Beat Match City

Speed: 95 bpm The DJ's Take: Feel like taking a time machine back to the 90s? Just press play and let the flow consume you. The beat would've fit right in on Tical , and Method Man's throwback verse confirms it. That simple yet sinister bassline seals the deal for me. Probably something you only break out for true hiphop heads if you're gigging in NYC, but they'll appreciate it. If you're looking to stay key-compatible, try mixing with the following: HeadBand - B.o.B , Rack City , Juicy , Say Aah , Drop It Like It's Hot Download the song: Amazon:

Speed: 96 bpm The DJ's Take: Sounds a lot like Chris Brown, right? I usually don't listen to lyrics, and a young man should have a little swag, but these were a little much. Act like you've been there before, sir. That said, it's a slick beat, and worth a spot in a hiphop mix. Try blending with the following tracks to stay key-compatible: Turn Down For What - DJ Snake ft. Lil Jon ,  Swerve - Sage the Gemini , Show Me - Kid Ink , Adorn - Miguel , Diamonds - Rihanna ,  She Ain't You - Chris Brown , Somebody Else - Mario Download the song: Amazon:

Speed: 128 bpm The DJ's Take: Would this work in your typical Top 40 club or bar? Probably not. But play it in the middle of an EDM mix at a festival or other setting where people appreciate it, and you may be on to something. The beat definitely pounds as advertised, and there are some notable tracks with compatible keys and bpm's: I Love It - Icona Pop , Animals - Martin Garrix , Under Control - Calvin Harris & Alesso , Stay The Night - Zedd , Clarity - Zedd , This Is What It Feels Like - Armin Van Buuren , Turn Up The Music - Chris Brown , Wild Ones - Flo Rida ft. Sia , Beautiful People - Chris Brown , Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO , Firework - Katy Perry , I Like It - Enrique Iglesias Download the song: Amazon:

Speed: 126 bpm The DJ's Take: I knew I should've taken Spanish in high school. In any event, you can't tell me this won't kill at any Mexican or Hispanic-themed event where the tequila is flowing like wine (fyi, Cinco de Mayo is only about 5 months away). Makes me think there's an opportunity for a new genre - let's call it MDM (Mariachi Dance Music). Two keys here - Pitbull's stock is up once again with Timber , and even I can figure out what that 'Noche No Termina' chorus means. Sure, the trumpets are a little tacky, but isn't that what your crowd wants every once in awhile? Definitely a place in your rotation for this, and it could become a go-to party track in the near future. What do you think of Noche No Termina? Love it I could dance to it after a few shots Don't like it - too tacky    pollcode.com free polls   Download the song: Amazon: Stay key-compatible and try mixing with some or all of the followi...

Speed: 117 bpm The DJ's Take: If you feel like seeing young women lose their inhibitions on the dance floor, this is worth a spot in your rotation. The driving thump should help shake up the Bacardi in everyone's systems and make things more lively. One disclaimer - Want Dem All could make the place explode or fizzle, so feel things out before you drop it, especially when the venue isn't full of people of Caribbean descent. If your crowd is a little lower-energy and it's not working, go into some traditional key-compatible pop like Get Lucky . If it is working, I'd mix with something like Straight Up or Move Ya Body and see how long you can stretch out the dancehall vibe. Download the song: Amazon:

Speed: 98.5 bpm The DJ's Take: Another sign I'm getting older - got a drunk text recently from someone in their 20s saying 'I be turnt!' I tried to guess what that meant, but ultimately had to turn to Urban Dictionary with my tail between my legs, then texted back and fronted like I understood all along. Anyway, fingersnaps, a simple synth-driven melody, and a solid flow are all you need for a hiphop hit these days. This can definitely work for the right crowd (i.e. African-Americans who reside outside the northeast region of the US). Keep in mind this is only ~2:30, so plan your next track as early on as possible. Should go pretty nicely both beat-wise and key-wise with Up Down , as well as Beware , Gas Pedal and Beat It . Download the song: Amazon:

Speed: 70 bpm The DJ's Take: Sounds a lot like a remix of Harlem Shake, doesn't it? That said, this track has a tighter thump and doesn't drone on. Most importantly, it won't serve as the soundtrack for countless individuals and corporations trying to demonstrate how fun and wild they can be . Serious modern trap music with the potential to melt faces, and a nice change up from the generic Top 40. In fact, with the right crowd, I could see people coming up to you and asking for the song title. May sound cool with Tom Ford or any other loud, theatrical track in a similar bpm range. Download the song: Amazon: