EP Review: Sound Library 2025 (Promo Vol. 1) by Daniel Niles

 

Sound Library 2025 (Promo Vol. 1)

By

Daniel Niles

 

Anyone who is a regular reader of the blog will be familiar with the Daniels work as I have featured his production on his instrumental album Carmen Suite (2021) and his work alongside Anyway Tha God on Allow God To Interject – Daniel Niles Remix (2021) and the single Mind Melt (2024).

This latest offering is limited edition cassette promo that features six remixes that Daniel has produced. The release is strictly limited to the cassette, with no plans to release them digitally. So, you might want to grab one of these while they are still out there…

Reviewing remix projects is always a challenge, especially if you are not familiar with all the tracks. So, as I want to give you my honest opinion here, I am going to do my best to check the original prior to reviewing the remix so that I can give you an idea of how they compare.

 

So, I’m gonna dive straight in with he first track, which is Best Stop Ya Crying. Now I do know this track as it featured on Daniels remix project for Anyway Tha God, Allow God To Interject. Now, I have not been able to find a copy of the original but, here is what I said about that 2021 remix from Daniel. The harmonica, piano, and drums on Best Stop Ya Crying creates a sound that seems to tug at your nerves a little and this whole track seemed to speak on how people react when things don’t go their way. It’s like the old saying, don’t cry over spilled milk or in our current society, don’t start complaining about the actions of a government that you voted for. Here Daniel brings a far funkier sound, with head nod drums, tambourine, other percussion sounds and this wickedly funky bass. All this mashes together to bring a sound that gets you moving; while at the same time not taking anything away for Anyway Tha God’s vocals which still have the same impact and as they did several years back.

The second track comes from Billie Splyff (aka Mista Spyce of The Brotherhood) and is Tek No Nonsense. Daniel produced the original of this track which featured on 2021’s Sorry For The Wait album. The original had a solid boom bap style beat alongside these organ notes that gave the whole thing a quite mind bending sound. For the remix, Daniel has kept the heavy drumbeat but, kept the mind bending sound with some keys and other sounds that does mess with your mind, just like the original. Billie Splyff takes no prisoners here as the track is all about, as the title suggests, taking no nonsense, whether it is from scene or those who object to smoking a certain plant. The wordplay reflects what the track is all about and this hot new remix is one that is likely to be on more that a few playlists, if you can grab a copy that is.

Up next, is another track that I know well and have reviewed; High Noon by Montener The Menace featuring Masta Ace, Rah Digga, Wordsworth and Fatlip, from the album Anyone Home (2021). My review of the original went like this: Montener the Menace has formed a rag tag group of Hip-Hop outlaws with Masta Ace, Rah Digga, Wordsworth (outlaws) and Fatlip (sheriff). Now the line may blur as to which side of the law they stand on, but they are gonna be letting off from all barrels or chambers on those who have the nerve to cross them, as they stand for oppressed against the oppressors. The straight up head nod beat laced with strings comes from Wounded Buffalo Beats and really is a track that is more than just a posse cut and could well be ‘The Symphony’ for a new era. For this new remix Daniel has gone for a solid head nod drumbeat, which this track demands, and has backed that with a bass note and a vocal sample that seems to have a middle eastern sound to it. This changes the tone of the track, which at first listen I was not sure worked but, the more I have listened, it has kinda grown on me. The vocals still hit as they did on the original but, here the remix almost gives the track a reflective edge, as if someone is reminiscing over an experience past.

Clear The Space by Noddegamra is one I am not familiar with and comes from the 2021 EP of the same name, which was originally recorded back in 2003 by Slough MC Noddegamra and producer Big Chill. In 2021 Daniel, who is the nephew of Big Chill (R.I.P.), rediscovered the original acapellas and remixed the eight track EP. That 2021 version is a proper boom bap track with horns, that gets your head nodding. The track focuses on Noddegamra bringing a bit of braggadocio on who he is and quality of his rap game. The wordplay is solid too and it really surprises me that this one seems to have gone over the heads of so many and deserves for attention, which could well happen with this remix. For this new remix Daniel gives the track a real heavy sound with a banger of a beat that ramps up the adrenaline levels and is, if I dare say it, one of the highlights here. Not only should this one make you want to seek out the EP and search for more from Noddegamra but, also Daniel does a cracking job of paying homage to his uncle ‘Big Chil’ who sadly passed away earlier this year, and I can’t think of a more poignant way for honouring someone’s memory than this.

