TrackBlasters Radio: 07.03.16

Da More Fire Monday – The Correct Flava To Start Your Week Host: DJ P.R. Today, the legendary DJ Babu (of Dilated Peoples / Beat Junkies) takes over the TB Radio airwaves with his set from Boiler Room’s first Mystery Crates episode, playing DJ Nu-Mark‘s records. Enjoy! Record Of The Day: Back on Wednesday! Playlist No playlist available Download here (right click and save as…)

Read more

J. Rocc & DJ Rhettmatic – Get Live With It (The J Dilla 2×4 Tribute Mix) [Stream]

February is what we like to call “Dilla Month” in honor of the birthday & death anniversary of the one of the greatest (if not THEE greatest) music producer of all time….the one & only James Dewitt Yancey, better known to the world as the legendary J-Dilla. He was born in Detroit on February 7th, 1973 and passed away in Los Angeles on February 10th, 2006 due to complications to Lupus, a few days after his 33rd birthday & the release of his final opus, “Donuts”. J.Rocc & Rhettmatic both have a special bond with Dilla. J was part of the circle of close friends when Dilla moved to Los Angeles, that included Madlib, Peanut Butter Wolf, & Egon. J.Rocc is also the 3rd member of Jaylib, the collabo group of J-Dilla & Madlib. Rhettmatic eventually also became a part of Dilla’s LA’s circle of friends. Dilla personally asked Rhett to be his tour DJ for his European Tour (which actually turned out to be Dilla’s last tour ever) when J wasn’t available. Both J & Rhett have done personal tribute mixes to their fallen friend over the years, but haven’t recently done one in a while….till now. This time, they decided to make another Dilla Tribute Mix….together. They basically planned to record an impromptu, inprovised 2×4 (2 person/4 turntables) mix…nothing pre-planned, see what happens, as they improvise on the spot, weaving in & out of songs with blends & cuts, pick the best parts of the mix, & release

Read more

The World Famous Beat Junkies Interview w/ Dub Spot [Video]

The World Famous Beat Junkies turntablist crew stop by Dubspot to discuss their love for turntable music, being active for more than two decades, and the current state of DJing and music technology. The Beat Junkies (DJ Babu, J Rocc, D-Styles, DJ Shortkut, DJ Rhettmatic, DJ What?!, Mr. Choc, Icy Ice, Curse, Melo-D, and DJ Havik) incorporate highly skilled turntable techniques with party rocking. In this video, the Beat Junkies talk about their versatile performances in which they incorporate team routines, individual routines, and party-rocking turntable music. They talk about how forming a group helped them to individually develop their skills. Although the art of DJing has completely changed since the group’s founding in the 1990s, they talk about their respect for DJs who have great song selection and play for the crowd. However, they discuss how their art is completely different as turntablists, more akin to live musicians as they are using turntables as instruments to create new music, and are prone to error. As technology and the internet developed, the Beat Junkies remained enthusiastic as these improvements create new ways to further their craft and add new musical elements to the music they perform with. They continue to represent the art of turntablism and display hip-hop in its purest form.

Read more

Trek Life – Hometown Heroes (Mixed By DJ Rhettmatic of The Beat Junkies) [Mixtape]

Trek Life’s new album with Duke Westlake “Hometown Foreigner” is out everywhere now, but we wanted to take a moment for people to hear the mixtape DJ Rhettmatic of the world famous Beat Junkies put together featuring some of Trek’s greatest moments. The mixtape (playing off the album title Hometown Foriegner) is called “Hometown Heroes” and was originally released only as an actual mixTAPE. We pressed it on limited edition cassette, then Rhettmatic himself promoted the tape at SXSW this year. The original tape version is also available for free when you pick up the new album on CD. But for people today, we wanted everyone to have a chance to hear the magic with a free download. The mixtape features Oddisee and Exile among others, as well as production from Evidence, DJ Babu, Duke Westlake, and more, and of course cuts and mixing by DJ Rhettmatic. Trek Life – Hometown Heroes (Mixtape) by DJ Rhettmatic (of The World Famous Beat Junkies) Previously: Trek Life feat. Hawdwerk & Bishop Lamont – Rap Time [Audio x Download]

Read more

The Beat Junkies – For The Record (Documentary) [Video]

The World Famous Beat Junkies, comprised of members J-Rocc, DJ Babu, D-Styles, DJ Rhettmatic, DJ What?!, Mr. Choc, Icy Ice, Curse, DJ Shortkut, Melo-D, Symphony and DJ Havik have been putting in work on the turntables since they were first established in 1992. Known internationally as the premiere DJ crew, their longevity is a testament to their immense musical talents. In celebration of the legendary Beat Junkies, LRG presents For the Record – a short documentary profiling the collective with contributions from the likes of A Trak, Q Bert and Peanut Butter Wolf – with DJ Jazzy Jeff commenting that “there are no DJ’s out today that haven’t been influenced by the Beat Junkies at all.” In addition, the Beat Junkies are heading out on the road for an international tour with stops across the US, Europe and Asia and this past weekend kicked off their tour at the Echoplex in Los Angeles, CA on June 30. Laced in commemorative letterman jackets from LRG that celebrates 20-years of hard work and hustle, here’s to another 20 more in the game.

Read more

The Beat Junkies 20th Anniversary Party & World Tour Kick-Off (Trailer) [Video]

The World Famous Beat Junkies are celebrating their 20 Year Anniversary & will be embarking on a World Tour to celebrate. Their first show will be in their hometown of Los Angeles at The Echoplex – Saturday, June 30th. This is a special one because most of the whole Beat Junkie crew will be in attendance: J.Rocc, Rhettmatic, Melo-D, Babu, Shortkut, Mr. Choc, D-Styles, Curse, Icy Ice, Havik, & Tommy Gun., along with special guests: The Visionaries, Supernatural, & more special guest TBA. Hosted by Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples.

Read more