Taking A Break...

So I've been doing a spot of thinking, and have come to the conclusion that I desperately need a break from DJ-ing, music, blogging, mixtapes, etc...

Since 2008, I've been grinding out Weekly & Monthly mixes, putting out refixes/blends/mashups, and doing literally everything possible to increase my profile online. I've also been on the road a hell of a lot over the past 6 months with the gigs, showcases and DJ competitions...Saying that, I'm no way near the level of Craze, A-Trak, but I feel that even in my position within the DJ hierarchy, I don't have much of a life/free time outside of music anymore...I also want to re-assess my goals within the music industry; I'm being drawn towards production a lot more, and feel that this may be the way forward for me. Plus, there are some other avenues/projects which I'd like to pursue.

So aa result, I'll be taking a break for the next couple of weeks or so...which will also mean a couple of changes:

The "Mash Down" series, will now be bi-monthly. This will give me the time to put together a higher-quality product for you guys, and to compile a much hotter tracklisting.

As for the blog, I'll still be posting once and a while, but Juxtaposer will be running things here for a short while, so please do keep checking back for updates, good music, and other blogworthy stuff...

See you all in a short while.

P.S. I'll still be doing gigs, full listings can be found here.

This Wednesday @ Optic, Norwich

Skepta will be in the building this Wedesday @ Connected, Norwich's longest-running Hip Hop/R&B night...As a means of shameless promo, we recently put together a Skepta mini mix to put up 'pon di Youtube...Nothing too flashy, just a good selection of bangers...



Tracklisting for Skepta minimix/video:

01. Too Many Man
02. 21 Seconds Remix
03. I Spy
04. Duppy (Doin' It Again)
05. Private Caller 2
06. Intensive Snare
07. Rolex Sweep
08. Rolex Sweep Feat. Coldplay (Live)

Come down and say hello!

A-Traks "Robot Rock" Routine (Video)

Nice little club juggle from Trizzy here...Rocking the DJM 800 as well, nice!

The Knux "Fire" (Music Video)

The video finally drops. Big tune!

Gotta love the random animation that crops up throughout the video too...

Previously: The Knux "Fire"

Classic Turntablism: DJ P-Trix

Been spending most of today watching old DMC videos 'pon di Youtube. P-Trix's set from the 1999 US Finals is one of the greatest of all time, in my opinion. Dude was truly next level with his beatjuggling...

That De La Soul juggle never ceases to amaze me...

House Music for Miami, Pop for Paris? Sweden says no.

Twitter is a wonderful thing, you can keep up with what your mates are doing, stalk all your favourite celebrities and, as I found out today, get breaking news on scandals.

I checked my twitter to see if Cable had broken any more macbooks but came across some far juicier news, courtesy of Steve Angello and Seb Ingrosso, fresh from their set at the Winter Music Conference in Miami.

Paris Hilton; heiress to the Hilton fortune, paparazzi obsession, pioneer of the split-legged limo exit, and now, apparently, self-appointed musical advisor to Angello and Ingrosso. Last night (Miami time) the two Swedish superstars were doing what they do best--playing upfront house music at one of the year's hottest parties--when our favourite celebrity train-wreck, Paris, decided that the music wasn't really to her taste. She approached the DJ booth and asked Angello, Ingrosso and Guetta to play some pop and R&B music.

Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but when I'm playing a set, I get pretty annoyed when every girl in the building comes up to me and asks for Lady Gaga. I imagine if I was one of the world's top DJs playing to a capacity crowd at one of the biggest parties of the year, and the personification of celebrity stupidity recommended a change of musical direction, I would probably be a little taken aback.

Poor old Paris apparently couldn't take the hint that perhaps the Swedes knew best and it resulted in her and her boyfriend getting into a fight with the DJ booth security guards, which unsurprisingly resulted in a 1-0 victory for the WMC security team.

Paris and her boyfriend plan to leave Miami immediately and I think we can all agree that that is, basically, a good thing. Perhaps she's gone to work on the followup to her *ahem* breakthrough single, 'The Stars Are Blind'. The stars may be blind Paris, but if you're going to class yourself as a star, it would seem they're probably deaf too.

Stagga "Sick As Sin" (Music Video)

Just got sent this from those lovely people over at the Chrome Kids blog. This is an absolute beast of a track...

