Though the weather was wet and cold back in December 2009 in Washington DC, the crowds came early and patiently waited in long serpentine lines throughout the lobby of the National Geographic Grosvenor Auditorium for “Distant Relatives,” a special panel discussion. Some had come to hear Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, others for Nas, several came for Kool Herc and Rakim, and one person in particular came for Jeff Chang with book in hand hoping for an autograph. But no matter who they came for, the purpose of the evening was to learn about the roots of Hip-Hop and Reggae music, spanning the continent of Africa to the sound systems of Jamaica, and onto the streets of America.

This amazing panel which includes guests such as Stephen Marley, DJ Red Alert, Pat McKay, Waterflow, Big Youth, etc., was brought to the global stage by VTech  and was truly a melding of the minds.

They touched on the generational gap of learning and understanding music, the evolution of their industries, their personal experiences, beliefs, and interpretations of what music meant to them and expressed their joys and frustrations.

For those of you who weren’t there, this video gives a look at the magic behind the scenes as well as what happened on stage that night.  Listen, learn, and grow.

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The Sounds of VTech / Distant Relatives at National Geographic

A Jam Packed Set List!!

We’re bidding adieu to 2009.  Last Tuesday, VTech and Plug Research did it the only way they knew how…. With a huge almost mini festival at the beyond capacity Echoplex in LA. With so much amazing music crammed into one evening, we’re still wishing the night never ended.

Though L.A. loves to boast about being able to wear flip-flops all year long, Tuesday was not the night to be wearing them. Staying indoors next to your heater on a freezing cold night with relentless winds is what most people would deem the safe thing to do, but the promise of good music was just too strong.  Instead, 900 music lovers showed up  and crammed their way into the Echoplex for PR2010. The more people in one room, the more bodyheat! The evening started with Kutmah and ended with a special musical ménage a trios for a crowd pleasing encore. The line-up of artists was as diverse as the crowd that filled the Echoplex, the night was all about the music. Daedelus gave us crazy techno style beats, Milosh performed a beautifully melodic acoustic set, Om’mas played a blend of R&B and Pop with scantily clad dancers, Exile and DJ Day brought us to Planet Rock, and paid an incredible homage to MJ, while Pharoahe Monche played it cool as master of ceremonies – he even brought up Ras Kass for an impromptu accapella.  J.Rocc prepared the stage for the part of the show everyone had waited for with his insane selection of exclusives, rarities and bangers.  Los Angeles is lucky to have one as talented as him.

Bilal didn’t disappoint - he gave an electric hour-long performance before finishing with “Levels” which he had performed at CMJ earlier this year in NYC. And though Bilal made it seem like the evening was officially over as he disappeared from the stage amidst cries for an encore, he surprised everyone when he reappeared with Shafiq Husayn and Om’Mas Keith to close the night out with a bang!  They all sang Hollywood the Sa-Ra hit and the tired crowd expended their final energy bringing it home.

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The Sounds of VTech / Bilal: LEVELS

slideshow photos by Mike Park

On Saturday, December 12th, in Washington, D.C., National Geographic with Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, presented “Distant Relatives,” an amazing panel discussion brought to the global stage, by VTech.  The “Distant Relatives” conversation traced the roots of Hip-Hop and Reggae music, spanning from the continent of Africa to the sound systems of Jamaica, and onto the streets of America.

The panel guests, Stephen Marley, Kool Herc, DJ Red Alert, Jeff Chang, Rakim, Pat McKay, Waterflow and Big Youth, were moderated by Sway, in what could only be described as a melding of the minds. From the old to the new, from grassroots to high tech, the generational gap in the understanding of these musical genres and all its aspects were addressed and better understood as the guests spoke about their personal experiences, beliefs and various interpretations of what Hip-Hop and music in general, meant to them.

The evening answered many questions, but also left us eager for more!

Afterwards, at Zanzibar on the Waterfront, where the afterparty was held, the panel guests took their place on stage. With DJ Red Alert on the wheels of steel, and Rakim on the mic, the place exploded. Not long afterwards, Stephen and Damian Marley took their place and were soon joined by Nas, keeping the party going well past its curfew.

 *Nas and Damian have officially announced the March 2010, release date of their forthcoming CD “Distant Relatives.” With the possibility of more conversations to come, be sure to stay tuned….

At this year’s 11th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival, Buyepongo took part of the dublab’s “Future Roots”stage, curated by DUBLAB as part of their VTech sponsored week-long 10th Anniversary Celebration series around the city of Los Angeles. 

The young and energetic cumbia band Buyepongo was a stand out during this free, community street festival. These cats had the block bumping with their vibrant sounds steeped in the tradition of sweat and rhythm but flying into the future through the ears and bodies that bounced in the moment.  Peep this exclusive video and become a fan yourself. The music speaks for itself.

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The Sounds of VTech / Buyepongo at Eagle Rock Music Festival

THE DUBLAB DECADE FINALE BASH

The DUBLAB SOUNDSYSTEM will combine to bring you a mind-blowing offering of Future Roots music. This will be the ultimate dance party for sound exploration!

SATURDAY, 10.10

FUTURE ROOTS PATIO:

VIBRATION ROOM:

EXPANSION AREA:

+ Live t-shirt printing by HIT+RUN!!!

+ Show up early to catch the special Mezcal and Tequila tasting booth provided by our friends at Metl Reserva Especial Mezcal and Tequila!

+ More surprises to be unveiled soon!

$10 / 10pm-Late / 21+

Special thanks to VTech for their super support of the dublab 10th anniversary!

JOHN LENNON BIRTHDAY BED-IN RADIO BROADCAST

We celebrate the life of John Lennon by lighting up the airwaves with love. Hosts Carlos & Azul Nino, frosty and Ale welcome musical friends to the KPFK studios for an evening of live performances and dj sets inspired by John Lennon’s creative spirit. Gather your friends and gravitate around the radio for an evening of unforgettable vibrations. Potlucks, slumber parties, growing beards and bouncing in bed are all highly encouraged.

John Lennon focused dj sets, Beatles cover song megamixes, rare Beatles outtakes, giveaways and live performances from: Miguel Atwood Ferguson’s Quartetto Fantastico, Mia Doi Todd with Andres Renteria and more!

8PM-1AM / Free / All Ages

A LIVE TRANSMISSION ON “SPACEWAYS RADIO” & “FUTURE ROOTS RADIO”
KPFK 90.7FM IN LOS ANGELES, 98.7FM IN SANTA BARBARA & KPFK.ORGACROSS THE UNIVERSE