Trackademicks >Trackademia > WesternSlapademicks.

My Debut Album: State OF The Arts OUT NOW!!!

2011-01-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

I could say a lot here, but I'll let all that unfold... just know that it's been a LONG TIME COMING.

Right where we need to be.

Until later, check out these articles on State Of The Arts...

SF Weekly
Examiner

State Of The Arts is now available everywhere digital music is sold!
iTunes
Amazon

State OF The Arts tracklist released!

2011-01-20T11:36:00.000-08:00

Next Tuesday 1/25/11 yall...

Shout out to Mister Bouncer of Trust Your Struggle for lacing the art for the album!

State Of The Arts tracklist:

1. “State Of The Arts” featuring Goapele
2. “D.I.Y.”
3. “More Than Two Ways”
4. “Stop It!” featuring Mistah F.A.B.
5. “Score”
6. “Quit Yo Job” featuring Kid Sister
7. “Get A Job”
8. “Show Love” featuring Spank Pops & 1-O.A.K.
9. “Fool On The Hill” featuring Phonte
10. “International Affairs” featuring MoxMore
11. “Check” featuring Josie Stingray
12. “Face the Music” featuring Teedra Moses

VIDEO DEBUT: "State Of The Arts"

2011-01-14T01:19:00.000-08:00

This is it yall.
The Beginning of the Beginning.

It's been a minute since I've posted- for good reason. I've been super focused on getting State Of The Arts together for the world to hear...

And now it's finally here.

"State Of The Arts" is my DEBUT video off of my DEBUT album, hence "The Beginning of the Beginning".

Featuring Goapele

Directed by Dahveed Telles

State Of The Arts drops Tuesday January 25th, 2011.

Until then get the "Fool On The Hill"
and "Stop It!" digital Maxi Singles NOW!

Release Day! Trackademicks Doubleheader!

2010-12-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

A while back I dropped the first singles off of my upcoming project, State of the Arts, for free download.

Today, go and grab the maxi-singles available everywhere digitally, complete with new exclusive B-sides and Remixes!

FOOL ON THE HILL

01. Fool On The Hill featuring Phonte
02. Fool On The Hill (Instrumental)
03. Fool On The Hill (1-O.A.K. Remix) featuring Phonte
04. Fool On The Hill (Snippet)
05. Life Is What You Make It

FOOL ON THE HILL on itunes

STOP IT!
01. Stop It! featuring Mistah F.A.B.
02. Stop It! (Instrumental)
03. Stop It! (Snippet)
04. Kodachrome

Stop it! on itunes

Side[Track]ed: The Heavens.

2010-12-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

I'm literally sitting here working on the liner notes for State Of Arts and got to thinking, on a tangent of course.

Our World is like the Heavens.

What am I talking about?

Well its like this. People are like stars. You can see them from far away and they leave an impact for all to see. There are all kinds of stars. Big, Small. Some are known, named. Some are part of groups, galaxies, clusters. Some are solitary, but still shine bright.

There are also "heavenly bodies" that we can't see. Some, like planets and moons, may revolve around stars, but for the most part exist with very little fanfare. They can also bring meaning to the stars the revolve around. An audience, following, fans, of sorts.

Some individuals are comets, traveling their own paths, not bound to the same immediate order that most other bodies are. They don't come around often, only just enough four you catch a glimpse.

Some people are like Meteors. Existing on the fringes, sometimes crashing into other matter for no apparent reason, other than to remind you that they do exist. And sometimes, make you realize how fragile your own existence maybe.

Just a rumination...

Production on Polyester's new album

2010-12-09T00:07:00.000-08:00

I'm glad to have had a chance to work with Poly on his new album. He's one of those dudes that can do it all.

Technically this isn't the first time I've worked with him... He mixed one of my favorite productions, J*Davey's "Valley Of Love"

Check out my production on album opener, "Friend of Mine".

via HNRL
Polyester releases his debut album, Peace, Love, Unity, Respect, today! The project features some of his frequent collaborators including Dom Kennedy, Casey Veggies, Like (of Pac Div) and our very own Trackademicks behind the boards on track #1 – “Friend of Mine”. You should already know Poly from a hella fresh mixtape from a few years back, Curly Tops & Nautica Jackets (under the L.A.U.S.D. moniker with L4zy Lou), and work with L.A. heavyweights including J*DaVeY, Taz of Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Blu, U-N-I and hella others folks… just get familiar and cop that album!

Get Peace, Love, Unity, Respect Now!

The Art of Re-use

2010-12-07T21:42:00.000-08:00

Prelude to Interim (Documentary) from The Art of Re-use on Vimeo.

The homie Whiz shot me this video from The Madbury Club. This is right up my alley. Just in case you forgot, I do this too... And like them, maybe I should do it for you too...

NBA Jam Launch Party This Tuesday at True SF

2010-11-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

This is shaping up to be a good time...

Make sure you slide through!

Saturday::Craze::J-Wow::Trackademicks::@ Public Works SF

2010-11-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's going down this Saturday night at Public Works in SF!

I'll be performing new material off of my upcoming project State Of The Arts! Be sure to come out... This is going to be off the hook!

For a thorough synopsis of the evening click HERE.

Show @ 111 Minna this Wednesday

2010-11-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

Come check out the show this wednesday!

RSVP HERE

Out Today! Lyrics Born- AS U WERE

2010-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

The big homie Lyrics Born has just released his latest album, AS U WERE. I had the pleasure of contributing to a few songs as well as producing and featuring on "Block Bots".

Look out for that "Lies X 3" (Trackademicks Remix), coming soon!

AS U WERE Available Now!

Track List:
1. Kontrol Phreak
2. I Wanna B W/U (Feat. Lateef)
3. We Live By The Beat
4. Coulda Woulda Shoulda (Feat. Sam Sparro)
5. As U Were Reception (Skit)
6. I've Lost Myself (Feat. Joyo Velarde)
7. Lies X 3
8. Born-E-Oh's! (Skit)
9. Pushed Aside/Pulled Apart (Feat. Lateef)
10. Oh, Baby!
11. I'm The Best (Funky Fresh In The Flesh)
12. Block Bots (Feat. Trackademicks and Clyde Carson)
13. Pillz 'Lude (skit)
14. Pillz (Feat. The Gift of Gab of Blackalicious)
15. Something Better (Feat. Francis And The Lights)

Out Now! Fool's Gold Compilation Vol. 1

2010-10-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Its finally here! The compilation features cuts from the whole extended Fool's Gold fam.

Check out the live version of my track, "The Best Stroke" LIVE @ SXSW

You can also pick up physical copies of FG Vol 1 at Opening Ceremony stores, and Golden Week at any record shop worth their salt.

Fool’s Gold Vol 1
- iTunes
- Amazon
- Opening Ceremony

1. Treasure Fingers f. Haley Small - Keep Up
2. Vega - No Reasons (Tensnake Remix)
3. Sammy Bananas - Move Your Body
4. Trackademicks - The Best Stroke
5. A-Trak f. CyHi Da Prynce - Ray Ban Vision
6. Kid Sister - Don’t Stop Movin
7. Lil B - Freeze
8. The Suzan - Animal
9. Flosstradamus - Cape Town Get Down
10. LA Riots - Control Your Tuba
11. Congorock - Babylon (Riton Remix)
12. Kingdom f. Tiombe Lockhart - Remember
13. Jokers Of The Scene f. vitaminsforyou - Power Slave
14. Nacho Lovers - Zero Time

VIDEO: Spank Pops- "Beautiful Noise" directed by Aris Jerome

2010-10-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

Spank Pops - Beautiful Noise from HNRL on Vimeo.

The next visual for the title track off of the Spank Pops' EP, Beautiful Noise.

Directed by Aris Jerome... Just in case you forgot!

Fool's Gold Compilation Vol. 1 Artwork and Track List

2010-10-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

Its going down! Check out my track, "The Best Stroke", dropping on the compilation Oct. 25!

(Via Pitchfork)
Fool's Gold, the label founded by DJs A-Trak and Nick Catchdubs, will release its first compilation on October 25. Fool's Gold Vol. 1, released in partnership with Downtown, drops digitally on October 25. There's also a limited edition CD, but you'll only be able to buy it at locations of the high-fashion store Opening Ceremony.

