Observations

Maleem Mahmoud…

The Trance Of Seven Colors…

“Mahmoud Ghania was born in the city of Essaouira in Morocco, on the Atlantic coast. He is the second son of the master of Gnawa music, Maâllem Boubker Guinia (who lived between 1927 and 2000) and the famous clairvoyant and “moqaddema” A’isha Qabral.

The album itself is an amazing journey through free jazz, fusion, tribal and trance Gnawa music. Take your time to enjoy an extraordinary and complex LP, with music that could best be described as ‘healing music’. The combination of different harmonies played on guembri (a traditional three stringed skin-covered bass plucked lute used by the Gnawa musicians) with Pharoah’s (sometimes) brutal and sublime interventions make this record a totally adventurous trip.

Not only is this going to boost your boring day, but you’ll be totally healed after a few auditions. It’s approved by the Maleem (i.e. master).” (Review from: The-Attic.net)

Ana Tijoux, Webster Hall, NYC

Live from Webster Hall, NYC, October 11th 2015…Ana Tijoux rocked the mic and did her thing as anticipated the day before Indigenous Peoples Day….first to take the stage was the fiery Staten Island mic wrecker Nani Castle. Next up where The Bronx natives, Rebel Diaz. Spitting the fuego for the people…and finally was the Chilean emcee headliner, Ana Tijoux reminding everyone what the real is. Following are some pics from the show, enjoy…

All images are property of John Arambulo for consent use please email: john@ghettoblasteramagazine.com

DJ Premier…

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VH1 NAMES LEGENDARY NEW YORK MUSIC PRODUCER DJ PREMIER TO SCORE AND SERVE AS EXECUTIVE MUSIC PRODUCER FOR NEW ORIGINAL HIP-HOP MOVIE “THE BREAKS”

 

New York, NY –April 23, 2015 –VH1 has tapped legendary New York music producer DJ Premier to compose score and serve as executive music producer of the new original movie “The Breaks.” Inspired by journalist Dan Charnas’ book “The Big Payback,” a narrative history of the hip-hop business, “The Breaks” will be written, directed and executive produced by Seith Mann (“The Wire,” “The Walking Dead,” “Homeland”). VH1 plans to start principal photography in June with a premiere date set for late Fall 2015.

Unbound by genre or style, DJ Premier is a living connoisseur, with the whole world moving to the beat of his signature sound.  For 25 years, the music of DJ Premier has been the cornerstone of hip-hop’s sound. From The Notorious B.I.G. to Christina Aguilera, “PREEMO”—as he’s affectionately known—is the conduit for artists in all genres to attach their lyrics to the complex rhythm of the streets. Cementing himself into history, Premier has been at the helm of hip hop’s most classic debut albums including: Nas’s Illmatic, The Notorious B.I.G.’sReady to Die, Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt, Jeru the Damaja’s The Sun Rises in the East and Mos Def’s Black on Both Sides. Preemo has also quietly racked up cross-over hits for the likes of D’Angelo, Limp Bizkit and Macy Gray. Throughout it all, Premier and late partner Guru orchestrated a unique sound and wise message in the illustrious duo Gang Starr that remains a hallmark of positive, advanced music. The three-time Grammy Award winner pushes ahead with an active label, a legendary studio, and his hands scratching away at hip-hop’s next wave of greatness.

DJ Premier always has been intrigued by the powerful effect of music in film.  Recently, in tandem with his manager Ian Schwartzman, Premier has composed score and original production for games.  Now, having relocated his famed HeadQcourterz recording studio to Kaufman Astoria film studios in New York, and with film score very much on his mind, DJ Premier is re-focusing his formidable talent as he turns to “The Breaks” as the first in a line of film projects ahead.

“The Breaks” will chronicle the journey of Nikki, David and Deevee, three friends united by their love of hip-hop, as they work to make their big mark in the music industry. The film will travel viewers back to the summer of 1990 in New York City where the music industry’s artists and hustlers intersect in the dance clubs and the street corners of the still crime-ridden city.  Nikki Jones is a brilliant recent graduate who abandoned a scholarship to law school to pursue her dream of becoming a record executive.  Her boyfriend, David Aaron, is the scrappy son of a legendary music producer who is unwilling to rest on his father’s laurels and notorious reputation.  DeeVee is an aspiring producer on the hunt to find the next big rapper on the come-up.

 

“The Breaks” is the third movie in VH1’s successful push into scripted programming, following the 2013 record-breaking premiere of “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” and success of last year’s “Drumline: A New Beat,” which drew in 2.4 million total viewers and averaged a 1.4 in the key Adult 18-49 demo during its premiere.“The Breaks” has the potential to become a series after its movie premiere.

Be sure to ‘like’ “The Breaks” on Facebook and follow @TheBreaksVH1 on Twitter and use #TheBreaks to join the conversation.

King RA & Bunty Beats – Back to the Essence

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King RA & Bunty Beats waste no time in bringing you that official hip-hop with their release Back to the Essence! Don’t get it twisted it’s not, R.A. the Rugged Man which RA acknowledges with reverence. Here’s the deal, obviously nowadays there is a resurgence of that “golden era” hip-hop sound.
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Rodrigo Y Gabriela…

Live at the Beacon Theatre, NYC…

I was able to catch the first performance of Rodrigo y Gabriela’s globe trekking tour last Friday at the sold-out, beautifully restored Beacon Theatre in New York City. Before they came out the anticipation could be felt buzzing around in the hall. Unfortunately but fortunately (and gratefully) it was my first time seeing them live. I have to first give credit to the music editors of the Breaking Bad series for using their track “Tamacun” in the shows pilot. Which I first heard while watching during a BB binge last year. But from that moment I was hooked. I looked for anything I could about them, videos, music, pictures…whatever. I wanted to know who was playing the guitar in a way that reached out at me. There is a force that is emitted from the sound of the acoustic guitar that captivates. Being able to create sound that rhythmically vibrates through your spirit is a talent that Rodrigo y Gabriela are seamlessly able to unravel. Their current tour is in support of their latest release “9 Dead Alive”. Nine tracks dedicated to 8 people who have made an impact in our society, 4 females chosen by Gabriela and 4 males chosen by Rodrigo. The 9th track is dedicated to animals and nature. It was truly inspiring to see them perform. If you have an opportunity do yourself a favor and catch them live and if you don’t make sure you look them up!!!

Gracias por la visita Rodrigo y Gabriela!!!

H.R. and The Dub Agents & Rebelmatic – The Studio at Webster Hall

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Peace brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters! A few weeks back I was lucky enough to catch a performance at The Webster Hall Studios of legendary Bad Brains front man H.R. with The Dub Agents along with NYC hardcore act Rebelmatic! Let me tell you that the these brothers give rise to the spirit!!!

Rebelmatic got the crowd open with a steady flow of that raw hardcore. The set was pure energy with jams like “Check Please”, “Native”, “Walls Have Ears” and more…Reb-El-Matic brought that head-nod factor to the audience. If you get a chance to see them rock make sure you have boots on to stomp the floor up!!! Jump in for pics>>> Continue reading →