You can also follow him on twitter @Mo_ReaseMy name is Derek and I'm 30 years of age and I'm in school for Computer Information Systems Business Administration. I'm interested in sports, reading, writing and listening to music among other things. My blog address is http://threefoureighty.clipz-status.com/.
For anyone that listens to BLAKstar radio or has listened to it in the past, you know that the music show is one of their best shows. It brings out all of the talent from the 614 and BEYOND. If this is going to be your FIRST time tuning into the show, then you are DEFINITELY in for a treat! SO 10pm make sure you are on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/BLAKstar tuned in and ready to listen...
If you have any heat, send it in to get@BLAKstartalk.com
They are taking music of ALL genres, make sure you send your music in to get your airtime! *PEACE*
Check out the LOVEly ladies of BLAKstar (Bridging Love Arts and Knowledge) and their interview with the INCREDIBLE L.E. I finally listened to the mixtape starting Friday, and I have that ish on REPEAT on my Zune and now in my CD deck! I will def be bumping this on my bus for real!(I'll tell y'all about my bus later haha) The production is so TIGHT (word to Rashad of Elevator Music http://www.ohiohiphopawards.com Best producer and Best Group The 3rd) Everybody involved put their FOOT in that mixtape! Blueprint, A.U., J-Rawls, Nicotine EVERYBODY! My Fav song is "ORACLE" and "Turn My Music Up"... Listen below and DOWNLOAD the mixtape... This is REAL hip-hop str8 from the C.O.
"Oracle" L.E. "Anti-Parachute Theory Mixtape"
"Turn My Music Up" L.E.
MIXTAPE
http://tiny.cc/TheTheory
INTERVIEW
http://www.blakstartalk.com/2009/08/blakstar-le-interview.html
I am DJ Krate Digga also known as Krate, Diggz, or DJ Sylk by my ORIGINAL party people.
Growing up I wanted to do a lot of things but I never really thought, "hey, I wanna be an xyz." Throughout my teens I had the opportunity to have several internships; civil engineer, mechanical engineer, computer science w/ ATT/Bell Labs. I learned all about the jobs I didn't want. In college I changed my major 3 times, still not really wanting to do what I majored in (accounting.)
I always wanted to know how to dj, I would mess with my dad's records and would half-ass scratch on my kiddie record player w/ my Mary Poppins, Davey Crockett, and Swamp Fox 45s from Disney. I didn't really want to BE a dj until after I started learning how to really spin in 1997. Once I really saw I had some skill, I couldn't stop. But I've always loved music. Grew up as a drummer doing west african percussion and studied music (mainly classical) in school. Lots of reggae and classic r&b/funk at home. Music is a staple in my family (both sides). Grandfather was a blues guitarist, cousins are opera and gospel singers and songwriters. One of my cousins has multiple Grammies (sorry, no name drop).
Because I didn't grow up on hiphop but on reggae and classical music, music in a non 4-4 time signature wasn't new to me. Polyrhythmic cadences are essential in west african music. So all those influences allowed me to hear musically differently; on a more 3 dimensional plane. Along with having been a performer since 1st grade, doing shows is not new to me. I learned how to put on a show w/o showing for "the cameras".
In my own time what I listen to is subject to my mood. When I'm driving I like to roll to The Cool Kids, Drake, Lupe Fiasco; along with The 3rd, Liquid Crystal Project, Fly Union, L.E. At the crib it's all over; Dwele, Eric Roberson, Miles Davis, Kevin Sandbloom, Outkast.
Being a DJ to me has many facets. As a hip hop DJ, I have to appreciate & respect that it's part of a culture. On that level the clubs and the hype of it all is irrelevant. It's not just playing music, it's an artform. It's an artistic expression. In today's world of digital distribution, the role has changed abit. It used to be DJs that exposed the people to music and artists that were either outside the radio format spectrum or were up & coming. They helped build the buzz and were closer to the ear of the streets. A lot of DJs still have that mindset of breaking records and building buzz for artists but society seems to look more to radio/tv to be the ones who say what's new/hot/"in". Unfortunately what's radio new is still not new to DJs. So it's a difficult line to walk; you can't break a record too early.
