Movers & Shakers: Garth Trinidad

No other DJ in the last decade has had a bigger influence on Los Angeles music culture than Garth Trinidad. As both a resident DJ with KCRW over the last 15 years and a voting member of The Recording Academy, Trinidad has risen to prominence by championing progressive, creative and often overlooked artistry in urban alternative music. Through his weekly show, Chocolate City, Trinidad has inspired a refashioning of the Los Angeles underground music scene, providing a much-needed platform for new, independent music artists. Further, Chocolate City has evolved into a global soundscape by infusing soulful classics with the best in independent world music.

I’ve had the good fortune of getting to know Garth over the last year and was happy to discover the many layers of the man
behind the music. Garth, a loving husband and father, is also an artist in his own right and, lucky for us, 2013 will be a year of many Trinidad-laced projects. First up, is the KCRW 5th Annual Moja Moja Pre-Grammy Brunch & Benefit Concert happening this Saturday, February 9th at the W in Hollywood. The brunch, which benefits Oxfam America and The Darfur Stoves Project, will honor the legendary George Clinton this year and feature intimate performances by artists such as pianist, Chloe Flowers and Malaysian singer-songwriter, Yuna. This event usually sells out so check here for tickets for more information.

Watch and listen to the first in a two-part series with Garth Trinidad. Stay tuned for more to come!

Photos by Monica Orozco and JLogic.

Culture Connection: Morgan Rhodes

In this episode of Culture Connection, Brother Malcolm chats with DJ and music programmer, Morgan Rhodes, host of KPFK’s (FM 90.7) The Listening Station. Rhodes also holds the honor of being the music supervisor for Ava DuVernay’s latest project, Middle of Nowhere. Listen in as they chat about current music genres, the crucial role of independent radio, and why Black people should embrace a variety of musical styles.

LA EVENTS: Celebrate MJ’s Birthday with Kiss-N-Grind

This Friday, August 27th K-n-G is back with another soulful event, this time celebrating the birthday of Michael Jackson. A special 2-hour set for MJ will be hosted by none other than Questlove of The Legendary Roots Crew. Admission is $20 with an RSVP to questloversvp@walktalkin.com; otherwise admission will be $25. Details are as follows:

Celebrating until the LATE night (old-school K-n-G style!)
10PM-4AM

The Bay Salone
925 Santa Fe Ave.
Downtown L.A. 90021
(Right off the 10 Freeway – Santa Fe Ave. exit in either direction)

$20 b4 11:30pm ONLY with e-mail RSVP!
questloversvp@walktalkin.com
$25+ Without
21+/Cash Only Door/Cash & Credit Bar/NO ATM On Site
Ample street parking with plentiful patrolling security.

For my food truck junkies, the Ride or Fry food truck will be on site, with Caribbean-fusion soul food offerings. Check them out!

LA EVENTS: Cinesounds Presents Ladies’ Nite

On Wednesday, July 28th Cinesounds presents Ladies Night. Cinesounds is a curated evening of cinema and music combining the vibe of a lounge environment with the energy of an art show. Each event’s chosen films are grouped around a theme and then attended by tunes from DJs that reflect both prepared musical selections and improvised track choices that react to the imagery being projected as well as the energy of the room. Event details are as follows:

Cinesounds: Ladies’ Nite

Wednesday, July 28th at 8pm

Mandrake Bar

2771 W Pico Blvd, Culver City, CA

Music. Flicks. Ladies. What could be better than that?

BLACKis ONLINE: UNIQUE 74

DJ A-ski is a brother whose name you hear around here frequently. He is a friend and a great Los Angeles born and bred DJ whose events we publicize as often as possible. A-ski is not only a DJ, but a music historian, and his blog UNIQUE 74 is always packed with good music musings, amazing downloads, interviews and info about his upcoming events. Most recently, A-ski sat with Foreign Exchange members Phonte and Nicolay for an exclusive interview about their recent Grammy nomination and what the future holds for them in this music game.

While you are in A-ski’s world, don’t miss his podcast, Dirty Milk Radio. It’s an eargasm experience.

Drake is… a fraud?!

Watch this video:

Now ponder this question: Does Drake lose credibility as an artist because he’s unable to freestyle?

I’ll admit I was a Drake fan and I was let down when I saw this video. Granted, all rappers can’t freestyle. But all rappers don’t go on Flex’s show fronting like they can.

On a funnier note, you can’t see the original without seeing the spoof:

Hay girl signing off.

LA EVENTS: The Mighty SA-RA

Once again, the legendary DJ A-ski has hipped us to another function. THE MIGHTY SA-RA™ featuring Breezy Lovejoy and Nola Darling bringing their own brand of SOUL and FUNK to ZANZIBAR! There will be additional performances by TiRon, Dame Fifty5,Perfecto and BlackLA

This promises to be an AMAZING night with turntable skills of DJ A-SKI!

$10 at the door..

$5 Negro Model and $6 SANGRIA ALL NIGHT LONG!

LA EVENTS: Kiss-N-Grind

One of the LA’s premiere parties, Kiss N’ Grind, is hosting one of it’s spectacular events this Friday, June 25th. This summer, Kiss N’ Grind – originated by Vikter Duplaix – has started its “Young Legends” series, making each party a tribute to legendary artists. This Friday is dedicated to hip-hop visionaries A Tribe Called Quest, with Vikter Duplaix on the ones and twos. Party details are as follows:

Kiss-N-Grind

Friday, June 25, 2010 from 10 pm until 2 am

Medusa Lounge

3211 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90057

$10 before midnight, $15 after

STEREOLOVE with DJ A-ski

The city of Los Angeles is never without a shortage of functions to attend; however to find one that gives you great music, a cool ambience, and a decent sticker price can be hard to come by.

On Thursday night, The Little Temple gives us STEREOLOVE, hosted by DJ A-ski. A-ski, an LA native and a premier dee-jay spins only the best in soul, house, funk, hip-hop, and old school music. This week’s event will showcase guest DJ Rudy C of FTWK.

And the price? $5. Posse up and meet me there.