Wsup everyone! I'm just here to let you all know that I got a new blog up called Fresh Cookiez. I'm still working on it, but it's now up and ready to be read, so go check it out! Fresh Cookiez is a music & entertainment blog that focuses less on me, and more on what's hot, new, and popular at the moment. I'm reaching out to a wider audience with this blog.
Hard Day's Night is still going to be here by the way, since it's my personal blog. I'm just looking for readers for my new one.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
A Capella Group, Quartet: International Quartet Champions
I have one word for this: Incredible... Definitely a must-watch!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Google's New OS... Competition for Microsoft?
First of all, I know this isn't music-related but I'm very interested in this. It seems like this is going to be a game-changer for the computer industry and computers are important to us all, aren't they? So anyway, Google announced on Thursday that its new operating system, Chrome OS, will see a release in about a year. It will be targeted at netbooks. It's also open-source and FREE!
Taken from the Seattle PI Blog:
So what do you think?? Awesome?
Taken from the Seattle PI Blog:
Below is a brief video explaining what Google Chrome actually is for those of you who are not sure:
"Chrome OS is a operating system that is a Web browser – or a Web browser that is an operating system. Essentially, it is Google's current browser, Chrome, bulked-up with systems for browsing files, connecting devices, printing documents and keeping the computer secure."
So what do you think?? Awesome?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
New Music: SLik d - Picture Perfect [Music Video]!!
Yet Another feature on Slik d. This time, he's got a new music video. And it's pretty dope! Check it out:
Enjoy!!
Picture Perfect- SLik d featuring Decypher from mike torio on Vimeo.
Enjoy!!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
NEW REMIX!! Check it out...
I just released a new remix to the world today! It's a remix of Esmee Denters's song "Outta Here". It's produced by myself and Young Cee of RoyCee Music Group.
You can listen to it on imeem or you can download it here. Be sure to follow the team on twitter! Young Cee, Ralphie, Vaughn, and Big Stat! And of course Me too haha.
Put it on ur iPod, share it with ur friends and spread the word!
Enjoy!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Moby's Vintage Gear!! What a Collection....
Famous DJ/electronic musician, Moby, shows off his beloved vintage analog drum machine and synth collection. He has quite an impressive collection, too. Check it out!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
"Behind the Hit" With Jason Derulo & JR Rotem, producer of the smash single, "Watcha Say"...
I very cool insight into producer, JR Rotem and his artist, Jason Derulo's process. Very instersting. And I love that song they did, "Watcha Say" by the way. That's my ish!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Maestro Plays My Music...!
Grammy Award Winning hip hop/r&b producer Vashaun "Maestro" Brooks (The Game, Lil Wayne, Clipse, Ice Cube, etc.) plays one of my beats in the clip below. I'm honored to say that he was actually feeling it too! That's definitely a good look. Check it out in the vid below. Find my marker. It's towards the middle, it should say "Tagged by Jet Honda: Maestro critiques @iamCam_'s joint". Click on it to watch the portion of him listening to my track.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Dame Dash set to release "The BlackRoc Project"...
This looks very interesting. Can't wait to hear it.
From Kevin Nottingham:
Click Here to Read More!
From Kevin Nottingham:
"...The new album, will feature emcess such as Q-Tip, Raekwon, Mos Def, Ludacris, RZA, Pharoahe Monch, and Billy Zane of M.O.P. over music by the rock group The Black Keys..."
Click Here to Read More!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
New Music Documentary, "West Coast Theory"
This looks dope!! Definitely gonna cop this when it drops!
From Crate Kings:
From Crate Kings:
"French filmmakers Maxime Giffard and Felix Tissier have created a documentary entitled West Coast Theory, which seeks to shed light on the unique sound and style of West Coast hip-hop..."
Click Here to read more!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Dope Interview with Pusha-T of the Clipse...
"...Clipse member Pusha-T, the rapper known to his family (and probably no one else) as Terrence Thornton. The Virginian gets into what it’s like to have Kanye West as one of your biggest fans, the frustrations of disappointing people by not rapping about crack and being an angry gangster all the time, why regionalism in American hiphop excites him so much, and, fascinatingly, the songwriting philosophies of close colleagues The Neptunes..."
Click the pic to read the interview.
Click the pic to read the interview.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Dopeness!!
Dope!! Jay-Z and Rhapsody team up and release an ad campaign that recreates Jay's album covers. It's very cool to watch. Check it out!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Some New Music...
(Click the pic to download)
SLik d, is a fellow Las Vegas native (by way of Cali) who puts out some dope ass music. He's multi-talented, as he is a producer as well as an emcee. Above is the cover to his latest release, "Summer Vibes". It has a very feel-good, laid back, 90s hip-hop type of sound and feel which I love. Pure dopeness. Following in the footsteps of hip hop groups like The Pharcyde and Souls of Mischief, this is definitely worth the download.
So check it!
*Notable Tracks: Sick of Love, Picture Perfect, I Can Smile for That, Summer Heat, West Up!
Enjoy!
David Banner and 9th Wonder In the Studio...
Man, Ustream is dope! Here's a live broadcast with David Banner and 9th Wonder playing tracks and just chillin. Check it out!
Friday, August 28, 2009
I'm On Twitter!
I'm a little bit late, but I'm proud to announce that I've finally hopped on the Twitter bandwagon! I've been waiting to finally start one, as I've been following quite a bit of people on there before I even began an account of my own, by simply bookmarking their twitter pages and coming back to them often. I just never really felt it was a good time to start until a few days ago. I want my twitter page to be interesting, so this gives me more incentive to have content and to do something everyday, so I have something to tweet about haha.
So with that said, Follow ME!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Maestro in the Studio with David Banner
Yo, this is a dope. It's a live Ustream broadcast of Maestro showing the creative process and answering questions. He's accompanied by David Banner. I love this stuff. Very informative. Check it out:
Enjoy!!
Enjoy!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Just So You Know...
I've recently begun making some major changes to my blog. I want it to better more 'hip' haha. The old layout was kind of bland and not-so-user friendly. I'm looking to improve those and then some to make visiting my blog a more enjoyable experience for all users. You can expect more content as part of the many enhancements I'm making as well.
In the meantime, enjoy my Imeem Playlist if you're looking for something to do. There's lots of great music on there so take a listen.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Rock Band Network is Coming...
This is very, very exciting. This is gonna be awesome! It's goin to do sooo much for indie musicians and bands. Can't wait!
Visit Rockband Network's official website for more details.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Music Production & Songwriting Seminar with B. Cox, DJ Toomp, Sam Thomas, and More!
This for those of you who have not seen this yet. This is the ENTIRE seminar on Ustream. It's awesome. It shows the entire process of B. Cox Making a beat and Kendrick Dean writing to it. Make sure you have some free time because it's about 7 hours total of footage.
Music Production Seminar With Bryan-Michael Cox and Sam Thomas:
Part 1: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1062772
Music Production Seminar With Bryan-Michael Cox and Sam Thomas:
Part 1: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1062772
Friday, August 14, 2009
My First Interview...
Hello everyone. I recently finished doing an interview earlier this week for Digital Musician and it's now up for everyone to see! Thanks alot to Pete Whitfield of Realstrings for reaching out and taking the time to interview me. I appreciate it!
Click here to watch the interview. Enjoy!
Click here to watch the interview. Enjoy!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Introduction to String Arranging...
I stumbled upon this video the other day and thought it might be helpful to all u producers. It's very interesting, informative, and can be really helpful for those of u who are like me an like to use strings in your tracks. The video lesson was made by a professional orchestral composer and string arranger named Pete Whitfield. He makes the concept of string arranging very clear to just about anyone who creates music, regardless of whether or not u have experience with string arranging. And best of all, he's using Logic in the video!
I actually know a lil somethin about string arranging myself, and this is truly a gem of knowledge on the subject. so without further ado, here it is:
You can find more lessons from this guy here: http://realstrings.wordpress.com/how-to/
Enjoy!
I actually know a lil somethin about string arranging myself, and this is truly a gem of knowledge on the subject. so without further ado, here it is:
You can find more lessons from this guy here: http://realstrings.wordpress.com/how-to/
Enjoy!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Secrets of a Record Engineer (Part 1 thru 3)
I found these gems of knowledge over at kevinnottingham. Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling engineer, Ariel Borujow, drops knowledge about engineering and shares his story of how he got to where he is today. Check it out. I highly recommend it.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
A New Song Produced by Me...
Check it out. It's a laid-back jazzy hip-hop track called "Crimes" by a dope emcee and friend of mine by the name of Bhon.
Here is the download link.
Enjoy!
New Remix!
Hey world. I'm just posting an update about my entry into a weekly remix contest at Kevin Nottingham's blog. You can check it out here.
It basically works like this: First of all, this contest is dedicated to Jay-Z's classic, The Blueprint. Each week is dedicated to a different song from the album. There will be a total of 13 weeks. So every week, he posts an acapella and the sample that was originally used in the corresponding song for that week. The challenge is to produce your own remix by flipping that sample the best you can and then post it up to be judged by their judging panel. I'm not sure what the winner gets besides valuable exposure which is good enough for me! Plus it's fun!
Anyway, I've entered the contest myself for one of the weeks (week 11) and I had to flip Natalie Cole's "I Can't Break Away" for Jay-Z's "All I Need". I'll have my remix up for you to listen to in the near future. In the meantime, you can check it out here. Mine is labeled as "Cam'rox.mp3"
Enjoy!
