Five Tracks: DJ Rashad

This week's Five Tracks is moving a bit differently. Back in October, we spoke with DJ Rashad before the release of his brilliant album Double Cup. Du

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Complex Original

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This week's Five Tracks is moving a bit differently. Back in October, we spoke with DJ Rashad before the release of his brilliant album Double Cup. During the interview, he not only hit us with artists that inspire him, but he also highlighted five of his productions that he considered essential. Many of these are our favorites, for obvious reasons, and we wanted to make sure these selections didn't get lost in the shuffle. They are also all cuts that dropped in 2013, so if you were confused about why we rated Rashad so highly this year, you could almost look at these as a Rashad Best of 2013 selection. Hand picked from Rashad (with notes from DAD editor-in-chief khal), here are five essential DJ Rashad tracks.

DJ Rashad ft. Spinn & Taso - "Feelin'"

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Label: Hyperdub

Well, we're going to assume it's the "Feelin" from Double Cup, which features Spinn and Taso (who were on a number of the album's tracks), and not the "Feelin" from Rashad's 2012 release TEKLIFE Vol. 1: Welcome to the Chi, just because everything else was from this year. Interestingly enough, both of them have a similar base, although you can tell that Spinn and Taso threw a dope spin (no pun intended) on the source material. Check both versions out.

DJ Rashad ft. Spinn - "Double Cup"

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Label: Hyperdub

One of the few Double Cup tracks to feature that acid zone that the Chitown footwork producers delve into, although the tune deviates pretty quickly into some more atmospheric vibes for the better part of the track. Run this shit...

DJ Rashad & Freshmoon - "Everybody"

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Label: Hyperdub

The use of the most epic cry ever on this one is all kinds of wins, but instead of just milking the hilarity of that piece of real life, Rashad and Freshmoon actually build an intriguing track around it. Watch for the harder edited drums that dip in partway through the track.

DJ Rashad & DJ Spinn - "Brighter Dayz"

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Label: Hyperdub

Post-Rollin' EP, but pre-Double Cup, Rashad dropped the impressive I Don't Give A Fuck EP, and in listening back to these tracks now, you really get to hear the jungle influence. With Spinn bringing even more of a soulful flavor to the mix, we hope you're not sleeping on winners like these.

DJ Rashad & Heavee D - "It's Wack"

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You failed if you missed the download on this one. If you have played through Grand Theft Auto V and spent any time mobbing through the streets while FlyLo FM was on, you've heard this sinister footwork number creeping up. The low-end on this one is crazy, and the way Rashad and Heavee edited the vocal to make it sound like dude was saying "it's wack" is a thing of perfection. It's all about that sexy loop towards the end, though. Proper climax.

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