Best of 2010: 1A "The DJ"

Cheers to the DJ!  Cheers to what the DJ can do.  Cheers to an event that brings unity amongst DJs that usually don't come together.  Cheers to Leo Brown, Vex One, Funk Lab and company for putting this great event together.  I was honored to be on the panel but honored to show why I do belong on it.  I hope that events like this can happen more because there is a history to the DJ that isn't appreciated in these current fast-paced, "me first" times we live in.  Knowledge is key!

Westcoast Funk Fest: "The DJ" Recap Video


GoldenChyld


My Full Set

Best of 2010: 2B "Triple Threat meets 4onefunk"

In 2A, I wanted to pay homage to pioneers such as Quest, Cue, and others.  In 2B, I want to pay homage to Triple Threat as they blessed the 4onefunktion with an awesome 2x4 set.  Simply dope to watch and listen to.  It's dope that the folks that first came up in the Bay still maintain their skills and provide fans of music such joyous occasions like this.  I'm blessed to be living in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Audio of Triple Threat's Set:
Triple Threat at the 4onefunktion 

4onefunktion: Triple Threat DJs

Best of 2010: 2A "Questfest"

To be able to perform at "Questfest" was an honor and a joy.  Not only did I get to showcase along with people I looked up to when I was younger.  I got to perform with a lot of talented individuals and pioneers that should be getting more due. Thanks to Quest, Albert Mathias and the everyone else that supported the show.  It was dope and one of my best individual showcase sets of 2010.  When's "Questfest II" gonna happen?

Sample of my set:


full audio of my set:
Mista-B Questfest Set

Hip Hop Slam Coverage of Questfest

Part 1


Part 2

Best of 2010: 3 "Cor Adiar~Roc Raida"

RIP Roc Raida

Skratchpad was proud to throw another Roc Raida Tribute for the man that has influenced and touched so many in the DJ/Hip-Hop world.  As the years go on, I hope Skratchpad and others continue to pay homage to the skills and contributions to the one they call, Roc Raida.  Rest in Power...

Skratchpad: Roc Raida Tribute Recap Video


Big up to Rob Swift & Mista-Sinista

Best of 2010: 4 "DMC Philippines DMC Philippines"

2010 DMC Philippine Final & Mastaplann Reunion Concert

In what was the first time for me to perform for my motherland of the Philippines.  Me and Deeandriod got to perform for a packed house of Pilipinos.  It was also the Mastaplann reunion concert so we got to see pioneers in the hip hop game of the Philippines.  It was real humbling and a bit surreal to see all the various acts and DJs out there.  I can't wait to go back.  Shout out to the DMC Philippines and the DJ Academy for having us and Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

2010 Philippine DMC Final & Mastaplann recap video

Best of 2010: 5 "An Exile & B.Bravo Funktion"

The 4onefunktion Featuring Exile & B.Bravo



In an awesome display of live musicianship mixed with creativity and inspiration, the October 2010 4onefunktion displayed all that is good with music. Hosted by A-Ron and choice selections by B.Cause, The 4onefunktion provided amazing sounds and performances by Exile, B.Bravo and F.A.M.E. (fresh analog music experience) The night made me in awe of all their talents. I can fully say that I'm humbled and proud to be associate by such amazing individuals. Enjoy the footage folks!

The 4onefunktion featuring Exile & B.Bravo Highlights.

Best of 2010: 6 "USA NYC DMC"

2010 USA DMC Finals

I got to partake in the 2010 USA DMC (Disco Mix Club) Finals in New York City over the summer time and I got to spend time with my east coast friends.  I also go to see the best DJs compete for the right to represent the USA at the World Finals which was in London (which was won by Etronik).  The whole week was awesome.  Making a guest appearance at Dubspot, Billy Jam's "Put The Needle on Record" show and judging the DMC USA Finals.  It was dope see DJs such as Rockin Rob do a really dope 45 set and host Red Alert.  I was amazed by all around me in the NYC.

Part 1


To listen to Billy Jam's "Put The Needle on Record" Click Below:
Pre 2010 DMC USA Finals Show

part 2

Best of 2010: 7 "NOLA"

DMC New Orleans

I got to judge my first DMC (Disco Mix Club) DJ Battle in a city I always wanted to go to, New Orleans.  It was an awesome time.  I got to showcase with my homie, 2007 & 2009 DMC World Champion: DJ Shiftee.  DJ Concept from Florida won and big up to Christie Z for putting together another DMC.  I also got to hang out with DMC NOLA Organizer, Tony Skratchere, Champ Supastar, Liz Money and many more good folks there.  My homies Jerome and DJ Enki from the Bay was there too. I  also got to go records shopping and eat great food.  Finally, I got to see, hear, and meet DJ Soul Sista at her spot on Saturday's called Mimi's.  Truly an awesome time with her selections of deep funk and rare grooves.  Vegas ain't got shit on NOLA.  NOLA has a lot of musical and American history and you get a sense of a lot of it when you go there.



