Posts Tagged ‘Los Angeles’

Read my mini-recap of Childish Gambino‘s triumphant show this past Saturday at Club Nokia @ L.A. Live / Downtown L.A..

Remember, pick up Childish Gambino‘s new album Camp on Glassnote Records in-stores today! Support!

On with the show….

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I’m not sure why you wouldn’t want to RSVP for this – well, unless you can’t because you’re under 21. But, it’s going down tomorrow at the House of Blues on Sunset. Free with RSVP to the URL on the flyer. Boom.

**Bringing this back up top. In another exclusive interview brought to you by TheHipHopUpdate (check our archive of exclusive intv’s here), our contributor Taylor catches up with one of the most promising up & coming MC’s out West, Dom Kennedy.

Before performing at The Rialto in Tuscon, AZ, Dom speaks out about his once in a lifetime trip to Africa, his influence on the Los Angeles hip hop scene as well as details on From the Westside with Love II (including an updated release date, the sound, the progression).

Additionally, Dom speaks on the upcoming Paid Dues Festival and what it means to him to have his counterparts, Casey Veggies & Skeme, performing with him. In addition to that, he says he has taken Veggies under his wing, in a sense, and boldly states that Veggies has the ability to outlast many artists in the industry nowadays.

Thanks to Dom Kennedy, Kevin Robinson, Taylor and Hayden

I did these posts the last few years I’ve been out there and people really seemed to like the recap and/or pictures/stories/etc…so I wanted to take you guys for a spin this time around for the 53rd Annual Grammy Weekend out in Los Angeles.

What I like about Grammy weekend is not necessarily the Grammy Award Show itself, but the events leading up to and after the ceremony. Add that to the fact that it was 20 degrees when I flew out of NYC’s JFK airport and arrived in 75 degree weather and it makes for a solid weekend of parties, events, shows, lovely ladies, and California sun.

If you desire, click the link below to read my full recap and check out a bunch of personal pics I took along the way:

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This is a great initiative and opportunity, so I wanted to pass the info along to all the HHU readers. With The Roots holding their 7th Annual Jam Session the night before the Grammy’s out in Hollywood, they have partnered up with OpportunityNation as the charity of choice. It is newest initiative from be BetheChange and a compliment to ServiceNation, which was launched with Mrs. Obama, Dr. Biden and Mrs. Powell.

All you have to do (and I don’t know why you wouldn’t) is go to OpportunityNation’s site HERE, tweet a pre-fixed message and/or enter your email, and you will be automatically entered to win free airfare, hotel and entrance to the Roots Jam Session in LA. I attended both the actual Grammy’s and the Jam Session last year and, quite honestly, the Jam Session was better than the Grammy Awards.

Click below for additional details on the Jam Session and OpportunityNation:

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Wanted to throw this up for the Lakers fans on the West Coast. Lamar Odom is will having a meet & greet TODAY, January 26th at the House of Hoops Beverly Center. He’s slated to be there from 3pm-4pm, but the event is limited to the first 200 guests.

Foot Locker
Beverly Center
8500 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048

That was fast. Congrats to J.S.

Fast-tracking indie hip hop act Chiddy Bang will headline the launch of EA Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Tuesday, November 16 at Avalon in Los Angeles. Chiddy Bang – whose music is featured in the adrenal “race or chase” driving game – is suddenly exploding on the music scene and in the media. The Phili duo was MTV’s “Pushed” artist of the week in late October, when the act was also a Twitter “trending” topic.

It’s video “Opposite of Adults” has 7 million Youtube views, and the act is the “No.1 fastest-growing artist on the internet” according to www.nextbigsound.com. The New York Times called it’s October CMJ showcase “a gem”, and the act’s fans include Kanye West, MGMT and The Roots. Chiddy Bang’s performance for EA will wrap up a 7-city US tour – and is the official launch of the anticipated video game – which goes on sale the same day. This party, also featuring HD game kiosks and all-night complimentary cocktails, is a hot-ticket, invitation-only event.

WE HAVE TWO PASSES! 18+! Sixth person who emails hhucontest@gmail.com with your full name and address (You must live in or around LA…don’t be a jackass) and “Chiddy” in the subject wins.