The penultimate remix here comes in the form of the track The Phantasm Pt 2 from the album 7^th (2022). Daniel had originally been asked to do a remix for the 7^th Remix Edition but, when that remix didn’t quite make the final cut, he used the acapella to produce this new remix. The original was produced by 7^th Dan and has a solid drumbeat that is backed by piano giving the whole thing this sound you can’t help to vibe to while DSOTM create a track with cleaver lyrics and wordplay that you the idea you have just become embroiled in a living nightmare. Daniels new remix keeps that nightmare vibe with a heavy beat over bass, horns, and electronic sounds that grab your awareness and toy with your nerves once more.

The final remix here is Nile Flow from the DTN Collective featuring Who Dat and Billie Splyff. The DTN Collective (Dantian Collective) is comprised of KG-Chi, Mista-E, Zedi, AnyWay Tha God, and Ayem and the track Nile Flow comes from their album A.S.K.M. (2024). The original was produced by Daniel and features cuts from Sub One. That Original has a banging boom bap beat with keys and strings that all merged to give you a sound that got you moving while also testing your nerves. This one is a display of the emcee’s wordplay and lyrical prowess, one to sit back and enjoy, while the focus is on the words flowing effortlessly like water. For the brand new remix, Daniel brings a solid and heavy boom bap beat that gets you moving from the get-go. There is a synth sound here that gives this one a Carpenter style sound that only adds to the vibe of this one, taking nothing away from the vibe of the original but elevating it to another level.

 

What can I say overall about this one?

I have to say that I have always loved the art of the remix. I grew up in the 80’s when the remix was a huge thing, and you would buy 12” singles just to get various remixes. The remix can often change the vibe and sound of a track and there are times when a remix will work and times when it does not. I have to say I’m not a huge fan of more modern genre’s making remixes of older tracks, especially when it comes to DnB or EDM etc. However, what we get with Sound Library 2025 Promo Vol. 1 is a perfect display of how to do it properly. Here Daniel Niles takes six tracks, some of which he himself originally produced and some where he is bringing a whole new take on an original production. He skilfully brings a new sound to each track, either keeping the overall vibe of the original, or completely giving it a whole new sound that, while keeping the essence of the original tracks meaning, brings a new vibe that takes the meaning in a different direction.

Another thing to consider here is that the cassette comes with the vocal versions on the A-Side and the instrumental versions on the B-Side. As I have said many times before, having the instrumental version of a track is something that I always enjoy as a sound scape that is free of vocals can take you a million different places in your mind, and there is always the chance too that these instrumentals give you some inspiration for your own creative abilities. It’s well worth taking the time to check them out, in my humble opinion.

You can tell that Daniel has a great ear for the Hip Hop sound and has the production skills to bring new life and direction to tracks that you might be familiar with and those you might not be. This release is one of those rare underground gems that won’t be out there for all to own. Rare promo items can be among some of the most popular and expensive things to track down and I have no doubt that Sound Library 2025 Promo Vol. 1 has the potential to be one of those gems, in terms of Hip Hop music.

I suggest that if like collecting those rarities, then this one should be one you look to get hold of before they disappear and the price skyrockets.

Update, as I get this post ready to go live, I have just found out that these have sold out. Looks like you may just have take my word for it on the content...

Huge thanks to Daniel Niles for giving me the chance to bring you my take of this one.

I see you next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Here is the one link you need for Daniel Niles:

https://linktr.ee/Daniel_Niles

 

 Daniel Niles on Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/lordsupermalt/

 

Single Review: Sambuca (Smoove Mix) by Whirlwind D

 

Sambuca (Smoove Mix)

By

Whirlwind D

 

This one sneaked up on me almost under the radar but, after getting the chance to review the Smoove Remix of Labels, with the 7” version as the B-Side to Without Music (2021) and the full Extended Mix on the Libra album (2023), how could I pass up the chance to do this one. Simple, I couldn’t…

Sambuca (Smoove Mix) is a strictly limited 7” release, that is limited to just 100 copies, on B-Line recordings and is released today via Whirlwind D’s Bandcamp page.

