Following The DJ: Nick Wiz
"HOW PERFECT. I'M JUST FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS NOW."
THE RESEARCH
I read a tweet today from a hip-hop music producer I follow named J-Zone that said “Cool shit about being a crazy late bloomer with so many things is being hyped about shit everyone around you gave up on already.”
This quote stood out to me because I can relate to it. I too feel the same way about discovering music that I love well after its release date. There are so many records that have come out over the years that I’ve slept on or never even knew existed.
When so much music gets released every week, how can you possibly stay on top of everything anyway? When I fall in love with music that hits me, I can listen to it on repeat for months, sometimes years. I’m still listening to Nas’s “Illmatic” debut.
This brings me to Nick Wiz, an underground hip-hop producer born in NYC and raised in Teaneck, NJ, whose appeal lends itself to fans of raw, uncut, jazz-laced, bass driven, mid-tempo, 90’s hip-hop. If you dig the sounds of DJ Premier or Buckwild, you can definitely get down with Nick Wiz.
Nick Wiz first made an impact on the 90’s hip-hop scene with his beat contributions to Ecko Unlimited’s “Underground Airplay” cassette series, which are now highly collectible. He is also considered to be an integral part of the early Lyricist Lounge movement. His most notable work can be found on the Cella Dwellas 1996 debut album “Realms n’ Reality” on Loud Records.
I didn't realize it at the time, but I first heard a Nick Wiz beat on the Rawkus Records mixtape Soundbombing 1 back in 1998, on one of my personal favorites, Shabaam Sahdeeq’s “Arabian Nights”. His unique choice in samples, low-end filters, hard hitting SP-1200 drums and dense bass lines can also be heard on records by Mad Skillz, Chubb Rock, Chino XL and Rakim.
THE DISCOVERY
Recently I discovered two full-length albums of nothing but Nick Wiz instrumentals from that same era and I couldn’t be more hyped.
The first one was actually released in 1997 on a compilation series called “Hydra Beats Vol. 12” while the other one was just released a couple of weeks ago, simply called “Unreleased 90’s Hip Hop Instrumentals.”
Through my constant journey as a DJ, searching for that 90’s sound I’ve come to love, it’s always a challenge finding a certain flavor that I can listen to on repeat for lengths of time. It might be dated but it takes me to a place that satisfies my ears and soul.
Some highlight tracks from the two albums include “Mind Crusher”, “Starlite”, “Four Elements”, “Hermano”, “Hey Man”, “Xylophone” and “Ride Out”. Check out these dope tracks yourself and help support underground hip-hop by purchasing Nick Wiz’s music on Bandcamp.
THE SOURCE
BANDCAMP Nick Wiz Unreleased 90's Hip Hop Instrumentals
YOUTUBE Mind Crusher
ARABIAN NIGHTS Watch It
STARLITE Watch It
WORDS by LAYTON W. // CREATIVE by IQUAN W. (another Ike & Laytonic collaboration 2013+)
Premiere: The Digital Tidbits - Digital & Your Brand
THE SYNOPSIS
When it comes to interactive marketing, in order to do it... you have to do it! I've been a digital marketer for over 13 years and have seen & been to the places it can take you. There are so many moving pieces in the digital world and its important for you to embrace what makes sense for you. One evening my husband & I were having a conversation about the digital space and realized that there was a perfect opportunity for me to share my experiences and skill set with my peers. As we started to outline what The Digital Tidbits would be, I clearly saw the direction that I wanted to go in. Makes sense? Well let's get started!
TIDBITS from this EPISODE
BRIAN HONIGMAN
Brian Honigman is one of my favorite people and I don't say that lightly... he is a super charged interactive marketer who understands what it takes to build, deploy and maintain a digital presence. Named a "seasoned digital marketing expert" by Forbes, his first approach to marketing is deserving of your attention. Outside of speaking at conferences and other industry events, Brian hosts a monthly Twitter show called #InsiderChat where he bridges the gap between digital experts and consumers/peers/marketers, providing an open forum for participants to learn and stay connected. To learn more about Brian and his #InsiderChat, visit his website here.
