TURNTABLE LAB

Aaron LaCrate & Debonair Samir
B-More Gutter, Vol.2 EP

Volume 2 of B-More Gutter Music from Aaron Lacrate and Debonaire Samir and Don Rimini. Before you start clicking around for tracks to slay your next hype show with, do yourself a favor and click on the Verb! freestyle(1). He's a Baltimore club rapper that rips the mic live for like 3 tracks in a row. I support the live element all the way and that shit was kinda incredible. Other than that, look out for the hot nu-rave Baltimore track by Don Rimini ft. Verb(2). It's straight nutso. Other highlights include, the "B-more Boppers(3)" track, sampling the doo wop vocals from "Blue Moon" and the Cameo "Word Up" B-more track "Sucka DJ's(4)." It takes the "Sucka DJ's" part and makes it into an insane dancefloor edit that's long overdue. Also includes some real Baltimore style street skits and coast to coast shout out tracks.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / milkcrate

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Ayres
I Like Make Dance EP

Ayres proves once again that he like make dance of all kind with this diverse EP of dance / house remixes and edits. The A-side keeps it more current with Kid Sister's "Pro Nails" vs. Surkin's "Radio Fireworks(1)," Masters At Work's "Work" vs. South Rakkas' Chinkuzi riddim(2) and a drumline remix of Pharrell & Twista's "Give It Up(3)" (a team-up with Canada's Smalltown DJs). The B-side is focused on house classics, including Bmore edits of Lidell Townsell's "Nu Nu(4)" and 4Hero's "Mr. Kirk's Nightmare(5)," and a seriously beautiful club version of Black Box's "Everybody Everybody(6)." Are those sleestaks on the center label? More ammo for your crate from Ayres. Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / dance remixes / reviewer recommended / and more

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Ayres & Tittsworth
Ultimate T&A (A-Trak) EP

First they dropped the Ayres & Titties Bmore megamix on Money Studies. Then it was the first ever Bmore battle record on A-Trak's Ammo Records. Tittsworth & DJ Ayres continue their themed release dominance with the new one on their own T&A Records, Ultimate T&A. Grey market Bmore remixes collide with grey market breaks compilations, as Titts & Ayres & Co. flip the Ultimate Breaks & Beats theme and rework some fonky classics. On the A-side, "Go Back(1)" has Ayres chopping the Jimmy Castor Bunch to bits, then gluing them back together with hard claps and nasty horn stabs. A-Trak's version of "Sir Duke(2)" is spot on - not too goofy, not trying too hard to be hype. (The subtle, unexpected cuts on the hook are a nice touch.) Tittsworth finishes the A-side with his mix of Ray Charles' "Georgia(3)," then starts off the flip with the EWF classic "September(4)." There's something about Tittsworth and Earth Wind & Fire - they just go together. The best is saved for last though, as DJ Eli (yes, of Fondle 'Em fame!) reworks James Brown on "Papa(5)" and Bamabounce (aka DJ Taj) brings the house down with Minnie Ripperton's "Lovin' You(6)." Artwork by Burlesque's Mike 2600. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / dance remixes / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

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Bobmo
3000% Yes EP

French whiz kid Bobmo returns with three tracks of full-on electro damage (not Norwegian black metal covers of AM radio favorites, as the cover would suggest). A-side has the heavy raver "Rock The(1)" and skiddish acid synth workout "Legally Dead For 4'31(2)," but the B-side wins again with the echoey and extra-choppy "Get 'Em Junior(3)." Chalk another one up for Institubes.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / ed banger + institubes + related

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Bobmo
To The Bobmobile (Kazey & Bulldog Remix) 10"

Limited green vinyl 10" from Institubes featuring the standout track from Bobmo's debut EP, the quasi-Bmore stylings of "To The Bobmobile(1)." The real gold is on the B-side (actually, the "K" side) which has an exclusive remix from Kazey & Bulldog(2), who bring the track into REAL Bmore club territory (or as real as a club track from France can get) with some Samir-style horns. Great pic sleeve, too - take a minute and decode. Plays at 45.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / ed banger + institubes + related / vinyl - sale

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Cousin Cole & Pocketknife
Tougher Than Featherz EP

club friendly remixes

Flagrant Fowl's first record of remixes was majorly slept-on. Here's another chance to get in early with some seriously hyped tracks that have been blasting off the decks of The Rub, Scottie B, Them Jeans, and others. There's so much madness, it's hard to pick where to start. I'll start with the R.Kelly "Ignition" section. First up, Pocketknife blends(1) the original "Ignition" over "Wild Thing" beats; this is a staple material for the clubs. Next, Cousin Cole comes in with a B-More remix(2) of the "Ignition" remix, aka one of the greatest modern rnb songs ever. In a delicious twist of genres, Cousin Cole edits(3) up the Jesus And Mary Chain classic "Just Like Honey," which gained a second life through the Lost In Translation OST. The "Black Betty" B-More remix(4), also by Cole, is probably the most hyped track on here, as it's been getting tons of advance play. Lastly, check the "My Love" B-More edit(5), that flips a TI line. 7 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / baltimore - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / reviewer recommended / and more

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Curtis Vodka
Hook N Sling EP

fidget-bmore remix, jack house, electro-acid

Curtis Vodka does the improbable by remixing(1) the Nawlins funk 45 classic "Hook N Sling" into a Dubsided-style fidget slash Bmore track. Might sound blasphemous, but if you look into how the original digger-centric message boards have evolved into things like the Hollerboard, it makes sense. Also includes a jack house tribute "Jack That Body(2)," an electro-acid track "Lift Me Up(3)" and a DMX Krew remix(4).
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / various K-Z

