Definition of mentor ˈmɛntɔː/  noun : mentor; plural noun: mentors 1.an experienced and trusted adviser. This describes Phat Gary the man above. 

Once partner in Empire Management along side Sarah Honda managing the group Gangstarr, then longtime manager for DJ Premier now managing Pete Rock, Gary has been there for me for many years.  He has seen me running round New York with a camera  from the VHS days many many years ago.  We formed a friendship over many trips back and fourth.  To a point where not a trip is made to the city with out passing through the office to catch him.

He took an interest in my work, a truly supported my development.  He would advise me and give me guidance where to improve, infact it was his office I called before I went and got my Camera to shoot this movie. Gordon who was there at the time suggested that if I could afford it to invest in the Canon 7D.  This was way before the days of facebook or social networking.  This was from the days of when you had to telephone or go see someone in person to introduce your self.

He is a smart man that loves a challenge, and has fighting spirit. Like my self he thrives of peoples disbelief in your ability.  Maybe that’s why we bonded.  To have longevity takes tenacity and hunger to achieve your goals weather its monetary or creatively.  His posts if anyone follows him are very motivational.  I once asked him if he reads books, where does he get this from, he replied ‘i read a lot of them’.   Times have changed a lot within the industry, to get on takes a lot hard work, the days for the street hustler manager are numbered, although its not a bad way to start and have that in you.

I caught Gary on my last trip to NYC and asked him if he would take part in my film.  Here is an out take from the film.  This a visual out take of the sort of conversations we privately have.  This is an fly on the wall look at some of my friends and how i move.  A little twist on Arnold Schwarzenegger words, While your there posing taking your b-boy posses and wearing talking some superficial shit there are people behind you working.   ‘you can not climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets’.

Over the last 2 years I picked up what some may consider a bad habit. I rediscovered TK Max. In an effort to smarten myself up, I start to frequent their store. This became a game between me and my close friends.

We could not spend any more that £10 on a T-shirt and £20 on a long sleeve. As much as I would dig for records to occupy my time when I was bored I’d go digging in TK Max. Whilst I was doing that I was developing my brand Diggers.

Tk Max is great place to see what is current and cast a judgement on what people today are willing to spend their money on. I would look at the quality of the shirt, the textures and colors. I would look for unbranded items that I felt suited me and my style.

Taking the items home I would put my mark on them and embroiling my Diggers or King of the beats Logo onto them, this also went on to bags and jackets. Anyone following me on Instagram would of seen some of my posts.

In the early stages of Hip Hop culture there was a tradition in modifying clothing in order to be unique, adding a little of your personality and soul helped you stand out from the crowd. Remember those jackets with Graffiti art on the back, companies like Shirt Kingz and who can forget the legendary Dapper Dans provided personalized garments in their very own style. People would modify sneakers, something that the sneaker companies would later adopt hence you can go online and customize your kicks direct from the supplier.

Me I just do it for myself, but as the brand develops and the more I get into it, a few people have noticed what I’ve been doing and requesting a few items. I had been toying with the idea, and now that I’m a little more familiar with my mother’s sewing machine I will be every so often making a double of one of these items I modify for myself and making it available to 1 lucky supporter. The Item will dug out myself and will come with a 45 also found by me.

Anybody that knows about textiles, sewing and embroidery will support me on this, this is not a quick thing to do, the process of putting the logo on takes time. This came as a surprise to me up until I had to do it myself. So I can appreciate the time and the patience one must have to do this. Its time consuming especially when you do not have an industrial quality manufacturing machine. This is all done at home and I can certainly say no children or slave labour was involved. My mother is very into textiles, something as I said before I never really fully appreciated until I got into it myself.

So please tune into the site, it will be a one item going once only. If you are familiar with my king of the Beats ethos you will be able to draw similarities and inspiration from digging culture. Diggers fully aims to represent that ethos, your not just buying or purchasing a shirt but your buying into creativity and becoming a part of it.

One of my main goals this year is to really put out the Diggers Brand. Since the age of 17 I had been dabbling with designing T-shirt and sweatshirts.

As a graffiti artist and design student it was something I was always interested in. From doing one off shirts for myself and maybe a few close friends then led me to eventually form a friendship and partnership with legendary artist 2000 A.Dee, throughout the 90s we put a series of shirts that we would sell out the back of my car and at various events.

