Archive for The Solution

Friday, 3/29 -> The Art of Records II Closing Party at The Solution w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez at the Meadowlark…Don’t miss your last chance to check out the acclaimed art show!

FRIDAY, 3/29 -> It breaks our hearts to say it, but The Art Of Records II’s run at the Meadowlark will be wrapping up shortly, but not before we take one last Friday night at The Solution w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez to celebrate the amazing art by an all-star lineup of Denver artists.  The show, co-curated by Dunn the Signtologist and DJ Low Key, features some of the city’s top artists flipping classic hip hop albums covers in all sorts of fantastic ways and some of the pieces have already sold, so this will be your last chance to check this great collection of art.  Here’s two top notch recaps of the show’s ridiculous opening night and a little sample of what the show looks like (through the lens of Terrence Duncan), plus more info on the concept. Delicious food by Year Of The Snake/21+/No cover until 11/Only $5 after/2701 Larimer St.

.:The Art Of Records II Opening Recap via TheSigntologist.com & Terrence Duncan:.

.:The Art Of Record II Opening Recap via Westword.com & Ken Hamblin:.

About The Art Of Records II: Over the last few decades album art has gone from a 12” canvases to a 2” screens, and that’s usually the best-case scenario for the often incredible art that accompanies music releases.  Landmark albums like A Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory, Nas’s Illmatic and De La Soul is Dead have instantly recognizable covers that are embedded in music and art lovers’ psyches forever, but the 12” as a canvas has become a rarity in the public eye.  Everyone from music and art lovers to average people on the street still connect to both the album art and 12” format, yet we rarely take the time to honor the truly great ones.  The Art Of Records is an exhibit that aims to do just that; focusing on the legacy of exceptional art accompanying exceptional music and the idea of introducing both to a new generation.

The Art Of Records combines art, music and tradition to celebrate and honor the rich history and mystique of record cover art, 12″ vinyl and the artists that create it (both musically and graphically). Curated by Dunn the Signtologist and DJ Low Key, the exhibit features a series of classic 12″ album and single covers re-imagined and recreated by top artists in Denver.  The 12” covers will also be on display and the concept comes full circle with DJ Low Key playing an all vinyl set of the featured records as the night’s soundtrack.

The all-star lineup of artists for The Art Of Records II:

Buckner

Rawh

Ian Rumley

Stacy Sturdy

Tristan Minton

Thomas Evans

Michael Coriano

Dunn The Signtologist

Joseph Martinez

Jaime Molina

TiredPirate

Delton

Girr

Saturday, 3/23 -> The Solution & You Like This present The 2013 DMC Denver Regional DJ Battle w/special guests Pete Rock & Rob Swift, DJ Low Key, Es-Nine, Curly One, hosts Mane Rok & Panama Soweto + lots more at Casselman’s…

SATURDAY, 3/23 -> Rane in assoc. with The Solution & You Like This presents
The 2013 DMC Denver Regional DJ Battle MARCH 23, 2013 @ Casselman’s 2620 Walnut St. Denver, CO 80205 (720) 242-8923 http://www.Casselmans.com/. 8pm-1:30am. $15 adv./$20 day of . 18+. Host: Panama Soweto. Judges: DJ Rob Swift, DJ Chonz, DJ Deus & more tba. Partyrockers: DJ Low Key, DJ Es-Nine, DJ Curly One. *No filming of the DJ battle is permitted. Still photography is ok Main event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/147433965414972/
Pick up presale tickets at http://holdmyticket.com/event/133285

FORMAT
This is DMC’s classic solo showcase style DJ battle: DJs will each perform a 2 minute routine for the elimination round. Judges will select the top 6 to advance to the final round. The top 6 will each perform a 6 minute routine. The champion of this DMC regional will advance to the 2013 DMC US Finals in New York City on Aug. 3rd at Stage 48 605 W 48th St (between 11th & 12th) Hells Kitchen NYC 10036 https://stage48.com/

EQUIPMENT
For the 2013 DMC Regionals, we will use Rane Sixty Two mixers – but a Rane Sixty One mixer or Rane TTM 57 will be available upon request. Rane mixers will be supplied by DMC. DJs cannot bring their own mixers. DJs must bring their own headphones, slipmats, needles, records, computers, cords, control vinyl and/or laptop stands etc. DJs can use any brand of needles and DVS they like. Promoter/sound will supply Technics turntables.

