Bodega Live

What up everyone. It's been a minute. My apologies for my absents, this past year has treated me well & I'm grateful for all that's been happening. But just know that I'm always on a mission to find that perfect balance. That being said, last month I was invited to spin at one of my favorite parties in LA, Bodega! Here is a free download of my set live (with a few little touches here and there) Enjoy!

Love Like This

Something to get you in the mood for today! Enjoy, a love like this..... share with your peeps!

Sade

Big birthday shout to the lovely Miss Sade. Check out this incredible portrait done by artist Steven Lopez as part of his After Midnight Soul Series. I also ran into a DL link (via Inka One's FB post) for a Best of Sade Mix done by DJ Spinna.

Mear One x Alicia Keys

Legendary LA writer, Mear One featured in Alicia Keys' new music video "New Day." I'm happy to see Mear still doing his thing! Check it out.....

The Root Down 15th Year Anniversary is only a day away! Check the details, you definitely don't want to miss this ridiculous line up. You can still get your pre-sale tickets, so don't sleep!

Root Down 15th Year Anniversary Promo Mix

In honor of Root Down's 15th Year Anniversary this Friday, I made a quick mix of some Root Down classics & some. Shout out to my Root Down Fam, thanks for all the inspiration & much respect to a true LA legend, DJ Dusk, rest in peace.

14th Annual Thanks Givends Benefit

It's that time again. Before you spend Thanksgiving weekend with your families, come and enjoy a night of incredible music with your extended LA Fam! I'm honored to be in such great company, here's the info, see you all soon.....

ReMitch came with it on his lastest mix, "Inside My Sample!" He features various artist who have sampled or covered Minnie Riperton's class "Inside My Mind." Great concept, overall great mix. Check it out for yourself; http://soundcloud.com/the_remitch/inside-my-sample

Sample This (The Movie)

How incredible is this!!? The trailer speaks for itself, check it.....

Root Down 15 Year Anniversary

Root Down is a huge influence on who I am as a DJ, I'm honored and blessed to even be apart of such a legendary party. So many great memories, so much talent that blessed the stage, I could go on for days telling why Root Down is so dope. But instead, I invite you to experience it for your self....... Full line up coming soon!

New Residency!!

Open, a new residency in downtown LA. The formula is pretty simple, resident selectors, Bency, Ben Diggin & yours truly doing what we do best! Join us for our first night this Sunday Nov 11th with special guest DJ Brazilia. Here's the info..... Seven Bar & Lounge; 555 W 7th Street, FREE All Night!!

Sweet Cheeks [San Diego]

Tonight, I'm spinning at El Dorado for Sweet Cheeks in San Diego, Ca. Also getting down will be Fonkis (LA) along with SD's very own Kid Dragon & DJ Bency. If you're in the area, come out and join us! El Dorado; 1030 Broadway SD 92101

Bodega

This Sunday, I'm guest DJaying at my favorite Sunday hangout, Bodega!! If you haven't been, you can expect brazilian funk, hip hop, salsa, cumbia, afro beat as well as great peeps & banging tacos!! So I hope you'll join us and be sure to bring your dancing shoes! Senor Fish; 422 E 1st St in Little Tokyo 6:30 to midnight.

Cherry Poppin

The neo soul era in the late 90's, early 2000's was the era that I related to most. I loved the direction that hip hop was talking during that time, my favorite hip hop artist were going from rugged to grown. Collaborations opened me up to a lot of r&b artist like Jill Scott, Amel Larrieux, Erykah Badu & many more. From there my taste in music became what I like to call, "grown up hip hop" and Cherry Poppin is the perfect place for this vibe! join me this Wednesday night....

MOM x Root Down

Tonight, I'm back with my Root Down Crew at Motown On Modays. This time around, it's an all vinyl, stax vs motown edition, so that's sure to be a good time. I hope you'll join us. Here's the info....

Motown On Mondays; Stax vs Motown featuring Music Man Miles, DJ Sloe Poke, DJ Expo, Ervin Arana, DJ Jedi & Amani of the Root Down Sound System. 21+ FREE All Night at the Short Stop; 1455 Sunset Blvd in Echo Park!

MOM Ft Jeremy Sole [Photo Recap]

A couple weeks ago, I made my way out to see Jeremy Sole at Motown On Mondays at the Shortstop. Definitely my favorite Monday night spot right now. If you haven't been, make sure you check it out soon. The Root Down fam will be guest DJaying on Sept 10th for a special edition; Motown vs Stax. Make sure you save the date, more info coming soon....

*Photography by Ervin Arana 2012

Throwback Thursdays; Musical Massacre Mixtape

I was digging through some old boxes and came across some old promo tapes. I was posting them on my instagram as #ThrowbackThursday photos, but I decided to do the next best thing and digitize them and share with you guys.

