Pragmatic Theory: Forces Within The Framework [Album]

For their first official release of 2014, Pragmatic Theory pair their potent producers with several puissant poets (Stik Figa, Cor Stidak and TASK1ne to name a few), unleashing the unique Forces Within The Framework.

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Pragmatic Theory: Horizons [Album]

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Clusterfunk Collective presents Take Five: DJ Sapien [Interview]

Having cut his teeth at the Stones Throw Beat Battles and contributed to more than half-a-dozen Pragmatic Theory compilations, it's safe to say that DJ Sapien is carving his own creative space. In our seventh interview, he shares some of the experiences that helped him shape his sound.

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

1.) You hail form Taiwan and currently reside in the Northwest US. How has your transition to the States impacted your work?

Yeah, you know it's kind of funny in a way because growing up I pretty much explored all kinds of Western music more. I would hear my folks listening to Taiwanese pop songs or Chinese opera at home and, while I liked those types music, I was more interested in hip hop, soul, jazz and reggae. It was only when I started making beats a couple of years ago that I actually went back to my roots to find inspiration. While you won't find it much in my work as in sampling (per se) the influence is definitely there subconsciously.

2.) The Stones Throw Beat Battles helped solidify your skills. What was your greatest takeaway from that experience?

The Stones Throw Beat Battles were a turning point for me. I went in there just about two years ago and I was blown away by the amount of talented cats battling each week. I was just a beginner at the time and those guys were
so influential in shaping my perceptions, philosophy and style as a beatmaker. I learned everything from using filters and effects to not quantizing and how to get those drums to swing, so I owe everything to those battles.

3.) How did you connect with the producers at Pragmatic Theory?

Sev En from Pragmatic Theory was following the Stones Throw battles and she contacted me about being on one of their compilations. This was in August of last year, so I'd been polishing and refining my skills in those battles for nine months. I felt I was ready to put something out and the timing just all fell into place. They had put out their first compilation which was a Curtis Mayfield tribute so I was invited to be on their second release "Summer In the City". We really jived so I've been on every compilation since.

4.) You have edited Blu, Macy Gray and Danny! (to name a few). How do you determine which tracks to transform?

Well, first of all I have to like the original version but there's really not a method in choosing what to remix. Sometimes I'll be doing a beat and it will remind me of another song. Other times I'll just happen to come across an acapella that I'll specifically craft a beat for. Either way, I always want to result to have a completely different vibe than the original.

5.) Your tribute to Etta James is exceptional. Do you have plans to work with any other great vocalists?

Yeah, I've used some Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Dinah Washington (the greats) samples in the past and I've been avoiding vocal samples for a while now so it would be nice to get back to those again. I've been listening to some artists who maybe aren't as well known but are great nonetheless, just not household names. You might be hearing some Angelo Bond, Ruby Andrews or Sam Dees soon so stay tuned.



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Pragmatic Theory: Verbal Architecture [Album]

The purveyors of potent product, Pragmatic Theory, unveil their "international coalescence of hip hop poetry", Verbal Architecture - laced with lyrics from Praverb The Wyse, The Dopplegangaz, Sene and Blu (among others), plus production from DJ Sapien, Budamunk, Ohbliv and others.

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DJ Sapien: Dumplings [Album]

Remember Cedric The Entertainer's pantomimed parrallel parking of a spaceship in the original Kings of Comedy? Dumplings is the type of multi-dimensional music that I imagine would provide the soundtrack to such a scene - deep in drums with a hint of house.

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Pragmatic Theory: Elevated Patterns [Album]

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Pragmatic Theory presents Kal-L & Keor Meteor: JFK [Album]

From Kal-L:

The words of man have been the catalyst to ears throughout the world for centuries to communicate, to bring knowledge and to create change. Daily, we speak to one another and overlook the importance and power of thoughts that are transferred to sounds to help one another. In my years of listening, I have come to absorb the words from my forefathers of rap, philosophy, and pure intelligence. JFK has effected many people in his time, and still to this day the words he spoke have layed foundations for many lives, and guided people on a positive path. I have teamed up with the 'Great' Keor Meteor and Pragmatic Theory to show my dedication to a man that dedicated his life to helping others, and felt that this duo is an example of unity for a greater cause. Enjoy!

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Pragmatic Theory: The Soul Sessions [Album]

Poldoore, Chief, Ta-Ku and more contribute to Pragmatic Theory's latest, The Soul Sessions.

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Pragmatic Theory: Phonaesthetics [Album]

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Pragmatic Theory presents Cor Stidak & Keor Meteor: Widespread Irregularity [Album]

From A.G.:

It began in early 2011 with a mutual Soundcloud respect and nods to each other's skill and talent. That nod resulted in a collaboration, their first--the Keor Meteor produced and Cor Stidak penned roller, 'Crown Chakra,' which appeared on the latter's first album 'Treatises of a Pendulum Slave.' The two joined forces again on Stidak's sophomore effort, 'Past the Sun and Moon' and again crafted a slick underground classic, 'Nothing To Seek.'
The plan and intention had been, from that point, to build a complete project of well crafted music that would make their 'peers proud but also to put an indelible stamp on this game' with their own original hip hop and unique focus.
For those who waited patiently, or were mildly curious or indifferent..wait no more. From VA to Paris to the UK and straight to the soul, Cor Stidak, Keor Meteor and Pragmatic Theory offer 'Widepsread Irregularity.' There are cameos by Virginia emcees El RaSun and Cordova on the tunes, "Pearls" and 'Elixirs,' respectively. Stidak trades bars with two underground generals, New Jersey emcee Light and Slim Pickens from Boston on the wildout 'Triangle Choke.' And with a styled out nod to roaring '20's cool, the lovely and uber talented Alexandra Bautista makes you fall in love with her creamy yet edgy soul stylings as she pairs with Stidak and Meteor on the polished, 'Vermillion.' Clearly, the guys haven't forgotten or neglected one of the essential hip hop elements--the DJ, as there is also some fine turntablism on display on a number of the cuts. Those duties were handled by RenRok, Delight and DJ Ivan6. Quite the lineup.
It may be hard to believe that on the cusps of previous releases by Stidak, Meteor and Pragmatic Theory that this album of 9 vividly dark jewels would be made FREE to download. But it is. Enjoy. And just hope we don't have to wait another 2 years for more.

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Pragmatic Theory: Euphoric Elements [Album]

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Pragmatic Theory: New Classic [Album]

Nearly 40 producers, including familiar names like Lakim, Warren XcInce, Keor Meteor and more contribute to New Classic, the latest compilation from Pragmatic Theory. Check for the standout single from Miles Bonny and Ta-Ku, As You Sleep On My Lap.

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Pragmatic Theory: Summer In The City [Album]

Pragmatic Theory, the folks who presented Curtis: The Beat Tape, gather Ta-Ku, Warren Xcince, MadColours to show you how Summer In The City sounds.

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Pragmatic Theory presents Curtis: The Beat Tape [Beat Tape]

From Pragmatic Theory:

'Curtis The Beat Tape' is a Curtis Mayfield tribute featuring tracks from:
ShainCaw, Keor Meteor, Glyphick, Ta-Ku, Constrobuz, Snakehips, Mononome, ManOnWire, Handbook, Keith Price x MadColour, A-Beats, AudioDoctor, Kam0, Jewbei, Byrdverson1 x Nextwon, JP Balboa, SE1DavidE, Cypria, DuckaDucka, Prozak Morris, ChromadaData, ProducerNature, Pawcut, Je$u$ & Funky Notes.

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