MINT

"The only time you wear a Tuxedo is when it's time to party." So says legendary West Coast player Snoop Dogg on the opening track of Tuxedo II. The blessing of the Doggfather is of special importance to Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One, whose second album as a duo finds them at the forefront of a new wave of gangster boogie - one that owes as much to G-funk as P-funk. This is the territory of pre- and post-hydraulic low riders: a mélange of Cali boom-bap, analog synth bass and elegant disco that resonates truth and authenticity in an era where so many are faking the funk. Bonding over a shared love of Chic, Parliament, and the other signs in the greater funk Zodiac, Mayer Hawthorne (Aquarius) and Jake One (Taurus) were early predictors of the sea changes that American music would undergo in 2016. Their first release in March of 2015 debuted at #1 on iTunes America's RnB charts, christened as “Dance Floor Catnip” by the Boston Globe, and “Pure disco-funk hot fire” by Okayplayer. Considering their individual successes (Mayer's four solo albums, Jake's production work for the likes of Drake, Future, The Weeknd, and De La Soul) and five GRAMMY nominations between the two of them, it's no surprise that their powers combined have yet again yielded a bevy of absolute slappers that are packaged perfectly for dance parties in 2017. The material here, while wholly original, is an exercise in honoring its forebears. Tuxedo’s II recalls the future funk wobble of Zapp, Gap, Jam/Lewis and Junie Morrison, while nodding lyrically to Mtume, Jodeci and Cameo. The crystallization of the album's concept comes courtesy of its message of universal love, thanks to the signature combination of soul and pop sensibility that have come to define Mayer's hooks. "You gotta do what you love..." says Mayer in a recent interview with Nordstrom's style blog, one of the many fashion outlets to cover Tuxedo's rise. After all - the transcendental ritual of the party and the rippling self affirmation of the funk are of one spirit: the spirit of self-love...of self expression. Tuxedo II is a modern testament to unity and positivity in trying times. It is a reminder that the dance floor will always be there to welcome you, whoever you are. Do you Fux with the Tux?

James Dexter's star has been rising for a while now - the young Brit turning out killer tracks regularly on the back of hugely well received DJ sets. On his second outing for Dessous Recordings, Dexter does what he does best - four slices of deep, funky and vibing house music for the floor. Lead track 'Drift' is typical of Dexter’s flair for subtle, edgy sounds, wrapped inside a warm and inviting groove. Elements come and go, but the shuffling, infection feel runs throughout. 'Take Me' is a more upfront vibe with a seriously bumping groove - Dexter clearly well versed in the roots of house music from Chicago. 'Whose Rules ?' is a snappy, bright and lively production, with a sub bass that will troubler some of the world's best club systems in the coming months. The light, jazzy vocals offsets the groove perfectly - sure to be a big tune for a wide variety of DJs.The last track of the release is 'Disco Deep' - and it pretty much does exactly what it says - a swung, groovy feel punctuated by disco claps and balearic flourishes that will sound as good on the beach as in the basement.

Original release ℗ 1994 Freetown Records 2017 repress © Groovin Recordings with kind permission of Kerri Chandler & Arnold Jarvis

Originally released in 2007 by Unified Records Peven Everett - Put Your Back Into It Official 2017 repress by Groovin Recordings Licensed courtesy of Peven Everett

Original release Polar Records 1993. Official reissue by Groovin Recordings 2017.

Lil Louie Vega's label presents the Grammy award winning British singer Caron Wheeler. Her track is entitled "A New Day". The one time member of Soul II Soul presented the track in its original format earlier this year and these remixes act as a follow up to Vega's latest album "Louie Vega Starring.XXVIII", which featured an ensemble of 25 artists across 28 different songs! It's a real who's who here or the 'best of the best' if you will and here's proof: the man synonymous with Spiritual Life Music and Body & Soul NYC Joe Claussell hands in a typically life affirming rendition. Chicago deep house don and Prescription Records boss Ron Trent shows us just how emotive and soulful house music should be. Also of mention is the great bonus "Starring XXVIII" (Jazzie B spoken word) where the legendary Soul II Soul front man gives us you an inspirational lowdown on the state of things.