Fool's Gold Vol. 1:

01 Treasure Fingers: "Keep Up [ft. Haley Small]"
02 Vega: "No Reasons (Tensnake Remix)"
03 Sammy Bananas: "Move Your Body"
04 Trackademicks: "The Best Stroke"
05 A-Trak: "Ray Ban Vision [ft. CyHi Da Prince]"
06 Kid Sister: "Don't Stop Movin"
07 Lil B: "Freeze"
08 The Suzan: "Animal" (Miike Snow cover)
09 Flosstradamus: "Cape Town Get Down"
10 LA Riots: "Control Your Tuba"
11 Congorock: "Babylon (Riton Remix)"
12 Kingdom: "Remember [ft. Tiombe Lockhart]"
13 Jokers of the Scene: "Power Slave [ft. vitaminsforyou]"
14 Nacho Lovers: "Zero Time"

Exclusive: Trackademicks "Stop It!" feat. Mistah F.A.B.

2010-10-07T03:09:00.000-07:00

Trackademicks - Stop It! feat. Mistah F.A.B. by The Honor Roll

Released by: HNRL Music
Release/catalogue number: HNRL 0001

"Mr Braggadocio, why you rappin' so-so/
You used to a showboat, but nowadays it don't float..."

I'm gassed to drop the next single off of my upcoming album State Of The Arts. This one features my long time homie and collaborator Mistah F.A.B. I can honestly say I don't know anyone who loves the grind more that this dude, so it was only right to get him on the track to give his perspective about it.

Songs like this and "Fool On The Hill" are really what State Of The Arts is all about.

Artistic Integrity.
Authenticity.
Diligence.
Honor.

Download FREE now on Bandcamp.

Live from the Standard: Topsidin'

2010-10-01T15:43:00.000-07:00

Trackademicks- "Topsidin'" LIVE at the Standard DTLA.

This is footage I found on youtube from last year of one of the shows I did in LA. It was off the hook, as you can see. The real reason I'm posting this is because, despite record highs this week, we didn't really have a summer in the Bay. Yes, I'm living vicariously through, well, myself.

"Topsidin'" available now on iTunes courtesy of Fools Gold!

Video: Mike Baker- "Food For Thought"

2010-09-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Mike Baker the Bike Maker - Food For Thought from HNRL on Vimeo.

Off of the Bike Maker's mixtape out now, Body of Work.

Download full mix as separated tracks: hnrl.bandcamp.com

Get That.

BackTRACKin': Head Over Heels.

2010-09-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

Tears For Fears - Head Over Heels
Uploaded by manon42. - Explore more music videos.

Both of these songs are equally appealing to me in different ways. True, they're sharing the same post because they share the same name. But you can't deny them. Both songs have strong piano based chord progressions... the thing my dreams are often made up of. There's nothing better than deeeeeeep chords. That emotional shit. So its even better when they infiltrate popular music with force. Its almost a guarantee I'll bring these up again...

Not to mention, "Head Over Heels". A feeling I've been struck with a few times... Including now.

Video: Duck Sauce- "Barbara Streisand"

2010-09-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

This video is crazy. Full of a ridiculous amount cameos. Shout out to A-Trak!

Exclusive: F.A.M.E. x Mike Baker "Nightcap"

2010-09-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

Peep the newness from Mike Baker.

One of the choice cuts from Mike Baker’s Body of Work mixtape can now be enjoyed as a loosie (instrumental included)! Produced by F.A.M.E. (Teeko, Max Kane, Malaguti), with additional guitar from Mugpush (On The Hill Productions).

Download here .

EXCLUSIVE: 1-O.A.K.- "Me & You"

2010-09-21T10:45:00.001-07:00

Me & You (prod. by 1-O.A.K.) by The Honor Roll

Fellow HNRL member 1-O.A.K. blesses us today with his debut!

In a musical landscape that can sometimes feel convoluted, 1-O.A.K. is a "definite" in a land of "maybes". One of the most astute musicians I have the pleasure of knowing, he is one of the ones that "gets it". If its not for the vocals, its for the production. If its not for the production, its for the writing. If its not for the writing, its for the drumming.

I had a chance to work on "Me & You" as a co-writer. This song is a message to all those apprehensive in love.

Our advice? Take a leap of faith.

Get on Bandcamp
Purchase on iTunes

EXCLUSIVE: Trackademicks- "Fool On The Hill" featuring Phonte

2010-09-14T02:00:00.000-07:00

Trackademicks - Fool On The Hill feat. Phonte by The Honor Roll
Released by: HNRL Music
Release/catalogue number: HNRL1226

Its the end of summer next week.
Just about time to break out that fall wardrobe.
Optimum time for some new HNRL music in your life.

Class is in Session!!!

It is my pleasure to present the first single off of my debut full length offering "State Of The Arts", dropping this Fall. This is also the debut release (HNRL 1226) for HNRL Music's single series.

<a href="http://hnrl.bandcamp.com/track/fool-on-the-hill-feat-phonte">Fool On The Hill feat. Phonte by HNRL</a>

I feel like this song is a good one to start with.

Perseverance.
Consistency.
Confidence.
Fulfillment.
Dedication.
Originality.
Courage.
Humility.
Purpose.
Heart.

Anything that's worth doing, worth obtaining, uses some combination of these. And along the way, sometimes people stand in the way, deliberately or otherwise. For them, all I have to give is a blank stare. Like a Fool On The Hill.

DOWNLOAD via Bandcamp: Trackademicks- "Fool On The Hill" featuring Phonte.

DeLorean's First Shipment

2010-09-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Its funny, Marty McFly's Car
with Brantley Foster's theme music.

I just happened upon this looking for David Foster music. He composed the theme to St Elmo's Fire and the whole score to my faaaaaaaaaaavorite movie, Secret of My Success, of which this song is from.

Michael J. fox was UNTOUCHABLE.

STATE OF THE ARTS.

2010-09-08T00:50:00.000-07:00

Photo taken by and from Vash with LUV

Labor day was yesterday.

Does that mean I can't wear white anymore? Even on the Fresh Coast???

F*%# that. I make my own rules.

One thing about rules. I believe rules are made to be broken by those who know how to effectively break them. Its like something you have to earn.

Not sure too much is earned these days. I'm mean today, you can pretty much skip steps and instantly thrust yourself to internet stardom in with the quickness. And folks who've gotten that 15 minutes of fame have been hanging on to it for 20, 25 minutes. Like, whoever talks the loudest and fastest can stay. Not saying that I'm even mad at all of it. I mean, where else are you gonna find a hollywood daughter turned pornstar who makes beats for other rappin' pornstars???

Pure entertainment. Porno Producers. Actor Rappers. Part Time Artists. Full Time Hustlers.

What are folks standing for? $$$ and fame can't be enough.

Don't mistake this random rant as me being an idealist. I know the twist.

I just understand balance is conducive to health. And right now many of us are forced to eat at the Corner Store that only sells Flaming Hot Cheetos, Old English, and Sour Powers, not knowing there's a Whole Foods in town. Takes a little more effort to get to, but the health benefits are unmatched.

All this isn't new.

Art Vs. Commerce.
Talent Vs. Hustle.
Betting on Complacency.

for many...

This is the State of Hip-Hop.
This is the State of R&B.

A State of Emergency.

And even with my concern, I'm not worried. There are many who make that trip to Whole Foods and bring groceries back to those who aren't in the know.

Those who haven't lost sight that this time, this life, NOW affects the future.

This $h!t right here??? This $h!t right here??? This $h!t right here???

This IS the STATE OF THE ARTS.

Album Coming SOOOOOOOOOON.

oh and...

N!66@ DON'T ACT LIKE A B!TCH!!!!!

This has been a BASED FREE WRITE.

Track.

Mixtape: Mike Baker the Bike Maker- 'Body of Work'

2010-09-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Mike Baker the Bike Maker: BODY OF WORK Mixed by Capski by The Honor Roll

School is back in session. And the HNRL has all your required listening materials.

First up on the list is Mike Baker's 'Body Of Work' Mixtape.

Let's Go!

From the HNRL blog:

"“Body Of Work” is the new mixtape by HNRL member, Mike Baker the Bike Maker. Mixed by up and coming DJ/Producer Capski, this is a work that chronicles where the bespectacled MC’s head is at in this moment in time. Inspired by 90′s Hip-Hop, the female form, James Bond, the 60′s, and other cool shit. The mix features original production from the likes of F.A.M.E., Vinroc, DJ Ayres, A.D.D. *Productions, Doctor J, 1-O.A.K. and Sophomore."