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Dave Nada
Apocalypse Theme EP

bmore, electro and even a little minimal techno

Round two from Nada and T&A, this one features some seriously dark bmore/electro/tech hybrids. "Apocalypse Theme(1)" is full of break beats, vacuum synths and a Misfits vocal sample that unleashes hell in the middle of the track. Dubstep maestros 12th Planet and Fitch jump on the remix(2) for that one, adding some wobble-wobble bass and syncopated drums to keep things moving. "Drummer's Rock(3)" edges a bit closer to traditional Bmore territory, featuring synth horns and a vocal sample from Kanye's "Good Life." For the last track, Nada enlists his production partner Matt Nordstrom to remix "Inner Midget(4)," and together they turn it into a nice grooving, minimal track. Comes packaged in a great looking pic sleeve (you and I both know that the guys at T&A are never ones to skimp on quality), muy recommendo.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / dubstep + grime - vinyl / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Dave Nada
Kick Out The Jams EP

The sixth release from the en fuego T&A Records comes courtesy of Baltimore's own Dave Nada. If you don't know Dave, he's played in a bunch of hardcore bands around the Bmore/DC area, produced with one of the guys from Q & Not U under the name Rubber Bullets, and now holds it down as a resident at Taxlo with his DJ partner, Tittsworth. The six heavy Bmore remixes here not only feature some sick production from Mr. Nada, but also some original synth work(!) a la Blaqstarr or old Samir shit. A-side has the MC5 remix "Kick Out The Jams(1)," the Biggie-sampling "Where Brooklyn At(2)" and the Queen / Ying Yang jumble "Fat Bottom Girl(3)." B-side wins, however, with remixes of Unk's "Back It Up(4)" and Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "Spell On You(5)," plus "Bonus Beats," featuring crisp Bmore drums and some of that tasty synth.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
baltimore - vinyl

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Diplo
Blow Your Head (with FREE MP3 Download) EP

diplo reworks the jbs into madness

Now on vinyl! Each copy includes a code redeemable for a high quality (320kbps) MP3 download of the full EP. Diplo's first proper solo release on Mad Decent is major. He finally delivers his version of the JB classic "Blow Your Head(1)." We first heard this mutant - half breed - mongoloid a couple years back on a Mad Decent Radio mix, but it's been under wraps since. Wicked wicked drums is all I have to say. "Must Be A Devil(2)" has a spaghetti western feel about it, another one of Diplo's strange concoctions that creeps into your brain. (It's a sort of rework of Pixies' "Hey" with ex-Bonde Do Role frontwoman Marina on vocals.) On the flip we get four remixes of "Wassup Wassup" featuring rising Bmore vocalist Rye Rye. I think DJ Sega(3) takes the honors amongst the big names (Crookers, Bart Bmore), watch for this kid.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / vinyl with free mp3

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Diplo
Get Off (Blaqstarr, Jack Beats, Rob3) 12"

reissue of the popular Serato collaboration

For all of you guys who slept on the pink Serato version of this one, Mad Decent has come to the rescue with a reissue. No, it won't play your MP3z but they did hook up a new remix from Jack Beats(1) to make this one an extra mouth-watering release. Mr. Beats crafts a glitchy fidget monster, chopping up Blaqstarr's buttery vocals over some big organ chords before unleashing some huge basslines. Of course, the original(2), the Rob3 remix(3) and the bonus beats(4) from the first round are included here as well. Four tracks total, recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Disco D
Let's Hug It Out Bitch 12"

Got some limited quantities back in stock on this b-more anthem from last year, celebrating Ari's signature line from Entourage: "you wanna hug it out? c'mon you little bitch." In typical Baltimore fashion, those lines repeat chant-like all the way through with cool little responses from E, Turtle and the gang. I think Pete called this "too perfect and one of the last true joys in my life aside from wantedlist.com and fantasy sports..." Includes the full extended mix, a shorter edit, and the acapella.

reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / vinyl - sale

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DJ Ayres
T&A Breaks Vol.2 LP

Ayres comin' atcha for round two with another huge helping of Bmore club breaks, loops and samples. Think of this as your go-to tool box for Bmore club - this thing has it all. Tons of drum loops, melodies, breaks, and acapellas are at your disposal for production or live remixes. Like the first volume (which was a certified Lab best-seller), you get 60 loops total at a constant 133BPM for easy mixing and doubles rocking. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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DJ Blaqstarr
Shake It To The Ground Remixes (Switch & Claude VonStroke) 12"

Ok, this is Mad Decent's most loaded release to date. Not only did Diplo call in the Justice League of Remixers, but we stepped up our artwork game (so clean!) and the vinyl mixes sound really, really good. If you got Blaqstarr's Supastarr EP, you know he's not your typical Bmore producer. No gimmick tracks here, just dark, crazy original production. "Shake It To The Ground(1)" has been begging for remixes from the start, with its minimal beat and 17-year old Rye Rye's crazy flow. Current remix king Switch and Santogold(2) team up for a fucking bonkers kuduro-flavored mix, which interpolates... well, you'll know when you hear it. Drop The Lime's remix(3) has been getting tons of play - I used to think this dude was all Kid606, but this is hot as hell and totally ready for the club. All this, plus a dirty, bassy mix from SF's Claude VonStroke(4). Comes packaged in the standard Mad Decent sleeve with sticker & artwork by Rory Them Finest. Only 2,000 copies produced. Ummm... recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / dubstep + grime - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / fidget house: switch + sinden + herve + jesse rose + dubsided / and more

