Yup…you had to wait for this one too! I have been very busy at my job…which is managing a big academic office in a well known Graduate University. It’s the end of the year so I have all sorts of conferences coming up and parties to organize. I will end up taking a few weeks off from the Mixtress because of the job, plus I’m learning so much at the Scratch Academy I wanna start practicing at home more. With the new turntables and loads of records that I have to catalog…I will be quite busy!

So I’m gonna leave you with some funk to tide you over til I get back. I also have a surprise!

Here is the link to the cut up version of the mix (yeah I got tired of the whining DIVALICIOUS!!)

http://www.divshare.com/download/7142542-a0d

If you need assistance in burning that to a cd just ask… It took a lot of time to do it so when I get back from vacation.. I’ll be selling the cut up versions! Here’s the Funk!

Track Listing

1. You And I - Rick James
2. Holding On (When Love Is Gone) - LTD Featuring Jeffrey Osborne
3. Do You Want To Funk - Sylvester
4. Funkytown - Lipps Inc
5. Candy Man - Mary Jane Girls
6. Jamaica Funk - Rufus ft. Chaka Khan
7. Do You Love What You Feel - Rufus ft. Chaka Khan
8. Lets Groove Tonight - Earth Wind and Fire
9.  Early In The Morning - The Gap Band
10. Flashlight - George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
11. Love Rollercoaster - Ohio Players
12. (Not Just) Knee Deep - George Clinton & Parliment Funkadelic
13. Square Biz - Teena Marie
14. Pick Up the Pieces - Average White Band
15. Back In Love (Every Time I Turn Around)- LTD Featuring Jeffrey Osborne
16. Dazz Dazz (Disco Jazz) - Dazz Band
17. Get Down On It - Kool & The Gang
18. What Cha Gonna Do For Me- Rufus ft. Chaka Khan
19. Cutie Pie - One Way
20. Don't Stop The Music - SOS Band
21. All Night Long - Mary Jane Girls
22. Make it Funky - James Brown
23. Do It Till Your Satisfied - BT Express
24. Make My Funk The P-Funk - George Clinton & Parliment Funkadelic

I want to thank my fellow podcasters and especially my husband for supplying me great drops for this mix…I didn’t bother putting on a intro and outro because you guys hyped me more than I ever could!

Scribe (My Husband), Fave, Mr. Fresh, Darrenkeith, Todd Kelley….I inadvertently left out my mentor EJ Flavors…But yall know that not only is he my Sensei but he is one of my real friends! Of course I have a reason for every song I play and this time I decided to share those tidbits with you!!!! Happy New Year and I look forward to bringing you more hot new jams in 09!