Download full mix as separated tracks: hnrl.bandcamp.com

God Made Me Funky.

2010-09-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Aint that right.

If you missed it the first time, it's back One Mo Gin.

Little Dragon Feat. 1-O.A.K., Blinking Pigs (1-O.A.K. ‘God Made Me Funky Remix’)

Summer Topsidin': NY, SF, LA, LDN, LV

2010-09-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Summertime Topsidin'.
International Affairs.
Jetsetters Paradise.
Golden State of Mine.

Here's are some flicks of this summer's travels...

NYC: Subway FG Bushmills Ad

BK: Bike City, Williamsburg

SF: GG Bridge

SF: GG Bridge

SF: GG Bridge

SF Bay

Bay Area: BFD with Amp Live

DTLA Skyline

LA: Paramount

LA: Kid Sister, Paramount

LA: Paramaount

Interstate 5, Bay Bound at Dusk

Interstate 5, Bay Bound, Floating on Diamond Dust...

LA: Cowboys and Turbans, Mexi-Desi jumpoff

LDN: Ummmm...

LDN: Buckingham Palace

LDN: Fabric

LDN: Show @ The Coronet

LDN: British Lays

LV: HNRL x Kid Sister & family, "International Affairs" Video Shoot, Tao Beach.

LV: HNRL, "International Affairs" Video Shoot

Trackadeezy Down Under

2010-09-01T03:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, Okay, super l
ate pass in order.

I got a chance to go to Australia for the first time this past Spring on tour with Kid Sister and Melo-X for Creamfields Australia.

Two Weeks. Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne.

I had a blast.

The Indian Ocean, Perth.
I've always wanted to go to Perth since I was a kid. I think it has to do with the name as well. Perth. It just seems so far from everything. I actually learned while out there that it actually is the most isolated major city in the world.

West is a 10 hour plane ride to Africa.
South is Antarctica.
East is a 1675 mile drive to Adelaide.
North is about a 2500 mile drive to Darwin.

Yes, the Aussie BK.
Sounds a bit more Mannish than Burger King.
And I'm sure Hungry Jack could beat Jack in the Box's arse.

Attention Americans. Pack underwear if you plan on going down under. At least while the Australian dollar is around 90 cents American.

Lesson. Don't Arrive to the airport late. We were the last to board. My bags didn't make it on the flight. Quantas gave me a $300 stipend. I thought "Cooool". I get to the mall to buy underwear and some show clothes.

NOT!!!

$169 Polo shirt. $159 Levi's. $35 socks. I can go on for days with this list. If you're from Australia, you'll come here and have a retail field day.

Needless to say, I figured it out.

First car I see off the plane in Canberra. Class Act, Down Under anyone? Where's Kid & Play?

Apparently, you're not supposed to walk across the street... You have to Tap Dance. Love the fashion forward street signage.

Sydney. My Porkpie Hat chillin' on the table at Spice Monkey. It was a very dark spot. Food was good. The walls showcased Asian women's faces. Nothing more, nothing less. Hmmmm

Perth. Daytime show at Creamfields Australia. Those kids realllllly love to party.

Brisbane. 6:50AM. Loved it here. We were really only there for one day but it was FUN. Nice tropical weather. The show here was AMAZING. In front of at least 20,000 folks. Met a some great people... Shout out to Mz. Boss!

Breezy Brizzy had a dope looking downtown too.

Melbourne. Okay, so I'm a BONA FIDE Californian. This means I know Mexican food. GREAT Mexican Food. And while I was out in Melbourne it was Cinco De Mayo. I highly considered going into Taco Bill for a shot of Don Julio... But for some reason I didn't think Taco BILL would ring my Taco ...

LOL.

Melbourne. Vegie Bar on Brusnwick St in Fitzroy to be exact. Now, anyone who knows me knows I'm not a vegetarian. Kinda hard for a Filipino/Black kid raised on beef, chicken, and pork. BUT that didn't stop me from demolishing this Lentil Burger. Craving it.

A week earlier in LA I was at Simply Wholesome with TeroneRoyal and Whiz. Vegetarian/Vegan paradise. Who says peer pressure has to always be negative?

Not my Stomach.

Melbourne. On the way to the show. The obligatory "In the Zone" Shot.

We spent five days in Melbourne. I had time to run all over the place. Very dope city. Reminds me of San Francisco. The street art and graffiti is SUUUUPER Fresh. Hip-Hop is definitely alive and well out there. I even got into a cab with some random folks who ended up knowing who I was, yelling "we got Fool's Gold in here!" Whoa...

On top of that, I did some dope clothes shopping... I'm an Addict, What can I say?

I must go back.

Somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, en route to LA, just at dawn. The new Quantas A380 super jet has this Dope Skycam on the tail of the the aircraft. You really feel like you're doing it big. Its CRAZY during takeoff and landing.

I'll be back. Soon. Mark my words with a Sharpie.

TWITTER ---->HNRLcrew

2010-08-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Don't Follow us... Come along for the ride.

twitter.com/HNRLcrew

Album Out Now!!! The Count and Sinden- Mega Mega Mega

2010-08-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Homies from across the pond have finally released their album Mega Mega Mega
on Domino Records! Make sure you peep the opening track "Do You Really Want It", featuring me... Yeee!!!

Tracklisting:
1. Do You Really Want It - feat. Trackademicks
02. After Dark - feat. Mystery Jets
03. Desert Rhythm
04. Hardcore Girls - feat. Rye Rye
05. Roll Out - feat. 77 Klash
06. Elephant 1234
07. Hold me - feat. Katy B
08. Mega
09. Addicted To You - feat. Bashy
10. Panther
11. Llamamé - feat. Coolio Iglesias
12. You Make Me Feel So Good

LBTV Interview

2010-08-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Check out my interview on LBTV as I speak about Lyrics Born's upcoming project As U Were, the most "Mobbin'" Bay songs every and a bit about my own Project, State of the Arts.

HNRL.

Exclusive Video: Mike Baker the Bike Maker- "La La La"

2010-08-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Mike Baker the Bike Maker - La La La from HNRL on Vimeo.

New Video off of Mike Baker's upcoming mixtape, Body of Work, dropping Sept 6th...

HNRL.

Back to Business, though I never left...

2010-08-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

Alright.

I apologize.

Apparently I'm terrible at maintaining a relationship these days.

Just because I didn't update you doesn't mean I don't care.

I just been preoccupied with Shooting videos. Traveling. And most importantly... Getting the album DONE.

And Now, it FINALLY is.

Now I can get back to sharing allllllll the wonderful happenings in my life.

Like my album... STATE OF THE ARTS.

Over the next few weeks and months I'll make sure I get you familiar with it.

Back to Business...

HNRL.

Double Dribblin'

2010-07-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am addicted to second hand shopping.

Thrift stores.

Its mostly about the chase.

Finding Diamonds in the rough.

Like a throwback Polo duffle

Or a some True Blue Jordan 3's.

Got all this at one spot in Downtown LA...

All for under $40

Instant Vintage, Second Hand Ballin'... I call it Double Dribblin'.

Video: Kid Sister "Big N Bad"

2010-07-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Video by Ric Cordero

Produced by Herve and Sinden

...

Annnnnd with me on the bridge, of course.

Love the Hot Dogs.

Oh and Waka Flocka Flame likes it too.

July happenings In a Nutshell...

2010-07-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty busy running around and things... Here are a few flicks to serve as my alibi.

Left Coast Live Festival in San Jose With HNRL

Good Looks party in LA 7/3/10

... HNRL x Laundromat United

Solid Gold Jacuzzi with Amp Live, SF 7/11/10

Millennium Park with Kid Sister 7/19/10

Audiotistic 7/24/2010, San Bernadino, Ca

... 30,000 people in attendance...

Ummmmmmm. Yessssssssss.

Dee Cee's Soul Shake Down 7 Year Anniversary 7/31

2010-07-27T12:00:00.001-07:00

DeeCee's Soul Shakedown 7 Year Anniversary Bash
Celebrating 7 years of party production in the Bay Area

OOOOOOOH WEEEEEEE!!!!

