12.30.11 @ Velvet Lounge with DJ Smudge
FRI 12.23.11 @ THE GET DOWN W/ DJ IMPULSE
Just got word that’ll I’ll be joining the homey DJ Impulse (Skratch Makaniks) at The Get Down in Baltimore next Friday, Dec 23. Hosted by Heidnseek Entertainment, free admission until 10pm.
The Get Down is located at 701 S. Bond St. Baltimore, MD 21231.
SAINTHOOD STATUS
CASTING STONES
Back in September of last year the ever-impeccable Peter Rosenberg introduced me to Homeboy Sandman, a rapper whose talent is only surpassed by his relentless grind. And now, Sand’s persistence is paying dividends, as the New York-bred artist has joined the roster of one of the most exalted and highly-regarded indies out there: Stones Throw records.
Termed a “genre unto itself” by L.A. Weekly, the L.A.-based Stones Throw has also been home to J. Dilla, Dam Funk, Madlib, and Mayer Hawthorne, to name but a few of the artists hand-picked by Peanut Butter Wolf to lead his charge into an alternate, funk-tinged dimension.
I can NOT wait to hear what this new chapter in Homeboy Sandman’s career brings us sonically. A round of applause is in order.
Homeboy Sandman will be performing tonight at Rosenberg’s Hip Hop Hanukkah (Action Bronson will be serving latkes!!), and on December 22 at Stones Throw’s 15 Year Anniversary party. Check out “New York Nights” below.
Speaking of Sarah Meier in yesterday’s post, her and I first met in 2003 while attending a Nets-Celtics playoff game at the Meadowlands with a pair of mutual friends (‘Sup Sam + Sher!). While on our drive home on 95 South, my buddies played a pair of DJ Neil Armstrong mixes, Original and 2Original.
I was floored. I wanted to quit DJing altogether. It was so good I could barely take hearing it. Needless to say, it changed my perspective on so many things, and also gave me much-needed motivation to get better at my craft.
Fast-forward eight years or so, and Neil has become a mentor to me in so many ways. We had the chance to share a bill together for the first time in the Philippines in 2008 (for Sarah’s birthday, no less), and even traveled to Angola, Africa with one another in 2010, gaining the distinction of being the first American DJ’s to EVER play Luanda. Oh, and Neil also found time to become the tour DJ for this guy who goes by the name of Jay-Z.
So, with all that being said, the 10 year anniversary of the first in the “Original” series means a lot to me. It serves as a gauge of sorts of where I’ve gone professionally in the last decade, and also reminds me that I can never, ever stop trying to get better at what I do.
Tomorrow night Neil (along with Adidas, whom the DJ is now a global ambassador for) will be celebrating the first decade of Originals, joined by guests ?uestlove, Spinna, Total Eclipse, G-Bo the Pro, Daddy Dog, and many other special guests at Greenhouse NYC. I would STRONGLY encourage you to go if you are in the NYC-area. And I would strongly encourage you to go even if you aren’t…
Oh, and word on the street is Neil is working on a new mix as we speak…
Back in ‘08 I had the opportunity to do two mini runs DJing in the Philippines, during which Sarah Meier and her husband Banjo Albano were absolutely two of the best hosts I could have ever hoped to have during my stay(s). From helping with bookings to snagging me some late night street-side taho, Banj and Sarah really made sure both trips were hands-down amazing and full of great times.
All of which makes me super-excited that Sarah and her Dollhouse partner Vicky Herrera will be releasing their new book Unscripted: Conversations in the Dollhouse this week, with a launch event being held at Fully Booked on December 15. Culled from interviews the pair conducted during the run of their “Dollhouse” radio show, Unscripted features candid and inspiring discussions with politicians, athletes, musicians and artists from all walks of life.
You can also keep up with the pair through the 2BU section of the Philippine Inquirer.
Had to throw in one more of DJWS + Chad because this one was too awesome.
TURNTABLES ON THE HUDSON
Following this past week’s slot at Lincoln, I’ll be peddling my audible goods next Friday, December 16 for a private event at Hudson on M St in DC, right outside of Georgetown. And of course, I’ll be at Jin the following evening…
Soundtrack for today.
I GOT FIVE ON IT
This Tuesday, December 6 I’ll be setting up shop at DC’s fabulous Lincoln restaurant at the request of a certain prominent Congressman (whose identity I will unfortunately have to remain tight-lipped about). The Lincoln’s interior was designed by DC’s own Maggie O’Neill, who ingeniously constructed Lincoln’s floor by incorporated over one million pennies stamped with our 16th president’s portrait. The McPherson Square-based restaurant has been open since April of 2011.
After we’re done at Lincoln, join me over at Marvin for Home Base Tuesdays!
