Christmas Eve 2013 my mother suffered a minor heart attack. Since being released from Hospital she has took it upon her self to get closer to her children. Likewise I’m trying t spend more time with my parents as they are not getting any younger and time is very precious.

My father recently took up oil painting, something that he wanted to do as a child, but in those days totally unacceptable. Mom on the other hand she’s interested in her thing textiles and cooking. Many a time prior to her getting sick they would be calling me to see i wanted to go here or there, my usual response is that Im too busy.

Saturday 11.01.14 she decided to come over to mine and see and experience the things I spend my time doing. I thought it would be fun to make some music. For those that may of seen the 2011 King of The Beats Documentary would of seen her talking about records. After arriving in the UK in 60’s. Many Asian rather then going out would pass time either watching films or listening to music, old Indian soundtracks. My mother collected those records. Something me and my brothers continued to do to this day.

Here is a video from that day. Although i picked the samples she did all the work with my guidance. Operating the Mashine her self. Chopping the samples and arranging them. playing around with EQ to tune sounds she did her self.

What i love about this video is that we often under estimate older people and their understanding and even knowledge of the things we do. Living in the same house as me and my bothers for 20 years she had to put up with us making noise, with our turntables and cassette tapes and drum machines. I think in her subconscious she grasped and had a little understanding of the music.

This video is testament that no matter what your age is, that put your mind to something you can do it, and do it right. This video means a lot to me.  She will be turning 70 this year, I would like to share it with friends, family and those that really understand the culture, concept and artistry behind sample based music.

Its been a very interesting year for me, a lot of problems to deal with, states of depression, sickness, a loss of a brother a wife and almost a house that hangs in the balance. When you loose the things that motivate you and inspire you, its very hard when you are true artist to find the will and spark to get your self going. December there was some light shed, a light at the end of the tunnel shall we say.

Before going into that I need to firstly thank a certain JFK Aman, DJ Supreme who hung in there with me and was very patient while ive been up and down dealing with the demons within.  Apologies for that.  Jazzy Jay for still hanging in on the project and offering his fullest support.  A thank you to my parents and family who have been there for me. My friends Damian, Keith, 4orce, Andy, Malcolm, Sparkii, Pappi, Beanz, Chieko, Flow, Pogo, Swift, Biznizz, 2000 A.dee, Ray West and A.Gee, Ryan Proctor, Chris Malbon and the many more who know who they are that kept me going through the year.

I did find some inspiration through the year courtesy of Johnny Juice who’s work ethics and sheer presence on facebook would remind me of the times I would be working like that. Chuck Chillout and the Higgs & Butler family. Mr Walt and Baby Paul who introduced me and gave me a lesson in business. Always the mighty Mr Lord Finesse who over the years has turned out to be a good friend. Diamond D for just being himself, just pure class. Psycho Les my brother. The Ultramagnetic Family Ced, Keith, Moe and of course TR who I really enjoyed hanging out with even though our time was short. Dib Stacks, Jah Jas, Jim Slice and Cool V who came through on the Paul C flick.  My brother TeQnotic for his art and contribution to the Paul C film

Breakbeat Lou who’s self faith speaks volumes. Caron Wheeler who really lifted my spirits towards the end of the year. This leads me onto Paul Large Professor who put the icing on the cake. To get props from him after all these years that did mean a lot. through all the person issues that some goodness came out of it. I remember my last words to Paul, ‘ I will and always have to be consistent and persistent coming from here that is the only key to some success for me., and maintaining my integrity and what I stand for’.

Coming to the realization I have a lot to offer still and that this film is a key to me changing me life somewhat. I have been locked in my house isolated my self and been grinding on it.  Already 3 hours of interviews edited, The Beatnuts have joined the cast,

For those that have supported me and the work and cause here is short scene, rough I must say from the upcoming film, Looking for the Perfect Beat. Featuring Mikey D and K-Cut from the group Main Source. 

If you would like to add any comments please feel free, any questions will be answered.

