Transform your iPhone into a music production studio.
The iPK25 transforms iPhone or iPod touch into a portable music production studio for mobile music creation. This MIDI keyboard controller gives your handheld device a two-octave set of piano keys and professional audio outputs, and it works with the Akai Professional SynthStation Studio app. The iPK25 is powerful enough for professional musicians, yet virtually anyone can use is to easily create music.
This 25-key synth keyboard features a built-in dock for iPhone or iPod touch. The iPK25 gives you two octaves of velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys, pitch and modulation wheels, and octave up and down and sound-bank buttons. The iPK25 has a stereo pair of RCA line outputs and a headphone output for connection to recording and sound reinforcement systems.
You can use the iPK25 with Akai's SynthStation Studio app as well as virtually any MIDI music software on your computer or with MIDI hardware devices such as sound modules, samplers, and MPCs using its USB/MIDI output. Available exclusively through the Apple App Store, SynthStation Studio gives you three powerful synthesizers for creating and modifying sonic textures used for melodies, chords, and bass lines. Built around Akai Professional’s history in synthesis and drawing on the newest MINIAK synth, the SynthStation Studio app sounds great and offers wide-ranging sonic flexibility with its virtual analog synthesis.
The Art of Human Beatboxing Takes a Giant Leap Back to it's Motherland
The days when beatboxing was considered a niche artform passed away years ago. Since it has left the streets of New York for global conquest it has become an international sensation boasting several virtual superstars of the artform in Europe and countless national competitions abroad. Now the art of making music with your mouth is set to crown it's 1st official champion in the land of it's birth.
The 1st American Beatbox Championship has brought 45 of some of America's most jaw droppingly incredible beatboxers from all over the United States. The contestants range from the unbelievable to the unbelievably hilarious. 8 Beatboxers will be selected to compete in New York City this summer to go head to head for the title.
With special guest judges including beatboxing icon Kenny Muhammad, PBS Electric Company resident beatboxer Shockwave, renowned poet and MC Toni Black, underground hip hop favorite Hasan Salaam, beatboxers Adam Matta, Masai Electro and more this competition is sure to turn heads as America crowns it's 1st beatboxing champion.
With a unique battle format competitors are pushed to the very edge of their creative limits. They are battling for over $1000 in prizes from sponsors BEAT KANGZ ELECTRONIC, PRIME LOOPS, and MIC Clothing, more importantly they are battling for the title of America's Best Beatboxer.
COPYRIGHT CRIMINALS PREMIERES TUESDAY, JAN. 19, 10PM ON THE PBS SERIES INDEPENDENT LENS (check local listings)
Can you own a sound?
COPYRIGHT CRIMINALS, a documentary produced by Benjamin Franzen and Kembrew McLeod, examines the commercial and creative value of musical sampling, including the ongoing debates about artistic expression, copyright law and money.
COPYRIGHT CRIMINALS showcases many of Hip Hop music's legendary figures like Public Enemy, De La Soul and Digital Underground along with emerging artists such as audiovisual remixers Eclectic Method. The film also provides an in-depth look at artists who have been sampled, such as renowned drummer Clyde Stubblefield, the world's most sampled musician, best known for his work with James Brown, as well as commentary by Funk legend George Clinton.
JAN 19: Broadcast & DVD Release Party with ECLECTIC METHOD, MR. LEN & DJ SPOOKY FREE with RSVP at IndiePix Evite. Doors at 8pm. Broadcast Premiere on Independent Lens at 10pm:
The MPD26 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller with genuine MPC pads. Producers, programmers, musicians and DJs will appreciate the MPD26’s capabilities. Its blend of intuitive MPC controls and technologies meshes with USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making to the world of computer music production.
The heart of the MPD26 is its bank of 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads, an Akai Professional exclusive. Producers can access four different sounds from each MPC pad for a total of 64 at a time. The MPD26 also features the MPC series' assignable Q-Link controllers, enabling musicians to control a wide range of parameters in their software in real time. The MPD26’s six assignable Q-Link faders and six assignable Q-Link 360° knobs enable producers to spend less time with the mouse and more time making music. The MPD26 also has a dedicated set of transport controls for instant access to the most commonly used DAW or sequencing-software controls.
AKAI APC20
Akai Professional worked in partnership with software developer Ableton to create the APC20, the second control surface created by Akai Professional for performance with Ableton Live software. Like the APC40, adding the APC20 transforms the user’s experience from one of constructing tracks with a keyboard and mouse to composing and performing with a seamless, fully integrated hardware/software musical system.
The APC20 retains many of the APC40’s most popular features and capabilities, while shrinking the physical footprint and adding interesting new capabilities. The smaller size enables musicians to perform in less space and makes setting up multiple controllers and devices easier. Power users can use the APC20 in conjunction with an APC40 to expand their track and clip controls.
