Free Mixtape: Tron Urban Legacy (Vol 1) by Psykhomantus

As you already know the classic movie Tron is having a follow up calling it Tron Legacy and will be dropping later this year. The group Daft Punk is taking care of the sound track with their electronic styles. I was wondering to myself saying wouldn't it be cool if we had a version to Tron, the sci-fi life but with soul. What would it be like, what kinda style would it be like for those that live the urban inner life. For sure we will still have singers, rappers, DJ's and dope producers making music. So i went in and did a mini version and put it on my coopr8 page (www.coopr8.ning.com/profile/psykhomantus). Here, you'll find the full version with five extra tracks that's not on the mini mix. I added Sa-Ra's "Love Czars ll" feat Jay Electronica (as people are calling him the next Rakim/Nas), maybe he's our guide for the future in Tron, I also added Gill-Scott Heron as spoken word will always be heard, Daz-I-Kue, Julien Dyne and Robert Strauss is also added to the mix. This is just my version of what i think our music would sound like in the movie. As am working on the next one which will be a bit more electronica than this one, I can only say i hope you enjoy this mixtape.

1. Love Czars (feat Jay Electronica)- Sa-Ra Creative Partners

2. Parklight- Madlib

3. City Of Nowhere- Brittany Bosco

4. She Wanna- Hawthorne Headhunter

5. Everybody Touch It- J*Davey

6. The Healer- Erykah Badu

7. On Coming From A Broken Home (Part 1 & Part 2)- Gill Scott Heron

8. Perception- Electric Wire Hustle

9. Souls Brothers- Sa-Ra Creative Partners

10. Dust & Kisses feat Noni Limar- Shafiq Husayn

11. Hollywood- Joy Jones

12. Angel (Waajeed Remix) feat Coultrain- PPP

13. Midnight Clear feat Rasiyah- Daz-I-Kue

14. Black Sun- The Politik

15. Starter- Slum Village

16. Make Em' NV (DaveNotti Maxmus Remix)- J Dilla

17. Sounds Like Love (Nobody's Unicorn Remix)- Illa J

18. ?- Deborah Jordan

19. Falling Down feat Parks- Julien Dyne

20. Wrong Way- Georgia Anne Muldrow

21. killdat (aka Killdatmuthafu*ka)- Dam-Funk

22. Are You Satisfied- Onra, Fatima & Groove

23. Thinking About (DJ Mitsu The Beats Remix)- Bakura

24. The Jump Off (feat Coultrain)- Jazmine Sullivan

25. Odyssey Man- Robert Strauss

Just click the Tron picture to download Tron Urban Legacy (Vol 1).

R.I.P. Apache

US rapper who had short lived success with backing from A Tribe Called Quest and Naughty By Nature. His first appearance was in 1990 on 45 King, The Presents The Flavor Unit by Flavor Unit, The. Apart from his individual records (see below), he also featured on several albums (of Naughty By Nature, Tupac, Fat Joe, etc. ). Apache's debut album “Apache Ain't Shit” was released in 1991 and peaked at #66 on the Billboard 200 and #15 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Also featured on the album was the hit single "Gangsta Bitch" which went to #67 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #11 on the Hot Rap Singles. Apache also released a single "Do Fa Self" in 1993 but he has yet to release another album or single.

Apache, born Anthony Teaks, passed away January 22 after a protracted illness. R.I.P

Next In February...

Silhouette Brown

To many, the imminent release of Silhouette Brown's new album,Two, will mean absolutely nothing. However, to those who bought Silhouette Brown's début album five years ago, this is a huge deal. It was a cult hit that spawned such broken beat classics asWhose In Charge and Spread That. Silhouette Brown is Dennis "Dego" McFarlane (one half of4hero), Kaidi Tatham (half of 2000 Black) and Bêmbè Sêguè, long-time Mark de Clive-Lowecollaborator.



From that line-up you can guess the sound of Two. Guest appearances include singer Lady Alma (of Hold It Down fame) and rapper Sadat X from Brand Nubian. Two is scheduled for release in February, 2010

Tracklisting:

1. Bitter Pills & Butterflies
2. Casualties Of Honey
3. Constant Questions
4. Fools Gold
5. Get With It feat. Sadat X
6. Hear Them Often Say
7. Interlude
8. Leave A Note
9. Strawberries In Vinegar
10. We Used To Run Steady

Gill Scott Heron's forthcoming album "I'm New Here" is out on February 8th UK / 9th US.
The new single "Me And The Devil" is out February 22nd.

