Thursday, September 4, 2008

A Letter from The Founder


Dear DJ Community,

Its been a few days since we spoke. To solve all rumors and aggravation based on decisions which were out of my hands I write this letter.
For two years this movement has built itself into a great machine that created life and has produced and inspired much good in the DJ Community.
The media has supported the movement and it is evident that they understand the true value that you hold, the media does love you very much DJs.
The creation of "The Million DJ March" has put me in situations that have threatened to hurt me physically and mentally as a person from receiving many threats to take it down, to the not so positive editorial that attempted to hurt.

I would like to thank all of the Media Sponsors and Corporations who do believe. I would like to thank the Major and independent artists
who made the sound decision to donate their time, and most importantly, the DJs who came out and those who could not, you are the reason for this movement, a march to express the tone of brotherhood that is existent with or with out a march, that will remain with or without any one person. A thought
of unity that is and will always will be, friendships and ties that never will be broken!

The organization of The Million DJ March let DJs and individuals express their own thoughts about the Community at their own free will. The reasons I refuse to preach come from my thought of free reign and enterprise. This event grew on its own into a tree with roots and branches. Everyone
worked together peacefully, anyone who wanted to help was welcomed. Thank You to the thousands of DJs who made this
movement a possibility. Thank you.

On a note of clarification, unfortunately some staff at XM radio felt that the decisions of the DJs I suggested for the Million DJ March Mixmaster weekend
were not on the level that they had hoped...not knowing these DJs were major tour DJs. I asked this person to reconsider based on
my mission of quality over fanfare, but I and they decided to apparently disagree in the end. To those who prepared great quality mixes, I thank you.

To all of those who still want me to lead this movement, I would not disappoint you, I will still be here. To those who have tirelessly tried to stain it for reasons
of vanity, I applaud your tireless efforts.



Thank You,

Sincerely,

Your Friend,

A. Shaw
Founder
Million DJ March, INC
www.themilliondjmarch.com

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

It happened.



Posted September 2, 2008 on BET.com- The Million DJ March (MDJM) went off in DC this weekend even though the government revoked their location permit and KRS-One had to help arrange a movement to local hotspot, Bohemian Caverns. Participation was nowhere close to 6 figures, but artists who came from across the country to support DJs said it was a good start and plans are being made to create a MDJM tour. “It’s always good to support the DJs because they play a lot of my records. A lot of people that I’ve never seen a day in my life and they play my records and want to take pictures, that’s love, you know what I’m sayin’, that’s why I come out,” said NY’s Dramills who flew in from a recording session in LA. “This is the best connection I’ve ever made,” said UGK Records’ Hezeleo of his DJ, DJ 4 Sho, the “face” of MDJM. “He’s able to get me into places that I can’t on my own because of the relationship and presence that he done built in different areas.” The two of them are nominated for three Southern Entertainment Awards for the work they’ve done together on mixtapes. “I want every body to respect the dag on DJ,” said 4 Sho. “We do a lot of work out here and a lot of work the goes unrecognized by labels, by artists.” One person definitely appreciating the work of DJs is Chicago’s Kuz who peaked at No. 3 with “Boss Status” on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales chart last year. “Without the DJs there would be no Kuz. The fans, the listeners wouldn’t be able to hear my music… they deserve everything that they ask for.”

Reverand Yearwood, pictured above speaking to participants on August 30th at indoor location.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Rain Date Location!!!!! We R ON!!!!! at Bohemian Caverns!!!! Turn back!!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

A.SHAW, FOUNDER, MILLION DJ MARCH
http://themilliondjmarch.blogspot.com/


Million DJ March announces change of venue for main event.

Washington, DC August 29, 2008 - The combination of the number of registered attendees exceeding the permit limit and a bad weather advisory causing concern that there will be damage to National Mall and Capitol Lawn due to extensive foot traffic has caused National Parks Service to request that the main event of the Million DJ March be postponed. All those involved with the Million DJ March apologize to our sponsors and attending media - BET, CNN, Mixcast TV, MySpace, Rane, Numark, Rock and Soul, Vitamin Water, Washington City Paper, ThatsHipHop.com, Sirius Radio, XM Radio, BBC Radio, Giant Magazine, The Source, Foundation Magazine, DJ Expo and DJ Times for this huge predicament and any inconvenience. Most importantly, our sincerest apologies go out to the DJ community and affiliates and all of the artists who gave up their time to be a part of out effort."