DJS MUST REGISTER TO BATTLE
by the day before the battle by writing to DMC USA’s Christie Z-Pabon at usa@dmcworld.com with the following info:

Which city/battle you are entering?
DJ Name
First Name & Last Name
Complete Address, Apt or House
City
State
Zip
Phone
Email
Website, facebook, twitter, etc.
Crew affiliation
Please answer honestly Yes or No to this question:
Are you a US Citizen or have you lived in the US for at least 6 yrs and can prove it?
1st Choice of Mixer: 62, 61 or 57
2nd Choice of Mixer: 62, 61 or 57

DMC PRIZES for US Battles

PRIZES for 2013 DMC Regional Battles include
1st Grand Prize from Rane is the Sixty-One mixer ($1800 retail)
SRH550DJ Headphones from Shure
Custom DMC branded headshells from Smokin Shells
Prize package from 12inchSkinz
Prize package from Elite Philosophy
1st Prize from your promoter: Round Trip Flight & Hotel to battle in the 2013 DMC US Finals in NYC on Aug. 3 @ Stage 48 NYC!

2nd place: Shure Record Bag
Custom DMC branded headshells from Smokin Shells

3rd place: a Shure Reverb T-Shirt
Custom DMC branded headshells from Smokin Shells

SPONSORS
http://rane.com/
http://www.12inchskinz.com/
www.elitephilosophy.com
http://www.shure.com/
http://www.dubspot.com/
http://www.idjnow.com/
http://smokinshells.com/
http://www.scratch.com/
more to be announced!

DMC USA
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dmcusa
http://twitter.com/dmcusadjbattles
http://www.youtube.com/TheOFFICIALDMCUSA
http://stores.ebay.com/DMC-USA-DJ-Gear

DMC WORLD
http://www.dmcdjchamps.com/
https://www.facebook.com/dmcdjchamps
https://twitter.com/dmc_dj_champs
http://www.dmcworld.com/

DMC ONLINE DJ Championships
http://www.dmcdjonline.com/
https://www.facebook.com/dmconlinedj
https://twitter.com/dmcdjonline

OFFICIAL DMC World Youtube Channels
Classic 6 min. battles: http://www.youtube.com/dmcworlddjfinal
Supremacy aka Head to Head: http://www.youtube.com/dmcdjbattle
Teams: http://www.youtube.com/dmcdjteam
Classic 3 min. eliminations: http://www.youtube.com/dmcdjelims
Showcases: http://www.youtube.com/dmcworldchamps

Tools of War grassroots Hip Hop
https://www.facebook.com/groups/101115026613/
http://twitter.com/toolsofwarjams
https://vimeo.com/toolsofwar

Sign up for the Tools of War grassroots Hip Hop Newsletter: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1100885080641

Friday, 3/22 -> The Solution w/DJ Low Key, Lazy Eyez and special guests A-L & DJ Meezy (SF)…Plus Denver DMC ticket giveways, The Art Of Records II, food by Year Of The Snake & more at the Meadowlark…

FRIDAY, 3/22 -> All sorts of fun stuff going on at The Solution w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez at the Meadowlark (2701 Larimer St) this week.  First off, we’re linking up with talented CO producer/DJ A-L to celebrate his Final Vinyl release, who’s gonna rock a special performance for y’all.  A-L (aka Aaron Ladley) has been steadily paying dues on the Colorado hip hop scene for years; DJing, making beats and working with the Eclipse Show, before dropping his latest project,  Future Classic Music, which features the likes of hip hop legends Ed O.G. and Craig G, exceptional NC rapper Kam Moye and well known CO artists such as Mike Wird, Fast 4Ward, MC Subcon, Niek Rocka & more.  Here’s a taste of the heat he’s bringing, make sure you come out early to check his set.