“I’m New Here” sees Scott-Heron reflecting on his life with his trademark vocal power and insight, sharing his visions among Russell’s flickering, electronic soundscapes.

Video:Me And The Devil

Track Listing
1. On Coming From A Broken Home (Pt. 1)
2. Me And The Devil
3. I’m New Here
4. Your Soul And Mine
5. Parents (Interlude)
6. I’ll Take Care Of You
7. Being Blessed (interlude)
8. Where Did The Night Go
9. I Was Guided (Interlude)
10. New York Is Killing Me
11. Certain Things (Interlude)
12. Running
13. The Crutch
14. I’ve Been Me (Interlude)
15. On Coming From A Broken Home (Pt. 2)

Deluxe LP Bonus Track Listing
Side C:
1. Piano Player (Intro)
2. Home Is Where The Hatred Is*
3. Winter In America*

Side D:
1. Jazz (Interlude)
2. Is That Jazz*
3. A Place To Go (Interlude)
4. My Cloud (Unreleased exclusive track)

Sade, the "quiet storm" R&B group featuring vocalist Sade Adu, has completed its long-awaited sixth studio album. "Soldier of Love," the band's first collection of new material since 2000's "Lover's Rock" will be released Feb. 8, 2010 worldwide on Epic

"Solder Of Love" Track List

1. The Moon And The Sky

2. Soldier Of Love

3. Morning Bird.

4. Baby Father

5. Long Hard Road

6. Be That Easy

7. Bring Me Home

8. In Another Time

9. Skin

10. The Safest Place

JAY ELECTRONICA + support & Hosted by Benji B

Wednesday 17th February & Thursday 18th February 2010 Jazz Cafe, London Doors 7pm Tickets £20 adv Mean Fiddler & The Outfit Agency presents JAY ELECTRONICA + support Hosted by BENJI B Jay Electronica is a rapper and producer known for his use of percussionless film soundtracks as a background for his abstract lyrical style, and his associations with J-Dilla, Just Blaze and Nas. He produced the first track, "Queens Get the Money", on the 2008 Nas album Untitled. The unconventional nature of much of his music, and the lack of conventional release methods for that music, have since 2007 made him the object of much attention. His track 'Exhibit C' has taken the US airwaves by storm, becoming No1 on US Itunes off his twitter push alone!!. The biggest song in 2010 thus far in its genre and is hailed as the man who has brought hip-hop back. 2010 promises to be a very big year for Jay Electronica. Check www.jazzcafelive.com CANVAS PRSENTS BENJI B ( BBC 1XTRA / DEVIATION ) Saturday, February 20, at Canvas, Leicester 10:00pm - 6am Benji B has established himself as one of the major players in the world's underground progressive music scene. Equally revered for his radio show DEVIATION on BBC 1XTRA and his role as a premier international deejay, Benji B is an unbound force whose signature style seamlessly connects the most cutting edge tunes from a diverse range of genres by their collective, soulful essence. Over the years Deviation has become absolutely essential listening for fans of deep underground music both in the UK, and via the Internet, across the globe. When asked to describe his DJ'ing style, Benji B refuses to be pigeonholed, but is clear about what he wants to achieve: "I guess you could say it ranges between 85 and 140 bpm! Support comes from... TONY MINVIELLE (BBC RADIO 1 WORLDWIDE / CAFE DEL’ MAR / JAZZ CAFE) PSYKHOMANTUS (DMC CHAMPION) RICH BEE CITY FLY DJ’S (JONNA / JONNY PARKER / ASH STEVENSON / J:SHEZ) Fans of real hip hop, dubstep, house, disco ect all with a soulful twist should not miss this night!! Admission – Free before 10pm. £5 before 1am, More After, £4 NUS All Night Info / Guest list – www.canvasbar.co.uk / 0116 2622922

ENTERTAINMENT: A Very Brief History of Turntablism

While vinyl can be traced back to the late 1800s with the development of the phonograph, the art of turntablism is a whole other story

By Dave Lipp

It may be an iTunes world, but vinyl isn’t dead yet. If records aren’t alive and spinning in your living room, rest assured that they’re safe and sound in the hands of certain disc jockeys (DJs) practicing turntablism—the art of moving a playing record back and forth under the needle to create an unmistakable scratching sound.

Though we can’t say for sure who the first person was to alter vinyl’s tune, many believe it can be traced back to the mid 70s and a DJ namedGrand Wizard Theodore. However, there’s no doubt music artists like the Sugarhill Gang, Kool Herc, and GrandMixer DXT were the ones who brought this art to the masses. Soon enough being a DJ was no longer about spinning in the background. Instead, it was about manipulating the turntable to create unique sounds unlike any other musical instrument.