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DJ Blaqstarr
Supastarr EP

New Mad Decent! Are you ready for this? Blaqstarr's style of Baltimore club is a little different from the gimmicky cut-and-paste joints that're dominating the Lab these days. I think Diplo called it "violent, futuristic soul music," and I can't say I disagree. Right off the bat, "Supastarr(1)" has gotta be one of the most unique club tracks I've heard, with Blaqstarr's one-of-a-kind vocals riding over an ever-evolving beat that's punctuated with gunshots and Lil Jon shouts. Speaking of gunshots, the beat to "Tote It(2)" is made almost completely out of them, but it really feels like more of an interlude/DJ tool here, leading into the absolutely killer "Shake It To The Ground(3)." Rye Rye absolutely murders the minimal beat from Blaqstarr – I've heard people compare her voice to the girl from "Chicken Noodle Soup," but Rye Rye makes Young B sound like John Brown (hallelujah, holla back). Flip this thing over and you're greeted by our personal sleeper pick from the EP, "Check Me Out Like(4)." You also get "Rockstarrz(5)" (with secret guest vocals – the group he used to be in rhymes with "Dru Hill"), the hypnotic and awesome "Automatic Lover(6)" and a Rye Rye acapella from "Shake It To The Ground." DJs, take note: this will throw a little spice into your stagnant Bmore set, and Blaqstarr's minimal arrangements are perfect for mixing. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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DJ Eli
Money Lotion, Vol.4 EP

DJ Eli is the DJ's champ. Most every big name club DJ has some of his remixes in their arsenal. And for good reason: Eli's remixes are unparalleled. Sometimes he'll build a completely new song from a popular acapella, sometimes he'll use just the right amount of editing and extra drums to give a classic track some extra punch in the club. The latest volume in our Money Lotion series (for the working DJ!) features six of Eli's most requested remixes: "Juicy(1)" (Eric B & Rakim's "Know The Ledge"), a massive edit of Cassie's "Me & U(2)," "Voices(3)" (The Police's "Voices Inside My Head"), a slow-burning new disco take on Feist's "One Evening(4)," "I Will Be With You Again(5)" (U2's "New Year's Day") and "If You Need A Friend(6)," an edit of the Lab best-seller "The Promise" by When In Rome. This is the first time any of Eli's "whitelabel" remixes have been pressed on wax, and Money Lotion volumes are known for selling out anyway, so get 'em while they're hot. Limited pressing, Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
bestsellers / new wave + no wave + electro / baltimore - vinyl / and more

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Dwizz
Party Music (Philly) EP

Part time producer / part time South Philly High School football star Dwizz drops his debut EP on Flamin' Hotz (who brought you Curtis Vodka, Emynd & Bo Bliz, Trouble & Bass). Dwizz's type of "party music" sounds like pitched-up Bmore with bits of ghettotech and lots of energy - Philly's loving it. "Salt Pepper Ketchup & Hot Sauce(1)" - as in "whatchu want on your wings, gurl?" - is already a club anthem over there. (The beat's a hybrid of "Percolator," gunshots and paranoid electro-strings.) Dwizz gets a little more booty bass going on "Toot That(2)," which samples "Pop Lock & Drop It," but mis-steps a bit on "Feelin' So Horny." (Hey, the kid's in high school...) Couple more club-worthy cuts on the B-side: Dwizz chops up MIMS for "I'm Hot(3)," and his "Goodtimes(4)" remix can stand toe-to-toe with Tittsworth's "Jeffersons." Nice artwork and pic sleeve from Flamin' Hotz as always.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / dubstep + grime - vinyl / ghettotech + bass - vinyl

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Fully Fitted
Re-Edits (XXXchange, Pase Rock, Amanda Blank) EP

remixes by the Fully Fitted crew

Led by Spank Rock producer XXXchange and featuring the talents of Amanda Blank, Pase Rock (Five Deez), !!!'s Tyler Pope, and Sylvia of Kudu, the Fully Fitted crew has been steady infiltrating clubs this year, and the takeover can only get stronger with this, their official debut release on Money Studies. Leading off with an intro from French rap clown prince The Genevan Heathen, the EP hits the ground running with a remix of DJ Class' blazing, "Rump Shaker" horn-sampling "Roll It(1)" with Pase on vocals (instrumental also included). XXXchange's dirty south / French electro hybrid "100 Million(2)" is sure to blow some heads; ditto for his rework of house favorite "He Not In(3)," which features insane original synth work and even some dancehall flavoring. And that's just the A-side! Every wondered how Paul Simon would fare in a grimy Bmore club? Chipset & Devlin give you the answer on the much anticipated "50 Ways(4)," which has literally been years in the making and now features a verse from fellow Spank Rock associate Ms. Blank. (Got the instrumental for that one, too.) The terrifying trio of XXX, Devlin & Darko round things out with the extra hype party break "New Day(5)," and "Shake It(6)," which transforms DJ Blaqstarr's "Shake It To The Ground" into a Rong-style slow burner. Pic sleeve designed by PH. Definitely recommended.
reviewed by el generico