Chiddy Bang – Dancing With the DJ (Remix)

Chiddy Bang – Young Blood (Remix)

I’m not up on David Cash, but he comes together with Game and Asiah to bring a us a nice little anthem for those in LA. You can check Cash and Game vibing in the studio right here.

David Cash ft Game and Asiah – City of Angels

Almost over a year ago we lost an amazing DJ, producer, and friend, Anthony Williams. Better known to many as Roc Raida or Grandmaster Roc Raida, a member of the legendary DJ group, The X-Ecutioners, he was as talented as he was kind. Most famous for his mash-up album Rock Phenomenon released with DJ Vlad in 2005, he also produced songs for artists such as the Jungle Brohers, Big Pun, Mad Skillz, and more.

On September 19, 2009 Roc Raida suffered cardiac arrest and passed away.

VTech and Beat Junkie Sound are proud to present the official Roc Raida L.A. Tribute. On September 24th, join The Beat Junkies, The X-Ecutioners, and special guests as they pay tribute to the legend…. (source)

Fat Beats is excited to present yet another send-off worthy of their hip-hop legacy. Following the recent close of their New York location and a successful string of in-store performances from such artists as Just Blaze, DJ A-Trak, Pete Rock, and DJ Premier, Fat Beats is planning a week long series of in-store performances and music industry panels for to close out the Los Angeles location. These in-stores will provide an opportunity for fans to celebrate the legacy of one of the strongest music brands in the company of their favorite artists, while learning about the history of Fat Beats and what the future holds for the music industry. Everyone is welcome to come and all events are free.

Today marks the official start of the week and a half long in-store series for the Los Angeles location. This location will host artist performances every day starting this weekend until it closes its doors for the final time on Saturday, September 18th, 2010. Additionally, the Los Angeles Fat Beats location will be selling limited edition commemorative t-shirts, as well as discounted music and merchandise. Says owner, Joseph Abajian aka DJ Jab, “California has supported us since day one and we’re looking forward to putting on great shows for our final week.”
Tuesday, September 14th: Trek Life, Percee P & Mellow Man Ace & others
Wednesday, September 15th: Tiron, Ayomari, Bambu, Tunji, & others
Thursday, September 16th: Producer Showcase – Exile, Rhettmatic, HouseShoes, Shafiyq, & others
Friday, September 17th: Kurupt, Bishop Lamont, Dilated Peoples, EM Eiht, Ras Kass, Planet Asia, Affion Crockett, Funkdoobiest, Strong Arm Steady, & others
Saturday, September 18th: Special guest DJ’s and performers all day
*FINAL DAY* Sunday, September 19th: DJ’s Showcase – DJ Revolution, Rhettmatic, J Rocc,& others

Yo LA – If you’re around Hollywood this coming Saturday, make sure to check out this official MTV Video Music Awards party/show at the House of Blues.  Music from B.O.B., Ke$Ha and some special guests……..

The money goes to a good cause – LIFEbeat - so it’s worth the dough. Check out tickets right here.

Not a huge NB guy, but I like the grey colorway. New Balance has linked up with UNDFTD to put their touches on the classic New Balance 574. Designed by UNDFTD Co-Founder James Bond, the New Balance x UNDFTD Sonic 574 features two colorways of the 574 that are inspired by retro sweatshirts from the 80s and feature reverse weave fleece uppers. The colorways include a Heather Grey/Blue and a Black/White with colored accents on the “N”. The New Balance x UNDFTD Sonic 574 Pack is set to release very soon at UNDFTD stores. Additional pics via KATC.

A sign of the times… Hate to see this hip hop retail entity go. Where does one now shop for physical product anymore? The hip hop core fan base shopper has really a limited selection of retail outlets to choose from. Please support your local mom and pop shops still operating out there.

- C.A.

via the press release

(August 18, 2010 – Brooklyn, NY) After 16 years, Fat Beats has announced the closing of the legendary label’s two remaining retail locations in New York and Los Angeles. Fat Beats will celebrate the legacies of the stores, which are scheduled to close in early September (New York: September 4th, Los Angeles: September 18th) by throwing a series of blow-out sales and tribute parties open to the public during their last weeks. Fans can check www.FatBeats.com for updates.

