DAILY GRACE

Some Grace visuals and music to tug at your sense of reality.  I always wondered what it would be like to be as free as she is.

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GIL SCOTT HERON - I'M NEW HERE (REVIEW)

You need to get this.  This is the most divergent projects of his career.  It seems as if Gil Scott Heron is at a point in his life where he is brutality honest with who he is and what he represents, meaning, the righteousness of pioneering poets such as himself as well as contemporary poets is a mask for the unspoken narcissism a lot of poets exhibit.  My dad often talked about Gil Scoot Heron when I was a kid and would say, "Yeah his music is cool but I doubt he believes what he is saying".  Poetry that expounds the day to day inner-workings of our conscience is just as, if not more revolutionary than a thousand antiwar poems.  When he was young he had intelligence but now he has the wisdom to be introspective as to what really brings about change; reconciling with our past and the transformation of self.  His poems are to the point yet complex and his production is great.  He has been the only poet I've heard that can successfully merge both poetry and music.  The quick 5-15 second interludes act as prefaces to the following songs.  The interludes are really outtakes of him in the studio discussing his experiences, behaviors, and proverbs.  Overall, this album is an amazing suprise for 2010.  Side note, he samples Kanye's Flashing Lights!  How tight is that?

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NICK JAMES' TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORIES

After a Blitz the Ambassador show in Berkeley, me and the staff of MVMT (Rolando Brown and James Bartlett) were riding in my car heading to yet another Blitz the Ambassador show in SF and were knocking this song.  Now, I am producer and yes, I know I say that a lot like how Tracy Morgan's says "I am a lawyer" while impersonating Star Jones, but I say that to reinforce that I don't care too much for lyrics.  I like Jay Electronica, Nas and a few others, but I'm rarely impressed by rappers thus I tune them out.  Rolando on the other hand, lives for lyrics.  He is a rapper.  Him and I need to make an album called, "I'm the Rapper, He's the Producer", but I digress.  While listening to this song by Laws, Rolando goes on a tangent that went something like this:

Yo man!  Why didn't he just keep the third verse.  I mean, that verse is good but not the other ones.  I don't get it.  And the chorus?  I'm shining man?  Come on.  Yo, I bet he was in the studio and everybody was just like "Ah yeah that's dope" and kept bobbing their heads because he's the only cat with money in the studio or something.     

This conversion is why I posted the video.  I saw this video after this conversation and had to laugh.  I guess Rolando is psychic.  This video is exactly what he was talking about.  As for me, I like the song because 9th Wonder finally made a beat that I like in a long time.  I've been feenin for some The Listening 9th for too long.  This is his best beat since Carolina Agents.  BTW, Laws, Rolando and I both see promise in you so keep doing what your doing.  At one point we even brought up your name in the same sentence as Big L so you can't go wrong there.

Download: Laws - Shining (Prod. 9th Wonder)

Click Cover to Download Mixtape

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DU BOIS QUOTE OF THE DAY #11

"It was thus the black worker, as founding stone of a new economic system in the nineteenth century and for the modern world, who brought civil war in America. He was its underlying cause, in spite of every effort to base the strife upon union and national power.
 
That dark and vast sea of human labor in China and India, the South Seas and all Africa; in the West Indies and Central America and in the United States—that great majority of mankind, on whose bent and broken backs rest today the founding stones of modern industry—shares a common destiny." Share

A GREAT & MIGHTY WALK

Hands down one of my favorite historians and intellectuals.  His brain was a vast library.  A professor of mine once interviewed him at his house and even though Clarke suffered from glaucoma and went blind late in life, he memorized where every book in his house was.  This man read 10,000 books in his lifetime.

Download Video: Cinepack | 658 MB   Ogg Video | 452 MB   512Kb MPEG4 | 394 MB

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STUSSY DILLA DOCUMENTARY 1-3

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DU BOIS QUOTE OF THE DAY #10

“To stimulate wildly weak and untrained minds is to play with mighty fires.”Share

CREATIVE CONTROL > RIK CORDERO

5 minutes after posting the Best of Curren$y Mixtape, I see this video on Nah Right.  Creative Control is a beast right now.  They are taking gorilla style videos to a new level.  They meld Hip-Hop sensibilities with the aesthetic of a high-end fashion show. Share

WHERE HAVEN'T WE BEEN MIXTAPE

I never thought I would become a Curren$y fan let alone compile a best of mixtape and spend an hour of my time concocting the artwork you see below.  I still remember people posting his studio sessions years ago where the sound quality was horrendous and former boss Lil Wayne wasn’t too far behind shrieking over a minimalist beat.  Now, after leaving No Limit then Cash Money and then Young Money, he has been getting better and stronger (I guess record labels do stifle artist’s ability to put out music).  I put this together because after asking a couple of friends if they got the Smokee Robinson Mixtape, they replied, “My internet is down but I wouldn’t have downloaded it anyway”, I decided to package something for the nonbelievers.  This mixtape marks his growth plus something to expect from him as he continues to partner with Dame Dash and Ski Beatz.  His next album, Pilot Talk, will be fire and this mixtape will serve as the justification for Hip-Hop historians who ponder, "how did he get this raw?"

Download: Where Haven't We Been?: The Best of Curren$y

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MORE THROWBACKS

I got in a conversation/argument with two dear friends at Chicken and Waffles yesterday.  They profess to love 90s R&B groups such as Boyz II Men and Aaliyah and I added that I didn't like it.  They felt I was too harsh (probably am), so I decided that I need to put together a 90s R&B mix and chronicle the R&B songs that I think transcend their era.  Stay Tuned.

This is going on there.  By the way, whatever happened to Mr. Malik?  Sure he was like 5ft but he had flows.Share

THROWBACK SUNDAYS

I unfortunately never had a shag in the back : (

Oh, and Booby was still akward then.Share

GOOD COPY BAD COPY

GOOD COPY BAD COPY - a documentary about the current state of copyright and culture

I SAMPLE & IT'S AN ART FORM.Share

MOS COVERS ACCORDION

Doom and Mos need to just put out an album together but that will never happen.  Side note, I love how rappers form "supergroups" yet never release an album, i.e. CRS (Lupe, Kanye, Pharrell), Mos + Jay Elect + Curren$y, and yes even Jay-Z, Ja Rule, and DMX (it hurt writing that last one).  The only ones who have really done it is Slaughterhouse and no one really asked for that.  Message to Mos and Doom, we are asking for it.  Ok go.

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ROCKY RIVERA

I've been meaning to post something about Rocky Rivera's new album, especially because I produced on a song on it!  Bambu hit me up almost a year ago asking me about a beat I sent him while he was recording his album, Exact Change.  He almost used the beat to "I Am Gone" but chose "Crooks and Rooks" instead.  He asked if Rocky Rivera could use it and I was more than happy because I really wanted this beat to see the light of day.  So many rappers passed on this so I'm glad she got it.  Let me know what you think and don't forget to buy the album.  Good raps plus good production.  Thank god there is a female emcee bringing an edge to the game.  Shout out to 6Fingers, Fatgums, Dex Beats, Keelay & Zaire, and CZA.  Congratulations Rocky Rivera (I always want to say EyeASage).    

Rocky Rivera - I am Gone (Prod. Nick James)


Buy the album here: iTunes

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PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT: DJ TOOMP (AGAIN)

Only listen to the beat in the beginning of the video (the interview is whatever).  Madlib and Jake One have both sampled this but Toomp kills it.  I love when he samples because his drums + horns + synths on top of the sample always sound amazing.Share

3-DAY WEEKEND PLEDGE: PERKISIZING

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NEW MAJOR LAZER

The best part of posting Major Lazer music is that I get to create tacky graphics for the post picture (Yes!).  This is good though.  Knock it.

