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

Meet Che Grand (Brooklyn /// Lessondary), our featured out of town artist for The Solution Showcase #4 on 3/24…

Above: Che Grand “Girls Talk” video from his debut album Everything’s Good Ugly (stream it here) /// Below: Che Grand performing live with former Solution guests Blu & Exile in NYC

We hope you already know about Brooklyn’s Che Grand.  He’s one of our favorite MCs out; maybe you’ve heard him rocking with Tanya Morgan, Skyzoo or Jay Electronica (Kanye liked their joint enough to post it on his old blog) or maybe you heard him on The Fixtape & The Fixtape Two:In It For The Drink Ticket (both mixed by The Solution’s own DJ Low Key) or maybe you heard his RIDICULOUS Solution anthem last year,  “Salute (The Solution)”, which he wrote after a few years of being a regular guest performer at The Solution’s Annual Lessondary Birthday Extravaganza.  If you’re not familiar, even better; you’re about to be introduced to one of your favorite new rappers.  Check out the video clips and downloads in this post to get familiar with Che Grand before he headlines The Solution Showcase #4 on 3/24 and hear the music that caught the attention of artists like Kanye West, Jay Electronica, Tanya Morgan, Illmind and others.

.:Che Grand & DJ Low Key – The Fixtape Two: In It For The Drink Ticket (tracked version):. /// (untracked/podcast version)

.:Che Grand & DJ Low Key – Limited Edition:The Fixtape (tracked version):. /// (untracked/podcast version)

Above: Tanya Morgan feat. Che Grand “Headphone Rock” video /// Below: Donny Goines feat. Che Grand & Izza Kizza “She Likes” video /// Bottom: Tanya Morgan, Che Grand, Skyzoo & King Mez “Without Hands” video

.:Download Che Grand’s latest project, ZFTP 8:Uche The Great:.

Catch Che Grand rocking along with 1984 (aka The Solution Beat Battle runner-up Big J Beats & Marky Bias), Dealz Makes Beats, DJ Low Key and Lazy Eyez at The Solution Showcase #4 at the Meadowlark (2701 Larimer St).  Stay tuned to @DenverSolution for more info, a chance to win free tickets & more.  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: Che Grand, lessondary, The Solution Showcase

Saturday, 3/24 -> The Solution Showcase #4 w/Che Grand (Brooklyn /// Lessondary), 1984 (Big J Beats & Marky Bias), Dealz Makes Beats, DJ Low Key, Lazy Eyez & more at The Meadowlark…

SATURDAY, 3/24 -> It’s about time for The Solution Showcase #4 and the lineup is ridiculous. We’ve got one of Brooklyn’s finest, Che Grand (Brooklyn /// Lessondary), Solution beat battle runner up Big J Beats & Marky Bias aka 1984, MPC boss Dealz Makes Beats, and 2/3rds of The Solution DJs, DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez at The Meadowlark (2701 Larimer). 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). So head over to DenverSolution.com to learn more about the performers and hopefully we’ll see you out for the party! 21+ /// $5 Pre-sales available at Family Affair downtown & get you 15% off your entire purchase /// $8 at the door /// Doors at 9.

Tags: 1984, Che Grand, Dealz Makes Beats, Marky Bias, The Solution Showcase

What is #TheSolution5?

(click to enlarge flyer)

February 2012 marks 5 years of The Solution and before anything else can be mentioned, we have to thank everyone in Denver and beyond who’s come out to the party.  Whether it was in our earliest days at the Shelter/Milk Bar or at our longest running home, The Funky Buddha, or maybe you just learned about us via The Solution Showcase at the Meadowlark over the last month or two, it doesn’t matter; we wouldn’t be able to do anything cool without your love and support.  With that said, a lot has changed since we started the party and we want to make sure everyone knows about what we’re up to going forward.

As you might have noticed, the party has grown beyond just a club night.  Last year, we embarked on a statewide tour with Tanya Morgan, TiRon, Whygee, King F.O.E. & Boonie Mayfield, threw our first BBQ (with our good friends Family Affair) and started a monthly spinoff based around showcasing new talent, called The Solution Showcase, at the Meadowlark.  This year we’ve already launched The Solution Boulder at ‘Round Midnight, we’re about to take the party outside of our great state for some collabs with like-minded parties in other cities and this month, we’re going to celebrate our 5 years with 5 events that we call The Solution 5 aka #TheSolution5.

With that in mind, what hasn’t changed about The Solution is that we’re still dedicated to making sure every event we throw is something we’d wanna go to, something fun and, hopefully, something a little more unique than your average party.  With that in mind, let us tell you about what we’ve got in store for #TheSolution5.

Wednesday, February 22nd we’re teaming up with world renowned Red Bull Music Academy for what’s shaping up to be a one of a kind celebration of the man who was quite possibly the greatest hip hop producer ever, J Dilla.  We’re throwing the party at Beta Nightclub (1909 Blake St) and it’s an unprecedented event to hear Dilla’s music on one of the best sound systems in the world.  As if that wasn’t enough, we’re bringing out the legendary DJ Spinna (New York) and frequent Dilla collaborators and Detroit icons Waajeed & Phat Kat out to celebrate with us.  Phat Kat will be rocking with Dameion Hines and Q-Knox of Big Wheel, who’ll also be performing a tribute to Jay Dee of their own.  The Solution DJs aka DJ Low Key, Sounds Supreme and Lazy Eyez will be on the turntables to kick things off and with Dilla’s catalogue, you’re gonna miss some incredible music if you show up late.

