Grammy-winning DJ and Producer Mix Master Mike, aka Michael Schwartz, recently released his seventh studio album, Ready Slayer One.
Talking about his music, Mix Master Mike told HipHopDX, “My music has become a map of learning and inspirational guidance. Always staying motivated as a creative artist and human being — not raising the bar but being the bar. Activating a limitless mindset with force and integrity to inspire the next wave of creatives.”
Mix Master Mike first gained fame as a member of the Invisibl Skratch Pikls, the acclaimed DJ collective. In 1996, Mike debuted Michristmasterpiece Muziks Worst Nightmare, which caught the attention of the Beastie Boys, who asked him to appear on their 1998 LP, Hello Nasty, and on tour.
Since then, Mix Master Mike has toured with Metallica, been named The World’s Greatest DJ by USA Today, been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, opened the Vancouver Winter Olympics, produced the theme music for Teen Titans Go, performed on Yo Gabba Gabba, produced the theme music for the FIFA World Cup, worked on Andra Day’s Grammy-nominated album, Cheers to the Fall, performed at the Kennedy Center, and launched the first animated NFT. The list goes on and on.
Encompassing 18 tracks, Ready Slayer One begins with an intro by White Boy Rick, and then flows into “TSAR BOMBA,” a galvanizing tune full of crushing drums and a grimy bassline. Highlights on the album include drum and bass banger “EMRGNCY,” featuring a dazzling display of percussion and exotic tonal accents.
“COBRA” travels on crunching drums topped by an array of captivating sound effects, including deep droning tones, luminous sparkles, and blaring horns. The drill-inspired “POSTAL,” rolls out on stuttering drums, flute-like intonations, and a throbbing bassline, giving the rhythm an edgy muscularity.
“COLADA DOLCE” rides a song-song rhythm as blatting tones add sonic disturbances. Beaucoup scratch and tinny timbres give the tune a compelling chomping momentum. “FLUX LINER” showcases walloping, syncopated drums supporting surging sonic coloration.
“WAR PIANO” opens on a nursery rhyme-like piano that provides the matrix for kaleidoscopic colors atop devastatingly powerful drums. ZEUS OF DRUMZ lurches and trundles on pulverizing drums as dramatic, majestic textures imbue the tune with sacred flavors.
Ready Slayer One delivers an electrifying listening experience as Mix Master Mike parades his unique, creative genius.
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