Erykah Badu; Roy Hargrove – Think Twice
Mint Condition – Whoa
India.Arie – Little Things
Donald Byrd – Wind Parade

Larry Mizell Interview Pt.1
Marvin Gaye – Where Are We Going?
Main Source – Looking at the Front Door

Larry & Rod Mizell Interview Pt.2
Bobbi Humphrey – Blacks & Blues
Eric B & Rakim – Keep the Beat
Grenique – You Say
Amel Larrieux – Weather
Jill Scott; Mos Def – Love Rain (Remix)
Boozoo Bajou – Take it Slow
Eric Benet – Why (The Roots Remix)
Minnie Riperton – Take A Little Trip
Pete Rock & CL Smooth – Places and Spaces
Donald Byrd – Places and Spaces
Donnie – Cloud 9(DJ Spinna Remix)
Common – The Light
Common; Kanye West – They Say
Foreign Exchange – Happiness
Digable Planets – Blowing Down
Bobbi Humphrey – Jasper Country Man
Five Point Plan – Solid Ground
Dwele – A Pimp’s Dream
Remy Shand – Everlasting
fly – Gray Sky
Van Hunt – Your Love
Raheem Devaughn – Guess Who Loves You More
Nuwamaba – When Words Are Spoken
Eric Roberson – Softest Lips
Erykah Badu – Time’s a Wastin’
Johnny Hammond – Cant We Smile

DSXXX Interview with Larry Mizell | Download

I haven’t stopped listening to Pharoahe Monch‘s new album, W.A.R. (We Are Renegades), since I purchased it last week after its March 22 release under W.A.R. Media/Duck Down Records. If you’ve already done your part to support, check this great thank you on Facebook from P. Monch himself. It’s clear the hip-hop veteran cares about his craft. In a stellar interview with Out Da Box TV (below) he speaks of the new album, struggling with asthma, and much more.

Real hip-hop heads should appreciate the passion he has for spreading the truth: “When you have this mic in your hand, it’s a moment to say something that might resonate with one person out there. I feel like personally, I have a calling to bring about and share the knowledge that I’ve obtained. Of late, I’ll do the flows, and the lyrics, and the gymnastics, but  it’s important to me that the message is on point.”

He continues: “It’s time to build with brothers about higher-level shit. We need to levitate. We need to make objects move. We need to have real conversation.”

And concludes: “I just want from this new project, for you to find something on there to move you emotionally. Because that’s what I tried to do—implement honesty, move you emotionally and inspire you.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m inspired. Not just because W.A.R. is probably the best album that’s been released since The Roots’s How I Got Over last year, but also because Pharoahe Monch, as usual, digs deep in his soul to spit out the truth. Get used to it. Get used to wisdom. Get used to usage of a backward euphemism.

“Eric Roberson is a very accomplished artist who has received multiple Grammy nominations and gained deserved recognition working with artists such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Vivian Green, Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff etc.  He took the time to talk with us on subjects such as his musical influences, the songwriting experience, the feedback received from his duet with Lalah Hathaway, family Life and much more.  Eric Roberson released his last LP entitled Music Fan First in 2009 and is set to release his upcoming project Mr. Nice Guy in this summer of 2011.”

DJ Junior is one of the most humble and well rounded artists that you will meet. Not only is he a DJ and radio host, but as the founder and curator of the highly regarded RecordBreakin’ Music he’s also a tastemaker. As the owner of an independent, boutique label, DJ Junior has introduced many artists such as Kissey Asplund and Coultrain to our ears free of politics or bureaucracy with only his good taste and integrity as a guide. At just five years old, DJ Junior’s label has earned more respect in a short period of time than it’s peers and shows no signs of stopping. DJ Rahdu of BamaLoveSoul takes you behind the curtain to meet the man with the master plan

BamaLoveSoul: How did you get started with music? We know that you’re a well regarded DJ. Did you play an instrument, sing in the choir, etc?