Peep the article on URB online about DMC NOLA:
URB Article


DJ Soul Sista

Best of 2010: 8 "Eric Bobo meets Rhettmatic"

4onefunktion Promo


In an amazing display of live musicianship and performance, Eric Bobo of Cypress Hill and Rhettmatic of the World Famous Beat Junkies put on a show that tore up the Elbo Room in San Francisco.  I wish I could of captured the whole night but you had to be there to really experience the ambience of the room with the vibe of the people.  Also, DJs B.Cause & Aron were playing choice selections for the people to groove to while F.A.M.E. (Fresh Analog Music Experience) gave another great performance and a GURU tribute.  Truly a great night of music.

April 4onefuknktion: Eric Bobo Meets Rhettmatic

Best of 2010: 9 "Zebra Records Reunion"

Zebra Records DJ Battles, were integral in getting young DJs ready for the DMC (Disco Mix Club) & ITF (International Turntabilist Federation) DJ Battles in the late 90s and early 2000s.  Israel, Wisdom, Bryan, Mr.E, Ross Hogg and more were contributors to Zebra Records along with more.  They helped groups like the The (Finger) Bangerz, 4onefunk and many more.  A lot of DJs have entered the battle such as, Jay Slim, JK, Super Dave and many more from across the planet.

Mista-B 1999

*80s juggles were a common theme back in these days.

Skratchpad's Zebra Records Reunion & Guru Tribute


Mista-B's whole set:

Best of 2010: 10 "Seattle Scratch Scene"

My trip to Seattle



I took part in the kick-off to Seattle's "Skratch Lounge" which featured me. Since then, there have been more showcases as "Skratch Lounge" has begun to grow.

DJ Tre



Waystyles



Elefaders Showcase

DJs such as Bamboo, Spinja, Flex, Cues, Shmix, D'lemma, and a whole lot more all contribute to their monthly gathering.  I'd like to think of "Skratch Lounge" as "Skratchpad's" northern cousin and the way they set up their tables are rather unique.

Skratch Lounge is every 1st Thursday at the Baltic Room 1207 Pine Street Seattle, WA 98101 and it's free.  Seattle stand up!

Best of 2010: 10.1. "From Battler to Ambassador."

In 2008.



I return to battling for the 2008 DMC (Disco Mix Club) USA Finals only to go as far as I could. Being that I felt I had more in the tank, I battled again in 2009.



Entering again turned out to be a great success. I didn't win and got 2nd (Shiftee won the USA Finals and then, went on to win the World Finals that year) but I felt that I accomplished a lot and it helped give me momentum to what would be a busy 2010. Also, others took notice as I finished that year strong with other shows, various gigs and mixes:

Sonic Soul Space


Even DâM-FunK, who's records I used in the 2009 DMC USA Finals gave me love for using his records.

NAMM 2010



NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) was the first stop of my travels of 2010 and it was the first step of an unintentional path to being an ambassador of the so called art of "Turntabilism."

To see my trip to NAMM in whole, click below:
NAMM Part 1
NAMM Part 2

2010 Skratchpad Finale

                            

It's been another great year for Skratchpad in 2010.  Great performances and a constant rotation of DJs give Skratchpad that community feel.  If you haven't been yet, come through to the Cellar, 685 Sutter Street, San Francisco on Tuesday, December 21st and see what the fuss is about.

Peep last years Finale: 2009 Skratchpad Finale

"No Cover, Just Culture" ~ Johnny Krush

November 2010 4onefunktion & Past 4onefunktions...

I may say, that I'm proud to be apart of the 4onefunktion. This event is one of the most innovative events thrown on the west coast if not the whole country, in terms of pushing to art of the creative DJ and Producer.  This month is no different as we have Weezy of the Bangerz Performing a live Beat "Showcase." 4onefunk along with A-ron The Don will also be rocking a 2x4 set.  Come this Saturday, November 27th at the Elbo Room, San Francisco and dance you "Jive-Turkeys!"

