TURNTABLE LAB

Diplo
Top Ranking CD

diplo and santi mix action

Just as Diplo killed it on MIA's Piracy Funds Terrorism mix that dropped before her debut, he does it again with Brooklyn's own Santogold, mixing up jams off her recent debut album. Expect to hear exclusive blends and mixes of her singles, masterfully executed by Diplo himself. The styles flow smoothly from everything under the sun: dirty south, club, classic cuts, dance tracks, dancehall, dubstep, reggae and more. What's also cool is that although she's signed to a big label like Downtown, this is a Mad Decent pressing. So props to Diplo for making this happen. Expect to hear shit from Santi (duh), XXXchange, Ratatat, Richie Spice, Three 6 Mafia, B-52's, Kid Cudi, Switch, Radioclit, Benga, Tony Matterhorn, Skream, Warrior Queen, Barrington Levy, and more. The mix is 75 minutes, perfect for the summertime jams.
reviewed by C'mish


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Spinbad
80s Megamix, Pt.2 CD

There are tapes like "Demolition Pumpkin Squeeze" and "Reconstruction" that I rocked in my walkman a few times, and they're dope and everything, but the first tape that made me geek the fuck out and listen to it so much that I memorized the intros and could recite the tracklisting was this. If you haven't heard this infamous 80s Megamix, then consider yourself ignorant and cop it now. Spinbad developed and maintained his name on the battle circuit, then toured for Moby, and is now holding it down weekly on Power 105, but it was his always-sells-out-in-the-first-week tapes like this that have been bootlegged, burned and dubbed a million times over that cemented the man's reputation as the 10-track mixtape king. Back when mash-up was just a stupid idea and the concept of 80s revival was laughable, Spinbad was there doubling "Take On Me" while cutting in his trademark flawless rhythm scratching style. In 72 minutes, you get 40 quick-mixed tracks that are put over the top with tons of movie dialogue bits, brilliantly arranged interludes, and remixes that will forever ruin these songs for you (I still can't listen to "Roxanne" without hearing Spin doubling the chorus). Did I mention that the this is also funny as hell and only nine bucks?
reviewed by the Woodman


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Diplo
I Like Turtles CD

Mad Greasy! Originally released as part of Pitchfork's mix series -- don't bother checking, it's no longer available -- Diplo gives us the full length, hi-fi version of his I Like Turtles mix. Like a lot of Lab customers, I've been following Mr. Diplo's work for a while now, and this CD still made me stop and go "Damn... dude is a REALLY GOOD DJ." I Like Turtles has everything you could want in a mixtape - heaters, weirdness and tons of fun, all effortlessly mixed by the dino-man. Oh yeah, exclusivos too, like the Sizzla dubplate of M.I.A.'s "Bamboo Banger," Diplo's "Krispy" remix of the Bartman song, Diplo & Switch's "Solta Frango" with Beenie Man, y mucho mas. Artists include: Mr. Vegas, Bun B, Rich Boy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Schoolly D, Jellybean, Nirvana, Huey, DJ Tamiel, Queen, a Sandrinho remix of DJ Shadow... and that's only halfway through the tracklist. 39 tracks total. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd


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The Rub
It's The Motherfucking Remix #2 CD

Headed by the three man crew of Ayres, Eleven & Cosmo Baker, the Rub guys are back with an even bigger cast of friends and a wider range of remixes for the part two of their idea of a remix album. The first volume was one of our best selling cds of the last year (still going strong), so you guys should already know the deal with this. While there's a healthy amount of pure party material here, the selection goes well beyond the drunken kingdom of knee-jerk mashup, featuring original remixes (check Paul Nice's work on "Devil's Pie"), stuff that won't necessarily work in the club but sounds great (Dead Prez over "Cadillac On 22s"!), strange experimentation, etc. Includes remixes by the above mentioned plus A-Trak, Diplo, Low Budget, Mark Ronson, Nick Catchdubs, Max Glazer, DJ Platurn, Crooked, and Brendan Bring Em. 27 tracks, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Gaslamp Killer
Obey Box Set 7"+ CD

Gaslamp Killer on a rampage!! This is his new box set from Obey, limited to 1000, featuring a split 7" with GLK and Free The Robots, backed with his new I Spit On Your Grave mix cd. The two LA beat excursionists kill the 7" with GLK's mind bending "Show Stopper(1)" and the horror rock sounds of Free The Robot's "Clocks And Daggers(2)." The anticipated mix continues the evil breaks, with a lil' help from evil breaks partner Kutmah for an hour of murderous drums, deep funk, and dark instrumentals. There's no tracklist for this, but the Gaslamp Killer has never been one to leave clues at the scene of the crime. If you believe in the dark side of funk, you'll love this. Obey certainly didn't pull any stops on the design either. From the piercing portrait of GLK on the cover by Shepard Fairey to the eloquent gatefold art, this is bound to be sought by collectors everywhere. Highly recommended!
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / all / new school beats - vinyl

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The Rub
It's The Motherfucking Remix #1 CD

DJ Ayres' Brooklyn-based Rub party has turned into one of the longest running and most successful nyc club nights, garnering best club night awards in the local press and featuring top guest djs. For this project, Ayres gathered remixes from the Rub's resident DJs and some of those guests, giving you access to their "secret weapon" sure shot club blends (previously personal CDRs). Key contributions come from Mark Ronson, Diplo, Ayres himself, Cosmo Baker, Eleven, Zeph, DJ Crooked, and others. There's an excellent variation of material with "weird" mixes like Breeders vs. Rah Digga(1), Outkast vs. Franz Ferdinand(2), and "Got It Twisted" vs Ghostbusters(3) to nyc-style straight hip-hop blends like "Stunt 101" over Wu-Tang beats(4), "Bonnie & Clyde 03" vs. Arrested Development(5), and "Oh Sheila" vs the Coolie Dance(6). The 20 tracks plus are mixed by DJ Ayres, and ends up sounding a lot like the tronix kids (in a good way). In addition, each remix is tracked to appear in its entirety for all you CD DJs who actually want to use this for your gigs.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Ayres & Tittsworth
Ayres 'n' Titties (Baltimore) CD

Some artists have a tendency to spread themselves thin when they release a lot of material, but no matter how many CDs, EPs and singles Ayres and Tittsworth roll out, they never seem to lose the juice. Witness here the culmination of the last few months worth of Baltimore bombardment that these fellows have been doing with their own T&A label – and if I'm not mistaken, this is Ayres' first official release on Money Studies, too. For #2 in the 2nd Money Studies mix series, the boys stick with what they know best: this one serves as both a Baltimore club primer for n00bz and a compulsively listenable mix for those already acquainted. There's over 60 tracks here (mixed in true rapid-fire stylee, all under 2 minutes) so I won't try to get into details, but you can expect to hear some exclusives, some recent T&A material and lots of classic Baltimore club tracks from the likes of: Frank Ski, Rod Lee, DJ Technics, Diamond K, Scotty B, Jonny Blaze, DJ Ron Rico, Da Dukeyman, KW Griff, Jimmy Jones, Debonair Samir, Graeme Sinden, Bamabounce and Spank Rock. Whew. You know what to do. 63 tracks; 65 minutes.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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Gaslamp Killer
I Spit On Your Grave (Obey) CD

