DJ-Kicks: Moodymann (3LP) [!K7]

Following a year that saw the 50th volume of the long-running series met with widespread praise, DJ-Kicks returns with another landmark edition. Iconic Detroit DJ and producer Moodymann is at the helm of his first multi-artist DJ mix compilation. Born Kenny Dixon Jr., Moodymann is a unique icon in electronic music, both coming from and entirely synonymous with the Motor City. He's an articulate, impossibly charismatic artist, who has left a distinctive and soulful mark on house and techno since the early 90s. Fusing jazz, funk, soul, blues and rock in captivating ways, he's responsible for some of electronic music's most definitive tracks, EPs and LPs on labels like Planet E, Peacefrog, and his own KDJ and Mahogani Music imprints. Able to serve up the sweetest, most sensual sounds as well as the darkest, most depraved grooves, his unique voice and stream-of-consciousness ramblings expertly infuse carefully chosen samples to make music that is decidedly alive and authentic.

Moodymann's DJ sets are the stuff of legend. Often performing with his face obscured, Dixon shuns ubiquitous hits in favour of drawing the listener into his personal musical vibe. He is unafraid to grab the microphone, speak his mind, and challenge the conventional. His unpredictable and esoteric sets are invariably treasure troves packed full of musical gems—some familiar, some unheard, and always surprising. And that's what makes him a perfect fit for DJ-Kicks, a series that invites contributors to indulge in their innermost passions for an intimate listening experience.

Across 75 minutes and 30 tracks, Moodymann doesn't disappoint: despite being a notorious vinyl fetishist, Dixon's goal is to present quality music, not to one-up other collectors. Rather than offering up ridiculously rare or hard-to-find records, he focuses on creating a libidinal, blues-drenched vibe spanning heart-wrenching soul, magnificent hip-hop, and love-filled house. In addition to cuts from his own creative circle, the mix features 11 exclusive Moodymann edits. Like everything Kenny Dixon Jr. touches, DJ-Kicks showcases the taste, skill, and soul of a dance music original.