I don’t want to keep you waiting on this one so, lets just get into it…

 

The funky beat immediately grabs your attention and those horns on the bridge give this one the sort of infectious sound that you gets you moving and puts a huge smile on your face and that vibe really fits so well with Whirlwind D’s witty vocals. Now, if you have not heard this track before, if not why not, it’s all about getting hyped up for those live shows, getting rid of any anxious feelings with a little liquid courage. Anyone who has been to Rope-A-Dope or certain live performances since the release of Libra, can tell you that that Sambuca has featured; the firey liquid burns its way from mouth to gut, giving the warmth and internal strength to perform with gusto and engage the crowd throughout. But this track might be all about getting hyped for the shows but, really sambuca is one of those drinks that you can just have fun with, a bit like this track sees Whirlwind D having some fun with it.

What I love about this track and this remix is that Smoove takes nothing away from the original, which was produced by Specific and had cuts from Djar One, but he gives it a whole new spin, giving it a funky vibrant club vibe that would not be out of place being thumped out a few notches above ten at your BBQ, in your car, wherever suits you. This one is sure to have you bouncing around every time you hear it. Just remember to drink responsibly and don’t have a shot every time you hear the word sambuca, otherwise you are likely only to get through one play of the track, Ha Ha…

This is a great addition to Whirlwind D’s catalog and a truly blinding remix from Smoove who just has this uncanny knack of feeling a track and knowing exactly how to elevate it and put the kind of spin on it that takes it off in a whole new direction. Plus, it could not have been released at a better time keeping those summer vibes going. 

The wicked artwork for the Sambuca label comes from the creative talent of John 'Digital' Dyer.

Grab a vinyl why you can and get this one flowing through your musical veins.

Huge thanks to my man Whirlwind D for giving me the chance to bring this one to you.

See ya next time,

Steve.

LINK

Get your copy from Bandcamp Here:

https://whirlwindd.bandcamp.com/album/sambuca-smoove-mix

Single Review: Most Hazardous Original and Remix by Cut Beetlez and Godfather Don

 

Most Hazardous

By

Cut Beetlez and Godfather Don

 

Recently my good friends the Cut Beetlez released a new single and remix, Most Hazardous which featured none other than Godfather Don, a legendary figure in Hip Hop music who is an emcee in his own right and also a top producer who has worked with some huge names since his first appearance on the scene in 1991 with his debut, Hazardous. So, what better than for him to team up with the duo of the Cut Beetlez who are arguably two of the most innovative producers in Hip Hop today.

So, without further ado, lets get into Most Hazardous and the remix…

As with all their releases, the Cut Beetlez bring a huge jazz influence to the sound on this one, with a mind numbing drum fusion that beats your ears and causes your entire body to vibrate to the very atoms that spin beyond your awareness but, that’s not all, as along the way there are electronic and bass elements, alongside frantic razor sharp cuts which combine to bring a mind bending, nerve shredding sound but, one that is strangely enjoyable and compliments the vocals. Godfather Don is on point here with deadly, intricate wordplay that slices, dices and unloads salvos of rhyme bombs that take out all the wack rappers and demonstrate exactly why he is the Most Hazardous on the mic and beyond.

With the Most Hazardous remix, the Cut Beetlez take God Father Don’s words and statement and give a whole new backdrop. Here the sound is a rougher drum sound fused with those deadly cuts and some big, sampled horn elements, which also have that rough raw element to them. What this does is to add to the impact of the original in a way that feels like going beyond the vibrating of every atom in your body, to ripping them all apart and then simultaneously pounding them back together in one swift moment.

What we have here is a merging of one of the great Hip Hop lyricists with two beats that, on the face of it sound so different but, are also very close, coming from the minds of two guys who always bring the heat.

Once again, the Cut Beetlez show that they seem to have this never-ending innovative style that always brings something different, something experimental, to the scene with each release they put their minds to. There is always a fresh element to everything they do, which means you can never anticipate just what you are about to hear, they just always have an edge which always leaves you thinking ‘I wasn’t expecting that’?

