12/7/09
11/29/09
Javad Jahi, Rest in Power
Javad Tshombe Martinez Jahi, a consummate warrior spirit and eloquent orator, has taken his place amongst the ancestors and The Most High. His dedication to family, friends and community is evident in all he does. A scholar, activist, youth advocate, supporter of human causes, lover of the arts and avid sportsmen, Javad has made the transition and accepted his new assignment and promotion with The Most High as of November 28th, 2009.
Words cannot adequately describe the spiritual essence, compassion and commitment exuded by this rare, yet down-to-earth, brother who will continue to be celebrated until time indefinite by all whom he has touched.
His thirty-two years are chock-full of accomplishments too numerous to list in the context of this brief message. The legacy of this phenomenal brother is one infused with abundant activity and overwhelming love by his family, co-workers and the vast number of brothers, sisters, students and elders that are included amongst his loved-ones and vast network…
All who know Javad recognize the love of life that he conveys to all in his path…
This is an excerpt from the poem “Back and Forth” from Mood Swings, a collection of poetry by Javad Jahi.
“Black, brown, mahogany, chocolate, dark ebony tones
Leading me to a pathway home
Victorious visions in the mind continue to roam
I hope your souls I have not over flown
My wings will not truly soar, unless accompanied by the flock
Different minds staying solid like rocks
From this birds eye view shows the opposite of few
Grasping truth’s wetness in my clutches
Off this I pray
But it slid away like night taking day”
Surely we will miss Javad, moreover know that his loving, caring spirit reigns free and strong. Rest assured that his family, friends and community shall continue the legacy of this mighty and magnanimous giant of a spirit…
With loving memories…
Javad’s Family…
pictured left to right: Jase, Javad Jahi, and Michael.
11/23/09
10/28/09
Photos from Roc Raida Tribute (NYC)
I always feel that historic events need to be documented, and the Roc Raida tribute in New York last week was definitely one of those events. I wish I was there to show my support to someone who was an influence to me in my early years of DJing, and although is untimely death was a tragic blow to the DJ community around the world, it is really refreshing to know how many people loved and appreciated his contributions. One of the purposes of life is to contribute to mankind, and teach & influence others. To say that Roc accomplished that is an understatement.
I want to give a HUGE shout out to one of my good friends Miguel aka Mr. E for sharing these visual images with the world, and his documentation will help preserve Roc's legacy.
Rest in peace.
Mr. E's Roc Raida Facebook Photo Album
10/27/09
Jazzy Jeff - He's the King, I'm the DJ
Here is a mix from the Great Jazzy Jeff
to honor the Greatest, Micheal Jackson
10/26/09
Love Movement 2.5 (Live from Eve Lounge, San Francisco)
At this past event, Return of Love Movement at Eve Lounge, I recorded all of the DJ sets for that evening, and my set is being branded as Love Movement 2.5, in anticipation for a POSSIBLE Love Movement 3 (but not likely, still possible though.) Shout out to all the people who came out to support, and much love to the D2S fam. For one night, the Love Movement was Back! and here you can relive it, or listen to it for the first time.
Love Movement 2.5 (Live from Eve Lounge, San Francisco)
10/23/09
The Making of Love Movement Mixtapes from My POV
This weekend in San Francisco, we (D2S) are bringing back one of our most successful and acclaimed events, "Love Movement". Love Movement was not our first event, but it's significance comes from the family and friends who supported us every month, and to my ability to produce these classic mixtapes. I had some of my best DJ sets there, and those nights will never be forgotten. Since we're bringing back, I thought this would be a good time to give some history on the making of the Love Movement series, and to post the download links.
My first computer that I've ever solely owned was my iMac in 2005. I barely knew anything about what it could do, or even why I bought it, but I knew I could make mixes with it. The idea came from the D2S crew (or maybe myself, I forget) that I should do a promotional mix that reflects the mood and overall vibe of the monthly event. I didn't know the first thing about how to record it, I just knew you could record in Garage Band. I was making a habit of digitizing my vinyl through Garage Band at that time, so I figured I could take it a step further and make a mix out of it. So, that exactly what I did. I fumbled through it, and I made an excellent product, considering I was learning the program on the fly.
We had a few copies with labels that Aries had printed at his work, and myself, along with the D2S crew, passed em out to people at other events like they were flyers. Instead of the mix being Multi-tracked, it was broken up into 3 long tracks. That was the best I could do at the time. The 3 tracks were labeled as such:
"Track 1: Big Up to ALL BAY AREA DEEJAYS who put it down! Music is the GREATEST GIFT OF ALL!
