Will C.

Will C. - "Heroes and Villains"

2011-12-14T21:36:00.004-05:00

This is a promo track I did for Coffee Break For Heroes and Villains not too long ago -

"I stand alone with no Uman

perched above a church's dome in Rome ruins

a far cry from coast to coast ruling

and a long way from oaks in rows soothing

most they don't listen to words, some regret it

consume the text or techs, son dissect it

a monsoon of bullets or bars fused and leaded

to carve tomb's few letters"

Check out the full lyrics here -

I stand alone with no Uman

perched above a church's dome in Rome ruins

a far cry from coast to coast ruling

and a long way from oaks in rows soothing

most they don't listen to words, some regret it

consume the text or techs, son dissect it

a monsoon of bullets or bars fused and leaded

to carve tomb's few letters

I was sittin' on a barstool, spirits high, sober

in a town full of heroes and villains seekin' Noah

need to get a record played ain't see no chauffeur

so my brains my motor to the station's soldier

saw a Lolita print greeting me

'FMU so get tuned to the frequency

stand or fall but if we all take a break

pour some awesome joe and be forced to relate

to the pro in the zone he'll warp designs

and distort war thoughts from a porcelain mind

make it shine, take it - back to being - pure no evil

except for my record Mirror me Back, the sequel - scrapped

and now listen, we got the Prism

see ahead like C is binocular vision

seeming to mock the dissin people accosting him

and even embossing "Will C." into a box set tin

... isn't ... enough

"Coffee Break For Heroes and Villains" News + Will C. Appearance From 07.23.09

2011-12-13T21:42:00.010-05:00

(Will C., left, KARMA, right, @ Coffee Break For Heroes and Villains [WFMU], NJ, 07.23.09)

And now for some good news in the rap world. Coffee Break For Heroes and Villains, one of the best rap radio shows out there , will continue on. Noah Uman, the show's creator, has spent the past 7+ years broadcasting his program via New Jersey-based WFMU. Recently he moved to Nashville, but he's decided that won't mean the end of Coffee Break -

Noah's a friend of mine. His enthusiasm for hip hop and all of the music he loves has led him to achieving many great things in the music world and "industry." I'm glad he's going to be keeping a good thing going. There's enough good things hip hop has lost already.

(Will C. DJing @ Coffee Break For Heroes and Villains [WFMU], NJ, 07.23.09)

Back in 2009, when Evil in the Mirror had just come out, KARMA and I were guests on Noah Uman's WFMU show Coffee Break For Heroes and Villains. It was a very memorable time. Everybody was in great spirits, I DJd a set and we all had some great conversations on and off mic. On the way home, we stopped in CT for a Blacastan photo shoot that wound up producing the cover of Blac Sabbath. That was a fun weekend.

Will C. and KARMA @ Coffee Break, 07.23.09 -

Here's some more info on the current fate of Coffee Break for Heroes and Villains:

“Since I moved out of New Jersey, I didn’t make it to the WFMU schedule this time around, maybe next season. I figured instead of me not doing the show at all, I might as well try another route. I’ve put a lot of hard work into it over the years. From making physical flyers, t-shirts, setting up a website, basic online promotions, to booking all the guests as well. I shouldn’t let not being on a radio schedule stop me from doing what I love. The decision to re-launch the show via social networking sites is the best move at the moment as far as getting the word out there, let’s keep our fingers crossed, and give it a shot!”

The weekly 3 hour show spent it’s time playing forgotten gems, influential records or groups from throughout the history of rap music, as well as showcasing unsigned up-and-comers and the latest in independently released hip-hop.

Noah's going to be uploading the show at the same time each Wednesday evening at 8pm (East Cost Time).

coffeebreakradio.com

http://www.facebook.com/coffeebreakradio

http://twitter.com/coffeebreakshow

http://soundcloud.com/coffee-break-radio

Dollar Bin Revenge

2011-12-12T18:47:00.008-05:00

On a trip to any used record store (at least here in America), you're more than likely to see a Captain & Tennille record in the bins. There's certain artists or records that are so abundant in used record shops that they become ingrained in your mind. Chuck or Gap Mangione is another example. Usually they get skipped right over. They're so abundant, and for those looking for the next great sample to flip, their covers don't always exactly shout out "let's do this."

But we all know we can't just judge a book by it's cover, or music by a visual. So, today is a little dollar bin revenge. Let's take a look at just a few of some of the finest offerings from those pictured above.

Boys With Toys -

Diana in the Autumn Wind -

As for the Captain, well, he's the man in my book too. He was a member of The Beach Boys' band in the early 70s. You can see him with the signature hat on in this performance -

How's this for a story... Originally shared on the Smiley Smile Message Board by none other than Stephen W. Desper, a very important figure in The Beach Boys history. Desper worked as the engineer for The Beach Boys' recordings in the latter period of the Sixties and early Seventies. He also was an artist on some of the Beach Boys records playing and working the Moog, and he toured with them as a sound engineer on the road as well. He shared this excellent story about Daryl Dragon aka The Captain in 2006 -

"He is quite a fellow. Very Very Smart. He gained my respect in the studio right away. Fantastic at the keyboard. Can play any song in any style. I've watched him transpose from key to key in mid-stream. Just call out the key and he can play completely written out chord sheets in any key.

The old MOOG's had DC controlled keyboards. One day Bruce (Johnston), Daryl and I were in the studio doing some MOOG things. Bruce and I were challanging Daryl to play some very hard things so I wondered if he could take, what I thought would be the ultimate challenge. I took the MOOG keyboard and inverted the keys. That is, starting at the left were the highest notes on down to the right for the lowest notes. Completely reversed.

As you know the keyboard has black and white notes that are the half-note steps. Now when you invert the keyboard, the gaps between the white and black notes, being irregular, does not translate in the flipover. In fact nothing makes any sense. I did the keyboard flp and Bruce tried his hand -- total failure. Then Darly tried and I knew why they call him "Capt. Keyboard." He could play any sheet music on the first pass WITH THE KEYBOARD INVERTED !! It was an absolutly insane accomplishment. He said it was all mathamatics to him -- like the key changes. But still, I've never seen anything like that demonstration since.

His wife is equally talented. I've recorded her and she usually does all singing on the first take. Once in a great while you will need a second take, but not much. She is a fabulous studio singer. No punch-in's are required.

They are both lovely people and a pleasure to be with."

Original Post

Out of control. Here's one more to close out. Dragon aka The Captain AKA "Rumbo" with Dennis Wilson from a 1970 7" -

So, there you have it. Dollar bin revenge. Perhaps now after reading this you'll never look at those particular artists the same way ever again. More likely, however, is that you'll just feel like The Captain is gazing into your soul every time he makes his never failing cameo appearance in that local record bin near you. Blame me.

