SAJ'S CORN3R

Lupus Sucks!!!

2009-04-16T02:48:00.001-07:00

As stated in my earlier post, Jay Dee aka; J Dilla; aka Dilla Dawg; aka Pay Jay; aka Jay Dee-Zee, doin' it like he's doin' it for TV, is THE MAN.

Sure, there are other artists that I care a lot about from Beethoven to Phil Glass; Robert Nesta Marley to Sizzla; Thelonious Monk to John Coltrane; Celia Cruz to La Lupe and The Fania All Stars; Al Green and Stevie Wonder to Raphael Saadiq; Led Zepplin to The Police; A Tribe Called Quest to Little Brother, and countless other Hip-Hop, Dance, Rock, Pop and all around great artists that are the $hit!!! But, when it comes down to that: "...stranded on a deserted Island" artist that I'd have to take with me...It's gotta be Jay Dee!!! He's among the Greatest EVER.

Ms. Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, the mother of the late James Yancey, is currently battling the same form of Lupus/Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP or Moschcowitz disease), which took her son’s life.

Please help me in supporting this worthy cause by checking out my personal page, or the J Dilla & Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey team page, and showing your love for the:

2009 Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Washington Chapter's 3rd Annual Walk for Lupus Now!

The walk begins @ 9:30am, with registration starting at 8:30am.

1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, DC. (METRO STOPS: Federal Triangle for the BLUE or ORANGE lines and Metro Center for RED line.)

There will be clowns, face painters and other activities for the kids. With the walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, NW from 12th to 3rd street and back to 12th street, (about 1.5 miles total and 5K if you do the route twice, down-and-back). There will also be a mini, two-block walk for those unable to complete the full 1.5 miles. Rain or shine!

Again, knowing that times are tough for all of us right now; it would still be great to reach the humble goal of the $100 minimum pledge in the names of James and Maureen Yancey. And, at the very least, please forward this to ANY of your people in the DC area who might want to at least come out and walk in support. Come down in your Dilla T's, and load-up an iPod playlist full of Dilla hits. The weather is supposed to hit 72° F on Saturday, and it should be beautiful!

Either way, it would mean a lot to me, the cause and the Yancey family, I'm sure.

Thanks again for all of your love and support!!!

Peace,

Saj

TopShop, StateSide...

2009-04-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

I hit this spot TOPSHOP, the last time that I was in the UK.

Although I was already "fresh," you kinda find yourself slightly out-of-fashion when you go to Merry Olde England. Their cuts are just a little slimmer and tailored, ya know!? And, as me and my "Ex-pat mates" were going-out to hit the pubs, I had to look extra "smart" to have any shot at those "loverly London birds."

Of course, I spent my time and $$$ in the TOPMAN section, 'cause I wasn't plannin' on goin' out like Boy George...But regardless, I found a couple of nice sweaters and some pretty cool (Native American?) inspired belts. I didn't think it was that bad dropping around 175 for the lot...UNTIL I got home and checked the credit card bill, and realized that 175 British Pounds equaled about $260.00...duh. But, the belts are still fresh; and I honestly haven't found any sweaters since that fit as well, or still look cool these 5 years later.

Sir Philip Green opened-up TOPSHOP's first US flagship in NYC, today; and I'll definitely be checking it out the next time I'm up in the city. We'll see how well they do in this economy...but, just about any new international chain seems to do relatively well in the Big Apple for the first year or so, and success there will mean another possible 12 locations nationwide. For some healthy competition to Sweden's H&M, I'd wager we'd get one down here in the DMV as well!?!

Another One Bites the Dust...

2009-04-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

It's a sad, sad day for us vinyl enthusiasts in the DC area (...the one's who liked to actually hit a brick-and-mortar from time-to-time; and get a close-up look, feel and audial sample of what we were about to drop our hard earned $$$ on). First the old Capitol City Records went away; and now, even after it's revival and remodeling after a vicious fire and major smoke/water damage back in August of 2007; the DJ Hut is now on the way out, too.

This came through on the B-Berry, this afternoon:

DJ Hut friends and customers,

We have some sad and disappointing news to share with you. DJ Hut can no longer battle the dual headwind of the demise of the music retail industry and the economic downturn. As a result, we are forced to shut down the store and go strictly online at the end of April. Effective immediately, all vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and books will be liquidated at the rate of 20% off the regular price.

