainstream or underground, fans or artists, have been feeling the same way for a long time. Time for people to stand up and save music from rotting from the inside out..

"This is anti auto tune, death of the ringtone, this ain't for i-tunes, this ain't for sing-a-longs"

Jake One - Home [video]

2009-05-27T15:47:00.002-10:00

Yes, hip-hop is still worthwhile no matter what coast your coming from. "Home" was one of my favorites on Jake One's "White Van Music" even though it was one of the few tracks without big name guests. Something about it's laid back vibe and the 415 sample caught me instantly. "Damn it feels good to talk about home!" The video is the perfect compliment to a great song about loving where your from, a feeling I think we can all relate to.

Deeskee & the Escape Artists - For The Birds (10" pic disc)

2009-05-23T16:06:00.003-10:00

Ooohh! That's Heavy, the label responsible for some of the best vinyl releases in recent memory (see: Lab Waste - CANIGETITHOWYOULIVE? 7" which I cite as a personal classic) comes through with another strong project with beats by Deeskee, Ikey Owens, Liferexall, Xczirclez and Janifive.

This one's limited to 300 copies and sure to be a collectors item like all previous OTH records. You can pre-order copy by e-mailing me. Or listen to the tracks here.

CIG CYDE

1. "Carried Away"

Featuring: Ben Andres, Avatar & 2mex

Bass: Avatar

Guitar: Ben Andres

Keyboards: Ikey Owens

2. "Overnight"

Featuring: Radioinactive, Joe Dub & Liferexall

Keyboards: Ikey Owens

3. "Shadow People"

Featuring: Jizzm High Definition aka All Deadly HDMC

4. "Dream"

Featuring: Awol One

Tracks 1 & 2 Produced by Deeskee & Ikey Owens of Free Moral Agents

Tracks 3 & 4 Produced by Deeskee

EGG CYDE

1. "Somebody"

2. "Drippin"

3. "Water Drums"

4. "Gravitation"

Featuring: Liferexall

Tracks 1, 2 & 3 Produced by Xczircles & Janifive

Track 4 Produced by Deeskee

Paintings and illustrations by Chris Granillo (Royal Bird illustrations)

Cover design and layout by La Mano Fria (Beta Bodega Coalition)

Only 300 copies.

2mex and the Returners - Powerless [video]

2009-05-08T10:35:00.002-10:00

Check out the new 2mex and the Returners (Die and Deeskee) video for Powerless. The production values on this one are tight and who doesn't love a video with a monster in it?
Powerless is the first single off the album Break Up Your Make Up is coming out the Sage Francis imprint Strange Famous.

Incidentally, Eye Level Pictures who shot Powerless, also did a video for Ellay Khule and Joe's song Rock On, off of In My Own World.

Here's the teaser:

Updates / Maleko / History of la2thebay [video]

2009-05-08T10:24:00.004-10:00

Our apologies for the lack of updates to the blog. Rest assured that we haven't been napping, but rather been hard at work, on some very exciting projects for 2009. It will all make sense in a month or two...

In the meantime, check out this video from our good friend Maleko. The coverage of all the old la2thebay stuff is classic.

Praise Dirt!

Elion Paz - Dust and Grooves [a better blog about records]

2009-02-21T15:12:00.007-10:00

Elion Paz has created something really special with his new Dust and Grooves blog. As one might imagine the blog is devoted to the fine passion of discovering new music, specifically records. What set's Paz' blog apart from the pack is his attention to detail.

He focuses on everything that *I* as a serious music lover cares about. From the excellent black and white photography, to the in depth questions, to actual sound clips of the records discussed, the interviews unfold organically. Check out his first few interviews including a notable one with Cosmo Baker. It feels like your sitting down with a friend to chop it up about your favorite records. Dust and Grooves raises the bar on what a blog is capable of doing and inspires us to do better.

On a semi -related note, Borders Windward Mall is finally carrying copies of Wax Poetics. I've been asking them about it for over a year now, and I finally saw issues 32/33 in the flesh as I was perusing the shelves. Nice!

Dust and Grooves

v-day lovesong challange [songs: #9]

2009-02-21T14:25:00.000-10:00

Forget, for a moment, her stint with the Psychic Network in the eighties. Dionne Warwick delivers one of the most infectious songs I've heard in a long time. I can't stop listening to it. Over and over again. The soaring lament of her vocals, the wonderful arrangement by Holland and Dozier, it's simply perfection. Not exactly a saccharine sweet love song appropriate for Valentine's Day, but a song about love nevertheless.

Completely besides the point, but Dilla flips Dionne's song on his track Stop!

1-"Kiss of My Life" - Sade
2-"Rockin' You Eternally" - Leon Ware
3-"I Believe When I Fall In Love" - Stevie Wonder
4-"Inside My Love" - Minnie Riperton
5-"Meaning of Love" - Karin Krog
6-"Isley Brothers" - For the Love of You
7-"Love Song" - Lani Hall
8-"I Love You For All Seasons"-East of the Underground
9-"Your Gonna Need Me"-Dionne Warwick.

Don't forget to check out the other lists here.