Here is the first one.... "Musical Massacre Mixtape presented by Tony Touch." Dopest thing about this mix, is Tony Touch taking you on a Beatnuts journey before he plays samples of "Musical Massacre" album. Here's the DL link, enjoy.

Reincarnated

I can really appreciate people who explore the world. I don't mean travel, but really explore and experience other cultures throughout the world. I feel it's almost mandatory in order to grow artistically and help make sense out of life. Any who, I'm not sure what Snoops experience was during the filming of his new documentary, "Reincarnated." But I definitely applaud him for this and look forward to seeing this film. Peep the trailer and the first single's really dope too, check it........

Respect.

This Thursday Night, my good friend Frantick invited me to spin at Respect for his welcome back party. I know Respect is mostly a drum n base club, but we'll be in there representing our hip hop roots. So, I hope you'll join us. You can RSVP on their $5 list; rsvp.pmam@gmail.com

Beat Junkies!

I've been a little M.I.A. on the blog. My apologies to those that do take the time to visit. Been caught up with life, but always in a good way. Any who, wanted to congratulate the Beat Junkies on their 20th year anniversary (couple weeks ago.) I didn't make it to the anniversary show, but I did catch a snippet when they came by Amoeba to perform. All I can say, WOW, big inspiration! Check 'em out on youtube

*Photo by Ervin Arana 2012

MA Doom: Son Of Yvonne

Masta Ace's new album dropped a couple weeks ago. Produced entirely by MF Doom. I'll just get to the point, you need this in your life.

Motown On Mondays Ft DJ Spinna [Photo Recap]

Always been a fan of DJ Spinna production, everything from his Mos Def remixes to his production with Tortured Soul. The guy is just so versatile. But last night, I realized that I've never heard him spin before, which is outrageous!!!? How does that happen!!? Anywho, I'm glad I got to finally hear him spin last night, and all I can say is.... WOW!!! I'm so inspired. Here's a quick photo recap, big ups to DJ Expo & the rest of the Motown On Mondays Crew (SF & LA) for making it happen.

*Photography by Ervin Arana 2012

Root Down Celebrates James Brown

Special thanks to everyone who came out a couple Mondays ago for Root Down Does Motown! This Thursday, we get together again with special guest, Inka One & Adrian Young for Root Down's 15th year anniversary and to add to the occasion we celebrate the god father of soul's born day. Root Down Celebrates James Brown, don't miss it!!!

Root Down Does Motown!

Root Down fam is getting together for Motown On Mondays. I'm super excited about this one, please spread the word & join us!

Dumpin' Em All

Just got a new single from uncle Nu aka DJ Nu-Mark & thought I'd share it with everyone. Download ---> HERE. Enjoy!

Low Key

Peace everyone, it's been a minute. You know how it is, blessed to able to stay busy. Anywho, just a quick reminder about Low Key, we do it every 2nd & 4th Wednesday at Carbon in Culver City. Peep the new flier & come check us out on Wed March 14th....

Photo LA 2012

I've been to the last two & was really inspired. So considering that this year I'm focusing more on photography, this event is a must for me! I suggest the same for anyone truly into photography. See you there. Here's the info directly from the site, photola.com

© Anthony Friedkin, Woman by the Pool, 1975

21st Annual International Los Angeles Photographic Art Exposition
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium | January 12th-15th, 2012

Confirming Los Angeles’ rising status as a destination and marketplace for curators, collectors, and art enthusiasts are the city’s many new galleries, world-class museums, and outstanding university programs. Now in its 21st year, Photo LA, the longest running art fair west of New York City, carries on its mandate to showcase emerging and established artists from around the globe. Photo LA continues the discourse on photography’s place in the fine arts, providing a platform for the display of vintage masterworks from the 19th and 20th centuries, contemporary photography, new techniques, and new forms of presentation alongside video and multimedia installations. This exciting juxtaposition creates the character that is Photo LA.

During the Martin Luther King holiday weekend, January 12-16, 2012, Photo LA returns to the landmark Santa Monica Civic Auditorium for the 13th time. As the Getty’s Pacific Standard Time: Art in LA 1945-1980 initiative continues into January, Photo LA will include installations focusing on post-WWII art created in Southern California. January is also LA Arts Month, a collective marketing effort by the city and its arts organizations to attract enthusiasts and collectors to Los Angeles.

Buy tickets HERE

Undun

New Roots album was released this past Tuesday. I've always been a big fan & will always support! You can preview the entire album on KCRW. If you like what you hear, please go out & support good music!

