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Crate Expectations: Def Mix's Quentin Harris Picks His Favorite Frankie Knuckles Tracks

Like most people, DJs and producers have specific songs tied to events throughout their lives. In Crate Expectations, we extract a playlist from their memories to tell their story. This week's subject: the New York-based DJ Quentin Harris, who selects his favorite Frankie Knuckles tracks ahead of a special tribute to the house icon during Miami Music Week. Harris and Knuckles were label mates at Def Mix Productions, so we'll go ahead and say that he knows what he's doing.

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THUMP: What's the first Frankie Knuckles track you ever loved?
Quentin Harris: The first Frankie Knuckles record that I ever loved was Jamie Principal's "Baby Wants To Ride." It was so raw and simple and extremely funky! It also had a very Prince-like quality to it, and we all know I am a huge Prince fan.

Which Frankie Knuckles track has had the biggest influence on you?

Which Frankie Knuckles track conveys the feeling of love most strongly to you?
"Tears" does this for me, it's a sad song. I get very emotional every time I hear it.

What is your favorite Frankie Knuckles remix?
The Sounds Of Blackness' "The Pressure." If you don't feel anything when you listen to it, you must be a robot!

Which Knuckles track do you like working into your sets?
This is a hard question to answer. I don't think that I have ever played a set without playing at least one of his many records. The last one that I played in a set was his mix of Lil Louis' "Fable."

Which of your tracks do you think is most in line with Frankie's style of house?
"Give It 2 U" by me and Ultra Nate' as Black Stereo Faith. It's soulful and orchestral, with a 30 piece string arrangement. Frankie did a remix of it for me.

What is the last Frankie Knuckles track you'd want to hear before the lights go on?
That is easy. Alison Limerick's "Where Love Lives."

Catch Quentin Harris at Basement Miami's Frankie Knuckles tribute on March 26. Get your tickets here.

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