We would like to thank you for your support over the last 7 years at the store and we look forward to your continued support in the future online.

Best, DJ Hut Crew

At least they'll still be peddling wares on the net; but, that does nothing for me when I need a trusty location to bring my Tech 12's when they need repairs or a tune-up. And, having just been in there a few weeks ago, it's a real shame that they have to close down the shop. It was looking REALLY sweet after the post-blayze remodeling, with the fresh hardwood floors and new display-hardware. Plus, there was nothing like shopping for and sampling their wax, while inhaling that enchanting scent of freshly baked Subway bread...

So, if you're in the market for any "records, CDs, DVDs and books" be sure to drop-by and show some love, while getting a 20% break at the same time.

Peace out, DJ Hut...thanks for everything!!!

OvER

2009-04-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

Big-ups to NBC's ER and it's grand finale. I was a big fan of the series, having tuned-in since it's inception, waaay back in days of my studies to be a Phyisical Therapist and EMT.

EMT's been covered, didn't even need to graduate High School, for that!? But, as I find myself in a position looking for more stable work, or even a job at all, this series and it's ending actually inspired me to check back into the possibilities of going back to school and hittin' the books to follow-through on my original undergrad interests in being a PT; all of these years later...

Marymount University...I just may be in touch!!!

Tha S-A-double-D-I-Q

2009-03-29T17:21:00.000-07:00

I've been a long-time fan of Raphael Saadiq's. The man is straight-up an amazing artist, vocalist, bass player and all-around music producer. The list of artists that he's worked with and produced is legendary, including Q-Tip, D'Angelo, Joss Stone and Stevie Wonder. From the days of Tony! Toni! Toné!, the mega-trio of Lucy Pearl and through all of his solo albums he's only gotten better and better.

I was fortunate enough to have seen him live for the first time, back in 2003 during a small in-studio session for an MHz special on him to promote his first solo stint, Instant Vintage. I actually got to meet him, and he was a very chill and humble dude. I'd heard a lot of buzz surrounding his most recent album The Way I see It (have yet to peep the whole thing...), and when I learned that he was goingto be in DC at tha 9:30 club, I HAD to be there. The show was absolutely incredible!!! I'd gotten a preview from his performance of the first single 100 Yard Dash, on Jimmy Kimmel Live. He came to DC with the same 6-piece band, and all of the energy of that taping, and even MORE. The band was tight, well rehearsed, and Saadiq was in absolute control at all times. The energy that they gave, and the crowd received and returned 10 fold, made it an unforgettable concert.

For a taste of what the show was like, here are some clips from his VH1 Soul Stage performance:

And, this performance from the Musicians @ Google session is nice, as well; but in no way measures-up to the show at 9:30. If you take this and multiply it by 100, you might be close...

The best house band, EVER?!!!??!

2009-02-25T15:50:00.000-08:00

So, considering that my mans 'n 'em VNL and I had more than a few minutes to kill at the recent Mos Def/9:30 show; we chatted it up on a range of topics. One of which, I was really surprised to learn of having been a big fan of Conan O'Brien's over the years, and his late night show.

I'm eager to see how Jimmy Fallon will do, taking over the reigns for the late night slot (...I think he's a great fit), yet had NO idea that the nightly house band will be none other than The Legendary Roots Crew?!!!??!

This AP piece seems to do the story justice, and goes into great detail, so I direct any interested readers that way (and...maybe I'm just typing to myself here anyway, haha!?!); but, I'm super excited about this.

While it, at times, likens the newly acquired role for "Philly's Finest" as a form of 'selling-out,' a la Paul Shaffer and Kevin Eubanks (or even equivocates it to Miles Davis resorting to playing on a "subway platform"), and speaks of warnings of negative experience from Branford Marsalis to ?uestlove; I think it will be a good thing and is a very smart move for The Roots to stay in the spotlight and greatly increase their, already universal, fanbase.

Before 1993, I had no idea who Max Weinberg was, even as an aspiring percussionist. I knew vaguely of "The Boss" (...and no, not Officer Ricky), Bruce Springsteen. And, aside from the black dude who played the sax in the E Street Band (Clarence Clemons), I couldn't tell you any of his other band members (until The Sopranos, of course).

Late Night with Conan O'Brien absolutely brought the likes of Max, The Weinberg 7, and trombonist Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg into our homes and hearts, so much so that the crew was instantly recognizable to myself and millions of others during their recent Super Bowl half-time performance.

