Karl K - Binary Code (1997)

So here we are with another classic, unearthed gem of a mixtape. Released sometime in 1997, Binary Code stands out to me as one of Philly don Karl K's finest mixes - less a show of tricks and skill,(though that pops up as expected), it's the overall vibe created and sustained throughout the mix that makes this one stand out. It also takes me right back to a particular time period of my life: In November of 1997 I moved from my parents house in Northeast Philadelphia and in with friends in South Philly, but was still commuting an hour+ each way every day to work. Throughout the following 3-4 months I played this tape pretty much everyday on my subway rides - it acted as the soundtrack to one of my favorite books, Snow Crash, which I was reading at the time on said commutes. It was the perfect accompaniment: futuristic techstep and early neurofunk by the likes of Trace, Adam F, Dillinja, Optical, Matrix, Andy C, DJ Krust, Future Forces Inc., and others. Apologies for no tracklist this time around - there are too many unknowns on this one for me, but have a go at it in the comments if you'd like!

Karl K - Binary Code (1997) Side 1


Karl K - Binary Code (1997) Side 2


Click the play button to stream.

To download: just click on the "divshare" logo. On that next page, click the "download" button. You'll get a 15 second countdown, then it takes you to the same "download" screen again. Click "download" again, it will prompt you to open or save. Save and import into itunes, winamp, etc, and viola! Whatever way you do it, enjoy!

P.S. New podcast like so soon. Slackin hardcore over here, so sorry y'all!

DJ Helix Exclusive Classics Mix!

First off we'd like to shout out all that came out to the Tronik Funk Costume Party back in October, we had a blast and look forward to our next event. In the meantime, our buddy, and Philly-to-the-West-Coast transplant DJ Helix (that's him up there believe it or not!) threw together and sent us an absolutely runnin' mix of classic tech/hardstep for us to post up here. It's dark and funky just like we like it in November. Happy Thursday!

Stream via divshare:

Or direct link (right click, save as)

Lemon D - This Is LA - Metalheadz
Elementz of Noize feat MC Det - Stick Up - SOUR
Shapeshifter - Talkin Mad Shit - SOUR
TC Islam and Alien3 -Let The Bass Boom - SOUR
DJ Red - Enta Da Dragon - Trouble on Vinyl
DJ Die - Achilles Heel - Full Cycle
Micro-Burst - Punkmutha - SOUR
Elementz of Noize feat MC Det - Hit The Deck - SOUR
B.L.I.M. - Jeamland 96 (DJ Trace's Remix) - Emotiff
J Majik - Your Sound (Remix) - Metalheadz
Dom & Roland - Hydrolicks - Moving Shadow
Ed Rush - Mothership - No U-Turn
Doc Scott - Drumz '95 (Nasty Habits Remix) - Metalheadz
Genotype - Square Waves - Renegade Hardware
Adam F - Metropolis - Metalheadz
Dylan - Witchcraft - Droppin Science
Trace - Caves - No U-Turn
Ed Rush and Optical - Dozer - Virus
DJ Loxy & Ink - Airlock - Renegade Hardware
Ed Rush, Trace, Fierce, Nico & Optical - Edtrafienical - No U-Turn
Ryme Tyme - Payback - DSCI4
Jonny L - Piper (Grooverider Mix) - XL
Digital and Spirit - Phantom Force - Phantom Audio
Jonny L - The Bells - XL
Ram Trilogy - Terminal 2 - RAM
Jonny L - Wish u had something (Jonny L Mix) - XL
Moving Fusion - Turbulence - RAM
Ram Trilogy - Scanners - RAM
Decorum - Contrax - Liftin Spirit
Technical Itch - Reborn - Renegade Hardware
Konflict - Beckoning - Renegade Hardware
Dom and Roland - Parasite - Moving Shadow
Future Cut - Whiplash - Renegade Hardware
Hive - Ultrasonic Sound - FFRR

Click the play button to stream, or to download: just click on the "divshare" logo. On that next page, click the "download" button. You'll get a 15 second countdown, then it takes you to the same "download" screen again. Click "download" again, it will prompt you to open or save. Save and import into itunes, winamp, etc, and viola! Whatever way you do it, enjoy!

