Fabulous Friends, Girls Gone Vinyl, Collisions, D'Vine1's, Heavy Hitters, Sonic Natives, House Headquaters, & DEMF

Ok..so I kinda lied, yeah I'm tired, I want sleep, my fingers hurt...but I got stuff to say!
 You know how I do it. Newports to my left, coffee to my right. Monique Bingham in my ear ( I think I owe THAT chick some money).

April has always been my favorite month....why? Well, cause its my birthday! My 45th has been the BEST EVER! Not only that, I have heard some INCREDIBLE music. I told you all about Norm Talley, THAT MAN IS A BEAST!! ( OK, so I forgot to add that part in my Blog about him)

HEAT brought Chico DeBarge to TV( they just keep getting hotter) - I expect even bigger events from that FAB group of folks. -stay tuned.

The Men in Black Suits was SO nice, all the mens dressed in their Sunday best ( yes MENS)!!!

Sonic Natives, Heavy Hitters, oh the list goes on and on and ON!

Up next..The Launch party for Fresh House Promotions- Roberts River Walk ( she does it ALL) Poetry, music, etc.. look for big things coming from this lil lady. When I tell you the line up for this event is STELLAR, please, please, PLEASE believe me THIS one is a, NOT to be missed event.  Its that I-94 connection ya know.

Some D'Vine Ones are coming in- L!V, to give it to you the ONLY way they know how... RAW and REAL. Now I've heard both Fifty Millz and MzNicky, this time I get to hear her, teacher, mentor, husband, lover, and friend.. Brett Morrison. If he is HALF as good as his wife our ears should be in for a musical treat.

The Heavy Hitters of House- Hazels Place,.. Now this place has the DJ styling of my VERY 1st boyfriend, Mr. Tink Thomas ( I know his government name) - LOL. He and I started out as two lil kids and a record player. Our song.. Strawberry Letter 23. That 3rd grade love is always the best love.. ( yeah, I crack myself up sometimes with the things I say). Ok, its not just Tink ( government name withheld) You have Larry Vibemaker Miller, & Nervous Breakdown. Various special guest. Very nice spot!

Girls Gone Vinyl - L!V, Jenny Lafemme, The Godmother.. Stacey Hotwaxx Hale, Angela DJLC Vincent.  Those ladies are bringing in Lisa Shaw ( Salted Music) This night is going to be EPIC..don't hear about it, BE about it! Support, GIRLS- We run this Motha!

Fabulous First Fridays -TV, Since this group of professionals started this monthly event it has been standing room ONLY. Be comfortable, Be FABULOUS! Kevin Cosey (my alum) Tony Hill (my realtor) Bruce Bailey ( my play cousin- in my head) & Maria Beth Stanfield ( my soon to be Facebook friend) keep the crowd right where it needs to be- HYPED!!!

The Sonic Natives Grasshopper Underground, Every 2nd Sunday they give you...Tunes That Matter. I am very proud to be a part of this fine group of DJs. Allan C. Ester Jr., Earl Mixxin McKinney, & The "Boston Banger" Chris Kidbibz Habibian. Let me take a moment to explain about this Kidbibz. NEVER have I seen a guy rock the vinyl like this youngin. ( well I have but I'll get to that Cat in another Blog)- one of my personal favs...ANYWHO!! Chris came to Detroit and left me in complete awe of his talent and skill.  That boy can go from Disco, to Progressive, to House with ease. In my opinion.. to be ask to play with Al and Earl means a helluva lot. He is going to be MASSIVE- stay tuned ya'll.

House Headquarters L!V, well...well..well! Three days of unfiltered House, all genres of House, all day House, at Detroit's Urban Hang Suite! I'm not going to say too much about that party.  Just BE there. If ya miss it...SUCKS to be YOU! The line up is SICK!!!

We Meet Again - (sorry I'm not sure where this event will be), The Chosen Few and the Chosen One's..NUFF SAID! Call ya peoples and ya job(s) let em know you will be FAR TOO tired from this gig, to come in to work, kids aint gettin NO breakfast the day after this party. Church fans will be required!

DEMF, I repeat.. DEMF. Have you booked your hotel? Did you get extra linen for your guest? Have you made your list of all the parties you are going to hit? Most importly..Is Got Mixes going to be open for those late night parties?..my guess, YUP! Kevin Dysard, get ready cause folks are going to be at your door.