Thursday, February 23rd is The Solution Showcase #3 at the Meadowlark (2701 Larimer St) and the lineup is ridiculous.  We’ve got Trackademicks (of A-Trak’s Fool’s Gold Records) and DJ Tap 10 coming out from the Bay, bringing a trademark slap that’s one of our favorite sounds out.  Black Actors (Quiz fka Sunkenstate and .anansi) is our Denver feature and the one and only Kid Hum will be making his live production debut, plus DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez will get the party started.

Saturday, February 25th is the opening of The Art Of Records at Family Affair downtown (2048 Larimer St) from 6-9pm.  It’s an art show based around classic hip hop album artwork being interpreted by top Colorado-based artists including the likes of Dunn The Signtologist, Path One, Thomas Evans, Tristan Minton & more, curated by Dunn himself and DJ Low Key.  We’ll be displaying the actual 12″ album covers next to the artwork and DJ Low Key will be spinning the records on display throughout the evening to bring things full circle.

Sunday, February 26th we’re excited to present The Solution Beat Battle at La Rumba (99 W. 9th Ave).  A dozen of Denver’s top producers will face off head to head to see who has the best beats in town.  Producer extraordinaire Boonie Mayfield will be rocking a live beat showcase, “legends in the making” (according to Ali Shaheed Muhammed of A Tribe Called Quest) and new school vets Tanya Morgan will be performing and we still have more on the bill to be announced shortly.  If you’re a producer or beatmaker looking to enter, check out this post for more info.

Every Thursday night in Boulder, don’t miss our fifth event of the #TheSolution5, The Solution Boulder, at ‘Round Midnight (1005 Pearl St).   In the coming weeks, we’ll be throwing our infamous chicken & waffles party up there, featuring a performance from Tanya Morgan, hosting a women’s shoe and fashion show with Installation (an easy contender for best shoe store in the whole state) and a whole lot more.

So thanks again for everything Colorado, you’re the best. Here’s to the next 5 years and beyond.

Tags: #TheSolution5, Beta Nightclub, Black Actors, Boonie Mayfield, Dilla, DJ Low Key, DJ Tap 10, Dunn the Signtologist, Family Affair, J DIlla, Kid Hum, La Rumba, Lazy Eyez, Meadlowlark, Red Bull Music Academy, Sounds Supreme, Tanya Morgan, The Art Of Records, The Solution Beat Battle, The Solution Boulder, The Solution Showcase, Trackademicks

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

#TheSolution5

Tags: #TheSolution5, .anansi, Black Actors, DJ Low Key, DJ Tap 10, Family Affair, Kid Hum, Lazy Eyez, Quiz, The Meadowlark, The Solution Showcase, Trackademicks

The Solution Showcase #1 Recap Video w/TiRon, Ayomari & more…Courtesy of Konsequence…

Our boy Konsequence aka Jeremy Pape put together a very dope recap of last month’s The Solution Showcase #1 that you need to check out, whether you missed the party or you were there and wanna relive the memories of a great night.  The first half introduces the lineup and the second half features TiRon & Ayomari rocking “The Luncheon” live.  If you enjoy, please post it on your fb wall, tumblr, twitter, etc or tell a friend and don’t miss The Solution Showcase #2, this Friday, 1/20!!!

Tags: Ayomari, Jeremy Pape, Konsequence, The Meadowlark, The Solution Showcase, TiRon

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 the Foodchain…Our featured Denver artists for The Solution Showcase #2 on Friday, 1/20…

Since bursting on the scene in 2009 and being named Westword’s “best new hip hop crew” in their “Best of Denver” issue, The Foodchain has been one of the top groups in Colorado hip hop, making noise all the way across the front range and worldwide over three projects and on songs with the likes Talib Kweli and Big Pooh of Little Brother.  DJ Low Key calls their new album, Brunch, “one of the best #COHipHop albums of all time”, they’ve rocked with everyone from Lauryn Hill to Ice Cube over the last few years and recently signed a deal with acclaimed New York DJ Statik Selektah’s digital imprint.  Check out Brunch and learn more about the Foodchain below.

.:Download The Foodchain – Brunch for free on bandcamp:.

After you’ve listened to Brunch, check out more Food Chain Albums here and videos below.

From their bio: The Foodchain, a hip hop collective based out of Denver, Colorado is a one of a kind team of M.C’s and producers. The band of “Super Friends’” vocal representation consists of four MC’s Mic Coats, C-1, FL, and ChampionSoundKillaBlack, internally dubbed “the offense”.Conversely, “the defense” provides the group’s sound, and is driven by two incredible producers, Mass Prod and MoHeat on Keys, turntablist and bassist DJ Louiscide, and percussionist Alex The Great.

Catch The Foodchain rocking along with Inka One, 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 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, The Foodchain, The Meadowlark, 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