Bootleg Business is back for its fourth installment and this time I have the pleasure to be joined by one who can be considered as the face of the dubstep scene on YouTube. Connor, widely known as Nawtystep, has been nurturing the scene with reviews, reactions, and insight since 2017, becoming a praised and respected voice in the contemporary dubstep scene on a platform like YouTube that otherwise has always been dominated by strictly music promotional channels. I first ran into his channel thanks to his interview with the creator of the ‘All My Homies Hates Skrillex’ documentary and since then, even if I can’t call myself a dubstep fan, I highly appreciate his dedication as a curator and his being vocal about music and culture on Twitter. In full Nawtystep fashion, his Bootleg Business selection showcases a knowledge of dubstep and bass gems stretching back to 2010. To match such a crafted list, I put my memory to the test and dusted off some true classics.
White Rabbit (Lets Be Friends Remix)
I gave this 2nd spot in my Bass remixes of the 2010s when I made that list a few years ago, bettered only by Knife Party’s remix of ‘Last Time.’ Jonny (now on his own as Joyryde of course) and Oren did an insane job here of retaining the character of the original whilst refashioning it with all the vintage LBF energy they could muster. The vocal play across the track is captivating. This is pretty much as exciting as Bass music gets for me, and frankly, all 5 of my picks could’ve been LBF edits.
– N
Du Hast (JAWNS Version)
This month I kick off my selection with something fresh off the press. Published just a few days ago, JAWNS’s version of Ramstein’s iconic classic ‘Du Hast’ is set to cause some giants mosh pits on dancefloors, no doubt. If you’re at a show and you hear this one coming up, prepare your elbows cause it will be mayhem. I’m not gonna lie, this JAWNS-going-metal trend is starting to get me.
– AA
Skrillex – Bangarang (Kredo Bootleg)
It still saddens me the extent to which Kredo was slept on, and went under the radar. This bouncy, boisterous rendition of Skrillex’s classic original is a mile and away the best take on it I’ve ever heard – and I came across quite a few! The funky movement of this track is crazily infectious pretty much from start to finish. The only point it lets up is for a sombre midsection that expertly puts the fun into perspective. It’s Kredo in full flow.
– N
FLUX PAVILION – BASS CANNON (LUCA LUSH LIFT)
This track has been sitting on my PC for the past 6 years. It’s probably my favorite Luca Lush edit and a steady presence in my mixes and DJ sets. Do you want to blow some minds? Just play this tune and the job is done. I love how he managed to make a more evil and mental version of the Flux Pavillion classic. This is how I imagine an alien invasion would sound.
– AA
Maka & Waeck ft. Farisha – Breathe (Vexare Remix)
I think the oldest track from my selection, reflected a little in the dated feel of the production. However, that exact thing is what gives this track character – that feeling of being of its time, giving it added authenticity. It also oozes with nostalgia factor for me as one of the very first electronic remixes I fell in love with. The heart-aching vocal, the melodic twists in the drops, the processed robotic YOIs. Still raw and still sensational 12 years on.
– N
SATiSFACTiON (YOOKiE EDiT)
YOOKiE has certainly delivered craziest tunes than this one, but I’m simply obsessed with this edit of ‘Satisfaction’. The first time I listened to it I found it just hilarious but as soon as I gave it a try on a proper sound system I had to change my mind! Simple but super effective. This is bootleg business at its finest.
– AA
Growin’ Up In The Gutter (Kill The Noise Remix)
Another remix that holds a special place in my heart. I remember showing this to a school friend – one of the only other people in my year remotely interested in bass music – and just watching his jaw drop when the unforgiving KTN Dubstep bulldozed through. The menace of Yelawolf’s vocal matches the heaviness perfectly across drops and builds. There’s a constant feeling here of something simmering, lurking below, ready to wreak havoc – which is what Dubstep is all about.
– N
Herobust – Dirty Work (Cherney Remix)
The original is still one of the filthiest and most cracked tunes I’ve ever heard. Period. For some reason, Cherney decided to feed its madness by making it bigger and louder. I’ve never been a dedicated dubstep guy but I’ve always been fascinated by the megalomania of this remix. Some days I love it, some days I hate it. I only wish I had a video of my first reaction when I found it by surfing SoundCloud.
– AA
Tisoki & Oliverse – Spongebob VIP
Only The Frim’s Doot Camp has ever come close to rivaling this VIP in terms of sheer, unbridled, cartoonish fun. I can’t even begin to imagine how much fun Tisoki and Oliverse must’ve had putting this one together. I genuinely had to check my phone hadn’t malfunctioned when I was listening to it for the first time, such is the uncontrollable and whacky nature of the vocal delivery. So colourful, weird, and cooky. We need more bass music that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
– N
graves & Coolights – Say Things (Crankdat Re-Crank)
I’m pretty sure Nawtystep will agree with me when I say that Crankdat is one of the best in the bootleg business. His “Re-Crank” brand has gained a devoted following over the years thanks to a constant flow of top-notch edits. With almost two million plays on SoundCloud alone, Crankdat’s version of ‘Say Things’ needs no introduction. A timeless classic that always hits like the first time.
– AA
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