So, this move for The Roots should introduce them to a whole new group of fans. After all, if you like ANY kind of music, and can appreciate/carry a tune, you're bound to LOVE them. And who knows...maybe in a few years, once all of the Janet Jackson titty-malfunction, and Prince's guitar-fallic-symbol shadow controversies have blown over; the billions of viewers for the 2014 Super Bowl can be treated to an amazing Roots Crew half time set!?

I, for one, definitely WANT MORE!!!!!!!!

MOS(t) DEF(initely), LAME...

2009-02-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

So, things are straight strugglin' over in my corn3r, right now. Life stress has hit the max, my most important personal relationship has taken a hit, and to add to the pile o' $hit, I'm now a recent casualty of the great recession of '08/'09; and was laid-off last week. But like my boy Vic has reassured me: "Being unemployed is what's HOT in the streets, right now..." So, at least I'm still 'cool,' I guess : /

Anyway, as I'd already purchased tix first-thing, and had not left the house nor my room for that matter since I was given my walking papers last Wednesday, I figured it was time I ventured outside for some fresh air, and a nice hip-hop show courtesy of "First name: Dante, last name: Beze" or otherwise known as Mos Def.

I'd already braced myself for the worst, considering that tha 9:30 club had greedily (let's face it, it all comes down to the dough...) added a second "later" show.

In PJ Urquilla's review, he "...gives credit" to tha 9:30 club, for this. But, as a die-hard fan, I find it a bit shiesty that they even attempted to fit-in a second show (plus, isn't there a midnight 'curfew' in DC for 'all ages' shows?? AND, where's my opportunity for a second Lily Allen show, ehh!!?!), which in the end, gives the 'bigger' fans who didn't sleep initially and acted on tix first, a sub par experience. By any 'second set,' the artists, DJs, hypemen, engineers...fuck it, even the bartenders and bouncers are all more relaxed and know what to expect. I think that this would always be the case, and unfortunately it all came true for the 1st, and it seems 2nd show, as well.

As I wasn't there for the 2nd show (again, for the low-down, see PJ's review), and can only attest to the 1st show's experience, I'll only speak on that...but, I was highly disappointed.

From the get-go, I could already tell that the tour's opening (and, for an hour-and-a-half unexpected intermission's...) DJ was timid, at best. Assuming that he 'understood the crowd' and fans that a Mos Def show would bring, I'd expected a lot more of the Rawkus and Soulquarian type sounds that we'd all have loved to hear, while waiting around aimlessly. Instead it was a handful of standard random '90s underground hits, and more than a few ALT-finger-snappin' tracks, and even a '98/'99 R&B group Next, remix (...I mean, really!!?). Apparently, the 2nd show was treated to Mos voicing-over a bit of Outkast's "SpottieOttieDopalicious" instrumental (although maybe in essence, just a hidden sound-check...), while we in the 1st show heard it more than once, and initially on repeat for what seemed like 15-20 minutes. And, while some find it a respectful "nod" to the DMV to drop the staple of Chuck Brown and other Go-Go music tracks, at any DC area hip-hop show...I find it to be somewhat of a lowly insulting cop-out. It's like opening sets in NYC with the standard Rakim tracks, or Philly with the Roots...for those of us 'in the scene,' it gets super-stale and expected after a while. And, while I love dude, and hope for him to get us out of this recessional-black-hole...how many times do we need to be reminded by out-of-town-artists, who is in the White House now??? We live here, and we KNOW this...

The evening seemed saved with the opening act, Philly's Hezekiah, straight ripping it; with the help of his DJ (who really should've stayed-on for the unexpected intermission) and the funky blasts from the back-up pipes of Sax/(electric flute/clarinet?)Trumpeter duo, "Me So Horny." (<-- LOVE the name!!) Hezekiah and Co. did more than their share of getting the crowd warmed up, but then it would be a chilly hour-and-change before we'd even hear Mos' hype-man assurances that he was "on the way."

I know we can't hold Mos responsible for a late Continental flight from NYC, cause I know how that can be...but, it was very poor, as his fans who wanted to see him first (...and more, lets face it, we stepped-up and bought or tix, on time) to be treated to nothing more than a glorified sound-check session. Although we could hear him, and the music levels were 'fine'...we were subjected to constant lamenting from Mos on the state of sounds in the venue. He had his back to us for most of the show, chatting it-up (bitching) to his two DJ/Soundmen (...really, you can't just have dude #2 run the MPC from side-stage??).

