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SRSC 01
20 Dec 12
Played by: Goodgroove Records, Spinforth, Clairvo (Mustbeat), Bmd, B.visible, Ellboss, Hong Kong Ping Pong, DJ Stex, Chudy, Badboe, Jayl Funk, Actual Sounds, Johnnypluse(Bulabeats Records), Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Tim Livingstone, Dastardly Kuts, DJ Axe, The Funk Hunters, DJ Jimi Needles, Ez Icarus, Telephunken, Tosses & Varvez, Radical Mixtape, Mr Doris
Review:
This label recently launched by DJ Spinforth (and pals) as a next step extension to his biweekly column for the Ghetto Funk blog called 'The Scour', to highlight and showcase the unsigned talent that he encounters while 'scouring' Soundcloud. The next logical step was to actually release this stuff, so here's the impressive debut compilation snappily called Scoured Cream. Originally intended to showcase just five tunes, its now boasts eight including the stop-start blues-hop of "Sun No Shine", the wobble-soul of "Hell Yeah" and some electro-swing courtesy of Hong Kong Ping Pong.
GGD 01
14 Mar 13
Played by: Goodgroove Records, Spinforth, Featurecast, Bmd, Roast Beatz, Hong Kong Ping Pong, DJ Stex, Chudy, Trotter, Nick Hollywood, Voodoocuts, DJ Aka (Funk Moguls), Mooqee, Jayl Funk, Actual Sounds, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Badboe, DJ Axe, The Funk Hunters, Rory Hoy, Ez Icarus, Basement Freaks, Essex Groove
Review:
Welcome to the mid-2000s. A few years before Jalapeno took him on and developed him into the nu-funk guru he is today, but after he'd scored international kudos by syncing to an Apple advert "Channel Surfing", Featurecast was one of the biggest bootleg barons on the scene. 21st century big-beat and turbo-hip-hop, Goodgroove released some of the cheekiest sample-heavy tunes of his early career. And here they are in all their remastered glory. Highlights include the Wild Cherry sampling bootie shaker "Funky White Brother" and the Vandross-DMX love-in "Get It On The Floor". If you weren't around the first time, now's your chance to catch up.
MM 010
27 Feb 12
Played by: DJ Rudd, Prosper, DJ Goodka From The Groovologists, DJ Stex, Chudy, Manmade / Cmc-Silenta, Djp, DJ Aka (Funk Moguls), Mooqee, Actual Sounds, Hidden Riddim, Funk Ferret, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Tim Livingstone, B-Dub, Dastardly Kuts, Killer Funk Records Usa, Badboe, Rory Hoy, Morlack, Telephunken, Hero Records, Tosses & Varvez, Juno Best Sellers 2012, Leo Leonardi Aka Funky Brothers, K. Sabroso
Review:
The tenth release from the Manmade staple sees their crew of excellent NuFunk producers and remixers eager to please, with CMC & Silenta dropping a very tasteful edit of Mariam Makeba's classic calypso-funk gem "Pata Pata", Badboe & Prosper giving the Wu Tang a radical funk overhaul, while Cat Nip Tuck slams in the classics on the schizo-boogie of "Cat Nip Tuck".
SRSC 02
21 Mar 13
Played by: Goodgroove Records, Spinforth, Bmd, Roast Beatz, Hong Kong Ping Pong, DJ Stex, Chudy, Manmade / Cmc-Silenta, Voodoocuts, Jayl Funk, Actual Sounds, Johnnypluse(Bulabeats Records), Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Badboe, The Funk Hunters, Rory Hoy, Turntill, Ez Icarus, Basement Freaks, Essex Groove, Jiggyjoe, Bialson Hajsy
Review:
Spinforth's quest for freshness continues as he follows up the debut December Scour dispatch with another generous selection of chunky-jacksy bass joints. With gnarly fingers probing every party pie, across the collection we're treated to dubstep-meets-classic-Brooklyn ("Time To Rock"), 23rd century electro wobbles ("Boss DAT!") and VERY cheeky Cypress Hill booty business ("Insane Brains"... obviously!) And that's only three examples. Get Scouring.
RSR 003
26 Nov 12
Played by: Spinforth, Clairvo (Mustbeat), Fuzzbox Inc, DJ Stex, Chudy, Manmade / Cmc-Silenta, Badboe, Nick Hollywood, Qdup Foundation, Jayl Funk, Tim Livingstone, Dastardly Kuts, The Funk Hunters, Ez Icarus, Basement Freaks, Telephunken, Tosses & Varvez
Review:
Canadian vibe masters ReSoul recruit some die-heard funk soldiers for their third "Fully Loaded" EP and each track is a wise move. The unavoidable Basement Freaks gets devilish with a dubstep bass and funky breakbeat with a deft slice of Cypress Hill. Funkanomics digs deep for a lavish string-hook that never stops shimmering. Slynk & SkiiTour rediscover the BeeGees with added electro boogie bravado. Wood 'n' Soo pull your trousers down for a savage bass spanking while Defunk's "Banjo Blues" finalises with a very clever nod to Blackstreet. ReSoul we salute you!
