Mojito feat. MJ White - I Wanna Rock You (Sugar Groove)

Swift of DJN Project continues to make heads turn and feet dance with his young label Sugar Groove, already on its sixth release in about as many months. For this latest issue, the label turns to prolific UK-based producer Mojito, in collaboration with accomplished vocalist MJ White. With releases for MuSol, Daddy Funk, and his big rework of Edmund ft Natasha Watts’ “Fantasy,” Mojito is quickly making a name for himself on the soulful house scene. Combined with MJ White, who has provided his voice on tracks by the likes of George Morel, David Camacho, and Mark Wilkinson, Mojito leaps forward with the uplifting “I Wanna Rock You.” Chiming keys over a disco-influenced four-on-the-floor beat open the track, followed by a sexy intro from MJ and a completely lethal bass line underpinning the whole affair. The title may remind you of another, legendary song and that’s not a coincidence … “I Wanna Rock You” delightfully quotes this classic musically, and is a fitting homage that will thrill dance floors with its subtle familiarity. Stepping up to the remix plate is Sugar Groove’s own Swift of DJN Project working with renowned bassist Slikk Tim. A grooving broken beat rhythm takes the place of the four-on-the-floor, and Swift’s synth leads give an evocative counter to the track’s memorable chords. Slikk Tim’s bass line is low and punchy, adding dance floor fuel to the track’s drive. Instrumentals of both version are available, for extending mixing or just to groove to the melodic music track. No doubt, another winning release from Sugar Groove.

Ciappy DJ (Tony Records) - “Great tribute! Soulfully Sweet!”
Marques Wyatt - “Tight!”
Dr. Bob Jones - “Nice feel to this. The production on all cuts is excellent.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “I love the bass line on this as well as the dreamy synth line and slammin’ drums. This is solid!”
Abicah Soul - “Hot!”
Mr.V - “Nice groove in the remix!”
Jamie Topham (CDPool) - “A brave cover of the Jacko classic, given a nice soulful twist from Mojito and company. The Swift & Slikk Tim’ remix oozes quality.”
Evan Landes (Groove Junkies) - “Nice n’ soulful.”
Edground (Grooveland Music, Brazil) - “Amazing release. Love all mixes. I will play a lot.”
Doc Link (Liberate) - “Solid release. Sugar Groove doing their thing. Keep shining!”
Christos Kedras (Kapa Music) - “Great stuff. I’m liking the vocal and both mixes are nice.”
Soulfulbros - “Ohhh yeah, I wanna rock to a track like this … pure bomb of groove!”
Stefan Popovic (DiscoTone Radio Show) - “That’s just the thing - a classic revisited. Nice.”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.

Jeremias Santiago & Dru Tiz Feat. NR3 - I Am Your Vitamin (Sugar Groove)

The newly launched Sugar Groove label, the brainchild of Swift of DJN Project, jumps forward with their fourth release, the stately and soulful house music track “I Am Your Vitamin.” This three way collaboration of Jeremias Santiago, Dru Tiz, and spoken word artist NR3 makes for an emotive journey, with “I Am Your Vitamin” simultaneously pulling at the head, the heart, and the feet. NR3, who has supplied past vocals for tracks by the likes of Scott Woniak and Nef Nunez, gives a stirring lyrical statement about the nature of love over some club-primed grooves throughout four versions. The first mix is helmed by Jeremias Santiago under his FTL moniker. Jeremias is known for his collaborations with Jellybean Benitez and his extended discography for Next Dimension, Jellybean Soul, Hubert Street, and his own FTL imprint. In the FTL Original version, a snappy snare commands with a staccato rhythm while a soothing organ and some funky synth leads play on top. At first listen one can almost see the sweaty basement party meant for this track. Next up is Orlando, Florida’s house music maestro Juan Sanchez who has appeared with DJN Project before, and has many future releases planned for Sugar Groove. Juan takes things a bit deeper with pulsating key pads, a subdued but driving four-on-the-floor, and a dubby, late night vibe. Dru Tiz next takes the reins of the GFI Minimal Mix which features a marching house music beat, some loose musical elements, and an emphasis on NR3’s vocal track. Dru’s version will be especially tasty for DJs to mix with. Finally, Swift of DJN Project and Slikk Tim offer the Sugar Breaks Remix which goes for a slinky and jazzy breakbeat feel. The layers of synths and key pads build with the vocal, leading the dancer to sonic heights as the tune unfolds.

