Record Store Day

Record store day was founded in 2007 to celebrate the unique culture of independent record stores throughout the world. I've spent a lot time at record stores and have fallen in love with this culture. So I thought I'd share my experiences with some of my favorite record stores. Here are a few words along with a record store pictorial...

The first record store I ever stepped into was Bagatelle Records. Every payday, I used to rush over to Bagatelle and dig through as many boxes of records as I possibly could. The store has it's designated sections for different genres of music, but my favorite place to dig, is in the random boxes of records Steve (the owner) has laying around the store. Steve always has more records stashed away somewhere, and you never know when he'll pull them out for you to look through. I'd say 80 percent of my record collection comes from Bagatelle. (260 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802)

Fingerprints has a nice selection of records, that I can't find anywhere else. I've taking a lot of chances on records there and found out about a lot of artist that I'm now a huge fan of. Don't sleep on Fingerprints. (4612-B E 2nd St Long Beach, CA 90803)

Fatbeats on Melrose is my first stop for Hip Hop. Whether I'm looking for something that just dropped or a classic 12" I may have missed, Fatbeats usually has it and has it cheap. (7600 Melrose Ave Suite J 2nd Floor Los Angeles, CA 90046)

Then there's Amoeba Music. What can I say, the store feels like you're in music heaven. You can dig through the clearance section and find some serious heat for as low as $0.50. Any genre of music, Electronica, House, Hip Hop, Cumbia, and even country. Amoeba has something for EVERYONE! (6400 West Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90028)















*Photography by Ervin Arana (2010)

Fire Away

This Tuesday April 20th at 6pm, Ozomatli will be performing at Amoeba Music (6400 Sunset Blvd Hollywood CA 90028) to celebrate the release of their new album Fire Away. I admit, I've been a little out of touch with Ozomatli's latest work and I haven't seen them perform for a couple years now, so I look forward to reconnecting with one of my favorite bands! For more info; http://www.ozomatli.com/

Thank You Afro Funké

This past Thursday night, I got to share the decks with some very inspirational DJ's. Jeremy Sole & Glenn Red have been digging deep to bring you feel good music from all around the globe. So for the Root Down & Afro Funké to come together was just outrageous! I enjoyed the music so much, I didn't get to shoot as much as I wanted to, but I did manage to take a few shots...







*Photography by Ervin Arana (2010)

I Need A Dollar

Aloe Blacc's new single, also happens to be the theme song for HBO's new show "How To Make It In America." Check out Aloe perform the track live at The Do Over (Winter Music Conference 2010) with Jeremy Sole.


*Taken from http://www.giantstep.net

Soul Sessions

My first time spinning at Soul Sessions. Friday April 9th, you don't want to miss this night, I have the honor of opening up for what is sure to be a BANGIN' Percussion/DJ performance by Eric Bobo of Cypress Hill & DJ Rhettmatic of the Beat Junkies. On top of that, the Soul Sessions Crew will be holding it down as usual! All happening at the Grand Star in downtown LA; 943 N Broadway; 21+ $5 before 10:30pm $10 after. For more info; http://soulsessionslive.com

*Download Bobo Meets Rhettmatic Mixtape; http://bobomeetsrhettmatic.com/

Frosty Freeze (R.I.P.)

On April 3rd 2008, we lost a true legend and pioneer of Hip Hop culture. Wayne "Frosty Freeze" Frost, member of the Rock Steady Crew was known for his inventive acrobatics and comedic style. His character inspired so many bboys & bgirls. It is without question, the dance world would not be where it is today without Frosty Freeze and his contributions!

Peep; Frosty Freeze Tribute arranged by Popmaster Fabel. You can also see Frosty in some of Hip Hop's classic's documentaries/flims; Flashdance, Wild Style, Style Wars & The Freshest Kids!

*Rock Steady Crew performance at The Common Ground; photographed by Martha Cooper (1981)


My first love, my introduction to Hip Hop was through bboy culture. I started breakin' in 1993, paid a lot of dues and eventually I was recruited into the Rock Steady Crew. Frosty Freeze was there the day I got down and he welcomed me with open arms. He made me feel like I was part of the family and he reinforced that feeling when I ran into him again in San Jose about a year later. Frosty never forgot a face and always treated you like a real person. For that I will never forget him!

*Photographed at Easy Rock's house with Frosty Freeze & Ice Man the day I got down with Rock Steady (2002)

Afro Funké & Root Down; Sound Up

The Root Down returns for one more night! We're teaming up with Afro Funké, so you know it's going to be twice as nice! Afrobeat, Brazilian, Dub, Reggae, Cumbia, Samba Disco, Batucada, Afro-Latin House, Indian Beats, Makossa & Other Deep-Rooted Funk Music from around the world!

Going down this Thursday Night, April 1st at Zanzibar; 1301 5th Street (at Arizona Ave) in Santa Monica 90401. $7 cover before 11pm if you mention Root Down, $10 after. For more info; http://www.afrofunke.com/

New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh

Erykah Badu is set to drop her latest album, New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh on Tuesday March 30th. I'm already feeling the first single, Window Seat. You can listen to it on her site; http://www.erykahbadu.com/ It's Erykah Badu, you can't go wrong!