RAT 001ALB
18 Feb 13
Played by: Hong Kong Ping Pong, DJ Aka (Funk Moguls), Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Juno Recommends Drum & Bass, Juno Recommends Brokenbeat/Nu Jazz, Juno Recommends Electro House, Badboe, Euphonique, Run Riot, Ragga Scum, Ez Icarus, Basement Freaks, S Man
Review:
Bang! There'd been hushed tones of this opus for well over a year, and at a whopping 29 tracks, it's been well worth the wait. Showcasing their widest repertoire, within the first trio of tracks we're already treated to Latino swing breaks, new jungle jiggery and dramatic dubstep. This wide-eared vibe embracement runs throughout consistently; "Hey Mr DJ" rattles a few electro-hop cages, "Countdown" is quintessential booty-bass heaven complete with delectable UK hip-hop rhymage, while "You Can Be My Night" shoots us up to planet D&B on a floaty carpet of rave heritage. A solid calling card to every party in town, it's time to get bouncing...
KE 9008
30 Nov 12
Played by: Clairvo (Mustbeat), Timewarp, Trotter, Jayl Funk, Sol Power All-Stars, Killer Funk Records Usa, The Funk Hunters, Ez Icarus, Tosses & Varvez, Manjah
Review:
Fresh-faced funkateer Manjah steps up to the party-hardy Katakana series, and does so with distinction. It's a game of two halves as the first two cuts are dedicated to chanteuses Smokey Robinson and Donna Hightower. Both powered by swashbuckling 60s funk riffs, these are authentic edits done with true creativity. Later on in the EP we head West to the Caribbean as Manjah gets his skank on with Dancehall Queen. Those with a penchant for Greek taverna flavours should hold tight for the rustic groove on "Orienta Patria". Nice work.
DC 07
04 Feb 13
Played by: Chudy, DJ Aka (Funk Moguls), Johnnypluse(Bulabeats Records), Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Ez Icarus, Tosses & Varvez, Jiggyjoe
Review:
Masters of the crafty art of bootlegism and funk edits, the not-so-pseudonymous Defkline and Red Polo get busy on four classics with crucial party-boosting results. "Space Cowboy" takes the Steve Miller classic and coats it with a whole slew of classic rhymers from ODB to Fiddy. "Turn The Beat Around" takes the disco classic of the same name and reboots it with chunky house 4/4. "It Ain't No Good", meanwhile, takes De La Soul and Chaka Khan's soul-blistered ballad and gives it just a cheeky mild skank. "Shystie's Disco" brings us to a fitting climax with ripples of glitterball-twisting electro boogie vibes.
BBP-065
10 Dec 12
Played by: Spinforth, Clairvo (Mustbeat), Bmd, Fort Knox Five, Chudy, Badboe, Qdup Foundation, DJ Aka (Funk Moguls), Actual Sounds, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Dastardly Kuts, Badboe, Quincy Jointz, DJ Axe, Ez Icarus, Telephunken, Tosses & Varvez, Jiggyjoe
Review:
Boe "Badboe" Pedersen has always been one of he more reliable sources of floor friendly, funk-laden breaks jams. While his style sticks to the tried-and-tested, there's a quality present that's often lacking in similar breakbeat productions. Pump Up The Funk, his second full length, has plenty of dancefloor chops. It features a range of cuts created using snappy rhythms, familiar hip-hop samples (Missy Elliot and Redman are both notable inclusions) and fat funk grooves. There's a casual swing and groove to the material that's endearing, too - something that can't be said about many of his competitors' creations. If breakbeat is your bag, this comes highly recommended.
BB 007D
11 Jan 13
Played by: Clairvo (Mustbeat), Roast Beatz, Chudy, DJ Self, DJ Aka (Funk Moguls), Actual Sounds, Justin Johnson, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Tim Livingstone, Dastardly Kuts, DJ Axe, DJ Jimi Needles, Ez Icarus, Dusty Tonez
Review:
Wide-armed sounds abound on the latest Boogie Boutique offering. More hip-hop than nu-funk in places, there's great casual confidence about each of these rubs. The label's Finnish faves Rollomatik are on board for two horn-heavy joints; the p-funk block rocker "Frying Pan" and the roof raising peak time "Soul Power". Label newcomers Jimi Needles and WBBL, opt for jazzier keys and a bassline that gradually evolves into quite the glitchy gem. Jacksonville jive merchant John Farruggio finishes the set with a waltz through 80s electro, mid noughties house and late 90s big beat. Swashbuckling stuff.