Side note, Blogger is terrible. Sorry for the switched up font sizes. I'll be switching over to a new design soon!

Was December 1980 One Of The Worst Months In Music History?

2011-12-08T16:59:00.017-05:00

Sitting here thinking about how early December 1980 was an awful time for music. Earlier when I was listening to the radio I heard people calling in requesting John Lennon tracks, as it is the 31st anniversary of his passing today.

He passed on the 8th. Just three days earlier on the 5th, The Beach Boys appeared on Good Morning America, and it's a tough one.

"Dennis, ya know, has been out for days on end partying and he can't hold himself up on the couch. He's falling into Carl's lap and he's smoking. And the smoke from his cigarette is wafting across the table and right up under Mike Love's face. And when they pan over to Mike, you can just see him seething."

- Jon Stebbins, author of Dennis Wilson: The Real Beach Boy

Here's the full interview, unfortunately in much lesser quality -

Maybe a lot of good things happened in December 1980 too. Technically I haven't done any research aside from view one Beach Boys youtube video and hear John Lennon songs on the radio today. Let me find out Blondie's Rapture came out that month.

New Boycott Blues - "Believe" Video

2011-12-06T23:14:00.003-05:00

Peep the new video by the man Boycott Blues. One of the greatest lyrical displays I've heard in a long time. Actually just one of the best rap songs I've heard in a long time.

Tupac Rave

2011-12-05T18:42:00.003-05:00

So, apparently that Smile box set came out and I dropped off the face of the earth... sounds about right.

There will be a lot of stuff to talk about and post about in the very near future, for sure. Just revamping a couple things for the end of the year, then it's on.

For now, get a load of... Tupac Rave! The Good Life is putting together one hell of a night for New Years Eve, and they had me put together a video to promote it. I'm not exactly sure what the night will be like, but check it out here -

Brian Wilson Reveals Light Up Smile Box Set

2011-10-21T16:42:00.003-04:00

Here's Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys showing the amateurs how it's done. Gotta love the virtual handshake at the end.

"I think it lights up..."

Who is this Filling In For Magic? From Early 1985

2011-10-20T17:05:00.002-04:00

Hold up... I need your help. From the same tape that's labeled January 23rd, 1985 comes a portion of a show where there is a guest filling in for Mr. Magic. The question is, who is it? Anybody know? Could be obvious to some, but sometimes I just don't know these things. I hear Starchild on the mic, but he's not the main personality hosting the show. I dig how he has his own sign off, over New Edition's Is This The End -

We want you to keep the faith, keep the juice, and never judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes, okay? Peace, love and happiness, and may the juice be with you. Ciao.

Magic Fill-In Host with Starchild - Early 1985 -

Magic's Fill-In Host Signing Off - Early 1985 -

Mr. Magic Disses The Real Roxanne - January 23rd, 1985

2011-10-18T16:43:00.003-04:00

Another killer moment here. After wrapping up a block of Roxanne wars records, debuting the Roxanne Shanté Vs. Sparky Dee - Round 1 12", Magic manages to throw a couple verbal jabs in the direction of The Real Roxanne.

Mr. Magic: I can't wait to see that battle. I guess The Real Roxanne is not even included in this battle. I guess as they say, that's show biz. Meanwhile, that about raps things up for yours truly, Super Rockin' Mr. Magic, until I return to burn this coming Saturday night... starts at 2 o'clock in the AM. Anyone driving in their car please proceed with a little extra safety and care. Super listeners, whenever you do your homework, always do it as Fly Girl Shante does it, do it to the best of your ability and also remember that persistence ALWAYS overcomes resistance, and any fool can learn from his own mistakes, but it takes a wise man... a wise guy like you to learn from the mistakes made by others. Quick reminder, be yourself or you might find yourself by yourself, and... that's what happened to the Real Roxanne... so sorry.

(laughter in the studio)

For the entire Juice Crew, I am of course Mr. Magic. Special thank you to my engineer all star Marley Marl and Fly Ty Will on the vibe line.

Poetry right there.

Mr. Magic 01.23.1985 Sign Off with Real Roxanne dis -

Stetsasonic Call Into Awesome 2 Show // Awesome 2 Sign Off - February 1987

2011-10-14T15:39:00.002-04:00

Great spontaneous moment here. The whole Stetsasonic crew call into The Awesome 2 show to let them know they're listening.

Stetsasonic Call into Awesome 2 Show // Awesome 2 Sign Off - Feb '87 -

- Hello you're live, the Awesome 2

- Yo this is Daddy-O from the Stet, yo we got the whole Stet posse in the place to be man (the rest chime in)

- Brooklyn in effect, huh?

- What's happenin' fellas, big things is happening with y'all

- We're getting ready to go out on tour with LL, Whodini, Public Enemy, Eric B, Doug Fresh, the whole posse man, we're going RAMBO man, taking the Brooklyn show on the road.

- Now didn't we say things was gonna be kicking live?

- Oh yeah, most definitely man, we know you were always in our corner, that's why we in y'alls

- Believe that

- Word Up

...

- Stet posse wants to say peace to everybody in the world. We out here man, and we're always pushing for the Awesome 2. Stamping out all gay people in radio!

Yowsah. The conversation is followed by a little Ultra Magnetic M.C.'s Mentally Mad blend as the 2 sign off. The girl you here is Tara, who was shouted out earlier in the show for helping handle the phone lines. Apparently somebody called in trying to say they were LL Cool J, looking to shout out E Love.

- To the kid who called and told me he was LL Cool J and wanted to say hello to E Love... have a better imitation next time.

- Believe that!

Love Rap / The New Rap Language Test Press - Ebay

2011-10-13T17:11:00.003-04:00

Forgot to mention this earlier in the week. Recently, when I realized I couldn't get to an item that was jammed between a stack of albums, a projector, my laundry and a cardboard box with unknown contents, I decided it was time to part with some of my goodies. Multiple copies ain't always where it's at. I got some vinyl up on Ebay, including this gem right here, a test pressing of Love Rap / The New Rap Language. Gad zooks! -

Also got some other crazy stuff like a sealed copy of Scott La Rock and the Celebrity Three Advance, Top Choice Clique The Powers In The Words EP, Rapmasters and DJ 2 (Beautiful Sounds) 12", the list goes on. Check it ALLLLLLLL out

HERE.