The Rhythm Lounge

New update!!! Live on stage, Evidence of Dilated People's with DJ Rhettmatic on the one's and two's along with DJ Sloe Poke, Frank(E) and yours truly!! Here are the details; Thursday March 25th at the Rhythm Lounge (245 Pine Ave in Downtown Long Beach) $10 Presale/$12 at the Door.

All Vinyl Affair

This Thursday Feb 25th, the Root Down returns for one night. An all vinyl affair to celebrate to born day of Root Down's very own, Arturo aka Boss Bean! So join us at the Blue Monkey (5521 Hollywood Blvd) Free all night, 21+ For more info; ervinarana@gmail.com

Mandala

First off, I wanted to thank everyone for the all the love on the Valentine's Mix. If you didn't get a chance to download it, you can do so HERE

Also wanted to let you know, this Wednesday Night 8:30-10:00pm, I'm spinning an all vinyl set at Amoeba Music (6400 Sunset Blvd) in Hollywood for a night they call Mandala. It'd be a perfect time to come do a little shopping. For directions click HERE

Be sure to check http://www.amoeba.com for up coming events!

Valentine's Mix

I put together a quick compilation/mix of some of my favorite hip hop, r&b and instrumental tracks to get you ready for Valentine's Day. Email me at ervinarana@gmail.com for track list. Enjoy :D

Click HERE to download

Soldier Of Love

It's almost here! Sade's new album drops Tuesday, February 9th, 2010. I've been a fan since I was introduced to her music back in high school. Some of my all time favorites, Hang On To Your Love, Is It A Crime, No Ordinary Love and even the white label house remixes are off the hook! Then there's Mad Professor's Remix of Love Is Stronger Than Pride Wow, so much classic material from Sade.

No matter what direction the new album takes, Sade has definitely earned my trust. You can hear a snippet of the album on on her site http://www.sade.com/us/home/; and if like what you hear, make sure you pick up the album at your local record store.

DJ Charlie Rock's Bday Bash

Representing the Rock Steady Crew & Dojo Soundz, this brotha inspires to keep the soulful music culture alive and if you've ever been to the Soul Sauce on Friday Nights, you know he does it Right! So come celebrate his birthday at Bar Pink 3829 30th St in San Diego on Sat Jan 23rd.

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

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)

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"

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)

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

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)

Thanks Givens

Wednesday, Nov 25th 9pm-4am; An annual effort benefiting select organizations and individuals that promote art and music programs. This year benefiting Mar Vista Family Center and Peace 4 Kids.

Ladies & gentlemen, please come support. It's for a good cause and with so many talented DJ's, MC's & Performers, it's going to be an unforgettable night!

Strongly supported by...

Fusicology • Walk Talkin • Root Down • Firecracker • Afro-Funke • Descarga • Universal Rhythm • I n I Sound • BounceRockSkate • Rock Steady Crew • Zulu Nation • Kiss N Grind • Concrete Grooves • Bridges • Mekanic • Art Don’t Sleep • Box Music • Do Over • Sonido • Garth Trinidad • Transit Events • Soul Sessions • Real • Flavorpill • KCRW • A-Side Worldwide • Mochilla • Step up Media • HVW8 • DPsound • Plei • PowerofthePeople Culture • Nu Soul Mag • Power Tools • Boombox • Spirit LA • Soul People • Ladies First • Greenehouse Ent • Footlong Development • Plug4 • Anything Fresh • StonesThrow • Strictly Social • Spectre Music • Blu Events • Rhythm Section • Bodega • Nitty Gritty LA • A-Marketing • Mochilla • Deep • Beat Junkies • Flock Shop • Power Tools • Bach Marketing • One Track Mind • Transmissions • Quintessential PR • Pitch Blend Media • Anda • Internationalists • MC Studio Art • Dirty Freqs • Porkn’Beats • Royal Black • Oh! Snap Studios • A.M. Freqs • Sail Away Collective • 213 • Deeper Shades of House

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" by Exile & DJ Day

If you've never been to Root Down, here's what you've been missing...

Crissy's Birthday Party!

Tonight, we're taking my lovely girlfriend's bday celebration to the Root Down! So join us for a night of Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, Roots & Latin Music w the usual suspects. It's all going down at El Cid 4212 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles Ca 90029, No cover charge w RSVP; ervinarana@gmail.com

Steven Lopez's After Midnight Soul

I first met Steven Lopez at Easy Roc's legendary backyard parties in LA. I usually DJ'd and Steven along with Easy Roc, Taz Rock & Laten would provide some of the amazing art displays. I got to know him and his art a little better through a mutual friend. Steven never fails to impress me with his art. Check out his latest project titled "After Midnight Soul"

After Midnight Series: Erykah Badu "Amerykahn Promise"
Erykah Badu Featured in Limited Edition Print by Steven Lopez

For more info;
http://ikeepmoving.com/
http://aftermidnightsoul.com/shop/

Adidas - The Original Store

This Saturday October 10th, you can catch me spinning at the Adidas store on Melrose from 1pm-5pm. I'll be playing an eclectic mix of whatever makes me feel good that day! So stop by if you're in the area :D

Still Love H.E.R. (Hip Hop Demo Mix)

I'm working on a full length early 90's Hip Hop mix, this is the first draft.... enjoy! Feel free to comment and let me know what you think. Download HERE