EMPIRE vs POWER
When Empire started its marketing blitz, die hard Power fans were concerned with the show being a "knock off" of the initial show they grew to love. Little did they know, Empire came out the gate swinging with marketing tactics that blanketed every marketing channel. Outside of pop up performances and billboards, Empire beefed up their digital and social presence by updating daily with a "sticky" asset mix. In regards to Power, daily content is posted but it mainly surrounds the show, i.e. video clips, images. Whereas Empire continues to wrap the consumer around the lifestyle by tapping into the onscreen and real world lives of the characters. Empire's digital voice continues to grow, will Power catch up? We shall see.
NATIONAL PUPPY DAY
Oh how I love these little ones, they make my heart melt on sight! While reviewing how many users uploaded canine images on #NationalPuppyDay it reinforced how the online world works. When you tap into the passion points or emotions of users, your chances of receiving a reaction from them increases. Consumers want to feel like they are attached to things organically and the more it peaks their interest, the higher your chance is of achieving your marketing goals.
GO FUND ME
You are what you tweet so don't embarrass yourself! GoFund Me is an amazing self-service fundraising platform that allows individuals with various causes to activate a campaign in seconds. With that access, comes unnecessary campaigns that slip through the cracks. By no means am I saying don't support legit and appropriate causes rather giving you a word of advice to do your homework before you click "submit". Make sure your contributing to what you signed up for!
A/B TESTING
The practice of A/B testing is not a daunting task rather an intelligent way for you to ensure that you are not wasting impressions. Running the analysis on your activations saves you the headache of not being able to reach your marketing objectives and puts you in the driver seat of your campaign's outcome. For more on A/B testing, and other best practices, click here.
FINAL WORDS
Shift gears with your online strategy when you need to! Listen to what the data says and take action, it's not hard but does require discipline. I hope you enjoyed the launch of The Digital Tidbits and until next time... keep your interactive active. - MrsAleeshaW
CREDITS
Theme Music: Jengi Beats "Hot Chocolate"
http://bit.ly/jengibeat-hotchocolate
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https://www.youtube.com/user/TheArtoholiks
Urban Exploring: LA w/ Royce Rollins
THE SYNOPSIS
Welcome to the first episode of Season Two! In this episode, I re-connect with an old college friend in LA. During my time on the west coast, he showed me all around town. We made stops at the ACE Hotel, the emerging Arts District, Downtown LA, Fairfax, The Grove and a few other spots that I was curious about. We ate at least four different places together including one of his favorite cafe's 'Go Get Em Tiger. We hit up a party at the Standard Hotel who featured two DJ's from the fast growing music label 'Soulection'. He showed me around his crib, we made coffee and we did some work together. We joked around and free-styled (rapped) to instrumentals and simply caught up on life. Check out the discoveries from this episode below.
THE DISCOVERIES
GO GET EM TIGER
gget is a cafe located in the Windsor Square section of LA! Owner CHARLES BABINSKI has won many awards as an Barista including first place in the 2015 SWRBC competitions. I really loved the open concept walk-up bar, small tables on the sidewalk, and a few benches and high tops inside. The food was great, we enjoyed the award winning waffle as well as an amazing cup of coffee. Go Get Em Tiger is located at 230 N Larchmont Blvd in Los Angeles. Hours daily. Follow GGET on Twitter and visit their official website. (323) 380-5359.
JUICE SERVED HERE
Juice served here can be your new daily ritual, why? "We are Raw. We are Organic where possible. We are Cold-Pressed. We are sourced locally whenever possible and no two juices are alike.
We are Fresh. We are Clean. We are Simple. Impeccably presented by passionate health enthusiasts. We are Warm. We are Inviting. We are the Place to hang. Drink and eat in total comfort with select literature, free wi-fi, and local community events." Need more? Yeah right, check them out here. I became a fan strictly over their clean & simple branding.
Shin Sen Gumi
Pronounced “shin sen goo-me”, the name was taken from the historical samurai clan who fought for a great “cause” during a civil war in Japan. Their commitment to excellence and sincerity of service to the nation became our model for serving excellent, traditional Japanese cuisine to our valuable customers. We are open 7 days a week, every day of the year, even on holidays. Whether you are picking up a meal on the go, having a family dinner, or enjoying a drink with your friends, this is the right place to come enjoy a refreshing and pleasant dining experience. LEARN MORE
KANG HODONG BAEKJEONG
"The Korean barbecue refers to the Korean method of roasting beef, pork, chicken, or other types of meat. Such dishes are often prepared at the diner's table on gas or charcoal grills that are built into the table itself. Some Korean restaurants that do not have built-in grills provide portable stoves for diners to use at their tables." - Wiki
In our case we had the works, because Royce wouldn't have it no other way. We pigged out on multiple selections of beef including COW TONGUE.
