CODE OF THE STREETS | Hip Hop & Street Art Exhibition

If there is one thing that we stand behind, it is the belief that true hip hop, street art and the always changing lifestyle subculture community is in a serious need of diversification on a worldwide scale. Fortunately for us, our man Semor shares this same philosophy. He will be paying it forward with an event this coming June 27th. We have teamed up with him along with our other familia Dedicated in helping to spread the universal word of unity and 'Hip Hope', with a one day jam that will be held at the local youth culture center in the district of Altenkirchen, Germany. If you happen to live or will be visiting be sure to show your love and support. For more information feel free to hit us or Semor up.

In the meantime here are a few details:

12:00PM- (WRITING):
Workshop will start off by featuring the TAD Crew and two special writers- Hombre & Pesk. Other artists will include: Jemo, Emok, Leks, Ahorn, Bruz, Virs & Semor.

8:00PM- (FEATURE DJ'S)
Diomanges, Westwood Connection, Notah and Cuba 64 will be keeping things in the mix. Music acts LIVE & Direct brought to you by: Huss & Hodn along with Sylabil Spill and O-Flow.

DRIVE IN STUDIOS | Pro-8 Air Event

Playing a bit of catch up on our news and projects...

One of the latest PR events that Rawthentix/R.A.W. Creative Group was a part of, took place on February 26th at the renownd Drive In photography studio. The evenings focus featured the latest battery generator technology available to photographers called PRO-8 Air.

We won't even begin nor attempt to explain the complexity of this digital techo-babble, except to say the precision and lightening speed capabilities to freeze frame our dancers was out of this world. We teamed up with the good folks over at Drive-In to a provide a portion of the evenings entertainment festivities, which included food, drink and a female boxing match exhibition we're still scratching our heads trying to figure out. Nothing like witnessing two women throw down and slug it out. Thanks to all our F.A.M. who held it down- Wonder, Zero, Bam La Roc, Super Freeze, Dredel, Leo, Scuba, Static and B-Girl Smiles (Ney, Ney). Additional props to Resource Magazine for the press coverage on their blog.

For an inside look, visit:
RAW CREATIVE PR GROUP| DRIVE-IN Studios GALLERY SITE
Photos by Elizabeth Sagarin

STONES THROW| VAPORS LOVEMADE| FUSICOLOGY Present: "Be Our Valentine"

Whether you decide to roll up solo or with your sweetheart, here's a special Valentine’s eve party that will give you that all over warm and fuzzy feeling all over.

Featuring an exclusive 4×4 Video DJ Set by Prince Paul (Pimp Paul) & the always flavorful DJ Peanut Butter Wolf (Stones Throw), comes the "Be Our Valentine" event on February 13. The nights festivities will also include the Egyptian Lover, Dam-Funk & Mayer Hawthorne for your listening pleasure. Brought to you by Vapors Magazine, Lovemade, & Fusicology.

DATE: February 13th.
TIME: 9pm, 18 + up
LOCATION: 1154 Glendale Blvd.
Tickets are: $15. Purchase them at:
TicketWeb or Stones Throw

DJ VR & UNCLE T Present: "ROAD TO OBAMA" MIXTAPE

There's nothing like a good old fashion mixtape. This one's got more than its fill of classic gems worthy of downloading. Fresh and hot off the decks comes "Road To Obama", presented by French DJs DJ VR and UNCLE T, with album artwork created by SHAKA.

DOWNLOAD HERE.

ENJOY!

ZEBAK

(Tracklist)
Billie Holliday : « Strange Fruit »
Nina Simone : « Mississippi Goddamn »
Sam Cooke : « A Change is Gonna Come »
Bob Marley : « Get Up Stand Up »
Gil Scott Heron : « The Revolution Will Not Be Televised »
Diana Ross : « Brown Babies »
James Brown : « The Big Payback »
Nas : « I Can »
The O’jays : « Give the People What They Want »
The Chi-lites : « For God’s Sake Give More Power To The People »
John Lennon : « Power To The People »
Public Enemy : « Power To The People »
Public Enemy : « Fight the Power »
Malcolm X : « By Any Means Necessary »
Outkast : « Rosa Parks »
Marvin Gaye : « What’s Goin’ On »
Curtis Mayfield : « New World Order »
Nas feat 2Pac : « Black President »
Jay z : « Lick a Shot for Obama »
Christina K /Whale/Rhymefest/Royce da 5’9 : « Black President rmx »
APT : « Obama a Milli »
Young Jeezy : « My President is Black »
Mc Fadden & Whitehead : « Ain’t no Stoppin us Now »
James Brown : « Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud »

CARHARTT Presents: STONES THROW EUROPE TOUR 2009

Oh Crikey!...This is definately one of those times we wish we were abroad. In fact, spendin half the year in Europe would give us the perfect excuse to be closer to some of our fam network. Since we can't, maybe you can to enjoy some musical gems presented by the always inspiring DJ Peanut Butter Wolf. He and his record label Stones Throw have teamed up with Carhartt to present the 2009 Europe Tour starting this coming March. Stay with us as we will bring you more after the needle drop. In the meantime peep the tour line up and dates below.


Carhartt presents: Stones Throw Europe Tour 2009

Artist Line Up:

Mayer Hawthorne (Live)
James Pants (Live)
Peanut Butter Wolf (Video Set )
Dam-Funk

So far confirmed:
03/06/09 Stones Throw x Ed Banger night – Bataclan – Paris – FR
03/07/09 Cargo – London – UK BUY TICKET
03/08/09 Detonate Weekender – Prestatyn – UK
03/10/09 Sugar Factory – Amsterdam – NL
03/11/09 Trix – Antwerp – BE
03/12/09 Rote Fabrik – Zurich – CH
03/13/09 La Plateforme – Lyon – FR
03/15/09 B72 – Vienna – AT BUY TICKET
03/18/09 Rust – Copenhagen – DK
03/19/09 Conne Island – Leipzig – DE PREORDER TICKET
03/21/09 Sala Caracol – Madrid – ES

Ed Banger Line Up for Paris Show: Dj Mehdi, Busy P, DSL

There will be more tour dates and information updated soon…

DMC/TECHNICS COMPETITION: BATTLE FOR YOUR T-SHIRT

DMC was initially founded by Tony Prince in 1981 as a "Disco Mix Club Show on Radio Luxembourg in the UK, and later operated as a DJ remix service. Five years later they would soon host what is now known today as the DMC World DJ Chamionships. You'll know that this annual DJ competition has produced some of the most influential turntablists and producers to date that include Mixmaster Mike, Q-Bert, and A-Trak. Whether you hit the tables or not, you can add your creative mark by designing your own DMC t-shirt to be added to the 2009 catalogue.

If your design is chosen for the catalogue, you will win 3 copies of your finished
t-shirt in any sizes specified, as well as a DMC/Technics goodie bag which will include a Technics record bag, a pair of Technics slipmats, Technics stickers and the 2008 DMC World DJ Championship DVD. Calvin Klein have also kicked in a gift bag containing his and hers CKIN2U fragrances and his and hers CKIN2U body wash to keep you smelling fresh. You will also have the prestige of your very own design being included in the DMC/Technics range and being name checked on their website and in the 2009 catalogue. To enter the competition visit DMC Technics for full contest rules. GOOD LUCK and get yours!

N.E.R.D. x SOONER OR LATER

The latest video to drop featuring the song "Sooner or Later" off N.E.R.D's third studio album release Seeing Sounds.

ARABIAN PRINCE: Innovation Life ANTHOLOGY 1984-1989

Fresh out the lab from legendary DJ Peanut Butter Wolf and his Los Angeles based record label Stones Throw comes their latest release featuring the anthology collection of electro-rap artist Arabian Prince. Visit Stones Throw to learn some science and to purchase the album.

1st. Album Release: "Brother Arab" 1984- 1989
"She's Got A Big Posse

THIS ISN"T YOUR ORDINARY STEEL DRUM

Similar to the steel drum, the Hang instrument is a percussive steel drum known for its melodic "singing bowl" like sound qualities. It was introduced in Switzerland in 2001and presented at the Frankfurt Music Fair. (Where just as amazed at you are). Peep the video from artist Manu Delago playing his solo entitled "Mono Desire" from the "Living Room In London" tour.

