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Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Review: Scratch Toys Sound Plate for Numark PT01 Scratch Portable Turntable

Tips and Tricks

Mojaxx has returned with another portablism review, this time looking at the Scratch Toys Sound Plate for the Numark PT01 Scratch.

The easy-to-install upgrade adds Bluetooth support, a micro SD port, and an FM tuner to the leading portable turntable on the market. “It transforms the Numark PT01 Scratch into a totally different device,” Mojaxx says. “I absolutely love this product.”

He also looks at DC 5V to DC 12V converter cables, which enable DJs to run their PT01 off of a UBS power bank.

Related: Easy Modifications for the Numark PT01 Turntable

| DJcityTV, Music Tech, Turntablism, Videos
Portablism, Tips and Tricks,
Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Watch DeJ Loaf’s ‘No Fear’ Video

DeJ Loaf has released a video for her new single, “No Fear.” The dreamlike visual shows the Detroit rapper-singer cruising through the desert on a floating bed.

“Growing up, I used to daydream in my bedroom about everything from love to my career to traveling the world,” DeJ said in a press release. “The video sort of reflects that joyful feeling of going from daydreaming to realizing my dreams. My new album is a personal journey and I hope my fans enjoy riding along with me.”

The track is the lead single from DeJ’s upcoming debut album, Liberated. It was featured in DJcity’s picks for the weekend of June 23.

Watch the video above and download “No Fear” on DJcity.

Related: Watch Kendrick Lamar’s ‘ELEMENT.’ Video

| Tracks, Videos
Dej Loaf, Music Video,
Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Watch Technician The DJ’s Routine for ‘5 Minutes of Funk’

Technician the DJ

Technician The DJ, the current tour DJ for The Lox, is the latest turntablist to be featured on Funkmaster Flex’s 5 Minutes of Funk segment on Hot 97.

In fitting fashion, Tech displayed precise scratching and juggling skills in a 10-minute routine. The Bronx native played mostly classic breakbeats in his set, using original 45s for part of it.

Tech recently DJ’ed for Ghostface Killah and Raekwon at the Art of Rap Festival in Las Vegas. The event saw the last performance from late Mobb Deep rapper Prodigy.

Watch his routine above.

Related: Watch DJ Mell Starr’s Routine for ‘5 Minutes of Funk’

| Turntablism, Videos
5 Minutes of Funk, Hot 97, Routine, Technician the DJ,
Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Jimmy Iovine Recounts His Early Days as an Engineer and Producer, Launching Interscope

Jimmy Iovine

Legendary music producer and executive Jimmy Iovine was a guest on The Howard Stern Show on Monday. The mogul recounted his five-decade career, from his early days as an engineer and producer to launching Interscope Records and Beats Electronics with Dr. Dre.

The interview follows the premiere of the trailer for HBO’s documentary, The Defiant Ones. The four-part series, which debuts July 9, chronicles Iovine’s partnership with Dre.

“I did three albums with John [Lennon]. That’s a lot of time. We hit it off, and that’s kind of why he let me in the studio.”

Iovine said he believes their bond was why Lennon asked him to be in the studio when he recorded vocals on David Bowie’s hit, “Fame.” The song appeared on his Young Americans album.

“That album set the tone of … a big part of my music career.”

In 1975, Iovine helped engineer Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run album, an experience that shaped his work ethic.

“Sony was gonna drop him. It’s not a secret. Bruce is not for sale. He’s not even for rent. There is nothing you have that he wants. … I learned my work ethic from this guy. This guy’s got the greatest work ethic, the most discipline, of anyone I’ve ever met in my life.”

Born to Run peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot 200 chart and eventually sold over 6 million copies in the US. It also earned Iovine a reputation as one of the best in the business.

After a string of successes with U2, Tom Petty, and Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks, Iovine launched Interscope Records with the help of David Geffen.

“Business to [Geffen] is an art form. He just shows you how to move. … He has never gotten anything from me except friendship, and he’s given me so much wisdom over the years.”

Eventually, Iovine connected with Dr. Dre and signed a deal to distribute Suge Knight’s Death Row Records. Stern asked him about the feud between West Coast and East Coast rappers and he how dealt with it.

“In a lot of ways, it was terrifying. Going backwards is not an option.”

Iovine also recalled the day he ran into Dre on a beach and heard about a sneaker deal he was considering.

“I said, ‘Dre, f#ck sneakers, man. Let’s do speakers!’ … How could we miss? We make records.”

Watch two clips from the interview below.

| Music Industry
Interview,
Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Watch Kendrick Lamar’s ‘ELEMENT.’ Video

Fresh off his surprise performance with Future at the BET Awards, Kendrick Lamar has unveiled a powerful video for his single, “ELEMENT.” Directed by Jonas Lindstroem and The Little Homies (Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free’s production duo), the visual features symbolic shots that reflect the song’s lyrics.

The track, which was appears on Kendrick’s album, DAMN., was one of DJcity’s most downloaded songs of April.

Watch the video above and download “ELEMENT.” on DJcity.

Related: Future Drops ‘Mask Off’ Remix Ft. Kendrick Lamar

| Tracks, Videos
Kendrick Lamar, Music Video,
Tuesday, June 27, 2017

MAD SKILLZ Drops DJcity Podcast Mix

MAD SKILLZ

Rapper, producer, and DJ MAD SKILLZ has dropped a 20-minute open-format mix for the DJcity Podcast.

The Virginia native gained notoriety in the mid-’90s as a rapper with his album, From Where??? The project featured production from legends like J Dilla and Large Professor, and included the Billboard-charting single, “The Nod Factor.” Its B-side, “Skillz in ’95,” became an underground favorite.

In 1998, MAD SKILLZ was featured on two tracks on Timbaland‘s album, Tim’s Bio: “To My” with Nas and “Wit’ Yo’ Bad Self.” He has since released six solo albums, including an LP on the legendary hip-hop label, Rawkus Records.

Stream or download his mix below.

[podcast]

Tracklist:

1. DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – Wild Thoughts
2. Calvin Harris ft. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, & Big Sean – Feels
3. Zedd & Alessia Cara – Stay
4. Calvin Harris ft. Frank Ocean & Migos – Slide – Mighty Mi Juicy Bootleg
5. Wale ft. G-Eazy – Fashion Week
6. Lauryn Hill – Doo Wop (That Thing) – Mikos Remix
7. Spencer Ludwig – Diggy
8. Drake – Passionfruit
9. Madalen Duke – Gucci Store

Follow MAD SKILLZ on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, and Twitter.

Related: Mexico’s 3BallMTY Drops DJcity Podcast Mix

| DJcity Podcast, Mixes
Mad Skillz,

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