Highlife

The magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff

2008-03-19T14:21:45Z

You may know him as Will Smith's dj or as the head of A Touch of Jazz productions or as the guy who Uncle Phil used to physically throw out of the house in Bel Air. Well I know DJ Jazzy Jeff as one of the most influential djs in Philadelphia and in hiphop music all together. With his constant world touring, soulful music production, and ever increasing discography (The Return of the Magnificent just dropped a few months ago), Dj Jazzy Jeff continues to be just as relevant (if not more so) to today's music scene as he was in the 80's. It's not often that he plays gigs in his hometown, but this Friday March 21st you can catch him at Fluid Nightclub (613 S. 4th St.). The event is called DJ Jazzy Jeff & Friends, and as the name suggests, he has some of his talented friends joining in to add their special flavor to the mix. Alongside Jeff on the turntables will be DJ Active and DJ Excel of Scratch Makaniks. Also, hiphop mc Skillz (formerly Mad Skillz) will be hosting. Sounds like a good way to spend a Friday night.

Barack The Vote @ XIX Restaurant

2008-02-27T16:56:41Z

In April, it will be Pennsylvania's turn to vote for who we want to represent us in the presidential election in November. This means if you haven't registered to vote, you don't have a lot of time left. ]]> XIX Restaurant/Lounge in the Bellevue Hotel (Corner of Broad and Walnut), Philly Students for Obama are having a Voter Registration Kick Off Party. No matter if you have your heart set on Barack Obama or if you haven't decided yet, come through for a good time and good information. A group of local djs are going to work to creating an uplifting yet fun mood and various speakers, including Kal Penn of Harold & Kumar fame, will speak about the change that we need in this country. The event is 8pm-12 and it's Free. RSVP at http://www.pennsylvania.barackobama.com/ under "Events" or at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/organizing/4r9lg#rsvp

Candyland... The perfect hangout.

2008-02-19T20:29:12Z

Remember when the scene wasn't about being "seen"? It's was just about hanging out, meeting good people, and having a fun time. ]]> Thursday, February 21st, marks the return of Candyland, the party where it's cool to just take it easy. The party, which is thrown by Squarebiz, has two elements that set it apart from every other party in Philly... candy and games. You can enjoy all your favorite sweets (pixie sticks, mary janes, blow pops, etc.) while battling it out in Connect Four, Spades, and Battleship. Throw in your favorite adult beverage along with some feel good music (provided by DJ Mike Nyce and special guest Rich Medina) and you have a winner. One of the things I have always loved about this night is the fact that it encourages social interaction that doesn't include cheesy pick-up lines. Candyland has taken place at a bunch of different venues over the past few years including the Five Spot (R.I.P.) and the Latest Dish. This week, Candyland will be settling in its new home at the Walnut Room (17th & Walnut St.), where it will be taking place every Thursday night. Check it out!

Valentine's Day at the Cira Centre

2008-02-14T17:33:53Z

Love is in the air today. If you are heading out tonight with that special someone, I'm sure the question you will be asking after dinner is "where should we go now?". I looked around for a Valentine's Day party that has the right stuff and the event that stood out was The Warm Down which is happening tonight at Rae Restaurant(2929 Arch Street). This is the first major event for promoter Thane Wright's new company Step Up Media and the first major (meaning "actually cool") party that I have heard about at Rae Restaurant. ]]> Skeme Richards and Sean Thomas will mix up a smooth selection of grooves ranging from classic soul to deep house. As far as refreshments go, there will be an open bar from 10pm-11pm provided by Pilsner Urquell. Sounds like a good place to take the one you love or maybe even find someone to love.