BOOTYFRUIT 012
08 Apr 13
Played by: Spinforth, Roast Beatz, Chudy, Actual Sounds, Johnnypluse(Bulabeats Records), Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Badboe, Ez Icarus, Essex Groove, Miles Reverse, Bialson Hajsy
Review:
Booty Fruit's DJ Maars joins forces with newcomer Tom Showtime for some seriously delicious sound mash-ups for this latest EP. "Heatwave Episode" is a funked-out re-edit of Dr.Dre's and Snoop Dogg's infamous "The Next Episode", whilst "Hungry Busta" puts a real dancehall vibe over Busta Rhyme's inimitable vocal machine-gun bursts. "Rocksteady Up" re-fixes yet another early 2000's hip hop gem "Ante-Up", and "Champion Steez" goes all breakbeat/ska mode, introducing some rather rapacious Jamaican lyrics over that booty-shaking groove.
BOOTYFRUIT 011
14 Feb 13
Played by: Goodgroove Records, Bmd, All Good Funk Alliance, Actual Sounds, Johnnypluse(Bulabeats Records), Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Ez Icarus
Review:
Cypress Hill getting mashed up and personal with Led Zeppelin, Biggy getting busy over The 45 Kings, an electro-skank remix of Sister Nancy... these are just three of the super-cheeky bootleg treats on offer right here. Booties can go one way or the other; poorly pitched cut n' shut or clever, witty and complementary. These definitely fall in the latter. From furry flute bliss ("Dr Fluteski") to Busta Rhymes on a major skank-up ("Kingston Bounce"), this ticks all the right party boxes.
RIDDIMFRUIT 015
21 Jan 13
Played by: Roast Beatz, Chudy, Voodoocuts, Actual Sounds, Johnnypluse(Bulabeats Records), Hidden Riddim, Justin Johnson, Juno Recommends Hip Hop/R&b, The Funk Hunters, DJ Jimi Needles, Ez Icarus, Basement Freaks, Essex Groove, Tosses & Varvez, Double Yellow, Miles Reverse
Review:
Those searching for formidable, funk-fuelled party fodder should be well aware of the Riddim Fruit label, one of the more reliable sources of mash-up madness. This EP from The Allergies - complete with heavy beats, scratches, borrowed rap vocals and funk breaks aplenty - should cause carnage in those clubs that still rock the breakbeat vibe. Lead cut "Heartbreaker" sets the tone by revisiting a little known funk stomper, while "Club Spillage" fuses bottom-heavy boom-bap beats with quality raps and slick Hammond organ licks. "Seven Days" spices up a string-laden funk-soul jam with some weighty breakbeat pressure, while "Ever Live" slows the tempo for some sweet soul-hop bumpiness. Predictably solid.
RSR 004
21 Jan 13
Played by: Spinforth, Ellboss, Manmade / Cmc-Silenta, DJ Aka (Funk Moguls), Actual Sounds, Johnnypluse(Bulabeats Records), Hidden Riddim, Justin Johnson, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Tim Livingstone, The Funk Hunters, Ez Icarus, Basement Freaks, Tosses & Varvez, Dusty Tonez, Jiggyjoe
Review:
There's something rather funky in the fresh Canadian air right now, and native imprint ReSoul are breathing in six lung-fulls by the second. "The Plan" is utter horn heaven as we bump and grind to a beefy swing hook that's peppered with just the right amount of hip-hop snippets. "Whole Lotta Drop", meanwhile, takes The Dynamics' wicked reggae cover of Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" and drives it straight into D&B town. Skiitour's "Filthy Laundry" finishes the set with a boogified 80s rock stomp. What a package.
MAF 200
19 Nov 12
Played by: DJ Stex, Chudy, Voodoocuts, Actual Sounds, Killer Funk Records Usa, Ez Icarus, Tosses & Varvez, Mashed Up Funk
Review:
This crew is known for delivering release after release of seamless, if often cheeky, bootlegs and mash-ups, and this latest installment is no different. What does separate it from most of their previous releases though, is the size: this one clocks in with a whopping 16 tracks! As usual it's a funk-heavy selection, of which highlights include an organ-led, 60s style makeover for the Jacksons on "Dave Jackson", the P-Funkisms of "Party Sweep", the Yazoo-twisting of "Go Well" and the Snoop Dogg-goes-ska laid back grooves of "Cantaloop Dog".
