I got busy for you over Webbie's 'Independent'. Tasty little morsel for you to bump! Lemme know what you think. I am really having a great time, rhyming over tracks that you wouldn't expect me to. Man, it's ALL hip-hop.
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Guitar Hero 2' [zshare] < style="font-style:italic;">Playlist:
'Cretin Hop' - The Ramones 'Teenage Lobtomy' - The Ramones 'Rock N' Roll High School' - The Ramones 'Freya' - The Sword 'American Woman' - The Guess Who 'Foxy Lady' - Jimi Hendrix 'Spanish Castle Magic' - Jimi Hendrix 'Eminence Front' - The Who 'Would' - Alice In Chains 'Nearly Lost You' - Screaming Trees 'Little By Little' - Robert Plant 'So This Is Love?' - Van Halen 'Love Removal Machine' - The Cult
DJ RUSTY REDENBAHCER - 'Guitar Hero' [zshare] < click right there and party like a rock star.
Playlist:
'Flip Mode' - Birdmen Of Alcatraz 'Thunder Kiss '65' - White Zombie 'Highway To Hell' - AC/DC 'Black Betty' - Ram Jam 'Baba O' Reilly' - The Who 'I Hate Myself For Loving You' - Joan Jett And The Blackhearts 'Dancing Days' - Led Zeppelin 'For Whom The Bell Tolls' - Metallica 'Re-Ignition' - Bad Brains 'Supernaut' - Black Sabbath 'Taper Jean Girl' - Kings Of Leon 'Radio Free Europe' - R.E.M. 'Blue Orchid' - The White Stripes 'Shake Appeal' - The Stooges
I started out wanting to do a 'Zapp vs. Trouble Funk' mix (what up, Y Hate!), but as the funk began to flow, I couldn't limit it to just two groups. There's so much funky Music, yo....so many FONKAY people.
I am sure I will be doing a few more of these. I really Love this Music and have since I was a kid. Here's some of my personal faves.
Let's bump...and big-up to DAVE COMBS (PEEL MAGAZINE) who made that WICKED stenciled record of the 'Kid...(I hope that guy is getting this Music!)
'Dance Floor' - Zapp 'Pump Me Up' - Trouble Funk 'Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved' - James Brown 'Boogie On Reggae Woman' - Stevie Wonder 'Theme From 'Which Way Is Up?' - Stargard 'Nipple To The Bottle' - Grace Jones 'If You Want Me To Stay' - SLy And The Family Stone 'It's Ecstasy (When You Lay Down Next To Me)' - Barry White 'Genius Of Love' - Tom Tom Club 'Anotherloverholenyohead' - Prince 'Let's Get Small' - Trouble Funk
Now THERE is a 'rock band', friends. These guys have taken it wherever they wanted and been forthright and honest the whole time, even when they screw up ('Pop', anyone?)
I was looking at my CD's and thinking about what albums to put into my iTunes. I reached for 'The Unforgettable Fire'. 'TUF' was the album that started my love-affair with this band. I owned 'War' and 'October' before 'TUF' came out, but when I heard 'Pride (In The Name Of Love)', I knew that this was gonna be my BAND for a while.
I saw them play one the best shows I have witnessed. The tour for 'The Joshua Tree' was one of the most powerful things I have ever witnessed. This was U2 at the peak of what is now 'The U2 sound'. Over the years that would follow, they would turn their back on that sound, as well as reinvent it.
All their songs just sound so epic to me. I had to make this. I call this my 'superhero soundtrack'. People bag on Bono for wanting to save the world, but someone has to do it. I applaud the guy for being sincere and speaking for causes that people are quick to neglect...and he fucking rocks. He is about as great a 'rock star' as you could wish for.
'Bad' 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' 'I Threw A Brick Through A Window' 'Pride (In The Name Of Love)' 'Mysterious Ways' 'Summer Rain' 'Desire' 'Beautiful Day' 'Two Hearts Beat As One' 'Vertigo' 'I Will Follow' 'Gloria' 'New Year's Day'
(I had posted this mix earlier (on July 13) but apparently there was a problem with the link. I have corrected the problem. This is a repost with a corrected link to download the mix. Enjoy, all my best. - Russ.)
Happiness is playing a bomb-ass show with a buncha great friends and talented artists, then coming home and banging out yet another mix while working in your office clad in a t-shirt, black socks, and boxer shorts.
Happiness is doing what you love to do and envisioning a room full of people loving it right along with you. Sometimes when I am making these mixes and writing these Songs, I can almost see the audience. I can almost hear them and what I hope will make them react. Happiness is playing a buncha records for the first time and feeling like you know where they will work as soon as you hear thev first 'four count'. Happiness is finally figuring out a few tricks with the 'filter' effect.
I feel good. It's hard to feel bad at 130 BPM. Dance and feel free. Thought I'd share some more 'house-cleaning' Music with you...
Dance...you're better at it than me; that's why I play the records...
MP3:
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'This Room Is So Big' [zshare] < Click there and get ta jammin'.
UPDATE: Coukd ya try this ^^^^link and tell me if works for ya? Worked for me and this one is SICK...
Playlist:
'Gasolina (Crookers Crunk)' - Bonde de Rolle 'Planet Rock' - Afrika Bambaataa 'Pjanoo' - Pryda 'Counting Down The Days (Axwell Remix)' - Sunfreakz 'Can't Stop Playing (Madrid Acid Mix)' - Dr. Kucho & Gregor Salto '2 Cool 2 Dance' - John 'Cyberjive' Larner 'Get Get Down' - Paul Johnson 'Hot Music (House Mix)' - Soho 'Dbiza (Bring The Drums Back)' - Danny Tenaglia 'P.O.P' - Junior Sanchez 'Lost (D Ramirez Remix)' - Roger Sanchez 'Turn On The Music' - Roger Sanchez
You're a winner. You are number ONE. Believe it, put it into action. Don't step on no toes and do 'YOU' fearlessly with no regrets.
Do your thang...cuz I promise you, I am sure as hell doing mine. Rock with me.
MP3:
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Ego (Motivation, Pt 3)' [zshare]' < click there and know that you rock, man.
Playlist:
'Lazarus (The Rising), Pt 2' - Rusty Redenbacher/SPStar 'I'm Still #1' - Boogie Down Productions 'Mr. Big Stuff' - Jean Knight 'My Mic Sounds Nice' - Salt N' Pepa 'I Love You' - Mary J. Blige 'The Right Thing To Do' - Carly Simon 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' - The Rolling Stones 'Everybody Wants You' - Billy Squier 'Money For Nothing' - Dire Straits 'Livin' In The Life' - The Isley Brothers 'Freakin's Fine' - Mandre' 'Hate To Say I Told You So' - The Hives 'Won't Get Fooled Again' - The Who
Here's to the new boss. Same as the old boss, but better.....yourock.
My friend, CW Pruitt (The Poet Laureate Of Broad Ripple) is back from ALASKA! CW is truly one of the more interesting people I know; he is a poet, columnist (read his column in the Broad Ripple Gazette), photographer, artist, and all-around Renaissance Man. And a GREAT overall dude, in general. He digs my camera, we gotta get him one of these jobbies. That dude travels!
He used to always have his poems on these laminated little cards and would hand them out to people he felt needed them. He never asked for money for them. He has given me a couple of poems that have made my day. DIg this one...I don't know if I am phrasing right, but I truly LOVE this message...
'The ground is cold, hard and insensitive, And provides perfect footing To spring upward'
Badass...I was happy to see my buddy made it back safely and had a good time. Alaska, ya'll...he showed me a drawing he did while he was in Alaska and told me a few stories. Whatta great brother, My Man, C Dub.
I came home, set up the Sabbath/Slim Thug mix and went from there...
MP3:
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Foliage' [zshare] < click there and lemme help you touch the stars. I wanna take you HIGHER...
Playlist:
'3 Kings And A Sweet Leaf' - Slim Thug vs. Black Sabbath 'Sweet Leaf' - Black Sabbath 'Hit It And Quit It' - Funkadelic 'Underground' - Lee 'Scratch' Perry 'Pass The Dutchie' - Musical Youth 'Come Around' - Collie Buddz 'Talking With God About Brown Sugar' - D'Angelo vs. Stevie Wonder 'Have A Talk With God' - Stevie Wonder 'Miss Mary' - Slim Thug 'Mary Jane' - Rick James 'Something In The Way You Make Me Feel' - Stephanie Mills 'Hold It Now, Hit It' - Beastie Boys 'Mad Izm' - Channel Live/KRS One 'Ashley's Roachclip' - Chuck Brown And The Soul Searchers 'Kaya' - Bob Marley And The Wailers
You hafta believe that you can pull things off you have never tried. The cover image at the top of this blog is proof-positive of that.
I have had an issue with my weight for a long time. I used to wanna take up more space, man. I have worked out, I have eaten pasta and rice. I've drank nothing but milkshakes for weeks. I just don't gain weight. I have a sloooooow metabolism; I really can go on a sammich and run all day. My body is trained for the road; eating when you can and what you can, trying to remain conscious and healthy about what I put in my body, but not really sweating it. At least, not sweating it anymore.
"AAaaaaaight, Michelle, but you better make sure I look okay. I believe you won't do me wrong."...and she didn't. It's a nice shot. My Aunties think so. I am glad I believed in Michelle.
You hafta believe. I'm rapping differently than I ever have. I approach the process of writing Songs differently. I try things. Some stuff works and some stuff doesn't. By the time you guys get to hear it, you KNOW it is something I believe in.
I am doing things in the mix that I didn't know I could do. I am playing records for the first time in some cases. I am trying new things with the technology available and my two hands that I didn't think I could do. And I believe, every time I get in the mix, that it is an opportunity to jam out for you, play you some new tunes, and maybe put something on your mind.