DJ Junior: One of my uncles put me up on tunes. He used to make me mixtapes and school me on artist when i was in elementary & jr high. At that same time was when i learned a bit of steel pan from another uncle

BamaLoveSoul: Steel pan, so that’s the Jamaican heritage coming through…

DJ Junior: Yup, that uncle was in Trinidad for a bit and came back to Jamaica. When i was down there one summer he taught me a few things. From then i really got into lots of different styles of music. Things took off from there

BamaLoveSoul: Philadelphia has bred a veritable who’s who of DJs. How did you get started?

DJ Junior: I started djing in college. I had my own radio show and got asked to dj alot of different college parties. After graduation I moved out of the country and stopped djing. When I returned to the US I moved to Philly for grad school. That same semester Footworks opened; A record store, sneaker, art boutique owned by Rich Medina & Bobbito Garcia. I started collecting heavy again and started djing again.

BamaLoveSoul: Were u ever into the turntablism culture that Philadelphia is popular for?

DJ Junior: I appreciate it but was never into it

BamaLoveSoul: We know that you have varied musical tastes. Please tell us about RecordBreakin, where the name comes from and why you started it.

DJ Junior: At the time I was djing and had my second college radio show Eavesdrop radio. I was making mixes for friends and came up with using the logo I use now on them. Saying it was a Record Breakin’ production. When Philly started shutting down shops for illegal mixtapes I thought it would make sense to actually put out music officially. I was getting tons of music from artist to play on the radio show so why not ask about putting it out. That is how the 1st 2 compilations came about. I thought I was breaking in new and underground artist. Since then that goal hasn’t changed, so the name sounds fitting.

BamaLoveSoul: As a popular DJ with a boutique record label, what is your selection process for artists that will appear on your label. Im sure you must get many submissions and offers

DJ Junior: Well, let me say I’m not a popular dj but thanks. A lot of time artist just submit material. I also have a group of friends that are artists, journalists, & tastemakers that have really served as my A&R. They have brought projects to me for consideration. Other times I see an artist perform or hear about them and approach them myself

BamaLoveSoul: Congratulations on RecordBreakin reaching 5 years as an indie label. Aside from that what is your proudest achievement with the label?

DJ Junior: Thanks, honestly I think still standing. It’s just me running the label. No interns, quiet investors, partners nada. So still being able to do what I set out to do with the label is a blessing. It has grown each year and I look forward to the future

BamaLoveSoul: Understood. What challenges do you face operating an indie label?

DJ Junior: File sharing, coming up with my own funds to finance the projects, an industry with a dwindling craving of physical products

BamaLoveSoul: What is your motivation to continue in the face of these adversities?

DJ Junior: There is AMAZING music that talented artist continue to make that NEEDS to be heard and supported. Plus I love doing my part to spread the message of honest, soulful music in ALL its forms.

BamaLoveSoul: I’m going to play Devil’s advocate and also move on to one of your other endeavors. Why continue with RecordBreakin’ when you also have Eavesdrop Radio as an avenue to break artists and have their music heard?

DJ Junior: Honestly, I think if you have the opportunity to use multiple resources in your life for something you believe in why wouldn’t you? Think of the dj that spins, produces, promotes shows, etc. That plan applies to people even outside of the music industry. If you are passionate about it, you will strive to continue and build the cause

BamaLoveSoul: So exactly how long have you been broadcasting Eavesdrop Radio?

DJ Junior: Good question, I’m not sure. I know i started Eavesdrop radio myself at a different time slot for about 2 years. Then lil’ Dave and I decided to do the show together and I believe that has been about 7 or 8 years. Every week and we rarely miss a show…RARELY lol

BamaLoveSoul: You keep a steady rotation of great and really diverse tunes in your programming. How do you stay plugged in while focusing on Recordbreakin’ as well?

DJ Junior: I don’t sleep and have successfully cloned myself

BamaLoveSoul: Lol, that’s what you should be selling vs. music then, (laughs). Seriously though, do you split selection duties w/Lil Dave?

DJ Junior: Well for the show we have no rules. We just look at it as 3 hours to play what we like and that’s what we do. I think that is how the diversity pours out. We just play joints we like and want others to hear. For the label it’s what I like and what I think others should hear. For both the label and the show there is no politics. If we like we like, nobody forces us to play stuff. For the label my focus has been there are talented artist out there that i think should get some shine

BamaLoveSoul: No rules, just good music and no politics? Understood. Lil Dave also recently did a mix for RB5. That’s quite an accomplishment for an indie, congratulations once agin. What should the people expect on the release?