BBP-061
11 Jan 13
Played by: Clairvo (Mustbeat), Chudy, Actual Sounds, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Dastardly Kuts, Badboe, DJ Axe, Ez Icarus
Review:
Toxic bootleg action! Spill one splash of these fruity mashes on the dancefloor and your groovers will bump and grind like mutated fools. The title track takes Royksopp's "Eple", adds a smidgeon of Marvin and a dash of electro while "Shake It Out" fuses Cassius with a killer lick from The Supremes. Elsewhere we find Edie Brickel, Eminem, Fugees and The Wiseguys get wobbly over a glitch-step hook ("Say Ooh") and Sly & The Family Stone get a classic hip-hop schooling. You heard the man...get it on!
BOOTYFRUIT 010
21 Dec 12
Played by: Spinforth, B.visible, Ellboss, Badboe, Hammond Classics, Actual Sounds, Hidden Riddim, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Tim Livingstone, The Funk Hunters, Ez Icarus, Telephunken, Tosses & Varvez, Dusty Tonez, Mr Doris
Review:
It's more than ten years since the phenomenon of the bootleg mash-up became 'a thing' thanks to the likes of Richard X and yet people still come up with fresh interpretations of the genre. People like Booty Fruits, who have now reached number five in their ongoing series of booty compilations. We get four sizzling tracks here including the cut and scratch ragga-hop of "The Dopest", and 'Minnie', which sees Lone Drum following in Jean Jacques Smoothie's famous footsteps by utilizing Minnie Ripperton's "Inside My Love".
BB 002D
28 May 12
Played by: DJ Rudd, Prosper, Fuzzbox Inc, DJ Stex, Chudy, Manmade / Cmc-Silenta, All Good Funk Alliance, Actual Sounds, Badboe, Funk Ferret, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Tim Livingstone, DJ Axe, The Funk Hunters, Tosses & Varvez
Review:
Can Boogie Boutique put a foot wrong at the moment? We don't think so. And here's some solid sonic proof from New Zealand-based label mainstay Funk Ferret. Joined by emerging funkster Imagine This, the duo have created a sprightly party bomb with rapid fire lyrics and a salaciously squidgy electro-inspired bass-hook. There are remixes galore; party baron Cut La Roc doffs his cap to hip-hop's glory days, Nick Fonkynson gets all gritty and vicious while DJ Alias & Benson drop the tempo for a classic exercise in extreme nu funk rudiments.
GFD 03
25 Jan 13
Played by: Goodgroove Records, Clairvo (Mustbeat), Bmd, Ellboss, Chudy, Djp, Mooqee, Actual Sounds, Johnnypluse(Bulabeats Records), Justin Johnson, Juno Recommends Hip Hop/R&b, Tim Livingstone, Morlack, Ez Icarus, Essex Groove, Tosses & Varvez, Jiggyjoe, Radical Mixtape
Review:
A very special release from nu-funk barons Ghetto Funk: DJP and Breakbeat Junkie have formed to create Second Hand Audio. And to celebrate? They've recruited one of the coolest, distinctive MCs Long Beach has ever given us... Ugly Duckling's Dizzy Dustin! The end result is an authentic slice of original nu funk that pays heavy homage to the scene's biggest influence: funky, laidback hip-hop. Each version is sure-fire party-rocker; warm-ups will enjoy DJP's sludgy, slo-mo riddim while peaktimers will go cuckoo for Featurecast's take. Yup, cuckoo.
BOOTYFRUIT 006
13 Apr 12
Played by: Clairvo (Mustbeat), Timewarp, Jazz K Lipa, Audioprophecy, Turntable Dubbers (Nice Up!), DJ Stex, Badboe, Voodoocuts, Johnnypluse(Bulabeats Records), Mr Bird, Hidden Riddim, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, D-Funk, Ez Icarus, Tosses & Varvez, Dusty Tonez, Juno Best Sellers 2012
Review:
A nu-funk remix of The Mommas & The Poppas' "California Dreaming". Just writing those words seems preposterous. But trust us, Tim McVicar's take on the 60s hippy classic really works! Squidgy bass and chop-slapping beats a-go-go, by the end of the summer it will be illegal not to play this in BBQ and beach sets. Law will also be upheld on anyone not exploiting the utterly funky charms of the other three cuts. DJ Tiznas & Mr BiGK's take on Kenny Dope and Screechy Dan's "Boomin In Ya Jeep" is like Fatboy Slim circa 98, Dedy Dread & Mr Bird take Missy Elliot into Hammond organ heaven while Mr Fresh's "SOUL" is a trip head nod so heavy it falls over into massive sticky pile of jazz.