Also, don't fret - we have loads of classic mixes lined up for the blog and a new ALL METALHEADZ podcast coming soon!!! Stay tuned!

TRONIK FUNK Costume Party! Oct 30th!

For the unfamiliar, myself, Art Cuebik, Jason Magin and Armen (and a few others) ran a sucessful drum n bass month in Philadelphia called Tronik Sessions @ the old Saint Jacks' in Old City Philly, that ran from Summer of 2002 to Summer of 2005. It focused on the smoother, more soulful, funky side of the dnb genre. We've decided to get back the core of DJ's involved with the night (alongwith some close friends) and throw a one off Halloween Costume Party - everyone's breaking out their old vinyl and getting ready to let the funk drop all night. We hope you can make it, here are the full details:

On Saturday, October 30th, DrumSkool215 will assimilate a top notch line-up of the true workhorses of Philadelphia's longtime jungle/drum n bass scene to play one GIANT tag-team set, each jock showing off their deep and storied collections of the most cherished breaks and basslines. All for fun of course, but knowing these fellas they'll be one-upping each other all night. Most have collections dating back to the early/mid 90's but for this night expect a rolling mix of hardstep, neurofunk and liquid funk classics spanning 1999-2004.

This is a one time event, so try not to miss it. :)

Hosted by your Master of Ceremonies, the one and only:
ILLY MC (TightenUp.biz, Let Me Ride, Platinum)

Along with a DJ line-up dropping
the finest classic jungle/drum n bass:
ARMEN (Substitution, Tronik Sessions, Fuzed Funk)
ART CUEBIK (DrumSkool215, Let me Ride, Tronik Sessions)
CLAYTON THE CHEMIST (Natural Selection, Clayton & Fulcrum)
FULCRUM (Natural Selection, Clayton & Fulcrum)
ICON (Platinum, Point Of Contact)
JASON MAGIN (Substitution, Tronik Sessions, Fuzed Funk)
JOEY BREAKDOWN (DrumSkool215, Tronik Sessions, Let Me Ride)

And we must not forget to mention *** IT'S A COSTUME PARTY!!! *** So please pull out your weirdest, funkiest duds and prepare to sweat the night away. Come in full costume, get in free. Don't dress up and pay just $5.

We'll also be bringing in extra sound for some big baaaddd bass and as always expect special surprises all night long.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 30TH
10pm-2am
@ MEDUSA LOUNGE
21st & Chesnut
Philadelphia

*** FREE ADMISSION IN FULL COSTUME ***
$5 ALL NIGHT WITHOUT COSTUME
Door by DEVANT/DZA

DRUNK SPECIALS
$4 pbr+whiskey, $4 jager shots.
21+ w ID

*Cheers to IMRI for the excellent poster art as always!*
imri@reflective.net
Visit us @ http://drumskool215.blogspot.com/
or on iTunes search the store for Drumskool215.

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=events#%21/event.php?eid=161436137206328

DrumSkool215 Episode 6 w/ Jason Magin!

The 6th Episode of DrumSkool215 brings summer in Philly to a close with a guest spot by the one and only Jason Magin. A legend in P-town from his days slaving over the drum n bass bins @ 611 Records to his pioneering Fuzed Funk parties and radio show, the well traveled disc jockey has an extensive knowledge of the genre and a collection deeper than most.

We were so stoked to finally have him stop through and school us all with some rare and exclusive bits. Cuts and remixes by the one and only Rufige Kru, Ray Keith, Photek, Urban Shakedown, Dillinja, Deep Blue, L Double, Omni Trio, Cool Hand Flex and Kenny Ken all make appearances, among many other essentials. Play this nice and loud for all yo neighbors!

