J-Dilla - Still Shining Documentary

Here’s a real dope documentary on the late Dilla by Brian “B.Kyle” Atkins, much of which was shot on the day of his funeral back in ’06. Still Shining features commentary from Ma Dukes Yancey and a whole string of Dilla friends, and collaborators on the man, his music and his legacy.

Here’s a breakdown of the various segments:

(2:55) – Work Ethic Starts In The Basement
(7:35) – What To Listen For in A Dilla Beat
(9:10) – J.Dilla’s Range As A Producer. The King of Reinvention
(12:16) – Going Beyond His Influences
(14:39) – The Dilla Approach To Production
(20:21) – Jay The Producer vs Jay The MC
(26:08) – The Personal Side of J.Dilla
(29:04) – A Soldier Unstoppable!
(32:05) – Venturing Out. (as explained by Phat Kat)
(33:59) – Heading Home… Job Well Done.
(34:48) – We Salute You.

Jay Electronica Spitting 'Exhibit A' Live @ Jazz Cafe [Video] & Gig Review

I headed down to the Jazz Cafe last Wednesday to witness hip-hop's fastest rising star of the moment, Jay Electronica.

I rocked up just in time to catch the end of Eglo record's Fatima's set, her voice sounding just as powerful live as it is on wax. If ya don't know, check out her track 'kleer' produced by Funkineven, & preview her incredible-sounding forthcoming ep here featuring Dam Funk. Next up K-lashnekoff performed a short set including classics such as 'Murder' & his take on 'Welcome to Jamrock' - a few embarrassing slips aside (forgetting the lyrics to his new single probably wasn't a career highlight) -he was a welcome surprise, & reminded me just how powerful his voice & flow are, I'll definitely be checking for his new LP out soon.

After K-Lash there was a good hour & a half wait 'til the main act.. I heard many impatient comments from the audience, but I was personally happy as a pig in shit wildin' out to a killer set by Benji B - a fine choice of underground hip hop classics (big props to anyone dropping 'The Enemy' by Big L & Fat Joe), some funk/disco rarities & a good half hour of well-chosen Dilla productions.

And so on to the man of the moment, Jay Electronica eventually stepped to the stage fully suited up, & proceeded to give one of the finest performances I've heard for a long time to be delivered by a simple MC & DJ combo (not that the dj did much!). His delivery was clear, his energy was as up as you'd expect from a man riding the wave of newly found stardom, the crowd was super hyped, & dude straight killed it. I was much-relieved to discover him to be as great a performer as he is an MC, & would probably make a half-decent comedian, offering shots of jack to nearby punters, & getting away with asking all the ladies in the house to make noise if they enjoy a little mild choking during sex! Jay performed a dope selection of his material, but of course Exhibit's A & C were the joints that really shut it down, with most of the crowd rapping along to the whole tracks (big up London for knowing our shit!). If he makes a return to these shores anytime soon, don't miss out.

Peep the video above, taken from the second night's performance (& pinched with love from DJ Semtex's blog) for a taste - & download his recent 'Victory' mixtape free of charge here.

DJ Matman - Fresh Cuts Radio December 09 ft. Druskillz & Daredevil [download]

Happy New Year!! Check out the latest edition of Fresh Cuts Radio for the freshest US & UK Hip Hop every month..

This month sees the return of guest Dj's Druskillz (the kraftsmen) & Daredevil (DMC/Droppin' Science), part mixtape, part knowledge, all fresh!!

Tracklist:

01. Matman & Daredevil (The Brothas Grimm) – Fresh Cuts Radio Intro
02. Jay Electronica - Exhibit C
03. Sareem Poems ft. Ken Starr & Oddisee - Rude Awakening (Oddisee Remix)
04. DJ Daredevil - Up Yours 6
04. Skyzoo - Ghetto America (astronote remix)
05. Krs One & Buckshot ft. Talib Kweli & Geologic of Blue Scholars - Oh Really (Marco Polo Remix)
06. Black Ripper ft. Pierre & Loudmouth Melvin - Just a Dream
07. DJ Daredevil - Kilo
08. Statik Selektah ft. Reks, Termanology, JFK & Kali - The Best
09. Strong Arm Steady ft.Phonte - Best of Times
10. Endemic & Cappo ft. Cyrus Malachi & Iron Braidz - Hacksaw
11. Doom - Gazillion-Ear (MADVILLAINZ remix)
12. DJ Daredevil - Revenge of Matthew
13. Rakim ft. Jadakiss, Styles P & Busta Rhymes- Euphoria
14. J-Dilla - Make Em NV (DaveNotti Maxymus Remix)
15. Mystro - Thorish
16. DJ Daredevil - Monday Morning
17. Skillz - 2009 Rap Up

Stream/Download here, or subscribe via itunes using the link below: