Undun

New Roots album was released this past Tuesday. I've always been a big fan & will always support! You can preview the entire album on KCRW. If you like what you hear, please go out & support good music!

The Givends Benefit Compilation Vol 1

Peace world, and I really do mean PEACE! As messed up as the world is today, it's very important to set our personal agendas to the side from time to time & give back. Giving back doesn't always mean donating millions of dollars to charity. In this case, a small donation to purchase this Compilation or it can be as simple as donating a moment of your time to spread the word and encourage others to buy it. Either way, thank you for your time & remember as DJ Dusk would say "None of us are as strong as all of us."

THE GIVENDS Benefit Compilation Vol 1 is a unified effort from artist to support arts/music programs that benefit at risk and underprivileged youth.

In conjunction with the annual Thanks Givends event, this compilation will enable our outreach to go global and with 20 incredible tracks from a wide range of artists at a "you name the price" donation, you not only get to discover new music and artists that are pushing the industry forward, but each dollar is energy that will be put back into these programs.

This years beneficiaries; Marvista Family Center, Sound Art,
Peace 4 Kids & Pio Pico Ms Music Program

Low Key Thanksgiving Eve

A very special THANK YOU to DJ Cee Brown, Anthony Valdez, Jimetta Rose & everyone who celebrated our 1Yr Ann with us a couple weeks ago. Low Key returns this Wednesday Night on Thanksgiving Eve. I'm going to be spinning all night, so before you head over to Thanksgivends stop by and vibe with us!

Always FREE, always a good time at Carbon 9300 Venice Blvd in Culver City. Make sure you get there early to take advantage of Happy Hour $3 Drink Specials!

13th Annual Thanksgivends Benefit

The 13th Annual Thanksgivends Benefit takes place this Wednesday Night Nov 23rd 9pm-4am. Thanksgivends is
a community effort to raise funds and awareness for programs incorporating the arts for underprivileged and at risk youth.
2 levels, 3 area featuring the best of LA Underground culture. Live art patio, 21+ $10 admission at Los Globos Nightclub, 3040 W Sunset Blvd in LA

Participants include...
4 Mula, Analigital, Anything Fresh, Art Don't Sleep, Bach MRKTG, Beat Junkies, Beat Swapmeet, Beathackerz Collective, Blu Events, Bodega, Boombox, Bridges, Bunda Funk, Cornerstore Radio, Descarga, Devil's Pie, DP Sound, DTLA Tonight, Dublab, Escapism, EVFA Music, Extra Mile Sauce, Fast FWD, Flavorpill, Fly Ball, Footlong Development, For Those Who Know, Frolab, Funkmosphere, Funky Sole, Fusicology, Gata Recordings, Gifted City, Hang Together, Harmony Sound, In Soul We Trust, Incognito, Juju, KCRW, KPFK, Ladies First, Low Key, Muzicality, Nance.Arte, Niteshift, Nu-Soul Magazine, Ozomatli, Pitchblend Media, Plug Research, P.O.P. Culture, Pocho Hour Radio, Power Tools, Proper, Resident Friday, Rice & Beats, Rick & Ray, RK Entertainment, Root Down, Sailaway Collective, Shift, Solshock, Soul Children, Soul Circle Radio, Soul Sessions, Spring Strut, stay Gold, Strictly Social, Subsuelo, The Noise Academy, Transit Events, Tumbe, Turntable Addicts, Uniquity Records, Unison, Universal Rhythm, Vibes & Stuff, Walk Talkin, We own The Night

DJays...
Al Jackson, Analog, Anthony Valadez, Beat Ventriloquists, Billy Goods, Bobby Soul, Brazilia, C-Minus, Cee Brown, Clifton, Danny Massure, Destroyer, Drack Muse, Dubs One, Duran Castro, Ervin Arana, Expo, Frank Foreal, Gazoo, Inka One, Jedi, Just Pudge, Kerry Simester, Mando Fever, Marlon Fuentes, Michelle Q, Monalisa, MZA, Panamami, Phatrick, Phersone, Phyz Ed, Plann B, Puffs, Raul Campos, Re-Mitch, Rick Wren, Rudy Carmona, Scott K, Sean O, Selectra, Seven 57, Sloe Poke, Soluz, Wordamouth, Wyatt Case

Host/performers...
Quetzal Querrero, Derrick Buck, E Reece, KG Superstar & Mayda Del Valle

Live art by, Mear One & Outdoor Art Gallery by Analigital
This years beneficiaries; Marvista Family Center, Sound Art,
Peace 4 Kids & Pio Pico Ms Music Program

"Legend's Hip Hop" by Justin Bua

Pick up Justin Bua's new book and get it signed by the man himself at Amoeba Music in Hollywood (6400 W Sunset Blvd.) Here's the info....