Track Listing

1. Just Fine – Mary J. Blige – this song really was a testament to Mary’s ability to make you dance
2. Single ladies (Put A Ring On It) – Beyonce – I love that I got my husband to give me a drop on this track…yall know it’s my favorite
3. Green Light – John Legend Ft. Andre 3000 – This collabo was one of the best in 2008
4. Supa Sexy – Charlie Wilson Ft. T Pain – “You’re no model, Coke bottle, yeah you look good to me” Thank you Charlie for showing some love to the stacked ladies!
5. Closer – Ne-Yo – the first single off the Year of the Gentleman…Ne-Yo showed us why it was his year!
6. Nobody – Ne-Yo – This wasn’t released as a single but it was my favorite track on the album followed closely by Miss Independent but this track won!
7. By My Side – Jadakiss ft Ne-Yo – THE HOTTEST COLLABO THIS YEAR!
8. Pop Champagne (Remix) – Ron Browz Ft.Jim Jones, Juelz Santana - “How we ball in the club/I know you hate it!” HARLEM.STAND.UP!
9. Hi Haters – Maino – My welcome back to NY song…
10. A Millie – Lil Wayne – I wasn’t a Lil Weezy fan but even I had to admit that this beat KNOCKS!!!
11. Diva – Beyonce – I.STAN.FOR.BEY.BEY
12. Spotlight (Remix) – Jennifer Hudson Ft. Young Jeezy -  In spite of her tragedy and lackluster album…this song was a club banger…Ladies gave mates the side eye all over the place!
13. It’s Over – John Legend ft. Kanye West – “What do you keep calling me for?” This gets filed away as one of the best “leave me the hell alone/Get Gone” songs of the decade!
14. Heartless – Kanye West – “And we jus goin be enemies!” Word up yo! Heartless=DJ Diva
15. Champion – Kanye West – This was one my favorite from the Graduation album and what does Ye-Ye do? Drops another!
16. Gettin Up – Q-Tip - Tip dropped a great LP this year…but Twitter and internet heads already know…cause we now have him up in the midst! Great job on the social media marketing.
17. Honey – Erykah Badu – Although I expected more from her album New Amerykah…Honey was banging and video was ultra hot!
18. Magic – Robin Thicke – Again…lackluster album…but I still love Mr. Thicke
19. Be Ok – Chrisette Michele ft. Will.I.Am- Her album dropped in 07…but this track made it on the Feb Jams and is one that I could listen to over and over.
20. One More Drink – Ludacris ft T Pain – Luda bangs in another home run…with the ever present T-Pain and Autotune
21. Cant Believe It – T-Pain Ft. Lil Wayne – 2008 was the year of the Auto Tune…and this track was so hot that 50 cent pulled out the auto to jump on the track!
22. Lollipop – Lil’ Wayne ft. T-Pain – Autotune frenzy…and yes I love those dang lyrics..it appeals to my inner bird LOL
23. I Luv Your Girl (Remix) – The Dream ft. Young Jeezy – My husband hates this track…but you know why I like it right?
24. Bust Your Windows – Jazmine Sullivan ft. The Dream – I wonder if the Angry Dwarf felt like her when he bust my window out my car…hmmmmmm
25. Whatever You Like – T.I. Ft. Ludacris – Yes TI…that’s how it’s supposed to be…Please school these negroes..
26. Mrs. Officer – Lil’ Wayne Ft. Bobby Valentino – Wee ooo wee oo wee…You know you loved this song! So that’s it for New Music Monday Mixtapes for 2008.

It’s The Monday Mixtape!!!!

This week I was inspired by Barack Obama. He always plays “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder at the end of his campaign speeches. At first it kinda baffled me because Obama is in his mid forties. Then I remembered that it was probably his “Old School” choice. Every generation will have their “Old School” and I shudder to think that this stuff playing now will be the “Old School” choices for my 9 year old daughters (cringe).

So this week I threw together a mix of what I thought would be some of Barack Obama’s “Old School” choices for him and Michelle. He may never listen to it…but I’m proud of it. Consider it my little token of love to the man who will be the first Black President of the United States!

Obama OldSchool Mix

Say It Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud) – James Brown
Signed, Sealed, Delievered – Stevie Wonder
For The Love Of Money – O’Jays
The Big Payback – James Brown
Respect- Aretha Franklin
Darling, Darling Baby – O’Jays
Used Ta Be My Girl – O’Jays
Lady (You Bring Me Up) – The Commodores
Got To Give It Up – Marvin Gaye
Don’t You Worry About A Thing – Stevie Wonder
Ain’t No Woman Like The One I Got – Temptations
Troubled Man – Marvin Gaye
Mercy, Mercy Me – Marvin Gaye
Easy Like Sunday Morning – The Commodores
Wake Up Everybody – Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes

I been spending a lot of time over at Twitter. I chat with some of the best in the podcasting world : EJ Flavors, Fave, Todd Kelley, Mr. Fresh, Darren Keith and Honey Soul. That’s not in any particular order but they are all at the top of their game. EJ being my mentor. By mentor I mean he had no problem reaching out to me and sending me tips and help. These guys have been giving me shoutouts and props in their awesome podcasts and I’m just as humbled as can be! I’ve met and reconnected with many people like Amneris and RPM. One of my newer folks is JayMoney. He’s a techie and does live shows which could provide great knowledge. The Prince workout started out like this:

JayMoney- @dj_diva I think someone..hint hint should produce a mixed tap just for workouts, like so many mins of speed then slow down then speed..lol 04:49 PM January 16, 2008 from web in reply to dj_diva

Anyon who knows me knows that I am the biggest Prince fan on the earth.

