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Thursday, August 1, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
A LETTER TO MY D.J.

REPOST FROM MY FIRST BLOG IN 2009!
The letter was written by M.O.C.H.A. and can be found on Hello Miss Jean's blog: http://hellomissjean.blogspot.com. A special shout out to Miss Jean, Brooklyn Stand Up! Please read the letter and share your thoughts. As a Dee-jay and fellow Brooklynite, it definitely had me thinking how the music and deejay game has changed through technology. There are many people calling themselves deejays today that have not paid any dues and are clueless about the history of the art form. They have never purchased or even spun vinyl records in their life. They don't know the enjoyment of D.I.T.C. (Diggin' In The Crates) or about spending hundreds or your last dollar on records before a gig, just to rock the party! The feeling that you had when you found that hot promo record! We all wanted to be on the record labels mailing list, but everyone wasn't fortunate enough. I think the emergence of Serato and other deejay software has weakened the status and respect for deejays.
When I was the Dee-jay in college at The Ohio State University, I focused on breaking new records. Today a lot of these D.J's play it to safe (Dee-Bot's). The city of Columbus, Ohio didn't even have a 24 hour urban radio station, that you could tune into clearly during my first year in school, so I hustled mixed tapes. Shout outs to Harvey Butler who did his thing on Thursdays at Drake Union, Mike Chapman, D.J. Chilli, D.J. Whiz, D.J. Mark, D.J. Nassir & Rad & Quik who also held down the campus parties back in the day as well.
Shout out to my crew "The Usual Suspects", J. Rawls, O' Sharp, Rich Nyce and King 7even.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2009
A Letter to My DJ
Whadddup stranger? Master of Melodies, Neo-Sound Explorer, Crowd Motivator, and Conductor of F-L-O-W…I miss you and I want you back. Lately you’ve been plenty predictable, sometimes not even noticeable…because frankly, the DJ is no longer the center of the universe. You are an accessory.
You’ve got me feeling empty, uncomfortable, unmotivated, and contemplating whether I should leave for good…
But back in the day you had me dancing in circles…flirting with me from your booth, playing record after record, giving me no other choice but to stay until the crack of dawn….”Okay one more song and we’re out!” But then 2 minutes later…”Oh-no-he-didn’t!” Suddenly I’d find myself willingly stuck…greeting you with a smile as both the lights in the room and sun came up.
I remember you in Junior High when the principal allowed you to DJ our school dances. You gave me my first of many musical experiences…which were rarely played in my home. Not that I grew up restricted, but music didn’t play an integral role in my upbringing. So when you came along, I was hooked! I was a fiend for your mixes and searched the radio frantically for the sounds you played. I practiced new dances in the mirror and my neighbor and I would get our routines together so when you dropped THAT record…we’d be on it.
In high school, life with you got easier and we had the ultimate connection. You influenced my style and had me walking to your beats in my head every time I hit the pavement. My mom was a bit more open to the idea of having you in the house and my sister and I danced to your mélanges in the attic. Once a week I took my allowance, bought a vinyl, and tried to copy your style. Friends would come over and beg to know where I got THAT from! Everyone wanted a dub! Let’s not forget the DJ-over-the-phone-game….Haaaaaaa! Remember those days? “I dedicate this song to you!” (Insert mix tape, press play, lay on the pillow, phone to the ear, breathe…)
But what’s a full high school experience without the House parties!? The chaperones were upstairs while us girls were in the basement, pinned up against a wall by a cutie grinding against our hips. The only light in the entire room came from the corner where your turntables and records were set up. I remember how hyped we’d get when we’d hear the hint of an instrumental creeping in while you faded out that last song, right before you put the record back in the crate. B.L.E.N.D.I.N.G.
In college you were the shhhhhhhhhhhhhit! You set the mood, pace, and dress code for all that was happening on and off campus. We didn’t listen to the radio to hear the newest hit…we went to the parties and witnessed YOU breaking records in for the first time. There were too many parties to choose from and it was often hard to commit to one. So we went to them all and watched you work the room with your hand maneuvering and musical selection. Your match-making skills were impeccable as well. You always seemed to know what to drop at that exact moment a Shorty decided to join another on the dance floor…singing all in each other’s ear…Who could hold up the wall with you spinning? And I remember back then…it was okay to sweat, (because it was a sign that you had a good time!) So we all went home W.E.T.
Later I learned more from you during my internships and various industry gigs. That’s when I decided I may want to try this all myself. I took notes and appreciated the fact that you came in many forms and gave variety its definition. Seems like in those days you had a bit more freedom to play what you thought was “hot” vs. what management dictated you should play. Now you seem to want to please too many people from record labels, to corporate America, to your critics who seem to get younger and more disconnected from what REAL music is. *sigh*
And don't get me wrong...I know you feel the pressures of mainstream/commercial radio. You feel like you need to play what's “HOT” right now. (Look at your sources!) Between the music video shows, radio stations playing the same song 2-3 times an hour at-the-same-time, manufactured BEEFS between camps just to guarantee a major hit, and club owners, promoters & PD’s choreographing your play list….I’m surprised you still have the energy or desire to keep going. But once we started to predict the order of songs you’d play….we discovered a bigger problem. Plus you squeeze in so many songs in one set! There’s no need to prove what you have in your collection! We know you have it…you’re supposed to. You’re a DJ.
Remember when you were the headliner? Today DJ’s doesn’t get the same amount of respect. It’s the year of the IPods and the new way to blend which we call…the UNBLEND: cutting off records which sound more like nails on a chalk board. Now what do we have to look forward to besides open bar and the occasional live performance from an artist? Shout outs over a Biggie beat?
Let me remind you of YOU and your worth:
YOU were the reason we wanted to get to the club at a decent time…not because of free drinks before midnight. YOU were the determining factor on whether or not we should even go! But if we saw your name on the flyer, not even the flakey door guy could keep us from you! YOU were what we talked about on the way there and when we left the party. YOU were the reason we didn’t necessarily need a dance partner…eyes closed, one hand in the air, following YOUR lead…vibing with YOU. YOU were the KING of the mid day mix and the surprise guest at the summer barbeques. YOU were the most important detail at the wedding, step show, after party, and yes….the club. Promoters didn’t tell you how much they’d pay you, YOU’d tell them. YOU broke records in a non conventional way and were the stamp-of-approval artists needed in order to get sales. The DJ’s cosign was like gold and you were respected because of that. Now artists are sh*tting on DJ’s like they sh*t on bloggers and in this day of technology….they need both.
So I dare YOU to bring YOU back. I double-dog-dare-you to play MUSIC vs. a slew of curses and derogatory terms disguised as a mix. I dare you to keep your shout outs to a minimum and I challenge you to NOT play that one current popular record more than 2 times tonight. Sheesh! Let’s see if you can get me up from my table, on to the middle of the dance floor. You think I wore these heels NOT to be seen? C’mon Son!
I don’t mean to be harsh, but I need you to know this…because I’ve no-ticed. I miss you, but not from a lover’s point of view, but as a fan. You taught me how to soul-clap like a mom teaches her daughter how to walk in heels. Played that record that made me say “daaaaamn...I haven't heard that in a minute!” Don’t you miss that “ooooooooh” sound we’d all make when you’d throw on an import remix that no one has heard? How about that song on that album that wasn't released as a single but you know is HOTTTT!?! Yeah…that one. And I loved it when you created your very own hypnotic fused melodies of wonderful vocals over that unsuspecting Hip Hop music bed. You did that and you did it well.
You love music and you love to DJ. Do what you love for the love of the craft and don’t lose yourself in politics, peer pressure, PDs, podcasts, and people coming up to you with peculiar requests. Because this new YOU isn’t YOU and I don’t know how much longer I can stay.
Love, M.O.C.H.A
*Much respect to some of the DJs I’ve followed over the years... Red Alert, Darrel James, SnS, Jazzy, Frank Ski, Cosi, Premier, Jazzy Joyce, Coco Channel, Sting International, Irie, Craig G, LSONE, Spinna , The old Funk Master Flex , Backspin, Lennox, Mustafa & Crime, Bizmarkie, NVS Styles, Severe, Bobby Konders, Rob Dinero , Naturally, Spinbad , Walshy, D-Nice and all the DJs who are hungry, humble and wholeheartedly trying to make their mark in the industry…SALUTE!
