DJ Revolution said it best in a recent interview, “the connection between the DJ and the emcee has been severed. ”King of The Decks” is my attempt at reconnecting it.” DJ Revolution did just that with his new album, as he brought together some of the most talented names in Hip Hop today, who not only produce quality music, but also respect the craft of the DJ Culture.
DJ Revolution has spent 15 years perfecting that craft on the SP 1200. He’s currently behind the wheels of the longest running Hip Hop show in the history of commercial radio, “THE WORLD FAMOUS WAKE UP SHOW alongside Sway & King Tech.
Aside from his weekly duties on the show based out of LA on Power 106, and syndicated Worldwide, he has lent his now infamous scratch techniques to countless records and his production skills to many established artists. REV has also taken his skillz to the far corners as the globe and ripped clubs in locations such as Japan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. He has also shared the stage DJ’ing for many artists including legends like Rakim all the way to current superstars such as Kanye West. Revolution has released two of his own Full length LP’s (“In 12’s we trust/R2K”) and one with his partners Sway & Tech (“This or That”).
As DJ Revolution readies “KING OF THE DECKS,” in stores on September 16th, he divulged further on the issues of the lack of communication between the MC and THE DJ stating that it “is one of the most obvious reasons Hip Hop has devolved so drastically over the years. Since MC’s in general decided to toss aside the DJ as an asset and integral part of their success from production to performance, the music has suffered tremendously. My goal is to re-introduce to the world what a DJ is. He or She is not just a celebrity, or someone who plays records, or makes funny sounds with turntables. He or she is all of that and more. I recruited some of the most legendary and also most talented up and coming artists to help me express all of this within the context of the music.
The title of the album is by no means a way of saying I’m the best on the turntables. “King of the Decks” is obviously just a play on words related to a deck of cards. However, it is also a statement that needs to be remembered. The DJ is King.”
Tracklisting and credits for DJ Revolution’s King Of The Decks (all songs produced DJ Revolution except where noted):
1.) Intro f/Jazzy Jeff
2.) King Of The Decks f/ Sean Price & Tash
3.) THE DJ f/ KRS ONE
4.) Do My Thing f/ Guilty Simpson & Royce Da 5′ 9″
5.) LADJ (skit)
6.) Funky Piano f/ Bishop Lamont, Crooked I, Styliztik Jones
7.) For The Kids (skit)
8.) The Big Top f/ Special Teamz
9). Start The Revolution f/ Boot Camp Clik
10.) Scratch Nerds (skit)
11.) Invaders from the Planet Sqratch f/ DJ Qbert
12.) EY! f/ Joell Ortiz and Termanology (Produced by DJ Revolution & DJ Numark)
13.) Casualties of Tour f/ Rakaa Iriscience (produced by Marco Polo)
14.) Damage f/ Blaq Poet & Bumpy Knuckles
15.) Willie Lynch f/ Styliztik Jones and KBimean
16.) The Biggest Up f/ DJ Premier (Skit)
17.) Blow Da Spot f/ Strong Arm Steady
18.) School f/ Planet Asia
19.) Spit Ridiculous f/ Defari
20.) Pro’s & Con’s f/ Evidence
21.) Calling Haul (Skit)
22.) Man or Machine
23.) The Set Up f/ Sway & King Tech
24.) The Re-Match f/ DJ Spinbad
Here he is in action:
Electrifying Hip-Hop lyricist Pryslezz emerges from the Midwest with the release of Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King, a ground-breaking new album giving listeners a glimpse into the raw talent of the young MC, complete with endless metaphors and heavy bass laden beats featuring notable guest appearances from chart topping R&B vocalist Raheem Devaughn and Neo-Soul front man Dwele heard on the current hit single “More Than A Love Song” already charting in Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles category while the music video has been officially added to VH-1 Soul as the rapper’s loyal fans are calling the album one of the best projects to emerge from Ohio in years.