A DJ can make or break a club experience but like any other artist who's performing for people; it's a reciprocal thing. If you came to the club to dance, come and dance. A quality DJ will feed off that energy will build on it. If you came to club to hear your favorite songs or songs from your favorite artist, you're gonna disappointed a majority of the time. On the flip side, as a dj you have to be able to get a feel for the patrons and play to that energy within reason. It's difficult to put it all on the dj to make or break the night, cause if you don't wanna dance or just wanna hear commercial tunes all night when the club is having a tribute to Michael Jackson night; regardless of the dj, people will thinks he/she was wack.
This all goes back to the culture being lost in this. The dj is supposed to be a performer. They're supposed to put on a show. DJs gotta respect that standard and patrons need to appreciate that. No one goes to a Mary J Blige concert and tells her what to sing. You may have joints you wanna hear but you know she's gonna sing the classics and you know she's gonna be a performer; you just enjoy her performance. As a performer you have to be an artist but also must understand there's staples people expect when they purchase admission/tickets.
I think the broad range of my music background affords me a versatility that's very hard to find. I can go from neo soul and hip hop/house lounges to commercial clubs and concerts. I can dj for events like poetry nights and as part of theatrical plays. I can dj with musicians/bands making the turntables an instrument (turntablism). That's not something everyone can do.
I'm not sure what a dream gig would be. There's different things I'd like to do but if I had to say what a dream gig would be I probably would just tour the world as a dj with a band. I'd dj a set before the band comes up, I'd rock with the band and then I'd close the night. That would be my answer as of now.
I've had a lot of great experiences as a DJ from meeting famous performers and travelling, but I think one of the wildest times was in fall 98. I was at Kentuck State U for undergrad. We did a party for some promoting group. They rented a barn, a good ol' Kentucky horse barn. It was cleared out, just cement floor and barn walls. We were in the middle of nowhere in this barn, wondering if people were gonna show up for this joint. So me & DJ Sicari are just rockin out, figuring at the least we're gettin paid so whatever. And next thing u know it's 1045 and this barn is packed! It may have been one of the best joints I ever rocked. Everybody had a ball and it was just so natural. A classic time.
I like a lot of DJs but I'd have to say a fave of mine is Jazzy Jeff. He cuts, mixes, produces albums, tours, and even acted (how ever badly it was lol). He very versatile, I respect that a lot.
Do I see myself as a role model for other spinners? I guess, I never try to say do this like me or follow my footsteps but when asked about my experiences or for advice I do my best to be honest, insightful, and helpful. A lot of things I had to learn by trial and error, I try to impart whatever wisdom I have to others so they can avoid some of those dupes.
To those who want to make this a career, my advice is that you have to love the music. If you're doing it for the fame or the money, more power to you. But if you truly wanna be a DJ you have to love the music and respect the culture.
No favorite dances...line dances have their purpose but I'm not a particular fan of any. I love playing Plastic Dreams by J Dilla (song for The Detroit Hustle)
I don't play hard rock & country, nothing against the music. I just don't move in those circles as a DJ.
I have so many people I could suggest but I don't wanna leave anyone out. I'd just say pull any of my mix cd's and peep out the artists on there.
Along with DJing; I produce. I've done tracks for SPIRIT, Tavares, Ed Mabrey, Eddie Bayard, Talisha Holmes, Divine & YoRel...and a few more in progress. I do a little songwriting and write poetry when the mood strikes.
If on an island for a week, I'd prob decide to bring a beatiful woman. One that I wouldn't be tempted to set afloat 2 days into the week.
Creative, witty, professional.
Shout outs...to everyone who has supported me and The Mighty SoundChampz crew. From the yard of Kentucky State University to each and every club, stage, lounge, park that has hosted me and allowed me to do what I love most. Thank you all!
If money wasn't an object I'd do nothing lol. I'd wake up and just live life. I'd DJ, produce, travel; just walk the streets and inhale the sights & sounds of wherever I may find myself. Plus I'd spend more time with my lil' diggas.