ROCACD 03
26 Nov 12
Played by: Spinforth, Clairvo (Mustbeat), DJ Stex, Chudy, Manmade / Cmc-Silenta, Qdup Foundation, Mooqee, Jayl Funk, Actual Sounds, The Funk Hunters, Ez Icarus, Basement Freaks, Telephunken, Tosses & Varvez, Mr Doris
Review:
Feel good breakbeat vibes are the order of the day as German duo CMC & Silenta serve up their first collaborative album. Loaded with cameo mic moments from the likes of Vanessa Iraci, MC Fava, Kawele, Linda Friedel, The Root Sellers and the legendary Ragga Twins, there's a true sense of party as we're led through all styles of party vibe. An ideal winter warmer that will grow and grow as you gear towards another summer, highlights include the Kraak & Smaak style disco boogie ("Where We Started From"), the sexy-smooth organ work and heavenly horn toots on "Love Is Drawn" and Madness-meets-Monkey Mafia musicianship of the album's title track. A very accomplished, not to mention funky, debut album.
HC 028
16 Nov 12
RIDDIMFRUIT 014
07 Jan 13
Played by: Clairvo (Mustbeat), Roast Beatz, DJ Aka (Funk Moguls), Actual Sounds, Hidden Riddim, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Tim Livingstone, Quincy Jointz, The Funk Hunters, Empresarios - El Video Killer
Review:
New Zealand's Alias is hip-hop to the very bone. In a previous chapter of his career he was part of the Fast Crew, supporting the likes of D12 and Busta Rhymes whenever they toured in New Zealand or Australia. And while he's shifted focus to a more explicit, nu-funk / bass sound, it still beats with a hip-hop riddim. Each of the four cuts on here ride with a raw, low-swung swagger. From the jangly shakers and headnod heroics of "Funkrion", to the snarling "New Lows" - where sluggish glitch-bass tugs stoically against the emotional synths - there's a confident and alluring attitude about the entire release.
TF 19
22 Oct 12
Played by: Clairvo (Mustbeat), Bmd, DJ Stex, Chudy, All Good Funk Alliance, Jayl Funk, Actual Sounds, Sard Boogie, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Dastardly Kuts, Killer Funk Records Usa, DJ Axe, Rory Hoy, D-Funk, Ez Icarus, Telephunken, Barrio Jazz Gang, Mashed Up Funk, Leo Leonardi Aka Funky Brothers
Review:
There ain't no party like a Tru Funk Nu Party! Seriously now, not even S-Club could match the supersize funk flavours this label have been dishing up this year, and this latest compendium is no exception. Highlights include Sammy Senior's overhaul of Nelly's "Country Grammar", Lakeshore Drive's super laidback Q-Tipper "Funk'n Outta Bounds" and DJ Axe's percussion heavy sample-fest "Funky Town". Tru Funk have excelled themselves on this package.
DC 002
07 Mar 11
Played by: Prosper, Philly Blunt, DJ Kid Stretch, DJ Stex, Manmade / Cmc-Silenta, DJ Purple Rabbit, Badboe, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Tim Livingstone, DJ Max (Globe By DJ Max & Gabb), Quincy Jointz, Chamber, DJ Twister Aka Vinyl Cat, Turntill, Stereo Beatz, D-Funk, Rhythm People, Djs: Most Charted, The Dancefloor Outlaws, Juno Best Sellers 2012, Radical Mixtape
Review:
Back with their second release, Disco Cakes assemble a talented mix of breaks producers of all different styles and collect them on this new, funk-fuelled set. Tom Drummond and JMC have fun with Daft Punk's "Robot Rock" on "Again & Again & Again", while big soulful vocals can be found on The Dancefloor Outlaws "Get Your Boogie Down" and Delimentary's "Why Can't There Be Love". Slynk and Ed Solo meanwhile update Skee Lo's evergreen "I Wish" in a whole new breaks-tinted way.
BSSYSTEM 004
04 Feb 13
Played by: Goodgroove Records, Pimpsoul, DJ Self, Mooqee, Actual Sounds, Johnnypluse(Bulabeats Records), Juno Recommends Breakbeat, The Funk Hunters, Ez Icarus, Basement Freaks, Tosses & Varvez, Jiggyjoe, Radical Mixtape, Funk And Filth
Review:
Bomb Strikes ain't playing around these days. Once an irregular outlet for cheeky party nuggets, now a serious mover and shaker in the nu-funk movement, their output has been exemplary of late - and Neon Steve's leading from the front. Following his Feeling EP, a set of sizzling originals, comes these two tonked up bass gems. "Tell Me Who" takes an old George Thoroughgood rock n' roll ditty about having chimneys made of human skull and gives it a luscious low-end seeing to while "I Got Tha Faith" blends Led Zepp with Depeche Mode. The result? Inspired. Two bombs of the rudest distinction.