And my 1st adult crush: Qool DJ Marv….the only DJ I followed from club to club to club to club. Mica Bar, Ludlow, Bar 6, Izzy, 2 I’s, U.B.I.Q.U.I.T.A, Guernica and more… Thanks for making sure I NEVER got carded.
You’ve got me feeling empty, uncomfortable, unmotivated, and contemplating whether I should leave for good…
But back in the day you had me dancing in circles…flirting with me from your booth, playing record after record, giving me no other choice but to stay until the crack of dawn….”Okay one more song and we’re out!” But then 2 minutes later…”Oh-no-he-didn’t!” Suddenly I’d find myself willingly stuck…greeting you with a smile as both the lights in the room and sun came up.
I remember you in Junior High when the principal allowed you to DJ our school dances. You gave me my first of many musical experiences…which were rarely played in my home. Not that I grew up restricted, but music didn’t play an integral role in my upbringing. So when you came along, I was hooked! I was a fiend for your mixes and searched the radio frantically for the sounds you played. I practiced new dances in the mirror and my neighbor and I would get our routines together so when you dropped THAT record…we’d be on it.
In high school, life with you got easier and we had the ultimate connection. You influenced my style and had me walking to your beats in my head every time I hit the pavement. My mom was a bit more open to the idea of having you in the house and my sister and I danced to your mélanges in the attic. Once a week I took my allowance, bought a vinyl, and tried to copy your style. Friends would come over and beg to know where I got THAT from! Everyone wanted a dub! Let’s not forget the DJ-over-the-phone-game….Haaaaaaa! Remember those days? “I dedicate this song to you!” (Insert mix tape, press play, lay on the pillow, phone to the ear, breathe…)
But what’s a full high school experience without the House parties!? The chaperones were upstairs while us girls were in the basement, pinned up against a wall by a cutie grinding against our hips. The only light in the entire room came from the corner where your turntables and records were set up. I remember how hyped we’d get when we’d hear the hint of an instrumental creeping in while you faded out that last song, right before you put the record back in the crate. B.L.E.N.D.I.N.G.
In college you were the shhhhhhhhhhhhhit! You set the mood, pace, and dress code for all that was happening on and off campus. We didn’t listen to the radio to hear the newest hit…we went to the parties and witnessed YOU breaking records in for the first time. There were too many parties to choose from and it was often hard to commit to one. So we went to them all and watched you work the room with your hand maneuvering and musical selection. Your match-making skills were impeccable as well. You always seemed to know what to drop at that exact moment a Shorty decided to join another on the dance floor…singing all in each other’s ear…Who could hold up the wall with you spinning? And I remember back then…it was okay to sweat, (because it was a sign that you had a good time!) So we all went home W.E.T.
Later I learned more from you during my internships and various industry gigs. That’s when I decided I may want to try this all myself. I took notes and appreciated the fact that you came in many forms and gave variety its definition. Seems like in those days you had a bit more freedom to play what you thought was “hot” vs. what management dictated you should play. Now you seem to want to please too many people from record labels, to corporate America, to your critics who seem to get younger and more disconnected from what REAL music is. *sigh*
And don't get me wrong...I know you feel the pressures of mainstream/commercial radio. You feel like you need to play what's “HOT” right now. (Look at your sources!) Between the music video shows, radio stations playing the same song 2-3 times an hour at-the-same-time, manufactured BEEFS between camps just to guarantee a major hit, and club owners, promoters & PD’s choreographing your play list….I’m surprised you still have the energy or desire to keep going. But once we started to predict the order of songs you’d play….we discovered a bigger problem. Plus you squeeze in so many songs in one set! There’s no need to prove what you have in your collection! We know you have it…you’re supposed to. You’re a DJ.
Remember when you were the headliner? Today DJ’s doesn’t get the same amount of respect. It’s the year of the IPods and the new way to blend which we call…the UNBLEND: cutting off records which sound more like nails on a chalk board. Now what do we have to look forward to besides open bar and the occasional live performance from an artist? Shout outs over a Biggie beat?
