This Friday night, Chicago juke music innovator DJ Rashad bumps the BPM up a few notches at the Turrbotax party in Brooklyn alongside Colorado's Pictureplane and Ghosts on Tape in from San Francisco, both throwing down live sets.  RSVP/Event Info HERE.

DJ Rashad live at Mad Decent Block Party (Chicago)

Alongside fellow Chicago producers Gant-man, Spinn, Nate, & Roc; Rashad has been instrumental in the progression and formation of the juke & footwork music and culture.   Juke has recently come to the forefront in the media with Mike Paradinas of Planet Mu lining up releases this year from DJ Nate, DJ Rashad, and DJ Roc as well as a full length Footwork compilation also in the works.  Pulling influence from Chicago house, ghetto house, hip-hop, and disco; the syncopated rhythms, offbeat drum fills, and looped vocal samples of juke take some getting used to.  After making the initial adjustment, the music is undeniably infectious and extremely open-ended allowing for some truly unique tracks.

Already with a couple releases under his belt this year on Ghettophiles, DJ Rashad's 'Itz Not Rite' EP releases on Planet Mu October 4th.  The title track starts off the EP with a laid back, head nodding hip-hop vibe and chopped female vocals before accelerating into double-time polyrhythmic drums.  '10 on Da Cush' laces hip hop with lush jazz vocals and an unrelenting smattering of drum fills.  'Who Da Coldest' sets itself apart with it's acid synth leads and a neck-cracking snare before falling into a moody, liquid dub breakdown.  'Baby' is built primarily by the melody of Rashad's manipulation of one two-syllable sample, enforced with psychadelic swirls of synths, minimal guitar work and solid yet off-kilter percussion.

You can preview the EP and pre-order now through Planet Mu HERE

With impeccable timing, XLR8R have just released their latest podcast from DJ Rashad & DJ Spinn. Everyone seems to have an opinion on the mix so head over HERE to download/stream and make your voice heard.

DJ Roc has also recently set up a Juke social-networking site at ijukeyoubounce.com to allow for easier contact with producers in the juke and footwork community.  Be sure to register and get involved.

Here are some other mixes to whet the appetite:

Also check out this interview with Gant-Man courtesy of Chicago's 5 Magazine and head over HERE to grab 2 free tunes from him.