REEEEE-MIIIIX!

When someone screams that out at the beginning of a song, you get hyped, right? What are you expecting when you hear that? Do you expect the same beat and lyrics, but with an added verse somewhere in the song? Or maybe the same song with a completely different beat? A "remix" can mean different things.

In the original song Where Did She Go?, the song is driven by heavy drums with a guitar to help fill out the "body" of the song. The remix version contains strong synth chords and also has changes in the lyric layout and delivery (due to different notes in the beat). The song layout between the two songs are clearly different as well.

Original

Remix

Yum Yummz will make you dance no matter which version you listen to. The initial version gives a strong dancehall/island vibe that's comparable to R. Kelly's "Fiesta." Seth Chaos, who has worked alongside Sunspot for years, took the idea of the song and flipped it. Chaos created a more hip-hop based remix by adding a simplified guitar riff and a bass-heavy drum pattern. The lyrics for this remix are rearranged as well. Seth Chaos has also remixed the title track to the Morning After album. It is available only through an ALBUM download of Check The Recipe 2, which is free.

Original

Remix

As of this writing, Raw and it's evolved counterpart have the most plays on our Bandcamp site combined. That may be due to the type of remix that it embodies. The original song had 4 emcees on the track while the remix doubles that number of lyricists. Eight different emcees means eight different fan bases the song possibly reached. The second version also keeps the same tempo and feel of the original, which is late 80s/early 90s hip-hop. The hook is gone in the latter track to make room for the Elite Eight - which is a moniker not only for the number of the emcees in the song, but the amount of bars each one delivers.

Original, Raw

Remix, Still Raw

Every remix on this list is unique from the others, but Nobody Has To Know is a remix, but could also be considered a remake. The original song, Caught Red Handed, presents as a jazz/hip-hop/R&B hybrid, written and performed by Thright Hook. The idea for restyled version was to give the melody a more pronounced bass presence. Part of the hook of the original is reworked into the new hook and performed by G. Jonz. Finally, the song becomes more of a hip-hop version of "Trapped In The Closet" as POES lays down lyrics to a similar story to Caught Red Handed. [Didn't think I'd have two different paragraphs referencing R. Kelly... craziness.]

Original, Caught Red Handed

Remix, Nobody Has To Know

Highlights of CTR2, Part 3: HNL & Seth Chaos

Check The Recipe 2 is my latest mixtape which features 18 musical talents from the 781 area and beyond. I'll be giving some background info on two of the people involved in CTR2 in this entry. Sit back and take in some insight on the Recipe.

Seth Chaos is a major name in the underground music scene in the Boston area. You've heard of the Six Degrees of Separation theory, right? Well, it'd be very rare for you to find someone in the Boston underground hip-hop scene who hasn't heard of Chaos. He's been working on music since the 90s and is involved in nearly all aspects of music peoduction. Rapping, vocals, DJing, filming - Seth Chaos is a man that wears many hats.

HNL has been under the learning tree of music production for years, honing his craft and coming up many different R&B beats. His earliest beat that has been released can be heard on the One Night Stand album on the track, "Comfortable". Since then, the quick study that is HNL has also lent a hand in producing the Intro track for CTR2 and single-handedly composed the beat for "Take A Walk" from the Morning After album, featuring the voices of Runna, G. Jonz and J-Dub.

#GrandTheftAutoMemories

This was a trending topic on Twitter a few days ago. Since I was going to do a post about GTA (well, San Andreas), I figured I'd go in a little bit deeper with a blog post.

1 The Feel of the Game
For those of you who have played any of the GTA games, you enjoy the sandbox-like atmosphere. The characters, as well as the cities, make the game that much more enjoyable. The fictional state of San Andreas is HUGE so there was always something to do there. You could start a turf war, play a few games at a casino, fly (via plane or jetpack)... or maybe get some Hot Coffee.

The trailer for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

2 The Soundtrack
GTA: SA was set around 1992, so you already know the soundtrack was jammin and full of great memories. The radio stations had everything from the Guns n Roses "riot" anthem "Welcome to the Jungle" to CJ bouncin in the club to "Hollywood Swingin'" and Bobby Brown's "Don't Be Cruel." It played the classic America track "A Horse With No Name" and old-school hip-hop joints like "It Takes Two" and "Warm It Up, Kane." The game also features hilarious DJs (Michael Bivins from BBD and New Edition as well as George Clinton were the voices of two DJs in the game.) and radio talk shows!