The Givends Benefit Compilation Vol 1

Peace world, and I really do mean PEACE! As messed up as the world is today, it's very important to set our personal agendas to the side from time to time & give back. Giving back doesn't always mean donating millions of dollars to charity. In this case, a small donation to purchase this Compilation or it can be as simple as donating a moment of your time to spread the word and encourage others to buy it. Either way, thank you for your time & remember as DJ Dusk would say "None of us are as strong as all of us."

THE GIVENDS Benefit Compilation Vol 1 is a unified effort from artist to support arts/music programs that benefit at risk and underprivileged youth.

In conjunction with the annual Thanks Givends event, this compilation will enable our outreach to go global and with 20 incredible tracks from a wide range of artists at a "you name the price" donation, you not only get to discover new music and artists that are pushing the industry forward, but each dollar is energy that will be put back into these programs.

This years beneficiaries; Marvista Family Center, Sound Art,
Peace 4 Kids & Pio Pico Ms Music Program

Low Key Thanksgiving Eve

A very special THANK YOU to DJ Cee Brown, Anthony Valdez, Jimetta Rose & everyone who celebrated our 1Yr Ann with us a couple weeks ago. Low Key returns this Wednesday Night on Thanksgiving Eve. I'm going to be spinning all night, so before you head over to Thanksgivends stop by and vibe with us!

Always FREE, always a good time at Carbon 9300 Venice Blvd in Culver City. Make sure you get there early to take advantage of Happy Hour $3 Drink Specials!

13th Annual Thanksgivends Benefit

The 13th Annual Thanksgivends Benefit takes place this Wednesday Night Nov 23rd 9pm-4am. Thanksgivends is
a community effort to raise funds and awareness for programs incorporating the arts for underprivileged and at risk youth.
2 levels, 3 area featuring the best of LA Underground culture. Live art patio, 21+ $10 admission at Los Globos Nightclub, 3040 W Sunset Blvd in LA

Participants include...
4 Mula, Analigital, Anything Fresh, Art Don't Sleep, Bach MRKTG, Beat Junkies, Beat Swapmeet, Beathackerz Collective, Blu Events, Bodega, Boombox, Bridges, Bunda Funk, Cornerstore Radio, Descarga, Devil's Pie, DP Sound, DTLA Tonight, Dublab, Escapism, EVFA Music, Extra Mile Sauce, Fast FWD, Flavorpill, Fly Ball, Footlong Development, For Those Who Know, Frolab, Funkmosphere, Funky Sole, Fusicology, Gata Recordings, Gifted City, Hang Together, Harmony Sound, In Soul We Trust, Incognito, Juju, KCRW, KPFK, Ladies First, Low Key, Muzicality, Nance.Arte, Niteshift, Nu-Soul Magazine, Ozomatli, Pitchblend Media, Plug Research, P.O.P. Culture, Pocho Hour Radio, Power Tools, Proper, Resident Friday, Rice & Beats, Rick & Ray, RK Entertainment, Root Down, Sailaway Collective, Shift, Solshock, Soul Children, Soul Circle Radio, Soul Sessions, Spring Strut, stay Gold, Strictly Social, Subsuelo, The Noise Academy, Transit Events, Tumbe, Turntable Addicts, Uniquity Records, Unison, Universal Rhythm, Vibes & Stuff, Walk Talkin, We own The Night

DJays...
Al Jackson, Analog, Anthony Valadez, Beat Ventriloquists, Billy Goods, Bobby Soul, Brazilia, C-Minus, Cee Brown, Clifton, Danny Massure, Destroyer, Drack Muse, Dubs One, Duran Castro, Ervin Arana, Expo, Frank Foreal, Gazoo, Inka One, Jedi, Just Pudge, Kerry Simester, Mando Fever, Marlon Fuentes, Michelle Q, Monalisa, MZA, Panamami, Phatrick, Phersone, Phyz Ed, Plann B, Puffs, Raul Campos, Re-Mitch, Rick Wren, Rudy Carmona, Scott K, Sean O, Selectra, Seven 57, Sloe Poke, Soluz, Wordamouth, Wyatt Case

Host/performers...
Quetzal Querrero, Derrick Buck, E Reece, KG Superstar & Mayda Del Valle

Live art by, Mear One & Outdoor Art Gallery by Analigital
This years beneficiaries; Marvista Family Center, Sound Art,
Peace 4 Kids & Pio Pico Ms Music Program

"Legend's Hip Hop" by Justin Bua

Pick up Justin Bua's new book and get it signed by the man himself at Amoeba Music in Hollywood (6400 W Sunset Blvd.) Here's the info....

Internationally acclaimed artist Justin Bua celebrates the release of his new art book, "The Legends of Hip Hop" with a book signing event at Amoeba Hollywood. With a forward by Chuck D, his new book is an an intimate look at the visionaries, the movers and the shakers and the pioneers who have helped shape the world of hip hop.

