We are now talking about the man himself Roy Ayers.  In a time frame of almost 50 years (dating up until the present), Ayers has been releasing and working on projects spanning almost every genre of music. The handful of Roy Ayers sampled beats I have made in my day never got placed onto albums, but about 100 other producer’s beats have.  Ayers’ record “Everybody Loves Sunshine” alone has been sampled 35 times! (at my last count) Anyway, here’s a video I came across of the legend discussing his feelings on sampling.  The more I learn about this guy the more I become a fan, doesn’t hurt that he seems like the nicest guy ever…

Now on an only-related-through-sampling note, I also caught an interview today with the recently released DMX.  The direction his life has taken him in the last few years is truly sad, and when you listen to X’s lyrics as far back as his first album, you can easily detect signs of a very prominent dark side to the rapper’s life.  Its hard not to reflect on his recent path during this guest verse on Nas’ “Life Is What You Make It”.

Life is too short to get caught up on some dumb shit; Wake up, 40 years old on some bum shit…..Now realize that you ain’t got shit; Not long ago, you was the man, on some hot shit”

Damn reality is harsh sometimes.  The man did get caught up, I just hope his story isn’t over.  Anyway, the track contains a sample of Roy Ayers’ “Vittroni’s Theme” off of the soundtrack of the 1973 movie Coffy. Since this record isn’t much to really listen to, I threw in “Everybody Loves Sunshine” as well. Life is what you make it, let’s make it.

Roy Ayers – Vittroni’s Theme

Nas ft. DMX – Life Is What You Make It

Roy Ayers – Everybody Loves Sunshine

On Friday afternoon, we lost one of the true originators of this thing called hip-hop.  Gil Scott-Heron was an accomplished poet, musician, and author, known mostly for his performances in spoken word during the 1970′s and 80′s.  The album pictured above, was in reality the first instance of the hip-hop genre in recorded fashion.  Over heavy percussion and some jazz chord progressions, Heron spoke freely and intellectually regarding the deep-rooted issues effecting the black communities.  That’s hip-hop.  Small Talk at 125th and Lenox opens up with a song called “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” – yea he said that first.  In my opinion the deepest piece on the album is the one titled “Comment #1″, I’ll let him tell it though…

The time is in the street you know
Us living as we do upside down
And the new word to have is revolution
People don’t even want to hear the preacher spill or spiel
Because God’s hole card has been thoroughly piqued
And America is now blood and tears instead of milk and honey
The youngsters who were programmed
To continue fucking up woke up one night
Digging Paul Revere and Nat Turner as the good guys. America stripped
For bed and we had not all yet closed our eyes.”

A list of hip-hop artists that have sampled Gil Scott-Heron goes on and on; Talib Kweli, Common, Brand Nubian, Black Starr, Mos Def, Dr. Dre, Q-Tip, and most recently Kanye West.  Heron’s work is known as the earliest instances of hip-hop, so it seems right for it to be sampled on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which pretty much is an example of how far the genre has gone, and how far it can still go.  On “Who Will Survive In America” Kanye takes a backseat into just producer, as the vocals are entirely Gil Scott-Heron doing what he does.  Then at two separate points during “Lost In The World”, Heron again takes the mic and his quotes become the centerpiece of the record.  MBDTF will further ensure his words carry on long after his life, as the question can be asked, and answered every day – “Who will survive in America?”.

Kanye West – Lost In The World

So, I’ve been getting a lot of my inspiration lately from someone who is actually not involved in making music at all.  Staying on top of his moves for the last few years by following him on twitter, Bryan Espiritu has proven to me that he is one of the most dedicated and all around realest dudes doing it right now, period.  As the creator of his brand The Legend’s League and also the ever-growing IdeaLL Clothing Line, Bryan has put his world-class talent as a designer and artist to work in several successful ventures. Tonight in downtown Toronto, in what seems like the culmination of a lifetime of work, is Bryan E.’s first solo art exhibit, Because The Kid’s Don’t Play. I have given serious thought into finding my way across the border just for this specific event, and if it wasn’t for prior scheduling, I would have done exactly that. Anyway, if anyone that checks this site is anywhere near Toronto tonight at 8pm, go see first hand the magic of someone who has put their life and experiences into their work. Congratulations Bryan.

We invite you to…. something epic.”

