4 HOURS OF FUNK!!!!

HURRAH IN PHILLY! OCT 1st

2011-09-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

Hey! Check us out in Philly next weekend for the 4 Hours Of Funk Dj's Fleg & Exclaime at the HURRAH party held at the Medusa Lounge. We would like to thank Shawn Ryan and Chris Rogy for having us come up and rock some heavy Baltimore vibes in the city of brotherly love. Expect the best dance music......Period!

WELDON IRVINE

2011-06-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

Its funny how truth works in the universe. Sometimes its right in front of your face and your just not in the place mentally or spiritually to take it in. Its the same when you know you have something special to offer that nobody else can offer but you still go un-noticed or walked on by others who are lesser than you but maybe have better political placement.

Maybe that's why there has been very little said about the great Renaissance man known as Weldon Irvine. I'm going to try and really get the point across here about how important this man was and still is to this day. Like I said about truth, even though Iv cherished his albums for years now it took a reference in the new wax poetics for me to go back and actually search for information about Irvine and after the fact I have to say that its astonishing how little has been said about him. I guess he's just one of those people who exists for the real truth seekers to be in the know of.

Weldon Irvine was a musician, performer, composer, writer, teacher, playwright, political activist...I could go on and on. Its more like he was that and a whole lot more. He wrote the civil rights anthem "To Be Young Gifted And Black" for Nina Simone and also produced award winning plays which featured similar political and racial themes. Throughout his whole career he played the role of an activist as well as a mentor to countless people, especially musicians and rappers.

There are over 500 songs which he is credited to, many of which were sampled by hip hop artists in the 90's. The most notable of these were ATCQ's "Award Tour" which sampled "We're Getting Down" on the "Spirit Man" album and BDP's "My Philosophy" which samples "Sister Sanctified" by Stanley Turentine (A song written by Irvine).

Irvine helped a whole generation of young musicians from Jamaica Qweens by teaching them all aspects of being a successful musician and in turn many of his deciles became just that. Guys like Tom Browne, Bernard Wright and Marcus Miller were just of few of these success stories.

One thing that really differentiated Weldon Irvine from his peers was that once hip hop became prominent he actually embraced it instead of writing it off as a bullshit deviation of real music like many other jazz musicians did at the time. Just like he did in the past he mentored quite a few hip hop artists including Q-Tip, Mos Def and Common. He was also featured on these artist albums and in Mos Def's case even served as musical director for his first album "Black On Both Sides". The thing is he was fighting the same battle that a lot of these Mc's were which was overall an anti music industry thing. His quote says it all: "Many of the young rappers got disconnected from a tradition of protest and decided to rap about mayhem in order to get paid".

While being involved in quite a few hip hop projects, Irvine produced and financed an album in tribute to Amadou Diallo who was gunned down by police officers without probable cause. "I said, 'This has got to stop and I'm going to use my art form as a vehicle to address the shooting". Very few artists ever go out on a whim and completely do a whole album themselves over a political matter.

Unfortunately it wasn't that many years later that Weldon Irvine took his own life. As sad as it is, its even more upsetting that it was really people in the music industry bullshitting him that let him to his suicide. He was trying to get a pay advance or outright sale of his music licensing in the UK. They were basically ignoring him and somehow that led to go over the deep end.

Weldon Irvine's Music lives on and the mark he made as unsung as he may have been still serves as an inspiration to many including myself. You can check his amazing discography here at: http://www.discogs.com/artist/Weldon+Irvine and if you are interested in learning more about him please visit: http://www.nathanielturner.com/weldonirvine.htm for a lengthy biography.

Here's an instrumental on Mos Def's "Black On Both Sides" album that really helped me get through some things as a teenager. Its called "May-December" and it features Weldon Irvine on the Keys and arrangements. Please check his other music too. It will really inspire you in a big way.

4 HOURS OF FUNK FEA. HUNEE

2011-05-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hey there! Its almost that time of the month again and we are really stoked to announce that Hunee the remarkable Dj and Producer from Berlin will be our special guest!

Hunee made a pretty big impression with a track called "Rare Silk" which was released by W/T Records out of Brooklyn. Since then the man has released on such labels as Rush Hour and even has a track on a recent Panorama Bar compilation. Based out of Berlin, you wouldn't think he would be one for the soulful and funky side of things but guess again. His music
encompasses all of that and then some. As a Dj, Hunee in my mind is one of the most impressive new players doing it in the worldwide house and disco scenes. He really vibes out with a crowd and has great track selection and mixing skills to go with it. Just check out some of his tracks and mixes on his soundcloud and see for yourself. Def check his blog out too!

http://soundcloud.com/hunee
hunchmusic.wordpress.com

We will have a $5.00 cover after 11:00 this time so be sure to get there early.

Hope some of you can make it to this one : )

WHEN THE WORLD IS RUNNING DOWN

2011-05-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since either of us have posted anything. Rest ushered thats going to change soon. With that said I have a special edit of my favorite Police song "When The World Is Running Down". It was one of the more favorable pieces in the 80's dance scene. Maybe 2nd to "Voices In My Head". The edit is pretty strait forward with the break placed in the beginning for better mixing. Have fun with this one!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/p84log

4 HOURS OF FUNK W. SHAREGROOVE

2011-02-06T13:21:00.000-08:00

On Friday February 18th 4 Hours Of Funk welcome's guest DJ's DUCKCOMB & STEVE SHAKEWELL from NYC.

