.:The Solution w/DJ Low Key, Sounds Supreme & Lazy Eyez:.

Producers, beatmakers & such, The Solution Beat Battle is coming at the end of the month…Enter here…

Producers, beatmakers & such, The Solution Beat Battle is taking submissions for competitors from now until Monday, February 20th.  No application fee necessary.  Please send either:

-A soundcloud link to 3+ of your beats
or
-An e-mail with 3 beats attached
or
-A streaming link to a project you produced

and

-a photo of yourself (to be posted when the competitors are announced)

and

-a short bio

to:

thesolutionbeatbattle <at> denversolution (dot) com

Full details coming on Friday, 2/10. Submission deadline is Monday, 2/20. Participants will be announced on Thursday, 2/23.

#TheSolution5

Thursday, 2/23 -> The Solution Showcase #3 w/Trackademicks feat. DJ Tap 10, Black Actors (Quiz & .anansi), Kid Hum, DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez at the Meadowlark…

THURSDAY, 2/23 -> Before we get this started, shouts to everyone who came out to The Solution Showcase #2.  It followed in the footsteps of the first one and was a blast.  Inka One showed why he’s one of the most respected DJs in California, Es Nine blessed the crowd with some beautiful music and The Foodchain somehow squeezed their whole band into the cozy space and had a packed house going crazy.  Big ups to everyone who’s been coming out, y’all are the reason even the biggests of haters would have to say #TheSolutionShowcase is 2 for 2.  In the interest of keeping our newly minted streak going, we’ve got a hell of a lineup booked for the The Solution Showcase #3 at the Meadowlark (2701 Larimer St).

He’s one of our favorite producers out and no slouch on the mic.  His fun, breezy style of music slaps hard enough to get the attention of tastemakers like Mark Ronson and A-Trak (who signed him to his Fool’s Gold label) while his resume is thick with  diverse and talented names like Phonte, Wale, Mistah F.A.B., Lyrics Born, Little Dragon, Teedra Moses, Tanya Morgan, J’Davey, his own Honor Roll crew & more; we’re honored to bring out the bay area’s own Trackademicks.  Track will be joined by his Honor Roll brethen and one of the bay’s favorite DJs, DJ Tap 10, for their first Colorado show ever.

Above: DJ Tap 10 /// Below: Quiz (fka Sunkenstate) of Black Actors

Black Actors aka Quiz (fka Sunkenstate, of Suicide Watch fame) and .anansi will be holding down things for Denver, rocking songs from Quiz’s new Elm & Oak project, Etcetera, and more.  To represent the production side of things, we’ve got the infamous Kid Hum debuting his first live beat performance and we don’t think anybody’s ready for that.

Me and Lazy Eyez will be the night’s DJs (Sounds Supreme will be holding things down at ‘Round Midnight for The Solution Boulder), rounding out the bill and keeping the party sounding right from beginning to end.  We’ll be posting music and videos from everybody on the bill to get y’all familiar over the next few weeks, so don’t worry if you’re not familiar with someone on the bill, just trust that your favorite DJs aren’t gonna steer you wrong (a big part of The Solution Showcase is about discovering dope new music and people have been digging it).  Stay tuned to @DenverSolution for more details and a chance to win free tickets.  21+ /// $5 Pre-sales available at Family Affair downtown & get you 15% off your entire purchase /// $8 at the door. – DJ Low Key

Tags: .anansi, Black Actors, DJ Low Key, DJ Tap 10, Family Affair, Kid Hum, Lazy Eyez, Quiz, The Meadowlark, The Solution Showcase, Trackademicks

Every Thursday, starting 2/9/12 -> The Solution comes to Boulder at ‘Round Midnight…

It’s true…More details coming soon…

Tags: Round Midnight, The Solution Boulder

Meet the Meadowlark, home of The Solution Showcase…Also, don’t miss The Solution Showcase #2 on Friday, 1/20!!!

The Meadowlark is the home of The Solution Showcase and based on pretty much everything we heard during and after the first Solution Showcase, people really seem to love it.  It’s not a traditional hip hop venue, far from the bottle service scene and just the kind of unique spot that fits a unique party like The Solution Showcase.  The venue features both an interesting downstairs area, complete with fresh popcorn, local takeout food access and a small tiny stage area and a very cool outdoor patio that’s enclosed for the winter.  In case you missed out on last month’s party, check out the pics to get a taste of what the venue looks like and stay tuned for a recap video of The Solution Showcase #1, courtesy of our boy Konsequence.

Hopefully we’ll see you at the Meadowlark this Friday, 1/20 for The Solution Showcase #2 w/Inka One, The Foodchain, Es Nine, DJ Low Key, Sounds Supreme & Lazy Eyez at the Meadowlark (2701 Larimer St).

