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

ANDA!

A monthly experience of Latin rhythms by resident DJ's Gomez Comes Alive, Gazoo, Mando Fever & John Lennon! This Saturday October 3rd, ANDA is proud to present La Santa Cecilia, a Los Angeles based six-member band creatively combines up-tempo South American rhythms like Cumbia and Bossa Nova with the nostalgic Bolero and passionate Tango, blending in Afro-Cuban percussion with Jazzy trumpet tunes to bring about a mix that defies any particular label or musical genre! For more info on La Santa Cecilia; www.myspace.com/lasantacecilia

ANDA! www.myspace.com/andacumbiasalsa

Crown City Rockers

This Thursday October 1st, the Root Down presents the Crown City Rockers' LA Album release party. Going down at El Cid (4212 W Sunset Blvd in LA) Join us, promise you won't be disappointed :D

For more info; http://rootdownclub.com

Thank You East LA!

Last nights performance by Monte Carlo 76 at East Side Luv was super fresh! I usually like to bring my camera with me when I DJ, but I got lazy and decided not to. I regretted it the moment I walked in. If you haven't been to East Side Luv, I highly recommend stopping by for a drink or two. Peep the website for up coming events.... http://www.eastsideluv.com/

Big ups to Gomez Comes Alive for inviting me to spin and for more info on Monte Carlo 76; http://www.montecarlo76.com/

*Photo by Ervin Arana (2009)

East Side Luv

This Thursday, I'm taking the night off from Root Down to guest DJ at East Side Luv along side Gomez Comes Alive! I'm thinking about digging in the crates for some feel good hip hop, but we'll see how I feel. Hope to see some familiar faces :D