Those estute readers amongst you will have previously spotted and downloaded the excellent Cosmo's Crate Volume 2 download in our favourite links down on the right hand side (sorry folks no longer available!). It was there for a reason...cuz it's one of our fave comps for sure.
...and just when you thought it was safe, THE PURIST is back again to lace us with some more of that funky stuff....namely NO FAT CHICKS (great title don't you agree!) featuring some of the sweetest soul sisters on wax (great artwork don't you agree!). The CD is being released in Japan only on a limited 250 press, but in the spirit of goodwill to all fellow dusty vinyl diggers, we are being blessed with not just a promo, but the full DL - a short but sweet mix of rare cuts by female soul artist like Barbara Mason, Mary Love, Vicky Anderson, Laura Lee and Rehtta Hughes.
check it out....once again the girls got it goin' on! Enjoy.
Watching a deejay spin back and forth on 2 turntables, 2 CDJs or using Serrato may not seem overly impressive in a club today. Hell now, there ain't a city or town on this planet that doesn't have it's very own resident turntablists mangling the fader and scraping the needles over their latest battle weapon. But 30 years ago to see the DJ manipulate the music to and fro to extend the break part was nothing short of spectacular. I love the track "Apache" by the Incredible Bongo Band but I prefer to hear the drum part repeated over and over, and hip hop deejays brought this dream to life. Growing up as a kid and seeing this "miracle" for the first time gave me my life purpose, and thirty years on I'm still following that same path and hunting for that elusive second copy of this break or that break..... But even to this day some of the breaks used by the pioneering DJs remain a mystery to many beatdiggers. They (we) can be a secretive bunch, not wanting to give away the hard earned knowledge gained over years of digging missions and dusty funk hunts. And rightly so. London's original Beatmeister SKYE once told me - "Those who know don't say...and those that say, don't know!". Think about it.
Breaks are possibly one of the hardest types of record to collect - being non genre-specific doesn't help much when you're faced with a shop full of 10,000 records and only half an hour until closing time. And the scenario can very often be like that. The obvious place to start is with the FUNK section, but this will mainly lead you the classic breaks and often the most heavily used. Don't get me wrong, we all started collecting James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone, the JBs, the Meters etc. and these records are essential to own. In particular the late 1980's saw a revival of "Rare Groove" strongly influenced by the use of samples in Hip Hop music at the time. As Stetsasonic rightly said "Tell the truth James Brown was old...til Eric and Ra came out with I Got Soul". But drum breaks are littered throughout the years of vinyl whether it be rock, disco, boogie, soul, folk, and even easy listening. So after exhausting the funk, many diggers began to spread the search through their Dad's rock records, or even through the easy listening pile in the charity shop bargain bins. Some of the best drum breaks tend to come from these other genres because they tend to have been less widely used (if at all) and less "played-out".
So then the hunt was REALLY on! With absolutely thousands of different LPs out there to check, everything became fair game for a beatdigger. Every record had to be examined for darker groove sections - one of the the tell-tale signs of a breakdown. Admittedly so the finds were happening less often percentage-wise compared to funk...but some incredible stuff lurks deep in the rock or folk sections believe me.
The thirst for something special pushes the boundaries further and further. And nothing makes a beathead happier than owning a dope beat no-one else has! ;o)
The most prevalent collecting trend amongst beatheads over recent years has been the influx of Library records that began to leak out from within the vaults of music studios and TV stations throughout the 90's. As the studios/stations were migrating their audio soundtrack libraries over to digital format, i.e. CDs, they began to offload their Library Record LPs. KPM, Bruton, Chappel, Themes, De Wolfe to name just a few. Most of these comprised separate scores of music performed by session musicians for the purpose of film or TV background music, jingles etc.. and the highest prices paid have been for the drama scores as these provide the perfect ingredients for Hip Hop beats, and even name the tracks to describe the feel of the piece (i.e. the chase, tension, scary, chilling etc.). Key players on these LPs are Alan Hawkshaw, Keith Mansfield, Alan Tew, and David Lindup but many at-the-time unknown session musicians created these LPs. Expect to pay premium prices if you can find any at all. In particular the early 70's is a good sound for Library LPs...but the 80's stuff can be cheesier than a bag of Wotsits, so choose carefully. An even fresher and still current trend is leaning towards eastern European and Polish rock/folk/funk albums as these LPs now seem to be finding their way west.