Can Yall say CRACKINNNNN'?????!!!!!!!?????

Saturday July 31

...Club Six
60 6th Street
San Francisco

21+ w/ID
9PM - 4AM

Send full name to deecee3@hotmail.com for FREE entry before 10PM and VIP pre-party access

VIP room ... 9PM - 10PM ... limited free drinks and beer hosted by Fever SF with DJ Theory in the mix!!!!!!

$5 before 11 $10 before midnight $15 after

2 for 1 drinks 9PM - 10:30PM

more info: deecee3@hotmail.com or clubsix1.com

Room 1 : live, hip-hop, electro funk, future soul

special DJ set by

J*Davey aka Black Morris
featuring
Miss Jack Davey & Brook D'Leau (Los Angeles)
http://www.myspace.com/jdavey

The Honor Roll (HNRL)
feat. Trackademicks, 1-O.A.K., Josie Stingray, Spank Pops, Mike Baker the Bike Maker & DJ Tap.10
http://www.honorrollcrew.com/

Los Rakas (Panama/Oakland)
http://www.losrakas.com/

Room 2 : dancehall, reggae, remixes

Irie Dole & I-Vier (Jah Warrior Shelter Hi-Fi)
Dans One (Broken Silence Sound)
Green B & Daneekah (Cooyah)
Mr. E (Papalote Hi-Fi)
Smoke One (King of Kings/One Blood)
Henroc (City Cat Sound)
C-Money & Octagon (Guerrilla Takeover Sound/ Mendocino)
Tesfa (Reggae Sundays/ San Jose)

Room 3 : hip-hop, miami booty bass, dancefloor classics

Sake One (PST)
Pam The Funkstress (The Coup/B.A.S.S)
Ant One (Wild N Krazy Kids)
DJ Zita (B.A.S.S)
DJ Theory (Fever)
Ren The Vinyl Archaeologist (True Skool)
Chicken Skratch (Bad Decisions)

Teedra live @ Polow Da Don x Keri Hilson: Cancers for a Cause Event

2010-07-27T04:02:00.000-07:00

Teedra Moses performing "Kisses Never Taste So Sweet", produced by yours truly.

Fressssssh.

Exclusive: Von Pea- "Lookin' Fly" feat Don Will & Trackademicks

2010-06-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

My Brooklyn-Bred homeboy Von Pea of Tanya Morgan is dropping a solo album. Expect more HNRL features on that thang...

Von Pea- "Lookin' Fly" feat. Donwill & Trackademicks (prod. by Von Pea)

Back[Track]in': Basia "Cruising For Bruising"

2010-06-24T04:19:00.000-07:00

My mom used to listen to this Basia album all the time.

This song is unforgivingly sophisti-pop in sound and topic matter.

Off the top of my head, Basia second most important export from Poland, next to sausage. Bad jokes are in there somewhere as well.

Holllller!

Liner Notes: Joyo Velarde "Certain Special Way" (Trackademicks Remix)

2010-06-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

I remember seeing her back in the day at the now defunct Maritime Hall performing her timeless song "Sweet Angels". Since then I always thought she had the craziest voice. Soulfully Operatic.

So when presented with the chance to do a remix for her upcoming project, I was excited. After listening to all the tracks, Tap and I thought "Certain Special Way" was the one I could flip the best.

My Idea for the remix was to bring it back to a cross between that "Champagne Soul" and that "Tender Knock" (as coined by Whiz and DJ Tap.10 ).

Not quite sure what that is exactly?

Just peep my verse in the remix:

The way I am, the way we are, keeps me thinking Rated-R/
Business for grown folks, no jokes and no games/
Wit you, aint gotta play at all, In it for the long haul/
Keep your body on call, I'll put out all these old flames/
Tie up these Loose Ends , Tell me am I premature/
I'm sendin' out an SOS , just give me what I'm feenin' for/
Let me make this Kleer, you hotter than a furnace/
I want your Juicy Fruit , this aint just on the Surface /
Let me ask, How Deep is Your Love /
You can whisper in my ear its a secret for us/
Wit you ain't no reason to play the field/
I'm sayin' for real, thats just the way I feel.

If you thought 808's were just a Reason refill, I'm here to tell you , tell you there's something more! If you've peeped my productions, then you know how important the the Roland TR-808's legacy is to me. And not just me, but all modern, electronic-based music as a whole.

And as far as "Champagne Soul" and "Tender Knock" we here in the HNRL have only touched the surface...

Grab the [RE]Mixtape Vol. 3 HERE!

Paramount Studios Jumpoff

2010-06-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

I got a chance to get down with Kid Sister at Paramount Studios in LA for Billabong's Design For Humanity this past Thursday.

There were a lot of old and new homies in the spot to be including Them Jeans, Pase Rock, Rusko, Kesh to name a few...

Yeeee!!!

Do You Really Want It?

2010-06-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

So I just finished listening to the sampler... This record is sounding crazy! UK in FULLLLLL effect.

via Fools Gold Blog

Fool’s Gold’s fresh coast representer Trackademicks is featured on Track #1 of Count & Sinden’s long awaited Mega Mega Mega LP, out this August. The final tracklist was revealed today, and you can check a teaser of their collab “Do You Really Want It” along with snippets of the rest of the LP on this new promo mix.

Tracklist:
1. Do You Really Want It – feat. Trackademicks
2. After Dark – feat. Mystery Jets
3. Desert Rhythm
4. Hardcore Girls – feat. Rye Rye
5. Roll Out – feat. 77 Klash
6. Elephant 1234
7. Hold me – feat. Katy B
8. Mega
9. Addicted To You – feat. Bashy
10. Panther
11. Llamamé – feat. Coolio Iglesias
12. You Make Me Feel So Good

Yeeeeeee!!!

The Trackademicks Process

2010-06-09T21:54:00.000-07:00

The Trackademicks Process (Extended) from Dave The Dopeman on Vimeo.

Recorded live at the Band Room Oakland, Ca

Throwback video for those who haven't peeped.

Shout out to Dave the Dope Man at Touch The Magic Now"

Live at Live 105's BFD with Amp Live

2010-06-06T23:18:00.000-07:00

Today I got to check out Temper Trap and catch Sweet Disposition"". Love that damn song. Shout out to Whiz for putting me up on game waaaaaay back.

I also had a chance to get down with Amp Live in promotion for his upcoming album "Murder at the Discotech" out June 15th. If you forgot, I'm featured on the lead off single, "Gary Is A Robot".

Get That.

Back[Track]in': Ras Kass "Miami Life"

2010-06-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

I was just doing some CyberCrateDiggin' today and came across this instrumental one of the folders.

I used to slap this like everyday in high school.

So Fresh Coast.

The beat always sounded like cloudy day on Miami Beach. You know, where everyone is in their own world.

From the Old Folks to the Tourists to the Cocaine Cowboys.

A world where one man's paradise is another's purgatory.

It's funny because this song is off of the movie The Substitute. Never saw the movie, but it remember back then, troubled high school kid movies were all over; Dangerous Minds, High School High... LOL.

Personally I like 80's trouble kid teachers.

Joe Clark.
Jaime Escalante.
Rick Latimer.

Tangent over with.

Liner Notes: Zion I and Grouch "Lift Me Up" (Trackademicks Remix)

2010-06-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Previously on Trackademia...

Most people who know me would agree that I'm a mellow fellow. Chill for real. I have to attribute that to this Northern California lifestyle.

The Water.
The Mountains.
The Vibe.
The Communities.

Everything about it is real understated. Not over the top. Real Solid.

When I was approached by Amp Live and Om Records to do this remix, I was juiced to get the chance to reinterpret through my own stunnas. I basically wanted to represent that Northern California chill that many people feel when they visit.

When I hear this, I think of late afternoon when the sun's glare fills my eyes as I skate across the Bay Bridge...

Get my version right here.

AND

Grab the [RE]Mixtape Vol. 3 HERE!

Liner Notes: Wale "Ice Cream Girl" (Trackademicks Remix)

2010-06-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

I love it when folks rep their city. Those who've let it permeate every piece of them till they're inseparable from it. Locality and region in music are getting lost more and more in the shuffle of today's Viacom/Clear Channel fed generation. Things are sounding the same. Regional colloquialisms are getting edged. New rappers seem to adopt the accent of whoever is on top of the charts. Many producers are copies of a copy. Shit is outta control.

