RJD2 / Remix Monday

New York from Cristina Valdivieso + Jon Connor on Vimeo.

(Make sure you watch it in fullscreen)

This is one of the best pairings of music with video footage I've ever seen. For anybody who loves music or New York City (did I leave anyone out?), this video is a must see, even multiple times actually. Who knew you could do so much with just an instrumental? The track on this video, "Ghostwriter," is by RJD2, a producer who I hadn't heard of before this video. I tracked down some of their other music and found a remix I liked that was a collaboration with rapper Aceyalone from 2006. But really, this video is just plain beautiful.

Also this week is A-Trak's remix of Sebastian Tellier - Kilometer. It was released in the blogosphere in January, but it's proving to pass the test of time. Tellier is a French singer/writer/everything known for his dance-provoking beats. With help from A-Trak, "Kilometer" is a hot fusion of electric and dance.

Lastly, the Crooker's Remix of Busy P - "To Protect and Entertain" is more mainstream hip-hop sounding but still retains the qualities of a good song (is that even possible??). The Crookers are an Italian Dj and production team who've been working together for almost 7 years now. Check emm outt

RJD2 ft. Aceyalone - All for U

Sebastian Tellier - Kilometer (A-Trak Remix)

Busy P - To Protect and Entertain (The Crookers Remix)

Kevin Scott: 944 Magazine at the Mondrian

One of my favorite continuous mixes right now is Kevin Scott’s live set from 944 Magazine’s pool party in Scottsdale, AZ at the Mondrian Hotel. It reminds me a lot of something that DJ AM would produce. With songs from Michael Jackson, Dizzee Rascal, The Doobie Brothers, Wale, and many others, Kevin Scott created an upbeat and refreshing mix.

Much like Calvin Harris (but in a totally different genre), Mark Ronson always makes a great remix. He won producer of the year at the Grammys last year for his collaborations with Amy Winehouse on her chart-topping album, and is still making creative re-releases of already known songs. The lyrics of “Smile” are pretty funny, and Ronson’s remix with Wale is very catchy and well made.

Take on Me is a throwback mix of the old song (you’ll know it when you hear it.) Also, my favorite Maroon 5 song has had new life pumped into it. I overplayed “Sunday Morning” in high school, but it’s back on my playlist now. I may even like Questlove’s version more than the original...

Lily Allen ft. Wale – Smile (Mark Ronson DC Remix)
A-ha – Take On Me (The Twelves Remix)
Maroon 5 – Sunday Morning (Questlove Remix)
Kevin Scott – Mondrian Hotel Pool Party Live, Scottsdale AZ (1 hr mix)

DJ AM Memorial Sneaker Auction

Amongst many other things, DJ AM was well known for his extensive sneaker collection. He had over 900 pairs, including limited edition, rare, or impossible to find Nike and Adidas shoes. 100% of the proceeds from this auction go to help those struggling with addiction and aid them in recovery. Help AM's legacy of helping others live on.

eBay Auction: DJ AM Sneaker Auction/Memorial Fund

YouTube: MTV Video Of Collection

This Year's Asher Roth

Check out Mike Posner, he’s a Sigma Nu singer from Duke University and has just signed a record deal with Sony. He’s been beatmaking since age 13, and recently collaborated on a mixtape with Wale. Last year’s college sensation was Asher Roth with witty lyrics about keg stands, ordering pizza, and freshmen chugging beer. Posner’s songs, which are equally entertaining, are sure to propel him into success in the coming year. I wish the Sigma Nu’s at my school were this talented.

Mike Posner - Cooler Than Me
Mike Posner ft. Wale - Drug Dealer Girl

Search for him in iTunes U, his other songs are available for free download

Dj Chachi Vol 1 - Hot!

Click to Download: Dj Chachi Vol. 1

Try to imagine a music festival where Phoenix, Bjorn, Lupe, Passion Pit, Empire of the Sun, Drake, and David Guetta all perform on the same stage. You would never think of hearing something like this, but Chachi blended all of these individually great tracks into a mix that never misses a beat.

Chachi is like the chemist of the deejay community. Who else would know how to mix the song from the Kia commercial into a promo mix in a way that makes you want to hear it over and over again?

I almost want to categorize Chachi’s music genre as organic. He uses no mainstream corporate filler, and never puts in a song that isn’t worth your ear’s time. Chachi prefers the term “open-format” meaning that there are no boundaries on what can be in a mix, which he proves in this latest release.

I discovered Chachi’s music three years ago when I walked into my friend’s apartment and he was blasting an old school Chachi mixtape. Ever since, I’ve been one of the many fans crashing his web server on the days when he releases new mixes and goes over the bandwidth limit. I had the opportunity to work alongside Chachi this summer in Manhattan helping out with his business. His career has taken off in the past year, and with his momentum he won’t be stopping anytime soon.

Many deejays and people, including myself, have learned a lot about themselves from Chachi: humility, solid friendships, and good music are necessities in anyone’s life. So, rock out to this mix knowing it’s coming from a great guy. Keep the good stuff coming bud!

Get on this!!

Yessss great find, my friends have great taste in music. Wale originally performed this at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards. It's from his mixtape "100 Miles and Running," which has been downloaded more than 75,000 times and includes features from Mark Ronson, Daniel Merriweather, Amy Winehouse, and Lily Allen.

Here's the mp3 and link to the music video

Justice - D.A.N.C.E. (Wale Remix) or [Wale YouTube Music Video]