Marley Marl Scratch (Early Version) and Roxanne Shante Rap Attack Interview - Jan or Feb 1985

2011-10-13T16:58:00.005-04:00

Alright, so a couple early demos of Marley Marl Scratch dropped in recent years. That was something I had a hand in. To broaden the canvas and illustrate the context in which the first early version dropped, I wanted to share this excellent segment from early '85 on the Rap Attack. This demo has been noted as airing January 23rd, 1985, but upon closer examination, I'd have to say this was either that date or in the vicinity. The tape I have labeled January 23rd actually has audio from at least three Rap Attack shows, so sometimes it's impossible to decipher. This clip begins with Magic and Marley shifting out of Grandmaster Flash's Larry's Dance Theme and into the Shan demo. Immediately afterward, Roxanne Shante stops by the studio and lets the world know where she's been, where she's headed, and shares her thoughts on the up-and-coming rappers out there.

I hope they're good.

Magic and Roxanne rap about her newfound fame, her upcoming Soul Train appearance, and more, as the clock ticks toward four in the morning. Below is the full segment together, as well as the Roxanne segment by itself. Enjoy it...

Marley Marl Scratch - Early Demo Expanded - Roxanne Shante Rap Attack Interview - Jan or Feb '85 -

Roxanne Shante Rap Attack Interview - Jan or Feb '85 -

The Kool Skool Interview

2011-10-12T16:47:00.004-04:00

Just the other day I was introduced to Shucks One over at The Kool Skool. Definitely a good dude! He interviewed me and asked a lot of quality questions. You can see where the conversations led if you click the following link:

The Kool Skool Interviews Will C.

"Without further ado, we introduce Will C., Modern Man or Breakbeat Machine of the Future?" - Shucks One

The Awesome 2 Premiere Nice & Smooth Skill Trade

2011-10-11T16:01:00.003-04:00

The Awesome 2 Premiere Nice & Smooth Skill Trade

I haven't posted much from The Awesome 2 since this site got going. Truthfully, I don't have much of their shows, but I'm going to delve into some great moments of theirs from early 1987 in the coming days. Let's start out with what is almost for sure the world premiere of Nice & Smooth's debut record (as Greg Nice and Smooth Bee), Skill Trade. This is the b-side of a tape whose a-side is marked February 2nd, 1987, so this is most likely from a week or two after. The Awesome 2 spin Skill Trade while they have Smooth B on the phone.

The Awesome Two Debut Nice & Smooth's "Skill Trade" and Speak With Smooth B on the Vibe Line -

Special K: Something brand new that you heard first with the 2 called "Skill Trade" by my man Smooth B who is still live on the vibe line with us from Tarzana, California, and this is a very special record. More than what the meaning holds for the skill trade, it's a skill trade by a very special man that we lost a couple months ago. Smooth B is gonna elaborate on that...

Smooth B: I came together with Greg Nice to perform the skill trade, and it was a tribute to my man June Love 'cause he passed away, may his soul rest in peace. Originally it was June Love and Greg Nice getting ready to come out, you know, so when that happened we said, "yeah we gotta do something in tribute to June," 'cause we had planned to do something together in the future...

... There's a few people that really know what they're doing ... we know what we're doing ... June Love knows what he's doing ... The Awesome 2 know what they doing ... Bobby Brown know what he doing... there's troops and troopettes, we know what we're DOING... that's the hook, together we're coolin'

Why the Bobby Brown mention? Apparently he was on the vibe line earlier, but of course that part ain't on the tape. Damn!

Enjoy this one, a very early moment from Nice & Smooth's partnership on wax!

Fresh - I Didn't Write

2011-10-11T15:59:00.002-04:00

This one has only three views, which is a shame. Quality jam by Fresh called I Didn't Write. Get those numbers up!

The Fat Boys Visit Mr. Magic - January or February 1985

2011-10-10T16:26:00.003-04:00

I guess you could say I've been away.

I'm back now with some quality bits and pieces from rap's better days. Most of it is going to be material that hasn't been heard since the night it was broadcast live, and it's going to be coming in a massive wave, so check back daily. Here we go...

From my tape labeled January 23rd 1985 (although this is a show from a week or two later), we have Mr. Magic running down the weather forecast before introducing his in-studio guests, The Fat Boys. A couple years back, I posted an interview with The Fat Boys from April 20th, 1984 from when they were just starting to blow up as the Disco 3 with a large record called Fat Boys. 9 months later, they're still on the rise and a little bit more animated as their newest single Can You Feel It is playing in the background.

The Fat Boys Rap Attack Interview From Late January or February '85 (A) -

Kool Rock-ski: We won the Tin Pan Apple Rap and Breakdance contest at Radio City Music Hall on May 23, 1983, and we recorded our first record. Our second record we recorded with Kurtis Blow, which was real big, and that was "Fat Boys." Now Kurtis is our producer from now on. We just released the album three months ago and so far it went gold.

Mr. Magic: Okay, so now, you've been together for about two years... I've had the pleasure of knowing you for a few years and I can see that you have grown up a lot. They got Cazals on, y'all chillin' most. Did you ever think it was gonna be this big when you put the group together?

Fat Boys: Not really.

Check this one out. If you're anything like me, you'll agree this is a hip hop moment in history to be cherished. I'm very grateful and happy that this broadcast was preserved for all of these years. A lot of people taped the Rap Attack, but either they're keeping them in shoe boxes or they perished long ago. It's always painful to think of how many legendary moments will never ever be seen or heard again. I was in a conversation not long ago where a few individuals were discussing a John Lennon appearance on the Mike Douglas show. How many Lennon fans would cherish seeing that appearance in broadcast quality? It should exist, but it doesn't. The tapes were wiped. Let's preserve this shit. If you're out there with tapes tucked away, I'm not mad at you if you're trying to keep them to yourself, but I say you get them out there eventually before you kick the bucket, or they'll most likely vanish with you.

Here's the tail end of The Fat Boys in-studio appearance!

The Fat Boys Rap Attack Interview From Late January or February '85 (B) -

The Sundowners - Always You

2011-10-10T16:22:00.004-04:00

Killer tune here. Lyrics written by Tony Asher, the lyricist behind The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds. Ah, but which version do you prefer?

Album Version:

Single Version:

Here I go again relying on Youtube comments for information:

One of the MAJOR reasons that this song sounds so good is that it was produced by Bones Howe, who also produced The Association, Fifth Dimension, Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, The Turtles, etc., all great vocal bands! He is definitely an unsung hero of 60's music. I consider him the American George Martin! - bossadude

Thanks bossadude.

Lare Professor - Key To The City

2011-09-16T19:04:00.000-04:00

He's done it again...

Can You Feel It?

2011-08-22T11:23:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday...

Courtesy of the homeboy Nostalgic.

Screamin' Jay Hawkins - Old Man River

2011-08-15T17:24:00.004-04:00

Screamin' Jay Hawkins is a legendary musician. Thanks to everybody's favorite sketchy encyclopedia, Wikipedia, I learned a lot more about his perhaps biggest hit, I Put A Spell On You, today. I mean I think I did. I can never read Wikipedia and feel like I actually learned something. It's more like I feel like I might have learned something. Either I learned something or read something false, but I'm cool with that. I only say that because I've read some crazy things on Wikipedia. Wikipedia is crazy. Crazy.

Oh shit, wasn't that used for that track? No, it wasn't. Just kidding. Yes it was. I don't want to post it because I always think of this DJ Premier skit from Gangstarr's Moment of Truth where he's pissed about people naming samples. If only we knew how much worse it would get with the internet. This is the skit I'm talking about ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7H4lNLrB78&t=4m8s

Here's Screamin' Jay Hawkins performing I Put A Spell On You live.

Anyways, what I "learned" from Wikipedia is pretty interesting. Apparently Screamin' Jay Hawkins was black out drunk when he recorded this track. On top of that, every body else who participated in this recording was drunk to:

His most successful recording, "I Put a Spell on You" (1956), was selected as one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. According to the AllMusic Guide to the Blues, "Hawkins originally envisioned the tune as a refined ballad." The entire band was intoxicated during a recording session where "Hawkins screamed, grunted, and gurgled his way through the tune with utter drunken abandon."The resulting performance was no ballad but instead a "raw, guttural track" that became his greatest commercial success and reportedly surpassed a million copies in sales, although it failed to make the Billboard pop or R&B charts.

The performance was mesmerizing, although Hawkins himself blacked out and was unable to remember the session. Afterward he had to relearn the song from the recorded version.Meanwhile the record label released a second version of the single, removing most of the grunts that had embellished the original performance; this was in response to complaints about the recording's overt sexuality. Nonetheless it was banned from radio in some areas.

Soon after the release of "I Put a Spell on You", radio disc jockey Alan Freed offered Hawkins $300 to emerge from a coffin onstage. Hawkins accepted and soon created an outlandish stage persona in which performances began with the coffin and included "gold and leopard skin costumes and notable voodoo stage props, such as his smoking skull on a stick – named Henry – and rubber snakes." These props were suggestive of voodoo, but also presented with comic overtones that invited comparison to "a black Vincent Price."

via Wikipedia

Let's have a round of applause for Wikipedia. So, why is the title of this post Screamin' Jay Hawkins - Old Man River? I forgot.

Screamin' Jay Hawkins - Old Man River!

2011-08-15T17:23:00.001-04:00

Just Kidding.

Frank Zappa - Decline of the Music Industry

2011-08-10T19:26:00.001-04:00

Food for thought...

PMD

2011-08-09T11:10:00.002-04:00

Had to round out the Erick Sermon post with a little PMD post. Check out this interview from 1994 where PMD is speaking on the EPMD break up, the Shade Business LP, and the changing climate of hip hop coinciding with a crossroads in his career. An incredibly professional, intelligent and well spoken individual, no doubt -

And how many slept on this track from 2003?

Some Erick Sermon for a Monday Afternoon

2011-08-08T15:49:00.002-04:00

Check this out! From 1993, Erick Sermon behind the tables talking about his upcoming productions on records by Illegal, Run-DMC, Erick Sermon, Redman, TLC, Jodeci, Shaquille O'Neal, Keith Murray and more.

Shouts to Johnny Guitar "Washington"

More Summer...

2011-07-29T15:25:00.000-04:00

Have a good weekend

Breakadawn - Vaughn Harper of The Quiet Storm talks Mr. Magic (08.11.84)

2011-07-28T12:53:00.002-04:00

What happens when the Rap Attack ends? Vaughn Harper grabs the mic for the Quiet Storm, of course. Here's a quick clip of Vaughn's signature baritone tipping his hat to Mr. Magic and Marley Marl. This one's from August 11th, 1984.

Alright so I just typed that out and realized it may not make any sense. I think I should stop assuming people know what I'm talking about when I rant. For those unfamiliar, The Quiet Storm is a show that would follow Mr. Magic's Rap Attack on WBLS 107.5 FM in NYC.

Dear Summer...

2011-07-26T14:58:00.004-04:00

Fun House Disco Ad From 1983 - Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow, New Edition

2011-07-26T14:39:00.007-04:00

Fun House Ad (1983) -

Friday night, May the 20th at the Fun House Disco, on 26th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues in New York City, It's the funk, the pump... a reggae party starring Kurtis Blow, Visual, Sweet G, Stargaze, Warp 9, and Run-DMC, along with special guest performances by the "Planet Rock" performer, "Candy Girl" guys and a surprise "Pass the Dutchie" performance. Remember this date - Friday, May 20th at the Fun House Disco.

This sounds like a memorable show at the legendary Funhouse venue. Mr. Magic is the voice on the ad. What's up with the references to Afrika Bambaataa, New Edition and Musical Youth without saying their actual stage names?? The Planet Rock performer? The Candy Girl guys? Anybody know what the deal is with that?

Percee P & SLD on Stretch and Bobbito - 1996

2011-07-22T10:36:00.003-04:00

From the same tape as the last Stretch and Bobbito post (01.18.96 and 02.22.96), the legendary Percee P and S.L.D. drop by and trade lines over Royal Flush's "Movin On Ya Weak Production." Some of this audio is on Youtube, but I've strung together some additional interesting moments from the show, including Stretch and Bobbito not knowing SLD's name (I'm pretty sure twice), Bobbito discussing inverted panties, and more.

Stretch and Bobbito - Percee P and SLD Bits and Pieces (01.18.96 and 02.22.96) -

Stretch and Bobbito - Percee P and SLD Rhyming (01.18.96 and 02.22.96) -

Fresh Produce Celebrates 5th Anniversary! Video Ad By Will C. - Turquoise Jeep!

2011-07-20T16:17:00.006-04:00

Shouts to Trees and Nife! Fresh Produce, the infamous monthly hip hop and reggae party held at Downtown Crossing’s Good Life bar, turns 5 years old this July. To celebrate, they're throwing an epic two-part bash on Saturdays July 23 and 30th. Fresh Produce has seen the likes of many stars bless the turntables for their monthly party, from a then up-and-coming Mayer Hawthorne, to legends like Prince Paul and Maseo of De La Soul. This time around, they welcome Dam Funk and the hilarious Turquoise Jeep crew.

