SLIMKID3 & DJ NU-MARK Ft. DIAMOND D & K-NATURAL - "King"

Check out the visuals to what's probably my favorite track off SlimKid3 and DJ Nu-Mark's short but sweet self-titled LP which dropped last year. "King" features guest verses from Diamond D and K-Natural, while the video is directed by Daniel Cordero. Order the album on vinyl, CD or Mp3 from Delicious Vinyl now.

[Stream] SLIMKID3 & DJ NU-MARK - "The Album"

Oh hell yes, the brand new full-length collabo between The Pharcyde's SlimKid3 and Jurassic 5's DJ Nu-Mark is now up for stream in its entirety. DJ Nu-Mark's is one of the most interesting DJ/producers around these days, and with 2012;s excellent "Broken Sunlight" he proved a great strength in putting together a cohessive, yet very eclectic and ultra funky album. The duo also proved themeselves with a three track EP called "Another Day, Another Dollar" back in 2011. I'm about to hit play on this now and I recommend you all to do the same. If you dig what you hear be sure to support true artists like this by heading over to DJ Nu-Mark's official website @ Unclenu to pre-order your copy and get more info and music. 

If you are having problems with getting all the tracks to show in the player below, try it from another link - like @ Okayplayer (shouts to them for the find and post). Also DJ Nu-Mark & SlimKid3 released a 45 minutes promotional mixtape with SlimKid only a couple  of days ago. That mixtape is called "Tre'd Mark Mix" and is also up for free stream via Soundcloud so check it out.

[Video] SLIMKID3 & DJ NU-MARK - "Boom Boom Fiya"

The second single from the extremely highly anticipated full-length project from former Pharcyde member's SlimKid3 and the extraordinary DJ Nu-Mark is here and it's called "Boom Boom Fiya". It doesn't quite grab me as the first leak with Del and Murs ("Bouillon") but as I know from "Broken Sunlight" you really need to hear the entire album in its entirety to truly get how truly brilliant it is. The tracklisting is looking serious to say the least and August 28 is the date! Pre-order the wax from Delicious Vinyl.

Side A
1. Work Hard (featuring K-Natural)
2. Let Me Hit
3. I Know, Didn't I (featuring Darondo)
4. Fade To Black (featuring J-Live)
5. No Pity Party

Side B
1. What Are Words For
2. King (featuring Diamond D & K-Natural)
3. Bom Bom Fiya
4. Godzilla Or Gamera
5. Bouillon (featuring Del & Murs)

Side C  & D- instrumentals

SLIMKID3 & DJ NU-MARK - "Bouillon" (Ft. Del & Murs)

DJ Nu-Mark's amazing "Broken Sunlight" single series and following album was one of the highlights of 2013 so the news that the super talented DJ/producer is joining forces with former Pharcyde alumi SlimKid3 for a full-length LP brought a big smile to my face. The album will be out this summer via Delicious Vinyl and seems to be self-titled and just like with the aforementioned Nu-Mark project, the album will first be broken down into a gang of beautifully designed and collectable 7" singles before the main event hit stores. This is definitely something you want to keep your eyes on, and don't just take my word for it - listen to the lead single "Bouillon" where the duo teams up with fellow West Coast legends Del and Murs for a real heavy hitter. TURN IT UP!!

[Album] J-LIVE - "Around The Sun"

 One of my most anicipated albums of the year is J-Live's "Around The Sun" which we so far heard some terrific singles from. Now the album is out and can be purchased (and stream) from its Bandcamp page or iTunes. It seems that this is a digital release only, which is very unfortunate, since I can't find any pre-order links at UGHH or Fat Beats. I really hope they eventually will give it the release it deserves because this is a tight album no doubt; there are a couple of filler tracks, and a track or two that isn't all that special. But overall this is very good, J-Live ges it in as usual, and as with his clever writing you know you'll need to hear this several times before you really catch up (as recently happened to me with Pharoahe Monch's excellent "PSTD" outing just recently). Tanya Morgan makes inspired performances, and the same goes for Homeboy Sandman and Boog Brown. Complementing J-Live's impeccable writing talents and cuts, his gripping voice and flow, is an array of ill producers who've given 'Live classics to work on before. I'm talking about the talents of DJ Spinna ("Equionox)", Illastrate ("The Fun Razor Remix"), Oddisee ("Money Burns", "Worlds Apart""), DJ Nu-Mark ("Walk LIke"), Audible Doctor ("Hang On High"), PJ Katz ("City to the City") with the rest of songs produced by That Guy With The Glasses himself. So be sure to check this one out, if you're a J-Live fan I sincerely doubt you are not going to feel strong about this one as well. TURN IT UP!! (Remember that the emberded player below start as track 11; just rewind to track one or click here if it doesn't work at all).

