Honolulu Weekly Spinzone Throwback: DJ Technique

Technique’s method
by Kalani Wilhelm / 06-27-2007
Quick, name a Hawai’i-bred DJ who’s got the mainstream club, underground hip-hop and electronic dance music scenes on lock. Time’s up.

Whatever music you dig, DJ Technique’s got the radio and dance club fire you desire.

Respected by his peers for his versatility and style, the Hot 93.9 mixer’s knack to adapt to any circumstance, crowd or venue puts him in his own category among the 808 elite. On the air almost everyday of the week while holding down residency or rotating DJ status at more than eight nightclubs only further proves this point.

Next on his agenda is the national mix tape scene. On deck is a soon to be released project featuring Phonte and Big Pooh of Little Brother, the world famous DJ Skee, the Bum Squad DJz Hawaii Chapter and the Wu-Tang Latino Needle Breakerz DJ Squad under RZA’s record label Wu Music Group.

File his music in the flava-in-ya-ear section of your membrane and remember this music lover as the prime example of the DJ principle: If you put in the work, pay your dues and love what you do, good things are bound to happen.

CM interview Part 2 of 3

Kalani: You're regarded as one of the top import models in the game, was that always a goal of yours when you first started?
CM: I actually didn't really aspire to be the "top" but it's nice that some people see me in that way. =)

Kalani: How do you deal with the "shady people" in the industry?
CM: If they are malicious to others, then I don't work with them. It's better to surround yourself with people you trust. It avoids the drama later on.. I hate drama! I guess I'm more chill than most people.

Kalani: Would you say Christine and "CHRISTINE MENDOZA the model" are the same person?

CM: Christine Mendoza the model and Christine Mendoza the person are pretty much the same person. The only difference is the real me doesn’t wear as much makeup and hoochie clothes as Christine the MODEL does... hahaha!



Kalani: What are some of the biggest misconceptions people may have about you? craziest rumors?

CM: Craziest rumors? Hmmm...there's a lot of them! Some of the funny one are that I have a fake nose, fake lips...hahaha!

Kalani: What is the sweetest thing a fan has ever done for you? the creepiest?

CM: The sweetest, I love everything CM: that a fan does for me! I've had a few fans get tattoos of my picture before. The creepiest? One fan stalked me, and broke into my car to steal my model portfolio and jacket. Hahahaa! That was pretty creepy. He would also knock on my front door asking to borrow "sugar and creamer" for his coffee and other weird things...late at night. So I had to move from that spot...fast!

CATCH CHRISINE AT Z-BAR THURSDAY AND E AND O'S FRIDAY!

E-40 Snaps..

Shout outs.

Charlie, Angie, Delve, Anit, Sheleen, Alvin, Mochi, Technique, Ryan Chang, Junior, Ryan, Mike D., Blaise, Sick Boy, XL, Mochi, Al, Steph, Aaron, Jackie, Goldawn Child, Akela, K-Smooth, Angry Chris, Brittany, Jed, Jrama, Alysha, Mary, Lex, Danika Packo, Spif, Jeff...

Kaba Modern appearances

Clubworthy

Detox update

Posted November 24, 2008 - The myth known as Dr. Dre’s Detox album has been in the works for nearly a decade. Release dates have been tossed around, guests have been mentioned, but nothing has ever been set in stone. This has led many to believe that Detox would never, ever come out. Rumors of creative issues and such have hovered regarding the delay. But let Interscope-Geffen-A&M chairman Jimmy Iovine tell it, there’s only one person stopping Dr. Dre from completing his album: Eminem.

In a recent interview with Billboard, Iovine opened up about how Eminem has forced Dr. Dre to put his album on hold in favor of Em’s.

“I'll tell you about Eminem,” Iovine started when asked about Slim Shady’s album being pushed back yet again. “We only tried to put him out this year to replace Dr. Dre, but we got into a quagmire. Eminem was always coming next year. But what happened was, I lost Dr. Dre to Eminem. Dre had to stop making his album to finish Eminem's album. Eminem hit a streak, and when a guy like Eminem gets on fire, you stop everything. That's how we lost Dre.”