State ur name gangsta and ur bizness
DJ Bern aka LeBern James, UnDfyned Ent / The Flypaper Disc Jockey
*Tell me a bit about yourself, where are you from?
Born and raised on the southside of Columbus Ohio, product of East High School
*Growing up what did you want to do?
I didn't really have any career goals when I was young, I just wanted to play videogames. In high school I was pushed to be an Engineer, but I quickly found out in college that being good at math isn't enough to be an Engineer lol
*What motivated you to become a DJ?
Ever since I can remember I loved listening to all types of music, from Dr Dre and George Clinton to AC-DC and stone Temple Pilots. I used to make tapes for my friends when I was younger, and mix cds in high school. When I got to college I started making real mix/blend tapes a la DJ Jelly (google him!) and I decided to take that step.
* How long have you been doing this?
August 2007 was my first club gig but I've been mixin music before I could wipe my own ass lol
*Do you or have you played any instruments?
I played drums in middle school concert band lol
*How does your music background influence your performance?
DJing is half rhythm and beat, timing and tempo is very important
*What are some of your favorite songs to play in your personal time?
Some of the artists I enjoy are Amerie, Jay-Z, Duffy, Coldplay, Chelsea Automatic, John Legend, Cam'ron, Paramore, Asher Roth... I really listen to everything that's GOOD music.
*What does being a DJ mean to you?
It means that I can help people enjoy themselves. I use music as an escape from reality, and I know a lot of other people do. Music helps people ease their minds, and I like providing that
*What place do you believe you hold in a persons "club experience"? In other words do you believe that you "make" the party?
I've DJed places with no bar, bad lighting, old people and young, and I know that you can take a lot out elements out of the club, but without the DJ there would be nothing
*What makes you different from any other man/woman on two turntables?
Music selection, technique, and personality make the DJ unique. I feel like I have top notch qualities in each category. Unlike a LOT of club DJs, I respect the artform of turntablism, and I am always trying to find new ways to make the music sync.
*What is your dream gig?
DJ A-Trak has a nice set before Kanye West shows when they go on tour. He does a lot of juggling, cutting, etc. That's my dream gig, to rock 20k people; not because of what I play, but HOW I play it.
*What's the wildest experience you ever had when you were Dj-ing at a party?
I used to DJ at this after hours spot in Bowling Green, Ohio. It was essentially just a big room; no furniture, dim lights, no bar. Just a stage by the front window for the DJ. I recall one night it was WALL to WALL packed, EVERYBODY was jumpin, and it was soooo thick that my vinyl started sweating because of the heat and humidity. About 400+ shoved in a sardine can, from 10p to 4am. That's a party
*Do you have a favorite DJ?
A lot of DJs inspire me. Krate Digga and Steph Floss made me want to get in the clubs, QBert and ATrak made me want to perfect my technique, and Premier made me want to make beats. These are my fav DJs.
*Do you see yourself as a role model for up and coming artists?
For the people who knew me when I was younger, they know that back in the day DJ wasn't my projected career. If I am a role model for anyone, hopefully they want to imitate my passion and desire to live my dream.
*Who are your role models?
My sister, because we both grew up hard and she showed me how to make it out. She inspires me to grind harder
*What advice would you give for someone wanting to make this a career?
DJing isn't easy. It takes hard work and patience. sure, you may know about 20-30 good songs, but do you know 500? 1000? Can you put them all together, better than the next guy? If you're trying to make money, be a doctor. This is about keeping it true to the artform.
Randoms
*Out of all the dances that are out there, OLD or NEW do you have a favorite?
Harlem shake, especially in the g-dep video lol.
*Is there any song/artist/genre that you DO NOT like to play? If so who/what and why?
As a DJ, its not about what the DJ wants to hear. Play what the majority of the crowd likes, and what yu think the majority of the crowd wants to hear. Take your opinion out of it. Ill play whatever yall want to hear
*If you could recommend any artist/musician to me to listen to who would it be?