Bringing in Godfather Don to drop vocals on this one, makes you sit back and think how the sound is just perfect for his delivery; and what a delivery it is to, expertly delivered with a rollercoaster flow of intricate wordplay that leaves you feeling a little breathless and wondering just what a whole album would be if put out by this meeting of Hip Hop greats.

Most Hazardous and its Remix are, for me anyway, two must haves, end of story. If you have not heard these yet, then its time to wrap your ears and your mind around them now.

Both singles are out now and feature artwork by HP Lovescratch himself. The strictly limited lath cut 5" picture discs have sadly now sold out. However, you can still purchase some artwork from Bandcamp.

My huge thanks to DJ J-Man for giving me the chance to review these two dope singles.

Time for me to be out,

See ya next Time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy of Most Hazardous on Bandcamp:

https://cutbeetlez.bandcamp.com/album/most-hazardous 

Stream both singles Here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/75uudNEPFGwcf2Q2Xe9ffH?si=qGGA4IzwQkmKReUKKPyjEg&nd=1&dlsi=fcedbdd5239a4231

Cut Beetlez on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cutbeetlez/

Godfather Don on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/real_godfather_don/

 

Single Review: Filth 2000AD by Muz Tha Don

 

Filth 2000AD

By

MUZ Tha DON

Filth is the new single from MUZ and is the first single from his forthcoming EP Duality. Following the Wakefield emcees recent singles releases Swords Out, Under His Eye and Quid Game, all of which you can find reviews of on the blog, I was interested to see what this latest single was all about. His previous stuff always has this deep look at life around him and so it was safe to assume that Filth 2000AD would be no different.

So, let’s get into this…

The single comes with a number of mixes from different producers but, I’m gonna kick off with the mix by Traumkl, which will also feature in the video. The sonic sound that Traumkl has weaved for this is a pure assault on the senses. It creates this vibe which shreds every nerve and makes your head feel like you’re a victim of a scanner from David Cronenberg’s movie. The link between this and the novel by Irvine Welsh is not lost as MUZ focuses on the British justice system and those who enforce it in the public domain. There is a raw brutality to his words as he tears into the police and that far from being there to protect and serve the citizen’s, all they seem to do is enforce the wishes of the government. They have been given powers against those who chose to protest, even in a peaceful manner, such as the BLM protests and they even label protesters as terrorists and jihadists when they stand up for the persecution of others like the Palestinian peoples, as we have seen recently. It makes you wonder they are there to stand up for and protect the people or if they are there to keep us in line. Muz does such a good job putting the whole system in his sights and speaking up in a truthful and unapologetic nature and when you mix that with Traumkl’s sonic sound it creates something that you almost can’t bear to listen to but, at the same time, is strangely engaging.

Now, there are three additional remixes of the song that come with the single release and I’m gonna take a quick look at each and see if and how these remixes work with the subject matter of the track…

First up is the remix by ChillsMyth, which combines a laid-back beat with some chilled organ vibes which really calms the delivery of MUZ’s vocals. It helps bring a more thoughtful air to the track giving more focus to the lyrics allowing them the stage to really speak to you.

Next up is the remix by Micro Deform, this one brings another assault on the senses with a heavy industrial sonic sound that rips your awareness apart and seems, like the original from Traumkl, to reflect the often-brutal nature of justice and the police. There is this slight change to the musical vibe as the track plays out, and almost thinks thing are getting better before ending with a sound that reminds you that’s not the case.

Finally, we have the Pandamonium Remix, which takes a more boom bap beat and mixes it with harp and electronic sounds that gets you head nodding while still twisting those already frayed nerves. This mix allows more focus on the vocals once more and in a way that will appeal to the Hip Hop headz big time.

 

Releasing this one on Halloween is a stroke of genius because the brutal nature of the track which shines a light on the often-horrific nature of how the police and justice systems treat the people they are supposed to protect, is pretty much the worst kind of horror movie you can imagine. When your protectors become the enforcers, it causes to wonder the true nature of what sort of society we are living in, especially when people are persecuted for exercising their right to free speech and standing up for injustice and what they truly believe in. It does seem that these cases of police brutality and the unfair treatment of the justice system, is on the rise and MUZ sees this and brings this fairly and squarely into our awareness in an unflinching manor.

