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Shouts to Asho, once again, for passing this info onto me. Powerhouse Books is getting set to release It’s Just Begun: The Epic Journey of DJ Disco Wiz, Hip Hop’s First Latino DJ in a few weeks. Check out the details on the book below…

Half-Cuban, half-Puerto Rican, Luis “DJ Disco Wiz” Cedeño is 100 percent Boogie Down Bronx. Raised in the 70s, he learned the code of the streets while hustling with his crew, the East Side Boys. He discovered salvation when he hooked up with the legendary Grandmaster Caz to form the Mighty Force Crew, waging some of the biggest DJ battles in the Bronx during hip hop’s earliest years. An innovator, originator, and a battle-style DJ with no fear, Wiz swept through the Bronx like a tornado. But the streets wouldn’t leave him in peace. Convicted at the age of 17 on an attempted murder charge, he was sentenced to nine years upstate and forced to leave his baby daughter. But as time went on and he overcame his struggles with violence, drugs and alcohol, and women, liberating himself from the path of self-destruction through love, self-respect, and self-determination.

Featuring over 50 never-before-seen photos, It’s Just Begun: The Epic Journey of DJ Disco Wiz, Hip Hop’s First Latino DJ is a gritty and gripping tale of one man’s struggles to not only survive, but to triumph over adversity and abuse that will make your blood run cold. By conquering unimaginable obstacles, Wiz offers inspiration to anyone who has ever wondered, “Why me?”

The book hits shelves on May 19. For more info on the book click here: It’s Just Begun: The Epic Journey of DJ Disco Wiz, Hip Hop’s First Latino DJ @ powerHouseBooks.com

Also, check out info on the release event at the powerHouse Arena in Dumbo after the jump…

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When I was coming up, one of the artists my father always tried to hip me to was Linton Kwesi Johnson. That being the case, I know he’d be happy to know now that college courses in South Africa feature LKJ’s work. Check the details below…

Ask the academia and ask the man in the streets. His pen cuts deeper than the sword. To legions of world music and dub poetry fans worldwide he is LKJ. These three letters say it all. Linton ‘Kwesi’ Johnson. One of the pioneers of the revolutionary dub poetry movement and a living testament to ‘word, sound and power.’

For well beyond thirty years, he has reigned as international dub grand-master. His works have resonated with all who have taken a keen listen. His recently concluded April 25 show at Rhodes University located in the city of Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape Province, saw many reeling out the R100 per ticket, even despite financial woes of many in that city. His monumental visit to South Africa held a series of other LKJ performances from April 24 to May 2, which saw him taking the stage in Johannesbourg, Cape Town and Durban to similarly enthusiastic patrons.

This is a genius of a man, with an extraordinary lyrical acumen . He holds the distinction of being only the second living poet – and the first black poet – to be published in the highly regarded Penguin Modern Classics series. LKJ’s critically acclaimed work forms part of a post-colonial literature course at Rhodes University….

Check out the full story here: LKJ Brings Bass and Culture To South Africa.

After the jump, check out a video of the man at work…

image via Bartek Muracki on Flickr.

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As a fan of good food and good music, I can get down with this. Grub Sessions is a cool little site that merges passion for music with love for cooking and good food, interviewing a featured musical guest while serving him or her an easy-to-make gourmet meal. This time around they interview our peoples Homeboy Sandman. Check the convo below…

A fixture on the NYC underground Hip-Hop scene, Homeboy Sandman has crafted his own style – boasting creative lyrics and a melodic flow reminiscent of Rakim, Pharoahe Monch, and Black Thought. It’s only a matter of time before those names will be singing his praise too. Sandman has received Unsigned Hype in The Source, was named Best Hip Hop Act in Manhattan by New York Press, won the TAG Records Emcee Competition for NYC, was named Ralph McDanial’s Video Music Award Winner, was the inaugural winner of End of the Weak’s Strongest New Artist Award, and was selected to perform in Hot 97′s ” Who’s Next?” Series.

Fresh from a knockout performance at the SXSW Music Festival, Homeboy Sandman dropped by to talk with us about how he uses words to craft his songs, gun samples in Hip-Hop, his unique guerilla marketing tactics, and more. Even though Homeboy Sandman only eats raw food, he was nice enough to make an exception for our Ethiopian-Inspired Vegan Stew with Potatoes, Carrots and Chickpeas.

The recipe for their Ethiopian-Inspired Vegan Stew with Potatoes, Carrots and Chickpeas is after the jump…

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I mentioned this album last month, now here’s the chance to check it out for yourself. Check out the info below…

For more info on the record, click here: The Connection Vol. 1 – Rich Medina And Bobbito.

Time flies, because I don’t remember the last time I heard a new tune from Sean Paul. Check out the audio below, courtesy of RapRadar…

Download it here: Sean Paul – “So Fine”.

image via Daniel Heaf on Flickr.

Another Guyanese classic this week. For all the people who like baking out there, get down with this recipe. Check out the details below…

Salara (Coconut Roll)

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp dry yeast
• ¼ cup warm water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ cup shortening
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cups flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 egg white

Filling

• 1 cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp vanilla essence
• 5 drops strawberry food colouring

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Federation Sound recently sat down with Mr. Wonder on their Scion-branded radio show to talk about what he’s been up to and what we can expect in the future. Check out the audio below…

Listen to an exclusive interview with Wayne Wonder on the Federation Invasion 3 hour mixshow brought to you by Scion Radio 17 and Live365.com. Wayne talks about his early days singing on sound systems, recording for the legendary King Tubby’s, working with Dave Kelly from Penthouse to Madhouse and what 2009 has in store.

Also, check out a flier for their 10th Anniversary party, coming up in a few weeks, after the jump…

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Beleza NYC is a monthly world music party here in NYC. For all those looking for something to do tomorrow night, check out the info below…

Check out the full flier after the jump…

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