JAL 149
14 Jan 13
Played by: Goodgroove Records, Jakpot, Fort Knox Five, Chudy, Manmade / Cmc-Silenta, DJ Aka (Funk Moguls), Mooqee, Johnnypluse(Bulabeats Records), Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Tim Livingstone, The Funk Hunters, Ez Icarus, Tosses & Varvez, Mr Doris, Funk And Filth, Mo' Matic
Review:
Not already checked out Featurecast's album? Go and sit on the naughty chair and really think about the booty-shaking, rump-wriggling time you've missed out on. Done? Good... Now come and get up to speed with this impeccable remix set. JPOD takes the raw vocal soul stomper "Soul Children" into sexy boogie pastures, B-Side adds a hip-hop swagger to the riff-heavy "Jump", CMC and Silenta get all retrofunky on "Got That Fire", Dreadsquad turn "Get Lovely" into an authentic dub joint and Featurecast finishes the set with his own technicolour D&B remix of "Ego Tripping". What a package!
BBP-035
20 Apr 12
TF 22
21 Jan 13
Played by: Chudy, DJ Self, Actual Sounds, Justin Johnson, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Alessandro Otiz, Rory Hoy, Ez Icarus, Tosses & Varvez, Bialson Hajsy
Review:
The Polish party vibes keep flowing at Tru Funk as Chudy returns to the stall with another fine mess of well-laced booties and nu-funk nuggets. "Happy Joint" is the perfect opener, fusing Art Of Fighters with a Michelle Wallace classic. "Looking For Somebody", meanwhile, is the perfect heater; jumping and jiving with a more cut-up sound, it takes an L.T.D joint to a whole new groove dimension. "Where's The Party At" rides with more of a playful, sexy swing while "Keep The Beat" ends on more of a b-boy flavour with added pianos. And that's before we even get to the wide range of remixes! Another must-have from Tru Funk.
BSDIGI 018
09 Dec 11
Played by: Badboe, Omegaman, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Tim Livingstone, DJ Twister Aka Vinyl Cat, Basement Freaks, Tosses & Varvez, Chris Awesome, Hayz
Review:
By now, we should all know what to expect from bootleg specialists Bombstrikes - tried-and-tested mash-ups underpinned by floor-friendly breakbeats. This latest instalment comes from rising breaks star Badboe, who offers two soul-flecked groovers. Both are slightly less hectic and full-throttle than previous Bombstrikes releases, but that's no bad thing. "Shine Like A Halo" fuses a bouncing, midtempo break with wobbly (but surprisingly subtle) bass, the obligatory hip-hop samples and a dash "Son of a Preacher Man". "Masterpiece", meanwhile, takes a similarly soulful approach, contrasting Jurassic 5 raps with sweet soul vocal snatches at a dancefloor hip-hop tempo. The most cultured Bombstrikes release for some time - and that's a compliment.
TREMENDO 005
07 Jan 13
Played by: Spinforth, Bmd, Jakpot, Trotter, Jayl Funk, Actual Sounds, Justin Johnson, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Tim Livingstone, Dastardly Kuts, Telephunken, Tosses & Varvez, Funk And Filth
Review:
Swiss booty dealers Tremendo launch a new series and the title says it all. The label's established funk sound is still in abundance, but it rolls with a heavier bass twist. In some places the low end urgency is more obvious than others - DJ Soo and Tim Livingstone's earworm bassline rips through "Boom!" with true musical mischief while Father Funk's "Feel The Beat Y'All" is less dirty and more cheeky with its classic swing motifs and occasional wobbles. Elsewhere we hear Jayl Funk pay homage to classic 60s funk, Trotters and Telephunken munching on raw squidgy bass and El Bomba getting all slinky and sexy. Get dirty.
PEDS 011
19 Mar 13
Played by: Jm Jackmaster, Spinforth, Chudy, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Basement Freaks, Essex Groove
Review:
One of the scene's most consistent and unabashed funkers Skeewiff follow up their 'sensually inspired' EP with a sweaty clutch of respectful remixes. It's a vibrantly international affair too as Fab Samperi polishes up the sexy French tones of "Mr Debonair" and Omegaman turns his Cuban heels into a pair of Cuban stilts on "No Puede Esperar". Elsewhere we find Jiggyjoe giving "Heatwave" go-faster stripes and Skeewiff going head-to-head with Shawn Lee on a live, organic D&B slammer rub of "I Got Soul". Unleash the animal in you and grab this today!