It is definitely good news to hear that Eminem has caught “fire” but there are those that are worried that Dr. Dre’s album may be shelved indefinitely because of the time spent working on Em’s comeback album.

Fortunately, Iovine debunks the notion.

“Dre's going back in (the studio) in January,” Iovine explained. “He'll be finished with Eminem by then, and he'll finish his album.”

Hopefully this will mean that Dre’s album will be released in 2009. But then again, you never know.
courtesy BET

Soulful

Creed Chameleon and Atmosphere freestyle

Kanye West "Heartless" performance at the AMAs

Spinzone Throwback: Lex One

Lex icon
by Kalani Wilhelm / 04-04-2007
Any DJ can get a party started.

From the decks to the dance floor, DJ Lex.one specializes in bringing that neo-soulful throw-back goodness from eras gone by from start to finish.

Although he claims he’s been spinning for only three years, he comes off as an honors student of hip hop grooves and a rare find in Hawai’i DJ circles. He’ll drop the Lucy Pearl, Musiq Soulchild, Erykah Badu joints not just because that’s what gets the crowd hype, it’s because he’s always been into the smoothed-out side of R and B spectrum.

Right before you think you pinpointed the extent of his music IQ, he’ll take it back even further by dropping some classic New Edition or a Soul For Real in your ear.

Let’s just say that this Kurious Productions sound selectah loves what he’s doing because he does it for the love.

If you want Top 40 club hits, you may find a few but you’ll be better off bringing your radio in the club with you because dude just plays the classics.

Lebron speaks..

Back in full effect....

Going down Pro Bowl weekend??

MORE DETAILS TO COME........

Throwback Spinzone

DJ Anit Spinzone

If there’s one Hawaii deejay on the verge of making it big beyond the eight-o-eight, it’s DJ Anit.
The scene met Tina Viernes when she was just a teenage turntable phenom tearing it up at popular clubs like the Maze and Reign. Even back then, she displayed the charisma and deejay know-how well beyond her years and equal to some of the best club deejays around.
. Fast forward to the here and now and you’ll find Viernes getting her grown woman on at popular Bay Area dwellings like Club Six, Poleng, Skylark and Taste. Thanks to her Hawaii connects she also got a chance to spin at Hollywood celebrity hotspot Les Deux (a favorite destination for the Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Kim Kardashian among others)
Promoters constantly ring her iPhone whenever they find out she’s home. She may fit a gig or two in her busy schedule but Saturdays are forever booked at the W.
“It’s an awesome feeling. I’m always happy to be home because of the people I know here,” she says. “The W promoters are all good people and I’m loyal to them whenever I return because of that.”
Still proving that deejays shouldn’t look so serious behind the decks, Anit gets down with the best of them. It’s this infectious enthusiasm not her gender that gets party people’s attention.
School may be out for the soon to be University of San Francisco graduate, but it’s still in session on the turntable tip. The part time Hawaii resident has recently added mash-up and more hype remixes to a lethal arsenal that already included fresh to death r and b grooves, hyphy bangers and girlie anthems-dropped exclusively for the ladies. Fans should expect a mixtape due out sometimes this year.
Discover why it’s impossible to stop this girl’s party rock Saturday at her final appearance of Christmas break.

Kalani Wilhelm

Sat. 10 PM- 2 AM, 1/12 Diamond Head Grill inside the W Hotel, 2885 Kalakaua. myspace.com/djanit, 21+

REAL TALK: DJ Lex One part 1

Where does your influence in music come from?
Here in hawaii, top 40/ Hip Hop & rnb mainstream is dominating the music scene. I like to see how it is in the mainland. From listening to other radio stations streaming world wide to You Tube, you can catch me on them all the time. I don't limit or label myself to certain types of music. From Hip Hop to rock to pop and so on, I look for what sounds good in each genre. Music is a very powerful thing and if you allow yourself to be more open to listen and feel the style of that artist, you might find yourself digging other things like Katie Perry besides the usual Lil' Wayne.

Where does your influence in deejaying come from?
Watching other DJ's especially in the mainland. Seeing guys like DJ AM and DJ Vice play, it's amazing what they can do and the energy they bring. Just by playing a certain track at the right time, it gets the people crazy! They would play some tracks that I would have never thought would be rocking the club and make people actually dig it! That's what opened my eyes.

