DJ B-Mello’s vintage mixtapes

Seattle-based World renowned celebrity DJ and hip-hop aficionado DJ B-Mello has been creating, developing and contributing to hip-hop culture since the ‘80s and much of his work is documented — accidentally on purpose.  The decorated DJ/producer (West Coast 2006 DJ of The Year) has been producing, mixing and releasing mixtapes for years. The results are timeless notches in the history of Northwest hip-hop. The art of the mixtape is a universe unto itself, but with the Pacific Northwest’s penchant for sleeping on itself, DJ B-Mello’s work is something of treasure in terms of marking the second golden-era of hip-hop … circa 1995.

Just this past week, DJ B-Mello has gone retro and decided to make some of his vintage work available for download online via his Facebook, Twitter and MySpace accounts. 

“I wanted to go into the vaults and put out some of my old work,” said B-Mello from his office in Seattle.  “It’s cool to just play the mixtape — just for me!  I get to hear what I was doing at the time and it brings back memories.” 

Quiet as kept, DJ B-Mello is a lauded DJ whose tapes are considered gems by many-a-hip-hop-head. His first re-release features a bevy of New York heavyweights lincluding Mobb Deep and Nas. The release is entitled 1995 Part II.

Of course it is no secret that DJ B-Mello is no longer the host of the iconic KEXP radio program, "Street Sounds," since being replaced abruptly by writer/host Larry Mizell Jr. (columnist with The Stranger), but he remains relevant on-air as KUBE 93’s prize mix-show DJ and he continues to please crowds at Seattle and Puget Sound-area clubs weekly.  B-Mello, in addition to being one of the best promoters in the area, has revealed a tremendous service that he has provided as a celebrity DJ.

DJ B-Mello’s service in re-releasing the mixtape is a vital one.  It is an idea which is timely and valuable for cats who want to hear, feel and know about an era lost to all who were not alive and in position to absorb the sound, feel and pulse of hip-hop at that time. Check out a real hip-hop DJ when you get a chance – They are truly rare. Serato can’t teach you about real djaying. 

To download DJ B-Mello's music, go here and here.

Saturday China Clipper show

Chart-topping Seattle MC D. Black and the Olympia party boys, Junkyard Gang, take the stage this Saturday, Nov. 21 at The Historic China Clipper in Downtown Olympia.

The show features D. Black who has been experiencing success with his sophomore release, Ali’Yah, and has been charting in the top five on college radio/music charts.  The Seattle-based MC has been incorrectly stereotyped as a so-called “gangsta rapper,” but destroys all stereotypes with his new and completely clean-lyrics release. 

Junkyard Gang is prepping to release their Where In The World Is Taylor Jones?  after copyright difficulties prevented an earlier release. 

Winners Train, Losers Complain… Do Yo’ Thang!!!

Peace & Love
 
Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. aka DJ LUVVA J is an award-winning editor, writer, producer, educator, music director and consultant.  A graduate of Washington State University and student at The Evergreen State College, he writes and edits the Pacific Northwest section of Ozone Magazine and hosts and produces Live From I-5 Radio (since ’89) every Friday at 3 p.m. on KAOS 89.3 FM (www.kaosradio.org / Comcast Ch. 982 / TCTV Ch. 22) in Olympia.

hiphop@theweeklyvolcano.com
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