Here's a short bio and also and an awesome mix they made for us. You can also check them out at: http://sharegroovenyc.com/

DJ’s Duckcomb & Steve ShakeWell have been sharing rare grooves for since 2004. Having held various residencies and one-off’s throughout Manhattan & Brooklyn, this dynamic duo focuses on choice programming of all kinds of disco, house, and funky music. Currently, they host parties at a private loft in the Gowanus area of Brooklyn. Some guests have included: Rahaan (Chicago), Jamie 3:26 (Chicago), Lovefingers (ESP Institue/NYC), Ron Morelli(L.I.E.S./NYC), Prince Language (No Comprendo /NYC) , Robotique (Philly), Jerome Derradji (Still Music/Chicago), Bim Marx (Stilove4Music/NYC), Chris Burns (D.C.), Bruce Ivery (Stilove4Music/Chicago), Mike Trombley (Macho City/Detroit), & Saheer (House of House/NYC).

Sharegroove---4-Hours-of-Funk---Bmore! by graham hatke

TOM TOM CLUB LIVE!

2010-12-31T13:39:00.000-08:00

The first really inspiring musical experience I ever had was seeing the awesome movie "Stop Making Sense" where the Talking Heads do a totally life changing concert in NYC for 2 hours. At 5yo I used to set up toy instruments, watch the movie and basically pretend to play along with them. The music and energetic performance would give me chills and goosebumps all over. This experience continues to stay with me forevermore. I owe all my musical attributes to the Talking heads. They made music to tap into your body's sensations and in the movie they play with an equal ensemble of black musicians such as Bernie Worrell from Parliament, Alex Wire from The Brothers Johnson, Edna Holt and Dolette McDonald who had major underground dance hits in the early 80's and Steven Scales who although uncredited played drums on a few dance records as well. Having black and white musicians performing on stage together without the an outwardly kitschy "unity" theme attached made a big statement. The theme here was collectively participating in a powerful musical message far removed from the idea of race.

My favorite part was when they switched from Talking Heads to The Tom Tom Club and performed their current hit "Genius Of Love" which has always been my #1 fav song. Talk about getting goose bumps! Bernies synth solo where they turn on the strobe light would send a surge through me. Just check the video and you will understand. Later on I realized that the song was basically about drugs but also pays homage to black music (they cite Bob Marley, Sly & Robbie, James Brown and Bohannon to name a few).

To download here is a special re-edit of the songs performance in the movie. There's a mixable intro and the break towards the end I extended as well. Hope you dig this because it marks a major place for music in my life.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/bkmuwy

BEAUTIFUL SWIMMERS

2010-12-03T21:15:00.000-08:00

This month at 4HOF we have special guests from DC The Beautiful Swimmers. They have released some seriously awesome records in the last few years and also throw some seriously dope parties like The Wale at U Street Music Hall. You can check them online at: www.futuretimes.org and at myspace at: www.myspace.com/letsgoswimmers

Check this music out tho. Its dope!

THE NEW YORK BLUE FUNK ORCHESTRA

2010-09-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

On Friday September 10th we are stoked to be sharing the night with members of THE NEW YORK BLUE FUNK ORCHESTRA. We will be playing records, acapellas and samples over their live drums. You always see drummers performing on the streets of most cities but believe me when I say that these guys are the real deal. You can tell just by how well they keep time and heck, they're going on tour with Pharrell no more than a week after their performance at 4HOF so that alone should be a good indication of how tight these guys are.

Above here is a quick video of two of the members in a NY subway station using only buckets, bongos, cowbells and a small cymbal (on the 10th they will have the same setup only with a full drum set). Those rhythms seriously give me goosebumps.
So by all means this next edition of 4 HOURS OF FUNK is truly something not to be missed!

ROY AYERS "FAST MONEY"

2010-08-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

First of all this is one of the more obscure Roy Ayers albums which was released on his own Uno Melodic Records (Not Columbia). There are really great songs on this one such as "Black Family" and "Chicago" which is played often in the house scene. The track that really gets me is "Fast Money". Where have you ever heard a boogie track with vibes solos in it not to mention vocorders and chants about "Fast money, Get that money now!". You even get a breakdown where Roy asks the crowd if they want love, say yeah and if they want some money say yeah! I seriously can't get enough of this song. Its gets played on repeat on my recent weekend mornings. Its motivational to me and it might be for you too. Extra special audio file contained here.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/pmvtbw

MORE 80'S FUNK VIDEOS!!!!!

2010-08-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered this cool video for The Systems "You Are In My System". It cracks me up watching David Frank (The keyboard player) He's beating the the computer keyboard on his synth like its making a beat or something. And the scene where his partner Mic leaves him on the street with a hot dog in his hand........priceless. They even play on the moon. Who else would have though to do that.......well Paul Hardcastle thats who. So below I have also included the incredible spaced out video of King Tutt where he's basically playing his keytar all over space. Why more low budget than The Systems vid but it will make you feel just as warm and fuzzy inside. I cant get enough of this stuff but I promise....no more videos for a while just more great vinyl rips.

BRITISH FUNK LIVE AND DIRECT!

