Despite

a struggling economy that has mercilessly hit all sides of the music industry,

from magazines to music stores, the 2009 winter NAMM show brought close to

86,000 attendees to the Anaheim

Convention Center on

January 14 – 18, and plenty of new gear was on display.

Whether

your preference is songwriting, performing, DJ’ing or producing, there was

something for everyone at the show. In this two-part series, we’ll overview

some of the products that were introduced and demoed.

When it

comes to producing and mixing, the pros turn to SSL (www.solid-state-logic.com).

Timbaland has the Matrix SuperAnalogue™ console in his tour bus and X-Racks in

his stage setup. Matrix, a 16-channel, 40-input mixing console, is unique in

that it has no mic pre’s or EQ’s on the board. From the analog side, Matrix is

purely a mix bus, with inbuilt signal router and multi-layer digital

workstation control.

Mega-producer

Tricky Stewart’s Triangle Sound Studios houses the SSL AWS 900+ SE consoles.

That’s Stewart and his SSL’s behind hits for Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Usher,

Jesse McCartney, Janet Jackson, Rihanna and Beyoncé.

Most of

us aren’t in the financial bracket to own a Matrix or AWS, but that doesn’t

mean SSL is out of your league. The Duende Plug-in collection brings the sounds

of an SSL to you at a price point you can handle. Duende Mini and Duende PCIe

hardware are new cost-effective bundles that include the DSP and Bus Compressor

Plug-in Upgrade for Mini and/or the complete SSL Plug-in Collection.

You have

a studio. Maybe you have a room, or even a venue, where ambiance is paramount

to creativity. You want it to look as sharp as it sounds. Auralex Acoustics (www.auralex.com) can help.SonicPrint

Acoustic Panels are custom-printed, artistic ProPanels that are fabric-covered

and designed as artwork. They allow printing in high resolution to

customize anything from a band name to a logo. Choose from hundreds of colors

and designs, or create your own. The options are endless.

SonoLux

ELiTE Fiber optic acoustical panels aren’t cheap ($1975 – $3000), but they

incorporate Auralex’s best-selling ProPanels with iSky’s fiber optic lighting.

Choose from three different kits: six 24×24, six 30×30 or two 48×48. Simply

plug and play, and watch these LED-based, midnight-blue panels glimmer like the

night sky. Good for 70,000 hours of continuous use.

EcoTech

brand acoustic panels make it easy to “go green” and reduce your environmental

footprint with your acoustics. Made of 65 percent recycled polyester, they are

devoid of harmful Chlorofluorocarbons and offer the next step in Auralex’s

innovative environmental products, following their 2008 introduction of the

first “green” acoustical foam product on the market, Eco-Friendly StudioFoam.

The Room Analysis Kit ($299) takes all the guesswork out of

trying to sweep the room yourself, as well as saving you time and money. The

user-friendly kit includes a Behringer ECM8000 omni-directional measurement

microphone, USB drive featuring swept sine signals, and a complete

instructional guide for acoustic analysis. Room Analysis Plus is an included

service that allows you to record the sweep, e-mail the file and analysis form

to Auralex, and they’ll send you a professional acoustic analysis and any

necessary solutions within three to five business days.  

You

love the beats, but you want something different. EastWest

(www.soundsonline.com), a leader in virtual instrument software development,

has new percussion libraries that you’ll want to consider.

Quantum

Leap SD2 – The Next Generation Upgrade ($199) delivers 2.5 gigs of percussive

sounds featuring a variety of strike and brush solos and ensemble recordings.

Chinese Lion Drums, a Middle Earth Ensemble, Persian Battle Drums and Trailer

Toms are among the featured rhythms. The pre-mixed MIDI

performances, created with Roland V-Drums and Zendrum percussion controllers,

allow complete user customization.

Quantum

Leap SILK – The Virtual (software) Instrument ($595) features a collection of

historic and unique string and woodwind instruments from China, Persia

and India. All

are multi-sampled with extreme attention to detail, and also allow user

adaptation and micro-tunings for control.

PLAY

2.0 features editing capabilities using the same software that programs

PLAY-powered virtual instrument collections. PLAY 2.0 is available as a paid

download from the company’s website,

www.soundsonline.com and

www.soundsonline-europe.com, and offers a user-friendly, standard

interface.From Denon DJ (www.denondj.com) comes the new DN-S3700 Digital Media Turntable, a hybrid digital/analog design

with USB and MIDI control with Sound Card for Mac or PC software. A built-in

authentic vinyl record for surface control is driven by Denon DJ’s High Torque

Direct Drive Motor, providing users with the feel of true vinyl. New features

include three Auto loops with real-time loop length adjust and loop trim capabilities,

and an easy-to-read display providing information on hot start, auto loop and

break point data.