Definitely an interesting video too. According to the blurb, "Stagga and up and coming director Ryan Andrews have put together something a little different. This video is a visual representation of the actual soundwaves themselves, in one take with no edits..." Crazy stuff, no?

Due out this coming Monday (30th March) on Rag And Bone Records.

Slaughterhouse "Move On" (Music Video)

One of the illest crews out there right now...

Chase & Status "Saxon" (OH SNAP!! Edit Stylee)

It seems that re-editing/remixing Dubstep is the latest craze. Jack Beats killed it on the "Where's My Money" remix, whilst Snoop has recently jumped on "Eastern Jam" to create the rather shite "Snoop Doog Millionaire". Whilst I'm all for people experimenting with different sounds and genres, let's just hope the D-O-Double-G doesn't end up creating a full album that'll sound like Clownstep...

Anyhow, OH SNAP!! gives Chase & Status' latest smash the re-edit treatment, turning an already sick track into an dirty uptempo banger...I'm looking forward to duppying the dance with this joint.



Be sure to grab his "Bill Cosby" EP on Beatport. It's pretty good.

Classic Tracks: Jonell "Round & Round" (Video)

Continuing with my random posts of classic tracks, I recently stumbled upon this one over at DJ B's blog. You may remember this joint from Redman & Method Man's cult stoner movie, How High. An awesome track from Hi-Tek, who went on to be a staff producer for Aftermath...

In fact, pretty much all of the "Hi-Teknology" album was hot.

The remix featuring Pharoahe Monch, Kool G Rap & Method Man was also on the slept-on "Soundbombing III" compilation by Rawkus. Although saying that, it was nowhere near as good as Volume II.

Being Charlie Sloth: Episodes 21 & 22 (Video)

Essential viewing. Enough said...

Rock The Dub LTD's 1st Release: RTDLTD001

So it's finally here, the eagerly-awaited first release from Rock The Dub's digital imprint, RTDLTD. The first release comes from US artist Noah D, who brings us a great slice of ragga-influenced D&B. Highly recommended.

Sound Clips:

A) Noah D & Shylok "Lion Sound"
AA) Noah D "Mash Down"

You may remember I featured "Mash Down" in the first edition of my monthly mixes for this year, and it's also where I got the name from!

Hold tight for more quality D&B (and other genres) from RTDLTD very soon! In the meantime, if you're a producer/artist, send your beats over to Khal.

Available now from Nu Urban Music, DNB Arena & Digital Tunes.

Keri Hilson "Knock You Down" (Music Video)

Featuring Kanye & Ne-Yo.

The forth single from her debut album, "In A Perfect World". It took me a couple of of listens, but this isn't too bad..The hook's pretty meh, but that beat is solid...

As for being a radio hit, I kinda doubt it. It seems that Keri's lacking in this department with her records, which is a shame...

On a side note, Keri > Ciara...Although I wouldn't say no to either of them.

Alesha Dixon ''Lets Get Excited'' (Blame Remix)

Yeah, you'd get it Alesha, but this one goes out to Blame, not you.

If you haven't heard of Blame you should probably get out more (or just keep reading this blog religiously). Blame's been around the Drum & Bass scene for years, but recently he's been receiving a lot of well deserved recognition. 2008 saw the release of Stay Forever, a massive tune that soon began receiving some serious air play on Radio 1 and 1Xtra, as well as blowing up dancefloors across the country.
This year Blame's showing no signs of slowing down, having already released one of the biggest liquid D&B anthems of the year, Because Of You.

Perhaps more exciting than his original productions, however, are his remixes. His remix of Show Me Love has been at number 1 in the Top 100 Drum & Bass tracks on www.trackitdown.net for a long time and has received a lot of support from fellow DJs, and quite rightly so - its huge. His latest remix of Alesha Dixon's Lets Get Excited is basically more of the same; a big commercial track reworked to appeal to a different dancefloor.

However, one notable thing about Blame is his accessible sound; don't be surprised to find his tunes getting played out mainstream nightclubs as well as D&B raves. Alongside Brookes Brothers, Blame is definitely a Drum & Bass producer to watch in 2009.

Check out his productions/remixes on his myspace

10 Deep Clothing - Spring Lookbook

10 Deep have been at the forefront of urban clothing/streetwear for a number of years now. For this year's Spring Collection, they've decided to take it back to the 90's with their choice of garments and designs...

The blurb:

"We're not ones to remain stagnant, and for our Spring 2009 collection, we've taken cues from a time when street style was based on adopting the preppy sportswear brands of the penny loafer generation and injecting it with a large dose of swagger."