Finally, the highly anticipicated new mix from the Lab's dirty beat digger Gaslamp Killer! This is his third official mix and I'll have to say, it's a mind ringer. You should know his style by now - dark, swampy funk, with murderous drums and sounds from beyond. Heavy beat brother Kutmah also jumps in on the action, for a straight hour of neck breaking evil breaks. If you're into that late 90's deep funk, eerie Mowax cuts, and spaced out instrumentals, look no further. Tracklist? Sorry, the Killer's M.O. is always a barrage attack, leaving no clues at the scene(I can only name the Flying Lotus and DJ Vadim's Motion Man "Terrorist" instrumental). Definitely something to enjoy while blasted on good headphones. Also, the sick artwork by Shepard Fairey makes GLK look as twisted as ever. Super recommended for the true beat fiend.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
all

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DJ Benzi, DJ Rashad & Chi Boogie
Juke Jams (Unmixed & DJ Friendly) CD

LAB EXCLUSIVO! 300 copies only! Holy chit, could this be any more perfect for the Lab? Not only is it wall-to-wall juke, but it's also totally unmixed and Serato-ready, plus the title is a pun on an office favorite (Jock Jams megamix anyone?) and the artwork's got plenty of curves. DJ Benzi has this shit down to a science - this time, he brings us 18 DJ-friendly juke edits from his Chi-town cousins, Chi Boogie and DJ Rashad, aka the Ghetto Teknitianz. You can tell these guys are Chicago natives 'cause the juke is strong within them, and it's no problem for them to flip any track large or small into some hype shit for the dancefloor - all at exactly 160bpm. The remix of Kanye West's "Flashing Lights(1)" is especially sick, putting those jacking house keys back into context and double-timing that hazy female vocal sample. Gucci Mane's "Pillz(2)' was always awesome, but I could never find the right time to drop it in a set - Rashad and Chi solve that problem with their sick edit. I could really footnote every track here, but just check these for yourself: T.I.'s "Top Back(3)," Soulja Boy's "Crank Dat(4)," Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls(5)," Project Pat's "Good Googly Moogly(6)," Lloyd's "Get It Shawty(7)" and "Yo Hips, Yo Thighs(8)," a nasty remix of 50 and Justin Timberlake's "Ayo Technology." 19 tracks; over 1 hour total. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd


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Spinbad
Needle 2 The Groove 2CD

Another essential canon in the Spinbad mixtape catalog. Spinbad is hands-down the ultimate wizard of blend mixtapes. With his 80s mixes he created the foundation for the mash-up scene; with Cold Cutz Classics, he created the standard for hip-hop blends, and with Needle On The Groove (circa mid-nineties), he created the best RnB and soul blends tape ever. Just imagine what Spinbad could do with a tracklist featuring Sade, Portishead, Soul II Soul, Groove Theory, Charles Wright, Marvin Gaye, JB, MJ, D'Angelo, and more? This was originally a Japan cassette exclusive, but it was powerful, that it made its way stateside over the years. This is actually the first time the entire mix has been available on CD (the previous copies were single disc versions that cut off part of the mix). Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Brazilian Beat
Baile Funk, Vol.1 CD

There's a party I go to sometimes where all these gorgeous Brazilian women are packed into this little spot, dancing to tune after tune of incredible music that I have never heard before. I mean, no party filler, no hits you've heard a million times, just a world of great music that happens to originate in the southern hemisphere planet of Brazil. This mix CD was put together by the three DJs who select the songs for the night, Sean Marquand, Claudio Medusa and Greg Caz, who some might know from his contributions to the TTL review crew, and I can vouch that it's a fair representation of how they get down (...if anything about this set can be called fair, I mean it's really un-fair to tantalize me with these great records I have no chance of finding). The mix eschews pure samba and batucada to focus on fierce sweet and sour melodies and funky orchestrations that groove for days. This is the kind of stuff you wish would make a comp but never does. Records you might find if you dug hardcore in Sao Paulo. OK, I've heard of Gilberto Gil, Azymuth and Tim Maia. You seen their Brazilian releases around anywhere though? Didn't think so. How about Trio Esperanca(1)? Maybe Os Diagonais(2)? Uh huh, now you're getting the picture: these are special records. The disc flows like sugar from a diner dispenser, right from Cassiano's Mayfield-esque opening cut(3) through to a Tim Maia jam that bumps like Cutie Pie(4). Breakheads check out Carlos Dafe's offering(5). Blends are unobtrusive and right on, letting the songs breath. I like this CD a lot. And the party? Well you're going to have to get the CD for that info.
reviewed by monk


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Brazilian Beat
Baile Funk, Vol.2 CD

They've done it again! Greg Caz and Sean Marquand, resident selectors at the great Brazilian Beat party and two of NYC's top spinners of South America's sexiest soul, have put together the long anticipated sequel to their necessary Baile Funk mix. There's no weak spots in this collection of searing hot Brazilian funk, and in fact, if you get the impression that these guys could go on for days with this heat, you're probably right. The mix presents a feast of hooks, beats, grooves and melodies, as well as a collector's attention to obscure b-sides and forgotten album tracks (detailed in the informative liner notes). Picking highlights is as simple as hitting the "random" button on your CD player, but I'll try to narrow things down to a couple of my favorites. Os Incriveis get things popping right from the jump with their wicked dedication to Herbie the Love Bug(1), a cut that demonstrates the fun and funky elements that remain constant throughout (and really, how could you go wrong when the Love Bug's involved?). A few minutes later the boys turn up an unusual groover from legend Claudette Soares before moving on to "A Festa(2)" by Silvio Cesar, a slinky, mesmerizing cut. Breakbeat heads will not be disappointed either. Drum master Chico Batera has you covered with "Oxossi(3);" or perhaps the Boogaloo Combo(4) is more your style. The One Way/Al Hudson-esque jam "To Parado Na Tua" and Jorge & Olivetti's "Aleluia(5)," which could be a Rodney Franklin outtake, showcase a slick '80s West Coast funk feel that rounds out the summertime vibe of the set. I'm running out of room, and I haven't even mentioned the devastating Tim Maia jam(6), Wilson Simonal's amazing Bacharach cover, or the ridiculously rare Jorge Ben and Azymuth cuts. This is a mix that anyone could enjoy, and an absolutely essential chapter for fans of Brazilian funk.
reviewed by monk