The DN-S3700’s 9-inch platter, mounted with real vinyl, is

constructed with an ultra high-resolution pulse sensor mechanism to accurately

reproduce the subtlest or swiftest scratching movements made by the human hand.

The platter can perform pitch bending, frame searching and quick file

navigation from external USB devices. An illuminated

Slot-In CD Player offers support through CD, CD-R, CD-RW and CD-TEXT. The External

USB Device Support connects to an iPod, USB drive and large hard drives.

Hercules’ (www.hercules.com) new DJ Control Steel for Mac and PC

($299, including carrying case) is a professional controller and dual deck

mixer with EQ and volume controls. Bundled with Virtual DJ 5 for PC and Mac,

and compatible with other software, it’s the perfect out-of-the-box solution

for mobile DJs. New features include three kill switches, mic input, and

headphone input on the tops and side of the console. The central steel plate is

removable and can be customized.

Note: The

bundled version Virtual DJ is 3.3, which is locked to the controller. The

latest (unlocked) version, 5.2.1, is available for a $100 upgrade.

Stanton (www.stantondj.com)

is shipping their new SCS.1d motorized turntable system ($999 deck, $699 SCS.1m

mixer). The digital SCS1 features a 10-inch motorized platter, assignable

encoders and trigger pads, and no tone arm. It can run multiple decks off of

one surface (Stanton

recommends no more than four). Control effects with the level meters, and use

the SCS.1m’s built-in FireWire audio interface for crossfading and two-way

software control.

DaScratch

SCS.3d is Stanton’s

latest innovative controller, and it’s a remarkable piece of work. DaScratch

operates via touch-sensitive ergonomic pads: control the scratch or scrub with

the direction and speed of your touch or multiple touches. Select one of three

operative modes: Slider, Circle or Button. Portable, PC and Mac compatible, and

USB powered, DaScratch supports Traktor, Serato, Ableton or any other MIDI compatible software. The Magnect connection system

allows you to securely snap multiple units together.

Coming up in Part 2, a remarkable

manufacturers.

I don’t know about yall, but I’m finding this little issue that has emerged between Rick Ross and 50 Cent really amusing.  First of all, it seems to be set at hyper-speed.  It’s like 6 months of back and fourth in 4 hours.  Folks are setting beef deadlines; finding themselves in the document catacombs pulling out 2nd grade report cards.  I mean, seriously.  How far is this going to go?  At the rate it’s moving, we should know in about 12 hours.

Also, I can’t recall Ross having any real issues with other emcees until Jake-Gate.  Well,

except with Cuban Link but we all know CL was just mad because Ross and

Fat Joe were down in Miami playing the Weather Boys as his beef with

Don Cartagena, his only claim to fame, got stale. Oh, and that thing

with T.I., but I guess the huge differences in physical proportions

just weren’t good for rap beef.  So The Boss is definitely jumping into

the deep end of the pool.

And then it’s just strange.  We know what to expect from 50, but Rick Ross I don’t pay attention to all that often.  I have Port of Miami, but I have never really listened to that album.  I heard his voice, but damn if I can repeat any of the lyrics.  So if his writing has always been a bit odd, forgive me for not knowing until now.

So Mafia Music is a diss record right?  I couldn’t really tell at first.  Suggesting

that you would totally trick off with someone’s baby momma doesn’t seem

all that harsh to me; especially when the person you are targeting

doesn’t even like their baby momma and is responsible for her finances.  50 was probably planning on penning a thank you note until someone explained that Ross was trying to call him out.  Then there was the obligatory Hammer quote?  He’s too legit to quit?  I’m still tickled.  I can’t imagine Ross with one of those permed-out Gumby’s, but you never know.

You

know, all of this reminds me of that dude interviewing Ross for True

Magazine almost a year ago when he was promoting Trilla.  I don’t think most of us saw the video until late last year, but he did ask Ross about a beef with 50.  The

question angered Ross into a conniption as he attempted to give the

interviewer some remedial journalism tips, but now it looks like he

wasn’t shocked that Mr. Tate asked a frivolous question. It looks like

maybe the reporter everyone bashed got his hands on a memo he shouldn’t

have seen. Or he was psychic.

Then there is that horrifying response from 50.  Not

the song really because the way he has taken to drawing out his words

makes his average lyric incomprehensible to me. The whole song normally

comes out sounding like one long word, kinda like those dudes who talk

with their mouths closed with wooden dummies on their laps.  (I know there is a Yayo joke in there somewhere, but I’m going to let it go.)  I

did get the shout to Lil Wayne though, but we know he’s not going to

answer that because gangstas don’t answer questions. Or was that ask

questions?  Either way, those couple of seconds on Katie Couric’s couch could be another post all in itself. But I digress.