"Groove music" seems to be a lost genre in the clubs and in the music scene in general nowadays would you agree or disagree?
I agree with you on that. It's kind of sad honestly. It's music that comes from the soul. The lyrics, guitar riffs, keyboards, horns, vocals. It's just something about these songs that just gets to you and make you feel good. You know what I mean, when you hear that one track and you just wanna close your eyes and move your head. You make that sour face and your all like "Damn!" Good stuff. I know it's not a strong category in the club scene, but you can still make it work by playing a few here and there.

Shwayze New Year's Eve at Pipes!

New Mos single! Life in Marvelous Times

IN THE STUDIO: "Big Screen" by GLC featuring Kanye West

E-40 live at Pipeline Cafe 11/29

Get Gutta this Black Friday!

Cop It!

Mendoza interview PART ONE

Christine Mendoza's HAWAII FAVORITES


MEMORIES FROM YOUR LAST VISIT?
meeting my cousin's new baby son!
PLACE TO EAT?
I love YUMMY's BBQ! hahaha! they don't have that in Cali! And of course, Genki sushi! I can eat A LOT! OH and Zippy's. Zip pack with extra tartar sauce pls!
PLACE TO PARTY?
I like to go clubbing and out to eat.. so anywhere i guess?
BEACH?
I dont really go to the beach unless it's for a photoshoot. my schedule is so packed, I never have time to relax. =(
PEOPLE?
of course my family and my friends..
PLACE TO CHILL?
with family at home.
PLACE TO SHOP?
Ala Moana and Pearlridge. LOL! I used to work at Pearlridge at a store that used to be called Wildflower's. I always run into people I know at Pearlridge Mall..

THING ABOUT HAWAIIAN CULTURE OR HAWAII LIVING?
One of the many things I love about the culture and living is FAMILY UNITY. The people in Hawaii have so much respect and love for their family members as well as their FRIENDS. There is so much loyalty that you cannot break. Also, I like to wear slippers, even when it's cold! I don't like shoes.. hahaha!)and the people in L.A. make fun of me cuz I wear slippers all the time. So when I'm in Hawaii..everyone wear slippers! hahahah! No one judges you on your appearance in Hawaii. You can roll out of bed and start your day and it's perfectly fine.
In L.A., a lot of people spend so much time on their looks, they tend to jugde others based on appearance.
On a regular day, it's no makeup, hair in a bun or ponytail, tank top, and slippers.
And that's how I like it!

Coming in December: Kaba Modern Mania the sequel

full details to come...

Chris Brown, Ne Yo beef brewing?

Obama gets his groove on..

Interview with Alvin Yeh of Level 4 Nightclub PART 2

>

What changes or "tinkering" has the club made since opening its doors?

Since the opening, we have created different systems for seating in the balcony, permitting the public to dance on the stage, and changing our dresscodes for different nights of the week. LEVEL4 is also the first to serve while guests are waiting in line, I guarantee others will be trying to find a way to duplicate what we pioneered. We are working on a permanent home for our Dj booth on stage for more room on the dancefloor. We are working on making the dancefloor more dance friendly as well.

From the business side, what makes Level 4 a success? Why do you think it appeals so well to the people of Oahu?

To be honest, majority of people in Hawaii are more oppossed to upscale nightlife scene on the outside but on the inside everyone wants to be a VIP in a scene like Las Vegas, LA, NY, and Miami. This is the scene we choose to create even against all odds. We have found success by working as a team. Those that are still a part of LEVEL4 nightclub staff understands what it takes to be successful, everyone has an important role here. There are so many new things brought to the table that many would turn the other way as we fear what we dont know but at LEVEL4 my team embraces it. Many of us have worked for people who run dictatorships and only do things one way, its called insanity. We evolve everyday because things change everyday, this I believe keeps us at the very top of our game. We always have our guest satisfaction as our number one priority.

