Shane Eli’s The Push came out early last summer and served as a nice introduction for the young emcee/producer, but he isn’t resting on his laurels. Eli recruits Playboy Tre and Rittz for “Let’s Ride,” a percolating ode to rolling out with that special shorty of the moment. In a world where everyone’s trying to figure out how they can give you more, Shane only wants to prove to listeners I Can Do Better, with his upcoming DJ Booth sponsored second album.

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Shane Eli Feat. Playboy Tre & Rittz – Let’s Ride

The WOMi feature is reserved for the people who influence my work and carry a certain admirable joie de vivre. Nick Schonberger fits that description. In fact, I consider him to be a White version of myself, were I more coy and deadpan funny, and if I had bits of knowledge and experience with nearly everything under the sun. Read the rest of this entry »

Rik Cordero gets the infinite “hat tip” in my book. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Rik for quite some time and first met him at a production house through a mutual friend circa 2004. Not knowing his aspirations as a director, I slowly saw his videos drop on YouTube and soon realized homie’s success was inevitable, as each project featured more recognizable artists. Read the rest of this entry »

One phone call from Fadia Kader proved her power to me before I even met her.

A few years ago, an Atlanta printing press tried to swindle TSS out of cash when we were trying to produce a run of tees. A friend suggested that I holler at Fadia, and so I did. On some mafia steez, this mystery woman made one phone call and then emailed me that it was handled. Said printing press returned the cash within 48 hours and apologized profusely. That’s just a hint of why Fa’s one-line bio reads “Jill of all trades playing side-by-side with the Jacks.” Read the rest of this entry »

True story, Ronnie Fieg was one of two people I wanted to be last year (if I weren’t busy being me). As the head buyer for footwear retailer David Z, Ronnie’s obviously a forward thinker and a cat who’s always simultaneously looking ahead & reflecting back, doing both in an effort to inspire what he does daily. By doing footwear collaborations with top tier companies, what he managed to accomplish in a short time span of time was simply amazing. Read the rest of this entry »

There’s not much that Ben Baller hasn’t or can’t do. Having known him as a casual acquaintance for years, the one thing I’ve learned is that you have to respect his hustle. From being a DJ at the hottest clubs across the country, working in the music and entertainment industries alongside notable names like Dr. Dre, Dame Dash and Maroon 5, having a hand in clothing labels and, now, running Icee Fresh & Co., creating extravagant custom jewelry for a “who’s who” list of distinguished clientele. And on a average Tuesday, you can prolly catch him hanging with @LilDuval at a Clippers game, waiting on Rasual Butler and Baron Davis to finish playing. You know, basic shit.

For our relationship, I originally met K-Town as one of the members of the Air Mack$ Crew (himself, DJ Homicide and DJ AM RIP) and knew him as a guy with one of the most extensive sneaker collections around. More than anything, he would always lend info, shared his connections and, if you asked, he’d help you get your hands on whatever material item you desired (at your expense of course). Oh yeah, he’s got a car fetish too (check his profile in DUB). And, to think, it all started from the ground up for a kid in L.A.’s Koreatown.

But above all, Ben is one of those guys who lived the music. Ask him a question and prepare for him to spin a personal tale that will leave your eyes and mind open. So, he was an obvious choice to see what the hell he’s listening to.

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Nipsey Hussle – “The Hussle Way”

This shit just reminds me of that OG gangsta rap but still poetic to where cats have a message and are actually saying something, telling a story just like Cube would in the late ’80s etc. Also, c’mon he’s a Slauson boy, repping where my store is.

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Jay Electronica – “Exhibit C”

Shit almost makes me think Hip-Hop could be back. I haven’t heard anything like this since Reflection Eternal in 2000. Jay spittin’ crazy “I’ll make the devil get on his knees and say the OUR FATHER” What?!?

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Cam’ron – “Get’em Girls”

Purple Haze is one of my favorite albums of all time. This is saying something, when I’m putting this up there next to the Chronic, Amerikka’s Most Wanted, Ready to Die and The Infamous. Cam just motivates me to get money, get bitches and keep computers ‘puting. And most of the early Dipset shit relates to me, DJ AM, Homicide and our AMC heydays.

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LMFAO – “Lil Hipster Girl”

Don’t need to say shit else but, “I gots to show some to AM when he’s in the place, I say what up, he says ‘AWWW YEAH’ and I seen her face.” This song fucks my life up and reminds me my dude was part of not just Hip-Hop, but hipster to rocker, all over the spot.

