Davey D Mix: The Beat Goes On…Till the Break of Dawn

Breakdown-FM-Davey-65-BrownLet’s not get it twisted, many of us are big fans of James Brown inspired breaks and the boom bap sound which was once a dominant hallmark within Hip Hop. This past week on my mixshow (Breakdown FM heard on All Day Play FM), I dug in the crates a little and reminded folks that the culture and music we know and love has many leaves and branches. It’s up to us to explore and engage all of them.

Below is a link so you can hear this Davey D Mix show along with a playlist of some of the songs I rocked.. Please enjoy, there’s more to come.

Turntable and mixer01-Motion Man – ‘Blah Blah Blah’
02-Scarface – ‘I’m A…’
03-Low_Profile – ‘Thats’ Why They Do It’
04-Eric B. & Rakim – ‘Eric B is President’ (remix)
05-The Trammps – ‘Rubber Band’ (remix)
06-Al Green w/Akshin Alizadeh – ‘Walkin’ 2gether’ (remix)
07-Eric B & Rakim – ‘I Ain’t No Joke’
08-DJ Nu-Mark – ‘Our Generation’ (Re-Edit) w/Ernie Hines]
09-Lord Finesse – ‘Return of the Funky Man’
10-Jean Grae w/ Jazzy Jeff – ‘Supa Jean’
11-Divine Styler – ‘Make It Plain’
12-Underground Mafia – Caught Up In The System
13-Gang Starr- w/Big Shug & Freddie Foxx – ‘The Militia’
14-Queen Latifah – ‘Evil That Men Do’
15-Mykill Miers – ‘Do the Math’ [Featuring Iriscience]

http://www.mixcrate.com/daveyd/the-beat-goes-on-to-the-break-of-dawn-10060936

Lyrics Born Rocks the New Parrish

LB Lyric Green micLyrics Born is one of the tightest emcees in the Bay Area.  Formerly known as Asia Born, Lyrics Born is a key member of the Quannum Crew which includes stellar acts like; Blackalicious, DJ Shadow,  wife Joyo Velarde and Lateef the Truth Speaker who Lyrics Born often trades rhymes as a  duo named Latryx.

According to his bio:

Lyrics Born had been a music obsessive since his youth, and in 1993 freestyles among a group of UC Davis classmates that occupied the same cramped radio quarters began to find their way onto paper, and suddenly LB had written “Send Them”. It became the first single on the newly minted Solesides Records, a collaborative venture between himself and his accomplices who would later go on to be known internationally as Blackalicious (comprised of MC Gift of Gab and producer Chief Xcel), DJ Shadow and Lateef The Truthspeaker, an East Oakland rapper with whom he found a shared affinity for the rapid-fire lyrical volleys that would define the next step. As Latyrx (a combination of their working names) the two MCs released The Album, in 1997. The LP would go on to become a certified classic, selling 100,000 copies, yet would prove to be the tip of an even larger iceberg.

Lateef and Lyrics Born

Solesides was re-imagined as Quannum Projects in 1999. As co-owner, LB used Quannum as a conduit through which he delivered his most realized project to date, 2003’s Later That Day. The album yielded his biggest commercial success to date, “Callin’ Out”, which charted nationally and was featured in several major motion pictures, EA Sports games as well as a Diet Coke spot featuring Adrian Brody.

The remix LP, Same !@#$ Different Day was released shortly after, showcasing the talents of his closest associates and as well as new material. Meanwhile, Lyrics Born began to explore different means of engaging listeners. He kept fans abreast of his work by peppering the internet with The Lyrics Born Variety Show mixtape series whoch he released himself through his website. The mixtapes, as well as ceaseless touring and the creation of his own internet media outlets Lyrics Born TV and LBFM, were elements of a new formula.

LB Lyrics redSince the release of Later That Day, Lyrics Born has averaged over 150 shows a year, and his explosive live energy was captured on the disc Overnite Encore, a compilation of live performances with live musicians from the Australian leg of his 2006 world tour. He followed up in 2008 with Everywhere At Once, a varied studio disk that signaled a departure from the sample-based pieces he had become known for, supplementing the sound with a full band and a healthy does of synthesizers. Hence, he has arrived at well-rounded sound that is classic and yet futuristic. Tom Shimura hasn’t forgotten how he got here, but he’s never been afraid to look to the future, either.