Edit: Here is a download link to my remix
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Death of a King.... RIP Michael Jackson
We lost a legend today. He was a one of a kind performer and a true master of his craft. He is also the largest source of musical inspiration for me and my first ever musical idol. Rest in peace, Mike
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Mixing Techniques with Mike Chav: Mixing a Kick Drum
How to Mix. Mixing with Mike Chav - Lesson 1 : Kick Drum from Mike Chav on Vimeo
This is a very informative video I found over at DJ A-Trak's blog. He uses a technique that involves duplicating a kick track twice, filtering them each so that one is the low end, one is the mid, and one is the high end and then processing those three tracks separately before finally layering them all together. It is a very useful technique, as A-trak stated on his blog that renowned Engineer, Tony Maserati, used that very technique on the kicks in the song "Get Fresh" off of Kid Sister's album. I also have used this technique before on certain elements of my beats but I've never tried it on a kick drum, though. Perhaps I'll start practicing this technique more often.
Anyway, Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Behind the Beat with Drumma Boy
Hey wsup everyone?? I recently found this interview with Drumma Boy over at Don Cannon's blog. Check it out. It's short, but it's a dope read.
Enjoy!
------------------------------------------
Recently we got a chance to sit down with Grammy Winner Drumma boy and ask him a few questions that we ask most producers to get a feel of how they tick. Check it out and see what you think
Which do you use the most or prefer Logic, Reason, or something else?
I prefer the mpc as far as sequencing. I use logic a lot as well as pro-tools.
How long have you been in production? And what inspired you to start?
I have been producing since the age of 14. Music has always been in our family. My older brother Ensayne was making beats amongst Memphis bred producers such as Jazze Pha, Carlos Brodi, & Slisce T and more. I was like the little brother to the street coming up making beats. I learned a lot from them but created my own sound and ran wit it.
On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rate your very 1st production?
I would say like a 7. The music creativity has always been there. The biggest thing I was lacking in the beginning was my drum collection and quality. My brother used to always say, “When u get some harder hitting drums, you outta here.”
When in the studio, to start on a new track, what do you do first? When making a beat, do you think of a specific artist that you want to target?
I start on new tracks in different ways. Sometimes I start with a clap, sometimes I start with an acapella vocal. Sometimes I make a beat specifically for someone like I did for Jeezy with “Put On.” Sometimes I just paint music that I feel from a particular emotion at that time.
Out of all the projects that you have worked on which one meant the most?
I would have to say Rocko’s Self Made album. That was the first major project that I had an opportunity to produce the majority of the album. The feedback has been crazy and the fans continue to show their appreciation.
Who do you plan to work with in the near future? Anybody specific? ? Whats your opinion on using samples? And if you could sample any song, what would is be?
I am about to work with Lil Jon. Excited about that one since both of us are big on crunk music. We’re definitely gonna give u a club banger.
I use samples and make sample free music. Sometimes a sample can bring a certain texture to a beat but might hit you in the pocket with that clearance fee. If I could sample any song it would probably be something from the Beatles.
They used to do some crazy harmonies.
What beat do you WISH you produced? Why?
As producer, I appreciate music that other producers/composers deliver. Never wished I produced someone else’s work but one of my favorite beats was Warren G “Regulators.”
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Making of Lil Wayne & Young Money's "Every Girl" with Tha Bizness
Very dope. I was a fan of the track itself so I enjoyed these videos very much. Logic is very dope and straight foward. I can't to cop the IMAC so I can make the upgrade to Logic!
Anyway, check it out:
Part 2:
Anyway, check it out:
Part 2:
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Throwback Track of the Day
A Tribe Called Quest - "Sucka Nigga"
Such a great record. Personally, I believe Common's song, "Inhale" to be a nod to this record - more specifically, the parts where Q-Tip says, "Inhale". Of course, this may seem obvious to people out there who know their Tribe repertoire, but I know there is still a generation of people out there that doesn't know and needs to know the classics. So this is my attempt to educate.
Anyway, this record samples a cover of Freddie Hubbard's jazz standard "Red Clay" performed by Jazz guitarist, Jack Wilkins.
Enjoy!
Such a great record. Personally, I believe Common's song, "Inhale" to be a nod to this record - more specifically, the parts where Q-Tip says, "Inhale". Of course, this may seem obvious to people out there who know their Tribe repertoire, but I know there is still a generation of people out there that doesn't know and needs to know the classics. So this is my attempt to educate.
Anyway, this record samples a cover of Freddie Hubbard's jazz standard "Red Clay" performed by Jazz guitarist, Jack Wilkins.
