Mykal Rose-Shoot Out (VIDEO)

Been mad busy, but soon come...

Stupid Tuesday: Politrix As Usual

I'm not really sure whats going on here. I've been trying to keep an eye on the whole Presidential charade. I had heard that the personal bickering between candidates and mud slinging is more prevelant before Super Tuesday.

Obama and Clinton both must have had their chains yanked from speaking too freely. They looked like they were on a date at the last debate. It's become this drawn out drama, with Hillary shedding tears on more than one occasion. They are both pretty much hollering the same thing, yet the historical value of this ticket can't be overlooked. But is making History really the goal of this election? To bring on the first Black President, or Female president? Call it what you want, but alot of folks aren't looking past that. Of course people are unhappy with what the past 8 years of Republicanism has brought us, and looking forward to a different United States is on alot of people's minds.

A different United States is going to take more than a reimplementation of recycled ideals, under a new name. It's going to take a Revolution. Obama seems to be the most accesable choice for such a thing. Yet is he really going to Revolutionize our country? I had to agree with the general consensus, to completely deny any credibility to the current Republican regime, and almost gave up hope that the Democrats would be the lesser of two evils. My thick headedness almost made me miss one of the most important arguments put forth during this Presidential Race.

Our American Empire has drifted away from it's cornerstone of Liberty, and has fallen victim to it's own tyranny.
Why does the average person get lost in these candidates' rhetoric? They are Babyling. There is not straight talk.

Or so I thought



Ron Paul is a Republican. That fact made me deaf to Paul until recently, and is making me rethink the way everything is done. He is more Conservative than John McCain, yet more Left Wing than Obama/Clinton. He has been attacking a more serious threat to our country than other candidates are bold enough to address. What could be more of a threat than the "Terrorists" to our country? Our own Government!

The more we rely on the people in power to make our lives better, the more we can begin to see that America is a modern day plantation. Freedom is, in part, about using our powers as individuals to live life as we see fit. Why does that seem like a laughable notion these days? Why is everyone keeping the real threats on the hush tip?

Because they are all in the same gang.

I'm not telling anyone who to vote for, or choosing a side. I'm just putting it out there for those who haven't listened to Ron Paul after listening to everyone else. Just listen to Ron Paul after watching part 3 of Zeitgeist The Movie, and see how integral the printing of money, and inflation rates are in the enslavement of our country.


Revolution A Come 3 Pack
While we're on the topic, here is a little set to put you in the mood for Super Tuesday. Hugh Mundell's "Revolution a Come", Paul Blackman's "Earth, Wind, and Fire", and Augustus Pablo's "Revolution Dub". Let's get it together!

100 Lbs. Of Herb Chune

So far 2008 has shown me plenty of love in the Herb Arena. I may be spending the rest of the year trying to find a strain that can top the "Headband" strain I kicked the year off with. "Headband" is supposedly a hybrid from Sour Diesel, and Kush. East Coast meets West Coast, and it wraps around your brain like a Headband, apparently.



This will be the first of 12 installments this year, concerning music (mostly Reggae) dedicated to Marijuana.


Max Romeo-Quarter Pound Of Ichense

Max Romeo started his career on the Rude Boy, Rock Steady tip. As times and trends were changing, Max Romeo was linking with Lee "Scratch" Perry for sessions that would unltimately define his career. While his most heralded work with Scratch was "War Inna Babylon", many other tunes from the Black Ark sessions with Romeo are top notch. This tune is availale on the compilation Open Up The Iron Gate


Linval Thompson-Marijuana

Linval Thompson is a Legendary Reggae singer, as well as producer and owner of "Thompson Sound" label. This tune has got to be an International Herb tune, skipping through thoughtful metaphors, and getting straight to the point. I Love To Smoke Marijuana. The album, "I Love Marijuana" was recorded at Channel with the legendary Drum and Bass duo Sly & Robbie. Linval has mad tunes under his belt, and many quality hits.


Barrington Levy-Sensimilla

Barring Levy requires no introduction. Neither should his monumental album Poorman Style. Another Linval Thompson production, featuring the legendary Roots Radics band at Channel One. This is just one of many wicked Barrington Levy tunes about weed, which will indeed follow.


Welton Irie-Chalice

Welton Irie is a hard, hard Deejay whose career made the most noise during the late 70's, early 80's. He was originally partnered up with the legendary Lone Ranger to record with Coxsone Dodd at Studio One. Welton's dues were paid on classic sounds like Echo Sound, Gemini Sound, and Virgo Sound. The album that features this tune, Reprobate features backing by Roots Radics, and mixed by Dub Reggae legend Scientist. Welton flips a wicked stutter delivery of his Herb enduced chorus, over a solid version of the Full Up Riddim.
(I was looking for a picture of a Telephone Chalice, if somebody wants to kick down)


Frankie Jones-Don't Smoke The Seed

I can't say I have much knowledge of Frankie Jones, other than the 4 Showdown, or Two Artist Clash, albums. He has released those alongside artists like Pad Anthony, Johnny Clarke, Patrick Andy, and the album featuring this wicked weed tune with Micheal Palmer entitled "Showdown Vol. 4" on Hitbound label. Roots Radics once again lay the foundation for a solid Roots Reggae album, in an early 80's dancehall style.