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Hollertronix
#9 (Diplo, Buraka Som Sistema) EP

afro-themed remixes

Angolan takeover! The penultimate volume in the Holler saga has a decidedly Kuduro slant and features remixes from Portugal's Kuduro kingpins Buraka Som Sistema, Angola's DJ Znobia, Radioclit and, of course, the dino-man. Buraka's remix of Skream's "Blipstream(1)" and "rewire" of Missy Elliot's "Work It(2)" hit the mark spot-on, but it's their 6+ minute collab with Diplo on "Um Milhao(3)" that's gonna be crushin' heads. (Love the super extendo intro, and Weezy just sounds dope over the fast-paced Kuduro beat.) Znobia flips Switch's "A Bit Patchy" and Jr. Reid's "One Blood" into the party break "Patchy Luanda(4)," and Radioclit come strong with their tasteful and bumping Fischerspooner remix, "Africa Emerge(5)." There's a reason these things are never around long... Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / dubstep + grime - vinyl / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Jaimie Fanatic
Whats Happening To Ya (Say Wut Remix) 12"

What you know about Jaimie Fanatic? The Dutch house bad boy is the latest addition to the Mad Decent fam, and though this is his debut release on the label, he is by no means a newbie to the game (just check his discogs entry). Take a listen to the hybrid dance styles of "What's Happening(1)" and it's obvious dude has had plenty of experience rocking the massive crowds. A killer combination of house, electro, fidget, and even some bmore elements make this one huge with the likes of Diplo, Switch, Laidback Luke and Armand Van Helden. Speaking of bmore though, Unruly representer Say Wut turns in a hard hitting bmore remix(1) of the track that's sure to tear the roof off. Also check "Someone To Count On(2)," which takes up the entire b-side on the more minimal vocal house tip. Recommended.

reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Juiceboxxx & Dre Skull
Center Stage (Curses! & Farley Jackmaster Remixes) 12"

Juiceboxxx & Dre Skull are back with another bar burner now on wax! From the get go, Juiceboxxx's signature "Master of Ceremony" party raps quickly command the dance floor to get down (which is probably why Sinden just dropped it on his Essential Mix). Makes me want to do the Roger Rabbit. Curses! from Trouble & Bass starts his remix(2) in a more contemplative dance mode than usual but forgoes that quickly for butt-rock guitars and shakey-face wobbly basslines, while Chicago house legend Farley Jackmaster(!) does the deep and jacking thing(4) that makes my soul feel good. Incredible cover art too... you can feel the energy radiations!
reviewed by Rezound

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / various A-J / reviewer recommended / and more

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Juiceboxxx & Dre Skull
Sweat (DJ Technics & XXXchange Remixes) 12"

Surprise party anthem from Milwaukee MC Juiceboxxx and Brooklyn's own Dre Skull. The original mix(1) is pure dumb fun with infectious vocals from Juice and a beat that's somewhere between Baltimore, 90s house and disco. Baltimore godfather Technics puts down a rare official remix(2) with a grown'n'sexy tint and some dope-ass horns. Spank Rock producer (or ex-Spank Rock producer??) XXXchange's mix(3) features some absolutely blazin' synths and even more blazin' cowbells, while Dre Skull's "Dusted Bass Mix(4)" is exactly that – a stripped down take with only bass, synths and minimal drums left intact. Comes in a fancy painted pic sleeve, too. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / various A-J / reviewer recommended / and more

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Karizma
K2 Beats Vol.2 (Think, Strings Of Life) 12"

In the DJ world, nothing is stronger than word of mouth and Karizma is one of the most talked about DJ's on the scene. I go to France and it's "have you heard of Karizma?" Or "you should have seen Karizma and the Martinez Bros kill it on CDJ's." I just can't seem to escape him these days. Look him up on youtube and you'll know why. This is his second volume of his K2 beats, bringing you 2 dance edits for your next mix session. "Annihilate(1)" is a long burning track flipping the infamous "it takes to make a thing go right" sample used by Rob Base, over a funky afrobeat groove. (Snack and I think the "Annihilate" sample could be from Mortal Kombat.) "String'd Out(2)" adds a breakbeat feel to the iconic house track from Rhythm Is Rhythm's Strings Of Life. Super extended for lots of freaky mixing - work them knobs son!
reviewed by Cmish

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / various A-J / dance remixes

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Ninjasonik
Somebody Gonna Get Pregnant 12"

diverse uptempo hip hop

New white label EP from DIY hipster rap heroes Ninja Sonik. The title track(1) features an uptempo, minimal floor tom beat and lyrics that carry on the fine hip hop tradition of warning you against doing it raw, lest you knock somebody up. Things get a little wierder on the flip, starting with "Shoot The Lazer(2)," which samples that opening song from The Lion King. "Daylight(3)" borrows the instrumental from the Matt & Kim song of the same name, and aims to become a Williamsburg resident's anthem with lines about sleeping until dusk, skating down Grand street and DJing at Savalas. The closer, "Stir(4)" is a staccato Bmore style edit of what sounds like a track recorded on someone's stoop, a nice and fun audio nugget. The A side also includes the instrumental and accapella for "Somebody Gonna Get Pregnant." Both sides play at 45.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
baltimore - vinyl

