HOME || FEATURED ARTIST OF THE MONTH || ROOTDOWN SOUNDSYSTEM || HISTORY || CALENDAR || FLYERS || PHOTOS || STORE || FAMILY AFFAIR || DJ DUSK || CONTACT



May 15th
Jern Eye


Personification of Hip Hop artistry and tradition without compromise in integrity is no challenge for the California native emcee/producer Jern Eye. Raised in East Los Angeles, Jern Eye sparked what would soon be his integral knowledge of Hip Hop culture as a graffiti artist at the age of 11. After hearing "B.A.D." by L.L. Cool J, his fascination for the lyrical aspect grew and began developing while jumping into freestyle cyphers with the older kids in his neighborhood. While attending Murrieta Valley HS, Jern Eye met up with fellow emcee Spear of the Nation and Reverb Sparks. Attaining knowledge of beat making from Spear and Reverb, Jern Eye later acquired an old MPC 60 drum machine which he still uses to this day. In 2000, Jern Eye and Spear of the Nation would soon move to the Bay Area searching for focus and inspiration realizing their common dream and passion would take form under the group name LUNAR HEIGHTS. The Bay Area became fertile soil for LUNAR HEIGHTS as they bumrushed small venues stamping their name in everyone's ears with their vibrant energy and fresh talent! Soon after, the void LUNAR HEIGHTS needed to perfect the entity was discovered when a young DJ/emcee from Connecticut named Khai Sharrieff lended his skill and vibe to the group making the trinity complete. In 2003, LUNAR HEIGHTS independently released the limited press E.P. "Tasting" which sold out it's 500 copies locally. In 2004, LUNAR HEIGHTS picked up an independent deal from San Francisco imprint NatAural High Records who in the same year would release their first album "Crescent Moon". The "Crescent Moon" would later chart Top 40 on CMJ charts, and would receive critical acclaim from national and international publications such as Straight no CHASER, XLR8R, STEALTH, URB, Mass Appeal, and many more for the quality of music produced by the group. Their reputation for an amazing live show has also landed them opportunities as supporting acts for groups such as The Liks, Living Legends, Heiroglyphics, KRS One, Dead Prez, The Pharcyde, Zion I, Cali Agents, Lootpack, The Perceptionists, Crown City Rockers and much more!

In 2006, LUNAR HEIGHTS brings forth an attack reminiscent of when Wu Tang Clan first dropped, by hitting fans with solo albums! The first out the Heightsmen gate is Jern Eye's "Authentic Vintage" LP. Filled with music produced by himself, Vinroc, D'NAE, and Doc Phil the album's concept is in the name. Authentic: true manuscript Vintage: of high quality. Originally inspired by the era of Hip Hop in which Jern Eye adores the most - the mid 90's, "Authentic Vintage" attempts to rekindle the nostalgia of classic boom bap while eliminating the cliche of a "throwback" album. The approach is more so in the vibe less the actual music. Filled with emotionally inspired soul samples and jazz riffs, "Authentic Vintage" guarantees itself to be a true Hip Hop fans type of album capturing pure honesty, social critique, street awareness, and human relation. In terms of the sound fans can anticipate off "Authentic Vintage", Jern Eye reveals it to be far from the typical drabby "underground" sound and even further from the pretentiousness of "top 40" rap.

DJ Skeme Richards

Hailing from Philly, a city known for birthing internationally known DJs such as Jazzy Jeff, Cash Money, and King Britt, plus world famous acts like The Roots, Bahamadia, and Jill Scott, DJ Skeme Richards has put in nearly 25 years of DJing and producing under his belt. Diggin and spinnin everything from Hip Hop, classics, Funk and Soul, House, Afrobeat, breaks and all things funky, he continuously strives to set himself from the pack. Since becoming a DJ for the world famous Rock Steady Crew, Skeme has had the opportunity to be heard worldwide by playing events and parties of all kind. Not limiting himself to one kind of crowd which makes him a well rounded DJ, he's also a first-class party rocker that keeps the attention of even the most trendiest crowds. Skeme has mastered the art of keeping dancefloors packed by setting the tone early and reading his audience properly.

In addition to DJing, Skeme has been producing since the late 80s and alongside his partner Fredy Blast make up the duo - Sesion 31. The team has worked with artists such as MF Doom, Bahamadia, Steph Pockets, etc. Sesion 31 is currently in the process of completing new material for their re-release of their 'Watch For the Fuzz' album.

Rootdown Radio Show on scion.com/channel8
Hey party people! The latest SESSION of the Rootdown Sound radio show on scion.com/channel8 is up and running. The 3 hour show runs continuously for a month til another gets put on. This month DJ Music Man Miles welcomes DJ Sloe Poke to the Rootdown Sound Show as a resident for his first set. Again we are blessed to have a DJ DUSK (RIP) mix featured, taken from a past live Rootdown event.

remove subscribe The Root Down