Muneshine, Dminor, M-Phazes, Illmind, Raks One (Emilio Rojas) & Presto are.....

My 1st contact with any form of Wax Reform was through Akrobatiks album "Balance" when Remind My Soul stood out like a sore thumb (I actually recognised the sample because I'd been samplin my mums Wilson Pickett records at the time) If I'm to be 100% honest I hadn't a clue about WR back then & its only late last year I'd any contact with their work & naturally I was engrossed. The choice & manipulation of the samples, the Groove of their warming bass really is there not only to be enjoyed but to be appreciated in terms of Production.

With the rhymin talents of Muneshine & Raks One / Emilio Rojas, the flawless & relentless talents of M-Phazes you shouldn't be guilty of expecting to much in believing the next coupla’ years in could & should be very, very positive. Add the rhymin, singin & production Skills of Dminor to the blend & you've a complete package........Then there’s Illmind a Producer who appears to have thoroughly blossomed in recent years, with his ability & huge reputation the Wax Reformation Team have the fundamentals needed to cleanse a stagnant industry of its impurities (optimism is a great thing).

Presto (The member I know nothin about) is one of the biggest DJ's out in Holland at the moment & with Nicolay & Von Pea as his compatriots I look forward to grabbin some of his work.

From the Wax Reform MySpace......

"An unlikely collection of some of the finest producers/emcees, you've never heard of or at least you don’t think you have. From the people who brought you Dead Prez, Common & Last Poet's "Panthers", Akrobatik's "Remind My Soul", MF Grimm's "Together", Louis Logic's "Gentleman & A Scholar", as well as the "Opportunity Knocks", "A Vision And A Plan", and "For Good" albums, Wax Reform is a name to be reckoned with.

A collective of independent producers/emcees that span the globe, Wax Reforms two founding members hail from sunny, Los Angeles, California (Dminor) and the, often snow covered, plains of Saskatchewan, Canada (Muneshine). But it doesn’t stop there. With members in New York (Emilio "Raks One" Rojas) and New Jersey (ILLmind), Wax Reform takes its roster around the globe to Australia (M-Phazes) and the Netherlands (Presto) to round out the crew.

Conceived in 2002, it wasn’t until 2003 that Wax Reform would begin to take shape. All of its members had made significant contributions to the world of hip-hop, but had yet to move as a unit with one common goal, to produce quality music without compromise. And so Wax Reform was born.

Since then, Wax Reform has been involved with projects both domestic and foreign, with ILLmind providing production for G-Unit and Muneshine's collaborative efforts with Pete Rock and DJ Spinna, as well as The Phocus(Muneshine & Raks One) album, "A Vision And A Plan", released in Japan on Handcuts Records.

With an arsenal of infectious grooves and thought provoking lyrics, it is only a matter of time before Wax Reform changes the face of music, by doing what they do best."

Making good music, without compromise.

M U N E H S I N E

Canadian EmCee / Producer with 2 solid LP's to his CV: "Opportunity Knocks" released back in 2005 houses appearances from Raks One (aka Emilio Rojas) who partners him in the duo Phocus; a subsidiary of Wax Reform. The production on his debut LP is predominantly from his the rest of His Crew, namely D-Minor, Illmind & M-Phazes.

A guest feature is from production legend Pete Rock bringin his classic heavy soul driven sound.

2007 has overseen the release "A walk in the Park" an instrumental LP. Muneshines production is soulful & the title "A Walk in the Park" fits the bill perfectly. Phocus & WR partner Raks One features on the only vocal track the album has.

(Read Lightheaded Post for more info)

Muneshine's Homepage

D - M I N O R

Don't know much about this guy biographically, The MySpace houses a picture of the late Great James Yancey (Dilla), so I assume it safe to state (like allot of Producers) he's been a huge influence on Dminor.

Dminor, whose musical influences range from such contemporary artists such as Marvin Gaye and Miles Davis, has been cultivating his love for music from an early age. Starting at age 7, Dminor has recorded with many well known artists, including Al Arrau, Harry Belafonte, "Aladdin" and "Beauty and the Beast" composer Alan Menken, and more recently, The Beastie Boys.

Writing, arranging & producing for himself means Dminor has crafted a unique sound unlike those flooding the airwaves right now.

With engaging lyrics and sentiment not found in popular music, Dminor hopes to broaden the ear of his listeners with timeless music to be enjoyed for years to come.

