88 Ways...

My interview with THEM JEANS in Seven Magazine came out today, interesting and talented guy...

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:16:41 -0700

My interview with THEM JEANS in Seven Magazine came out today, interesting and talented guy excited for him to DJ at Insert Coin(s) Tuesday March 19th…

Make sure you check his new EP “Vowel Play” that dropped this week and his upcoming Flight Facilities remix on the 19th.

CHECK THE INTERVIEW AND CLICK HERE

xxohh!

Monthly Happenings on What's Goin' On in my world

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:23:32 -0800

I am shooting out a monthly email for What’s Goin’ On in my world so if you’d like to keep up with me click on the subscribe button!

MONTHLY EMAIL CLICK HERE

NEW MIX - DIGITAL LOVE Vol. 2 - "Let Me Bang"

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:23:35 -0800

DOWNLOAD MIX HERE

For Those That Ain't Knowin',Ya Heard It Here First...

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 22:24:00 -0800

Its so nice to spend the evening going through music and getting back to a writing zone, I’ve neglected my lovely little blog for some time now. I’m gearing up to start focusing on it again as well as some upcoming interviews. Here is an interview I am dying to do…as soon as I can find this damn man!

One of my favorite new producer/remixers reppin’ Isreal the mysterious synth King, Shai Vardi aka Virgin Magnetic Material. I haven’t fallen so madly in love with a remixers signature style in quite a while. He offers everything I crave when it comes to this kind of vibe…old meets sleek and new, 80s meets NuDisco meets New Wave with an molasses electric feel.

For those of you who are 80’s dark wave babies, here’s one of my favorites of then and now courtesy of Mr. Vardi…

KILLING MOON - ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN (VIRGIN MAGNETIC MATERIAL REMIX)

I have been researching this man for at least six months now, searching for a way to download and or buy his redonkulous catalog of remixes and to no avail except for two songs that were part of a UK compilation via JUNO Records which I quickly bought.

I am determined to interview him he’s far too talented to go unnoticed by the vast sea of true music lover out there.

His Soundcloud is filled with dreamy gems and finally there is an actual mix to download…

Watch out ladies, you’ll get pregnant off the first listen, its that sexy. Download his incredible mix HERE

ARTISTS FOR A CAUSE event @ INSERT COIN(S) 11/14/12

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:21:00 -0800

HUGE shout out to Langdon Flynn PR and everyone that came out and supported a very special event we put together last night at Insert Coin(s), downtown Las Vegas.

ARTISTS FOR A CAUSE was a video game inspired Art Show & Silent Auction event I curated for Insert Coin(s) that featured artwork from Obey Jef, Brian DeLeon, myself, Juan Muniz and King Ruck of Black Spade Tattoo (not pictured).

artwork by: Brian DeLeon

artwork by: ObeyJef

artwork by: King Ruck of Black Spade Tattoo

artwork by: yours truly

artwork by: Juan Muniz

The art work was incredible and the vibe was amazing thanks to our other “featured artist” DJ LEFTO, not only one of my favorite DJs but such an amazingly interesting and understated dude.

Invited guests took full advantage of our intimate but awesome Silent Auction in which 100% of the proceeds went to our to featured charities; Heaven Can Wait Animal Society

and The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. My friend and Moet/Hennessy Brand Manager Jey Hall scooped up a handful of the Silent Auction items while hosting a “Hennessy Black Ops” (one of my favorite drinks at Insert Coin(s)) open bar all night.

RedBull “Night On The Town” package winners…

I would like to personally thank the following people & businesses who donated auction items for the evening:

RED BULL

Alex Epstien & The EL CORTEZ CABANA SUITES

Sara Nisperos of COTERIE BOUTIQUE downtown Las Vegas

Joey Vanas & The FIRST FRIDAY FOUNDATION

Raul Daniels, THE PALMS CASINO RESORT, & NOVE ITALIANO Restaurant

FUKU BURGER

Jason Strauss & LAVO Restaurant, Palazzo Hotel

Michael Morton & LA CAVE Restaurant, Wynn Hotel

LANGDON FLYNN PR

WPT POKER PRO ALEX OUTHRED

CARROT TOP

Ryan Schuler of STK Steakhouse, Cosmopolitan Hotel

Jolene Mannina of AURELIAN MARKETING GROUP

BLACK SPADE TATTOO

BARRYMORE’S Restaurant, downtown Las Vegas

KELLY CARDENAS SALON, Las Vegas

and a HUGE thank you to my Mommy Judy “Mo” DeLano for running the Silent Auction for us…(she has an awesome blog check it out HERE)

One of my best friends’ Jolene Mannina won the live painting from Juan Muniz in the raffle…

It was a beautiful event and a great way to introduce people to the versatility of Insert Coin(s) as a multi-purpose venue. Finally a mega shout out to my partner in crime Christopher LaPorte (middle) for constantly encouraging me to get creative and giving me the freedom to conceptualize alternative events for his venue.

xxxohh!

CONGRATS!!!!

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:46:12 -0700

To one of my best friends’ Ms. Jolene Mannina for making the cover of CITY LIFE magazine donned “The Queen of The Underground Food Truck Scene”

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE feature!

So proud of her, such an amazing feeling to see your friends succeed and get the praise they deserve!

xxxoohh!

DJ Jazzy Jeff September 20th, 2012

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 22:32:00 -0700

WHAT A NIGHT!!

It was quite a special night at Insert Coin(s) Thursday September 20th for the Jazzy Jeff night. House was packed, and resident DJ Kid Conrad…

and guest DJ Kid Cut Up did a fantastic job…

My Hennessey Black fam was in full effect and Hennessey Black Ops were the drink of choice…

Shout out to my friend Jey Hall from Hennessey Black for the constant support!

Jeff was flawless, a true professional and even came an hour or so early to play indulge in the heartbeat of Insert Coin(s)…

here’s some shots from the night and I’ll end it with a priceless photo to me of Jeff and I when we went 2 for 2 at the end of his set….

Thanks to our in house photographer Peter Suh (below) for some of these fabulous pictures.

THIS was a pretty amazing moment for me! S/o to “Space” for the picture!

Thank you to DJ Jazzy Jeff, Skillz, Steve, & Geo for making this one hell of a night for Insert Coin(s) and downtown in general, it goes down in the books real heavy like!

xxxxohh!

Music for your Sunday afternoon...

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 15:06:37 -0700

DOWNLOAD HERE

PORSCHE 40th Anniversary Event - Beverly Hills, CA.

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:47:00 -0700

A few years ago Porsche booked me for their store opening at Crystals in Las Vegas. I guess they dug me because three years later I got a call to do the 40th Anniversary event in Los Angeles. What a remarkable event, I was thrilled to be a part of it. It was a two day event celebrating the 40 year history of the brand held at the Sheats Goldstein house which is tucked snugglyin the side of a mountain overlooking the entire city. They took amazing care of me and it was nice to go home to LA for a couple of days. Doing these kinds of events is really what its all about. I was able to play amazing music for an international clientele and be a part of an historic event for Porsche Design in which they showcased the launch of the 2013 spring women’s line with newly appointed Creative Director, (the former Creative Director of Eli Saab), Thomas Steinbruck

This piece from WWD post event explains the event it greater detail…

PORSCHE REVS UP WOMEN’S: Porsche Design celebrated its 40th anniversary in Los Angeles Tuesday night at the Sheats Goldstein house designed by John Lautner. The brand, which originally comprised both men’s and women’s collections (the iconic aviator glasses were originally designed for women), is relaunching its women’s offerings with apparel, shoes and handbags, some of which debuted last night during a fashion presentation and on hostess Kate Beckinsale, who carried the Twin bag in white. Other iconic pieces ranging from knives to watches were displayed throughout the home all evening, and the brand plans a formal show of the men’s and women’s collection in New York on Saturday.

“We wanted to do a kind of MoMA for Porsche Design in this house,” said ceo Juergen Gessler. “Our first retail store in the U.S. opened on Rodeo Drive in 1991, and L.A. is our biggest market in the U.S., so we wanted to do an event here. Retail is very much a focus in the future.” After the New York show, all the pieces will be available in Porsche Designs’ 120 stores worldwide.”

The icing on the cake was the return of my much beloved YOKO ONO Porsche glasses which Porsche had gifted me when I did the first event with them in 2008 in Las Vegas. They were my favorite glasses and unfortunately some one stole them a couple of years ago. Thank you Porsche for an incredible experience and these amazing glasses!

Here are some pictures from the event…

Day 1 - VIP/Press Event

Day 2 - client event

and on top of it all I got to spend the evening with two of my best friends Adriane Jamison and Darrell Gervasi…a perfect trip!

Its my pleasure to announce THIS...

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 17:42:52 -0700

Its been a long time...

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:32:38 -0700

Scrambling to find the time to dedicate to this little river of info that is my blog…

Its been so long since I’ve written an interview, shared images, music finds etc.

I was recently inspired to start painting for the first time in YEARS which inspired a collaborative art show I’ll be curating and participating in come November which I’ll get into more as we get a little closer to the date.

I have been buried in the new adventure of entertainment and marketing director at Insert Coins downtown Las Vegas. Very excited about all of the changes that gon come in the next six months on the block and surrounding area.

Its been a week since I’ve scowered the music blogs for new gems and inspiration got a lot of catching up to do tonight.

I finally put together an open format mix which is part of the marketing campaign mix series for Insert Coin(s) and my Saturday night resident called DIGITAL LOVE. Moombahton, hip hop, trap, tech house, electro, remixes, etc. Given that its for INSERT COIN(S) its got a video game feel inspired by Street Fighter resident vixen Chun Li throughout. I’m rather fond of it, hope you are too.

Here’s the track listing…if these songs do somethin for ya you can grab the mix HERE

I have to find a new home for my mixes…licensing issues have made me break up with soundcloud which is a bum out given I had over 10k + listens/downloads…I’m looking for some options this week.

As per usual I’ve not given my Facebook page the attention I should, so here’s my attempt to getcha to LIKE ME and check out what I’m doing, supporting, etc.

www.facebook.com/iamdj88

Working with some very talented DJs, putting some great events together, lots going on, nothing to complain about, I mean,…I do, but who cares really? I’m happy, healthy, working, living, laughing, dancing, loving, and feeling damn appreciative.

Hope all is well in your world…

until next time!

This Thursday 8/16...

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:11:55 -0700

In great company...

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:11:08 -0700

August 20th, 2012 I’ll be djing with two pretty amazing men needless to say, I’m in great company…

Insert Coin(s) Mix Series - numero uno

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 14:23:54 -0700

It is my pleasure to give you the first mix in the new Insert Coin(s) mix series. For the next 9 weeks we’ll be dropping a new mix reppin’ each night of the week by our amazing resident DJs, something special for the summer from yours truly. The 2.0 version of the Insert Coin(s) website is almost finished and all the mixes will be featured as well as all of our resident DJs which I am so proud to work with.

We start with FRIDAYS at Insert Coin(s). Mix numero uno is reppin GAME OVER FRIDAYS in which DJs Dave Fogg and Tendaji Lathan will both be doing individual mixes to rep their GAME OVER FRIDAYS residencies. Here’s Dave’s…if you are into Trap, Bass & Video Games all the pages in your book are about to get turned!

Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD THE MIX HERE

Mi Vida Loca

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 23:39:46 -0700

Things have been crazy since I took on the position as Program Director at Insert Coins and I wanted to shoot out a quick apology/explaination as to why I’ve been behind on the HANG THE DJ interview series…I have a handful of very talented DJs who I’ve interviewed sitting in my Save As Draft box and as soon as I have some free time I will bang those out.

My new position is exciting and challenging and I’ve poured myself completely into it along with still being a resident DJ there as well.

I appreciate all the love and adoration for the interview series and hope ya’ll hang tight and bare with me.

xxxoohh!

Next Up, "The Smartass",...DJ Exodus

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 17:06:36 -0700

HANG THE DJ Interview #34

I met DJ Exodus (government name: Christopher Scott Saint John) when I was a resident at the Palms. I remember the first time I heard him play I was amazed at how effortlessly he did an open format set weaving in and out of mandatory corny sh*t and solid bangers. I have a lot of respect for those who can cheese out and still be able to inject dope records into their set with such enthusiasm. Exodus is about as solid of a big room DJ as you can get. His mic work is charming and energetic, he’s technically a perfectionist, and he is a true professional. These attributes have given him recognition that goes beyond the Vegas strip. DJ Exodus’ tweet game is strong. 108,975 followers on twitter. Impressive for a local DJ with one residency.

When I asked him how he actually decided he wanted to be a DJ he laughed and replied “I was watching “MTV workout” one day and saw DJ Skribble back when he was dope, it hit me that thats what I wanted to do”. After receiving turntables as an early graduation present from Mom dukes Exodus got his practice on via Sweet Sixteen birthday parties and High School dances. His first residency was in Hawaii and after some time passed he was offered a move to Vegas for a residency at The Beach Nightclub (which used to be on Paradise and Convention Center). He then moved on to residencies at Mist at Treasure Island, Caramel at the Bellagio, Bikini’s in the Rio one of Pure Managements first nightclub, Tangarine, and then DJ R.O.B. (the program director at The Palms at the time) asked him to come audition at Rain. From there he called The Palms home and has been a resident DJ ever since rotating between Rain, Moon, Ghostbar, and the recently closed Playboy Club (R.I.P., I had a lot of good memories DJing there).

His sense of humor is amazing. He has absolutely no problem poking fun at himself or anyone else for that matter…

He has recently made a name for himself as an edit/remixer and producer. You can rob his sound cloud page for a laundry list of the aforementioned. They are well done and work quite well in the clubs. The recently married soon to be first time father is someone you want to study if you’re in Vegas and want to step your big room set game up, his style is understated yet strong. Boys and girls it is my pleasure to introduce you to one of my favorite local big room DJs, and a man of not too many interview words,…”The Smartass”, DJ Exodus.

How did you start?
My mom gave me turntables as an early graduation present from high school in 2000.

Where are you from?
Born in San Diego, but grew up in Hawaii on the Big Island.

Where did your name DJ come from?
My first DJ gig sort of was with a Reggae band and they named me “The Exodus”, they were all high, they thought it would be a cool name and I got a gig right after and so it just stuck.

How did your record collection start?
Little by little from tower records, being it was the only place that sold vinyl Hilo

Do you remember the first record you bought?
Dr. Dre – Still DRE, I know I’m a new jack

What was your first DJ gig and when? Were there any memorable moments that night good or bad?

My first real gig was a college night at a club called Breakwater Bay Club and I was brought in to play House music because the college crowds wanted to hear ATB and shit like that and the resident DJ there didn’t know what House music was. It went rather well and when my set time was over the resident DJ was nowhere to be found. I guess something happened with his girlfriend and he had to leave so I stayed on and closed out the night. That got me my first sort of residency.

How long have you been djing?
Since 2000

How long have you been producing/remixing?
Making edits and such about 10 years, doing actual production about 3

What would you love to play that you’re not known for?
I would like to play more strictly electronic gigs.

Who are some of your favorite DJs?
The late DJ AM, Jazzy Jeff, Craze, Diplo, Warren Peace.

What would you say DJs now lack?
Passion, drive, skill, creativity, and an overall love for the art. That was directed to the serato jock uprising… And yes I use serato.

Whats a couple of your new favorite artists/songs in the genre(s) your known for and especially genre(s) that you aren’t know for but really dig?
Dada Life, Michael Woods, Kaskade, Umek.

If you weren’t producing/DJing what would you be doing?
Building houses.

What is your hobby or interest when you’re not producing/DJing that people don’t know about?
Chick flicks and girly shows like Grays Anatomy and GCB.

How do you deal with requests?
Smile and nod.

How do you feel about the current EDM (Electronic Dance Music) takeover in nightlife?
It’s fine by me I just wish it was more for the music rather than for it being “the cool thing to do”

Weirdest moment djing?
Playing salsa and latin music for a private event and pretty much killing it btw I don’t speak a word of spanish and had never played salsa before. This happened last week.

Best moment djing?
The first time I played one of my original tracks and watched the crowd jam to it.

Worst moment djing?
Really just one?

What are you most proud of in your career thus far?
Really just making it this far I’ve been so blessed and I wake up every day thankful for all that being a DJ has brought to my family and I.

Whats your favorite city/cities to play in?
Las Vegas, San Francisco, Atlantic City

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I’m half white and I like peanut butter and tunafish sandwiches

Whats your poison? (drink of choice in the booth)
Blueberry Vodka or Veuve…

What will you be/or want to be doing 5 years from now?
Still Djing and Producing hopefully at higher level and possibly traveling more.

Upcoming events/spot dates:

This Wednesday at Insert Coin(s) for VERSUS

Every weekend @ The Palms

website: djexodus.com

Facebook: djexoduslv

soundcloud: djexoduslive

Next Up, The DJ Turned Beat King, Diamond D

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 18:01:00 -0700

HANG THE DJ Interview #33

One of my favorite hip hop albums of all time is Diamond D’s “Stunts, Blunts, & Hip Hop”. The Source Magazine named it one of the best Hip Hop albums of all time in 1998 and rightfully so. I have so many favorites off this album. During this time I rolled pretty tough with a dear friend of mine still to this day, the impeccably talented photographer; Brian Cross (a.k.a. B+ of Mochilla fame). This album was our SH*T!. I can’t imagine how many times we must’ve listened to it in his apartment off Normandie. So many memories.

Diamond D started out as a DJ for Jazzy Jay back in the late 1980s and together with rhyme partner Master Rob, he was one half of the group Ultimate Force. The group signed with Jazzy Jay’s Strong City Records, and Diamond and Rob started recording their debut album, I’m Not Playin’, in 1988 and released the 12-inch single with the same title, which spawned a buzz in the underground. The album was completed in 1990, but it got caught up in label politics, such as the shutdown of Strong City distributor Uni Records, and was shelved until 2007 when it was released through Traffic Entertainment. One of the last songs recorded for the album was a Diamond D solo song in which he actually picked up the mike for the first time. The song was called “The Best-Kept Secret.”

Whenever I play “Best Kept Secret” you can’t help but shout out random lines and ad-libs like “Diamond D got props like a cop”….and whoever the homegirl is that yells “YO CHILL!”. If you don’t remember the classic singles and b-sides off this album here’s a little stroll down memory lane…

“Best-Kept Secret”

Released: 1992
B-side: “A View From the Underground”, “Freestyle (Yo, That’s That Shit)”

“Sally Got a One-Track Mind”

Released: 1992
B-side: “Check One, Two”

“What U Heard”

Released: 1993
B-side: “I’m Outta Here”

The times I spent listening and dancing to this record is one of my fondest memories in the transitional stage of hip hop in the early 90’s. Even though I was born and raised in L.A. I always had a stronger connection to N.Y. hip hop. It started with Eric B. & Rakim, BDP, Kane, etc. but when the shift starting happening and so many incredible production driven records were dropping around came 1992 and I was introduced to Diamond D.

Although I LOVED Diamond’s style as an MC his production was really what made me a die hard fan. His sound is so classic, it really is a perfectly produced record for that time. The lack of sampling restrictions at the time was such an added bonus on this record. Everyone from Jeff Beck to Booker T & The M.G.s to to Tower of Power to Kleer to James Taylor to SchoolHouse Rock were sampled and additional production magic was provided by Large Professor, 45 King, Q-Tip, & Showbiz to name a few. The album was 23 songs strong give or take a few skits/intros, I miss this time in hip hop mainly because whatever your taste or preference you were guaranteed to love at least 80% of the songs on the album. As I’m writing this “Don’t Let it Go To Your Head” by Jean Carne is playing in the background in my living room, which was sampled for and is the title of one of my later favorite Brand Nubian songs. That is actually how I met Diamond for the first time. Sadat X and I have been friends for around 15 years and back in the day he took me to Diamond’s Studio while I was on one of my many N.Y. trips. I remember being in his basement in awe of the magic that surrounded me. A sea of records filled the space, MPC’s, boards, etc. I was in heaven. I can be known to be more a fan of producers than MC’s and Diamond is one of them for sure. That being said he has produced some of my favorite hip hop songs for other artists including; “Soul Clap” - Showbiz & A.G., “The Next Level” - The Liks, & “Punks Jump Up” - Brand Nubian.

Here is the LAUNDRY LIST of songs he’s produced in his career according to Wikipedia hopefully its accurate…

Production

1989: Raheem - “I’m The King”
1990: Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth - Funky Technician (LP):
“Funky Technician”, “Here I Come”, “Bad Mutha”, “I Keep The Crowd Listening”
1990: Ultimate Force - “I’m Not Playing” (LP)
1999: Showbiz & AG - “I’m Convinced”, previously unreleased
1991: Lord Finesse - Return of the Funky Man (LP):
“Fuck ’Em”, “Isn’t He Something”, “Praise The Lord”, “That’s How Smooth I Am”, “Praise The Lord (Remix)”
1992: Showbiz and A.G. ”Hard to Kill”, “Soul Clap,” from Runaway Slave
1992: The Ghetto Girlz - Ain’t Takin’ No Shit (LP):
“Alphabetical Order”, “Bitch Ass Nigger”, “Marked For Death”, “That’s All She Wrote”
1992: Diamond D And The Psychotic Neurotics - “Best Kept Secret (Remix by 45 King & Diamond)”
1992: Brand Nubian - “Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down”, “Punks Jump Up… (Remix)
1992: Busy Bee - Thank God For Busy Bee (LP):
“Get With Me”, “Home Boyz”, “I Got Thingz Sewed”, “My Personality”
1992: The A.T.E.E.M. - Yeah (Diamond Mix)
1992: R.O.C. - Dedicated to My Girl (Diamond Mix)
1993: Illegal - “CrumbSnatcher” and “Illegal Will Roc” from The Untold Truth
1993: Red Hot Lover Tone - Give It Up (Remix)
1993: Cypress Hill - When The Ship Goes Down (Diamond Mix)<—Unreleased & Revamped says year 1996, not 93(?) (The single was released 1993, the album was compiled in 1996)
1993: Yaggfu Front & Diamond D - Slappin’ Suckas Silly (Remix)
1993: Apache - “Who Freaked Who” and “Get Ya Weight Up” from Apache Ain’t Shit
1993: Fat Joe - Represent (LP):
“Bad Man”, “Watch The Sound”, “Flow Joe”, “Da Fat Gangsta”, “Shorty Gotta Fat Ass”, “You Must Be Out of Your Mind”and “Get On Up”
1993: Diamond D - “I’m Outta Here (Remix)”
1993: Illegal - “We Getz Buzy (Remix)”
1993: Raazda Rukkuz - “Da Chronic Asthmatics” and “Loco Impact”, 12” Single
1993: Leaders of the New School - “Classic Material (Remix)”
1993: Diamond D ft. Lord Finesse & Sadat X - “You Can’t Front”
1993: Private Investigators - “Who Am I? (God) [Remix]”
1993: Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs - Roxbury 02119 (LP):
“Streets of the Ghetto”, “Busted”, “Love Comes & Goes”, “I Thought Ya Knew”, “Dat Ain’t Right”
1994: Fu-Schnickens - “”Sneakin’ Up On Ya”, “”Aaahh Ooohhh!” from Nervous Breakdon
1994: A.D.O.R. - The Concrete (LP):
“Day 2 Day”, “Heart & Soul”, “Keep it Real”, “The Kid is Crazy”, “Day 2 Day (Mecca Mix)”
1994: Shadz of Lingo - A View to a Kill (LP):
“Different Stylez”, “Don’t Test Da Skills”, “Ill And Get Clowned”, “Think I Give A Fuck”
1994: Red Hot Lover Tone - “#1 Player” and “Bust The Manueva”, from #1 Player
1994: Nefertiti - “Come Down Baby” and “Family Tree” from L.I.F.E.
1994: House of Pain ”Word is Bond”, “Word is Bond (Remix)” from Same As It Ever Was
1994: Justice System - “Dedication to Bambaata (Remix)”
1994: Dana Barros & Cedric Ceballos, ft. A.G. & Brand Nubian - “Ya Don’t Stop”
1994: Outkast - “SouthernPlayalistiCadillacMuzik (Remix)”
1994: Scientifik - “I Got Planz” and “Yeah Daddy”, from Criminal
1994: The Veldt - “Soul in a Jar (Guitar Mix)”
1994: Joi ft. Shadz of Lingo - “Freedom”
1994: Total Devastation - “Wonderful World of Skins (Remix)”
1994: Lucas - “Cityzen (Diamond D Remix)”
1995: The Pharcyde ”Groupie Therapy,” from Labcabincalifornia
1995: KRS-One - “Build Ya Skillz,” “Squash All Beef,” from KRS-One
1995: KRS-One - “Ah Yeah (Diamond Flava)” and “Ah Yeah (Diamond Rhode Mix)”, 12” Single
1995: KRS-One - “What I Know”, unreleased outtake from KRS-One
1995: Big C - “Look Alive”, from D&D Project
1995: Big Red - “Created A Monster” and “How They Want It”, 12” Single
1995: Various Artists - “Freedom (Theme From Panther)”
1995: Tha Alkaholiks ”Let it Out,” “Next Level,” from Coast II Coast
1995: Fat Joe - “Bronx Tales” and “Watch Out”, from Jealous One’s Envy
1995: Urban Thermo Dynamics - “Manifest Destiny”
1996: Fugees ”The Score,” from The Score
1996: Xzibit ”Bird’s Eye View,” from At the Speed of Life
1996: Mondo Grosso - Do You See What I See (Remix)
1996: Ronnie Foster - “Summer Song (Diamond D Mix)”
1996: Sadat X ft. Fat Joe - “Nasty Hoes”, from America is Dying Slowly
1996: Raekwon ft. Ghostface Killah& Jodeci - “Rainy Dayz (Mr. Dalvin Remix)”; co-production, programming & mixing
1996: Ras Kass ”Soul on Ice (Remix)”, from Soul on Ice (12” single)
1996: Broadway A.K.A. Party Arty - “Enjoy Yourself”
1996: Sadat X - “Wild Cowboys”, “Petty People” and “Move On” from Wild Cowboys
1997: Afro Jazz - “Paria v/s Estat”
1997: Organized Konfusion ”Questions,” from The Equinox
1997: Diamond D - “Hiatus (Remix)”, “MC2”, from The Hiatus 12”
1997: D.I.T.C. - “Day One”, 12” Single
1998: A.D.O.R. - “The Rush”, from Shoq Frequency
1998: Busta Rhymes ”What the Fuck You Want!!” from Extinction Level Event (Final World Front)
1998: Brand Nubian - “Foundation”, from Foundaction
1998: D.I.T.C. ft. Brand Nubian - “I Flip Styles”
1998: Queen Latifah - “I Don’t Know”, from Order in the Court
1999: A.G. - “Nowhere to Go”, from The Dirty Version
1999: Busta Rhymes - “The Bus-a-Bus (Remix)”
1999: Diamond D - “When it Pours it Rains”, from Soundbombing 2
1999: Diamond D & Sadat X - “Feel It”, 12” Single
1999: Mos Def ”Hip-Hop,” from Black on Both Sides
1999: Pharoahe Monch ”The Light,” “The Truth,” “The Ass,” from Internal Affairs
1999: Scaramanga - “S.I.R.”, from 7 Eyes, 7 Horns
1999: Too Short ft. Jay-Z - “Here We Go”, from Can’t Stay Away
2000: A.D.O.R. - “Cock’d Back”, from Animal 2000
2000: Freddie Foxxx ”Bumpy, Bring it Home,” from Industry Shakedown
2000: D.I.T.C. ”Day One,” “Foundation,” from D.I.T.C.
2000: Sadat X - “X-Man”, “You Can’t Deny” from State of NY vs. Derek Murphy EP
2000: Unbound Allstars - “Mumia 911”
2001: Busta Rhymes - “Wife in Law” featuring Jaheim
2001: Muro ft. O.C. - “Lyrical Tyrants (Diamond Mix)”
2002: The 45 King - “Double Dare”
2003: Akrobatik- “Feedback,” from Balance
2003: ASD - “Sag Mir Wo Die Party Ist”
2004: Earatik Statik ft. Pacewon - “People Like Us”, from Feelin Earatik
2004: Edo G featuring Pete Rock - “Streets is Callin”, from My Own Worst Enemy
2004: The Omen - “It’s Our World”, from DJ Rhetmatic Mixtape
2005: A.D.O.R. - “The Realness”, from Signature of Ill
2005: Sadat X - “The Great Diamond D”, from Experience & Education
2005: Medina Green - “Green Boogie”, from Mixtape
2006: Cannonball Adderley – “Bohemia in the Dark (Remix)”
2006: Sadat X - “The Post”, from Black October
2007: Sean Price - “Get it Together”, from Master P
2007: Natalie Cole - “Day Dreaming”, from Leaving
2008: Terror Tongue - “Lyrical Threat”, from Unreleased Production 1994
2009: Collective Efforts - “I Get Down”
2009: Freestyle Professors - “Think About It”, from Gryme Tyme
2011: Pharoahe Monch - “Shine”, from “W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)