Disclaimer:
I own all of these songs and more so Prince bet not step to me!

Well I have been wanting to start podcasting for mad long. I have been posting mixtapes in the form of short lived radio blogs and extensive playlists. Lately I have taken the route of Imeem Playlists…and those are cool. But my wonderful husband got us a new laptop because my old one died….and lo and behold I had enough space for DJ mixing software. The request was just what I needed to try it out for something worthwhile. Because you see…JayMoney said in exchange he would give me a new layout. I think you all would agree I need one. That’s why I love Twitter…you can connect with so many different people. Trade is a beautiful thing peoples…

I’m a little rusty and I’m working some kinks out…I’m kinda tired so I didn’t record an intro..not to mention Prince is hard as hell to mix because all of his songs begin very distinctively… but here because of the @JayMoney challenge…I present to you

The Prince WorkOut Mix

It’s my first one so please be gentle in the comments LOL

It’s time for the Monday Mixtape! Early even…

This week’s mix is entitled April Rain. It’s a bimonthly compilation of the tracks that I’m digging from March and April. I would love to do this once a month, but what’s being released isn’t the best stuff I’ve heard. So I put together the best I could find (in my opinion of course).

You have probably heard my new moniker “The Mixtress of R&B”. It is part of my migration to my own domain (themixtress.com) which is being worked on. When I release it I will let you guys know. Also part of the new domain will be new features for everyday of the week. The rundown will be as follows:

Mixtape Mondays – Dance music and new music posts (Full Mix)
Tasty Tuesdays – Independent artists (Quick Mix)
Worldwide Wednesdays – News and music from around the world (Quick Mix)
Old School Thursdays – Artist Spotlights (Full Mix)
Freaky Fridays – Anything goes (Quick Mix)

As my girl Nikki says “It doesn’t matter which day you post a podcast as long as it’s hot!”

I put up a donation button because honestly, it’s costing me a pretty penny to share the mixes for free. You guys love them so much and I’m glad for the support and the love, but drop a dollar when you can in the donation box to help pay for the hosting. Thanks!

Here’s the mix…I hope you enjoy it! 

Track Listing

Waiting For Your Love – Alicia Keys
Closer – Ne-Yo
Single Again (Remix) – Trina ft. Lil Wayne, Rick Ross & Plies
Got Me Going (Remix) – Day 26 Ft. Fat Joe & Rick Ross
2 Of You – Danity Kane
Break The Ice (Remix) – Britney Spears Ft. Fabolous
4 Minutes – Madonna Ft. Justin Timberlake
Take You There – Donnie J
Champion – Kanye West
I Know – Jay Z
Viva La White Girl – Gym Class Heroes
Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
Good Love – Sheek Louch
Lollipop (Remix) – Lil’ Wayne ft. T-Pain
Crazy Kind Of Love – Mario
Can’t Get Over You – Lloyd
I Luv Your Girl (Remix) – The Dream ft. Young Jeezy
What’s Going On – Marsha Ambrosius Ft. The Game
Stay Down – Mary J. Blige
More pictures after the break

It’s Old School Thursday!

Today’s post was intended to be a tribute to the entire Levert family, but due to an emergency….only one mix got done. So stay tuned on Saturday for the other half!

I loved the O’Jays. I’ll never forget “Cry Together”. That song touched me in my heart. Enjoy the mix and please send up prayers for the Levert family as they cope with the death of Sean Levert.

Biography and track listing after the break.