Major Lazer Ft. Busy Signal & M.I.A. – Sound Of Siren
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CAMP LO QUOTE OF THE DAY #5

"I ski in Switzerland/Down in morocco gamblin', handlin' / B.I. for my crooks back in the BX, sex, collect wines / Italian designs, quicksilver / Come paint the canvas if needed but should it be not / Cause everything goes accordin' to plan"

- Geechi Suede

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POST RACISM'S NEW ENEMY: RACIST PENISES

John Mayer recently snitched on his penis:

PLAYBOY: Do black women throw themselves at you?

MAYER: I don’t think I open myself to it. My dick is sort of like a white supremacist. I’ve got a Benetton heart and a fuckin’ David Duke cock. I’m going to start dating separately from my dick.

I bet Chris Matthews didn't see this one coming.  This must really hurt right-wing conservatives and racially oblivious liberals who felt that they beat racism with the election of Barack Obama only to find out America's true killer; racist body parts.  With the recent admission of his racist penis, John Mayer forces us to call into question other white celebrities body parts: 1. Hulk Hogan's fu manchu, 2. Britney Spears' butt cleavage, 3. Kate Moss' emaciated knees, 4. Tom Sellack's chest hair, and the most suspicious of them all, 5. Owen Wilson's nose.  There's no telling whose racist body part we are standing next to at the bus stop.  But on a serious note, John Mayer's an idiot.  Where is propriety when you need it?  When did irreverence become the new endearing?  He exemplifies Freud's concept of id.  Below is his apology which is hilarious.  I love when people make racist or sexist or homophobic slips and/or indictments and then come to tears later while apologizing.  John, here's some advice, YOU ARE NOT THE VICTIM.  Read more of his ridiculousness here.        

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BLITZ THE AMBASSADOR

I had the pleasure of seeing this brother perform last night in Berkeley and San Francisco.  He started off in Berkeley, where he performed at La Pena, and then he hit up Mojitos in SF to jam with The Park where my homie and musical partner Siaira Shawn performed as well.  Let me tell you, Blitz is pure precision in his execution.  Watching him perform and realizing that he doesn't waste a line is impressive, especially in an era where irreverence and self absorption reigns supreme.  Furthermore, his drumming and knack to try different rhythms, melodies, tones, and cadences lyrically, and through instrumentation, sets him apart from the herd.  Below is a track that will premiere on MTV U.  Last night at La Pena sounded as serene as this track.  He will be in Cali for a few weeks so be sure to check out a show (Go to the Elbo Room show).
 
Blitz the Ambassador feat. John Forte - Dying to Live

 

Check out the StereoLive Tour dates HERE.

Here is some footage from the show (excuse my low quality Blackberry Tour recording):

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SLEPT ON ALBUM: KARDINAL OFFISHALL

Click to Download

I've always loved this album. Kardinal's first album, Quest for Fire: Firestarter Vol. 1 (2001) has lyrics but more importantly, has beats.  Beats made by him!  You gotta love rapper/producers.  Enjoy because it still slaps 9 years later.      

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YO THIS IS HOT

Ahhh I used to make beats like this.  I gotta get back on my game.  Plus, I 'm fellin Creekwater's supreme mathmatics plug.  Study and get back at me at the God hour.  100.Share

DU BOIS QUOTE OF THE DAY #9

"Children learn more from what you are than what you teach."Share

CORY BOOKER IS THE TRUTH

"America never was America to me, but I swear this oath, America will be."

- Langston Hughes

Cory Booker is a political figure I actually believe in.  His agency and drive is unlike anything I've ever seen.  Watch this video as well as buy or rent, Street Fight.  You will be determined to hold yourself to a level of discipline and social responsibility you never thought you could.  I know this sounds corny but Booker is just that consistent.  Usually, we can pick apart public figures and see through their prepped messages and performance based gestures, but Cory is different.  Yes, he is very theatrical and can quote James Baldwin and Thomas Aquinas in the same sentence, but it's what he does away from the camera that matters.  He is a genius and could have gone corporate with his talents but instead moved into the projects of Newark to run for city council.  He is a living example of civic duty and participation.   

Watch this!

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DU BOIS QUOTE OF THE DAY #8

"If there is anybody in this land who thoroughly believes that the meek shall inherit the earth they have not often let their presence be known."Share

88 KEYS SAMPLING & CHOPPING

The beat at the end sounds great.Share

THE PACKAGING ONLY GETS BETTER

I posted this a few weeks back.  Now, even the vinyl gets tricked out.  I have to buy the cd and vinyl as collectors items.  Artists please take note; people invest in something worth while.  Enhance the experience.  I'm trying to print up my Nas Remixes and American Producer on vinyl.  Red vinyl for Nas and blue vinyl for Jay.  Stay tuned.

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H.I.S.D. - LANDO (GET UR SPACE UP)

This is my new theme.  Space is the place.  Swag is done.  Get ur Lando up.  My boy Wes put me on H.I.S.D. years ago and I'm glad he did because this Houston based rap group reminds me of Little Brother plus Slum plus something else.  

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WALE - MY SWEETIE

Cute video plus it's directed by Tabi Bonney!Share

CAMP LO QUOTE OF THE DAY #4

"Dig my satin Struthers, coolie high waver on the sky, fro in the fly, car wash bubble out in a grandstand land.  Gold day e'day, sip the slick and the stout.  Stick yo'self stick yo'self baba."

- Son of Cheeba

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INSECURITY TAKE THAT TAKE THAT

I love Diddy.  An entire generation of young men owe their facade, excuse me, swag to Diddy.  From every man in I Love New York to the entire cast of Jersey Shore, where would the club scene and blind arrogance be without the champagne debauchery of the self proclaimed "King of Diamonds."  This video is great.   

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HOW WES MAPES USED TO DANCE

At 1:23, one of these guys steals a move patented in 1999 by my friend and co-producer, Wes Mapes.  Wes, the "Formulation" and signature "Walk-A-Thon" have been taken from you.  The video is called "Ya Tu Sabe" and they are Harlem Shaking so they are probably in NY somewhere.  Find them!Share

DU BOIS QUOTE OF THE DAY #7

"The most important thing to remember is this: To be ready at any moment to give up what you are for what you might become."Share

MISOGYNY! U ALREADY NODO

"Like my brother Sleepy D, I'd bring Oprah if I could"

No that isn't one of my Du Bois quotes of the day, or even Camp Lo for that matter, this is from D-Lo's, No Hoe Remix feat. E-40, Beeda Weeda, and Jacka.  I wonder if this quote will ever find its way to Oprah?  It would be great to see a Black woman with power cast her hand down a la Sofia cursing out Harpo.  I'm pretty sure Oprah would be the pimp, not the other way around.

First off, seeing E-40 start off the remix threw me for a loop.  When E-40 was young, he did have grindin type songs but he also had songs like "It's All Bad," "Things Will Never Change," and "1 Luv."  So, even when he had hardcore lyrics it was buffered by songs with a message.  40 is now 40 years old.  I always wondered what it would be like to be married with kids and come home to my wife after saying I have women of all races working on the track for me on a song (just a thought).  I know E-40 has always done a good job of helping out new artists in the Bay and has opened doors for folks but he could have been a mentor in this case.

The reason for such concern regarding this song is that there are 400 sexually exploited minors in Oakland every day!  Our communities have been torn apart by men abusing women violently, sexually, psychologically, and spiritually, as well as by the countless boys that have been lead astray that become broken men due to their exposure to violence and hatred.  Seeing women tug on Jacka's shirt as he talks about putting "yo b**** in a choke hold" and then puts a model in the video in a choke hold, is the most surreal sight I've seen in a video in a while.  We have to see violence against women for what it is; violence.  If a white man had a Black man in a headlock in a video, we would protest from the Bay to New York (at least I pray that we would).  The jovial nature of the song makes violence, pimping, and the objectification of women go unnoticed even though the lyrics are so blatant.  We must question ourselves as men, why are we always caught in this gender purgatory where we don't act?