3 Tenpenny, Ryder and OG Loc
LOL these characters are CLASSIC! They entertain me every time they're on screen. Officer Tenpenny is voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, so that's already a win. Ryder looks like the San Andreas version of Eazy E. And OG Loc? Well, he has to be seen to be believed.

A hilarious video of the first mission with Ryder, busta.

4 The Impossible Air Raid Zero Mission
I hated Zero because the "Air Raid" mission was ridiculously tough. GTA fans probably forgot who Zero is because they skipped his missions. Rather than talk about him and his rivalry with Berkley further, I'll just post a video of OG Loc doing his thing.

OG Loc, doing his thing. It's Loc, baby! 5 The Stunts

Just a tiny sample of stunts you can pull off in the game.

6 When I realized that CJ looked like the mastermind behind HNL Beats.

Oh yeah.

The Morning After album notes

"The Morning After" is the sophomore album by Runna & Right Hook, and it's the follow-up to their "One Night Stand" effort. It is the second album from Sunspot Productions that features mostly R&B and pop songs. Executive Producer: G. Jonz.

Track listing information:
1. On My Way Home Intro
Concept by L. McClain. Performed by J. Runner III. Music by O'Brian Music.

2. Stop, Breathe
Written and performed by J. Runner III, C. Luk, and J. Warren. Produced by P.O.E.S. Beats (Check out his debut mixtape: People Only Envy Strength - Think POES).

3. Yum Yums
Written and performed by C. Sout and J. Runner III. Music by Swollen Drumz Productions.

4. Too Long
Written by C. Sout. Music by JuSaMeLoDy.

5. Soul Clap
Written and performed by J. Runner III, C. Sout and J. Warren. Produced by Seth Chaos (@SethChaosChoZen) for S.O.U.L. Music.

6. Have You?
Written by C. Sout and G. Jones. Performed by C. Sout. Music by SINIMA BEATS.

7. We Found Love
Written by J. Runner III. Music by T3K Beats.

8. Take A Walk
Written and performed by J. Runner III, J. Warren and G. Jones. Produced by HNL Beats (@YourBoyL).

9. Oh No (She Fo Sho)
Written and performed by C. Sout and V. Marrero. Produced by Bill Collectors Music.

10. Milky Way
Written and performed by J. Runner III, C. Sout, C. Luk (His ReverbNation page) and G. Jones. Produced by G. Jonz for Sunspot Productions (@sunspot781).
"Planet Guilt" interlude written and performed by J. Runner III.

11. Hungover
Written and performed by C. Sout and V. Marrero. Produced by P.O.E.S. Beats.

12. The Morning After
Written by J. Runner III and G. Jones. Performed by J. Runner III. Produced by G. Jonz for Sunspot Productions.

All We Needed Was One Night

In two years, we've given you 4 albums/mixtapes: Check The Recipe, One Night Stand, Hood Certified and Clearly Outspoken.

After promoting them on the streets, Facebook, Twitter and through videos, the next move HAD to be to give you a live show!

I worked with almost everyone who has worked with us on those 4 projects to cook up A Night Out with Sunspot and I must say that the night was incredible! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

To fans, old and new: We will keep bringing you the music and entertainment that you love. Thanks for ridin wit us. Also, I wanna give very special shout-outs to DB, EP and the Twin Peaks and Pie crew for coming thru!
G. Jonz (in red) & Runna (in blue) Turning It Up for the crowd!

To the management staff at Tatiana's Restaurant & Lounge: I think I can speak for the entire Sunspot team when I say that we cannot thank you enough! Thank you for opening your doors to us and making us feel at home.

Right Hook reppin that cool spot in the heat - you know what it is!

To everyone who brought cameras/video equipment: THANK YOU! We probably should've taken a few ourselves, lol. (Shout out to Kevin D. for the pics in this blog entry!) Also, MASSIVE SHOUT-OUT TO BOSSLADYTEE FILMS. The video from the show is at the bottom of this entry. Subscribe to her YouTube page!

To ITM: Thanks for having that incomparable energy that you always bring! The dancing was great and we loved having you there! This won't the last time we link up!

Two hot Mamacitas from ITM join Right Hook on stage to give the show some added sizzle.

