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

Eric Roberson “The Power That Kisses Hold”

Eric Roberson talks hunters and gatherers and the cat and mouse game in this single off his upcoming album. “The Power That Kisses Hold” reminds us how this whole love thing goes and is sometimes forgotten when one finally gets their hands on he or she who was once the object of their desire. Roberson’s album, Music Fan First, will be released next week on August 25 and is the singer/songwriter/producer’s seventh. With features from Lalah Hathaway, T3 of Slum Village and Wayna, E. Robe says “you can call this album soul music, but really it has no genre”. You had us at “The power.”

Download: Eric Roberson “The Power That Kisses Hold”

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”

Suite903 DJ: Rich Medina

Suite903: No. 1

Listen: Suite903 No.1: Rich Medina

Choice defines the man. Rich Medina has made a life based on one choice that has transformed the listening experience of millions. DJ Rich Medina lives, breathes, and revels in sharing the type of music that make a listener remember his soul. It is this awareness of soul that brings listeners back time and again to hear Rich spin: heads nod, bodies sway, emotions expand and coalesce. DJ Rich Medina uses the decks to guide his people away from the ordinary and into the realm of their imaginations. His intelligent blends bridge unexpected song selections that build a collective consciousness of intoxication. Without even realizing it, DJ Rich Medina lures you in and makes you forget who you were before the music began – Medina spins you into the now, into the moment, into the vital essence of who you are. Medina credits his family’s Baptist faith as the groundwork and source of his musical inclination and intuition. Music was always a form of celebration and rejoicing. The first time Medina heard Diana Ross’s 1976 hit “Love Hangover” in the family living room, he knew he wanted to be a DJ. When he’s writing music, whether in collaboration with other musicians or a personal project, Medina always aims to inject a universal notion of the need for change. Rich Medina holds DJ residencies at prominent venues throughout the country. Most notably he is a defining DJ at his “Little Ricky’s Rib Shack” parties at APT in New York City. Every Wednesday night Rich draws a crowd that waits patiently in line to experience the Medina funk flow, and for the last decade Medina has been a fixture on the Philly nightlife scene. Saturday nights on a bi-weekly basis, DJ Rich Medina is host of Jump N Funk at the prestigious Martinez Gallery. It is through such residencies that DJ Rich Medina is able to cultivate his audience and hone his craft. Always evolving as an artist, DJ Rich Medina transitions into the role of pre-eminent spoken word artist at clubs the world over. Rich writes words that convey messages of change and agency, self-determination and hope, and he is also the embodiment of those very same qualities and emotions. DJ Rich Medina, renaissance man, articulate performer and a down and dirty DJ who can go head to head with the best, is an artist who will transform the average experience of any club or venue and give his audience a night of music and words to remember.

Listen: Rich Medina, “Blues Baby”

Listen: Rich Medina, “Weight”

Lydia Caesar Redefines The “R” In R&B

Writer, mother, songstress…just some of the many hats worn by the incredibly talented miss Lydia Caesar. Hailing from New Work City, Lydia has multi-tasking in her blood. The Rotten Apple has already taken a liking to the Queens native with spirited cover of Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody” from SOB’s last year, and finally we get her newest track, appropriately titled, “Finally.”

Lydia gained her chops singing in her father’s Bethel Gospel Tabernacle, but has since evolved from her gospel roots, peppering her songs with a rock undertones. The result is Lydia’s aptly coined, “rock&b.” Get a taste of Lydia Caesar’s “Finally” below.

Download: Lydia Caesar, “Finally”

Bridging the Gap of Maxwell’s Seven Year Hiatus

Not to bite Ludacris, but the term back for the first time seems like a fitting way to phrase Maxwell’s return to music. Maxwell’s reemergence in 2009—sans his signature blowout ‘fro—is as hair-raising as his debut in 1996. Back then, the slender crooner whose demeanor was reminiscent of Marvin Gaye raised eyebrows as soul music’s “it” guy. But with Max’s extended absence, just how forgiving will an already downsizing industry be after a seven-year wait?

Fear not Urban Hanger-ons, Maxwell’s about to hold it down for three summers. This July, New York’s veteran soulman releases Black, the first installment in his Black Summer’s Night trilogy. The plan is to drop an album consecutively through 2010. To bring you up to speed with Maxwell’s moves leading up to the comeback album(s), we’ve compiled a few things you should know about the icon’s past, present, and future.
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Bobby Valentino’s Happy Days Doesn’t Jump The Shark

Bobby Valentino is making it his business to set himself apart from his contemporaries. Coming from Atlanta, his a-alikes (The Dream, Lloyd) hold all the trappings of r&b cool guys—a litter of girlfriends, collar popping, throwing it up for the A. But don’t be fooled, his video for “Hands On Me” is another trip down the road less traveled, where its Happy Days theme comes full circle with the Blu Kolla record label he’s formed with EMI.

The video for the new single from The Rebirth takes a page straight from the ’50s-inspired TV sitcom. The opening credits (yes, opening credits) are sequenced just like Happy Days—with a smaller supporting cast though (Young Joc cameo included). To play up the theme would have been overkill, but owning a Fonz-like role, Bob becomes synonymous with blue-collar men, or in more broad scheme, Blu Kolla music.

It’s Always Sunny In Toronto With The Carps

You might be under a rock if you’ve never heard of The Carps. Or in New York’s case, under water for the way the constant rain has the city looking like Atlantis. Up in Toronto though, the awesome twosome of Jamal Tongue (left), and Neil White (right) are taking their blend of r&b and punk rock to the top of the pops. Trust us, the Carps are the bridge between the two genres.

Now Canada has long been known for its huge Caribbean constituency, which obviously gravitates towards dancehall, and soca music. But with Jamal on drums, and Neil on bass guitar, the Carps channel those same festive vibes, aligning them with the adrenaline rush of punk rock, as seen on their latest song, “It’s Raining In The Projects, But It’s Sunny In Africa.” Still can’t wrap your head around their forward-thinking ethos? The likeness of Jamal’s voice is a true throwback to Terence Trent D’Arby (a.k.a. Sananda Maitreya), that is when he’s not belting out anti-establishment lyrics at ear-shattering volume. No word yet if “It’s Raining…” will be on the Carps’ next album, but between 2007 and 2008 the Carps released two EP’s The Young & Passionate Days of Carpedia Vol.2.1, and Wave & Shambles, plus racked up collaborations with indie-rap darlings Cool Kids, and electronica DJ/producers MSTRKRFT. Check out the new Carps banger below.