Greg Campbellock Jr. of The Lockers: Dance Pioneer, Legendary Soul Train Dancer Dies At 57

Thanks to TOOLS OF WAR for forwarding the info:

Dave Gregory Pope was born to Dave and Catherine Pope on April 5th, 1952 at Fort McClellan in Calhoun, Alabama. His siblings are Teresia Pope-Hudson and Kenneth Pope. The family later moved from Anniston, AL to California in 1960 and settled in Compton where Greg attended Victory Elementary School, Walton Junior High School and Compton High School, graduating with the Class of 1970.

Greg's creative interests started with guitar lessons at age 15. He also enjoyed art, drawing cartoons and portraits and had an interest in electronics. He become an excellent swimmer and learned to surf. It was during High School that Greg's love for dance came to fruition, often filling in as the High School mascot.

Greg acquired his passion for dancing from his parents. They entered ballroom dance contests before and up until the time Greg was born. His mother Catherine Pope died in 1968. One day while the family was watching the television show Soul Train, his father asked Greg if he thought he could dance as good as the kids on the show. His response was that he could dance just as good or better! In fact, Greg bet his father that the next time his father watched Soul Train that he would be on the show and he kept his word. Greg soon became a regular on Soul Train besides entering many dance contests at various clubs including the famed Mavericks Flat.

During this time Greg met Don "Campbellock" Campbell and began to emulate Don's original new dance, The Campbellock. He was soon aptly named "Campbellock Jr" by dancer Damita Jo Freeman. In 1973, Greg became an original member of the now legendary dance group The Lockers, "The Group That Changed The Face Of Dance" along with fellow dancers Don (Campbellock) Campbell, Toni Basil, Fred (Mr. Penguin aka Rerun) Berry, Leo (Fluky Luke) Williamson, Bill (Slim the Robot) Williams and Adolfo (Shabba-Doo) Quinones. He was a brilliant improvisational dancer, acrobat and a stellar showman who exhumed Funk and Soul and was beloved by his fellow Lockers. He was also the 'Line Captain' of the group.





The Lockers' resume was unprecedented for the time and has never been equaled by any dance group, touring the country in over 24 live performances and tours, among them being the opening act for Bill Cosby at Harrah's Tahoe, Radio City Music Hall with the Ohio Players, Parliament Funkadelic, Grand Central Station, The Roxy with Cheech & Chong, and Carnegie Hall with Frank Sinatra. The group also performed in motion pictures, commercials and 29 television shows and specials which included Johnny Carson, The Carol Burnett Show, Saturday Night Live, The Grammy Awards, their very own TV special "Saturday Celebration", and a triumphant return as the group The Lockers to Soul Train as special guest stars just to name a few! They made street dance an accepted American art form and paved the way for all street dancers that were to come.

Greg was blessed with a loving spirit and great talent. He was admired and loved by many. Before transitioning to the hereafter, Greg's last moments were spent with friends and his fellow legendary pioneers, The Lockers, at The Choreographers Carnival in Los Angeles on January 27, 2010. Greg passed away shortly after in the early hours of January 28th, 2010. This event was historical as The Lockers were brought together, after over twenty years, to accept lifetime achievement awards. Don "Campellock" Campbell, Flukey Luke, Shabba-Doo, Slim The Robot, Toni Basil and the late great Greg Campbellock Jr. were finally united and honored as one of the most significant dance troupes in history!

Tuesday: Feb. 16, 2010 Memorial for Greg Campbellock Jr.

7-11pm. Admission Free. Donations Optional. 18+ welcome to attend. Locking Tributes by Friends, Fans & Students of Greg Campbellock Jr including The Groovaloos, The Beat Freaks and more.

The Highlands
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
(Above the Kodak Theater)
Hollywood CA 90028

http://thelockersdance.com

VIDEO: WALE- "My Sweetie"

New video from Wale featuring a song that was premiered on THE ZRO HOUR S06E03!

Producer TY FYFFE Presents RAW N UNCUT

PRESS RELEASE:

Always wanted to record over top notch production but budget and access to A-List producers have prevented you from doing just that?

Super producer Ty Fyffe is offering artists from all over the world an opportunity to do the impossible with his RAW N' UNCUT project.

Emerging MCs & Singers can record to tracks from the man who has crafted the backdrop for countless hit records from acts such as 50 Cent, Drake, Jay Z, Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J and many more. Entering the RAW N' UNCUT contest will not only give you the chance to hear yourself on a track from one of today's most talked about production masterminds, it can propel your career to a new level of notoriety.

You must purchase a survival kit, record your song(s) then submit it, If chosen you will be given an exclusive track produced by Ty Fyffe and be featured on the RAW N' UNCUT compilation album. The album will be will be hosted by the legendary DJ KaySlay and will be available for free download on a variety of major websites.

The first single from the project will be premiered on KaySlay's Shade 45 Streetsweepers's radio and as his Drama Hour Show on Hot 97. The Single will be promoted by Digiwaxx Media and a music video will be shot to be supported by a full viral PR Campaign. This could be your big break, don't waste time and register today. Contest ends March 1, 2010.