Trek Manifest. Like me and my turntables, he rocks the mic like true hip-hop artists should.
Trek Manifest "Unstoppable Bars"
*Other than bring the masses music, what else do you do?
Play videogames, watch Law and Order, download bootleg movies, normal stuff
*What would you take with you if you were stuck on an island for a wk?
My macbook and a hand-cranked power generator to keep it charged lol
*What are 3 words that describe your style?
Authentic, flashy, dope
*Anybody you want to give a shout out to??
Undfyned Ent, Trek Dilla, DJ 100, The Flypaper, everybody in the nati and in BG that's ever heard me spin, and all of the people that support me.
*Last question. If money were not an object, what would you do?
Easy; I'd DJ for free the rest of my life. And still be the dopest DJ
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK DJ BERN and DJ Giovanny OUT TONIGHT at CLUB CHIOMAS
10pm-2:30am
GET DIRECTIONS
Club Chi (Formerly South Beach)
1749 E. Dublin Grandville rd
Columbus, OH
FOLLOW him on twitter!! http://www.twitter.com/Dj_bern for all the latest LeBern James qoutes and UnDfyned Ent news!
Every Monday we'll be comin @ you with new music or videos. Whether it be mixtapes, leaks, podcasts or what have you. If you have anything you want to see on here, whether it's from an signed/unsigned local/national artist send it to MusicMondays@BeShayBE.com!
Searching For That Sound: Music Production!
YO you have to check this OUT! "Searching For That Sound: Music Production" is a series giving some MAJOR insight and industry tips. The topics range from studio ettiquette to producer and artist relationships. Ms. Jelli is dropping KNOWLEDGE for anyone that is willing to listen, Get wit it or get LOSTTTTT! http://www.smokinjelli.com/
ALSO SMOKIN JELLI is on your TV!
Right NOW it's on in Raleigh and Durham, NC Cleveland and Dayton (Ohio), but you can definitely tune into http://www.youtube.com/smokinjelli
Cleveland on Cox 45 - every Sunday @ 9:30 pm
Dayton on Time Warner 20 - every Wednesday @ 8:30 pm
Raleigh & Durham on Time Warner 10 every Mon @ 12:30a, Thurs & Sat @ 11p
Here on BeShayBE.com we will begin posting poetry on a weekly basis. We need YOU in order to make this a success! If you would like for your poetry to be featured on BeShayBE.com send your submissions to SoFloetic@beshaybe.com! Send a picture along with your poetry, and if you like an author analysis of your piece. THANK YOU for your contributions!
These 2 poems are from my HOMIE Quincy aka Q! Q can be found on Facebook: Quincy D. Howard or twitter www.twitter.com/mistah614 CHECK HIM OUT!
Blame
Seems like romance and love were never with me
But things that you see ain't what you expect it to be
You gave me your soul... and I cherished it so
The way you treated me was richer than gold...
It was a struggle... just so hard for us to be
Now all I do is think about you and me.
When our bodies touched, and our minds met... breath left my chest
It's the best thing I've ever felt just yet
But something was amiss... and I felt it for the longest
Maybe because sometimes when we spoke, you weren't honest...
Not telling me lies, yet telling me half-truths
And I try to find those truths.... dig for the roots.
Say that you love me, miss me.... don't want to leave
But when you talk, it's hard to believe...
Why can't things just be easy?
Why can't you wait?
For me to give my mind and escape...
I can't be your man, cuz I won't be the best
I'll milk you so dry... till there's nothing left
But maybe that's my problem... I can't be fair.
I don't want to be with you, but want you to stay there.
I want you to be my peg... as I claw to the top.
I just don't want this perfect feeling to stop...
But the fighting is rotting away to my soul...
And I know I'm losing you... we cannot grow
Cuz I don't trust you, and you can't love me.... we're stuck at a cross
And the only thing left is for something to be lost...
I care about you so much, yet I just don't know
If I can care about you, cuz the pain will show...
And the BLAME is put on the ones that's not true.......
but I can't tell if it's me or you....