Above: The front of the building, as seen from 27th & Larimer. /// Below: The stairs to the front entrance. Hip hop & basements go together like Exile & MPCs. – DJ Low Key

In their words: The Meadowlark Bar is one of Denver’s most distinctive, discerning and provocative live music venues!  Enjoy our outdoor patio and bar, as well as our (award winning) Open Mic, Live Bands, Dance Parties, Happy Hour Specials and more.

Denver’s Best Open Stage (Westword, 2010) /// Denver’s Best Jazz Jam (Westword, 2010) /// Denver’s Best Place to Learn to be a Rockstar (Westword, 2010) /// Denver’s Best Outdoor Stage (Westword, 2009) /// Denver’s Best Intimate Performance Space (Westword, 2008)

The building that houses Denver’s Most Intimate Venue was built in 1885, before electricity. The building’s history can begin to be evidenced by the exposed gaslight pipes in bar. Originally built as a drug and general store, the upstairs was created to house men. There were also outhouses where the Meadowlark’s famous patio now stands. A part of Denver’s historic Ballpark Neighborhood, 2701 Larimer Street is a true gem with its ornate tin cornice and cast iron store front: A facade that was built in Pittsburgh, PA and then shipped all the way to the Queen City upon the building’s construction.  The Meadowlark Bar was opened on December 27, 2005 on the Feast of St. John. The bar’s name is a metaphor for the owner’s love of the lonely openness of the American prairie and the construction of the Meadowlark is of particular note – for it is what visitors and patrons notice immediately.

The most pronounced element is that the least likely floor was chosen for the bar’s construction: the basement. But it was the basement’s rock walls that sold the owner on creating the bar down below the street – for its warmth and sensation of comfort. During construction, many changes occurred. However, the primary aim was always in-tact: the entire bar was hand-built and this was preserved by only employing a very select number of laborers and carpenters. The prime example of this philosophy stands at the center of the space: Meadowlark’s bar is a one-of-a-kind wooden bar, hand-crafted, planed and beveled in such an unorthodox manner that a bar of its kind is nearly impossible to replicate. As well, all the paint on the exterior of the building was removed to recapture the initial look of the 1885 structure.

Conceptualized as an art bar, the bar’s owner knew that lighting was of primary importance. And therefore, this served as the initial impetus for how the bar would operate, and look. To this day, Meadowlark is an art gallery, housing monthly exhibits by some of Denver’s most provocative visual artists.

After its opening in 2005, patrons of the bar were always intimately involved in its further development. The idea was always that: if you involve those around you, the conversation about how the bar was created, the “why” would always remain and furthermore, help evolve the concept. An example of this is the indoor stage and the highly-acclaimed outdoor patio and stage. For the last couple of years, on account of the leadership and the dominant ideals that were set forth, Meadowlark has become one of Denver’s most prized music and art venues – a true king in the Queen City of the Plains.

Above: Half of the downstairs area. /// Below: The Meadowlark’s patio, enclosed and heated for the winter. Just wait *cues up maniacal laughter*.

Tags: The Meadowlark, The Solution Showcase

Meet Inka One…Our featured out of town act for The Solution Showcase #2 on 1/20…

He’s one of LA’s favorite DJs, the founder of Boombox, one of the best hip hop parties in the country, was a key part of legendary #COHipHop mixshow Basementalism’s national college radio dominance in the mid 2000s and still somehow manages to hate 99% of the music that comes out; yours and our favorite hater Inka One. Check out the mixtapes below if you’re not familiar (I recommend you start with the Cook Classics joint), then check out the video with of him rocking with violinist Paul Dateh that almost 6 million people have watched.

.:Download Cook Classics – The New Classics (mixed by Inka One & hosted by Paul Rosenberg) on 2Dopeboyz:.

.:Download Cook Classics – (Pre)Charged (mixed by Inka One) from Nahright:.

.:Inka One Mix & Interview on Vibes & Stuff Radio:.

.:Inka One – Zojirushi Mix on Soundcloud:.

[Paul Dateh on violin with inka one on turntables.]

Tracks covered: ATCQ – Check the Rhime, Jurassic 5: Canta de Ossanha, Ghostface Killah: Chercez la Ghost, The Roots: The Next Movement, Gnarls Barkley: Crazy & Johnny Pate: Shaft in Africa

[Talib Kweli premiering "Just Begun" feat. Jay Electronica, J Cole & Mos Def at Inka One's party Boombox]

Catch Inka One rocking along with The Foodchain, Es Nine, DJ Low Key, Sounds Supreme and Lazy Eyez at The Solution Showcase #2 at the Meadowlark (2701 Larimer St).  And in keeping with the Foodchain – Brunch theme, we’ll have complimentary silver dollar pancakes from 9-10pm to sweeten the deal, so make sure you come out early.  Stay tuned to @DenverSolution for more info, a chance to win free tickets & another contest.  21+ /// $5 Pre-sales available at Family Affair downtown (plus get 15% your entire purchase when you buy a Solution Showcase ticket) /// $8 at the door.

