blog to the oldskool

Here’s a track which may be unknown for even the most diehard obscurity-seekers… almost no one has it listed on discogs, and the few people who do seem to be general dance music single collectors rather than oldskool collectors. It’s far from rare though, with tons of copies in the $1-3 range – no doubt hiding in plain sight by virtue of being a reggae/R+B single with just one hardcore remix on it. The remix in question (the “raga rave mix”) is a late 91/early 92 sounding track. It reminds me a bit of early SL2 stuff a bit – straight ahead, simple and kind of catchy. There’s also some decent vocal chopping later in the tune. Maybe not the most interesting track ever, but a bit fun to mix due to the 4/4 intro section and halftime breakdown.


Rhythm Syndicate – Raga Rave Mix

Sick bit on Biology Records here. I forget if I’ve posted any of their tracks before but they’re a somewhat underrated label. This is the first release and definitely one of my favs on the label, a solid ragga hardcore jam with the classic “Hardcore Will Never Die!” sample. A large portion of this track was sampled in DJ Scud’s remix of Panacea’s “King of the Jungle”, which is kind of funny since I remember some sort of scene drama years ago about someone sampling Scud’s beats.

Rude Boy – Musicology

One of the lesser known aliases on Labello Blanco, Princess of the Posse put out two great singles plus a few comp tracks. It appears that POTP was actually Bug Khan, of “Made In Two Minutes” and “Go Down Baby” fame.

The first EP has a bit more hardcore influence, including a a great overly dramatic intro that seems to go on forever (especially when mixing the tune if you’re trying to fast-forward to the main synth part), plus a wonderfully craptacular guitar sample that always reminds me of the video game NARC and makes me smile when I hear it in old tracks.

Princess Of The Posse – Chillout

This second EP is a year later and thus has even choppier, more outright jungley beats, ragga vibes and heavier more pronounced sub bass.

Princess Of The Posse – Do The Right Ting

Here’s 2 great tracks by 2 Da Core, best known for their “Rub a Dub” single. That main tune (which you might recognize from mix tapes, it’s that tune with the “I’m… just a rub-a-dub soldier…” sample) is great, but I prefer the B side which has some nasty squelchy synths.
2 Da Core’s other single is also choice, the A side “Na Touch” it features ragga vocals and heavy sampling of Success N Effect’s “Roll it Up” (Bass Kickin Beats). It’s pretty straightforward, but the frantic success and effect sampling part is amazing. Anyone know the ragga sources on either of these tracks? .

2 Da Core – Love thy Brother




2 Da Core – Na Touch It

Earlier today I posted a youtube video of the DJ Exodus & Woody “A Classic Skank” EP, which is probably my favorite Skeleton Records EP but one I haven’t tracked down yet. By sheer luck, the guy who originally posted the youtube video (freaky2uk) left a comment and emailed me the tracks. Thanks man! Normally I only post stuff I’ve ripped myself, but considering this is an exceptional EP and I know that the person who ripped it is OK w/ me sharing it, here are two of the three tracks from the EP.
“A Classic Skank” combines a classical piano part ala one of the Lighter mixes (but 2 years earlier), with the beltram “ecstacy!” vocal and top shelf beat programming. “Feel The Vibe” raises the rhythmic stakes even more… heavy bass, ragga toasting with amazing beats that are absolute ear candy in of themselves.

Nice one Freaky2UK… you can check more of his youtube rips at http://www.youtube.com/user/freaky2uk


DJ Exodus & Woody – A Classic Skank

DJ Exodus & Woody – Feel the Vibe

Another excellent, easy to find & heavily overlooked track. I think if the production on this had been a bit better it could have been a lot bigger. As it stands, it’s still a great catchy ragga hardcore track. Sorry about all the clicks and pops, my copy of this is pretty well worn since it’s such a great tune…

Unit-ee & DJ Biz – Take the Music