But when you think of music of the late 70's (the time when Hip Hop first began) no doubt you think of DISCO as it was the most prolific genre at the time. Hence a lot of old school deejays rocked disco records at their parties, especially those records with extended mixes or breakdowns, or those on 12" inch pressings with the longer edits etc. Despite that fact, many old school DISCO breaks are still to this day lesser known than their funk counterparts. These DISCO records were more readily available to the deejays back in the day because these were new releases, unlike the funk which was even then a rarity and hence the need for the UBB series (which featured very few disco breaks). But since those days most deejays still prefer to rock the funk rather than Disco breaks .... or perhaps they are simply just wanting to say no names?? LOL
But right now I have to break with tradition (pun intended) and spill the beans on a few of my favourite old school DISCO breaks. OK some of you beathheads may curse me for the sharing aspect...but I'm not Bambaataa so I don't take the labels off my records!! If someone loves that shit enough to ask me then I'm happy to spread the love and tell them the title. With the current Hip Hop industry in the state it is in, I figure we need to spread the love, not hold back on it and watch the true artform disappear in front of our very own egos.
So here goes with a few classic DISCO breaks....I have took the liberty to edit and extend some in tribute to Louis Flores, and of course to keep ya heads boppin' that much longer! ENJOY
EASTSIDE CONNECTION - "Frisco Disco" (1978 Rampart) I'm not sure whether this is better known for being stuck on GRAND MIXER D.ST's wall on his "Grandmixer Cuts It Up" picture cover, or for being the sample used on SLICK RICK's "Mona Lisa". For either reason it is well worth remembering, and usually comes on multi-coloured marble-like vinyl, but my copy is the promo on black vinyl with pink label and the superior pressing quality. As mentioned before I have extended the break just to give you a taste of how it sounds on the 1's and 2's. And I have included a clip of SLICK RICK's classic from 1988 "Mona Lisa".
UNCLE LOUIE - "I Like Funky Music" (1979 Marlin) Imminent throwdown alert!! Dust off your Pro-Keds and slide on that mott neck and drainpipe LEE jeans. This record just screams "get down & dance" as you drop the needle into the groove. Straight away we are treated to a pulsating funky beat, then add some groovy keys, followed by an infectious chorus and solid rythmn section with surging horns, just how I like it. But the treat is yet to come. The horn section builds up the momentum before the drum break drops (recognise that breakdown?), and then becomes conga, bongo and handclap heavy before a suggestive b-line carries the groove. A definite b-boy & b-girl favourite.
IN SEARCH OF...ORCHESTRA - "Phenomena Theme" (1977 AVI) This one is a JAZZY JAY favourite, as demonstrated by his use of this record for the cuts on "Go Michael (Air Jordan)" by SCORPIO on CRIMINAL RECORDS in 1986. It's also one of my favourites simply because of the way the break drops in. I love the 3 stabs from the string section prior to the drop - incidentally the same bits JAZZY JAY cuts up. Great intro too with a funky uptempo beat as the strings create a feeling of drama and suspense, then lead into the main portion of the song. Superb string and horn combinations throughout, with a splash of the beautiful-sounding Rhodes in the drop-outs. The build up to the break lasts over 3 minutes, so we become accustomed to the groove unaware the break is gonna hit us followed by feint tribal chanting over the beat. Classic shiiiit! And SCORPIO's "Go Michael" is one hell of a record from 1986 that seems to get little play or mention....so I have added a soundclip for that too. I found my copy for £2 in Golden Discs in Old Street, East London some years ago (unfortunately this little vinyl den is no longer in business) I'm sure you will enjoy "Phenomena" as much as I do. A great record to rock at a party too. You cannot ignore the DISCO effect on the dancefloor!