Like the APC40, the APC20 centers on its five-by-eight Clip Launch grid. This bank of multicolor triggers not only start and stop clips playing in Live, they also show cells’ status in the software – whether a clip is loaded or not, whether it is playing or not, record-armed status and more. Clip Stop triggers, transport controls and faders round out the control surface. Users can switch the APC20’s faders between volume control, pan, sends and three different user-mapped modes. A new Note Mode enables musicians to use the Clip Launch buttons to control virtual instruments and Ableton Live’s Drum Rack.
This is the funniest sh*t I have seen in a minute. The Roots bandleader and drummer, ?uestlove introduces footage from RZA's audition for the NBC comedy show "Parks and Recreation". That is IF the RZA auditioned for the show in an alternate universe..LOL!
My God. The new year is not beginning on the right note. The first major death in the entertainment industry has been announced..
From the ASSOCIATED PRESS:
Patrick Walters Philadelphia — Associated Press Published on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010 1:15AM EST Last updated on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010 1:29AM EST
Teddy Pendergrass, who became R&B's reigning sex symbol in the 1970s and ‘80s with his forceful, masculine voice and passionate love ballads and later became an inspirational figure after suffering a devastating car accident that left him paralyzed, died Wednesday at age 59.
The singer's son, Teddy Pendergrass II, said his father died at a hospital in suburban Philadelphia. The singer underwent colon cancer surgery eight months ago and had “a difficult recovery,” his son said.
“To all his fans who loved his music, thank you,” his son said. “He will live on through his music.”
Pendergrass suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the waist down in the 1982 car accident. He spent six months in a hospital but returned to recording the next year with the album Love Language .
He returned to the stage at the Live Aid concert in 1985, performing from his wheelchair.
Pendergrass later founded the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, an organization whose mission is to encourage and help people with spinal cord injuries achieve their maximum potential in education, employment, housing, productivity and independence, according to its website.
Pendergrass, who was born in Philadelphia on March 26, 1950, gained popularity first as a member of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.
In 1971, the group signed a record deal with the legendary writer/producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The group released it first single, I Miss You, in 1972 and then released If You Don't Know Me by Now, which was nominated for a Grammy Award.
Gamble remembered Pendergrass fondly and lauded him.
“I think Teddy Pendergrass was really one of a kind of an artist, and his music kind of speaks for him,” Gamble said in an interview early Thursday. “He had such a powerful voice, and he had a great magnetism.”
Pendergrass quit the group in 1975 and embarked on a solo career in 1976. It was his solo hits that brought him his greatest fame. With songs such as Love T.K.O., Close the Door and I Don't Love You Anymore, he came to define a new era of black male singers with his powerful, aggressive vocals that spoke to virility, not vulnerability.
His lyrics were never coarse, as those of later male R&B stars would be, but they had a sensual nature that bordered on erotic without being explicit.
Turn Off the Lights was a tune that perhaps best represented the many moods of Pendergrass – tender and coaxing yet strong as the song reached its climax.
Pendergrass, the first black male singer to record five consecutive multi-platinum albums, made women swoon with each note, and his concerts were a testament to that adulation, with infamous stories of women throwing their underwear on stage for his affection.
Following the car accident, it was 19 years before Pendergrass resumed performing concerts. He made his return on Memorial Day weekend in 2001, with two sold-out shows in Atlantic City, N.J.
Pendergrass is survived by his son, two daughters, his wife, his mother and nine grandchildren.
We have all been glued to the television and internet for news and information about Haiti's most devastating earthquake in 200 years. A 7.0 earthquake rocked the capital, Port-au-Prince, on Tuesday. Reports of bodies littering the streets are heart wrenching. Estimates of potentially 100,000 casualties marks this a s one of the most tragic events to hit our side of the world. World leaders, citizens and entertainers are rallying the effort to send aid. Wyclef Jean and his Yele Haiti Foundation is leading the way. Jean urged people on his Twitter account to help in the Haiti disaster relief effort by texting "Yele" to 501501. This donates $5 to the Yele Haiti Foundation, automatically charged to your cell phone bill. President Obama has directed people to the whitehouse.gov website for a list of relief organizations.
This tragedy has some personal significance for me. Two people of Haitian descent have specifically influenced my growth and career path. THE ZRO HOUR would not exist if it wasn't for my friend Danial suggesting I buy some time from him to broadcast on his pirate radio station. Radio Galaxy Plus in Brooklyn, New York only broadcasts Haitian language programming and we were the first english language and only hip hop show. Danial sparked the idea of presenting my vision in a radio show format. My first break in the music industry was given to me by Jerry Wonda, Wyclef Jean's production partner throughout his entire career. I began as an intern at Wyclef and Jerry Wonda's Platinum Sound Studio in 2002 and it lead to a staff position and engineering credits on projects ranging from Tom Jones to DJ Kay Slay to director Jonathan Demme. I owe a great deal to them and my heart goes out to their families and friends.
