World DMC DJ Championships 1987-2001

    



This nice little medley shows the DMC Champion for each of the years performing their winning DJ sets.  Seeing these performances back to back really shows how much turntablism has progressed since the early years.  From Chad Jackson scratching with a pool cue, to Rock Steady DJ's being the first crew to take the title, and then DJ Craze's amazing 3 titles in a row, total domination of the competition.

Here are the list of winners, the download link is below.

1987 - Chad Jackson (UK)
1988 - DJ Cash Money (USA)
1989 - Cutmaster Swift (UK)
1990 - DJ David (Germany)
1991 - DJ David (Germany)
1992 - Rocksteady DJs (Mix Master Mike, Q-Bert, & DJ Apollo) (USA)
1993 - Dreamteam (Mix Master Mike and DJ Q-Bert) (USA)
1994 - Dreamteam (Mix Master Mike and DJ Q-Bert) (USA)
1995 - Roc Raida (USA) - X-Ecutioners
1996 - DJ Noize (Denmark)
1997 - DJ A-Trak (Canada) - youngest ever world champion aged 15
1998 - DJ Craze (USA)
1999 - DJ Craze (USA)
2000 - DJ Craze (USA)
2001 - Plus One (UK)

Download Link (Hotfile - 700mb)
http://hotfile.com/dl/83600055/af9d6dd/World.DMC.DJ.Champions1987-2001.rar.html

Sabac - The Ritual DVD

Sabac Red (as he was formerly known in Non Phixion alongside DJ Eclipse, Ill Bill & Goretex) is an underrated political and conscious MC with a lot to say that will provoke the mind. He has released two solo projects since Non Phixion disbanded in 2006, both released on Necro's Psycho+Logical-Records, but each remain slept on by the masses (which is no bad thing).  His 2nd offering The Ritual came in two formats, one of which was accompanied by a DVD.

Although this DVD isn't a highly polished, big budget effort, it's certainly not one of those lame efforts which are just a collection of random clips.  You know the ones, where they use mobile phone footage of live concerts and call it 'exclusive content'. 
Sabac has really made an effort to engage with the viewer by giving them an insight into the work that he does behind the scenes to improve his community and educate the kids.  He commentates on his work and his feelings and this informal narration cuts in and out throughout the DVD and successfully pulls together the various other footage that we're presented with. 
 
The DVD is a full length film featuring videos, interviews, live European tour footage with Ill Bill & DJ Eclipse, freestyles, behind the scenes making of 'The Collabo Collection Vol. 2 Mixtape' and more.
 
Download Link (Hotfile - 690mb)
http://hotfile.com/dl/83638488/88aca73/Sabac.The.Ritual.Bonus.DVD.2008.DVDRip.rar.html

Shyheim - Live on BET

Shyheim (aka The Rugged Child) was the youngest (and probably smallest!) member of the Wu-Tang Clan. But his age and stature hasn’t affected his presence within the Wu-Tang and compared to many of the better known Wu affiliates, Shyheim has actually had much more success. He’s released studio 5 albums over a 15 year career and worked with a stellar line up of major artists including Big L, 2Pac, Mya, Smoothe Da Hustler, B.I.G., Jay-Z etc.

In 1995 he made a cameo appearance in TLC’s Waterfalls video and has since starred in several Hollywood movies along side the likes of Omar Epps, Pam Grier, Richard Roundtree and other rappers such as Nas and LL Cool J. I don’t think U-God or Cappadonna could top that.

In this video, Shyheim performs one of his biggest hits Manchild, live on BET's Teen Summit alongside fellow Wu affiliate Tekitha.  This is one of my favourite Shyheim cuts, second only to Furious Anger with Big L. 

Download Link (Hotfile - 28mb)
http://hotfile.com/dl/85608110/fc91fc9/Shyheim_Feat_Tekitha_-_Manchild(Live__BET_Teen_Summit).mpg.html

Big Daddy Kane - Get In To It (1987)

One of my most prominent memories from 1987 was the explosion of pirate radio and the amazing array of talented rappers that were blaring out of my stereo.  Never had my speakers had it so good.  Of all the artists at that time, Big Daddy Kane was the one getting the heaviest rotation.  Every time the DJ changed and the next show started, they too would play the latest BDK 12" that their predecessor had only just played half an hour before, but hey, I wasn't complaining because his shit was so dope.

Big Daddy Kane was like Rakim in that his lyrical ability and delivery truly set him apart from almost everyone around him.  He struck an incredibly fine balance of using complex metaphors alongside classic battle rhymes over punchy up tempo beats whilst still managing to sound smoother than a full Brazilian wax.  His diction was crisp and every word was audible, despite the speed at which he often delivered his rhymes, (something many new school artists should study, but don't get me started on the current trend of lazy rap). 

To quote the legend himself:
"And let's just get one more thing understood"
"If I fart on a record, trust me nigga, that shit gon' sound good"

This 12", along with a couple of his other early 12"s, was released on the Prism label, which later merged with Cold Chillin.  It's produced by Marley Marl and has the fantastic Just Rhymin' With Biz on the B side.
When people talk about the explosion of Hip Hop in the late 1980's they usually mention Eric B & Rakim, PE, LL, Run DMC etc but Kane is too often omitted from this list which is an injustice as his influence was as great as the fore mentioned.

Track listing:
A1 Get Into It (Vocal) 5:08
A2 Get Into It (Instrumental) 5:11
B1 Somethin' Funky 5:07
B2 Just Rhymin' With Biz 4:03

Download Link (Hotfile - 27mb)
http://hotfile.com/dl/88100083/fb781b3/Big_Daddy_Kane_-_Get_Into_It_(12)-1987.rar.html

DJ Premier: The XXL Icon Interview

DJ Premier talks to XXL magazine about his 20+ years in hip hop and many of his most poignant moments during that time.  Premo is a fairly well documented character, but this interview brings new stories (like him berating Chuck D in front of his kids for suing him) and expands on some of the old ones, in particular the strained relationship between him and Guru. 

Premo reveals some of the industry's secrets whilst at the same time providing his own honest viewpoint, like admitting Group Home had very little lyrical ability (just goes to show how important a dope beat is)!

This interview gives a fresh insight into the life of the super producer, but instead of me telling you anymore, go and enojoy it for yourself.

http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2010/12/dj-premier-the-xxl-icon-interview/

What does it take to make you whyl?

For most people a can of Brasso inhaled rapidly will do the trick, for Ace, Buckshot and Special Ed, living in Crooklyn was enough. A classic video where you can almost smell the crime, of which Special Ed seems to be particularly aware as he spends most of his verse looking round like he wished the car they were tied to was travelling much, much faster. And he was inside it!

Three legends on the microphone in my opinion, i feel in particular that Special Ed didn't get his props. He had a very different style, which sounds as fresh now as it does then, and was always positive on the microphone, without making the listening feel that they'd accidentally walked into a sermon staffed by an overbearing local youth worker.

Ace was, and continues to be, one of my favourite. His lyrics were always on point, his stories always kept me interested and painted a picture that invited the listener into his world and offered you a comfy seat next to the TV. His first album, 'Take a Look Around' is a very good place to start if you fancy catching some of his insightful rhymes. Musically he was very versatile, so if this doesn't fit the bill for you, one of his later masterpieces might!

Buckshot has a flow that is instantly recognisable, and its great to see him still recording today with all manner of noted producers. 9th Wonder in particular suited his style i felt.

Firearm to your, i'm sure, gorgeous face, who would you chose as you your favourite of all time? I have to stay that is the second hardest question after, would you like to be buried or cremated? I still don't have an answer to either. Do you have any thoughts? Primarily to the first one really. I don't have a particular interest in the second unless i'm apologising profusely through teary eyes and your legs are sticking out awkwardly from under my car.

If you are interested in a copy of the video, here it is:

Crooklyn Dodgers (35mb)

Podcasts

I stumbled across some podcasts that might interest some of you.  A couple of interesting interviews that are worth a listen.

Dead Prez - 30 minute interview with M-1 & Sticman
Crazy Legs - 50 minute interview with Rock Steady Crew's frontman

Both of these can be downloaded for your future listening pleasure.

3:6 Philly - Funky Alcohol

I couldn't find this video on YouTube, so I decided to rip it from my own collection and share it with you.  Released in 1992 on the Zoom record label (who also signed Red Ninja), this funky little number followed up their edgyier debut Those Flags Offend Me.

The B side to this was The World Still Turns, and if anyone is interested in either of these 12"s then leave a comment and I'll get them uploaded.

If you like this video, the download link is at the bottom of this post.



Download Link (Hotfile - 80mb)
http://hotfile.com/dl/88989067/ce8e8b8/3.6_Philly_-_Funky_Alcohol.avi.html

Pete Rock & DJ Premier Interview

Pete Rock and DJ Premier were undoubtedly the most influential producers during the whole of the 1990's.  They raised the bar and set the standard for other producers to aspire to. 
In recent times their presence, and prominence, has slightly diminished but 2011 looks like it could be the year for both of these super producers to return to the top of their game.  With a new Pete Rock and CL Smooth album and a Pete Rock vs DJ Premier album due for a 2011 release, we hopefully have a something to look forward to.

In the meantime they have released a DJ Premier vs Pete Rock DVD, but this is only available in Japan (although it can be obtained on import).  The interview below is 1 hour of bonus footage from the DVD.  Both take a retrospective look at many of the tracks they have produced over the years, going right back to their early material, and telling stories about each one.  Some of the history to how these tracks came to be is fascinating and this is certainly worth a watch.  I just need to track down the rest of the DVD....

Copywrite Vs Asher Roth

Now some of you may already know about this, but I've got to admit that it's news to me!  Asher Roth isn't someone I pay particular attention to, but I've loved Copywrite's material ever since I heard 'Holier Than Thou' back in 2002.  So it came as a surprise to find that he'd had an EP out in 2009 called Ultrasound The Rebirth which went completely under my radar. 

It's a 9 track EP with some tight production, that's much slicker than Copywrite's usual style, but it doesn't distract from his clever rhymes and fluent delivery.  There are guest appearances from Sean Price and Royce 5' 9", but it's his solo effort on the track entitled 'Cremation' that really struck me.
He goes straight for Asher Roth's jugular, no holds barred.  He's even sampled some kind of funeral service music and looped it throughout the track, and to great effect.

I don't know what sparked this (if anything), and to be honest I don't really care for hip hop beefs, but I do like the track and thought the EP might have passed others by too.  Check out the video for Cremation.