This is one of the best acknowledgements  I could ever dream of.  Nothing like Kanye West and some Fashion designer, but something real and natural, call it a acknowledgment to your contribution to Hip Hop  and the great legacy of one of the purest groups to ever record on vinyl that is Main Source, although my contribution was tiny it meant a great deal to me and my brother Mikey D.

I was always a fan of both Main Source albums.  Large Professor as we all know is one of the greatest producers of this genre, not only did  he help develop its sound, but inspired thousands of up and coming beat makers and producers to take up the art.  He helped me develop, and yes inspired me greatly in digging for records and learning the craft of making music with samplers.  As I started working on my films, I would Analise projects such as the second Main Source LP.  Not much was known about Sir Scratch and K-Kut in comparison to Extra P but going through the Album its plain to see that their knowledge of music and production placed them amongst the greats.

This lead me to meet Mikey D in NYC who at that time was not the Mikey D you see on facebook right now.  He really wasn’t feeling that Main Source LP.  I think that was to do with a lot of personal issues he was dealing with at the time.  Its been said though sometimes great artists produce some of their best pieces in those sort of times.  Mikey a battle M.C who thrives off being the underdog in my personal opinion wrote and put together a timeless classic.  After talking to Mikey about that record, trying ever so hard to get him to try and see the record how I saw it, he agreed to come to the UK to perform the whole Album.  Originally It was to be be him and K-Kut, but Kev could not make the tour for legal reasons.  He granted me permission to act as the groups DJ for the tour.

Mikey was well received here in the UK to his surprise  i think. maybe inspiring him some to really get his act together and build him self back to the artist he was for many many years before. Thus founding his Elements of Hip Hop Project.  In April last year I was in NYC working on my project Looking for the perfect beat.  I received a call from Mikey asking me if I would like to go to Canada with him.  Kev heard I was in town and he was doing a show scheduled to perform along side Large Professor and Cormega.  He thought it would be a great idea if me and Mikey could go and then be the surprise act.  Not as easy a planned,  thinking it was a 8 hour journey turned into a 12 hour drive.  We got held at the border, searched and interrogated we was allowed to enter the country providing we left by Saturday night. Large didn’t make it either. On the journey we picked up a now addiction to Subway Cookies.

Although Me and Large Pro had met once before it was brief, we have never really got to work.  He was and is very aware of my work and what I do and I heard he supports it.  But the video above only confirms that if you put hard work in, that you will get recognition.  Not just me, my brothers Kev K – Kut and legend Mikey D.  Extra P, take my hat off to you.

I don’t normally post on my personal blog anything that i’m not working on, but this morning I saw this.

I know there are many people who still don’t use that facebook thing. This is something that should be shared and viewed by all the masses in internet land!!

Me and Marc go back a long time, He is with out a doubt in the top 3 greatest DJ’s this country has ever produced. Always a pleasure to see him in and out of work.

Press play and enjoy.

Many years back I met and befriended Jay Stephenson.  We very quickly become good friends. I was the only Indian boy in our year and him the only Jamaican, (not forgetting Pretty and Stacia!!!! XX) which really didn’t mean much to us back then we was kids like everyone else.

In 1982 i was introduced to my first ever DJ set up, that was because Jay’s older Brother Mark was part of a Sound System.  It was until only recently I discovered that musical gifts the Stephenson boys had may of been passed down by their father who I found out was part of a well known Reggae outfit. I knew him for his Martial Arts, he was my instructor. He helped build me a lot, finding my inner strength. He told me only 2 weeks ago that before Jay or I was born he was given a choice music or martial arts. He chose Martial Arts his Son Jay chose the other.

Hip Hop came along and we were totally absorbed by it. He had  lighter fingers than me, so on our belt driven decks I could not scratch but he could. He mastered mixing from the get go, It took me a bit of time to get it, in fact I remember he taught me how to count a beat.

We would spend hours getting together at his crib having fun with turntables. Him Jason Coombes and Steve Bridger where all part of the mix. Our first gigs where are community halls. Picking out our records and what we mix we are going to drop. Really fun times. I can remember when he picked up drum sticks. His set up was in the Atic. From my house to his you could hear him practicing.