(warning: Mix is too long to be burned to a cd)

Track Listing:
I Love Music
Backstabbers
For The Love Of Money
Love Train
Used To Be My Girl
Lipstick Traces
Time To Get Down
Message In Our Music
Darling, Darling Baby
Now That We Found Love
Living For The Weekend
Family Reunion
Stairway To Heaven
Let Me Make Love To You
Lovin You
Cry Together
Forever Mine
You Got Your Hooks In Me
Keep On Loving Me
Your Body Is Here With Me
Wildflower

The O’Jays were one of Philadelphia soul’s most popular and long-lived outfits, rivaled only by the Spinners as soul’s greatest vocal group of the ’70s. In their prime, the O’Jays’ recordings epitomized the Philly soul sound: smooth, rich harmonies backed by elaborate arrangements, lush strings, and a touch of contemporary funk. They worked extensively with the legendary production/songwriting team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff , becoming the flagship artist of the duo’s Philadelphia International label. The O’Jays were equally at home singing sweet love ballads or up-tempo dance tunes, the latter of which were often mouthpieces for Gamble & Huff s social concerns. Although the O’Jays couldn’t sustain their widespread popularity in the post-disco age, they continued to record steadily all the way up to the present day, modifying their production to keep up with the times.The O’Jays were formed in 1958 in Canton, OH, where all five original members — Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, WilliamPowell, Bill Isles, and Bobby Massey — attended McKinley High School. Inspired to start a singing group after seeing a performance by Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers they first called themselves the Triumphs, then switched to the Mascots in 1960. The Mascots made their recording debut in 1961 with the single “Miracles,” issued on the Cincinnati-based King label. It earned them a fan in the influential Cleveland DJ Eddie O’Jay, who gave them some airplay and career advice; in turn, the group renamed itself the O’Jays in 1963, after having recorded for Apollo Records with producer Don Davis Under their new name, the O’Jays signed with Imperial and hooked up with producer H.B. Barnum, who would helm their first charting single, 1963′s “Lonely Drifter,” plus several more singles that followed. Isles left the group in 1965 and was not replaced, leaving them a quartet; late in the year, they released their first-ever album, Comin’ Through. In 1967, the O’Jays left Imperial for Bell, where they landed their first Top Ten single on the R&B charts, “I’ll Be Sweeter Tomorrow (Than I Was Today).” Discouraged by the difficulty of following that success, the group considered throwing in the towel until it met Gamble & Huff— then working as a production team for the Neptune label — in 1968. Gamble & Huff took an interest in the group, and they recorded several successful R&B singles together; however, Neptune folded in 1971, leaving the O’Jays in limbo, and Massey decided to exit the group.

Fortunately, Gamble & Huff formed their own label, Philadelphia International, and made the O’Jays — now a trio — one of their first signings. The O’Jays’ label debut, Back Stabbers, released in 1972, became a classic landmark of Philly soul, and finally made the group stars; the paranoid title track hit the pop Top Five, and the utopian “Love Train” went all the way to number one (both singles topped the R&B charts). It was the beginning of a remarkable run that produced nearly 30 chart singles over the course of the ’70s, plus a series of best-selling albums and a bevy of number one hits on the R&B charts. The O’Jays followed up their breakthrough with another classic LP, Ship Ahoy in 1973; it featured the number one R&B hit “For the Love of Money,” a funky protest number that still ranks as one of their signature songs, as well as the ten-minute title track, an ambitious suite recounting the ocean journeys of African slaves. 1975′s Survival was another hit, spinning off the hits “Let Me Make Love to You” and the R&B number one “Give the People What They Want.” Family Reunion found the group making concessions to the emerging disco sound, which got them their third Top Five pop hit in “I Love Music, Pt. 1.” Unfortunately, William Powell was diagnosed with cancer that year, and although he continued to record with the group for a time (appearing on 1976′s Message in Our Music), he was forced to retire from live performing, and passed away on May 26, 1977.

