It’s not often that listening to any artist tagged as “indie-rock” gets me so amped, but since I jumped on the Arcade Fire bandwagon a few years ago, I’ve always had the urge to mess with one of their songs. Their music is anthemic. It delivers an energy and emotion that celebrates the best and worst things in life. Think I’m being over the top? David Bowie is alleged to have called them the greatest band in the history of music, so I think by comparison I’m still on sane ground.

While I can’t say I’m as consistently a fan of Three 6 Mafia, I still have not gotten tired of their 2006 hit, Stay Fly. The original beat, sampled from Willie Hutch, was straight fire, but I thought I’d try my hand at a little mash-up with Arcade Fire’s Rebellion (Lies), off their debut album, Funeral. Indie rockers and dirty south hip-hop heads… Unite! Continue reading…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK85IZpa3GA[/youtube]

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Mixtape Riot launch party last Tuesday. There was drinking, dancing, live performances, and drinking. Check the video for a very brief recap of the night. MTR is doin it big from now on, so don’t sleep on the next event. More info. on that coming soon…

Finally! With the sounds of ice cream trucks parading the streets, my first Mix Tape Riot entry coincides with the the most beautiful day of the year in Brooklyn, which inspired me to post some pre-summer jams I’ve been feeling.  With the sunshine inevitably comes marination, so I got something a little older and a little newer from the Brooklyn production duo of K-Salaam & Beatnick to aid you in your quest for relaxation- These two have been putting out solid albums and mixtapes for quite some time, fusing equal parts boom bap and one drop elements to create their unified sound.  The merging of hip hop and reggae can often seem forced, but they keep their beats minimal, yet retain enough of the respective ingredients to get the job done nicely.  The synthesis is a little lighter here, but kind of reminds me of the old Boot Camp Click material meshing patois and classic reggae references with grimy kick drums and Barry White samples, or the hip hop/ jeep remixes on all the dancehall 12 inches from the nineties.  Another thing that initially drew me to their projects, is the diversity of the artists that they get, ranging from a whole array of hip hop luminaries like Dead Prez, Talib Kweli, Pharoah Monch, and the legendary Bobbito Garcia to reggae sureshots like Buju Banton, Capleton, Luciano, and Busy Signal. (Check out their myspace page for some interesting interviews with the various artists they’ve worked with along the way).

First jam up is “Victory,” an oldie but goodie from the album “The World Is Ours.”  This track brings together two heavyweights in Mos Def and Sizzla, trading verses on a banger that has seen plenty of airtime at previous summertime affairs, so it felt right to start here.  Nothing too fancy on this chune, just two very versatile and capable artists doing what they do best on a smooth, lazy day production.

Surprisingly, the newer tune, only released for download,  is a saucy little remix they did of the Jackson 5 anthem  “Never Can Say Goodbye.”  While it’s often hazardous tampering with such classic material, they do it justice with a dirty guitar riff and subtle horn section to add just enough spice to the tune without diluting the original flavor.  (After reading those last couple sentences it’s clear that I can’t fire up Phil the Grill soon enough… that’s our BBQ for those not in the know).  Both of these cuts are equally effective in an opening set warming up the crowd or out on the patio warming up the coals, and are getting me really amplified for “Summertime in the NYC.” Continue reading…

Jeff Harms is a song writer I’ve seen a few times around Chicago.  I guess the first time or two I placed him in the “emotive songwriter/dime a dozen” category.  But the last few times I’ve seen him, I’ve been riveted by his songs.  I had a little trouble getting some of his songs available for download, and since I’m uploading his music here, I will gladly buy an album from him.  I was able to get two, and especially “Dorsal Fin”  demonstrates his ability to understate everything – lyrics, melody and instrumentation – while creating a layered song.  As a person, Harms is also very understated.  He doesn’t understand or acknowledge how much people revere his songs.  Some the baddest musicians in Chicago, including Leroy Bach, formerly of Wilco, are all too happy to play with him in any situation.  But he’ll take really small gigs that barely pay, and then thank who ever gave him gig the chance profusely.   Just a very nice guy with no mind on recognition or a career in music. 

