As the progressive sonic architect of two generations of hip-hop culture, Just Blaze is a creative force supreme. Whether leaving his mark making top-40 singles at the turn of the 21st century, as a modern-era DJ as adept at spinning classic soul 45s, or releasing blogosphere and Soundcloud-dominating trap-as-EDM anthems, his appreciably ubiquitous style and sounds (that extends far beyond the expected hip-hop and R & B) perpetually impress.
As an in-house producer at Roc-a-Fella Records, so many thumping, yet soulful productions that defined the label's platinum-selling album era of releases from Jay Z, Cam'ron, Beanie Sigel, DJ Clue all were initially derived from the mind of the Paterson, New Jersey native. As a collaborator with rising EDM DJ/producer Baauer (of "Harlem Shake" fame), his tracks like "Higher" seamlessly blend hip-hop's swagger and EDM's unrestrained excitement into a potent and fresh sound.
Just Blaze is joined by Lodge at Red Rocks by renowned DC-based veteran Sharkey who as an artist, A & R or open-format DJ has distinguished himself in a well-established manner. As well, up-and-comer Brad Piff shares opening duties. A similar man of many hats, Piff's growing in respect as a spinner in downtown DC circles, as well as developing his Nu Androids underground party brand at the vaunted Flash Nightclub on U Street, NW.
Here's five amazing reasons to check out Just Blaze at the Lodge at Red Rocks:
a) The other in-house producer at Roc-a-Fella Records was Kanye West. Intriguingly enough, when Kanye became an artist, Just Blaze produced Kanye's single "Touch The Sky" from his 2005-released album Late Registration.
b) More than just producing, engineering and DJing records, Just Blaze understands nearly every facet of the recording industry. Closed in 2010, Blaze co-owned famed space Baseline Studios alongside Jay Z and OG Maco. Of the many albums recorded at Baseline, the two with which most mainstream rap fans will be familiar are Jay Z's 2001-released Blueprint and Cam'ron's 2002-released Come Home With Me.
c) Just Blaze's Baauer collaboration for trap-as-EDM anthem "Higher" features a Jay Z sample from another Just Blaze produced track, the 2002-released remix of Jay Z and MOP's "You Don't Know."
d) Similar to Natasha Diggs - another DJ who has spun at The Lodge at Red Rocks - Just Blaze is affiliated with NYC's Mobile Mondays all-45 record event. A party that has just featured the likes of noted house pioneer Todd Terry, Blaze's ability to spin much more than hip-hop and R & B certainly is explored via this party, too.
e) In Lodge at Red Rocks news, check out their award-winning pizza, Red Bull and vodka-infused slushies and now-open rooftop deck providing unobstructed views of the Capitol Building.
The Lodge at Red Rocks is very proud to present JUST BLAZE w/Brad Piff & Lodge resident SHARKEY on Saturday 4/25. This event is 21 & over. Doors are at 8pm. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door until they sell out. Event and ticket link HERE.