The main event for the Million DJ March will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at Bohemian Caverns, located at 2001 Eleventh Street, NW Washington, DC, 20001. 
This Performance Showcase sponsored by the Stop The Violence Movement and Root, Inc. is scheduled to start at 11:00 am.

Invited guest performers and speakers include: KRS ONE, Mr. Green of Channel Live, Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz, Cory Gunz, Jeannie Jones, Saigon, Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Damu The Fudgemunk, Corey Llewellyn, DJ Superstar Jay, DJ Aaries, The Wonder Twinz, Kuz, DJ Kool, The Untouchable DJ Drastic, Serius Jones, DJ Reg West, A. Pinks, DJ 4 Sho, Kia Shine, DJ Mello T., Jamila Hogan, Sha Stimuli, DJ Geometrix, DJ Honda, DJ Scientific, Harald Blakeslee, C.L.A.P. Cognac, DJ S&S, Dramills & DJ Dirty Harry, DJ K-Sly, The Dey, and more.

This main event will honor and celebrate DJ's and their decades of service and contribution to the entertainment industry.


A. Shaw, Founder, The Million DJ March
Stop The Violence Movement
Root, Inc.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Unfortunately...beyond our controll. Tomorrows venue will be announced shortly!

Tonights event is still occuring at The Felix/ Spy Lounge 2406 18th St. NW Washington D.C 20009

Washington, D.C. - The combination of the number of registered attendees exceeding the permit limit and a bad weather advisory causing concern that there will be damage to National Mall and Capitol Lawn due to extensive foot traffic has caused National Parks Service to request that the main event of the Million DJ March be postponed.
"Due to sections of National Parks Service's issued permit, weather conditions will damage the lawn due to the large estimated foot traffic, weight of the event equipment and vehicle restrictions." March founder A. Shaw said today. " I am forced by this to postpone this community effort. The registered attendees have exceeded permit limits. All those involved with the Million DJ March apologize to our sponsors and attending media - BET, CNN, Mixcast TV, MySpace, Rane, Numark, Rock and Soul, Vitamin Water, Washington City Paper, ThatsHipHop.com, Sirius Radio, XM Radio, BBC Radio, Giant Magazine, The Source, Foundation Magazine, DJ Expo and DJ Times for this huge predicament and any inconvenience. Most importantly, our sincerest apologies go out to the DJ community and affiliates and all of the artists who gave up their time to be a part of out effort."

Newest Performance Addition "Kuz"


from www.myspace.com/daonly1kuz... KUZ has been on theBillboard Hip Hop Charts forweeks with a peek position of#3. His single “Boss Status”was featured for 30 days as a#1 ring tone on Jamster.comand now rests comfortably at #20 & 21. He's been featured in the Quad City Timesand RC Reader news papers and has performed with the likes of T. Pain and Soulja Boy at the i Wireless Center in Moline, IL. He’s been featured on the SourceMagazines site as a winner of the How Do You Rep the Source contest as well asreceiving positive accolades on the Violator All Star DJ’s site. Besides being cast inthe Code Black Entertainment Film “April Fools” (2007) and having been theNumber #2 most added artist on the CMJ Music journal, KUZ has managed to stayafloat in the media without the support of a major label. To see is to believe! Followthe links and explore for your self the world of KUZ!!!(copy from Kuz Myspace...www.myspace.com/daonly1kuz)

Thursday, August 28, 2008

KRS-One "The Million DJ March" (Clean) MP3 Download **A Worldwide Exclusive!**

Worldwide Exclusive!