His words seem to be delivered in a brutal way to reflect the nature of the subject matter. His flow and lyrics still have that slick nature but, the delivery gives them a suitable edge that is exactly what is needed when dealing with this kind of subject.

I have to say that this sets up a very interesting and deep vibe for the coming EP and if you listen to one single this Halloween, make it this one and see which mix hits you the hardest.

Filth 2000AD is out today.

My thanks to Muz for giving me the opportunity to review this one.

I need a rest after that one,

See Ya,

Steve.

LINKS

Streaming links to follow

Get Filth 2000AD on Bandcamp Here:

https://murypoppinz.bandcamp.com/album/filth-2000ad 

Muz Tha Don YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@BadLOOKTV/videos

VIDEOS

Filth 2000AD Official Video

Video will be added once live

 

Album Review: Everything's Turning Up Dusty by Krash Slaughta

 

Everything’s Turning Up Dusty

By

Krash Slaughta

 

Something that came out of Hip Hop music that I always loved were two things, the Megamix and the Cut n Paste mix. In fact, they were pivotal for me in that they spawned the ‘Pause Button’ mixes that we all loved back in the 80’s. Regardless of how you did it the tape-to-tape mixing was fun, and I still have some of my efforts around somewhere. I would enjoy finding my favourite tracks and adding bits from recordings of TV programs such as The Comic Strip and would enjoy trying to make party megamix tapes and the like, it’s a wonder I never progressed into vinyl mixing at the time.

As we moved into the 90’s it was the mixtape that became bigger with DJ’s remixing tracks and Emcee’s rapping over classic instrumental tracks and then mixing it all together. I would often listen to all these alongside recordings of the DMC mix championships and be amazed at how DJs could do what they did.

Fast forward to the present day and what might happen if you were to merge the Cut n Paste mix with a mixtape vibe? Step forward Glasgow based Krash Slaughta, a true legend in the game, who has put together just that on Everything’s Turning Up Dusty. This double LP limited edition vinyl is an hour long and consists of four sides of Cut n Paste musical goodness alongside some banging remixes to boot. The album took four months to make, with each of the four mixes taking one month to produce.

So, join me as I do my best to put my enjoyment of this stunning release into words…

Side One bursts into your ears with that classic Cut n Paste sound, and you can’t help but, smile and nod your head as you listen along. Mixed into this are sound bites from Blade Runner, Graff writer interviews, Marijuana info film, funk breaks, electronic vibes and so much more. There is also a remix of Time’s Up by O.C. that gives it this Pink Floyd, prog rock kind vibe; following on from this is an upbeat remix of So Let The Fun Begin by Stetsasonic, which has this bass and piano vibe that is just so wicked. This brings side One to a close and it’s time to flip over.

Side Two kicks off with this banging horn heavy remix of On The Smooth Tip by Sweet Tee before breaking into more funky dopeness over which is a recording of part of a story from Masters of the Universe, just to add more of a grin to your face. Following this Krash brings in a pounding remix of Quality Control from Jurassic 5, which has some mind bending, nerve tingling electronic elements mixed in. The breaks and razor-sharp cuts keep coming as you vibe to every little element, including the Beat Street element; before we are treated to funky drum remix of Torture Chamber by Edan ft Percee P. Next, we get this almost two tone, ragga vibe for the remix of Made You Look (Remix) by Nas ft Jadakiss and Ludicris. As this side comes to an end Bruce Lee reminds us to be like water, a timely reminder as we now need to be fluid in changing the record to side 3…

Side Three begins to sonic vibes before things kick off in a funky way to get that head nodding once more. Time for some Ol’ Dirty Bastard with Krash Slaughta reinterpreting Shimmy Shimmy Ya!, to this horn heavy, uplifting infectious sound that gets your whole body moving. Next track getting the remix treatment is Melody by Nu Mark and Pomo ft MF DOOM, with a funky horn heavy sound keeping you bouncing along. More funky breaks and turntable trickery, jazz vibes, sonic sounds, samples and add breaks ensue before its time to flip to record one last time…

Side Four begins with a big orchestral intro before we break into a jazz horn remix of Definition of a King by Two Kings in a Cipher. Funk breaks and a comedic look at how to be a rapper then brings a grin. A funky jazz vibe heralds the remix of Movin’ On by Gang Starr which is sure to get you movin’ and groovin’, Then comes the voice of Phill Most Chill taking us to the Rebel Base with Krash Slaughta mixing it up once more. From the rebel base we move into some outer space vibes with Krash Slaughta making a visit to the space bank before moving into hyperspace with more funky interstellar breaks. Drums, funky keys, and guitar vibes are the main components of the last remix, which is I Gotta Good Thing by Superlover Cee and Casanova Rud before we finally have round off this epic album.

