Artist Profile
DJ 2-Tone Jones
It’s 2008 and we still have the word Mixtape in our vocabulary. Though no longer an actual cassette tape, the mixtape still dominates the distribution of hip hop into mass culture. Artists like Lil Wayne have gotten extremely famous by creating more than hundred different mixtapes and never releasing an official album.T There are lots of mixtapes out and its hard to find something which you are fully satisfied with. Our favorite set of mixtapes at Obnoxious Listeners are created by D.C.based musician DJ 2-Tone Jones.
Mixtape distribution has been around since the early 1980s when cassette tapes were the easiest way of reproducing audio. A DJ could record their mix to it, an emcee could create an album on it, or any non-musician could simply put together a compilation of his/her favorite tunes by piecing together songs from various albums. According to references found by Wikipedia, “In the 1970s, such DJs as Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force, Kool Herc and the Herculoids, DJ Breakout, the Funky Four, and DJ Hollywood would often distribute recordings of their club performances via audio cassette, as well as customized recordings (often prepared at exorbitant prices) for individual tape purchasers. These recordings tended to be of higher technical ability than home-made mixtapes and incorporated techniques such as beatmatching and scratching.“
DJ 2-Tone Jones has taken beatmatching and scratching to some mountainous regions. His transitions are extremely smooth, his music choice is totally obnoxious (quality), and he uses scratches to blend instead of highlight his egoic deejay skills. I have never found a compilation of music aka mixtape to date in which I liked every song. I usually have to ignore a few songs here and there in order to listen to songs I like. With 2-Teezy Hip Hop Treats [Volume 1 & 2], I could listen all the way through and appreciate everything produced. I would even rewind (yes, drag the bar on iTunes) if I missed something.
I’ve had the unique pleasure to see 2-Tone perform live on several occasions and his mixtapes are just a small glimpse of his abilities. He’s been apart of the D.C. music scene for over 8+ years. He’s performed at emcee battles, Bboy cyphers, nightclubs, and various lounges throughout the city. You can find him live on AM Radio and at the infamous Bohemian Caverns on special occasions (Mos Def was at Bohemian Caverns this past weekend). 2-Tone Jones is an amazing artist and has a wonderful + soulful personality. Much love LB!
Track Listing for 2-Teezy Hip-Hop Treats [Volume 2]:
Two Step Blues - Little Brother feat. Darien Brockington, Brown Sugar - Mos Def feat. Faith Evans , Georgy Porgy - Eric Benet feat. Faith Evans, Around the Way Girl - LL Cool J, Girls Around the World - Lloyd feat. Lil Wayne, American Dreaming - Jay-Z, Can’t Forget About You - Nas feat. Chrisette Michelle, My Soul Ain’t 4 Sale - DJ Jazzy Jeff feat. Raheem DeVaughn, Reminisce - Bilal feat. Mos Def & Common, Find A Way - A Tribe Called Quest, Reminding Me (of Sef) - Common, The Light (Jay Dee remix) - Common feat. Erykah Badu, Shopping Bags - De La Soul, Girl Like U - Snoop Dogg feat. Nelly, In a Mood - Talib Kweli feat. Roy Ayers, Still Dreaming - Nas feat. Kanye West & Chrisette Michelle, Devil’s Pie - D’Angelo, Lucifer (9th Wonder remix) - Jay-Z, Electric Relaxation - A Tribe Called Quest, Back on the Block - Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Tainted Love - Slum Village, Music - Erick Sermon feat. Marvin Gaye, Rock the Boat - Aaliyah, Forthanight - Musiq Soulchild, Birthday Girl - The Roots feat. Chrisette Michelle & Wale, Life of da Party - Snoop Dogg feat. Too Short, Royal Flush - Big Boi feat. Raekwon & Andre 3000, Flashing Lights - Kanye West feat. Dwele, They Say - Common feat. Kanye West
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