I was asked to put together a video advertisement for this two-part celebration and had some fun with it. They left the choice of music up to me. That's always fun on my end, but sometimes I'm nervous the direction I go in will be too left field. In other words, I wasn't sure if the synth-heavy, 80s-commercial-esque, Roland 808 / Oberheim DMX-laced beat I put together would fly. Did they run with it? Find out by clicking on the video.

If you're not familiar with Turquoise Jeep, they're some funny dudes. I had a chance to catch up on their videos when I was putting the ad together. Not much info is out there on them, not even a Wikipedia page. Here's a couple joints I enjoyed!

Stretch & Bobbito Discuss Hot 97 Show and Percee P - 01.18.96 or 02.22.96

2011-07-20T15:58:00.004-04:00

This is a great Stretch and Bobbito clip from either January 18th or February 22nd, 1996. Here, the two discuss how Stretch is keeping his show at Hot 97 different from the WKCR show. Classic chemistry between the two. Here's a piece of the conversation,

Stretch: I'm trying not to make it redundant musically.

Bobbito: There's more than enough good stuff to play.

Stretch: Of course... the foolishness hasn't even begun.

Bobbito: Oh nah, it's mild right now. It's like a mild soap right now. We haven't gotten abrasive yet... right now it's like Dove.

Then, at the exact same time, they each reference Percee P in two different ways...

Stretch: Like Percee P! // Bobbito: Speaking of sulfuric acid, I'm lethal, soon as my words reach you, (trails off slowly...)

Stretch: Gullllllllll

Check out the audio! Percee P arrives at the station during their conversation and Stretch starts ragging on his goggles.

Stretch and Bobbito Discuss Hot 97, Percee P - 01.18.96 or 92.22.96

By the way, the tape date discrepancy is because the tape was labeled with each date. I don't remember which side was what.

NEW Blaq Poet "Mortuary Music" Video by Will C.

2011-06-08T18:14:00.005-04:00

Alright so I have to begin this post with a warning. This video I put together for Blaq Poet's Mortuary Music has some disturbing scenes, so if you're not into violence and gore, you may want to skip this one. With that being said, if you can stomach it, you'll hear a crazy new track from Poet's upcoming album Blaq Poet Society. Blaq Poet Society is dropping June 21 on Brick Records / Brutal Music. Stu Bangas and Vanderslice did the production for this full length, and it's top notch. Without further ado, Mortuary Music:

*** WARNING EXPLICIT SCENES ***

And if you haven't seen it yet, here's the trailer for Blaq Poet Society, something I also put together:

Don't Copy That Floppy!

2011-06-02T10:21:00.003-04:00

Because everybody loves a Nineties rap about floppy disks. What up DP!

And just when you thought it was over, the sequel -

Kashmere Stage Band Movie On The Way

2011-06-01T17:54:00.002-04:00

Wow, I gotta see this film! This looks promising, check it out! Presented by Jamie Foxx

What is this Doug E. Fresh song? Unreleased or Overlooked?

2011-05-23T16:21:00.000-04:00

What is this Doug E. Fresh song? Unreleased or Overlooked?

Here's the final excerpt from the August 11th, 1984 broadcast of the Rap Attack, and it's a keeper. Here is the world premiere for a then-brand-new Doug E Fresh record. The only catch is, I've never heard it until now. My question for you is… have YOU heard it?! It is quite possible that this is a more obscure release of Dougie's that I've overlooked, but I wasn't able to find a link to something like this on Discogs, so I'm not sure. Doug E. Fresh die hard fans, chime in on this one!

It was fun unearthing the Howard Park Masta Ace track a couple months back. It would be fun if this was another rarity from a hip hop legend, but it's quite possible this is something that's out there and I'm getting ahead of myself. To be determined…

One morning I had a dream / that I could make young ladies scream / by making musical sounds with my mouth, listen! / so I tried it at a party / and people didn't even know it was me / and when they finally saw me I heard a shout...

Doug E. Fresh - Possibly Unreleased Track -

Magic chimes in at the end...

It's brand new, it's Doug E. Fresh, heard first with Sir Juice, and my engineer all star said he wants to be a DJ. Sounds like a winner!

DIG IT

2011-05-20T20:33:00.001-04:00

New Blaq Poet "Blaq Poet Society" Trailer I Did

2011-05-20T19:19:00.002-04:00

This is the new trailer for Blaq Poet's upcoming release Blaq Poet Society that I put together recently. I only say this when I mean it... HEAVY!!

RIP Macho Man Randy Savage

2011-05-20T13:05:00.005-04:00

Damn, just saw a report that Macho Man Randy Savage passed away from a heart attack. One of the most iconic wrestlers in WWF history. He was certainly an ever present personality during my youth, from the wrestling matches to the Slim Jim commercials. I remember being CRUSHED watching him lose to Ultimate Warrior in the Wrestlemania VII retirement match. Here's some classic clips!

these two are a little loud ...

Rap Attack - Show Intro - 08.11.84 - "8 Million Stories"

2011-05-18T13:25:00.004-04:00

Here's some more Rap Attack material. Just a little something... this is the show intro to the August 11th, 1984 edition of the WBLS Rap Attack. As showcased yesterday, Magic and Marley were on fire this particular night, in high spirits, rocking off their chemistry. I swear, this particular show would be a top contender for showcasing what Mr. Magic brought to the table for hip hop. His signature and bass heavy voice narrates the listener through the show as he introduces countless new hip hop records. It all sounds so official. The class of New York city serving as your guide in the era of rap music.

Rap Attack 08.11.1984 Show Intro (WBLS) -

"One for the treble, two for the bass, come on Marley Marl, let's rock three states!"

"We'd also like to let everyone know that we are celebrating Harlem week, and to do that, we begin with something brand new from Harlem's own king of rap. His name is Kurtis Blow."

(Cue 8 Million Stories). I'm glad this tape survived through the years!

991 Volts - 4 Unreleased Tracks

2011-05-17T15:23:00.007-04:00

Just seen that there are four unreleased tracks from 991 Volts floating around on the internet. Each is quality, and as a whole they just might feature my favorite production I've heard coming from a 991 Volts release, no joke. It's a toss up between these and Champion of Love.

Check the line on No Gasface - "you may think this jam is just a bummer / just because we didn't use funky drummer / it's a shame it got played to death / over and over and nothing's left."

Bright Ideas definitely has a Greg Nice vibe going.