Enjoy!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Rob Cavallo on Recording and the Craft of the Producer
Very insightful interview from acclaimed music producer, Rob Cavallo, who has enjoyed success working on albums with such artists and bands as Alanis Morisette, Green Day, Dave Matthews Band, and Fleetwood Mac among many others. Here he shares his views on Home Recording vs. Studio Recording, and the art and craft of record production. Hope you all like it.
Enjoy!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
For All the Beat Junkies Out There...
If you haven't yet heard of French producer, Dela then make sure u go check out his two Instrumental LPs, Atmosphere Airlines Vols. 1 & 2. Truly amazing Jazz-flavored hip hop beats for your mind. This one is a nod to Stakes is High by De La Soul (originally prod. by the late great J Dilla). What a coincidence. Their names are similar!
Anyway, check him out at his Myspace Page too!
Enjoy!
Alchemist, N.O.R.E, and Evidence Clownin' in Alc's Studio
Check it out. There's footage at the beginning of them working on some heat!! I got this from Nah Right, btw. Shout out to them!
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
15-Minute Interview with Q-Tip
Check it out. Very nice. Q-tip is one of my favorites in the hip hop community. A true master. Enjoy the vid!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
"Here Comes the Sun" by Fusion Unltd. ft. Little Brother, Nickelus F, H.O.F
A dope song and an equally dope video. I love the piano at the end. I actually sat down and learned those chords by ear and jammed along with this song for hours haha. Enjoy!
Bill Paxton Loves Hip Hop
A Cool video interview with the actor in which he mentions his love for groups like People Under the Stairs, Jedi Mind Tricks, and Three Six Mafia to name a few. The chick that interviews him, apparently doesn't agree with his musical taste very much. I'm not gonna lie, she's kind of an ass hole: "..Some of it's nasty tho!"
Anyway check it out, it's dope. Hip hop transcends so many generation and culture gaps. I love it too, Bill!
Insightful Interview with Lil Jon!!
He touches on how he got started as a producer, how he discovered myspace, and he goes into detail about the making of E-40's "Tell Me When To Go". Check it out!
Lil Jon Discovers MySpace.com
Lil Jon Discovers MySpace.com
Monday, April 27, 2009
Jonh Mayer Making a Hip-Hop Beat
Haha John Mayer is a fool! This is John Mayer's Foray into sample chopping. It turned out pretty nice. Funny lyrics. Check it out!
Also, visit his blog to keep up with what he's doing.
Also, visit his blog to keep up with what he's doing.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Dope Interview with a Dope Producer, Malay
I was reading Jake One's blog earlier today and on it he talks about this dude named Malay who is a multi-instrumentalist and mutli-genre producer. I did a lil research and found more of his work and all I can say is wow. Some of the tracks he did, I was already a fan of before I even discovered who he was.
Anyway, below is a cool lil video interview I found with him. Dude is a genius. Be on the lookout for him. and Google him if u don't already know about him.
Anyway, below is a cool lil video interview I found with him. Dude is a genius. Be on the lookout for him. and Google him if u don't already know about him.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Some Live Music For Ya'll
A somewhat old but undeniable performance by three great performers. Check it out
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Something for the Dilla Heads...
I stumbled upon this late one night while taking a break from working on music. It's nearly impossible to find info about this track but what I understand it's a remix of a song by a group called Crustration called "Purple". The remix is produced by none other than J Dilla. and I believe it was released sometime during the mid to late 90s.
It's an undeniably dope track. Udderly delicious. Enjoy.
It's an undeniably dope track. Udderly delicious. Enjoy.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Our Cover of Usher's 'You Make Me Wanna'
Yooo wsup?? I know its been awhile since I ;sat poseted something but here I am in the flesh. This is an acoustic cover of Usher's song, You Make Me Wanna. We were bored at my friend Chaz's house. We put our own spin on it. Decided to try and play it as a Bossa. Check it out!! And don't laugh at my glasses!!
Me on keys, Chaz on guitar, and Mike on vocals
Me on keys, Chaz on guitar, and Mike on vocals
Monday, January 19, 2009
Two Hand Band: History of the MPC
An awesome documentary that I found over at Create Digital Music (CDM).
You can see their original post here
Enjoy!!
Edit: I can't get the embed code to work. So instead, you can the video where it was posted originally at Current.
You can see their original post here
Enjoy!!
Edit: I can't get the embed code to work. So instead, you can the video where it was posted originally at Current.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Amazing Interview with My Favorite Band, N.E.R.D.
The interviewer, Naurdwaur, is simply amazing in his approach to interviewing. Check it out. I can guarantee that it's unlike any interview you've ever seen before.
By the way for those of you that didn't already know, my number one musical influence is the legendary partnership between Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams. They are the ones who influenced me the most and inspired me to take music composition/production seriously.
So anyway, WATCH THE VIDEO!
Check out more of Nardwuar's Interviews!