Grand Master.

Sadly another amazing talent and one of the greatest DJs ever has passed away this past weekend after suffering some serious injuries some weeks ago. When I first started learning how to DJ and trying to learn some tricks, I’d watch footage of Roc Raida on the internet every once in a while and I learned two things:

1. I could NEVER be a Turntablist
2. Roc Raida handles turntables like second nature.

That’s TWENTY SIX years of turntable skills. He had been DJing almost as long as I’ve been alive and still doing it better than most that came before and after him. He was a contributor, a teacher, an artist, a father and husband and is a legend.

R.I.P. Grand Master Roc Raida.

As far as music goes, I do have a small list of people who I feel can do no wrong-folks I will support if they fart on a record and sell it on iTunes. Just because they’ve always been pretty consistent with the music they’ve put out. I’d like to now add Mick Boogie to that list.

He just consistently works with some of the best producers, DJs, and MCs and puts out great work. The first Mick Boogie piece I ever heard was Dillagence, where Busta Rhymes just transformed into a beast and ripped every single Dilla beat on there. I hadn’t heard him flow like that in years. Amazing. I also really enjoyed Mick Boogie’s Adele Remix album as well.

Now he’s back with Re-Living Thing, a hip hop-remixed version of Swedish pop group’s Peter, Bjorn, and John’s latest album. A lot of high points on this album. The DJ Jazzy Jeff remix, “Stay this Way” is one of my favorites, and Bun B and GLC just murder their respective songs.

However, the best part about this all is: ALL OF THESE ALBUMS ARE FREE! Hello! Major Record Label Artists! Please get Mick Boogie on the horn immediately. Have him A&R/Executive Produce your album. Have him DJ your show, have him fart on a track while you warble in the background, whatever. Then pay him every penny he’s worth because he will make your stuff dope. Clearly he knows what the people wants and delivers every time.

You can download Re-Living Thing here.
You can also check Mick Boogie and his many other mixtapes and re-works at www.mickboogie.com and www.thepressplayshow.com

Now that I’ve gotten all that stannery out of my system, and while we’re on the topic of Peter, Bjorn, and John, here’s a remix of “Lay It Down” by Golden Filter. I love this remix to death. I still haven’t had a chance to play it out yet but I hope the right party comes along for me to unleash this. Its so dreamy and electro-disco! I will regret typing electro-disco one day.

Peter, Bjorn, and John-Lay it Down (Golden Filter Remix)

One thing I love about the internet age and advancement of digital media is how areas that were once restricted to “professionals” with access to very expensive equipment are now more accessible. A lot of great videos being made on small budgets and limited equipment that are absolutely sonning most major record label budget videos shown on any of the music channels. The playing ground is leveling a bit. The following two videos are evidence of this, and of course, the music is pretty dope.

I have to say I’ve been a J*Davey stan for years. “No More” was my go-to intro track when I’d start up my sets when I first starting DJing at venues. My crew Rare Form brought them out to NYC for one of their earlier performances in 2006. In a sad irony, all the work I put into getting them out resulted in me missing the show since I was already committed to a service trip and double-booked the show! It took another 2 years for me to finally catch them live and it was worth the wait. Speaking of wait, hopefully this video means Warner Bros has finally put a timeline on releasing their full length album New Designer Drug so the rest of the world can finally get familiar. You can also check out more on iwantmymusic.mtv.com. VOTE FOR J*DAVEY!

End of Your World (Mama’s Back) from KPL TV on Vimeo.

Another ridiculous video out is for the latest single by the brother-duo Christian Rich. I don’t know much other than they’re from the Chi, remind me a bit of N.E.R.D. (more electro than rock) but can actually sing and rap. Apart from the track they did with Armand Van Helden last year, I can’t say I’ve heard much from them. They’re latest single is “Famous Girl” and this video was done by BBGUN. If the single isn’t available yet on iTunes, it will be soon. All I know is that this is super creepy and very awesome.

Christian Rich – “Famous Girl” (OFFICIAL VIDEO) from By Any Means T.V. on Vimeo.