This article was originally published in THUMP UK. Next up on the Hidden Depths series we've got Dirty Danger, one of the figureheads of one of grime's finest crews, Ruff Sqwad. When their White Label Classics album was released, it felt a very long time coming indeed. Here was a proper release of some of the most sought after and well loved tracks in modern UK music; instrumentals finally mastered and collected with love for the first time, showcasing the profound talent of a Sqwad.Breaking out on his own, Dirty Danger's new EP Danger Season sees him take that classic grime sound he and his crew helped mold, and pull in garage, rap, house and ragga influences to make a sound that speaks to the melting pot of the UK underground. Having such an eclectic yet cohesive sound, we hit up Dirty Danger to dig deep, and he brought us some of his favourite, old school breakdance jams.Rufus and Chaka Khan – "Ain't Nobody" (Warner Bros, 1983)
I'll kick it off with this light-hearted breakdance classic. The synthesizer loops, electric guitar riffs and use of live drums in this track creates a really spacey, euphoric feeling for me. When I close my eyes and listen to this song, I see stars and waterfalls. The backing track is complemented very well the with soulful voice of Chaka Khan. I always replay the autotune part at 3:56. It always gets me. This tune will always get me dancing at a party. Sickkkkkk.
Kraftwerk - "Tour de France" (Francois K Remix) (EMI, 1984)
I have an older cousin that was into break dancing and I remember when I was around 8 or 9-years-old he showed me the film Breakin'. Everyone who has seen this film must remember the legendary flying broom scene—and this bouncy track. I was fully engrossed by the heavy breathing intro, which influence me to add my own sound effects in my tracks.
I always use to think how did they do that robot voice effect in this track. I was really fascinated by the futuristic sounds, and the little zaps and crackilng bomb sound effects. I use to picture it as some sort of evil sci-fi fim. I was also really drawn in by the repetitive bassline and long strings patterns, which created that atmosphere.
Freestyle – "Don't Stop The Rock" (Jam Packed, 1986)
When I think of the breakdance era, this is track of the first tracks that come to mind. This makes the list because it has the elements and components that you would expect hear; catchy synths have you singing along to long after after the song has finished. I particularly enjoy the break down components with the cowbell, introduced at 4:49.
Newcleus – "Jam On It" (Sunnyview, 1984)
This is one of those tracks you know straight away from the intro. It's very simple but effective, from production to lyrics, and has the whole dance floor goin' in. I love the beat on this because it automatically has my head bopping. I put this in my list because it reminds of a type of track I would make. Straight to the point —JAM ON IT.
Grandmaster Flash - "The Message" (Sugar Hill, 1989)
This was an absolute smash for me. Growing up in the '90s, I first heard a sample version by Puff daddy and Mase "Cant Nobody Hold Me Down." My uncle heard me listening to the track, and soon put me onto the original. The breakdance sound was really digitalized and dubb, but this had nice cool laid back feeling to it as well as a futuristic element.
Afrika Bambaataa and Soul Sonic Force - "Planet Rock" (21 Records/Polydor, 1982)
To me this just says, GET UP AND DANCE. I want to bust some moves anytime I hear this track. I think this is the first track I attempted to do the head spin, and it didn't go quite the way I wanted it too, ha. The striking orchestral hits and catchy string melodies are really effective. There is not much to the beat, but the cymbals and shakers work really well when they come in the chorus. This makes the list because it's the best if you don't agree go to 3:33. Classic.
Lisa Lisa and and Cult Jam - "I Wonder If I Take You Home" (Columbia, 1985)
Don't tell anyone, but I still play this in my car today when the sun comes out. When I first heard it, I was feeling the jittering synth sounds and use of chopping sample in the chorus. It gives it that cutting edge. This makes the list because its brings a different element to breakdance, and is a bit more friendly to the general ear.
Shannon - "Let The Music Play" (Warehouse, 1983)
I remember hearing this on the radio, but I could never get the name of the song. I was more in love with the instrumental of this track. I had never heard a wobble bass like that in a track, and couldn't get enough of it. Also, I'm in a big fan of strings and synth melodies, which this track is full off.
Ollie and Jerry – "Ain't No Stopping Us" (Polydor, 1984)
This was another smashing track from the film Breakin'. This was my favourite track of the film, so I had to find it after watching it and put it on the list. A lot of people may remember the vocal from days of UK garage, as DJ Luck and MCs Neat had their own version. I was a fan of that version but I cant lie, that version was better than the original. That would be silly, ha.
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