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Smashing Pumpkins – “Today”

It’s been raining all night and Billy Corgan is a genius. It’s been a minute since I’ve heard some melodic whiney white boy over hard guitars. This was when accepted Alternative at the same time Stone Temple Pilots and Nirvana were killin’ shit.

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Sweet Sable – “Old Time’s Sake”

One of the first true R&B songs I played inside a nightclub that wasn’t “soul” like an OG classic. I was DJing at a spot that Dr. Dre frequented and I was serviced with this record. It was featured on the Above the Rim soundtrack, which is a Death Row classic, but the label that actually put this record out was dumb small (they had two employees). Also, they used the Eddie Kendricks sample from “Intimate Friends,” one of my favorite classic soul records.

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Sunshine Anderson – “Heard It All Before”

When Mike City produced this track, this shit went so hard that Jadakiss and mad other cats were jumping on this record’s instrumental and doing unofficial remixes, which happens all the time now, but didn’t 9 years ago. The track also reminded me of my Lexus that had a $25,000 system and the president of SoulLife Records handed me the CD before I even got the wax and was like “do you hear all the underlying shit on this beat?” Damn.

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Led Zeppelin – “D’yer Maker”

If you don’t have some Led Zeppelin in your iTunes, you’re fucked up in the head.

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Dr. Dre – “Let Me Ride” (Extended 11 Min. Mix)

I remember getting my hands on a rare promo of this on a CD single and was a B-side to only the radio promo Death Row wax and was like “Damn, this dude T-Ren was nasty on that guitar.” Later, I remember Dre always saying he wanted an all Black rock band. Shit was before it’s time. It also mixed in with the true Parliament Funkadelic sound. Classic.

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H.I.T.T.M.A.N. Feat. Dr. Dre – “Blaow”

Just one of my 40+ unreleased Dr. Dre tracks that didn’t make the 2001 album, but I keep it because it’s still so relevant in rap. I was also HITTMAN’S DJ back then. It was just in my random mix today

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Smokey Robinson – “You Really Got A Hold On Me”

I fux with Smokey Robinson and mad classic oldies from the Delfonics era, etc. I was just with a honey dip too, but Smokey is a deep cat, peep him spit some shit about his life coming up, crazy.

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Bob Marley – “Could You Be Loved”

Bottom line, I always have Bob in rotation someway or another, I wish SoundScan was more official, because there is no way you can’t tell me Legend didn’t sell 25+ million copies. To me, top three G.O.A.T. in music.

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Sublime – “Badfish”

At the end of the day, there will be an autobiography on Brad’s life. He was the epitome of what this ska mixed with rock funk was all about, plus he was reppin’ LBC at the same time Snoop was killin’ it with Doggystyle. I remember dropping off Bad Azz from the LBC crew and extended Dogg Pound family at Brad’s Studio and Bad would tell me stories about Brad just smoking weed and playing his guitar. I was fascinated by dude’s life because he was ahead of his time. No Doubt was playing keggers around the same time and there’s no doubt if Brad was still alive, they would’ve had a diamond album.

That’s what was in rotation in my iPod right now. Shit changes and jumps from The Cure to The Smiths to Above The Law to Cameo and I wish I had some Marvin bumping right now, but this was what was playing on my drive home.

Want to keep up with Ben? Your two best bets are the I.F. & CO. website and his Twitter, @BenBaller.

Be sure to check out previous installments in the “What’s On My iPod” series to see who’s listening to what.

House Shoes is a diehard. A simultaneous gatekeeper and torchbearer for Detroit, the city’s music, the legacy of Dilla and the essence of Hip-Hop. When thinking of “real Hip-Hop,” this guy was one of the first people whose mind I wanted to probe to see what he listens to when he’s not in charge of selecting songs to rock a crowd.

Sidebar: Technically, Shoes doesn’t even own and iPod (he does occasionally add songs to his BlackBerry so he can listen while on the go). Not that it matters; Shoes lives and breathes music.

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MarvWon – “The Way It Goes”

Marv is like my lil brother. Y’all know how he goes in on the battle scene, but his best songs are introspective real life shit. I’m always telling him he needs to do more joints like this.

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Quelle – “Blue Mondays”

Quelle is a fucking monster. This joint is what sold me on him. “Sell coke to white folks…” Shit makes me wanna kick a puppy.

