Review: Hip hop, house and r&b music are intrinsically linked. More than most forms of music, contemporary black recordings possess the ability to borrow, looking back at what has gone before. As a result today's artists, producers and remixers consistently draw inspiration from classic, often obscure, soul, jazz, funk and disco tracks, and subsequently the pioneers of these genres are, arguably, directly responsible for many of today's biggest dance floor cuts. Therefore, this collection is dedicated to the rare grooves and classics that in many cases have survived their creators and the labels that first brought them to our attention. This first edition of Defected's new Deep Down & Discofied series contains a small selection of some of the many tracks that have inspired its curator, label boss Simon Dunmore, through the years, records that touched his soul at various points on his journey through clubland. A few of the choices are pure indulgence but most of the inclusions are now part of dancefloor history and, more importantly, they are now the inspiration for many a classic hip hop, house or r&b anthem, either as a straight cover version or as a sampled, twisted groove revitalised for a brand new audience. Joining the dots between old and new flavours brings together records from Jenny Burton (whose 'Bad Habit' was used so effectively in Defected's own ATFC single), Salsoul Orchestra (another heavily sampled classic in 'Take Some Time Out For Love'), Teddy Pendergrass (think DJ Sneak's Chicago House classic 'You Can't Hide From Your Bud') and the prototype for Stardust's 'Music Sounds Better With You' from Chaka Khan alongside newly created disco infused songs from Martin Solveig and Ron Hall & The MuthaFunkaz. A clear indication that the musical power of the past is still shaping the sounds of the future. The first 'Deep Down & Discofied' album comes available on double CD and three double vinyl LPs, bringing the selected tunes to DJs, collectors and those wanting to delve a little deeper inside contemporary electronic music.
… Read more