Direct link (right click, save as or left click to stream)
Subscribe on iTunes!
Download From Mediafire

Joey Breakdown:
Deep Blue - Helicopter Tune (Rufige Kru Rmx)
Urban Shakedown - Burning Passion
Desired State - Here And Now (Rmx)
Kenny Ken - Everyman (AWOL VIP)
DJ Monk - I Spy
Trinity - Gangsta
L Double - Little Rollers
Funki Porchini - King Ashabanapal (Dillinja Rmx)
Photek - Mindgames
DJ Buz - Slave Special
D' Cruze - Chronic Breaks

Jason Magin:
Northern Connexion - For Fabio
Ray Keith & Nookie - Express 95 (S. Gurley Rmx)
Tom & Jerry - Maxmum Style Dubplate (Stretch Rmx)
DJ Dextrous - Nice And Smooth
Dillinja - Deep Love
Lemon D - Back 2 Chicago
DJ Massive - Dancehall Massive
Cool Hand Flex - Must Feel
Northern Connexion - Reel Funk (AWOL Vip)
Bagga Worries and Jooxie Nice - Legalize (Quiet Storm Rmx)
Aladdin - Mash up Yer Know (AWOL Vip)
Cool Hand Flex - Melody Madness (DJ Randall Rmx)
L Double and Liccle D - Runnin For Years (Rasta Sound)
Omni Trio - Renegade Snares (Rob's Reconstruction Rmx)
Peshay - The Nocturnal (Back on the Firm)
Kenny Ken - Pied Piper (AWOL Vip)

And of course, don't forget to check back we have a few classic Philly jungle mixtapes coming up very soon! Tell a friend!

DrumSkool215 Episode 4

Hope everyone is having a smooth and sunny summer. It's hot as hell in Philly and it's taken a toll on our brains! This month I just rolled out an all vinyl, spaced out, amen funk session after which co-host Art Cuebik dishes up a stinky ragga jungle set made especially for this weekends upcoming JUNGLE RAVE 2010. Hope to see you there, and hope you find these beats as hot as the streets!

DrumSkool215 Podcast on Podomatic
Direct link (right click, save as)
iTunes!
Download From Mediafire

Joey Breakdown:
Fallen Angels - Frequency (Tango Remix)
Source Direct - Approach & Identify
Phaze 1 (Photek) - Natural
Peshay - On The War Path
Lemon D - Feel It
Fourth Dimension - Just Play Music
Stakka & K-Tee - Living For The Night
Splash - Babylon
ST Files - St Files Vol 1
Omni Trio - Nu Birth Of Cool
JMJ & Richie - Hall Of Mirrors (Omni Trio Remix)
System X (Photek) - Metamorphosis
DJ Fallout - Love Me

Art Cuebik:
DJ Gunshot - Wheel & Deal
DJ Nut Nut feat. Top Cat and Frankie Paul - Special Dedication
Leviticus - Burial (Lover's Rock Mix)
Marvellous Cain - The Hitman (Remix)
Andy C - Cool Down
Asylum - Da Bass 2 Dark
Renegade - The Terrorist (Grooverider rmx)

Til next month...

London Pirate Frequencies

Check out this wicked mini-doc about Pirate Radio in London - one of the driving forces in the development of early Jungle and Drum n Bass music in it's earliest days!

Boy Blue - Nineteen! (1995)

Boy Blue quickly developed a reputation for tight scratching, razor sharp cuts and wicked blends during his unfortunately short stint in the mid 90's as one of Philly premier jungle DJ's - playing to crowds up and down the east coast and luckily for us, dropping a few excellent mix tapes during that time. For those interested, Adam is still in the area, doing the family thing, occasionally making ninja style appearances at your favorite local dnb nights. This light speed mix of piercing hardstep, rugged amen workouts with some jazzy bits, recorded and released in fall of 1995, was titled - if memory serves - after the birthday he had celebrated around that time. Featuring crucial cuts by the likes of Omni Trio, T. Power, DJ Trace, JMJ & Richie, Splash, Alex Reece, Ascend & Ultravibe, among others! This was an excellent time for drum and bass music so check it out!

Boy Blue - Nineteen (1995 ) Side 1


Boy Blue - Nineteen (1995 ) Side 2



Keep in mind these are ripped from very old cassette tapes, the sound quality is not the best! Click the play button to stream, or to download: just click on the "divshare" logo. On that next page, click the "download" button. You'll get a 15 second countdown, then it takes you to the same "download" screen again. Click "download" again, it will prompt you to open or save. Save and import into itunes, winamp, etc, and viola! Whatever way you do it, enjoy!

DrumSkool215: The Bristol Special!

That's right! This time around myself and that dude Art Cuebik go back to back for over an hour dropping the hottest classic hardstep funk from the seminal Bristol related V Recordings, Full Cycle, Dope Dragon and Philly Blunt labels. This episode expect an upfront wicked mix of grimey classics from the likes of Roni Size, DJ Krust, Lemon D, DJ Die, Bill Riley, DJ Suv, and more!

DrumSkool215 Podcast on Podomatic
Direct link (right click, save as or left click to stream)
iTunes!
Download From Mediafire

Joey Breakdown vs Art Cuebik:
DJ Die - Mellow Song
Roni Size - Box Of Tricks
Glamour Gold - You Can Run
Gang Related & Mask - Death Blow
Gang Related & Mask - Oh My Gosh!
Gang Related & Mask - Bass Is Rollin'
Bigger Star - Raid
DJ Suv - Woo Town
Bill Riley feat. Clarri Thomas - Closing In
Glamour Gold - The Only One
Roni Size - Daylight
DJ Krust - Blaze Dis One
DJ Die - DNA
Gang Related & Mask - Ready Or Not
DJ Krust - Not Necessarily A Man
Scorpio - Turn Dancer
Mask - Reese
Roni Size - Days
Lemon D - I Can't Stop

DrumSkool215 Podcast Episode 2!

I was lucky enough to have the one and only Art Cuebik stop by to drop a set of the finest ragga and hardstep classics this month. I set em up with a solid 45 of heavy 1994 amen business. Check it out.

DrumSkool215 Podcast on Podomatic
Direct link (right click, save as or left click to stream)
iTunes!
Download From Mediafire

Full tracklist:
Joey Breakdown
Smith Inc - Spirit
Studio Pressure - The First Sequence
Sounds Of Life - Don't Resist The Beat
Red One - Alive & Kickin' (Ant Miles Remix)
DJ Slipmatt - Breaking Free
Randall & Andy C - Sound Control
International Rude Boyz - Paragone (Remix)
Boogie Times Tribe - The Dark Stranger
Sounds Of Life - Trust Me
On Remand - Controllin (Tango Remix)
Dillinja - You Don't Know

Art Cuebik
Drumdriver - Skyy (Mickey Finn & L Double Remix)
Skool Of Hard Knocks - Kan You Feel It?
Amazon 2 - Booyah! (Remix)
Dynamic Duo - Joker Jump Up
John B - Green
Basic Movements - Bubble & Wine
Funky Element - Shook Up
Formula 7 & Easy Bass - Run From The Soundclash
Undercover Agent - Oh Gosh (Splash Remix)
Hackney Hardcore - Rudie (Remix)
M.T.S. - Baad Boy Sound (VIP)
DJ Taktix - The Way (Exclusive Mix)
Kemet Crew - The Seed

Joey Breakdown: 7/14/95

My first ever mix tape. No, it never had a proper title so I called it what it said on the master tape - the date it was recorded. Yes, the mixing and track selection maybe leave something to be desired but it's really not that bad for a 17 year old who just got his first pair of decks two months prior. Actually, I think I had already played out @ Club Nile (lol) by this point - I took up DJing pretty fast. Mostly because I watched other DJ's I very quickly knew what I was doing technically. However, this mix shows I had a while to go before I understood how to program a set and especially that I was still feeling my way around what records to buy and play. Nonetheless, it's a fun trip down memory lane for me. While hesitant to post such an amateur effort, a few friends have asked for copies over the years so it's nice to have it digitalized...

No full track list as I sold a lot of these years ago and have no clue what they are, but I can say you'll enjoy the likes of Goldie, Remarc, 4 Hero, DJ SS, Ellis D, Leviticus, Origin Unknown, Bizzy B, and some cheeky Toni Tony Tone remix, among others. Enjoy.

