DJ Motor Mane for Pittsburgh Sound in Blogordie's New Mix

DJ Motor Mane photographed by Daniel Kelly

DJs are powerful. They have the power of audio influence, mood, and musical selection or promotion. This power delivers on both national and local stages. Also, DJs can educate a population unaware of the music available to them produced by relatable talents, or of the numerous records that have the potential for popular enjoyment.

Overall, though, appreciation is held for the knowledge and skill a good DJ possesses.

Pittsburgh's DJ Motor Mane makes a name for himself in the city and across the country thanks to his proper music catalog and his membership as part of the Taylor Gang. While Motor could focus his song choice on national acts, he does well at supporting the 'Burgh's local hip-hop scene. He hosts shows throughout urban Pixburgh, and he has curated numerous mixtapes for the resident rap community, like "Motor Muzik."

Currently, he offers "that Pittsburgh sound to everybody who doesn't know what it sounds like," Motor says in his new mix for episode one of Blogordieradio. The city's influence can be heard start to finish with tracks from Chevy Woods' new mixtape "Gang Shit Only," from "underground boss" Truela Moses, and D. Yerk in "I Can't Take No More."

Along with exposing Pittsburgh, Motor Mane's goal here is to share new music, "some heard and some unheard." ITR staff likes "Omi Oma" by Indica and "On Go" by Surf. Thanks for putting the public on, Motor.

Watch the Flame Music Video for Charlie Mike's "Pull Up"

From Charlie Mike ft. Choo Jackson - Pull Up

Though there is much focus on the productive creativity and music coming out of Pittsburgh, there is life beyond the city, especially deeper into the Pennsylvania state.

In particular, Charlie Mike of Carlisle, Pa. is a compelling prospect for fire musical output. His latest mixtape "Just A Walk In The Park" that released in August is a proper way to familiarize oneself with his sound.

Fortunately, however, some may presume Charlie Mike's most entertaining work is yet to come, and only sampled by his new music video for his song "Pull Up." The track comes with artistic support from current Pittsburgh residents Bradley Atom, the video's director, and Choo Jackson, the Foreverkool Records rapper.

Most of all, the parties' joint effort is evidence of the underrated talent that flourishes in Pennsylvania, and that people could enjoy abroad.

Pay attention to everybody on the rise here because Charlie Mike will release more visual projects with Bradley, and Choo is steadily preparing to release his next mixtape, "Choo, Where U Goin?" For now, watch the video for "Pull Up," produced by Diesel Beats, below.

Review "Finesse" by Watching EYEJAY's Live DJ Set

DJs EYEJAY and Paizley at Finesse photographed by Randall Coleman of Redd Vision

Finesse, every bit of the word suggests a special style. Applying such a style adds dimension and flair to a particular thing.

The party called "Finesse" had the pizzazz necessary to have such a chic event name. Held at Spirit Lodge in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville section, attendees on the second floor danced and had fun under a colorful light installation. The blue hues interchanged with many pretty colors like purple and red. Really the atmosphere was like dancing under a flying saucer, or more literally a light show installed by artist Ian Brill.

This party "Finesse" presented an enjoyable atmosphere. In its second edition, previous attendees know of the event's contemporary musical setting that is provided by DJs EYEJAY and Paizley and curated by RB of farESH Brand.

The most recent "Finesse," which occurred on October 22, was called "party of the year" on reactionary Twitter and much of the credit has to go to the DJs for keeping the crowd moving. They played the right amount of new songs to please the progressives. They educated the public with unfamiliar material, and they played hits.

Gratefully, thanks to visual artist Randall Coleman of Redd Vision, EYEJAY's live set from the party can be heard and watched now. Here, the visuals give proof of the DJs' prime musical catalog, and a sample of the environment people took in. Enjoy songs like "Countdown" and "Controlla" by Beyoncé and Drake respectively, and hear new flavors from the song "Your Number" by Ayo Jay. Also, the video recording comes part of Redd Vision's "111 & 222," which exposes native Pittsburgh DJs.

Review the "Finesse" party below. Go to the event next time it comes around.