This is a classic example of what I call the "Chronic Syndrome."  When Dr. Dre released the Chronic, people always talked about how much they "loved the beats."  "Bitches Ain't Shit" is the perfect example of a beat becoming a classic even though the chorus is "Bitches ain't shit but hoes and tricks, lick on the nuts and suck the dick."  I understand that if you are an adult you can create almost anything and consume almost anything, but "No Ho" has been pushed and praised by extremely young fans.  I've seen 8 year-old girls screaming, "We don't give a fuck about no ho," as well as seeing boys attack girls in middle school classes, so this song has direct experiences attached to it for me.  I can't differentiate the chorus from the interactions I see on Oakland streets, and in particular and even more distressing, our schools.       

I've worked with countless young men throughout West and East Oakland and when I have conversations with them about their relationships and interactions with women and they reiterate the sentiments of this song, I just want to give them a hug because an essential human bond is being severed.  We can talk about turf unity all we want but if young men and women are at odds and physical and psychological warfare is normative, we are missing the biggest issue facing our communities.  If young and adult men really knew what their mothers, grandmothers, sisters, cousins, aunties, friends, and girlfriends have gone through, they would sing another song.  I know D-Lo is young; trying to have fun, and make money but there is a ripple effect.  E-40 and Jacka are O.G.s and young men take heed from them.  When misogyny is validated by men they see as having made it, they follow the formula.

I'm not writing to make it seem that I am holier than thou because I grew up on Too $hort's Cocktails and Snoop's Doggystyle, but I've had so many Black male mentors (my dad, godfather Bill, Coach Johnson, Coach Booth, Mr. Green, Burl Toler II & I, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Smith, Dr. Wade Nobles, Dr. Goddard, Mr. Cavil, Dr. Akom, Dr. Ginwright, and several others) that I've been demanded to always speak in manner that benefits the welfare of all people, especially those of my culture and background.  Refraining from devaluing women is unfortunately a process for men in this country.  Even though I don't perceive myself as a disrespectful person or a man that treats women badly, I know that I am still in recovery from patriarchy and hyper-masculinity, thus my daily actions and words must set an example to other boys and men in order to transcend male stereotypes.  As older men, we must set an example at all times because we don't know who we can influence or those who have yet had the opportunity to have a mentor or man guide them in the right direction.  

This is dedicated to every young man I've taught.  Keep treating women, your family, friends, and yourself with the utmost respect and love.  Deliver a message of peace because violence and destruction only dimmers the prospects of life.      

   - Nick James  

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THE iPAD: AS PREDICTABLE AS RAMBO

"Here at Apple, we give customers features they don't even realize they want yet."

I usually enjoy the majority of Apple products but recently my boy Steve keeps repackaging old products as if he were Nike (Think about it; they always create new colorways for dunks, air force 1's, and Air Max's from the 90s. Nike, step your game up).  The iPad is yet another example of Apple causing a frenzy for nothing.  A year ago The Onion created a viral video poking fun at Apple's over-hyped yearly gadget announcements.  After Steve and all of Apple probably forwarded the parody throughout the office last year, you would think they would focus on something new that we actually need, like hologram keyboards for example (see below).  The huge keyboard on the iPad doesn't look like it would feel natural, but I digress.  Watch the Onion video again to refresh your memory as well as some SNL useless technology skit about interactive election maps.    

