With the exception of the last remix included, this edition of Remixes & Blues has somehow turned into some sort of codeine sponsored special with three out of four tracks having the power to sedate you into a different galaxy if desired. Strictly enjoy if you have no other obligations for the rest of the day. That being said, it’s been quite a while since Nguzunguzu released one of the finest things to happen to the online mixtape world, “The Perfect Lullaby“, and we still find ourselves either radically blasting the tape itself out for the umpteenth time or trying to single out the individual treasures to be found on there. An example is stumbling upon Peejay’s many Zouk-fusion remixes that are not to be missed out on with their virally addictive rhythms, but a definite monumental moment from the mixtape is the LA duo’s own mashup of Ashanti’s “Foolish” with Salez’ “Pura Inspiraçao”. Continuing in the hypnotic pattern of a lot of their work, the track possesses a rather powerful gloomy undertone as it rests upon hearty foundations of Kizomba beats. Given away on its own on the down low a while back, this is a rational chance to enjoy some distinctively recognizable chorus lines over a delicious beat if you don’t have the fifty minutes to spare to enjoy “The Perfect Lullaby” in its full glory.

[wpaudio url=”https://truantsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Foolish_Pura-Inspiraasao-Nguzu-Edit.mp3″ text=”Ashanti vs. SaLeZ – Foolish/Pura Inspiraçao (Nguzu Edit)” dl=”0″]

Out of all the unnecessary “Marvin’s Room” covers, Jojo’s truly makes it to the top of the list of ones to throw out immediately. That is, until Norwegian Drippin’ gave a new spin to her Tumblr anthem and turned it into a emotional and danceable remix that craves many repeats. With borderline tribal beats and cheeky steel drums making their way in to Jojo’s chiming drug-induced confessions, we thank Drippin’ for completely justifying the creation of at least one “Marvin’s Room” cover. While we’re on the subject of female vocals slowed down into an almost pharmaceutical resonance, let’s take a short moment to revisit Physical Therapy’s elegant take on Alicia Keys’ “Unthinkable”. Possibly one of my personal favourite remixes of last year, this interpretation of “Unthinkable” manages to commit to the core of high spirited emotions from the original as it transports Alicia’s vocals a notch above cloud nine.

Craxxxmurf – Up 3Dayz Adderall & Redbull (Drippin’ Remix) by Drippin’

Alicia Keys – Unthinkable (Physical Therapy Remix)

Finally on an outrageously different vibe is this ballroom/vogue-house remix of Beyoncé’s “End of Time” that might just convince you into thinking that the original track’s sole purpose was to be recrafted and mixed into this style all along. Originally produced by The-Dream in collaboration with Diplo & Switch and B’s self-professed tribute to Fela Kuti, “End of Time” was one of the only tracks on “4” whose battle-paced afrobeat inspired rhythm allowed for the type of explosively energetic dance routine in its live performance that we’re used to idolizing and memorizing from the Houston songstress. This rendition, aptly retitled “Say You’ll Neva (End of Time Ha)” by Baltimore producer Jay R Neutron, honestly makes you wonder why Bey hasn’t stepped her performance game up into the world of ballroom voguing more than the occasional inclusion of a hair-whip and opens a much welcomed window of opportunity for whoever’s in charge of her choreography. Jay R Neutron infuses all the relentless elements of an archetype ballroom vogue track in his remix, including traces of Ha’s to be heard in the background as well as bits and pieces of Kevin Aviance’s “Cunty” sneaking its way in, all in perfect support of Beyonce’s blissfully loving chopped up vocals from the original bridge. We didn’t think it was possible to have a version of “End of Time” that would have you in a stronger physical trance than the original, but here you go.

Say You’ll Neva (End of Time Ha) by Jay R Neutron