August 30th, 2008 | The Million DJ March | Washington, DC

DOWNLOAD MP3 HERE

Newest Million DJ March Performer: DJ Kool ("Let Me Clear My Throat" / "20 Minute Workout")

Newest Million DJ March Performer: DJ Kool ("Let Me Clear My Throat" / "20 Minute Workout")

Featured Million DJ March Performer & Speaker: The Untouchable DJ Drastic

Daniel M. Johnson known professionally as The Untouchable DJ Drastic is one of the new generation music industry’s most influential tastemakers. A key initiator of the Million DJ March, Drastic’s influence is essential to not only the cause but the culture as a whole.

Growing up in Brooklyn, NY was no joy ride for Drastic. His family was unstable as he grew up with a biological father who played little role in his life. Following the murder of his father, Drastic found himself near homeless at 19 years of age. He took a year off to restructure his path for the future and hasn’t looked back since. The Untouchable DJ Drastic is a self propelled professional in every aspect of his career. It’s no wonder why he has the backing of not only major record labels but multi-faceted corporations.

At 25 years of age, The Untouchable DJ Drastic has dominated every major nightclub in New York City and surrounding areas, broken countless acts propelling them to peak positions on the Billboard charts, toured with platinum recording artists, impacted every form of radio (College, Commercial, Internet, Mobile, and Satellite), instructed students at Scratch DJ Academy, spoken on numerous industry panels, founded his own brand and collective in The Coalition Network, and the list goes on.

The Untouchable DJ Drastic also discreetly serves on the Board of Directors and as a front man for The BumSquad DJz Worldwide. Drastic can also be found in-studio working on various forthcoming projects in addition to his own.

Despite his extensive resume, Drastic emphasizes that he’s just getting started. “For me, it’s all about legacy. I wish that there were 48 hours in each day so that I had the stamina and time to expedite all of my ideas accordingly. I receive credit for my accomplishments but I tend to think that I’m just getting started. I prefer to move under the radar. I stay away from negativity and never stop for anyone. In my heart, I’m a product of the culture. I’m not fabricated or premeditated. I’ve been through a lot. If I was to ever slow down it would be purely by choice. While other individuals are talking, drinking, smoking, or focusing on women, I’m in my own space striving towards a higher plateau. We must preserve our culture as DJs, entertainers, enthusiasts, purists, supporters, and so forth. Actions speak louder than words. The time is now.”

Video footage of The Untouchable DJ Drastic discussing the Million DJ March can be found on YouTube.com. He recently addressed the event while in the United Kingdom on FM107.9 during a live mix show with host Mark Devlin of The Coalition Network.

Download FM107.9 (United Kingdom) Mix Show Here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LTGQffUXFQ

For more information regarding The Untouchable DJ Drastic go to www.TheUntouchableDJDrastic.com

Newest Million DJ March Speaker: Corey Llewellyn (Digiwaxx)

Newest Million DJ March Speaker: Corey Llewellyn (Digiwaxx)

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Newest Million DJ March Performer: Serius Jones

Known for his magnetic personality, witty realism, incredible wordplay and distinctive voice, Serius Jones is planting his seed in the music industry. The New Jersey born emcee is set to unleash his distinctive sound onto the world. His repertoire includes obliterating unsuspecting victims in lyrical battles and cultivating ground-breaking music. After twelve consecutive victories, Jones captured The Fight Klub’s AllHipHop.com 2005 Battle Championship and cash purse by defeating the reigning Fight Klub champ. This was a wake up call to the new generation of emcees, and to the music industry as a whole.

Serius discovered the power of his words and true talent for captivating a crowd while huddled in playful neighborhood ciphers. After entering a freestyle battle as a dare, Jones caught the eye of now multi-platinum producer Needlz, who noted the young emcee’s insatiable passion, broad appeal, and unparalleled charisma. Needlz decided to support Serius’ talent with production resources, however, on a cold Harlem night Jones was arrested and incarcerated on weapons charges, temporarily derailing his plans for success.

He was officially signed to Disturbing Tha Peace/ Def Jam Recordings in January 2007 with a multi-million dollar contract and continued building his vision day by day, as his fan-base expands within the “Life Is Serius” movement. Serius has since recorded over 100 songs for his debut release “Life Is Serius,” an epic journey through his vigorous life. Grammy Award winning recording artist and founder of DTP, Ludacris along with executives Chaka Zulu and Jeff Dixon were unable to catapult the dynamic talent of the young emcee. "I feel that Serius is capable of changing the game as we know it," said Chaka. "He is battle-proven, but not limited to being a battle rapper. His approach to Hip Hop is refreshing and challenging, and it's no holds barred. '07 is gonna be serious for Hip Hop... pun intended." With the completion of King Me: The Official Street Album, and battle stripes under his moniker, “Mister Uptop” was ready to bring his music to the national front. When DTP severed ties with its long partnered label DefJam along with other complications Serius' national release was delayed. Determined to share his story with the world, Serius wrote and directed his own epic "Motion Picture" depicting the rise of the young rapstar from a gifted child, recorded a sountrack and also is releasing his own independent project Serius Bizness.. According to Serius "Overcoming obstacles and winning regardless of the greatest challenges life throws at you is what makes a real champion." Chuuch!

Newest Million DJ March Speaker: DJ Reg West

Newest Million DJ March Speaker: DJ Reg West

Newest Million DJ March Performer: A. Pinks

Newest Million DJ March Performer: A. Pinks

Newest Million DJ March Speaker: DJ 4 Sho

Newest Million DJ March Speaker: DJ 4 Sho

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Newest Million DJ March Performers: Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz

Newest Million DJ March Performers: Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz

Newest Million DJ March Performer: Kia Shine

Newest Million DJ March Performer: Kia Shine

Newest Million DJ March Performer: DJ Mello T.

Newest Million DJ March Performer: DJ Mello T.

Newest Million DJ March Performer: Muggsy Malone

Newest Million DJ March Performer: Muggsy Malone

The Untouchable DJ Drastic Remembers DJ Wits

The Untouchable DJ Drastic Remembers DJ Wits

The Million DJ March Remembers: DJ Threat

The Million DJ March Remembers: DJ Threat

The Untouchable DJ Drastic Remembers DJ Carl Blaze

The Untouchable DJ Drastic Remembers DJ Carl Blaze

The Million DJ March Remembers: Jam Master Jay

The Million DJ March Remembers: Jam Master Jay

The Million DJ March Remembers: DJ Scott La Rock

The Million DJ March Remembers: DJ Scott La Rock

Friday, August 22, 2008

ATTN: DJ 4 Sho Presents The Million DJ March Mix Tape

DJ 4 Sho Presents The Million DJ March Mix Tape

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

ATTN: Navaho & The Freak Show's Million DJ March Humor On Wild 98.7FM In Tampa, Florida

Wild 98.7FM in Tampa made a humerous bit regarding The Million DJ March. We loved it. Listen to Bush at the end.

Listen Here

Monday, August 18, 2008

Newest Million DJ March Performer: Jamila Hogan

Jamila is the CEO of 80s Baby Productions, a collection of highly skilled individuals and companies dedicated to the creation and development of successful artists, a full service production company providing expert service in all areas of the entertainment industry. 80s Baby Productions specializes in independent artist bookings, promotions, and professional representation

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Newest Million DJ March Performer: Sha Stimuli

Stimuli officially stepped on the hip hop scene at 14, appearing on Master Ace’s Slaughter House LP. When Lord Digga began producing tracks for the Notorious BIG, Stimuli had the privilege of being in the studio while Biggie recorded Ready to Die. He quickly became Stimuli’s lyrical icon. When the hip hop world was rocked by the tragic and untimely death of the King of New York, Stimuli knew it was time to step up, grab the torch, and go full throttle with his gift of lyricism.

Being armed with a dangerous flow, and equipped for the grind to come, Stimuli emerged on to the mix tape circuit, leaving a blazing trail of tracks on some of the hottest mix tapes in rotation. In 2003, Stimuli attacked the music scene with the release of his first mix-tape “Let Me Show You the Way”, where he unleashed his smooth, conversation like flow, combined with sarcasm and metaphorical genius. Often called “the voice of the people”, his grind had now created a serious buzz in the streets and industry alike. Testimony to that came in October, with Stimuli being named The Source Magazine’s “Unsigned Hype”.