Seriously though, he’s going to fluck Ross’ life up for fun.  For fun?  And

he won’t stop? I know everyone is thinking this is just some pre-album

release banter; a little verbal sparring to up the ante on some first

quarter cash, but I do remember Ja Rule.  I’m just saying.  Mr. Ross might want to watch his back before he’s cast into that Hip Hop netherworld that 50 sends his conquests to.  And Ross, when you and Khaled get there tell Ja and Buck and ‘nem I said what’s up.

So is this going to come to some kind of boil anytime soon?  Yes,

probably around the same time whoever gets to i-tunes first sells their

maiden album. Until then, I’m going to sit back and enjoy this show.  It’s definitely better than watching some scraggly wannabes duke it out via youtube and 3rd rate photo-shops.  I mean we have the Mayor of G-Unitville against Noriega’s spades partner.  Yup, that’s deeper than rap.

“There are times when someone like a cousin dies and it is not a matter of shedding tears. But we may hear of someone who lived fifty or a hundred years ago, of whom we know nothing and who has no family ties with us whatever ever, and yet from a sense of giri [honor/respect] we shed tears.”

– Hagakure

The Legacy of the Great Helio Gracie.Starring: DJ Johnny Juice Rosado of Public Enemy fameRakaa from Dilated PeoplesHerb Dean, Ultimate Fighting Championship

referee and Hip-HopThe global martial arts community suffered a great loss in recent days. Grand Master Helio Gracie, passed away January 29th 2009. Helio was founder of the Gracie Jiu Jitsu martial arts system. His system was developed in the 1930’s. It innovated new approaches on traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu. He understood that if a smaller person took a bigger guy down to the ground, he had a much easier chance of winning a fight. Building an intricate system of pins, joint locks and choke holds, Helio would change combat forever. He put his own life on the line fighting all comers, irrespective of size or weight or style. Even boxing legend Joe Louis declined a chance to tangle with the Gracies. Once asked exactly what his art was about, he replied “What the samurai’s did with their swords, we do with our hands.”

[Helio Gracie fight Japans Best, Kimura]

Helio and his brothers took the art from a relatively unknown status and change the history of the world with their wisdom, courage and compassion. Helios sons, Rorion, Rickson, Royler, Rolker, Relson, Robin and Royce Gracie would become household names proving the art on the streets of Brazil and America in the 1980’s. Their cousins Ralph, Renzo, Ryan and Charles would carry the family banner to the shores of America as well with devastating fashion. Their arrival to the U.S. changed the course of American martial arts like no other family. The Gracies stand alone as the first family of modern martial arts. Helio not only promoted self-defense. He taught people to embrace clean living, a good diet and encouraged family values and using your mind to avoid physical confrontations.

Be crystal clear on this fact: There is no UFC, without the Helio Gracie. There is no Georges St. Pierre vs. BJ Penn, no Rashad Evans, no movies like “Never Back Down” or “Red Belt,” no TapOut clothing. With many people, their greatness cannot be measured. But the influence of Helio Gracie can be traced with great accuracy from Brazil, to Los Angeles, to the Bay to New York to Hawaii and the rest of the world.

It can even be traced to Hip-Hop. Its hard to think about Hip-Hop’s love of the battle – think the influence of Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do – on b-boys and DJ’s and MC’s and not see what fertile ground this was for Helio’s teachings.

On the track “Kublai Khan,” Vinnie Paz from Jedi Mind Tricks spits “My mother raised me alone, you can’t break me/My hearts pumpin the blood of Royce Gracie.” In the track 7 Pounds GZA says “They still cage matching MC’s thats scrapping/Not the UFC, but my opponent is tapping.” Alcoholics, Dilated Peoples, Heltah Skeltah and many others have mentioned the Gracies in their music. Even Notorious B.I.G spoke of the art in “Hope You N***s Sleep” saying he’d use “Jujitsu, when I hit you then I split you.”

Today AllHipHop.com is going to talk to DJ Johnny Juice Rosado, DJ for Public Enemy (known worldwide for his Night of the Living Baseheads remix) and life long martial artist, Rakaa from Dilated Peoples (he holds a purple belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu and trains with Helios grandsons) and Ultimate Fighting Championship referee and old school Pasadena rapper Herb Dean. Here they discuss the impact of Helio’s work in martial arts and the world around them.

AllHipHop.com: How did you learn about Gracie Jiu Jitsu?

Johnny Juice: In the late 80’s I went through a certain type of training in the military. This was late 1988 and ’89. There was an emphasis on ground fighting, because he had to have the ability to fight in the sand. Its very hard to fight on sand fighting upright. We did Japanese Jiu Jitsu, but it was not the same obviously as the Gracies. We had some Brazilians come in and teach us. The first thing I thought of when I saw it was the end of the first “Lethal Weapon,” where Mel Gibson chokes out Gary Busey with a triangle choke.