'I Believe' - Tears For Fears 'I Believe In You' - Neil Young 'How Can You Believe' - Stevie Wonder 'I'm A Believer' - Monkees 'I Don't Believe You' - Kool Keith 'I Don't Believe In You' - Talk Talk 'I Believe' - Mudkids 'I Believe (ADK Remix)' - Mudkids feat. Kinetik 'I Believe To My Soul' - Donny Hathaway 'I Can't Believe You Love Me' - Tammi Terrell 'Don't Believe The Hype' - Public Enemy 'What A Fool Believes' - Doobie Brothers 'I Believe (When I Fall In Love, It Will Be Forever' - Stevie Wonder
Here's a link to the Indy.com article profiling myself, The Parker Brothers, Radamez, and Dovinci. We'll be appearing at IBE Summer Celebration's Music Lounge this Saturday afternoon. Come support some great original, local Music.
Yeah, man. I like to put together these theme-based mixes. Got that bread on my mind, y'all. Hustling harder.
I typed in 'money' as the keyword on my Serato search and went from there. I actually think there is waaaaaay more than enough for a part 2. Man, lots of people got that money on their mind.
Dig this one, kinda fun...and please note that all of these mixes I have been doing are also on my IMEEM page. If you have an IMEEM profile, please feel free to add me and bang out the mixes in the playlist I have established there.
That's RUSTY RADIO, babay! Ain't NOTHIN' like it! It's online and at your disposal if you ever wanna jam with me, aight. You can embed that player and just rock along with Russ. Big fun, I like IMEEM.
Having a great time sharing this Music with you and I sincerely hope that you've had as much fun as I have. Here's some more...!
MP3:
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - '$$$' a.k.a. 'Money' (Motivation, Pt. 1)' [zshare] < click right there and don't sweat the price, baby. It's on me...and this one has a bit of cussin' on it - That 50 Cent sure can cuss. Boy.
Playlist:
'Money Money Money (Rusty's Extended Intro)' - Mudkids 'Ignorant Shit (Massive Mudkids Mix)' - Jay-Z/Elp-Mass (Mudkids) 'For The Love Of Money' - The O'Jays 'Baby, You're A Rich Man' -Beatles 'Money (Dollar Bill, Y'all)' - Jimmy Spicer 'Got Your Money (Rusty's Dollar Bill Blend) - Ol' Dirty Bastard/Kelis 'We Need Some Money' - Chuck Brown And The Soul Searchers 'Gotta Get My Hands On Some (Money) - The Fatback Band 'Dead Presidents' - Little Walter 'Dead Presidents' - Jay-Z 'Poor Li'l Rich' - 50 Cent 'Get Money' - Junior M.A.F.I.A. 'Money Don't Matter Tonight' - Prince
Yo, I gotta Schnauzer to feed. Lemme get back to work.
These are the types of mixes I dig the most, I think; where I just set up and freestyle.
I recorded two Songs today (the 'A Milli (Russtyle)', and a new song over one of his tracks called 'Mama's on 65'; good stuff) with s.a.i.n.t. RECON and we had such a good time, I felt like coming home and jamming some more...
I'm-a sit here and eat this sammich and type out this playlist for you. I hope you dig it and I hope I don't get any mayo on my keyboard.
MP3: DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER -'To The Bone' [zshare] < Click right there and ride with me...
'Stripped' - Depeche Mode 'Can't Break' - Atmosphere 'New Years' Prayer' - Jeff Buckley 'Misdemeanor' - Foster Sylvers 'Clean Up Woman' - Betty Wright 'I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun' - Rotary Connection 'Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic' - Isaac Hayes 'Hey Love' - Stevie Wonder 'Golden Years' - David Bowie 'Family Affair' - Sly And The Family Stone 'Voices Inside My Head' - The Police 'Trampled Under Foot' - Led Zeppelin
Man, I had some FUN and put WORK in. Yeeeeeeah....
I would consider this a companion piece to the 'Overlooked 80's' mix that appeared earlier in this blog.
All of these are Songs that I would be caught singing way too loud and way too enthusiastically. Hope you get caught out there, too.
MP3:
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Awkward 80's' [zshare] < Click there and go back to The Breakfast Club...
Playlist:
'Wouldn't It Be Good' - Nik Kershaw 'Head Over Heels' - Tears For Fears 'The Captain Of Her Heart' - Double 'True' - Spandau Ballet 'Unlovable' - The Smiths 'Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?' - Culture Club 'Goodbye Is Forever' - Arcadia 'Dance Hall Days' - Wang Chung 'What About Love' - 'til Tuesday 'Something About You' - Level 42 'Too Late For Goodbyes' - Julian Lennon 'Thorn In My Side' - Eurhythmics 'AEIOU Sometimes Y' - EBN-OZN 'Change' - Tears For Fears 'Red Skies (Outro)' - The Fixx
I got up this morning and put a first draft of this together and there were some transitions I didn't care for. This is one of the rare second drafts you'll ever hear me do. Usually when I do a mix, I press record and go...two hands, two wheels and a CD Burner. I had so much fun putting this mix together that I couldn't let the bogus transitions go. I reworked the playlist a bit and this is what I came up with.
