Who can ever forget the day the first heard the album ‘It takes a nation of millions to hold us back’ from Long Islands Public Enemy? Before I ever got my hands on it my older brother who is no rap fan purchased it. I was sat inside the living room and he came back from the city with his vinyl copy.

There was nothing out there to compare to with how big a sound that record was. I remember him looking at me doing arms folded stances, something that I do pretty much all the time in personal pics. Funny enough the stand out track on that first listen was by no means the greatest or the one any DJ’s play, it was ‘She Watch Channel Zero’.

To this day there has never been a record like it. In reflection where this record made its biggest impact on me was the lyrics by the front man Chuck D and its minister of information Professor Griff who’s  sheer presence in my view, stood there as a strong person of color. The groups imagery was iconic. I think this is one of the reasons my older brother now in his 50s brought this album he was already intune with its message. He was into politics and would spend his time sat in his room reading books about Carl Marx when not listening to records or drawing.

Being a lot younger I loved the message and the stance P.E took. I felt inspired and strong willed; I felt I had something more to offer and that I was no second class citizen to anyone. This record and B.D.P’s Edutainment were catalysts for me seriously pursuing this art form and working towards becoming a contributor to not just document its development growth and origin but to inspire future generations.

My interest in records, graff and Breakin film & photography was there before this record let’s make that clear. This record influenced me to try make a everlasting mark on not just this culture but people I meet on my journey.

Fast forward some 20 years I got to make friends with former P.E journey man Johnny Juice who I wanted to feature in my movie ‘The Men & Their Music’. This lead to genuine friendship we went onto work a few projects together. The first being the piece on Leaders of the New School and the film on Son Of Bezerk all shot at the famous Terrordome. Which lead to me asking Juice to take part in my upcoming movie ‘ Looking for the Perfect Beat’. This later lead to me working on his HiCoup project shooting and directing the videos for the song Crocodile Tears.

Also over the years I had built a strong friendship with NYC Radio Legend and DJ, Chuck Chillout. Who’s infamous ‘I’m Large’ video got played on BBC2’s Def 2 Show. We worked on a short film together too. I was given a chance to film his show at Kiss Fm. I believe it was these two men that must of talked to Chuck D about my work.

2014 Saw Public Enemy embark on a European Tour for which Chuck Chillout joined them. I remember the phone call I got some 2 or 3 am in the morning from him.   I was fast asleep but Chuck told me he’s coming to the UK lets get together. So he cordinally invited me to join him on one of the P.E shows. I drove to Sheffield with my long time friend Diamond Keith as he is known today to meet up with Chuck Chillout at their hotel. There in the lobby we met members of the group.   That evening Chuck D did leave his room and visited the group where he quickly just hello to me.

The following day we went to the venue in Sheffield. Courtesy of P.E we joined them in the V.I.P area where some hours later Chuck D arrived. I was sat with Chuck Chillout when Chuck D sat down with us and said right Pritt, lets talk. I want to know what you do and how you do it, I hear a lot about you over in the states. We discussed my beginnings and where I am now. I even showed him some of the new film I’m working on. I remember telling him that I do come from that B-Boying Culture and that I thrive of competition, The last film of any substance at that time was ICE T’s ‘Art of Rap’. I told him that I’m going to do my best to take that film out and show people what people can do and achieve with no budget no sponsors and very little support also taking to account i’m not from the USA or even the Big city of London. I believe I am the hip Hop story and that my actions in the completion of this film away from the movie itself can only inspire young /old people that if you really believe in something that not everything is beyond your capabilities.

With so many negative images and media driven agenda’s, I wanted to show through facing many challenges, diversity and person issues that people of color can do great things. This left a mark I think on Chuck as he allowed me to join the group on stage and shoot them. 2015 They return to the UK and in my home city of Birmingham where Chuck welcomed me to join the group to shoot them performing at the Moseley Jazz Festival.   That night I joined Chuck in his hotel room too have a long discussion regarding a few things. Within the week I had edited the show up for which I sent to the group. Seeing as Erik shared the video on facebook I thought I would write this about my experience with the group plus for a limited time share the film I shot. There is another film I did shoot for the Legendary Roy Ayers who also performed at the Jazz Festival which for all those that were there was spectacular as Flavor Flav made a guest appearance and together with Roy Ayers and Band shared a incredible moment with us all.

Big thank you to everyone mentioned and all the P.E Crew.Tommo & Mike Richards & Moseley Jazz Festival.

For further information / tour date check www.publicenemycom

Today after reading a post on facebook talking about the Octopus Breakbeats , the DJ tool that later became the Ultimate Breakbeats. I thought Id write this. The significant impact of these records alone did not only change the face and wave of Djing throughout the 80’s they still to this day play as much as an important role as they did when they first came out.

Here in the UK the Mix tape culture of New York played a vital role as did DJ’s such as Cosmic Jam who had first hand experience of what was going on in NYC when Hip Hop was being conceptualized.  The DJ played the most important role in this movement. As you saw in the Diamond D post previous, the art of cutting up breakbeats was born in the Bronx. Dj’s like and ill pick one, BAMBAATA would dig through a wide range of Genre’s of music to select grooves and what we know as breakbeats. These records would be played at the Jams and certain tracks would shine, later becoming the holy grails of breakbeats.

BreakBeat Lenny a record dealer who would go to the jams, caught onto this movement leading onto the development of the Octopus breakbeats. With his team of Diggers and Editors. Break Beat Lou and TR Love lets not forget, they would search out records for these compilations. Lou also known as Louis Flores was the man behind the edits on the records. Lenny the financier.

In the 90s I was filming on VHS the things me and my crew would get up too. I should rephrase it, it was Spara’s Crew. We followed him. This lead me to pursuing my passion for film and things creative.  Now long before there was a Facebook, Myspace or even dial up internet and even Serato I would be shooting film. Ive been consistently doing this for over 20 years. One of the very few people to do so, and probably the one person you never hear of.  I never get interviews nore press, I don’t get sponsorship or funding I do it my self.

As I discussed with my brother in arms Dexter Thibou of the Beatminerz only last week. I created my own lane. Fuck You if you do not give me a chance or believe in my ability or vision. I’m still here. I was into the Zulu Nation ideology, especially in the late 70s and early 80s I liked that. I loved Public Enemy and BDP’s inspiring music. I wanted to become empowered. When the world is against you or you feel like so, you got to stand up and fight for your beliefs. This is my DNA and time has proved that and I still carry the same values.

Shame on all those that read this and the ones that turned there backs on me on the past, if you got a problem see me.

Anyhow what matters is that the real artists, my piers I looked up too believed in me. I want to thank all those that welcomed me into their homes and allowed me to film them.

Above is an extract from one of my early films shot here in the UK and USA. The topic the Ultimate Breakbeats. The impact and influence they had here on us and the impact they had on DJ’s in Mecca New York.

I will say here in the UK, in those days information to us was very limited. This was shot well before Break Beat Lou and my self befriended each other. He has since cleared up some of the stories behind the records. I do have that film too.

Break Beat Lou will be in the UK over August 2015. If you are interested in booking him – Feel free to contact me.

 Enjoy a rare piece of film by my self. I would ask in respect do not go ripping this footage. Big thanks to Jazzy Jay, Grandmaster Caz, Charlie Chase, Grand Wizard Theodore, Afrika Bambaata, DJ Pogo, Billy Biznizz, Cutmaster Swift & Casz

As promised here is part two of Diamond D’s set at London’s ‘Size Doesn’t Matter’ event. It was a lesson on how to cut 45’s. For those familiar in the origins of hip hop culture will already know that the DJ played the most important role in it’s early days. From Herc, Flash, Bam came the Theodore’s, the Africa Islam’s the Charlie Chase’s, DXT and the Jazzy Jays just to name a few who took the art of Djing to another level. Cutting doubles became the norm.   Diamond D was inspired by those Dj’s. Young and inspired he became a beat digger aged around 9 years old, Djing on the block at aged 11. For those brought up in the 80’s sounds normal. I remember being a child practicing breaking. It was the time. This music, this culture came here and like a swarm of bee’s engulfed this nation, everyone was in it someway or form. So for someone such as Diamond who was living brought up in mecca New York this was his everyday and watching him perform it shows. The art of cutting doubles; taking two copies of the same record and cutting from one record to the next keeping a loop going of such sounds as a drum break or groove.   Described as the peak point of the record that people dancing responded most too. The segment that M.C’s could rhyme over and rock the crowd. Diamond D is one of the masters of this. I won’t lie I came home and started practicing myself. I’m sure after watching this you will also feel inspired. If the video above is not enough, maybe the special bonus video from my personal vault below may seal the deal. This is the first time I shot Diamond D doing his DJ showcase in the UK from many years ago. Enjoy. For you UK enquires regarding Diamond D, Jazzy Jay and Break Beat Lou Feel free to Hit me up. Break Beat Lou will be here in the UK over the month of August.

I would like to thank DJ and Artist/Photographer Bunny Bread for the shots used in this article. Also got to give props to the Milkcrate Kid,  I don’t know who you are but you always posting my stuff up.

As long as I have known Jay and im pretty sure anyone who knows him will agree with me, Ive never met any DJ any where who practices and jams out any where near as much as he does.

If its not here in England weather its my home or Damian’s. England is not Like NYC Jay will Jam out all night on the turntables. Turning my neighbors all against me. That evening I was working the night shift. So Jay being Jay would practice. I’m grateful that my neighbors were cool once I explained who he was in the morning. Living at Jay’s families home is an experience I will cherish and never forget. There was never a night that he never got on the turntables.

I remember the very first time I met Jay in NYC and I was taken back by his passion for music. I can remember he was talking about records that we all know as being the staple breakbeats that we all have as if he just discovered them that day. I know he has been playing them already for the last 30 years but still he is so excited and inspired by them. He lives for the music. Its not a part of his life that he switches on when its called of him to do so, he is the music.

I’ve been many times to his spot, but I’m going to write about my last trip.   This was November 2014. Jay is one of the pioneers of Hip Hop culture. His contribution is vast, To this day he never stops being creative and innovative I know so. His work with Rane and Serato is testament to that. Jay the producer who produced producers has always been in tune with technology. So much so these days you will find him working close with the likes of Dean Standing of Rane.

I had arrived and he’s been working with this new mixer of his. Personally Ive love vinyl, I love to buy records but even I have to take my hat off to serato as tool it has taken DJing to another level. As a DJ who loves to cut doubles this thing will help you develop fast. Touring on the Main Source ‘F what you think’ tour it allowed me to cut doubles of the album for which there was never an instrumental pressings. I will not touch no CD’s. Anyway my life at Jays and purpose of being there was to work on my film. Every morning I would leave out 7 am to return all hours of the night. I would always return to find Jay in the Dungeon as we call it, the studio where he will be on the turntables. I would sit and watch him with a few beers at side until the early hours of the morning. Normally 5am. We would just mix and cut records all night.

If anyone has seen those youtube interviews of Arnold Swatznegerrer he often explains his passion for body building and desire to be the best he could be. He put his heart and soul into training. No mobile phones or mickey mouse stuff as he says. Jay is the same. He is in his own world in front of those turntables. He explores sounds and what this mixer will allow him to do with them. The film above is 25 minutes shot by myself with 2 cameras just giving you an insight in what goes on every single night at the dungeon. If you was to the maths. Pretty much all DITC members come from Jays Dungeon. He is a very special person who passion and dedication to music spreads ignites and inspires the likes of me who is as an artist my self-looking for guidance. We knock back a few beers courtesy of the local shop who know when I come through I’m picking up for Jay and just mix. Just imagine this man has been doing this since 70’s. This is real passion. This is not cool but damn inspiring and motivating. Enjoy.

Thankyou to Jays Family, Mrs Jay & also Bobby Cowan, Fred Beanz and Breakbeat Lou For info on booking Jazzy please contact me.

Another year and here drops another holy grail of Hip Hop.  Last year on Record Store Day saw the previously unreleased Paul C edit of Ain’t it good by the Ultramagnetic M.C’s. 1 year later take me out with the fader…..TR Love & Black Pegasus Records return with another classic.  Available to purchase tomorrow 18.04.15 at 10:00 am UK time via www.blackpagasusmusic.blogspot.com.  This is limited edition only 300 Orange Vinyl copies so get your before there gone. 

My personal involvement and contribution to the projects has been to create the artwork, logos and create the videos, behind the scenes i played the roll of helping co-ordinate with label owner Marc Davis and TR Love.  It’s been a very interesting experience.  I look forward to being involved in a few more projects.

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.