Music Review: Celebration - Madonna

Speed: 127 bpm

The DJ’s Take: I think this is Madonna’s next hit. Good blend between a club-friendly beat and ice-cold vocals. Also, at this speed (see Labels for this post), dj’s can easily drop it within a mix of today’s hits. Expect at least a few females to clamor for this at bars, parties and clubs in the months to come.

Download the MP3: Celebration (Single) Celebration (Benassi, Oakenfold and Johnny Vicious Remixes)

Music Review: The One - Mary J. Blige ft. Drake

Speed: 104 bpm

The DJ’s Take: So much for Jay-Z’s prediction about the Death of Autotune - even his girl Mary pours it on like syrup on pancakes. Cold, driving beat and a guest spot from Drake make it worth a listen for pop fans. As a music fan, I’ve always preferred MJB from the 90s, when she could make you feel her vocals. But as a dj, this track is custom fitted for mixes. Distinct instrumental at the beginning and end make blending in The One as easy as 1-2-3.

Download the MP3: The One

Music Review: Press It Up - Sean Paul

Speed: 137 bpm

The DJ’s Take: Also known (by me) as So Fine, Part II. This track caught my ear when I listened to Sean Paul’s new album Imperial Blaze, and it wouldn’t surprise me if this was the next single. If this track was a drink, it’d be Orange Crush - not exactly healthy or enriching, but fun and refreshing. Unless you or your crowd can’t stand anything that hasn’t been on the radio yet, try it out.

Download the MP3: Press It Up

Music Review: In Da Club - 50 Cent

50 Cent - New Music - More Music Videos

Speed: 90 bpm

The DJ’s Take: It’s been almost 6 years since this dropped like the meteor that killed the dinosaurs, and you still know the chorus. Trust me - if you are a working dj, you need to either get it if you don’t have it, or re-download it if you lost it. Still gets a response, and you’ll get at least semi-regular requests to play this because it’s someone’s birthday. Fiddy’s career is essentially over, but his spirit will live on through this song.

Download the MP3: In Da Club [Explicit]

Music Review: Nasty Boy - Notorious BIG

Speed: 107 bpm

The DJ’s Take: Three words for you - Strip Club Anthem. Not going to set off a dance floor conflagration on its own, but it’ll keep things moving in the middle of a good mix. Blend this in with LoveGame to appease the pop fans.

Download the MP3: Nasty Boy