After A-L rocks, we’re gonna give away some tickets to this year’s Denver Regional DMC w/Pete Rock & Rob Swift (which takes place this Saturday, 3/23) and kick things into party mode.  DJ Low Key’s back in town, fresh from throwing our ridiculous SX704 Solution Showcase down in Austin during SXSW, and he’s brought a ton of great new music to spin.  Also, there’s only two Fridays left to catch the acclaimed Art Of Records II show before it comes down for good, so definitely make sure you stop in the Meadowlark to see it in person (Biggie by Thomas Evans from The Art Of Records II below).  Check out the pics from the show’s opening via Westword/Ken Hamblin HERE & show recap via the show’s co-curator Dunn The Signtologist HERE.

Last but not least, Year of the Snake will be on-site cooking up some tasty treats (their Vietnamese XXXL wings pictured below) & Introducing w/DJ Low Key kicks off at 5pm if you’re looking to get an early start on the evening.  See you then!

JUST ADDED: We found out San Francisco tastemaker DJ Meezy is gonna be in town this weekend and added him to the bill.  Meezy’s a part of BlindIForTheKids.com, one of the freshest blogs online (just ask Kanye), stays playing top quality hip hop, soul & more around the Bay area and always hits up The Solution when he comes to Denver, so make that one more great reason to come out!

Friday, 3/1 at 6pm -> The Art Of Records II Opening at the Meadowlark, co-curated by Dunn The Signtologist & DJ Low Key…Plus, a built-in afterparty at The Solution w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez…

FRIDAY, 3/1 at 6pm + afterparty from 10pm on-> #TheSolution6 closes out with the opening of the second Art Of Records show, co-curated by Dunn the Signtologist and DJ Low Key, which features some of Denver’s top artists flipping classic hip hop albums covers in all sorts of incredible directions, all while DJ Low Key rocks at all vinyl set of the records that inspired the pieces.  Last year’s show at Family Affair was RIDICULOUS (see pics here) and things are shaping even even crazier for 2013, so please join us at the Meadowlark as we recognize and pay homage to the talented assortment of artists that make The Art Of Records such an indelible part of loving music.  After 10pm, things switch over to The Solution w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez and the party continues on with the best in hip hop & more til 2am, so plan to make a night of it.  Check out a few pics from last year and more info on the show below. 21+/No cover until 11/$5 after/2701 Larimer St.

Over the last few decades album art has gone from a 12” canvases to a 2” screens, and that’s usually the best-case scenario for the often incredible art that accompanies music releases.  Landmark albums like A Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory, Nas’s Illmatic and De La Soul is Dead have instantly recognizable covers that are embedded in music and art lovers’ psyches forever, but the 12” as a canvas has become a rarity in the public eye.  Everyone from music and art lovers to average people on the street still connect to both the album art and 12” format, yet we rarely take the time to honor the truly great ones.  The Art Of Records is an exhibit that aims to do just that; focusing on the legacy of exceptional art accompanying exceptional music and the idea of introducing both to a new generation.

The Art Of Records combines art, music and tradition to celebrate and honor the rich history and mystique of record cover art, 12″ vinyl and the artists that create it (both musically and graphically). Curated by Dunn the Signtologist and DJ Low Key, the exhibit features a series of classic 12″ album and single covers re-imagined and recreated by top artists in Denver.  The 12” covers will also be on display and the concept comes full circle with DJ Low Key playing an all vinyl set of the featured records as the night’s soundtrack.

#TheSolution6

Thursday, 2/28 at 7pm -> Sound College x The Solution Celebrate J Dilla w/DJ Check One, DJ Low Key, Deejay SD, DJ Chonz, Big J. Beats, Brik-A-Brak, Casey Sidwell & more at Unit E…RSVP required for entry, details below…

POSTPONED to THURSDAY, 2/28 at 7pm due to the snow storm -> It’s Dilla month and you already we’d be bringing something full Jay Dee beats to Denver for a 7th consecutive year (check out our first ever J Dilla party here).  This year we’re teaming up with renowned Dilla expert DJ Check One/Dameion Hines, Sound College & Unit E Gallery to celebrate the life, music and legacy of the late great James Yancey.  Unit E is an art gallery space in the Sante Fe Arts District (1201 Sante Fe Dr) and because it’s an art gallery and not a bar/nightclub, we need to make sure everyone coming out RSVPs to either RSVP <at> DenverSolution <dot> com or on the party’s facebook event page by 7pm the night of the event.  Per tradition, we’ll have donuts and Sound College tees in the house and as always, an all-star lineup of talent, check it:

Video tribute by DJ Check One

DJ sets by DJ Low Key, Deejay SD & DJ Chonz

Beat tribute by Big J. Beats

7″ Vinyl (45) Donuts sample set by Brik-A-Brak

Live bass and drums by Casey Sidwell & Dameion Hines

Once again, MAKE SURE YOU RSVP IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO ATTEND. You can RSVP for your friends as well but we need everyone’s name attending, sending your name +1 is not an option (if your name’s not on the list, you won’t get in, that’s the venue’s policy).  Everyone is invited though, you can send as many names as you want as long as you submit them on time, and we’re looking forward to seeing Denver show out for a night of incredible music as we celebrate on of the musical geniuses of our time.  21+/7PM/$5 at the door with RSVP.

#TheSolution6

Friday, 2/15 -> Denver Dre Day 2013 at The Solution w/DJ Low Key, Lazy Eyez & special guest DJ Dozen at the Meadowlark…A night full of everything Dr. Dre & more…

 

FRIDAY, 2/15 -> Before we even talk about Dre Day, I gotta shout out everyone who came out to our weekly relaunch/6 year anniversary party/#TheSolution6 kickoff last Friday at the Meadowlark.  I knew it was going to be a good night, but calling it a good party would be an understatement; after a wall to wall packed turnout, complete with a super cool crowd going wild to great music from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Donald Byrd & Dilla, I think it’s safe to say The Solution’s new weekly home is a hit.  Special guest DJ Izer, Sounds Supreme, Lazy Eyez, and surprise guest DJ Chris Karns aka the DJ formerly known as Vajra aka 2011 DMC world champion, DJ legend and Yelawolf’s touring DJ all tore things down while the crowd went on one wild musical ride (my set went over pretty well too, check out what I played here).  Whether you made it out or not, there are a ton of beautiful pictures of the party on Westword.com and via the Meadowlark’s photobooth on The Solution’s facebook page that you should take a look at.

So let’s talk Dre Day.  Dre Day is a national phenomenon that’s popped up over last few years, as parties all over the country are taking it upon themselves to honor to music and career of Andre Young aka Dr. Dre.  I’m not sure if there’s been one in Denver before, but we’re excited to make one happen.  Me, Lazy Eyez and special guest DJ Dozen (Welcome To The D.O.P.E. Game) will be holding down the turntables and spinning everything Dre related, from the World Class Cru days through the N.W.A-era into the Death Row dynasty and onward to the Aftermath and “Detox” eras, complete with guest spots, original samples, features, other production and everything else Dre’s been affiliated with, all the way up to his Kendrick verses.  21+/Free until 11/$5 after/2701 Larimer St. – DJ Low Key

#TheSolution6

(Pictures via Ken Hamblin for Westword, full gallery here)

 

Starting Friday, 2/8 -> The Solution w/DJ Low Key, Lazy Eyez & more is back weekly!!! Every Friday night at the award-winning Meadowlark!!!

EVERY FRIDAY, STARTING 2/8 -> The Solution is back.  Every Friday night.  Say it with me one time, The Solution is back, every Friday night.  Ahhhh, it sounds so nice.  Not that we haven’t been doing parties all around town over the last year or two, but it’s nice to have a good home base for the party that people can count on every weekend.  Now that you’ve hopefully committed the basics to memory, let’s talk details.

After a dozen and a fantastic Summer of daytime parties at Goodness (which will be back in May, btw), the Meadowlark seemed like the perfect fit to make our weekly home; most y’all have already been through before and really like it, they have the flexibility to support performances, the drinks aren’t too pricey, the vibe is good and most importantly, they trust and appreciate us as DJs, promoters & cultivators of a music community (the owner constantly tells me how much loves the diverse crowd we bring in, try finding that attitude at most venues near downtown).  Plus, their patio will be the cherry on top for warm Summer nights (although after 10PM, the DJs have to be inside).

So check it out, here’s the new plan for Fridays at the Meadowlark, The Solution, & Introducing (the happy hour party I recently started, based around new music).  Things will kick off with Introducing w/DJ Low Key from 5-9pm, complete with complimentary green chile tamales and lots of brand new music.  Then at 9pm, things will switch over to The Solution w/DJ Low Key, Lazy Eyez, (sometimes) Sounds Supreme, special guests and everything hip hop and great in life.  Then, once a month, we’ll feature on a Friday night to give Denver its monthly fix of the best in up and coming national and local talent.