Jay-Z – Can I Live

In true 4.20 fashion, this post is being made on 4.21.  Who’s putting in more work right now than Dub Sonata?  After the wide spread success of Nights In Cuba, Dub is back already with another highly potent instrumental project, Bluntitled.  It’s the musical equivalent of that kush/sour/purple haze L. Anyway, you already know EMPT got the exclusive release, ’cause thats how we move.  Check out the title track below, and support the man himself by purchasing the 5 track EP on iTunes.

Dub Sonata – Bluntitled

I know this has been out, but I didn’t fully connect to the place this song came from until now.  And all I can say is, wow Jimmy.  I think the concept of a Perfect Day is one of the best, ever.  I said it.  The harmonies on the hook musically speak volumes towards what this record stands for.  I think in years to come, people will still be discovering this song and making it a topic of conversation.  Jim Jones is onto something.

“I got a fool proof plan to make a couple of mill, and I think it’s gon’ work today”

Jim Jones – Perfect Day

One of my partners in this music thing, and also one of my favorite producers, Dub Sonata, recently put out a fully instrumental album inspired by a trip to Cuba.  Fittingly so, it was officially released on my favorite website EMPT with an amazing article and description courtesy of Hector Mendoza Jr.  I was lucky enough to see this project develop from its early stages and I can honestly say I’ve never witnessed such hard work first hand when it comes to music.  That hard work more than payed off, and it is evident in every beat of Nights In Cuba’s 45 minutes.  Dub has set a high standard for my whole team, and he is doing so like a true leader with this amazing album.  I am certain that 2011 is going to bring an abundance of success for the people I am surrounded by, and no one more than Dub.  Support real music and buy Nights In Cuba on iTunes.  Viva Cuba.

Dub Sonata – Puffin’ On a Fat Blunt

Happy to be currently working on some cool music that I can’t wait for people to hear… in the meantime what’s better than some Jada.  Off The Champ Is Here mixtape, Jadakiss goes in on a Scram Jones backdrop.  He spit’s just 40, but he could have done a zillion. Been hearing new ‘Kiss lately, it feels like hoody season.  This post is officially inspired by L Sessions With Mike Hannon.

“Old head told me, can’t save money you useless, and all you gon’ ever have is excuses, boy.”

Jadakiss – 40 Bars of Terror (prod. Scram Jones)

Just wanted to thank everyone that has supported this Sample Saturday thing that me and my dude Hector thought of doing a little over a year back.  A few weeks ago, “Ms. Fat Booty” from one of these posts popped up on the Billboard of Music Blogs, HypeMachine.com.  Getting almost 2,000 “Loves”, the post peaked at #3 on the most popular chart.  It feels good to help put some classic hip hop records back on the map, especially for an artist as respected as Mos Def.  Anyway, look out for a new Sample Saturday next week.  Love and music.

Producer Chase N’ Cashe from the Surf Club crew just recently put out his second fully instrumental album, this one titled Vintage (first was LovEND). Chase has a great knack for using unique sounds, and putting them together in well thought out arrangements, never leaving the listener locked into boring loops.  In a rap game where everything other than music seems to get too much attention, the Surf Club guys are developing a brand that is synonymous with… MUSIC.  Whether it’s beat tapes, mixtapes, or hit records… they keep shit moving and will continue to do so.  Oh yea, and of course artwork by the best in the biz, HusteGRL.

Chase N’ Cashe – Fresh Out

[above: a DaVaughn Blakney profile picture] Ok, here we go… First of all welcome to any new visitors, but this post is for everyone that checks up on the site regularly, and has been left song-less as of late. I want to be one to make music, and not blog about it… and honestly that thought sometimes resonates in my head.  I see now that I am just lucky to have a platform to share great songs with people, and actually have them listen.  At the end of the day, being a fan of music is what made me want to make my own… so, “I’m Back” -Eddie Kendrick.

Yesterday, I got the pleasure of being with a bunch of old friends at the Marina in Yonkers for the annual Diddy Day.  It’s been 3 years since we lost him.  Diddy was too big of a personality to ever be forgotten, and that’s why we miss him like we do.  Lucky for you guys he had a good ear for classic street records, and “Dope Money” was one that got several hundred plays in his Maxima.  To be honest, I actually feel the closest to Diddy when listening to The Lox. Certain bars more than others.

“Pull over where the hustlers be : And why’s that? : Cuz I get chills, when you talk of hustling keys”

The Lox – Dope Money