DJ Junior: Thanks. The RBM 5 year compilation is a selection of tracks I handpicked from the past 5 years that I think is a good introduction and representation of the label. There is one track that is a re-edit of a Coultrain track that I collaborated with Souled from the UK and folks that heard it in its ruff stage were begging me to release it. Dave’s mix is a collection of tracks he likes from the label as well as upcoming tunes that will come out in the future on RBM

BamaLoveSoul: A celebration of achievement is a wonderful way to begin a year. What else can we expect from Record Breakin’ in 2011?

DJ Junior: So much, lets see: We just released Dotmatic – Lullabies for Winter, upcoming is Dotmatic – It’s Yours (EP), Vicelounge – Canned Goods was also just released. We have two SXSW showcases in Austin. Then in no particular order be on the lookout for: Record Breakin’ Ensemble, J1 the Deer, I, Ced, Hot Peas & Butta, DJ Stylus (ft. Ty, Lyric L, Motet), much more from Dotmatic, Vicelounge, Spinnerty, lil’ dave, LP (Lisa Preston), Anthony Valadez, Sir Froderick…there are others but I have to leave some surprises right?

BamaLoveSoul: True indeed, and that list is more than enough to set me and many others to saving money! Now how can people tune into EavesDrop Radio and get more info on RecordBreakin releases?

DJ Junior: Yeah save money cause the releases are physical and digital. Keep vinyl alive!
EAVESDROP RADIO
Hosted by
DJs Junior & Lil’ Dave
Listen every Friday
6-9PM (EST)
WKDU 91.7FM in Philadelphia
or Listen world wide on-line at www.wkdu.org
For Record Breakin’ Music
www.recordbreakin.com
http://twitter.com/recordbreakin
http://recordbreakin.bandcamp.com/

BamaLoveSoul: Thank you so much for setting some time aside for us and sharing this info. We look forward to all the future releases, RBM5 is in stores now. Keep Vinyl Alive (Record Store Day is Apr.16 2011, By the way) and make sure to support RecordBreakin at SXSW!

DJ Junior: Appreciate all that you do to inform the good people of the wonderful music that does exist.
BamaLoveSoul: Thank you, same to you. We have to keep “Good” Music alive

When I became enamored with nu soul music, I did so largely without any form of musical compass. I had friends that I didnt want to badger with incessant questions about what to buy next or I was forced to rely on suggestions on websites of artists that were “like” ones I already enjoyed. Another game of fate I played as I immersed myself into this music was to blindly purchase Cds in the dollar bins that looked like they might be good. I picked up one such CD, I Love You…Me, was pleasantly surprised, and immediately became of Cherokee’s work only to be left in a void until her next album hit the ‘nets in 2002. Eight years later, I finally catch up with my dollar bin treasure and get to delve into some things Ive always wanted to know about this amazing artist.

How/Where did you start singing? 
I’ve been singing all my life. I was a huge MJ/Jackson 5 fan. It all started in BK NY with me standing in front of the mirror with my hairbrush Microphone. I was doing my thang! singing MJ songs at the top of my head and through my nose LOL!  I thought I was the sh*t!
So much that I asked my mother to cut my hair into a afro which she did. 

I heard that you were a model as well, is this true?
Yes I have done some modeling in the past and from time to time i do some work for photographers and Artists who paint. I’ve done a few runway shows but not enough to take the title. Where might we have seen you? I’ve done ads for GAP back in the day which had billboards posted all over the country. I have attached a Pic :-) (View HERE) I shot a commercial for that campaign as well.

You released 2 albums under RCA: “I Love You…Me” & “Soul Parade”. The neosoul craze was dominating the musical climate in ’98. Did the label force you to make an album to fit this genre?
Not at all. That came natural. I was always a Soul/RnB artist. I also have a folk and rock side to me that i keep under my hat so that i don’t confuse my fans. I plan on unleashing that one day. I grew up listening to all types of music so i have many different influences.

What were you trying to say or get across with “I Love You…Me”?
Self love is very important. I can love you but I must love myself first!