I don't say this to say its all bad. There are a lot of good things going on; you just have to pay attention a little bit harder to get any substance though all the filler.

When I first heard of Wale putting the nation's capital on his back with his brand of hip-hop, I was all for it. DC isn't the first place people think of when hip-hop comes to mind. So when Wale dropped a Go-Go infused "Ice Cream Girl", I had to respect it.

This also meant, as a Bay Area representative, I had to bring it right back home with the remix. What else than to reference Dru Down's "Ice Cream Man" feat the Luniz. I borrowed first line of Yukmouth's verse for the hook. Originally I flipped Funkadelic's "Nappy Dugout" like Dru Down's, but decided to a create something Fresh(Coast) from scratch and jump on that thang.

Grab the [RE]Mixtape Vol. 3 HERE!

Liner Notes: Jazmine Sullivan "Need You Bad" (Trackademicks Remix)

2010-06-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

The thing that got me really into remixing was the fact that you can take an artist's finished arrangement and interpret it in your own way. I've always tripped about how great songwriting lends it self to interpretation by many genres.

Ever since hearing "Lions, Tigers, & Bears, I've loved her voice. That track does a perfect job of supporting such a dynamic voice and message. "Need You Bad" carried the same weight vocally.

When I first considered remixing the original, I knew I wanted to "soften it up" a bit, while creating a sense of urgency and forward movement. The message of this song is so sincere. A cry of desperation. You don't want to drown out emotion like that, especially with a voice like Jazmine Sullivan's.

My decision to jump on the remix was both stylistic and personal. I was going through a similar situation at around that time. And in my experience, life is definitely the best inspiration. Nothing like it.

Something happens, we walk away/
But not too Far like Rockaway/
Both get mad, dont talk for days/
But somehow this ones not the same/
I hope you checked my blog today cause honestly I got a lot to say/
My heart it stays in chronic pain/
Like it got its name from Dr. Dre/
Between the fightin' and fussin' and cussin'/
and lustin' and lovin' and leavin'/
There's something I needed, believe it, I see it, I mean it/
I mean it seemed to me that we could reach the zenith or Eden/
No need to pretend, Its you I needed.

Oh yeah, P.S.

Somebody deserves a lecture for omitting the WAAJEED-produced "Without You" on the Fearless. Just sayin...

Grab the [RE]Mixtape Vol. 3 HERE!

Liner Notes:Daniel Merriweather "Chainsaw" (Trackademicks Remix)

2010-05-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Givin' myself to you is like giving myself to a Chainsaw/
You keep cutting me open wide, Is that the only thing you're good for?/

Indeed.

Been there.

Scratch that.

I live there!

But seriously, tell me what it is. What is so enticing about self-inflicted pain. I understand being intrigued by something you have no knowledge or understanding of. You know, like when toddlers all inevitably go after electric sockets. The epitome of an ignorant-ass thing to do. But can you blame the baby? No. A baby's mind is filled with darkness... Only until the light of knowledge and experience pushes out allllll of the darkness.

Truth is, most toddlers grow up without being electrocuted because they ultimately learn after being told "NO" repeatedly. So why is this not the case for the laws of attraction?

From both observation and personal experience, when someone attempts to dissuade someone else from going after another person who may not be the best thing for them, it rarely works. In fact, it's quite the opposite. There is something Sweet about that Taboo.

And many times, the experience is just as one could have expected... A Roller Coaster with the highest highs and lowest lows. And in a way, those things reconcile themselves. Depending your outlook on life, some would argue that Happiness is paid for with Sadness. Pleasure with Pain.

Am I crazy?
Who isn't?

Tangent?
Probably.

Nonsense to some?
Sure of it.

Helpful to others?
Of Course.

Either way it goes, my homie Daniel Merriweather has taken a perfect snap shot with these lyrics. Its funny because both the original and my remix make this dichotomy of the "Sweetest Taboo" feel way more pleasant than it actually feels.

Now, are you holding the Chainsaw or are you getting getting hacked up by standing in the way?

Holler!!!!

Grab the [RE]Mixtape Vol. 3 HERE!

Liner Notes: Kid Cudi "Make Her Say" (Trackademicks Remix)

2010-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

When I'm at the Clubs, I never take my Heart/
The name of the game is Poke[H]er After Dark/
So many Spades lookin for my Diamonds/
Trynta take advantage of the position that I'm in/
Got a lot of Chips, so she wanna see my Hand/
All over her hips even though I aint her man/
See I got tricks and its all part of the plan/
Ace up my sleeve and a Straight in my pants/
Now its getting deeper, I better pull out/
She better keep quiet, I got a Full House/
Yo, I aint bluffin', girl you gotta Raise Me/
With game this good, I know you wanna Play Me/
See I need a Queen who's down to open up/
cause me I'm a King lookin for a Royal Flush/
And nope we done, even tho I Cashed my Chips/
Gettin' Hed in the whip and not Crashin it!

When I got my hands on the largely unavailable "Maker Her Say" acapella, I knew I had to do something different to it. The original was a real playful and lighthearted ode to "Brain Surgeons" everywhere, so I decided to do the complete opposite and bring out the "darker side" of the this contact sport...

In order to drive the point home, I decided to pay homage to one of the best songs about the topic ever made... Noreaga "Hed". I use to slap that album so much, so it only make sense to reference such an important influential piece of music...

Don't act like this don't POUND!!!
And don't act like I didn't GO IN !!!
Holler at a Scholar!!!
Bwahahahahaha!!!
YEEEEEE!!!!

Download the [Re]Mixtape Vol. 3 HERE!

Liner Notes: Kenna "Say Goodbye to Love" feat Mike Baker the Bike Maker

2010-05-23T23:57:00.000-07:00

I remember anticipating Kenna's first release for the longest time around 2000. When it finally dropped, it was exactly what I was hoping; a perfect cross section Hip Hop, New wave, and electronic sensibilities. Recorded in hotel rooms. With Chad (The Neptunes) in the driver's seat. Not to mention, topically pertinent to where I was at in my life. I love music, especially when the timing is perfect.

Anyhow, fast forward a few years. When I found out Kenna was finally dropping a second album, I was juiced. I was a little slow to jump at doing the remix (contrary to popular belief, I don't feel the need to remix everything). when I finally decided to do it, I felt that Mike Baker the Bike Maker would be perfect on it. And according to him, it was perfect timing, as he was "Sayin' Goodbye to Love".

By the time it was completed, The [Re]Mixtape Vol. 2 was already out, so we decided to throw it on Mike's Now or Never EP. He also came up with the concept for using the opening scene of Millenium Mambo as the visual backdrop for the song, which I edited.

Bam!

SF! Lights Down Low with DJ Funk

2010-05-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

This Saturday evening!

Apparently folks are gonna leave this party pregnant... At least that's the rumor. I'll do my best hosting job to make sure that happens!

Holler!

DJ FUNK (dancemaniarecords.com)
WHITE GIRL LUST (solidbumprecords.com)
SLEAZEMORE (Lights Down Low • the Ice Cream Social • Blasthaus)
DIALS (change the beat • soundpieces)
Photos by JUSTIN LAMB and BRANDON MOORE for SF Station

Hosted by TRACKADEMICKS
(Fool's Gold •Honor Roll)

Saturday May 22nd
THE TRIPLE CROWN
1760 Market St (at Octavia) • 21+ • 10pm-3am

HNRL gets and SF Weekly Award!!!

2010-05-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

Awwwwwww Yeah!!!

It's Official.

The SF Weekly has named the Honor Roll Crew the "Best New Hip Hop Clique"!!!

Check It Out here

Thanks to everyone making this possible.

And to those who missed the article about the HNRL a couple weeks back in the SF Weekly, here you go!

Liner Notes: Boy Crisis "L'Homme" (Trackademicks Remix)

2010-05-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

From "The [Re]Mixtape Vol. 3"

"I'm feeling like a monster truck at a botanical garden."

Ummmm... How can you NOT love this...

I've been around long enough to realize everything happens for a reason. This remix is just another notch on that tree.

Awhile back I was checking my myspace, as I do from time to time, when I received a message from this group called Boy Crisis. At the time I was unfamiliar with them. However, after reading the message one of the members sent, I realized I was more familiar than I knew. Apparently, the author of this particular myspace message was none other than my old school, high school patna, Victor. This is crazy because he is from my hometown, when to my high school, AND was in the same after school program as most of the HNRL. In fact, he even drew a mixtape cover for Tap.10's first DJ crew, The Golden Plate Warriors.