Here are some shots taken during his recent show at New Parrish..

http://daveydphotos.com/2015/10/09/lyrics-born-rocks-the-new-parrish/

Singer Joyo Velarde Represents Alongside Lyrics Born

Oct 12 2015 We recently got a chance to see Bay Area singer Joyo Velarde as she threw down some fierce vocals alongside her husband Lyrics Born during his recent show at the New Parrish. She’s definite showstopper and a powerhouse in her own right.. For those who are unfamiliar, here’s what her bio says about her:

If you lived in California in the 90s, chances are you’ve sung Joyo’s refrain in the shower. After the Manila-born NorCal transplant finished studying opera in Rome, she returned to the Bay Area, where she and future husband Lyrics Born recorded what would go on to be Solesides’ greatest hit, a little number called “Balcony Beach.” The song appeared on 1997’s Latyrx, a record that went on to sell over 100,000 copies worldwide.

As part of the seminal indie hip-hop label Quannum Projects – a group whose founders included Lyrics Born & Lateef the Truthspeaker, Blackalicious, DJ Shadow, Jeff Chang (Can’t Stop Won’t Stop/VIBE Magazine,) and Joseph Patel (MTV) – Joyo quickly found her place as “The Quannum Songstress.” In 2000 her first official solo offering – the jazzy and soulful”People Like Me” – was released on the label compilation Quannum Spectrum.

Definitely an underrated talent, Joyo Velarde is someone who we should be paying more attention to..Below are some of the shots I took of her during the New Parrish Show

-Davey D-

Below is a dope video put out by Joyo Velarde

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya6mmupMuoY

Nas Rocks West Oakland

Sept 28 2015 Oakland was treated to Nas coming to Shoreline Park in West Oakland and reppin’ to the fullest. Each song he performed was done with conviction and left the crowd yearning for more. The Bay Area Vibez Festival will hopefully be bigger and better next year..Below are some of the photos I captured that day..

Oakland Music Festival was Bangin’ Here are some photos I took

The City of Oakland was on tilt yesterday with two major music festivals.. The first was OMF.. Oakland Music Festival which had more than 30 acts did not disappoint.  From Anderson Paak to Afrolicious to Caleborate to Los Rakas to J Boogie Dubtronics to name a few, each one after the next was hittin’ and not quittin’.  The vibe was nice… The people mad cool…The energy was infectious.

For those unfamiliar here’s what oakland native Alfonso Dominquez  who founded OMF noted about the Festival;

Oakland’s story has remained largely untold, with the city’s rich culture of music and arts historically being overshadowed by the negative perceptions associated with “The Town”. However, with the rising national attention being directed towards Oakland, there has never been a better time to highlight the people that make the City such an exciting and world-class destination. The Oakland Music Festival (OMF) is an effort to support this endeavor. Honoring Oakland’s diverse history, while promoting its culture of innovation and continued evolution, the Festival seeks to provide not only a stage, but a tangible economic and social impact to help drive and sustain this positive momentum.

Launched in 2013 as a celebration of all things Oakland, OMF is an independent showcase featuring local and international musical talent as well as local eateries, breweries and small craft distillers. Founded by a group of friends and Oakland locals, the Festival aims to foster and support both the local music, art community and the diverse food & spirit craftsmen that collectively give Oakland its distinct flavor.

Like I said it was too much to take in.. There were two main stages outside and two stages inside… It’s something to look forward to next year..Below are some of the photos I was able to take while there before heading off to Oakland other big music festival called Bay Area Vibez where they had Stephan and Damian Marley to name a few. enjoy

written by Davey D

Oakland’s Blackalicious is What Hip Hop Has Been Missing

Chief Xcel and Gab leftIt’s been a long time, they shouldn’t have left you, with a strong rhyme to step to…It was 10 years ago that Gift of Gab and Chief Xcel aka Blackalicious put out their last album, The Craft. It was a dope album and left many of their fans wanting more.  That ‘more’ never came.

The group did a lot of shows and would occasionally tour, producer Chief Xcel was doing a lot of work with Grammy nominee Ledisi  while Gab dropped a couple of solo albums….but no new music was coming from them as a duo.  This year all that changed when they got back in the studio,  creative juices on fire and dropped ‘Imani Vol 1’. It will be the first in a trilogy of albums.

Imani album coverIn a recent interview done at the group’s West Oakland studio, they noted that its important to take time off, grow and then put out something that reflects their collective growth, creative inspirations and overall freshness. Imani Vol 1 does not disappoint. Some may say it’s the return of the boom bap sound. Others may say its the return of Hip Hop music with substance.. I say its the return of a damn good group who have 20 years under the belt, have gotten better with age and gave us what most will deem straight rewind material.  Imani is not an album filled with filler.  Each song resonates. Each beat leaves its mark.