His latest gem features production from M-Phazes & is called “Supreme Goodie”

Dminor's MySpace - Dminor's Homepage/ - Supreme Goodie - Dmnior's LP Site

E M I L I O R O J A S ( R A K S O N E )

A natural born spitter of Venezuelan heritage & hailin from New Jersey. A real tight lyricist with what I believe to be 2 LP's under his belt "For Good" from 2005 & this year has seen "A Breath of Fresh Air" released. Naturally both albums feature production from the rest of the production team, especially the latest release in which all (aside from the mysterious Presto) appear. A lyricist of ear catchin talent....& ear catchers are rare as I'm sure your aware. Many can rap but very few can rhyme, & with Raks one in this coalition I'm picturing big things for the future.

"For Good" a solid Debut and a nice build before the excellent "A Breath of fresh air" of which a more formal approach was taken as he records under his birth name Emilio Rojas. The album is deep in production & very deep in vocal content; Everyday Life issues & personal issues are laid out on this more than solid release.

The other big spitter in the crew is Muneshine, His partner formin the duo Phocus, a project released via the Jazzy Japan "A Vision & a Plan" released back in '04, features production naturally from Muneshine, but Illmind & the multi-talented Dminor.

Emilio Rojas' MySpace

I L L M I N D

Production started at a young age & with the aid of the internet ears started opening & noses started sniffing in the direction of Illmind. His 1st single (The instrumental is included in the package) was/is a deep track called "Remind My Soul" featured on Akrobatiks 2004 release "Balance". Posting His work online caught the ears of the folks over at Soulspazm Records, who at the time started a live producer showcase called Beatsociety (Hail Hezekiah for this genius idea). Iillmind within time performed at a Beatsociety showcase in Philly, alongside Kanye West, 88-keys, Dj Jay-ski, and Fury. This showcase turned the keys to many doors for Illmind, & as time progressed eventually showcases all over the U.S. followed. Inculdin appearances alongside Just Blaze & 9th Wonder.

This year saw production with the respective artists; 50 Cent, G-Unit, 2pac, Diamond D, Ghostface Killa, Pharoah Monche, Phife Dawg, Little Brother, Apl De Ap (Black Eyed Peas), and a huge array of other artists.

With such a Huge Body of work & a blossoming reputation its no wonder Illmind appears on almost every LP I've purchased recently. A prominent figure rhymin on his tracks is the hugely underrated Supastition who seems to create a winning tonic every time he hooks up with Illmind (& M-Phazes), fast-n-furious rhymes over some seriously artful tracks is a formula that can only leave you questioning why an album hasn't been made with the 2 of them (Well maybe the whole of Wax Reform).

Hip-Hops new generation is currently cradling some of the best beatmakers on the planet within Wax Reform.......Ears up people!

ILLminds MySpace - ILLminds Homepage

M - P H A Z E S

M-Phazes is the perfect example of a diamond in the rough. Born and raised in the Gold Coast of Australia and relatively isolated from Hip-Hop culture, M-Phazes has carved a place for himself among Australia's Hip-Hop elite and is undeniably responsible for putting Gold Coast Hip-Hop on the map.

His style is best described as a combination of Neo-Soul & Boom Bap with a modern twist. Drawing inspiration from the obvious; Dilla, Primo & Kanye, M-Phazes has forged an original sound that is uniquely his own. Like the producers mentioned & others that haven't (Pete Rock, Large Pro & as much as I hate to mention but adds to the point Swizz 'Fuckin' Beats) As soon as the beat drops, you know exactly whose on production.

With 9 years of production work under his belt and over 50 releases all over the world, M-Phazes has moved from way down under (apologies couldn't resist) to a more than recognisable producer. Landing his first serious release on Supastition's "Chain Letters" years ago and most recently remixing the entire Bliss N Eso "Day of the Dog" album, M-Phazes seems unstoppable. His discography reads like a who's who of underground Hip-Hop.

A definite firm favourite of mine, The Wax reformation crew is certainly & has certainly been making some more than positive moves.