Kid Bookie Expounds Grime's Developments

Kid Bookie

Life in other places intrigues those foreign to the particular places. People want to know what influences the sounds and tastes of an area or learn about the traditions that are unique to a location. From there, people can find relatable qualities and inspiration based on how different or how similar various cultures are.

Learning anything new is important for pushing progress in all disciplines. For instance, music genres like baile funk from Brazil's favelas or grime from the United Kingdom all tell a narrative of a place and time on this earth that is special to the next territory. The music stands alone and also compares to what is popular, like grime and hip-hop.

People need to begin to understand unfamiliar things in order to appreciate them. So, to further the appreciation for grime, especially in the United States, InTheRough links with Kid Bookie, a grime artist from South East London, to speak on the genre's developments.

Kid Bookie adheres to fundamental grime practices with rhymes over electronic dance beats, like in his song "Calm Down." However, the artists' hip-hop lyricism shines in his freestyle with Tim Westwood or any number of his cyphers. Bookie also pushes grime and UK hip-hop's expansion in his latest mixtape, "You'll Rate Me When I'm Dead." The single "Premonition," which features both U.K. and U.S. talent courtesy of singer Christie, producer Dot Rotten, and Atlanta rapper Nasaan, respectively, leads the project.

As a movement, grime catches popular attention in the U.K. and it has crossed over into music culture in the States. Now, guided by questions from ITR staff, Kid Bookie expounds on the life and styles born from an independent and expressive art form that connects the world through the common ground of music.

1. How have you seen grime grow in the UK's urban communities?

Organically, within the decade-plus it's been in fruition, a new generation has grown up with the sound of British music as there go to commodity, from "U.K." Rap to Hip Hop (even though I hate labeling as music is a whole spectrum, not to limit sound by country) there's teenagers in college and secondary school that were just tadpoles in there Dad's nut sack when the sound was birthed.

2. Is grime fashion representative of youthfulness, UK weather, and creative expression to match the music? 

A lot of Grime fashion is a representative of what they see the key figures wearing and as always, influence the people below. I haven't seen a lot of fearless fashion within this culture yet as I believe there is still a stigma attached to being too expressive, in my humble opinion and what I mean by that is, look at Punk music, very fearless and rebellious in the style, Grime is dark and as its nature suggests, so is its garment choice.. I was at a Grime set the other day and it was all colours ranging from navy blue to black (obviously, until Summer comes around again and then it's maxi dress for everyone, even the dudes).

3. Jacket or sweater?

Jacket, universally fits anything.

4. How does grime have influence in UK popular culture?

I guess when something is the "in thing" the influx of what that popularity brings then serves as an influence to the masses. Some do their research, some enjoy what's current and consistently put out during it's 'hype' period, but as anything that's progressive, it's influence varies to who it gravitates towards it.

5. In your new single, "Premonition," you are seen wearing a Braves jacket. How does American sport transcend into grime and lifestyle in the UK?

America is a large country, it's influenced smaller nations for years, allowing us to manipulate the idea and create our own establishment, but just because we have.. doesn't mean you shouldn't try conquer the world with your art or with whatever ethos you carry. From Nike to other American brands. there's always been a sport influence in our scene, even country. Plus I did just come back from Atlanta watching the Braves at home and Nasaan IS an Atlanta-based artist, so I guess it correlated well.

6. What is your dream as you progress in life as a musician?

Well, a dream isn't real, so I try not to dream to face disappointment, I used to dream of fucking Buffy the vampire slayer and I always just woke up to disappointment anyway, so fuck dreams. I like to manifest reality, the power of thought and writing what you want into existence is WAY more powerful than any dream you can prep up to have, so I have 'premonitions'  (see what I did?).

Certified Soul-Killer from Eight by Two

Eight by Two via @mvp_fang's Instagram

Eight by Two's new record is a "certified soul-killer," representative Fang says.

The rap group follows their debut "Bedouin" project with a single track titled "Might Let It Go." Members Glenn and Freesoul deliver the song about hesitation and confirmation to express yourself with somebody else. 

Be aware and follow Pittsburgh underground champions 8x2 wherever you can.