Crate Diggin': Melé's Strictly Rhythm Selection

Renowned for powering the dancefloor with octane dynamism, Melé is an artist who fully warrants his current status as a revered selector. Boasting a particular niche of sound that utilises a mesh of Brazilian-inspired house, transatlantic hip hop and UK garage, his catalogue thus far reaps a hotbed of compellingly anthemic music that still fits on the right side of the underground. Moreso, Melé, who has spent best part of his career appearing at an endless list of clubbing and festival hotspots the world over, will not only spend the oncoming summer expressing this talent the world over but will also be making a quick stop at our Farringdon haunt at the end of the month (27th May) joining Groove Armada for their much anticipated FABRICLIVE 87 CD Launch. So, with a few weeks to go until the aforementioned proceedings take place, Melé kindly offered to flick through his crates, putting focus on the Strictly Rhythm back catalogue, building us a personalised playlist of the tracks he rates most highly from the highly seminal imprint.

R.A.W - Asuca (Tribal Instrumental)

Melé: "Erick Morillo at his best, guaranteed dance floor saver."

M & M - So Deep So Good

"Such a sick groove, could listen to them intro drums on loop for hours.2

Lil Mo Yin Yang - Reach (Kenny Dope Remix)

There was a few Kenny Dope records I could have chosen but this one always sticks out for me.

Quentin Harris - Travelling

"Remember hearing either Spoony or EZ play this, proper soulful vibes."

George Morel - Lets Groove

"CLASSIC! One of my favourite tunes ever."

Sole Fusion - Bass Tone

"First heard this on Skepta’s Rinse FM mix cd about 15 BPM faster than it should be but it sounded so sick."

Osunlade - Pride (Johny D Remix - Vocal Edit)

"Discovered this one fairly recently to be honest, it has been working in my sets really well”

Armand Van Helden - Nrongo Ra Mrongo

"Again, could have picked a few Armand tunes but I really like this one at the moment. One of my heroes."

The Boss - Congo (Tunnel Mix)

"The D Max mix of this tune is a masterpiece, I just like how this one starts with the piano loop. Proper festival set opener."

Ultra Nate - Free (Mood 2 Swing Extended Vocal Mix)

"I couldn’t do a Strictly list without this being in there. Love this tune so much."