SlimKid3 & DJ Nu-Mark - "Picture Perfect Fantasy"

Label Ubisoft launches a one-off super group called 4 Player Co-Op featuring members of Pharcyde (SlimKid3), Jurassic 5 (DJ Nu-Mark), Incubus (Dirk Lance, Jose Pasillas II). Their single is called "Picture Perfect Fantasy" and like anything produced by DJ Nu-Mark and featuring SlimKid3 (and with the interesting addition of Incubus members), you bound to like this if you enjoy some experimental goodies! I'm not 100% sure if this is a one off deal, so stay tuned for more information if anything else pops up!

DJ Nu-Mark Ft. NY Oil - "Lay 'Em Low"

Following the brilliance of "Broken Sunlight", Nu-Mark hit up NY Oil for a couple of tight verses. The legendary Jurassic 5 DJ bring the full artillery in creating a super funky backdrop that should put a big smile on the face of anyone who dug what they heard on the LP last year. Also, in related news, DJ Nu-Mark is currently working together with composer and orchestral conductor Chris Lennertz on the score for a Universal Movies picture called "Ride Along", directed by Tim Story and featuring Ice Cube and Kevin Hart. [Click here if you can't see the Soundcloud player below]

NU-MARK drops "BROKEN SUNLIGHT #6"

DJ Nu-Mark was behind one of the most inventive, and also one of my favorite, albums of last year with "Broken Sunlight". In the months preceeding the release, we got treated to five singles (available on both 10" vinyl and in digital format) forming the basis for the LP that followed. Now Nu-Mark makes the final piece of the puzzle available as "Broken Sunlight Series #6" featuring the two remaining songs that's  previously not found in this format; "Don't Play Around" with Aloe Blacc and Charles Brady backed with the "Tough Break" instrumental. The digital tracks are available as a free download via the embeded player above, and you can of course purchase the 10" here. 

[Best of 2012 Review] DJ Nu-Mark - "Broken Sunlight"

If you ask me, DJ Nu-Mark is without a doubt one of the most talented turntablists still active in the industry; a fact more than proven on his long-awaited "Broken Sunlight" debut LP. Though a member of celebrated underground crew Jurassic 5, his solo endeavour often stray away from his group's often tried and tested formula, while still always making sure the music stay rooted in the hip-hop and breakbeat scene. Especially at a time when the genre is mostly about casio beats underlying wack rhymes about parties, bitches and crime, Nu-Mark instead opts for originality, putting up his longfinger to pretty much all and any reigning trends. Creating 40 minutes of vintage hip-hop based music making full use of well crafted samples from a wide variety of sources, paying homage to the last 50 years of authentic black and latino music. With a diverse project like this it's easy to find the finished project being a real mess, straying all over the place. But through Nu-Mark's background as a world-class DJ and top producer, this is not a concern here. His knack for creating moods through different styles of music gives the project an eceptionally fascinating edge; one that will keep you on your toes through the entire set.

The thirteen tracks making up Nu-Mark's first official album as a producer, "Broken Sunlight" shows an ímmense skill for hypnotic grooves, impeccable turntablism, knocking drums and a vast amount of sampled dopeness from all over the world. Rather than the traditional boom bap he is known for when working in a group contet, here Nu-Mark blends several very different genres, including latin rhythms, rock guitars, and smooth jazz, into an hip-hop extravaganza that avoids ever sounding the least forced. Furthermore, Nu-Mark's knowledge as a DJ allows him to put together an album that comes of as a complete suite. "Broken Sunlight" have several standout moments, and as a whole lacks any dull ones. All in all, it is as diverse as it is original.

One of the few downsides of the album however, is that no less than 10 of the only 13 songs have previously been released. Since late 2010, Nu-Mark has released promotional 10" singles on a regular basis, buiding up hype for the then upcoming album. It was always greatly appreciated when one of those exclusive singles dropped, a truly good and original idea, though it turned out to be a slightly dissapointing experience since the result is that pretty much the entire album has already been heard. The mistake is that both the A- and B-sides of the five singles that's been out for a good while now appears on the final LP. This will hardly matter in a year's time as all ten previously released tracks are all bangers that undoubtedly will stand the test of time, but when paying full price for a 2xLP set one should expect more than only three brand new cuts; the Tiron-featured opener "Time is Now", Aloe Blacc who makes an impressive cameo on the smooth "Don't Play Around" and the soulful instrumental "Don't Play Around" that works as the outro of the album.