In 2004, proclaimed to be the “next best thing “to come out of Brooklyn since Biggie and Jay-Z, Stimuli released his second mix-tape, “Follow My Lead”. His witty, complex verses made you quickly press rewind. In 2005, staying loyal to his fans Stimuli dropped “Switch Sides”, a CD/DVD combination where he masters the art of storytelling. Similar to the hard baseline of a track, Stimuli’s voice is like the missing instrument. Street credibility and industry recognition continued to grow, and Stimuli caught the eye of Lenny S, then A & R of Virgin Records and negotiated a major label deal.

In 2005, Stimuli displayed his musical talent on a worldwide scale, performing in the first “I Love Hip Hop Tour” in Morocco. After being featured in many of the elite urban publications, performing at various venues, and making radio station appearances in late 2006, Stimuli released “New York State Of Mine “. The mix tape is an official throwback, echoing the classic sounds of New York hip hop, with features from Joel Ortiz, Memphis Bleek, Peedi Peedi, and Maino, with lyrics strong enough to take the city by storm. In August 2007, Stimuli won Best Lyricist for Urban Threshold’s 5th Annual Underground Music Awards, recognition that was well deserved, and a precursor to all that is to come. To date Stimuli can be found in the studio working diligently on his debut album, “Thee Emotion Picture”, an upcoming feature film with Terrence Howard called “Fighting”, several tv promos with MTV2 and BET and a lead role for indie film “Gotta Get Mines”.

Friday, August 15, 2008

The Sirius XM Million DJ March Mix Master Weekend On 66 Raw (XM Satellite Radio)

August 29th & August 30th, The Million DJ March's elite will take part in The Million DJ March Mix Master Weekend on XM 66 Raw Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

For professional consideration please contact, DJ Furious Styles via e-mail: DJFuriousStyles@tmail.com or call (202) 294-0419

Newest Million DJ March Performer: Cory Gunz

Newest Million DJ March Performer: Cory Gunz

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Newest Million DJ March Speaker: Rev. Lennox Yearwood

Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., is a minister, community activist, and one of the most influential people in Hip Hop political life. Firmly grounded in his Caribbean and Louisiana roots, Rev. Yearwood is a fierce advocate for human and civil rights in the 21st century. A powerful and fiery orator, Rev. Yearwood works diligently and tirelessly to encourage the Hip Hop generation to utilize its political and social voice.

He currently serves as President of the Hip Hop Caucus in Washington, D.C. The Hip Hop Caucus is a national, nonprofit, nonpartisan, organization that inspires and motivates those born after the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

Rev. Yearwood was a co-creator of the 2004 campaign "Vote or Die" with Sean "P Diddy" Combs. He was also the Political and Grassroots Director for Russell Simmons' Hip Hop Summit Action Network, and a Senior Consultant to Jay Z's Voice Your Choice.

Rev. Yearwood was the National Director of the Letelier-Moffitt Human rights Award winning, Gulf Coast Renewal Campaign in which he organized a coalition of national organizations and grassroots organizations to advocate for the rights of Hurricane Katrina survivors. Rev. Yearwood has become an important figure in the peace movement as an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq and the Bush Administration. He was an Officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and led the "Make Hip Hop Not War" national bus tour to engage more young people in the movement for peace.

He is currently working with Grammy Award Winning artist T.I. and Platinum Selling artist Keisha Cole on Respect My Vote! which is a non-partisan voter registration, education, and mobilization campaign of the Hip Hop Caucus. This groundbreaking initiative focuses on the 18-29 year old demographic that did not attend college.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Newest Million DJ March Speaker: Jeannie Jones

Radio/TV Personality and Media Executive, Jeannie Jones began her evolving career in entertainment at an early age charming audiences in theater and dance. Her announcing debut began at WKYS-FM in Washington, D.C. By the time she completed her studies in Journalism at the University of Maryland, she knew broadcasting would be her career choice. Jones' professional career took off after college when she was dubbed "The Mary Hart of the Airwaves" as part of the #1 rated Supreme Team Morning Show at WOWI-FM in Norfolk, VA. She also made entertainment update appearances on several networks including WVEC-TV (ABC) and WAVY-TV (NBC).

