Tuesday, December 29, 2009

East3 (Rock Steady Crew)

Most people think of Rock Steady Crew as just a bboy/bgirl crew. Let me remind you, we represent all elements of hip hop culture. If you don't already know East3, allow me to introduce you to Hawaii's finest.

Born in San Francisco and raised in Hawaii, East started painting at the age of 14. In 1994 he met Crazy Legs and was recruited into the Rock Steady Crew. Since then he's work with Q-Bert, Tony Touch, Rawkus Records, GQ Magazine & many more. Check out this time lapse video featuring some of East's most recent artwork...



For More Info; http://www.east-3.com/

New Years Eve Celebration

The Midnight Hour presented by Converse. Root Down's Music Man Miles, Loslito and yours truly along with Bridges & The Soul Session Crew celebrate the New Years Eve at El Cid!

Special DJ Set by Shafiq of Sa-Ra Creative Partners, live performance by Adrian Younge & The Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra & Kev Brown; Free Admission & Heineken before 9pm, so get there early! Admission after 9pm is $20 & $25 after 10:30pm. For more info; ervinarana@gmail.com

Friday, December 25, 2009

Root Down Finale Photo's

About a week ago, Root Down celebrated a 12 year run as one of LA's best weekly clubs. But like all good things, it had to come to an end (at least for moment) and Root Down went out with a BANG! Breakestra, the Root Down Sound System along with special guest, Peanut Butter Wolf, Eric Bobo, Z-Trip, Marvski, Monalisa, Wyatt Case, Artson & many more kept the party live till 3am!

"We're not done, we're not done!" -DJ Dusk (R.I.P.)

Stay posted, be sure to check back with us from time to time, a Root Down comeback is in the near future. For now enjoy photo's of last week's celebration!































*Photography by Ervin Arana (2009)

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Root Down Finale

When I was 20 years old, 2 weeks before my 21st birthday, a friend of mine took me to Root Down for the first time and tried to convince the bouncer to let me in. Security wasn't having it, and I stood outside for about 10 mins while my friend went in to say what up to some people.

Two weeks later, I went back and experienced the Root Down for the first time, I was hooked. There was nothing like it at the time. They played everything from Funk, Hip Hop & even dropped a little Sade into the mix. The vibe would go from raw bboy cyphers to a sexy grown up experience. As an up and coming DJ, Root Down became my inspiration.

Five years later, a dream came true and I joined the Root Down Sound System. It's been an incredible journey. I've learned so much from Sloe Poke, Music Man Miles and the rest of the Root Down fam. So for all the unforgettable memories, I'm forever grateful!

After this Thusday Night, LA will never be the same. So join us for the end of an era...


*Download Breakestra's "Let The Bell Ring"

Friday, December 11, 2009

Mos Def

This dude never fails to impress me. Lyrically, musically... he's what I call, "Grown Up Hip Hop." I've been following his career since 1999 and it's been a privilege to see him grow as a musician. In honor of his birthday, I wanted to share some music you may or may not already be familiar with, enjoy!

Happy Birthday Mos!



Mos Def recently collaborated with Ohio based blues rock band The Black Keys. The album titled "Blacrok" also features Raekwon, RZA and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard of the Wu-Tang Clan; Jim Jones, NOE, Nicole Wray, Pharoahe Monch, Ludacris, Billy Danze, Q-Tip and was overseen by Damon Dash. Here are two tracks Mos Def is featured on; "On The Vista (Featuring Mos Def)" & "Ain't Nothing Like You (Featuring Mos Def & Jim Jones)"

In 2001 Mos Def was featured on Charlie Hunter's "Songs from the Analog Playground". Charlie Hunter wrote the music and Mos Def transformed himself into a tender soul singer. This is definitely not what Mos Def fans are used to hearing; "Creole (Featuring Mos Def)"

The Rebirth featuring Noelle Scaggs

The Root Down as we've known it is coming to an end. And if you missed The Rebirth's performance last night, you missed an incredible show. Amazing chemistry w special guest Noelle Scaggs, Double G, Miles Tackett and a surprise appearance by Loslito's dad!

The fam was definitely in the house, and DJ Inka One took us home with a lovely set of Hip Hop, Funk & Soul. Make sure you join us this Thursday Night for one last Root Down w special performance by The Breakestra and you never know who else just might show up to rock with us!

*Photo by Ervin Arana (2009)

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Rebirth live at Root Down

The Root Down has been a weekly home for beautiful people, music & talent. But after this month, Root Down will take a little winter hiatus. So these last December dates, we'll be going out with a bang...

Thursday Dec 10th, we celebrate Loslito's Birthday w a live performance by his group, The Rebirth & Guest DJ Inka One. Here's the info; El Cid 4212 W Sunset Blvd in LA; $6 Cover before 11pm w RSVP; ervinarana@gmail.com

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Que Sera

Thursday Nights you can usually catch me at Root Down, but tonight I'm guest djaying in my hometown, Long Beach! So if you're in the area, join me for some Hip Hip, Funk, Soul & More..... Que Sera 1923 E 7th St (Corner of 7th St & Cherry Ave)