A Scratch Renaissance?

Hey there people?!  Hope you all have been doing well so far this year.  Anyway, there has been lots of things that have been happening in the DJ/turntablism world.  First I would like to congratulate my homie, Dust One in the success of his new scratch cast called “Nocturnal Elements“. It’s basically a show focused on the DJ, the backbone of the Hip Hop culture. At times it touches on the other elements, but like I said it mainly focuses on the DJ. You can check out his broadcast every Sunday from 3pm til 4pm EST.

Also the latest in happenings has been huge emergence of turntable crews. I think the Renaissance has begun. There is a up and coming turntable coming straight out of NYC is the crew called “Buck 50 Kutters“. The crew consist of three DJ’s; Drefus, D’Offical, and Dopeman throw down clever funky sets. Check out the Youtube clip below where Drefus and D’Official did a real funky routine at a function in NYC.

Definitely keep an eye out for these fellas in the near future. Keep checking back at their Myspace page for future events, updates and what not.

LaterZzzz!
ALF

Jack Frost loses to ALF on Obama’s Inauguration in Washington D.C.

Well, for those that know me, I’m not a big fan of cold weather.  However, I said no matter what, I will take part in history by attending the President Obama’s Inauguration. Label owner of  Hip Hop Slam and WFMU’s radio DJ, Billy Jam and myself traveled to the National Mall in Washington D.C. to take part in history.  Billy and myself basically stood out in the cold (30 degrees) for roughly 10 hours.  We figured out a gameplan the night before in terms of which subway stop, where to get warm, and when to leave. We both woke up at 0400 and caught the Metro Subway at 0600.  Even at 0600, there was loads of people boarding the subway.  So, we rode the subway all the way to L’enfant Plaza station, and the result outside the station is shown in the picture below.

The walk from L'Enfant Plaza to 12th Street

The whole day, Billy and myself were less than a foot away from the person we were either walking beside and standing next to.  That was how packed it was down there.  Metro smartly shut off the escalators and people moved along just fine.  I even saw elderly folks making the long hump up the escalators with the assistance of total strangers.  There were times in the station where the crowd was at a deadlock in terms of the crowd moving.  This was due to the fact that people took their time to move up the escalators in a slow safe matter.  With that being said, there was an incident where a lady fell on to the tracks.  I don’t know if she was accidentally pushed or simply slipped off.  The platforms of course are not designed to hold the magnitude of people that came through that day.  The video below explains what happened.

We arrived at the The National Mall around 8am.  We were pretty much standing near the Old Post Office building 90% of the time we were there.  I couldn’t help but to keep looking at the tops of the Smithsonian museums at the Secret Service personnel keeping an eye on the crowd.

Secret Service personel sitting under the white flag on Old Pos Office Building

You would be really stupid to do something bad down there during that time.  I mean there was security out the yin yang down there.  PLUS, there are loads of cameras in the downtown area of D.C.  I grew up in the MD/DC area and I’ve rarely heard about an major incident happening down there.

The next four hours we were shown the Inaugural festivities that happened at the Lincoln Memorial a few days prior.  There were many speakers and musicians ranging from Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hanks, Jamie Foxx, John Cougar Mellencamp, Usher, Stevie Wonder, just to name a few.  Watching that broadcast on the big jumbotrons kept my mind off of the cold.  At times during the broadcast on the jumbotrons, updates were flashed about street closings and parade information.  I think around 8:30am, information came across the jumbotrons saying that you will not be able to enter the parade route because it was filled to the capacity with people.  That right there told me that again, there was lots, and LOTS of people.

ALF of Hip Hop Slam on the National Mall

As you can tell in the picture shown of me, I wasn’t playing around in the cold.  I had roughly four layers of clothing on, a Camelback, and loads of hand warmers which I put in my boots as well.  The only thing I had a problem with the crowd was that there was times when people were passing through with coffee filled to the brim with no lids that they bought from the vendors.  I was just hoping that would not spill any coffee on me or others.  During that day, I think people would have actually got irritaded if someone spilled coffee on them.