On 2/8, we’ll be kicking off our six year anniversary aka #TheSolution6 with me, DJ Lazy Eyez, Special guest DJ Izer and a surprise or two on the turntables, plus we’ll be celebrating the birthdays of #COhiphop favs and our friends Xencs L Wing, Joe Blizzy & Bravo One.  Should be another one for the books, see y’all there!  21+/Free until 11/$5 after/2701 Larimer St.

DJ Low Key

Saturday, 12/1 -> Tooey’s House Party x The Solution collab to celebrate The (formerly 90s) House Party’s 4 Year Anniversary w/Es Nine, Cysko Rokwel, DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez…

 

SATURDAY, 12/1 -> We’re joining forces with one of our favorite parties in town, the (formerly 90s) House Party at Tooey’s, to celebrate their 4 year anniversary and if you’re a hip hop head in Denver that’s probably all you need to know.  The all-star DJ lineup features Es Nine, Cysko Rokwel, DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez in what should be a great follow up to last year’s great collab. Tooey’s (1520 Marion St) / 10PM / 21+ / No cover / No gimmicks, just exceptional music.

 

Saturday, 11/24 -> The Solution Showcase #10 w/Danny!, J. Carey, Infamous Jones, DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez at the Meadowlark…

SATURDAY, 11/22 -> After taking a bye month for the South Broadway Soundclash/Halloween in October, The Solution Showcase is back to bring you another stacked lineup of hip hop at the award-winning Meadowlark (2701 Larimer St).  The Solution Showcase #10 features Danny! aka Danny Swain aka “Hov’s fav cat.” (c) Questlove as our of town act, fresh off the release of his critically acclaimed Payback album on Okayplayer Records (with cameos from everybody from Blu to Lil B to Tanya Morgan to Swizz Beats to El-P to Phonte).   Very dope singer/sometimes rapper J. Carey is our featured CO artist for the month and The D.O.P.E. Game’s Infamous Jones is our featured producer, while The Solution’s own DJ Low Key and Lazy Eyez hold things down with the best in hip hop & more on the turntables.  Don’t miss a chance to catch this crazy lineup for only $5 via pre-sale (plus 15% off your purchase) at any of the Family Affair locations or just $8 at the door.  Starts at 9pm / 21+.

.:Meet Danny! aka Danny Swain, our featured out of town act for The Solution Showcase #10:.

.:Meet J.Carey, our featured CO act for The Solution Showcase #10:.

.:Meet Infamous Jones, our featured Denver producer for The Solution Showcase #10:.

Saturday, 6/16 from 9:30pm-4am -> The Solution presents Round 2 at 1919 Gallery w/Donwill & Von Pea of Tanya Morgan (NY), DJ Low Key, Lazy Eyez, Gyp Da Hip & Big J Beats…Complimentary PBR & vodka drinks til 12…The birthday celebration continues on!

SATURDAY, 6/16 from 9:30pm-4am -> The birthday madness continues on after Goodness at the Meadowlark with Round 2 at 1919 Gallery (1414 Tremont).  We’ve got music by Donwill & Von Pea of Tanya Morgan (NY), me, Lazy Eyez, Gyp Da Hip & a live production set from Big J Beats (of 1984) to celebrate the birthdays of Charley Cox, Denver Frank, Monique M, Donwill & DJ Low Key, plus complimentary PBRs & vodka drinks til 12 (full cash bar after). $5 w/wristband from the Meadowlark or RSVP / $10 otherwise.

Also, Saturday, 6/16 from 3pm-9pm -> Birthday madness Round 1 at Goodness on the Meadowlark’s patio (2701 Larimer St). Special performance from Tanya Morgan (NY), music by DJ Low Key, Sounds Supreme, Lazy Eyez & DJ Amen, Summertime fashion show by Family Affair, tacos by El Chingon and celebrating the birthdays of DJ Amen, Charley Cox, Denver Frank, Monique M, DJ Chonz, Donwill & me. No Cover/21+.