At the very least, it's gonna make you wanna clean the house...
MP3:
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER -'Big Room Status' [zshare] < click the title and check out how I would do it in the BIG ROOM. Let's stomp!
'I Got This Feeling vs. Don't Stop Till You Get Enough' - Baby Bumps vs. Michael Jackson
'Rock With You (White Label Mix)' - Michael Jackson
'Summer Magic' - Chocolate Magic
'I Want Your Soul (Crookers Crunk Remix)' - Armand Van Helden
Did this one this morning. My loss (of sleep), your gain. I wanted to play some of this newer stuff I have been waiting to jam with anyway.
Stay in touch. Enjoy the Music.
MP3:
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Since I'm Up' [zshare] <<< It takes more than a bulldozer to stop this party. Click there to see what was poppin' this morning.
Playlist:
'Time To Pretend' - MGMT 'Hercules And Love Affair Theme' - Hercules And Love Affair 'Down Is The New Up' - Radiohead 'Never Let Me Down Again' - Depeche Mode 'Shut Up And Let Me Go' - The Ting Tings 'Musique Non-Stop' - Kraftwerk 'Kim And Jessie' - M83 'I'll Wait For You' - Jonathan Frost 'Sound Of Silver' - LCD Soundsystem 'Touch Me, I'm Going To Scream (Part 2)' - My Morning Jacket
Are ya keeping up? I hope you are enjoying these mixes. I am just enjoying the shit outta making them; sharing them is a no-brainer...keep rocking with me.
MP3;
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'Roaming The Halls' [zshare] <<< Just click the title and make sure to bring your hall-pass.
Playlist:
'Milking The Demon' - Helmet vs. Screaming Jay Hawkins 'Milktoast' - Helmet 'Rock N' Roll High School' - The Ramones 'Good Times, Bad Times' - Led Zeppelin 'Ponta de Lança Africano (Umbabarauma)' - Jorge Ben 'The Breakdown' - Rufus Thomas 'Magnificent Sanctuary Band' - Donny Hathaway 'Rats' - Pearl Jam 'Tempted' - Squeeze 'Labyrinthian Pomp' - Of Montreal 'Fame' - David Bowie 'Never Gonna Stop' - Linda Clifford 'Until You Come Back To Me' - Aretha Franklin 'Close To Me' - The Cure 'Life's What You Make It' - Talk Talk
There are not enough words to describe the impact MPOZI had on our lives. There are so many people who aren't in this video who's lives he touched in so many positive ways. I can't begin to explain how deeply losing him affected me, as well as the communities of Indianapolis and Philadelphia. Though he claimed those two cities as his home, he was truly a 'World Citizen'; the type of person that wouldn't hesitate to share his only money and meal with someone less fortunate than him, someone who honestly and truly cared abut every person he came in contact with.
I learned so much just being around him. I didn't realize just how much until he was gone. I'll miss him forever.
This is a mural that was painted on the side of SPIN Nightclub. It was completed July 6, 2008, just two years after Mpozi passed. This is a look at just some of the people who helped to get the mural completed. It is absolutely beautiful and if you knew MPOZI in any way, shape, form, or fashion, you should DEFINITELY take a trip to Broad Ripple and take a picture with your friend, MPOZI.
Three mornings this week I have been awakened by heavy machinery. It's Thursday. That ain't cool.
Bulldozers. I work nights and I am wide awake. It's 7:48 a.m.
They are building an apartment complex right behind where I live. When I signed my lease, I had no idea that this was going on. In fact, my rent was raised. This is complete bullshit. I went to the office to beef, but they aren't even open yet. That's how early these effing bulldozers get to workin'....
*Beep beep beep beep*
*CHUG CHUG CHUG CRUNCH CRUNCH*
*Beep beep beep beep*
I am pretty upset about this. The sightline behind my house officially sucks now. Where there were trees, there is just a dirt road...and soon the paving trucks will come. It stinks of mulch and fertilizer on a regular basis. All of this is going on, RIGHT BY MY BEDROOM. I am in the living room now and can STILL hear trucks. Then, once they get this place erected and complete, there will be people...lots of people...people everywhere, where there were trees, trees, trees. This sucks. And the idea that they RAISED my rent is REALLY irritating me. I pay more to be awakened by bulldozers, smell manure, and await the coming of MORE heavy machinery? Uh-uh.
Squeaky wheel gets the grease. I am not one to complain about shit, but this is too much. I am feeling like I was duped, because had I known that Thomas The Tank Engine and Bob The Builder were gonna be here this summer, I probably wouldn't have signed up for another year here. At least, the people in the office are cool. I hate having to complain to them, but I'll be damned if I am gonna let these bulldozers jack up my sleeping schedule and not say anything about it. SOMEbody knew that they were about to build that complex directly behind me and they got their little extra money outta me long enough. I do know that once this lease is up, I am getting outta here. I can't deal with the fact that there is gonna be an apartment complex where there were trees, trees, trees. Now, I get noise, noise, noise...and soon enough more people and more noise.
