Music Review: I’m In Miami B*tch - LMFAO

Lmfao - New Music - More Music Videos

Speed: 129 bpm

The DJ’s Take: So until about 2 weeks ago, I had no idea who these dudes were. Then someone from SoCal requested a song from this group. Didn’t have it, but it made me curious, since people from the west coast claim that it’s the best coast. I listened a little, and the group sounds fun. Apparently this track made it into the Billboard Hot 100 recently, so it’s not like no one’s heard of them. Also, at close to 130 bpm, this is mixable with a lot of today’s hottest tracks.

I noticed they also have different versions where they insert the name of your city [e.g. Boston, New York, etc.] in place of Miami. To find your city, click here- I think they’re all in the US though, so apologies to the international crowd.

Download the MP3: I'm In Miami Bitch [Explicit] I'm In Miami Trick [Clean]

Music Review: Juicy - Notorious BIG

Speed: 97 bpm

The DJ’s Take: Do you spin or listen to hiphop, either regularly or even once in awhile? Then this is a must-have classic - I cannot remember one time where I didn’t get a good reaction from the crowd when I put this on. Try mixing this with Dre Day, Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) and Addiction, or Africa if you spin 80s.

Bottom line: Download it and make it a centerpiece of your playlist.

Download the MP3: Juicy [Explicit]

Music Review: When Love Takes Over - David Guetta ft. Kelly Rowland

Speed: 130 bpm

The DJ’s Take: So I don’t know much about electronica (correct me if I get any terminology wrong), but when you start hearing the buzz about this single and getting occasional requests for it in a college bar, then you take notice. It’s nice - uplifting production (think a clubby mix of Clocks and No Air) and a good vocal performance from the second member of Destiny’s Child who was able to make some waves outside the group. I’ve never played this, but not a bad track to have around in case someone asks for it, especially if it’s the genre you play or enjoy.

Download the MP3: When Love Takes Over (Feat.Kelly Rowland)

Music Review: Say It Right - Nelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado - New Music - More Music Videos

Speed: 118 bpm

The DJ’s Take: Next to Big Pimpin, this is probably my favorite Timbaland-produced track. More importantly, my mom doesn’t just like this track - she loves it, which is telling since she’s not exactly a top 40 fan. So it’s not new, but it is a former #1 hit, and it’s easy to beat match if you’re a dj. The production is ice cold without being frigid, and the vocals are simple yet effective. That said, I would not use this to get a crowd out of its seats; doesn’t have that kind of power anymore, at least from my experience. Drop it into the middle of your mix once it’s established though, and it’s a good complement.

Download the mp3: Say It Right

Music Review: Make Her Say - Kid Cudi ft. Kanye West and Common

Kid Cudi - New Music - More Music Videos

Speed: 99 bpm

The DJ’s Take: I don’t know - for some reason, the piano and shuffling beat make me think of a tapdance or 1920s Charleston exhibition. But you got 3 bona fide stars in the rap game, plus the familiar Poker Face sample. Note for the djs - I don’t think this drives hard enough to play in the middle of the night, unless it gets really popular (which it might). If you want to play this, I’d consider batting it somewhere near the leadoff spot, see if you can’t get some Gregory Hines impersonators out on the floor.

Get the MP3: Make Her Say [Explicit]

Music Review: Last Night - P. Diddy ft. Keyshia Cole

Diddy - New Music - More Music Videos

Speed: 121 bpm

The DJ’s Take: This is one of those pseudo 80s beats I could imagine Prince or George Michael using, but it fits here. Tight hook from Keyshia Cole seals the deal. This track’s a couple years old, but mix it in right with something like Sensual Seduction and people will still get down. Keep this in mind - depending on the version you get, I think the last minute or so is just violins and the sound of a phone getting dialled, so make your transition well before that happens.

Update - Just read more about this song, and found out that it samples Prince’s Erotic City

Buy the MP3: Last Night Featuring Keyshia Cole (Amended Album Version)

Music Review: Calabria - Enur ft. Natasja

Speed: 126 bpm

The DJ’s Take: Simply put, this track is money in the bank. Slip it on, kick back, and put it in cruise control, because this is one single where you don’t have to wonder if the crowd will dance to it. An old standby for me, and it’ll become one for you if it isn’t already.

Buy the MP3: Calabria 2007