The genres continue to collide as hip-hop and EDM merge even further. Mr. Collipark (a/k/a DJ Smurf) is best known for signing Soulja Boy and his massive hits with Ying Yang Twins (“Wait”) and Bubba Sparxx (“Ms. New Booty”). Together with Dim Mak producer Meaux Green, they unleash “No Discrimination,” a full-on party trap anthem made for twerking. Starting with a big old hook that sounds like it was taken from a vintage ’60s soul record is quite a nice way to frame the track. The message of the lyrics makes it more universal – encouraging people from all races to come together. While you might not be thinking of that as you are shaking your ass and sweating at the club, the sentiment is still quite nice. Remixes by Mr Hanky, Basscrooks, and DJ Roonie G will fit any DJ rocking urban-leaning clubs.
SONG OF THE DAY: Lupe Fuentes – So High
Picture this, walking into a WMC party with sexy house music playing and looking up at the booth to barely see just the top of someone’s head. That was my my first introduction to the lovely and petite fireball Lupe Fuentes, who was rocking the Brobot party at the SLS hotel. Her set was a danceable mix of grooves, nu-House, funk, and progressive which blended a respect for classic house with a modern 2014 feel. Her new track “So High” fits that description as well. The classic synths from Lil’ Louis and David Morales productions, with a vocal sample that could be from a ’90s house anthem are blended into a sexy, chilled (but not subdued) track that works for the dancefloor but isn’t so aggressive that it can’t be enjoyed at a lounge or pre-bar. It is that brilliant mix of classic and “fewcha,” as Junior Sanchez says, which makes it no surprise why he signed Lupe to his label Brobot. Watch out for Lupe Fuentes, she is definitely a DJ/producer with a special talent.
Image courtesy of Brobot.
SONG OF THE DAY: Ann Nesby “Living My Life”
All those who are loving the Nu-House revival need to listen to this record. Ann Nesby led the Sounds of Blackness, bringing inspirational and gospel messages to the dancefloor on the classics “The Pressure (I Need Relief)” and “Optimistic,” and her solo hits like “Can I Get A Witness,” “Hold On,” and “Love is What We Need.” She is back with a new album led by the title track “Living My Life.” Teaming with producer Kendrick Dean (Monica, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown), they meld a modern fusion of inspirational r&b and house music. Ann sings about how she leads her life and everything works out because she is positive and has faith. Actually, that isn’t completely accurate, she doesn’t sing- she “SANGS” – those who know the idiom know exactly what I mean. For the clubs, Ann goes back to her roots and enlists the talents of Terry Hunter for a full-on house anthem. As the first taste of her forthcoming album, we can all look forward to some incredible vocal house songs that will bring us some church vibes while we raise our hands in the air at the club.
Image Courtesy of Arrow Records.