The Sounds of VTech

Last month, VTech and Beat Junkies brought you NIGHTLIFE

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The Sounds of VTech / VTech/Beat Junkie Sounds present Nightlife

Last month, Echoplex played host as VTech and Beat Junkie Sound brought NIGHTLIFE back to L.A.

The evening brought the masses out to celebrate NIGHTLIFE with Pete Rock. For those who were there, here’s a quick look back at the night’s events. And for those who missed out, next time, don’t.

Check back with http://music.vtechphones.com as the summer progresses as we’ll have events, music exclusives, sweepstakes and more.

Please make note that  Pete Rock will no longer be performing on the second night at Yoshi’s in Oakland on June 25th.  He will only be performing with Karriem on the June 24th show.

DJ Dummy will be replacing Pete on the June 25th performance.

DJ Dummy will be his replacement for June 25th 

VTech is proud to present Karriem Riggins’ Virtuoso Experience

Karriem Riggins (photo by B+)

 The Virtuoso Experience:

In one night, those who have never even heard of Karriem Riggins will be converted. With the Virtuoso Experience, you’re up front and center to the full force of his musical talent. Opening with an explosive drum showcase alongside a special guest DJ on the turntables, Karriem with transition between a variety of soul, hip-hop, and jazz-fusion throughout the evening. He’ll perform a myriad of newly introduced music; giving fans, new and old, an exclusive sneak peek into his new work, the Karriem Riggins Quartet featuring Mulgrew Miller on keys and more. Karriem’s ability to effortlessly move between genres has caught the attention of music lovers worldwide and his popularity continues to grow.

Come experience this musical phenomenon for yourself.

Karriem Riggins:

The dictionary defines virtuoso as one who excels in the technique of art; a highly skilled musical performer. Karriem Riggins is that performer. He has taken his talent, passion and love of music and molded it a career. At the age of 19, he moved from Detroit to New York City where he performed with his mentor, the great Betty Carter. From there, his career-to-date has been spent playing with Jazz legends and some of the most influential voices of Hip-Hop. Karriem has produced songs for such greats as Erykah Badu, The Roots and Talib Kweli, and played drums behind Bobby Hutchinson, Donald Byrd, Diana Krall and Herbie Hancock. From recording with Oscar Peterson and Ray Brown to touring with Kanye West, Common and more, Karriem’s talent is one that blurs the lines of genre. 

DATES:

June 22nd - SEATTLE at the TRIPLE DOOR with DJ Dummy

June 24th and 25th -OAKLAND at YOSHI’S with PETE ROCK

June 28th - MINNESOTA at DAKOTA JAZZ with DJ Dummy

Be sure to buy tickets online to see the first show in the Karriem Riggins’ Virtuoso Experience on Monday, June 22nd at the TRIPLE DOOR in Seattle, WA with DJ Dummy (Common).

This past Friday, the party to be at was at the Echoplex as VTech and Beat Junkie Sound brought NIGHTLIFE back to L.A.

The warm evening weather and the promise of good music brought people out in droves to celebrate NIGHTLIFE with Pete Rock. A queue began to form before the venue doors had even opened. Once inside, DJ Babu and J.Rocc warmed up the tables as the audience began to take their positions around the stage with some die hard fans never moving. 

The music was bumping, the crowd dancing, and as Friday transitioned to Saturday, Pete Rock took the stage.  The magical touch of Soul Brother #1 was instant. The cheers and applause that greeted this arrival on stage continued throughout his whole set. And while Pete handled the mic, the decks and the crowd, unsuspecting guests began to gather. The musical talent that found their way backstage and on stage to watch him and partake in the NIGHTLIFE “May Birthday Celebration” was quite noteworthy. DJ Dez (Slum Village), Chali2na (Jurassic 5), DJ NuMark (Jurassic 5), DJ Dummy (Common), Madlib, OhNo, MED, Frank Nitty (Frank N Dank), Dudley Perkins, Dan Dalton (original creator of NIGHTLIFE), Houseshoes, Illa J, Nonstop,  and many more stopped by to say hello, give a birthday shout out, and enjoy a drink or two while nodding their heads in approval to the beats they heard. 

Here’s the first of a few exclusive video clips of the evening’s events. From sets with J.Rocc and Babu to Pete Rock and the two “Rocks/Roccs” (J.Rocc and Pete Rock) working it out on the one’s and two’s. 

This Friday is a can’t miss as VTech and Beat Junkie Sounds Present: NIGHTLIFE with Special Guest

PETE ROCK

Widely recognized as one of the greatest hip hop producers of all time, Pete Rock is one of the mainstays of 1990s East Coast hip hop.

Born in 1970, Peter Phillips aka Pete Rock, rose to fame in the early 1990s as half of the critically acclaimed group, Pete Rock & CL Smooth. Since then he has revolutionized rap production through groundbreaking studio wizardry. Establishing ad-libs as a standard recording asset and making some remixes more noteworthy than their original songs. He also introduced dramatic, forceful horns to rap’s sonic discussion.

As a child, Pete’s father was an avid record collector and DJ, which allowed him to gravitate towards music easily. Inheriting his father’s ear  for catchy basslines and memorable drum patterns, as well his father’s penchant for record collecting — Pete’s desire to stand alone as an idol to others because of this musical contributions to the hip hop culture. 

Pete Rock got his first major exposure via Marley Marl’s late 1980s radio show, where he was a DJ. An equally big break came when Eddie F, the DJ for Pete Rock’s cousin Heavy D, gave Pete Rock his first drum machine and showed him some basic techniques. “In the ‘80s, all I was was a spectator, sitting back and learning,” he says. “I used to go with my cousin Heavy D to his studio sessions, go to Marley Marl’s house or Howie Tee’s house. I was the quiet, humble cat that just sat back and watched and learned.” While many of his schoolmates were living the lives of typical teenagers, Pete Rock made music his life. His best friends became the SP1200 drum machine and its manual. Once Pete Rock learned how to use the equipment as his disposal, he set out to make his mark on the music industry. “People respect leaders, so I wanted to figure out how I could be a leader in hip-hop music,” he says. “ When the ‘90s came I stood up like a king and ruled. I think that I was the actual leader. I brought something new to the table that no one was doing, absolutely no one.” That production technique was a method of beatmaking known as filtering, a tool that made Pete Rock’s recordings with former partner in rhyme C.L. Smooth — 1991’s All Souled Out EP, 1992’s landmark Mecca and the Soul Brother and 1994’s The Main Ingredient — so sonically staggering. Pete Rock pioneered a way of filtering out sounds from original recording that he could use to build his own beats. It made his sounds — especially his blaring horns — stand out. “Once I get the bassline and the bottom beat, everything else comes easily,” he says. “I was one of the first producers to do that.” While working in the early 1990s with C.L. Smooth, Pete Rock also emerged as the premier remixer in the urban music industry, handling reworkings for Mary J. Blige and House of Pain. But it was his horn-driven work on Public Enemy’s “Shut Em Down” that made him a remix phenomenon. “That was the remix that got me the respect and that got people’s attention,” Pete Rock says. “People wanted to know who did it, who I was. It made Chuck D’s voice sound even more serious than it already was.” Since then, Pete Rock has released a string of highly regarded solo albums, including 1998’s Soul Survivor and 2004’s Soul Survivor II, and produced songs for Ghostface, Talib Kweli and others. Now, with NY’s Finest, Pete Rock reclaims his title as a music master. “I wanted to big myself up,” Pete Rock says, “because if you don’t do it, nobody else will.” Truthfully, though, Pete Rock’s music does the talking for him.

Having worked with  Nas, Common, Mary J. Blige, Ghostface Killa, Busta Rhymes, Public Enemy and Run-DMC, among many others, Pete Rock has one of the most distinguished careers in rap history as a producer/remixer. Showing that he remains sharp as ever, the Mount Vernon, New York rapper-producer returns with NY’s Finest, his best moment as an artist. “I called it that because I feel like that’s me,” Pete Rock explains. “I’m one of New York’s finest producers.”

May 8th at the Echoplex. 10pm-2am.

Early arrival is suggested.

It’s Wednesday. Just a few more days till the work week ends. Just a few more days till freedom. And as you wait for Friday to arrive, you should be spending this time eagerly pondering and anticipating what this weekend has in store for you. Hint: Something you can’t miss.

What better way to start of your weekend festivities than with NIGHTLIFE this Friday night at the EchoPlex. On May 8th, VTech and the Beat Junkie Sound Presents NIGHTLIFE with special guest DJ Pete Rock. Come out and enjoy good music with good friends and have a good time. It’s what NIGHTLIFE is all about. 

Established in 1992 by J-Rocc, the World Famous Beat Junkies is a Hip-Hop crew of DJs that include Rhettmatic, Melo-D, Shortkut, DJ Babu and Mr. Choc. They have traveled the world  and have won accolades and awards in DJ battles and competitions such as the DMC, the Supermen, the International Turntablist Federation and more. 

The Beat Junkies as a crew and individually have also been featured alongside artists such as Jurassic 5, The Visionaries, The Likwit Junkies with Defari, Phil Da Agony, Cypress HIll, Invisbl Skratch Piklz, and Dilated Peoples.

Beat Junkies Roll Call

J.Rocc

One of the original turntablists, J. Rocc founded the Beat Junkies in 1992 with Melo-D and Rhettmatic, but has done just as much on his own as in a group setting. He began DJing in the mid-’80s with a California group named PSK. Soon after forming, the Beat Junkies became a seminal force in the rise of instrumental hip-hop, including core member Babu plus future stars Shortkut and D-Styles. 