What were you doing between ‘98 & 2001?
In 98 I was recording “I love you me”…Which came out in 1999. In 2001 i was recording and finishing up “Soul Parade” which never dropped. It was bootlegged on ebay LOL.  It became a underground fan favorite. I can recall a very nice guy who came to a show of mine in CA telling me that he had purchased “Soul Parade” on Ebay for $290.00.  I’m sure someone who worked at the label sold it because their were NO copies of “Soul Parade” ever made.

On :Soul Parade” you worked with 2 very enigmatic figures, the first one being Andre 3000. What was it like working with him pre “Love Below” and pre Green Light before everyone was aware of him being a producer? 
It was a very interesting experience. Andre is an incredible talent. Nectarine was a song that he started writing for TLC. At first i wasn’t too confident that it was my style but i liked it a lot so I finished writing the song with him and recorded it. I knew that we were on to something different. It has such a strong catchy hook. He made me go out of the room when he recorded his vocals. When I recorded my parts,he wanted me to sound southern. LOL! That didn’t work cause i wanted to sound like myself. I’m a true east coast girl. Plus it’s hard to do a natural southern accent. Especially an ATL accent. That song is still ahead of it’s time.

What was it like working on A Woman Knows with Bilal? 
FUN FUN and more FUN! Bilal is funny and one of the most amazing talents i have ever worked with! Musiq Soulchild and I wrote the song. Jill Scott sang background. If we would’ve ever made that video, it would have been me and Jill along with Musiq and Bilal. The treatment was HOT!

“I Love You…Me” was strictly Cherokee. Did the label force collaborations with artists on “Soul Parade”?
RCA gave me an open budget which was incredible.

I worked with Jill, Musiq and Bilal before they had ever released a record!  They were part of the new Philly movement. We were all signed and working on our projects. I wanted to collab with new talented artists. I also chose Outkast and Wyclef. I loved working with Clef and his co-producer Jerry but their songs didn’t make the album. None of the collab’s was decided by the label. I had freedom with RCA and they really believed in me as an artist.

Cherokee – Star from Soul Parade

Philadelphia has always had a strong musical movement. The Roots, Musiq, Bilal, and Jill Scott amongst many others represented the resurgence or continuance of that movement. What was that movement like in the late 90’s? 
I was there in 2000 to work on my album Soul Parade. It was crazy fun! The movement was so alive and creative. I believe i was at my most creative in Philly. We were about to enter a brand new decade and i was excited to work with a fresh sound. The industry was wide open. Especially with the neo soul movement still happening around that time. “Soul Parade” was a part of that new Philly sound.
I was working with DJ Jazzy Jeff’s production crew; A Touch Of Jazz. They were on to something new. It was an east coast vibe of course but it was different than New York. Since the days of Gamble and Huff, Philly always had a unique feel to their soul and the artists you mentioned were just continuing the tradition. Carrying the torch as you can say.

A lot of time has passed since “Soul Parade”, which was a great album. Did RCA sever their ties with you or did you leave the label?
The black division shut down and all the black artists were let go except for me,Coco and Tyrese. We were all picked up by different labels within the BMG system. I got stuck with Arista of whom i thought was a great big shinny light that came to save the day. But since they didn’t home grow the record, I don’t think they truly knew who I was as an artist and how to promote it even though LA Reid seemed to be excited about the album. It just didn’t pan out the way I thought it would. At the end of the day it was all politics. They switched the single from Nectarine to I Swear and then gave up when it didn’t catch on fast.

What have you been doing since “Soul Parade”?
After “Soul Parade” I performed a few shows over in Japan and Cali then I buried the mic for about 5 years. I got married to my Soul Mate “Neal Pogue” who is a Mixer/Record Producer. We have a beautiful little girl who is now 6years old. Family is now the most important thing to me. I love being a mother and a wife. In this music game you have only yourself, and your family. Your friends are the ones you grew up with. That’s it! Everyone else comes and goes. If your the next big thing they come and when your not they go :-)  It’s not personal either, it’s just the way it is so you can’t even get upset with them, you just have to shake it off,be a big girl and keep it movin!

Thanks for allowing us to “premier” “So Suga Street” on BamaLoveSoul.Com. 
You guys a very welcome. Thank you for having me. I appreciated the support!