Back 2 Basics w/ Nickodemus

2008-01-28T18:46:21Z

King Britt and Dozia's Back 2 Basics party has been consistently strong since it restarted at Silk City (5th and Spring Garden St.) last year. Considering it's a Monday night event, that is a huge accomplishment. One of the keys to its success are all of the surprise appearances by various artists and djs. One night it's 4Hero from the UK dropping a guest dj set. Another night, it's soul legend Billie Paul perform live on stage. You never know who is gonna be there, but you know the music will be great! ]]> Nickodemus, of New York's world renown Turntables on the Hudson party, will be in the house tonight (Monday Jan. 28th). Nickodemus is known for playing a mixture of global grooves with influences from Africa, India, and Brazil. He has record a bunch of tunes including the popular "Mi Swing Es Tropical", which is best known from the ipod commercial. I also hear there will be some special live performances, but I won't give too much away. Here is a video by Nickodemus for "Funky in the Middle" from his album Endangered Species.

Weekend Picks: Derrick Carter & More.

2008-01-25T14:50:41Z

1-25-2008 Sorry for the hiatus. It's been real busy around here at Highlife HQ. Here are some events worth checking out this weekend. ]]> Friday Derrick Carter @ Fluid (613 S. 4th St.) - One of the biggest names in Chicago house, Derrick Carter, drops into Philly to play one of his legendary sets. Jungle Rave @ Medusa (27 S. 21st St.) - Some of Philly's best D&B/Jungle djs come together to bring back that old rave feeling. DJs include J Smooth, Art Cuebik, Joey Breakdown and others. Bodyrock @ M-Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) - Dj Ultraviolet will be playing a guest dj spot alongside the Illvibe Collective crew. Hiphop, funk, classic and culture.
Saturday Live Forever @ The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) - DJs JHN RDN and Designer Drugs drop crazy electro tunes at the new Fishtown hotspot. Tasty Treats @ Fluid (613 S. 4th St.) - Squarebiz presents a night of feel good music with DJ Mike Nyce and Yameen on the mic.
Sunday Fallout @ Vango (116 S. 18th St.) - Djs Deep C, Christian James, and Niko present a night soulful house music. Sundae @ La Veranda (Peir 3, Columbus Blvd.) - A daytime house music get together with Lee Jones and Dirty. This week, Dj Pete Moss is the guest.

Freeway at WTWB

2008-01-02T18:55:11Z

It's finally 2008 and Highlife has returned. This year is gearing up to be a big one, so keep checking this space. ]]> Arts Garage (1533-35 Ridge Ave) for the first White T's White Belts party of the year. If you need a sweaty, dirty, alcohol drenched party to start your weekend off, then this is it. As an added bonus, this month's party will have a special appearance from North Philly's grittiest mc, Freeway. Freeway's grimy rhymes and raspy voice are staples of the WTWB parties, so having the man himself performing live should take it to a whole new level. This could be the craziest White T's White Belts yet!!!

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings save our soul.

2007-12-13T15:58:19Z

I have been a Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings fan for years now. That is fact that every Dap Kings fan can be proud to mention, especially since the rest of the world is finally starting to catch on. After some the band member did session work and played as backing band for Amy Winehouse, the Dap King's 60s funk/northern soul sound began to win over the mainstream. ]]> Filmore at the TLA (4th & South St.) this Friday December 14th. You will hate yourself in the morning if you miss this! Here is their new video 100 Days, 100 Nights....

Stones Throw Records in Philly Tonight.

