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Roast Beatz
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Review: If it's box-fresh but still authentically vintage-sounding funk vibes you're after, you'll find them in abundance on this V/A four-tracker from UK label Cuttin' It Fine. Roast Beatz are up first with the James Brown-ish 'Jungle Steppin', before Gramophone Soul marry War/ Sly Stone-esque vocal chants with rap snips on the big beat-infused 'Day By Day'. Pecoe's 'Good To Me' then brings more phat-assed retro vibes, complete with some familiar-sounding vocal bites, before Frankee More plays us out with the rumbustious 'For The Music', which rocks another chanted funk vocal. Overall, file somewhere between big beat, funk breaks and straight-up funk.
Played by: Juno Recommends Disco
Review: Hailing from Bournemouth on the UK's south coast, Roast Beatz is a self-described 'multi-genre' DJ whose sets span house, disco, funk, hip-hop, breaks, D&B and more. And he takes a similarly eclectic approach in the studio, as this five-tracker on his own Cuttin' It Fine label demonstrates. Making liberal use of some very familiar samples (see 'Punjabi Party' and 'Hold Your Head Up' in particular), what he's come up with are five tracks that span the spectrum from house to soul and funk, but that all have the kind of instant floor appeal that can only be achieved by those with some considerable experience in the booth.
Various
Review: The Cuttin' It Fine crew have pulled together once again to deliver a bag of dancefloor ready riddims under the 'Funk Butter' compilation title, what more could we ask for? We begin with the emotive vocal sampling and big room keys of Frankee More's Re-Funk remix of 'I Like It' from Debarge, which sets high levels from the jump. From here, Mr Fitz delivers a horn-driven funk out on 'Sharons Land', topped with a powerful vocal display before the shuffling drum rhythms and disco-like string backing of 'Sunshine Love' from Pecoe does the business once again. Finally, Roast Beatz gets to work on rebuilding a classic Sister Sledge vocal set into a modern, groove-ridden breaks anthem. Lovely work from all involved!
Various
Review: As always with the Breakbeat Paradise Recordings crew, we are in for a treat as they unleash the full version of the second 'Badass Funk' compilation, jam-packed with colourful originals and vibrant sampling displays. Featuring eight exciting creations, the vibes stretch from the soulful sample slicing of 'Step Up' from The Breakbeat Junkie and DJP and disco-infused melodic switches of 'Dancing Mood' from Turntill, Merlin & Crosby, to the the more euphoric synth tops and bubbling drums of Ewan Hoozami's 'Rock More' and more relaxed grooves of BadboE's 'The Suicide Thing'. We also hear some tidy work from Morlack on 'Hydraulic Roof', alongside some oldschool finesse on Tosses' 'Same Old Funk'. The whole project oozes class, but our highlights have to include the scatty percussive switches and signalong melodies of B-Side and Kurnal MC's 'Each & Every Day', next to the funkadelic bass twangs of 'Funky Weekend' from Roast Beatz. Awesome stuff!
Played by: The Allergies, Fort Knox Five, Roast Beatz, Johnnypluse, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Morlack, Funky Boogie Brothers, Ben Jamin
Review: With the catalogue that the Cuttin' It Fine team have both assembled and keep adding to, it's hard to expect anything less than exceptional with every release. They deliver another set of four breakbeat belters, courtesy of both El Bomba & Roast Beatz. First up, El Bomba delivers a dancefloor-ready funk out in 'Take A Break', a lively combo of sharp drum slaps and lip-curling basslines, before Roast Beatz the energy with the groovy guitar plucks and singalong vocals of 'Party Over Here'. Back to El Bomba next as the classic sounding guitar melodies and unpredictable drum shakes of 'Bronco Funk' tone down the madness a tad, before rounding off with anthem-like arrangements of 'Get On Down' from Roast Beatz, boasting a showstopper of a bassline, draped in pleasing horn switches and tidy vocal chops for good measure.
Review: Cuttin' It Fine look to round off with the year in style as they welcome back the sounds of Liberty Chaps for a vibrant four track expanse, which kicks off with catchy bassline grooves and descriptive lyricism of the one and only Kurnel MC, who adds a definite energy boost to this one. Next, the twisted synthesis and super punchy drum designs of the title track 'Fungasm' work their way into play before Liberty Chaps give a chunky, drum-driven remix to Dr Syntax's classic 'Boombox' vocal, again steering the EP in a bit of a different direction. To round off, we find ourselves working through a wacky combination of high energy drum rhythms and well sampled guitar riffs on 'Pillbillies' to put the finishing touches on a very enjoyable selection.