2010-07-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

Staying with the theme of British funk and dance music here's some awesome vids of performances by Hi Tension, David Joseph (Lead singer and keyboard player of Hi Tension) and two equally awesome performances by Beggar & Co. Not sure if there's lip synching going on but I want to ignore that and just admire the sheer dopeness of being able to see stuff like this. Im def going to post more things like this!

POWERLINE & ANDY SOJKA

2010-07-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

One person who should get a lot more recondnition is Andy Sojka (Waxpoetics where U at?). Apparently he owned an early dj oriented record store called All Ears in London and also was the guitarist of the band Atmosfear who are well known in the dance community for their heavy disco jams like "Dancing In Outer Space" and "Motivation. Sojka was involved in many other side projects however up until the late 90's and even got the chance to work with high profile artist Masters At Work and Francois Kevorkian to name a few. One of these projects is the mysterious band called Powerline. Here I have my two favorite pieces. "Double Journey" was the 12" that first turned me on to the band. Its a beautifully spaced out journey in disco funk land. I love all the delay effects they use in the mix and that deep bassline and dubbed out guitar will give you goosebumps for sure. We also have here the stunning vocal cut entitled "Watching You". If stunning melodies and harmonies are your thing, it doesn't get much better than this.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/n1a0ox

WOODS EMPIRE "UNIVERSAL LOVE"

2010-05-03T16:03:00.001-07:00

I recently found this incredible LP for a decent price. Some would call it "modern soul" but I call it plain and simple good music. I think quite a few songs on the LP would be awesome to play out, but honestly like most other people the song "Universal Love" is most of the reason why I picked up the pricey album. Slow disco at its best! Just to show my universal love for the heads that check this blog I have a special wav file just for you!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/ay72pt

!!!! DEF ROCK & DJ FREEZE "SPANISH LESSON" !!!!

2010-04-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

I'm sure some people really want to hear this after the track "Spanish Lesson" was featured in various "History Of Baltimore Club" mixes. The record is really hard to come by even in Baltimore. Every track on this is seriously bangin'. "Man Down Under" on the b-side is the first Baltimore track to incorporate sing sing drums and following that is a dope deep house joint called "I Want You". Apparently though "Spanish Lesson" was the real business and the "Breakdown Crank" mix of the song is what I have the share here. Mad props to Wayne Walston and Duane Lucas for creating such a dope EP!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/38oi74

JUNGLE BROTHERS "JUNGLE BEATS"

2010-04-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

This 12" came out on the British Gee Street label featuring special remixes, beats and megamixes derived from certain tracks off "Strait Out The Jungle". Apparently the 12" came with the UK issue of the album. The "Jungle Beats" track is still played on the radio in Bmore. Certain drum tracks were popular in the clubs as well as on the air here. Those drums are pretty heavy and the slightly faster tempo makes for a great mixing record from hip hop to faster funk and dance classics. Another piece in club music history for sure.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/3wh2ts

ACE & ACTION "LETTER TO THE BETTER"

2010-04-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Growing up in the NY capital district there was a long running underground hip hop show called The Main Event with Dj Toast and a slew of other dope Dj's. Every new years they would play all the old school jams and this particular track by Masta Ace always got requested. The beat on this by Marley Marl is sick as hell. "Letter To The Better" was a serious party starter in the late 80's in the same vein as Big Daddy Kane's "Raw", Cash Money & Marvelous etc. so don't thing that theirs no significance here. I also remember this Japanese kid jocking me like crazy when he saw me buying the 12". With that said I can only assume that the promo 12" with the Ace & Action name on it and not Masta Ace is rather sought after. Sorry for the shitty image.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/icrd3j

TULLIO DE PISCOPO

2010-04-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

This record was played by many early house Dj's (Ron Hardy Etc) which is surprising to me considering how slow the song is. Theo Parrish also plays the track out fairly often. "Stop Bajon" is like the "other" Italo disco (ie. no drum machines or synths). Its all live musicians and one side of the record is the vocal version with some pretty lame Italian rap by the man himself. Nobody really plays that version though and what I have for grabs here is the instrumental. Next time you start the night, throw this on and get in the mood.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/7v4gd6

COKE ESCOVEDO

2010-03-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

I used to have two copies of "Comin' At Ya" but something happened to one of them and I figured I might as well try and record some of the better songs to use with serato, etc. What I have here for the people is the famous song "I Wouldn't Change A Thing" which is most of the reason why this album is sought after. Let's not do the re-edit thing here as there is no need to and the song flows well for long blends. Also, if your using serato, check the cue points and loops I put in the mp3. You know you should learn how to use those things right?

http://www.sendspace.com/file/xfjfun

DAM FUNK | March 14th | The Ottobar

2010-03-08T18:46:00.000-08:00

Dj Fleg and I are seriously honored to be opening up this Sunday for an incredible artists who goes by the name of Dam Funk. We would like to thank Taxlo and The Ottobar for including us to participate in this awesome event. Below is the full info for the party as well as a short bio of the man himself.

"Known as Los Angeles' "Ambassador of Boogie Funk," dÃm-funk represents the citizens of the Funkmosphere. Headquartered in the Culver City section of L.A., dÃm (pronounced: 'Dame' as in Damon) spent the last few years cultivating a musical renaissance rooted in the early-'80s styles known as Boogie, Modern Soul and Electro-Funk.
As a DJ/selector, DÃm attracts the most discerning Boogie Funk afficionados within driving distance of his storied Monday-night Funkmosphere parties. But it's not just collectors at the bar toasting to the melodic sounds. Anyone who grooves to the likes of Slave, Aurra, early Prince, Prelude Records and the like, will get a dose of those groups' unknown contemporaries“ more obscure but equally Funk-worthy.

The next phase of the Ambassador's mission: continuing the classic West Coast tradition into today's scene with dÃm's own original "Modern-Funk" compositions. By plugging in his arsenal of vintage synths and drum machines, DÃm channels the galactic harmonies of his inspiration into his own brand of new boogie. Stones Throw Records' like-minded honcho Peanut Butter Wolf brought DÃm on to the team to glide into the future with his unique, synth and bass-driven vibe. It's a promising new chapter for Southern Cali space funk ... do yourself the service - align yourself to Dam-Funk's music and production - book him and watch the magic happen!

Dam-Funk's Stones Throw Records debut, 'Toeachizown', an epic 5 album box-set of over 2 and a half hours of Dam's infectious signature 'modern-funk' comes to full form. Out now to immense fanfare, garnering cover stories in both The FADER and L.A. Record, alongside glowing reviews in the Chicago Sun-Times, L.A. Times, SF Bay Guardian and more."

http://www.myspace.com/damfunk

with djs

CULLEN STALIN
FLEG & EXCLAIME (4 Hours Of Funk)

hosted by

SIMON PHOENIX AND CULLEN STALIN

8pm ALL AGES!

Get advance tickets here...
http://www.missiontix.com/events/product/8593/dam-funk

This is all going down at the world famous

OTTOBAR
2549 N Howard St
Baltimore City, USA
www.theottobar.com

produced by Taxidermy Lodge and Monozine

www.taxidermylodge.com

KENNIE DELT | Funky Muzak

2010-03-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

Wow, I just checked discogs and saw that this 12 promo of Kennie Delt's "Funky Muzak" is going for $100. Not much of a surprise though. This jam is seriously funky and it has one of the weirdest drum brakes Iv ever heard. Sounds like they were trying to get a little too creative with delay effects. It works however and the truth is when you mix it right, the panning and phasing sweeps on the intro sound really tripped out and awesome when placed against another beat. I think that may have been their intention when making this song but who knows. When people get off the cosmic/disco thing and start digging into the funk more, this song could easily see some much deserved attention.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/l72xjb

DEEJAY'S DELIGHT | "Blow Your Whistle"

2010-03-08T17:55:00.000-08:00

This is a record that's always gotten heavy play in Baltimore. Finding it in mint condition is nearly impossible in the city now and whenever you do see it its usually fucked up and still priced super high. The record came from the UK and while some of the other loops and acapellas are very useful, The track which samples Gary Toms Empire and Munich Machine is the real business. Most people refer to this smashing set up track as "Blow Your Whistle" and you can still hear it all the time on the radio here during club mix shows. The tempo, the whistles, the tribal drums, the buildups, everything is hype as hell and its unmistakable.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/xjsrg8

DJ GREG WILSON MIXING ON TV IN 83'

2010-01-29T09:51:00.001-08:00

Since the Julio G video I also found this gem. Greg Wilson was one of the biggest Dj's on the Uk electro-funk scene and in this video gives you a great look into how Dj's were mixing back then (which is pretty similar to what I do now). He even uses the reel to reel tape delay effect. This is seriously dope!

Dj JOE COOLEY LIVE! IN 87'

2010-01-29T09:44:00.000-08:00

WOW I'm finding great old school footage left and right. Also on the West Coast tip is another video of a very influential Dj by the name of Joe Cooley playing at what seems to be a high school party. His skills are pretty advanced for the time even compared to some of the East Coast Dj's. The party looks really popin' too with everyone dancing and shouting. It really makes you wish you could have been there. Must have been a really fun time in LA back then.

JULIO G TURNTABLISM DEMO 84'

2010-01-29T09:16:00.000-08:00

Julio G is basically the originator of West Coast turntablism. Everyone cites him from Q-Bert to J-Rocc as their major influence. He still is a radio dj to this day. This video was shot during the huge electro craze in CA and it seems to be from one of those old dance shows on tv that almost every larger city used to have back in the day. Definitely need to look for more stuff like this.

DAVID MC PHERSON "YOU CAN'T STOP!"

2010-01-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

Yes indeed we have posted yet another banger with the title "You Can't Stop". To me this jam by David MC Pherson is better all the way through than John Davis's disco song of the same title which gets a little too disco at certain points. The David MC Pherson "You Can't Stop!" is pretty much a strait dub break with seriously awesome drums and effects. This track had to have been intended for breakers. What's interesting is that the rhythm although very jerky (suitable for popping and locking) is contrasted in places by more fluid and loose arrangements of congas and bongos which make it more accessible for strait breaking. The outcome is seriously hot drum track suitable for almost any kind of dance style. Surprisingly Iv never played it at 4 Hours Of Funk so with that said you can definitely expect to hear it at our upcoming parties!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/4lomyc

PUT OUR HEADS TOGETHER

2010-01-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

Surprisingly this "Put Our Heads Together" by The O-Jays is a fairly hard 12" to track down. That's really no surprise though because its a classic stomper that was especially well received in Chicago because of heavy play by Dj's like Ron Hardy etc. The song was also sampled by Gene Farris for the 96' house cut "Visions Of The Future". In my mind, Roy Davis Jr and Dj Skull's mix of that song is hands down the greatest disco house track ever made.........That's right, even compared to songs like "Music Sounds Better WIth You" and "Sunshine People". You have to listen for yourself. It seriously bangs.

