street scene 2008 preview: diplo

(from diplo myspace)

street scene is still 6 weeks away but it's never too early to start previewing some of the artists set to perform. dj/producer diplo has a new mix out, top ranking, made with brooklyn-based santogold, who's been all over the indie blogs and already has her music featured in two tv commercials. diplo, out of philly, has worked extensively with (and dated) m.i.a., the sri lankan rapper who mixes electronic/hip-hop and world music. while he remixes various indie and hip-hop artists, his own cd was a pretty mellow affair, channeling the trippier side of dj shadow. his hollertronix and fabric mixes were chock full of fun remixed tracks.

we saw diplo in vancouver a couple summers ago and it was quite a show, layering and mixing all kinds of new hip-hop with crazy 80's music and keeping the packed club dancing well into the morning. there probably won't be quite the same intensity at street scene with all of the distractions around (and san diego's potential unfamiliarity with diplo), and that's too bad, because diplo is one of the best dj's out there in terms of creative remixing.

here's a track from top ranking... and be sure to check out the original "i'm a lady" from santogold if you haven't already.



more diplo, this one from his piracy funds terrorism mix with M.I.A.: