Mr. Sonny James

DJ Statik aka Mr. Sonny James is co-founder of Philadelphia’s most prolific and well-respected DJ/Production crew, Illvibe Collective. He is the official tour DJ for legendary MC Bahamadia and other Philly-based artists, including Hezekiah and Mr. Lif. Famously noted as “your DJ’s favorite DJ,” Statik’s sets have hit popular New York venues like Santos Party House, SOBs and APT. He is an annual staple at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin and at Miami’s Winter Music Conference. Additionally, Statik’s full and diverse roster currently includes a DJ residency for Heineken Green Room events with two.one.five magazine; completing a 10th anniversary Illvibe Collective retrospective album; and doing events around the world for the infamous Scratch DJ Academy, co-founded by the late DJ Jam Master Jay. - bio by Onyx Finney

Posts

May 18, 02:56 PM

Last night was mad fun at Cheerleaders. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with the kid. My girl brought the cake and no one smashed it on my outfit. She also found me an authentic Pee Wee Herman ventriloquist doll from 1987 on eBay. That’s awesome. She is probably the only person who knows how much I loved Pee Wee as a kid.

Tonight we keep the party goin at Underground Arts, a brand new venue in Philly. The party is called RANDOM and the concept is just that. We aren’t caught up in labels, genres, looking good, or whatever. Strictly about a good time so come dressed comfortable and ready to sweat it out on the dancefloor. The theme for tonight is simply Party Under The Stairs. I’ll be DJing alongside DJ Excel (who rocked with me last night in place of DJ Aktive who’s on the road with Queen Latifah) plus fellow Taurus’s DJ Phsh and Brendan Bringem. MC Elixir is holding it all together to make it a real basement party. Get involved.

May 17, 01:08 PM

Last night was the cats meow at PROPS. Big shout to Rich Medina, Akalepse, DJ Phsh, everyone at LPR, and my friends in NYC for coming out to party with the kid. We definitely had a blast and if I didn’t drink so much, I’d still have the recorded mix from last night to share with all of you. Fail. Anyway, tonight the fun continues at Cheerleaders with yours truly alongside my brothers DJ Aktive and DJ Dozia. Details below. Hope to see some of y’all in the place to be!

May 16, 02:56 PM

Tonight I have the honor and pleasure of rocking the popular NYC staple, Le Poisson Rouge. The party is called PROPS and is thrown by Rich Medina and Akalepse. Looking forward to seeing my New York friends tonight as we bring in my birthday in style. lol

May 04, 02:51 PM

One of the most legendary, innovative, and talented groups in hip hop is The Beastie Boys. For the past few years, one of the founding members, Adam Yauch aka MCA has been fighting a battle with Cancer. Unfortunately, today the news was announced that he lost the battle and passed away. We lost an icon. From Paul’s Boutique and Check Your Head to The Hot Sauce Committee albums, The Beasties have stayed ahead of the game. Man I’ll miss these three together. RIP MCA.

April 18, 01:50 PM

Back in high school, I used to leave Bartram High a couple hours early to go to work everyday. When I changed jobs and had time to blow between school and work, it was a regular occurrence for me to hit up The Philadelphia Record Exchange with my weekly check. It was located on 5th right off of South Street in Philly. They had a separate shop strictly for Jazz which may still be open if I’m not mistaken. The main store, however, carried it all from hard to find rock gems and hip-hop 12″s ex-DJs would bring in when clearing out their basements to classic R&B albums I would see in my parents closet as a child, all located in the back room. Most of the time I went, there would be people picking through the rock stash leaving me plenty of room in the back to sort through crates and crates of hip hop and R&B vinyl. During the religious period of my teenage years, I was forbidden to listen to rap and therefore 80% of my music collection was disposed of or sold in 1994. (My collecting started in 1985) Once I removed the “shackles,” I had the task of recollecting many of my prized pieces. The Record Exchange digs were like therapy for me during that period because of the seclusion in their back room as well as the fact that I could replace so many records for less than 10 dollars. I’m thankful I had the chance to spend so much time in there and get to know the guys who used to work there who seemed to have a grip on every piece still sitting in the store. They could even recall how long ago certain records were sold as plenty of times I spent my last dollar and had to return a few days later looking for pieces I left behind.