Track 2: What ever you're doin to this mixtape, do it to the best of your ability! Music is the GREATEST GIFT OF ALL!!!
Track 3: Y'all know how to get at me, haylow@blablabla or call me at 415-***-**** for feedback. Music is EVERYTHING to EVERYONE!!! PEACE & LOVE"
I don't know if anyone actually read or noticed that, so that's why I'm putting it out there.
So after the CDs were in a good circulation, I received an immense amount of positive feedback and compliments. That was my inspiration.
When recording this mixtape, I was much more comfortable using Garage Band for making my mixes, and I had 2 under my belt already (James Yancey Productions and Love Movement Vol. 1). This was my first mix using Scratch Live/Serato, so that was a significant mark for me. There isn't much of a story behind Vol. 2, but I can say that I wanted to do my absolute best, and that's exactly what I did. I put my best foot forward, and the result was one of my all time favorite mixes. That is the main reason why there never was a Vol 3. I felt I could not give the tremendous amount of effort that was put into Vol 2. I didn't want it to be anything less. I had ideas, I had thoughts, even playlists, but it has yet to materialize.
But, I assure you, it will.
Here is the message I attached with the Love Movement 2 CD:
"This mixtape was created due to the overwhelming amount of positive feedback recieved from the first Love Movement mixtape. I appreciate each and every comment, and to show that appreciation, It forces me to put my HEART and SOUL in to each project. WE DO IT ALL FOR THE LOVE Y'ALL, YEAH!"
The Love Movement Vol 1 was released into stores this year, and for years it was only Volume 2 for sale. I created the artwork for Vol 1 (there never was an official Cover). Aries did the artwork for Vol 2.
A Tribe Called Quest - The Love
Soulive Feat. Kweli - Bridge to Bama (Remix)
Black Thought / Little Brother - Listen to Speed (HaYLoW's Mash Up)
Raphael Saadiq Feat. Teedra Moses - I Want You Back
Kev Brown - Always
Encore Feat. Lady Bug Mecca - Real Talk
Madvillian Feat. Stacey Epps - Eyes
Little Brother - Home
Mos Def / Bobby Valentino - Slow Down Ms. Fat Booty (HaYLoW's Mash Up)
Me & Those Dreamin Eyes - D'Angelo (Jay Dee Remix)
702 Feat. Pharrell - I Still Love You
K-OS - Heaven Only Knows (Remix)
Dwele Feat. Kanye West & Consequense - Hold On (Remix)
P.H.E.A.R. - Amount to Something
Asheru Feat. Kweli - Mood Swing
Mos Def & Ronnie Jordan - Brighter Day
Nas Feat. Quon / 112 - You Already Know a Moment (HaYLoW'a Mash Up)
Alicia Keys - How Come You Don't Call (Neptunes Remix)
Akon - Senegal
Teena Marie - Still In Love
Camp Lo - Gotcha
A Tribe Called Quest - 4 Moms
•∞•∞•∞•∞•∞•∞•∞•∞•
1. John, Duke, and Nina Give Their Interpretation of Love
2. Get ta Steppin - Common & Vinia Mojica
3. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth - Searchin'
4. Common - Love Is....
5. The Roots - Hypontic
6. Marvin's Interpretation of Love
7. Slum Village - Call Me
8. Q-Tip - For the Nasty (Fakta Remix)
9. Self Scientific - Love Bird
10. Little Brother - Get Whatever Away (HaYLoW Mash Up)
11.Platinum Pied Pipers Feat. Tiombe Lockhart - I Got You
12.Count Bass-D Feat. Dionne Ferris - Seven Years
13. Bobby's Interpretation of Love
14. The Roots - Silent Treatment (Kelo's Remix)
15. Devin Feat. Erica Marion - Too Cute
16. Saukrates - Kalifornia
17. Jacore Baptiste Feat. PSD - Rollercoaster Love
18. Aceyalone - I Never Knew
19. Pete Rock Feat. Vinia Mojica - Mind Blowin'
20. Black Star - Brown Skin Lady
21. Leon's Interpretation of Love
22. Teedra Moses - Caught Up
23. J. Rawls Feat. Middle Child - What If
24. Vinia Mojica - Guilt Junkie
25. John's and Duke's Last Thoughts
Password: djhaylow
•∞•∞•∞•∞•∞•∞•∞•∞•
Some facts about the Love Movement Mixtapes:
-Prince Aries did the cover for the CD
-Love Movement 2 was completed in 5 days
-Love Movement 2 was in retail stores in LA, San Diego, and the Bay
-Track 1 on the Love Movement 2 Cover is incorrect. It says 'Common and Vinia Mojica, when it's Mos Def and Vinia Mojica
-There are many songs that ARE NOT Love songs on Love Movement vol. 1 LOL
-I used all vinyl for Love Movement Vol. 1
-Love Movement Vol. 1 was released in stores this year, but I recorded it in 2005
-There are 8 Non Hip Hop songs on Love Movement 2, but 3 are non Hip Hop songs by Hip Hop artists/groups
-Only 1 of the songs on Love Movement 2 is not a love song
-I recorded both Love Movement Vol. 1 & 2 on Garage Band
If you choose to download, Feedback/Comments is definitely appreciated.