From Doing What We Gotta Do - "every single day of my life I catch flack .. but I won't forget where I'm from, some... do / one day, you'll get the cold shoulder too / 'cause you gotta pursue something brand new and you / can't do that with people holding you back ... / you must cut the slack" doing what we gotta do

You may know this group for having two of the more exceptional tracks from the entire B-Boy Records discography, 991 Volts of Noise and Time Will Tell. Later, they released a killer single on Mercury in 1989, Champion of Love. I never had the 12", but I always loved Champion of Love ... I had it on a tape from DJ Daze called Back in the Daze (anybody ever heard of this mix... it was on cassette).

Here's the Champion of Love video -

"I seen a couple of blazin' honeys just standing at the bus stop / had to send the vibe so I said 'yo baby, what's up!' / then one replied, 'I'm not your baby sugar' / I said I'm not your sugar you fucking stankin' booger!"

This rip of the video is a bit lower quality, but you can hear Ralph McDaniels at the beginning introducing it, calling them 9,1,1 Volts -

Here's their earlier tracks from their B-Boy Records single -

991 Volts - 991 Volts of Noise -

991 Volts - Time Will Tell -

Wordsworth - Thanks For Coming Out

2011-05-16T13:01:00.001-04:00

This is one of those tracks that was very much slept on when it came out and basically never heard from again. Wordsworth's "Thanks For Coming Out," produced by J Rawls. I believe I first heard it on the now defunct Art of Rhyme website (what up Joel) back in 2003 when it dropped. I immediately had to seek it out on vinyl. The damn shame here is that I haven't found any mention of this track since it appeared on Art of Rhyme all those years ago. While the A-Side, VA Slim AKA Audessey's "The Gusto," appeared on the CD/LP release "7 Heads R Better Than 1," "Thanks For Coming Out" appears to have only made an appearance on the b-side of the 12" pictured above. I could only find this low res jpeg of the 12" cover. The Wordsworth track is just nowhere to be found, so I had to shine some light on it. I was a big fan of his album Mirror Music when it dropped shortly after this. His lyrical ability and dexterity on that album amazed me... exceptional narratives and song concepts.

This particular track is a feel good rap song. Wordsworth giving thanks to all of those who have supported him over the years atop J Rawls very impressive production, driven by an infectious piano loop. The icing on the cake is the beat switch up towards the end. If you only like harder edged hip hop, steer clear. If you got the jazz, check it out -

Wordsworth - Thanks For Coming Out (12" Vocal Version) -

Wordsworth - Thanks For Coming Out (12" Instrumental Version) -

Rap Attack "Rockin' On Your Radio" - Magic & Marley's Chemistry (08.11.1984)

2011-05-12T14:42:00.000-04:00

Here's a great clip from the August 11th, 1984 edition of the Rap Attack on WBLS. An energetic and on-point Mr. Magic rocks off his chemistry with DJ Marley Marl on the wheels of steel. All this takes place over a Mr. Magic's own production, Jeckyll and Hyde's AM PM. Check it out -

Magic and Marley "Rockin' on the Radio" -

Magic: Tell 'em whatcha want them to do Marley Marl!

Marley: (cuts "AM PM") "Turn your radio up!"

Magic: WBLS FM 107.5 in a class by itself, Mr. Magic maxin' and relaxin', Marley Marl doing the waxing, and just to prove to you, juice, that it's all the way live, tell 'em Marley Marl what we're doing right now...

Marley: (cuts Crash Crew "On The Radio") "rockin' on your radio!"

Magic: Lemme hear ya cut up the "rock ... rock... rockin'!"

Marley: (cuts Crash Crew "On The Radio"): "Rock ... rock... rockin')

Magic: Often imitataded but never quite duplicated, as I said we are in a class by iteself... I hate to brag but it is definitely the TRUTH! Turn the boxes up, 30 minutes of non stop music continues...

(Above: A WBLS ad from the New York Subway System IRT line, circa 1978)

Classic!

Strictly Business' takes on The Roxanne Wars

2011-05-11T13:31:00.003-04:00

The man "Ric Flair" over at Strictly Business just hipped me to his impressive mix compiling highlights from the Roxanne Wars. Check it out. My jaw dropped when I saw this video he posted! Never ever ever seen this -

Eazy-E "Radio" World Premiere on Rap Attack // UTFO Rap Attack Trivia

2011-05-11T13:11:00.004-04:00

From June 17, 1988, here's the world premiere of Eazy-E's Radio on Mr. Magic's Rap Attack!

Eazy-E Radio World Premiere (06.17.88) -

And check this out, Mr. Magic's reaction to the world premiere of Radio, as well as an edition of Rap Attack trivia, this time around focusing on UTFO knowledge...

Mr. Magic talks Eazy-E / Rap Attack UTFO Trivia (06.17.88) -

Magic: How 'bout the LA boys in effect, Eazy-E! Yeahhh, seems like rap is getting big coast to coast. Reminds me of this very good looking DJ, know what I'm saying Marley?

Marley: Oooh

Magic: Anyyyyway

...

Magic: UTFO's first recording was Beats and Rhymes! Remember that? I don't think so, we didn't remember it either.

Anonymous - "Superstar" Video

2011-05-11T13:07:00.004-04:00

Check out this track, Superstar, by Anonymous the MC!

Skinny Boy on Miggs B TV

2011-05-11T12:40:00.005-04:00

Skinny Boys killin' it! Never seen this local TV appearance footage before...

By the way, don't type in "skinny boys" in google image search. It doesn't go over too well.

How 'bout this conversation (from the video) -

What is... "Fresh" is cool?

Fresh, def, ill...

Okay, ill... (?)

Now, if I say you're illin' because of your shirt then that'd be different.

Illin's sorta short for chillin'?

No, illin' means you're buggin' out.

Illin' is fresh and fresh is cool... sort of (?)

...Right

Oh wow, didn't expect the Chuck Chillout cameo!

The Posse Is Large

2011-05-02T18:59:00.005-04:00

Posse shot from the Brick Records 15th Anniversary show... 7L & Esoteric, Termanology, Slaine, Statik Selektah, Karma, Papa D, Skitzofreniks, Dee Tension, City Slickers, DJ Nesquik, myself, MORE... courtesy of http://mingtae.net/

Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin on UK Capital Radio 95.8 - 1986 Krush Groovin'

2011-05-02T18:31:00.004-04:00

Here's a nice portion of a tape that contains an appearance by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin on UK Capital Radio 95.8 in 1986. It's from a moment in time when the UK was awaiting the arrival of Krush Groove in their nation's theaters. It begins with Rick and Russell being amused by Mike Allen's (? I think it's Mike Allen...) use of the word hooligan. The highlight, however, is Russell telling a little story about the recording of the song Krush Groove. Check it out -

Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin on UK Capital Radio 95.8 - 1986

Russell Simmons: There was a fight between Kurtis and Rick, and since I manage both of them I was in the middle. Kurtis and Rick were arguing about what the record should sound like. Kurtis and I had made this record, and Rick called it... gosh, I can't use that word.