And, even his attempt to blast the 9:30 engineers for unknowingly having the 1947-1951 Maya Deren, Haitian-Voodoo DVD, Divine Horsemen, accidentally stuck on repeat for the first scene, for a good 20-30 minutes. The fact that he even became aware of this, with the jumbo-tron screen up-above-and-behind him, is proof that he had his back to us, his fans, long and often enough to notice. Plus, by this point; I think we'd all had enough of the chicken neck wringing, and goat-blood letting for the evening, so keeping it on repeat may not have been such a bad thing, after all.

Ahhh, I have enough going-on to dwell on the negative, so I will just leave it at that. It was a very disappointing experience. I've loved Mos since the days of Soundbombing, and have defended him from naysayer’s, peeps around the way in Brooklyn, and even former classmates of his who've always clowned him and my respect for dude; but, my days of all of that may be numbered.

He straight rocked it at the old DC Nation venue with Black Jack Johnson (...please bring that sound BACK!!!), and killed it this past summer; on his own, as well as teamed-up with Q-Tip at the Rock The Bells show. Perhaps I was simply expecting too much from someone who I felt was one of "real/underground" hip-hop's brightest and 'Mos' talented stars?? But, who knows, the clouds must have just been extra thick the other night, on 9th & V...

2009 DC Dilla Event - Dilla's Nite/Kev Brown's B-Day!!

2009-02-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

So, as you can see, I've been kinda slummin' on the bloggin' tip. A lot going on in the personal life, work's been killer, and the DC area has been dealing with enough lately regarding our new Prez's (big-up to OBAMA!!!) stimulus package, and coming down from all of the incredible inaugural excitement.

Just when it seemed like we had nothing to get hyped about in this area until our perennial/obligatory 4th of July BBQ/Party (...MAN, summer '09 seems years away, don't it??); it's time to celebrate the life, legacy and AMAZING (<-- I try to only use that word when truly applicable...) catalog of James Dewitt Yancey, a.k.a. Jay Dee, a.k.a. J Dilla, a.k.a. Dilla Dawg!!!

For the rest of my life, Feb. 7th - Feb. 10th, and which ever week(s) those days fall on, will be Dilla Week, to me!!! Last year's was spent between BKNY's Donuts are Forever and DC's unmatched XM Radio event featuring Dilla's Moms, Pete Rock and Talib Kweli (see post below!!).

Washington, DC's Red Lounge is already the jump-off every Tuesday night, featuring resident DJs 2 Tone Jones, and my mans Roddy Rod. The cherry-on-top tomorrow, is that there will be Dilla's music on BLAST, all night long. Plus, it's also one of the DMV's greatest producer's, Kev Brown's B-day, so be sure to wish him a "Happy 30-somethin'!!!" And as always, one of the area's GREATEST MCs (as in skillz on the mic...AND...awesome Master of Ceremonies) Grap Luva of INI and brother to legendary producer Pete Rock, will be in the building to keep things moving all night.

Not that it's anything new, but I've been specifically filtering the Jay Dee tracks on my iTunes, all week. I seriously can't wait to hear some more, among his great fans, some of the area's best Hip-Hop/R&B/Soul artists, and LOUD as F*&<, just as it was always meant to be played.

So, just like Dilla said: Turn it UP!!!

Dilla's Nite/Kev Brown B-Day
Tomorrow, Tuesday 2.10.09
9:00pm - Until
Red Lounge
2013 14th Street, NWDC
$7 Cover, or FREE if you go HERE and cop a T-Shirt and bring proof of purchase!!

(Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, the mother of the late James “J Dilla” Yancey, is currently battling Lupus/Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP or Moschcowitz disease), the same disease that took her son’s life. Proceeds from the purchase of this shirt, as well as the DC event will go towards Ma Dukes. So, show your love!!!)

Saj’s Hip-Hop Corner: Dilla Tribute

2009-02-09T13:44:00.000-08:00

Re-postin' from '08...all respect due to the "King of Beats..."

Ain’t it a bitch when your iPod (…or other jankier version of mp3 player) conks-out on you!? And, it’s in that very moment of having that condescending “iPod sad face” looking back-up at you, that you realize that you’ve most likely lost a lot, if not all, of those classic tracks that you never backed-up/took from friend’s libraries/actually paid for??

