Description
A disco rap collection for the dancefloor, reconstructing 80s classics through Dave Lee's own Z Records, from the man who crafted the acclaimed disco rap compilation in 1988.
A release from UK producer Dave Lee, who has spanned disco, boogie, and garage, following in the footsteps of his previously edited "Back To The Old School". The originals are tracks born during the golden age of disco rap in the early 80s. This time, he has acquired the rights to a selection of them, remixing and re-editing them himself to reconstruct them for the dancefloor while preserving the texture of the originals.
Side A features TJ Swann's 1981 "Get Fly". Centered around his smooth flow that supported the dawn of New York rap, it has been re-tracked into a low-slung groove. By adding a yacht rock-style funk feel and inserting a heated synth solo, it has been given a modern lightness while maintaining the old school atmosphere.
Next, Terry Lewis & Wild Flower is a boogie-heavy mid-tempo tune. A low-centered funk bass drives the whole thing, while meaningful lyrics provide the core. The raw rhythm and warm performance clearly depict the intersection of disco and hip-hop.
Side B's Mike T "Do It Anyway You Wanna" is a disco rap track with jazz nuances. A powerful slap bass solidifies the foundation, while sharp sax and flute phrases trade blows. Mike T's rich vocals glide over the top, leading into a tense development.
Production that is uniquely Dave Lee, who has led the disco revival for many years. A vinyl edition polished into a form that works on the dancefloor without compromising the appeal of old school. Content that will appeal to listeners who systematically dig into disco rap, as well as boogie/funk fans.
A1. T.J. Swann – Get Fly (Uptown Lowdown Mix)
A2. Terry Lewis & Wild Flower – The Peoples Message, Take Two (Unity Mix)
B1. Mike T – Do It Anyway You Wanna (Jazz Funk Revival Mix)
B2. Clocktower Of Power – Hornsey Vibes (No Rapstrumental Mix)
Back in 1988, disco rap aficionado and collector Dave Lee put together a compilation titled 'Back To The Old School', showcasing some of the best of the genre, most of which had never been issued before in the UK . Fast forward to 2025 and Dave's label Z Records has managed to procure the rights to a few choice old school cuts for a (sort of) follow up. The difference is this time Mr Lee has remixed and re-worked the songs for today's dancefloors while preserving their original flavour and integrity. In this first part of the series we have TJ Swann's 1981 jam 'Get Fly', re-tracked and taken into lo-slung yacht rock funk territory with a sizzling synth solo for good measure, a perfect compliment to TJ's smooth NYC flow. Terry Lewis & Wild Flower are up next on the A-side, with a boogie rich, mid-tempo stomper with a heavy funk bottom end and a message that still rings true in this day and age. Mike T's 'Do It Anyway You Wanna' finishes things up with a compulsive dose of jazz-tinged disco rap that goes straight for the jugular, super charged slap bass underpinning sharp sax and flute motifs while the rich tones of Mike T slide over the top. Dave Lee yet again providing a masterclass in production.