Internationally acclaimed artist Justin Bua celebrates the release of his new art book, "The Legends of Hip Hop" with a book signing event at Amoeba Hollywood. With a forward by Chuck D, his new book is an an intimate look at the visionaries, the movers and the shakers and the pioneers who have helped shape the world of hip hop.

DJ Qbert is featured in the book and will be spinning at 6pm to kick off the event and will sign copies of the book with Justin. Book will be available for purchase at Amoeba day of the event.

Thank You! Low Key 1 Year Anniversary

I just wanted to thank everyone who came to celebrate our 1 year anniversary at Low Key. A very special thanks to Anthony Valadez, DJ Cee Brown & Jimetta Rose for truly blessing us with their talents! Peep the photo recap by yours truly (below) & Anthony Valdez HERE. Check us next time on Wednesday Nov 23rd, the night before Thanksgivings.

*Photography by Ervin Arana 2011

Low Key 1 Year Anniversary

A year ago I started a night called Low Key, focusing on the more soulful side of me & it's been a great journey. Many thanks to all of our past guest & everyone who's supporting us throughout the year! This Wednesday night is our 1 year anniversary & to help us celebrate, KCRW's Anthony Valadez & Bodega's DJ Cee Brown will be blessing us on the decks. Always FREE at Carbon 9300 Venice Blvd in Culver City. Hope to see you there!

Cherry Poppin

Tonight, I've been invited to spin at Cherry Poppin with DJ Jedi (Root Down). This night is for those who truly appreciate that soulful, sexy r&b sound. That's right up my alley, so I already know it's going to be a great night! Hope to see some of you there, here's the info....

Quinto Sol live at Irie Sundays

This past Sunday Night two of my favorite reggae/cumbia bands played live Irie Sundays. Let me just say, if you missed that show you missed a GREAT one. The video clips don't do them justice, but I'll share anyways, enjoy.....

Rumbankete live at Descarga

Just wanted to send a quick shout to everyone who came out to Descarga this past Saturday! If you missed it, here's a snippet...

DJ Destroyer at Low Key

On Wed Sept 28th, Low Key is honored to have special guest DJ Destroyer. If you don't know, join us and find out. You won't regret it! Always free at Carbon (9300 Venice Blvd in Culver City)



DJ, producer, remixer, Aaron Paar a.k.a. Destroyer was born in Nottingham, U.K. raised in Los Angeles, California and has been an active figure in the LA club and recording scene since the late 80′s. With a family music background as well as strong underground roots, Aaron continues to stay on the cutting edge of Club/Hip Hop+Soul music cultures. He cut his teeth in the early 90′s rave/loft scene in Los Angeles and currently holds residencies at Fast FWD @ Little Temple, and One of LA’s signature Eclectic Soul nights, Strictly Social. Aaron has touched the turntables at just about every club or bar in Los Angeles as well as booking gigs in San Francisco, NY, Las Vegas, Portland and San Diego. Look out for Aaron’s Remix work on the artist Rogiers remix/rejects album entitled “My Gift” as well as the Anthony Valadez remix project on Recordbreakin’. Expect to hear Destroyer displaying many different genres in his Soul driven sets geared for dancefloors worldwide.

Ghetto Dreams

Heard the snippet when it was floating around the internet, but I'm just now hearing the song in it's entirety and.... Wow, I'll just say, I'm stupid excited about hip hop again! Much much respect to Nas & Common!!!

Low Key

Just a little reminder, every 2nd & 4th Wednesday I hold down a residency called Low Key at Carbon in Culver City. This night is a reflection of who I am musically. So swing by sometime & get to know me.