2011120 13
11 Jan 13
Played by: Clairvo (Mustbeat), DJ Stex, Chudy, Jayl Funk, Actual Sounds, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Dastardly Kuts, Quincy Jointz, Ramskank, Ez Icarus
Review:
Things that make you go phwoar! Sexy people, massive bowls of ice cream, low flying blimps and, most importantly, Actual Sounds compilations. Each one of them comes bulging with baggy-trousered booty joints; they ooze character and promise nothing but the purist party juice. Vibes abound across the 20 track set but highlights include a trance-tinged electro treatment of Sugar Hill ("Belgium Delight"), DJ Nixon's rude rendition of Delinquent Habits' "Return Of The Tres", Mr Bird's squelch-attack on Moby and Middle Diddle's strangely effective take on Green Day. Sounds terrible in type, but brilliant through the speakers.
BSDIGI 021
08 Mar 13
Played by: Goodgroove Records, Roast Beatz, Hong Kong Ping Pong, DJ Stex, Mooqee, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Utah Saints, DJ Axe, The Funk Hunters, Ez Icarus, Basement Freaks, Jiggyjoe, Funk And Filth
Review:
Fact: Tom's real surname is genuinely Booze! There was a terrible mix-up between the birth registry office and off licence when he was born. Naturally Tom was upset for many years, but he took consolation by burying himself in the studio with a sampler and a keen ear for a badboy groove, and his diligence is paying off. Each of this nu-funk trio squelches and fist bumps with unashamed party brutality, the highlight being the Bob James / Perpetual Motion sampling "Point & Shoot". Venture to no disco without this!
RSR 002
15 Oct 12
Played by: Clairvo (Mustbeat), DJ Stex, Chudy, Manmade / Cmc-Silenta, Badboe, Jayl Funk, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, DJ Axe, The Funk Hunters, D-Funk, Ez Icarus, Basement Freaks, Zenit Incompatible, Telephunken, Dirty Mckenzie, Tosses & Varvez
Review:
If anyone ever tells you The Four Seasons' disco bomb "Oh What A Night" can't be 'badboy'd up, you are legally allowed to slap them in the face with a pair of headphones. "Wild For The Night" takes said classic (and one or two other cheeky samples) bang into the future with booty shaking glee. Elsewhere we find the equally glittering "Ghetto Disco". Loaded with a vibrant horn and organ hook and a bassline that splutters funk juice every which way but loose, it's yet another slice of guaranteed dancefloor dynamite from The Funk Hunters.
DDD 038
15 Oct 12
Played by: Clairvo (Mustbeat), DJ Stex, Chudy, Justin Johnson, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Juno Recommends Dancehall/Ragga, D-Funk, Ez Icarus, Zenit Incompatible, Tosses & Varvez
Review:
It's perhaps a bit of a stretch to class all of these floor-friendly bootlegs as "ragga". The opener from label bosses The Dirty Dubsters is actually a skanking, dubwise, breaks-friendly rework of soul classic "Papa Was A Rolling Stone". Titan Sound's "Boom In The Jungle" sounds a bit like a slightly more dutty take on the classic reggae/hip-hop mash-ups once successfully peddled by J-Star. Perhaps the biggest cut of the lot, though, is the gargantuan skank of ZJ TZinas and Mrbigk's "My Style Is De Bomb". That said, the incessant ragga bounce of Spenda's "Get Hot Bun Dem" runs it close, if only for the amount of whoops it manages to cram into four minutes!
PEDS 010
07 Jan 13
Played by: Fort Knox Five, Voodoocuts, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, The Funk Hunters, Ez Icarus, Tosses & Varvez, DJ S-Kreama, Double Yellow, Superpendejos
Review:
Spy chase-obsessed breaks/loungecore mash-up merchants Skeewiff come firmly under the "veteran" category, having peddled their particular brand of funtime groovery since the tail end of the 1990s. Here, they drop their tenth album, and for the most part, it's business as usual. Fans will surely lap-up Man Turns Animal's cheeky blend of funk-fuelled breakbeat fun, tongue-in-cheek '60s kitsch ("The Happy Whomp"), scratch-happy break digging ("Man Turns Animal"), party-hearty Latin fun ("No Puede Esparar", "Moomba Mamba"), head-nodding soul ("Mr Debonair") and downtempo curiosities ("Bull In A China Shop"). There's also a sprinkling of bona fide floorfillers ("Heatwave", "Sizzle Chest") for those seeking instant gratification.