M-Phazes' MySpace

P R E S T O

I can honestly say I've heard nothing by this guy & this is officially the shortest review in History, check his MySpace & his homepage

Prestos MySpace - Brain Storm - Prestos Homepage

Download Links

Wax Reform - Dminor & Emilio Rojas (aka Raks One)

Wax Reform - Illmind

Wax Reform - M-Phazes

Wax Reform - Muneshine

Web Sites

Wax Reform Homepage

Wax Reforms MySpace

Muneshine's Homepage

Dminor's MySpace

Dminor's Homepage

Supreme Goodie - Dmnior's LP Site

Emilio Rojas' MySpace

ILLminds MySpace

ILLminds Homepage

M-Phazes' MySpace

Prestos MySpace

Brain Storm - Prestos Homepage

A Light Headed Vibe

Lightheaded fundamentally a 3-man crew consists of: Braille, Ohmega Watts & Othello of which all are Producers with a Mic. I've added Muneshine to the review as He produces alot on the albums. They appear to work closely with Stro the 89th Key (I'll refer to him as Stro for timesake) & Jason Medeiros (The Procussions), Illmind, D-Minor & M-Phazes (Wax Reform), Surreal (Sound Providers), Theory Hazit, Sharlok Poems & Sivion.


PURE THOUGHTS & WRONG WAY


The 1s LP "Pure Thoughts" released in 2003 is excellent to say the least & is definitely one of my favorite albums, in fact both the LP's are a firm favorite of mine, with production from all members a coalition in full form is present, "Wrongway" released in 2005 follows suit & like the 1st LP is the perfect addition to your (J)azzy (U)nderground (S)oulful collection



Wisdom One & Just Jared form 1773 have an LP released this year featuring Watts, Braille & Othello. A solid album & the duo may be one for the future.



OTHELLO



After hearing Othello’s solo work, I thought the clarity of the tracks were of such a natural sound that I became interested in what he was using to make his music & thought there was no way He could produce these tracks or replicate the natural vibe of pure music without the aid of a band after reading the inlay & of course the internet I kept seeing the name The Black Notes, who appear to be a band (of evident ability) Othello is working with at present.

Othello’s work appears (like most great Hip-Hop of today) to be released pre-dominantly out in the Land of the Rising Sun (My next focal Point). He has 3 solo projects to his name that I own (amazon.co.jp or HMV.co.jp) & the work he has done with the rest of the crew (Lightheaded) proves that not only is he a more than efficient artist but the crew appear to be progressing at such a rate that their proving to be one of the best groups of this decade.

2004 brought his EP "Classic", 05 saw Elevator Music hit the scene followed by "Alive at the Assembly Line" a year later in his own words "Alive at the Assembly line is what I consider my debut recording because it showcases where I am upon the release of it, and utilizes the resources God has granted me to create a project I believe to communicate my heart honestly and effectively. The record is all about development. Using the good and bad to benefit your growth...The assembly line represents life......."



OHMEGA WATTS



Like his pal Othello he appears to work closely with a selected group of people almost like a recruitment process in where you have to prove yourself as an emcee before you gain the delights of their work. His 1st LP namely "The Find" feature many artists but as I've said in regards to the consistency of guest appearances Othello, Stro & Surreal.

"The Find" from 2005 is an album with a soul-funk tip, His rolling basslines accompany his flow that acts as an instrument because of his natural ability to weave steadily throughout.
I hate to start disregarding other members of the band but Ohmega in terms of a complete package is for me the prominent member, He's certainly no better or worse than any other member as they all bring different aspects to the table (thus making a superb group), but my personal preference in terms of production & rhyme style veers towards Ohmega.

This album is accompanied with several instrumental tracks, letting you enjoy Watts' Cut-N-Paste Skills.

"Watts Happening" released this year is further evidence that Ohmega Watts is a great producer & EmCee, quite a progressive album in terms of production a track that stands out & proving this is "Platypus strut" which is pure funk driven & proves his extraordinary production skills.

MUNESHINE



Canadian EmCee / Producer with 2 solid LP's to his CV: "Opportunity Knocks" released back in 2005 houses appearances from Surreal & Raks One who partners him in the duo Phocus. The production on this album is predominantly from the industrious Wax Reform (D-Minor, Illmind & M-Phazes), a guest feature is from production legend Pete Rock bringin his classic heavy soul driven sound.

2007 has overseen the release "A walk in the Park" an instrumental LP showing another avenue the lightheaded crew has. Muneshines production is soulful & the title "A Walk in the Park" fits perfectly. Phocus partner Raks One features on the only vocal track the album has.