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PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT: ODDISEE

Oddisee has been around for a minute but has recently branched out and expanded his production.  He has been releasing seasonal instrumental mixtapes that showcase his talents beyond just beat making.  I'm feeling his new direction.  Check it out, it's free! (as always with anything on this website) 

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DU BOIS QUOTE OF THE DAY #6

"There can be little doubt but that in the fourteenth century the level of culture in black Africa south of the Sudan was equal to that of Europe and was so recognized."

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I'VE BEEN KNOCKING THIS MORE THAN SADE

Sorry y'all.

CORRINE BAILEY RAE - CLOSER
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SADE - SOLDIER OF LOVE (REVIEW)

I love Sade but this album doesn't have the one to two tracks that make the album spectacular.  Diamond Life (1984) had “Smooth Operator,” “Your Love Is King,” and “Hang On To Your Love,” and those were the first 3 tracks of the album.  Promise (1985) had "Is It A Crime," "The Sweetest Taboo," and “War of Hearts.”  Again, those were the first three tracks.  Not to mention, “Jezebel” and “Fear” are amazing sonically and conceptually.  Stronger Than Pride’s (1988) first four songs, “Love Is Stronger Than Pride,” “Paradise,” “Nothing Can Come Between Us,” and “Haunt Me,” are classics.  Love Deluxe (1992) is a certified classic where discussing the beauty of the songs takes the length of an essay.  Finally, Lovers Rock (2000), had “King of Sorrow.”  With that said, Soldier of Love is not those albums.  The songs that stand out, wouldn't stand out on her previous albums, yet the album is still okay.  The problem is that nothing really grabs your attention except "Morning Bird" and possibly "Long Hard Road."  The tone of the album is slow and somber, which isn't anything new to Sade, but even though calm and intentional is her style, she usually conveys it with such gut wrenching passion like a "Pearls" or "Jezebel," that you don't mind the lack of tracks with energy, but instead welcome it.  I need more time with it.  I'm going to create my own best of and post it here.  Stay Tuned.

My favorite song thus far: Morning Bird
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I CAN WATCH RZA ALL DAY

Hands down one of the funniest cats on the planet.  It's so funny how he goes from his erratic freestyles (and written lyrics) to eastern philosophy and spirituality.

Apply science kid. Bong bong. 

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CAMP LO QUOTE OF THE DAY #3

"Only son of Willie D, one of the sons of Gold D, the kid is silky slim.  One son of the Black Panther Party, when they turned the lights out at the party."

- Sonny Cheeba

How do they come up with this stuff?  I love Ski Beats but Camp Lo's flow is just as important because they give Ski's 70s production a counterpart.  Get Another Heist.Share

LETTER TO JAY

Jay,

I've remixed countless songs of yours over the years and if he can get some air time, at least give your boy a shout.  Just once.  My Say Hello Remix is sonically Blueprint 1-ish and that album is a classic!  Just a thought.  I doubt Mr. acid wash jeans/knee high boots/extra long cardigan gave you Roc-A-Fella start up money.  I'm just saying.  BTW, who is that guy? 

It's Ya Boy!,

Young Free

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THE GIRL EFFECT

I've always wanted to post this but I've always forgot.  I'm pretty sure Chris Mueller sent this to me a year ago.  The message is great and the presentation is even better.  I believe in bottom up messaging (basically accessible messaging).  The message is so easily depicted and explained that anyone can understand.  Usually, people with great ideas don't not know how to frame their ideas.  I could image myself pitching this to people using complex language while deconstructing the socioeconomic urgency as to why we should focus our efforts on girls in developing nations and folks would get lost in the rhetoric.  Take note and reference this for your projects.

Check out the Site

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DU BOIS QUOTE OF THE DAY #5

"The race that produced the ugly features of a Darwin or a Winston Churchill was always "beautiful," while a Toussaint and a Menelik were ugly because they were black."

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PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT: DJ TOOMP

Breaks down how he merges hardware and software in his production.  I unfortunately rely on software.  It's more economically feasible, but once you get your ASR, MPC, and mixer, you are pretty much set.Share