In addition to numerous mixtapes and his own production for Stones Throw releases, J. Rocc has been the DJ for Madlib’s live shows since the early 2000’s, was the 3rd member of Jaylib (Madlib & J Dilla) during the group’s live events, and collaborated with Madlib on Beat Konducta Vol. 5-6: A Tribute to J Dilla. 

Rhettmatic

DJ Rhettmatic (born Nazareth Nirza) is a member of the Beat Junkies DJ crew. Rhettmatic began his DJ career in 1983 with the DJ group Double Platinum, and was one of the founding members of Beat Junkie crew.

In 1995, Rhettmatic released an album with partner, KeyKool (MC/Producer), “Kozmonautz.” Key-Kool & Rhettmatic’s album is regarded as one of the first nationally recognized hip-hop albums by an Asian-American group, and received critical acclaim by notable hip-hop publications such as the Source Magazine, Rappages, Rap Sheet, URB Magazine.

In 1996, Rhettmatic claimed the title of DMC Disco Mix Club West Coast Champion, and in 1997 along with fellow Beat Junkies DJ Babu, DJ Melo-D and DJ J-Rocc, claimed the title of ITF (International Turntablist Federation) Team World Champions.

Rhettmatic is the DJ for hip-hop crew The Visionaries, which also consists of LMNO, KeyKool, Zen, Dannu and 2Mex.

Shortkut

Since 1987, Jonathan Cruz, known internationally as DJ Shortkut, has thrilled all DJ, turntablist, and hip-hop audiences worldwide. Known for his unbelievable beat juggling and percussion techniques and routines, Shortkut has expanded these skills to directions that cannot be defined.

Shortkut began his DJ career in 1987 with Just 2 Hype!, a DJ crew based out of Daly City, California. In 1994, the legendary Invisibl Skratch Piklz came into action.

As an explosive member of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz (ISP) and later, the Beat Junkies, he continues to stir the imaginations of audiences, and leaves them captivated with his phenomenal music. His classic compositions provide an experience that is incomparable to any other music adventures.

Melo-D

Since 1992, David Mendoza, globally recognized as DJ Melo-D of the world famous Beat Junkies, has conjured fascination amongst music enthusiasts both in the national and international scenes. Elevating his individual style and developing his turntable talent to emit technical precision and a flawless style of mixing are practices he has mastered throughout his DJ career. As an accomplished musician, Melo-D invents original compositions that illuminate his rhythmical creativity and striking imagination. His audible innovations exemplify his dedication to advance the DJ artform. 

DJ Babu

Along with being a member of the Beat Junkies DJ Crew, DJ Babu is one-third of the hip hop Dilated Peoples, and together with rapper Defari, forms the duo the Likwit Junkies.  

Babu has won multiple competition titles Including the Vestax World Championships and multiple ITF titles. As a revered battle DJ he has appeared in and hosted numerable videos. Under the name “The Turntablist”, produced perhaps the genre’s most popular battle record, 1996’s Super Duck Breaks, which sold over 10,000 copies.

DJ Babu has also featured on numerous acts alongside groups such as Jurassic 5, Swollen Members and The Visionaries.

Mr. Choc

His mixes are syndicated in 26 markets. He’s steadily booked at clubs across the country. He’s a professor at the Scratch Academy in Los Angeles. He released one of the most acclaimed DJ albums of all time. Whether it’s on-air, in the club, as a teacher or releasing an album, Mr Choc is the one DJ who excels in all fields. Indeed, the veteran Los Angeles-based Choc is one of rap’s most respected DJs.  The staff of the Jam Master Jay-founded Scratch DJ Academy noticed Choc’s DJ skill and knowledge. In 2004, the Academy hired Choc as a professor. Born in Fresno, California and raised in Bakersfield, California, Mr Choc’s success comes from a lifelong passion for music.  In 1993, he got a three-hour mixshow with fellow DJ C Minus in Bakersfield and another mixshow in Arizona. By 1995, he was picked up by Los Angeles’ Power 106, making him a go-to guy at three stations in three cities at the same time. Within six months, Choc focused his energies on his work at Power 106, where he was doing overnights and mixing on the weekend. The following year, he became a member of the World Famous Beat Junkies, one of the most respected DJs crew in the world. 

Be sure to follow the guys on Twitter:

www.twitter.com/beatjunkies <http://www.twitter.com/beatjunkies>
www.twitter.com/jrocc <http://www.twitter.com/jrocc>
www.twitter.com/rhettmatic <http://www.twitter.com/rhettmatic>
www.twitter.com/djbabuforeal <http://www.twitter.com/djbabuforeal>
www.twitter.com/djmelod <http://www.twitter.com/djmelod>
www.twitter.com/shortkut <http://www.twitter.com/shortkut>
www.twitter.com/bigkiddru <http://www.twitter.com/bigkiddru>