To everyone who brought home souvenirs, mixtapes, albums, etc: Enjoy yourself, especially with J-Dub's first mixtape, "Clearly Outspoken". He's only asking for 20 minutes of your time to listen. It'll be time well spent!
Pockets On Froze featuring Runna

Right Hook & Runna performing "Player" from One Night Stand.

All we needed was one night to show people that Sunspot can light up the stage and give you a great night of entertainment. A Night Out with Sunspot was the FIRST time that we've all performed together at our own show. On behalf of the entire Sunspot family, thank you for making it a success!

Now that that's behind us, things will go back to normal and we'll be working on new albums and new projects.





And another show...?

From left to right: J-Dub, G. Jonz, C.Luk, Runna, Right Hook, and DJ LT - toasting it up to A Night Out with Sunspot!

A Night Out with Sunspot

On July 16, the summer will get even hotter as Sunspot will host a live show at Tatiana's Restaurant & Lounge at 70 Market St in Lynn MA!

Songs from Check The Recipe and One Night Stand will be performed as well as brand-new music from C. Luk, J-Dub, Runna, and Right Hook!

The ITM Dance Team will be our special guests and we'll have other surprises as well! It's a 21+ event and you won't wanna miss it!!

Directions to Tatiana's From North I-95 South, Merge onto I-95 North/128 north via Exit 37A (towards Peabody) Take the US-1 North/RT-129 East Exit- (Exit 44B- toward Danvers) Take the RT-129 East ramp toward Lynn/Swampscott Enter next roundabout and take 1st exit onto MA-129 East Turn RIGHT onto Boston St. Turn LEFT onto Franklin St. Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto City Hall Sq. Turn RIGHT onto Market St. From South I-95 North, Merge onto I-93 North/US-1 North via Exit 12 toward Boston Take Exit 20 toward I-90 / LOGAN AIRPORT / WORCESTER / South STATION Merge onto I-90 Eeat/MASS PIKE/MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE via the exit on the LEFT toward Logan Airport/South Station Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto MA-1A North/WILLIAM F MCCLELLAN HWY/EAST BOSTON EXPY. Continue to follow MA-1A North Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto MA-1A North/BEACH ST. Continue to follow MA-1A North Pass through 1 roundabout Turn LEFT onto MA-1A / Market St. Continue to follow Market St. From West I-90 East/MASS PIKE/MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE via the ramp on the LEFT toward Boston Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto MA-1A North/WILLIAM F MCCLELLAN HWY/EAST BOSTON EXPY. Continue to follow MA-1A North Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto MA-1A North/BEACH ST. Continue to follow MA-1A North Pass through 1 roundabout Turn LEFT onto MA-1A / Market St. Continue to follow Market St.

Hit up our Facebook Event page to RSVP. Not on Facebook? Then you can RSVP in the comment section.

Sunspot Discography, Part 5: One Night Stand

This is Part 5 of the Sunspot Discography series. I'll be posting a short summary about every album and mixtape that's been released under Sunspot Productions. To read every entry, check the sidebar labeled "Discography."


June 1, 2010

Production on "One Night Stand" started just weeks after the release of "Check The Recipe." Sunspot headed into uncharted territory as this effort would be its first completely R&B/pop album. Runna performed most of the R&B tracks while Right Hook performed most of the pop contributions.

Due to the personal & professional relationships we've built over the years, "One Night Stand" was created with help from many people. P.O.E.S. blessed the team by producing most of this album. An up-and-coming beatmaker who goes by HNL teamed up with G. Jonz to produce "Comfortable," which was performed by Runna. As far as featured vocalists go, Right Hook teamed up with Taina and Remy Redd for the slick dance jam "Come Home." Runna enlisted his lyrical cousin (J-Dub) to create the ambiant "If I Don't Have You." C.Luk, P.O.E.S., A-Class and T-Pain (yes, that T-Pain) are also heard on these respective tracks: "To Go On," "Your Body," "Mamacita," and "Everybody Else."

A few facts about "One Night Stand" that you may not have known:
A snippet of Right Hook's "Mamacita" was first heard on Check the Recipe as a prelude for the song "Just A Little Bit Closer." The beat for Runna's "Comfortable" was actually made in the summer of 2006 and was first used as a backing track for a local slide show. Finally, "Live It Up" is the only track on this album that features both Runna AND Right Hook.

Go to the Azn Wayz Bandcamp site to listen to and download One Night Stand now!