I bought the Onyx record not for the Live!!! single but for the Kill Dem All joint by Kali Ranks on the B-Side. Back when house parties were the only parties I could get into, this was a regular play and I always wondered where it was from. These two joints are on The Show Soundtrack but the Kali Ranks song never appeared in the movie. 

The Gil Scott-Heron, Pieces Of A Man album was bought because I was familiar with Home Is Where The Hatred Is and The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. This album made me fall in love with the Lady Day and John Coltrane track which had a Drum N Bass type of rhythm even back in 1971. It predated anything classified as Jungle and subsequently caused me to buy anything with Gil’s name on it.

Posts

May 25, 10:02 AM


We're proud to bring you the new and improved Illvibe Radio. For the past decade, we've brought you The Sure Shot & The Difference, two mix shows with different formats to showcase our different tastes in music. From our audience feedback at various events and online, what we've discovered is good music is simply good music. Therefore, we've decided to consolidate our shows into one Illvibe Radio Podcast making it easier for both us and for you, the listener. We hope you enjoy the new mix as we'll continue to bring you strictly the best in Hip Hop, Soul, Funk, House, Broken Beat, Brazilian, and more. This mix is brought to you by Illvibe Collective's own Mr. Sonny James, DJ Phsh, and Phillee Blunt.

Listen Here http://illviberadio.podomatic.com/
May 18, 03:06 PM

Tonight, we are please to be rocking at one of the newest venues in Philadelphia, Underground Arts located at 1200 Callowhill. The party is called RANDOM and it is going to be a true basement party. We are celebrating the birthdays of some of our favorite Taurus's, Mr. Sonny James, Brendan Bringem, and DJ Phsh. Also providing the soundtrack for tonight is DJ Excel and MC Elixir from the Skratch Makaniks Crew. The theme for this evening is Party Under The Stairs meaning; come dressed to sweat it out like a classic night under the red light. No dress code, genre restrictions, or pretentiousness whatsoever. Let's just rock and roll!


May 16, 03:01 PM

Tonight, join, Mr. Sonny James aka Statik at a special edition of PROPS w/ Rich Medina and Akalepse at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC. It's his birthday at 12 tonight so we encourage you to get this man a drink!

May 16, 02:35 PM

Our long time homie Oddisee recently released an EP entitled Odd Renditions. It's very good! Not to mention, it's available for free. Check it out.


DOWNLOAD | Bandcamp


May 02, 09:15 PM

Illvibe Collective is once again collaborating with the guys from More Than Enough in NYC for a series of dope parties this month. Don't miss it. Details below.


May 01, 02:15 AM

Please lend some support to one of our inspirations and DJ colleagues, Kuttin Kandi who is a legendary turntablist, the first female to make it to the DMC DJ competition and founding member of the Anomolies Crew. She is currently battling heart disease and needs all the help she can get raising funds. For more info, please read the entire article RIGHT HERE.

April 20, 02:30 PM

The Ball Tonight in Philly!!

April 19, 03:51 PM

DJ Skipmode returns to Kung Fu Necktie for his monthly party dedicated to those of you who are true music lovers. TURN OFF YOUR RADIO is exactly what you would expect. It's a party for everyone who's tired of the repetition of what's force fed to us all via the radio and television. All generes are explored without limits. Tonight will be extra special as Special Guest DJ Caliph-Now will doing a set in tribute of our fallen comrade, Viro The Virus who passed away earlier this week.

Please support the homies.



March 30, 12:38 PM

We've been itching to get down at Kung Fu Necktie again since it's untimely close in December of 2011 which prompted us to do a last minute move to Ruba Club for our year end shenanigans with DJ Sat One. Now KFN has reopened and we're eager to return with our BODYROCK party tonight. We've been reminiscing with some of our favorite DJs, personalities, and party regulars. Now let's create some new memories tonight. Details below!

March 29, 11:09 PM

Our brother in music, Blaak The 9th Man has been rocking with us since back in the days at Aqualounge. He was actually the only guest to DJ The BODYROCK without us in the house. One year, we decided to take the whole crew to Miami for Winter Music Conference and Blaak was the only trusted person with our discerning dancefloor. He held it down as we knew he would with crates of classics and originals almost no one in Philly has. A legendary digger and selector that everyone should know about. Anyway, peep his memories of The BODYROCK Party. Tomorrow we are on again at Kung Fu Necktie.