DJ Qbert is featured in the book and will be spinning at 6pm to kick off the event and will sign copies of the book with Justin. Book will be available for purchase at Amoeba day of the event.

Thank You! Low Key 1 Year Anniversary

I just wanted to thank everyone who came to celebrate our 1 year anniversary at Low Key. A very special thanks to Anthony Valadez, DJ Cee Brown & Jimetta Rose for truly blessing us with their talents! Peep the photo recap by yours truly (below) & Anthony Valdez HERE. Check us next time on Wednesday Nov 23rd, the night before Thanksgivings.

*Photography by Ervin Arana 2011

Low Key 1 Year Anniversary

A year ago I started a night called Low Key, focusing on the more soulful side of me & it's been a great journey. Many thanks to all of our past guest & everyone who's supporting us throughout the year! This Wednesday night is our 1 year anniversary & to help us celebrate, KCRW's Anthony Valadez & Bodega's DJ Cee Brown will be blessing us on the decks. Always FREE at Carbon 9300 Venice Blvd in Culver City. Hope to see you there!

Cherry Poppin

Tonight, I've been invited to spin at Cherry Poppin with DJ Jedi (Root Down). This night is for those who truly appreciate that soulful, sexy r&b sound. That's right up my alley, so I already know it's going to be a great night! Hope to see some of you there, here's the info....

Quinto Sol live at Irie Sundays

This past Sunday Night two of my favorite reggae/cumbia bands played live Irie Sundays. Let me just say, if you missed that show you missed a GREAT one. The video clips don't do them justice, but I'll share anyways, enjoy.....

Rumbankete live at Descarga

Just wanted to send a quick shout to everyone who came out to Descarga this past Saturday! If you missed it, here's a snippet...

DJ Destroyer at Low Key

On Wed Sept 28th, Low Key is honored to have special guest DJ Destroyer. If you don't know, join us and find out. You won't regret it! Always free at Carbon (9300 Venice Blvd in Culver City)



DJ, producer, remixer, Aaron Paar a.k.a. Destroyer was born in Nottingham, U.K. raised in Los Angeles, California and has been an active figure in the LA club and recording scene since the late 80′s. With a family music background as well as strong underground roots, Aaron continues to stay on the cutting edge of Club/Hip Hop+Soul music cultures. He cut his teeth in the early 90′s rave/loft scene in Los Angeles and currently holds residencies at Fast FWD @ Little Temple, and One of LA’s signature Eclectic Soul nights, Strictly Social. Aaron has touched the turntables at just about every club or bar in Los Angeles as well as booking gigs in San Francisco, NY, Las Vegas, Portland and San Diego. Look out for Aaron’s Remix work on the artist Rogiers remix/rejects album entitled “My Gift” as well as the Anthony Valadez remix project on Recordbreakin’. Expect to hear Destroyer displaying many different genres in his Soul driven sets geared for dancefloors worldwide.

Ghetto Dreams

Heard the snippet when it was floating around the internet, but I'm just now hearing the song in it's entirety and.... Wow, I'll just say, I'm stupid excited about hip hop again! Much much respect to Nas & Common!!!

Low Key

Just a little reminder, every 2nd & 4th Wednesday I hold down a residency called Low Key at Carbon in Culver City. This night is a reflection of who I am musically. So swing by sometime & get to know me.

Funky Sole

This Saturday I'm happy to be spinning at LA's favorite funk night. All vinyl & of course all FUNK!!! Doors open a little late, around 11pm & I'm going on at 12:15am & would love to see some familiar faces. FREE all night, the Echo 1822 Sunset Blvd LA 90026

Alika live at Little Temple

Straight out of Argentina, Alika performs live at Little Temple, backed by one of my favorite LA reggae bands, Quinto Sol. Tonight w DJ sets by DJ Sloe Poke & urs truly!

Soulstice

I got to see the lovely Gina Rene perform at Nu Thurdays tonight. I highly recommend you pick up Soulstice' new album titled In The Light, you won't regret it!

*Photo by Ervin Arana 2011

Beats, Rhymes & Life

Michael Rapaport's documentary film directed about one of the most influential & groundbreaking musical groups in hip hop history. I got to see the film earlier today & thought is was truly insightful. The title saids it all, "Beats, Rhymes & Life; The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest."

Please go out & support this film. It premiers in LA at the Achlight theater on Friday July 8th; 6360 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA. Click HERE to watch the preview.

Nasty

Nasty Nas at it again! His first single "Nasty" produced by Salaam Remi has been floating around the internet. So I thought I'd pass it along, check it... Download it HERE

While I'm at it, I'll share another one of my favorites. "New York State Of Mind (Featuring Alicia Keys & Rakim)" Enjoy.