Following The DJ - Tuamie "The Gift Vol. 4"
THE RESEARCH
[one_third]Discovering new music in today’s world is practically effortless. Depending on your preference, there are multiple music outlets online, allowing you to listen to and purchase music digitally via iTunes, Pandora, Amazon or Spotify. If you haven’t already familiarized yourself with these companies, then you probably still listen to music in a traditional format like radio, TV, or maybe you are overwhelmed with the amount of options to choose from and gave up.[/one_third]
[one_third]If you’re a hip-hop fan like me, you can easily discover new music by turning on the radio and tuning in to one of the first clear signals that comes through. Hot 97 in NY, Power 99 in Philly, Power 106 in LA, Hot 107.9 in Atlanta; most major cities have a primary radio station dedicated to hip-hop.[/one_third]
[one_third_last]You can also hop online and visit music blogs like EgoTripLand, Pitchfork, MassAppeal, Consequence Of Sound, SampleFace, or PotholesInMyBlog to get your daily dose of what’s fresh. The ease of finding music to listen to has become greater now that most people in the world own smartphones and these big companies like iTunes have an app to preview and download music straight to your device. In today’s world, this is considered the norm. I tend to follow these blogs myself for what’s new, but earlier this year I focused on a different source; The DJ"[/one_third_last]
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American Hip-Hop Producer and DJ, Michael “House Shoes” Buchanan, has been an essential person in the continually rising growth of the Motown scene in Detroit and has been given the title by peers: “Hip-Hop’s Ambassador to the World”. Four-time winner of “Best Hip-Hop DJ” and a long time resident at hip-hop staple, St. Andrews Hall, from 1994-2004, House Shoes has also been credited as one of the first people to shop some of J Dilla’s early beats when he went under the “Jay Dee” moniker back in 1994. He continues to carry the Dilla torch today.
Like many J Dilla fans, I started researching more and more about his music and wanted to find other producers and DJ’s affiliated with him. If you watch any of the documentaries or read anything that has surfaced since Dilla’s passing, you’ll quickly start to see the name “House Shoes” circulating. There is an entire series of videos online produced by another Detroit native, Jeedo and his “Bling47” label, that interview some of Dilla’s peers and dissects some of his most famous work.[/one_half]
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There are about six videos from House Shoes where he talks about how and why Dilla sampled the records he did and you can listen to first-hand accounts of stories he shares and can start to understand the relationship they had. From here I started following House Shoes and his music. I quickly got hip to more amazing music from underground artists as well as more unheard Dilla material.
Over a year ago back in March of 2013, House Shoes started an inaugural free download release via his SoundCloud account of compilation “beat tapes” from young, undiscovered artists he felt deserved more recognition from the masses. House Shoes states: “…a series where I will be spotlighting producers and artists you may not be aware of. Each volume will be curated from prior bandcamp/soundcloud releases as an introduction to cats who have released prior material that I feel hasn’t reached its potential audience like it should.”
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THE DISCOVERY
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[one_half_last]Fast forward later that year to November, The Gift Vol. 4 featured Atlanta beat maker and mystery man, Tuamie. Just as House Shoes quoted in the release in regards to the music, “I was floored” – I too share the same enthusiasm.
Tuamie’s beats are reminiscent of J Dilla and Madlib. The sounds are very chill, intriguing and raw. Laced with hard-hitting drums with a lot of attack, obscure samples, hints of jazz and old-school R&B grooves they have a unique quality that holds its own.
The Gift Vol. 4 is a mix of different beats pulled from different self-releases on Tuamie’s Bandcamp page as well as some highlights from his debut release on GrandGarden Records, “Masta Killa”. The compilation is sprinkled with musical treats for any hip-hop lover.
Catchy vocal samples on tracks like “Reoccurring Feeling of Loneliness” & “The More Weed Smoke I Puff” will have you humming along to each note. The jazzy hooks on “No Limitations”, “Plant”, and “High Eyes” will keep your melodic taste buds satisfied while sample heads and hip-hop aficionados can find joy in recognizing flips on tracks like “Feed Em Gunpowder” and “Eva-re-moanin”. All in all, this album stays true to hip-hop form and it is noted, stating that all beats were made using only records and an MPC.