Jeff Harms – “      Dorsal Fin “

Jeff Harms – “      40 Hours ” Continue reading…

HUGE THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO CAME OUT AND PARTIED WITH US! Big up Miz Metro, Maggie Horn, and of course, Soul Imperial. Shouts to Fiona Bloom (Bloom Effect) and Josh (Fanatic Promotions) who helped blow it up. I’ll pat myself on the back and shout out my Beatards crew too for keeping it live. Word up to Sailor Jerry for the free booze. We’ll post up more pics from the party soon, but for right now, I just want to share the mixtape that we unleashed upon the world last night. This is the first in what is now the Mixtape Riot DJ Mix Series! See that section at the top called “Mixtry“? Well this is what that tab is supposed to be all about. More mixes coming your way with the swiftness. If you’re one of the lucky few that managed to snag a physical copy, hold on to that! Super limited edition printing means those are gonna be up on ebay in a few years for LOOT! haha.

Our fist offering is basically a recorded manifestation of what DJ O and I do live. Some original tracks and remixes, some tunes made by friends and family, and other hotness old and new that we’re feeling (doesn’t matter how you want to label it). If you’re having a house party, throw this mix on for guaranteed results. Or just party in your head while you’re riding the train. Download now and BUMP LOUDLY!

Download BLAST OFF!

Check out pics from the party on Facebook

TRACKLIST
1- Intro/I’m The DJ – The Beatards 
2 – ManWomanBoogie – Q-Tip 
3 – Roof (DJ Ayres Remix) – Wale
4 – Shut Up And Let Me Go – The Ting Tings
5 – Rich Girls (Beatards Remix) – The Virgins
6 – Magnificent Last Call (Beatards Mash) – The Clash vs. ODB
7 – ABC’s Remix ft. Chen Lo – K’Naan 
8 – Raise Me Up – Hercules & Love Affair
9 – 1234 Gold – Soul Imperial
10 -Cool – Snoop Dogg
11 – Rock N Roll Attitude – Calvin Harris
12 – Dilo Como Yo – Chico Mann
13 – Pop Champagne – Telephones (Maggie Horn & Sammy Bananas)
14 – Tic Toc ft. Busy Signal – Rye Rye & M.I.A.
15 – Gettin Jacked – The Beatards
16 – Krazy ft. Lil Jon – Pitbull
17 – Aqui Para Voces ft. Deize Tigrona - Baraka Som Sistema
18 – Ipe Amarelo (Spiritual South Remix) – Quasimode
19 – Good Time – Brazilian Girls
20 – You Really Got Me (Morsy Remix) – The Kinks
21 – Downtown (Beatards Remix) – Peutla Clark 
22 – Outro/My Music – Samuel Jonathan Johnson

It’s OFFICIAL! We’ve been posting here on the new site since January, but it’s taken until mid-April for the whole crew to put together this launch party. WE B FOOLISH. But we also stay busy. Without further ado, on behalf of the entire Mixtape Riot extended famiglia, I courdially invite you all to join us this upcoming Tuesday night at the royal temple of sophisticated-funk: Beauty Bar NYC. Come expecting to sweat. You will. Live performances from Maggie Horn, Miz Metro, and The Beatards plus MTR All-Stars Soul Imperial on DJ duties, free mixtape giveaways, 2 for 1 drinks, and an un-official open bar (find me and I’ll get you a round)! The new mixtape BLAST OFF! mixed by DJ O and me is fressssssh! Come early if you want a physical copy ’cause supplies are LIMITED. Those of you that don’t come out will have to wait to hear the heat. 

I’m posting up a brand new mashup I did this morning. Serani’s “No Games” (Unfinished Business Riddim) is probably my favorite Jamaican tune from the past year. Funny thing is, my first reaction when I heard it from the High School kids I was working with in Crown Heights last summer was that it sounded so much like Tracy Chapman! I know I am not alone. A handful of people have agreed that the likeness is uncanny. Then it was Murphy’s Law who reminded of an actual Chapman original that had a minimal reggae backing beat and would be prime for remix possibilities. The pieces fell into place real easily. Just so happens that I also was reminded this weekend (by a good bearded DJ at a crazy BK house party) of an old school reggae version of another Tracy classic. The other Foxy Brown. Now I’m hyped to make them all into a mega-mix-medley at the end of the party on Tues night. DON’T SLEEP!

TUESDAY APRIL 14th
Official MixtapeRiot.com Launch Party!
BEAUTY BAR NYC - 231 E. 14th St. 
more details HERE 

Tracy Chapman :       She's Got Her Ticket (Chuck Wild Mix)
MTR excluuuuuusive! 

Serani :       No Games

Foxy Brown :       Baby Can I Hold You Tonight