BRAILLE



The hardest spitter from the crew, a bass heavy producer with more spit than an angry camel. Braille’s rhymestyle completes the Quad nicely. His solo work also contains 2 LP's "Shades of Grey" released back in 2004 & "Box of Rhymes" released last year. The most aggressive EmCee in the crew also caters for the lovers of head-nodding beats. Braille's latest addition is without a shadow of a doubt his best work to date, "A Box for Japan" was a Japanese project (again the best stuff is released out there at present) until recently & can be purchased on the Japanese Amazon.



PRODUCTION


Othello

His production appears to be band based & a huge focal point seems to be on acoustics to gain that natural sound, The advantage of working with a band shows in his work & the clarity of the sound shows, Like The Roots best work & one of better posts, Hocus Pocus, there proves to be an obvious advantage with having access to a band as you have an endless (infinite) supply of riffs & percussive sounds.

His rhyme style is versatile to say the least, Fast, slow & hard & soft etc, he's capable of reaching Hip-Hop fans of all preferences.

Ohmega Watts

A very consistent producer, his feel for the Funky Soul sound is evident in his production a more bass heavy producer than Othello, with Horn stabs, & funky samples rolling around in the background his tracks leave your head-nodding & soulfully yearning for more.

Braille

Again the heaviest Beatsmith amongst them, he makes beats in a manner only a hard spitter can manage. His latest release & I can only reiterate his best work to date, contains some fresh funk & some slack soul in which he drops neat verses throughout.

Muneshine

A lover of Jazzy soul, well at least that’s what his instrumental LP appears to claim. "A Walk in the park" is the perfect reminder that this crew has everything in terms of production.
Slack drums, Beautiful samples, an array of delay added to filtering effects panning in the background & the perfect amplitude in terms of Bass, means we've got ourselves a perfect J.U.S. Music producer.


www.myspace.com/lightheaded


The Lightheaded Collat

Hezekiah - Music for the Grown

Hezekiah; a firm reminder that Hip-Hop still cradles a soul, A soul that many believe to have died. Like all listeners I've my own ideology of what Hip-Hop is & should be about. As far as production goes the name of this blog is a huge clue to what my perception of a flawless recording.

Oddisee, Kev Brown, Illmind, Hocus Pocus, Pete Rock, Jazzy Jeff, Dilla, Sabzi are amongst only a few that epitomise Jazzy Underground Soul & to be frank Hezekiah's work on his Releases are flawless which is rare t carry over more than 1 album. The Sound left my ears yearning for more......His more than welcomed follow up to his array of epics really couldn't have arrived quick enough.

Exit Wound Status (mixtape)

A debut release from the Philadelphia born Musician


Hurry Up & Wait (2005)

Like all 1st releases, a debut album is an insight to the artist, This album was a huge introduction. Again flawless production, lyrical content & a flow of the highest order.


Ruby Valentine (2006)

Hezekiah's 2006 release Ruby Valentine appears more relaxed than the other releases, Hip-Hop & Nu-Soul enjoy a rich vein of form.


I Predict a Riot (2007)

I Predict A Riot follows trend with his formula; slack drums accompanied with intricate patterns, relaxing riffs, quality samples & the difference between a quality artist & an average one, of course is originality & style.
The album is full of interesting sounds & sytnhs subtly introduced melodically throughout.

The Grimey Soul Touch

Like Pete Rock, Dilla & Kev Brown, Hezekiah cradles a consistent style in his Grimey Soulful production. The basslines on his tracks sound played & they may well be, I'm not sure whether he records live instruments or uses software, regardless His beats are of sheer quality.

Producer on the Mic

I'm yet to mention his ability on the mic, well to be honest it doesn't fail deliver. lyrical content, social relevance, government policies, Hip-Hop Politics, Love....he covers everything & is definately one of the best Producers to pick up the microphone.

His CV covers work with Bilal, Freeway, Chief Kamachi, Eleon (slum Village) & Bahamadia. A consistent feature throughout the Hezekiah journey is a gentleman with some serious soul to his voice namely Aaron Livingston.