March 29, 12:33 AM

It's BODYROCK Week. Our favorite time of the year.

Peep another Memoir from our comrade, DJ Stylus of the legendary Soul Controllers crew in DC. He rocked The BODYROCK with us in 2006 and it was a night to remember.

March 28, 06:33 PM

The long time homie Reef The Lost Cauze has been rocking with us since the beginning at Aqualounge. As we prepare to set this Spring off right with The return of BODYROCK this week at Kung Fu Necktie, check out what Lost Cauze had to say about the history of our now legendary party.

March 17, 08:34 PM

Tonight catch our own DJ Statik alongside The Champion Sound Crew, Rich Medina, and more for a very special Jump N Funk Meets Spread Love.

Tomorrow, visit Adidas at Aventura Mall & Chocolate Sundays. Flyers below!



March 16, 12:41 AM
March 06, 06:35 PM

For one week only, you can download DJ Skipmode's classic mixtape, Shameless Promotion Volume 2 from our extensive online mixtape catalogue. This is a mix of classic tunes from everyone from Chaka Khan, Biggie, The Sylvers, Billy Idol, Michael Jackson and more. The Shameless series, shows our fun side and provides the perfect soundtrack to a chill house party or intimate BBQ. Get it now for free for a limited time. Click below.


February 17, 02:44 PM

This Presidents Day weekend, come to Walnut Room and check out Statik, Brendan Bringem, and MC Elixir for a special one off party. This event is a no request, feel good party for those who want to have fun.   Strictly classics from multiple genres and eras this Sunday. Can't wait!

February 13, 06:25 PM

We've been so caught up in our busy schedules and lives that we didn't acknowledge the passing of some very important music legends. In addition to Etta James' recent passing, Don Cornelius, creator and producer of Soul Train recently ended his own life and Whitney Houston died this past weekend in Los Angeles on Grammy Weekend. To most of you, this is old information and we would never attempt to utilize the unfortunate news of their deaths to generate content and viewers, as most of the media has been doing in recent years. But we felt it was only right to acknowledge them for their legacies and impact on our generation and music industry as a whole. They will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace, Don, Etta, & Whitney.

February 10, 07:36 PM
This Sunday we will be on the wheels at the Sundae party at Silk City.   Get there early for the second Saturday dance competition and stay after to party.    


February 08, 04:24 PM

A couple weeks ago, DJ Phsh started a brand new monthly party called the Phsh Tank in Philly to a sold out room at Fluid. The event combines the freshest new music, classic flavors, and art from a different featured artist every month. An inspiring combination of audio and visual stimulation had everyone in the spot feeling good. Here is the official mixtape to accompany the event promo. Something fresh for your ears.


February 07, 03:13 PM

Respect to Flying Kite Media for interviewing our brothers Statik & DJ Phsh for their recent article about how to make it in Philly's crowded DJ community. Read it in full RIGHT NOW.
January 13, 12:57 PM

Folks, ill! Makaniks are back at it tonight at 32 Degrees Lounge in Old City, Philly.

Statik and DJ Romes are on the set. Come out early for drink specials. Info below.

January 10, 07:15 PM

The Illvibe Collective just dropped a mix for the NEST Podcast.  The podcast is brought to you by the fine people of NEST EVENTS out of Leeds in the UK.  We put together a smooth mix of recent electronic dance joints that we are feeling at the moment.  Enjoy!

More about NEST EVENTS here:
http://nestevents.net


December 30, 06:03 PM
Do to circumstances beyond our control, tonight's BODYROCK party with DJ Sat-One is being moved to:

THE RUBA CLUB
414 Green Street
Phila., PA 19123
(the street behind Silk City)

All details are the same in terms of time. 9pm-2am, free before 10!


December 30, 02:19 AM

Getting hype for our last BODYROCK party of 2011!