Rick: Pussy, I said it was pussy.

Russell: He said it was kinda weak, but then Run felt... Run's my little brother, and he kept telling me he didn't wanna rap on it because it was too musical, or too pop, or too -

Rick: Pussy... too pussy, was the word.

Russell: They kept using that word. And so they just decided they'd make their own parts. So Run was supposed to show up in the studio. What happened was Rick showed up instead of Run, and Rick brought this other part. So we just edited it in, that's from another multi track. And then Kurt did that same part, almost like that same kind of thing himself, 'cause it turned out alright.

I heard Sbarro filed for bankruptcy recently. No good... Let's take a look at their finest hour -

DJ Manipulator TRANSFORM!

2011-05-02T17:57:00.006-04:00

The homie DJ Manipulator is killing it lately. One of this region's most talented and hardest working producers, he's got some new material to give your speakers a run for their money. I wouldn't post this shit up if it wasn't tough, so don't sleep on Live from the Badlands 3. Killer breaks, samples, cuts and arrangements... these beats are right up my alley...

LIVE FROM THE BADLANDS 3 - FREE DOWNLOAD

Here's a few short snippets to help motivate you to toss this thing into your Itunes.

DJ Manipulator - High Speed Chase (From Badlands 3) -

DJ Manipulator - Flip This (From Badlands 3) -

Manipulator has been staying dedicated for a long time now. No, I'm not just trying to say every single cliche sentence to get you to give him a listen. I remember about 7 years back we linked up briefly and talked about all the things we were trying to make happen. I see him doing his thing now, and I am very impressed with how far he's taken it. We hadn't spoken in years and years when I got linked to Kinda Dusty and saw a picture of him holding up the Mixmaster Gee record (pictured above). I was like oh shit, there he is! I knew it was the same dude 'cause I had told him to check out the mixmaster gee 12" way back when I first learned he went by Manipulator.

If you're feeling Live From The Badlands 3, check out his Studio Kinda Dusty Mix below, also for free...

DJ Manipulator's Studio Kinda Dusty Mix - FREE Download

Don't be surprised if you see Manipulator credited for some cuts on a few of my upcoming projects.

New Video - Reks x Statik Selektah - "Mascara"

2011-05-02T17:20:00.002-04:00

New video off Reks' Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme.

Directed by Nicolas Heller

Produced by Statik Selektah for Showoff

New Phill Most Chill x DWG

2011-05-02T17:11:00.005-04:00

Looks like there's going to be a new Phill Most Chill release on Diggers With Gratitude for the summertime. There's no doubt in my mind that it will be quality. Check out the preview! -

Here's what Phill had to say on his blog about the upcoming record:

Shameless self promotion, I know... that's Hip Hop, baby. The long awaited, often rumoured but yet to materialize Phill Most Chill "All Cuts Recorded Raw" limited edition double vinyl lp on DWG is finally about to happen... June 2011 or DIE (no, I'm not gonna kill any of the Diggers With Gratitude if it comes out later than June... it's just a figure of speech). And here is a short little promo trailer for the upcoming album. More to come concerning this project, possibly LOTS more. Please spread the word and brace for impact. PEACE.

Believe - Boycott Blues Music Video Teaser

2011-04-29T11:53:00.004-04:00

Just saw this preview video. This is one of the joints Blues was doing live on the radio show the other night. HEAVY!

Large Professor on the Stretch & Bobbito Show '93 // Main Source 1991 Video Interview

2011-04-29T11:18:00.005-04:00

Gonna admit that it's been a pretty hectic week, so unfortunately I haven't had an opportunity to go through my stuff and post up tidbits. Tonight we got the Brick Records 15th anniversary show at Church in Boston (near Fenway). Doors are at 7 and it's only $5, so come through if you're around! Next week I'm sure I'll get some more material posted here, but in the meantime, this is what I've been listening to this week.

This is an interview with Large Pro on the Stretch and Bobbito Show from 1993. Highlights include Extra P talking about how he was high every day making beats for a good amount of time but he had recently deaded that habit. The whole interview is taking place Also, if you're a fan of Milk D's Never Dated album, you'll recognize the part where Stretch says,

"One of the elements that's very good for women to eat is wood."

from the Get Off My Log remix. Large Pro is meanwhile in his own world, listening to his beat and responding to Stretch's wood comment by shouting out Showbiz.

I can't find the remix of Get Off My Log on Youtube, but this video deserves a post by itself -

KARMA has this whole Stretch show on tape. I need that! I remember listening to it with him awhile back.

Here he is talking about Paul C., Gloria Gaynor and other things -

And more goodies -

Never seen this before!!! Main Source 1991 Interview for Slammin' Rap Video Magazine -

Yo what's crazy here is that there seems to be a little tension towards the end of the video. Extra P talking about how Sir Scratch and K-Cut broke his turntables when they first met, and them hitting him back with the fact that he broke their mixer when he was trying to be a DJ. Large Pro, "Next question!"

DJ Knife - Computer Love

2011-04-27T12:00:00.004-04:00

The main man DJ Knife is back at it yet AGAIN with a new mix, Computer Love. This one hipped me to some shit I was definitely not up on -

In his own words ...

Hey folks! Here's my latest compilation, a 30 minute live-mix of 8-bit, chiptune and videogame inspired music. I recorded this after reading a post by Boston writer Chris Faraone on hip hop blog jtts.com. There's a lot of local love on this mix, from hip hop heavyweights Big Shug and Statik Selektah, to the Cambridge-based 8-bit duo Br1ght Pr1mate, to Somerville-based video game-mashup producer Team-Teamwork. Shout out to Will C for mastering (and having a DVD of The Wizard handy) and Alfredo Rico-D for the artwork. Enjoy! (www.djknife.com).