Todays pack houses releases from both albums & a couple of singles

In his own words "I didn't give you an album I gave you my Soul" - Wild & Reckless (Track 2 / I Predict a Riot)

Enjoy or Endeavour

Hezekiah Collat

Official Press Bio

Around 1986, Hezekiah's cousin brought home a track machine and a drum machine and he was instantly hooked. Predating the live Hip-Hop trend by years, Hezekiah spent much of his early days in front of the two machines, rocking sellout shows in the living room with his Cousin on bass and his Uncle on Guitar.

Once out of High-school, Hezekiah linked up with arguably the only Hip-Hop crew to ever exist in Delaware and put together a mixtape called "Exit Wound Status" which sold an impressive 2,000 copies (of the hand-to-hand variety) on the streets and at shows. But it was getting down with the Legendary Roots Crew in '93 that spurred him to get down to business. Hezekiah then began to work his way up through the ranks of the Philly’s ever-strong and flourishing Hip-Hop scene with his on point wordplay, superior songwriting, and lovely production skills—working with the likes of Musiq Soulchild, Bilal, The Jazzyfatnastees and Bahamadia.

In 2005 Hezekiah's debut album Hurry Up & Wait (a title dedicated to the woes of the independent artist), was released to critical praises by Vibe, Trace, XLR8R, Allhiphop.com, Pitchforkmedia.com, okayplayer.com and also included on Itunes “Best Of 2005” list among many others) on New York's Soulspazm Records. Put together in full-on Hiphop hermit mode, as he produced the record locked up in his home studio and penned all of its lyrics lost amongst crowds in the chaos of Philly. What resulted was a collection of luxurious, smoked out Hiphop beats and minimal synth Funk produced by the man himself (with notable exceptions coming from Illmind); with Hezekiah flowing beautifully atop it every second of the way. And although the record is let Hezekiah shine, the guestlist he assembled was impressive; Bahamadia, Scratch (The Roots), Grand Agent and Chief Kamachi all made appearances. Hurry Up & Wait was an album intended for headphones, getting deep tissue massages and eating fruit smorgasbords at dusk.

In addition to the release of Hurry Up & Wait in 2005, Hezekiah keep himself busy working on albums for Philadelphia singer and sandwich-making mastermind Aaron Livingston and Musiq's backup twin singing sensations Aaries. In addition, he's the driving force behind the influential Beat Society and at the request of Dawn Thompson (sister of The Roots musical mastermind ?uestlove) was tapped to co-produce the music for a Showtime original series entitled Street Time.

In September 2007, Hezekiah returns with his sophomore LP, I Predict A Riot, which features guest appearances from Bilal, Freeway and Jaguar Wright.

Hezekiah on MySpace

Percee P (2007) Perseverance (produced by Madlib)

One of the most talented EmCees to grace the last 2 decades has finally released his 1st solo LP - with Madlib on prodcution expect nothing but greatness, My next purcase for sure.....!

Review at Impose magazine

Buy it at amazon

Buy it at Rhapsody

Buy it at e-music

Buy it at i-Tunes

Skillz & Krafty provide Some More Brighton Beach Memoirs

Residing in Brighton the south of England come 2 funky beatsmiths whose love for the breaks & beats will replicate any of the top producers; A. Skillz & Krafty Kuts are the names to which this fantastic album would look excellent on anyone’s CV.

A. Skillz & Krafty Kuts namely Adam Mills & Martin Reeves are the brainchildren of an LP that was released on one of the capitals breakbeat labels towards the latter stages 2003.

Tricka Technology is the funkiest, Jazziest reminder of the early Hip-Hop years that I've heard for ages, great riffs & samples laced with some intricate Drum patterns is only half of what the album cradles.

The Emcees featured throughout are unquestionably party Emcees, but not to the irritational degree that the efforts of That FatMan they call Scoop or to the pointless barkin' of DMX (who correct me if I'm wrong still ain't found his Dogz yet) accomplish. Fortunately No cursing, unfortunately no inspiring or lengthy rhymes that the Nas', Percee P's, J-Live's or Cise Starr's of the world would deliver but with Afrika Bambaataa’s seed TC Izlam (who I've seen at several Drum'n'Bass raves) Delivers some classic 70-80's rhymes to the table. He appears on the track(s) "Tricka Technology" & "Ill Type Sound". The "12" release of "Tricka Technology" features a nice B-Side “Ain’t It Funky” also featuring TC Izlam.