But, can I leave you with a little more THUNDER of my own? That makes 5 for the day. We cool?
MP3:
DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER: '100' [zshare] < Just click that beautiful, round hunny bun and get hip to some new tricks and tracks
Playlist:
'I Get Lifted' - George McRae 'Sweet Emotion' - Aerosmith 'Easy Winners (Pts. 1 and 2) - Cornershop 'Jam For The Ladies' - Moby 'The Boxer (DFA Remix) - Chemical Brothers 'Paradise' - Sade 'Brave And Strong' - Sly And The Family Stone 'Funkiest Man Alive' - Rufus Thomas 'Theme From 'Which Way Is Up?' - Stargard 'Too High' - Stevie Wonder 'A Message From The Soul Sisters' - Myra Barnes 'Bruce Lee' - Underworld 'Analyse' - Thom Yorke 'Sheila, Take A Bow' - The Smiths
Now, looka here; I have posted FOUR mixes today, alone. Holla at your buddy, Russ!
I put it down for you, my friend and your friends. Tell them to come through and tell them about the MUDKIDS. The rhythm of my life, rockin' and rollin with you. I thank all those that have been reading and reaching out to me. I told ya before; all I got is this Music. I don't even own it and I am happy to share it with you...
Let's bounce or somethin', man...right through math class.
MP3: DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - '99' [zshare] < You know the drill. Click the number and get some. One away from a Benji, dag.
Playlist:
'Get Stupid Fresh, Part 2' - Mantronix 'Broken Wings' - Mr. Mister 'Sardines' - The Junkyard Band 'Money (Dollar Bill, Y'all)' - Jimmy Spicer 'The Bird' - Jimmy Mcgriff 'Smiling Faces Sometimes' - Bobbi Humphrey 'You've Made Me So Very Happy' - Blood, Sweat, And Tears 'That's The Way It Goes!' - Black Merda 'You Left The Water Running' - Maurice And Mac '(You Can't Blame It On) Anybody' - Phoenix 'Sign O' The Times' - Prince 'Kiss Them For Me' - Siouxsie And The Banshees 'The Fez' - Steely Dan
I'm really feeling it today. Having a lotta fun. I had to get my tire plugged. I ran over a piece of plastic that got into the tread and caused a slow leak that had a flat tire greeting me when I left the house.
...I was in good shape though. God keeps Good People around me.
Thought I'd share a little more love...and math.
MP3: DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER -'91' [zshare] < It's as simple as clicking on that number right there and it's all yours. Mwah!
Playlist:
'The Smile' - David Axelrod 'Music For My Mother' - Funkadelic 'I Ain't Superstitious' - Howlin' Wolf 'Woman To Woman' - Joe Cocker 'Papa Was Too' - Joe Tex 'The Stroke' - Billy Squier 'Custard Pie' - Led Zeppelin 'Handclapping Song' - The Meters 'Shake Your Hips' - Rolling Stones 'The Denial Twist' - The White Stripes 'Cholly' - Fishbone 'Falling In Love Again' - Marvin Gaye 'Make The Road By Walking' - Menahan Street Band 'Missing' - Beck 'Planet Caravan' - Black Sabbath
There is a whole world of Music out there...listen to everything.
MP3: DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - '124' [zshare] < Click there and get your numbers together.
'Goodnight Tonight' - Paul McCartney and Wings 'Erase You' - DJ Shadow 'There There' - Radiohead 'Rose' - Who Made Who 'When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What's Still Around' - The Police 'Thrill Me (Erick Morillo Mix)' - Junior Jack 'Time To Get Away' - LCD Soundsystem 'The Chase' - Giorgio Moroder 'Get Off My Cloud' - Rolling Stones 'What About You In The World Today?' - Co Real Artists 'Super Bad' - James Brown 'New Position' - Prince
I had a good time with this one. Dance and feel free...
MP3: DJ RUSTY REDENBACHER - 'MAS AMORE' [zshare] < style="font-weight:bold;">LOVE...
Playlist:
'I Will Be Your Friend (Dance Mix)' - Sade 'My Words' - Testament Of House 'All I Do (Hed Kandi Mix) - Hed Kandi 'Big Love' - Pete Heller 'Music Sounds Better With You' vs. 'I'll Find You' - White Label 'Fizzyfunk' (Antoine Claraman Mix) - Fizz 'Unidos (Para La Musica)' - David Vendetta 'Just A Little More Love (Funky House Mix)' - David Guetta
I actually was awakened by a nightmare. I had a dream involving my equipment. I swear to God. I have been DJing a lot lately and I think it is just bleeding through.
To be honest, I have had a great week since my last post; I had a family reunion in town, I picked up some extra work (which I definitely needed. Big-up, DJ Limelight) and I booked a buncha gigs. I will be in the mix quite a bit over the next few months. I'll probably be in the mix long after that.
I was talking with a friend online and she informed me that she always felt like she wanted to learn to DJ. I told her if she could count to '4', she could do it. It just takes time and practice. You just hafta start doing it and part of starting is investing in gear. When I started DJing, I had no gear, no records, nothing but the desire to DJ. I started out by talking my way into a gig. I can honestly tell you that if the Patio didn't have their own set of wheels back when I was prompted to start, I might not have ever become a DJ.
Since then, I have collected three separate sets of wheels. I bought my first used set of turntables when I rediscovered the love of the mix around 1998 or 1999. I had been outta the mix for a few years, leaving DJing alone until further notice.My buddy, Noah The Arkitect, had bought a set of wheels and a record collection. He was nice enough to let me come over and mix when he wasn't on his decks. I made as many tapes as possible, listening to myself and relearning the art of the blend and the scratch. I was also roommates with DJ Paul Bunyon at the time. He also allowed me to get on his wheels when he wasn't working. Once I felt comfortable enough with mixing again I put the word out that I was in need of a set of wheels while I was working at Rockin' Billy's. I had started to assemble my wax collection already and catching up was relatively easy, as I worked in a record-store. I was bumping into DJ's all day every day, so it was just a matter of time. There were always guys coming in there to flip gear and I knew there was no way I could afford a brand-new set of decks. Finally, someone had a set of Technics 1200's that they were getting rid of. I think I paid $500 for the pair, which I took to Top Speed immediately for checking out, tuning up, and retooling. He let me know they were in great shape. I took them home and set them up downstairs in the kitchen. I made the first and second mixtapes that I sold at Noah's house. I made my third mixtape that I sold right in the kitchen. I made 'em all with the two crates of records that I had at the time.
Once I realized that I was fully in it to win it with the wheels again, I really got serious about my record collection. I collected all the current stuff (gotta have the stuff people are listening to NOW), everything that I remembered as funky or rockin' as a child, breaks, old-school...I bought it all. I was in the record-store all day, so I would spend any down time digging for wax. On my off days, I hit the other record stores and practiced or made tapes to sell. When the hustle was good, I was making more money off mixtapes than I was at my job, but it was all going back into the work. I needed to augment the hustle with club gigs. DJ Indiana Jones and I started a Wednesday night party at The Patio called TASTE where we mixed live with 4 turntables. It was a big success for that summer. No party was like it in this citry and there hasn't been a party like it since. People were actually tuned in to hear what we would throw on the wheels, not their 'jam'. We were fearless, playing any and everything. It was as much fun as I have ever had DJing. It's still one of my fondest 'work-related' memories. We jammed. The skills I learned DJing next to DJ Indiana Jones made me feel comfortable enough to go and work in other clubs. I picked up a lotta hustle during the year or so that we had TASTE at The Patio poppin'.
At this point, my life was changing immensely. My living situation changed and I had way more financial, household and job responsibilities. I was working on the radio now, as one of the first four mixers to be on-air. We did a mixshow weekend that led to the formation of a 'mix-squad' at the station. I was playing a lotta Music in the house that I didn't want to, but I was so in the game that there was no turning back now. The practice was paying off.
I began pumping out tapes as fast as possible. I had to focus on what was hot and get that into the street as soon as possible. There were more DJ's than ever competing for counter-space and gigs. I had to stay ahead of the game, so working at the radio station helped. I was receiving records in the mail every day, which I would immediately open and time. If it was hot it went into one of my four 'working' bags, the four bags that went to every gig. I was also booked more in clubs, so I was taking my wheels everywhere. Realizing that if something were to happen to one of my wheels, I started thinking about a second set for safety. I would've been so assed-out if something had happened to just one of my decks. DJ Kenny Kixx came into the radio-station and said he had a set of wheels to get rid of. I asked him what he wanted, got the money together, and had him bring the decks to my house. Now, I needed to have two sets; one for club gigs, one for making tapes at home...and if something did ever happen to one of the decks, I now had back-ups. I still use those decks on the road.
I came into work at the radio station and saw Paul looking weird. He didn't have his record-bag. He just had this little computer. I watched him set-up his little computer and this little box into the mixer. He set everything up and turned on his computer. I had no idea as to what he was doing. I watched as he pulled up a program called Serato SCRATCHLive. He looked through the library and pulled up 'records'. I couldn't believe what he was showing me and talking to me about. With this program, you could mix with MP3's, meaning that you could have all those four 'working bags' and then some with you at all times. You could mix as fast as you could think. This SCRATCHLive was gonna change EVERYTHING and I knew it as soon as I saw him do the mix that day. Dag. I had no less than 7000 records; all of that stuff was gonna be sitting in the crib soon. I needed a computer. I bought my first computer (and SCRATCHLive) ever ever ever later in the year and immediately began the process of getting all that Music I needed into MP3 format. Quite simply, that is one of the best investments I have ever made; it made it so that we could play ANY Mudkids songs, as long as we had the instrumentals and THAT in and of itself, was reason enough to have it for me.