0 Intro
1. - 9 Samurai (Quarta 330 Remix) - Kode9
2. - Danejah - 8-bit Reject
3. - 330mix5 - Sibrevolot
4. -Sunset Dub - Quarta 330
5. - Meganerd - YTCracker
6. - An Adventure throughout November - Cityscape, Go!
7. - Punch Out! - Statik Selektah and Big Shug
8. - Boom Shiva - Soom T
9. - Doctor Octagon / Blue Flowers Vs. Yoshi's island - Team Teamwork
10. - Kissing Catchers - Cityscape, Go!
11. - Warp To World 6-9 - Benefit
12. - Super Brooklyn - Cocoa Brovas
13. - 2 Brothers from the Gutter - Percee P and Diamond D
14. - Castlevania - U-N-I
15. - Legend - Mighty Joseph
16. - Ghostface Killah / The Champ Vs. Ristar - Team Teamwork
17. - Protoculture - Del the Funky Homosapien
18. - Jay -Z / Pray Vs. Caverns (Gold n Fly) - Alex Kresovich
19. - Mystery Track
20. - 8 Bit Love - Shem
21. - Walking Home From School Together - Pixelh8
22. - 2Pac / Holler If Ya Hear Me (Gold n Fly) - Alex Kresovich
23. - Wu Tang Clan / Gravel Pit (Gold N Fly) - Alex Kresovich
24. - Hurt - Br1ght Pr1mate
25. - Dance Battle Alpha - Active Knowledge
26. - Rainbow Rainbow - K->
27. - Mini Klik (Role Model Remix) - Koro Osanago
28. - Computer Love (B-more Remix) - Excelerator

By the way, I'm not ashamed I own The Wizard on DVD and on a VHS from when I recorded it off the USA channel way back.

DOWNLOAD - Will C. and Boycott Blues on 89.3 WTBU's Midnight Marauders (04.24.11)

2011-04-25T13:32:00.007-04:00

Last night was dope. Or, in the words of Blues, it was "def, def, deffington." He and I rolled through to WTBU's Midnight Marauders and did our thing. I'll say it like this... Boycott tore shit up. Listen to the things he says. Whatever he decides to speak on, he's saying it in a way nobody else ever has, and that is saying A LOT.

Aside from the performing, the main reason we stopped by was to promote Brick's upcoming 15th anniversary show this Friday at Church in Boston. Come through for what is no doubt going to be a memorable night, with appearances / performances by 1982 (Statik and Termanology), 7L & Esoteric, Blacastan, Moe Pope (Life After God), Boycott Blues, City Slickers, myself, Deadeye, hosts Checkmark and D-Tension, and probably even more.

Listen to and download last night's broadcast below. Highlight's include:

Discussing the controversy and recent banning of Colt 45 BLAST in some venues.
My remix of Doug E. Fresh's La Di Da Di (which I guess I'm calling Dougie's Psychedelic Breakfast for now), and the discussion this raises among the always insightful Marauders crew.
Blues discussing how he got into making beats and rhymes around the time he was about 5 years old. He used to secretly mess with his brother's equipment. When his brother would turn on his drum machine and see some new beats on there, he wouldn't know how they got there. Check it out.
Blues rhyming, me rhyming, then back to back rhyming.

Will C. & Boycott Blues on 89.3 WTBU's Midnight Marauders (04.24.11) - FULL SHOW -

Full Show (Mediafire Download Link)

Full Show (Sendspace Download Link)

Full Show (Zshare Download Link)

** OR **

Will C. & Boycott Blues on 89.3 WTBU's Midnight Marauders (04.24.11) - JUST THE RHYMING -

Just The Rhyming (Mediafire Download Link)

Just The Rhyming (Sendspace Download Link)

Just The Rhyming (Zshare Download Link)

BUY Boycott Blues' Irony

BUY Will C. Evil in the Mirror

TONIGHT (SUNDAY) 8:30 - Will C. & BoyCott Blues on WTBU's Midnight Marauders

2011-04-24T13:04:00.004-04:00

TONIGHT 04/24 I'll be stopping by WTBU's Midnight Marauders show with my main man Boycott Blues to promote this shindig -

It should be a good time tonight. Boycott Blues is one of the greatest talents coming out of Boston right now. If you've been hipped to him, I'm sure you're also anticipating his upcoming sophomore offering that should be out this year. If not, consider yourself hipped -

Blues also just got a shout out on Edo's new joint with Premier, Fastlane. This track is ill ("Boycott your music, like my boy Blues") -

You can check out the happenings and listen to the show HERE at 8:30 tonight - Look for the "Listen Live Now" in red on the left side.

By the way, if you missed the last time I was on Midnight Marauders in November of last year, check it out here:

Will C. on WTBU's Midnight Marauders - November 2010

Come out Friday for the Brick Records 15th Anniversary!

TONIGHT - Sounds For Hounds MSPCA Shelter Dog Benefit Show

2011-04-21T17:10:00.004-04:00

TONIGHT! Come through if you're in town! It's for a great cause!

The Joy Of Analog Tape Edits

2011-04-21T12:07:00.006-04:00

I'm sure you've noticed that lately I've been going through a lot of radio shows and posting up highlights from various broadcasts. If all goes according to plan, this will continue on a regular basis. Instead of posting 90 minute MP3s every day, however, I'd like to keep it more focused on the amazing bits-and-pieces that really stand out to me. Who's going to keep my blog window open for 90 minutes anyways... it's always a bitch when you accidentally navigate away from a window, momentarily forgetting it was open because you've been listening to something there for 45 minutes.

I've always been super fascinated by the people who mastered analog tape editing before the rise of the digital age. The number one duo that was simply killing the edits in NYC in the Eighties was the Latin Rascals, Albert Cabrera and Tony Moran.

Producers/DJs Albert Cabrera and Tony Moran -- collectively known as the Latin Rascals -- got their start as movers and shakers on the budding early-'80s New York City club scene, hosting an influential continuous-mix show on local dance radio. The duo went on to mastermind a number of Latin freestyle dance tracks, including work for TKA and the Cover Girls, among others.

Although this footage (below) is not of a Latin Rascals edit, this will give you an idea of how much work went into tape edits. See all that white tape? Those are all individual edits made manually with tape and a razor.

80s tape cuts played back on a ReVox B77, using Maxell tape, BASF PW 384 stickers -

I'd say my favorite moment from the Latin Rascals on record came in the form of the edits they did to K-Rob's I'm A Homeboy -

As for my favorite moment from the duo on the airwaves, I'd say it's their edit of Whodini's 5 Minutes of Funk. Here it is from a New Years 1985 broadcast. Unfortunately, it is incomplete. If I find a better quality version as I go through my collection, I'll be sure to post it!

Latin Rascals x Whodini - 5 Minutes of Funk (Edit!) -

Here's another piece of the New Years broadcast, featuring mixes of T La Rock It's Yours, Kurtis Blow AJ and Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde's AM /PM -

Latin Rascals - New Years 1985 -

I'll post more on the Latin Rascals in the future!