Entitled "Nineteen Ninety-Now!", the Deep have wide created a range of garments such as button-ups, modified fleece bodies, cardigans, and outerwear with "graphic representations of an era where social consciousness and a sense of personal style were king".

A great concept for the photoshoot too: A full-colour, yearbook-style photo, complete with a class photo in the gym.

Check out the lookbook here

Ciara Feat. Justin Timberlake "Love Sex Magic" (Music Video)

Wow.....Just wow.....

Ciara would get it.

New Beat Torrent Trailer (Video)

Pfel & Atom aka Beat Torrent are back with another tour for your ears..and eyes too. They've only gone and incorporated video/video scratching into their sets now! From the footage Switch has shown me, their new show looks incredible...

P.S. Check out the size of that crowd as well...Mental!

Cable's Macbook Dilemma

Apologies for the lack of postage up on here, but my beloved Macbook decided to cease functioning on Wednesday night, leaving me to run around like a headless chicken trying to get it sorted (read: buy another fucking laptop) for my gigs this weekend.

As soon as I'm back up online I'll give you the full rundown of my mini Macbook adventure...in the meantime, please pour out some liqour for the above laptop. Bad times!

New Sony Product (Video)

Someone sent this to me on Facebook today, a nice bit of random ish for all the gadget junkies out there. Enjoy!

Bounce Camp x Robin S "Show Me Love" Remix

Berlin beatmaker Bounce Camp (check out my alliteration skills) AKA DJ Rolex, who also happens to be part of the Top Billin crew, gives us a dirty, bouncier bmore-esque version of Robin S' classic.

Funnily enough, I was actually thinking the other day that no-one had yet done a Bmore version of "Show Me Love"...But I digress...

Listen/Get: Robin S "Show Me Love" (Bounce Camp Remix)

Definitely worth checking out.

X-Large Cookie Monster Tee

Not bad, but nothing compared to Alife's Cookie Monster tees from about a year or two ago...

X-Men Origins: Wolverine Videogame Trailer

Allow Resident Evil 5. I need this game...

Akai APC40 - Ableton Performance Controller

I've been looking for a decent MIDI controller to use with Ableton Live for some time now...I was going to go with the Novation Remote SL 25 (which I'm going to get to use with Reason anyway), but it looks like Akai have saved the day...

The controller looks pretty easy to use, with everything laid out nicely...Peep the video below...



On a side note, I'm still waiting for more news on the highly-anticipated Serato and Ableton collaboration...To incorporate Ableton's features into a DVS such as Scratch Live would open up a whole new realm of possibilities. And with the added creativity of the Video-SL plugin too? Wow...

New Contributor...

So, I've recently enlisted fellow DJ and overall funny guy Juxtaposer to help with the blog.

He'll be keeping you up to date within the wonderful world of Electronic music and random ish/Youtube findings...

Enjoy!

Asher Roth x Tim Westwood Freestyle (Video)

LOL @ the "52" line...

8 Year Old DJ Does His Thing

Thanks go to Optic's DJ Hotpoint for this find. The kid's got pretty sick skills, but his dad mentions something about not watching cartoons on saturday mornings. What kind of childhood is that? Either way, I guess inventing your own scratches by the age of 8 is better than having a comprehensive knowledge of early 90s cartoons...

Notorious B.I.G "Mo Money, Mo Problems" (Laidback Luke Bootleg)

Laidback Luke's already demonstrated that he has a knack for bootlegging 90s classics and turning them into dancefloor-destroying anthems. Show Me Love has been smashing up clubs for the past year and recently received a long-awaited full release on Data Records. Now the Dutch superstar has reworked Notorious B.I.G's "Mo Money, Mo Problems". I guess he must have liked the movie!

Chase & Status Feat. Kano "Against All Odds" (Dubstep Remix)

Following on from their massive 2008 release of More Than Alot, Chase & Status are showing no signs of slowing down. Against All Odds has recently been released as a single, backed by Saxon. Whilst both tunes are big in their own right, I'm more excited about the remix pack.

Xample does his thing on the A Side, with a typically Jump-Up Drum & Bass offering, whilst on the flip, Chase & Status put their own track under the knife and give it the dubstep treatment. Watch out for the dubstep remix getting rinsed out nationwide - its definitely More Than Alot...

