"Things Done Changed"

The word got out late last week, that DJ Premier (Houston native, BK dwella) had finally released a new underground mixtape. Normally, this is the type of news that is met with quick frenzy, followed by quick bag-ups, and that's it. However, his latest effort has caused quite a stir as of late. Such a stir, that i cant just sit back and watch cyber-thugs come at a legend sidewayz. Aint goin down like that, at all! When peepin the cover of "No Talent Required", one notices the digital cdj setup, complete with a box containing Rane's highly popular hard/software program Serato Scratch. All topped off with a sticker stamp proclaiming that the tape was made using "actual" records (a.k.a vinyl). Haters across the country went to work once getting a glimpse of the crazy tracklisting. A couple of notable mag/blogs made it a point to note that pretty much none of the tracks were actually available on wax. I titled this joint "Things Done Changed" (R.I.P B.I.G) for a few reasons: a) It's a sad day when cats feel like they can just second guess a man who help bring the dj back to the forefront in rap music. b) This audio digital file stuff has gotten SO outta control, that so-called aficionados have seemed to forget about exclusive white-labels, test pressings, acetates, dubplates (and all other vinyl formats that a REAL DJ such as Premier would definitely have full access to at anytime) Overall, I think it was a brilliant move for Premo (who actually does occasionally use the digital tools in question, in a live setting). For one, it re-opens the much needed conversation of vinyl vs. digital 0's and 1's. Plus, antics like this do wonders for your street cred. Bottom line, to someone such as Premier, and all of us who've been lugging ton-heavy crates and equipment on our backs for decades, somethin' like Serato or cdjs is well-deserved icing on the cake. We know which one came first. *Why have one, when the combination is unbeatable. **On a sad, yet related note, on October 24th, 2006, Watts Music, the biggest independent vinyl distributor in North America, closed its doors after over 20 solid years of business. Another one bites the dust. Fight the good fight...** ---------- For those who may have missed out, the 2nd installment of "Heist185 presents..." went up late last week. Check the archives at STACK CACHE: the blog for this one-of-a-kind mix series.