SOULECTION
Every single day of my life for the last 2 years or so, I've depended on this new sound to get me through my work days, car rides and workouts. This new sound is also known as 'The Sound of Tomorrow', I introduce to you... Soulection is a record label, radio show and niche collective of creative music makers worldwide. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Soulection procures the finest tunes from around the globe and increases visibility for them and their originators via Soundcloud, social media, weekly FM presence [KKJZ 88.1 FM HD3] and live events worldwide.
THE MUSIC
Urban Exploring Season 2 - INTRO
YES! YES! Season 2 of Urban Exploring has arrived, IquanW is taking his talents across the county this season. Making stops in Boston, Atlanta, Seattle, LA, Brooklyn and of course Newark! Check out the season 2 Intro, oh and episode 1 is coming April 22!
The Digital Tidbits - Trailer
The time is almost near and I can't wait to share the first episode of The Digital Tidbits with you. Produced and directed by Iquan W., here's a sneak peek of my show! Stay tuned...
A DAY - Mr. Jack Saturday PREVIEW
Over the winter I managed to connect with an old friend and during our time together I learned a lot about his plans for 2015. We ate with him and his pops, we walked around his neighborhood and just caught up on life. Stay tuned as I tell my story about my friend Ian a.k.a Jack Saturday.
Laytonic: Marty's Mix
DJ Laytonic is back on the HIP HOP scene with a new mix inspired by his cousin 'Marty'. Early this morning Layton released his new mix via Soundcloud and then shared a heartfelt message about it on Instagram...
My new mix was inspired by my older cousin Marty who turned me onto hip-hop music at the tender age of 7. I remember him showing me songs from LL Cool J and The Beastie Boys whenever my family went to visit. It made a profound impact on me. I later heard more amazing music from Public Enemy, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and Run DMC from watching MTV after school and on weekends back when MTV only played music videos. Although not all of those artists are featured in this mix, I wanted to convey the same feeling I got back then when Marty first introduced me to the music. This was the late 80's early 90's when rap was considered a threat to the suburbs. Most of white America wasn't ready for this new music filled with foul language, outspoken political views, sex speak and the occasional gun violence. Thankfully, my parents allowed me to listen to this music in the house growing up regardless of some of the lyrical content. As an aspiring musician, I never really paid much attention to lyrics anyway. My ears were drawn to the music and the production is what moved me the most. Even to this day I have a hard time listening to lyrics if I don't feel the music first. Hip-hop and rap music was my first true love and I haven't stopped listening since. Thank you Marty for the positive influence. I'll never forget it. " @laytonic
Check out the mix below and please comment!
In My Shoes ft. Lo Miller
Inspirational Explorer | Founder of Can't Stay Put
I was in the middle of the infamous "quater-life" crisis us millennials suffer through. I was unsatisfied with my life and was yearning for purpose. I wanted to share with the world something that was specific to me. After months of praying, I finally decided to put in my notice at work and as a gift to myself I traveled to Maui shortly afterwards. Using the experience as my version of Eat, Pray, Love. I had my A-ha moment while walking through the bamboo forest. Cliche, I know! But I realized my purpose was to do exactly what I was doing. Inspire others through my experiences around the world. And then I thought about my life. It wasn't a coincidence I started flying by myself at 5, or had traveled to multiply countries throughout my life, or that I was always the designated trip planner, or that I was always taking advantage of opportunities that required me to travel, or that I bought a ticket with sky miles only at 13. That was it! Travel was specific to me and out of that self-discovery CAN'T STAY PUT was born. CAN'T STAY PUT is about not being complacent, not sitting still, not letting life hold you back. With a primary focus on young creative millennials, it's about learning, following your dreams, seeking out new experiences, growing, evolving—essentially not staying put!
