MxNxSTxR βAll Of Meβ
Not to be confused with the same-titled song by John Legend, βAll Of Meβ by MxNxStxR is a catchy, techno track that calls for bodies on the dance floor. The song sounds like it belongs in a playlist with βI Took a Pill in Ibizaβ by Mike Posner β a head-bobbing anthem. MxNxStxR is a mysterious artist β literally, their identity is unknown to the masses and a Google search yields little in the way of results, but internet sleuths will come out of the woodshed to unveil this mystery because the song will surely pique curiosity. If you needed anything further, the song features Destructo, who is also featured on this volume of StripJoints!
Destructo βF With Meβ
Destructo, aka Gary Richards, grew up surrounded by music. His father was a radio man and Destructo carved out a career in the music industry, first as a DJ and then a music exec corralling musical acts for festivals (a la Electric Daisy Carnival). But, heβs never strayed too far from his musicianship, as evidenced by his track βF With Meβ, which features Chromeo. βF With Meβ starts off with a hypnotizing Auto-Tune opening before segueing into a just-as-entrancing synth chorus that is reminiscent of the likes of Daft Punk. Simply put, this track is the epitome of a feel-good summer vibe fit for all seasons.
Kurt Deimer βHeroβ
Kurt Deimer is no stranger to StripJoints reviews, having been profiled before for his track βHave A Cigarβ in fall 2021. Deimer is a well-rounded individual who has conquered the business world, acting world and songwriting. It should be no surprise then he turned his sights to music. With βHeroβ, Deimer has a hard-hitting, contemporary rock ballad. As mentioned on his website, βWhen people listen to my music, I want to help them decompress and feel better after a brutal day. Thatβs what music always did for me.β This song wholly embodies that β consider the lyrics βAnyoneβs a hero/coming to save the day, show us a better way.βΒ If you needed any more feel-good, the song is a tribute to Deimerβs father.
Dark Heart βGet Down Lowβ
David Thomas, aka Dark Heart, grew up in Indiana but always had his heart set on LA. He made that vision a reality with his start at a talent agency, working in the mailroom. Moving up through the ranks, Thomas went from managing talent to expressing his own. With βGet Down Lowβ, Dark Heart samples the ageless 1997 wonder βDaβ Dipβ by Freak Nasty. But to say this is simply a cover is a gross misunderstanding β with βGet Down Lowβ, Dark Heart inputs his own signature, EDM-infused tinge. As he said in an interview with ED Magazine, courtesy of StripJointsMusic.com, βThe song is fun and sexy, simple as that. Trying to explain would be like trying to explain a joke, it just ruins the comedy! I think within a few seconds of pressing play, it will be an obvious choice for clubs everywhere.β
TiΓ«sto & Charli XCX βHot In Itβ
Continuing the trend of EDM, TiΓ«sto and Charli XCX team up for βHot In Itβ, a sizzling, upbeat banger fit for any selfie-inspired TikTok video. The song is a wonderful reflection of self-empowerment, as evidenced by the lyrics βTonight, Iβm gonβ be rocking it, dropping it/Shake my ass, no stopping it/I look hot in it, hot in it, I look hot in it.β Based on that sample alone, is it any wonder this song would be a boon for any gentlemenβs club DJ? The song masterfully utilizes Charli XCXβs vocals to the backdrop of TiΓ«stoβs DJing prowess.
Chef Sean βFlex Offβ
Chef Sean (Sean Christopher) is back in the kitchen having put his finishing touches on another masterpiece with βFlex Off.β This club banger is off Chef Seanβs debut album βMy Life.β Another interview subject, courtesy of StripJointsMusic.com, he says about the trackβs fit on a club playlist βItβs giving the ladies a chance for the spenders to flex off and spend some money. You want them to show out. Itβs that kind of song. Show your shit β show off for the ladies. Ladies should enjoy it.β Amen, our compliments to the Chef!
Niel Degas (feat. Scarlett) βDonβt Need Youβ
American house and Nu disco DJ and producer Niel Degas has been churning out music since the early 2000s. Hailing originally from Maryland, Degas now makes his home at South Florida turntables. For βDonβt Need Youβ, Degas has teamed up with Scarlett to offer up a staple house track. Scarlettβs vocals sync up admirably with Degasβ musical profile in an upbeat tune promoting independence with lyrics like βI donβt need you anymore/to see you walking out the door/Iβm better off without your lies/no more hiding in the skies.β
Leikeli47 βCarry Anneβ
It may share the same-sounding title as the 1967 hit by The Hollies βCarrie Anneβ, but itβs clear from the onset, this ainβt your grandparentsβ βCarry Anne.β Leikeli47βs version comes out the gate swinging: βItβs my pussy/I can do what I want/hm/Iβm a big girl now.β The song segues into a catchy/drummed synth beats before changing course β it almost sounds like two different artists, but itβs really a testament to Leikeli47βs versatility. This song is easy to hear at a club blasting and getting people out of their seats and on a dance floor or stage.
DMX βKnow What I Amβ
DMX passed away more than a year ago, but that doesnβt mean he doesnβt have posthumous music still coming out. With βKnow What I Am,β the deceased New York-based rapper β famous for hits like βX Gonβ Give It to Yaβ and βParty Up (Up in Here)β β the acclaimed rapper goes with a gnarlier rock sound that is benefitted by his inimitable gravely voice. The track was produced by British guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite β and Thwaite also contributes vocals. βKnow What I Amβ is definitely a departure from the DMX of yore, but despite the genre bend, this song isΒ unmistakablyΒ DMX. For listeners who thought they would have to stick with DMXβs hits and existing discography β they can rejoice with this number.