11am rolls around, and they start showing all the high profiled officials begin taking their seats in the stands at the U.S. Capitol.  They also show Obama’s presidential motorcade rolling down Pennsylvania Avenue.  As the officials started coming out, there were cheers for people such as Colin Powell, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Maxine Waters, just to name a few.  Then there was silence for Barbara and George H.W. Bush.  The crowd literally booed when Dubya came out.

The crowd staring at the Jumbotron

I have never heard Diane Feinstein speak before.  In my opinion, she gave a great speech and introduction for President Obama.  At some points in her speech, I shedded a tear or two.  Also Pastor Rick Warren gave a great invocation.  I don’t give a damn what the critics have said about the man in the past, he gave one of the greatest invocations I have heard thus far in my life.  He too put me in tears.  After President Obama gave his speech, Billy and myself started to head to one of the Smithsonians to warm up.  It was the Freer Gallery of Art as a matter of fact.  When we got inside, there was people sitting all around the exhibits inside trying to warm up.  The cool thing about it, the security personnel didn’t mind a bit.  The only time they really said something was when people starting eating, which of course isn’t allowed.  After we sat in the museum for roughly 30 minutes, we started to head home.  Pretty much the trip home was the same atmosphere when we were heading to the inaguration.

My overall experience was very fascinating.  I’m proud that I was a part of history that day.  I hope President Obama will turn this country back around.  Just like he said during his campaign, “I need your help!”  I ask you, even if you don’t particularly care for Obama, to participate in whatever you can to help us all.  We have a president who actually listens to the people.  Take advantage of that while you can.  I’m not saying that Obama is going to be the man who will fix everything, but he is a man who wants to put an end to all the craziness and get America to be well liked again by the masses around the world.

A shot of the U.S. Capitol from the The National Mall

Failure is ALWAYS an option!

What’s up peeps?!  Happy holidays and all that jazz.  I haven’t been in the holiday spirit since I’ve joined the military in 2000.  Speaking of which, today I’m officially no longer in the “Inactive Reserves”! 🙂  It’s funny because today I wore my old Air Force BDU trousers to work.  Anyway, I’m currently listening to FMC(Foul Mouth Cringe) while I’m typing this.  The FMC consist of DJ Ruthless(scratches), Rob Ox(beats and production) and Roughneck Brother Jihad(vocals) of Third Sight.  One of the tracks (Fuckin with Kids) includes DJ extraordinaire D-Styles.  Overall, I give the album 4 out of 5 stars.  For more info about this project, go here.  

 

In other news…….  UPS really sucks here in Maryland.  The more they jack up my deliveries, the angrier I get at them.  The latest thing that happened to me is that they left a record I ordered in front of my house in…….THE FUCKIN RAIN!  How come they stopped putting plastic around packages?  I remember they used to do that a lot during the 80’s.  I wish every online mail order company would allow the customer to choose what carrier they can have the products shipped by.  I’ve had no problems (knock on wood) with USPS, DHL, or Fed Ex.  I’m happy that The Giant Peach have used USPS over the years.  

Well, that’s the latest from me.  Back to lab on working on my album.  I will be performing Jan 2nd, 2009 on WFMU on Billy Jam’s show at 3:00 pm EST.  Guests will include Dust One (producer of “Recognize” on DJ Quest’s latest album), Emcee Skahlah of The Life Penciled Crew, and possibly Steve Dee and Ronnie Darko. 

 

LaterZZzz!

My FINAL decision

What’s up everybody?!  Well, we have a week and a half left when we will find out who our next president will be.  Let me first of all state that the views I express in this blog doesn’t represent the views of The Giant Peach.  

I feel that this election turnout will be BIGGEST I have witnessed thus far in my 33 years of existence.  At first I supported Hillary Clinton last year.  That changed when she started mudslinging at Obama.  I honestly didn’t care about the irrelevant matter.  I wanted to hear what the heck are you going to do help me and fellow Americans.  I could care two shits about the Wright issue.  As far as Republicans are concerned, I would’ve voted for Ron Paul for President.  This man knows what the hell is going on.  I’m ABSOLUTELY NOT voting for McCain.  The reasons are the following.

