Eightball Vinyl & CDs

Review: In the mid-90s, Lee Rodriguez, known as Mr. Onester, produced some of New York's most iconic, gritty house tracks. Collaborating closely with Steven John Craden, Rodriguez's music embodied a raw, Afro-Latine essence that reflected the culture and vibrancy of working-class New York, yet managed to strike chords far beyond. His sound, from hypnotic organ basslines to jazzy synths, stood out amid the polished vocals and pop appeal dominating dance floors at the time. The duo's prolific output spanned numerous aliases, genres and labels, carving a unique space in house music's golden era. After the release of his masterpiece, however, Rodriguez vanished, leaving only his legacy and a tantalizing mystery behind. Now reissued once again to meet the demand, this album continues to get noticed and find itself into the hearts of all who hear it.