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Freeway – “When They Remember”

Stimulus Package is nutso. Made me go back to this joint i was playing the shit out of a couple years ago. May be my favorite Free joint. Soundtrack to some taking over the world type shit.

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Moe Dirdee – “You Don’t Belong In Detroit”

Moe is one of my hometown favorites as of late. This is some classic Detroit shit talk right here.

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Drake – “Successful/Say What’s Real”

Fuck y’all hippity-hop fucks who say Drake ain’t dope. He is. These are my favorite kind of joints he comes with. I listened to “Successful” for two and a half hours straight the first time I heard it. And skipped Wayne’s verse for the majority. Read the rest of this entry »

VA$HTIE is strikingly beautiful.

Let’s get that out of the way so we can move on.

It’s not the beauty of what’s outside, but what’s inside & how she manifests it into her work that makes her astounding. Director, designer, artist, party promoter, hustler. Name it, she does that. She’s one of those individuals able to leave an indelible mark on each thing she touches, reshaping it with her keen eye for style. That’s why when I thought of creating this segment, she was one of the first people I asked to contribute and was delighted when she agreed to take part…otherwise what other fucking reason would I have to strike up a conversation with her? Now, we share our affinity for Portishead!

Sidebar: In typical artistic fashion, Va$h said “fuck yo coloring book,” going well past the ten tracks we asked for LOL. We <3 her tremendously and grant her an E+ for effort.

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Rakim – “Don’t Sweat The Technique”

If I could have a theme song that played around me constantly, it would be this song. It feels timeless and universal. Rakim is legend and the beat makes me want to get up and dance like Rosie Perez in the intro to Do The Right Thing.

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Nas – “New York State of Mind”

This song and this entire album exudes such a powerful era in New York City: the music, the culture, the fashion. This song perfectly captures it all. I was only a kid in Albany when Illmatic came out and all it did was fuel my obsession of moving to “The City” even more (and possibly find a boy that look just like Nasir). Illmatic goes on my TOP 5 ALBUM list without question. It feels dirty, young, pure and real…so magnetic. New York’s updated anthem feels overly jolly, clean and Starbucks-y. Where’s the beauty in that? I miss the old New York.

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Deee-Lite – “Power Of Love”

Don’t let their seemingly one-hit wonder “Groove Is In The Heart” confuse you – they had hits for days. Their sound was so ahead of it’s time and Lady Miss Kier sang like a black girl in a white girls body. The group were 90′s-styled hippies, insistent on racial equality as they were composed of a mix of ethnicities and they pro-earth (they were one of the first to have eco-friendly CD packaging). It was Hip-Hop, it was rave, it was soul. It was universal. How I miss the 90′s.

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Depeche Mode – “Policy Of Truth”

I’ll never know if I would have fallen in love with Depeche Mode the way I did at such an early age, if it hadn’t been for my older sister bumping it on her little boombox. Aside from great music production and a unique electronic sound, the writing is superb — “There’ll be times when my crimes will seem almost unforgivable. I give in to sin, because you have to make this life livable. But when you think I’ve had enough from your sea of love, I’ll take more than another river full. And I’ll make it all worthwhile…I’ll make your heart smile.”

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Clipse – “Pussy”

I’ve always loved the style of Clipse and although I love almost everything in their catalog, this song takes the cake with the line: “I ain’t into fat-lipping, I’m into gat-gripping…” Just those simple sarcastic nuances that separate them from the rest.

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ESG – “UFO”

This band was a sister group that formed in the South Bronx in the early 80′s. They’re sound is revered around the world by similarly styled musicians for their post-punk, disco, Hip-Hop and dance punk sound. Little did anyone know when they emerged that they were just a young, Black sister group that was formed after their parents bought them instruments to keep them off the street…only to create new wave, funk masterpieces. This song goes down in history and contains no lyrics.

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Theophilus London – “Humdrum Town”

Aside from Theophilus being a friend and a fellow Trinidadian, he’s an extremely talented kid from Brooklyn who’s musical influences range from Jay-Z, The Smiths and Machel Montano. This track makes me feel like I’m watching a movie, perfect for a soundtrack. His whole mixtape (This Carming Mixtape) was on repeat last year and his new one coming up – I Want You – is even more epic! (I’m also featured on a song; it’s my first!)