Suge Night wants Kanye's $$$$$

Death Row Records founder wants Kanye’s cash. Things must be pretty tight for Suge Knight in the cash department these days. Having lost his rule of the multi-million-dollar Death Row Records to bankruptcy, he’s turned to suing a fellow industry figure. Knight wants Kanye West to pay his medical expenses and damages including the loss of a $135,000 diamond earring after a 2005 shooting. Knight claims he was also forced to take a private jet back home to Cali from West’s Miami after-party where the incident took place. Knight was shot in the leg and accuses Kanye of failing to provide adequate protection. An unusual claim for a man who was once the most feared in rap music. Among other things, Suge’s lawsuit alleges “the loss of use and enjoyment of his earring,” which apparently got lost in the commotion. Talk about hard times, huh?

Kanye blames himself for mother's death

Posted Nov 12th 2008 4:30PM by Tracey Ford
Filed under: Hip-Hop, R.I.P.

In a recent interview with People magazine, Kanye West opens up about finding the right girl, feeling like an "alien," and life after the sudden death of his mother, Donda West. The rapper/producer has been relatively quiet since his mother passed away last year. "I didn't do any interviews after my mom passed, I wasn't ready to speak about [it]," West said. "Now I'd rather talk it through than commit suicide. I'm super devastated."

The rapper avoided the press while he worked through his painful loss, but became way more active on his blog. In September, dodging the paparazzi landed him in some trouble and he was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on felony vandalism charges It's lonely at the top," he told reporters at a London listening party for his new album, '808's & Heartbreak.' "Losing my mom, having no woman in my life to support me -- I feel like I'm on my own and can only express it through my music." While West tries to express his emotions through his music, he admits that he's still depressed and blames himself for his mother's death.

"I feel like I moved to California, then my mom moved to California, and she did stuff she wouldn't have done if we'd stayed in Chicago," he told the magazine. "If I'd never made it in the music business, it never would've happened."

Wolverine movie

DJ Buzz Interview

Kalani: WHEN WAS YOUR "BIG BREAK"? HOW WAS LIFE AS A DJ BEFORE THAT "BIG BREAK"?

Buzz: My big break man you know what's funny is that i used to clubbing every week just to go hang out and meet folks and one night i went out i got so wasted at this club called White Lotus in Hollywood its now called RITUAL. But anyway during this time our crew was looking for a place to promote and spin at so before that night had ended i was drunk and i had recently just met this girl named Mai and she was like hey the main promoter here is looking for some help you interested? So im here drunk and i was saying to myself am i really that messed up or is this for real? haha but yeah to make the story short we accepted the deal and started doing clubs in 2006 it wasnt the greatest deal but i wasnt interested in the money i was thinking long term and where this opportunity can get me. I used to work monday-friday as a Pharmacy Technician doing the whole boring 9-5 job i quit all that just this year and now Im dj'n 4 days a week Tuesdays @ Plush in downtown fullerton, Thursdays @ Cinepsace Hollywood & Revolution Lounge in Las Vegas, Fridays @ LAX hollywood and Saturdays @ Highlands in Hollywood. Since the fall of 2006 Ive done about 40 clubs and it gave me a chance to travel a little bit which is always fun and thats how life should be...FUN and being HAPPY in what you do.


Kalani: HOW DID YOU GET YOUR DJ NAME AND HOW DO YOU LIVE UP TO IT?

Buzz: My Friends used to call me Fly before Buzz 'cause I was a noisy kind of guy kind of like a bug, but when the day came when i needed a DJ name I changed my name to Buzz and changed that noise to good music.


Kalani: DESCRIBE THE "BUZZ" YOU GET WHEN YOUR ON THE DECKS AND THE "BUZZ" YOU WANT THE CROWD TO FEEL?

Buzz: The feeling when the crowd is singing along and screaming to your set is a better feeling than getting paid.


Kalani: IT LOOKS LIKE YOU DO ALOT OF WORK WITH NIKE, WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND THAT AND WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER PROUDEST AND MOST MEMORABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

Buzz: Nike is a blessing and it saves me a whole lot of money! LoL! Man I spend more money on shoes than i do with clothes! But yeah this industry is about networking its who you know and not what you know. Im blessed with the people Im around. One of my friends works @ Nike in Beverly Hills and he gave me a shot to spin @ one of the events and thats all it took now I DJ for em at least once a month and never having to pay for kicks! Now i just gotta worry about my clothes!