Unbeknownst to us, he'd been in pretty busy in Brooklyn as frontman for Boy Crisis and his other group Das Racist. So when he and the label approached me for a remix, I was down. I thought all of our mutual friends would get a kick out of it.

After all is said and done, my this is one of my favorite remixes. This is about as Breezy as it gets.

And for the record... Boy Crisis' "Ganglion of Lightnings"... Ohhhh Weeeeee!!! (Although the Jesus beard is a little scary...)

HILARIOUS...

Liner Notes: Trackademicks "Spend the Night"

2010-04-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Trackademicks - "Spend The Night" from HNRL on Vimeo.

"The recipe for ecstasy, I bet it'll you next to me..."

Contrary to popular belief, I didn't grow up on Prince.

Instead, around my late teens, I started to get up on his music at a snails pace, mostly as it related to hip-hop. At the time D'Angelo had just dropped "Untitled" and hella folks were comparing him to Prince. At that point, all I [thought I] knew about Prince was that he was a small androgynous light skinned guy with a high voice.

But over the next couple of years, his sound made its way into my dollar record collection and finally, musical consciousness. At one brief point I was watching Purple Rain like every other day. I realized that the reason I wasn't up on him was because the songs I were truly drawn to like "Pop Life", "17 days", "If I Was Your Girlfriend", just to name a few, hadn't resonated with me yet in a way to contextualize the more radio friendly Pop hits. Backwards, I know. Prince is someone that can do everything at an extremely high level. It took some of his nuanced musical tendencies to pull me in and open me up to his whole agenda. Once I got it, I could never leave it.

It wasn't until some years later (about a year and a half ago) that I got the idea to flip "Take Me With You" into a house track.

See, at the same time, I was already a big fan of all kinds of electronic music. French House like DaftPunk to UK Garage like Wookie to Naked Music in SF. But, of all the music I truly enjoyed, a "pretty" aesthetic was the the common denominator.

The idea for the track came when I heard the bridge of Prince's original. The chords were magnificent. I decided to loop up the phrase and give it the "Trackademick Revaluation". And it must not be a coincidence that the words "All I want is to Spend the Night Together", occupy that part of the song. Pretty much synopsizes the song, not to mention the main objectives of many drunkardly-amorous-nightclub-goers and lovers around the world.

I wanted it to feel like electricity. Fluid. Almost like a dream. A drug-induced dancefloor vacation.

I chose to connect the visual aspect to the sample's origin because I felt that Purple Rain was a perfect stylistic and thematic representation of this song. I definitely wanted to focus on the Prince/Apollonia connection, blatantly disregarding the larger story line, because, just like real life, nothing else matters when everything that you've ever wanted is staring at you in the face...

Shout out to Rob Critical for putting the visuals together.

Liner Notes: Chromeo- 100%

2010-04-28T01:01:00.000-07:00

I've always like the Chromeo sound. So when I got word from Fool's Gold about remixing this for promotion they were doing with Bacardi, I was juiced.

One of my favorite things about this remix is the sax solo. For those who are unaware, I played the sax from fourth through twelfth grades. I guess you could say I was mediocre at best. Always around third chair in the section, once making second chair. I used to play the Baritone Sax because I was the biggest kid in the class. I was primarily in concert band, with a [very] backseat role in jazz band.

Basically I sucked.

It wasnt that I wasn't talented. I just hated practicing. Scales? Bari Sax arrangements of Bolero? Wamp and wamp.

I was bored.

What I did learn how to play half way decent was the synth melody of RBL Posse's "Bounce To This" (peep a young ass pre MTV-Sway in the video). I also used my Bari Sax in my early "Casioke" (Casio Keyboard and Karaoke) recordings. I'm about 99.9% sure yall will never hear those. They were wonderful(ly horrible and amatuer. Teens today are waaaaaaaay ahead of where we were musically, LOL).

I guess what I'm getting at is that I never put in the effort to get good enough to play a solo like the one on this song.

That's will be changing though... and I have the record to prove it!

Get It Here!

Yeeeee!!!

Liner Notes: Trackademicks "Prime Factors"

2010-04-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

Jokers Of The Scene "Baggy Bottom Boys" from Mr Goldbar on Vimeo.

Baggy Bottom Boys.

What is a Baggy Bottom Boy? Other than a song's title, I still have no idea.

What I do know is that while on tour with Fool's Gold, I heard this tune being played nightly by Jokers of the Scene. It turned out to be their tune and eventually a Fool's Gold release.

When I first heard the piano breakdown (2:50), I was real intrigued. It was totally different from the rest of the song. It wasn't till after the tour I got the idea to flip it into my own creation. Over the last few years a lot of rappers have decided to make what they consider a "Techno song". Some have been fresh, whereas others have ended up sounding like nondescript dance rap, not clearly influenced by any particular genre or subgenre of dance music. Just Faaaaaast.

Instead of going the fast [tempo] route (one I'm very familiar with), I decided to make an Fresh Coast Hip-Hop song out out of an actual Techno song.

Cut the tempo in half, add some bass, eff a hook, and rap my ass off.

Viola! Holla!

Liner Notes: Zero 7 feat. Eska "Medicine Man" (Trackademicks Remix)

2010-04-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

*Swipe from previous post, Trackademicks x Zero 7

I've come to learn that it's extremely funny how things work out. The universe tends to foreshadow happenings in ways that you may just miss them if you're not paying attention.

Back in '05, Tap and went to London and got a chance to kick it out there for a brief stint. During that time, we got a chance to connect with Eska . At the time she was really making a lot of noise in London. Just in case you're unfamilar, her voice is the $h!t. Since that time, she's gone on to work with one of my favorites, Matthew Herbert . Wow.

When I got commissioned to remix Zero 7's upcoming single, I was speechless. I've been a fan for a minute. I remember hearing Bugz in the Attic flip "Distractions"... Sia's voice was amazing. I had the pleasure of catching them at the Hollywood Bowl along with Matthew Herbert and Gotan Project. That show was off the hook.

So when I got the parts for "Medicine Man", I heard a familiar voice on the track. It turned out that Eska was the featured vocalist. It also turns out that she is on more that a few songs on the album. After meeting her, we never got the chance to do any music, so this remix kind of brings everything full circle.

Enjoy!

Available NOW in the UK Exclusively!!!
Zero 7 "Medicine Man" (Remixes) - EP
iTunes UK

[RE]Mixtape Vol. 3 Release Party Photos

2010-04-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Overpacked venue.
Hour long line.
Mayer Hawthorne
Donwill.
The HNRL.

This past thursday's [Re]Mixtape Release Party at PST was epic to say the least.

Photos:
Mr E. (Papalote)
Scott La Rockwell

Shout out to EVERYONE who came out and celebrated with us!

And if you couldn't make it... Don't trip. There will be plenty of HNRL release to make up your attendance!

[Re]Mixtape Vol. 3 Release party This Thurs @ PST in SF!!!

2010-04-14T12:54:00.001-07:00

You already know.

Its going DOWN.

There's no where else you should be.

Liner Notes: PPP "On A Cloud" (Trackademicks Remix)

2010-04-13T06:05:00.000-07:00

Swipe previous post, Chillin On A Cloud With PPP

The first time I ever got a chance see Platinum Pied Pipers was back in '04 at Milk in San Francisco. They had already dropped the "Ridin' High"/"Open Your Eyes" 12", but I still wasn't sure what to expect from them. At that point the group was more hype than buzz in the Bay, but after seeing the show it became evident that PPP was something to pay attention to. And to put icing on the cake, the show introduced us to two women who have proven they to had something to offer the game: Tioimbe Lockhart and Georgia Anne Muldrow. I officially became a fan it all.

I finally got to meet Waajeed at Magic in '06. Dope dude. His only advice on the industry was simple. "Get Your MuthaF#@$%& Money!".

How insightful.
No really.

The fact that this remix actually happened shows that Tap and I actually have the power to will things into existence. I can't explain it, but somehow, through a string of events, I knew this would happen. When I finally got the acapella, I instantly fell in love with Karma's vocals. I decided to bring the track into my realm, while still preserving its funk roots. The horns in my version arent the same horns from the original. I wanted to mimic the original, while bringing a sampled element to it. The only request/guideline I recieved about the direction of the remix was to keep it on the dancefloor. So I had to keep it electric.