Everything I have said above really just scratches the surface of what Everything’s Turning Up Dusty is. When you consider that Krash Slaughta has always wanted to make a cut n paste mix, and then he comes up with something that truly takes that genre of music to a whole new level. When you consider the likes of Coldcut’s Say Kids and Beats and Pieces or Double Dee and Steinski’s The Lesson series, Everything’s Turning Up Dusty emulates everything those classic releases did in taking elements of classic tracks, sound bites, infomercials, interviews and more, mixing and mashing them all together to produce something that was a whole new element of Hip Hop music. There is nothing you can’t do with the cut n paste mix and Krash Slaughta really does display that with aplomb.

To be perfectly honest, it is very hard to review something like this and really do it justice with my words because there are just too many elements to break down but, what I can do is to say with all my heart that this truly is one of the most amazing displays of the cut n paste genre that I have heard and when you consider the work that Krash Slaughta has put into this, it truly deserves to be placed up there with the best of them; it also shows the talent he has in crafting such a release, this is homage to the cut n paste mix but, also an incredible stand-alone audible spectacle.

My best advice would be for you to listen, listen and listen again to this because Everything’s Turning Up Dusty is never gonna get old, in fact, this is one set of vinyl’s I can never see collecting dust and turning up Dusty.

I take my hat off to Krash Slaghta on this one and also give him my humble thanks for the chance to drop a few words about this stunning release.

On that note,

I’m outta here,

Steve.

LINKS

Get your copy from Krash Slaughta Bigcartel:

https://krashslaughta.bigcartel.com/product/everything-s-turning-up-dusty

Get a copy from Bandcamp:

https://krashslaughta.bandcamp.com/album/everythings-turning-up-dusty

Krash Slaughta Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/krashslaughta/

https://www.instagram.com/paulkrashslaughtasmith

https://www.mixcloud.com/krashslaughta/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Configa Presents ReConfiga'd

 

Configa presents – ReConfiga’d

By

Configa

 

This will be the first time I have reviewed an album of remixes. And because it’s the latest from UK super producer Configa – who has been working with Arrested Development on their last two albums amongst many other big names on his resume, as well as winning Producer of the Year via B-Boy Document magazine last year – it’s fair to say that I’m looking forward to this one. I have decided to approach my review of this album slightly differently.

For this review I’m not going to be getting into the lyrics or the overall message of each track because that is not the point here. The whole idea of a remix album is for the producer to showcase his unique take on an original track. Remixing original tracks can really help revive the music, giving it a whole new sound and vibe. With Re:Configa’d, Configa has brought a fairly broad mix of tracks together with his own distinctive style and flavour. My aim here is to offer my interpretations of the musicality of these remixes and then consider how they compare to my interpretations of the original versions. So, let’s get straight into it…

The album kicks off with ‘Paid My Dues’ by Big Stat, circa 2014. The original version is a solid boom-bap track full of drums and synth/electronic notes. It’s the kinda full on head-nod vibe you like to bounce to. For the remix, Configa takes orchestral strings, horns, drums and piano notes, alongside some well needed cuts. That big orchestral sound serves to kick this up a level by retaining that boom-bap sound, but also refining it, giving it a sound that is almost soundtrack in nature rather than street.

Up next is ‘Do This’ ft Canibus, Be Kay and Chino XL from the 2009 mixtape, ‘The Foundation’ by German producer Shuko. The original is a straight-up boom-bap track with drums and piano as the main sounds with some impressive cuts thrown in for good measure. For the remix, Configa takes drums and a funky guitar sound to give this a hi-energy sound that would be at home in any club – there are also some slick stabbing cuts to get the blood pumping.