I traveled to Nicaragua in 2010 on a Business Mission Trip with the Wake Forest University Business School. One of our assignments was to meet and consult with local business owners. We visited a shoe-maker who supplied the boots for the Nicaraguan Army. His shop didn't have the latest technology but it was authentically his with the smell of fresh leather in every corner. In one room shoes were lined up by sizes. The latest batch. I asked how much? 7 American dollars. No brainer. I got them.
Fast Forward 2 years or so... 2013, when I quit my job to start Can't Stay Put, I started to wear sort of a uniform that always included my boots. I had a real rugged, tomboyish, "I'm going to work" look. After all, I was starting to build a business and brand. My daily fit was the least of my worries. I was tomboy chic. Next thing I knew they became my travel shoes.
My Can't Stay Put shirt, leggins, and my boots. I wore them everywhere. They were indeed my signature, so much so that they're part of the 1st CSP logo. It was only right.
California Fire Escape
Soaking up the view on the fire escape of my apartment. I would soon later break my lease in an effort to build Can't Stay Put vowing not to sign another lease until I was getting paid to do what I wanted to do. 
The day I received my first financial contribution for the 1st official Can't Stay Put trip after many failed attempts. My luck soon got better.
The day I departed for Hong Kong. The 1st destination on the 1st official Can't Stay Put trip.
Thailand Tuk Tuk- The primary mode of transportation in Thailand
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Urban Exploring: Open Crates + Sweet Chick (Special Edition)
THE SYNOPSIS
In this Lost Episode of Urban Exploring, Guru and Ike share clips about the success and growth of Open Crates in the earlier part of 2014. The duo also spent a day in Williamsburg Brooklyn at CMJ to catch up with drummer Layton Weedeman of Courtesy Tier as he performed with his friends Isle Of Rhodes. Lastly, they grabbed grub from Sweet Chick, a soulful Chicken and Waffle restaurant also located in Williamsburg Brooklyn.
THE DISCOVERIES
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OPEN CRATES
Open Crates curates music, breaks records and builds culture for progressive vinyl heads. We vibe on all genres of heavy percussive music.
Check them out monthly in Jersey City for Open Dig, click the flyer for more details.
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SWEET CHICK
Sweet Chick's philosophy is simple: Great Food, a Cool Vibe, and interesting Cocktails at a great price.
Along with some of the best fried chicken and waffles in New York City, we're serving what we like to call American cuisine with a Southern accent: Rustic but Modern American comfort food and twists on classic dishes and cocktails, plus home-baked desserts that will make you feel like a kid again. The dining room, on the bustling corner of North 8th and Bedford Ave, is as cozy and inviting (and locally-sourced) as our food. Check them out on Yelp
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CMJ
CMJ connects music fans and music industry professionals with the best in new music through interactive media and live events. CMJ also produces a legendary Music Marathon, the largest and longest-running music industry event of its kind, in addition to live events across the US. LEARN MORE[/one_half]
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ISLE OF RHODES
Isle of Rhodes is the moniker for Rob Farren's hard hitting indie rock project. Known for interweaving dynamic stylings and virtuosic abilities, while fashioning rock with an ensemble flair, Isle of Rhodes, draws upon on blues, funk, and classical elements, with influences ranging from Gershwin, Beethoven, Radiohead, The Beatles, Arcade Fire, to Roy Orbison. LEARN MORE[/one_half_last]
LAYTON WEEDEMAN
Layton Weedeman is a drummer and DJ from Moorestown, NJ who graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Music from the Berklee College of Music in 2004. He moved to Brooklyn, New York soon after with his alt-rock-indie band Courtesy Tier. As a drummer, he’s been featured on records by local artists Jessi Robertson, Isle of Rhodes and Man Made West. With Courtesy Tier, Layton has toured the US, played showcases for CMJ in New York City as well as SXSW in Austin, TX and has been named one of the top artists in New York’s indie rock scene by the Deli Magazine three years in a row. As a DJ, he goes by the alias DJ Laytonic and exclusively spins vinyl records highlighting hip-hop instrumentals from the 90’s. His mixes include music by A Tribe Called Quest, DJ Premier, J Dilla, Buckwild and Pete Rock. For more on Layton Click Here
THE MUSIC
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PAT VAN DYKE - Frequency
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PAT VAN DYKE - Swindle
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DJ CENTER -
Dem Say Ah
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HäZEL - Badoowap
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LAYTONIC - Until You Were Gone
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BIG JACK - Live @ OC
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