DJ Godfather

DJ Godfather, Da Bomb Volume 6 (excerpt)

While Assault is the most famous name, ghettotech has a few other excellent DJs/producers spreading the sounds. I figured that it would be nice to look at another of the founding fathers of the music, the aptly named DJ Godfather. While he is not as well known as Assault, he holds OG status for those who follow ghettotech or accelerated funk or whatever you want to call it. His label, Twilight 76, was one of the pivotal labels that put this new sound out, starting around 1996. Twilight 76 and Databass have put out hundreds of 12" recordings, helping to define and shape the music during its brief heyday. It reminds me of many of the electronic music scenes that sprout up every few years, with track after track coming out on various small labels, new names constantly putting out the hottest shit week to week.

DJ Godfather does not have the persona or pr skills of DJ Assault, but he is just as good and talented. For your listening pleasure, I have thrown up an excerpt from one of his mixes, Da Bomb Volume 6. Again, you will get the tried and true of the genre, short songs that feature offensive catchphrases repeated over 4/4 beats with deep bass. I must say that, while this is the only mix that I have heard of Godfather (so far), it is the best I have heard from anyone. Those 4/4 beats can be very oppressive over a 60 or 70 minute mix, and Godfather seems to do the most to alleviate. Godfather leaves a little space for the listener, dropping the beat out occasionally, scratching and generally using songs with more varied beats and percussion elements.

It's funny, because I am again focusing many posts on music that many see as a repetitive and boring. I can't argue with people's tastes, but both reggaeton and ghettotech hit me every time. No, this is not the stuff you are going to play at your wedding, but it's not made for reflection or the radio or the mainstream. Rather, it is a music played for the clubs and its sole purpose is to get people dancing and moving their asses. I cannot stress enough how amazing it is to hear DJs who get it, who understand that they are there to get the crowd moving, make people happy and keep the dancefloor packed. They are not there to brag about their record collections, play what people should hear or impose their own will on the crowds.

Okay, there is still more to come with my ghettotech selections, as we will look at Assault again, Disco D and some young bols who have put together some devastating mixes that are keeping this music alive.

-Following up on that Shadetek mix, I want to direct everyone to some great grime music out there on the Internets this week. First up, head over to Logan Sama's blog, which has quicklyh become an essential source for all of us in the US who cannot find this music coming out of East London. Logan Sama puts together a show for the pirate radio station Kiss FM, and is involved in the grime scene like few others. Make sure to peep the exclusive mix he has uploaded, made for a series of concerts he put on in Europe with Jammer, Skepta et al. There are other sets available at times, so you need to check the site often. Great stuff.

-It was a fun time Saturday night at the Ukie, despite the fact that I went by myself. It was especially great to see Baltimore in the house, as the Baltimore Bass Connection, Chris Rockswell and Ronnie Darko, killed it for real. That B-more club sound just feels more and more right the more I hear it. Go here and cop XXXChange and Rockswell's Voila mixtape from Turntable Lab.

-There seems like such a natural connection between the two cities, one that has not been made enough in the clubs. Perhaps this event will be the start of something more regular. More to come on this...

-When Jezebel and I woke up Sunday morning, we were very happy to get the chance to catch up on the recent Laguna Beach episodes on MTV. That's right, I am a huge fan of Laguna Beach, and not afraid to admit it. (Actually, I am a little bit afraid, mainly because I believe that this admission prevents me from using the phrase "no homo" ever again.) Why do I like the show so much? It reminds me of my high school years, except that they have money, sex, beaches, huge houses, nice whips, and good looks. I shudder at the thoughts of a reality show based around my high school years. Would America want to see a show based on depression, Marx, self-loathingand hip hop? (Since you are reading this blog, perhaps they would.) High school, good times.

Anyway, I had to put down my thoughts, as that damn Jason has me so riled up. He is such a dick, and so obviously a cheater, that it makes me want to scream. The only girl who seems cute and nice is Jessica, and I just want to scream at her and make her break-up with this douche. Grrr. And don't get me started about that bitch, Alex M. Jessica should cut that girl for moving on her man. That shit ain't cool. And you thought that I was kidding about the political talk. Err, whatever. I'm going back to the chat room to find out more about Kristin, Talan, LC and the rest of the gang.