At the time “Stunts” came out I never imaged I would end up being a DJ professionally. So the thought of being able to rock with one of my favorite producers on my own night 19 years after “Stunts…” dropped is a dream come true for me career wise. THIS artwork makes me smile foolishly!…

I have heard of his infamous 45 sets as of late…

and after speaking to him recently on the phone a few times I am anticipating his D.I.T.C. tribute set on June 13th for VERSUS at Insert Coin(s).

Boys & Girls it is my pleasure to introduce you to illustrious DJ turned Beat King, Diamond D.

Where are you from?
THE BRONX, NEW YORK CITY

Where did your name come from?
FROM A NEIGHBORHOOD MC, NAMED DIAMOND D.

How did your record collection start?
AT 10 YEARS OLD, THE FIRST BREAKBEAT I PURCHASED WAS A 12 INCH CALLED SHANGRI-LA ON CRENSHENDO RECORDS

What was your first DJ gig and when?
AT NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTIES

How long have you been djing?
25 YEARS

What would you love to play that you’re not known for?
ELECTRONIC OR DISCO MUSIC

When did you start producing?
1989

What was your first project?
THE ULTIMATE FORCE

What was your first produced song released?
LORD FINESSE LP “THE FUNKY TECHNICIAN”

What is your favorite track you’ve done?
BUSTA RYHMES “DO THE BUS A BUS” REMIX

Who would you like to produce/work with that you haven’t already?
RAKIM AND DR. DRE

What was one of your favorite moments surrounding “Stunts, Blunts, & Hip Hop”?
THE RECORDING OF IT AT JAZZY JAY’S STUDIO. EACH SESSION WAS LIKE A PARTY.

