Sunday, April 27, 2014

Blunt Club Oakland | Rocky Rivera & Are Too (04.25.14)













Clusterfunk Collective presents Take Five: DJ Platurn [Interview]



Founder of the Oakland Faders, father of The 45 Sessions and international man of mystery DJ Platurn stands at the forefront of vinyl culture, preserving the prestige of the medium that gave birth to it all. He recently checked in with us to give a glimpse into his global view, an idea of a new "Ingredient" he has in the works, and his plan for what's next.

"Take Five" to tap into the talent beyond the surface.

1.) Illugi, Luke, Platurn - are there alter egos attached to each name? If so, which is your favorite, and why?

There's less than 10 Illugis on the planet. 'Return Of The Jedi' was the first movie I saw in American theatres. Platurn means "plate turner", the literal translation for DJ in Icelandic. I have different colored capes for each one.

2.) To know you is to know you have strong views on global events, injustice and a strong connection to the community around you. What is your opinion on using your talent to express your beliefs? How do you balance how much you share without pissing people off? Do you even care if people are pissed as long as it sparks conversation and critical thinking?

I like to think that i'm tactful in expressing my frustration with the world. Anger is a useless emotion that carries you but a few feet. I love music and I love the art of DJing. I come from a long line of leaders that I respect in such a way that I feel like their message should be preserved -- I embrace the now, but the now wouldn't be shit if it wasn't for the years that led up to it. I think the ugliest aspects of technology are ignoring and quickly forgetting what it took to get here. Music is the most spiritual expression of humanity -- it shouldn't be fucked with or disrespected, only revered and used to do good for the world. That, in so many words, is all I aim to preserve and represent with my short time on this planet. I do care, but I scoff at useless debate. It's not a pissing contest -- i'm here to preserve and respect what I know to be the best of Hip-Hop & DJ culture.

3.) Given the success of "The Main Ingredient", would you and your wife, Michele (chef/owner, Astellar Production), consider a similar series to highlight your collective creativity?

Yes. There is a cookbook in the works, the most unique of its kind. More to come when the time is right ;) ;)

4.) In January, you threw down an amazing set at Boiler Room SF. We couldn't help but wonder what the Icelandic gentleman was saying in the intro. Why did you choose that snippet to start your set?

It's a skit from an old kids record that I grew up on. He says, 'Well my little children, now you get to see something weird", and then some additional jibber jabber after that. It's a long time favorite from my Icelandic kids records collection.

5.) Congratulations on the 4th Anniversary of the The 45 Sessions. Where do you think The 45 Sessions will be in the next four years? Or, what do you see it evolving into?

Hard to say. I never imagined it would be where it is today, and it's turned into this self-evolving thing that tends to re-invent itself on a regular basis. I can tell you right now that we're trying out some new things this year, and you'll just have to keep your eyes and ears peeled to find out what that is. The Sessions is a fan supported/donation based event -- it will be around for as long as people want it there.

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VISIT djplaturn.com

Friday, April 25, 2014

Flowback Fridays: Glass Iko Candy Iko

1_flowbackfridays


Geto Boys: Glass Candy



The Dixie Cups: Iko Iko

Life + Times presents Decoded: Pharrell Williams (Allure & Change Clothes) [Video]

Bambu f. Killer Mike: Upset The Setup [Video]

Zion I: Libations [EP]



On the heels of the very boom bap oriented 'Masters of Ceremony' EP, Zion I drops 'Libations' the reflective 2nd installment of their 3 part series. 'This project was heavily influenced by one of my best friends passing away suddenly', states Zumbi, 'His death put me in a mood to really analyze my life and how short this existence really can be. It opened my eyes and heart to both the ugliness and beauty of what we experience while alive.' Hence, 'Libations" broods with reflection and deep emotion. 'To me, libation is when you honor someone by pouring out your brew before you sip, its a sort of prayer. On this EP, I poured out some liquor for my homie, as well as my family, and myself' shares Zumbi. The EP features production from AmpLive, Headnodic, and newcomer Featherload. It also has veteran MC's Mr Lif, Sadat X, and Opio featured prominently amongst others. Now ease back, and sip some of this heady wine from the Zion I cup.

DOWNLOAD Libations

MadFro: Cannonball [Video]

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Atmosphere: Kanye West [Video]

Aesop Rock: The Blob [EP]



Aesop unlocks the archives to give fans a glimpse "beats & sounds that have otherwise been orphaned", most of which is "largely unmixed and occasionally offensive." Sounds good to us!

DOWNLOAD The Blob

Asher Roth: The World Is Not Enough [Video]

Mick Boogie: Greetings, Earthling: Outkast Rarities & Remixes [Mix]



Mick joins the ranks of the many revisiting the dynamic Dirty South duo, beefing up 'Kast Rarities & Remixes with his special blend of Boogie.

DOWNLOAD Greetings, Earthling: Outkast Rarities & Remixes


Friday, April 4, 2014

Flowback Fridays: Prophets Look Golden

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Jurassic 5: What's Golden



Public Enemy: Prophets of Rage



Clive Hicks: Look Here

Kawehi: Heart-Shaped Box (Nirvana Cover) [Video]

Blueprint: Respect The Architect [Video]

Hologram Kizzie (Psalm One): The Responsibility [Video]

Asher Roth: The Fast Life [Video]

Harn Solo: Jesus Piece [Video]

Lee Fields & The Expressions: Magnolia [Video]

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Diamond D & Pharoahe Monch: Rap Life [Video]

The Doctors Orders presents DJ Matman: 45 [Mix]

DJ Matman 45's Mix by The Doctors Orders on Mixcloud

Zion I: Supreme [Video]

Chairman Mao For Dust & Grooves [Mix]

Jeff 'Chairman' Mao for Dust & Grooves by Dust & Grooves on Mixcloud

Talib Kweli: State of Grace [Video]

De La Soul & J Dilla: Smell The Da.I.S.Y. [Mixtape]



Back like they never left, De La Soul continue to flower the Da.I.S.Y. garden that is fueling their resurgence by offering their newest mixtape for five fingers. Crafted alongside the late, great Dilla Dawg, the project is a proper follow-up to the free offering of their entire catalog earlier in the year and has die-hards salivating for more.

DOWNLOAD Smell The Da.I.S.Y.

Fuse presents Crate Diggers: DJ Chief Xcel [Video]