Shiftee’s Picks

Boom! Two times DMC World Champion brings us his essential weekend tunes…

What did I do last weekend?
1.  I played a crazy warehouse rave in Philadelphia, see photos here – http://t.co/7qZFxHAr
2.  I also did 3 sets at the Dubstep Music Awards and related after party festivities.
3.  I saved bunch of money by switching to Geico for my car insurance. I don’t even own a car!  

Before we get to the picks, promo time. First I have a brand new SXSW promo mix (featuring many of the songs below) & interview that just dropped for Media Contender. Grab it here – http://mediacontender.com/2012/03/13/dj-shiftee-interview-sxsw-mixtape/

Speaking of which, see me play at SXSW at these times – http://djshiftee.com/2012/03/sxsw-tour-dates/
And finally, I have a brand new routine video that just dropped for the groundbreaking new Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol F1 controller.  The video features hip hop legend Greg Nice.  Check it out here – 

The Picks

Chimpo – Blowfish [Estate]
Sweet mother of Mary!  (Is this a real expression?  If so, it’s one I feel conflicted about.  On one hand, we are praising a woman: the mother of Mary.  However, it seems like Mary is getting all the fame a recognition here.  Kind of unfair if you ask me.  Why not just say “Sweet Bertha!” or “Sweet daughter of Bertha!” if Mary’s mother is really who matters.  I’m assuming the name of Mary’s mother is Bertha.)  This track is brutal.  So heavy and unique.  I love it as a mixing tool for extended blends.  Blowfish, a very a useful fish.

Eprom – Regis Chillbin [Rwina]
This beat is so wild, probably best exemplified by The Gaslamp Killer going off to it every time he plays it.  Future sounds right here, and the Machinedrum remix is crazy too.  Can’t wait for this one to come out!

Fat Joe ft. Ashanti – What’s Luv (Shiftee & Rx NYC Luv Remix) [Free Download]
Just say no to Ja Rule!  Rx & I tackled one of our favorite early 2000s jams, but removed the main blemish on this otherwise sterling effort from Fat Joe & Ashanti.  Our version maintains the hip hop flow (93 bpm ftw), but incorporates a rather techno palate.  “Slow down, baby!”  Grab the track for free at http://facebook.com/djshiftee

GLC – Fellowship & Congregate (prod. by DJA) [T & A Records]
Top notch release from T & A records right here.  Long live rap!  For me, I can’t get down with a rapper unless I like his/her voice.  He/she can be the dopiest lyricist, but as Evidence says, “I don’t care how dope you write or look, emcees without a voice should write a book.”  GLC has a timeless voice and flow, and so I’m down no matter what.  It also helps that this song is crazy dirty.  “Pressure free, I’ll take you to where pleasure breeds.  Make you cum, finger you on leather seats.”  GLC may not regard the sanctity of leather, but I’ll be damned if he doesn’t know how to make a song.  Dope beat from DJA too!  

Mr. Mitch – The Last Stand [Gobstopper]
This track always catches people be surprise.  I love the use of silence following such a dramatic intro.  As devout readers of this column will now (hi, mom!), Mr. Mitch is one of my favorite producers of the moment.  This track, out now, is literally of the hook.  Like, I bought a hook, burned this song to CD, and hung the CD on a hook.  Grab it now!

Shlohmo – Rained The Whole Time [FoF Music]
Beautiful & evocative.  For me, Shlohmo’s music calls upon cinematic landscapes and stories.  Rained The Whole Time is the soundtrack to a tender love scene, where well, it’s raining outside.  The candles are lit, the lights are low, and oh baby, this song comes on the speakers.  

Sinden – Pull Up Wheel Up ft. Natalie Storm (Dillon Francis Remix) [Grizzly]
Big tune!  I’m all about 140bpm 4×4 tunes these days, and Dillon Francis executes masterfully here.  There halftime 3rd drop is also a winner.  Next time you see a wheel, pull that sucker up!

Siyoung – Cautious Careless [Seclusiasis]
Soulful neck-snapping action right here.  I could be wrong, but I think the vocal chop in here includes the word “chapstick.”  I for one think chapstick is an underrated part of day to day living.  I’m man enough to admit it.  I use chapstick.  And I love this song.  And so should you.  On both accounts.     

Spooky – Wavey Riddim [Ghost House]
Dirty business right here.  When I listen to this song, I make the same face as when I poop.  

Udachi – Shaolin Slum 2000 [Party Like Us]
This is a set staple of mine.  I play it almost every gig, as I find it’s a fantastic way to transition between halftime songs and 4×4 songs.  Massive dirty bass drop.  While I’m a huge fan of this song, I would caution against heading its advice.  “Bang The Head” Udachi tells us repeatedly.  Let me tell you from experience, banging your head hurts! Ouch!  

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