HOBNOX IS DROPPING NEW BEATS

Music production has been brought to a whole new level. If you’re a novice or aspiring DJ, and have ever dreamt of creating beats without the expense of draining your bank account on equipment, this may be your answer. Based out of Berlin, Hobnox is new online community web portal which allows music lovers the opportunity to create and share original music and videos, with the use of a state-of-the-art Audio tool format. With the added help of an impressive browser based Flash version of a mixing board, users will be allowed to score their own original beats and melodies within their site. According to Hobnox PR, some added features include:

•LIVE recording and saving functionality
•Addition of a ‚Mac/Dock-like shelf with all the devices
•New devices: Splitter, Merger, Compressor, Phaser, Slope and Gate
•No Java Bypass (you'll need Flash 10 in order to use this tool)
•Audiotool- The use of 3 default set-ups or start a blank set-up

We say, this quite possibly could be the next techy trend that may actually make sense.

COMMOM - "UNIVERSAL MIND CONTROL VIDEO" DROP

The latest Common video and single directed by Hype Williams, entitled "Universal Mind Control". This is his 8th album slated to release by Good Music/Geffe(UMG) on November 11th. Rapping alongside a red eyed robot fueled with electro synth and hip hop beats, the single is reminiscent of Afrika Bambaataa's "Soul Sonic Force". We've provided Bambaataa's original to compare. You should know by now we're a bunch of music nerd's. Either way the track is most definitely Bboy floor rock friendly.

ENJOY

COMMON- "Universal Mind Control" (2008)


Afrika Bambaataa & Kraftwerk- Original "Soul Sonic Force" (1982)

THE RETRO KIDZ IN A "NEW" ERA"

Sorry for the lack of substantial updates from us this week. Much more to come shortly. In the meantime here is something interesting for you to watch.

Based out of NYC is a relatively new underground group to the block, fittingly called The Retro Kidz. The crew consists of 8 members who's style and musicality attempt to pay homage to iconic pop culture and hip hop music of the 1980's. Growing up first hand during this decade leaves us with a trunk full of memories, to many to categorize and sort through, but it sure was FRESH. It was a time where the foundation of hip hop culture was laid, and inner city youth angst was heavy, giving birth to a new revolution representing urban culture.

Admittedly we weren't sure what to expect from TRK's latest single "New Era". We had to watch it more than once in order for it to sink in before deciding to write something. It would be easy to blast the group's track saying it's WACK, but we decided to take another approach. The old saying goes "That imitation is the greatest form of flattery", and it is obvious that they are inspired by this period in time by putting their twist on things. The video is stylized with images like dookie chains, the Wop dance, Max Headroom, Kid n Play, and Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing, with beats resembling that of the 1990 single "The Power" by German electronic group Snap!! Coincidentally "The Power" contains samples from "Love's Gonna Get You" by Jocelyn Brown, "Let the Words Flow" by Chill Rob G, and "King Of The Beats" by Mantronix. Come on, you didn't expect us to let that slip by without us taking note.

In all, TRK seem to be a group of young artists attempting to find a voice in an age where hip hop music has become a corporate equation. Whether it is a marketing tool for self promotion, you be the judge. They are not reinventing the wheel, but if their aim is to pay tribute to the past and interpret it for today's youth and culture, then perhaps there is hope yet. What are your thoughts?

The Retro Kidz "New Era"


Snap! "The Power"

A TECHNICOLOR AUDIO ESCAPE AND A DASH OF JAZZ

Excuse the ramblings of our banter, as we are feeling a bit nostalgic at the moment. Once again we started to question music's past, present, and sometimes seemingly bleak future. We always say "music is life", and without it most of us would exist in a world without sound. Most people would agree that music is essential for one's physical and mental wellness, by providing a sense of calm and ease, an outlet for aggression, or heightened inspiration. Music is that Technicolor coat we all wear, allowing us to "dream in color" completely awake. Without it we would surely exist in a blurred and colorless world, walking around with glazed eyes and a beat less swagger. So it got us thinking about what music moves us, and then we came upon the Propellerheads "History Repeating" video featuring the Grand Dame herself, Shirley Bassey. It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since this dropped. Lady Bassey is an a true pioneer and has been in the game for over 40 plus year, with a voice that blow most singers out the box. With all the contemporary artists that swear their sh$t don't stink... bow down your head, it's time to learn some foundation. Some funked up big beat with a dash of bombastic jazz, a sprinkle of beat making, topped off with a splash of Bboy-ism. Enjoy the show!

RED TAB x LEVIS UNBUTTONED TOUR

'Cause everything dope that drops always seems to be on the international tip...
We just received a heads up on the Levi's Unbuttoned Tour which will feature
DJ's Mr. Oizo, Steve Aoki, and Whitney live and direct from various cities in the Deutchland. Visit the RED-TAB site for tour dates and ticket purchase locations. More after the blast.