A. Voted against honoring MLK b-day as a federal holiday

B. Opposed to bringing troops home from Iraq

C. Nominating Sarah Palin for VP

I’m pretty much votng for Obama.  Granted, there are some things I disagree what he proposes, but I think Washington D.C. needs to try a new wrench in the equation and get rid of the one that’s rusting.  I don’t give a DAMN if Obama only does 1/3 of what he says he is going to do.  I really hope America opens their eyes see what’s really going on!  I hate it when I hear that people aren’t voting for Obama because he’s black.  I just shake my head when I do hear it and say “Stupid ass Americans!  He’s white too!”  On that note I will quote CBS news’ Bob Shieffer’s mom once said; “Go out and vote!  It will make you feel big and strong!”

 

LaterZzzz!
ALF

The “Controller 1” of your mind

What’s up people out there?!  Once again, my apologies for being so late in writing another blog, I have been busy between work and music related stuff.  On the music related end, I’m about to get another Mac because my wack ass pc is on it’s last leg.  I’m somewhat prejudice against Windows.  The OS is good for engineering work, but, in terms of music………IT SUCKS!!!  So, I haven’t really been recording as of late.  Can’t wait to be able to record again and continue working on my album.

Well in terms of musical events or gigs I have attended.  I once again appeared on Billy Jam’s show “Put The Needle On The Record”, but with DJ Teeko from San Francisco, who is part of the crew “4OneFunk“.  He attended the show and showcased the Vestax turntable Controller 1, created by himself, Ricci Rucker, D-Styles, Mike Boo, and others I’ve honestly forgotten off the top of my head.  I own one and I’m amazed at what can be done on it.  You can check out the broadcast on WFMU…..HERE!  Also check out the video below where it shows Teeko demoing the Controller 1 at the Scratch Academy and also this link where it talks about WFMU.

Still Around…..

What’s up everybody?! Sorry I haven’t posted for roughly two months now. I was in the process of moving from my hometown of Annapolis, MD. Now that I’ve got my studio about 90% completely set back up, I’ve been on the grind to complete my upcoming album “This Way or That Way” released through Hip Hop Slam and OkiZoo. Coming out possibly next fall. While I was in the process of moving, I was checking out a few albums and scratch records. As far as scratch records is concerned, I’ve obtained a test press of D-Styles, DJ Flare, and Mr. Henshaw’s break record called “Seek and Destroy Vol. 5”.

It has one beat produced by D-Styles and I believe three produced by Mr. Henshaw. It also has some scratch sentences. After I listened to those beats, I put those suckers on my loop machine and scratched for a long period of time. If the peeps from the Peach are reading this post, can you all get some copies of this?

A few months back, April I believe, DJ Quest, hailing from the San Francisco area released his solo album titled “Questolous” through ZQ Records. This album was long in the making. It was in my opinion worth the wait. To me, along with Ill Insanity’s latest album, proved to all the critics out there that scratching isn’t STILL alive. Quest’s album includes a gang of guest appearances which makes the album even more solid. Those include DJ Sniper, DJ Marz, DJ T-Rock, Luke Sick, Oaty Love, Dust One, Bas-1, Eddie K, DJ Cue, Dawgisht, Arsenio O Gilvie and DJ 2 Fresh.

I highly recommend picking this one up! In my honest opinion, I think there is going to be a Hip Hop Renaissance about to come. Oh, I just want to give a hello, shout out, to fellow Peach Blogger….MC Oroville.

I just visited Rob Swift’s site this morning and came across the latest info about EPMD pretty much dissing DJ Scratch. All I gotta say is that’s messed up. Check out the article down below.

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DJ Scratch is no longer a member of EPMD (Courtesy of ALLHIPHOP.COM)

After over 20 years of being the backbone of the legendary EPMD, DJ Scratch has announced a shocking split from the group.

In an exclusive interview with AllHipHop.com, Scratch detailed the circumstances that have led to the current rift and why he will not be participating in any form, on the group’s forthcoming album and shows.

“I had been finding out through my peoples that Eric [Sermon] and Parrish [Smith] have been doing shows and recording an album without me,” Scratch explained to AllHipHop.com. “Then I’m getting emails from fans telling me that Eric said on stage I’m not there because ‘I’m missing flights.’ And I’m like ‘c’mon E that’s not f**king cool.’ I’ve never missed a flight in my whole career.”

