Janelle Monae - Make Me Feel (Remniqe Live Edit)

The past week and a half the internet was aflutter with astonishment over Janelle Monae's "Make Me Feel." Personally, I didn't quite get it, but that seems to be the case with most hyped tracks. While it struck me as very similar to much of Bruno Mars' catalog, I actually started to feel it a little more after hearing the various versions that inevitably arise after such a hype track appears. I came to find more similarities to Prince and Michael Jackson, and how could that not make you smile. This version below, courtesy NYC producer Remniqe, not only nails the brilliance of both of those two but gives it a deeper house groove. Fashioned more for filling the floor than the original, this one quite simply speaks to me, and I'm sure will have people going crazy in the clubs. Sorry I only shared on a Sunday, but I'm sure it'll still go over just as well next weekend. Pick up the free download via Hyppedit here, and have at it!FOLLOW REMNIQE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Extended List of Grammy Predictions

Just for fun I'm making an extended list of Grammy predictions/bets, to go with those I already did for the categories relevant to this blog (read here). In order to save time I'm only going to list the category and who I believe will win, and in some cases who I think should win. I will be skipping the categories I know nothing about or have no taste for. There's dozens of places to find the full list of nominees and eventual winners, and while nothing beats the official source I'm not a fan of their website and generally choose to use Wikipedia here. I'll be live tweeting here as I watch both the pre-ceremony telecast (streamed via www.grammy.com) and CBS broadcast late via PVR.

Bruno Mars - Chunky (eSenTRIK Remix)

More than two months ago eSenTRIK tweeted "240 RTs and i'll drop this Chunky remix," unfortunately it never even got close (only 10), but here I am now writing about that very track. We've come to love eSenTRIK's ability to put a loving twist on RnB and hip hop tracks, and he's done it yet again. Mars' cool crooning still strides confidently atop the upended instrumental as the bolstered bass bumps even bigger than before. Like my other post from today (here), this is an incredibly cool cut that just seems to slither its way into your soul. And if you can believe it, it actually begs for booty shaking even more than the original. "Chunky" is now a big time funky club cut that, as with any of eSenTRIK's productions, succeeds through smooth synth work and potent percussion. Download it for free via Click DJ, here.FOLLOW ESENTRIK: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

DJ Khaled ft. Beyonce & Jay Z - Shining (CID Remix)

Usually I try to focus on brand new tracks, but CID's remix of this DJ Khaled, Beyonce and Jay Z joint is too good to pass up. Hopefully you recall my post about his original track "Believer" with CeeLo Green (read here), as it remains one of my favourite tracks of the year, and only further establishes CID as an artist you need to keep your eyes and ears on. Last month he gave "Shining," a hearty house flip, and while it's not quite as heavy or deep as his brand new Bruno Mars bootleg or killer Cardi B flip, it's just a juicy. The magisterial marriage of Beyonce and Jay Z still remains front and centre, while riding a reinvigorated, groovy house rhythm. The track itself is a splashy wave pool of a party, succeeding through somewhat simple, yet entirely effective dance designs. It's killer club tool that should both get the party started and bring a good bounce to the dance-floor. Download it for free via Dropbox here.FOLLOW CID: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

STFU on Diplo and Friends

I've been supporting Zak and Alex (aka STFU) both on this blog and on Bump In The Hump, and while a play on my radio show is something, it does not compare to getting a guest mix on Diplo and Friends. The dynamic duo have just uploaded their April mix to their soundcloud for streaming anytime. It's no wonder Get Right Records (who STFU's "Find That Girl" was released under) reposted and led me to the mix, because STFU is delivering some of the most twerk worthy music available at the moment. Of course Get Right Records is headed by Benzi, who is half of TWRK, and if you're like me, you've been waiting for another one of their incredible, exclusive-laden mixes, STFU have filled that void.

According to 1001 Tracklists, they've filled their hour slot with a mind-blowing 54 tracks. This shows off not just their incredible taste, with tracks ranging from Boombox Cartel to Bruno Mars, but to jam all that action in that span shows serious skill in mixing. While we could be satisfied to stare in awe of the above, the best part of this mix is the insight into all of the productions Zak and Alex currently have in their collection. An astounding 31/54 tracks are credited to STFU. Whether it's one of their killer crafted mashups, exclusive remixes, forthcoming originals or even their cover of "Closer," there's no doubt this is their coming out party.

Soon enough you won't be able to go to any club or listen to any mix without having STFU slap you in the face. I for one know I'll be coming back to this mix with frequency, at least until more of their originals are released, but even after to bask in their brilliant and blazing fast mixing skills.

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Super Bowl Sunday: Best Remixes of Coldplay, Beyonce, Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga

In honour of Super Bowl Sunday's numerous pop performers, I've decided to compile a list of remixes that make their music that much more palatable. With Coldplay already utilizing Avicii's production its only a matter of time before the NFL enlists Avicii, Aoki or Kygo to leverage the youth demographic. 

First off, Lady Gaga will be singing the national anthem, and although I don't have any remixes of that, there have been a number of good Gaga remixes over the years. Perhaps my favourite is Jody Den Broeder's "Poker Face" remix (video below). Rainmain (the main producer, previously behind Krewella) delivered a remixes of her massive debut track "Just Dance." And of course, everyone remembers Skrillex's remix of "Alejandro." These should keep you dancing throughout the endless commercial breaks, regardless of whether your team is winning or not.

Apparently one year of Bruno Mars isn't enough for the NFL, enlisting him once again for the halftime show. Luckily his particular brand of pop is easily remixed and improved upon. The first is more of a mashup but an enhancement nonetheless, DJ AJ's "Locked Out Of A Bottle" pitting the classic Police "Message In A Bottle" against Mars' "Locked Out Of Heaven." And of course there are those intoxicating "Uptown Funk" remixes from Riggi & Piros, as well as Charlie Darker (below):

Beyonce will also join Coldplay and Bruno Mars onstage for the halftime show, and it goes without saying that there are a plethora of Bey remixes to choose from. My personal favourite comes from Jack Beats and their remix of "Countdown." Right alongside the Jack Beats mix, comes the Jack U remix of "7/11." My final addition to the Bey remix collection is actually a Destiny's Child remix. Lazerpiff delivered a game changing bootleg of "Lose My Breath" over three years ago, but you can still pick it up free for yourself. Finally we have Coldplay, who have dozens of great remixes, that I've cut it down to an even half dozen. First is the Gabriel & Dresden remix of "Clocks." Mashup legend Party Ben combined Coldplay's "Talk" with Kraftwerk's "Computer Love" to create "Computer Talk." The Cryptonites also took on Coldplay, remixing "Violet Hill" to great success. Of course there is Kygo's remix of "Midnight" and Aylen's remix of "Fix You." There's also two great Canadian remixes from Moiez "A Sky Full Of Stars" and DeBoer "Viva La Vida." Gorge yourself on these tracks and remind yourself the world isn't just pop bullshit, while you get bombarded with endless consumerism and a barrage of pop culture.