Joey Breakdown: 7/14/95 - Side 1


Joey Breakdown: 7/14/95 - Side 2


Keep in mind these are ripped from very old cassette tapes, the sound quality is not the best! Click the play button to stream, or to download: just click on the "divshare" logo. On that next page, click the "download" button. You'll get a 15 second countdown, then it takes you to the same "download" screen again. Click "download" again, it will prompt you to open or save. Save and import into itunes, winamp, etc, and viola! Whatever way you do it, enjoy!

Kaos - Underground Selection Vol 2 (1995)

OK so it's safe to say I've got a nice grip of old mixtapes by both Karl K and Kaos, so expect many more, but rest assured I've got some bits by J. Smooth, Boy Blue, Trace and a few of my own first tapes coming up real soon. Also, keep an ear out for Episode 2 of the Drumskool215 podcast. Click here to check the first one, mixed and hosted by yours truly.

Anyways, on to the business at hand. This mix, which hit the streets in summer of 1995, remains an all time favorite of mine - it's superbly mixed and programmed, spanning a multitude of styles and tunes, from the likes of LTJ Bukem, Photek, Aphrodite, Dillinja, Lemon D, DJ Crystl, Q Project, Source Direct, and if memory serves I recall that side 1 of this mix kicks off with a very early DJ Kaos original? No full tracklist (though I could probably work it out if I had time) but nonetheless the mix is wicked stuff. Check it.

DJ Kaos - Underground Selection Volume 2 - Side 1


DJ Kaos - Underground Selection Volume 2 - Side 2


Keep in mind these are ripped from very old cassette tapes, the sound quality is not the best! Click the play button to stream, or to download: just click on the "divshare" logo. On that next page, click the "download" button. You'll get a 15 second countdown, then it takes you to the same "download" screen again. Click "download" again, it will prompt you to open or save. Save and import into itunes, winamp, etc, and viola! Whatever way you do it, enjoy!

Karl K - Dubplate Selection (Who Run Tings?) (1995)

Throughout most of 1995, I, along with a good chunk of the Philly rave scene, regularly attended the dark, cavernous confines of the basement known as Club Fever, specifically the Thursday night weekly New World parties. This tape hails from that time period, as it was not only acquired from Karl K at one of those parties but a good chunk of what's on this tape is stuff he regularly dropped in his sets at the time. This mix was a fixture in my walkman, cassette deck, and any car I was riding in, and remains of of my favorite mixes to this day.

It's a blistering weave of ragga, techstep, hardstep, jump up, rnb & hip-hop vocal samples, and jazzy atmospherics combined with Karl's usual cutting and scratching - it's, in a word: jungle. And it's awesome. Look out for the brief appearance of MC Dub 2 in the second half. Below is a partial track list, if anyone is willing to fill in the blanks please do in the comments :)

Karl K - Dubplate Selection (Who Run Tings?) (Side 1)


Tonic - The Mack
Ed Rush - Gun Check
T Power - The Mutant (DJ Trace Remix)
Eternal Bass - One Movement
Roni Size - Timestretch (Origin Unknown Remix)
DJ Krust - Set Speed
???
Ray Keith - Sing Time
DJ SS & Mental Power - Blue
Funki Porcini - King Ashabanapal (Dillinja Remix)
Shy FX - This Style
Babylonian - Ball Of Fire
MTS - Baad Boy Sound
Therapy? - Loose (Photek Remix)
Q Project & Spinback - Riker's Island (Dream Mix)

Karl K - Dubplate Selection (Who Run Tings?) (Side 2)


???
JMJ & Richie - Free La Funk
Shogun - Reflex
The Mack - Hip To The Hoppa
Desired State - Here & Now
???
Splash - Babylon (DJ Trace Remix)
Dillinja - You Don't Know (Remix)
Photek - Complex
???
Roger Johnson - The Drifter
Jack Ruby - Another World

Keep in mind these are ripped from very old cassette tapes, the sound quality is not the best! Click the play button to stream, or to download: just click on the "divshare" logo. On that next page, click the "download" button. You'll get a 15 second countdown, then it takes you to the same "download" screen again. Click "download" again, it will prompt you to open or save. Save and import into itunes, winamp, etc, and viola! Whatever way you do it, enjoy!