Blaze it!

Queen Majesty Riddim

It should already be apparent my affinity for Studio One Reggae classics. Unfortunately, I haven't been giving enough time to another HUGE force in Foundation Reggae. Duke Reid's The Trojan was one of the most popular Sound Systems of it's time. Alongside hit Soul, and Rhythm & Blues records of the day, Reid's soundsystem helped to promote the rise of Ska music. Reid started Treasure Isle records, named after his Liquor store, and cut a major portion of important Foundation tunes.

Many may recall my favorite scene in motion picture history from "Rockers", where Dirty Harry and Horsemouth take over a discoteque, and tell the DJ he's playing too much Disco. The result is Dirty Harry tossing the DJ out of the booth, locking the door, and announcing "I & I come to change the mood" over the microphone as the Queen Majesty Riddim's intro rips through the soundsystem.




The Techniques-Queen Majesty

The Techniques' "Queen Majesty". This riddim has stood the test of time, and still get regular play on Soundsystems throughout the world. The Techniques cut other major classics, including "Love Is Not A Gamble", the Riddim of which is another highly reproduced one. This tunes breaks the ice everytime.


Dennis Alcapone-My Voice Is Insured For Half A Million
Duke Reid also helped usher in the Era of the Deejays, having such Toast Masters under his roof as U-Roy, and Dennis Alcapone. When it comes to Foundation Deejays, Dennis Alcapone's catalog of versions finds his voice on top of some of the greatest Riddims of all time.


U Roy-Chalice In The Palace

U-Roy's "Chalice In The Palace", one of his definitive tunes, and kills!



Tenor Saw-Roll Call
Just to show some later variations of the Riddim, as well as give some space to one of my favorite Reggae artists of all time, here is "Roll Call" by the late Tenor Saw. This is an old time dancehall anthem, equipped with electronic claps. I will one day get more in depth on Tenor Saw, but for now this should do the trick.
Tenor Saw-Roll Call


Sizzla-Just One Of Those Days
Once again, the intro to this riddim sets the dance goers up for a smasher. This time, Sizzla Kalonji introduces himself with his signature vocal cry, and all hands in the place seem to reach for the sky. If you are playing for Reggae fans, then you will hear the whole place singing along, guaranteed.

Plenty other versions out there, so let me know what else you find.
Hugh

Ranking Weezy

Sizzla Ft. Lil' Wayne-The Only Reason (Reggae Club Re-Edit)
Originally it's Lil' Wayne featuring Sizzla & T-Streets. Since Ranking Weezy's ridiculous Dancehall chat kicks the record off, I decided to make the tune more Dancehall friendly by having Kalonji from the start. Pretty interesting track, and it's hot off the press (What does "Hot Off The Press" translate to in 2008?)

To be honest, it's pretty embarassing that I've put Lil' Wayne twice on my page this month, and I'm not even really feelin' Weezy that much. Many will disagree with my distaste for Weezy, but I can't front, he holds it down. Here's another joint while I'm muddying up my face...

RappaPomPom-Lil' Wayne Ft. Junior Reid

Jump It!

Queen Of The Minstrel Riddim

Queen Of The Minstrel Riddim

Cornell Campbell's career became history early on in his career when his original vocal group The Eternals recorded the Studio One staple "Queen of The Minstrels". The intro hornline has been etched into the reggae timeline, and returns the listener to the Old Time Dances of Jamaica's yesteryears. I've compiled a number of versions here, including the Studio One original.

Notables included are the Studio One versions, featuring Dennis Alcapone, Sugar Minott, and Glen Washington as well as the Dub Specialist version. Also included is the wicked Billy Boyo version and dub. There are many more versions out there, this will give you a kick start.

When discussing Foundation tunes, one cannot help but to bring up this classic riddim. Old Time Jumper!

Rising from the Ashes of 2007

Burnt the fuck out! That's really all I can say after the past 6 nights of San Diego party rockin'. People can say what they want about Daygo, but I been in the midst of some serious Jumper shit this week.

Wednesday night: Morena Club w/Dash Eye. Kicked off the end of the year burning with a ramming session at everyone's favorite Reggae Dive in Daygo.

Thursday night: Benefit for the fire victims with Slightly Stoopid. These are some homies from High School that have been having emense success with their music. The party was bananas.

Friday night: DJ'd for Sugabear's rap show, then went to a barely populated set at House of Blues. Still tiring.

Saturday night: Not only the last Landlord Jim's Saturday of 2007, but the last "regular" night. This Saturday is the last night Landlord's is open, so make your way through. Guest host Sonny Phono in the house, and it will be pure debauchery!

Sunday night: Sister Nancy at our new Reggae Sunday night jumpoff. Sold off before 10:00pm. Wicked. Here's a cell phone clip I found on youtube. Quality sucks, but you'll get the picture. Even caught Mike Czech up in the spot, cuz apparently he burnt down his party before he even touched the tables. "Fire, Fire, We Don't need no water...."


Monday Night: New Years Eve at the Waterfront. This place is a sleeper. Mad dancing and overall good vibes. Kind of bonkers if you ask me....

All in all, I'm ready for another great year. Thanks to all who made it out to one, or all of the above events.


Here's to another year of Jumpers.

Hugh