Ironically I have always used the same printers to this day, a family business run by father Tony and son Nathan Hill they have really helped and worked with me to get the brand to where it is today.

From the days of using Fruit of Loom, regular Guilden shirts, in 2015 things have really moved on.   On offer is quite a diverse range of shirts from suppliers. Very often I would go into TK max and check out and compare the material and fabrics being used by today’s brands.

Over the last 10 years it’s been all about the king of the beats brand, admittedly I can see where things where terribly wrong. I always had the plan that the brand would fund and support my film making. Unfortunately this was not so much the case. Yes their sales helped but it was my day job that funded my film making.

In 2013 I started work on my new film, Looking for the perfect beat alongside JFK Aman also known as DJ Supreme from the group Hijack and the Original Jazzy Jay of Strong City Records. I had for the last few years also ran a record label which came to a temporary standstill after I went through my divorce.

Making the film was and is about me making a new start in life. Long time friend and collaborator Chris Malbon is really the visual genius behind my designs. I have written about him many times before, but I must repeat we sat down together and brain stormed to create this new brand Diggers. I came with the thumbnail designs and Chris delivered the final visuals and Logo. Chris and myself go back all the way to first school. If you would like to find out more about the man please google him.

Diggers the brand that is for all those that are dedicated and have a passion for digging for records. King of the beats at its core was about digging for records, long before vinyl became trendy again, long before there was a record store day. King of the beats was out there pushing vinyl culture. Totally organic Diggers came out of 23 years of creating and dabbling with clothing and digging in the crates.

This is one of my many passions, falling under the umbrella of all things creative.

It’s not a company that’s had money thrown at it, it’s not a brand that jumped on the bandwagon of this sudden interest and infatuation with vinyl. If you consider yourself a lumbersexual please stay clear, this is not for you.   This is a brand for people who have a passion for music irrespective of what genre you like. This is a brand that is built by people who have been and still a part of this culture. If like to spend your money on brands that token ally represent a trend or popular then that’s fine, but if want to wear something that has a bit of guts and substance then maybe consider supporting our brand Diggers.

I would like to thank the likes of Jazzy Jay, Supreme Ray West and Sparkii Ski.  The large Professor and K –Kut, Lord Finesse, Johnny Juice and A.Dee who I must say totally encouraged me to pursue my art and not give it up, Son of Bezerk, MWill, The BB lou, TR Love Si SPex, Mark B, 4orce and Jayknig  the Swizz Army and the many more serious artists that have supported this brand and its aim.

This week we have the new Diggers Woolly hats in get yours here, substance with style support a film maker.

Without a shadow of a doubt working with Jazzy Jay has opened some doors for me, especially when it comes to the crew DITC. Over the last 5 years I had built a friendship and relationship with one of my all time idols Diamond D.

Going back to the release of his first solo album. Like many people I was totally blown away from the amazing music and his rhymes. It was an album that fully embodied and represented this Music we call Hip Hop, not only did it capture its time but it gone on to stand the test of time to be known as one of the greatest Hip Hop albums of all time. It became the benchmark for all aspiring producers to one-day reach.

I was one of those aspiring digging in the crates every week producers. I was in a crew made up of me and Mike Richards called ‘the Butcher Shop’. Birmingham City Legend DJ Sparra, former DMC champion, was mentoring me. He was part of a crew called Rerun. Their lead MC was known as Juice, Juice Aleem as most people know him. Leaving Sparra’s home we was discussing Diamond D, 1992 Album ‘ Stunts Blunts and Hip Hop’. This is where I want to be I said, unless I’m this good I cannot put a record out.

Fast forwarding some 18 years later. In which over that time I become more known for film making and documenting this culture. I got to meet Diamond in London. Although our meeting was brief, Diamond become familiar with my work and what I represented.   This lead to me shooting a few things with him that maybe in the near future we will put out in the public domain. A couple DJ sets beautifully shot.

 Diamond then took part in my upcoming film ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’. Whilst I was shooting the movie, I had painted a portrait of my NYC father Jazzy Jay that Diamond had seen. He liked it and wanted a painting by me for maybe a future record release. Returning back to the UK, I got busy editing the film. Then Diamond announced he was working on his new album, and there was opening for someone to do the album cover. I submitted some artwork, which got selected, leading to Cover artwork of his 2014/15 album THE DIAM PIECE.

Returning back to NYC to try complete filming my project past November 2014 Diamond asked me if I had time to shoot something for him. He asked if I could do something for the track featuring one of the greatest punch line M.C’s Granddaddy I.U. ‘THE GAME’ personally my favorite track on the album had fallen at my feet. For it production value I love the open space D created, the drums are not hard but lyrics, cadence and voice of DADDY I.U give it all the power it needs to be a very big sounding track.

The evening before the shoot, we all coincidentally met at the 41^st Zulu Nation Anniversary held in Harlem.   Along side Daddy I.U, Black Rob, Minnesota , Fred Beanz and Break Beat Lou. Diamond informed me that he had booked out a bar for the shoot and that was to meet 3pm in the Bronx.

The following day joined by Fred Beanz and Breakbeat Lou we met up in the Bronx for the shoot. We had got there before Diamond and crew and arrived at the venue. THE LEGACY BAR where we was met by the owner who was an fantastic host and went out of his way to help and support the shoot.

In classic me style I recruited Fred Beanz to assist me with the shoot and gave him about 10 mins training. Hence his 3 times cameo appearances, a thank you for his efforts and sorry for dropping you in it on my part.

Let take into account that we started the shoot at 3 pm and NYC gets very Dark early that time of year. Time was very limited. To a certain extent Diamond gave me some freedom to try a few things. Some worked some didn’t. Anyhow as a back up plan I met up with I.U to shoot some out door shot very very early one morning.

Returning back to the UK I had done a rough of the video I think the first week I got back. Unfortunately some things happened and I was out the picture until the start of this year. The whole week alongside Diamond we worked together fine tuning this video.

So for all those that have a passion for things creative, keep doing what you do, never give up your dreams or goals, patience is a virtue. Even when things get tough things can happen. Karma.

Those who are familiar with my blog will know that time to time I like to write some posts about my family in relation to my art. My mother featured here before. Having ago at using sampler and building a track.

Recently she visited me and started to go through some of the records I had in my house that once belonged to her. We started to play some of them which started to remind her about her younger days looking for records. She then started to tell me some stories of digging days and her passion for music.

Going back to the year 1968, life was a little bit different for your average Indian family. There weren’t things such as the Star Plus Channel, or BBC Asia One. To watch Indian films meant you would have to go to a specialist cinema. Like many my mother would search out the soundtracks to the movies she liked. Now 70 years old If and when I can I’m going to keep for my personal record films with interviews with my family. Since the Passing of my Grand mother December 2014 marks a massive shift / turning point in my family. From the old to the new world. If can record some of them stories for future generations then I will try to document that.

I quickly ran upstairs and got my camera to recorded her tail and adventure into London alongside her sisters to search out a record for which the song and its title for its time was considered quite provocative.

Fast forward 20 years to 1988, here I am running round looking for records like she did. I think she passed on her passion for records to all her children.

Whilst in New York last November working on the film I found the time to shoot a video for my friends Johnny Juice’s new project HiCoup.

HiCoup in his own right has been on the circuit for a good while.  I had never met him before the shoot.  I had only heard the E.P that Juice produced.  It’s a fantastic project led by Johnny Juice a accomplished producer and DJ.  Seeing him at work in person I can say that he is no way a beat maker, who churns out track after track asking artists to pick one.  He carefully selects who he works with and grinds in the studio to help develop a sound and artist.  His way is by no means a 1hour take.

There was a song on the E.P that stood out called ‘Crocodile Tears’.  I had spoken to Juice prior to leaving out to NYC and said if there was time Id shoot something for him.  I had been in NYC 2 weeks.  This was my final day.  I still have people to shoot for my project.

The sun was light very bright first thing in the morning, the weather was turning so there was a really nice frost.  Knowing how long things take I suggested to Juice we can shoot 6am in Brooklyn’s Forte Green.  I had shot there earlier on my trip.

HiCoup and manager where based in New Jersey.  I was very surprised when they called me to say there were at my spot dead on time.  We headed out to Forte Green and knocked out the video before 8am.  Only if every shoot could go down as well planned as that.

I had completed the video the first day I arrived back.  Now that HiCoup has approved and posted the video onto Youtube I can post it onto my page, enjoy.

DOWNLOAD THE E.P HERE

It’s been a while since I posted an article on to the blog.  A Lot is to do with the personal issues I’ve been facing.  This resulted in me temporally stopping writing and shutting down the store.   I’m proud to announce that its finally up and running.

Now it’s been 21 months since I started on my project ‘Looking for the perfect beat’.  A film shot in NYC and Canada, planned, written and edited here in the UK. The film is a 90 minute look at some of  the lives, tales and stories courtesy of some of the major players in the golden era of hip hop.  The producers who not only forged a sound but who’s passion for music is so unexpectedly broad  it would raise the eyebrow of vinyl connoisseur .

I’ve always been impressed how these young men growing up in NYC were and are still so passionate about this music, dedicated to searching out new sounds, grooves to be inspired to create these fantastic records that a lot of us have in our collection.  They call it Diggin today.  This is not a new thing.  As far as the DJ is concerned coming from the Hip Hop genre this goes back to the 70’s.  Take Jazzy Jay for example this is 40 years of looking for breaks for him.  How these men took machines that were not meant to be used by them and started to use them to make and create this music.  Myself I became a follower and practitioner of this in the late 80s, searching and looking for samples and grooves to create something funky and new.  Personally I’m addicted to things creative, over the last 20 years I’ve been consistently making very low budget independent films looking at the culture above.

As I’m entering a new phase in my life, I am looking at life and art very differently.  This film has become a real challenge for me.  I’m trying to do the very best I can, to deliver a high quality film, a film that’s motivated by the b-boy in me.  Not all of you reading this may understand what I mean by that,  I’m fueled by being the underdog.  The person that people underestimate.  I don’t need to wear the outfits, speak the slang or look the part, at this level your dealing with the pure art form.  This is why Pete Rock is Pete Rock and Large Pro is Large Pro, why the Beatminerz have their own sound as described by Lord finesse himself.  It’s unique to them.

It’s been the artist themselves who have embraced and supported this film being made.  Close friends and family have enabled me in continuing this project.  Chuck Chillout earlier this year called me to let me know he was going to be in the UK, he introduced me to Chuck D, a man who a lot of people can learn from his example.  Chuck does his homework and prior to meeting me made himself very aware of what I’m about and do, he just wanted to hear it from me.  His last words to me was ‘Pritt I’m at your disposal’.  Words not to be taken lightly.  When I cannot get a look in at home, press, sponsors or support. His words alone where testament of the work being done here.

Sadly here in the UK the majority of people rely on the press first to give any artist exposure or props.  What ever happened to going with your gut feeling.

Today I turned on my sampler and worked on the soundtrack to the film.  I’m feeling really amped now, excited to return to NYC to complete this film.  Now that I have some clarity and some closure I’m working on this film in high spirits.

Much respect to all the artists in the film supported the film and gave me time.  My friends who supported me and the project, purchasing items from the site.  Diamond D for opportunity to work with him on the album cover.  The Ultras for bringing me in on the TR 45’s.  Chuck Chillout and P.E not forgetting Johnny Juice and the Large Professor.

This article is dedicated to Keven De Kosta who made this trip for me to finish my film possible. Jazzy Jay and family for putting me up.  STRONG CITY = STRONG FOUNDATION = STRONG TIES – FAMILY.

One of my favorite pieces of work.  Working with Diamond D on his new album.  Go back over 20 years when his first solo album ‘Stunts Blunts & Hip Hop’ dropped.  Considered one of the Classic and most definitive records of all time.   My entire existence was to be out there looking for records working towards being the next Diamond D, Showbiz Large Professor style producer.  

Really didn’t work out that way but I grew into being the film maker, still passionate about digging, sampling and the culture it came from.  Fast forward some 17 years my work brought me together with the man him self Diamond D.  

I was shooting shows for him, we shot a few interviews and then Diamond courtesy of mentor Jazzy Jay took part in my new film. ‘Looking for the Perfect Beat’.   This lead to forging a great friendship with the man leading onto providing the artwork for the new Album the Diam Piece (the typography on the back was not by me).  

Today I got the news that the album is now available to order on CD and Double Vinyl.  So for all you Diamond D heads, or even would like to add a truly decent new hip hop record to your collection, this is one record worth every penny spent. 

Order your copy here from Fatbeats.

Over the last year I have to be honest been very slow editing this film.  I think Im the type of person that works better under pressure have deadlines and somebody on my case only encourages me to produce and create better works.

This film has been some task. Personal issues and circumstances, dealing with depression, and someone’s constant persistent goal, determined to break me and my dreams has been some battle.

Along came along a young lady named Candy Choi. Once a young fashion Student who at one time I mentored. Originally from Hong Kong she came to the UK to study Fashion. Now residing in Amsterdam she has become a member of the cities art community.

Her and her group had decided to put together an exhibition of art inspired by vinyl. Named the ‘Vinyl Arts Project’ Candy contacted me and asked if I was still involved in the king of the beats stuff and if I was still making films.

She offered to pay for my flight and accommodation if I would be willing to show something. This is what I needed, some pressure. Of course It would be great to get out the house and go to a place that I’ve never seen. By letting Candy down I knew I would feel like crap as I knew there was a time she used to look up to me.

I got my head down to finish of a rough of the film. I know that I need to return to NYC to wrap up the shooting, but by doing this I would be able to sit and discuss with the team what is much needed to complete this.

Completing a two hour piece this film needs heavy cutting. I’d rather have too much than too little. Looking at the promotion for the event I could tell this a event marketed at younger and none hip hop audience. I thought to my self that could be turned round and utilized as some film development exercise. I could turn this into a crit or discussion with an audience that may not know what its about or who I am.

Arriving in Amsterdam I made my way to the apartment that was arranged for me, which I must say was a beautiful place. Dropping my bags I made my way to the venue. Among the hundreds of cyclists I arrived at the venue to be greeted by Martin Marsoeki a Hip Hop activist and friend of Marc Davis of whom I helped put out the Ultra 45’.

I had my own room, projector and Big screen. 3 sofas and freedom to do what I want there. It was a slow start but the surely more people would sit in on the screenings. I made it my business to make sure that people felt a part of the event. I opened my self to discussions and invited people to ask me questions about the film and give their opinions about what they saw and felt. I did film a few people so that I could not only document the event but to keep a record to view later to digest some of the people’s views. When you look at movies that make it too the big screen so much time is spent dedicated in private screenings to gain information in helping developing the project.  This was my development package.

This was a none hip hop event. The audience were young and interested in Art. Apart from Martin and legendary Graffiti writer and record Collector Cat Twenty Two there wasn’t anyone there that in my opinion really cared about records, not the way that we do anyhow.  This is our life’s passion and work.

There are some serious flaws in the film some that I spotted after seeing it on the big screen, some scenes didn’t look right. What I did like was getting the feedback from some of the people who took the time out to view the film. What I discovered was that the film lacked the information that is need to grasp the non hip hop fan. I’ve made a film that caters for the die hard digger and hip hop fan. All of my films have always been made that way. This is my first film where my target audience is a lot broader. My aim and agenda is to make a film that introduces the outside world into our world.

Since coming back I have been looking at the film, writing and planning what is needed to make this the film it needs to be.  I would like to thank the people of the Vinyl Arts Project and Hip Hop Pioneer Eljay who kindly came to hang out and see me safe to the airport.

Its been a longtime since I posted anything on the site. Ive been locked away getting into the movie. It’s proved to be a challenging task as for the shear amount of footage we filmed whilst we was in NYC last year.

Getting focused on the film has been difficult, the year has been a unpleasant one to say the least. Getting motivated or even staying motivated in all honesty has been my biggest problem over the last 12 months.

Over the last few months I have been really getting to it. Finishing off the first draft. Steven Ellington who was one of the crew that went out to NYC to work in the field with me to make this movie made the trip to see the first draft. Keven De Kosta who ironically I met at the BFI when the Supreme Movie was shown in London back in 2007 was one of the top men at the Arts Council who him self has put together a number of film festivals in the past also dropped by to watch the first draft.

It turned out I ended up making a 5 hour movie. Their visit helped me look at the film, give me some ideas share there opinions to focus on the task of now cutting this film down to 90 mins. Anyone who knows my work, will know that its something that I never do. A film is a long as its meant to be. This film has to be different.

I set up a camera to capture some of their opinions and thoughts about what they have seen. This is all part of the behind the scenes going on of making a independent movie. So here at my site you can share that journey.

Thank you to all those supporting me and the project.