When I saw the movie I was like, “That don’t look like it’ll work.” I later learned that one of the Gracies choreographed that fight scene. I was like “This is kinda weird”. Then I got choked by one of my fellow service members [laughs]. I was like “Oh s**t”! It worked!”

[Mel Gibson using a triangle choke in Lethal Weapon]

AllHipHop.com: When did you first learn of Gracie Jiu Jitsu?

Rakaa: Like almost everyone else by watching Royce Gracie in the first UFC. A friend of mine began training not too long after that.

I was impressed enough to accept an invitation to an introductory class. I’ve been training ever since, though, touring makes it hard to train as much as I’d like.

[Helios son, Royce Gracie’s warpath in UFC 1]

AllHipHop.com: Do you remember the first and last time you spoke with Helio?

Rakaa: The first time would was a total surprise. It was years ago at the old Academy location and I was still a white belt, and we somehow ended up walking towards each other down the hallway. I felt like a little kid. I was very happy when Rorion stepped in and introduced us! The last time was at the opening reception of the new Torrance Academy location on Artesia, CA. I believe that was in June 2007. In those years, I was blessed to be in his presence numerous times, including two seminars and many pleasant surprises at the Gracie Academy. I am also proud to say that he was aware of my music, and he liked that I put his picture in my album cover and featured his grandsons in other

[Dilated Peoples] artwork and music videos.

AllHipHop.com: What are your thoughts on the impact of Helio on American martial arts?

Johnny Juice: I think Helio did what Bruce Lee was trying to do. Bruce was trying to get everybody to open their minds and look outside of their conventional martial arts box. Discard what isn’t useful. Add what is useful. If that was their style, thats what they did. Initially, the UFC was created to prove that Gracie Jiu Jitsu was superior to everything else. As we see, its not just superior, its the perfect complement to all the other arts that exist. Bruce was really trying to get people to see that, and we were not ready for it.

But its greatest achievement was the opening of the mind. It was the philosophical approach. People tend now to be a lot more open. They are more accepting of things that are different. We have a Black President now. I’m not saying Helio was responsible for that. But I think in a small way he was. Just the fact that someone could change their idea about something as serious as their martial art. The way they train. They will start thinking about everything they do. It started with a martial art, but it wasn’t just a martial art. It was an opening of the mind. People think to themselves. “If I was wrong about my art being the best, maybe I’m wrong about other view points.” Martial arts always serves as a microcosm of the world in general.

[Helios strongest son, Rickson Gracie]

AllHipHop.com: How has Gracie Jiu Jitsu been affected your life beyond the physical application?

Rakaa: I guess the only way to answer that is to say that Gracie Jiu Jitsu (which many people refer to as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) has benefited me on the mat, in the same way that learning to swim has benefited me in the water. I do love and appreciate all of the new styles and flavors of Jiu Jitsu. But I feel honored to train at the source with the best.

[Dilated Peoples Back Again featuring cameo of Renner, Ralek and Ryron Gracie]

Rakaa: I’m blessed to have been welcomed into their family, and I can definitely feel the support. On a practical level, studying the art is an educational experience. It’s a battle-tested martial art and science, a great workout, and a necessary stress reliever. I trained yesterday and all I can think about is training tomorrow. This weekend we will celebrate Grand Master Helio Gracie’s life, and I feel more focused and excited than ever to train. This is my passion and my discipline, and I’m a person that needs both. I’ll rep Gracie JiuJitsu forever.

[Helios Grandson Ralek continues the family tradition]

AllHipHop.com: Herb, where were you when you learned about the passing of Helio?

Herb Dean: I gotta text message sent to my phone. My first thought was- I was sad. Helio means a lot to all of us [in the MMA and martial arts communities]. This all [this modern age of martial arts] comes from Helio.

AllHipHop.com: If you had to try and explain to someone who does not know anything about Helio Gracie explain what he contributed to martial arts?

AllHipHop.com: Helio changed not just the world of martial arts. He changed the world. How to live life, everything. Martial arts was in kind of a sad state before Helio came. Theres a lot of people taking the arts further and further into a land of fantasy. Helio brought it back. That started this whole movement of mixed martial arts. It changed what everybody thought about martial arts. It got people who were teaching fantasy world stuff to stop doing it. Besides that he gave us an example to live as a martial artist with honor. Family first. He surrounded himself with his family. He lived all his life doing the things he loved. He was a shining example of a man.

Adisa Banjoko is CEO of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation. For more information visit www.hiphopchess.blogspot.com.