Posted by Scott Willats

Still riding the buzz from one of the best interviews of my career, with British dub innovator Rusko. And what should I discover in my inbox this morning, but the brand new visuals for “Lez Go,” from his new EP with Cypress Hill, Rusko X Cypress, due out June 5th.

Rusko is exactly what you’d expect: down to earth, easygoing, and full of energy and enthusiasm. While we were setting up for the bpm Spotlight interview, he pulled out an recreational cigarette and asked if he might indulge while we talked.  Network higher-ups thought it best not to have that on camera — but the message was clear: “Live life the way you want to live it.”

During my one-on-one session with the Cockney Thug I got a chance to find out about his collaboration with the Cypress Hill crew. The origin and evolution of this project is a story worth writing about — but you’ll have to tune in to bpm Spotlight to hear how it went down. I promise you’ll be surprised to hear how these two acts linked up.

The funniest aspect of the whole team-up? Rusko claims (and I fully believe him) that when they hung out in the studio together for the first time, he smoked Cypress under the table. That’s right, he smoked them stupid. What up? First you’ve got Wiz Khalifa outsmoking Snoop, and now a pasty Brit putting Cypress to shame. What’s happened to our legends?

‘Twas all in good fun, though — and based on the evidence of this new video, the collaboration has clearly sparked new creative highs for all involved. Can’t wait to see the finished Spotlight episode. Until then, let’s enjoy the viz. And, if you haven’t already, beeeeeee surrrrrrrrre to check out Rusko’s latest album, Songs. Cop it HERE.

Sweets of the Week tomorrow!

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Posted by Scott Willats

Stress. All weeks are not built the same, a point proven by this week. Plenty of grey-hair-causing, wrinkle-inducing. While I won’t bore you with the details of what gave rise to these symptoms, I will tell you the remedy. When a day, week or month really has you on the ropes, the best way to recover and rebuild is with a healthy soundtrack. This week I got ripped a new one, and these tracks helped keep the ship above water. Brand new tracks from Felix Cartal, FatRat and Vaski, plus some household names.

SWEETS

Pretty sure it’s safe to say that Nicky Romero is 2012. Probably my new favourite big room track. Smells like Miami.

Nicky Romero – Se7en: LISTEN TO IT HERE

This is scary. If Felix Cartal starts delivering more traditional house tracks like this one, he could be the next frontliner on the stadium circuit.

Felix Cartal – Black to White (feat. Miss Palmer): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Directly — as in minutes — before I heard this, I said “If I hear another Gotye remix, I’m never listening to that song again.” Then I heard this. What do they say about losing something? It’s always in the last place you look. Sidenote: The original version of this song just so happens to be the biggest track in the world — and if you’re a regular “Sweets” checker, you would’ve learned about it HERE back on Oct. 21. Plenty reason to booooooooookmark us!

Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (TheFatRat Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Well, it’s finally been officially released. Ingrosso & Alesso. You are allowed to die now.

Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso – Calling (Lose My Mind): LISTEN TO IT HERE

To be honest, I’ve never really paid much attention to Kick N Licks but this song is fart-in-my-tuna-salad-nasty!

Kicks N Licks – Time: LISTEN TO IT HERE

R3hab literally doesn’t stop does he? This flying Dutchman has more pace than Arjen Robben. (Soccer fans will get that.)

Labrinth – Last Time (R3hab Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

First we speak of the original. Diplo really knows how to make a smooth r&b track. The way he massages the beat to Usher’s voice is something you’d expect from producers like Danger, Darkchild or Timbaland. Sick. Then Vaski just f**ks it all up. Nasty!

I don’t have a new video for you this week; if you’re searching for one, check yesterday’s Zeds Dead post. I do, however, have something a whole lot better: that latest instalment of Scott’s Selections. Six very very very heav tracks! Be sure to pick it up.

Scott’s Selections – Leap Year Edition: LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD HERE

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Happy Valentine’s Day, bpm Nation! Spend the day with someone you love — or at least try to love whoever you’re spending the day with. We’re celebrating this Hallmark holiday with a special “Love” edition of Xtendamix tonight at 8:30 pm ET — check out the track list below. Time to get your lovin’ on!

Posted by Scott Willats

The festive time is approaching, and with the holiday season comes the annual barrage of year-end reviews. I’ve been seeing a lot of blogs posting their top 10 DJs or top 10 songs of 2011. I’m always torn when I see these posts. One the one hand, as a fan I’m always cheering for my favourite artists to make the cut. On the the other hand, it seems absolutely ridiculous that only 10 tracks or artists could possibly rank as the best of the year.

I was talking to a  fellow electro head the other night who told me he loves our “Sweets of the Week” posts because they place a great deal of importance on variety. Exactly! Every week, I try to deliver six or eight of the most original-sounding new tunes. Can u imagine if I just took ten from the whole year? Impossible.

Anyways, as you can see, I’m rambling a bit — because at the end of the day, I still do like these year-end reviews. The question is: do you? I have a couple of ideas for the coming weeks.  In addition to new tracks, in each post I’ll be dropping a song or two from this past year that should be remembered. However, if you are a fan of the top 10 format let me know — and tell me who you think should be on the list — and we’ll make something happen.

Until then, some tracks found over the weekend that I think you’ll enjoy …

A friend of mine organised an Adventure Club concert in Sudbury a couple of weeks ago. Apparently it got a little out of hand: unconfirmed eyewitness accounts suggest Leighton may have been running in his birthday suit through the Holiday Inn. This track caused a similar reaction in my house this weekend … and that’s all I’m gonna say. Emily Haines, u so fiiiiiiiiiiiiiine!

Metric – Collect Call (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Alert the crowd, Benga is on his remix tip. Evacuate immediately. BAM! Full volume …

A-Trak and Zinc – Stingray (Benga Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Heard this track on Annie Mac, Friday in my flat, figured it was beats from Jack. See what I did there? Forgive the corn. This is like a Fake Blood dubstep track … eaaaasy.

Jack Beats – End Of Love: LISTEN TO IT HERE

Brand spanking new. I’m a huge fan of DJ Kue, especially his B.O.B and Lady Gaga remixes. This is another track for the masses. Sometimes you gotta play this at the venue, and most of the time you end up liking it more than you wanted to. Trust me, this is a banger.

This sounds a li’l dirrrty… Dillon, get em!

Chuckie – Who Is Ready To Jump (Dillion Francis Remix) (Dirty): LISTEN TO IT HERE

Chris Lake, Zeds Dead and tons more this week, all at your favourite bookmark……….xx

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