This morning we have the privilege of welcoming an artist whose work you’ve probably heard if you’ve attended a breakdance battle in the last fifteen years. The man is called DJ Marrrtin, but he can also be found hidden behind the suave and psychedelic beats of Lord Paramour, behind the high-energy house of Aktshun, in hip-hop boom-bap style with Tino, and obviously within the legendary duo Funky Bijou.
In addition to his talent, Martin is a prolific artist, distinguished by his humility and genuine passion, dedicated to a demanding movement and art form. With disarming simplicity, his creativity is rooted in the soul and funk of the 70s, shining a brilliant light on a fabulous legacy that inspires and elevate. This morning, we embark on a journey with him, between past and present, to see how melodies transcend eras without losing their power to stir us from head to toe.
Guest’s selection
Eddie Drennon & The B.B.S. Unlimited - Do what You gotta Do
Dj Marrrtin: ” I chose this track for several reasons, firstly it is magnificent, (the guitar riff, the vocals, and the violins) which are captivating, and the second reason is that I discovered this piece thanks to hip hop, in particular a track by Big Noyd “Going Right at ‘Em” produced by the Swiss Sebb Bash. “
René Costy – Scrabble
Dj Marrrtin: ” It’s a similar story with this track. When J Dilla released “Fuck the Police,” I was blown away by the song’s structure, and then I discovered the original, a killer track with its violin, its trumpet with effects, and that insane breakdown. “
Zulema - Wanna be where you are
Dj Marrrtin: ” Superb track, a cover of the Jackson 5, I love the arrangement with the violins, the little wah-wah guitar in a “cookie” effect that you hear throughout the song, and that sublime voice… “
Curator’s selection
Dj Marrrtin - Summit Break
Anto: ” It’s difficult to choose just one track from DJ Marrrtin’s entire discography to illustrate the breadth and variety of his work, but I wanted a sound that would make you want to spin on your head. So I picked this frenetic breakbeat from one of his latest solo projects, punctuated by a delightful flute that echoes that of René Costy’s, all set against a terrifically groovy bassline and a devastating guitar riff. In short, an energetic track that puts a smile on your face and irresistibly gets even the most reserved people moving. “
Alexander O’Neal - You Were Meant To Be My Lady (not my girl) |Buscrates 16-Bit Groove Mix
Anto: ” I’m so happy to be able to post this track reworked by Buscrates here. It’s no longer exist on the Internet, you won’t find it anywhere else (perhaps a copyright issue, but shh…). The Buscrates sound is a sonic signature that’s instantly recognizable. For several years now, I’ve been in love with his distinctive electronic groove, deep beats, and synths that send you soaring to the stars… When you hear him revisit this classic R&B, we can all see the producer’s genius. Besides, it makes me think it would be great to invite him here :) “
Spanky Wilson & the Quantic Soul Orchestra - Don’t Joke With a Hungry Man
Anto: ” Ms. Spanky Wilson and Mr. Quantic! The meeting gave a rapturous album where the soul singer’s voice blends perfectly with the orchestra assembled by the British producer. On this track, I particularly love the bass, which adds a touch of warmth to a furious beat. You could easily imagine a B-boy laying down the moves. And then there’s that incredible voice… Don’t joke with an angry man/woman! “
Sababa 5 & Yurika - Tokyo Midnight
Anto: ” What I love about this song — and more generally about Sababa 5’s music — is their way of drawing from various musical currents and extracting a kind of quintessence that borders on the sublime, without ever becoming cloying. Here we have synthesizers that evoke a captivating Arab-Israeli sound, American funk, Japanese lyrics, all within a totally dreamy psychedelic vibe… And it works! It just goes to show that you can create beautiful things when you’re open-minded enough to combine tradition with influences from far-off, exotic lands. ”
On this note, we thank Dj Marrrtin for the great musical suggestions and we salute Antoine Gaudin’s work for this beautiful illustration!
See you soon for new adventures!