More info HERE

NEW! THE ZRO HOUR Podcast S06E13

THE ZRO HOUR is back with more heat for 2010! Black History Month is in effect and I set the show off with a classic from "The Teacha" KRS ONE- "You Must Learn". I also rock new joints by OBIE TRICE, DRAKE, BEKAY, WU-TANG and REFLECTION ETERNAL. This week's classics include selections from MOBB DEEP, XIBIT, DE LA SOUL and SLUM VILLAGE (R.I.P. Dilla and Baatin).



This week's show also features a dope interview with the Bay Area's own, BASH BROS., as they make their first appearance on THE ZRO HOUR. I have been following members PISEAS and LEFTY (aka UZI SCOTT) for about 2 years and have been impressed with their hard edged flows and consistent output. The Bash Bros. have been dropping heat for several years and have released a flurry of mixtapes and street albums along with 3 official releases. We speak on their journey from hustling cassettes out of their cars to flooding the digital airwaves of the net in the present. Their newest mixtape, "INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS: The Features", is a collection of some of their best work with a diverse group of the finest on the independent hip hop scene.







Enjoy the show!

THE ZRO HOUR S06E13

DOWNLOAD HERE

PLAYLIST

YOU MUST LEARN- Boogie Down Productions
CLAP 2010- Wu-Tang feat. Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man & U-God
JUST BEGUN- Reflection Eternal feat. J. Cole, Jay Electronica & Mos Def
THE GAME ROOM- Busta Rhymes feat. Lil Fame
ROUGHNECKS- Obie Trice feat. Deuce Wonder
MY NEW- Drake feat. Von Pea (Tanya Morgan) & Phonte (Little Brother)
RAPSTAR (Hunger Pains)- Bekay
GIVE UP THE GOODS- Mobb Deep feat. Big Noyd
DMX FREESTYLE
WORLD STILL BURNS- Lefty (Bash Bros.)
WORKING ON MY SOUL- Piseas (Bash Bros.)
INTERVIEW WITH THE BASH BROS.
OPEN 40 BOTTLE- Bash Bros. feat. Pumpkinhead
ITSOWEEZEE (Hot)- De La Soul
LOS ANGELES TIMES- Xibit
UNTITLED (Fantastic)- Slum Village

MIXTAPES: DJ Dyllemma & DJ Sav One - Coming Up In '09

DJ Dyllemma & DJ Sav One put together over 65 tracks from some of their favorite MCs, who were either on the come-up or established MCs still putting out quality hip-hop in '09. For the people who feel like there weren't enough solid releases last year, this mix should fill in the gaps for some of the tracks you may have overlooked.

DOWNLOAD HERE

VIDEO: Eternia & MoSS - Road to Release: Episode 14- "MC's Act Like They Don't Know" feat. KRS One & Chesney Snow

For all those that missed last week's show..THE ZRO HOUR repped that night as well. I was grateful to be there and witness the amazing energy from all.

NEW! THE ZRO HOUR Podcast S06E12- MOS DEF: Def Poet

THE ZRO HOUR is back with a new episode devoted to one of the most diverse artists in hip hop, MOS DEF. Mos Def is an amazingly gifted emcee, poet, actor and musician. Be it the broadway stage, silver screen, recording studio or smoky club, Mos has always challenged expectations with his craft. His lyrics are laced with wit, insight and an outspoken candor. Mos Def can be bohemian and hood at the same time. He has collaborated with many of his idols and peers and their reverence for his lyricism is duly noted. I have selected some of his best solo tracks as well as some of the hottest collabos and freestyles. One selection of note is his live performance of "Quiet Dog", a song featured on his current CD "THE ECSTATIC". The live set was taken from a recent "Late Show with David Letterman" where Mos played the kettle drums and rapped simultaneously, never losing the beat.



Mos' film and television roles showcase his confident acting ability. He makes you forget that this is the same "true school" artist that rocks with Talib Kweli, De La Soul, Pharoahe Monch, The Roots, The Black Keys and many more. This show was a long time coming and I guarantee that you will rock this on "repeat"!

THE ZRO HOUR S06E12- MOS DEF: Def Poet

DOWNLOAD HERE (85MB)

PLAYLIST

THE RAPE OVER
UNIVERSAL MAGNETIC
BODY ROCK- Mos Def, Tash (Tha Alkaholiks) & Q-Tip
BEEF
RISING DOWN- The Roots feat. Mos Def & Styles P
GROWN MAN BLUES
MS. FAT BOOTY
WHAT'S THAT (Que Eso)?- Tony Touch feat. Mos Def & De La Soul
MOS DEF FREESTYLE 1
RESPIRATION- Black Star
CLIMB
UMI SAID
QUIET DOG (Live)
MOS DEF FREESTYLE 2
NEW WORLD WATER
AUDITORIUM- feat. Slick Rick
I'VE COMMITTED MURDER- Macy Gray feat. Mos Def & Gangstarr
OH NO- Pharoahe Monch, Mos Def & Nate Dogg
MOS DEF FREESTYLE 3
BIG BROTHER BEAT- De La Soul feat. Mos Def
HABITAT
PORNOGRAPHIC CONTENT (Live)

VIDEO: ETERNIA "5 Minutes Ago"

Eternia continues to prove why "My Favorite Rapper Wears A Skirt"! She spits a chilling verse that she wrote 5 minutes prior to recording the video.