Played by: Craig Charles Funk And Soul, Roast Beatz, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Wiccatron, Funky Boogie Brothers
Review: For this, the latest in a long line of high quality Cuttin' It Fine drops, we welcome the expertise of Roast Beatz, who here unveils a feature length album project entitled 'Electric Pistachio', featuring twelve wicked originals. The features really bring this one to life, with guest appearances from the likes of Kurnel MC, Natty, PRofit, Broken Poetz, Mysdiggi, Ella Mae and many more highly renowned names. For us, there are a couple of immediate standouts when talking through this one, the first of which has to be the skippy drumwork of 'Keep It Movin' alongside the smooth vocal presence of the legendary Rider Shafique, alongside the groovy-heavy rhythmic twists of 'The People' with the fabulous harmonies of Greg Blackman.
Various/Tom Showtime
Tom Showtime - "Spaces & Places" (feat Gift Of Gab, Lotek & Ash.One - Double Down mix) - (4:10) 142 BPM
Review: So the team at Breakbeat Paradise are back to their old tricks again, proving just why they are so highly praised for their consistency here on JunoDownload. This latest project sees Tom Showtime join forces with a number of other producers for an intricate remix project, seeing a selection of fifteen potent reworks land in the store. The genre styles range for stripped back hip hop beats to more funky rethinks, giving a real mix and blend of styles. For us, the Tom Showtime remix of 'Bang Like This' from Ben & Lex alongside The Pharcyde summarizes everything this release is about, that being smooth, vibrant beats and warm, colourful basslines!
Roast Beatz feat Kurnel Mc
Review: Now if we are to look at Breakbeat as an overarching genre, we see a number of labels who are leading the way, with Cuttin' It Fine being one of the serious front runners. They then touch down here alongside Roast Beatz and Kurnel MC for a wicked new single by the name of 'Reach Out'. We hear Roast Beatz provide us with a spicy backing instrumental, packed with punchy drum arrangements, over which Kurnel MC is able to run wild. On remix duty, we see Beat Le Juice, Crash Party and Frankee More, who all deliver some fantastic recreations, ranging from punchy breaks to new school soul
South Coast RulersEXCLUSIVE
Played by: Spinforth, Frankee More, Roast Beatz, Badboe, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Funky Boogie Brothers, ElectroGorilla, Mined & Forrest
Review: Roast Beatz' Cuttin It Fine imprint hits its second outing with a fine motley collective of friends proffering party treats; Cockney Nutjob tip toes around the broken glass, pushing us closer to the edge over a sunny side skank on "Roar", El Bomba tells us to shut up and pay attention over a classic loose limbed funk break, B-Side Roast Beatz get emotional and dreamy over a rolling, subby 808 beat before flipping into a vibrant D&B finale on "Un-Fadeable" before the bossman brings home the bacon and pulls off the pork with the most upbeat, party bumping jam. Whoop, there it is....
Various/The Allergies
Played by: Spinforth, The Allergies, Craig Charles Funk And Soul, Fort Knox Five, Roast Beatz, Mooqee, Jayl Funk, Johnnypluse, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Quincy Jointz, Rory Hoy, Morlack, Wiccatron, THE NICEGUYS, LEGO EDIT, Funk Fusion
Review: As ever, the Bomb Strikes imprint delivers an awesome package to us with this brand new 25 track compilation entitled 'Funk N' Beats Vol. 5', To be honest, it's exactly what it says on the tin as The Allergies head up waves and waves of funkadelic rhythms and crunchy riffs. For us the highlights have to be the futuristic drum processing and subtle percussive movements of 'Loose Gardner' from Flevans, along with the classic breakbeat fusion of 'Fire' remixed by Smoove but originally produced by the Renegades Of Jazz. With the sheer depth of the project it's easy to get lost within the tracklisting, which is always a good sign on a large scale compilation.