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Peter Digital Orchestra
Local Hero (Fulgeance) 12"

dirty synth beats and club tracks

Fulgeance, here under the PDO guise, is unstoppable right now. His PDO sound is built more for the clubs, but still incorporates the styles we love him for (dark synths, new school beats). It reminds me a bit of the recent Ghosts On Tape Predator EP, especially the blazing "Bubblegirl(1)" which incorporates some bmore drums. "Red & White(2)" is great example of Ful's bass synths: gritty, dark, and in this case, bouncy. I'm also feeling his use of some hip-hop samples, check "my neck my back used in "Jeux De Langues(3)" and the Goblin meets ghettotech of "Banging Booties(4)." 6 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / baltimore - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

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Proper Villains
Big Apple Bounce EP

Flamin' Hotz is back again with more hype ish to tear the party up. This time it's NYC's Proper Villains (aka DJ Jon S) that deliver the goods with a thorough EP of club bangers combining elements of Bmore, Figit House, and NYC heavy bass styles. The thing kicks off with a pounding version of "Ready Or Not(1)" (no not the Fugees, but the original sample source) then goes directly into "Get Down Method(3)" a bmore take of the "Method Man" beat, "Big Booty Bounce(4)" and "Creamy(5)." That's just the first side! Side B gets into more electro-house biz with a remix of Machinedrum's "Late Night Operation(6)" with raps by Theophillus London, then back into the late night baltimore stuff with the kooky "Ugly Woman(7)," "Drop With Me(8)," and "Vampy(9)." Sure to keep the rotten apple (and the rest of the world) bouncin' to the wee hours of the night. Pressed on super-cool black and white marble vinyl.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
baltimore - vinyl

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Rod Lee
Money Lotion, Vol.6 EP

Money Studies was recently granted access to the vault of a true Baltimore club king, and we emerged with our pockets crammed full of enough hand-picked gems to form the sixth installment in the Money Lotion series. Rod Lee needs absolutely no intro to fans of the mid-Atlantic sound, but even the most diehard of Orioles will be seeing most of these tracks on wax for the first time. "Kim's Theme(1)" is about as quintessential Lee as they come without having the man's own voice over the top. Rod chops up Lil Kim's famous "hot damn ho, here we go again" from the "Quiet Storm" remix with sinister piano and stuttering bass riding underneath. This track has been out of print for years and we're pleased to give it its very first reissue. "Family(2)" is another classic, a party favorite with cheese to spare as Rod puts the Bmore boots to Sister Sledge's party anthem. Rounding out the A-side's big trifecta is "Mamma Say(3)," Mr. Lee's MJ-sampling track that's been a club staple for years. New track "Put Your Hands Up(4)" sets off the B-side with with drum programming and triggered shouting vocals, followed by the classic instrumental "Sonic Drop(5)" where the man gets into some Bambaataa business. Rod closes things out with a band, curiously repping both "Cotton Eyed Joe" and all corners of the continental US on the brand new track "Where You Come From(6)."
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
baltimore - vinyl

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Rye Rye
Bang (feat. M.I.A.) 12"

Rye Rye's been making noise as a guest artist for years, with her weird sped-up, marble-mouthed delivery, but now the girl finally gets a release to herself. "Bang(1)" finds her once again teamed up with Blaqstarr, who creates a chaotic beat built from multiple drum layers, machine gun samples and what sounds like a woman speaking French. MIA shows up on the hook, repeating the title of the track over and over while Rye Rye catches her breath in between hyperactive verses. Also includes clean, instrumental and acapella versions.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
baltimore - vinyl

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Scottie B & The Chavy Boys of London
Money Lotion, Vol.5 EP

baltimore club music

Back by popular demand... Scottie B returns to the Money Lotion series (our first return visit), and this time he brought friends. Chavy Boys of London are the new Bmore supergoup featuring Scottie and Shawn Caesar (co-founders of the legendary Unruly Records) and Scottie's longtime collaborator and Bmore guru in his own right, King Tutt. The Boys run wild on this one, remixing party rap classics(1), bhangra beats(2), a well-known dubstepper(3), an even better-known pop idol(4) and that shouty guy from Atlanta who seems to end up on a lot of Bmore tracks. In addition, all the tracks switch over ON BEAT, meaning you can spin single tracks or let the whole side run continuously. Forget the fakers and half-steppers - this is true club music done right, and it doesn't get more hype than that.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
baltimore - vinyl

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Sharkslayer
Don't Go Into The Water EP

Finland's Top Billin Records drops their first solo artist release from Sharkslayer, a side project of label head Sir Nenis. Already getting play from the big names (Diplo, Sinden, Scottie B), this EP strays from Billin's previous Bmore releases and can be filed under the Dubsided - Cheap Thrills section. Three tracks high quality plays.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / dance remixes

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The Partysquad
Hollertronix #10 EP

dancehall, baile, and electro house hybrids

FREE MP3 VERSION: record includes physical coupon to download free MP3 versions.

Finally, the tenth installment in the infamous Hollertronix series is here! Taking the helm for the final(?) outing are Amsterdam's Partysquad who promise to tear the dancefloor up with a potent combination of dancehall, electro, b-more, bass, and baile styles. When you hear the sirens and old school drums on "Pull Up(1)" you know it's time to go wild - and when it breaks into super tough uptempo dancehall march, expect to the place to go off. Likewise on "Murderer(2)" that mixes up a skankin' reggae groove with nasty ass bass action. Also check the baile funk x electro house crossbreed of "Rage(3)" with those wonky synth lines that drive party people nuts and the appropriately titled "CrazyFunkyStyle(4)" that defies categorization. Must have for fans of Major Lazer, Diplo, Crookers, and losing your shit. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / current dancehall + hip-hop remixes + acapellas / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / vinyl with free mp3 / and more

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Tittsworth
12 Steps 2LP

LAB ADVANCE EXCLUSIVO! Finally available on vinyl! At long last it's the debut full-length offering from Mr. Jesse Tittsworth, without a doubt one of the most innovative and interesting (not to mention prolific) producers to rise out of the DC/Baltimore club scene in recent memory. Titts called in the big gun guest stars for 12 Steps, and the result is a record full of tracks which could each easily be 12"s on their own. Check the upcoming single "WTF(1)" with Kid Sis and Fully Fitted's Pase Rock, the DJ Assault-produced version of lead single "Broke Ass N*gga(2)" with vocals from Bmore mainstay Kenny B. and co-conspirator Jinxx, Nina Sky and Pitbull on the Hall & Oates-interpolating "Here He Comes(3)," hyphy forefathers The Federation on "Drunk As F*ck(4)," and of course Diamond K on the updated club classic "Tear The Club Up 2008(5)." 12 tracks; 41 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Tittsworth
Broke Ass Nigga (DJ Assault Remix) 12"

LAB ADVANCE EXCLUSIVO! The first single from Mr. Tittsworth's super official debut album, dropping later this year on Plant Music. "Broke Ass N*gga(1)" has been getting spins since it leaked on the T&A label last year, and while it's still hot, the real star here just might be the spanking new remix from DJ Assault(2). The ghettotech godfather turns it into a proper track (verses and all!) and slides a little Eastern-sounding electro boogie underneath for that Egyptian Lover vibe. The flip includes the OG mix plus a straight up dance remix from The Glass(3). Also includes the DJ Assault instrumental and original acapella. Full color pic sleeve with artwork by Lee Trice. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / ghettotech + bass - vinyl / vinyl - sale / reviewer recommended / and more

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Tittsworth
The EZ EP

Another EP of cheeky Bmore club from Tittsworth on his & Ayres' T&A label. If there was any doubt before, this should put him on par with Jonny Blaze and Samir when it comes to these awesome gimmick tracks. "EZ(1)" is a nice, mellow chopping of The Commodores' "Easy," then "Cars(2)" (a remix of "Just What I Needed" to compete with Roctakon's) and "T's Diner(3)" (you know, the "doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo dooo" song – uh, listen to the sample) round out the A-side. The flip has a nice bonus beat mix(4) of "Easy" with nicely sequenced vocals ("I wanna be hiiiiigh!") and piano at the back. Also includes the rowdy "In Yo Face(5)" and R&B joint "Brains(6)." Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Tittsworth
Twelve Steps: The T&A Remixes (DJ Day, Sammy Bananas, Trackademicks) EP

Five primetime party remixes of joints from Tittsworth's debut album on Plant Music, and you know Titts & Ayres wouldn't skimp on the remixers for this one. Melting Pot's DJ Day kicks it off with his feel-good Latin/disco/Bmore hybrid mix of "Here He Comes(1)" with Pitbull on the mic and Nina Sky channeling Hall & Oates. Watch for the squelchy keys toward the end - glad to know Day's back at it. Meterhead follows with his take on "Drunk As Fuck(2)" with hyphy forerunners The Federation, where he replays New Order's "Blue Monday" and whips the whole thing into an electro-Bmore whomper. Sammy Bananas (Fool's Gold) transports Kid Sister and Pase Rock to Spring Break '92 with his mix of "WTF(3)" featuring a hyper "Rump Shaker" jack, while Bird Peterson puts the bassline/fidgit chop on Ludacris' "Southern Hospitality" for his remix of "Tear The Club Up 2008(4)s." Bay area producer and recent Fool's Gold signee Trackademicks closes things out with his take on "Drunk As Fuck(5)" with an Alkaholiks sample that reveals itself right at the end. Also includes the instrumental for DJ Day's remix. 6 tracks total.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / dance remixes

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Tittsworth
WTF (feat. Kid Sister & Pase Rock) 12"

Second single off Tittsworth's debut album, and boy is it a single. He got Fool's Gold first lady Kid Sis to jump on the break-filled "WTF(1)" alongside former Five Deez / current Fully Fitted dude supreme Pase Rock; both lend flashy bars and help out on the "WUSSUP WUSSUP?" hook, and, well, it is money. Titts' Taxlo/T&A cohort Dave Nada and partner Matt Nordstrom (aka Nadastrom, duh) work the Bmore Dubsided vibe on their mix(2), and Money Studies associate DJ Eli Escobar(3) mixes a little minced disco with hard club beats for his version. Also includes the glitched out Smoke & Mirrors remix(4), a buzzing take from DJ Wool(5) and the original's instrumental.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / fidget house: switch + sinden + herve + jesse rose + dubsided /

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Tittsworth & Ayres
T&A Breaks LP

Whoa. Ayres told me that he and Tittsworth were working on a Bmore battle record with locked grooves like two years ago, but it was getting to the point where I thought the idea had been tossed out. But here it is on A-Trak's Ammo Records imprint, with a spiffy full-color sleeve by Espo, no less! Oh yeah, and it's really, really good. You could probably do a full Bmore set just rocking doubles of this record. Each side has a section of locked grooves (all at 133 BPM), followed by some longer beats, effects and acapella scraps (60 useful tools in all). Gotta love the nice, crisp, clear acapellas they got here for Bmore classics like "Percolator," "Watch Out For The Big Girl," etc. If you spin Baltimore club and you don't cop this record, I got just three words for you – YOU BIG DUMMY!
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Tittsworth & DJ Ayres
Old Bay Seasoning (Baltimore) EP

Lab favorites Tittsworth and DJ Ayres have formed a formidable partnership with several high profile Bmore projects in the works (including a future release on Money Studies). This is the first blast, and it's the equivalent of a steaming hot bushel of crabs (translation: fucking awesome). Although there are some heavyweight club versions on the a-side, I'm headed straight for the oldies selections on the flip. First up Titts manhandles the Four Tops(1) for that beautiful type of bmore that Frogman aptly coined as "emo." Next up my favorite: Ayres works over the same Curtis sample that Kanye used in "Touch The Sky.(2)" I was especially impressed by the replayed bass synths in the end (played by Catchdubs, didn't know he could do that, ei?). On the flip, Tittsworth revisits(3) Ayres' mini-hit "Broke Ass Home" with Kenny B and Jinxx. Catch and Ayres come with no brainer banguh, bmorifying "Tell Me When To Go(4)." And finally, Tittsworth slam dunks the set with an adrenaline fueled version of the Pitbull hit "Bojangles(5)." Also includes a wicked bonus beats(6) using the original "Stay Fly" sample. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
Baltimore Club Classics, Vol.5 EP

Volume 5 of the stellar BCC series spotlights original voiced Bmore tracks. Highlights include: "EA EA(1)" and "Eastside / Westside(2)" by Frank Ski & Kenny B, "Go Down Baby(3)" by Dukeyman & Diamond K, and "Dance Like A Freak(4)" by Diamond K and Technics.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
baltimore - vinyl

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V/A
Do It To It (Cosmo, Bird Peterson, Dave Nada) EP

Our midwestern homies at Burlesque went all out for this one - their first ever vinyl release! - starting with the wild hand-screenprinted Technicolor jackets designed by Mike 2600 (naturally). Inside the sleeve, there's five new club-ready remixes from names that'll be very familiar to Lab heads; The Rub's Cosmo Baker gets my pick with for "Alice Is A Sucker(1)," a remix of Moby's "Alice" with hard-hitting old skool drums and dirty rolling bass. Also on the B-side, Calgary's Smalltown DJs give Shop Boyz the Bmore treatment with a French twist on "Party Like A Punk(2)." Elsewheres, Bird Peterson goes all wobbly low-end on the party break-ish "The Jump Off(3)," Dave Nada remixes Soulja Boy ("Cream Dat(4)") and even The 2600 King gets in on the fun with his remix of Rick James' "Give It To Me(5)." Limited pressing.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / dance remixes / all

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V/A
Ghetto Pass (Technics, Tittsworth, DJ Sega) EP

Damn, can you say stacked? Tittsworth and Ayres' T&A label drops another batch of Baltimore club bombs on us, this time from a diverse cast which includes Hollertronix associate DJ Sega, Finland's Top Billin crew, Chi-town's Rob Threezy, and even the club legend himself, DJ Technics. Technics steals the show with two different versions of Radiohead's hazy "Everything In Its Right Place" - I think the "Supa mix(1)" is the best of the bunch, but you can't go wrong with the extended "Beatdown mix(2)" either. Titts gives AC/DC the club treatment on "Thunderstruck(3)," Threezy cuts up LTD's disco staple "Love To The World(4)," and Top Billin gives "In The Ass(5)" some nasty dubstep bass. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
Go Go: Live At The Capital Centre EP

Original deadstock find of this live DC Go-Go record from 1988! And it was recorded at the legendary Capital Centre (the scene of many legendary DC-area concerts, WWF jams, and the infamous Heavy Metal Parking Lot)! You gotta love the totally 80s pic sleeve, complete with "go go" patterned record label. There's four tracks here from some big players in the go-go scene including Chuck Brown(1), Experience Unlimited(2), DC Scorpio(3), and Little Benny & The Masters(4). The quality of the music is debatable, if you're a go-go collector you'll dig it, as for the rest of the people outside of DC, check out the audio samples. An awesome timepiece nonetheless.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - A-J

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V/A
Hot Doug EP

Hot Dog is the new label out of Chicago from Marco Morales and SES Records' Zebo, "focusing specifically on club music with a taste for the Baltimore Club flavor." Every release will bear the name of a famous Chicago hot dog joint, and with both of these goals in mind they've stacked up some fine names for the debut Hot Doug EP. Chi-Town's Rampage leads off with a bubbling housey mix of Mary J.'s "Real Love(1)," followed by Zebo's own extra hype "Don't Stop(2)," and the Netherlands' Elroy Vanderley with "Cassius 99(3)." (Though I think the last two might've had their titles mixed up, 'cause Elroy's contains a "Don't Stop The Rock" sample. Bangin'.) Flip it over for Red Foxx's rave/Bmore hybrid "Dominator(4)" and Rampage closing up shop with "Hitting Switches(5)." A label to keep an eye on, no doubt.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / dance remixes

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V/A
Royalty: Unruly Records vs. T&A (Tittsworth, DJ Technics, Scottie B, Ayres) EP

