TAG: Motown

Aug23

R.I.P. Nick Ashford (Ashford & Simpson)



Legendary singer, songwriter and producer Nick Ashford died Monday at the age of 70 after a long battle with throat cancer.

The North Carolina-born Ashford met his wife Valerie Simpson in Harlem in the early ’60s, and began a career of writing hits for such artists as Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson. The duo later went on to perform their own songs in the ’70s and ’80s, including Larry Levan favorite “Bourgie Bourgie” and hti sngle “Solid.”

Enjoy some of Ashford & Simpson’s biggest songs after the jump.

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Sep06

Disturbing Royksopp Video Shot In Detroit – “The Drug” (Video)

There’s nothing particularly chill about UK downtempo duo Royksopp’s new video—shot on location in Detroit. The clip depicts three “mall rat” style girls roaming the discarded spaces of Motown’s once great industrial landscape. The really scary part is that Detroit ravers (myself included) used to party in The Packard Plant seen in this video just 15-20 years ago. It’s was in slightly better shape then.


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May13

Happy Birthday Little Steve Wonder At 60 (Video)

Courtesy of The Guardian UK:





Stevie Wonder’s musical talent began in childhood. After being taken under the wing of Motown boss Berry Gordy, Stevland became Little Stevie Wonder and released Fingertips as his first song, aged 13.



Among his teenage achievements was a cover of Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind and co-writing the outstanding Smokey Robinson and the Miracles hit, Tears of …

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Jan12

Mayer Hawthorne Record Hunting – “Dusty Fingers” (Video)

The always lovable Mayer Hawthorne stopped by San Francisco’s Groove Merchant to look through the stacks to get his vinyl fix. We get a glimpse of the man behind the glasses, and he likens record-hunting to an “addiction like any other drug” and he reveals what he scouts for, how he got his first DJ name (Haircut) as a little kid, and his personal theme song.

[2dopeboyz]

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May02

ACEYALONE and RJD2: So Hip-Hopular

nterview with the Lonely One (By Chris Nunan) 

Veteran hip-hop artist and legendary emcee Aceyalone, continues to evolve as an artist and inspire those aspiring to be [artists]. Aceyalone has continued to redefine hip-hop’s guidelines throughout his career. His upcoming album; Aceyalone and The Lonely Ones, does much more than redefine the guidelines. It sets a standard for genre appreciation and creativity. Finding inspiration from: Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound, 60’s girl groups, and a collection of raw funk, Aceyalone along with producer Bionik have composed a masterpiece. This album is sure to bring the listener back to a time when music was a pure art form and not an expendable income. Aceyalone and The Lonely Ones is not just an album; it is a collection of essential sounds to create a work of art. And although this album calls upon music styles and rhythms of the past, Aceyalone still kicks some of the freshest lyrics with astounding skill and precision. To those of you who believe that Aceyalone has stepped away from raw hip-hop; think again, Aceyalone will still serve all wack rappers.

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