Kid Dyno
(this post is dedicated to the legendary DJ FROGGY, real name Steve Howlett, who recently passed away aged 57. FROGGY was the first DJ to bring mixing skills back from NY and show them off in the UK, and first displayed this new skill at his residency at the Regency Suite in Chadwell Heath, just 2 minutes from DAILY DIGGERS HQ. It was the first time us Brits had seen it, and he spawned a million and one other deejays to take it up. He will be sorely missed by many friends, record collectors and music lovers alike.)
Hey ya'll. Yeah I know it's been a little light on the post front again recently. I can only apologise to my regular readers and put this down to there not being enough hours in the day, or enough days in the week to do all the sh!t I gotta do. In fact I'm starting a campaign for an eighth day of each week.....it will be added either before Saturday or after Sunday, and this day shall be called "Breakday" - where everyone must stay at home and play breakbeat records all day! ;o) So to make up for the lack of recent blog substance (although I hope you dug the recent Slick Rick remix) here's a mini podcast lasting just over an hour for your eardrum pleasure. It's no super duper big budget mixtape...but there's a little hip hop flavour from 1987 and some illy Funk breaks and even a dash of Disco! Yep that's right I said Disco. But in true BREAKS FOR DAYS RADIO style it's an hour of serious high quality music.
So click play below, put on your dancing shoes and get busy by your bad self....I hope you enjoy it whether you are out in your whip, diggin' for beats, on your skateboard, on the bus, at home, in the lab, or wherever you may be....
Tracklisting Dynomite Intro CHOSEN TWO - This is Talent THE ALLIANCE - Bustin' Loose ERIC B & RAKIM - Eric B for President T-LA-ROCK - Nitro SHOCKWAVE - Games We Play TONE LOC - Cheeba Cheeba INSTRUMENTAL TRAY BAG MC - At A Jam THE BROTHERS - The Brothers LE JUAN LOVE - My Hardcore Rhymes TRAEDONYA - The Boogaloo THOMAS EAST - Funky Music OLYMPIC RUNNERS - Swamp Lizard FESSOR FUNK - Love is Such A Good Thing KEEF JAMES - Find Your Own Way ODETTA - Hit or Miss QUEEN SAMANTHA - Take a Chance FIRST CHOICE - Love Thang EDWIN BIRDSONG - Rapper Dapper Snapper VERNON BURCH - Get Up
"News from the East Sire - Rick the Ruler has returned!"
No doubt Ricky Walters aka MC Ricky D aka Slick Rick the Ruler holds a firm place in many hip hoppers hearts. His eloquent storytelling and the distinctive English twang to his voice made him stand out amongst many MCs enjoying a flourishing career in the late 80's. "La-Di-Da-Di" is still one of Hip Hop's greatest records....and it is even more amazing to hear it performed live. Just imagine 3000 Hip Hoppers who all know every word rhyming alongside Doug E's still even now incredible beatbox....while the Rickster performs one line, and then the crowd perform the next, and so on. It sends a shiver down your spine!
In homage to Slick Rick here's a little 5-minute beat and a Rickster accapella.
By late 1987, and throughout 1988, Hip Hop records began to take on a sound closer to that originally created in the park jams. I still love that "Stupid Fresh" era of 85/86 with crazy cartoon samples and heavy drum programming etc.. but for me the three years from 1987 onwards defined the music in it's truest form - funky break beats laced with classic samples taken from the breakin' days earlier in that same decade!
One of my favourite years in Hip Hop music has to be 1989. It seems in this year many aspiring Hip Hop producers had begun to master the sampling technology available at the time. The days of DMX & TR808 beats had been replaced by the more creative SP12/ SP1200 unit laced up with an AKAI S-950 digital sampler. These amazing pieces of kit, especially the SP1200 (released in late 1987) were set to become the "industry standard" for creating dope beats from audio samples. The crunchy 12-bit sound of the SP gave it a "raw" feeling unmatched elsewhere. E-mu Systems made a number of important upgrades on creating the SP-1200. The SP1200 kept with the 12-bit crunch of the SP-12, as 16-bits was neither necessary nor cost effective in 1987 (the 16-bit EIII had just been launched at $10,000 upwards). The SP1200 did away with ROM based sounds, and relied totally on a floppy disk based sample library which could be loaded into RAM. Now producers could sample their own individual favourite drum noises from records for use in their beats. side note: PETE ROCK obviously loved "Long Red" by MOUNTAIN as he used the drum noises from this break, particularly the snare, almost constantly throughout his "Mecca & The Soul Brother" LP in '92. If you listen closely to your favourite tracks from this era, no doubt it's the SP 1200 keeping it raw! Though this machine was limited in its functionality compared to later drum-machine/samplers.....it is still often quoted as the weapon of choice.
Here's some ball-busting records from 1989...
TWIN HYPE - "Lyrical Rundown" (Profile 1989) Now if like me, you breezed past this record after hearing "Do It To The Crowd" played relentlessly on the radio and in the clubs, then may we suggest you go back to your local record store and buy that battered and torn copy that has sat in their dusty racks since its release? Appearing on the flipside of "For Those Who Like To Groove", it is understandable why one of TWIN HYPE's best tracks is pretty much unheard and under-rated. With superb drum programming throughout, and classic horn samples sounding very much like a Bomb Squad production (actually produced by Hollywood Impact). But the highlight for me is DJ King Shameek's cuts about 4 minutes into the track. DOPE! Now that's funky! And this record is cheap to pick up...just check out the prices here.
SOUL PURPOSE - "Soul Purpose" (Wide Angle 1989) This record seems to be missing from most people's radar...but a definite hype record for it's time. Appearing on Jerry Sylver's WIDE ANGLE label on a 12" in 1989 leads me to believe these guys are from Minnesota, but I'm happy to be corrected on that. Credited to Derek Stevens and Daniel Young, who eventually became MC Skat Kat (see photo below) & Dan Speak (who still DJs in Minnesota). WIDE ANGLE had already discovered one great talent in signing INFORMATION SOCIETY who later went on to sign with TOMMY BOY. ...anyway, the beats are dope on this track, and I especially dig later in the mix where the beat breaks down into a Dennis Coffey sample. Nice use of a STETSASONIC hook at the start too. But it's the funky ass horns and bass groove that get me headnodding throughout this track. And the rhymes are very competent indeed. On listening to this track, you could easily mistake it for a much later release, so good is the production. ENJOY!
ANTOINETTE - "Girl is Off On Her Own (REMIX)" (Next Plateau 1989) Another dope ANTOINETTE 12" release, this time with beats courtesy of I.G. OFF & JAY ELLIS. From the introduction the cuts are super-tight on this track (performed by Mix Master Ice), and it's an obvious banger simply for the fact that it uses some killer JB loops. However I had slept on this twelve until my man A Brother With Soul from Germany schooled me (thanks B!). Hell, he knows how much I love Antoinette, and despite owning the "Who's the Boss" LP I didn't realise a twelve release was out there. Antoinette shows of her mic skills once again...
"...I know they know he know we know you know, Antoinette remains numero uno, you can't front cuz you're on stand-by, I wash a rapper then leave 'em to hang dry, cuz with def rhymes and def tones, this girl is off on her own!!"
BOOGIE-BO GEE - "Skip To My Rhythm" (Jabree 1989) Imagine a mish-mash of "Funky President" and Steve Miller Band's "Fly Like An Eagle" and that about sums up the dope beat on this one. I agree the production is very basic on this joint but with a great effect. The 2 emcees drop their raw rhymes and urge you to "skip to their rhythm" while their DJ cuts up P.E. and Trouble Funk's "Pump Me Up" amongst other classic noises. The label says 1989 COPY but I'm guessing from the catalogue number on the label that this was actually an '88 record....but hey it came from the 89 crates so here it stays. And I'm loving the hand-drawn JABREE logo!
