TOP TEN MOBILE DJ 00S URBAN FLOORFILLERS
Mastermix DJ Dave Evans takes us back to the Old School – for some of us anyway!
As a DJ you sometimes get asked for “Old School RnB” or “Throwback Anthems”. But what is Old School nowadays? For people of my age (47, don’t remind me) it could be dipping back in to the 80’s for the likes of Jocelyn Brown or Luther Vandross or even some classic 90’s such as Mark Morrison or TLC.
But to your younger crowd, a ‘throwback’ could be something from 10 years ago. Considering that we are one year away from the new Roaring Twenties this blog is going to look back at 10 urban tracks from the 00s that still provoke a big reaction today, even when some are nearly 20 years old.
- Kevin Lyttle – Turn Me On
Instant hook with the strings, uplifting intro and smooth vocals. This record is one that you will hear a least once a night if you are out regardless if it was an Urban night or just a commercial venue. Great R’n’B record which spent nearly half a year in the charts. It seems strange though that he only had one other minor hit in 2004 and hasn’t been in the charts since. But at least he charted, unlike…
- Serani – No Games
Released in 2009, this record has never been in the UK top 75, yet it is one of the most well-known urban records of the decade and one that is certain to fill any floor. A true “sleeper” track with a distinctive intro and smooth dancehall appeal, No Games is a great record.
- Beyoncé feat Jay-Z – Crazy In Love
Alongside Turn Me On, this record is 16 years old in 2019, unlike Kevin Lyttle, Beyoncé announced her departure from Destiny’s Child with a horn filled stomper of an anthem designed to make you strut onto the dancefloor and show the world just how fabulous you are. The only down point to this
track, for me, is the Jay-Z rap section which slows the track down a little but, taking that aside, Crazy In Love is a track which will always get reaction (unlike Single Ladies which is sounding dated now)
- Usher – Yeah!
The song is too long, it has no real outro point to cut it down if you want to mix out of it early and it isn’t even Usher’s best song (U Remind Me). But, Yeah! Is his biggest hit and one that has stood the test of time with regards to filling a floor. A shorter version or one with a break in the middle would
make it better for DJ’s to work with but, as long as it makes people dance, I’ll keep playing it.
- Black Eyed Peas – Where Is the Love
After 2 minor hits in the UK and as the first track released from their 3rd album. Where Is The Love exploded onto the scene and went straight to No.1 across the world with its message of peace and love that still resonates today. An end of night anthem certain to make people throw their hands up at the chorus and one for the ages.
- Sean Paul – Temperature
Moving from the harder edge of Gimme The Light to a more commercial style of dancehall Sean-A-Paul found the formula to success and this track, along with Get Busy or Like Glue, will still work 13 years after it was first released and is one of the most requested records I get asked when working.
- Mary J Blige – Family Affair
No list of 00’s Urban anthems would be complete without Mary J Blige and this string inspired anthem still holds up as a pure hip hop/soul fusion that tells you what to do. When she says “get you’re a** on the dancefloor” then you have to obey the queen.
- 50 Cent – Candy Shop
This could have been “In Da Club” and if I was working a commercial venue then I would be more likely to play that than Candy Shop, but if you were doing a night more dedicated to urban music then Candy Shop would be the de-facto choice for a 50 Cent track. Heavy driving bass and powerful suggestive lyrics makes this a track for couples to “enjoy”.
- Nelly – Hot In Herre
“OH!” and with that vocal we are off on a 3:47 masterpiece of r’n’b dance music. A catchy chorus designed to evoke loud voices, and also the occasional shirt off combined with a funky back beat makes Hot In Herre a record that will ignite a dancefloor when dropped. Even though Dilemma was a bigger hit, this record still has the bigger crowd appeal
- Eminem – Without Me
By the time Without Me was released, Eminem was already established as one of the most successful rappers in the world. Without Me managed to combine the lyrical fun of Real Slim Shady with a more commercial beat giving him his 3rd UK No.1, and a song that still works in both a commercial venue and a more specialised night with its bouncy chorus and strong lyrics.
In compiling this there are so many artists such as Rihanna, Notorious B.I.G, Missy Elliot, Akon and others that could quite easily have made the list. But this blog should give you a guide to tracks that for me, still fill a floor in 2019.
Need some more bursts of floorfilling inspiration? Check out our Top Tens for 90s Dance, 80s and Soul & Motown!
Top Ten 80s Floorfillers
A list of Top Ten 80s floorfillers, compiled by Mastermix Label Manager Richard Lee.
Use this list as inspiration for an 80s party playlist!
Wham! – I’m Your Man
This 1985 UK number one is a guaranteed 80s floorfiller whatever the occasion. It’s a brilliant upbeat sing-a-long track that appeals to everyone! The perfect 80s pop song from start to finish.
Erasure – A Little Respect
When an act has such a large & impressive back catalogue it’s often difficult to pick one track but this one stands out head & shoulders and is always well received when played at any event or 80s theme night.
Spandau Ballet – Gold
This 1983 gem is a perfect Main Party or End Of Night track and is always accompanied by a sing-a-long from the audience. The steady intro builds before kicking in to the upbeat section and complete audience euphoria!
Madness – It Must Be Love
There are so many great tracks to choose from one of the biggest bands of the 80s, but it’s this 1981 classic that is included in our Top 10. Madness is a unique band whose appeal has spanned over 40 years and shows no sign of letting up anytime soon!
Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Relax
The essential 80s song! If one track defined the decade it’s this one! Highly deserving of a place in our Top Ten 80s Floorfillers, it is simply perfect in every way!
Proclaimers – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)
This track might be classed as a novelty song, but from the opening guitar riff, through the verse to the chorus…it has everything! Stick it on and let the audience do the rest!
Bryan Adams – Summer Of ’69
Turn the volume up a little higher to maximize on the intro to this pop rock classic that failed to hit the UK Top 40 but has become one of the decade’s most loved tracks!
Dexy’s Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen
The best selling record of 1982 has, unfairly, been tagged as a novelty track by many DJs but this one is a must-play for any 80s set. Unique, innovative and that chorus…not to mention the slow breakdown that builds back up to the crescendo…boom!
Technotronic – Pump Up The Jam
This is often overlooked as an 80s track but this 1989 classic always hits the spot and allows other 80s dance hits to follow including ‘Ride On Time’ & ‘The Only Way Is Up’.
Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
This is your DJ insurance policy. The one song that ensures a full dancefloor…usually dancing around a large pile of handbags! It’s the ultimate 80s pop floorfiller!
How does our Top Ten 80s Floorfillers match up to yours? Which tracks do you agree with, and which alternatives do you have? Let us know on our Facebook Page!