The HUFFINGTONPOST has compiled a growing list of organizations that you can donate to and provide aid HERE
THE ZRO HOUR is back with the first podcast of 2010. This week I present THE ZRO HOUR Top Ten. Every 10 episodes I will post the top ten songs from current playlists. Since it is the beginning of 2010, you know everyone looks forward to SKILLZ incredible "Rap Up" series breaking down the best and worst of the previous year. I set the show off with this year's "Rap Up" and also with BEKAY's "Year In Review". Bekay has been throwing his version out there since 2003. He calls in to break down his thoughts on his "Year In Review 2009". Before I go into my top ten, I drop a few gems to set the tone for 2010. I have new bangers from RAKIM feat. STYLES P, BUSTA RHYMES & JADAKISS, MONEY MAKING JAM BOYS feat. BLACK THOUGHT, a freestyle from ROYCE DA 5'9" and a new track by SAFARI! I am back on the grind to bring you the best and next in hip hop so stay tuned...
RAP UP 2009- Skillz
BEKAY INTERVIEW
YEAR IN REVIEW 2009- Bekay
ROYCE DA 5'9" FREESTYLE
EUPHORIA- Rakim feat. Styles P, Jadakiss & Busta Rhymes
CONTRACT ON THE WORLD- Money Making Jam Boys feat. Black Thought
GOODBYE STREETS- Safari
THE ZRO HOUR TOP TEN:
10. WINGS AND PROPELLERS- Da Kreek
09. REGULATE- Camp Lo
08. LETHAL- Black Noise feat. No Joke
07. FOUL CHILD- Eternia
06. RUDEBOY GUTTER SHIT- Cymarshall Law feat. E-Ness & Block McCloud
05. SMOKE- Marco Polo & Torae feat. Lil Fame (M.O.P.) and Rock (Heltah Skeltah)
04. BLOODSPORT- Bekay
03. I SEE DEAD PEOPLE- Grand Puba feat. Lord Jamar & Rell
02. EVERYDAY- Sheek Louch
01. POPULAR DEMAND- Clipse feat. Cam'ron & Pharrell
To commemorate a half a decade in the game the Bay Area duo BASH BROS. (Lefty & Piseas) team up with Switzerland representative DJ Osk to drop the Inglourious Basterds Mixtape. This piece celebrates the collabs with fellow indie superstars such as: Planet Asia, Chali 2na, Reef the lost cauze, & Big Pooh(Little Brother) to name a few. Inglourious Basterds: the Features spans throughout their 5 year catalog which represents 14 independent releases.
Track Listing:
1. Piseas represents the Inglourious Basterds 2. Bang that shit (Feat. 2mex) 3. Hustlen all my life (Feat. Karim of Boom Bap Project, Deuce Eclipse) 4. Ridah don't die (Feat. Scarub of Living Legends) 5. On your best (Feat. Scarub of Living Legends) 6. Hustlers Prayer (Feat. Equipto, Persevere of Sub Contents) 7. Joy Riden part. 2 (Feat. Luckyiam of Living Legends) 8. Rock the Spot-All-star remix (Feat. Sean Price, Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples, Reef the lost cauze, Verbal Kent, Motion Man, Chali 2na of J5, Big Pooh of Little Brother) 9. The Hustla (Feat. Persevere of Sub Contents) 10. Open 40 bottle (Feat. Pumpkinhead) 11. Lock & Load (Feat.Persevere of Sub Contents & Style Misia) 12. The Session (Feat. Planet Asia) 13. Make my day (Feat. Ashkon) 14. Dirty work Remix (Feat. Scarub of Living Legends, Very, Style Misia, Piseas, Shingo2, Kits, DJ Fresh)
The limited edition DVD box set of Timeless, the 3 part event honoring producer J Dilla and featuring The Suite For Ma Dukes Orchestra, will be available March 2010. In addition to appearances from such J Dilla admirers as Karriem Riggins, Posdnuos, and Common, Timeless features extra behind the scenes footage, music, liner notes, and more.
"Battle" is a coming of age drama about an unknown producer who pursues his passion for composing music. He wants to produce music for the top rappers in the industry. He must find his way and his own soul for his music before he faces off at a national Beat Battle.
In this article from YAHOO, written by Joanna Douglass, it was revealed that two of the United States' biggest retailers, H&M and WAL-MART, were destroying unsold garments instead of donating or reselling the goods. Originally reported by Jim Dwyer in the NYTIMES, a NYC woman found many trash bags at the back entrance of H&M on 35th street containing unused, unworn and mostly cut up clothing that were being discarded almost daily. A few doors down on 35th Street, hundreds of garments tagged for sale in Wal-Mart — hoodies and T-shirts and pants — were discovered in trash bags the week before Christmas, apparently dumped by a contractor for Wal-Mart that has space on the block. To add insult, New York Cares, an organization that collects donations of coats and used clothing, is located just blocks from theses stores. It is this type of systemic waste and concern for the bottom line across many industries in the U.S. that has continued to tarnish the image of the U.S. In this time of massive unemployment, foreclosure and a flailing economy, it is shameful that these places of business are not working harder to donate or recycle goods otherwise deemed unusable.
After initial statements by both retailers claiming to be unaware of the disposal of clothing, representatives from H&M and Wal-Mart have ensured that the incident would not happen again and that common practice is to donate these type of items.