Take a peep at the soundclip. I'm sure a few of you will like this but maybe not for all tastes. Thanks to Ed Catto for supplying the Daily Diggers with a crispy copy.
CRUSH NATION - "It's All About Money" (Select 1989) A real easy piece to find on the well distributed SELECT record label, produced by Craig Bevan before he crossed over to House music production. This joint has a raw feel to it, and is a real good example of how crunchy the SP1200 drums can sound. Nothing amazing production-wise admittedly, but this is a solid beat and samples nevertheless. But what makes this track doper than the average record, are the hardcore rhymes the emcees drop over the top (why didn't these guys record more material??), and the adept cuts and scratches in the chorus and throughout the track. Overall a cool record leaving you feeling like you're back in '89, as the emcees school us on the importance of earning COLD CASH MONEY back in the 80's projects!
FREAK L - "When The Pen Hits the Paper" (Urban Rock 1989) Once again Vandy C showing his skills production skills with the late great Paul C McKasty on the mixing desk. Despite the dodgy intro using "It's Just an Illusion" by IMAGINATION???,it's still an incredible record purely for its heavy use of turntables (how Hip Hop should be). Relegated to the b-side of "Line for Line", the beats are still pretty damn tight use of the SP1200, with some real quiet drum noises keeping the tempo. Based around Marvin Gaye's "T Plays It Cool", Vandy C still manages to cram in as many other classic break records as he can, including the Handclapping Song by the Meters, Before I Let Go by Maze and others. But FREAK L rhymes clever and real tight too on this track, as he does on his "Slammin'" release, making this another worthy purchase on the URBAN ROCK label.
The brief hiatus is over, and we're back with more of the raw! A change of jobs for me was the reason for the lack of recent posts.....but now I'm back with some more vinyl treats for the wax-addicted amongst you. A change of employment doesn't mean we haven't been out on the strength diggin hard. Far from it, the beats have been coming in thick and fast lately, so we have some hell-a-dope material to bring you in the very near future. So pull up your chair, get comfy, and let's get cold break ill with the drummer ....HIT ME! DUKE WILLIAMS & THE EXTREMES - Chinese Chicken (Capricorn 1973) A personal fave of mine, this funky instrumental rock classic builds up the momentum throughout the track, and then hits you with a funky guitar lick and head-nod drum break about two-thirds of the way through. Perfect for b-boys, b-girls and for the DJ to rock 2 copies bronx style. Released in 73 from the bizzarrely entitled "Monkey In A Silk Suit Is Still A Monkey" album, and most famously used by MC PEACHES on her 1988 twelve release of "Treat Her Like a Lady" on Bumrush records, produced by First Priority's very own King of Chill.
ATOMIC ROOSTER - The Rock (B&C 1971) A real funky and sleazy joint here from the excellent English prog rock outfit formed by ex-Crazy World of Arthur Brown members, Vincent Crane and Carl Palmer in 1969. One of their only hit singles came in 1971 with "The Devil's Answer "which reached number 4 in the UK charts, but here we are gonna feature the flipside track called "The Rock" which I think was flipped recently by a Hip Hop artist (Buck 65 ). I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do!
THE TREMELOES - Instant Whip (CBS 1969) Not your usual TREMELOES stuff this so don't breeze past this one 'cuz you will be missing out. From the word GO the drums are hard-hitting on this joint, with psych guitar and freaky screams laced over the top. And a dash of Fender Rhodes maybe? And when the drum break drops after a minute or so, the drummer (Dave Munden) cold gets busy hitting them skins with some funky ass loops and drum rolls, with the screams and whoops still evident in the background and adding to the mood! Incidentally, Munden was born in Dagenham in the UK, only one mile from the DAILY DIGGERS HQ. So if you are reading this Dave, keep getting funky YO! Enjoy...
PEACHES & HERB - Satisy My Hunger (Date 196?) Now if this doesn't satisfy YOUR hunger for a funky drum break then I honestly don't know what will! This seems at first to be a real nice uptempo soul track with great strings and surging horns....but brace yourself because this piece of fantastic plastic is gonna rock your drum break world after about 1.34 mins with some dope drums, followed by a drums and bass riff. Again another record on heavy rotation in the DAILY DIGGERS lab!