Back to the original O-Jay's song though it can be said that when "Put Our Heads Together" is played that people can't help but dance. Its a fact. Try it and I swear you will understand. I especially like playing it after "I'm In Love" by Evelyn Champagne King as it has almost the same melody but bumps it up to the next level of hypeness. You can thank Kenny Burke for producing such a fantastic dance song.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/4qlnp0

EXPANSIONS

2010-01-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

When it comes to favorite songs, "Expansions" by Lonnie Linston Smith has to be top 3. The song literally makes people high and I'm not talking about drugs here. I'm talking about a spiritual high. There's nothing better to end a dope party with and with that said there's not much else I can say about it other than "Expansions" is one of the ultimate jams hands down.

Last year I got the chance to see Lonnie Smith perform the song onstage at Morgan State University. It was awesome. The guy was sharing the bill with none other than Roy Ayers and honestly Lonnie did a little outshining especially when he played "Expansions". It was like the whole audience was hit by a really heavy spiritual sensation. Words can't really describe it.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/55s9gm

FAT LARRY"S BAND

2009-12-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

I first came across the 12" for "Looking For Love" back in Albany NY. When you go to certain cities and really dig for dance music, you get a really big sense of the records that were popular in that area way back then. With that said, I don't think I'v even seen this record much in Baltimore. And in the same way, there's records that you can find easily in Baltimore that you cant find in other places. All the more reason for more people to come and buy more records here (and I really mean that).

Anyway "Looking For Love" has almost everything you can ask for in a disco 12". Furthermore its a serious classic. I find myself just riding off the peaks and valleys of the song. When the situation is extra deep and grooving, this song can do serious magic.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/navo88

BUZUKA "Dynomite"

2009-12-04T16:45:00.000-08:00

I mentioned the song "Dynomite" song on an earlier post so why not post-it? Certain parts of the "Dynomite" chorus are total cheez ( I'll admit it), which is why doing live dj editing can help get the song across a little better. The cheez factor isn't always a bad thing. It makes people want to party sometimes. Maybe saying that its a bit much is a better way of putting it. Nevertheless there's a dope break followed by an even doper bassline in the intro. That makes it all worthwhile.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/noh1hi

DENNIS COFFEY "Getting It On '79"

2009-12-04T16:23:00.000-08:00

Here's one of Dennis Coffey's slower cuts. The track "Getting Down '79" is a sleeper that gets little recognition compared to songs like "Scorpio" or "Ride Sally Ride". Don't let the violin's fool you. Its funky, and its a great warm up song for a long night. On the FYI tip I extended the intro break to 8 bars for better usability.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/gv5rbx

ROLAND CR-5000 DRUM TRACKS

2009-10-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

Iv had this Compurhythm drum machine for a while now. The thing only has presets and even with that there's quite a bit you can do with it. I thought I would make some drumtracks for mixing in dj sets, sampling and whatnot. They might not even be that useful as the CR-5000 has some rough frequencies coming out and I may have put too many drum fills in for some people to do clean mixing. Regardless the compurhythm drum machines have a very distinct lofi sound that you can't get anywhere else. Track one is a fast pace, more funky affair while the second is on a more funky disco trip. See what you can do with them. Let us know if you do something cool.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/93yvxf

JOHN DAVIS AND THE MONSTER ORCHESTRA "YOU CAN'T STOP"

2009-10-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

"You Can't Stop" is a classic disco record with a famous break on it. I had a shitty ultimate breaks rip from a torrent before so it became time to get my own rip from a super clean copy of the 12". This should sound way better than the other mp3's that might exist of the song. I think it does at least.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/os3kqq

TEDDY DOUGLAS @ SEASONS

2009-10-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

I helped with setting up the sound system and decorations the other weekend for my friend Cooper Miley's "Seasons" party. He brought in Teddy Douglas from the Basement Boys and as usual Teddy killed it. The party was an awesome turnout especially for the heavy rain we were getting all night. Seasons is a new seasonal house music party that also happens at the Windup Space. The next one is in January and I will have more info on the lineup soon.

KING ERISSON "BACK FROM THE DEAD"

2009-10-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

With Halloween being a week away and 4 HOURS OF FUNK approaching in a matter of days I though to dig up a really funky song that has a spooky theme to it. This song by King Erisson (Drummer for the incredible bongo band) is the heaviest thing I could find. Not only is the song about coming back from the dead but it also has some tight extended breaks. You will most definitely hear me play this on Thursday sometime.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/2yeqwa

S.S.O. "TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT"

2009-10-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

You see the stamp on the sleeve. It says "RATED HOT" and that is well suited for this cosmic funk 45 promo. This is S.S.O.'s first release on Shadybrook Records and apparently the band is from Belgium. There's not much other info on the band whatsoever other than the fact that P.U.T.S. sampled a little bit for a song on their third album. I did an edit of the break a really long time ago and couldn't find it. Hence Me digitizing it for my serato + everyone's enjoyment.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/nmn0qx

SEPTEMBER PARTY

2009-10-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who made it out in september. We would also like to thank Osagie for making a trip from Atlanta to lay some music down. OCT. 29th With Landis and Mark is going to be off the hook.