Before I close out, I started this Blog with a shout out to myself. I'm ending it with a dedication to one of my VERY best friends. Ya see, Ive lost  people in my life before, but I gained another angel on my shoulder, a guardian. "Johnny Ed" ( John E. Macon) you will be missed. You are LOVED by so many. You will live on, thank you for leaving a living part of you. Taryn. We will be here for her. She will NEVER be without!
I got the BEST birthday gift ever, I got my BEST friend, and one of three people that can bring a smile to my face every time! Ya see the best gifts are not always those you can open. They are the ones that keep on giving. They are the ones you have great memories with, new beginnings. They are the ones you can not be without, and they can not be without you.
I lost someone, I gained a better understanding with someone. Through it all I,

Let The Music Play

P~

Norm Talley...Nothing more, just NOOORM!

Sitting here looking at the pictures I pulled from his page, thinking about all the things I want to say about this PHENOMENAL DJ. As, The Journey plays in the background. I am reminded why Norm Talley is one of the deepest DJs you will ever have the pleasure of listening to.

A while back ( in my Blog about Vernon English) I stated there was one person who almost beat him out of that #1 spot. Ladies and Gentlemen....meet the man who almost beat Vern. I almost had to flip a coin to choose because both of these Cats have my mind, body, and soul. (musically speaking that is).

Back in March I had, what I thought was the PERFECT selection of DJs to play at my birthday party. Norm was MOS DEF one of those DJs.  I "inboxed" him..he "inboxed" me back. ( needless to say I was SO Geeked...yes! I said "GEEKED"). Plans didn't go as I had expected so I decided against having a birthday party, but I KNEW I was going to be at L!V.

God has a funny way of working things out for me...- THANKS big guy. As luck would have it, The Chosen Ones were doing a Fund Raiser the VERY night I wanted to have my birthday party. So I STILL got to hear this Cat spin, and boy did he lay it on THICK that night.

Ive said before how much I enjoy watching DJs spin, well not Norm cause THAT man makes me bow my head and bounce and make me thankful for his talents.

--Sidenote. Ah... yeah, Norman, imma need like $40.00 up out cha! Cause I had just gotten my hair done that day and because of YOU I had to get it RE done the VERY next day! Why?! Because Norm Talley MIND FUCKED ME that night along with everyone else in the room. I left out of L!V looking like I had been pillow whipped, and NORM TALLEY did it!

With Norm, you're not necessarily going to get that "feel good" music that makes you want to dance like crazy. With Norm, you're going to get raw, deep, bass, trans, slightly techno, euro, 80's progressive, jazz, funk infused House.

To me, Norm Talley is to House what Nile Rodgers is to funk! You just can't help but "feel" what he plays. That night, he did not take us, to that place...where DJs go! We went FAR BEYOND that place.

Now, I can hear Norm play ANYWHERE, but I like to hear him best when he is outside. LOVE to see that cigarette hangin out of his mouth, spinning, cool as a cucumber, steady flow, head looking like an over sized Milk Dud, and the way he spins is JUST as sweet as the aforementioned fun time snack.

I spoke to him briefly that night, I ask dude where he got his start, it was in '82. Sorry I cant remember where cause I had had one to many Gimlets. I do know he is a graduate of Cooley High( humm didn't know Cooley had House Heads-lol)
-- thinking back, maybe I should have written this piece that night but I was like, white girl wasted! ( just thought Id share that)- ANYWHO...

Every time I hear him play I make it a point to give him the biggest most appreciative hug, because Norm makes me JUST that happy. His hands and ears should be insured. His selection is a cut WAY above the rest, and his style is the same! Like Lays chips you can't just have one. He makes you want more. He GIVES it to you, and we gladly take what he has to give.

I'm not sure what he does in his real life  ( outside of being a DJ and all) truth be told, I..I don't think I really care. What I DO care about, is this is another fantastic DJ from DETROIT. The epicenter of all things House. He, along with others is one of the reasons House will NEVER die.

He has a respect for the craft, the art, the music, the people.

Is he international...YES!
Is he phenomenal...YES!
Does he have a smooth style...YES!
Is he DEEP with it....HELL YES!
Was he always a DJ....NOPE!

Ive seen many stand there and just watch him in awe ( much like they do Terrence Parker).

Sushitech, Dockside, Upstairs Asylum. Inner Peace, That Detroit Bounce, Untitled. Just a few labels and some of his own music. I had to mention that.