Jeannie returned to her hometown, Washington, D.C. to create I'm Outta Here Entertainment, Inc. which is responsible for publishing and producing her syndicated entertainment report, "Jeannie's Juice", Kitty Cat Lounge Radio/Events, and the PBS documentary, "Our Children Are In Pain. “IOH Entertainment in association with Jeannie Jones Meow Media specializes in: Publicity, Radio/TV/Film/Theater Productions, Casting, Management and Publishing (Meow Music Mix-ASCAP). ImOuttaHereEnt@aol.com Next, Jeannie joined the Radio One Network as a talk show host. While at Radio One, she also became part of the Russ Parr Morning Show. She then moved on to host the #1 rated night show on WPGC 95.5 (CBS Radio) and guest star on the Donnie Simpson Morning Show as co-host and news reporter. Jeannie's talents also extend to voiceovers for the WNBA and spokeswoman for several corporate clients including IPOD, Coca Cola, Smirnoff, Gillette, Anheuseur-Busch and L'OREAL Paris. She is also a featured music critic (WTTG-FOX 5 TV, Washington Post, XM Satellite, BET), a motivational speaker as well as community activist through the Jeannie Jones Speak Out Series.

She has received numerous awards including the NAACP Leadership Award for donating her time and resources to such organizations as the American Lung Association, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Children's National Medical Center, Miss USA Pageant, The Sports & Entertainment Law Students Association at Howard University, Urban Journalism Workshop/National Public Radio, Bring Wellness and Healthcare to Communities for Education and Prevention of HIV/AIDS, The Jeannie Jones Beltway Fitness Tour and she is a member of the National Association for Female Executives. Jeannie vows to "always encourage youth to be the best they can be" and "elevate tomorrow's leaders today" through her mentoring program and Grant My Wish Foundation. jjmentorprogram@aol.com

Affectionately known as the "Kitty of the City", with her sultry trademark "meow" sound, The Jeannie Jones Show is currently heard weekdays 10AM-2PM on 93.9 KISS FM.

Newest Million DJ March Performer: Saigon

Newest Million DJ March Performer: Saigon

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Newest Million DJ March Performer: DJ Geometrix

"...There isn't a hotter jock on Washington DC's party circuit than DJ Geometrix. There's nothing to gripe about when Geo is on the wheels, as he's a smooth operating Cuisinart when dicing together urban hits, dancehall and retro jams..."

(Adapted From The Washington Post)

Friday, August 8, 2008

Newest Million DJ March Performer: Damu The Fudgemunk

If Damu Fudgemunk, a combination of his love for kung-fu flicks and Willy Wonka, were a student at Hip-Hop University he’d be on the Dean’s List. Even though he’s in his early 20s, Damu’s sound is heavily influenced by icons DJ Premier, Diamond D, and more ‘90s hip-hop technicians. With his recently released instrumental albums, Spare Time, and Overtime, Damu has begun to define his own place in 2008.

Born and raised in Washington D.C., Damu’s parents were both classically trained musicians; his mother was a pianist and his father was a drummer. Yet, he wasn’t quick to tell them about his affinity towards music. “When I got to junior high school that’s when I knew I wanted to do music,” Damu says in his calm voice. “Even then I kept it a secret. Your parents are always trying to claim what you get from them. You get their eyes, their nose, etc.”

Initially, he started MCing but chances are a shy MC isn’t going to be heard. Realizing that his passion laid behind the beat, Damu quickly started absorbing every song he could hear—sample by sample and drum pattern by drum pattern.

“Once I understood how hip-hop worked I started doing graffiti, buying records and wanted to DJ,” says Damu, who now owns around 10,000 records. “Some of my [production] influences were K-Def, Pete Rock, Marley Marl, RZA, DJ Premier, Erick Sermon—that was the core music I was listening to in 1998. From a sample standpoint I was into Kool & The Gang, James Brown, Frank Zappa, Bob James…the list goes on.”

