Blog Archives

Center Bumps – Paris DJs Special (Download)

Center Bumps - Paris DJs

* All Vinyl Mix | Cover Artwork by Andrés Jiménez

This month’s podcast mix comes to you courtesy of the Paris based website for all things soulful, funky and deep – Paris DJs.  I’ve been checking for Paris DJs for a number of years now, always updated with the latest info on some of my favorite artists and releases.

When the opportunity came to do an exclusive mix for their site, I was more than happy to put this together. Below are a couple questions you may have regarding the mix and you’ll find the link to download it straight to your digital player here.

What are Center Bumps?

Center Bumps are tunes that I’m feeling that particular week and/or month. They are songs in constant rotation and highlight new and old music that I’ve dug up in that respective time period. I use to include charts in my mailing list emails and people would always write back asking how they could hear that music.  Well, now you can courtesy of these monthly mixes.

Why did you choose to do an all Vinyl mix?

To be honest I’m still high off of Everything in Time being released on vinyl. Vinyl is still my favorite way to listen to music. I have so many gems that haven’t been released digitally, so it made sense to spread love the analog way.

Why Paris DJs?

Djouls and crew been putting it down for years on that side of the Atlantic, always keeping it fresh. With so many people in common, it was only a matter of time til we connected online for a release!

DJ Center – Center Bumps (Paris DJs Spécial) (Download)

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DJ Center- You Got the Love feat Gretchen Parlato (Sam Champ Remix)

DJ Center - Everything In Time Remixed

Today is the first in a series of free downloads from the forthcoming, Everything in Time Remixed project, coming to your digital player this October.

Remixes are always refreshing to me as I get to see how other folks re-interpret the works. An all-star remix cast formed over the course of the last year to re-work songs from Everything in Time. That lineup included- DJ Spinna, Waajeed, J.Rawls, DJ OBaH, Sam Champ, Captain Planet, DJ Eleven and others.

You Got the Love” is one of my favorite Rufus and Chaka Khan tunes and Gretchen Parlato and I had a ball paying tribute with our cover of the song from my LP. Now, Sam Champ brings a completely unique and lovely flavor to the song on his remix. Get it for free for the next week below.

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Brazilian Funk Mode

Maybe it’s the weather in NYC this time of year, or going to check out São Paulo’s DJ Nuts put down a very nice club set last Friday in NYC, nonetheless, nothing but Musica Brasileira has been coming out of my speakers lately.

Brazilian music is EVERYTHING! Big up my man + mentor on Brazilian grooves – DJ Paulão.

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Rodigan Rides Again – Gilles Peterson x David Rodigan

David Rodigan

I remember being in Brixton, England back in 2005, looking to hear some reggae music. We walked the Brixton streets searching for listings and from what seemed like no where, a man on the street appears and tells us the legendary “RODIGAN” is playing at the Church that used to be the Mosque that night. After some more inquiring, we found this legendary spot that the man who greeted us spoke of.

The name of the venue was MASS (in St. Mathews Church), and it was there that David “Ram Jam” Rodigan and Papa Face held quarters every Wednesday, delivering that sweet reggae music to the people.

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One for Gil- A Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron (Download)

DJ Center - One for Gil

*All Vinyl Mix  | Cover Artwork by Haylow for the Roy Ayers Project

It’s been just over three weeks since Gil’s passing. Like all death, it is extremely hard to initially get the news, but as time goes on, we find ways to move on and the reality of someone passing fades, deep into our memories.

Well, to me, this one is different. The reality of Gil’s passing and the void that has been left with his absence, has been hanging over me since Friday, May 27th. Gil had a voice and spirit like no other- beautiful, soulful and real, with every word he spoke. Whether it was through his critique of America and the ‘deals in back alleys where politicians often hide’ or his call to unify the Black community, shining light on the injustices done to people of color, Gil did it like no other and to the death.

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Somethin’ for the Summer – Eric Roberson feat Chubb Rock

Summertime (So Hot)

I love this record.

It just feels right! One of my all time favorite dance floor classics, “Give me the Night“, flipped so lovely. The fact that Erro enlisted Chubb Rock for mic duties (!!!) means instant CLASSIC.  Brooklyn, BBQ, summer time anthem bizness…

Eric Roberson feat Chubb Rock – “Summertime (So Hot)” (Download)

Summertime Anthem feat Chubb Rock by EricRoberson

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Sao Paulo Sabor – Anelis Assumpcao

Anelis Assumpção

There’s something in the water in São Paulo, Brazil.

A circle of contemporary artists are making some lovely sounds, with a vibe that draws inspiration from ’70s Kingston, yet is undoubtedly their own. São Paulo’s roots run deep, and these artists of the now are pushing the music forward, capturing something new, yet keeping the vintage/analog flavor alive in their music.

Introducing Anelis Assumpção. You may recognize her last name from her father, the incredible Itamar Assumpção. Govermnent (name) aside, Anelis is making a mark of her own. Together with producer Beto Villares, Gustavo Lenza and Céu, among others of Brazil’s finest musicians, she’s cookin’ some some tunes that you need in your life. I heard her debut LP drops on Scubidu Records in 2 weeks, search it out. In between time, enjoy “Neverland” from “Sou Suspeita Estou Sujeita Não sou Santa“.

*LOVE the nod to the The AbyssiniansSatta Massagana” at 4:59. Classic!

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