Among the people who helped define this craft isDJ Rob “Swift” Aguilar (pictured above). Inspired by his Columbian father’s passion for spinning meringue in the early 80s, Swift began dabbling in the art at age 12. He has since mastered the techniques and successfully taken this genre to a new level.

Now one of the world’s most famous DJs, Swift has appeared on Jay Leno, Sesame Street, the 2007 documentary film As the Tables Turn, and is currently on tour promoting his latest album “The Architect” (due out February 23rd), which blends classical music with hip hop and scratching. At the same time, turntablism continues to gain popularity thanks to better equipment, DJ collaborations with mega artists, increased vinyl record sales (1.9 million were sold in 2008 and nearly 2.8 million in 2009), and the recent release of the video game DJ Hero by the makers of Guitar Hero.

“Turntablism has grown so much and taken on a life of its own. It will never stop growing. There’s still so more to accomplish,” Swift says. “In the 90s, it was a subculture that didn’t get the credit it, or we, deserved. Rappers and producers were getting all the respect. Nowadays, you have rappers turning to deejaying to stay relevant.”

As an instructor at New York City’s Scratch Academy, the world’s first DJ school, Swift makes it a top priority to teach his students to feel the music. “A lot of kids get caught up in the mechanics. You really have to listen to the music that you’re scratching to and become one with the tempo of the song. Once you do, it really influences your delivery,” says the 30-something Queens native. The second most important thing he tells them: “Have fun. When you have fun that’s when your creativity starts to flourish.”

As turntablism continues to evolve, some things will never change: You’ll always need two turntables, a mixer and, of course, vinyl. For Swift, the most significant of his record collection is the double album“Take Me to Mardi Gras” by jazz great Bob James. As the first record he learned to scratch on, he cherishes it so much that he owns two copies, one of which he had signed by James himself when they worked together.

Serato & Albeton

As everybody knows from 2003, the way of DJing made a new move of using records that controls a signal that allows you to use MP3 from your laptop. Serato Scratch live came in after Final Scratch in 2004 and even so people are competing between Serato and Tracker Scratch, it all about what you can do not the machine. As I've been rocking with Serato for some time now, not only has it took a load of my back from carrying two bags of records but i could re-edit, remix and double up my tunes. Now Serato got next by teaming up with Albeton, what more can a DJ or turntablist want. And now a word from our sponsors...

Psykhomantus Q & A

What Equipment Did You Use When You First Started DJing?

Two Technics SL-1200 MK2's and a Realistic mixer

Of Vinyl, CD And Laptop SyStems. Which Do You Prefer?

First of all, I like to use vinyl. Am a turntablist and nothing is better than cutting up, trick mixing or beat juggling on the turntables so I am forever vinyl using the Serato software.

Which Equipment Do You Insist On For Gig's As Part Of Your Rider?

Two Technics SL-1200/1210's Turntables. Technics SH-EX 1200 Mixer, Vestax PMC-07 Pro Mixer or the Rane TTM 57SL DJ Mixer (one out of the three). I'll bring the rest, which is my headphones, mic, needles, slipmats, serato scratch live.

Do You Carry Any Additional Equipment To Gig's Such As Effects, Samples Or Drum Machines?

No. I can do all the effects on my Serato Scratch Live but on my Bongo Scratch nights I do have a Percussionist that brings alot of stuff along with him.

What Are The Most Common Technical Problems You Encounter At Gig's?

Bad Calibrating from the use of old turntables or turntables that have the pins pushed back from the use of other needles like Ortofons. I use Shure needles.

Can You Imagine Ever Changing The Way You Play Technically?

That's already happen with Serato and Tracker Scratch in the game. I can do the same thing that i do now on vinyl with CD's with the Pioneer CDJ's 900 but I love the feel of vinyl. Anything can happen so yes is the answer. It's all about giving it to the people.

Psykhomantus Top 5 Party Tracks

1. The Jimmy Castor Bunch "It's Just Begun"

This track set's of any B-Boy event, could be a B-Boy showdown or a party in a club for the norm's people get down. I have fun trick mixing or beat juggling this one.

2. Nutmeg "Bicycle Kick"

As people already know, I Am a big fan of Broken Beats and love the work of 4hero, IG Culture, Domu, Jazzanova Mark De Clive-Lowe and Bugz In The Attic. The list goes on and as the prime time of broken has gone (2004 to me was it's best time), I still do a tribute set when am giging. I Love DKD's "Future Rage" and NSM's DJ Power (IG Culture mix) but sometimes i think those tracks are a little to dark for the massive. Bicycle Kick is the same but i always give it that push. They must learn.