Funky Sole

This Saturday I'm happy to be spinning at LA's favorite funk night. All vinyl & of course all FUNK!!! Doors open a little late, around 11pm & I'm going on at 12:15am & would love to see some familiar faces. FREE all night, the Echo 1822 Sunset Blvd LA 90026

Alika live at Little Temple

Straight out of Argentina, Alika performs live at Little Temple, backed by one of my favorite LA reggae bands, Quinto Sol. Tonight w DJ sets by DJ Sloe Poke & urs truly!

Soulstice

I got to see the lovely Gina Rene perform at Nu Thurdays tonight. I highly recommend you pick up Soulstice' new album titled In The Light, you won't regret it!

*Photo by Ervin Arana 2011

Beats, Rhymes & Life

Michael Rapaport's documentary film directed about one of the most influential & groundbreaking musical groups in hip hop history. I got to see the film earlier today & thought is was truly insightful. The title saids it all, "Beats, Rhymes & Life; The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest."

Please go out & support this film. It premiers in LA at the Achlight theater on Friday July 8th; 6360 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA. Click HERE to watch the preview.

Nasty

Nasty Nas at it again! His first single "Nasty" produced by Salaam Remi has been floating around the internet. So I thought I'd pass it along, check it... Download it HERE

While I'm at it, I'll share another one of my favorites. "New York State Of Mind (Featuring Alicia Keys & Rakim)" Enjoy.

DJ Nu-Mark Toy Set

Wow!!! I've always heard about DJ Nu-Mark's DJ Toy Set, and I'm not sure what I thought, but I didn't image it to be this DOPE!!! Much much respect to DJ Nu-Mark, thank you for the inspiration! Make sure you keep up with this cat at unclenu.com

The Light Of The Sun

Jill Scott's new album drops June 28th. I've been a fan of her's since the beginning of her career, when I discovered she wrote the hook for The Root's "You Got Me." & first heard her singing it on "The Roots Come Alive."

I'm already feeling the first single "So In Love" featuring Anthony Hamilton. Peep the video

Escapism

Escapism is a monthly party that goes down every 4th Saturday of the month at the Blu Monkey. Hip Hop, funk, soul, reggae, latin & much more. Tonight, I'm honored to be playing along side Escapism residents DJ Expo, Phoreyz & Ezentric.

Join me, it's sure to be a good time. FREE All Night, street parking is available in the area & there is also valet service available behind the venue for $5 (entrance is on Western)

"I Was Missing" Listening Party

Low Key is hosting Artson's new album, I Was Missing listening party. Plus, special guest DJ Dynamix (IF2) will be in the house along with yours truly. Rumor has it, we might have some special surprise guest coming by as well!

So I hope you'll join us this Wed May 25th at Carbon, always FREE! $3 dollar drink specials 9pm-10:30pm; 9300 Venice Blvd in Culver City. Follow us on twitter for more info.

Stone Rollin'

Raphael Saadiq's new album, Stone Rollin' in stores now. Please go out & support, you know you can't go wrong with Saadiq! I'm especially feeling "Good Man" Peep the video featuring Yaya DaCosta.

DJ Kaistar at Low Key

For a fresh new face on the scene, Kaistar has quickly emerged onto the Los Angeles DJ landscape in the last year with unprecedented power. Already establishing a reputation as a DJ that keeps dance floors packed and moving. Borrowing from his knowledge and experience as an accomplished streetdancer, Kaistar utilizes a vast and unorthodox selection of music paired with a strict work ethic to converted listeners, showing skill and experience beyond his years. With countless scheduled appearances both nationally & internationally, Kaistar is trailblazing throughout this year and intends to take you for a ride!

This Wednesday Night, you can catch him at Low Key!


Low Key goes down every 2nd & 4th Wednesday in Culver City with yours truly spinning 80's soul, 90's r&b & feel good hip hop. Always free, always a good time at Carbon (9300 Venice Blvd). Follow us on twitter for more info & updates.

The Way I See It

*Photo by Ervin Arana 2011

The Way I See It

A little bit about myself that you may not know. Over the years, I've falling deeply in love with music, djayin & everything about hip hop culture. I'm grateful for every experience & look forward to having more. But deep in my heart, I always knew I was meant to do photography. I never neglected that feeling, but I never talked about it much.

Lately, I've had the itch to shoot more than ever & I decided not to keep everything to myself anymore. With that being said, I'd like to share my perspective of life, The Way I See It...

*Photo by Ervin Arana 2011

Cinco de Mayo!!!

Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo with me at Little Temple!!! My set is at midnight, hope to see everyone there! Here's the info...

Nu-Soul Magazine & WestBay Music present Nu-Thursday Cinco de Mayo! Join Nu-Soul, Westbay & friends as we celebrate celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Nu-Thursdays style! Two rooms of sound exploring multiple genres of music with a Latin twist! Set's by Atlantic Collective + Special guest, DJ Brazilia, Ervin Arana, DJ Destroyer, Monalisa & DJ Seano. Going down at Little Temple 4519 Santa Monica Blvd. For more info visit nu-soulmag.com

75 Bars by Black Thought & Black Dante

My two favorite MC's of all time, bugging out on The Root's "75 Bars"


Taken from Frolab.com

DJ A-Ski at Low Key

Over the past three decades, A-Ski has become one of the most trusted musical tastemakers in the U.S. and beyond. As a Dj, producer and musicologist, he consistently raises the bar in performance and showmanship. His style, often described as “refreshing and energetic”, has earned this music aficionado a loyal following and a reputation as “the life of the party.” His eclectic selections, turntabalism and skillful approach to MC’ing, make him a triple threat to his peers. Refusing to rely on gimmicks or trends, A-Ski’s reputation is solely built on a sincere love of music, dance and atmosphere. “Improving the quality of life through sound” is his mantra, which has maintained the longevity of this Los Angeles native’s career in music. For more info on DJ A-Ski check his website. And be sure to check him at Low Key this Wednesday April 27th


Low Key goes down every 2nd & 4th Wednesday in Culver City with yours truly spinning 80's soul, 90's r&b & feel good hip hop. Always free, always a good time at Carbon (9300 Venice Blvd). Follow us on twitter for more info & updates.

Aries Celebration at Low Key

Getting ready for my birthday and I can't think of a better way to celebrate then to spin my favorite tunes for you! So if you're reading this, you're invited! Low Key is free all night at Carbon; 9300 Venice Blvd in Culver City. We also have special guest DJ Anton of the Simple Citizens blessing us!

"Unmatched" by Perennial Skills

Sunny Rothmiller & DJ Doleak or better known as Perennial Skills are an LA based group about to get it in! Be on the look out...

The Book Of David

Wake up! You just can't sleep on DJ Quik anymore. He's been producing classics since the late 80's & is always on point. His new album, "The Book Of David" drops on April 20th. Please do yourself a favor & pick it up at a local record store near you!

In the mean time, LA Leakers caught up with DJ Quik & produced "The Audio Biography of David" Download it HERE

Japan Benefit

It's never a pretty picture when disaster strikes and there isn't much we can do to stop mother nature. But we unite and help those directly affected by the outcome. The earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11 has left at least 21,000 people dead or missing and thousands homeless. This Thursday night, we can help Japan get back on their feet. LA, stand up!!!

Soul Sessions, Assembly Line Collective, Shake The Hand, DP Sound, LA Beatdown, My Hollow Drum, Root Down, Many more & You!!!

Low Key Featuring DJ Sloe Poke

Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday Night we bring you a Low Key vibe at Carbon. Bringing back all of our feel good 90's r&b favorites. This week I have a special guest DJ filling in for me. He helped us set it off right on our first night & I know he'll take of you this Wednesday Night. DJ Sloe Poke is no joke! Always a good time & always FREE at Carbon in Culver City (9300 Venice Blvd) Get there early for our drink specials!

Vibes N Stuff Radio

Yesterday, I got a chance to hang with DJ Concise on his Vibes N Stuff Radio. After a few a months of trying to book it, we finally made it happen. Good times at the VNS Studio! In case you missed it, you can catch my set on their site; http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/12210636

Be sure you catch them every Sunday Nights 5pm-9pm.

Street Life: Its the only life I Know

Photo LA started this past Thursday and will go on until Monday. Make sure you make your way to the Doubletree Guest Suites (1707 4th Street Santa Monica 90405) on Monday morning 11am for a panel discussion on Street Life featuring Estevan Oriol, Eriberto Oriol & RETNA.

Estevan Oriol has an incredible gift for capturing the raw essence of street life through his photography. He's definitely one of my all time favorites. For more info on Estevan; http://www.estevanoriol.com/

*Photo by Estevan Oriol

After Midnight

Steven Lopez at it again...