As the album progresses I notice a name on in the CD Sleeve.....Dr.Luke. He appears several times & I believe had a heavy hand in the production of the album. Dr. Luke (birth name Lukasz Gottwald), A New York-based producer who in his spare time plays the guitar for The Saturday Night Live band co-wrote, arranged & produced 7 of the 16 tracks available. He Wrote & Played the guitar and bass riffs.

Here’s 5 tracks for you to sample before you go shopping

Gimme the Breaks:

Dedicated to the forefront of a great musical art, the track is accompanied by the legendary Kurtis Blow (One of the forefathers), I found myself steadily increasing the volume throughout as the Sweet West Coast Bassline filtered through the monitors, a classic track leaving the reminiscence of the early years of Hip-Hop.

Peaches:

A "thesis" on a classic summer scenario of "Juicy Voluptuous woman filled with Sweetness" brings a track called Peaches in which to be honest is fairly self-explanatory in regards to what the lyrical content - The production houses a sweet guitar riff (as is much of the album) & some slack drums that only have your fingers ready to press repeat, a Jazzy track that can accompany a more than welcomed Indian summer. Droop Capone an LA Emcee that I'm not particularly familiar with delivers a series of welcoming verse's, with the beautiful vocals of a Yolanda. Backed with a sublime sample, of the Late Great James Brown (RIP).

Roll Over Baby:

Nicely done with the funky 70's Bassline, Funky Drums & the assistance of a nice synth with the occasional Sax riff dropped into a very nice equation; a recipe of which success is surely the only outcome. Ashley Slater a feature on the track provides the vocals which sounds similar to Latryx / Quannum. Ashley Slater known predominately for his work in Freakpower with Fatboy Slim.

Give You That:

A Slack Soulful track which caters the best flows on the album, the appearances from Obi & The Real Elements blend sublimely with the grimey Soulful production. Perhaps it was my mood I dunno, normally I can tolerate singing but the singing on this track to me is a little to whiney but throughout the album that is my only criticism, & that’s some serious nit-picking, 'cause the album appears flawless.

Come Alive:

A Modern Breakers track in its purest form, After the 1st break every element is assisting the other, you can't help but nod back'n'forth to the bassline, as the 2nd break enters your given a nice guitar riff & some sweet vocals to leave your neck embracing the sound. Another track for the summer.

Remember to check the links for more info & of course to order the album

Enjoy or Endeavour

A Bit about the artists

A Skillz

Adam ‘A.Skillz’ is one of the country’s most funky beatmeisters. His fierce production skills and turntable dexterity has seen him explode onto the scene, collaborating with hip-hop legends and making music for worldwide brands.

At only 24 years old his incredible deck talents involve fusing funk, hip-hop and breaks with his unique style of scratching and mixing. His reputation as a true party rocker has won him prime-time slots across the UK at FabricLive, Spectrum, Chew The Fat, Supercharged, The Boutique and Sugarbeat as well as gigs around the world at major events, festivals and music industry parties such as The Hit Factory (New York), WMC (Miami) and Field Day (Sydney).

In 2003 A.Skillz released his debut album “TrickaTechnology” alongside Finger Lickin's very own Krafty Kuts. The album was a nod towards musical influences like De La Soul, James Brown and Jurassic 5, true Finger Lickin' Funk that enlisted the talents of some of the world's best hip-hop and funk artists including Kurtis Blow, Real Elements and Ashley “Freakpower” Slater.

February 2004 saw A.Skillz and Krafty Kuts team up on the TrickaTechnology Tour with live MC’s from the album playing shows all over the UK. The duo then went on to DJ together leaving audiences and dance floors astounded with their skills on four decks and four CDJ’s, playing at Glastonbury Festival, Pacha (Ibiza) and a live session for Steve Lamaq on BBC Radio 1.

In October 2004 A.Skillz then embarked on his first solo tour of Australia which saw him play to sell out crowds in all major capital cities, gaining new fans and respect from fellow DJ’s along the way. He followed this by extensive gigs in the UK and a busy studio schedule producing music for Channel 4 (Talk Back), Renault (TV advert) and Sony Playstation (Gran Tourismo 4).

A.Skillz kicked off 2005 in January with a mini-mix for Annie Mac that was later voted best mini-mix of the year by Radio 1 listeners, beating industry heavyweights such as Basement Jaxx, Mylo and Scratch Perverts. He followed this with a series of remixes including The Fort Knox Five and a re-rub of his own track Simple Things.

