It's A Man's World

This performance always gives me the chills! Speechless...

Sonido; First Wednesdays

DJ Sloe Poke is bringing you some of the best sounds and beyond! This Wednesday June 2nd at Little Temple (4519 Santa Monica Blvd) Here's the line up... DJ Sloe Poke, Rude One, Ervin Arana, Leche, Illadox, Ray Ricky Rivera, & more!

Sonido de Mayo

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Little Temple with some of my favorite LA latin performers and DJ's. Here's the line up, LA's best Latin Reggae Band Quinto Sol, Eastside Hip Hop/Cumbia Sensation Ray Ricky Rivera along Root Down's DJ's Sloe Poke & Ervin Arana; DJ Lengua, DJ Ganas & DJ Enorbito of Mas Exitos; The Sonidero King of LA/Monterey Mexican Dubweiser; Representing the ANDA Sound System Gomez Comes Alive & Highlands Sounds' DJ Rude One.

All going down at Little Temple (4519 Santa Monica Blvd in Silverlake) on Wednesday Night May 5th; For more info; ervinarana@gmail.com

Amoeba's First Ever Garage Sale

Bouncing Cats

A couple years ago, the Rock Steady Crew (Crazy Legs, Ynot & myself) along with director Nabil Elderkin traveled to Africa to shoot a documentary titled, "Bouncing Cats." This film is about Abrahmz Tekya and the Breakdance Project Uganda's effort to better the lives of misplaced children affected by war. The week I spent in Africa with Abrahmz inspired me more than words can express.

"Bouncing Cats" is set to debut at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Tuesday April 27th; Lido Regency Theatre 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach Ca 92663. For tickets & more info; http://newportbeach.bside.com

*Photo by Ervin Arana (2007)

R.I.P. Guru

Legendary MC Guru of Gang Starr passed away on the morning of April 19th after losing a battle with cancer. Guru was one of the first MC's I paid attention to. He provoked me to think and his lyrical content helped me understand life a little better. Thank you for your contribution to Hip Hop, Music & Life. Rest In Peace Guru

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.