My thought is, many are called FEW are Chosen and here it is. Norm Talley, a Chosen One DJ and in good ass company I might add.

April is the month we really start to get geared up for DEMF, I'm sure Norm will be playing SOMEWHERE during that time. If you are a lover of good music and skilled playing you would be sorely re missed if you don't go hear this Cat spin. I'm going to be there.. hook or crook.
Cause with Norm Talley...you go FAR beyond that place...where DJs go, and in ME, Norm Talley has a LIFETIME passenger for the ride...

Let the Music Play

~P

2013 is going to be one HAWT year!

Sunday morning cup of coffee, a computer, my smokes, and a whole lot to say about this wonderful scene of ours.
 Detroit has always been at the apex of the musical scene. From one of the oldest Jazz clubs (Bakers) to Motown.. George Clinton, Aretha, The Clark Sisters The Funk Brothers..etc..etc..

So you may be asking yourself what do Jazz, Funk, Soul, Gospel, Rhythm and Blues have to do with a Blog about House music. Well, if ya smart ( and I know ya are) all of those elements are the foundation for what I call...This Thing of Ours. Most people that have been in the game know the contributions/ impact Detroit has had on the House music scene. (Was not Was, Inner City, Ken Collier, ) come to mind. Its this, along with the music scene in Chicago that merged together to make US what WE are today. No doubt, the marriage of Detroit Progressive and Chicago House formed a bond of underground sound that keeps the clubs packed ( and sometimes light and lively-not so packed crowd) you don't really need a crowd to have a party. We are WORLD WIDE BABY!!!

With that being said, lets talk about what's been going down at some of Detroit's HOTTEST music venues. Started off the year with Al's annual birthday bash (TV), Three Chairs record release party (TV), Phil and Christa's birthday party (The Belmont), the late night set for DJ RayBone Jones (Got Mixes), Gruv Therapy( Waterfalls), The Heavy Hitters of House (Hazels place), Connecting the Compass (TV), and now every 2nd Sunday The Sonic Natives (The Grasshopper). Can't forget Motor City Wine and the House Gallery Cats... and in just a few weeks Jokes and Jams feat. Mike Dunn BABY (L!V)!! DETROIT continues to move you. Yes, 2013 is starting off on a very high note, with more to come. We have so much more to come. Ive written about both Al's party and Three Chairs. SO let me tell you about the rest. ( I'll try to be brief)..

Gruv Therapy: Eric Johnson, DJ Taz, Minx, and Mr. Tony Dennis. Slamming tracks, good vibes, and they  work very well as a collective unit. Their styles compliments each other. If you have not had the chance to see them I highly suggest you do! New Venue ( Waterfalls) absolutely beautiful club. Great staff, friendly and personable.

A late night set for DJ RayBone Jones: ( Got Mixes) - ya know, Dysards spot. LOVE this spot, large, great sound ( thanks Mark Duncan) .. and in my opinion great venue for what we do, and for those who are not ready to go home after 2:00 am.  Rick Ranger pulled out some STRAIGHT heaters/bangers. My 1st time hearing the Cat. (im going back for 2nds) RayBone got it all the way in for his birthday- he so smooth and funky wit it.

Phil & Christa's birthday: (The Belmont) This is becoming and much anticipated event, and next year they are taking it to The Chi, ( get ready people). I was not there for DJ Fifty Millz set ( but I have heard this Cat before and I have to say he's good) so I know the ones that were there enjoyed what he put down. The Godmother, Stacey "Hotwaxx" Hale, her set was pure FIYAH! Girl went there and took us with her. (um Stacey, I left your money on the nightstand) Christa, always a pleasure watching her spin, she brings a fresh and loving face along with incredible skills. Andre Murph set.. ooh wee.. Murph.. Andre Murph, well let me tell you this..It looked like a Black Panther ralley when he played, our fist STAYED in the air. ( I left you some money on the night stand as well). Charlie and Brown, gave us what we love and look forward to everytime they get behind the box. Which brings me to the headliner for the night, DJ Boxx ( That brother threw DOWN)- my 1st time hearing him. ( yup, im going back for seconds) he knows his music and his crowd. I mean, while we (94 east and 94 west) love House, lets be real, we each have our own spin on it. DJ Boxx knows EXACTLY how to take that Chicago sound and apply it to the Detroit crowd. Not to mention he is one helluva producer.