Tags: Boombox, Cook Classics, Inka One, Paul Dateh, The Solution Showcase

Meet Es Nine…Our featured producer for The Solution Showcase #2 on Friday, 1/20…

The Solution Showcase #2’s featured producer Es Nine is a member of Prime Element and En Stereo, was named by best producer in Denver by Westword in ’09, and has produced songs for KRS-One, Dilated Peoples, Fashawn, Killah Priest, Kam Moye & a whole lot of other notable artists. Download his instrumental project Light Of Day, check out the video links below & catch more music from him here.

.:Download Es Nine – Light Of Day:.

Catch Es Nine rocking along with Inka One, The Foodchain, DJ Low Key, Sounds Supreme and Lazy Eyez at The Solution Showcase #2 at the Meadowlark (2701 Larimer St).  And in keeping with the Brunch theme, we’ll have complimentary silver dollar pancakes from 9-10pm to sweeten the deal, so make sure you come out early.  Stay tuned to @DenverSolution for more info, a chance to win free tickets & another contest.  21+ /// $5 Pre-sales available at Family Affair downtown (plus get 15% your entire purchase when you buy a Solution Showcase ticket) /// $8 at the door.

Tags: #COHipHop, En Stereo, Es Nine, Prime Element, The Solution Showcase

Friday, 1/20 -> The Solution Showcase #2 w/Inka One, The Foodchain, Es Nine, DJ Low Key, Sounds Supreme & Lazy Eyez at the Meadowlark…

FRIDAY, 1/20 -> First off, thank you Denver. The first Solution Showcase was packed full of great people and great energy.  All the performers left the party raving about how cool the crowd was, saying everything from “that was the best show I’ve ever been a part of” to “you guys have a great thing going on in Denver”; so thank y’all for being so damn cool.  Everybody I talked to in the crowd showed love right back, excited to see some of their favorites rock and learn about other dope new music.  Just about everything went according to plan, better than expected even; and on that note, it’s my pleasure to announce the lineup for The Solution Showcase #2 at the Meadowlark (2701 Larimer St).

He’s one of LA’s favorite DJs, the founder of Boombox, one of the best hip hop parties in the country, was a key part of Basementalism’s national college radio dominance in the mid 2000s and still somehow manages to hate 99% of the music that comes out, your favorite hater Inka One.

In my humble opinion, their new album Brunch is one of the best #COHipHop albums of all time, they’ve rocked with a who’s who of hip hop over the last few years and made fans worldwide, you know them as The Foodchain.

Our featured producer is a member of Prime Element and En Stereo, was named by best producer in Denver by Westword in ‘09, and has produced songs for KRS-One, Dilated Peoples, Fashawn, Killah Priest & a whole lot of other notable artists, the one and only Es Nine.

The Solution DJs aka me, Sounds Supreme and Lazy Eyez will also be rocking throughout the night, bringing you the very best in hip hop & more.  And in keeping with the Brunch theme, we’ll have complimentary silver dollar pancakes from 9-10pm to sweeten the deal, so make sure you come out early.  Just like last time, we’ll be posting music & videos from everybody performing over the next few weeks to get y’all familiar, so don’t worry if you’re not up on the whole lineup, just know that me, Sounds & Lazy aren’t gonna steer you wrong (a big focus of this night is about introducing Denver to great new music, that is what DJs are supposed to do, right?).  Stay tuned to @DenverSolution for more info, a chance to win free tickets & another contest.  21+ /// $5 Pre-sales available at Family Affair downtown (plus get 15% your entire purchase when you buy a Solution Showcase ticket) /// $8 at the door. – DJ Low Key

Tags: Basementalism, Boombox, DJ Low Key, En Stereo, Es Nine, Family Affair, Inka One, Lazy Eyez, Prime Element, Sounds Supreme, The Foodchain, The Solution Showcase

Thursday, 12/15 -> The Solution Showcase #1 w/TiRon & Ayomari, Turner Jackson feat. DJ Dozen, The Girlgrabbers, DJ Low Key, Sounds Supreme & more at the Meadowlark…

THURSDAY, 12/15 -> I’m super excited to announce the launch of The Solution Showcase, a new monthly party/show/event/whatever-you-wanna-call-it that we’re throwing at the Meadowlark (2701 Larimer St).  In the same way that me and Sounds Supreme started The Solution to be the kind of party we’d wanna go to, The Solution Showcase is gonna combine the vibe of The Solution with a live show element; showcasing an up and coming out of town act, a dope Denver artist and a Denver-based producer or production crew each month, plus assorted other goodness.