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Cosmo Baker & Scott Melker
Live At The Spotlite (New Jack Swing) CD

First off, this mixtape is THE SHIT, but I think you could've figured that out by just looking at the title. It's a full 74 minutes of classic New Jack Swing tracks, mixed by The CMB – aka The Rub's Cosmo Baker and his man Scott Melker, who you probably know from his Lab best-selling Sexual Chocolate mixtape. Anyway, yeah, do you really need to be convinced? "Rump Shaker" leads this thing off, and the boys never look back from there: "Don't Be Cruel," "Ain't Too Proud 2 Beg," "I Like It" (Dino!), "New Jack City," "Do Me," "I Want Her," "Poison," goddamn! If you need convincing, let me say one word you probably haven't heard in far too lon: "Motownphilly." Just buy it already! Here it comes... Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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The Rub
The Rub Up 2CD

Damn, what to say about this one? It's pretty much automatic. The Rub's DJs Ayres & Eleven follow up their their solo reggae mixes (Sun Lovers & J.A. Goods) with this MEGA dancehall collab. Now, I thought I was up on my dancehall classics, but I feel like one of those fucking fratboys who only owns Legend when I look at the back of this CD. Even if you know a lot of the artists here, I betcha most of the tracks will be unfamiliar. 68 tunes spread over two CDs, so getting into names would be kinda foolish... but here's some anyway: Buju, Sizzla, Pinchers, Wayne Wonder, Ini Kamoze, Barrington Levy, Gregory Isaacs, Shinehead, Johnny Osbourne, Beenie Man, Super Cat, Cutty Ranks, General Degree, Spragga Benz, Shabba and lots (LOTS) more. Not to mention the Rub have stepped their duplication game up and these are two real (not CDR) discs in a jewel case... shrinkwrapped! Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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J-Rocc
Thank You Jay Dee: Act 1 CD

Uh-oh! It's the mixmaster and the beatmaster. There's really no need to convince you that this is worth every dime. Just look at the title. J-Rocc and J.Dilla is probably the dopest hip hop team-up you could ask for. Fluid, tasteful blends and mixes from LA's primo DJ of some of Dilla's choicest cuts. I love how it's not really about J-Rocc, but about putting Dilla's life's work into a clear framework. It starts from instrumentals to production, then tracks known and unknown. A couple times during the mix, I'd ask myself, "Damn! He produced that track too?" This is definitely a must-have for the fans at any level. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish


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Big Moe Jones
Live At RC's Place CD

From the Jones label, who brought you the head crushing classic "Chains & Black Exhaust," we now get this mix by old school Memphis dj Big Moe, live from R.C's Place. Big Moe was a former radio DJ for WJNS in Memphis and was known for playing the best in funk & soul from that region. Vaulted in somebody's house in South Memphis for over 30 years, this live concert tape was discovered in 2003. The concert was Joe Perkins & The Memphians featuring Big Moe as the dj, and he delivers a set of both common and rare unknown Memphis recordings. All these tracks are either Stax, Hi Records, or local pressings, and some of the highlights include groups like the Memphians, Wendy Rene, Gene Anderson, The Charmels, The Fabulous Caprices, Smithstonian and Transplant. No tracklisting though, so you'll have to go after that yourself. And best believe, same as with Chains & Exhaust, people in two years are gonna be scrambling both for copies of this disc, and the original cuts contained herein. A great tribute to the Memphis sound, and a valid piece of history. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Dirty Harry & Nas
Living Legends CD

Dirty Harry was one of the guys behind the recent Rap Phenomenon series (Biggie & Pac- both instant classics), and now he's got this Nas one that is being billed as the best Nas mixtape ever. It's officially cosigned by Nas himself and features 40 total tracks: Dirty Harry produced exclusives, lots of remixes & blends, freestyles and more. In terms of skill and construction, Harry's definitely one of the best in the game and he puts the production magic all over the selections here, dropping famous and unfamous lines from Nasir on top of stuff like "Still Tippin, Uptown Anthem, Dear Summer, Hate It Or Love It, It Was A Good Day, Regulate, We Gonna Make It" and much more. You also get exclusives like the Rakim bio rap over all Eric B & Rakim beats- there's a ton to digest.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Mister Cee
Best of the Notorious B.I.G. CD

These Mister Cee Best of CDs are as much a part of NYC as the rat steaks they sell on the street corners. Usually available in Chinatown alongside fake fubu caps and 2 week advance bootleg movies, they are the filet mignon of what bootleg nyc has to offer. You even get them at street price. This cd was noted in Ego Trip as the best mixtape or something (pg. 58). Gave one to my brother in DC, now he's the money with the ladies. Mister Cee compiles over 30 Biggie freestyles, remixes, b-sides, and guest appearances... most only available on bootleg vinyl. My favorites are the freestyles... The MC who turned me onto "t-bone steak, eggs, cheese and welch's grape" blows up the spizot at Mister Cee's Crib over an ill beat , shouting at the top of his lungs at MSG with Tupac, and a classic Puffy-infused live version of "Unbelievable" with Flex on the twos. Also peep BIG over G Thang beat on "Real Niggaz." Two many other tracks to list.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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DJ Sega
Rockstars vs. Clubheadz CD

The young gunna DJ Sega out of Philly has had folks' jaws dropping for a minute with his left field Bmore club tracks and a string of self-released mixtapes; now he's getting major cosigns from no less than four labels (Mad Decent, Counterfeet, Ol' Head, Flamin' Hotz) and is about to open a lot more eyes with his tracks on the new Hollertronix EP. But before that, we get this - an official mix CD (nice packaging and all, #2 in the 51:51 Mix Series) featuring remixes from Sega and Tim Dolla, plus Jersey's DJ Tameil and Bmore godfathers Rod Lee and KW Griff. The name pretty much says it all - the "Rockstars" side of the mix features 16 tracks of pure gouda rock (Nirvana, Genesis, Papa Roach, Supertramp, Bon Jovi) in the Bmore stylee, while the "Clubheadz" section has 12 less guilty pleasures (T-Pain, Busta, R.Kelly, Beyonce, 50 Cent, MJ). Seeeegaaaaaa... 28 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd


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Roctakon
Finding Directions CD

eclectic mix of disco, house, techno

One wise DJ once said that Roctakon is the Kenny Powers of DJing. I like to think of him as the Hank Moody of the scene. He might even have a mild case of tourette's. No one quite understands where he's coming from... or how he found himself in the most ironic situation of being one of the biggest and best club djs for bottle-service meatheads and the tramp-stamp masses. This CD is the result of this pickle... Roc quit club DJing for a minute, locked himself in his stanky LES apartment, and came up with this mix of the music he truly loves. For someone known to throwdown personalized Fatman Scoop edits and Britney jams, it's unsurprising to see that this is all about disco, house, and techno.... but even I was taken back by how hardcore it is. If you need to know more, check out the writing by Roc on the back of the CD... he gets personal. Over an hour, expertly mixed. 500 copies only, full digi-pack by PH (that's me). Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Ayres & Tittsworth
Balmer Loosies #2 (Baltimore) CD

