We wanted to give a sincere congrats to New York’s Crooklyn Clan for surviving 15 years in the game. In ’93, DJ Riz and DJ Sizzahandz released their first single on Nervous Records and a year later, blew up New York with “Be Faithful” a track still heard at virtually every social event imaginable. (See below.) In addition to gigging around the world, producing, and running the remixing service The Vault, DJ Riz is the official DJ for the NFL. We tapped his brain to get his Top 10 party-starting anthems.
“I like to listen to songs with different energy, some are up-tempo, some are feel-good songs, and some just classics I grew up with. I could probably have a legit top 100 to list. These are what I would listen to for getting pumped up (in no particular order).”
1) “So Wat Cha Sayin” – EPMD
Another one of my all time favorite old school hip-hop songs.
2) “Be Faithful” – Crooklyn Clan Ft. Fatman Scoop
Not because we produced this record, but to me, this might be one of the all-time biggest party records ever. You know it’s a bona fide classic when it’s in rotation at weddings with songs like the “Electric Slide”, I Like It Like That,” “Don’t Stop Believing” etc.
3) “Zombie Nation” – Kernkraft 2000
A huge sport stadium anthem that gets anyone and anywhere pumpin.
4) “Song 2″ – Blur
“Woo Hoo”
5) “Why” & “You Belong To Me” – Carly Simon
In no way do these songs have the energy of the other ones. These are just two personal favorite 80’s jams with great instrumentation and the amazing voice of Carly.
6) “Summertime” – DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince
Feel-good song that I always loved when I was coming up as a DJ.
7) “Represent” – Nas
A cut from the classic Illmatic album produced by good friend DJ Premier. Love this record.
8) “Smooth Operator” – Sade
Cause this is what I consider myself. Great song.
9) “Shadows” – Pryda Ft. Eric Prydz
House song that I never get tired of.
10) “900 #” – Mark the 45 King
Even though it is just a looped horn sample with added drums, it is straight, dope, classic old-school hip-hop energy.
For the best, and really only, representation of this track, go here. It’s worth it. Trust us.
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