As with many groups, Scratch stated his absence from the group’s reunion stems from money issues.

“Eric doesn’t want to split the money three ways,” DJ Scratch claimed. “And that’s fine, but be a man about it. We’re supposed to be a crew. Don’t lie and make me seem incompetent and disrespectful to the fans.”

EPMD is one of the most consistent groups in Hip-Hop history, with five successive gold selling albums from 1988-1997, and such classic singles as “It’s My Thing,” So Wat Cha Sayin’,” “Rampage,” and “Crossover.”

Fans know this is not the first time the group has had a public dispute, as the collective split on acrimonious terms in 1993.

According to Scratch, despite a reunion those tensions remain unresolved.

“I’m cool with both of them [but] with the first breakup, Parrish was the problem and now after the reunion, Eric’s the problem. They don’t like each other but with any group [when] the members don’t get along, you just don’t see that s**t. When you’re on stage you’re not supposed to show that s**t because you’re there for the fans.”

EPMD’s new album will have no cutting, scratching, or production contributions from DJ Scratch, who since his days in the group has produced for a number of artists, including 50 Cent, Jay-Z, DMX, Talib Kweli, The Roots and numerous others.

Since the other members have not made an announcement, Scratch feels it is only fair to the fans and his reputation to clarify the situation.

“If the album came out and I ‘m not on there, the obvious question will be ‘where’s Scratch?” he reasoned. “I think the reason they’ve not said anything is they know the fans wouldn’t be f**king with them like that without me. It’s like Run DMC without Jam Master Jay, we’re a three member group. Eric has the money issue, but I don’t think he realizes he’d make more money together than apart.”

Still, despite the alleged professional betrayal Scratch, is open to working with Smith and Sermon in the future.

“This is only permanent if they want it to be that way,” Scratch said diplomatically. “I make more money on my own than with EPMD. I came back with them for Hip-Hop and the fans, money isn’t an issue for me.”

In the meantime, Scratch will being doing a collaboration album with fellow boardsmith DJ Premier.

He’ll also be producing on upcoming albums from Busta Rhymes and LL Cool J.

By Ismael AbduSalaam

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On that note….take care! Be cool to one another! You will be judged on your actions in due time.

LaterZzz!

ALF

American Life: The Bay to NYC

On April 19th, I participated in an pretty much art festival in NYC. Basically Neighborhood Public Radio headed by Lee Montgomery from the Mission District in SF was asked to be a part of the Whitney Biennial. The Whitney Museum rented out a shop two doors down from the museum so that people could setup their particular art. In this particular case, Lee setup his radio broadcast equipment.

Basically on this particular day, we were paying homage to art in partly of the hip hop sense and other things. Some of the artists who came through were Jim and Karla Murray, authors of the book “Burning New York”, Toofly, Michael A. Gonzales, Danny Barry, and many others I didn’t meet because I was pretty much DJing throughout the whole broadcast.

A perfect example of some of the art that was displayed is partly shown in the picture of me scratching. The pirate that you see is from the cover of one of Hip Hop Slam’s videos called “Pirate Fuckin Video” which was designed by Dawgisht of Alameda, CA.

What was cool was that there were just average everyday New Yorkers just stopping by looking in and taking in the art that was displayed and heard. At one point two people asked me to show them to scratch and explain to them the concept of the turntable on how it is used as an instrument.

Also another highlight of the evening was little Danny Barry (forgot his age) playing a few selections and then later freestyled with me while I was scratching and playing beats of my loop machine. Danny mentioned to that his teacher just taught him and others about improvising. I must say he did very well. He also became interested in scratching. So I took a little bit of time and showed him some basics.

Michael A. Gonzales, who is shown in the picture with Billy Jam is a writer of The Village Voice, who did a little spoken word on NPR as well.

I must say overall that I had a great time and with the turnout of the amount of people that came through, I truly believe and I quote my OkiZoo friend Dunn-D, “A Hip Hop renaissance is coming!” All photos were taken by Rachel Naber. LaterZzzz!