Rarely has an emcee name been so appropriate as the one adopted by Alexander Pryslezz Pain. Given his iconic moniker by a friend for his break dancing skills, the young MC of Ohio origin is one of the most engaging personalities to grace the mic in recent years.
The grit and grime of the Youngstown city streets, that are so prevalent with violence, has left its mark on the multi-faceted artist, which is evident in his music. Full of clever wordplay, Pryslezz is known for his ability to dispense an endless chain of syllables so relentlessly you can almost hear drum machines gasping for air as they struggle to keep the pace. A seasoned vet, Pryslezz has opened for numerous artists that include Lil Jon, as well as performed alongside Wu Tang Clan, Common, Slum Village, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Nas on the Rock the Bells Tour. He showcased his talent recently on the promotional HBCU College Tour and opened at the House Of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio with Dwele, Jason Derulo and others.
His debut album, A Search 4 Peace- A Testimony (2003) created a tremendous underground buzz and garnered him a throng of loyal followers, while the disc was voted one of the best albums to come out of Cincinnati that same year. Now, older and more seasoned, Pryslezz is set to release the ground breaking Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King, which is representative of his growth and maturity. Not your run of the mill rap artist, the first single, “More Than A Love Song” features R&B crooner Dwele on a smooth-flowing cut with radiant harmonies and vocal inflections that suggest a gorgeous picture of a true love story through new eyes and frames of thought. On the standout track, “Way Back” featuring velvety-voiced Raheem Devaughn, the MC flawlessly marries Hip-Hop and R&B in a way that is both entertaining and refreshing.
“Pryslezz is such a unique artist, full of different styles and such a pleasure to work with.” Dwele
“Pryslezz is new world order hip hop…it’s a Poetic picture painting flow.” Raheem Devaughn
The debut single “More Than A Love Song” charted on the Billboard Hip Hop/ R&B Single Sales Charts for 12 consecutive weeks peaking at #2 while additionally impacting Urban Mainstream Radio with 20 added stations, and finished in the top 5 most added in it’s first week, holding its own alongside Lil’ Wayne, Sean Kingston, Ludacris and Estelle. Markets that continue to champion the record include WZAK, WNHT, KPHW, KOKY, WBLX, KKUU, WRVZ, KPRR, KUUU, KBOL, WEAS, WQHH, WPEG, WBLX, KMJJ, WJTT, KBDS, WEUP, WEMX, WJMI, XM Satellite Radio and more. This week the music video for “More Than A Love Song” with Dwele was officially added to VH-1 Soul.
“Youngstown rapper Pryslezz cracked Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Top 10 to close out 2007. “More Than a Love Song”, featuring Detroit singer Dwele, peaked at No. 2 last month.” Cleveland Scene Newspaper
“More Than A Love Song” is an incredible record. Compared to the current crop of so-called rappers & MCs, Pryslezz’s vocals are unmatched.” Jay Alexander Program Director, WBTF Radio
Additional guest on album include Jason Derulo, N.O,X., URG, Soler Mesh and Purple Popcorn, as well as production from Blackout Movement (Mims, Ja Rule, Jim Jones, UGK), amongst others. Citing an array of lyrical gurus such as his brother URG, Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, OutKast, Eminem, Nas, Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes, Pryslezz respects individuality and inspiring messages behind the music.
Inspired by an amalgam of sources such as religion, family, life-altering events, everyday living, successes, struggles and nature, Pryslezz knows that it is the recognition of emotions and their release that make his music edgy, unique and staying consistently outside the box. “I call the concept of putting yourself in a variety of different boxes the captives freedom. I like to attempt to give something to everyone without stepping outside of my own personal virtues and values. The music isn’t as strong if you can’t stand behind it.”
At 24 years old, Pryslezz with his vast experiences and spiritual view of life, create the persona of a soul wise beyond its years. One can book a studio session with a Grammy Winning producer, hire a top stylist or pay a ghostwriter to write hit-making lyrics, but possessing raw, un-cut talent, that’s Pryslezz.
