REVIEW: GHETTO HEAVEN launch on Sat. 26th May 2014 @ Ladybird Bar, 70 Upper St, Angel, North London, N1 ONY
This launch night was heaven but luckily not ghetto. Our very own Stretch Taylor DJ’d for hours in the upper room. He treated us to delights of Funk, Boogie with the classic The O’Jays ‘I Love Music’ (Philadelphia International Records, 1978), ‘Backstabbers’ (Philadelphia International Records, 1972), Tom Browne ‘Funkin’ for Jamaica’ (Arista, 1980), Mary J Blige ‘Be Happy’ (Uptown Records, 1994) and a dash of jazzy Hip-Hop ‘De La Soul – A Roller Skate Jam Named Saturdays’ (Tommy Boy Records, 1991). The O’Jays are coming to London and their show is at The O2 Indigo, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX on Thurs. 18th Sept. and Fri. 19th Sept. 2014The Ladybird Bar is a funky spot that is popular with the locals. There were a lot of birthdays being celebrated so everyone was in high spirits (or drinking). There’s a wide choice at the Cocktail Bar and we felt thankful there was air-conditioning to cool us down on this summer night. Room 2 played a lot of House music (especially uplifting/soulful). This night offered something for all Soul-lovers (new and old). Hopefully this will be the first Ghetto Heaven of many.It was great to see a female DJ, Kinky D (1xtra), spinning some House music & hyping up the crowd. Kinky D is known for her style that ranges from R’n’B, Soul, Hip-Hop, Disco and House, Top 40, Afro Beats, UK/US Garage, to Old Skool Club and Party Classics.Best track of the night was The Family Stand – ‘Ghetto Heaven’ (Atlantic Records, 1990), which stills sounds amazing and the night is probably an ode to this song. This track was originally remixed by our Legendary Jazzie B (& Nellie Hooper), which may be why it has such a heavy bass & tambourine sound that Jazzie B is known for. A timeless classic that is still relevant today. ‘I need a little Ghetto Heaven’ so I’ll be going to the next one, which we’ll be promoting on Mi-Soul as soon as we get the details.By Saskia King (@misoul_saskia)