J-Rocc throws it down honoring the late J-Dilla

About a week ago I received another great mix by “The Funky President”, J-Rocc. “Thank You Jay Dee, Act 2” was a podcast put out through Stones Throw a while ago. Now the podcast along with Act 1 is available on CD.

I must say that J-Rocc in making these mixes did an outstanding job in saying farewell to a dope ass producer. Once again while I was listening to this mix, I was in awe of J-Rocc’s skills. There were a few times where he brings that Beat Junkie Style of mixing and whatnot. I’ve been a long time fan of J-Rocc after I discovered his “Sex Machine Today” CD back in 2000 while I was in the Air Force stationed in Las Vegas, NV. I had the opportunity to see him play live once while I was in Vegas.

Overall, the CD is pretty damn decent. One of my favorite parts in the mix, is the transition from “Fall in Love” to “Running.” I was laughing at that part honestly because J-Rocc made a statement with both songs. If you know the lyrics to the songs, you may be able to figure out what he may have done without listening to it.

On that note, I ask all of you to continue to support these artists so they can continue to bring you lovely tunes. They have to hustle tremendously to continue to do what they love.

LaterZzzz!
ALF

WFMU….I thought you knew!

WFMU have been my favorite radio station for roughly three years. On February 29th, I had the honor to DJ on Billy Jam‘s weekly show titled “Put The Needle On The Record” during WFMU’s 2008 Marathon. The station is a freeform radio station which is a listener supported radio station. The station has an annual marathon to raise funds to basically keep the lights on, pay the mortgage, pay the RIAA it’s ridiculous fees it asks the radio stations to give up, and tons of other things. The DJ’s at the station play voluntarily. They get no royalties whatsoever from the money made during the marathon. The station’s goal is to raise 1 million dollars in two weeks time. I have visited the station about 4 times and I have called it home. The staff and atmosphere is very cool and calm. One of the biggest reasons I love this particular radio station because the DJ’s aren’t puppets being controlled by someone above them. Of course the FCC has the say all in content played over the airwaves, but in terms DJ selection, he or she can do whatever. Almost any genre you can think of, you will find one of the DJ’s at the station who has knowledge of it. I happened to find out about WFMU when former KALX DJ, Billy Jam of Hip Hop Slam started his spot on the station back during the fall of 2005. Speaking of Billy Jam, I will be conducting an interview with him for The Peach very soon. Be on the lookout for that. In the meantime, check out the broadcast from the 29th of February which included Billy Jam, Ken Freedman(station manager), and myself by clicking on the link below.

Put The Needle On The Record – 29 Feb 08 broadcast

Low End Theory-NYC 01 Mar 08

What’s up everybody?! I apologize for not posting for roughly two months now. Sorry! Anyway, I took some time off from my busy schedule to catch the Low End Theory show this past saturday in New York City. Myself and Billy Jam of Hip Hop Slam attended the event. We arrived there around 1230 and caught the last part of DJ Nobody’s set. We were able to catch Daddy Kev, D-Styles, and part of Flying Lotus’s set. Gaslamp Killer was there as well. I had to leave the show early because I had to drive all the way back to Maryland. Oh, I forgot to mention that the show was from 11pm to 4am. I ended driving home in the wee hours of the morning stopping two times at rest stops to take cat naps.

If you haven’t been able to catch the Low End Theory show in L.A. or NYC, don’t sleep! Apparently, along with the weekly shows in L.A., they are going to do a monthly in NYC. That’s pretty damn cool! The fellas who I got to see in NYC got my head bobbing with all the different electronica, hip hop, beats, flanges, delays, etc. I happened to catch D-Styles and Daddy Kev and AWOL One during their “You Know Verse” tour back in February 2006, so I knew what to expect from both D and Daddy Kev. However, they both performed flawlessly with some additives compared to what I saw of them two years ago. The highlight in my opinion during D’s set was that he used a 7″ record to scratch the samples to Razorblade Alcohol Slide. Daddy Kev seemed like he added more to his arsenal compared to the “You Know Verse” tour by incorporating Serato with his sampler/effects interface with his laptop. I may be wrong about his setup, but his set sounded tight as shit! Overall, the show was pretty dope! Please support these hardworking artists! Attend the shows! Buy their music! BUY IT!!!

LaterZzz!
ALF