Thank you for showing Love and Support.
10/22/09
Kambir - Changes (Prod. by Kev Brown)
More goodness from the Low Budget fam. This is probably one of my favorite Kev Brown beats, and Kambir does justice to the beat. I hate saying the word 'underrated' or 'slept on', because it doesn't give the artists credit, but when mentioning the best crews in the game right now, Low Budget may not be talked about, but they definitely should be.
Vocal Instrumental
10/21/09
Oddisee - Hip Hop is Cool Again
This one is from his Mental Liberation joint...
Hip Hop is Cool Again
Oddisee - Foot in the Door (Mixtape) Mixed by Jazzy Jeff
Here's an oldie but goodie,
a MUST HAVE for anyone who
hasn't heard any authentic Hip Hop recently.
Foot In The Door
10/19/09
Oddisee - Odd Autumn
More heat from Oddisee to start your week off in the right direction.
OddAutumn
10/14/09
Happy 99th Birthday, John Wooden
This bears repeating each year because this man is one of Basketball's greatest ambassadors, but today we honor the legend John Wooden. The game seems to evolve each generation, with bigger players, flashier moves, and more financial obligations and contractual commitments, but John Wooden will always remain a huge influence on the game of Basketball, and more importantly, the game of Life. It is hard to note all of his achievements, and his philosophies, and the players in which he schooled in every sense of the word, but his grace and knowledge will always be remembered by current players, coaches, fans, and every contributer to basketball on all levels.
Quotes
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.
John Wooden
Ability is a poor man's wealth.
John Wooden
Adversity is the state in which man mostly easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then.
John Wooden
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
John Wooden
Be prepared and be honest.
John Wooden
Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.
John Wooden
Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
John Wooden
Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
John Wooden
Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.
John Wooden
Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.
John Wooden
I'd rather have a lot of talent and a little experience than a lot of experience and a little talent.
John Wooden
If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
John Wooden
If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.
John Wooden
It isn't what you do, but how you do it.
John Wooden
It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.
John Wooden
It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.
John Wooden
It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.
John Wooden
Material possessions, winning scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord, because He knows what we really are and that is all that matters.
John Wooden
Never mistake activity for achievement.
John Wooden
Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
John Wooden
Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts.
John Wooden
Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.
John Wooden
Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.
John Wooden
The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
John Wooden
The worst thing about new books is that they keep us from reading the old ones.
John Wooden
There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer.
John Wooden
Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.
John Wooden
What you are as a person is far more important that what you are as a basketball player.
John Wooden
Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character.
John Wooden
You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.
John Wooden
You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.
John Wooden
10/13/09
10/9/09
10/8/09
Lupe Fiasco - Fire
This is a joint i just downloaded from 2dopeboyz, and I must say,
this is an instant classic!
Lupe is one of the illest lyricists, and he brings his 'A' game for this one.
Lupe - Fire
Lupe Fiasco - Coulda Been (Full Version)
One of my favorite Lupe songs.
we all have a purpose in life.