Below is our recent Hard Knock Radio interview

Download_Blackalicious interview 09-09-2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpa-czMLAWQ

Earlier this month Blackalicious and their extended crew Lateef the Truthspeaker, Myron, Verse, Win Strong, Jumbo of the Lifesavas and special guests Fantastic Negrito and Kelly Finnigan of the Monophonics came together and did an incredible show at the historic Filmore. I got to deejay for the opening acts and take some cool photos in between. Here are some of the flicks.. enjoy

written by Davey D

Straight Outta Mexico- Oakland’s Raw G Catches Wreck

Raw G close upGina Madrid aka Raw G is a fixture in the Bay Area’s current Hip Hop scene who earned her stripes and position by doing what so many successful Bay artist have done before her, by grinding. In addition to being a dope emcee who has opened for everyone from KRS-One to Blackalicious to Ana Tijoux to Mobb Deep to name a few, Raw G also has her own promotion company called Steelo Entertainment. She learned early on, that opportunities arise when you create them and not sit back and wait.

Coming from Guadalajara, Mexico, Raw G is part of the first wave of pioneering emale emcees who laid down crucial ground work and opened doors for what has emerged to be a vibrant scene, south of the US border. There are scores of female emcees in Mexico who bring serious heat to the game. Artists like Jezzy P,  LeazzyVicky CXimbo, Rabia Rivera Dayra Fyah and Nina Dioz  to name a few.

Mujeres TrabajandoMany of these women including Raw G and fellow local/ Oakland emcee Aima the Dreamer are featured on a landmark compilation called Mujeres Trabajando which has morphed into a collective of the same name which translates to ‘Working Women’.

Raw G noted that Mujeres Trabajando has made major headway and as a promoter she has brought a number of the women from Mexico to the Bay Area to perform at jam packed shows.

Raw G never falls back and is forever hustling. The hard work has paid off.
Her new album Esperanza which means Hope is a masterpiece that reflects her evolution and love for Hip Hop culture. It also reflects her activism, as it speaks to important issues of social justice. All proceeds from her album are being donated to  International High School which services the immigrant community in Oakland. The first single off the album Sangre which means blood sets the tone for the album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO_4VGRMz34

Recently Raw G kicked things off for the Blackalicious Show held at the Filmore in San Francisco. She came with a full band a incredible back up singers like; Naima Grace Shalhoub, Lila Rose and Emily Afton Moldenhauer all have their own solo careers. But that’s typical of Raw G, she’s all about trying to bring folks together to help get them exposure and additional shine.

Below are some of the photos I took of Raw G and her crew during their performance at the Blackalicious show. Enjoy

written by Davey D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIBtz4CuNjo

Oakland’s Boogaloo Reunion BBQ : A History Lesson in West Coast Street Dance

 

Red gents raiseThe 5th annual Oakland Boogaloo Reunion BBQ  which took place in West Oakland’s Shoreline Park was an incredible and inspiring intergenerational gathering that provided much needed living history. There’s a popper’s picnic that takes place annually in Los Angeles at Griffith’s Park where they get lose and celebrate history.. This month the Bay Area let their story be told.

When most people talk about Hip Hop Dance, they think of what is known as B-Boying but commonly known as break dancing in the mainstream.  They think of people of doing elaborate spins on their backs or highly choreographed, robotic, strutting, clay-mation type movements that defy what many have imagined our bodies could do.

Most people think that  because the term Hip Hop is attached to these various dance styles that they’ve originated from New York City. In reality the dances known as Boogalooing, Roboting and Strutting  have their roots three thousand miles away in the Bay Area going back to the 1960s.  Their origins predate the birth of Hip Hop in New York in the 1970s.

Instead of bongo heavy break-beats that became a signature sound for early Hip Hop, the choice of music for many of the Bay Area’s pioneering street dancers was bass laden funk music.

If there was one thing that unbeknownst to folks from either coast that tied them together, it was James Brown. Early B-Boys in the Bronx were inspired by the moves he executed when performing songs like Get on the Good Foot. Songs like Give it Up or Turn It Lose and Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved were staple songs heard at early park jams. In the Bay Area the song of choice for early Bay Area funk and street dancers was Superbad.

There were no massive block parties in Oakland, San Francisco and Richmond which were the three main cities that were central to these dances during that time period.  Instead many Bay Area youth who embraced these dances showcased their skills at talent shows which were just as numerous in the late 60s, early 70s as block parties were in New York during the summer.

