Education: DJ Revolution X DJ Shadow Interview

Though this is not a new interview, I do revisit it often to hear about the back story of one of my favorite musicians, DJ Shadow, and how he has grown from early days to his now successful solo career. Lots of truth and brainfood in this interview between two giants of the true school DJ culture. Get yo learn on!

Fine Art Friday: Thomas Cian

Italian artist Thomas Cian has been sketching friends and family in the patented Moleskin journal of choice for all draftsmen, but the results are great studies in composition and often feel like finished pieces as they lay within the pages of his books. Often not letting the seam at the center of the page effect his work, but using it as part of the image, Cian has created many volumes of intimate portraits, calling it FriendsBook, that resonate much more than simply taking photos of your friends or posting them on Facebook as is common these days. Though these images are one of his many interests, I am always fond of well rendered drawings and figurative work so this series strikes a chord with me. Check it out and see how investing time and development for your chosen craft can pay off.

ARTIST FOLIO WEBSITE
http://www.behance.net/chanbella

Video: T.R.A.C. - "This Is That" ft. Yahzeed Divine

Brooklyn based emcee TRAC recently dropped the video for the collabo track with Yahzeed Divine called "This Is That" from the EP of the same name. Keeping the true school NYC vibe of the boom bap era, TRAC and Yahzeed trade verses about giving the listener exactly what they calim is missing from the game. Solid lyrics and solid production from Marc Mac add the the legendary Brooklyn lineup of talented cats from all eras. Check it out and support quality music from the NY underbelly.

DOWNLOAD  LINK
http://bit.ly/BC_THIS

Listen: Man Mantis - "Majestic Dimensions" Vol. I

Fresh off an appearance with RJD2, Man Mantis dropped his latest experimental, electronic EP entitled "Majestic Dimensions Vol. I" showcasing some of his latest audio adventures with more manipulated sounds in the vein of producers like DJ Shadow and Flying Lotus. I am always down to share the work of artists who grew from traditional hip hop roots into a more creative and less populated lane of production that can stand on its own without regular emcee features to distract from the listening experience. Check it out and see what is possible when you follow your own path within the hip hop universe and avoid the trends of pop radio.

DOWNLOAD LINK
http://manmantis.bandcamp.com/

DJ Pain 1 - Promoting Your Music Online (video series)

Despite being a successful producer and touring DJ in the often-hard-to-navigate rap world, DJ Pain 1 takes great pride in being an educator and offering advice, tips and information on how he continues to grow his own audience and the tools he has used to help garner some of his accolades. He tends to work with major label artists, but offers humbling advice to people of all ranks in the rap game and some of his tips may help you shine a light on yourself without becoming a human spam folder when promoting your music. Get your learn on and see how being smarter about your game can get you more mileage!

Promoting Your Music Online (part 1) : Social vs. Antisocial Media (1 of 2)

Listen: Yasiin Gaye - "Inner City Travellin Man"

Amerigo Gazaway's new "Soul Mates" series continues the theme of his previous work in creating collaborations that "never were". On the series' first installment, the producer unites Brooklyn rapper Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) and soul legend Marvin Gaye for a dream collaboration aptly titled "Yasiin Gaye". Building the album's foundation from deconstructed samples of Gaye's Motown classics, Gazaway re-orchestrates the instrumentation into new productions within a similar framework. Carefully weaving Bey's dense raps and Gaye' soulful vocals over his new arrangements, the producer delivers a quality far closer to Gaye's famous duets than that of a "mashup" album. (bandcamp)



DOWNLOAD LINK
http://amerigo.bandcamp.com/album/yasiin-gaye-inner-city-travellin-man