Funk n' Beats, Vol. 9 (Curated by Jim Sharp)

Hot on the heels of the chart-topping 8th edition, Bomb Strikes' Funk N' Beats series makes a swift return with a new collection of expertly curated tracks. London-based (by way of Toronto) turntablist and vinyl aficionado Jim Sharp picks up the curation duties for the ninth volume. As one of the scene's leading producers of much-loved edits and remixes, regularly selling out his vinyl releases instantly, he can count legends such as DJ Koco, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Skratch Bastid, and Lord Finesse amongst his professional admirers. The crate-digging on this collection was always going to be top-notch as his decades of experience are put to full use.

Jim Sharp has not disappointed, the assembled track-list includes some stone-cold classics together with forgotten or overlooked gems and some bang up to date tracks. Jim develops on the ethos from previous releases in the series, to deliver a collection with wide appeal for the most ardent collector and new listener alike. The compilation features Hip-Hop royalty in the form of Stetsasonic's Daddy-O and Ugly Duckling alongside new music from Jim Sharp himself. It also sees much-loved vinyl only tracks from the likes of Shaka Loves You and Skill getting their first digital release. Other stand-out music comes from The Bamboos, Lack of Afro, Sly5thAve, Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Macambos, The Allergies, Kraak & Smaak, and many more. As if that wasn't enough, Jim has delivered an outstanding DJ mix, showcasing not only his considerable skills but also the album to perfection. This is one hell of a compilation, truly showcasing the finest Funk N' Beats.