Re-Issue: Miles Davis

Each week, FADER Media Style Director Chioma Nnadi will comment on the throwback style and fashion of a Suite903 artist. Today’s Re-Issue: Miles Davis.
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708 Words I Manifest In the Wake of GURU’s Death

“The rejected stone is now the cornerstone.” – GURU

Shame on me for taking GURU’s cancer lightly. Today Keith “GURU” Elam died, now the seriousness of his sickness is sinking in a lot more than when he was fighting for his life. This is coming from a grown DJ Treats, not the kid with DJ Rico (the old namesake) autographed by GURU and Premier on a 12″ copy of “You Know My Steez” and Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr on vinyl! Ain’t no shame in how dedicated I was to Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal.
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Harlem Stage Does Tribute to Roy Ayers with Pete Rock

Two years ago, I watched a colleague of Roy Ayers defend the jazz/R&B legend against a young club promoter who didn’t see him on the guestlist. He eventually got into the club, without a heated confrontation. Even though his face isn’t the most recognizable, the samples of his music have left a greater mark in hip-hop than hours of berating would do to kids that just don’t understand.

The lesson will be learned though when Pete Rock is scheduled to DJ at the Harlem Stage Gatehouse on April 24th. Back when Pete Rock was cool with partner C.L. Smooth, P turned into rap’s Barry White, ad-libbing over the vibraphone percussion of Mr. Ayers’ “Searching.” Robert Glasper will also accompany Pete Rock, and a few special guests (Native Tongues? Q-Tip? De La Soul?) Click here to purchase tickets, then get familiar with Pete’s instrumental work with respect to the architect, Roy Ayers.
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Suite903 DJ: DJ Spinna

Suite903: No.5 (Part 1)

DJ Spinna is something of an anomaly in music. A humbling example of what it takes to truly succeed within the framework of multiple fields. A steadfast work ethic, an obsessively extensive vinyl library and the willingness to pursue the full extents of his roots (Funk, Soul and Jazz), foundation (Hip-Hop) and future (Electronic/Dance music) with no restraints. A cornerstone of Hip-Hop’s late 90’s indie-uprise, DJ Spinna made much of his first impression on listeners as the musical background of his group The Jigmastas. Turning heads throughout the industry, Spinna’s sonics soon infiltrated numerous genres. Tapped by everyone from Mary J. Blige to Motown Records (for his brilliant Michael Jackson homage to “We’re Almost There”). It’s here his production presence would flourish greatly, as Spinna would go on to revive and revise Soulful marvels like Donald Byrd, Eddie Kendricks, Betty Carter, Roy Ayers and Al Jarreau. With so much studio work, it’s a marvel Spinna travels as much as he does. The constant, globe-trotting performances he’s become equally famed for have brought the DJ as far as Iceland, Australia, and South Africa as well as countless jaunts through England, Europe and the U.S. Not to forget, his hugely successful tours of Japan, where Spinna is held in the highest regard throughout the country for his craft in music. Its true that there are other likeminded DJ/Producers in the world comparable to DJ Spinna, but for the most part, they choose a genre and master it. Ask them to flip another variety with the same intense knowledge and sleek-savvy and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone that’ll do it to Spinna’s extent.

Listen: Suite903: No.5 (Part 1)

Suite903 DJ: Qool DJ Marv

Suite903: No. 4

There is a method to his magic in the way Qool DJ Marv presents and plays music. He tunes into the atmosphere of the venue and the energy of the people, and then he blends what he sees with what he hears. Intertwining many styles for many faces from many places, Qool DJ Marv captivates you with his blend. The effortless flow & continuously ascending momentum of his wide ranging sets is inviting, hypnotic, & breathtaking. Qool DJ Marv crafts an unforgettable feel good get down party where everyone in the room will hear something that they enjoy. It’s as if he knew you were coming.

An inventive pioneer, Qool DJ Marv deliberately defies categorization to great effect. An evening of Qool DJ Marv may include mind boggling array of selections spanning many eras and decades of music including Rhythm & Blues, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Latin, House, Jazz, Funk, Rock and Soul classics, and Eclectic beats from around the world.

It’s Qool DJ Marv’s laid-back demeanor and the playfully enchanting smile that you 1st notice. He’s genuinely pleased to meet you and despite his even keel, he’s bubbling at the thought of what he has in store for your listening, dancing, and celebratory pleasure. There’s an exuberant idealism in Marv’s appealing mix that bridges us all – with a universal vibe, everybody gets down.

Listen: Suite903: No.4

Joy Jones “Be My Husband”

Giant Step’s Joy Jones is a fusion of Afro-Beat, Jazz and soul with an electro twist. Making a wedding proposal awfully great to dance to, Jones’ “Be My Husband” off of her July album release Godchild is a great remake to a Nina Simone classic. Different from all of those independent women tunes, the track has Joy offering to cook and sew to keep her man! But Jones has a variety of other services she can offer, the girl is a Jill of many trades, adding song writing and spoken word to her range of talents.

Download: Joy Jones “Be My Husband”

Saturn Never Sleeps- In NY!

Tonight, July 28th, King Britt along with a slew of electro-musicians introduce New York to the Saturn Never Sleeps experience. If you make your way to the World Financial Center Winter Garden Stage tonight, you will be apart of this carefully curated electronic experience of Britt and singer/visualist Rucyl Mills. Musicians involved in the stunning combination of sight and sound include Mills on vocals, Tim Motzer on guitartronics, Damon Bennet on the keyboard and flute, and Britt himself working a number of things that have to be plugged in. The visuals will be handled by Jason Senk, and word is there will be a gang of special guests! Tonight’s show is also dedicated to jazz great Sun-Ra, with a custom interpretation of his of his otherworldly sound.
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