Various
Review: Breakbeat Paradise is very good at satisfying our funky needs, never failing to come through with some blissful, sample-heavy party bangers for all walks of life. It's a mixed bag, as per usual, and this will surely appeal to DJs with wider sound palettes, from the hip-hop heads to the disco junkies. Coming across almost like edits, the sounds of peeps like B Side and DJ Maars manage to incorporate so many elements of dance music into single arrangements, and these tunes are surely what is needed to get the dancefloor going; whether it's your bag or not, you won't be able to resist their funky touch.
Various
Played by: Clairvo (MustBeat), The Allergies, Roast Beatz, Badboe, Trotter, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Funky Boogie Brothers, Funk Fusion
Review: Although the cover of this latest instalment in the Paradise Breaks series echoes the famously trippy sleeves of '70s prog rockers like Yes, the music couldn't be more modern. Actually that said, many of the productions on here do plunder the '70s for inspiration but they choose funk over wizard's capes and that. Highlights include the mighty "Bad Mother" which combines raw soul divas vocals, wah-wah guitars and thumping break beats, J-Sounds' tight and groovy break-funk jam "On And On" and the super catchy shuffle-pop gem "Nobody Else" by Arteo. A totally mixed bag and all the better for it.
Funky PresidentsEXCLUSIVE
Played by: Spinforth, Mr Bristow, DUBRA, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, BadboE, TURNTILL, Funky Boogie Brothers
Review: Dubbed 'a musical behemoth of apocalyptic proportions', Funky Presidents is the third Breakers Banquet release and it highlights the label's roster perfectly. BadBoE delivers pure funky party breaks gold with the well-named "Tear The Roof Off" and Roast Beatz gives some modern hip-hop a vintage twist on "Rock Right". Meanwhile El Bomba's "Shotgun" and Cris Crucial's "Comin From Da Underground" both channel feelgood 90s big beat in fine style.
Played by: Spinforth, Frankee More, Mr Bristow, Roast Beatz, Johnnypluse, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, BadboE, TOSSES, Rory Hoy, Sammy Senior, Wiccatron, Radical Mixtape, Alekkz, Funky Boogie Brothers, Funk Fusion
Review: Pinching the best ingredients of nu funk and hip-hop, Roast Beatz is one of the best examples of how to develop an inherent edit and bootleg heavy scene... With original grooves and some serious featured MCs. From Action Bronson to Dr Syntax to Dizzy Dustin, there are some proper names on here. And they deliver too; from Syntax's Jif and Marathon love on "Boombox" to Rider Shafiq's gravelly measured depth on "Words With Meaning", Roast Beatz cooks up timeless hip-hop at a masterchef level. Luxurious.
The Consolidation EPEXCLUSIVE
Cherry Bombs Volume 2EXCLUSIVE
Played by: Clairvo (MustBeat), Mr Bristow, Roast Beatz, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Father Funk, DJ Maars, Wickaman & Mavrik
Review: Booty Fruit goes in for the kill on the second helping of the Cherry Bomb series, a twisted fusion of boogie breaks, sample-heavy chops and house-flavoured grooves. This time it's Roast Beatz, El Bomba and Father Funk who teams up to spray the madness out in full effect. If you're into the combination disco, funky and breaks, then look no further...
Various
Cloud Watching Volume 2EXCLUSIVE
Review: Hot on the heels of the inaugural collection earlier this month, along comes an equally stunning follow up. Dedicated to the more chilled, funkier and soulful side of the breakbeat sound, the whole collection works perfectly in all situations: headphones, house parties and heady festival afternoons. Expect all manner of sunny sonics throughout the 10 track set, including shimmering skank maxing on "Think Back", somnambulant flute flurries on "Don't Feel Bad", a mesmerising blend of splashing percussion and belly-driven vocals on "Just Wanna Love You", and a whole load more. Dig deep and submit to the clouds. You'll be glad you did.
Do What You Love (feat Dizzy Dustin & Kylie Earl - DJ Rudd presents Bandmaster remix) - (5:11) 110 BPM
Review: While many of his peers are still stumbling out of the bootleg blocks, Roast Beatz is making some serious ground with his original productions. Following his massive EP on Riddim Fruit with artists such as Jehst and Stig Of The Dump, here he comes with two more consummately penned originals. "Do What You Love" is blessed with the distinctive lyrical flexery of Ugly Duckling's Dizzy Dustin. Grabbing you instantly with his laid-back charm, he's complemented by the syrup-sweet vocals of Kylie Earl. The result is a track that you feel you've known forever. "Ride It Out" is equally ear-grabbing as Crystal Carter comes on strong over the tight funk groove like a young Alice Russell. With remixes from Tom Showtime and Rudd, Breakbeat Paradise have put together something very special right here.
