Got the Wild Style

Came across this Big L video while surfing. I could watch this all day long. Man was the real-ness. Possibly my favorite mc of all time.

Z-Z-Z-Zelly Rock

My friend Zelly is one of the most talented mc's I know. I posted a track from one of his other acts the Don Dignitaries a while back. He also just did an album with Sleep from Old Dominion, Combination Locked, that is a must to check out. If you are up in Portland, Oregon look out for him and crew you won't be disappointed. This is one of my favorite tracks from his third solo effort that dropped back in 2006. Zelly is king of the catchy hooks and this is no exception. Featuring B-Legit and Duna.

Zelly Rock featuring B-Legit & Duna - The Turf Top

Zapp-ed by the Funk

So I been feeling the funky vibe of late. Been adding to my digital library, and this week just added some of my favorite classic funk, Zapp and Roger. This track is instantly recognizable even if you don't know the song, as it as been repeatedly sampled by hip hop artists, Digital Underground, EPMD, Biggy, etc. Time to start pulling out the summer party jams...

Zapp & Roger - More Bounce to the Ounce

Heart of a Lion

OK, so I have been slacking for a while now. I will admit, though I have my moments, I am not always the best blogger. But with out apologizing too much, for it is my blog, here is something to hopefully get back on track.
This is a seven inch by Shabba Ranks that I got a while back. The Rhythm is a dubbed up version of Heathen by The Wailers. Shabba does great in true Jamaican DJ dancehall style over the old classic.

Shabba Ranks - Heart of a Lion

Shabba Ranks - Heart of a Lion (Version - Heathen Riddim)

Thank You Buddy Miles

Buddy Miles (9-5-47 to 2-26-08)
The hard hitting drums of Buddy Miles have been a huge influence in my life. I have destroyed more than one copy of Band of Gypsys from endless play over the years. And it is no coincidence that some of my favorite songs on the album were Buddy's.

Buddy was a childhood prodigy and began his career playing drums in his fathers jazz band in Omaha, Nebraska. He played in many R&B acts as he grew up. Later he moved to Chicago and started Electric Flag with Mike Bloomfield. The band made there live debut at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. After Electric Flag disbanded Buddy formed the Buddy Miles Express, whose first two albums were produced by Jimi Hendrix. Around the same time Buddy joined Billy Cox and Jimi forming the famous group Band Of Gypsys. After Jimi's death in September 1970, Buddy performed with various line-ups under his own name, as well as doing many studio sessions for other people. In 2004 he reunited with Billy Cox for Band of Gypsys Return. In 2007 health problems forced him to cancel remaining dates of his west coast tour. His family has had a history of congestive heart problems, which is the likely cause of his passing. Buddy was 60 years old. He was the baddest of the bad, and Buddy we thank you!

Band of Gypsys - Them Changes