Ice Ice Baby

40 million copies sold. 40 Million! That's crazy...

I ain't gonna front, I've still got a soft spot for this joint...In fact, I may even pay homage this weekend and play it out...

Slam City Skates x Nike SB Pop Up Shop

Some interesting news for all SB fans...Nike SB is set to take over the basement space at Slam City Skates in London, serving both as a retail point and gallery, which will feature a three part photography exhibit; the first featuring Percy Dean, Jerome Campbell, Henry Kingsford and Sam Ashley. Updates for part two and three will take place in May and July respectively.

Should be worth checking out, since Nike SB have recently upped their game...

More Pics:







Spotted over at Hypebeast

DJ Clue "Who's The DJ?" Reality TV Show

Following on from such brain-cell depleting reality TV/game shows as America's Next Top Model, Shipwrecked & I Love New York, DJ Clue's stepped up with his new show "Who's The DJ?" This could be interesting...Although I have the suspicion that it'll end being like X-Factor with turntables...

Blurb taken from the official site

'Who's the DJ? selects 15 DJs from nationwide auditions to battle it out for the title of number one up and coming DJ in the country. "Who's the DJ? gives everyday DJs the once in a lifetime opportunity to take their careers to the next level," says an enthusiastic DJ Clue.

The winner of the show becomes Clue's opening DJ. From All-Star parties to Celebrity birthdays, DJ Clue is the DJ of choice. DJ Clue knows what's hot, and he brings that knowledge to this project.'

Shouts to DJ I-Dee, who's entered the competition...I can't really see anyone else f*cking with him...

That intro cracks me up...

P.S If you wanna audition (US DJ's only though, by the looks of it...Parr...) click here

Classic Tracks: The Specials "Ghost Town" (Video)

I'm gonna try and make this (as well as Hip Hop Nostalgia) a regular feature on this blog...There always seems to be a ridiculous amount of great tracks that we forget about.

I recently came across the video for this joint whilst randomly searching through Youtube. Classic, really...Nothing else left to say!

A Bit Late, But R.I.P. Notorious B.I.G.

And before you rant/complain/heckle/leave a shitty comment, no I didn't forget yesterday...My blogging game's been hella slack this week. Allow it.

Anyhow, it's a shame Biggie's no longer here. Truly one of the greatest of all time. This early freestyle is more than enough proof...

DJ Matman "Mini Mix"

My boy DJ Matman just hit me up with this small promo mix he put together recently. A nice mixture of Hip Hop, D&B and reggae, with some sick cuts and blends thrown in for good measure. You know the drill.

Get: DJ Matman "Mini Mix"

Tracklisting:

01. Intro Feat. Marley Marl
02. Dizzee Rascal - Pussyole (Matman's Old School Remix)
03. Busta Rhymes - Don't Touch Me (Throw Da Water On 'Em)
04. Jay-Z - Encore (Catchdubs Remix)
05. Beenie Man - Obama
06. Unknown Artist - Ragga Remix Of Black Rob's 'Whoa'
07. Missy Elliot - Get Ur Freak On/Brown Paper Bag (Matman Blend)
08. NWA - Dopeman
09. Kidz In The Hall - Drivin Down The Block (Matman Remix Feat. Master Ace)
10. Buju Banton - Champion (Matman's Buff Nuff Blend)
11. LDJ Feat. Redman - Get Ya Gun
12. Shinehead - Know Fe Chat/Roni Size - Number 1 Remix (Matman Blend)
13. Wayne Smith - Under Mi Sleng Teng
14. Kenny Ken - Everyman (Benny Page Remix)

BONUS!



Matman's "Usher Routine". Big juggle!

Blackberry Fires Shots @ Apple

Blackberry = Gangsta

Being Charlie Sloth: Episode 20 (Video)

This week, Charlie attends the Urbanomix "Working In America" Panel in London, has a meeting with Mixed Martial Arts Master Mams Taylor, shoots the video for "Friday Girl" with Chey N and Webby breaks down the latest internet phenomenon - Twitter!

Charlie's also gonna be up on Semtex's show in the next couple of weeks by the sounds of it...

DJ Cable "The Mash Down: Vol. 2"

EDIT: Link has been re-upped.

Yep, it's finally here, the next installment of my cross-genre mixes for your listening pleasure. Thanks to everyone who copped the previous mix. If you missed out, you can grab it here

This month's mix is mixture of bass-heavy Electro, Baltimore Club, UK Funky, UK Garage, Grime, Bassline & Dubstep, from the likes of More Fire Crew, Jack Beats, Caspa, Benga, Fake Blood, K.I.G. Family, Diplo, Boy Better Know, Kid Cudi and more... Plus some cuts, doubles, and a nice little scratch section from yours truly!

Overall, a nice selection of club tracks, new & old..

Listen/Get: DJ Cable "The Mash Down: Vol. 2"

Tracklisting:

01. Intro
02. Boy Better Know - Too Many Man
03. DJ Class - I'm The Ish
04. The Count of Monte Cristal - B-More Forward
05. DJ Tameil - I Get Money
06. Diplo Feat. Rye Rye - Wassup Wassup (DJ Sega Remix)
07. Kazey & Bulldog - Big Truck
08. Dave Nada - Where Brooklyn At?
09. Roundtable Knights - Freak From Desire
10. Dillinja - Twist 'Em Out (Proper Villains Remix)
11. AC Slater - Jack Got Jacked (Jack Beats Remix)
12. Cypress Hill - Insane In The Brain (2 Bit Thugs Remix)
13. Fake Blood - Mars
14. DJ Mujava - Township Funk (Radioclit Remix)
15. K.I.G. Family - Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes
16. Dizzee Rascal - Stand Up Tall
17. More Fire Crew - Oi!
18. Jammin - Go DJ + DJ Cable "Scratch Attack"
19. Skepta - Duppy
20. Benga - 26 Basslines
21. Kid Sister - Pro Nails (Rusko Remix)
22. Caspa - My Pet Monster
23. TC - Where's My Money? (Caspa Remix - Jack Beats Re-edit)
24. Kid Cudi - Day N Nite (Agent X Remix)
25. Lethal Bizzle - Bizzle Bizzle

Got any thoughts? Leave a comment or get in touch

P.S. Shouts to Uri for sorting the artwork for this project. Be sure to hit up her blog for other graphic design work, and details on how to contact her.

Air Jordan V White Patent/Dark Army

These look sick. Jordan V's (alongside the IV's) are my favourite in the series.

This model switches things up by offering an all-patent upper in white, with a combination of yellow, brown & black on the lowers panels and sole. The clear part of the sole reveals a camo print as well. Nice touch.

Release date is still TBC.

More Pics:

Glenn Lewis, Ghostface & Novel "Don't You Forget It" (RTD Blend)

If you've been stopping by Rock The Dub on a regular basis, you'll know that the homey Khal occasionally posts up some dope homemade blends/mega mixes.

Seeing as GFK's latest joint "Message From Ghostface" flips Glenn Lewis' "Don't You Forget It", he's gone and put the two together...And it works really well.

If you haven't heard the GFK track already, it's well worth checking out. He takes the whole Rihanna/Chris Brown saga, and sends a message out to all those who've gone through the same thing.

Listen/Get: "Don't You Forget It" (RTD Blend)

BONUS! GFK Feat. Novel "Message From Ghostface"

Chris Brown in Court (Video)

What's the bet he doesn't get convicted, eh? SMH

Tranformers: Revenge Of The Fallen Trailer #2

This looks insane.

Being Charlie Sloth" Episode 19 (Video)

This week features Jay Bape, King Sandman, and Lady Ny.

On a side note, those Kashi Kicks are f*cking disgusting...

More Nike Air Yeezy Pics

I don't care what anyone says, I'm all hyped up for these shoes. Allow the Louis Vuitton sneakers though...They're pretty stinking.

Anyhow, as I've mentioned previously on this wonderful blogspot, Kanye's collabo with Nike will be available in three colourways. The first drop will be in April (Zen Grey/LT Charcoal), whilst the Black/Black model will drop in May, and the Net/Net colourway will drop in June.

I'm all about the Black & the Net colourways...

More Pics:

Mistabishi "Printer Jam" (Music Video)

My favourite D&B joint of the moment gets a nice-looking video!

Previously: Mistabishi "Printer Jam"

Master Shortie "Dance Like A White Boy" (Music Video)

Please leave the whole Grindie thing to Lethal Bizzle.

Saying that, expect this to be requested by most people at your nearest SU bar.

Jim Jones "Na Na Nana Na Na" (Music Video)

I wasn't really feeling much of the other Jim Jones leaks, but this is pretty dope. I got the feeling that Capo may drop a solid album...