The Royalty EP is the debut collaboration between Baltimore's premier club label since 1994, Unruly Records, and the youngest in charge, Tittsworth and Ayres' T&A Records. Club King DJ Technics sets it off with "What Not What(1)," a brand new update on the classic Lil Jon "What" Bmore staple, juicing it up with regal horns and synths. Tittsworth ups the ante with a rowdy remix of M.O.P.'s classic(2), and Baltimore OG Scottie B. flips Dilla-era ATCQ on "Find A Way(3)," cleverly swinging the tempo down from club to hip-hop and back up to club. Brick City's DJ Tameil smooths it out, chopping Kelly Price and infusing her with a bit of ESG on "Bump Like This(4)." Birmingham's Bamabounce - no stranger to the T&A fam - mashes Say Wut's horns into an insane fight anthem, urging you to "Punchemindaface(5)." Ayres takes the same vocals and chops the hell out of Slayer's evil guitars, creating quite possibly the hardest club record of all time(6).
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
baltimore - vinyl

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V/A
Secret Hangout (Gaslamp Killer, Blu Jemz, Snack N Cmish) EP

Can't remember the last time EVERYONE at Lab HQ was this geeked about a Money Studies release, but maybe it's no surprise - there's something here for everyone. Secret Hangout is the new series from Money Studies, drawing inspiration from the old Mo'Wax "Headz" comps by coming with only the strongest tracks and most unique artwork from our motley stable of DJs and producers. To give it our own twist, we've divided the EP into two distinct sides - one with killer club-ready jams and one with heady downtetmpo beats. The club side leads off with the debut of Pocket Checkers (aka Blu Jemz and Ter Kahn) and their insanely catchy electro party starter, "2 O'Clock(1)." (Already a hit in LA, where Jemz kills it nightly.) People have been walking around the office singing the sample from this one for months, and we still don't know what it's from. Eggfooyoung brings the solid "Up It(2)" (a Miami bass / electro / Bmore crossbreed), but I know most of you will be skipping directly to "Young M.D.(3)" by my boys Snack & C'mish. Yes, it's a crazy Bmore edit of the "Doogie Houser, M.D." theme song, complete with Fabo acapella snippets, ambulance noises and the subtle sounds of Doogie tap-tapping into his primitive blog at the end of every show. (Snack & C'mish spent a week watching Netflix'd Doogie DVDs before making this track, just to get the true Spirit of Vinnie Delpino.) The downtempo side starts off PROPER with an instant classic from LA's Gaslamp Killer. "Dagasse(4)" is downtempo like you haven't heard in a while, full of tough drums, dark tones and a mean bass loop. Blu Jemz returns with the afrobeat / future-soul jam "Turn Away(5)," and Hefty's Eliot Lipp turns up to unveil his new electro style on "Slow & Smooth(6)." This is the best-looking Money Studies release in a while too - comes in a nice matte pic sleeve with illustration by Noah Butkus and art direction by PH. If you made this far into the review, I guess I don't have to tell you that this is highly recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / baltimore - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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V/A
The Brick Bandits (DJ Sega, Tameil, Rob3) EP

baltimore club via philly

Longtime Holler associate Dirty South Joe's Ol' Head Records co-presents this loaded EP with Diplo's Mad Decent label as Jersey's Brick Bandits unleash six extra-strength no-frills Baltimore club tracks. A-side features DJ Sega's "Colours(1)" with the robot voice repeating "I love the different colours, all the different colours...," plus DJ B-Stee's straightforward club rework of Daft Punk's "Robot Rock(2)" and Tim Dolla's "Number Advisory(3)," a party break with hype vocals just counting it off ("one! two! three! four! one! two! three! four!"). Flip it for DJ Tameil's "Shotgun Buck(4)" (shotgun blasts and Nintendo sounds!), DJ Rob3's wailing "The Chase(5)," layered with police sirens and 90s house key stabs, and Mike V's mellow "Feelings(6)." Easy call here. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
The Chedda (Baltimore) EP

Even more club heat from Ayres, Tittsworth & Associates. Do these guys sleep? Titts kicks off the A-side with Bel Biv Devoe's "Poison(1)" chopped up in his signature style, followed by Dave Nada's "I Like Culo(2)" (pause), a blend of "Culo" by Pitbull and "I Like To Move It Move It" which is way better than it has any right to be. Ayres' track is the one that'll have the kids going nuts tho, as he unveils a slick Bmore version of Daft Punk's "One More Time(3)" (with the requisite Lil Jon shouts sprinkled on top). B-side is dominated by newcomers or aliases -- who can tell anymore? -- with Top Billin' (ok, this one is real) "U Don Kno Meh(4)," DJ Dub's hilarious / awesome "Set On You(5)" (George Harrison FTW) and Million Dollar Mano's "Lady(6)." TA-007, if you're counting...
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
baltimore - vinyl

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Will Eastman
Feelin (Tittsworth & Nakasis, Nadastrom) 12"

disco and house with big remixes

Veteran DC club DJ Will Eastman finally gets around to releasing some original music! This 12" on Plant is Eastman's first foray into original music, and it makes for a very solid freshman outting. "Feelin'(1)" is a house and new disco number, with filtered keys and a great boogie bassline. Some of Eastman's best pals handle remix duty on this one, which includes a heavy Baltimore version from Tittsworth and Nakasis(2), a big room house version by Dubsided's Nadastrom(3) and a poppy electro version (with excellent vocoder samples!) by Dmerit(4). Plant always brings heat, and this one is no exception. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / reviewer recommended / and more

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