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"The Gift Vol. 4" is now available on limited edition vinyl. Buy your copy from FatBeats.com
WORDS by LAYTONIC // CREATIVE by IQUAN
Urban Exploring: Mott Street Cycles (Special Edition)
In this special edition of Urban Exploring, Iquan takes Guru to pick up his bike from Mott Street Cycles in China Town NYC. The two explore the shop and then cruise through the lower east side and Manhattan Bridge.
It all started a week prior to this journey when Iquan discovered Mott Street Cycles and immediately brought his bike from the unique and well branded bike shop. While heading back to Jersey Iquan texted Guru about the discovery and sent a few photos of the bicycle, Guru instantly said... "I want one". The very next day, the two headed over to China Town to order Guru's custom bike. It was a simple process, walk in, point at what you want, tell them the colors and what accessories then within 5 minutes your bike is ordered. Guru color choice was based off Iquan's color scheme which is the color scheme of the Artoholiks overall branding.
In a matter of days, Guru got the call from MSC to pick up his brand new means of transportation, the Urban Exploring duo got there within an hour and began they're exploration around downtown Manhattan. And just like that they created another story for Artoholiks.com, enjoy the video above and check out more photos in the photobooth. Deuces!
THE DISCOVERIES
MOTT STREET CYCLES
MSC Customs is a local bike and apparel company based in China Town Manhattan. Specializing in assembling fine personalized bicycles at a reasonable price, built with a commuters mindset. Learn More[/one_third]
PHOTOBOOTH: Sunday's Beats for Brunch 2
Yesterday we hosted our 2nd 'Beats for Brunch' event for the year in the lower east-side of New York City at Pianos, and this go around Laytonic featured Newark based DJ and fellow Artoholik 'Ream Supreme' to lead off the event making this his first NYC DJ appearance. Laytonic took over the 1's and 2's and laced a mean set of 90's hip hop instrumentals staying true to his style while providing a dope sound for the crowd to vibe out to. Then NYC based DJ 'Leecy T' closed out the DJ session with a blend that had the crowd dancing and bopping their heads featuring some 90's music as well as some fresh hip-hop and R&B rhythms. Just like our first B4B event back in February, we invited a live band to end the night. This time, Laytonic hand picked Brooklyn based hip-hop group 'ILLEGALIZE' to give our crowd some live and unique sounds.
Overall this event was just as successful as our first. Our mission was to get new people out to discover a different vibe, while enjoying food, music and each other. By the looks of the photo below, our mission was accomplished! Enjoy!
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Urban Exploring: Episode 5 – Orane Williams
In this episode Iquan get's up earlier than usual to catch his friend Orane Williams at the gym as he get's ready for a very important day. Watch Orane and Iquan workout at Retro Fitness in Kenilworth, NJ, grab breakfast from Mark Twain in Union, NJ, then head to Montclair State University as Orane sits on a 'swagger panel' in front of over 300 young males.
Discoveries:
- Orane Williams
- Mark Twain Diner
- Retro Fitness
- Montclair State University outreach program
Music:
Clear Blue - Light Roast
Shot Written & Edited:
Iquan Worthington
Thanks:
Orane Williams
Urban Exploiring: Lil Wyte (Special Edition)
In this special edition of Urban Exploring, Iquan and Guru get access to hang out with Memphis rap star Lil Wyte and his friends in New York City at the Merchants Cigar Bar for his album release of 'No Sick Days'. Check out the recap of their night.
DISCOVERIES in this EPISODE
Lil Wyte:
Patrick Lanshaw better known by his stage name Lil Wyte, is an American rapper from Memphis, Tennessee. He is a member of the rap collective Hypnotize Minds and owner of the independent label Wyte Music. Read More
Merchants NY Cigar Bar:
Cigars & cocktails are accompanied by an American food menu at this clubby basement lounge. Learn More
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Urban Exploring: Episode 4 – THE InstaMEET
In this episode Iquan Worthington hops out of the car and on to NYC transit to meet up and document with a group of street photographers as they roam parts of NYC in search of the best Instagram photos of the day.