To get things started right, we’re bringing out critically acclaimed and super dope Los Angeles-based rappers TiRon and Ayomari, whose recently released album, A Sucker For Pumps (available to stream free here), is one of the best projects I’ve heard all year (up there with Section .80, Watch The Throne, Charity Starts At Home, To Live For, To Die For & such).  And I’m not alone, Dream Hampton, co-author of Jay-Z’s book Decoded called it a classic and her favorite album of the year, hugely popular blog the Smoking Section gave it 4 1/2 of 5 stars and the album has landed them on numerous bills in LA alongside Dr. Dre’s favorite new rapper, Kendrick Lamar.  You may have also gotten familiar with TiRon and Ayomari via T&A:The Prelude to ASFP (the mixtape I did for them earlier this year, download it here), Ketchup (my other mixtape collab with TiRon and 2Dopeboyz’s favorite mixtape of 2009, download it here), MSTRD, the PB & J Solution or collabs with the likes of Blu, Pac Div, Miguel, Asher Roth, Oddisee and so on.

TiRon and Ayomari will be joined by Denver’s own Turner Jackson, whose last album, My Heart Needs Space (available for free download here), is one of the best local projects I heard all year and showed ridiculous growth from the young MC.  His frequent collaborator and youngest DJ in charge, DJ Dozen, will hold him down on the turntables for the night.  The Girlgrabbers (aka Q-Knox, GypDaHip & Brik-A-Brak) will be showcasing their one of a kind musical magic as our featured producers for the night (check out some of their prolific catalogue here).  In classic Solution fashion, me & Sounds Supreme will round out the lineup as the night’s DJs, rocking all the best in hip hop and more.  We’ll be posting music and videos from everybody on the bill to get y’all familiar over the next month or so, so don’t worry if you’re not up on the whole lineup, just trust that the DJs you like aren’t gonna steer you wrong (a big part of this night is gonna be about discovering great new music and we think you’re gonna love it).  Also, we’ve got a few surprises to announce that’ll make the night even better, so stay tuned to @DenverSolution for those last few details and a chance to win free tickets.  21+ /// $5 Pre-sales available at Family Affair downtown after Thanksgiving /// $8 at the door. – DJ Low Key

P.S. The Meadowlark is a pretty small venue and this show could very well sell out, so don’t sleep!!!!!

P.P.S. This is just the start of a bunch of big Solution news…We’re about to make up for lost time in a major way, watch!!!

Tags: Ayomari, DJ Dozen, DJ Low Key, Family Affair, Sounds Supreme, The Meadowlark, The Solution Showcase, TiRon, Turner Jackson

Sunday 9/25 from noon til dark -> Watermelon & Pumpkins at the Solution w/DJ Low Key, Sounds Supreme & Lazy Eyez at Family Affair…

Sunday 9/25 from noon til dark -> Come say goodbye summer and hello fall with your pals the Solution & Family Affair with Pumpkins and Watermelons.  All three Solution members, DJ Low Key, Sounds Supreme & Lazy Eyez, will be on the turntables rocking in Family Affair’s “backyard”, we’ve got complimentary Red Bull, Top Shelf Vodka, food grilled by your favorite DJs, a 3 on 3 basketball “tournament”  plus assortment other contests for tees & more.  The forecast is 84 degrees with 0% chance of rain, so think of this as that one last blowout Summer BBQ you had hoped for.  Plus, if you wanna cop some new gear while you’re at the spot, just say “Watermelon & Pumpkins” at the register for 15% off!!!  Noon til dark /// 2049 Larimer St /// 21+ to drink.

P.S. Afterparty at Connected w/DJ Low Key at the Hai Bar…Best Sunday ever!!!

Tags: DJ Low Key, Family Affair, Lazy Eyez, Sounds Supreme, Top Shelf Vodka

Saturday, 8/6 -> The 90s House Party x The Solution w/Es Nine, DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez at Tooey’s…

SATURDAY, 8/6 -> For one night only, Denver’s two favorite hip hop nights are joining forces.  The Solution is teaming up with our favorite hip hop party in town, the 90s House Party, to celebrate Lazy Eyez’s 2nd college graduation (he just wrapped up his master’s, like a boss!!!) at Tooey’s (Colfax & Marion).  Es Nine, DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez will be on the ones and two and we’ll be wishing Es Nine’s partner on the 90s House Party, Cysko Rokwel (as well as DJ Vajra), the best of luck in the US DMC finals. No gimmicks /// No cover /// 21+.

Tags: Cysko Rokwel, DJ Vajra, DMC, DMCs, Es Nine, The 90s House Party, Tooey's