Rock the Boat - Aaliyah

Speed: 93 bpm

The DJ's Take: Strange to think today is the 10th anniversary of Aaliyah's tragic death in a plane crash after filming this video. I remember it was around then that I decided to be a dj, having lived in NYC that summer for a college internship, and hearing the news about her was shocking. She was one of my favorite artists.

Anyway, if you're doing an Aaliyah tribute at some point, remember you can mix this straight with Back and Forth; same BPM and same key. I actually did that on the last mixtape I made a few years ago, and it sounds really good.

RIP Aaliyah. You are missed.

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Lighters - Bad Meets Evil ft. Bruno Mars

Speed: 90 bpm

The DJ's Take: I know this song is already a hit, but come on. Ignore the lyrics and the instrumental sounds like it came straight out of the CGI-intensive movie re-make of Care Bears (due out in theaters Summer 2015; you just watch). That said, if you injected me with estrogen, maybe I'd feel it a little more. And it is good to see Royce Da 5'9 back at it; haven't heard from him since Boom. Finally, you can mix it with a couple more respectable tracks (see below).

Anyway, play this if you must at the end of the night, if for no other reason than getting a bunch of 20-somethings to whip out their iPhones and wave them around like they just don't care. Because, you know, actual lighters are a fire hazard.

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DJ's - turn on key adjust and mix with: No Games - Serani, Real Love - Mary J. Blige

Pumped Up Kicks - Foster The People

Speed: 128 bpm

The DJ's Take: Normally I wouldn't cover stoner beach music, but this is popular enough now, right? It's got that sleepy, hazy quality that's reminiscent of the feeling I get after a few adult beverages. Whether that's good or bad is open to interpretation. Anyway, probably not the best song to break out at a club, but a casual gathering, beach party or laidback bar gig with a bunch of Caucasians should be just fine.

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