The Heavy Hitters of House: (Hazels Place) Tink, Nervouse, Larry Vibe. I have not had the opportunity party with them but I have heard them each individually and they are all that and more. So with their combined talents I'm sure once you enter the venue you will NOT be disappointed.

The Sonic Natives: (Grasshopper) Tonight is the 1st night of what is sure to be the a great night for music every 2nd Sunday. Earl "Mixxin" McKinney, Allan C. Ester Jr. ( Hey.. is it just me or does anyone else wonder what the "C" stands for..) and Chris Habibian, I mean REALLY do I need to explain... those three are going to push the limits of sound tonight.

So last night at TV. OMG>>>>>>>>>> While everyone was GREAT Im going give a very special shout to Mr. Jon "Do It" Easley. For those of you who may have read my stat. Jon is the 1st person to dig his way to China. He got so deep, it was INCREDIBLE... HE was incredible. Jon is one underrated talent here in Detroit and I am SURE anyone who picks up his release will be very grateful they did. His selection is like NO other. If you have not heard him you are TRULY missing out. Pick up a copy of his EP..yeah... like NOW! Karizma, Karizma, Karizma... to me he is like Frankie Beverly and Maze. No matter how many times they/he comes to Detroit I will pay good money to hear him. Bruce brought some freshness with his selection and he looked so extra happy.. keep up the good work Buddy. Rick, Earl, great sets by all. I HATE that I missed The Butchers set. So I really can't speak on it. I AM going to get his EP though.

MOVEMENT is coming..( you cant stop it)-smile.. cause we don't stop. If the beginning of this year is any indication of what is in store for the spring/summer of 2013 then we are in for the rides of our lives. Stay tuned.. peoples....stay tuned.

New music by some of Detroits hottest DJs/Producers. Rick Wilhite, Kenny Dixon Jr. aka Moodyman, Theo Parrish, Marcellus Pittman, Delano Smith, Sean "The Butcher" Tate, Jon Easley, TJ Dumas, Gari Romalis  and RayBone Jones ALL have new music to help keep Detroit in the forefront of the House music industry and are force(s) to be reckoned with! ( thank you fellas) if I have failed to mention anyone please let me know and for that I am sorry. (I'm still learning people-forgiveness is asked).

Taking elements of music before them and applying it to todays sound is what these DJs/Producers do best. We have so much to be proud of. Lets continue to support these brothers/sisters and the venues where the music we love is played.

BTW..HEAT Unplugged is bringing you something different April 13th-my birthday ( I know.. shameless plug) and they have... well, you'll just have to wait and see. Keep abreast of the goings on via, Fresh House Promotions page. New kid in town and she is taking it to another level...

Special thanks to Mr. Karl Lucas, thanks for taking the time to give me a much needed education.

Let the Music Play,

P

3 Chairs...Have a seat!

This may be a relatively short Blog, but I have a need to get this out! Now, there have been some LIVE ass parties here lately, but that 3 Chairs party was off the MF'n chain! It changed my musical life.

Rarely do I go to parties and not hear the same thing (which is cool, I like it) it gives me that "feel good" kinda feeling. However the 3 Chairs party took me to another place all together. I learned that I dont have to be sprinkled with new music to appreciate it! I grew (musically)- thank you fellas. What I loved most is seeing people of all different ethnicities there. Some came from as far away as Japan..wow.. 17 hour flight just to see our homegrown talent! Ya did ya thang fellas... ya did ya thang. That night I heard 3 maybe 4 songs I knew... and ya know what??? IT WAS FREGGIN AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Both the Red and Blue side were wall to wall House Heads, young, old, black, white, asian, we were all there. ( and remember House is universal it knows NO color, race, or sexual orientation).

I would be remised if I did not say(...and this is just my opinion) I was a lil taken aback because I did not see more Detroiters there, more black folk.. ( again...it’s cool just surprised that’s all) guess some know how and who to appreciate while others do not!

From the moment you walked in it was straight BANG... go HARD or GO home! It was NOT for the weak. It was for House music LOVERS! It was for those who like to groove. It was everything that Movement/DEMF is...only in February. Yes the dance floor stayed packed! Not once was it cleared.

That night I got to scratch two DJs off my bucket list, Mr. Theo Parrish and Mr. Marcellus Pittman ( more about those two later)

Ok. Kenny Dixon Jr. AKA Moodyman, (did I mention he is the epitome of "cool") That man threw everything at you including the kitchen sink, and made it blend together like the genius that he is...He went straight Midnight Funk Association- like back when Mojo was in rare form. He went classic House, new House, Kenny's House..

Rick Wilhite, that night I got to see what Rick (international) Wilhite plays like. Again, if you not a true lover of the music you couldn’t wrap your heads at what he was puttin down. It was all PURE FIYAH!!

Marcellus Pittman, SEXY SET dude.. music was all that and more. Euro, transit, NYC, Chi, with that distinct Detroit vibe. I was so happy to hear this House Cat spin the effects where so choice! Head bobbin and fist pumpin all night to Mr. Pittman.

While they all thru the fuck down... and boy oh boy did they have one powerful set..I have to give it up to Theo Parrish( not to take away anything from the other 3) I..I...yeah, um I have NO words for Theo other than...THAT MAN IS A GAWD- sorry Norm( I usually reserve that saying for him). To my untrained ear im thinking Theo plays House with a blend of Euro Techno but not Industrial.. just more of a Techno feel, but it was House- go figure! I walked in on Theo's set, and I think I saw him beat his chest and proclaim that HE was the king of the world...and I was glad to be in his world. ( ok he didnt really do that, but he should have).

While each DJ does their own thing outside of 3 Chairs, it was nice to see them pool their collective talents and have one helluva record release party. I was informed on several different occasions that what I saw Saturday was as rare as a pink moon.

What put a smile on my face was the end of the night... I have NEVER EVER heard the music stop and the people say, "more more more, and encore! When I say the music stopped thats what it did and the people would NOT move until someone put another record on. ( ok um Josh, you know I have to have a word with you dont cha).

All vinyl set, 4 incredible DJs/producers. Top notch sound, great venue, crisp night, warm feeling. House music with no interruptions on the Blue side. We danced, raised our fist, bobbed our heads collectively.. for the love of House, for the love of beats, for the love of dance.

To date my top parties have to be... The Meet party, Al Esters birthday and 3 Chairs..Because it was at those gigs that I saw what House really could be. I saw LOVE! I saw togetherness! I saw what we are all made of.

So Im just going to throw this out there.. If you all read this. Yeah, don't make us wait until we are in wheelchairs and wearing Depends to have another event like the one you just had. We deserve more of what you 4 dished out! You owe us!!!.. (ok maybe you don’t but I had to play that hand).

I had a chance to listen to the record that Kenny gave out. um.. yeah, all white label but I KNOW what song Kenny did, Great intro, love the elements, love the uncommon way you blend sound, and make it sound right as rain. The other tracks on the LP/EP/Album (hell I don’t know what its called) all well worth the purchase. It should be in everyone who is about the music's collection.

If you were one of the few who got a copy, good for you. If you were one of the VERY few who got an autograph copy, consider yourself even luckier.

Saturday night...real rite! I love it when a plan comes together. Theo, Kenny, Rick, and MARCELLUS! Damn proud to say that I got a chance to experience my 1st 3 Chairs event. I’m sold, I learned, I can say in years to come... I was there! If you were not... sucks donkey nuts to be YOU! Cause that night 3 Chairs....

Let the Music Play!

P~

 

Rick Wilhite-The Gentle Giant

Of all the DJs I know THIS one is one of the ones I am most proud of....

Rick Wilhite entered my life in the halls of Benedictine High School, even back then he was just as nice, sweet and kind as he is today. I joke with him sometimes; he had to be the biggest baby in the hospital and one that entered into the world with a smile on his face. (oooh that smile)

I titled this Blog the, "Gentle Giant" after reading the dictionary definition of Gentle and Giant..he is the text book example of both. Don't believe me...look it up for yourself and I challenge you to say otherwise. Quiet, pensive, never a bad word to say about anyone, a true gentleman indeed...but deep down Rick is still a big kid at heart, avid movie lover, T-Shirt collector, Prince and Michael Jackson fan. Here's another tidbit...Rick can't dance yall..( Yup Rick, I SAID IT!) Last personal thing about Rick...Ya'll one of his favorite movies...Breakin- ok go head laugh, its ok!

I wonder what would really happen if someone got this Cat mad. ( I don't think I'd want to be around to see that) funny thing to me is when I hear the women call him, Big Sexy(cracks me up EVERY time) you talking about Rick??? really?? lil Ricky Wilhite...humm (but real talk)- there is some truth to that nickname..