More Classic Kaos (1994)

I don't know when this flyer is from as there is no date, and the same goes for the mix it accompanies as my good friend (who, like me, also happens to be a card carrying member of the Geriatric Raver Society ;) Celestial donated to the blog. She cautioned the tape might not even play. But lucky for us it did! Judging from the track selection (Origin Unknown's "Valley Of The Shadows", "The Dark Stranger", Goldie's "Fury", and DJ Crystl's "King Of The Beats" all make appearances, among plenty more stormers), I'm guessing that the tape (and most likely flyer) hail from maybe late 1993, early 1994. The mix is a bit dark, but mixed impeccably, as expected. Enjoy. :) Brings back memories.


DJ Kaos - Untitled - 1993 Side 1


DJ Kaos - Untitled - 1993 Side 2


Keep in mind these are ripped from very old cassette tapes, the sound quality is not the best! Click the play button to stream, or to download: just click on the "divshare" logo. On that next page, click the "download" button. You'll get a 15 second countdown, then it takes you to the same "download" screen again. Click "download" again, it will prompt you to open or save. Save and import into itunes, winamp, etc, and viola! Whatever way you do it, enjoy!

DJ Trace Live on Bassquake, 103.3 (May 1997)

Philadelphia drum n bass heads had it lucky in the mid 90's, as one of the originators of the sound, DJ Trace had settled into our fine city and regularly rocked it's dance floors with dubplates no one had or heard, from his occasional visits back to the UK. This set was recorded during the height of that period, with Trace stopping by Michelle Sainte's infamous Bassquake radio show on Princeton University's 103.3 WPRB, as most will remember to be one of the only places to hear jungle or drum n bass on American FM radio (though it is a college station).

I remember it being miserably rainy the day this aired (Friday the 13th!), I recorded while at work (in an office, mind you)on a crappy boom box, but I did my best to do a bit of remastering and boosted the levels. Please don't forget, these are being ripped from cassette tapes!

While it isn't the full set, it is most of it, at least all 90 minutes I could capture. In addition to loads of still unreleased stormers, it overflows with classic No U-Turn, Metalheadz, Prototype, Ram, and Renegade Hardware techstep and early neurofunk. This was the first taste many of us got of bits like "The Shining", "Sonar", "Cells", "Replicants" and of course "To Shape The Future VIP", and it's mixed and selected in typical Trace style, with the usual Bassquake shout-outs and banter. An excellent listen for any fan of the sound. Sorry no tracklist, maybe we could compile one?

DJ Trace Live on Bassquake, 103.3 - May 1997 - Part 1


DJ Trace Live on Bassquake, 103.3 - May 1997 - Part 2


Keep in mind these are ripped from very old cassette tapes, the sound quality is not the best! Click the play button to stream, or to download: just click on the "divshare" logo. On that next page, click the "download" button. You'll get a 15 second countdown, then it takes you to the same "download" screen again. Click "download" again, it will prompt you to open or save. Save and import into itunes, winamp, etc, and viola! Whatever way you do it, enjoy!

Karl K & Kaos 1994 Face-Off!

If you happened to be one of the many attendees at raves in Philadelphia during the early 1990's, the only time you heard jungle, breakbeat or UK hardcore music was most likely from these two pioneers of the local sound. Karl K & Kaos, basically a duo @ the time, (and augmented by the likes of the one and only MC Dub 2) released these two seminal mixtapes, both in late 1994, so we're posting them both up here in an attempted face off! All in good fun, of course. You be the judge!

Personally, these were the golden years of the genre. While many amazing tunes were released, and subgenres spawned after this point, so much ground was being broke at this point in terms of production and where the genre was headed.

Click the play button to stream, or the "divShare" logo to be forwarded to a download page. Either way, enjoy! And don't forget, these are ripped from cassettes, so sound quality isn't the greatest!


DJ Kaos - Causin Up A Stress Side 1 (Fall/Winter 1994)


DJ Kaos - Causin Up A Stress Side 2 (Fall/Winter 1994)


Karl K - Untitled Side 1 (December 1994)


Karl K - Untitled Side 2 (December 1994)


More to come!