But let's forget about previously releaesd singles and B-sides, and let's view "Broken Sunligt" as an album on its own merit; and as that, it's a damn solid release that will reward repeated listenings. It's a good mix of lesser known rappers, the hardest underground emcees, talented singers, powerful turntable work, well executed breakbeats, and ill sample breakdowns. Together these elements is creating a wall of sound that could be enjoyed equally well in your favorite headphones at home or in a club setting, The album is filled with highlights, tracks that might have you wonder if you're still listening to the same CD/LP. Large Professor pops up for one of the true stand-outs (one of the first singles, "When You Sleep") featuring a beat that sounds right up in Pro's alley with its chops, keys, cuts and vocal sample hook. "Never Be Wrong" features MC Haas, and is a majestic joint with blazing horns and a repetitive piano loop that sets the center stage for the rhyming.

Short but deadly is in the instrumental intermission, that in my opinion, should have been the intro to the record; "Venegance is Mine". As is often the case when the trumpet takes the center stage, the intermission is triumphant and coupled with Nu-Mark's excellent turntable work, steady rhythm and progressive keys, it really sets up what to come. Luckily what's to come is another of the album's finest joints - "Dumpinn 'Em All", performed by the angriest emcee alive. Mr. 'Fuckin' Bumpy Knuckles. Over some synthesizer tricks and a blazing rhythm track, Foxxx lets loose of quotable after quotable.
While there's more hip-hop joints to be found on this great set, there's plenty of interesting stuff that doesn't necessarily fall into that categorry. Perhaps the finest being Nu-Mark's 2012 take on Earl Hines' classic "My Generation" (you know the song Pete & CL sampled for "Straighten it Out"). While most producers might have choosen to sample a small part of the record, our DJ goes all the way, keeping all the main elements of the original song, remiing it with a few minor tweaks to great effect! "Don't Play Around" is another slamming song with lots of things happening - from the '70s vocal sample, the rock hard drums, and the beautiful voice of the underrated Aloe Blac (and Charles "who?" Brady)..

The closing of the album takes a left turn, going heavy with the latin rhythms, transforming them into breakbeats that will work fantastic for the B-boys. Quantic's "Tropicalifornia" is as brilliant as it is unexpected for a "hip-hop" release; crafted around the latin groove, Nu-Mark incorporates plenty of scratch work over the glaring horns and samba-tinged rhythms. The same goes for "Oya Indebure", which is not neither latin-tinged or hip-hop, but rooted somwehere in Africa in its sound and is heavy on the polyrhythm with Laudir de Oliveria providing vocals. This is powerful stuff as long as you got an open mind. It's only the one minute long outro which brings things back slightly to basics, with a more traditional backbeat, broken saxophones and beats, although it does keeps much of the experimenntal flavors of the previous joints. You could say the styles meets at the end and call outs for a rewind.

So there you have it; if you liked the five installments in the "Broken Sunlight" 10" series you're gonna have a blast with this one; the same goes for all fans of Jurassic 5 and Cut Chemist, and people that generally have an open mind for experimental hip-hop as well as other genres. If you're strictly into the hardcore ish you might do best to stay clear of this one. Final verdict - one of the best releases of the year.

Nu-Mark's "Broken Sunlight" LP out now!

Jurassic 5's super DJ, Nu-Mark, has impressed the shit out of me this last two years with the "Broken Sunlight" 10" series he's been running, and in fact I didn't even know they were all leading up to a full-length LP until a few weeks ago. That album is now delivered and is available on 2xLP, CD or on a special design USB-drive. Some of the tracks were previously issued on the singles, while some are previously unreleased. Support DJ Nu-Mark and "Broken Sunlight" @ the official site. Below you can also check out another freebie from the album, "Don't Play Around" featuring Aloe Blacc and Charles Brady.

DJ NU-MARK - "Broken Sunlight #5"

DJ Nu-Mark has truly delivered this year with his incredible Broken Sunlight series, which has been coming out steadily every other month or so. The concept has been to think outside of the box, as each EP has been made available for a limited amount of time as a free download, as well as on beautifully pressed 10" vinyl singles with full artwork and the bonus item of a USB-drive in the shape of a turntable needle. This is all leading up to the release of "Broken Sunlight", the album, on December 11.