Watch Past 4onefunktions: Bangerz, Computer Jay, Dibia$e, Eric Bobo & Rhett, Triple Threat

                                                          Watch Video

Chinatown Basement Boogie: Sweaterfunk SF

When I was a little kid, my pops used to take me to Chinatown but on the Stockton St. side, where he would buy stanky funky fish to take home and cook.  I used to hate going with him and he would lose me on occasion.  Forward 20 plus years later and I'm on the Grant St. side playing records with some of the most fun and funky people I've ever met.  Listen as Me, John Blunk, Mama Bear and Co. play very tasteful boogie, funk, and soul tunes.  Done live, all wax...and an occasional skip.

                                                        Listen & Download

Hapon Fonk~日本ファンク

One of these days, I'd like to go and visit Hapon (Japan in Pilipino language).  For now, I can only imagine what it would be like.  Here is Hapon in sight & sound from my view afar...

                                                               Track
                                                           Music Video

私は日本のような場所に行くのが夢です。私は一日に行くことを願って...

Cut & Pasted: Her Electoe Funk Mix

This is an old mix I put out that got lost in the shuffle.  It's a mix that I did a "cut & paste" style to.  I used to love listening to these types of mixes when I was younger.  This style of editing is one of the most creative styles you can do in an audio application or DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).  Done with turntable skill and an ear for flavor.  Hope you enjoy the sound journey you'll take part in.

                                                                      Listen & Download

                   

Accepted "Youth" Eclectic

I did a show a few weeks back on Accepted Eclectic on alldayplay.fm.  The show was the Skratchpad Edition and it was geared toward the youth of Bay Area Hip Hop DJing.  The Accepted Eclectic Crew invited Bay Area Legend DJ Quest and his students from Horizons Unlimited SF. I also brought a student from Ryse in Richmond.  In a generation of "I" and "Me" we can't forget about the youth who are the future of this movement.

                                                            View Article on Mixcrate

Soul Good Boogie Sampler is for you!

This is just a sampler of a mix I did prior doing sets at Funkmosphere and Sweaterfunk.  I just wanted to record myself mixing these tracks.  I made about two years ago and it's not too long.  Late 70s early 80s Disco, Boogie, Funk and Soul.  Enjoy!

                                                                      Listen & Download

30 to the M Thoughts ~ "Tribal mind in an urban environment"

This is old work from a few years ago.  I made this audio track and music video from my commutes to school and back on the 30 and M.  I thought, "wouldn't it be cool to just scratch on a bus?" So I made my vision come to life!  Enjoy the audio track and music video

30 to the M Thoughts:

Audio Track


Music Video

Don't Forget a Transfer!

The October Lefty: "Off-Hand" Scratching

I've been cutting a lot recently with my left hand.  I usually teach my students (I teach beginning and advanced DJing) with my left hand because I can do the basic scratches more fundamentally.  The funny thing is, I got better with that hand.  I recently got to scratch with Q-Bert and Quest on separate occasions and it gave me confidence to make these videos.  I'm dedicating this to Madison Bumgardner for being an outstanding left-handed pitcher and helping my San Francisco Giants for winning the World Series!  Enjoy and Go Giants!

October Lefty in SF: Act 1

October Lefty in SF: Act 2

Serato DMC 2011: "End of an era, start of anew..."

During the last DMC (Disco Mix Club) World Finals, Tony Prince announced that Rane would now be sponsors for DMC.  Serato and other DJ applications will be allowed in the "Showcase" format (six-minute set) for DMC.  I wrote an article before this announcement was made for mixcrate on my thoughts about serato in DMC.

The Digital DMC?

The "Supremacy" format (head-to-head) will remain "pure-vinyl." My concern is that DJs will now push for more and more ways to really change what the whole art of "Turntabilism" is really about.  Midi-controllers, abelton etc.  One day, you won't even need turntables anymore.  Just show up with a flash drive.

Non-Turntable Set

I say, if your going to change the game, let serato run wild and don't limit it's use with restrictions such as "relative mode only."  In doing that, your doing serato and other DJ applications a disservice.  I will say that it's the end of one era and the beginning of another in the world of "turntabilism."  Manually manipulation might be deemed primitive to more producer-minded DJs that may enter the DJ-Battle realm.

"Keep Vinyl Alive"~Cue's Record Shop, Daly City

FingerFaderFunk: 4onefunk Edition w/ Mista-B.Cause

This past weekend, me and my brother (not by blood) B.Cause, held it down for the 4onefunk edition of "FingerFaderFunk" Radio on alldayplay.fm.  Listen as we cut it up, rock doubles, and played tunes galore!

FingerFaderFunk:Episode 32

                                                             

1st post...and we're off!

As I begin this 1st post, I wanted to share the most recent work I've done with no actual DJing.  It's a short video clip but as you watch it, I'd like you to openly feel anyway you want. 

Click Below:
Flying