Cherokee – So Suga Street

When can we expect a new album from Cherokee?
Hard to say for sure but i hope sometime in 2011. I’m dropping an ep first then the album. I love the idea of RnB artists dropping mixtapes. So Suga Street is from a mixtape that i want to drop soon. The mixtape is sample heavy.

What’s the name of the album?
“Just a Brooklyn Girl”

Who are you working with on this new album?
New Producers and features. I don’t want to say til it’s final.

What label will it be released on?
My Label for the moment… “CaliBrook Records”

What is your message? What is it that Cherokee is trying to say?
To be honest I don’t have one magic message. I just want people to enjoy my music and be able to relate or take a journey with me to some place new. Every song tells it’s own story. I talk about things that people wanna say but bite there tongue instead. I speak truth. My lyrics are a mirror to all my thoughts, dreams, fantasies, ups, downs, love gained, love lost and sometimes lust.

Can we expect to see any modeling work from you soon?
I sure hope so. An amazing artist named Natalie Fabia painted me as a Geisha Girl for her gallery showing and the painting is selling for $10.000  I also modeled nude for Phillip Dixon’s upcoming photo book of Beautiful women. I am currently looking for that next big campaign to come calling like when I did GAP. I would love to do Adidas :-)

How can your fans get and stay in touch with you? 
Through my website. My fans can join my page to be the first to know it all.  WWW.CherokeeZone.com

YAY! A first interview with both me and BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble with Dj Hash from Chicago,IL. The show is called Vinyl Vybz and it’s broadcast on Play Vybz (London based). It was a very interesting interview with us cause we were able talk about our likes pertaining to music and much more. Check out info here!:

Iman Williams & BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble Interview w/ Vinyl Vybz

From Dj Hash:

Peace and blessings! Thank you everyone for listening to Vinyl Vybz with DJ HasH last night on www.playvybz.com. I really appreciate the love and support. For those that were unable to check me out last night when I was on the air or want to hear the show again… I GOT YOU!!!

I had A LOT of fun with this show! I had the honor of talking to the one and only soulstress Iman Williams as well as producer extraordinaire BusCrates 16 Bit Ensemble during the show! PLUS I featured music from them and the rest of the Futuristic Soul Society Crew which is AMAZING! TRUST!!! I also played that DOPE Hip Hop that you’ve come to expect and love on Vinyl Vybz including brand new BANGAS from Common, LMNO & Kev Brown, Homeboy Sandman, Chaundon ft. Carlitta Durand, and a Native Tongues reunion with Black Sheep ft. Q-Tip (ATCQ), Dave (De La Soul), & Mike Gee (Jungle Brothers)! The “Old to the New” was INCREDIBLE (in my opinion) and featured CLASSICS from Camp Lo, World Renown, & Redman. I even threw in a couple of 80’s pop classics to keep you on your toes. :)

A special shout goes out to Iman Williams and BusCrates 16 Bit Ensemble for their time and for helping make this show a success. And thank YOU everyone for spreading the word about Vinyl Vybz with DJ HasH and helping the shows’ fanbase grow. 2010 has been an AMAZING year for the show with interviews from the likes of the Temporary Residents, Ladybug Mecca, and my guests for this show Iman Williams and BusCrates 16 Bit Ensmeble. And I have MORE interviews and MORE DOPE music in the works so stay tuned! As always, I’ll see you on Tuesday from 6-8pm (CST) on www.playvybz.com!

PEACE!!!

DJ HasH (of the Temporary Residents) aka Da Corned-Beef Kid!

Check out more here!

DJ Rahdu Interview with Bahamadia

…:: PJ Morton Interview Pt. 1 ::…
7. PJ Morton – No Ordinary Love
8. PPP – sanctuary
9. Everett James – Why???

…:: PJ Morton Interview Pt. 2::…
10. Stevie Wonder – All I Do
11. Foreign exchange – House of Cards

…:: PJ Morton Interview Pt. 3::…
12. Donny Hathaway – A Song For You
13. Musiq – So Beautiful
14. Midas Hutch – Yes No Maybe
15. Q-tip – ManWomanBoogie

DSXXX Interview with PJ Morton