Kanye's Grammy Grammar

Kanye West was a huge success last year. His third album received a lot of attention for it’s 80’s feel and his use of keyboards throughout the album. This years Grammy wins for Kanye suggest -rap music still has a broad listening audience. Although different styles of hip hop music exist, the quintessential, long lasting characteristic of the “new new school” remains. Today’s artists have expanded their wordplay and music arrangements. Kanye West has made songs for many artists and was ignored as an artist himself until his first album. He has now evolved into an award winning musician. Talib Kweli, Common and other artists that specialize in rhyme scheme also had a good 2007. Along with these favorites, a new movement involving old “classic” artists has also occurred. Hip hop music has come a long way with something for everyone. A minority of hip hop musicians have received Grammy laudations, but when your big brother (Jay-Z) was B.I.G.’s brother, you’ve had extraordinary tutelage. We are looking forward to hearing more from Kanye and the rest of the hip hop-musicians that are making award winning music. Here is a clip of Timbo and K-West doing what they do…… DGTLHPHP http://www.collegedj.net/

Are you a college Radiohead????

Radiohead was all the rage last year. Radiohead’s last album was phenomenal. They also received mainstream attention for their unique way of pricing their last album. Their last album “In Rainbows” was a digital download where users were able to pick their price to obtain their content. Their music may have been overshadowed by this new pricing strategy because the album was extraordinary in its own right. Radiohead boasts a magnificent sound that is reminiscent of classic alternative music. They have been featured on many college radio stations, popular magazines and blogs because of their electrogrung -yet melodic song styles. The new album will be coming soon which will feature their greatest hits and at CDJ we are eagerly waiting to hear the new collection of tracks. If you like Radiohead, check out Say Hi. Their new song “Northwestern Girls” from the album entitled “The Wishes and The Glitch” also has a classic alternative feel. We are featuring this song in the cdj music player. Say Hi is also gaining momentum and accolades due to its college fan base. Make sure you check out Say Hi, but here is a Radiohead classic……DGTLALTV…..http://www.collegedj.net/

From MPC to MP3: Pete Rock

Many of the best producers are former djs and they create new music using the MPC. Take Pete Rock for example, his affinity for producing comes from having his ear to the streets and his love of music from various genres. He is considered one of the best hip hop producers of all time and he uses the MPC to make his beats. The MPC allows the user to mix records and sample beats from various tracks. This gives the producer the ability to use real music as music. Many producers also use keyboards, live instruments and live voices in conjunction with the MPC to create even more unique sounds. Originally designed as a drum machine and midi sequencer, the MPC- formerly known as the MIDI production center (now called the Music Production Center), features sampling and storage functions that can be combined with other instruments and sounds to create new music. Created by Roger Linn and produced by Akai since 1988, the MPC is a powerful tool used by many producers today. The MPC 2500 is a 32 voice-drum/phase sampler with up to 128 MB of RAM and extensive editing control. It has a functional user interface, responsive velocity- and pressure- sensitive pads, twin onboard effects processors, four Q link controllers (two sliders/two knobs) for extensive real-time control, plus 10 outputs and a S/PDIF digital output. This MPC also has a 100,000 note/64 track MIDI sequencer that can be assigned to four separate MIDI outputs for a total of 64 independently addressable MIDI channels. Watch Pete Rock using the MPC to create a new beat from a classic 80’s tune.........-dp http://www.collegedj.net/