Advice for the Shirtless: On the Road with Rich Medina (July 20-27)

Knowledge and photos from your traveling DJ.

Jul 29, 2011
Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

What it do, fam?

This week's travels went from Europe to Philadelphia for a day, then to NYC, Denver, Colorado and Austin, Texas, before returning home for some family time. As I write this, I'm on my way home from NYC to Philly to do Jump N Funk tonight at Fluid. Life on the road can be exhausting at times—like right now—but I continually remind myself of how lucky I am to experience so many places and spaces. I also get the chance to do something I truly love for a living, which is a blessing in and of itself. I owe so many folks so many thanks for supporting my work over the years. Too many to list here, but here's a few moments from this past week's movements. Brush your teeth daily.

Soul Shrine with DJ Chorizo Funk

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

WHERE: Lanai, Austin
WHEN: July 24th, 2011

Such a cool dude. Banged out a dope set of soul, dance classics, electro and house before my set at Lanai Rooftop in Austin. My man Papa Chop has been trying to get us on the same bill for a minute, and I'm totally pleased at the outcome of that finally happening. Keep an eye on this dude. I believe he's gonna become a name outside his hometown of Austin soon enough. Rock solid DJ with great taste.

Cool Cop

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

WHERE: Beauty Bar, Denver
WHEN: July 23, 2011


Coolest cop ever. I was like, "Oh snap, you working the party beat tonight, huh?"


He said, "Yeah, man. Actually, I'm a real music fan, so whenever I can get on this shift I take it. Beats chasing bad guys any day." Then homie chilled at his post and two-stepped the night away. It was pretty fucking weird, but super cool at the same time. Big up to the pigs who don't act like pigs.


Jason Richardson

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

WHERE: Beauty Bar, Denver
WHEN: July 23, 2011


My homegirl Lily, who booked me in Denver, was like, "Jason Richardson wants to meet you…he's a real fan of yours." I would have never known that, otherwise. Very cool brother who is not only aspiring to become a DJ, but will also drill a three-pointer in your grill, or bang it on your ass in the paint, at will. Anywhere. Ask half the big men in the NBA.


Records Galore

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

WHERE: Denver
WHEN: July 23, 2011

Walking up to the venue in Denver, we walked by this crazy ass space, full of records, 8 track tapes, and cassettes. I was like a basehead outside a crack museum, so much shit in there! But they were closed and I had to fly early in the morning, so I missed my chance to get high. Next time I'm in Denver I plan to go apeshit in this place. Oh, and you can rest assured that if i DID get to shop and found joints, I'd be keeping this one to myself. Beat it.

Yellow Sunshine

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

WHERE: Philadelphia
WHEN: July 25, 2011

Just a beautiful shot on the hottest day I've ever experienced in my life. The humidity was like a blanket of wet wool. My son became dark-skinned within an hour of being outside. 

James Brown & The Famous Flames - "Bring It Up" (Sample for Gang Starr's "Words I Manifest")

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

WHERE: My studio, Philadelphia
WHEN: July 26, 2011

It's unnecessary at this point to go into a tirade about how influential James Brown is in 2011. It's also almost equally cliche to blather on about Guru and DJ Premier's contributions to music and culture. Usually, promotional copies are white with black lettering. I've personally never seen a white label promo for this record, though I'm positive it exists. I've had the burgundy copy for mad long, but the yellow label joint came through my man about 4 months ago to complete the double. My collector dudes know what it is.

Throwback

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

WHERE: APT
WHEN: Summer 2003

APT in 2003: turntables on the bar, pre-Serato, pre-CDJ, short ass dreads and one of the best parties NYC has ever seen. R.I.P. Li'l Ricky's Rib Shack. I cannot wait for the next incarnation of super cool club to open in NYC or Philadelphia. I miss this fucking place so much.

NY Knicks Canvas Upper Air Force 1

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

WHERE: The stash in Philly
WHEN: July 27, 2011

If the Knicks were as dope as these uptowns, they'd be, at minimum, playing for the Eastern Conference Finals yearly since Bernard King retired. But since they are not that dope (with all due respect to Amare Stoudamire, Mello, and those remaining Knicks who actually play D and put the rock in the hole), I'll settle for these canvas upper uptowns until they get better.

Shirtless

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

WHERE: Props at Le Poisson Rouge, New York
WHEN: July 20, 2011

Some of us mens, myself included, don't need to be walking around in clubs bare chested. Actually, it really shouldn't be happening anywhere other than the beach, the house (when you're alone), during sex, medical exams, or having your upper clothing stolen at gunpoint. This dude just took it there halfway through the night. For no apparent reason. And kept it off the remainder of the night. And he was a li'l bit funky too—under the arms, I mean. His elbows were glued to his hips in that "If the right dude holler at me I'ma french kiss him before he can get away" kind of way. Things did not bode well for this dude.

DJ Nuts

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

WHERE: Le Poisson Rouge, New York
WHEN: July 27, 2011 12:15 a.m.

Minutes before DJ Nuts showed NYC what real Brazilian funk DJs do, my manager snapped this great shot. This dude DJ Nuts is a fucking animal on the turntables. Beautiful blend of Samba, Bossa, Brazilian funk, accapella blends, scratching dexterity, and a great attitude to boot. Looking forward to seeing and hearing him again, whether here or on his turf. Salute DJ Nuts, a true blue soul man.

Upcoming Shows

Not Available Interstitial
Image via Complex Original

July 29 (10 p.m.—2 a.m.)
Jump N Funk
Philadelphia
613 S. 4th St.
Fluid
$10
21+


The Original American Afrobeat Party returns to Fluid in Philly for another blast of that Global Afro Soul sound! Stay tuned for our 10 year anniversary information immediately following July 29! Love Afro Life! Let's get it Philly!


---


July 30 (10 p.m.—4 a.m.)
Body Rock
Brooklyn
Southpaw
125 5th Ave.
$10
21+


No sleep 'til Brooklyn! Here's to a night of throwback classics from across the spectrum at one of my favorite BK venues, Southpaw! Let's go, Brooklyn!


---


August 5 (11 p.m.—4 a.m.)
STATE OF with RICH MEDINA
Miami
Bardot
3456 N. Miami Ave.
21+


Installment number four of my new Miami residency! One of my favorite new things to do! Hopefully, if you're in Miami and check us out, you'll feel the same! Bong!


---


August 7 (12 p.m.—12 a.m.)
Escape to New York Festival
Southampton, NY (Shinnecock Reservation)
Southampton Elks Lodge
605 County Rd. 39
All ages
$275 for the weekend/$100 for Sunday


I love doing festivals, because you never really know what to expect when it comes to clientele, weather, and musical range. This festival should prove to speak to that point in fine fashion with such a diverse line up.


August 9 (7 p.m.—2 a.m.)
The Uptown Concert Series
New York
Apt. 78
4447 Broadway (189 & 190 Sts.)
21+
Open Bar From 7-8 p.m.


Proud to be on the short list for this joint! Pete Rock! Spinna! Bobbito! And me? Honored and excited to be back uptown for old time's sake to rock in Washington Heights!


---


August 12 (9 p.m.—2 a.m.)
Soul Sessions Presents California Soul
Grand Star Jazz Club
943 N. Broadway
Los Angeles
21+
$12/$15


This is gonna be fucking bananas. I've never worked with these folks before, but if their party is anything like their professionalism, we are in for an amazing night on August 12! Looking forward to this!


City GuideRich Medina

Latest in Pop Culture