The Song:

The very instant you click the play button on your iPod, the purpose of DJ JS-1's latest track, "Karma Killaz," is readily evident. As stated by a mock-up voiceover, "This message is intended to make a person look objectively at himself, and the way in which he has been conducting his life." Much like the rest of JS-1's latest album, No Sell Out: Ground Original 2, "Karma Killaz" features a host of guest emcees, Vast Aire, C Rayz Walz, and Aesop Rock to be specific. In quintessential style, JS-1 makes use of old vinyl samples (these ones being especially eerie and smooth), stock battle sounds, and a downright dirty drumbeat. Each of the three guest rappers lays down a verse that forewarns phony emcees about their impending doom, "You can try to pretend / But eventually you will need to end / That's how the Earth spins / And my next of kin will commit sin," spits Vast Aire. To hear all the rhymes, make sure to check out No Sell Out: Ground Original 2 - out now everywhere via Fat Beats Records.


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The Background:

As a member of the world famous Rock Steady Crew, partner of Rahzel (the world's #1 beatboxer), and occasional tour DJ for KRS-One, DJ JS-1 has toured the planet with over 1,000 shows in more than 32 countries and hundreds of cities. During that time, the Queens, NY native has shared the stage with a wide variety of artists, including 50 Cent, RUN DMC, Maroon 5, Wu-Tang Clan, The Roots, Busta Rhymes, Talib Kweli, Redman & Method Man, Wyclef, OAR, Dashboard Confessional, Snoop Dogg, All American Rejects, Mike Patton, and many more. As a producer, JS' list of accomplishments runs just as long, having worked with a number of artists, such as Common, Will Smith & Jazzy Jeff, Immortal Technique, Big Daddy Kane, Dilated Peoples, Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, Pharoahe Monch, Brand Nubian, and Kool Keith just to name a few. For the past three years, JS-1 has stayed busy touring, producing, making high-profile TV appearances, and completing his new album. The result is an album will serve to make DJ JS-1 a household name for all within the hip-hop community.

For No Sell Out, an album recorded as an addendum to his previous solo effort Ground Original, JS-1 enlisted the help of an extensive and notable list of guest emcees, including KRS-One, Large Pro, Pharoahe Monch, Canibus, Sean Price, Blaq Poet, Killah Priest, Ill Bill, Kool Keith & Ced Gee (Ultramagnetic Mc's), Aesop Rock, Vast Aire, Chino XL, Sadat X, AG, OC, Craig G, CL Smooth, Edo G, Prince Po, Akrobatik, J-Live, Vinnie Paz of Jedi Mind Tricks, Rakaa of Dilated Peoples, Krondon, C Rayz Walz, Vast Aire, Nutrageous, Copywrite, PMD, Rahzel, EMC (Masta Ace, Strick, Wordsworth, Punchline), Termanology, Torae, Pumpkinhead, Jak D, Big Noyd, Q-Unique, Brother Ali, Slaine, Virtuoso, Pack FM, Supastition. Block McCloud, Trez, Rugged Intellect, and DJ Premier. No Sell Out is available in stores everywhere via Fat Beats Records.

Web editors contact Dan (at) audibletreats.com for interview requests. Print editors contact Michelle.

Like what you hear? Keep up with DJ JS-1 and other artists like Freddie Foxxx, Ill Bill, and Black Milk on the Fat Beats Blog where you can learn about upcoming performances, releases, and in-store appearances.

Also, check out this video on the history of Fat Beats Records, bringing you fresh, independent hip-hop since 1994.