BSDIGI 003
19 Mar 11
Played by: Prosper, Mooqee, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Chamber, Stereo Beatz, Tosses & Varvez, Juno Best Sellers 2012
Review:
More party antics from Mooqee as this latest in the Bombstrikes series of funky mash-ups takes in KRS-One jammin' with Bob Marley on "Supacat Police", while acapellas from Tupac's "California Love" and Stetasonic's "Talking All That Jazz" butt heads with each other over a flute-led hip-hop beat on "Jazz Talkin". The "Mustapha Dance" instrumental mix of The Clash's "Rock The Casbah" also gets a good seeing to on closing track "Hypnotic".
TF 23
18 Feb 13
Played by: Bmd, Chudy, DJ Aka (Funk Moguls), Actual Sounds, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, DJ Axe, Morlack, Ez Icarus, Tosses & Varvez, Bialson Hajsy
Review:
Polish party people Tru Funk continue to champion the very best of the smile-inducing nu-funk scene with this eight tracker that provides plenty of new party breaks. DJ AKA goes for the fun jugular with "Funky Horns" coming across like KC & The Sunshine band back from the musical gym. Hiphoppapotamus gives Curtis Mayfield a post-dubstep going over in "Curtis Is Dangerous", while elsewhere Dizzee Rascal finds his 'Sirens' welded to some vintage funk in Morlack's "Imagination, KRS-One has his sound of da police beefed up with tough breaks by Tosses & Varvez and Warson provides some heavily filtered and tweaked 80s soul-style fun.
BOMBBASSF 001
15 May 13
Review:
Mooqee's label Bombstrikes is doing all right for itself. So much so in fact that they've reached that milestone - a label's first compilation album. Here Mooqee has selected 25 sizzling bangers new and old that do it for him, and hopefully will do it for you too. Highlights include the compressed electro steamroller that is "Back To School", the crunch synth funky freakout of "Come On Bounce" and the devastating bass that's eaten all the pies of "Let's Do It Right Now". Heavy!
BSDIGI 017
31 Oct 11
RIDDIMFRUIT 016
18 Feb 13
Played by: Roast Beatz, Actual Sounds, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, The Funk Hunters, Ez Icarus, Tosses & Varvez, Tulioxi
Review:
Ever eaten a Riddim Fruit? Rich in funk flavour and so many party nutrients they don't just hit your five a day, they're your floor-flipping 50 a day. Speaking of which, Brizzle's Mr 50 has delivered one of the label's freshest crops to date. "Low King" takes common glitch techniques on more of a cut n' paste skank vibe with some lovely horn action to boot. "Fifty 50 Funk" is more a guttural groover with a wheezing bassline and weeping synth lines a la Compton 20 years back. Finally, "Nightcrawler" leaves us wanting more thanks to its p-funk cheekiness, 8-bit trills and high-end bass zaps on the fills. Fruity!
2326102 012
02 Nov 12
Played by: Clairvo (Mustbeat), DJ Stex, Manmade / Cmc-Silenta, Badboe, Actual Sounds, Rory Hoy, Morlack, Ez Icarus, Tosses & Varvez, Tulioxi
Review:
Take a look at this label's history. They've released more compilations this year than we've eaten hot meals. And we LOVE hot meals at Juno. What's more; they've all been solid collections too. Shifty booty-business, sample-soaked party pieces and hip-hop-flavoured block-bashing joints, Actual Sounds have the nu funk scene locked down. Highlights abound across the 24-strong set but only a sucker would miss out on Badboe's filtered funk attack on NYC-kicking hip-hop ("Hercules 12"), Jazz K Lipa's ragga dance skank "Take Easy & Surf The Volume" and Pulp Fusion's slinky, sexy lounge-lizard "Manu's Groove". Here's to the next compilation!
281832 013
25 Mar 13
Played by: DJ Self, Manmade / Cmc-Silenta, Actual Sounds, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Morlack, Ez Icarus
Review:
Four volumes in seven months... Actual Sounds are ruthlessly efficient when it comes to showering the scene with fresh booty-shaking bootlegs. And it's business as usual as we're thrown around by the limbs to a 28-track strong selection of wide-eared funk fusions that range from an uptempo breakbeat cut n' shut of Nina Simone ("Ooh Baby") to Brooklyn era block busters ("Down With The King") via classic rave-meets-early house mashery ("A Bigbeat Treat"). A bargain and banging - these booties are keepers.
BOOTYFRUIT 009
31 Aug 12 |