Roger Sanchez - “DEEP.”
Ashley Beedle - “Loving the FTL Original and Sugar Breaks mixes, Killer production!”
Davidson Ospina - “Juan Sanchez Remix for me! Deep with great energy.”
Marques Wyatt - “Dope!”
Evan Landes (Groove Junkies) - “Nice spoken word and a cool set of mixes.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Driving sound with a jazzy feel. The FTL mix is my favorite but the Sugar Breaks Remix has a great summer feel. Reminds me of ibiza.”
Nick Moss (Groove Assassin) - “I’ll slam this one … hot!”
Christos Kedras - “Nice package, the vocal is really great!”
Spiritual Blessings - “Lovely one. Jeremias Santiago does a style we love.”
Rick Preston - “The Juan Sanchez remix is fire!”
Dr. Bob Jones - “Great production on all the mixes, but Sugar Breaks Remix just has the edge. Full support.”

Also supported by Grant Nelson, Robert Owens, DJ Memê, Doc Link, Nick Holder, Daz-I-Kue, Alex Dimitri South Soul, and DJ Eman.

Available from Juno Download and Beatport.

Kenny Bobien & Swift Of DJN Project - What A Way (Sugar Groove)

Considered by many to be the “King Of Gospel House,” Kenny Bobien has recorded classic tracks for Soundmen on Wax, Soulshine, MAW Records, and, of course, King Street Sounds who released his seminal “Brighter Days.” Last year Bobien released the heartfelt track “What A Way" in collaboration with DJN Project, adding to this line of classic tracks. Now, Swift of DJN Project has launched his own label, christened Sugar Groove, and for its debut release “What A Way” is revisited with top notch remixes. FTL, Juan Sanchez, and Carlos Vargas all contribute versions for a soulful house music package that launches Sugar Groove out of the gate with style.

“What A Way" is a gorgeous piece of deep, vocal house. The latin-style percussion intro leads to a steady house rhythm, a melodic disco bass line, and beautifully lush chords and pads. Add Kenny Bobien’s affecting falsetto to all of this and the dancefloor quickly reaches house music heaven. New York producer Jeremias Santiago aka FTL, who is known for his work with Jellybean Benitez and his extended discography for Next Dimension, Jellybean Soul, Hubert Street, and his own FTL imprint, delivers the first soulful mix. Tight, live-sounding drums, exquisite piano melodies, and rousing percussion all fit perfectly beneath Kenny’s vocal for a mix that’s sure to charm the dance floor. Orlando, Florida house maestro Juan Sanchez is up next with his JuMo Bros Remix. Juan is familiar to fans of DJN Project as he’s been a constant remix collaborator, and this latest rework keeps up with the quality of his past productions. The mix features a tough four-on-the-floor rhythm with upflifting strings, moving chords, and a disco bass line perfectly complementing that classic Kenny Bobien voice. Finally, Carlos Vargas, who has remixed for Purple Music, Look At You, and Solid Ground delivers a silky, percussive mix with a powerful vocal breakdown. Tribalish, almost broken beat drum patterns and a warm, pulsating low end gently ease the dance floor into Kenny and Carlos’ spell, and a dramatic, inspiring build to the finish keeps the dancers entranced. Very special. Also included in the package is a remastered version of the original “What A Way,” produced by Swift of DJN Project, and primed to transport the nightclub once again.

Marques Wyatt - “Feelin’ this!”
Roger Sanchez - “Sexy.”
Robert Owens - “Love it! Great vocals and song.”
Nick Holder - “Dope!”
Graeme Park - “Loving it! Go Kenny!”
Abicah Soul - “Hot!”
Dr. Bob Jones - “Loving the production on this and Carlos’s mix is the one for my ears and floors. Very nice.”
CJ Mackintosh - “The FTL mix for me … nice!”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Blissful house music. Amazing.”
Evan Landes (Groove Junkies) - “All mixes are dope and Kenny and Swift sound as good as ever.”
Christos Kedras (Kapa Music) - “Strong package, loving the soulfulness. The vocal is amazing! All mixes are nice with Juan Sanchez standing out for me.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House) - “A fantastic re-release, with both Jeremias Santiago and Juan Sanchez taking this wonderful song to the next level with their delectable remixes.”
Fabio Tosti (Ibiza Global Radio) - “Mr. Bobien gives us another dream with his voice. Really nice project.”
Rudy Kizer (Hit The Decks Radio Show) - “Outstanding. Full support.”
Mannix (Tilllate Magazine) - “Superb track, innit?”
Dino Moran (Milk & Sugar) - “There is no male house vocalist anything like him!”

Available now from Juno Download and Traxsource.