At this point, I had been DJing for about ten years, most of that time professionally. I had never had a brand-new set of wheels. I had always worked with what I could afford and made it happen, but I had never had a new set. I don't even think I had ever DJed on a new set of wheels. When I finally did have enough money to reasonably afford a set, I invested in the 'BlackBeauties'. Ohhhh, they are gorgeous; black finish, blue LED displays, pitch control that goes to plus or minus 16 (I never use that function, but it's nice to know it is there). They're gorgeous. I set these decks up at home for studio work and bring them out for special gigs. I really love this set of wheels. They bring me a joy that I can't explain; when I am on these decks, I am on the nicest decks that I have ever owned, decks that I paid for with money that decks earned me. Nobody was on these before me, they're mine and they're immaculate. I treat them like babies. I keep the dust-covers on them, I have invested in serious road-cases for them (and they don't travel much), I take care of them. That's six decks; a road set, spares, and the 'Black Beauties'. Now, if anything goes wrong with anything I am ready.
There was a while when I didn't really wanna DJ anymore. The Beauties sat in the room, chilling. I was focused on other things and my spirit was getting kinda crushed in the clubs. But, the fact is I will always find a way to love to spin records. It is something I have invested a lotta time and money into and I believe I always get it back. I love it so much that I upload mixes to share with y'all on the regular, on the free-free. I love it so much that I have back-up wheels so I can continue to spin if anything were to happen to my wheels. I get ideas in my head and immediately run home to mix them and share them with you. I started out just wanting to do it and I have had to invest that time and money to keep up with it. I've had to sell other things to keep up with gear, because this is what I do. I am a DJ, so I hafta be able to at least provide the gear to do my job. DJing takes sacrifice and dedication, because while you are in the crib, brainstorming and working on your weak hand, someone else is booking gigs and digging for records...and listening to you. There is always a kid that wishes he was in the booth, doing what you are doing. ALWAYS.
You hafta stay in touch with your sound and you hafta stay on top of your gear. You ever been at the club and the Music skips or stops completely? What did everybody do? I never wanna be that cat. The DJ is really the most important person in the club; he gets you to pay cover, he makes you wanna go see the bartender, he makes it so you can talk to that girl over there when the 'jam' comes on. The DJ is truly the foundation of most good nights out, whether you acknowledge it or not. I get so many folks who want me to teach them to DJ. No one ever taught me; I watched, I listened, I jumped on it and stayed in the mix. I can happily invite someone to watch and listen. I don't know how well I would do at 'teaching', per se. What I do tell them is that if they can count to '4', they can mix...now, it's a question of keeping your gear up, practicing like crazy, being wiling to work damn-near for free on many levels, and learning something whenever you get in the 'mix'. I have had my times when I have wished I did something else, but who hasn't hated their job for a minute or two?
(This joint won't be on 'We Are Dynamic And People Like Us'. It don't fit the concept of the album, but it's fun...wiff my grumpy ass...)
When I realize that I actually get paid to play and reinterpret Music, I know there are soooo many worse ways to make a little bread.
Hope you guys are enjoying the mixes and get a chance to hear me spin live some time. I just wanted to give you a little history on some of what it has taken to get there. I love what I do and that is more than a lotta people get outta this life.
Yuh know, people will take your loyalty and kindness for weakness. There are so many parasitic entities in the Music Business. They will jump on your team when they think there is something in it for them. But, as soon as shit gets real, they are the first ones to bail, all the while smiling in your face and telling you how much they 'support' you. I don't need that kinda 'support'. I don't need fake 'friends'. I don't need phony businessmen and shysters around me, and I sure as hell don't need for anyone to tell me, 'Well, that's just the Game'. Bullshit, the Game ain't got nothing to do with somebody being fake.
I am here to let you know that all that shit is dead and has been dead with me for a long time.
I do not deal with a lotta people from my past; people that swore they were my friends, but when I HAVE TO make REAL MOVES to keep my future in focus and my band on the road, they can't seem to muster up that 'support'. I don't deal with people that have shown me that they are self-serving, lazy, lackadaisical con-artists and sycophants, suckling at the teat of whoever they think is 'hot' that month. I don't hang around people that are gonna take my words, twist them to make me look like a jerk and broadcast their bullshit interpretations of what they think I am about to their 'friends'. I don't deal with 'yes-men' and talentless hacks that wish they could be as eloquent as I am in expressing their emotions and views on situations, but think it would be a smart move to fuck with me, knowing damn-well that they have NOCHANCE of debating, battling, or outthinking me. (Trust me, kids; I will not be so gracious when it is time for war. I protect my team like a mother lion. And I protect myself like Daddy Lion). I cut all those bastards off for my own sanity. They're simply of no value to me anymore, because they have shown me that my friendship ain't really about shit to them. They would rather do other things with other people and that is perfectly fine.