Coulda Been
If I Wasnt Rapping I Probally Be Wrastlin
Hand Ta Hand Grapling On The Coner Of Madison
Or Realestating Tryna Sell You A Mansion
Or Rollerblading Doing 360 Flash Bends
Or Ill Prob Be Flipping Da Burger Attemptin A Murder Paralized Sipping On Gurba
I Could Be Working At Jewels, Chain Snatching Jerking Ya Jewels, Homeless Working For Food
I Might Be Cleaning Ya Pool, Teaching Ya School, Preaching To Fools,
Leaching, Smoking Weed To Be Cool
At Dmv's Holding Lines Up,A Whine Duck In Line Ups Who Times Up
Full Of Holes In A Whole In A Fine Tux,
Out On Parole, Out Of Control, Holden Ya Dime Up
I Could Be Lazy Sitting On Your Couch
Or I Could Be Crazie Cussin Pigions Out
I Could Be Hustlin Bags,
Struggling Bad,
If I Wasn't Up In The Lab,
Shit, I Just Might Be,
Cutting Ya Grass
Walking Ya Dog
Pumping Ya Gas
Or Nuttin At All
Could Be Thanking The Academy
Friend Of The Family
Ya Man, Delivering Bail
Or I Could Of Been The Man That Delivers Your Mail
Or I Could Be Taking The Stand Drinkin On L
This Could Be My Third Life, My Third Strike Or My Third Wife, Been Garbage On My First Mic
I Could Of Got Off Easy That Nigga Deserves Life
Orcan Man Searching For Termites
I Could Be Sticking Up Convinece Stores Or Twistin Up What You Feenin For
Or Gettind Bucked With The Meanest Horse
Been Giving Up, On Top Of Building Leaning Forward, With No Wings To Soar It
It Could Of Kidnapped My Daughter Been Extorted For A Couple Of Porshes
I Might Be Drunk From The Moe Stombling Slow Someone Ya Know Running Da Show, Or Shoveling Snow
I Could Be Hustlin Bags,
Struggling Bad,
If I Wasn't Up In The Lab,
Shit, I Just Might Be,
Cutting Ya Grass
Walking Ya Dog
Pumping Ya Gas
Nuttin At All
I Could Be Starting Galding, Or Planting The Garden, Or Security Garding
Or I Could Be Starving And Eating Out Ya Garbage And Found Stardom And Starring In Sitcoms Wit Martin
I Could Of Been Marching Wit Martin, Handcuff, Nullface, Over The Face With No Comment,
I Might Not Even Be Darkskin, I Might Not Even Be Conscious, Comatose When I Over Dose
A Rnb Singer Blowing The Notes, Tailor Sowing The Coats, A Sailor Rowing The Boat
I Coulda....Boxed A Little Fought For The Title, Lost, And Lost My Vitals On The Way To The Hospital
I Could Of Lost My Buiessness
Won The Lotto And Lost My Ticket
I Could Be The Last On To Cross And Finish It
I Could Be You, I Could Be Him, He Could Be Me, We All Got A Job to do
10/7/09
10/6/09
Follow up to Affinity Fundraiser
With so much trouble in the world today, it's difficult to remain sane, I am proud to say that Distortion 2 Static's fundraiser, along with Boogie events, combined with another event in San Francisco at Azul promoted by Get Live, raised $6000 and 6 glad bags full of clothes for relief efforts for the Philippines. I would like to commend all the people who were involved in making this happen, and Thank everyone who came out to support.
10/2/09
Mr. Magic, Rest in Peace
Growing up where and when I did, I was unable to listen to Mr. Magic on a regular basis, but that doesn't mean his presence and aura wasn't felt throughout the forefathers, fans, and New Yorkers alike. In a sense, it's like hearing your parents talk about a relative which you never got the chance to know, but you still love em for the way people talk about them. Back in that time period, Radio was like BET, Magazines, and Blogs combined, and I can only imagine the revere and respect this man commanded. I posted links to some of his mixes in tribute, and just like our recent fallen icons, His legacy will live on.
WHBI Mr. Magic (1985)
via www.old-school-hiphop-tapes.blogspot.com
Mr. Cee Mr. Magic Tribute (10/2/09)
10/1/09
D.Julien - Absolute Perfection
My man out of BK hit me with some joints off his new project "Live, Love, and Learn". He got a great sound and it's def worth a download. The Production is by Soulful! out of the DMV. This combo will be making a lot of noise in the near future, so stay tuned.
Baby It's Over
9/30/09
Spank Pops - Beautiful Noise
Much love and respect to Frisco legend, and long time homie Spank Pops produced by Doctor J. I also gotta give a shout out to T.D. Camp and the Hella Records family. These cats have been puttin it down for a while, and it's only right you give this a download, and support Spanks when that new project drops. Frisco Stand Up!
9/29/09
AFFINITY: Fundraiser to Aid Flood Victims in the Phillippines
AFFINITY: A FUNDRAISER to AID FLOOD VICTIMS in the PHILIPPINES
Join us this Saturday as we come together in the spirit of communion to bless the Philippines with all the light we have to spare. For some the motivation is personal at the family level, for others the intention is purely humanitarian. We've rounded up a clan of DJs and artists to anoint the crowd with heat and heart, so be prepared to do your sweaty dance! Local Hip Hop community and good music, moving for a cause, promises to be a beautiful thing.