Fat Beats’ longest running and most famed location is at 406 Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan. Since the 1994 opening of Fat Beats’ flagship retail location, hip-hop fans have traveled far and wide to visit the iconic store. With locations soon following in Los Angeles (7600 Melrose Ave.), Atlanta, Amsterdam, and Tokyo, the record stores were a place to experience hip-hop culture and its legacy, which became a global phenomenon. “The closing of Fat Beats is just like one of my friends passing away. They promoted vinyl at its highest degree for the culture of good music and that makes it more difficult to say goodbye,” says DJ Premier.

The announcement of the closings is a reflection of the woes that have been plaguing the industry for years. Global chain HMV closed their last US location in 2004. Tower Records shuttered in 2006. Last year saw the close of the last Virgin Megastore, and the story is no different in 2010. For Fat Beats, maintaining two stores well into 2010 is a testament to the stores’ importance to the music and to fans and consumers continuing to support independent hip-hop.

While news of the stores’ closing marks the end of an era, the future is not doom and gloom. Digital sales continue to increase industry-wide; for Fat Beats, currently operating a profitable and growing online retail store, this has provided a boon to business as fans continue to order mp3s, vinyl, and CDs from FatBeats.com. Although digital sales continue to grow, executives at Fat Beats understand the importance of independent retail stores and are planning to re-open a brick and mortar hip-hop lifestyle location sometime in the near future.

The future looks just as bright for Fat Beats Distribution and the label. Fat Beats Distribution, which has been renamed FB Distribution, continues to strike noteworthy distribution deals with independent and major labels worldwide and is now working with different genres of alternative music. Fat Beats Records will continue to release notable albums from their own impressive roster of artists including ILL BILL, TruMaster/KRS-One, Black Milk, Trinity, Sha Stimuli, Q-Unique, and more. Fat Beats owner and President Joe Abajian says, “This is the start of a new era for Fat Beats. We’re adapting to meet the needs of our demographic by revamping and improving our existing systems. While our website, which stocks everything available in our retail stores, continues to do very well, we’re still exploring our options for alternate retail locations in the future. We’re proud of our legacy and will continue to re-invent ourselves. For now, we’ll see you online at FatBeats.com”

Mike Posner will be appearing at the Santa Monica Place Hot Topic located at 315 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401 on Monday, August 9th at 7:00 PM! HT+1 Members can pre-order the Mike Posner CD, 31 Minutes to Takeoff, or purchase any Mike Posner T-shirt at participating Hot Topic locations (Santa Monica Place, Hollywood & Highland, Westside Pavilion and Galleria at Southbay) and receive a wristband** that guarantees the opportunity to meet him on August 9th. Need more info? Then call the Santa Monica Place Hot Topic at 310.451.4979.
Note: This event is an HT+1 Member Exclusive!* Not an HT+1 Member? That’s okay. Click here to sign up and start taking advantage of all the great benefits!

*Offer valid for HT+1 Members only. Enrollment accepted at time of purchase. Membership is free with no obligation.
**Limit one wristband and one autograph per person. Purchase must be made at the specified Hot Topic location only. Space is limited. Wristband required for entry to signing. No cameras allowed within Hot Topic locations.

Where: Amoeba Music Hollywood, CA
When: Wednesday, July 28th at 6pm

If you’re planning to attend this event, heed the notice in paragraph 2.

From Amoeba‘s website:

Standing room only! Amoeba is honored to host a private lecture/Q&A and book event with the legendary KRS ONE, a.k.a. “The Teacha”. This special event will take place in Amoeba’s Jazz room where a smaller group of fans will be able to hear KRS ONE read selections from his new book and answer questions.

Due to the intimate nature of this event and space constraints, Amoeba will sell advance Gospel of Hip Hop packages. Includes a copy of the book on event date, guaranteed space in signing line to meet KRS ONE, and a ticket to hear KRS speak and answer questions in Amoeba’s Jazz Room.

Package price is $25 and they are available at Amoeba Hollywood now, while they last! All tickets/book orders are final sales.