Price of Life
Even with my middle finger to the sky, and my eyes//focused on the prize... I feel like my slow demise//My mind rots of death... my brain is a coffin//The smoke slowly starts to clear, but I find myself coughing...//These niggaz keep talking... focused on me//And it's hard to be a father to D...//When I'm ready to give up... or ready to swell a niggas lips up//My life is in shambles... pieces I gotta pick up//I'm dealing with the problems of being single parent//and being infamous... look at my face, and it's apparent/I promise that my soul is so tired... but heart stays wired//You say that I'm weak but you're a muthafuckin' liar//Until you understand what's like to be here//Dealing with my issues with my life... my fears//You can't formulate an opinion that could matter at all//'Cuz I believe you wanna see me fall//I'm a man... I ain't perfect, I'm no angel whatsoever//It's just breathing since 5 has made me tough leather//It's made me smarter than a button... and a little bit stronger//But I don't think I can do this much longer//I got morals and stead-strong mission//To raise my son in the flesh, and not in prison...//But I keep getting pushed. Just give me some kush or a strap//And I'll pay for the support when I come back...//This pen ain't paying me enough... I'm in a fuckin' rush//And I feel that they trying to throw me under the bus....//In the wild, survival is the only rule you must go by//Fuck the life of rich, famous and the doe-eyed...//I'm a beast... I was raised as a cub of a nomad//Maybe that's why see everything else as so bad...//I can't afford the price of life.... that shit cost too much//But I'ma work for the prosperity... I lost too much//I have a legacy to teach... no roadblocks I can't breach//Don't think about standing in my way, you'll be missing some teeth//Witness the focus of a father with a lot to lose//With skin tough as concrete... it's hard to bruise//You can't hurt me, homie... this pain is my muse//And your scornful words will life the end of my fuse.....//
You guys should listen to the show 2mrw, they ALWAYS bring a good show and this is certainly not going to dissapoint! Make sure you go to www.blogtalkradio.com/blakstartalk to listen to past shows and also to tune in THIS week! Check out the details for this week's show from Ms Mea LEE!
New music from SKEPTIK!
FOLLOW him on Twitter!
Http://www.twitter.com/dontbeaskeptik
"Turn It Down"- Skeptik
CLICK image to DOWNLOAD
"Independent's Day"-Skeptik
CLICK image to DOWNLOAD/listen
Every Monday we'll be comin @ you with new music or videos. Whether it be mixtapes, leaks, podcasts or what have you. If you have anything you want to see on here, whether it's from an signed/unsigned local/national artist send it to MusicMondays@BeShayBE.com!
"BlueBird"- The Co-OP
CLICK image to listen/DOWNLOAD
AND 2nd LISTEN TO BlakSTARtalk for this...!
Bridging LOVE ARTS and KNOWLEDGE!!!
Be on the look out for the BLAKstar mixtape on http://www.blakstartalk.com/ coming SOON!
10PM est www.Blogtalkradio.com/blakstar!
HOLLA!
Every Monday we'll be comin @ you with new music or videos. Whether it be mixtapes, leaks, podcasts or what have you. If you have anything you want to see on here, whether it's from an signed/unsigned local/national artist send it to MusicMondays@BeShayBE.com!
Take a listen to some GOOD music from the Homie J Osceola! I just did an interview with him a couple of wks ago check it out... His music embodies positivity drawn out of what looked to be negativity in his life.
Peep the tracklist!
1. Compared to Me
2. The Old Me
3. Feeling Yourself
4. Never Understand
Summmmmmmeeerrrrrr Jammmmmmmmmmmmm!!!! What more can I say??? It was a very very great experience! But enough of what I had to say about it, check out what some of my fellow spectators and some of the artists had to say about their experiences!!
HELP A SISTA OUT! BeShayBE needs a laptop! I'm an aspiring journalist and I need a laptop to do my job!I'm trying to collect $450 towards the purchase of a laptop. Any donations are acceptable and WELCOME! Thank you in advance for your contribution!
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