Powell s replacement was Sammy Strain, a 12-year veteran of Little Anthony & the Imperials. The O’Jays regrouped on the albums Travelin’ at the Speed of Thought (1977) and So Full of Love (1978), the latter of which produced their final Top Five pop hit, “Use ta Be My Girl.” 1979′s Identify Yourself began to show signs of wear and tear in the group’s successful formula, and often consciously attempted to follow disco trends. Although it sold respectably, it marked the beginning of a decline in the O’Jays’ commercial fortunes. Undaunted by the increasingly diminished returns of their early-’80s LPs, the group kept plugging away, and never completely disappeared from the R&B charts. They finally left Philadelphia International and signed with EMI for 1987′s Let Me Touch You, which melded their classic sound with up-to-date urban-R&B production. Powered by the Gamble & Huff penned R&B number one “Lovin’ You,” as well as the increased visibility of Eddie Levert’s sons Gerald and Sean two-thirds of the hit urban group LeVert ), the album gave their career a much-needed shot in the arm. 1989′s Serious supplied another big R&B hit in “Have You Had Your Love Today?”; with Nathaniel Best replacing Sammy Strain, 1991′s Emotionally Yours and 1993′s Heartbreaker also placed very well on the R&B charts. The O’Jays’ comeback didn’t really extend to the pop side, and didn’t attract the sort of critical praise earned by their ’70s classics; as the new jack swing craze subsided, so did the group’s recording activity, though they remained consistent draws on the live circuit. In 1997, now with Eric Grant joining Levert and Williams, they returned with Love You to Tears. A recording layoff followed, during which the group signed with MCA; they debuted for the label with For the Love…, which was released in 2001.

This week is 80′s Smooth Grooves!

This comes from playing DJ for my parents while I was a child. All of these tunes were probably played in the same order as I played it for them back in the 80′s.

I hope you enjoy it!

Listen Here:

Track Listing

Last Night A DJ Saved My Life – Indeep
I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On – Cherelle & Alexander O’Neal
Criticise – Alexander O’Neal
Not Gonna Let You get the Best of Me – Colonel Abrams
Take Your Time – SOS Band
I’ll Be Good – Renee and Angela
Fools Paradise – Me’lisa Morgan
Don’t Stop The Music – Yarborough & Peoples
You’re a Good Girl – Lilo Thomas
Gonna Make You Mine – Loose Ends
She’s Strange – Cameo
Strung Out – Paul Lawrence

I’m so excited!!!! It took me forever to come up with a concept and I won’t bore you with how I came up with this one. Just thank my husband Scribe

This mix is composed of some of the sexiest men in music. If I don’t have your favorite, pop a name in the comment section…I’d love to turn this into a volume 2!!!

My podcasting crew plus a few others have contributed Love Music on this day. I’ll list them below the break. Special thanks goes out to Mr. Fresh, Darrenkeith and Fave who provided me with some great shoutouts that you’ll hear within the mix. I guess they would be some of the “sexy” men of podcasting!

The songs featured on this list are:

Al B. Sure – “Ooh this Love Is So”

Boyz 2 Men – “Uhh Ahh”
Jodeci – “Feenin”
Intro – “Come Inside”
R. Kelly – “Seems Like You’re Ready”
R. Kelly – “The Greatest Sex”
Tyrese – “Signs of Love Making”
Joe- “Love Scene”
Prince – “If I Was Your Girlfriend”
112 – “You Already Know”
Genuwine – “Stingy”
Omarion – “O”
Maxwell – “Whenever, Wherever, Whatever”
Robin Thicke – “Teach You A Lesson”
D’Angelo – “Untitled: How Does It Feel?”
Prince – “Scandalous”

I hope you enjoy it!!!

It’s time for Mixtape Mondays!!!!!

This week I decided to do a mix of Diddy inspired music. There wasn’t a night that I was in the clubs that I didn’t hear a Puffy track. So I put some of my favorites together for this week’s mixtape “Diddy Makes You Dance Vol.1″

I hope he doesn’t pull a “bitchass-ness” move and have me shut down like he did “A Hot Mess” last week! That was really a hot mess! So to avoid that, I didn’t put the the track listing on this post. If he wants to know what’s on it, he better have someone from his team listen to it!

You wanna dance? I’ma make you dance!

Enjoy!