Deejays were few in number while hundreds of 3-4 member funk bands made up the musical landscape of the Bay Area. As  Will Randolph of the pioneering dance group the Black Resurgents noted, you might find 3 or 4 bands on every block. Some dance crews including the Black Resurgents even had their own bands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPrLXZbXfWw

Over the years thanks to popular TV shows like Soul Train and the later the Gong Show or key individuals moving from one place to another, the dances of the West Coast eventually became known to pioneering dancers in New York who incorporated them in their routines and by default became umbrellaed as Hip Hop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beVuW0H_S6g

Here in Oakland the 5th annual Boogaloo Reunion BBQ was held as folks from all over come out, and literally strut their stuff.  They showcase and celebrate the evolution of some of those original dances that were prominent in the Bay and Northern Cali as many like to note; the Day before Hip Hop. Today at the Boogaloo Reunion BBQ you will see early Funk style dancers, traditional Bboys and Bgirls and now turf dancers..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxnNn099hMQ

This year I arrived at the Poppers Picnic and BBQ (September 6) at West Oakland’s Shoreline Park, just as things were winding down, but managed to catch up with lot of folks and shoot some cool pictures that caught the good vibe and overall spirit of the day..Enjoy

written by Davey D

Oakland’s Zion I Crew Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

Zumbi sideDuring the recent Blackalicious show at the historic Fillmore Auditorium, the capacity crowd was treated to a stellar show from Zion I which has expanded its members to include founding member Zumbi Zoom, legendary Triple Threat deejay Vinroc long time South African emcee Dusk and emcee Deuce Eclipse who fronts the group Bang Dada…

As the group hit the stage and dropped song after song, it struck many of us just how deep Zion I’s catalogue is and just how long they been around. The Oakland based group formed in 1996 with Zumbi and producer Amp Live. They released their first album Mind Over Matter in 2000.

Their sophomore album Deep Water Slang was released in 2003 on Raptivism Records. Their third album, 2005’s True & Livin’ is one of my favorites. It featured  guest appearances by Talib Kweli, Aesop Rock, Gift of Gab, Del tha Funkee Homosapien and activist/ freedom fighter Fred Hampton jr.  It also contains one of their most popular songsThe Bay’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt7wJnQxWwg

The group’s fourth album, Break a Dawn, was initially only released in Japan in 2006, but was subsequently released internationally. Also in 2006, Zion I recorded Heroes in the City of Dope, a collaborative album with the Grouch, which Om Records released toward the end of the year.  They followed that up with the Takeover in 2009 and Atomic Clock in 2010, both were critically acclaimed.

Since 2010, Zion has released a a few more, albums, a number of mixtapes, live eps and scores of singles.. Their musi library is deep and that was apparent during their set at the Blackalicious Show.

A challenge facing many long time groups is they lose a few steps and struggle to stay relevant. Such is not the case with Zion I. They are as hungry as ever and have honed their skilled to near perfection.

Below are some photos we took from their excellent set at the Fillmore .

Don’t Sleep on Martin Luther- A Musician’s Musician

Martin Luther FilmoreOne of the most talented Bay Area artists around, who many like to consider a musician’s musician,  is Martin Luther. The San Francisco native plays a variety of instruments but the guitar is his main tool. His voice is part Sam Cooke, part Marvin Gaye as he is intense and deeply convicted with each note sung. His swagger is Jimi Hendrix and then some.

According to his bio, Martin Luther developed his musical chops as a child raised on choir hymns.  At the same time, he learned how to play piano and was exposed to the sounds of Parliament Funkadelic. These eclectic tastes redirected Martin Luther’s interests as he experimented with the sounds of funk. He later taught himself how to play the drums which allowed him to incorporate a wider range of instruments into his music.

Martin Luther over the years has worked closely with The Roots and Cody Chestnutt. He as several albums out including ‘The Calling’, ‘Rebel Soul Music’ and ‘Love is the Hero’ which were released independently.  Martin Luther is a Morehouse graduate with an emphasis on business and entertainment law.

Martin is also an actor who has appeared in several projects including; 2007 Beatles musical Across the Universe in the role of “Jo-Jo”, who reflects Jimi Hendrix. In the film, McCoy performs the song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps“,

We took some great shots of Martin Luther the other night during his stellar performance with Blackalicious  at the Filmore. Enjoy the photos and don’t sleep on Martin Luther.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_gifhe1Fdc