Well, a version of this happened to me, only it wasn’t with any kind of mp3 player, and the machine that was lost cannot ever be actually restored or backed up.

The date of my “crash” was February 10, 2006, and it wasn’t an actual piece of hardware in my possession that was destroyed, but rather a world of musical genius that was taken from all of us, much-much too soon.

James Dewitt Yancey, better know to the masses these days as Dilla (…but also as Jay Dee/J. Dilla) truly first touched my life back in 1995 with The Pharcyde’s release Labcabincalifornia.

As a long time Tribe and Pharcyde fan…I would continue to be effected by the genius of Jay Dee, often disguised to me as The Ummah. Only with Dilla’s notoriously humble attitude and mind state; myself, like many others wouldn’t ever truly get to realize what we had “Got til it [was] gone,” to quote the sample-hook from his 1997 remix collaboration with Janet Jackson.

There was not one single Jay Dee produced track on The Pharcyde’s sophomore effort that did not completely rock my world. And to my pleasure, every singe Jay Dee remix from the maxi-12” I was to purchase later-on in 1995 (Runnin’, Y?, She Said) would be even more impressive. All the while, in my adolescent and blissful ignorance I’d assumed that it was most likely Imani, Booty Brown, Fatlip or Slim Kid Tre that was to receive credit for the amazing sounds, thumps, and kicks that you could hear coming out of my bedroom, headphones or car speakers for the next 11 years. Only, it wasn’t.

Without knowing who the specific wizard behind the magic, was…his concoctions were still obviously apparent to me. A Tribe Called Quest’s 1995 single “Glamour And Glitz” from The Show soundtrack had those precise keys, bangs, claps and kicks to it that I’d grown to recognize and love instantly…who was that?!?

Then, with the future release of the Tribe’s fourth album, Beats, Rhymes and Life…

I was still unaware who the actual beatsmith to all of my favorite tracks actually was. With Beats… having the most shout-outs (…in comparison, by album) to this mysterious “Ummah,” I, at least, had a starting point. But again…similar to my hunch regarding the Pharcyde, I’d naively assumed that The Ummah must have been composed of existing group members Tip, Shaheed…maybe Phife…Jarobi, possibly. But again, Jay Dee eluded me.

The wool, unfortunately, would not be pulled from over my eyes for another 3 years. Even as I blasted works that I’d already owned…Jay Dee’s beautifully crafted Janet Jackson remix, or pulled out that Keith Murray Enigma CD that I’d purchased at the old Tower Records in Lincoln Center, as soon as I’d hit that mesmerizing and blatantly obvious Ummah creation, “Dangerous Ground” at the listening station; I had no idea that it was Dilla’s genius making my headphones bump-and-kick to every beat.

Although it didn’t do much financially for the artists…believe it or not, I had Napster to thank for my introduction to Jay Dee. I had put my T3 (…strange coincidence, for all my SV fans out there…) connection to use HARD, once I had my off-campus apartment; and like any good Tribe fan, set out to obtain every bite of music available, at the time.

Now, for all my bloggers/DJs out there…there can be no bigger pet peeve than mis-labeled tracks or information. But, to this day, I wish I could personally thank the user who had mis-labeled a number of Slum Village’s yet to be released Fantastic Vol. 1 tracks as being those of ATCQ.

From this moment on, track by track, beat by beat, verse by verse; I would finally become aware of the source to these amazing songs that would dominate my life, probably forever. It was Jay Dee…

From my low-quality version of random Fantastic Vol. 1 cuts, outtakes and white labels, I’d make it my mission to find, purchase, own, and at the very least hear all of this musical genius’ work.

I was even fortunate enough to see Tribe and Slum Village perform together back in 1998 at Georgetown’s McDonough Arena. For an opener, and even with all of the wasted and privileged students in the audience, chatting-away and passing time until a recognizable Quest song came on; Baatin, T3 and the maestro Jay Dee still had a way of commanding the entire arenas attention. In their coordinated and colorful (yet, still cool looking…) Abercrombie Sport outfits, and gut-long iced out chains; the trio went through every banging track of their yet to be released Fantastic Vol. 2.

That would be the first and last time I ever saw Dilla.

So, back to the jump…you can imagine (…if it hasn’t already affected you…) how I felt that fateful February day in 2006, when I’d learned that the musical genius that I’d grown to respect, promote, and love was taken from all of us.

