Disko Kids Mixtape - Dj Nikki Beatnik
DJ Nikki Beatnik is this weeks selector with her 10 tracks for her Mixtape. For those who don't know Nikki - she is the tour DJ for Kelis and co-produces under the name Beatnik with her brother Statis. She has played many a club and festival Lovebox, Bestival, Pukklepop, Isle of Wight Fest, VFest & we're super pleased she found the time in her busy schedule to share her 10 chosen tracks for her Mixtape! She got us with her 1st choice Colonel Abrahms- Trapped! ❤️
You can listen to the whole mixtape back to back on our Youtube channel here
What was the first record / CD you ever bought?
I think it was Michael Jackson Thriller, but its so long ago. I still have that record though. I remember I used to play my parents and grandparents vinyls on a record player when I was about 4 or 5, maybe younger.. involving Boney M, some Disco & Johhny Cash.
What was the first gig you went to?
I remember going to see Eurythmics when I was quite young and getting to go backstage at Wembley to meet Dave Stewart and Daryl Hall, who were cool guys. I was pissed I didn't meet Annie. I played at Wembley arena a few times after that.
Party out or Kitchen Disco?
Ive been a DJ a long time so clubs and parties are my natural habitat. SO I choose Party Out. Although my husband says that I turn everything into 'Twice as Nice' meaning any party I throw turns out bigger than I planned with loud music, even if its at home in the kitchen. I threw our son a Baby Rave for his second Birthday and about 50 people turned up.
Talk us through your mixtape - What’s each track / artist and why its on your Mixtape?
Track 1 Colonel Abrams - 'Trapped'
Possibly the greatest club record ever made. Absolute perfection. I was a huge Colonel Abrams fan. Another great tune by him is 'I'm Not Gonna Let' I also loved his style.
Track 2 Derrick May - 'Strings Of Life'
This is a seminal record in the history of dance music. I remember hearing it as a kid and it having a big effect on me. I started DJing not long after.
Track 3 Migos 'T Shirt'
I am a big Migos fan. I have played Hip hop for 30 years + and I love all era's. I love how these guys are bringing out tune after tune right now and I cant stay still to this record. Massive tune.
Track 4 Beenieman 'Romie'
I am a big dancehall fan, I love 90's dancehall up to current stuff. I was DJing a party for Puffy once where Beenieman came and he jumped on the mic in the booth. He is so super talented and has made so many good records.
Track 5 Janet Jackson - 'Thats the Way Love Goes'
Who doesn't love Janet !! She is epic. Rhythm Nation was a moment for me, the fashion, the choreography, the songs- it was sheer brilliance. So I had to pick a Janet record. I just saw her at Essence Event for The Grammy's this year presenting Missy Elliot with an award and it reminded me how much I love her.
Track 6 Too $hort - Blow The Whistle
I love this record so much, Kelis and I played a festival show with Too Short last year and he was so sweet. Its hard to pick favourite hip hop or house records as I have so many from all my years of DJing and I love so many songs and artists. Ive been ruthless and picked a good un within the mixtape concept...
Track 7 Vanity 6 - Nasty Girl
Absolute FIRE record. So Epic.
Track 8 Yo Gotti Rake It Up
This is another recent hip hop track I love. Its so fun!
Track 9 Beatnik Remix Nick & Navi Love Dealer
A dope Drum & Bass remix we just did for LA super sibling sister group Nick & Navi.
Track 10 Robert Palmer 'I Didnt mean To Turn You On'
Loved Robert Palmer and love this record.
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