3. Leaders Of The New School "The International Zone Coaster"

Just Like Jimmy Castor, this track has something in it to make the people wanna get down. I Love my Hip-Hop and Hip-Hop to me means love, peace, unity and having fun, not money, cars and bitchies. This one sets the vibe in any event that the dancers wanna flex to.

4. Omar "It's So"

This is a all rounder. It's Reggae, Calypso, Salsa, Hip-Hop, Soul, Jazz, Broken all in one. This can be played anywhere and everywhere.

5. The Rebirth "Evil Vibrations"

The Rebirth do a good job of covering Mighty Ryeders "Evil Vibrations". This goes well in any club and i usually mix De La Soul's "A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturday" after just so they know where it comes from.

Don't forget to check Psykhomantus every Saturday @ The Turkey Cafe, 24 Grandy St, Leicester, LE1 1DE

Video: Rob Swift's "Rabia - 2nd Movement"

Rob Swift's first video "Rabia-2nd Movement" for his forth solo album "The Architect" which comes out in February. Yeah man I'm looking fwd to this. Something tells me that it's going to be a good year for turntablism.

Rabia - 2nd Movement

ROB SWIFT | MySpace Music Videos

Check Rob Swift on www.djrobswift.com

Serato Tutor: Recording your mix with the SL3

As I am a happy Serato owner, here's how to record your set with the SL3...

Is He For Real? Who is Bigz?

Who The Fuck Is This

Logged On At 5.46

In The Morning

Crack Of Dawning

Now Am Yawning

Wipe The Cold Out My Eye

And See Who Cloning B-I-G, And WHY?

Can Somebody please tell me who Bigz is?

Am not stupid but dude reminds me of Biggie Smalls. Not because he's fat, black and ugly, am on about his style of rhymin. Tell me that am wrong.

Downloads: Two New Mix-Tapes

Raekwon "Coke Up In Da Dollar Bill"

01. Happy New Year Feat. Ol Dirty Bastard
02. Coke Up in Da Dollar Bill
03. I Wanna Rock
04. Blood Missles Feat. AZ
05. History
06. Trenchman
07. The Set UP
08. Real Talk
09. Stick Up Muzik Feat. Busta Rhymes & Uncle Murda
10. Yessir Feat. Ghostface & Crooked I
11. Crime Wave
12. Heat Rocks

DOWNLOAD HERE

The Soul Arranger part six: Dirty Old Soul Crates 2

Marc Mac digs in the dirty soul crates to give us a brand new podcast for 2010

Click Here: The Soul Arranger (part six) the soul crate vol. 2

DJ sacked for pulling plug on 'boring' Queen

And Other News...

A British radio presenter has been sacked after he pulled the plug on Queen Elizabeth II's traditional Christmas Day speech, telling listeners it was "boring".

Tom Binns has lost his job at Birmingham radio station BRMB after a number of listeners complained over his interruption of the monarch's traditional December 25 broadcast to Britain and the Commonwealth.

"Two words: Bor-ring," he said on air as he stopped the broadcast, before quipping "from one Queen to another..." as he put on Last Christmas by pop duo Wham, featuring openly gay singer George Michael.

Binns explained that the incident occurred after the Queen's Speech - a decades-old tradition still watched by millions of Britons and others every year - came on at a point when he had expected a regular news bulletin.

"I was working on my own on Christmas Day; I'd even had to let myself into the studio. After the guy before me finished, we should have taken the news from Sky, and then my show would start," he told the Chortle comedy website.

"But instead of the news, we got the Queen's speech. I knew it shouldn't be there, but having never heard it before, I didn't know how long it was going to go on for.

"I'm not trained to make editorial decisions, but I decided to get rid of it and make a joke. I said: 'Two words: bor-ring'.

"I then went into an old riff about how people say the royal family are good for tourism, but the French beheaded theirs and people still visit France," before cueing up the Wham song, he said.

He added that one listener got really angry.

"He sent me a message saying I should be sent to Basra and hoped I'd get killed by a roadside bomb... but other than that almost all the texts we received were in support of what I'd done."

The radio station's parent company, the Orion Media Group program, said the DJ's comments were "inappropriate", adding: "We do not condone what he said in any way, whether said in jest or not.

"Tom will now not be featuring again on our radio stations," said its program and marketing director, David Lloyd, quoted by the Birmingham Post.

Binns added: "Nobody would have tuned in to hear the Queen's speech; and I tried to deal with it in a funny way. After all, they employ comedians to make jokes."