Do you like performing live?
YES

Have you always been actively DJing throughout your career or did you take a hiatus and if so why?
NO, I TOOK A HIATUS AND LEARNED THE ART OF PRODUCTION AND EVENTUALLY BECAME AN MC.

Who are some of your favorite DJs?
FLASH, CASH MONEY, JAZZY JEFF, KID CAPRI, GRAND WIZARD THEODORE, QBERT, AFRIKA ISLAM

What would you say DJs now lack?
THE BALLS TO BREAK NEW RECORDS

What do you like about current technology as a DJ and as a producer?
THE CONVENIENCE OF IT, I CAME FROM THE CASSETTE AND REEL TO REEL ERA.

What do you dislike?
SOMETIMES TECHNOLOGY CAN HINDER THE LEARNING AND RESPECT FOR THE RUDIMENTS OF PRODUCTION AND DJING

If you weren’t producing/DJing what would you be doing?
OWNING AND OPERATING A RESTAURANT IN VEGAS

What is your hobby or interest when you’re not producing/DJing that people don’t know about?
TRAVELING AND RACING SETS

How do you deal with requests?
ONE AT TIME

How do you feel about the current EDM (Electronic Dance Music) takeover in nightlife?
DISCO IS BACK … LOVE OR LEAVE IT

Do you have any desire to be a big room DJ? Why or Why not?
YES, THERE IS NOTHING LIKE ROCKING A PARTY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE

Weirdest moment djing?
DRUNKEN REQUEST

Best moment djing?
WHEN IT POPS OFF IN THE BOOTH

Worst moment djing?
NONE

What are you most proud of in your career thus far?
MY GRAMMY AWARD I WON IN 1996 FOR THE FUGEES LP “THE SCORE”.

Whats your favorite city/cities to play in?
NYC/LA AND LONDON

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I AM INTO POLITICAL SCIENCE

Whats your poison? (drink of choice in the booth)
WATER

What will you be/or want to be doing 5 years from now?
RUNNING MY RECORD LABEL AND PUTTING OUT NEW ARTISTS

FOLLOW Diamond D on Twitter:
@diamondditc

Oslo Freshness

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 08:46:09 -0700

My homeslice from Oslo, Norway DJ Patski Love & his pahtna Chris Stallion have put out a new “Juicy” mixtape that I’m starting my morning off with today…you want this in your life.

DOWNLOAD JUICY MIXTAPE VOL. 15 HERE

HANG THE DJ presents VERSUS 6/6/12 sponsored by KNYEW

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 22:16:57 -0700

In honor of this weeks VERSUS guest DJs Neva & Crooked of KNYEW fame, I am re-running DJ Neva’s HANG THE DJ interview. I will be interviewing DJ Crooked this week and will post his interview soon. This will be my first VERSUS in which I will not be in attendance I’m headed home to LA for work but support my dudes and if you’re in Vegas head over to Insert Coin(s) to hear these two do their thang.

HANG THE DJ interview w/DJ Neva

"PRONails" event - Sunday June 10th, 2012 @ Insert Coin(s)

Wed, 30 May 2012 13:16:00 -0700

On Sunday June 10th we’ll be throwing a little bash all based around the culture of NailArt and the industry professionals behind it. Director BRASS will be featuring her trailer for her upcoming documentary “NAILGAMS” in which I was interviewed in along with some of the Nail designers who will be in attendance at the event.

Very excited to celebrate and indulge in a personal passion of mine, NailArt. Those of you familiar with me know I’m a nail junkie, its been a part of my personal style since high school and now a part of my professional brand via the magic of the Nail Artist that I met when I first moved to Vegas, Sindy Mark of Wild Orchid Nail Salon & KUPA’s Beautiful Nails.

Here are a few of my favorite designs I’ve mustered up and Sindy has made come to life!…These are actual materials not hand painted although I tip my hat to those talented artists who hand paint such magic…

Don’t Sweat The Technique.

One of my all time favorite designs back when I was still rockin’ squares (I’m a die hard stiletto girl now…)

PAID IN FULL album cover…

Feathers…(yes, actual feathers)

Money, money, money, money….money

Oragami Paper…

Oragami Paper, Gold leaf, Denim, & Chains

Diamond Life…

Gold Diggin’…

Queen of Hearts…

and last but not least my gorgeous baby girl getting her paws did by Sindy…

Those of you nail junkies in Vegas on Sunday June 10th…Come Get Some! I’m very excited about this event.

xxxohh!

DJ88