Performances by
KIWI, ALEXANDER SPIT and HOPIE SPITSHARD
DJs
JAH YZER, HAYLOW, CUTSO, SWIFTROCK, WONWAY POSIBUL, PRINCE ARIES, DIGGA, RETSEL, IZZACE and DELROKZ
Sponsors
BAYAN, BLISS, 24 KARAT MILKCRATE, KULARTS, SWEETS BY GRACE, BEATS RHYMES & LIFE, MSP, SEGUE, SWTBRDS and ROCK THE SCHOOL BELLS
9/28/09
9/24/09
The Following Videos...
...are a couple new ones that I whole-heartedly co-sign and vouch for. Just a side note, I'm glad that artists are still making quality videos knowing good and well that MTV and BET aren't gonna give em the time of day. Well, I take that back, because there's all the lil subdivisions of MTV, but yall get my point. No matter how "bad" Hip Hop gets, there will always be creativity, and quality, and talent. If you check out this blog, I'm sure you're well aware of that, but it's always good to get a reminder every now and again.
9/23/09
Shepard Fairey + Michael Jordan + Upper Deck
Shepard Fairey teamed up with Upper Deck and these beautiful prints are the result, commemorating Michael Jordan on his recent Hall of Fame induction. Even though his "I slayed all my enemies" speech was a received with criticism, none can deny his immortal greatness. Michael Jordan was the best player in his era of greats, and he won at every opportunity. I comment Fairey for his angle on sports, and I would love to see similar works in the future. For more information, check out obeygiant.com
9/22/09
Q-Tip - Wild Hot / Freestyle
Usually you'd get on someone for using the same verse, but Q-Tip gets a pass. I know this was somewhat common in the 90's, but I really don't think you can get away with it in this day n age. I know Kanye did it with is "mayonaise colored benz, I push miracle whips" verse, and I've heard Tash do it, but I think that everything an artist puts out nowadays is subject to exposure, so I think emcees are more careful about it. Any others? Please let me know!
For the freestyle, the beat is so unusual for something for Q-Tip to rap on, especially for that time. It kinda has a West Coast gangsta feel to it. It's something that may catch you off guard, but it still should be in your collection, esp if you're a Tribe fan. It was off this Record called Mr. Sandman Freestyles. The other cut is of the Rhyme & Reason soundtrack, featuring Busta Rhymes.
WIILLD hot
9/21/09
Kingmost - Funemployment (Mixtape)
If you know anything about what a good DJ is, you'd download the homie Kingmost's newest mixtape Funmemployment. I've known this cat for nearly 10 years, and from day one (subliminal plug) he's been one of my favorites to put a needle to a record. This newest mix by Kingmost should be the right thing for the summer madness thats been going on, and you can thank him by visiting his blog at Kingmost.tumblr.com
9/20/09
Rest in Peace DJ Roc Raida (May 18, 1972 – September 19, 2009)
It is sad to say we have lost another musical talent, DJ Roc Raida. The irony of his passing, along with DJ AM's passing is that these are two major figures which I revered, but for completely different reasons, and during different phases in my DJ career. During the late '90s I studied the routines, and marveled at the body tricks. I never tried to do em, because I knew I couldn't. During that time, the Bay and LA we're such a major hub for DJ battling, but Roc Raida and the X-Men symbolized the New York DJ sound. Although Roc Raida was taken way too soon, lived a full life. He was an esteemed musician, loved by all, and he left a huge impact on DJ culture. His legacy will live strong, and he will always be recognized as one of the greatest to ever do it.
(from www.knowgoodmusic.blogspot.com)
Side A Side B
9/17/09
cARTer - Legal Trapin (Mixtape)
Long time homie and D2S Affiliate Drewbyrd has been working with Carter for a minute now, and I can co-sign for both of em. Long Awaited, Highly Anticipated, or maybe an introduction. Carter, Los Angeles by way of Houston.
Keen-¥ - Zodiac (Beat Tape)
This is somethin for the heads lookin for a different sound. It's got a futuristic vibe to it, and to its credit, it takes a couple of listens to really soak it in. Dom Kennedy shouted Keen-¥ out on twitter for producing the 'Watermelon Sundae' beat, so I felt that alone was worth a follow. It only takes one beat/song to have me checkin for more, so I guess you can say I'm a fan!
Download this, give it a couple listens, and your feelings will be mutual.
9/16/09
Philadelphia to close ALL Libraries on Oct 2nd
I didn't believe this until I read it. The city of Philadelphia will close ALL libraries on Oct 2nd, and will remain closed until further notice.
To read the article on www.nbcphiladelphia.com, click here.
To read the article on www.huffingtonpost.com, click here.
more information, click here.
sad, sad realization.
