Bay Area Label OM records has been putting out projects across the spectrum of breaks for years. Early OM releases like “DeepConcentration” displayed an uber-recognition of the DJ. The DJ timeline alone inside that gatefold told you that this was a label with the true DJ’s core values in its heart. These values were displayed with releases from artists as disparate as Mark Farina (the house dj, and the trip-hop DJ), Ming & FS, King Britt, Afro Mystik, DJ Sneak, MassPyke and Zion I & The Grouch. In 2007, OM Records continues on its DJ Crusade, with the newest release from Santa Cruz native, and one of the Bay Area’s prime Mixoligists, DJ Zeph along with the MC Azeem. DJ Zeph has been bridging the gap between turnablism and party rocking in the clubs of San Fransisco for years. The first two songs on “Rise Up” bring forth an 808 electro-reggae feel that could be a hint of what’s to come in music. Then, the release takes the first turn of many, with funky breaks and charismatic rhymes from Azeem, and even a latin flavored break number (”Ay Mami”). The rest of the disc comes with a genre blending brand of DJ-centric fare that holds up to years of stellar DJ/producer compositions. Instrumental and lyric share the stage with equal shine, as is very often the case. This release is a 2007 all-star already, and Zeph & Azeem are why. Find that DJ Zeph event the next time you’re in the Bay, and go there. ‘Cause once you’re there, you will be take many other places. This is a journey…

217 years later, wired.com publishes a long overdue obituary. Better late than never. Continue to rest in peace, Mr. Franklin.

One of the all-time classiest urban throwbacks, now endangered, is urinal ice. Don’t know what I’m talking about? I feel sorry for you. A urinal full of ice creates a slow, continuous flush, which was key before plumbing became what it is today. The cool air from the ice also acts as a deodorizer and discourages flies. Don’t even talk to us about urinal cakes: they smell like medicine, throw-up and gum.

Of course the best part about urinal ice is that it makes the most refreshing noise, like coca-cola in movie theatre concession stand advertisement, when you pee over it.

BREAK IT DOWN: Neighborhoods are like bedrooms, and all the best parts of New York (LES, Upper West, etc.) are studies crammed full of notebooks, take-out menus, dirty polaroids, weird old-lady-style collections, and telephone numbers without names. But at its worst (Times Square, Midtown, etc.), New York can be as soulless as the inside of an uncomfortable-looking house in a modern design magazine. Urinal ice may not seem important, but its one of those old-school details that remind us that no matter how aggravating it can be, we’re still living in the greatest city in the world.

Known Gallery, TSL Films and The Seventh Letter will release a time-lapsed piece from The World Famous Seventh Letter Crew every 7th of the month, starting in April. They recently launched their first video which is dedicated to Ayer and all of the friends and family who watch us from above. Watch here.

Emilio Estevez plays a punk turned repo man in the aptly titled Repo Man (1984). Well worth the rental fee, this film will not disappoint, though it might spark a little paranoia in anyone who’s late on their auto payments.

Here’s one for all you honey stealing, rock hurling, hive stomping, bee killers. Multiple news agencies have recently reported what is being called ‘colony collapse disorder.’ All across America, honeybee farmers are finding that their hives are empty. The bees have either died or ‘disappeared’ and no one knows why. While the national bee sting rate might plummet, bees play an integral role in the pollination of many crops, not to mention the production of honey. Read the full story

Kurt Vonnegut died today at the age of 84. He suffered brain injuries after falling in his New York home last week. Vonnegut will be remembered for his potent blend of humor, science fiction and satire in such works as Cat’s Cradle, Player Piano and Slaughter House Five. Listen to a 2006 NPR interview with the Late Great.

Frank friend and contributor Livingroom Johnston blesses us with a poem. Listen closely.

There’s no question that digital bells and whistles are becoming increasingly popular in art these days. But New York artist John Perry keeps it old school simple with his paintings and drawings. Perry doesn’t even work from photos. Working directly with the subject, he says, helps him delivers the most realistic result.

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March was a big birthday month. The Social Club 4.0 at Camelot in Japan helped many celebrate their borndates. Attendees included Masterpiece Sound, MURO//Savage, Asian Star with Sound System, Mackdaddy Traxxx, MDP, Y.O.N.E., Warp magazine, HARD HIT and of course the Frank151 Crew. Flicks here.