17 more unmixed Bmore club tracks from Titts, Ayres and the extended fam.
This volume rounds up many of the tracks from T&A's recent vinyl EPs, including Dave Nada's "Kick Out The Jams(1)," "Where Brooklyn At?(2)" and "Spell On You(3)," A-Trak's Stevie-flipping "Sir Duke(4)" from Ultimate T&A, and Million Dollar Mano's popular "They Know(5)" from The Chedda EP.
It's also got new tracks from Tittsworth (a remix of M.O.P.'s "Ante
Up(6)") and Ayres ("Angel of Death(7)" - Slayer!!) plus Top Billin' and DJ Eli. Another useful no brainer for digital DJs. 17 tracks; 55 minutes.
Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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King Otto & Mike The 2600 King
Things Kings Do, Vol.1 CD

You probably already know every song on Things Kings Do, and while that's not usually a good selling point for a mixtape, it's a great asset to this one. Burlesque's Mike 2600 and his Minneapolis brethren King Otto have mixed up an hour of the most well-known, time-tested oldies into something actually fresh and worth listening to. This is the soundtrack to the best wedding reception you've never been to. Sock-hop classics, Motown jams, British Invasion hits, and on and on. "Walk Like A Man," "Satisfaction," "Uptight," "Chantilly Lace," "Tears of a Clown," "Tired Of Waiting," "Same Old Song," "I Hear A Symphony," "Nowhere To Run," "She's Not There," and way too many more to name, all quick-mixed party style. Recorded and co-produced by Andrew Broder from Fog. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
all

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Mister Cee
Notorious BIG: 10 Year Anniversary 2CD

Mister Cee is already known for making the greatest Biggie street tape of all time (Best of Notorious BIG), so it's only fitting that he expands upon that release with the double disc 10 year anniversary edition. This thing is freaking intense, packing 71 (yes, 71) Biggie rarities, cameos, freestyles, etc. And it's all presented in a masterful NYC-style quick mix (direct and to the point, no time for shorts). If you're lucky enough to catch an authentic nyc quick mix set, it's a pretty badass sight to see. I actually saw Mister Cee do one at an Ego Trip party years back, and while the chicken heads were complaining (let the song play out), every DJ in the room was sitting there stunned (Stretch also has sick quick-mix skills). Anyway, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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V/A
After Dark CD

The After Dark CDR was originally only available on Glass Candy's '07 west coast tour (only 100 pressed!). Due to popular demand (and the fact that this shit is REALLY REALLY good), the guys over at Italian's Do It Better repressed the joint and now you too can have a piece of this modern disco hotness. This isn't a mixtape either (though it kinda looks like one) - it actually contains full unreleased tracks and demo versions from soon-to-be-huge new disco/new italo artists Glass Candy, Mirage, Chromatics, Farah, and Professor Genius. Just check some of these sounds: The sweet and soulful disco grooves of Glass Candy with "Rolling Down The Hills(1)," their take on the Kraftwerk classic "Computer Love(2)," and Belle Epoque's "Miss Broadway(3)," the bittersweet italo vibes of the Chromatics with "Hands In The Dark(4)" and "In The City(5)," and Mirage's spaced-out italo vocoder action on "Lady Operator(6)" and "Lake Of Dreams(7)," and the avant slow motion disco sickness that is Farah's "Dancing Girls(8)." 14 tracks total, no throw aways. Do not miss this if you are a fan of the disco-italo sound (you'll regret it - trust me). Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Second Cousins
Rush: Special Edition CD

LAB U.S. EXCLUSIVO. Limited repress of #3 in the Money Studies mix series, now in a full-size digipak. What's left to say about this one? Blu Jemz and Roger Yamaha one of the finest mixes ever to pass through the Lab, and hands down my favorite in the MS catalog. The definition of a sleeper, too - when I first started working at Lab, the Diplo and Spank Rock mixes were flying off the shelves while this one languished, people all like "what the fuck is a Blu Yamaha Rush Cousin?" But once the word got out, so did the copies and this one went OOP with the quickness. We're happy to present Rush to you again, for the edification of those who were left wondering. Enjoy. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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Peanut Butter Wolf
Ladies First: A Female Rap Mix CD

Look who's the ladies man. Straight from the Stones Throw tour, this special mix is the newest from PB Wolf, giving it up to the flyest girls of hip hop. Hold any scoffing, this is not a novelty my dudes! If you were expecting Salt n' Pepa Queen Latifah remixes, you should slap yourself, this is the Wolf fool! He's only the label head and his mixtapes have always been impeccable. There's over 30 of the baddest female MC's you've never heard. Not only that, the beats are banging. Every style from sick early 90's hip hop, hip house, bass-a-delic Miami tracks. Gotta check MC Shay, Missy Mist, Wink D, Jazzi Love, Lisa Lee, Ladi Luv, Ms. Melodie, DW & The Party Crew ft. Roxy, All Ready Fresh, Nina Hill, Too Bad, The Fresh Girls, M&M... There's enough here to get lost for weeks. Also, peep the slept on tracks from your favorites like Roxanne Shante's, "Wack It," and JJ Fad's "Another Tramp," and Monie Love's "R U Single." It's probably the best rare/funky mix I've heard in a while. File under "keeper." Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish


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Paper Route Gangstaz
Fear & Loathing In Hunts Vegas (Diplo & DJ Benzi) CD

Almost a year in the making, Mad Decent brings us the long-awaited first part of their collaboration with Huntsville, Alabama-based, independent rap label Paper Route Recordz. (And that's independent, not indy, ya 'stand me?) Label founder Diplo steps up with five exclusive remixes of tracks by Money Addict, Paper Route Gangstaz, Jackie Chain and Big P.O.P.E. with Wale, plus the sick Underworld-sampling production "Stuntastic" with Blaqstarr on vocals alongside PRGz' Jhi-Ali. Oh yeah did I mention these dudes can rap their asses off? Not a bad track on here, no joke. Also includes remixes from Emynd and The Knocks. 16 tracks; 58 minutes. Highly, highly recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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Ayres & Eleven
Glamorous Life #3 CD

Ayres and Eleven knew they have a good thing going with the Glamorous Life series (GL #2 was not only a certified Lab best seller, it's one of the most played mixes in the Lab office EVER) so they went and did the logical thing and made part 3! (About time too, it's been like 4 years since the second one.) Like the previous volumes, the selection is top notch 80's (a great blend of educated sureshots, soulful boogie, garage classics and poppin' funk) and the mixes and cuts are flawless as you would expect. Features tracks from the likes of Zapp, Teena Marie, Midnight Star, Gap Band, Gwen Guthrie. The dudes don't disappoint! 34 tracks, about an hour and 15 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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DJ Koyote & Cuizinier
Women Respond To Bass, Vol.2 CD

When Koyote's first mix - the now-infamous Diamond Grills CD, with partner DJ Goon - dropped last year, it flew off the shelf every time we got a handful of copies in (via an NYC-living, Paris-visitng CD mule friend of Koyote's). But we got our French connection firmed up now, and Koyote's got another mega dose of bass just in time for the warm weather. Women Respond To Bass 2 is hosted by Parisian rap superstar Cuiznier (of TTC) and is laced with the same genre-hopping party vibe that made Diamond Grills such a hit. Ghettotech, Miami bass, house, Southern rap, even a little drum'n'bass - the common thread here is BASS, and lots of it. Alongside classics like "Bounce Dat Azz" and "Baby Got Back," Koyote throws down sick blends, brand new remixes ("Throw Some D's," "Chain Hang Low") and exclusive tracks from Cuizinier, TTC, DJ Nasty and more. Oh yeah, and he gets drops and daps from just about every Ghettotech legend around, so you know this shit is certified! Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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Rong Music
Rong Music Presents Promo Only CD

Rong's "Promo Only" disco re-edit 12" series has been long out of print (and highly sought after), but lucky for you they compiled the "best of" on this limited run CD. The tracklist is an all-star cast of producers and djs in the New Disco circuit, with contributions from the likes of Norway's Prins Thomas, NYC's Rub-N-Tug, SF's 40 Thieves, and more. Quality sounds throughout but check these picks:
"Let's Dance(1)," "Lower Beard Stays The Same(2)," "Everybody Get Down (3)," "Night Of The Elephant(4)," "Freak With Me (In The Mix)(5)," "Nightlife(6)," and "Love Theme NYC(7)." 12 tracks total, and will probably sell out with the quickness so act fast. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Ayres & Tittsworth
Balmer Loosies #3 (Baltimore) CD

T&A Records is back at it with another compilation of unmixed club jams. Ayres and Tittsworth always enlist talented producers on these CDs, but the latest one looks like it was pulled directly off of the Lab bestseller list. Ayres starts things off by teaming up with the Nadastrom boys for a track called "Fired Up(1)." DJ Sega chops up one of the most classic party breaks around on "Everybody Handz Up(2)," while Tittsworth gets his own productions remixed by both Bird Peterson(3) and Sammy Bananas(4). Top Billin' gets in on the act with "Willing(5)," as does the legendary DJ Technics, who contributes his moody remix of Radiohead's "Everything In Its Right Place(6)." Also includes Ayres' remix of James Brown's "Give It Up Or Turn It Loose(7)," which was originally released as part of Gamm's JB remix collection. 16 tracks in all, definitely recommended.
reviewed by Hires


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Soulwax
The Mash-Up Machine CD

No brainer! An UNMIXED collection featuring 15 of the finest mashes from 2 Many DJs' "Get Yer Yo-Yo's Out," "Radio Soulwax" and various other mixes. The Dewaele brothers were among the originators in this whole scene, and their blends are without peer even when they dip into the cheesiest material - who else could make "Bootylicious" sound this good over "Teen Spirit" ("Smells Like Booty(1)")? Salt N Pepa against the Stooges? "Push It Like A Dog(2)" makes this shit sound easy. Other good'uns: "Magnificent Romeo(3)" (The Clash vs. Basement Jaxx), "No Message(4)" (Blackstreet vs. GM Flash), "I Wish I Was A Tiger(5)" (Skee-Lo vs. "Eye of the Tiger"), "So Whatcha Want Your Money(6)" (ODB vs. Beasties). Comes in a full sized jewel case with reversible artwork - one side rips on Kraftwerk, the other is a Beatles bite. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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King Most
Genius Music: Timbaland, The Neptunes & Kanye West CD

Bay Area selector King Most pays tribute to some producers truly deserving of the title "genius." Is there really any doubt at this point that Timbo, 'Ye and the Neps will go down as the Marls, Flashes and Bomb Squads of our time? The CD comes in a noice black-and-gold digipak the mix itself features "60+ minutes of lesser-known bangers and obscure joints from those hip-hop geniuses." Plus appearances by T.I., Outkast, Q-Tip, The Roots, Ghostface, The Clipse and more. We could tell you all the tracks, but you should just buy it and be surprised. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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Neil Armstrong
Sweeet Part 2 CD

If you follow the DJ scene, you know that Neil Armstrong landed the gig as probably the second most visible backing DJ (A-Trizzle still the first). But dude hasn't changed at all. Yeah, he's touring Africa with Hova, but Neil is still putting his heart and soul into his mixes. Not only does he play what feels good (the theme of the mix), he still does all those DJ blends and tricks that made mixtapes great back in the day. 35 tracks, 1 hour, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Vlad & Dirty Harry
Notorious B.I.G. CD

excellent biggie mix

Quite simply, this is the best Biggie tribute CD we've heard. It's broken up into 3 sections: blends, unreleased tracks, and freestyles, with 50 tracks total. The blends section is where it's at- these guys put in work, blending up to 5 beats under some of Biggie's finest. Check out the amped version of "Live At The Garden(1)" over Ante Up and "Nasty Boy(2)" over Rapper's Delight (which I thought came out on 12"). "Hypnotize(3)" gets blended over Oochie Wally, Quiet Storm, Back That Ass Up, and Still Dre. As for the unreleased tracks, the selection is massive (over 25 tracks). "Think Big(4)" with Pudgee and Lord Tariq was always one of my favorites. 8 freestyles round it out, including the "Rap City Freestyle(5)" over Tried By 12. Impressive stuff
reviewed by the mgmnt


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DJ Shadow
Diminishing Returns (Deluxe Reissue) 2CD

Shadow's infamous Diminishing Returns mix is back in a "Last Chance Limited Edition Re-Release" (incase you slept the first time). The hard-to-find 2003 double CD mix (originally less than 1000 were produced) gets deluxe treatment and is now packaged in its entirety in a fancy gatefold digipak. The mix was originally a BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix, but due to the massive response, Shadow decided to press it up himself in a limited batch and sell on his own website. As you would expect the mix is nothing short of amazing, with Shadow showcasing his deep crates working tons of rare old school hip-hop, electro, breaks, crunk, etc. inna Brainfreeze stylee (lots of dynamic cuttin' and scratchin'). Disc two gets busy on the psych rock side of things and even features the previously unreleased Shadow track "War Is Hell." Over 120 minutes of non-stop music. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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DJ Shadow
The 4-Track Era Collection 1990-1992 3CD

rare radio mixes, early tracks, and remixes

Wow. Previously only available in Japan, this incredible triple CD set is a revealing peak into the secret origins of DJ Shadow. Waaay before The Outsider and even Endtroducing, Josh Davis was making already making serious moves, armed with his trusty 4- track and a gang of records. The 4-Track Era Collection fully documents these early years (between 1990 - 1992) when Shadow was showing and proving his live mix skills on local commercial radio (Bay Area's KMEL) (disc 1), showcasing his crazy cut & paste breaks styles on remixes and megamixes for A&R dudes (disc 2), and experimenting with original song production (disc 3). Needless to say this is pretty much essential listening for any Shadow fan, past and present. Here's what the liner notes have to say: "Armed with just a Yamaha MT-100 4-Track cassette recorder, a stack of vinyl, and an overwhelming belief in the progressive emergence of Hip-Hop music, DJ Shadow stitched together hours of musical thought. Some sketches wewre elaborate and articulate, others brief and oblique. The common thread is experimentation, but not without adhering to the basic principles of what made Hip-Hop so revolutionary, ie: have fun. Say something important. Add on to the culture, but let your own voice be heard. These volumes reveal what Shadow was saying at a time when only a few could listen... until now." Highly Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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DJ Jayceeoh
Super 7, Vol.1 (Benzi, Platurn, Eleven, Morse Code, B.Cause, Steve1der) CD

An ambitious mix concept from the BK-residing Jayceeoh, one half of The Masters who brought us last year's Ace In The Hole CD. Super 7 combines the talents of Jayceeoh with a half-dozen other forward-thinking producers/DJs from the east, west and middle bits of our great nation (most of whom we've actually carried mixes from here at das Lab). Representing Cali, we got LA's Morse Code and Steve1der, plus the Bay's Platurn (of Oakland Faders crew) and B.Cause. For NYC, there's The Rub's starting center DJ Eleven, and holding it down for Michigan is the mixtape don DJ Benzi. Each dude contributed a 10-minute megamix of their own blends, remixes, edits, etc., which Jayceeoh then wove into this 52 track, 73 minute beast. The styles are all over the place with a healthy dose of rap as the anchor - I'd list out all the artists, but with the names attached, you know you can trust their ears. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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Idjut Boys
Press Play CD

One of the most acclaimed and well executed compilations of 2005. The Idjut not only select an incredible, vinyl junkies' set, but they also re-edit, tweak, and customize the selections. Lab heads will dig the diverse styles ranging from the balleric disco of Lindstrom, the new school soul of Plant Life and The Rebirth, classic funk from Etta James and Cedar Walton (the latter provides a synthesizer cover of the War classic), electro from Harry Thurman, blues rock from The Willis (a hilarious cover of Cameo's "Word Up"), rock from Haircut 100, HGSOB from Kathy Diamond and Arsenal, plus several tracks from artists we've never heard of. Reminds me a bit of our original Monk's Dream mix. Super DJ bonus too, as the tracks are not fully mixed, so you can play these versions out. 17 tracks in all. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Koushik
In the Middle Of The Night CD

Subtitled "A Mellow Mix By Koushik," this selection represents a now forgotten mode of mix making: taking your favorite moments in your crate and presenting them in a unforced fashion. Released from the chains of bpms, sample tracks, snippet drum breaks, or hot new shit, this mix really sounds like a mix from a friend. Except this friend has an incredible record collection of music you've never heard before. He doesn't reveal artists but there's some great rock, soul, and lots of mystery. 28 tracks, exceptional.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Scott Melker
Knockin' Boots CD

It's the day before Halloween and chilly winter evenings are already in full effect here in the BK, which means more nights inside one's drafty-ass apartment spent nuzzled up with the significant other to retain body warmth. I can't think of a better mix to have playing at the crib than this new one from our man Melker: Knockin' Boots is packed front-to-back with 30+ classic (and shoulda-been classic) 90s rnb joints, that real babymakin' music like they don't make no more. I mean, when a mix kicks off with the trio of "Bump N' Grind," "Feenin'" and "One In A Million," you know you're in for it. Includes serious jams from Keith Sweat, Shai, Johnny Gill, Monica, Ginuwine, TLC, Usher, Brian McKnight, Silk, SWV, H-Town, Aaliyah, K-Ci & JoJo, Janet, Bell Biv Devoe, Tevin Campbell, Mint Condition Blackstreet and more. Awesome artwork too. 31 tracks; 73 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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Edwin 'Stats' Houghton & Jamal Ali
48 Hours In Transit CD

The Lab's own Jamal Ali and FADER contributor Edwin "Stats" Houghton (collectively, Stats & Black) team up to present us with 68 minutes of globe-trotting goodness in support of Triple 5 Soul's Subscript imprint. This mix was recorded live back in 2002, pre-Ableton days, and the disc itself comes housed in an ornate red-and-gold faux silk sleeve - real classy, just like these two gents. The diverse selections are mixed flawlessly, moving without effort between samba and rap, jazz and dancehall, etc. No info, no tracklisting, just pop the CD in and let the dudes take you on a trip. Features artists like Q-Tip, Carl Craig, D'Angelo, Metro Area, Dave Kelly, The Juan Maclean, Mos Def, Beenie Man (as remixed by Panjabi Hit Squad), Jay Dee, Sly & Robbie, Gilberto Gil... 28 tracks; 68 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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Green Lantern & Nas
The Nigger Tape CD