Posts

Shaboing boing. (Taken with instagram)

#Instajack from @hezekiah3rd w @illvibecrew (Taken with instagram)

Congratulations to Di & Los! Wedding fun wit friends today. 💍 (Taken with instagram)

Roots Panel Discussion w Fab 5 Freddy, Dream Hampton, Hub, & Tiffany Bacon (Taken with instagram)

Random w @mcelixir @excelagram and @brendanbringem setting it off! (Taken with instagram)

My girl found this on eBay for my birthday. Wow!! (Taken with instagram)

My girl found this on eBay for my birthday. Wow! (Taken with instagram)

XXX Tonight with the homies! (Taken with Instagram at Cheerleaders Gentleman’s Club)

Damn! They gave him the rainbow treatment. (Taken with Instagram at Le Poisson Rouge)

Tonight! @lprNYC #PROPS (Taken with instagram)

Now at http://www.illviberadio.podomatic.com Thanks for supporting our shows for 10yrs+ (Taken with instagram)

May 17th. My birthday table dance celebration (Taken with Instagram at Cheerleaders Gentleman’s Club)

Wit the homie @placeyourarthere (Taken with Instagram at Grays Ferry & Christian)

Outchere. (Taken with Instagram at Festival Pier)

Last night was the cats pajamas. #WR (Taken with instagram)

Getting things rolling tonight. UPenn Graduation Party tonight! (Taken with Instagram at Walnut Room)

Why yes. Yes they are. And thanks for asking. (Taken with Instagram at Family Thrift Store Center)

With Pops. (Taken with Instagram at Lincoln Financial Field)

My Nephew playing in the All Star High School Game right now. #Proud (Taken with Instagram at Lincoln Financial Field)

Audio

  • 71 plays
  • Another blend for the Illvibe Blends series.
    58 plays
  • lildave: EAVESDROP RADIO: Mizell Brothers Tribute R.I.P ”Fonce” Mizell This week we lost a musical legend and huge influence on me musically, Alphonso “Fonce” Mizell. He and his brother Larry, The Mizell Brothers, wrote and produced classics for The Jackson 5, Donald Byrd, A Taste of Honey, Bobbi Humpreys, Marvin Gaye, and many more. A few years ago Junior and I did a tribute to the work of the Mizell Brothers on Eavesdrop Radio. Even though it was 3 hrs of great music, it barely scratched the surface of how much amazing music The Mizell Brothers created. DOWNLOAD IT HERE: [EAVESDROP RADIO: Mizell Brothers Tribute]
    10 plays

Sets

Tracks

  • Hip Hop Shop w Manuvers & Statik of Illvibe
    75 plays
  • Flyin Ha Ha
    59 plays
  • Thoughts ft. Grand Agent & Verso
    102 plays
  • 04 Homeless Hipster Theme (Mr. Sonny James PBR Remix)
    206 plays
  • Not For This Lifetime (Jet Setter RMX) prod by Mr. Sonny James
    101 plays
  • 02 Roc Boy Wishes
    113 plays
  • 05 Get High & By
    122 plays
  • 08 Work It Out (ill! Kalakuta Re-Edit)
    195 plays

Favorites

  • 50 Cent - When I Pop The Trunk ft Kidd Kidd (Produced by !LLMIND)
  • PHSH TANK! (vol.3)
  • HipHop Don't Stop Radio Show #44 on 93,6 Jam FM live mix by DJ SAN GABRIEL (liveDEMO)
  • BLOODFIRE V SISTER SLEDGE - "We Are Family" (2011 Dub)
  • Adele radio pause mix (prod marc-j) off broken pattern ep
  • HipHop Don't Stop Radio Show #43 on 93,6 Jam FM exclusive mix by DJ STATIK (Illvibe Colective)
  • Pusha T - Peso (Freestyle)
  • Soul II Soul - Back 2 Life (Illvibe Collective blend)
  • Joy Jones - The Joy (lil' dave Remix Instrumental)
  • Illvibe Collective feat. iSHE & Dave Ghetto - Can't Deny
  • Munchi - Jimi Knows
  • lil'dave - Chips and Salsa [Seven Heaven compilation (BBE)]
  • Illvibe Collective feat A.R.M. - Medicine Men
  • Prince Paul Everlast Men In Blue Re-edit
  • Phil Nash feat. Skillz-World Tour
  • Best Of Jazzy Jeff (2001 Promo Mix For The Magnificent Lp) w/ Dj SpinBad
  • Philly Vs. Pittsburgh
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