WhatUpThough

I don’t want to write too much here as I have another post going up for SmokingSection very soon, but I’ll just bite my opening line.

My respect for Count Bass D runs deep on many levels.

I’ve been hooked since Dwight Spitz dropped, but as I dig deeper into his disography and learn more about music, his work shines brighter and more vivid. A little over a month ago I got an email from him (with Dionne Farris and Paul Barman attached, [I felt special and out of place]) that was just titled L7. The email read I’m working hard on my next album L7, and included the picture above. That was it.

I caught up with Count the other day to chop it up about L7 and an upcoming mixtape he is going to release via ChipIn, which will be in the same vein as the link I posted to his wife Oriana’s album recently

The Smoking Section piece is on the mixtape, so I’ll keep the album goodies for myself, so follow the jump for some excerpts from the conversation.

(more…)

“Grand Invincible was formed under the philosophy that hip hop as an artform was best served under the technological limitations of the late-80s and early-90s. Armed with only an AKAI MPC 2000, two turntables, a mixer, a microphone, and a diggin’ ass record collection with the intention of making the most out of the least.”

That’s what the fuck I’m talking about.

(more…)

A small milestone when I look at the 4 million views the other site I work for has gotten, but considering it’s only been a few weeks that I’ve actually taken this site somewhat serious I think that’s pretty good. Thanks to the folks who follow the Myspace and Cbox links, and even more thanks to the folks who have come back without a reminder. It’s funny because I really wanted the site to be a portfolio of sorts, but I realize that’s pretty boring, and while I’ve tried to fight it it’s definitely more of a blog than a portfolio.

I’ve kept my part of the deal up so far with two posts today, I’ve got a Grand Invincible review for tomorrow, and did an interview with the homie CountBass D today, so I’ll have some exclusive stuff the following day. So yes, let’s keep it cracking.

Cheers

C.Bloom

Issue 46, page 108. Peep it. And if you don’t know where, or don’t have a newsstand near by you can read it online here. (You will have to sign up, but it’s real easy. I promise.)

*I know last time I kinda ripped the whole digital magazine idea, but they stepped their game up this time, and I hate to say but I’m kinda feeling it. Like most things as the technoglogy gets better so does the product. And while I agree with the homegirl Lydia at Hater Tuesday when she said, “what good is a digital magazine, I can’t roll blunts on that!” I’m interested to see how else they can improve on this concept.

Day two, and here I am at 10:00 am with the first post already. Fuck you Sacramento School District for not needing me today!

Moving right along though…. In between making calls and eating cold pasta for breakfast I found this fresh mix J Rocc did in support of Blue Note’s Droppin Science, which is a collection of Blue Note joints that everyones favorite producers have sampled. I know I said Scratch is one of my favorite DJ’s here the other day, but I would put J Rocc in the top of that list as well. He is the all around DJ; he’s got the knowledge and records, and the style and skill to match which makes for some incredible mixes. No real surprise, this latest one is another heater.

Download it here.

This week I vow not to suck at blogging. Be sure to check in everyday.

New 40 oz Radio Up.

http://www.the40ozshow.com

Peace and infinite respect to the homie Big Max.

As much as I try to fight the ‘rap nerd’ moniker, the fact that Serengeti’s Dennehy was my favorite album from 2006 pretty much leaves me defenseless. I first heard about dude when he released Gasoline Rainbows, which is another great but bugged out album, and ever since I’ve been a fan. He’s put out a ton of material over the span of few years, but Dennehy is by far his best. The production was clean, and lyrically…I’ve never heard a lyricist like Geti. His storytelling on this album is amazing albeit ridiculous, with an attention to detail and pop culture (most notably Chicago sports figures) that is equally incredible and comical….That was before the re-release.

Apparently the album that was released was not the real album that Geti had envisioned.  Some songs made the album that shouldn’t have, as they didn’t tie into the concept, and there were songs that didn’t make the album at all. As can you probably guess by now the re-release is the album that Geti had imagined, and you can stream it from here. Dennehy: Lights, Camera, Action will be released March 18th on iTunes, but don’t worry, I’ll remind you later.

Also, check his video “I Don’t Know” …so dope!

First off thanks for the 20 some odd people who copped that Big Tune Beats, although it wasn’t much it always feels good to watch the numbers go up. On that note, I just got an email from Algorythm, who was the New York representative for the Big Tune battle, about his first instrumental album Kicks and Snares, which you can download for free by clicking the image. It’s a 35 minute mix of ill cool outs…nice soundtrack to get some work done to. Dude’s definitely got an ear, and with some productions featured on some releases this  year, I feel like this is a name we will be hearing a lot more of in due time. Anyway, cop that shit!

DJ Scratch is one of my favorite DJ’s…EVAR

I did an interview with him a couple years ago, and went out to Albany Projects to take pictures. I will never forget getting off the train with my homie Kevin, and as we walked he was messing with his camera and the flash went off. Within seconds two dudes who could have beat the shit out of me with one hand ran up on us trippin, thinking we were taking pictures of the block. After I told them we were there to take pictures of Scratch they calmed down, and gave us directions to his spot. They even offered to take us to Biggie’s moms house to take pictures of her (she lived the opposite direction down the block). Scratch was real cool, and even to this day stays in contact. Anyway, check out his podcast here, and I will try and dig up the interview.

Also, go peep out DJ Soul’s blog for a DJ Scratch Hot 97 mix from 98.

I’ll be real pumped about this shit for a minute, go out and promote it, and then things don’t work out the way I envision and I slip into fuck it mode. Actually, I haven’t been spending as much time on the computer lately which actually feels really good. But, I have been keeping busy so I’ll keep you, my devoted readers, tuned into my happenings.

*I have stories in both the March and April issues of Black Tail (Lucky.i.Am and Ky’Mani Marley), which are on shelves now. I have another feature in the May issue with Clyde Carson, so if you’ve ever needed a reason to perv out and buy Black Tail, there is no better time than now. Fuck it, buy a subscription, they’re paying me good so I will be sticking around like them pages in the bathroom.

*Ta’Raach and Blu came through last Saturday and ripped shit at the Capitol Garage. The C.R.A.C. Knuckles stuff sounds real dope, and I think they will be making some waves this April when The Piece Talks drops (pictures after the jump). They stayed around and kicked it on Sunday for a photo session with Miss Amanda Lopez, and then a late brunch. Blu doesn’t like onions. Fact!

*I’m working on a Del feature for EQ, so I’ve got some serious research to do. Anyone know anything about music theory? Good/short books?

*I found a copy of 9th Creations Falling in Love for a dollar today! This was after I substitute taught for an ESL (English.Second.Language) class which consisted of 20 Hmong children, 3 Spanish speakers, and one Russian girl. They were dope. I think I’ve found a career path…maybe.

(more…)