It’s time now to dip into a classic 90’s track with ‘Spam’, from the 1994 Album ‘Spam from Milk (Audio Two)’. This one features AD Rock from the Beastie boys and, alongside the twos’ high pitched rapping, the original is drum heavy with some flute notes, giving it a very sparse sound that really focuses on the vocals. Configa’s remix brings a far more musical tone to the track. He uses guitar and drums to give it a head-nod vibe, whilst mixing in some organ notes that bring a concert hall/theatre sound.

From the 90’s hip-hop sound, we move forward with Planet Asia (as Medallions) on the track ‘Having Thangs’ from 2007’s ‘Jewellery Box Sessions The Album’. The vibe of the original is very much on a street-banger tip, with some heavy drums, strings and piano providing the sound. Configa’s remix takes drums, keys, cuts, and whistles to give the track a much more chilled vibe whilst losing none of the impact of the original.

With a quarter of the album done, it’s time to step back into the 90’s with one of rap’s most infamous figures, The Notorious B.I.G. with the track ‘Suicidal Thoughts’ from the 1994 album ‘Ready To Die’. The original musical vibe is one that is straight up head-nod with drums and keys providing the musical backdrop for the deep subject matter. The remix from Configa is a far more mellow affair that sees him also using drums and keys to provide the sound. Configa also drops the phone conversation aspect of the original, allowing the vocals to do all the talking while keeping the dark head-nod feel.

Staying in the 90’s, the sound switches to R&B superstar Mary J. Blige and the track ‘Be Happy’ from her 1994 ‘My Life’ Album. The original has a big funk/soul sound from drums, bass, and strings carrying the listener alongside Mary J. Blige’s silky, soulful vocals. For his remix Configa takes drums, strings and organ notes to create a feel-good sound that is very much on a hip-hop/soul tip.

We stay in the 1990’s for another huge track in ‘Let’s Get It On’, from the 1994 album ‘Let’s Get It On’ by Eddie F & The Untouchables. The track features Heavy D, 2Pac, Grand Puba and The Notorious B.I.G. and was one of the only times ‘Pac and B.I.G. shared the studio together. The original sampled Barry White’s ‘You’re The One I Need’ and produces a real funky vibe with the drums, tambourine and guitar. For the remix, Configa flips the vibe of this one into a proper street sound using bass, horns, cymbals, sparse drums and, as the emcees trade bars, you can almost feel the cars creeping with their lights off.

Bringing things back into the new millennium, we find Configa working with the diss track, ‘Gucci Gang’, by Joyner Lucas. The original track saw Joyner sample and diss Lil Pump over one of his own trap beats. With trap being most definitely not my thing, I was not keen on the original beat, but on the remix we get treated to a far more suitable hip-hop beat, coming from drums, bass and keys, which (for me anyway) is head and shoulders above the original.

Next to get the remix treatment is Fat Joe’s ‘Murder Rap’, featuring Armageddon, from 2001’s ‘Jealous Ones Still Envy’ album. One of the strongest tracks from the album, this has a big NY sound with its heavy beat and synth notes. Configa’s remix takes the roughness out and gives it a more polished vibe with drums, keys, and strings– the drums being unapologetically boom-bap and the keys giving it the air of a soundtrack.

Time to bounce back to the nineties to 2Pac’s, QDIII produced, ‘Hellrazor’ from the 1997 album ‘R U Still Down (Remember Me)’. QDIII’s original production was very much on a soul/funk kinda vibe, being guitar heavy over the drums. The remix is very much a nod to the original and keeps it head-nod but, being more piano heavy over the drums, this kinda tweaks your nerves and deepens the sound's impact.

Stepping back over the Millennium line we get the single from Nas’s 2002 ‘Godson’ album, ‘Made You Look’. The original is one of those big anthem style hip-hop sounds, packed full of classic samples that make you turn the speakers up and play it loud. Configa expertly keeps that anthem style sound for the remix but gives it an almost big-band vibe on the chilled tip with horns, guitar, strings, and some deft cuts. This needs to be played at equally high volume too.

Next, we move to 2005 and the ‘Triangulation Station’ LP from Hieroglyphics and Souls Of Mischief member, Opio. The track is ‘Fist Full’, and its original sound is a nice deep head-nod vibe with bongos, drums, and synths. The remix sees Configa take the vibe to somewhere between the streets and the clubs. With a slightly rawer edge than the original, with drums, bass, and keys, it still keeps you moving.

We move into the final quarter of the album with Cella Dwellas and the track ‘Land Of The Lost’ from their 1996 album, ‘Realms ‘n’ Reality’. The original sound of horns, organ notes and drums has a floaty kinda vibe and comes from the underground NYC music scene known as the Mystic Rappers, which featured artists such as Funkdoobiest. Configa keeps that floaty vibe but gives it a jazzier feel with keys, drums, xylophone, and horns– a newer mystic vibe, if you will.

It’s now time to bring it forward to 2012 and a track from the ‘Raw’ EP by Nipsey Hussle (R.I.P) and Blanco. The track is ‘LA Confidential’ and features YG on a sound that is very much a nod to the G-Funk era, in my opinion, with pounding drums and electronic sounds. On the remix, Configa keeps elements of that original G-Funk sound and mixes it with piano, drums, strings, and those electronic sounds, whilst sampling 2Pac on the hook, to bring music that takes us from the streets of 2012 and lands us in the LA sunshine of 2022.

We now slide back to another track from 1994’s ‘Ready To Die’ album from The Notorious B.I.G. That track is ‘Friend Of Mine’, with it’s big club sound of drums, synth and bass. For the remix, Configa creates a mash up. He takes bass, drums, horns, and claps to bring a lighter jazz/Latin funk sound, and then mixes in and cuts up a sample from the 1989 Biz Markie single, ‘Just a Friend’, to really bring an emphasis to the ‘friend’ aspect.

The album ends with ‘True To Hip-Hop’, from the 1999 album ‘Cold Water Music’ by AG and produced by AIM. The original sound is one that is undoubtedly head-nod but, with a big-band jazz vibe. Configa’s remix takes guitar, bass, and drums to give it a huge funk vibe. In fact, this one is so funked up, it is red hot!

What can I say about Re:Configa’d overall? Well, humour me here, I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s and the 80’s was a decade when the remix was a big part of putting out music. Vinyl was still huge, and artists would release 12” singles and EP’s that featured remixed versions of their singles and certain producers became sought after for their remixing abilities. As we moved into the digital age, remixes became less abundant especially as vinyl took a dip in its availability and use. I’m still a fan of the whole remix genre and always like to hear how a fresh interpretation of a track can change its whole vibe and imbue it with a completely different impact. So, I have to say that I really loved this album and the challenge it gave me in reviewing it.

Some of the tracks I was familiar with and others I had never heard. It was indeed a challenge to listen to both versions of each track and move from a feel for the original musical vibe through to the remix vibe, before analysing how the former transformed into the latter with Configa’s unique touch. Configa does an amazing job here in taking each track and reworking them to suit a far more hip-hop focused sound. He takes nothing away from the original tracks and, in the case of several, actually seems to improve the sound, in my own humble opinion that is.

Now, there are many who will say that you can never improve on the original sound and that might be so but, there are times that the remix can so change the musical qualities and the feeling of the original that it sounds like a totally different track. It might actually give you far more enjoyment than the original and so, in enhancing that original sound does a remix simply change a track or actually improve it?

Anyway, let’s not digress here… Re:Configa’d is a masterful example of what can be achieved if a producer focuses and trains their ear for musicality and then gives tracks a melodic make-over that allows the listener to re-appreciate that track. It makes you want to listen to the original again to see just how it differs. If we consider Re:Configa’d and the rest of Configa’s body of work with Arrested Development and many others, I can see no reason why he is not gonna become one of the most in demand producers in the UK, regardless of whether it’s for brand new production or for his quality remixes.

Re:Configa’d is out now on Configaration Records. Sadly, CD copies are currently sold out but digital is available.

It’s time for me to be outta here!

See Ya,

Steve.

LINKS

Get ReConfiga'd on Bandcamp Here:

https://configa.bandcamp.com/album/re-configad

Configaration Records on Bandcamp:

https://configaration.bandcamp.com/

Configa on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/Configa

VIDEOS

Made You Look (Configa Remix) - Nas