Go and buy it.
Buy it now.
The wax is available in stores.
It's on Itunes.

Get that, Get that!!!!

Trackadeezy.
Holler.

FREE DOWNLOAD: The [Re]Mixtape Vol. 3

2010-04-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

The Third installment of my [Re]Mixtape Series is finally here!

FREE DOWNLOAD: The [Re]Mixtape Vol. 3

The 17 song mix includes remixes from the likes of Zero 7, Chromeo, Jazmine Sullivan, Janelle Monae, Little Dragon as well as a few exclusives of my own.

Over the next couple of weeks I'll be dropping exclusive liner notes right here on the blog along with other pertinent goodies around project...

SF Release Party 4/15 @ Pacific Standard Time... Details coming soon.

Download It.
Play It.
Share It.

Fresh Coast Stand UP!!!

All that You Know Goes Right Out the Window.

2010-04-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

J*DaVeY "Outta the Window" from SOCKETUMi Iam on Vimeo.

J*Davey "Outta the Window" prod. By Khari Ferrarri

Yeah Fool, I'm Performing @ SXSW Too. !.

2010-03-17T21:26:00.001-07:00

Get there EARRRRRRRRLY...

Last year was ridiculous.

ALSO

Rumor has it that Trackademicks may be on stage with Amp Live at the Audible Treats Showcase saturday night as well for "Gary Is A Robot"...

See You in Texas!

"Its Not Too Late To Mend That Life of Yours..."

2010-03-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hello World.
I'm at the Academy in Oakland right now literally in the middle of remixing this DOPE ASS song from this DOPE ASS band from Stockholm, Sweden...

Its funny because a lot of the time as a remixer, I'm in straight producer mode, tossing aside my personal artistry to drawn from the artist being remixed to make the remix feel more like a collaboration than a remix. In a nutshell, I'm usually most in tune with the music and the feeling, but not always the themes lyrics contribute to the whole entire listening experience.

As I'm sitting here, going through the normal motions (routinely with a lot of $h!t of on my mind... I'm a Capricorn, what can I say), I'm finding that this song is EXACTLY what I need at the moment. I've heard the song for the past week and infinite amount of times, but I never really HEARD it till this moment right now.

Its crazy because I'm like that with most music. If music is presented to me in the wrong context, chances are I probably won't feel its depth. Its those instances where I hear something and I feel like the artist is talking to ME. No one else. I just had one of those moments.

So what's the "meaning" of this?

LET GO.

Of the failures.
Of the missed opportunities.
Of uncontrollable circumstance.
Of the indecision.
Of the broken promises.
Of the Girl...

Of the life you WISH you had.

Take care of THIS one. You only get one exactly like this. And its direction is not set in stone. Its YOUR life. No one else's. No one has the ability to love you better than you. In the way you need them to. Even if they could, what guarantees do you have that they would. None...

"Its not to late to mend that life of yours. Your loves are repairable."

But first, no matter how hard or easy it is, you have to "LET GO".

Its only a State of Mind away...

*This has been a Personal Service Announcement.

Show this Friday @ 330 Ritch SF

2010-03-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

Back[Track]in': The Delinquents- "Can't Be Stopped" feat The Whoride

2010-03-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

This is my $h!t 4 Real!!!!

I remember being in 9th grade going to buy this at the Warehouse in Alameda... Stayed on rotation.

Its that trademark Delinquent flow and the WhodiniFriendsesqueOaktownDBoyTrunkRattlin'BreezySynthFunkMobb aesthetic.

This song hasn't gotten old in the last 15 years...

Peep this Old School review by Bay Area Hip-Hop Journalist Billy Jam about the whole compilation, Bay Area Playaz.

Bay Area Stand Up!
...

Teedra Moses- Royal Patience Mixtape SF Release Party Tonight!

2010-02-25T11:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, You heard right. Ms. Complex Simplicity is out here in SF!

After the show at Yoshi's SF, skate on over to Icon Lounge early to scoop one of the 100 free CDs we'll be giving away.

See You Tonight!

Curt Smith of Tears For Fears on KTLA .

2010-02-22T22:27:00.000-08:00

My By BF's GF said Curt from TFF came to her job this morning.

Here's the video.

I love this song.

Happy Valentines Day from Teedra (and me of course)!

2010-02-14T10:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day to all the Lovers out there.

Here is well appreciated Valentines Day gift from Ms. Teedra Moses, right in time for all the lovers out there...

Teedra Moses- The Royal Patience Compilation

I produced "Kisses Never Tasted So Sweet", "Everybodyrock!", and "International Playboi"...

Its always a pleasure working with someone with such a great talent and strong vision.

Hope yall enjoy!

Love is not just the word of the Day; It's the Truth Everlasting.

Love is Life. Love Life. Love Love.

-Trackademicks

ROll Call this Friday with Joyo Velarde!!!

2010-02-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

From HNRL Blog:
Once again it's on! Come help us celebrate the upcoming release of our homegirl Joyo Velarde's new album, Love and Understanding. It's been a hinute since "Sweet Angels" dropped and now we're amped to finally get a full length from the Quannum songstress. Arrive early to preview the entire album which features production from RJD2, Tommy Guerrero, Headnodic and Lyrics Born. Resident roll caller Tap.10 will be spinning the champagne soul, tender knock, naked funk, boom bap and whatever's clever all night long. The first 100 party people will get to take home a copy of the album, along with an an exclusive Roll Call mix CD! Email RSVP for $5 b4 11pm guest list.

The A&R Guy.

2010-02-03T01:36:00.000-08:00

"One last thing. Its on spec."

Maaaaaan.
Dang.
Wow.

If this isn't the most accurate $h!t ever...

Haiti-Aid This Saturday @ Mezzanine SF

2010-01-29T17:11:00.000-08:00

The Best of 'Em: DJ Pam The Funkstress

2010-01-24T20:07:00.001-08:00

This past Saturday night, after performing "Happy Birfday To Me" for the homie , I skated over to almost-defunct Poleng Lounge for The BASS (Bay Area Sistah Sound) Party.

BASS is a fresh party that showcases all the dope female talent in the Bay. Joyo Velarde, who has an album dropping Feb. 16th, was this week's featured guest- Amazing always.

One of the other reason's I love hitting BASS is to see Bay Area hometown hero DJ Pam The Funkstress (The Coup). She is probably one of the most fun to watch rock a party. Not to mention she can cook with the best of them. In fact, I was just informed that every Sunday at her restaurant, Piccadilly Catering Inc., is all you can eat Soul Food/Creole brunch buffet.

AND she can scratch the ones and twos with her twos.

Bay Area Stand Up!

Hahaha-Holler!

Sade- "Soldier of Love" Video

2010-01-11T01:06:00.000-08:00

This already solidifies 2010 as a great year.

Sade is BACK.

J*DaVeY- "Slooow" (Trackademicks Remix)

2010-01-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

J*DaVeY - SLOOOW from Interdependent Media on Vimeo.

It all started like this.

Waaaaaay back in '94 I heard a little song from ATL's finest sons, called "Funky Ride".

I knew then that I wanted to make music to make people feel "that way".

Here's one pretty close to that mark.

Enjoy!

Download: J*Davey- "Slooow" (Trackademicks Remix) over at the HNRL Blog.

Roll Call this Friday with J*Davey as Black Morris!!!!!

2010-01-06T02:25:00.000-08:00

Whenever you get the HNRL and J*Davey together... It goes DOWN.

Add more friends, music, and drinks...

Lets just say, twitter might be gridlocked on this end with pics and ramblings of the night.

I have a feeling that this is going to be an EPIC night on many, many levels...

Muahahahahaahahahaahaaaaaa!!!

Do You Luv Me...

2009-12-27T14:08:00.000-08:00

scene from ANGEL A

Angela: "Do you love me?"
Andre: "Since the first day... From the first second."
Angela: "Say It."
Andre: "It's hard to say."
Angela: "Do you know why? Because no one ever told you so. Its difficult to love yourself when you can't see your reflection."

In some cases, how can the desire to GIVE develop when one has never felt the joy of RECEIVING?