Where there is unfinished business to attend to, though, I am trying to 'zero out' all accounts, so I can go on with my life. The Mudkids' merchandising is all fucked-up and I am doing all I can to get it right. All I want is my gosh-darn merch booth to be in order, so that when we go play shows, we can leave our 'footprint' on your city. There are entities within this business that are so outta control, so fly-by-night, so full of themselves, that their arrogance makes it so they must lord over what they were supposed to be controlling YEARS ago. And NOW they wanna be lazy about getting Us INFORMATION, not even money, man; INFORMATION. I would think that is the most basic thing in the world, but apparently that was just another case of me thinking with my heart and not my head. When you do business with a friend you think you can trust, think twice or find an outside party to keep your head straight because your 'friends' are the first ones to fuck you over, intentionally or because they are too 'friendly' to take you seriously. It's a fact.
You may have noticed some changes in the Mudkids and the way We present ourselves. There are people that promised Us things, be it dedication, effort, time, money or whatever that they couldn't hold up to. We do not have the time for that anymore. This band is in the midst of recording another classic album, full of heart and soul. I can't begin to tell you how many hours I have spent in the studio, making sure that I have done things right. I cannot begin to tell you how many hours I have spent writing Songs, practicing flows, and rewriting Songs. I can't tell you how many times I have had to sit here and listen to the same beat, over and over again, writing down my bars so that when it is time to rap, there ain't no bullshit on there. I don't slack and I make a lotta shit happen by my lonesome. I'll say it; yeah, I push...even when ain't nobody looking. Prove me wrong, I want you to.
Some people see that 'pushing' as threatening. It could be because when you are around someone who works their ass off, you either hafta work as hard as them or you hafta acknowledge your own laziness and ineptitude. I hold no punches anymore when it comes to letting someone know that they ain't doing what they said they would do or what they were asked to do. I know when I am slacking and I do what I can to stop that shit. I guess now, I am trying to stop it in others. I don't allow that energy around me because it is infectious. I need to be around people who are willing to work at least half as hard as me. The last things I need are excuses.
I have tried to lead my team by example. I try to live up to the things I talk about in Songs.I have planted seeds of thought in Songs for years. Well, now I am about to start planting some seeds that may grow into poison oak. I am sure there are factions of people that will feel some kinda SOMEthing about what I have been writing lately. I am gonna make it impossible for some people to ignore Us/Me. I have kept from screaming on a lotta people that have screamed on me; runnning back to 'friends' and talking about how I am 'outta control' and my 'ego is outrageous'. Really? Hmmmm....if I haven't talked to you and I haven't spoken to you, where do you get that idea from? My absence? The fact that I don't kick it with fake, back-stabbing, unfocused, do-whatever-it-takes-to-make-myself-look-good dudes anymore? Did you really think I could continue to let that shit slide? I am not with the 'kee-kee-ing' and smiling in my face when I know for a fact that you have been talking extremely stupidly and recklessly about me, my projects, my life, or my Music.
That said, if you are reading this and you feel like you have unfinished business with me, feel free to call or write, so we can settle it. It's al about respect and such a lack of respect has been shown to Me, my values, and my team that I can't believe I am even being as cool about the shit as I am now. I am so easy to get in touch with, it's not funny. I'm online every day. I'll leave it up to the transgressors for now, the ones who are feeling the sting of having the 'Great Rusty' prepare to tear them new ones.
I don't need no negative nothing, man. 'Triple Negative', I am moving on. The least one could do is let me do so and not make it any more difficult than it has already been. I have been more than cool with more than a few people and look...I am still here. My shit rings bells, yo, and you know it. I am setting myself up to be in control of my own destiny and my own dream, by my own means. We let a lotta people ride with Us and when it was time to really get down to business, we were met with indifference, laziness, and eventually (for me, especially) a general sense of 'Fuck you'. You cannot just say something to me and expect me to just believe it anymore. I wasted a lotta time believing in the power of 'friendship' and 'togetherness' with selfish individuals and companies that really only care about themselves.
No. No more. Get your shit together, cuz I am trying so hard to do that...and it ain't even for just me. My team rolls with me, man...if my team is only three or four people, ALL of Us will always be on the same page. I am so shitty with myself for believing in the BS that 'friends' will sell you. If you believed is Us then, you should still believe in Us now, because the GROUP and the MUSIC hasn't changed, except for the better. A cursory glance at the four albums we have released and the new Songs on our Myspace page (and mine) would make that obvious. We are STILL the grindingest, nastiest, realest, coolest, down-to-Earth cats you will meet...but We ain't no punks and we ain't 'kids' no more. We play nice, but when you shit on Us, that goes out the door. And I know when I have been shit on; I turned the other cheek for years until I couldn't do it anymore.
You can choose to ignore me, but I will be using my talent to get some kinda satisfaction and retribution for Myself. I'm just letting it be known so that when you hear some slick stuff fly outta my grill and you think, 'Is Russ talking about me?', you might be thinking correctly. If you even have an inkling that I might be talking about you, I probably and that is your own damn fault. All I have is this Music and NOONE can tell me what I can address when I wanna address it. That's my power, yo; it's all I really have to show for the years of work I have put into this; a talent that God gave me in the first place and you could never truly understand. I'll make it simple for you. Believe that.
...and I won't let it go. Ever. Get it right and keep it that way.
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