Proudest and most memorable accomplishments I would say nothing at this time Im not where I wanna be at yet. Ima keep myself hungry and working on more gigs and getting to the top. When my name is mentioned next to Dj Vice, Dj Rick Rock and them then ill be able to say that im proud so stay tuned and maybe the next time you ask me this question my picture will be on the cover! lol


Kalani: IN BIG CITIES LIKE HOLLYWOOD, LAS VEGAS ETC. YOU GOT PARTIES AND DOPE DJS EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK. HOW DO YOU SET YOURSELF APART FROM THE REST? WHAT ARE THOSE SCENE'S LIKE ANYWAY?

Buzz: Hollywood is all about status and theres so many DJ's out here its ridiculous! The party scene is stable DJ'n for your local crowd and building up your name and hoping to catch a groupie here and there haha jk! what i meant to say are "FANS" who loves how you spin enjoying the type of music you play. Gotta stay true to your peeps back at home they'll be the ones supporting you the most.

Las Vegas well whatever happens in vegas stays in vegas! LoL But nah Vegas is a whole totally different animal you got people from all over the world so you gotta be on top of your music and also open to what you play cause you wont be able to spin in vegas if your just into the normal top 40. And thats how i differ myself to other DJ's I play everything and just love any music genre cause there will come a time when youre not just DJ'n for the normal 21-30 years of age crowd, people over 30 don't have a clue about Lil' Wayne and them unless youre one cool parent lol...but yeah love the music not the fame and one more thing stay HUMBLE.


Kalani: I'M ASSUMING YOU'VE BEEN TO HAWAII BEFORE, WHAT'S YOUR TAKE ON THE SCENE AND IS THERE ANYTHING ABOUT THE 808 SCENE YOU LIKE BETTER THAN IN THE MAINLAND?

Buzz: Man to be honest with you this will be my first time in Hawaii and Im one excited dude! haha! I mean from what my friends been telling me, Hawaii has the finest girls!! and i cant wait to see that!! LMAO!! So since its my first time i wont be able to answer your actual question lol.


Kalani: HOW DID YOU CONNECT WITH THE PROMOTERS THAT ARE BRINGING YOU DOWN?

Buzz: Through a friend named "Mi" Michelle so yeah lets give her a shout out lol and a big thanks for hooking me up oh and of course the Promoters V3 Promotions Eddie and Nelly and JT of Good Life Entertainment oh and of course to you Kalani for recognizing me and giving me the opportunity to get on this. Look out for Dj Buzz and Stizo in Honolulu hope everyone will come out and party with us!! See yall Nov. 14th!!

12/13

G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra

August 2009


Brendan Fraser ... Gung Ho
Sienna Miller ... The Baroness
Joseph Gordon-Levitt ... Cobra Commander
Channing Tatum ... Duke
Dennis Quaid ... General Hawk
Rachel Nichols ... Shana 'Scarlett' O'Hara
Jonathan Pryce ... U.S. President
Christopher Eccleston ... Destro
Marlon Wayans ... Ripcord
Arnold Vosloo ... Zartan
Ray Park ... Snake Eyes
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje ... Heavy Duty

Props and Praises

Charlie, Technique, Alvin, B, Lost Boy, Kristi, Penelope, Angie, Paul Brandon, Akela, B-Boy Dan, Bone, Mochi, Marissa, Sheleen, K Smooth, Mike D., Josiah, Michelle, Al, Dave, Arex, Schwin, Flip, Dave, Goldawn Child, Anit, Alaine, Harris, Delve, Saiki, Tiffany, Jorge, Al, Shar, Ally, C. Donovan, Mendoza...and on and on and on and on..........

Spinzone: DJ Lethal Selecta

The Selecta
by Kalani Wilhelm / 11-5-2008
For over two decades, DJ Lethal Selecta has bled the colors red, yellow and green. If anyone can throw down authentic Jamaican style reggae grooves, it’s the lethal one. Throughout his storied yet somewhat under-the-radar career, this local roots ambassador has injected positive and righteous vibes that helped the reggae concert and club scene flourish in a big way throughout the islands.

“There is a popular saying in reggae music that the race is not for the swift but those who can endure it,” said the veteran roots rocker. “I have to say that I am really proud of the fact that I am still representing authentic reggae dancehall music in Hawai’i.”

