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DJ Phusion: The Phusionfiles Chapter One

One of the best mix tapes you’ve never heard, The Phusionphiles Chapter One (alternately “The Phusion Philes” or “… Volume One” or “PhusionphileOne”) was released in June 1996 by London-based DJ Phusion. On this mix, he didn’t focus on strictly new tunes, but rather the best from the previous few years, which he then remixed over his own beats. And those beats: straight illness.

Here’s a review I wrote of the mix back when it came out, nearly 13 years ago:

DJs are so worried about putting out mixtapes with the brand newest tracks and b-sides not even being concerned with whether the tracks themselves suck or if they’re dope. Brothers putting on R&B tracks just because the beats mix well with the other cuts they’re blending. 85% of all mix tapes I hear are half-assed attempts by new schoolers that just want to say “look at me — I got stuff before everyone else… now I’m going to blend the shit together and not concern myself with quality.”

Fortunately, we got kids like Phusion (coming straight outta’ London, England) on the tables as well. Phusions first chapter in the “Phusionfiles” series is a very worthy effort. He didn’t concern himself with finding the newest tracks or phattest remixes — he did the shit himself. He laid down 80 minutes of dope tracks and mixed in some of the best hip-hop from the last couple of years. Included are ODB, Blahzay Blahzay, Gravediggas, Nas, Mad Skillz, Mobb Deep, etc. etc. etc. And a funky as all hell remix of Alkaholiks “The Next Level.” DJs from the states: it’s on now.

Also featured on this mix tape are freestyles and exclusive performances by a couple British crews that Phusion works with. The first is the Bushpac, both kids having nice skills (coming off the head in a fine fashion) and one of them sounding like an English version of Brother J. The others are Little Big Man and Rising Son, both sounding sweet.

And to top this butta with scotch ice cream sundae is about 15 minutes of break beats that heads will be forced to freestyle to in they rides. Heavy basslines, killer piano shots, and rugged drums show that this kid has got some international flavors for your ass. Don’t sleep.

 

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