One More Time: The Music of Romanthony

The passing of Romanthony has hit those in the know hard, and came at a weird time, considering that Daft Punk's Random Access Memories is dropping th

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Complex Original

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The passing of Romanthony has hit those in the know hard, and came at a weird time, considering that Daft Punk's Random Access Memories is dropping the same month that Romanthony died. Given that a number of dance music fans only know of him as "the guy from Daft Punk's 'One More Time'," we figure now is as good of a time as any to educate you guys on Romanthony's contributions to the music scene. Daft Punk saw it, which is why they incorporated the Jersey garage sound from Romanthony and Todd Edwards had helped curate to the masses with their Discovery LP.

Found here are some of Romanthony's most well-known singles, both on Azuli Records and his own imprint, Black Male, highlighting the beauty of his voice and the soul found within his productions. If you're discovering him for the first time, let these tracks soak deep into you. If you're a fan, remember the first time you'd heard these. Rest in power, Romanthony.

Romanthony - "Wanderer"

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Label: Black Male Records

Year: 1993

Looking back, it's amazing to think that one of Romanthony's seminal tracks was updated twenty years after its initial release. The bass on this one is truly infectious, and is part of the sounds that are called "garage" or "UK garage," and were nurtured by New Jersey producers like Romanthony and Todd Edwards. The beauty in the vocals and guitar that are thrown over this are on the money.

Romanthony - "Make This Love Right"

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Label: Azuli Records

Year: 1993

Romanthony and Azuli had a great run together and this, his second single for them, highlights the soul-filled bounce that a number of his productions had. The vocals are a great touch, with a hint of Prince in Romanthony's inflection.

Buzzin Cuzzins ft. Romanthony ‎- "Let Me Show You Love"

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Label: Azuli Records
Year: 1994

One of those tracks that you drop and get lost to. That "let me show you love" vocal, when it does drop, MAKES this track. One of those things where, if you sing it around the right crowd of people, they will get their dance on with the quicknes.

Romanthony - "Hold On"

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Label: Black Male Records / Roule'

Year: 1994 / 1999

Romanthony had a knack for utilizing speeches from great leaders, and we hope you recognize the man speaking at the beginning. This is one is all about uplifting and overcoming the struggle. DAD hopes the Moore family turns this one on and is making it through. (And do note that this track was so nice that Thomas Bangalter had to re-release it on his Roule' label in 1999)

Romanthony - "In The Mix (A Tribute to Tony Humphries)"

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Label: Azuli Records
Year: 1994

If you don't feel something when "In The Mix" drops, you might need to check your pulse. That bass is so funky, with the James Brown-ish vibe going on with the gutteral noises as opposed to actual vocals. Proper groove music.

Romanthony - "Bring U Up"

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Label: Black Male Records

Year: 1995

Romanthony took us to church on this one. The sliding of those vocal snippets in that call-and-response vibe? This is part Prince, part James Brown, and all FUNK!

Romanthony with The Trojan Horse - "The House O' God"

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Label: Black Male Records
Year: 1995

"The House O' God" feels like one of those spiritual numbers that you'd fall head-over-heels in love with during the wee hours of the morning, mid-rave. Life changing.

Daft Punk - "One More Time"

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Label: Daft Life / Virgin

Year: 2000

This is where many of you first heard anything Romanthony did, even if you weren't sure it was him or knew anything about him. The story is that Romanthony actually sent this track to the androids in his own voice, and they dug it so much, but beefed it up into the beast that we all knew and loved.

His "unplugged" version of "One More Time," which was found on the Daft Club compilation, takes on a different meaning now:

Kris Menace ft. Romanthony - "2Nite4U"

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Label: Compuphonic.net

Year: 2013

Aside from reportedly working on new material with Boys Noize, and "The Wanderer" release on Dim Mak with Kevin McKay, Romanthony was lending his vocals to this soulful, moving cut from Kris Menace. As you can see, he never lost it, even if we didn't get to hear "it" as much these past few years.

Romanthony's "Slices" Feature

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The best way to know anyone is through their own words, right? Check out this awe-inspiring piece on Romanthony from Slices, where he speaks on his influences, his theories behind work, and so much more.

You should also check out this piece on Romanthony from In Muzik, circa 1997.

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