To be honest, I’ve almost felt a little bit guilty of the, at times, selfish feelings I’ve had when it comes to the loss of Jay Dee. Sometimes I feel like, some force of evil came into my life and not only “jacked my iPod’s memory,” but also went digging into the crates of records and CDs that I’d obtained over the last 15 years; located the ones that had the most wear and use, and the ones I loved most; found the source of those beautiful creations, and villainously took it away from all of us. I literally feel robbed when it comes to J. Dilla and his work.

The bittersweet upside to the legend of Jay Dee, however is the notoriety and fame his legacy continues to receive after his physical passing. Since that very week in 2006, there have been countless concerts, fundraisers and tributes to the talents and genius of James Yancey…from DC, to Detroit, Denmark and back.

Most recently, I was fortunate enough to attend a tribute held up at Brooklyn’s South Paw, and MC’ed by Phonte of Little Brother with non-stop-Dilla-tunes spun by a number of artists including Jay Dee’s old friend and fellow Detroit native DJ Houseshoes.

The night was literally electric with the crowd becoming more and more enthused with each and every track.Fans, MC’s, DJ’s and producers alike could be sighted all around partying in unison to Dilla’s music, around every corner and on both floors…From Dice Raw to Evil Dee.

But even that magical night in Brooklyn, as close as it came, could not top what I was about to encounter a few weeks later.

I had been out of the area traveling. And to my surprise came back to the DC area in the week following Presidents Day, with news of a local Dilla Tribute. There have been more than a few good ones in the area, mostly affiliated with Pookies Gallery, and held either at Mirror’s or Liv. At these gatherings you’ll find the usual suspects, good music, good times, good people. But the event that was about to bless DC this time, was on a whole new level.

We, in the DC area (DMV, if you’re down…) are fortunate to have the XM Satellite radio studios right in our backyard. The amazing artists that come through the facility is like a literal who’s-who of the music business, regardless of what type/genre of tunes, news or information floats your boat. When I’d learned that there was going to be a live taping of a J. Dilla tribute, featuring some of my most favorite local (…and don’t take that to suggest sub-par, because DC is on FIRE, right now…) artists, Talib Kweli, the legendary Pete Rock, and Mrs. Maureen Yancey, Jay Dee’s mother??? I HAD to be there…

Of course, even though I RSVP and attend just about every single Pookie’s event, I was somehow left out of the loop on this, and had to get in via my boy who works for Red Bull/Red Bull Music Academy, a main sponsor of the event (…GOOD look, Vic!!!).

Dilla was smiling on me that evening, and even though I’d missed Vic’s text at 6:59pm, telling me to get to the studios in NE, DC in 45 minutes; and I didn’t see it until 7:26pm. I jumped into the nearest cab in Rosslyn and paid dude double to make it happen…and it did.

You could feel the energy, just walking into the waiting area. A lot of beautiful people who enjoyed the same beautiful music created by a legend. There was definitely “that feeling” in the air. And, to be in the presence of two of hip-hop’s most recognizable names, and Mrs. Yancey (…quite possibly one of the sweetest women on Earth)…it really was beyond words.

The most meaningful, and in retrospect blatantly obvious realization of the night actually and appropriately came to me via Mrs. Yancey. At an earlier Dilla tribute in DC in 2007, I was fortunate enough to hear about an occasion when Grap Luva of INI and Pete Rock went to Detroit to visit Dilla. This story is retold from Pete’s perspective again, as well as from that of Mrs. Yancey (I invite you all to check out the broadcast here…it’s AMAZING!!!).

But, the statement that truly hit home was when Mrs. Yancey recounted Jay Dee’s admiration and the level of prestige that he held for Pete Rock.

As a hip hop fan, I too hold Pete on the same level as Dilla did, (…and for me, that’s the same level that Dilla is on…as one of Hip Hop’s greatest). To see Pete Rock, accepting the praises and admiration that Dilla was unable to convey in the present day, via Mrs. Yancey…was simply incredible.

So, now-a-days I have my Black Milk, Flying Lotus, and Kev Brown to turn to, when I want that good music fix that up until 2006…I thought only Dilla was able to provide. But, if this most recent tribute is any indication of the influence, collaboration, and artistic creativity that his legacy has inspired in a lot of us…we’re all in for a real treat.

The Lines Have Been Drawn...

2008-09-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

So, which producer showcase/battle will you be attending, this evening??!

