J Dilla Documentary

I was sitting in Dalek's Union City studio interviewing MC Dalek and producer Oktopus a few years back. Sitting amongst the mountains of vinyl, turntables and mixers, the band spoke of their musical journey and wide array of influences. The conversation flowed as Alap Momin (MC Dalek) traced his routes and musical journey. I felt an almost immediate connection having shared  many of the experiences and mutual friends. It wasn't until he brought up his biggest influence that I drew a complete and total blank. That influence was Detroit's own J. Dilla (James Dewitt Yancey) I found myself scratching my head, curiously wondering just what I had missed. Sadly, Dilla had already passed. His death in 2006 at the age of 32 due to a rare blood disease (and possibly kidney failure) left us with an incredible music legacy and reputation as one of the most influential and respect Hip Hop artists and producers in the industry. Since that conversation with Dalek and numerous ones with D.J.'s and fans alike. I've fallen in love with the mans music, finding one gem after another on vinyl. In recent months I've picked up seven of his albums. Listening closely to each track with mindful ears. 

James Damion

Rye Coalition - Live & in Person DVD

Back in January of 2010  I was already writing for Jersey Beat covering local shows, writing and above all taking lots and lots of pictures for the site.

One day I got an email from Jim asking if I'd like to cover Rye Coalitions one off reunion and 70th Birthday celebration of David and
Gregg Leto's Dad Jack. 

I was already dead set on going but had once again forgotten to get tickets. Covering the show meant I didn't need to hustle for one prior to the show. "Fuck Yeah" The band hadn't played in five years but truthfully 

I hadn't seen them since the 90's. That night at Maxwells was by far one of, if not the, most incredible shows I had been to in my life. Now, for the first time since we're able to experience it through more than some random memories and about a hundred or so photos.

"Live & in Person" features the entire set from that February 19th 2011 set. The footage is exceptional, capturing the energy, enthusiasm and raw intensity of the bands performance. As I watched it I felt the same chills I experienced that night. Though I have to admit it was a little more comfortable watching from home than being front center. Not having Ralph Cuseglio's sweat dripping all over my camera was a big plus. Bonus features include interviews with Maxwells booking guru Tod Abramson and a very animated Alap Momin (Dälek). There's also a trailer for the upcoming Rye documentary
"Story of the Hard Luck Five". The trailer itself is, for lack of a better description,
hair raising. If this doesn't make you wet….. I don't know what will. Whether you're a long time or casual fan of the band, this is a must….    James Damion


Buy it Here!