Throughout the four installments in the series Nu-Mark has brought us with him on a journey through hardcore hip-hop with Bumpy Knuckles and Large Pro, soulful jazz-funk with the remix of Earl Hines "Our Generation", bright and sunny soul-infused rap with J-Live, and now latest some latin-tinged breakbeat frenzy, and much more. For the just released Voulme 5, the funk is in full effect; emcee Haas delivers some well-designed bars while Nu-Mark paints a smooth groove with absolutely immaculate drums and a great usage of horn samples. Also check for the supreme B-side interlude, "Venegance is Mine" which, with its majestic horns blowing, is just perfect for the intro I now will be using it for when combining all of the singles and their B-sides; 10 tracks in total by now. Head over to the Official Nu-Mark site to order this, or any of the other 10" singles in the series... TURN IT UP!!

[EP] DJ Nu-Mark - "Broken Sunlight Series IV"

Extraordinary DJ., Nu-Mark has been busy over the last year by now releasing now four incredible hip-hop double A-sides 10" vinyl for the real heads, with an option to buy digitial versoins packed in an exclusively designed USB stick. Throughout the eight songs found on the four releases thus far, which also works as teasers for Nu-Mark's full-lenght album of the same. Judging by these singles, which shows a wide array of dope guest underground emcees and artists, like Large Pro, Freddie Foxxx, Eddie Haynes, and many more.

The latest installmnet features Quantic over a smooth Nu-Mark beat on the A-side "Tropicalofornia" (video seen above), while the flip features another win in the form of the R&B-tinged Oyá - Indekurablé" sporting vocals by Laudier de Oliviera. Huge props to Nu-Mark for doing this series so DAMN GOOD, while pretty much all of the songs are a new direction. Full stream below, if you're feeling this show your support @ The Official Site, and yo, TURN IT UP!!

DJ Nu-Mark / Quantic - "Tropicalifornia"

For those not yet in the know, "Broken Sunlight" is a series of double-A side singles prouced and arranged by Nu-Mark,  each released a few months apart. The eight songs we've been trated to so far shows an incredible depth on the Jurassic 5 DJ's part, and are great examples of experimental music that never sounds forced or straying from its hip-hop roots. The singles, which are available on limited 10" vinyl or a specially designed USB-stick containig the digital version of the music. What's really cool is that these are all a promotional build-up for the actual "Broken Sunlight" album which hopefully'll see the light of the day pretty soon. I'm really anticipating it, that's for sure.

Now continuing the series with the fourth installment; "Tropicalifornia" is a latin-tinged instrumental smooth cut with a beautful ostinato by guitarist Quantic. There's also several funky breakdowns and beat switches, making occassionnal and effective use of electric organs, trumpets along along with Nu-Mark's trademark turntable work, makes this a memorable joint. An interesting thing is how different it is from prevous entries in the series, such as "Dumpin' 'Em All" or "When You Sleep, two hardcore boom bap joints assisted by Freddie Foxxx and Large Professor, respectively. Follow Nu-Mark, stream music and more @ his official site.

DJ Nu-Mark - Broken Sunlight Series Vol. 3

Throughout the year, the skilled producer and turntablist DJ Nu-Mark has been gearing up to a full-length album by occassionally dropping madly interesting limited 10" singles in what he has choose to call his "Broken Sunlight Series". Previous installments has featured J-Live, Large Professor, Bumpy Knuckles and Tiron. Volume 3 features DJ Nu-Mark's chopped up take on the immortal Earnie Hines classic "Our Generation" with the A-Skillz featuring original "The Fever" on the flip. As with the previous releases, you can download all the tracks via Nu Mark's official home by simply entering your e-mail adress below. If you don't want to subsccribe, you can stream the A-side via Soundcloud.

Good news is that for those who have missed out on buying these limited collectors items, you can pick up all three 10" for a limited price. Enjoy this banging take on one of the illest soul songs of all time!'

DJ Nu-Mark x J-Live - "Tonight"

Slamming new track by Jurassic 5's DJ Nu-Mark, featuring J-Live, M3 and Erica Dee. "Tonight" is a great cut that's on a real nice summer vibe tip, which is a perfect soundtrack to this Thursday. The combination of that sweet guitar riff, J-Live's fantastic mic skills, sweet vocals and the classic "kick, snare, snare, hi-hat" formula is bound to have a lot of heads nodding. This is also the second installment in Nu-Mark's "Broken Sunlight" series, following the equally impressive Bumpy Knuckles assisted "Dumpin' 'Em All", and is available on 10" vinyl single and in digital format via the link below.

DJ NU-MARK - "BROKEN SUNLIGHT SERIES #2"