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Newest Million DJ March International Figure: DJ Honda

Hip Hop is global. Evidence of this phenomenon is Japan's full embrace of hip hop's every facet: breakdancing, graffiti, DJing, and even rhyming. It was only a matter of time before the Japanese hip hop scene produced an artist keen enough in understanding the culture to achieve similar international appeal: dj honda. dj honda was born in Hokkaido, Japan and moved to Tokyo at age 17 to pursue his dream of playing in an American influenced rock band. He started a band called, "Clique" as the vocalist & guitarist. However, the band struggled and honda was forced to seek additional employment. He began DJing in a small nearby city, Shizuoka where he was first introduced to hip hop music and various turntable techniques, including scratching. For honda, the turntables offered a new creative outlet. While toiling at perfecting his scratching technique, he created a popular name for himself as a DJ, leading to premiere gigs in Tokyo's largest clubs. He also appeared on Tokyo radio stations and remixed popular tracks for local record companies. Tokyo was also important because it was the place where dj honda would cultivate many valuable relationships with people like Afrika Bambaata and the Universal Zulu Nation, as well as some of the emcees who would later appear on his self-titled debut LP.

(Adapted from www.DJHonda.com)

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Free Million DJ March Insurance Dinner With H&R Block On August 29th, 2008

Dear Fellow March Participant,

The Million DJ March promises to be a historic event. Like you, I am excited to be a part of it. I am sending you this e-mail to invite you to a complimentary dinner and seminar on retirement and insurance planning titled "Your Financial Future". This seminar is to be held on the evening of Friday, August 29th, and is aimed at helping those attending The March prepare for their financial future. If you ask some of your friends that work a "9-5" about the benefits their employer provides. They will most likely tell you they receive a 401(K) plan with matching employer contributions, life insurance, and medical/dental insurance. Most DJ's are forced to provide their own benefits... This event is complimentary and offered exclusively to those that have officially registered for The March. Please RSVP by August 15, 2008. To RSVP, or for more information, please email steven.rosner@hrblock.com or call (301) 984-5214. I look forward to meeting with you.

Sincerely, Steven Rosner
Financial Advisor

Newest Million DJ March Speaker: DJ Scientific (NASA)

See Video Content Below:

Friday, August 1, 2008

Newest Million DJ March Speaker: Harald Blakeslee (BCD Music Group)

URB.com reported that Atlantic Records was suing Mixtrap.com and the Texas-based BCD Music Group for copyright infringement and intellectual property rights issues over material from Plies [click to read] and Gucci Mane [click to read].

Today, BCD defended their actions and business in a letter sent to HipHopDX from H. Blakeslee, the music group's managing director.

The letter stated the following: "BCD is a reputable Texas-based independent music and video distributor engaged in the distribution of finished master sound recordings. BCD has an excellent reputation in the independent marketplace and is well-respected in the world of independent retail. BCD has over 500 titles in its catalog ranging from urban, to rock and alternative, to classical, to country, to comedy, and to children’s titles.

BCD legitimately believes that it had proper authorization from the respective artists’ representatives as well as employees of Atlantic’s marketing department to distribute the Plies Real Definitions mixtape and the Gucci Mane's No Pad No Pencil mixtape. However, promptly after receiving notice from Atlantic’s legal department (and prior to the legal action being commenced) BCD stopped selling both mixtapes – and BCD advised Atlantic that it would cooperate to resolve the dispute without the need for litigation. Even so, Atlantic maliciously filed suit against BCD in Federal Court in the Southern District of New York alleging copyright infringement.

Although BCD cooperated in removing the mixtapes from the distribution chain, BCD vigorously disputes Atlantic’s position in the case. BCD believes that the marketing people at Atlantic condone the sale of mixtapes to build awareness of a particular artist’s forthcoming studio album but, in a classic case of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing, the Atlantic legal department then comes to court with “unclean hands” and tries to punish BCD for doing precisely what Atlantic authorized it to do.

BCD fully expects to prevail in the event that Atlantic pursues the case any further."

Atlantic Records is home to DJ Drama [click to read] and his Aphilliates Music Group, who went through a very highly-publicized federal investigation with the RIAA over similar disputes [click to read].

BCD recently released Devin The Dude's Smoke Sessions Volume 1 [click to read]. The group has worked with artists such as Trae, Lil Flip and others in the past.

(Adapted From HipHopDX.com)