DJ Neil Armstrong
As a DJ, over the years I’ve developed a few routines that I like to break out here and there to keep my sets interesting. Sometimes I do this thing where I’ll play the sample source and mix it into the song using the sample. I call it “Single City.” Other times I’ll loop a section of lyrics and mix that into another song with the same or similar lyrics. I call this “Swing City. How do we filter out the teases? We don’t let them in. This goes for the guys, too, because sometimes the guys are tapped out. But check your lease man, because you’re living in “Fuck City!”
One better-known DJ who has also discovered the wonders of “Single City” (aka a standard DJ routine) is NYC’s Neil Armstrong, founding member of the 5th Platoon DJ collective and Jay-Z’s tour DJ. Armstrong has also appeared on Letterman, Carson Daly (is that still a show?), at the NBA All-Star Game and the Olympic Games.
Additionally, he has been steadily churning out mixtapes for over a decade now, among them Originals, which takes the sample->sample source idea to new levels and DNA of The Blueprint, which serves as Armstrong’s personal tribute to his current MC (both are available for download after the jump).
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Telephoned
There is a long history of ironic, white covers of popular hip-hop and R&B tracks — from Dynamite Hack singing “Boyz in the Hood” in golf sweaters and flip flops, to Little Boots’ recent melancholic cover of Kid Cudi’s “Day N Nite.” In general, these attempts range from the retarded to the horribly offensive — with the rare creative or interesting recreation emerging here and there.
The new Fool’s Gold-repped artist Telephoned has recently joined membership into this group and whether they are one of the rare, successful entries into the sub-genre, I will let you be the judge. One thing I can say for Telephoned is that its members are talented. The group is a collaboration between DJ/Producer Sammy Bananas and DJ/Singer Maggie Horn. Bananas has put out a number of solid dance tracks in the past two years, including a pretty wicked remix of Passion Pit’s “The Reeling.”
(mp3s after the jump)
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Jokers of the Scene
When most Americans think of Ottawa, they picture the historic cholera outbreak of 1832 or the precise urban planning of Frenchman Jacques Greber. However, in addition to being recognized for these fascinating details, Canada’s capitol city supports a pretty solid little house scene. At the center of this lies Disorganized (now Frenzy), a monthly party which for the past 7 years has brought Ottawa’s dance community together to party with some of the world’s top DJs.
Founders DJ Booth and Chameleonic, together known as Jokers of the Scene due to their early difficulties in earning respect from their Ottawan DJ peers, started Disorganized as a small loft party and it quickly grew into one of the city’s premier dance parties. They have since graduated from playing host to that party to touring the globe, signing with record label Fool’s Gold and releasing a handful of original singles, including the massive Baggy Bottom Boys. In addition, they have been commissioned to produce remixes for Passion Pit, Kid Cudi, Acid Girls, Thunderheist, Flosstradamus and Muscles, among others.
Next Friday (4/23), they join The Faint spin-off Depressed Buttons, LA’s Frankie Chan (iheartcomix) and San Francisco’s favorite DJ/Male Model Richie Panic (Blow Up) at 330 Ritch. Advance $13 tix are available here.
(mp3s after the jump)
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Erol Alkan
This week marks the debut performance of international superstar DJ Erol Alkan. If you’ve never heard of the guy, I’m not sure what to tell you. For the past ten-plus years, Alkan has been steadily churning out dancefloor bangers, remixing the likes of Justice, Interpol, Mylo, Bloc Party, The Chemical Brothers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Klaxons, Franz Ferdinand, et al, and playing festivals around the globe. Named Mixmag’s “DJ of the Year” in 2006, Alkan has recently begun releasing his first original singles, including his collab with Boys Noize (mp3 below).
DJ Riz
Last week, I came across this mix by DJ Riz — co-founder of Crooklyn Clan and arguably one of the best hip-hop DJs alive. Now best known for his website, where DJs can buy the latest BEP song mashed up with “Love is Gone,” Riz is also kind of amazing behind the decks and apparently the favorite DJ of some of my favorite DJs.
In this short set, he quick mixes classic hip hop and soul. Enjoy:
Stretch Armstrong
This weekend legendary hip hop turned house dj Stretch Armstrong pulls double duty, playing a pair of parties here in The City. First, Stretch headlines SF’s premier hipster rave Blow Up at The Rickshaw Stop, with support from regulars Richie Panic and Jeffrey Paradise. Saturday night, you can catch him playing 90’s pop hits at 111 Minna for their monthly party Club 1994.
Here’s an electro mix from a 2008 that was one of my favorites from that year (after the jump). Not for the faint of heart:
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DJ Excel
Ol’ head DJ Excel of Philly’s Skratch Makaniks crew is one of those rare DJs that possesses both insane turntablist skills and the rare ability to rock any party. After regrettably missing Edan’s set last week at SOM’s Change the Beat party (which was apparently unbelievable), I’ve been rabidly devouring classic hip hop sets in an attempt to make up for my absence on Tuesday.
Fortunately, DJ Excel just posted this gem up last week and it is sick. I just wish it were longer.
Bring On the Gold!
Solid Gold Jacuzzi Presents Goldplay!
It’s been a busy week in preparation for the 2009 LovEvolution (previously LoveFest.) Solid Gold Jacuzzi is ramping up for an amazing float full of epic music and epic surprises. In addition to the gold madness at Civic Center, Solid Gold Jacuzzi is also teaming up with Om Records for an afterparty at Mezzanine! This party is not to be missed! The lineup includes Trackademicks, LA Riots, Amp Live, DJ Heather, K Flay, Shane King, Eric Sharp, Nisus, Morale, Swayzee, Sleazemore, DJ Fluid and Alvaro Velilla! CRAZY! Prepare yourself and bring on the Gold!
The Solid Gold JaCREWzzi and theProjects have poured blood sweat and tears into an amazingly, viral ball of gold video madness! You might want to sit down:
So please join us next Saturday, October 3rd at Civic Center on the Gold Jacuzzi float at LovEvolution, and the GoldPlay afterparty at Mezzanine, and be sure to RSVP Here!
Can’t wait…it’s gonna be gold!