JAMES GANG - Funk 49 (Probe 1970) My copy of this is slightly crusty but I'm sure you will still be able to appreciate this mean sounding rock joint. For some reason it reminds me of "Footloose" in some parts of the guitar riff ...LOL... but the drums on this little seven inch are superb and are definitely b-boy and b-girl friendly. This isn't an original 45 here, but I'm sure the hard diggin' cats amongst you will dig out an OG somewhere before I do. Remember where you heard it first!
At Breaks for Days we are known for going on and on about the 1980's and how good Hip Hop was back in the days...but please don't get it twisted, we have mad love for the 90's too! There were some incredible independent releases throughout the decade, many of which captured the true feeling of the mid 90's Hip Hop youth, delivering a raw message compared to the watered-down major label product. The beats were crunchy and crispy, and the rhymes hardcore. No wonder many of these elusive, low budget, and limited pressing releases are now so damned hard to find....and when they do pop up they can cost an arm and a leg. So let's take a peep in the 90's crates and see what we can find...
Here at the Daily Diggers HQ we have always been big fans of THE ROOTS. If you have seen them live then you know exactly what we are talking about - their onstage renditions of their own catalogue (as well as other HIP HOP classics like "Paper Thin" and "Top Billin'") make you realise Hip Hop can be amazing to watch as a live artform, and still sound dope on wax. So we know to keep checking back for them ....even if they have been signed to DEF JAM! With the man Ahmir "?LOVE" Thompson at the drums we are guaranteed shit will always be funky! In tribute here's a little DAILY DIGGERS REMIX action on THE ROOTS courtesy of the BEAT DETECTIVE. You don't see us....but we see YOU!
Enough of me going on about records.....let's just have some music shall we? Now there's some big ass drums in here for the beatheads, and some classic golden era samples for the Hip Hoppers. Strictly on 45. Hopefully something fonky to cater for everyone's tastes. And I think you'll find it's perfect for the whip too! A sunny afternoon maybe......hold up, summer's not here yet, but we can dream can't we?
Does TUFF CREW rock your part of town? Does COOL C make you get down to the grissle? Are you serious about STEADY B? Does PHILL MOST CHILL have you on tempo Jack? Does the sound of Philly make you get illy? If your anwer to all these questions is "YES" then homeslice you need to peep the latest AROE & THE SOUNDMAKERS mix CD...THE WRECKSHOP PHILLY GOLDEN ERA Vol.1. Jampacked with all golden era goodness from the Philly region, you just know this is gonna be a stormer of a mix. And in traditional SOUNDMAKERS style, the beats are on some hype uptempo dope sample type shit. And if you like your rare nuggets on wax then this will also satisfy the rarest of appetites! Just try ticking off the records on this mix that you actually own and see how quickly the beads of sweat start to appear on your forehead.
Straight from the ROCKY themed intro, they take us into some heavy Hilltop hard-hitters! All beats are mixed tight with party horns and air raid sirens for additional atmosphere. Close your eyes and this shit will transport you back to the 80's, with you wearing your TROOP tracksuit, and doin' the whop like it's the brand new thang! Get funky now....
With over 40 tracks featured this is value for your hard-earned dosh. Plus this ain't no half baked venture - the one and only L.A. KIDD also provides additional vocals to give this the official TUFF CREW stamp. Highlights include the exclusive "NUT (Soundmakers Remix)" with some off-the-hook additional cutting from DJ TOO TUFF , and the unavailable PHILL MOST CHILL cut "DAMAGE" which is bound to blow your woofers. Check the soundclips below and peep what's in store. If you don't like what you hear then I'll eat every one of my Philly records! Every last one of 'em.
We've purchased lots of records lately...so it's seems a shame not to use them to their fullest potential. Yep we love to play our wax out and keep the crowd rockin'.....but flippin' a dope beat is ALWAYS a priority! Let's hit the crates and create...