Various
Cloud Watching Volume 1EXCLUSIVE
Review: Home to artists such as Mr Bird, Mr 50 and Funkanomics, Devon-based beat stable Riddim Fruit have developed a peachy reputation since their inception in 2010. Here we find them curating their most laidback, soulful jams on Cloud Watching. Perfect for headphones and warm-ups alike, this inaugural collection bridges the gap between glitch, triphop, downtempo and soul with true style. Highlights include the crooning horns and soft mournful vocal cries on "Cold Blooded Murder", the lolloping laidback vibes and filtered loops of "Boy Mayers" and the confident, smokey classic hip-hop badness of "Back Packers". Watch clouds for long enough and you'll start seeing shapes. This particular shape is a massive thumbs up. Riddim Fruit have smashed it on this one.
Played by: Clairvo (MustBeat), Roast Beatz, Badboe, Johnnypluse, Hidden Riddim, Ez Icarus, Dusty Tonez, F-Block
Review: Nu-funk meets US and UK hip-hop: Roast Beatz has put together an all-star international cast for this chop-smacking EP. Boasting lyrical magic from the likes of Action Bronson, Jehst, Stig Of The Dump, Rtkal, Dabbla and many more, this is Roast Beatz' biggest release without question. Highlights include the uptempo horn n' bass fusion of "Humble Pie", the low-swung guitar licks and moochy breakbeats of "5 Star Generals" and the classical smoky flute fusion of the title track. Serious vibes: Roast Beatz has never been tastier.
Cherry Bombs Volume 1EXCLUSIVE
Played by: Goodgroove Records, Frankee More, BMD, Roast Beatz, Chudy, Manmade / CMC-Silenta, Badboe, Hidden Riddim, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Sneak-E Pete, BadboE, D-Funk, Ez Icarus, Dusty Tonez, Relative Dimensions
Review: Serious booty-fusion abounds on this new series from Booty Fruit. Badboe introduces Jeru The Damaja and Ini Kamoze to a disco bassline. Roast Beatz gives Grand Puba a sexy, sun-kissed facelift. El Bomba and Hidden Riddim go back to school on their Akai and get clever with a range of well-known samples and big old juicy bassline. Waggles finishes the set with the cheekiest addition that sees the Beastie Boys on a lounge lizard samba flex. Party insanity.
Roast Beatz feat Mys Diggi
Pour Me Remix EPEXCLUSIVE
Review: Lovely original nu funk vibes right here. In a sea of bootlegs, productions like this stand out like cans of pop at a diabetic disco. Horn-tooting, bass-swinging and lyrically forthright it's an instant party starter with the perfect balance of hip-hop heroism and raw funk heritage. Remix highlights include Cut La Roc's old Brooklyn style hip-hop version and Jimi Needles combo of well-rounded bass and deep soul jazz chords. Shucks, the whole package bangs! Bottom line: If you don't buy "Pour Me" you'll be saying "Poor Me" a lot more often that you did.
Dubplate Bullets Volume 1EXCLUSIVE
Homemade Bullets Volume 5EXCLUSIVE
Played by: DJ Rudd, Clairvo (MustBeat), Chudy, Actual Sounds, Johnnypluse, Hidden Riddim, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Tim Livingstone, Dastardly Kuts, Ez Icarus, Father Funk
Review: However many new directions dance music goes in, there will always be a place for simple-but-effective bootleg mash-ups of familiar grooves and hip-hop acapellas. To be fair to the Booty Fruit camp, they do it better than most, offering reworks that balance dancefloor playability with a tasteful approach to production. There's a distinct hip-hop feel throughout, with Roast Beatz's harmonica-laden Beasties booty "Hick Stick" and Livingstone & Conosis' bumpin' "Tuna Salad" - a Charli 2na rework - standing out. Check also the head-nodding disco-skank of El Bomba and Hidden Riddim's "Miss Discoflex".
Homemade Bullets Volume 4EXCLUSIVE
