I'm Serious/Dj ViceSeems like all the mixtapes you get are from everywhere but the West. DJ Vice of Los Angeles radio-station Power 106FM has a plan to blow it up-by putting out yet another of his West-flavored mixtapes. I'm Serious steps to the plate with collector-edition "exclusives" from Truth Hurts f/Rakim, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, Jay-Z & Memphis Bleek and Tank. Also on the CD are new heaters from Petey Pablo, Sixx John, Lexicon, Camron and Shade Sheist. All 27 cuts auralize the palette of the West and are mixed West-coast style. Outside of Cali? Nab this mixtape and taste the flavor. Vice's CDs are limited in quantity, so go out and get one today. Djvice.com, hollaboyz.com.
Seven Grain/Variable UnitIn the abyss of music that's out these days, our generation tends to listen to many genres of music. Variable Unit is a mind-and-ear pleaser, in that it provides a fusion of breaks, dub, hip-hop, classical, rock and soul. Think of it as a Sampler at Denny's, except jazzier than onion rings. Let me break it down: Let's say you got a couple people coming over-particularly some girls you'd like to impress and show you have a little class-pop this in and they'll be asking to stay the night. Of course, you'll probably need some game, but I'm sure you've already got that.
Required Interview:The Jungle BrothersA few months back we came across this PS2 game that featured, among others, a new Jungle Brothers song. The game is called Frequency and it's produced by a company called Harmonix. What is it about? It's about making you into a musical genius.
Well, OK, not quite. Josh Randall, the producer/music director of Harmonix writes, "...We wanted to make a game that allowed non-musicians to feel the same buzz we felt making music." In it's basic framework it's kind of like Busta Groove, it's not about that kooky dancing stuff but more of its hand to beat . I'm not trying to dis Busta Groove. I've been drunk with some friends in the presence of that game. Ah yes, good times...good buds-that's another story in itself.
Frequency is more about making the music so you can eventually get hot chicks. It's like practicing to be a rock star. The game's strategy revolves around your ability to hit the controller buttons to the beat of the song. Each musical segment is broken up into sections such as drums, synth, vocals, scratching, bass, etc. The best part is since there are a slew of musical acts featured on the game, you won't get bored.
The game is mostly contributed dance music from ultra-popular hitters like Paul Okenfold, Orbital, Powerman 5000 and Freezepop. On the same coin, though, you've got artists like DJ Qbert, No Doubt and, my favorite, the Jungle Brothers-making Frequency an all-around attraction.
The JBs have been around for a while and are considered one of the originators. I remember a few of the cuts from these albums: Straight Out The Jungle (1998), Done By Forces Of Nature (1989), Raw Deluxe (1997), V.I.P. (2000).
Required Audio got the opportunity to interview Mike G of the legendary Jungle Brothers. Check it.
Mikill: First, I just want to say thanks for doing the interview.MGJB: Ah, no problem man.
Mikill: There are a few elements I feel make an artist truly great. You guys are hip-hip legends. What is it about the Jungle Brothers that makes you so respected?MGJB: I would say our innovations. The energy we bring to new ventures we step into when we get into the studio. You know, if it's jumpin' over a drum 'n bass track or jumpin' over a house track or jumpin' over a jazz track and just kinda bringin' the right energy to the table. I think that's what brings the respect.