UNDISPUTED TRUTH

2009-10-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

Fleg and I were digging a while back when I found all these mid 70's disco 12's. Unfortunately the really good ones were warped. Luckily the 12" for Undisputed Truth's "Going Down To The Disco" was ok. The track is a nine minuet disco funk masterpiece. Half way through the song fades out and suddenly the chorus acapella comes in to signal the start of the funky break. Its got these arpegated synths that swirl around the beats causing a real hypnotic and striped down groove. Next thing you know they drop some extra bass on the kick drum and in come the strings followed by the second coming of the full arrangement. I dont think the song was ever on an Ultimate Breaks comp so unless you get the 12" this might be the only place to get the whole extended version. Lucky You!

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/gzl296

PAVEMENT PRODUCTIONS

2009-10-04T10:28:00.001-07:00

Heres another Baltimore random rap piece that I think should easily become a pricy ebay spectacle sometime soon. This 12" has two tracks ("Lets Dance" & "Just Gee'n) with both dub and instrumental cuts included. The rapper Junie Jam I have no info on but the beats were produced by the Marx Brothers squad (Dj Spen & Crew). I included "Lets Dance" which is the more uptempo/hip house song of the two. Sure the recording itself could have been better but the beat has tons of hidden details all over. Kind of Like a Dust Brothers production with 4 or more tracks of overdubs included. I get such a warm feeling listening to some of these early B-More cuts. You get the impression that these guys were having tons of fun making these songs. I think you will feel the same and don't forget that I have much more stuff like this to come!

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/wwve66

MJ (HUMAN NATURE REMIX)

2009-10-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

For a while there was a mail order 12" deal called Funkymix and also Ultimix where you would buy a subscription and every month you would get a 12" with exclusive remixes of popular songs. When I was a kid I really liked how smooth Swv's "Right Here" was so I got this mega mix version that also included two Michael Jackson songs blended under the beats. Recently I ripped that last section which is the "Human Nature" blend and bypassed the Swv and "Will You Be There" mixes. Actually at this point since he died the "will You Be There" mix almost makes me cry for real. Funny cuz I hated that song when it came out. Anyway this "Human Nature" remix is a dope bootleg piece of Michael Jackson history that every Dj should have.

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/aau0jk

EQUATION "MY LIFE"

2009-10-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Once again I'm giving away one of my ultimate secret records. Who would have ever thought of doing a slowed down house remix of Roy Ayers sun inspired classic? Ronald Burrell thats who! Ronald and his brother produced tons of hits on Nu Groove records in the early 90's and like so many of the records that come out on the label, there were additional alternative/downtempo tracks included as b-sides. This is one of those such songs and I can't even tell you how many times people trainspot me when I play it. Its also a track thats easily adaptable to any hip hop, funk or slower dance classics set. If U play it the props will come.

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/zrso45

TECHNO GROOVES

2009-10-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

OK So this might not be anything that special but I thought that I might as well start posting certain things from the numerous dj tools/beats records that used to exist in plenty during the late 80's and early 90's. The track I have here is called "Reachin" which samples the vocals from Tony Lee's "Reach Up" the surprising funky bass loop from Buzuka's "Dynomite"(first time I heard anyone sample the song) + a few snips of the "Think" and "Im Coming" drums. It all combines into a pretty dope breakbeat house jam that is just as effective as a mixing tool as it is a track to just play by itself.

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/wkx2us

WOOD BRASS AND STEEL

2009-09-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

The self titled Wood Brass And Steel album is a Detroit funk classic. Most people only talk about the song "Funkynova" so forget about getting that here. Instead I'm going to give you the bands rendition of "Always There". I should say right now that nobody should ever do a re-edit of this cut because its already layed out perfectly for mixing. The way the groove comes across is really powerful. Definitely a memorable song to play out later in the night. (:

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/hmkzi6

JOE BATANN....LATIN FUNK!

2009-09-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

So, last 4 hours of funk, Osagie played a Joe Bataan track that I've been bumping ever since. This is what Dusty Groove America said about it:

"Joe recorded the album at the Daptone Studios in New York -- so the sound of the set is spot-on all the way through -- perfectly recorded to bring out the soul in Joe's music, and handled with some great touches that make the instrumentation as wonderful as Joe's classic-styled vocals!"

I couldn't agree more with the line about the classic-styled vocals. The song came on, and after mentioning how dope it was to my friend, he commented that it sounded like Joe Bataan and said something to the effect of "He's got that voice." Call my name is my favorite track, but to be honest I havn't listened to that much else haha, I've been stuck on that track. But enough talking, here is the album, enjoy!

-FLEG

http://rapidshare.com/files/112730394/Joe_Bataan_-_Call_My_Name.rar

EARLY DOCUMENTARY ON KOOL HERC

2009-09-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

Fucking awesome! I havn't seen a better representation of Herc than this. Just the fact that they used "Space Cowboy" (Jonzun Crew) as Herc's intro and had Malcolm Mclaren interviewed at a bar is epic. Unfortunately the video is just a cut from an old breakdancing documentary which does not exist in full form on youtube. Dope nevertheless!