When we left High School we parted. I went off to study Design and him Sports. Many years later we met again. It was a pleasure to learn we both kept up our passion for music and things creative.

He was drumming with his band called Feral Sun. A heavy Rock outfit. Seeing that I had done some videos for hip hop acts he asked if I would be interested in taking on a Rock Video. How can I turn that down. Alongside my video partner Keith McKenzie & NeNe we met the band at their Birmingham O2 Academy to film their performance.

Here is the new single and video from Feral Sun, filmed and edited by your truly. Here is to friendship and success. Jay wish you the very best Ninja!!

I would like to dedicate this feature to our great friend Rhett Butler, who also had a real passion for music that was also in the same year. R.I.P.  I remember when you got your guitar bro

Those that know about me of have read through my Blog will know that I’m unfunded film maker.  In 1997 I started working on my project ‘The Men & Their Music’.   The Paul C film started out as a chapter of that, manifesting into its own project. 

TeQnotic and I worked together on this project creating a poster fitting for the film.  I played the role of Art Director, TeQnotic the artist.  Here is your chance to own 1 of 50 limited Edition Posters signed by myself the director of the film.  As a thank you gift to those that supported the project, took part in the project, members of Paul’s Family I am trying to raise the funds to get posters printed and shipped to them.

This is a one of chance to own a copy of the poster never to be reprinted.  If you watched the film and would like to support real independent film making, please feel free to show your support.

Poster can be purchased here.

Here is the Third and final part of the film about Queens Legendary Producer and Engineer Paul C McKasty.  A man that contributed a great deal to the Golden Era of Hip Hop Music.  As in the Article on the previous Post this is no way the definitive story or Film.  There is still a few key people missing. 

I hope that after watching this that they may want to contribute some footage that would make it the definitive film.  I would really like to thank all those that took part and believed in me from the get go.  Lindley Farley and CJ Moore who where the driving force behind me who’s words in previous conversations I cherished and kept in my heart and soul, this film as I always said is a film made for you.

Along the road I have now collected over a 1000 hours of Hip Hop footage and interviews.   If I could I would love to make a film on the following, the offer is there. Marley Marl, Large Pro, Diamond D, Johnny Juice and my mentor and big Brother Jazzy Jay.  A more personal look at the men ‘The Men and their Music’.

Thank you to all the people who have been contacting me with their thoughts about the film, Rhythm from the group Phase and Rhythm who after watching Part 1 & 2 contacted me and withing a day shot and sent me a piece to be added to the film. If Large Pro, Rhazel and Biz after seeing this would like to contribute some footage please get in touch.  Thanks to Stezo and Cool V who have agreed to send some footage.

Monday I will be dropping a video –Behind the making of the ‘Memories of Paul C McKasty Poster’.  Art created by Paul C’s High school friend TeQnotic.

This is by all means not the definitive documentary or story of Paul C McKasty.  The Legendary producer from Queens NYC who had his life cut short aged only 24 years old.  This is a film put together from a footage I had accumulated from 2000 to April 2013. 

Friends, Family and Fellow artists share some personal stories of their time with the man.  I am as you may know a record collector and Hip Hop activist.  I can admit that I never knew or had every record that Paul C had touched, I have plenty of them, not all of them.  In the late 90s I had got to know Nottingham based group  the P-Brothers very well.

I was around as Ivory made his now notorious ‘Here No Evil’ CD.   He used to show me records I had missed out on, a lot of Paul C’s productions.   Prior to that I had gone to New York to start work on my film ‘The Men & Their Music’.   Chronicling the birth of New School Hip Hop, from 86 on. Interviewing Ced Gee and Moe Love they spoke highly of Paul, this was the beginning of filming a chapter on the man from Queens.

As I began editing the film the Chapter on Paul. It was so long that it manifested it self into its own film.  Learning so much more about the man, watching back the footage of CJ Moore and how heartfelt he spoke about his friend.  I felt that this was a story that needed to be shared.