2007-12-03T16:32:56Z

When it comes to hiphop music these days, there isn't much that gets me excited. Most mainstream tunes can't hold my interest for so long and I'm totally confused about how "Crank that Soldier Boy" is the biggest rap song in America right now. It seem like hiphop has lost it's soul. But at least there are still artists out there that make authentic hiphop tracks without the help of mainstream media and having to dumb down their music. ]]> Stones Throw Records has been pushing their own brand of hiphop. Artist on the label include such heavyweights as the late J Dilla, MF Doom, Oh No, Aloe Blacc, and the extremely prolific Madlib (whose own releases make up about 70% of Stones Throws entire catalog). Over the last few years, their influence has surpassed the backpacker & hipster markets and is slowly starting to leak into popular culture. Last year they collaborated with Cartoon Network's Adult Swim team for the highly successful Chrome Children project. This year they released B-Ball Zombie War, a strangely titled soundtrack for Y2K Sports' upcoming 2K8 Video Game series. The compilation features songs with Talib Kweli, Q-Tip and MF Doom over J Dilla beats and new music by Stones Throw's roster of artists. A new album means one thing... TOUR! And that's what we get tonight, as the Stones Throw crew heads into Philly for a show at the Starlight Ballroom/Club Polaris (460 N 9th Street). On the bill is label head Peanut Butter Wolf along with Madlib, Guilty Simpson, Percee P, J Rocc of the Beat Junkies, and jazz drummer/beatmaker Karriem Riggins. It's going to be a great night for hiphop! Here are some cool clips for B-Ball Zombie War and Madlib's Beatconducta in India album:

Hit Pins Not People

2007-11-30T15:12:47Z

News flash! Philadelphia has topped 400 homicides this year. With all the violence and craziness going on in the streets, it's obvious that a shift in the public consciousness is needed. ]]> 3BG Marketing decided to take matters into their own hands. Tonight at Lucky Strikes (1336 Chestnut Street), they present Bowling Against Bullets, a benefit to help prevent gun violence. The proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Women of Strength, the Institute for the Study of Civic Values and Calvin Presbyterian Church of West Philadelphia. Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson as well as many other community leaders will be on hand to discuss the need for change in our city. Of course, I wouldn't be writing about it here if there wasn't some fun involved. First of all, Lucky Strikes is more then just your mom and dad's old bowling alley. It's a sleek nightlife complex with multiple bars, lounges, and great food. Also, tonight's event will include live performances by local artist, free food, a raffle, and bowling. Companies like Cadillac, Red Bull and Philadelphia Life Style Magazine will be in the house providing giveaways and prizes. Fun! fun! fun!!! Bowling Against Bullets @ Lucky Strike Lanes (1336 Chestnut Street). Friday November 30th. 8pm to Midnight

DJ Cash Money on the cut.

2007-11-28T15:27:27Z

New York may be the home of hiphop but Philly is the home of the hiphop dj. When the subject of legendary Philly djs comes up, two names must be mentioned Dj Jazzy Jeff and DJ Cash Money. In the early days, these two were major forces when it came to party rocking and scratching. There is even an ongoing debate over which one of them should be credited with inventing the tremolo-like "transformer" scratch. DJ Jazzy Jeff went on to form a Grammy winning hiphop group with the Fresh Prince (Will Smith) and DJ Cash Money went on to win various international dj competitions. ]]> Dj Cash Money will be making a rare appearance in Philly at the Walnut Room(17th & Walnut St.). Normally, Cash can be found dropping dj sets at parties, scratch showcases, concerts, and even TV shows (Chappelle Show, anyone?!) all over the globe, but he hardly ever does anything back home. This will be a chance to see a master at his best. Here is some classic DJ Cash Money footage from the World DMC Battle 1988:

Bhangra and Beats

2007-11-14T17:03:23Z

Bhangra is nothing new, but over the past few years it has become bigger then ever. These days, the Punjabi rhythms that make up the Bhangra sound are being fused with pop, hiphop, dancehall reggae, and house music. These new sounds have caused such an explosion in the music scene that major artists like Timbaland are incorporated into their albums and Jay-Z is collaborating with artists like Punjabi MC. ]]> DJ Rekha, who Newsweek Magazine calls one of the most influential South Asians in the United States. Her internationally known Basement Bhangra party has exposed Manhattan nightlife to an entirely new sound. In October, she released a Basement Bhangra album which features her original productions and guest appearances by artist like Wyclef Jean. This Friday November 16th, DJ Rekha is stopping into Philadelphia to celebrate the release of her new cd and give us a taste of South Asian nightlife. It will be taking place at World Cafe Live (3025 Walnut Street) and I recommend you check it out. Here are some DJ Rekha video clips...

