DJ Rap Presents Propa Classics Volume 1

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Total Tracks: 15   Total Length: 74:05

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Michaelangelo Matos

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Michaelangelo Matos is a former eMusic editor and one of its chief contributors, a staff critic for Resident Advisor, and he writes for Spin, Rolling Stone, Vil...more »

04.22.11
DJ Rap, DJ Rap Presents Propa Classics Volume 1
2001 | Label: Intuit-Solar Records

Long before she attempted pop success with "real songs" and a buffed image that emphasized what her momma gave her, DJ Rap (nee Charissa Saverio) spun some of the roughest drum 'n 'bass on the planet. As a producer, she hit early with the classic "Spiritual Aura," a collaboration with DJ Aston credited to Engineers Without Fears that combined massive, swelling strings with a nasty funk beat and a repeated exhortation to "get raw." The original "Aura" and a slowed-down, bass-heavy remix from 2001 bookend this collection of Rap's best productions and remixes for her label Propa Talent; in between are a bunch of superb examples why drum 'n 'bass was so fiercely loved in its time. Cuts like Rap's "Digable Bass" and her remix of Topcat's "Ruffest Gun Ark" shred; their ragga chants, elastic bottom end and snaking double-time beats signify an intensity that later variations on the style have all but forsaken.

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classic

bongo-x

as I said, classic.

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In its time?!?!?

desantnik

I have to take issue with the comment that drum 'n' bass "was fiercely loved in its time." It's still loved, tons of people still listen. Granted you don't always get the same amount of heads at giant massives you used to 10 years ago but it's still a force to be reckoned with. This album definitely showcases the roots of today's take on DnB and its many subgenres that still draw from inspiration provided by early superstar pioneers of the sound like Rap, the Full Cycle crew, Dieselboy, Dara, etc. Many of the drum loops, bass sounds, and techniques first used throughout the early and mid-90s are still very much in evidence. If you consider yourself a head, download this album.

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