Breakin’ Bread - Dirtybeatbreakinfunkandhiphop

Breakin’ Bread is a Funk and Hip Hop collective based in South London, who initially started out a (still running) club night in ‘98 and later in 1999, came the addition of the record label. Dirtybeatbreakinfunkandhiphop is the second compilation from them, which brings together a selection of single releases from 2001 alongside some new tracks, from live bands and producers. Opening track by DJ IQ certainly sets the precedent of the album, and goes to prove what appears to be their ‘key factor’ (from a recent press release) of providing ‘decent beats’. From then on in, it doesn’t let up, with track after track of top quality music. I loved the mixed up free style vibe of ‘Trouble’ from Beats in Progress, Kashmere and DPF, the aptly named ‘Heavy Heavy’ by Keno 1 and The Hermit and the funked up keyboards and strings of ‘Gypsy Rock’ from Ill Boogs. Those like me who are new to the label, are spoilt for choice and are sure to find something which will push their buttons. From as varied as producer Ghost who clocks up a total of 3 tracks on this compilation, the collaboration with Kashmere and DPF, ’Flip It’ being one of the best, to instrumentals from Color Climax, of which the Latino vibe of ’Batidas Latinas’ stands out. Skeg from Breakin’ Beats notes that this is ‘British music made for the dance floor and Walkman’. I heartily suggest you should treat yourself and pick up a copy, you really won’t be disappointed.