Tribute to DJ Premier

Hi guys

I know it's been a while since I put something up. I do apologise for being so quiet. Things have really been crazy over the past couple of months. I have atleast managed to take some time out and really focus on some of the things I neglected. The people that really know me will know about the passion that I have for hip hop. I've been listening to this genre ever since I was a little kid. When I started dj'ing, I used to play a lot of hip hop even. The one thing I've loved most about this genre is the creativity behind it. I particularly admire the fact that it started out as something that was seen as a passing phase for many, but for the young kids from the boroughs of New York, it was not just a passing phase. It was the start of a culture, a form of escapism from the harsh realities of life and poverty. The culture has since grown to become a multi-million dollar culture that has taken many off the life of crime, and made them millionaires.

About a month or so ago, I listened to a podcast that was done by one of my favourite hip hop dj's; DJ Scratch. The man was basically paying tribute to one of the best lyricists of our time; Nasir Jone, a.k.a. Nas. Before he could even play his music, he explained the reason why he had decided to pay tribute to this MC. What I took from his words was the fact that so very often, we tend to pay tribute to people that have passed on already. We never pay tribute to the people that are still alive. He then went on to challenge us to start paying tribute to the people that mean something to us. As a lover of hip hop, I then decided to take up this challenge. I decided to pay tribute to a dj/producer that I've come to not only admire, but respect as well. Christopher Edward Martin was born 46 years ago in Texas and later moved to Brooklyn New York where his dj'ing career began. He became a part of the rap duo, Gangstarr later on and this is where the fame...and fortune began. He has since been producing hits for the likes of Nas, Biggie Smalls, Common, Jeru The Damaja and of course Gangstarr. Guys, please listen to this mix and learn a thing or two about this gifted man who has contributed so much to the world of hip hop.

With this, I challenge the rest of you guys to continue with this concept of really paying tribute to artists while they are still alive. I'm doing my part. Of course there are thousands of other tracks I could've included in this mix however, there is so much that one can squeeze into one mix. Let me know what you think of it. You can find me on Twitter: @BrianBlaq

 http://soundcloud.com/brian-blaq/tribute-to-dj-premier

Classics Revisted Mastered

Classics Revisted Mastered

Collective Spirits - Love Planet (The Album)

DO IT NOW Recordings is proud to present Love Planet by Collective Spirits. This is a huge project originally done by Jonny Montana (Camio Recordings) which has now been re-crafted and will now be enjoyed by the South African market courtesy of DO IT NOW Recordings. Collective Spirits are a melodious ensemble of like-minded musicians devoted to making deep and meaningful music to be enjoyed lounging blissfully or dancing steadily on the dance floor.

MEMBERS INCLUDE:

Tantra Zawadi (Spoken word poet)

Dana Byrd (Vocalist)

Jonny Montana (Producer)

Bennett Holland (Keys Player)

Neil Mclean (Producer)

Tantra-Zawadi and Dana Byrd are both highly respected artists hailing from Brooklyn, New York and Newark, New Jersey respectively. Their work with DO IT NOW Recordings has brought about some memorable releases, after working with Nastee Nev, SoulAGENDA and DeepXcape. Their lyrical fusion of spoken word and vocals are something the underground house scene has seldom witnessed.

 

Tantra-Zawadi, an award-winning performance poet and the author of “alifepoeminprogress”, has been spreading her spoken word message to global, standing-room-only audiences for some time now. Her poetry was featured in Essence Magazine and she is the host and founder of WORDSPACE - A Spoken Word Series. Some of her performance credits include Def Poetry Plugged-In at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn NEXT, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, the Guild Theatre, ‘When Sisters Speak’ in Toronto, and the Product (RED) video-wall. She has traveled many international countries using her talent as a medium to reach out to people. 

 Dana Byrd is a classically trained vocalist, whose talents embody previous underground smashes on Francois K's Wave Music ('Your Love' with the legendary Pal Joey, remixed by Danny Krivit) and Tony Humphries' Yellorange Label (I Wanna Be Free). He has also worked with some of the biggest players in the business, including John Legend, Kool & The Gang and Mos Def. He has studied music professionally and is also a co-founder and CFO of an entertainment company dealing with all aspects of the arts and entertainment industry.

 

Bennett Holland is a talented musician having been formally trained for Jazz Studies at Leeds College of Music. He has played for Richard Hawley, Pet Simpson, frank White, Chris Walker and many more. Recently he has played studio sessions for Toddla T, Groove Assassin and Jonny Montana.

 Love Planet has been produced and arranged by Jonny Montana & Neil Maclean.

 

Jonny Montana is the label owner of Camio Recordings which is responsible for releases and remixes from some of the scene's most talented producers (Jihad Muhammad, Reelsoul, Big Moses, Kenny Carvajal, Guy Robin, Dom Navarra, UPZ and Anto Vitale). Jonny is a highly demanded remixer in his own right, with previous high-profile projects for Noel Mckoy & Acid Jazz Records, Colonel Red, Alton Miller and Monique Henry, amongst others. He also has crafted numerous original productions. 

 

Neil Maclean, already an established DJ in the UK, has also made a name for himself in the production arena with various edits and remixes with support from DJ's such as Timmy Regisford, Spen, Ian Friday and Patrick Wilson. Together, Jonny and Neil have previously remixed the track 'Broken Dreams' by Ceramic on NY Soul Records, which is currently riding high in the Traxsource, under their Jazz Theory moniker.

 

This 10-track album exudes soulful melodies, soothing spiritual tracks that are enchanting, lovingly sincere and beautiful to the ear. An album exploding with musical brilliance, sexy, soothing vocals, emotive keys and lingering poetry put together for your enjoyment. Find yourself. Lose yourself. LOVE PLANET.

Dat Jazz is an easy lounge track, rhythmic with pure keys, smoky lyrics from Tantra Zawadi filled with soulful melodies and a blissful electric bass guitar.

Just Wanna Dance is an infectious upbeat track speaking of the magic found when the music makes you lose yourself, dance your worries away, let go on the dance floor.

Let It Come is an energetic Latin-style jam filled with easy subtle keys, slow deep bass and melodious organ solo. Let your emotions go. Let it come!

Spirit of Africa is a tribal track, deep drums escalating and souring to a rhythmic chant that can only come from the heart of Africa.