His Pacific Sounds Outernational homies celebrate 10 years of powerhouse sound and off the wall events with two bashes this week. With a record label focused on aspiring local reggae artists in the works, there’s still more to come. Loving reggae music is one thing, but his accomplishments and contributions represent what movements are made of.

Thu 11/6, Redda Fire, The Living Room, 1009 Ala Moana Blvd., $5, $10 after midnight, 21+; Sat 11/8, 9pm–2am, The Loft , 115 Hotel St., $10, $15 after midnight, 21+, [pacificsoundsouternational.com]

DJ Lex.One "Groove Lounge Tour"

Faber loses!!

"Notorious" hits theaters Jan. 16 2009

The movie directed by George Tillman Jr. is slated to be released on January 16th 2009. The all star cast includes Angela Bassett as Voletta Wallace, Derek Luke as Biggie's mentor and best friend Sean Diddy Combs and Anthony Mackie plays rival rapper Tupac Shakur.

HotVid: The Clipse "Fast life"

Nas Records Song About Election

Posted Nov. 5, 2008 -- It didn't matter that the rapper Nas wasn't home on election night, because he made sure to have his contribution ready. The Queens-bred MC went into the studio on the morning of the historic presidential election, while on tour in Oslo, Norway, to record "Election Night" in honor of now President-elect Barack Obama.

On the song produced by DJ Green Lantern, Nas spits, "I'm a first-time voter, how can I front?/ Barack been campaigning like 21 months/ The whole country needs answers / While he has to deal with grandma dying from cancer/ He ain't even got time to weep/ And we standing on line when we normally don't/ People claim black people too lazy to vote."

This isn't the first time Nas has recorded a song inspired by Obama. His recently released "Untitled" LP features a track entitled "Black President," which will likely become an anthem in the wake of this victory.

Green Lantern told MTV via email that while he and Nas were at dinner discussing their whereabouts and how crazy it was that they were not in the United States for the election, someone quoted a line from his song "Black President" which said "What's the Black President thinking on election night?" That inspired Nas to want to go straight to the studio and write a spin-off song about "Election Night."

Though the song was recorded before the results were announced, Nas predicted in the song that Obama would win. He also says that he'll be at the inauguration.

YES WE CAN!

Kalani: You're full aware of the hype that surrounds new nightclubs. What are some facts that indicate Level 4 is and will sustain its popularity beyond the "hype"?

Yeh: There is so much "hype" when a new nightlife venue opens, especially here in Hawaii. In the 2 years I have moved back I have opened Pearl and LEVEL4, 2 venues I believe that has raise the bar for Honolulu's nightlife, Pearl is still doing good and LEVEL4 has exploded like nothing that is even comparable in Hawaii. The facts are we opened up with celebrity performances by MTV's Jabbawockeez and continued that trend with SuperCr3w and Supreme Soul this past Halloween all inside of 3 months. Sales have continued to grow, new people who were reluctant to come are now showing up weekly, and we are always striving to be innovative. Its a fact that we are setting the pace and others are trying to follow suit. We are always very thankful to the locals for the constant support.

Kalani: What changes or "tinkering" has the club made since opening its doors?

Yeh: Since the opening, we have created different systems for seating in the balcony, permitting the public to dance on the stage, and changing our dresscodes for different nights of the week. LEVEL4 is also the first to serve while guests are waiting in line, I guarantee others will be trying to find a way to duplicate what we pioneered. We are working on a permanent home for our Dj booth on stage for more room on the dancefloor. We are working on making the dancefloor more dance friendly as well.



TO BE CONTINUED...

Coming to yo' area!

spread the word, infect the world, fuel the fire...

stay tuned...

11/12 Spinzone

DJ BUZZ
Friday, 11/14 @ E and O Trading Company
Saturday, 11/15 @ The Living Room

Check back later for the interview.......

iSpin 2

Old Mos Def footy from Pipeline Cafe 4/07

Backstage at: The Movement

big ups to Ryan Chang of islandfire productions
courtesy of supremesoul.tv

Pharside of Supreme Soul in the circle at Level 4

Poor quality but it was best to see live anyway....