Firstly, I am going to refer to the word that is the title of this mixtape as "ninja" throughout this review. Why wouldn't I use it you ask? Because I'm white and I've got no right. Yes, the word is powerful and has deep roots in this country. And yes, Nas tried to name his most recent and eventually "Untitled" album with this single incendiary, sometimes overused, often misunderstood word. And yes, this mixtape lives up to the hype and acclaim it has received for it's raw examanation of the history, context, and complexity of the word "ninja" which basically parallels the experience of being Black in Amerikkka. From the jump, this shit bangs and makes me wonder why Nas can't capture this energy or get quality productions like this for an entire album. His style is still illmatic and I can't help but think when I'm listening to something like Game's first album (for example) that Nas should be able to get a crop of beats of that caliber. Am I wrong? Listen to the hunger and clarity as Nas spits over the Green Lantern produced "Gangsta Rap" Remix. I honestly think he is the realest in the game. So intelligent and so self-actualized. I wasn't blown away by "Hero" when it came out, but something about listening to it in this setting is giving me the chills. He really takes the "blood of a slave, heart of a king" theme and weaves it into the fabric of this mix from beginning to end. I don't need to say anything about "Black President," just buy this so you can listen to it. "N.I.G.G.E.R. (Slave and Master)" is another spine chiller. Toomp's "Can't Tell Me Nothing"-like cinematic drama sounds even richer with content atop it. Not that Kanye talking about getting his money right isn't compelling, but with lines like "Cause any time we mention our condition, our history, our existence, they calling it reverse racism," Nas shows that his militant mind has only become sharper with age. "Be a Nigger Too" Remix also shines with this jewel, "Not mad cause Eminem said "ninja," cause he's my "ninja" wigger cracker friend. We all black within." Throughout the mix, he does an amazing job of speaking plainly about how far we've come and how long we still have to go. Green Lantern also puts this all together masterfully with choice and poignant sound clips from a number of great Black comedians and actors which a beautiful closing clip from the late great Richard Pryor. With production from Green Lantern, Polow, Toomp, Salaam Remi and quality guest spots from Sticman (Dead Prez), Joell Ortiz, and Keri Hilson, there is not a weak moment on here. If you crave the energy of "Illmatic" with the maturity of "Untitled" this is where you'll find it. Now that Obama is in office, American racism has not disappeared. It has just become more complex. Here's to the beautiful struggle ahead. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Tkat


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Matthew Africa
Hard As Fuck #4 CD

This is one of those cases where the title really says it all. Serg of Beer & Rap / So Many Shrimp enlisted one of our favorite mixtape dudes, Matthew Africa, for the fourth round in the "Hard As Fuck" series and the man from the Bay sure delivered. Matthew crams over 30 rugged (mostly) Dirty South tracks into this mix, from the likes of Project Pat, David Banner, Al Kapone, Trick Trick, Lil Jon, Grandaddy Souf, Too $hort, Geto Boys, Criminal Manne, Yo Gotti, 404 Soldierz, Jeezy, UGK and on and on. If you've heard Mr. Africa (his real name, btw) via his Kells or $hort CDs, you know this man doesn't half-step on his mixes. Bump this. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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Purple Brain
RVNG Presents: MX7 (Bumrocks) 7" + CD

mind-melting psychedelic mix with 7" and poster

Well lookee here. Another limited edition package from those cool guys at RVNG. Awesomely designed package, fold out poster, CD AND 7"... damn these dudes are good (but by now, would you expect anything less?). The latest installment in their mix series comes from Andre Bumrocks (of the infamous Bumrocks blog) and Jason Convict! who join forces to bring you the Purple Brain - a sound that'll melt your mind for real. From the deepest, strangest, darkest depths of their record collections comes an intensely captivating mix that will take over your soul if you let it. The sounds of heavy disco rock, afro-psych, experimental synth noodling, and all sorts of cosmic outings are blended together and accented with samples and sound collages for a truly out-there experience. As a bonus, you also get a 7" with 2 edits from the mix and an original composition and that cool fold out poster i mentioned earlier (21" x 28") that is equally spaced-out. Only 1033 pressed. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / and more

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DJ O-Dub
Deep Covers #2 CD

Our old homie O-Dub back at it again! Mr. Wang keeps rolling with his "covers" obsession (see also: Deep Cover #1, Soul Sides V.2: The Covers) but this time he's taken it international with versions of everyone from Iron Butterfly to Fatback Band, from just about every corner of the planet. Can you imagine what a Polish cover of Bill Withers' "Use Me" sounds like? Or a Peruvian stab at Ballin' Jack? How about a Guyanese reggae band doing "Sweet Caroline?" If, like me, your answer to all the above is "no, but I'd like to," you need this mix in your life. O-Dub keeps it simple, tasteful and on-point with the mixing, no need for fancy wicky-wicky. (Though there is a Colombian cover of "Wicky Wacky.") 20 track mix, plus three bonus tracks from some fallen idols (Jimmy McGriff, Bo Diddley, James Brown). 71 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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DJ Jayceeoh
Super 7, Vol.2 (Fashen, Illo, Spider, Excel, Bladerunners, Vin Sol) CD

Jayceeoh's first "Super 7" mixtape was a big hit at the lab, so we got pretty excited to see the sequel make its way onto our shelves. For round two, Jayceeoh assembled a brand new, cosmopolitan all-star team to tear things up, including DJ Fashen (Phoenix), DJ Illo (Ottawa), DJ Spider (LA), DJ Excell (Philly), Bladerunners (Boston) and Vin Sol(San Francisco). Each DJ gets about 10 minutes to do what they do best, and with this crew that means lots of blends and raps, with a little bit of Bmore and dance thrown in for good measure. Some people are already naming this as a mix of the year contender, and it's no surprise when you consider the personnel involved. All in all there's 65 tracks, totaling 72 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires


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Herve
Ghetto Bass 2CD

It's about time that the fidget-electro-dub-bass scene got a time capsule, and who better to provide one than this guy? On this dookie double disc set, Herve creates the mix to end all mixes of this genre. He compiles many of the scene's biggest tracks (so many Lab bestsellers) and mixes it into a cohesive two hour balls to wall rave. It's too easy to name drop on this one, but just check the artists, remixers, and producers represented. 35 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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J-Rocc
James Brown & Friends CD

J-Rocc has always destroyed James Brown records with his mix tricks, now we get a whole CD of it. Never heard JB mixed this smoothly or cohesively. This is really a no-brainer purchase. I'm gonna have to borrow a Woodman tag for this one: Pure Hot Fire. 27 tracks. RECOMMENDED.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Dimitri From Paris
Night Dubbin': A Dubbed Out Collection Of Classic 80's Dance Music 3CD

classic 80's dance dub mixes compiled with Idjut Boys mix

DFP and BBE strike again! You should already know about Dimitri From Paris' infallible disco selection from BBE's Disco Forever comp (or the fact he has been DJin disco and house for 25+ years), but this time the Frenchman shares his love for the 80's dub mix over 2CDs of unmixed(!) vintage dance goodness. The selection focuses on the B- sides of classic 80's R&B boogie, funk, and electro disco 12"s, where the remixer took control and dubbed out the track to make it easier (and more fun) to mix and groove to on the dancefloor. This was a crucial point in dance music as legends like Francois K, Larry Levan, Tee Scott, Shep Pettibone, John Morales & Sergio Muzibai (M&M), and others took influence from the Jamaica's dub producers and boldy stretched the boundaries of traditional club music by stripping down vocal versions and rebuilding the arrangements with then-new methods and techniques. This is a sound that has influenced so much of today's dance music, it's great someone has finally put together a proper compilation - and who better than DFP? Enjoy the sounds of "You're My Number One Dub(1)" by Radiance (M&M mix), "The Key Dub(2)" by Wuf Ticket (Francois K mix), "You Don't Know Special Remix(3)" by Serious Intention (Paul Simpson mix), "Somebody New Dub(4)" by Jamaica Girls (Larry Levan mix), "Groove It To Your Body Instrumental (5)" by Michael Wilson (Francois K mix), "Steppin Out Jam Dub(6)" by Cloud, "Thug Rock Dub(7)" by Sandy Kerr (M&M mix), and Affinity's "Don't Go Away Remix" and "Changes Remix(x)" by Imagination mixed by Dimitri himself. And if that wasn't enough, you also get a spaced-out mix of 80's dance dubs by the Idjut Boys on the 3rd disc. All in a fancy package with very extensive liner notes (including Q&A's with the original remixers featured on the comp). Obviously Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Lil Wayne & DJ Drama
Dedication Vol.2 CD