Highlight gigs last year included 10:15 (San Francisco), Snow Bombing (Austria) Mystery Lands Festival (Amsterdam) Homelands (UK), Live 8 After Show Party (London). Since October he has clocked up some serious air miles playing across Australia, Canada, America, Europe and returning to the UK to bring in the New Year at GPO in Ireland.

2006 is shaping up to be his biggest year yet. He is currently working on his first mix album for Finger Lickin Records whilst planning his next artist album which will see him team up with some major names for some seriously hot collaborations!

Krafty Kuts

Krafty Kuts, can truly be recognised as a member of the breakbeat elite. And along with other high profile figures such as Adam Freeland, Rennie Pilgrem, Freq Nasty and the Plump DJs, Krafty Kuts has been instrumental in pushing the breakbeat sound to a world-wide audience.

In 2006 in released the critically acclaimed “Freakshow” album on Against The Grain with massive singles such as “Bass Phenomenon” with Tim Deluxe and “Tell Me How You Feel”.

He has been voted Best International DJ at the Australian Dance Music Awards, the Face Of Breakbeat (2003) and Best DJ (2005 and 2006) at the International Breakspoll Awards, Best Breaks DJ at the M8 awards (2006) in Ibiza, Best Mini Mix on Annie Mac’s radio 1 show. These continue to be great accolades for his efforts. However, this success didn’t come overnight.

Krafty Kuts’ first ventures on the wheels of steel occurred in the mid 80’s when he was bitten by the hip-hop and electro bug. It was during this period that he developed his cutting and scratching skills, which are now a trademark of his party rocking sets.

While Krafty Kuts was smashing it with his DJ skills, he also found time to release his own music. In 1996 he was signed to FSUK, one of the Ministry Of Sound’s offshoot labels. 3 EP’s were released to critical acclaim, as well as ‘Gimme The Funk’; a one-off release for Fatboy Slim’s label Southern Fried that was hammered by every DJ worth their salt.

The success of these releases led to Krafty Kuts becoming one of the most highly demanded remixers within the UK dance music scene. Today, the list of people Krafty Kuts has remixed for reads like an who’s who of the music world, including the likes of Jurassic 5, Utah Saints, Dead Prez, Fatboy Slim, Afrika Bambaata, Arthur Baker, Eric B & Rakim and the Classic ‘Humanoid’ by Stakker Humanoid. His remixing talents were cemented at the 2003 International Breakspoll Awards, where he won Best Remix for Afrika Bambaataa’s ‘Funky Heroes’.

As well as dishing out killer remixes, he’s also managed to compile ‘Slam The Breaks On’ 1 & 2, both classic overviews of the breakbeat sound. Look out for his Fabric Live mix CD coming soon.

Whilst producing and remixing, Krafty Kuts also managed to maintain his Djing commitments the world over, playing alongside such luminaries as Fatboy Slim, The Freestylers, Jungle Brothers, Scratch Perverts, Roni Size and Armand Van Helden.

At present, Krafty Kuts is enjoying success in many areas. To date, his music has been used for a Coca-Cola advert, Playstation 2 and PS3 games and for Guy Ritchie’s film ‘Mean Machine’. His club night Supercharged, co-promoted with fellow breakbeat crusader Skool Of Thought, is still rammed every week and is widely regarded by many of the scenes big players as having been instrumental in pushing the breakbeat sound to a wider audience.

1. A.Skillz & Krafty Kuts - Tricka Technology - Come Alive (Ft. Dr Luke)
2. A.Skillz & Krafty Kuts - Tricka Technology - Gimme The Breaks (Ft. Kurtis Blow)
3. A.Skillz & Krafty Kuts - Tricka Technology - Give You That (Ft. Obi & Real Elements)
4. A.Skillz & Krafty Kuts - Tricka Technology - Peaches (Ft. Droop Capone)
5. A.Skillz & Krafty Kuts - Tricka Technology - Roll Over Baby (Ft. Ashley Slater)

A.Skillz & Krafty Kuts (2003) Tricka Technology (Fast Link - Rapidshare)

A.Skillz & Krafty Kuts (2003) Tricka Technology (Slow Link Z-Share)

A Skillz MySpace

KraftyKuts MySpace

Fingerlickin Website (record label)

Skillz & Krafty on Website