Conditional Love? Maybe...

Selfless? No so much...

Selfish? Not at all.

Just a [not so] random thought...

HAPPY BIRFDAY TO ME!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

My gift to all of you.

Like I said a year ago... This one's for the vain at heart!!!

It's my BIRFDAY Today!!!!!!!

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!

J*DaVeY – Boudoir Synema: The Great Mistapes (FreEP)

2009-12-25T11:59:00.000-08:00

Not too much I need to say about this.
People always have opinions and comments.
When it comes to J*Davey, NONE of it matters to me.

Just the LISTENER and the MUSIC.

People tend to over analyze when they don't understand.
Keep cutting the Steak into small, digestible pieces.
Missing the point that the whole thing IS the "point".

Try It...

Fool's Gold Holiday Party w/ Just Blaze

2009-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

You read correctly.

Fools Gold. Just Blaze. Max Glazer. The Brothers Macklovich. Catchdubs.

Hosted by yours truly.

RSVP at foolsrsvp@gmail.com.

Awwwww Yeah!

It's Decemburrr... Party Time!!!

2009-12-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

Yup!!!
Bay Area!!!
This Friday!!!
Holler!!!

Red Bull Sound Clash: Kid Sister Vs. Moving Units

2009-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

What does Trackademicks have to do with this you ask?

Well aside from Kid Sis being the homie, I'm producing all of the music on her side for the battle. I'll be in LA till thursday with 1-O.A.K.

Hit us up if you have the info or come through to the show!

Its almost like a like Trackadeezy remix-fest...

Bwahahahahhahaha....

Holler!

Lovecats, We Missed You.

2009-12-11T18:53:00.000-08:00

1 O.A.K. - Lovecats from The Mighty Fifty on Vimeo.

Its out the vault yall. The first single from my upcoming covers project with fellow HNRL freshman, 1-O.A.K.

Download:
1-O.A.K.- "Lovecats" (prod by Trackademicks)

I'ma just say it. This song is just the starting point. I'm REALLY feeling the work we've done around this. I've earned a rep for a lot of the remixes I've done- the release of this takes it just another step further.

The whole point of remixing something in my eyes is to create something new. Whether paying homage to the old, or introducing fans of one genre to another they may be unfamiliar with- the music is the bridge.

Before even doing this project, I asked myself, "Is it sacrilege to cover songs from some of the greatest artists of our time? Who am I to touch (and possibly destroy) such beautiful compositions that mean so much to so many people."

I've contemplated that. Long and hard.

And I've come to a conclusion a conclusion:

uFck It. "I'm the best mayne, I deeeeeeeeed it!"

Well, at least I deeeed it.

Holler!!!

I'm A Soldier of Love.

2009-12-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

Damn Right. I'm a Soldier of Love.

Never Doubt.
Never Underestimate.

Sade has done it once again! This song BLAPS. I cannot emphasize how much I can't wait for this album. Right on time.

Sade- "Soldier of Love"

And just in case you "forgot" about my affinity for Sade...

Sade- "Give It Up" (Trackademicks Re-Edit)

Go Play Now.

MmmKayThanks.

BackTRACKin': The Blow Monkeys- "It Doesn't Have To Be That Way"

2009-12-07T01:14:00.000-08:00

The Blow Monkeys- "It Doesn't Have To Be That Way"

So the other day, I happened to be watching the fourth installment of one the most terrifically horrible movie franchises ever. Police Academy. Somehow it just didn't age well. Surprising, I know.

Fortunately, it wasn't a complete waste of my time. As soon as the movie progressed to a montage of Zed frolicking with his love interest in a field (3:25 min into this video right here), I remembered one reason I like this movie. The awesome Uber-80's Blow Monkeys song in the soundtrack.

As far as the Blow Monkeys go, there are a couple other tracks I'm feeling as well on their album, She Was Only a Grocer's Daughter... namely "Out With Her" and "The Day After You".

Wham! Bam!

Foreign Exchange "Daykeeper" up for a Grammy!!!!

2009-12-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Foreign Exchange feat. Muhsinah - "Daykeeper" from The Foreign Exchange on Vimeo.

I've been in such tunnel vision lately. I didn't even think to peep the Grammy Nominations that just came out. So when my homegirl told me that Foreign Exchange had been nominated for "Daykeeper", I FLIPPED.

I damn near feel like I've been nominated! This whole album has been pretty significant to me this year, both as an artist and personally...

Congrats to my homie Phonte and the whole Foreign Exchange family. For real.

That's What's Up.

Friday Dec 11th... ROLL CALL!!!

2009-12-04T04:02:00.000-08:00

Honor Roll invites you to...
ROLL CALL
Friday, December 11th @ Som Bar SF
every 2nd Friday

Resident Selector
DJ Tap.10
(Honor Roll)

Hosted By
Mike Baker The Bike Maker

Come party with The Honor Roll this month as we celebrate the release of the homies League510's new project "Invasion Vol. 1" and website launch. See why these dudes took home the mtvU freshman prize their "I'm On" video! We got some CD and clothing giveaways courtesy of Stash Magazine, Upper Playground & Clear Label Records too. It's gonna be a major rager!!!

::BIRTHDAYS/SPECIAL OCCASIONS/RSVP::
HonorRollCall@gmail.com

Som Bar SF
2925 16th St (S. Van Ness)
San Francisco, CA

I need a Down Azz Jawn.

2009-12-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

This is the kind of Chick I need in my life. DOWN. For er'ythang.

We did this song originally for Kid Sister's album. Peep it. Share it!

Oakland Got Handlebars.

2009-12-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

from Street Etiquette

Just ask the Motorcycle Clubs (East Bay Dragons above).

Just ask E. Fields (and yeah 1-O.A.K. and I got beats on that thang.)

Just ask Cool Hunting (bicycles and more...)

"The Trackademicks Process" (Extended Cut)

2009-11-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

The Trackademicks Process (Extended) from Dave The Dopeman on Vimeo.

I also speak about the studio fire on this one...

Shout out to Dave at http://www.touchthemagic.com

HNRL Presents ROLL CALL!!! Tonight at SOM SF!!!!

2009-11-13T15:39:00.000-08:00

The Robot's name is Gary?

2009-11-13T15:11:00.000-08:00

This is the lead single from Amp Live's upcoming album on Om Records. I've been hearing a lot of great feedback about the video since it dropped. Glad folks are enjoying it.

Yeeee!

Mike Baker reviewed on Okayplayer

2009-11-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

Check out a DOPE review
of Mike Baker the Bike Maker's Now or Never EP on Okayplayer.

Just in case you forgot... My remix of Kenna's "Say Goodbye to Love" is on that thang.

Yeeee!!!

HNRL: Spank Pops "Make It" Video Trailer

2009-11-04T13:44:00.001-08:00

Make It Trailer from Aris Jerome on Vimeo.

OUT TODAY!!! Spank Pops: Beautiful Noise

2009-11-03T02:28:00.000-08:00

Spank Pops Beautiful Noise

Today is the day! The Honor Roll's own Frisco Giant, Spank Pops, drops his long awaited project Beautiful Noise. The whole project is produced by Doctor J, out NOW on Hella Records. I must honestly say that this is one of my favorite offerings of this year. Make sure you support Spanks and our whole HNRL crew but purchasing the project.

HNRL @ the video shoot for Spank Pops "Make It"... Dropping soon...

Tracklisting:
1. New Day (ft. 1-O.A.K. & Josie Stingray)
2. Why I Do This
3. Beautiful Noise
4. Make It
5. Orchestrate (ft. 1-O.A.K., Trackademicks, Mike Baker the Bike Maker)
6. Ever Since
7. Wonderful Music
8. Fam & Fans

Let Me Take You To The Movies Shorty.

2009-11-02T03:51:00.000-08:00

Hope you're having an AWESOME day...

Touch the Magic Now- The Trackademicks Process

2009-10-28T03:19:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to sit down with the homie Dave the Dopeman from touchthemagicnow.com
, a fresh new site highlighting the efforts of all the dopest producers.

I love the concept of the site because it highlights the efforts of the dopest producers.

Specifically, it shows their process and approach to music making.

Glad I got a chance to do this... I totally forgot about this beat. I just might use it...

Dub Frequency CMJ Showcase tonight @ BLVD!!!

2009-10-24T18:43:00.000-07:00