Five Dopest House Classics by Masters At Work

Chicago may have spawned house music, but its history wouldn't be complete without the sound of New York soul. And of course, by that we mostly mean Masters At Work, the seminal DJ-production power duo of "Little" Louie Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez. Releasing variously as M.A.W., Nuyorican Soul, and...

By Sean Levisman

May 25, 2012

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Chicago may have spawned house music, but its history wouldn't be complete without the sound of New York soul. And of course, by that we mostly mean Masters At Work, the seminal DJ-production power duo of "Little" Louie Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez.

Releasing variously as M.A.W., Nuyorican Soul, and KenLou among other monikers, this pair was responsible for some of the greatest hits of '90s house. And it's no surprise they commanded the NYC dance music scene, with a soulful diva-vocalized sound that was a direct descendant of the city's golden disco heyday. But then, as Nuyoricans growing up in the world's spiciest musical melting pot, their sound is also infused with Latin, jazz, and hip-hop influences.

M.A.W.'s Kenny Dope will be alighting upon Bardot on Saturday for what is sure to be a house party of epic proportions.

In the meantime, brush up on your Masters At Work with these five classic jams.

1. "Can't Stop the Rhythm" featuring Jocelyn Brown

2. "I Can't Get No Sleep" featuring India

3. "It's All Right, I Feel It" featuring Jocelyn Brown

4. "Gimme Groove"

5. "The Nervous Track"

Kenny Dope with Toy Bombs. Saturday, May 26. Bardot, 3456 N. Miami Ave., Miami. The show starts at 10 p.m. and tickets cost $10 to $15 plus fees via eventbrite.com. Ages 21 and up. Call 305-576-7750 or visit bardot.com.

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Sean Levisman has been a contributing writer for Miami New Times since 2008. He has a bachelor's of fine arts from Suffolk University. When he's not rambling about music or arts and culture in Miami, you can find him color-splattered in the studio, advancing his practice as a figurative expressionist painter.

Contact: Sean Levisman

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