Fresh on the heels of the Bun B-assisted lead single “Where’s Da G’s,” the third full-length from English MC Dizzee Rascal has finally taken its stateside bow. Released on April 29th via Definitive Jux, Maths + English, finds the UK phenom at the top of his game. Waving the Union Jack and Stars and Bars with equal pride, Dizzee invited guests from both sides of the pond to add their talents to his genre-defying concoction of crunk, drum and bass, classic old school rap and grime. In addition to the aforementioned UGK cameo, British hitmakers, Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner and Lily Allen also lend their vocals to the proceedings. The freshly-released album includes several bonus tracks (both digitally and physically) not originally available on the UK version, in addition to tracks exclusive to iTunes, eMusic, and Amazon’s digital store.
Later this month, Dizzee embarks on a North American tour with labelmate El-P (whose recently-launched blog, Bastards Delight, is definitely worth checking out). Chicago spitsmiths Kidz in the Hall will join the Def Jux duo for dates in New York and Philly, while LA-based Busdriver will tag along through the Minneapolis date. And, of course, last but not least, still rolling on the wild success of None Shall Pass, Def Jux mainstay Aesop Rock will take the stage at Webster Hall in NYC and at the 1015 in San Francisco.
Listen to Dizzee Rascal “Where’s Da G’s” feat. Bun B from Maths + English (Definitive Jux):http://dailyrindblog.com/audio
Watch Dizzee Rascal “Where’s Da G’s” feat. Bun B from Maths + English (Definitive Jux):
http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/
Watch Dizzee Rascal’s 4-minute freestyle on AOL’s 16 Bars:
http://music.aol.com/16-bars
Watch Dizzee Rascal’s hip-hop slang lessons on AOL Music:
http://www.spinner.com/2008/03
http://www.spinner.com/2008/03
http://www.spinner.com/2008/04
http://www.spinner.com/2008/04
What the Press is Saying:
Dizzee’s despairing wail, focused anger, and cutting sonics places him on the front lines in the battle against a stultifying Britain, just as Pete Townshend, Johnny Rotten, and Morrissey have been in the past. - Pitchfork Media
The best rapper this(The UK) country’s ever produced, period…. Next to Dizzee Rascal everybody looks pale, uninteresting and irrelevant. – UNCUT Magazine
An eclectic, break-dance-worthy Slick Rick reincarnation. – Entertainment Weekly
Brilliantly original. – MOJO
Dizzee Rascal delivered forty minutes of blistering, grimy hip-hop. The set drew heavily from his latest, Maths + English (finally seeing a physical U.S. release April 29 after being out in the U.K. for nearly a year) – Rollingstone Magazine (on 2008 SXSW performance)
Fans were treated to a talented MC with a crew who likes shout-outs and shoes. His set drew as much from excellent early material as it did from Maths + English, and the high-BPM beats kept the show flowing and energetic. – Pitchfork Media (on 2008 SXSW performance)
This U.K. rapper is the reason anyone knows “grime” is a music genre. – Wired Magazine
Dizzee Rascal Tour Dates (with El-P)
May 8 - 9:30 Club, D.C. *
May 9 - First Unitarian Church, Philly **
May 10 - Webster Hall, NYC ***
May 11- Middles East, Boston *
May 12 - New Capital Music Hall, Ottawa *
May 13 - Crofoot Ballroom, Detroit *
May 14 - The Abbey Pub, Chicago *
May 16 - Triple Rock Club, Minneapolis *
May 19 - Neumos, Seattle
May 20 - Berbatis Pan, Portland
May 21 - 1015, San Francisco #
May 22 - El Rey, Los Angeles
* w/ Busdriver
** w/ Busdriver + Kidz In The Hall
*** w/ Busdriver + Kidz In The Hall + Aesop Rock
# w/ Aesop Rock
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