Anywho.. back in high school I didn't even know this Cat was a DJ he was just another underclassmen in the halls with a magnificent smile and gentle spirit. I honestly thought he was a kid that never did any wrong. Always the good son ( now the Godson) who never gave his parents an ounce of worry or trouble..( Bet his ass was one of the baddest kids in the family) - you know its always the quiet ones..

As a DJ this man has racked up more frequent flyer miles than most..put more miles on his ride than most. Why? Because the man is just that damn good! He flows from turn tables to CDJs like its second nature to him. His selection of music is honestly one of the best around. He is not afraid to play something that we here in Detroit cannot even begin to wrap our minds around. I don't always agree with his selection but I have to respect his selection, cause bottom line, the man knows what the hell he's doing..and anyway I always end up liking the stuff he plays anyway(even the stuff I "claim" I don't like).

Rick is ALWAYS in HIGH demand, there is a reason for that..take a moment and quess...cause people know good shit when they hear good shit. Rick (in my opinion) has broken more songs here in the D than any other DJ..that I know of. Hey, there could be others, but of all the hot stuff I know of now... Rick Wilhite played it first.

Someone ask the question, "what have you done for House"? Welp, I can tell ya this... Rick has put out several tracks. Rick is international, Rick is part of SEVERL groups of well known DJs( Three Chairs, NuBang, Chosen Ones) Rick is relivant and timeless. I ask him.."you've travled to most places people only dream of. You can live anywhere you want to. Why do you stay here?" His answer was simple, "Cause Detroit is my home, and I would not want to be any other place than right here"! WOW...this man has been all over, and he picks Detroit, the place he grew up in to stay.

There are things about Rick that make me as proud of him as I am my own children, nothing for gossip and innuendo, but things I would rather keep just between us ( Friends). As a DJ he reins supreme, as a producer he is unmatched in his way of taking elements of sounds and blending them together to make the perfect beat.

I have seen Rick come in from..wherever ( again him and God have the MOST frequent flyer miles) and drop straight HEAT on the tables. Last year at Movement, Rick played... I THINK 3 parties in one night! THAT is dedication.. that is LOVE! I see you Rick, I know when ya tired, lost in thought, not feeling well, upset. And through those entire emotions, one thing I have never seen, is Rick take out any aggression, hostility, or say one bad word about anyone. ( but we aint THAT close, I’m sure it has happened).

So...what's next for Rick, well I'll tell ya, this coming Saturday 2/16/2013 Rick, Kenny Dixon Jr., Malik Pittman, Theo Parrish aka 3 Chairs..(bu...but wait, its FOUR of yall) will hold their record release party. Ive heard both MoodyMan and Rick, now I get to hear Malik and Theo. Something tells me those who will be there are in for an incredible experience.

Lastly, on a personal note. Rick is my FAVORITE person to debate with. Going head up with Rick completely makes my day ( I think its somekinda David and Goliath thing). Im right 99% of the time, just admit it Rick.. even YOU know it. But that's a debate for another time.

I’m so very proud of you Rick, you are now, and will always be one of my dearest friends, my brother and one of 3 that I would gladly fight for without batting an eye! You are one of the BEST things (ok persons) Detroit has to offer, you are homegrown, you are a DJs DJ ( I’ve only said that about one other DJ) and both of you are internationally known... says something bout cha don't it.

Bang the box this coming Saturday sweets.. I'll be there beaming as I always do, with pride and unconditional love. He may be a man of few words but...one thing Rick will always do is...

Let the Music Play

P~

 

 

Louie Vega Featuring House Of Rhumba -- Steel Congo

A House divided- Sibling Rivalry

I have thought about how I wanted to start this Blog. I had several ideas but nothing seemed to be the "right" one. So I will start it off this way... Abe Lincoln once said:

   " A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become lawful in all the States, old as well as new — North as well as South".

While Lincoln was speaking on the subject of Slavery I believe it is applicable in our House scene as well. We can NOT continue on the way we have been going. We can NOT continue the in fighting, low key back stabbing, and disrespect of someone we call our brother/sister. We are a House divided..

If House is a feeling, you must be mindful of how others feel.. not everyone will agree with you, and not everyone will like you. We MUST respect one another. I can't tell you the number of times and the number of DJs who say, " I paid my dues" -ummm, excuse me, but dues are paid over time.. you never stop paying them. Or.."I'm not going to his/her party or he/she jacked my style, sound, record I broke".  This one is the topper... "I been in the game since I was 2"- OK, SO WHAT! Someone will always be better than you.

How many DJs will see a up and comer and extend the right hand of fellowship and assist the new DJ (now, HOLD ON.. I know some of these new Cats are cocky as HELL and THINK they don't need the help)- um you DO need the help- trust me!

Ive talked to some who have assisted others in their path(s) to greatness and the one that helped them doesn't even get so much as a, "thank you"! Its common courtesy people... use it!

You have DJs hatin on other DJs.. promoters hatin on promoters... there is enough music for everyone to have a slice of the pie(maybe not enough venues) but you get my point. Yes, we are still underground but if we use what we were taught as children, maybe as adults we can stop acting like kids. Common courtesy, a helping hand, a "good job" or simple support of each other goes a long way.  While I spoke on support... lets start supporting our DJs. The ONLY job people do not get paid for is parenting. Pay ya DJ! They have worked hard to bring YOU what you want, for some its the way they feed their families. How would YOU feel if it was you.

Be fair across the board, we were taught not to lie, cheat, or steal(again the lessons we learned as children STILL apply as grown ups).

When will we stop letting our past hold up our present and dismantle our future?

The tenured DJ vs the basement/bedroom DJ.. Vets, some of y'all really are not that good, Newbies, some of Ya'll ain't that good either! So do one of two things, stay home and get your practice on or go into another profession. I was at an event not long ago, and I overheard two DJs talking about another one. The story goes like this...

-ya had two DJs bangin the box, one DJ did a HORRIBLE blend/mix I mean it was AWFUL.. now the two DJs in question joked about it(that's fine) but when they found out it was one of their mellows they gave that DJ a pass... and it was THAT DJ that (simply put) FUCKED UP the blend/mix! but ya laughed and shook your head when you thought it was someone else...someone you laugh and joke with. Behind the DJs back, ya talked about them..(grade school shit)

The Vinyl DJ vs the CDJ DJ... ok ok again, I AM A FAN! but here is the thing.. SO EFFIN WHAT if one plays vinyl and the other plays CDJs... so what! once people get some liquor in them and a blunt or two...they dont give a shit! I understand the quality of sound is better on one medium as opposed to the other ( yeah... I cant tell the difference) but Im a FAN!!!!!!! Vinyl DJs, you dont have to play on a medium that does not fit your taste...but appreciate the fact that there are those who do. CDJ DJs.. stop stickin your chest out saying, "maan I aint carrying all that shit" NEWSFLASH: you don't have to, but you DO have to respect those who do(common courtesy)

The Straight House Head vs the Gay House Head... IF I hear one more straight person say, " I'm not goin cause its too many gays there".. I swear I'm going to use some REAL harsh language! If it were NOT for the gay scene THIS scene may have been something that you only HEARD about from your gay uncle or aunt. Its NOT an "US" and "THEM" its WE..and just who the hell is "THEM"

Back to something I talked about early on in the Blog..NO ONE MAN OR WOMAN OWNS HOUSE MUSIC... do I need to repeat that..OK, NO ONE MAN OR WOMAN OWNS HOUSE MUSIC. You can't corner the market on this Thing of Ours.. and trust and believe someone out there is better than YOU! Stop hatin on those who try to keep themselves relevant..try going to one of their parties...they come to yours!

What is House music... It is, gospel, jazz, songs of our ancestors, it is funk, soul, four on the floor quarter note kicks. It is the same BPM's we hear in our mothers womb. It frees us from the day to day grind. We clean our homes to it. Drive to and from work to it. Fuck to it. Dance to it. Enjoy our brothers and sisters with it. My fear is one day this Thing of Ours will disappear, because we have not emancipated ourselves from the pettiness that is sibling rivalry...

House is about love, family, and everything that is good. Let's L!V by that. Its simple. Treat people the way you want to be treated, dance your way into Love and Happiness. We are one, Music is our sanctuary, music is our life, accept each other for who and what they are. Don't smile in the face of someone you say you love/like then turn around and talk about or laugh at them behind their back. Embrace each other the way the music embraces you. Put a GENUINE smile on each others face...and ALWAYS remember to....


Let the Music Play

P~