CYMARSHALL LAW's "Creator's Kid" EP Released Today

PRESS RELEASE:

Sweden native D-Slaps produced the seven-track EP, along with one track by Remot. The team delivers thirty minutes of raw hip-hop grit. The first single, “Harder than Thou,” sets the tone with its soulful boom-bap sound, forceful lyrics and cuts by DJ JS-1. Additional features include Skit Slam, Silent Knight and Mary Lou. Creator’s Kid EP is a worthy follow-up to his widely touted most recent album Hip Hop in the Soul (2008, Freedom Entertainment) which included single “Control” (Featuring KRS-One).

"I called the record Creator's Kid because when I set out to write the record I knew the game was lacking creativity, and with this album I could do my part to fill the void,” Cymarshall Law said. “I finally completely set myself apart from the rest, showing my music has its own identity.“

"Cymarshall Law represents the best hip-hop has to offer; his energy and passion are refreshing in today’s climate,” said Talib Kweli.



The music video for single “Harder Than Thou” is directed by Jimmy Giamborne, who has also directed videos for Sean Price and Reef the Lost Cauze to name a few.

Cymarshall Law’s newest project Creator’s Kid EP is now available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, Zune, Rhapsody, Napster and other digital retailers.

NEW! THE ZRO HOUR Podcast S06E11

Back with a great show featuring new bangers and some eclectic music thrown in the mix. This week I premiere new tracks from FRESH VETZ, CYMARSHALL LAW, JO JO PELLIGRINO, BLAQKOUT (DJ Quik & Kurupt) and JOE BUDDEN. Classic cuts from DEF SQUAD, MAIN SOURCE, ICE CUBE and CRU round out the vibe. The first guest to ever appear on THE ZRO HOUR, NUCOMME, returns to drop wisdom and promote her upcoming tribute show to funk/soul/fusion pioneer, BETTY DAVIS.





If you are in Brooklyn, New York, come through and check out Nucomme's tribute to Betty Davis this Sunday January 24th @

LITTLE FIELD
622 Degraw Street bet. 3rd and 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, New York
8pm sharp

Nucomme on Myspace
Nucomme on Facebook

Betty Davis reissues: http://www.lightintheattic.net/releases/bettydavis

Enjoy the show!

THE ZRO HOUR S06E11

DOWNLOAD HERE (89 MB)

PLAYLIST

YA'LL NIGGAS AIN'T READY- Def Squad (Erick Sermon, Redman & Keith Murray)
DISCRIMINATION- Cymarshall Law feat. Skit Slam
WHAT U PUT IN- Fresh Vetz (Dashah & DJ Pause)
KEEP ON- Joe Budden
TRIPLE HOMICIDE- Jo Jo Pelligrino feat. Sean Price & Inspektah Deck
100% DUNDEE/UMI SAYS/ADRENALINE- The Roots feat. Mos Def (LIVE)
JUST HANGING OUT- Main Source
JUST ANOTHER CASE- Cru feat. Slick Rick
COME ALIVE (War of the Roses)- Janelle Monae
INTERVIEW WITH NUCOMME
ANTI LOVE SONG- Betty Davis
SHOO-B-DOOP AND COP HIM- Betty Davis
ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE PROJECTS- Ice Cube
THE APPEAL- Blaqkout (DJ Quik & Kurupt)
YELE- Wyclef Jean

MUSIC TECH: AKAI to release iPhone/iPod Touch Software & iPhone/Ipod Touch Compatible Keyboard Controller

WTF?? This is bananas. Read on...

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.



AKAIPRO.COM

VIDEO: LTD Presents Conversations: Just Blaze Part 2

JUST BLAZE continues his conversation discussing the history and importance of Baseline Studios. Check out the first part HERE

THE 1ST AMERICAN BEATBOX CHAMPIONSHIPS Launches Online YOUTUBE Rounds

PRESS RELEASE:

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.

WORLD BEATBOX ASSOCIATION YOUTUBE CHANNEL

http://www.americanbeatboxchampionships.com/

Contact: Chesney Snow
Tel. 646-644-9637
Email: info@worldbeatboxassociation.com

COPYRIGHT CRIMINALS Premieres Nationwide on PBS + DVD Release Party in NYC

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:

Brooklyn Bowl
61 Wythe Ave
Brooklyn NYC 11211



PRE-ORDER the DVD HERE

Thanks to TOOLS OF WAR

MUSIC TECH: AKAI to release MPD26 and APC20 Midi Controllers

AKAI MPD26


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.



AKAIPRO.COM

Thanks to MATRIXSYNTH for the original posts HERE and HERE