In one of the most highly contested battles to hit DC, until this November's upcoming presidential election, it's down to these two jump-offs:

The Tru Skool "Beat Grinder Championship"

...and

The Red Bull Big Tune

One is Free/$5 (...depending on your connex/RSVP game...), while the other is $7. One features, Nottz (MY NUUUGH...Vee-Aye, ALL DAY), and DC's current "prince" Wale; while the next has my mans Grap Luva on the M-I-C, and features DJ Roddy Rod ( and the Low Budget Crew...not to be F*%#ed with!!). One features 10 producers while the other 12...and accusations of "biting" run the gamut; Yet, both are guaranteed to have some really nice up-and-coming producers, and neck-snappin' beats.

So, it may just come down to which venue you prefer. I personally get down equally with LIV and da 9:30 cluuub; so remain torn...

Either way, it's good to have some healthy competition out there in the streets of DC, and as always...I welcome a flooding of ill hip-hop producers and beats, any day.

Paul Mawhinney

2008-08-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

Wow...Check this video out of my mans, Paul Mawhinney:

The Archive from Sean Dunne on Vimeo.

Just like Paul, music is among my 1st loves and my last. And like Paul, I too have made an effort to visit record shops all over the world, during my travels and retain any extras or rarities that I could find. It's a shame that I never came across his shop the few times I've been up to tha 'burgh, before Record-Rama was forced to close its doors in February of this year...

If only I had an extra $50 million lying around...I'd help you out, homie!!!

Slang Shots, BUCK-BUCK-BUCK...

2008-08-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

Aiight...

So, This Saturday Slang is back, and it's gonna be on-and-poppin', at The Space (9th & N St., NWDC).

Me and my bizzle Seth Pressly are gonna be blaaaaaaazin' di fiya all night, with an illy comic-set by my mans 'n 'em...Jon Eick, that's not to be missed.

I'll be slidin' through on the decks later in the evening, but be sure to get there early to catch Jon and Seth do their thangs starting at 9:30. It's gonna be "one of those nights"!!!

And, for those of you who want a lil' taste, peep Seth Pressly's mix HERE...

Isaac Hayes

2008-08-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr.
August 20, 1942 – August 10, 2008

I'm just basically immune to any news of people passing at this point, this weekend. First Bernie, and now Isaac...

The bitterness I feel about all of this extends to the facts that: 1) Losing two legends like this at any point, let alone in the same 36 hours, sucks. And, 2) I definitely wasn't at all trying to make this Saj's Corn3r venture, just your next/average obitu-blog...Especially, to get things jumping-off. But, I've got to show respect to those that mean the most to me in the arts, music and life in general. So, here it is.

A lot of people know him best from his work with the Shaft soundtrack in general, and title track. While others, will recall that sweet, deep, honey-souled (...Chocolate Salty Balls) voice, as 'Chef' from South Park.

For me specifically, I remember Isaac best from the Stax LPs my parents used to play; selections from late night sessions of The Quiet Storm on WHUR; guest appearances and musical selections on numerous television shows, from Sesame Street to the Fresh Prince of Bel Air; and, as the hilarious 'Hammer,' from Keenen Ivory Wayans' I'm Gonna Git You Sucka.

Although it's sad to have him gone, his legacy is sure to live-on throughout the ages. Fortunately, early reports had him passing next to his treadmill...so, hopefully things were relatively painless and I'm certain that he's in a better place. Although I, (his two-year old son, Nana Kwadjo Hayes...) and a lot of others, sure would've liked to have had him around, just a little bit longer...

A True King of Comedy...

2008-08-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

Maaan!!?!

What began as a beautiful summer Saturday has now become glum.

Flipping through from some pretty slow Olympics coverage (…Badminton and Women’s Handball…Umm, really!?) I couldn’t have been more shocked or saddened to learn of the passing of Bernie Mac via an NBC Sports Update.

It was eight days ago that Bernie was admitted to a hospital in Chicago, due to complications from pneumonia, believed to have been brought on by sarcoidosis; a tissue inflammation disease.

Completely coincidental, (with news of his hospitalization not breaking until the next day, and my not knowing until the following Monday, Aug 4th) that VERY day, I had decided to set-up an old VCR (…yes, VHS, son!!!) and watch some old shows taped from the early-mid ‘90s.

One of my favorite late-night weekend shows from that time was Uptown Comedy Club (future post on that, and footage to come). The tape that I decided to watch that day featured a ridiculous performance of Nice and Smooth performing “Hip Hop Junkies,” and a stand up set by Bill Bellamy and none other than Bernie, himself.

What hurts about this one, is the way the media and publicists were forced to deal with reports and rumors of his passing, earlier in the week. After having felt a HUGE sense of relief from assertions that his condition was stable, and things were looking-up for Bernie to pull through…now, it is this. But then again, that’s the way things work-out sometimes, especially with major health issues. Despite the official statements of “critical/stable” condition, it’s really always day-to-day.

So, I've been masking my tears of sadness for those of laughter with some clips from YouTube:

Much of the country and middle-America will recognize Bernie Mac best from his Fox sitcom The Bernie Mac Show, while the rest of the world has seen him on Def Comedy Jam, and know him as one of the original Kings of Comedy:

In Saj’s Corn3r though, he’s a comedic god. To have lost someone who has given me such joy and laughter over the past 15 years, just hurts.

And in this day-and-age of extreme e-praising, and holding those who have recently passed on a virtual pedestal; these words are sure to get lost in the mix. But, Bernie…I just want to say, Thanks! Thanks for your hustle, your comedy, your ability to reach out to the masses, while still “keepin’ it real” for the rest of us, and staying true to what you really were and always will be: One of The Funniest Motherf*ckers, EVER!!!

Bernard Jeffrey "Bernie Mac" McCullough
October 5, 1957 – August 9, 2008

Olympic FEVER...

2008-08-04T08:46:00.001-07:00

I mean, really...I don't care if you were a jock, nerd, hippie, slacker, or even a jock-hating-hippie-slacker-nerd, back in High School...EVERYBODY loves tha Olympics!!! And if you don't enjoy, at the very least, the opening/closing ceremonies you're completely wack!!

It's a great time for everyone. Patriotism, triumphs, defeats...the very spirit of the games and competition in general.

So, if you like to keep your street wear fresh, fly and with the times...I'd suggest dropping by Major and copping the illy MAJOR x New Era presents “CHINA QUEST” 59Fifty Fitted:

And, I'd personally team it up with tha black HUF STOOPS “OLYMPIC” TEE:

But, that's just me...

Either way, hurry up and get on these quick like, before everyone else catches the Olympic fever, and/or word spreads about the fitted over towards the Verizon Center/China Town!!!

PUTS @ 9:30

2008-08-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

Aiighty, then...So, lets get this thang on-and-poppin'!!

People Under the Stairs brought the fiya to tha 9:30, last night. Unfortunately, preforming for room full of "middle-schoolers" didn't really give Thes One and Double K much to work with. Having seen them in front of way more energetic and responsive crowds...the set was definitely missing something; but, to no fault of the crew. For true veterans of the underground hip-hop game (...10 years and counting!!!), they definitely deserved better.

Regardless, it's always a great time seeing PUTS, whether in a packed arena, or crowd of 6...And, getting a taste of some of the jams that will soon be dropping from their upcoming FUN DMC album, was worth toughing out the tweeny-rocker crowd.

So anyway, the duo is headed up to B-more's Sonar this evening where PUTS will be headlining a show with Busdriver, Soul Cannon, Greenspan, and Jade Fox.

Sonar is always a good time...tix are only $12, and the beverages from soft-drinks, brews and even 'top-shelf' tend to be a bit cheaper up that way, as well. So, there's a good chance that I may end-up going to that show this evening (if anything, to erase the sub-par "one-hit-wonders" [...yeah, I said it...WHUT!?] Flobots/9:30 experience). We'll see...

2008-08-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

Word, word, word...

So, we've finally got the blog up-and-running. It's been a long time coming, and honestly I'm just tired of the constant naggin' from my other die-hard blog-o-sphere peeps and co-workers; so, it's time that I throw my own size 7 3/8 New Era into the ring (...more on those and other interests to come!!!).

As I'm attempting to enjoy the final weekday of my vacation from work; I'm gonna leave it at that...marinate on some stories, layouts, and recap of the 7/27 Columbia, MD Rock the Bells show, as well as coverage of the People Under the Stairs/Flobots show that I'mma be peepin' on Sunday at tha 9:30.

Until then, feel free to check out the guest post from my manz Patrick's blog, that sparked all of this nonsense to come. Enjoy your respective weekendz and stay safe. Can you believe that it's August, already??!