Let me remind you of YOU and your worth:
YOU were the reason we wanted to get to the club at a decent time…not because of free drinks before midnight. YOU were the determining factor on whether or not we should even go! But if we saw your name on the flyer, not even the flakey door guy could keep us from you! YOU were what we talked about on the way there and when we left the party. YOU were the reason we didn’t necessarily need a dance partner…eyes closed, one hand in the air, following YOUR lead…vibing with YOU. YOU were the KING of the mid day mix and the surprise guest at the summer barbeques. YOU were the most important detail at the wedding, step show, after party, and yes….the club. Promoters didn’t tell you how much they’d pay you, YOU’d tell them. YOU broke records in a non conventional way and were the stamp-of-approval artists needed in order to get sales. The DJ’s cosign was like gold and you were respected because of that. Now artists are sh*tting on DJ’s like they sh*t on bloggers and in this day of technology….they need both.
So I dare YOU to bring YOU back. I double-dog-dare-you to play MUSIC vs. a slew of curses and derogatory terms disguised as a mix. I dare you to keep your shout outs to a minimum and I challenge you to NOT play that one current popular record more than 2 times tonight. Sheesh! Let’s see if you can get me up from my table, on to the middle of the dance floor. You think I wore these heels NOT to be seen? C’mon Son!
I don’t mean to be harsh, but I need you to know this…because I’ve no-ticed. I miss you, but not from a lover’s point of view, but as a fan. You taught me how to soul-clap like a mom teaches her daughter how to walk in heels. Played that record that made me say “daaaaamn...I haven't heard that in a minute!” Don’t you miss that “ooooooooh” sound we’d all make when you’d throw on an import remix that no one has heard? How about that song on that album that wasn't released as a single but you know is HOTTTT!?! Yeah…that one. And I loved it when you created your very own hypnotic fused melodies of wonderful vocals over that unsuspecting Hip Hop music bed. You did that and you did it well.
You love music and you love to DJ. Do what you love for the love of the craft and don’t lose yourself in politics, peer pressure, PDs, podcasts, and people coming up to you with peculiar requests. Because this new YOU isn’t YOU and I don’t know how much longer I can stay.
Love, M.O.C.H.A
*Much respect to some of the DJs I’ve followed over the years... Red Alert, Darrel James, SnS, Jazzy, Frank Ski, Cosi, Premier, Jazzy Joyce, Coco Channel, Sting International, Irie, Craig G, LSONE, Spinna , The old Funk Master Flex , Backspin, Lennox, Mustafa & Crime, Bizmarkie, NVS Styles, Severe, Bobby Konders, Rob Dinero , Naturally, Spinbad , Walshy, D-Nice and all the DJs who are hungry, humble and wholeheartedly trying to make their mark in the industry…SALUTE!
And my 1st adult crush: Qool DJ Marv….the only DJ I followed from club to club to club to club. Mica Bar, Ludlow, Bar 6, Izzy, 2 I’s, U.B.I.Q.U.I.T.A, Guernica and more… Thanks for making sure I NEVER got carded.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Bill Cosby Says George Zimmerman Isn’t A Racist, Naturally!
By Gotty™ on July 18, 2013 at 3:44 pm

Bill Cosby doesn’t want to talk about race and may actually dislike Black people. Others races shouldn’t worry because Bill’s slowly becoming not a people person period.
Perhaps I should explain.
In a recent call-in interview with the DomNnate Radio Show, the comedian was asked his unbridled opinion on the George Zimmerman verdict. Cosby’s open to speaking about guns, the prosecution of the case, and the media’s coverage but race isn’t on the table for discussion. In Cosby’s estimation, race was never an issue in the case because, well, nobody can determine if George Zimmerman’s a racist.
“This racial stuff goes into a whole bunch of discussion which has stuff that you can’t prove,” Cosby explained. “You can’t prove somebody is a racist unless they really come out and do the act and is found to be that.”

My honest reaction. But, let’s carry on because Bill wasn’t done there.
Cosby also disregards Zimmerman’s history of calling 9-1-1 to report mostly suspicious black males and notes that “the prosecution did not tell the story well, and they lost.” Cosby also cites the Casey Anthony trial and used both incidents to state that the media’s a major culprit. “I found the media were jumping and had this woman guilty,” Cosby remarked. “I will never pay attention to information given to me by TV, radio or whatever about a high-profile case until the jury says what it says.”