all-time classic hip-hop mixtape

This (along with Da Drought 3) is widely considered as Lil Wayne's finest mixtape album. Released in 2006, Dedication finds Weezy at the ripe moment when his synapses were firing at full speed, but before he met the aliens and drank their special juices. Like an athlete in his prime, Wayne is at a perfect balance here, straddling the line between utmost creativity and efficient lucidity. 25 tracks including Wayne speeches, over an hour. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Mister Cee
The Best Of Redman CD

staple mix of hits, rarities, and freestyles

With his Best Of series, Cee had the knack of chopping down 5 years of someone's rapping career into one, extra-potent, easily digestible mix of hits, freestyles, and rarities. This Redman mix still stands as one his best and maybe deserves a mention in the all-time list (Tape Kingz' Iain McNee's named it in his 10 Greatest Mixtapes of All-Time). With Red way past his musical prime, this Cee tape is the best means to re-live Red's pitbull energy, weed references, and clever rhyme-style. Man, if Red could have brought it like this all the time, he might be mentioned with those other BK legends. This mix includes all of Red's best material pre-Muddy Waters with an equal mix of his hits and rarities. Cee's special touches include pairing the remix with the original (ie. Tonight's The Night) and digging up rare collabos like "The Points" featuring the massive lineup of Biggie, Coolio, Big Mike, Doodlebug, Buckshot, and Red. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt


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Unabombers
Electric Chair Saved My Life CD

I had to pick up the mix of this full length mix after the 12" sampler became a surprise Lab bestseller. Electric Chair was an acclaimed party that ran for 10 years straight in Manchester, England. Helmed by the Unabombers, the party was known for its surprise guests and super-eclectic selection. Just imagine how good this mix is going to be? The best tracks from 10 years of parties? Judging by the first five tracks alone, I'm taken. The gem of the aforementioned sampler, Shut Up And Dance's "Blackmen United" sets it off, followed by a Fila Brazilia remix, going into a Larry Levan mix, into a Human League instrumental, into Metro Area... sick. And it's all seamlessly blended. The selection only gets more diverse and record nerdy... it's deep. 18 tracks, over one hour. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Izza Kizza & Nick Catchdubs
Kizzaland CD

A New Jersey transplant and product of Valdosta, GA, Izza Kizza recently signed to Timbaland's Mosley Music imprint. But before he drops the o-fish-al major label debut, he's teamed with Fool's Gold co-founder and all around good guy Nick Catchdubs for this little preview of things to come. If you haven't heard Kizza's hyperactive, stuttering rhymes, you're in for a treat - I can't really think of any reference for dude's style, it's just that unique. (Closest comparison would be those other two "eccentric" guys from Georgia, I guess...) The beats are better than your average mixtape too, mostly thanks to Kizza's NJ collaborators Souldiggaz, as well as Koolade and hyphy maestro Trackademicks. There's even a lil cameo from Missy Elliot, and a nice freestyle over a slew of Timbo beats. 19 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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V/A
Tectonic Plates Vol.2 (Flying Lotus, Skream, Martyn, Joker, Benga) 2CD

recommended dubstep label compilation

The highly anticipated second edition of Tectonic Plates is finally here! If you're a dubstep head you already know what this is (and have probably been waiting months for it). A brief description for the uninitiated - UK's Tectonic label has been at the forefront of the dubstep scene, consistently releasing quality tunes that push the boundaries of the sound all the while maintaining an ear to the pulse of the underground. After the success of the first volume and a string off proper 12"s, Tectonic drops the massive second volume of heavyweight plates from an all-star cast of producers. The unmixed disc compiles tracks from the Croydon dubstep kings Skream ("Trapped In A Dark Bubble(1") and Benga ("Technocal(2)"), Dutchman Martyn
("Yet(3)"), minimal dubstep head 2562 ("Kontrol(4)"), producer on the rise Joker ("Untitled_rsn(5)"), and LA-beat futurist Flying Lotus ("Glendale Galleria(6)"). In addition to the 12 unmixed tracks, you also get a thorough mixed disc of the labels recent works - fulled blended and rinsed by Pinch. Necessary listening for dubstep heads. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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DJ Muro
Taste Of Chocolate: White Muro CD

jazzy, smooth breaks mix

Muro absolutely kills it. The distinguished DJ from Japan does it again with a killer selection that'll get the digger's looking for tracklists AND get the ladies' panties moist! Now that's pretty hard to accomplish on a mix, but of course Muro can do it. The Taste Of Chocolate features uber grown and sexy jammers, smooth jazz breaks, and even easy listening joints that sound so damn good. Put this on with your lady friend after the club and call it a WRAP. This is not your average breaks mix, it's much better. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Ron G
Whole Decade Of Blends CD

hip-hop and rnb blends from the 90s

Ron G may not be a household name, but in these parts, he's known as the mixtape king. Along with Tony Touch, Doo Wop, and Mister Cee, Kid Capri, Ron G held down NYC's mixtape game for most of the nineties. And amongst his peers, Ron was best known for his blends. This was way before the mash-up scene and the proliferation of home studios... Ron concocted these blends on a multi-track with no advanced editing (and usually without the acapella). You can hear Ron scratch the beats in with all the record burn static from all the practicing that went into making these blends. This mix features 28 of Ron's best blends from 1990-2000. There's plenty of groundbreaking moments like his early blends of MJ, Phil Collins, and various dance classics. Yeah, some of these wouldn't fly if they came out today, but you can't fake the authenticity and character of these tracks (or the Ron G shouts). Purely NYC. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt


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Omar-S
Fabric #45 CD

detroit techno and house mix

Yeah, yeah... underground dj heads have been up on Omar-S for a minute, but this is a huge step into the spotlight for one of Detroit's finest. Omar-S is in the same school as Theo Parrish when it comes to DIY white label culture, so it was surprising to see his official Fabric mix (props to them). But as expected, Omar doesn't give into convention as he drops a 16 track mix of his own music (double royalties!). About half the them are unreleased, and the other half consist of the greatest hits from his FXHE label. 1.2 hours, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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