Top 5 Doc Scott tracks on Metalheadz
Performing Live in DC Sunday August 17th
by DJ Slant (2Tuff)
In preparation for 2Tuff’s Metalheadz DC show on Sunday at U Street Music Hall, I asked 2Tuff co-founder DJ Slant to put together a chart or list to highlight some of his favorite Metalheadz releases. Since Doc Scott will be one of the Metalheadz artist featured at the event, Slant decided to do a top list of Doc Scott tunes that were released on the Metalheadz Record label.
#1 – Doc Scott – “V.I.P. Drumz” – Metalheadz #001, 1994
It’s a tough task to pick the number one for this list but this tune wins the #1 spot for these reasons:
- It was the very first record on Metalheadz back in 1994 (along w/ Goldie’s “VIP Riders Ghost” on the flipside) launching the record label and sound that is still going strong 20 years later.
- Doc Scott’s signature cutting-edge beats, breaks, basslines, hip hop, and techno samples that played a huge role in defining and shaping the Metalheadz sound.
- This pick was like a 3-for-1 because Doc Scott also released Drumz ‘95 and Drumz 2000 that were remixes of this classic and influential release. Will there be a Drumz 2015?
#2 – Doc Scott – “Far Away (Fourteen Flavours of Funk)” – Metalheadz #004 – 1994
Since this track is one of my all-time favs it earns my #2 spot for this list. This tune was liquid DnB before liquid DnB was even called liquid DnB. “Far Away” really shows Doc Scott’s versatility with the infectious funk guitar, rolling bassline, and crispy breakbeat cuts. This track was so ahead of it’s time that I still play this record today.
#3 – Doc Scott – “The Unofficial Ghost” – Platinum Breakz LP – 1996
“The Unofficial Ghost” is a track that once you hear it, your mind can never un-hear it. That probably doesn’t make sense but take a listen from the beginning until the bass line comes in and you will understand. Continuing on his run of pioneering and seminal tunes, Doc Scott delivered an absolute dance floor smash with its infamous “ghostface killa” sample and distorted “Reece” bass line.
#4 – Doc Scott – “Swarm” – Metalheadz Boxset LP – 1997
“Swarm” is another Doc Scott track that is so identifiable by its sound. The dark and spooky “swarming” keys in this tune fade in from outer space and the techno-esque bass line combine to deliver a DnB classic. The beats in this minimal tune are sparse and floating, and it’s a stark contrast to the “Unofficial Ghost” sound; again it shows his versatility as an artist. Fortunately for me (and countless other DJs), Doc Scott has always been a DJ first. So the tunes that he produces are very DJ-friendly, and this one has a permanent spot in my record bag.
#5 – Doc Scott – “Blue Skies” – Metalheadz #015 – 1995
One of Doc Scott’s nicknames is “King of the Rollers” and if you listen to “Blue Skies” you can understand why. This tune is a moody, jazzy, minimal roller that just keeps rolling and rolling…rolling beats, rolling 808 bass line, and his way of switching break beats and his strings/keys are just masterful.
Honorable mention: Rufige Kru (Goldie) – “Monkey Boy” (Doc Scott remix) – 2008
In support of Goldie’s 2007 album “Malice in Wonderland”, Doc Scott’s remix of “Monkey Boy” is a special track because it is a tribute to the signature Metalheadz sound with a modern day twist. Adding the classic “Rufige” sample, he expertly combined his style with Goldie’s sounds.