The prosecution comment, I can give him that because I’ve made similar statements in the wake of the verdict. The media holding sway over the public is a fair assessment as well. And while I appreciate Cosby’s honesty and willingness to say what’s on his mind, a part of me thinks he’s either angry with Black people or just a grumpy 76-year-old man or a combination of both. Whatever the case may be, Cosby continues to lose my admiration every time he speaks. He’s less fun-loving Jell-O man and more like the angry Black cop in Boyz In The Hood.
Coming of age in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the two most prominent Black males in sports and entertainment were Cliff Huxtable and Michael Jordan. Neither was too outspoken during the time period, choosing to lead by living a positive example that included a squeaky clean image. While Mike has never positioned himself to be seen as anything more than an athlete and a brand, Bill Cosby did inject implied messages in episodes of The Cosby Show.
Then, he got old. The show ended, his son was killed…and Bill Cosby took it out on everyone, but especially Black people. He became outspoken, taking the race to task over and over again with any speaking opportunity he was given. The community cried foul and Bill barked back even louder. He’s slowed down his crusade for the past few years so it was only a matter of time before the comedian came out with more terse statements that would ruffle feathers.
Now, he’s implying that race and prejudice played no role in Zimmerman shooting Trayvon Martin and I’m going to go out on a limb and say he harbors certain feelings about Martin’s parents that he hasn’t said publicly yet (give him time). Whatever he’s thinking privately and saying publicly doesn’t bother me because of what he’s saying. It’s the delivery and word choice – and his position as still a popular figure in American culture – that stings every time he talks. As someone who’s always led by positive example in film, TV and comedy, Bill’s negative viewpoint of most things runs contrary to who he’s always portrayed himself to be.
I used to love Cliff Huxtable. Now, I just don’t like Bill Cosby.
Read more: http://smokingsection.uproxx.com/TSS/2013/07/bill-cosby-george-zimmerman-not-racist#ixzz2ZQpc4mmh
Bill Cosby doesn’t want to talk about race and may actually dislike Black people. Others races shouldn’t worry because Bill’s slowly becoming not a people person period.
Perhaps I should explain.
In a recent call-in interview with the DomNnate Radio Show, the comedian was asked his unbridled opinion on the George Zimmerman verdict. Cosby’s open to speaking about guns, the prosecution of the case, and the media’s coverage but race isn’t on the table for discussion. In Cosby’s estimation, race was never an issue in the case because, well, nobody can determine if George Zimmerman’s a racist.
“This racial stuff goes into a whole bunch of discussion which has stuff that you can’t prove,” Cosby explained. “You can’t prove somebody is a racist unless they really come out and do the act and is found to be that.”
My honest reaction. But, let’s carry on because Bill wasn’t done there.
Cosby also disregards Zimmerman’s history of calling 9-1-1 to report mostly suspicious black males and notes that “the prosecution did not tell the story well, and they lost.” Cosby also cites the Casey Anthony trial and used both incidents to state that the media’s a major culprit. “I found the media were jumping and had this woman guilty,” Cosby remarked. “I will never pay attention to information given to me by TV, radio or whatever about a high-profile case until the jury says what it says.”
The prosecution comment, I can give him that because I’ve made similar statements in the wake of the verdict. The media holding sway over the public is a fair assessment as well. And while I appreciate Cosby’s honesty and willingness to say what’s on his mind, a part of me thinks he’s either angry with Black people or just a grumpy 76-year-old man or a combination of both. Whatever the case may be, Cosby continues to lose my admiration every time he speaks. He’s less fun-loving Jell-O man and more like the angry Black cop in Boyz In The Hood.
Coming of age in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the two most prominent Black males in sports and entertainment were Cliff Huxtable and Michael Jordan. Neither was too outspoken during the time period, choosing to lead by living a positive example that included a squeaky clean image. While Mike has never positioned himself to be seen as anything more than an athlete and a brand, Bill Cosby did inject implied messages in episodes of The Cosby Show.
Then, he got old. The show ended, his son was killed…and Bill Cosby took it out on everyone, but especially Black people. He became outspoken, taking the race to task over and over again with any speaking opportunity he was given. The community cried foul and Bill barked back even louder. He’s slowed down his crusade for the past few years so it was only a matter of time before the comedian came out with more terse statements that would ruffle feathers.