In this journey Iquan hooks up with fellow Artoholik/friend Steve Cancel a.k.a @smbnyc, and pretty much shadow him as they both get to know the group of young street photographers starting out at Grand Central Station and ending in Long Island City. The whole idea started when Steve noticed that Iquan commented they're mutual Instagram buddie @4thkind photo, once the two realized that they were both trying to connect with him they pretty fell into the instaMEET group put together by @cityof_dreams. Overall the day was long and tiring from constant walking, taking, stopping, posing, and sharing ideas. The end result? We all earned new friends, new respect for our work and have documentation on exploring parts of the most beautiful city in the world.
Special shout of to @cityof_dreams, @smbnyc, @truthsoverlies and @cathya0528 for contributing their photos to the video.
Here's the rest of the crew, follow them all..
@truthsoverlies, @
We hope you enjoyed another Artoholik Original Story. Click here for the photobooth of this event.
Photobooth: The InstaMEET
Here are the photos from Episode 4 of Urban Exploring 'The InstaMEET'
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Photos by Steve Cancel a.k.a @smbnyc
In My Shoes ft. Torae
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[one_half_last]Growing up in Brooklyn in the 80's was the coolest. Hip Hop was bursting on to the scene, the fashion was crazy & Michael Jordan was on his was to becoming a basketball God. Not only was I viewing his super human feats on the court, I was watching his feet on the court, and in February of 1988 Nike released what is in my opinion the greatest Air Jordan sneaker ever. It was the 3rd sneaker released between the two parties & it was a doozy! Now being a March baby I really wanted these sneakers bad for my birthday but kids my age were getting robbed left & right for their kicks back then. It was a long shot but I asked......and got rejected, we really didn't have money like that back then anyway but moms just hit me with the it's too dangerous excuse & shattered my hopes & dreams.
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It would be a number of years before I had another shot at obtaining these beauties. Without dragging you through my various failed attempts at getting the 3's I'll just fast forward to 2010 when I FINALLY got my first pair of retro Jordan 3's (black cement color way to be specific).
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[one_third]As an artist in the public eye it's important for me to always show up fresh from head to feet & the Jordan 3 never let's me down no matter what the outfit. I've walked the red carpet, hosted events, performed all over the world & have interviewed your favorite artists wearing this sneaker.
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[one_half_last] I can recall landing in about a foot of snow in Germany back in 2012 and all I had to rock was my trusty 3's.
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They're fashionable, comfortable & durable. My oldest pair I've had about 2 years but they've been through it all with me. Anytime they retro I try to get a couple pair at least at retail price, but my latest pair I paid a pretty penny for (Thanks to Flight Club). My closet holds over 100 pair of sneakers, but none compare to my beloved Jordan 3's.
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ARTOTV: Come Get It Bae (Put On Your Robe)
[one_fourth]What happens when you mix six silly Pharrell fans, two of them being Artoholiks with cameras, three beautiful girls and a make up artist all in one room? Well after a few hours you'll get a video that covers a track off of Pharrell's GIRL album titled "Come Get It Bae" that highlights the make-up skills from local make-up artist Charlene Lee by documenting her process then having her models pose in silly faces while dancing to the selected track.
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The idea was sparked a few weeks ago after Iquan and Guru both listened to and loved the entire GIRL album. The two discussed and decided that they would do something based off the album to showcase their growth in video production while creating yet another fun story for Artoholiks.com. Sticking to the script of highlighting creatives, Iquan decided to hit up an old friend of his, Charlene Lee, with the idea of her gathering a few young ladies while he and Guru document the entire process.
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[one_fourth]Why make silly faces? We wanted to do something different, majority of the time models are serious and sexy. We figured, since the song is fun and since we're doing this out of fun, why not make it fun and silly. To see more photos click here!
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Produced, Directed & Edited: Iquan Worthington
Shot by: Guru N & Iquan Worthington
Make-Up: Charlene Lee
Models: Melanie Cohen, Yessenia Ventura and Dayos
