The State Of Things: On The Road With Rich Medina (Jan. 21-27)

A word to ex-jump offs and random girlfriends.

Feb 02, 2012
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Closing out January, I'm kinda bugged out by a few things: these weather extremes, the continual downward spiral of American television programming, and how much sex sells non-sexual products these days. You can see a woman in a bikini on a political newscast prattling on about the virtues of our newest batch of puppeteers and puppets to lead us deeper into the rabbit hole. You can rock a long sleeve tee and a scarf on Monday, but you gotta throw on the North Face and some 40 Below Timbos for Thursday through Saturday. And all the ex-jump offs, divorced mothers, and random girlfriends of rappers, baseball players, basketball players, mobsters, and Hollywood moguls are fundamentally raising our daughters with the style and grace of some drunk-ass chicken heads. Moments like this make me even more thankful for my place in the world, talking care of a small congregation of folks worldwide, who really believe in what I do. Thank y'all for that. And, the beat goes on…

ScratchVision

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WHERE: Brooklyn
WHEN: Wednesday, January 25, 2012


ScratchVision is one of the biggest internet radio platforms out there today. Scratch invited me up WAY back in the early days of the station, but with my tour routine being what it's been i just hadn't made the time to get there and rock with him, until last Wednesday. Brought a flight case of 12" heat rocks and a shoulder bag of 7" heat rocks with me, and commenced to throwing them shits as far as i could throw 'em. Lovely day hanging out with my dude, playing classic smiled bangers and obscurities, and finally checking ScratchVision off my bucket list. One love Scratch! Keep on rocking, my mellow.

Nova Bar & Lounge

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WHERE: Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
WHEN: Friday, January 27, 2012


Another incredible night in Brooklyn at Nova. The folks over there show your man so much love, it should be criminal. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to fill the place, as legal capacity is only about 150 people. But it does take an open mind to get 120 of those 150 in motion without beefing about space. So far, in my three visits to Nova, it's been a happy sardine can each and every time. DJs, THIS is where you find your loyalties…Thank you, Nova, and here's to next month, family.

Diggs, Don Afrika, & Rich Medina: Still Together

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WHERE: Nova Bar & Lounge, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
WHEN: Friday, January 27, 2012


These cats were my DJs for the GQ parties that I threw in college with my fellas. For four years, we brought some illmatic NYC talent to Ithaca, New York, to rock with us. Don and Diggs were a huge part of that success, and here we are 20 years later, still at it. Tonight, the brothers opened up for me at Nova, and brought the sound in as well. There are few things more refreshing than to catch up with old friends who are pursuing their dreams just like you are.

Head Start

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WHERE: My Son's Room
WHEN: Every Day


Lil' man's new set up. Had the CDJs in his room, but he was whining about wanting to have "reow turntaybows"… so he can start practicing "wiffout" me. I second that emotion like Smokey Robinson…wax on, wax off…

This Week's Treat

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WHERE: On The Shelf
WHEN: Daily


You're welcome...

Upcoming Shows

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February 3 (9 p.m. — 2 a.m.)
ILÉ w/Ron Trent
The Shrine Coup D’État
2109 South Wabash
Chicago
21+
$10/$15


Ron Trent is a Don, and every time we've rocked together it's been magical from WMC to Sonotheque to Shine in NYC. Really looking forward to this next visit to Chicago for a night of Afro Global Soul!


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February 4 (11 p.m. — 3 a.m.)
Lazy Afternoon Presents THE MOVEMENT w/DJ YNOT, LT SMASH & KITTYBAT
Substance Gallery
934 Mills Avenue
Orlando, Fla.
18+
$7 (18+) / $5 (21+)
RSVP to: info@thelazyafternoon.com


What? Kids in Orlando love dance classics and and house music? Really? I got them drugs for y'all then! Let's go, Orlando. Installment number two of The Movement is NOW!


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February 10, 2012 (10 p.m. — 3 a.m.)
SOM w/KING MOST, HAKOBO & FRAN BOOGIE
 2925 16th St.
San Francisco
21+
$5/$10


Always love rocking at SOM, and with it being Jacobo's 55th birthday I'm expecting fireworks...and Ben Gay. One love, Bay Area, and Happy birthday, Jacobo!


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February 11, 2012 (9 p.m. — 4 a.m.)
theLIFT Lovers Only Edition w/JEREMY SOLE & WISEACRE
Los Globos
3040 West Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles
21+
$10 before 10:30 p.m.; $20 after


All I know is last time I rocked at The Lift, I was in a giant warehouse space in downtown LA with 300 plus dancing friends alongside my mans Jeremy Sole and Eric Tucker. This one's for the lover in you. Bring ya boo boo...


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February 23 (10 p.m. — 2 a.m.)
Walnut Room
 1709 Walnut St.
Philadelphia
21+
Free before 11 p.m.; $5 after


Hello, Philly! Your boy is coming home to rock with you like Michael Jackson on February 23 at the Walnut Room! It's been far too long since I've had a night of my own in Philly. Let's make it a night to remember, fam!

City GuideRich Medina

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