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Biggie – “Juicy”

Clichéd? Yes. But, in 2010 this might be the only song that still allows HOOD FOLKS to own any space when it comes on. Despite the “all encompassing” vibe that Hip-Hop allows (frat kids singing to A Tribe Called Quest or valley girls getting crunk to Lil’ Wayne) suburbanites and rich kids alike get the side-eye for busting out in “And my whole crew is loungin’, Celebratin’ every day, no more public housin’…“.

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Buju Banton – “Batty Rider”

The funny thing about reggae and dancehall music is that, you can be an upstanding and composed human being at any other time of the day…but as soon as a dancehall record starts to play, a sexual dance explosions starts to occur. I could be hosting one of my parties with Q-Tip at SANTOS, busy keeping things in order, and as soon as this song comes on I stop everything and assume the “Dutty Wine” position and go dance with my friends. It’s like being under a spell that I can’t control. No matter how American I am, I guess it’s just in my blood. Guaranteed, this song will sweat out perms and create couples, even for just one night.

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Amanda Blank – “DJ”

Amanda is part of the New School of folks coming up. She’s been making music for a minute now and finally dropped a full album, entitled I Love You. The first time I heard this song I was in the midst of a tumultuous relationship that was perfectly expressed through the lyrics of this track. When I heard it, I couldn’t believe how perfectly the words resounded my situation that I played it until infinity. “How could he say that He loves me unconditionally? But still put so many rules and restrictions on me? He told me, “No one’s gonna love you as much as I do, But I can’t be the man that you need me to.” Oh,”Killing me softly.”

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The Charmels – “I’ll Never Grow Old”

It’s a shame that “singers” today are created in a laboratory, becoming stars due to the labors of their power team rather than their talents. Just listening to this song gives me the chills. The beat is so hard and the vocals are haunting, it’s no wonder it’s been sampled by some great people. “No fire is too hot, no snow is too cold. Youth will never leave me, I’ll never grow old“! Damn, damn, damn.

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The Smiths – “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out”

I know, I know. But look, you knew this list would be odd because it’s me…so just accept it! I love THE SMITHS and had a hard time deciding on this one. Their sound can equally please and sadden me, it’s depressing as it is enlightening. It taps into this part of people that happily self-inflicts depression, which I guess stems from my misunderstood youth. Not to mention, this song is so romantic and beautiful with lyrics like “And if a double decker bus crashes into us, to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die. And if a 10 ton truck kills the both of us, to die by your side, well the pleasure the privilege is mine.” It’s the British white boys version of Biggie’s “I swear to God I hope we fucking die together.”

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Portishead – “Machine Gun”

Portishead’s trip-hop, jazz sound has been a favorite of mine for years. Their recent album Third showcased some unbelievable production, heavy beats that one could listen to prior to an assassination. I usually get visuals when I listen to music, but I could make a whole movie inspired by just one of their albums.

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Serge Gainsbourg – “Requiem pour un con (BOF Le Pacha)”

This song is entirely in French set against some slowed down sleek African-styled drums. It seems to just drip elegantly out of my speakers. Although I don’t speak a lick of French and Serge could be reciting the telephone book for all I know, I still love this song. A French friend recently told me the song is dedicated to the man Jane Birkin left him for and apparently it’s not nice. Either way, the song is still perfect for a romantic evening.

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Gil Scott-Heron – “Home Is Where The Hatred Is”

You ever imagine yourself in another time period and who you know you would have dated? For me, I think back to this time and know I would have swooned over Gil. He’s so deep and so broken, women just eat that up! His music not only gave pleasurable listening it also captures life at a burgeoning time…real life portraiture. Listening to his music makes me feel like I’m witnessing life through his eyes. I can’t think of anything more powerful than that.

Keep up with Va$htie by locking in the following url’s: Va$htie.com, VioletteNewYork.com & Twitter.com/KingVashtie.

We’ve always received a certain amount of love for our Sessions and other interviews, but there’s always room to expand on creativity. I wanted to tap into a different aspect of interviewing that allowed the subject to be the only voice heard. No need for interference; let them tell their own stories. And I wanted to find room to focus on people (not just artists) that I find influential, brilliant and admirable. On days when I feel like giving up, I watch these people work and feel compelled to keep going. Their drive makes me want to work harder, causing me to rededicated myself to the culture I’ve loved for decades now.