In the key of Life....

2007-11-08T14:53:54Z

I know I usual use this space to talk about what is going on in the nightclubs in Philly, but today is different. Tonight at the Wachovia Center, we are lucky enough to have one of the world's best singer/songwriter/musician/arranger/harmonica players.... Stevie Wonder. There is not much I really need to say about this guy, except that this is his first tour in about 15 years and who knows when he will tour again. I'm sure the tickets are already sold out, but if you can get your hands on one, it will be well worth it.

Flosstradamus mashes it up.

2007-11-06T19:40:21Z

All things hip (or hipster) have been making their way to the dj booth and the dancefloor of the newly revived Silk City. From one-off parties with Spankrock to King Britt's Back 2 Basics returning, Silk City has come back into the Philly scene strong. ]]> Flosstradamus, aka djs J2K and Autobot. In the past few years these guys have gone from being featured in Urb Magazine's Next 100 (kinda like the "Most likely to succeed" list for underground music) to being featured on the cover of Urb. This past year they have played to huge crowds at the Coachella Festival and SXSW, as well as across the world a various clubs. What can you expect to hear? Well, Flosstradamus is known for having both djs play simultaneous on a 4 turntables. The setup allows them to create all sorts of crazy mash-ups and remixes live on stage. Musically, you can expect a mix of rock riffs, dirty south hi-hats, B-more club drums, Miami booty bass, 80s grooves and anything else that will get you moving. Here is a clip of the fellas doing what they do...

Weekend Highlights

2007-11-02T13:55:56Z

Halloween Night was definitely one to remember. I'm still recovering, but the sugar rush I can get from all of these leftover SweetTarts and Snickers bars should keep me going through this busy weekend. ]]> Red Bull Art of Can exhibit at F.U.E.L., so definitely include that into your First Friday walk around Old City. But it's the afterparty for this event that really needs your attention. It all goes down Silk City with Def Jux artist RJD2, ?uestlove of the Roots, electronic soulman King Britt, and the Rub's Cosmo Baker all taking turns on the turntables. What a line up!!!. Also, check out Squarebiz's new Friday night hang suite La Veranda, where they host their new event Fresh. It's a sexy hiphop and soul situation with a rotating cast of djs, including Mike Nyce, Statik, Ultraviolet, Afrodjiak, and L-Boogie. If you are a house music head, make your way to Liquid Charm because producer/dj Onionz is in town to play at the House Arrest party. Finally, don't forget about the usually First Friday standards. Let Me Ride is back at Fluid for another night of dirty dancefloor bangers. The White T's White Belts guys are back from their adventures in Canada(Aye!) for some late night action at Arts Garage. The Solomonic crew keeps the Bubble House bubblin' with lover's rock, dancehall, and dub vibes at their Royal Fridays party. The madness continues on Saturday at Transit Nightclub with Paperstreet and Simplefly's Mad P*$$y (can I say that?) party. The line up includes Spankrock's DJs Devlin & Darko, Plastic Little's Si Young, Dae Record's DJ Dirty and more taking over all three floors of Transit. Over at Level Room it's the relaunch party for Philly's beloved 611 Records, which is returning in a brand new form. On the wheels is Las Vegas's Starkillers(aka Nick Terranova), who will be dropping EDM jams alongside the 611 crew. On Sunday, I'm hoping to get to check out the new Rittenhouse hotspot Vango Lounge & Skybar. I hear it's really a beautiful venue and they just announced their weekly dj line-up, which includes cool cats like Lee Jones, Dev 79, Rashaan, and others. But, their Sunday night party sound like it’s the big night because they have three djs. Niko, Deep C, and Christian James will be bringing the sexy house music vibes with their new party called Fallout. And of course, don't forget to check the Sundae party at its new fall/winter home La Veranda. Good Stuff.