MASTERS AT WORK Vinyl & CDs

Review: Since its release way back in 1991 (on the duo's Cutting Records-released 'Blood Vibes' EP), 'The Ha Dance' has been an anthem within New York's vogueing community. 'The Ha Drop', the pair's latest, ahem, drop, re-invents the track for 2023, combining familiar elements from the original version with new elements and refreshed beats. Kenny Dope provides two of the mixes: a remix that mixes the famous vocal sample and bassline with an addictive melodic loop and even weightier drums in his distinctive style, and an instrumental that largely removes the stabbing vocal hook (which, fact fans, was taken from the movie 'Trading Places'). Also provided is a fabulous percussion workout in the shape of the 'MAW Beats' mix.

Review: Yet another early Masters At Work proto-jungle cut gets released on the inimitable Kay Dee recs. 'Blood Vibes' (Demo Version) is a desirous gemstone whose best facets reflect reggae, hip-hop and party breaks, though each side can only partially bend the unmissable light that is Kenny Dope" Gonzalez's production touch. Built around elements of Junior Reid's reggae classic 'One Blood', 'Blood Vibes' came about amid the pose-striking ballroom craze in New York in 1991, and even now we can hardly prepare ourselves for the riot that ensues on the following B-side, 'The Madd Cry'.