-EXCLAIME

FUNKY SNAKEFOOT

2009-09-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

This is a pretty bugged out album. The b-side can be hard to listen to with its intense arrangements and frantic drumming from the main man himself, Alphonze Mouzon. Alphonze is an incredibly fast funk and jazz drummer who's drum fills rival even that of Bernard Purdie (don't quote me on this). Its pretty amazing to think that he was arranging all this music as well as playing drums, keyboards, piano, synths and singing vocals. Not too many artists were taking on so much in the 70's. There's a bunch of great funk jams on Funky Snake Foot, however for me I can't get past some of the vocals which are on most of them. That's the reason why I have the title track "Funky Snakefoot" here for download. The song is totally instrumental with a dope break in the beginning that I took the liberty to extend a few more bars. Watch out for the Funky Snakefoot!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/aegldh

-EXCLAIME

ELECTRIC FUNK

2009-09-12T16:06:00.001-07:00

One of the lesser known classics on the legendary Prelude records, Electric Funk's "On A Journey" sounds pretty much exactly as the name and title states. It's truly a trip taken on by synths and drum machines. Eric Matthew produced this song in 1982 but it really sounds as if it was from 83 or 84. I have no other info on this release other than that. What I can say is that this groove will get you. I put up the instrumental version with an extended intro (as I tend to do) for download. This groove will fit very nicely into any boogie or even electro set and is very suitable for long mixes. You can also take it to the next level and mix an acapella over top. Use your imagination and take a journey into electronic funk.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/8iqh2a

-EXCLAIME

GROOVE COMMITTEE / DON RAY

2009-09-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

This Groove Committee ep is one of those house 12" were every song on it is a bonofied classic. Nu Groove released this in 1991 and its also one of the harder Nu Grooves to find because who in their right mind would ever part with it! Instead of putting up all the songs (which I would never EVER! do) I chose to give you "Rain On Me" which is an awesome remix of Don Ray's deep disco classic "Standing In The Rain" and "Lets All Chant" by Michael Zagger. "Standing In The Rain" was a popular song at clubs like NJ's Zanzibar, NYC's Paradise Garage, Better Days and David Mancuso's Loft. Lucky you because I have both tracks to download so you can get busy playing the sampled joint with the remix. By the way, Groove Committee is NYC house Producer/Dj extrordinair Victor Simonelli who is still doing it for the house community to this day. You can learn more about him and his music at www.victorsimonelli.com

http://www.sendspace.com/file/nrny8f

CHARLES KYNARD

2009-09-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome soul/jazz/funk album. Charles Kynard is one of the lesser known organ players within the 70's jazz era, however he kills it on every track and is backed by an incredible lineup of musicians, most notably the great Paul Humphrey. The funkieness of some of these cuts is sky high and there a few covers including "Little Ghetto Boy" and "Rock Steady" which I have put up for download. There's been plenty of covers of the song and Kynard's version is the best Iv hear by far. If you ever find this for under $50.00, buy it cuz the music totally backs up the price tag on every song.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/x7ixtx

REK SH*T REBULZ

2009-09-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

To continue our trend of posting dope party breaks I thought to include one of my favs. This one was produced by the legendary Frankie Cutlass aka. The Piece Maker. You have to understand how extra-ordinary his party cuts were. Puerto Rica is his most known but here I have two cuts from his Rek Sh*t Rebulz alter ego. "Make Ya Feel Betta" Is a track that I always loved. The beats are super hard and the samples (from various classics) have this atmospheric quality to them which was not heard much in most party breaks. I also included "Bounce (To The Beat) that is a dope little interlude pairing ESG's "Ufo" with vocals from "Bounce, Rock, Skate" by Vaughn Mason Crew. Same dope atmospheric vibe in both.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/7fq1hx

-EXCLAIME

ARTICLE ABOUT DJ AM

2009-09-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

Dj Am is a huge influence on me. Quite literally the greatest Dj of our time-PERIOD! Unruly Records representative Puja Patel wrote an inspiring article for the Village Voice where all the big name DJ's give their take on the legacy of AM. Any and every Dj needs to read this without exception!

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/archives/2009/08/rip_dj_am.php

2009-09-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

Here's some of the photos taken from the last event taken by the multitalented Paul/Kaste. We also have a download link below for everyone who wants some of the pictures. A big thanks goes to everyone who came out and who continues to come out. We really owe it to all of you for making this such a special monthly party!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/lv4wl9

FUZZY HASKINS

2009-08-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Why the song "THE FUZZ AND DA BOOG" was never put on an Ultimate Breaks comp is beyond me. Maybe that's a good thing. Its a great album all together but that song in particular made me want to do an edit of it really bad and believe me when I say that it was worth it for the extension of the intro break as well as one on the outro. You will most definitely hear this at upcoming 4 HOURS OF FUNK events. Fuzzy Haskins is from Detroit and was an original member of Parliament. "A Whole Nother Thing" was his first solo effort and it features a few of the other original Parliaments in the lineup. Fuzzy like George Clinton has a very unique voice which unfortunately you wont here on the song I included. Just another reason for you to buy this album. Every song is simply fantastic and funk doesn't get much better than this.

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/rsf7tw

WRECKIN' SHOP IN BROOKLYN

2009-08-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

A dope youtube posting of a video that came out in the early 90's about the hip hop freestyle dancing in Brooklyn. I get buzzed watching this.

-EXCLAIME

PRECISE AND THE BOYS

2009-08-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

RANDOM RAP ALERT!!!! There is a recent trend of people spending upwards to $500 on obscure Baltimore hip hop. Dj Class's "Class Is In Session" is the heaviest piece so far but if that's the case than you collectors might want to listen up because Dj Precise put his Ep out before Class and this is also one of the first Baltimore Club record, predating even Scottie B's "I Got Rhythm"(even though Scottie's track sounds better and was actually labeled as "Baltimore Club Music" first). The sound quality is a bit rough here but you have to consider that these beats were made on an ASR 10 and recorded to a DAT tape without a good mixdown. "I Don't Think Your Going To Make It" Features rapper Marty Cash who I have no info on. There isn't even much info on Dj Precise as he was locked up around the time this record was released. "I Don't Think" is home made hip hop at its best and the other song I included "In Mochen" is a super rough(and RAVE-E) club track that sounds like and early 4 Hero or Ragga Twins song. Overall the music will give you a sense of what was going on in Baltimore in the early 90's and how far club music has gone since then. Stay cool because I have more early Baltimore hip hop to post.

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/2dhtwp

GEORGE HILL > DO IT WHILE ITS HOT

2009-08-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

This is a true Baltimore disco/boogie record here. You think that "Pudding" 12" was good.....Guess again cuz this is beyond expectations. Its so good that it even came with a promotional bumper sticker. Trust me when I say that you will have a hard time finding this unless you go to www.earcave.com and buy the 45 for over $100. And that's the 45....this is the 12" with the special remixed version of "Do It While Its Hot". Expect funky non-4X4 drums, great singing/song concept and some of the most melodic synths you will hear in a while. In general this song has a ton of melody which is what really got me. I had to extend the break sections of the song because there just too good not to. I also included a much needed outro break as the song is generally very hard to mix out of otherwise. Enjoy this one and be sure to thank me afterward.

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/t6nh0d

GU > SOMEBODY SCREAM

2009-08-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

When I picked up this rare Glen Underground 12" on Cajual Records I was speechless. Its a fucking epic EP and is one of those things I feel like I have been looking for for years. The song "Somebody Scream" has the perfect sensibilities of both hip hop & house production all in one. + a heavy disco vibe. And the scream samples..........I get goosebumps hearing it every time. You can only play this one at certain moments because it kind of goes over peoples heads and is super intense in some situations. It was also originally compressed kind of weird which is why the sound quality of the rip is a little more than off. Fuck it! Go find the record dammit! Glenn Underground is the man and still kills it.

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/g4vrv1

BUDDAH BABOONS EP

2009-08-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

You know before Armand Van Helden was making NY house classics on Strictly Rhythm he was living in Boston and put out the two first ever records on the legendary party break label AV8. First was the "Pirates Of The Caribbean" EP which was heavily adopted in early Baltimore Club sets and next came the "Buddah Baboons" EP which was a sort of answer to the sort of hip hop/club tracks(later referred to as party breaks) that Kenny Dope was making at the time. I will say that this EP was a serious secret weapon to any hip hop dj. I covered the labels on my two copies and so did most other people. Each song is effective as shit and cutting up tracks like "Word Up Doc" would kill other dj's at battles. For download I included the Q-Tip, Gangstarr, Eric B & Rakim & Wu Tang sampling "Hot Butter". Your lucky I'm giving this one out suckers!

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/6jw10g

TONY COOK & THE PARTY PEOPLE

2009-08-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the rarest Tony Humphries and Boyd Jarvis collaborations. "On The Floor(Rock It)" is geeked out to the next level. Its a nine minuet stomper of a track with crazy alien voices and great synth work(performed by Boyd Jarvis of coarse). There's even some nice garage style piano lines included in the mix. There should really be a title for these early Jersey dance tracks. There a little more big room oriented than strait boogie but share a lot of similarities. The intro to the song sounds like they tracked one of the "Faces Drums" tracks that were also used by Mr. Fingers around the same time in Chicago. With an intro like that you really can't call it boogie. Disagree if you like but I will also say that this is a prime example of the fact that Tony and Boyd were making proto-house music at the same time(or before)that of Chicago. There just wasn't really a name put on it besides maybe "garage" and without vocals how can you even call it that. You make the decision.

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/ts98e1

PRECIOUS > DEFINITION OF A TRACK

2009-08-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

If you know classic east coast/Jersey house music than you will know this for sure. "Definition Of A Track" doesn't have the usual characteristics of you normal house track. Its really no more than a minimal rhythm track but the unusual drums, geeked out bass line and dub elements make it a very distinct part of house music history. This was played by almost everyone when it came out and was often played later in the night when people were all tweaked out. I suppose that's why it was an equal hit at the early UK raves as it was in the house clubs and after hours spots in the US. The way the beats and bass line switch up is just sick. TRUST ME!

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/bhqxub

MICHAEL WHITE > "SPACESLIDE"

2009-08-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

One of the very few jazz violinist who seemingly avoided the "jazz fusion" thing, Michael White flexes more than a strait ahead approach on his "Magic Music Company" LP. There is plenty of funk flowing throughout and the song "Spaceslide" demonstrates this well with its heavy(but not too heavy) drums awesome wah-wah guitar, bass, horns and an almost Mizell flavor in arrangement. Surprisingly though you can't hear any violin. Included for download is my slightly re-edited version of the song with longer drums in the intro for better mixing and cutting. I really am big on jazz funk so if you are too than you have a lot to look forward to here.

-EXCLAIME

http://www.sendspace.com/file/4jhck6