As you will see there is absence of some very key people, not to say I never tried to contact them, those that know me very well can confirm I did.  My challenge was that I had made a rough of this film so many years ago, what do i do?, hold out hoping that one day they will want to tell there story which I did for nearly 7 years or drop the film?

Bear in mind Ive never been a sponsored film maker or belong to any in or popular crowds.  I was just a man with a camera traveling round filming when ever i could.  In my early days building my reputation maybe there was a miss trust from some artists, who is this guy?.  Time has showed that I kept my word and that I’m a man that prides him self on his integrity.  So I made the decision to drop the film.  Maybe those missing can see it for what it is, I can always re-edit. If anyone has photos of Paul that i can insert into the film (who would not mind)  please contact me?

I would like to thank all those that contributed footage towards the project and believed in me.  Rakim who took time out of his tour to do this.  Dr Butcher who traveled from Texas to NYC to link up with Damian Wilkes to shoot his piece.  Lindley Farley for his guidance throughout.

Another reason i never dropped the film was that there is a video that exists of Paul making beats in his studio,  but it was amongst hundreds and hundreds of video tapes in a spot in NYC, to this day it’s not been found.

I made a choice not to feature a soundtrack to the film, the audio quality of some of the footage, but mainly because this is not like one of those  movies that sensationalize and concentrate on the death and mystery behind it.  This is sincere stories from people who loved the man.  I stripped the film down to the raw footage.  Its not often you get to see such films like this about artists of this genre.  Most people will know of Rakim, but you tell me where you ever see him like this on film?

Paul C played  a huge part not just in the music but helping develop some of the groups who today are considered classic.  Mikey D, Super Lover C and Casanova Rud, Main Source, Large Pro, Organised Konfusion, Rhazel and Ultras to name a few.

In a day when music has become so disposable, bed room studios, back track listen to music produced by the likes of Paul C, there is a reason why that music is classic and never tiring, it was a made by a man that was  not a beat maker but a master of his craft.

Part 3 will be online next Sunday. 

For a full Paul C Discography please click here

It’s been a long time since I tuned into any Radio Show to be honest.  Still haven’t recovered from the poison Westwood started to play on Radio 1.  That music killed my brain cells.  If it’s not the mainstream from the USA its the Grime and mainstream from the UK, I can’t escape the noise.

Like many people, I used to crave for the weekends Radio Shows. Making sure that I’ve been to Richer Sounds to get myself a fresh cassette tape to record the weekends entertainment.  The talk of the week was not what happened on East Enders but ‘did you hear that new track from so or so’.  The next mission was to head down to the record store to see if they have got the 12 inch single in. Exciting times, I’m sure many of you will agree.

These days I look to online stores to see whats out now, check out the player, or see what gets posted on facebook. The passion I used to have for listening to the Radio has recently come back, thanks to my partner in things audio creative THA 4ORCE.

Steven Ellington got down with King of the Beats Project a few years ago. He’s helped me on the label, but also joined me on a few trips to NYC.  He played a huge part in the last trip helping in the production of the upcoming film ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’.  He recently got a prime time slot on Itch Fm.  Maybe I sound a bit bias but we have very similar tastes in music.  I love Hip Hop music made with samples, that boom bap, jazz groove, that East Coast NYC sound.  Don’t get me wrong I’m not hating on the UK, because there are plenty of UK producers who captured that sound. Samples, Beats and Grooves, Chemo and Sparkii Ski seems to be killing it right now. This show is me.

The Formula is what you expect from any good Hip Hop Show, turntable skills, doubles and mic skills.  Dedicated to new music only.  For dinosaurs like myself its great to hear new music that proves beyond any reasonable doubt that hip hop is alive and kicking.  Along side Photographer Andy Higgs we shot this piece to help promote the show.

After shooting this a week later we heard of the sad news of Choice FM letting DJ 279 go.  Replacing him with Westwood.  Maybe its even more important these days that we do pay attention to the Radio.  For so many years it has been the sauce and avenue to hearing new music.  You can tune into the Mind Tha Gap Show on Fridays 8pm -10pm at http://www.itch.fm

P.S This Radio Show has nothing to do with me, Its Steven Ellington’s Show.