Now, he’s implying that race and prejudice played no role in Zimmerman shooting Trayvon Martin and I’m going to go out on a limb and say he harbors certain feelings about Martin’s parents that he hasn’t said publicly yet (give him time). Whatever he’s thinking privately and saying publicly doesn’t bother me because of what he’s saying. It’s the delivery and word choice – and his position as still a popular figure in American culture – that stings every time he talks. As someone who’s always led by positive example in film, TV and comedy, Bill’s negative viewpoint of most things runs contrary to who he’s always portrayed himself to be.
I used to love Cliff Huxtable. Now, I just don’t like Bill Cosby.
Read more: http://smokingsection.uproxx.com/TSS/2013/07/bill-cosby-george-zimmerman-not-racist#ixzz2ZQpc4mmh
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
JAY-Z DISSES HARRY BELAFONTE!
Jay-Z Takes a Shot at Harry Belafonte in New Song:
Does He Go Too Far? | Clutch Magazine
topic by illmatic826 - 07-15-2013, 10:22 PM
topic by illmatic826 - 07-15-2013, 10:22 PM
Like wife Beyonce, Jay-Z often addresses public scandals in new music rather than in the press. On his new album, “Magna Carta Holy Grail,” he talks about the backlash against his daughter, Blue Ivy, his beef with Lil Wayne and more. One of the more glaring situations he addresses is his conflict with Harry Belafonte.
In August of 2012, Harry Belafonte went on record criticizing Jay-Z and Beyonce’s lack of social responsibility. He said to The Hollywood Reporter:
“I think one of the great abuses of this modern time is that we should have had such high-profile artists, powerful celebrities. But they have turned their back on social responsibility. That goes for Jay-Z and Beyonce, for example. Give me Bruce Springsteen, and now you’re talking. I really think he is black.”
The quote received a lot of attention, prompting Beyonce to respond in The Wall Street Journal with a short list of all the “unselfish” work she’s done. Jay-Z remained mum until now.
On a new track, “Nickles and Dimes,” he says:
“I’m just trying to find common ground/ ‘Fore Mr. Belafonte come and chop a n*gga down/ Mr. Day O, major fail/ Respect these youngins boy, it’s my time now/ Hublot homie two door homie/ You don’t know all the !! I do for the homies.”
It could be argued that both Belafonte and Jay-Z hit below the belt, but some felt Jay-Z went too far in his disrespect of the actor and social activist.
“The other thing that jumps out about this verse is how abrasive Jay is with Mr. Belafonte. Harry Belafonte is 86-years-old. At this point in his life, there shouldn’t be anything at all the aging gentleman could say that should warrant someone 40 years his junior rapping profanities in his direction. It’s not about who’s right or who’s wrong, it’s about respecting your elders. [...] Age aside – this is Harry Belafonte we’re talking about. This is a man who’s spent his entire life dedicated to causes of freedom, human equality and social justice. Calling him Mr. Day-O, a mocking allusion to his biggest hit “Banana Boat Song,” is wrong, calling him “boy” while urging him to respect you because it’s “our time now,” is dead wrong.”
There’s also the fact that racist white men often referred to black males as “boy” regardless of their age as a way to disrespect them and insult their masculinity. “Boy” is a weighted term for an older black man, and I’m sure Jay-Z is well aware of its significance.
What do you think, Clutchettes? Did Jay-Z go too far?
George Zimmerman Says He's Buying Another Gun & Heading To Law School!
Since being
acquitted of murk charges, many are wondering what life-after-trial will be like
for George Zimmerman. According to the man himself, he's planning on buying
another gun and heading to law school. According to TIME, Zimmerman his friend Leanne Benjamin he'd like to pursue a career in the legal field so he can "help other people like me." "He sees it as a potential path to help other people like himself," Benjamin told Reuters. Zimmerman was in the process of studying for an associates degree in general studies last year, when he was kicked out due to the high profile case with Trayvon Martin. "He wanted to be a cop for awhile, but he's talked about going to law school," said Zimmerman's attorney Mark O'Mara told Reuters. "I will not be surprised if he ends up in criminal law. His dad was a judge, and he wants to be a prosecutor or a lawyer." |
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