I asked each of them the simple question, “What’s on your iPod? What music is dominating your playlist? Inspiring you? Keeping you charged during a long day’s work? Barring no genre, what are you listening to?” Then, I asked them for a brief few lines on each of their choices. Ultimately, it only helps to diversify everyone’s playlist, perhaps turning you on to certain acts and opening your ears towards a new perspective used for hearing others.

And so we kick shit off with DJ Skee.

Checking his Wikipedia (because it’s always accurate, right?) would gives one all of the actual factuals needed to know that Skee’s official. But interacting with this guy, he’s ten times wiser than any DJ I’ve ever crossed paths with. A couple of weeks ago, he did some guestblogging at XXL and composed some of the most well-written pieces on music and behind the scenes mechanics that I’ve read in a while. The kind the kept a short-attention, click-happy cat like myself focused on reading what he was going to say next. And then there’s the fact that our paths crossed recently for two artists we were both supporting indepently from each other (twice on mixtapes for both Jack Splash and Freddie Gibbs), so I think the guy’s got good taste.

Sidebar: It may be a little known fact but Skee’s a sneakerhead. A real sneakerhead, not one of these “I got money now and I’m gonna buy a collection” sneakerhead. He reminded me of a pair of kicks I sold him ages ago. I want those joints back too, Skee.

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Freddie Gibbs – “Crushin’ Feelings”

Real street Hip-Hop is back! Over a sick Statik Selektah instrumental, Gangsta Gibbs goes in. No hook, just straight spittin’. Matter fact, str8 killa, no filla (mixtape coming soon!).

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Erykah Badu – “Window Seat”

Erykah is back and this is just the warmup. Wait until you hear her second single (hasn’t leaked) that features a Sylvia Striplin sample (think Junior Mafia/Biggie “Get Money”). WOW. Grammy time?

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Nikki & Rich – “Same Kind Of Man”

When Lauryn Hill meets the Supremes while hanging out with Alicia Keys listening to Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” this is the outcome. Yes I said it. Do yourself a favor and get up on them (the current single is “Cat & Mouse“).

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Mike Posner – “You Don’t Have To Leave”

Posner is dope, really has his own style and a unique lane. His new mixtape is great, the live show is amazing, and this is just what I happened to be listening to last. Really like his stuff and can’t wait for his true debut album.

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Cypress Hill – “It Ain’t Nuthin’”

Just listen to the beat and lyrics, then watch the Skee.TV/Matt Alonzo-directed video. Yes, Cypress is coming back strong in all categories. Seriously dope Hip-Hop, fresh out the box.

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Lil Wayne & Gucci Mane – “Steady Mobbin’”

I know its old, but has been stuck in my head non-stop for the past year. Just now really getting the mainstream attention, Gucci spits one of his best verses, and Wayne is just… Wayne. The greatest in Hip-Hop (maybe music?) right now. Yes, I finally admitted it. Hate on.

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Nas & Damian Marley – “As We Enter”

The concept is dope, both artists are incredible, but for some reason I didn’t really give it a chance. I just finally listened to this today and,wow, I slept. Dope record.

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R. Kelly & Jack Splash – “Be My #2″

Don’t sleep, R. Kelly has some bangers on his new album (“Echo,” “Crazy Night,” etc.), but this is the jam. Backed behind a Jack Splash Prince-esque sounding beat, Kells goes in on all the non-Elin’s. Tiger should have found this for all his 304′s.

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Dennis Ferrer – “Hey Hey”

For those Vegas late nights, this is my house song of the moment.

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Baby Dollz – “My Type”

L.A.s got a couple up and coming pop princesses and this record just hit L.A. radio hard. A guilty pleasure with the sample everyone will know.

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David Banner – “Slow Down”

More true Hip-Hop. The best song I’ve heard in a LONG time. Listen to every detail, vocal cut and a CRAZY 9th wonder beat that is infectious. And the song has a real message behind it. DB/9th Wonder collab album coming soon. Salute Mr. Crump. Please don’t sleep people.

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Gilbere Forte – “Black Chukkas”

New artist, new music and a Chris Robinson video coming soon. Remember where you heard about it first.

Keep up with Skee @ Twitter.com/DJSkee, www.DJSee.com and Skee.TV. Catch him on Sirius XM Satellite Radio on Hip Hop Nation every Saturday (SkeeTox) & Tuesday (Live From L.A.).