CHEMICAL BROTHERS- BROTHERHOOD ALBUM

Last Tuesday the newly anticipated album release from the Chemical Brothers entitled "Brotherhood" dropped. A decade later and five albums deep, the Brothers have established themselves as true pioneers within the electronic music scene.
A limited edition 2XCD box version of Brotherhood contains 2 discs. The first disc is a collection of 13 track which include the first single "Midnight Madness, as well as previously released tracks which include "Block Rockin' Beats", and "Galvanize" w/Q-Tip. Disc 2 exclusively features the tenth installment of the Electronic Battle Weapons series. Always on the cutting edge with reinventing and creating new beats and breaks, we say this is one album to add to your library. Visit the Chemicals Brothers site for full complete track listing and details.

CHEMICAL BROTHERS- BROTHERHOOD CD RELEASE PARTY

UK based, Grammy award winning Chemical Brothers are gonna' work it out this September 4 at HIRO Ballroom in NYC. The 'Brothers' have been holding it down since they emerged in '95, and introducing their eclectic fusion of breaks, electronic, hip hop, and rock with their first album Exit Planet Dust.

DATE: September 4, Doors open @ 10:00pm
SPOT: HIRL BALLROOM- 371 W. 16th. @ 9 Ave.
PLUS DJs: Does It Offend You?, Alex English & Peter Makebish
RSVP: Email- www.gbh.tv

ROBOT ROCK x MADCHESTER

For those seeking MADchester beats in the NYC, stop by the ROBOT ROCK party this Friday at Le Royale.
Best of all Paul Ryder, bass guitarist of the legendary U.K. band Happy Mondays will guest DJ. Come 'baggy' style with a freshly buzzed flip and retro dyed tshirt, and your ready for some 'Freaky Dancing'.

DATE: Friday, August 29th
SPOT: Le Royale- 21 7th Ave South at Leroy St. 21+ w/I.D.
TIME: Starts 10:00pm
FEATURING: Paul Ryder (Happy Mondays), Blonde Acid Cult, & Alex English
RSVP: list@gbh.tv

LVMH FILM '08 CAMPAIGN vs. CLUBBED TO DEATH '03

The LVMH Group present their 2008 viral campaign craftfully showcasing a portion of their 60 sub-luxury companies. Based out of Paris, France LVMH also known as Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton, is a prestigious French holding company, housing the largest luxury goods conglomerate initially merged in 1987. The advertisement is conceptualized in a world where perfection & beauty is everlasting and the powerful reign.

LVMH Film 2008

Ironically entitled 'Clubbed To Death', the original single was released in 1995 by the Australian genre-blending composer Rob Dougan, and re-released again in 2003 off his "Furious Angels" album. A complete dichotomy portrayed in this trip hop-classique captured in a '40s stylized video, which features the artist as the heroic protagonist.

GORILLAZ hits Beijing Games '08

It’s always a treat when you come across music that not so easily categorized. Formed in ’98 by Damon Albarn & Jamie Hewlett, the virtual band known as GORILLAZ presents a multitude of musical genres ranging from Rock, Hip Hop, and Trip Hop. Lead by its four animated band members 2D, Murdoc, Noodle, & Russell, they are portrayed in fantastical landscapes presented in short story video format.

In the Gorillaz latest project, Albarn & Hewlett have teamed up with the BBC to produce the title sequence and theme song for this year’s network coverage of the Beijing Olympics. In the networks efforts to draw younger viewers, a two-minute promo video will feature the song, and revolve around three new mystical characters named Monkey, Pigsy, & Sandy, and their interpreted JOURNEY TO THE WEST .

Kon & Amir:Present Off Track-Volume 2

Those who know, are aware of our never ending quest and debates on music's past, present, & future. Luckily for the last 25 years New York's crate digging duo KON & AMIR have been serving a select menu of obscure rare grooves to new & existing listeners. The follow up to their Off Track Vol.1-The Bronx, their latest release entitled Kon & Amir: Present OFF TRACK Vol.2 is packed with over 5 hours of equally satisfying mixing. Kon's music selection of 70's and 80's classics also provides his signature editing to extend the instrumentals, while Amir's earthly blend of world & African inspired beats is prominent.