Baltimore's finest DJ Spen and Karizma are the latest artists to join the illustrious ranks of bonafide House Masters.
We have Mary J Blige to thank for the formation of Spen & Karizma as one of the leading lights of the 90's house scene. The pair were working on a remix of her track 'Beautiful'when it happened; "I turned to Spen,” Karizma recollects, “and I said, you know what, we should just do this, we should take over the world, man!”
Talk to any House music head and mention DJ Spen and Karizma, and the likelyhood is that their eyes will instantly light up, due to the fact that these Baltimore producers represent all that is good about quality house music. As two thirds of the Basement Boys with Teddy Douglas they beguiled clubland with their superb and sophisticated beats and gospel vocals, and have stayed true to their sound ever since, establishing impeccable reputations along the way. They have been instrumental in the development of house music into its current form and are more than deserving of the ultimate title of House Masters.
It was the in 1995 when the pair first met up serendipitously through the Baltimore club scene. Their paths began to cross at leading the local nightspot Club Paradox where Spen was resident, and at the radio station V103 where both Karizma and Spen had regular slots.
There followed a string of Spen & Karizma releases on Basement Boys and other respected house labels, as well as remix work for some of the biggest names in the business, including such luminaries as Alicia Keys, Everything But The Girl and even Michael Jackson. The pair also worked with some of the most respected names in the house music industry, including the likes of Su Su Bobien, Bob Sinclar and fellow Baltimore native Ron Carroll.
Their careers were intertwined for many years and now although working on their own individual projects and touring relentlessly they remain they best of friends and fellow producers.
Here we celebrate their work. On this album you will find a collection of 20 unmixed Spen and Karizma classics that define their unique Baltimore sound. Featuring the unforgettable 'Craze At Midnight', 'Good Morning', 'Gabryelle' and 'A Feelin' alongside Spen & Karizma remixes of Cajmere & Dajae’s 'Brighter Days, DJ Gregory’s 'Don’t Panic' and Elements Of Life featuring Lisa Fischer 'Love Will Know'.
The release also includes 3 brand new remixes exclusive to this compilation; Karizma featuring DJ Spen '4 The Love' (Kaytronik 2011 Remix), M.A.S Collective featuring Judy Peterson 'Release Your Mind' (Spen & Karizma Remix - 2011 Edit) and Jasper Street Company 'God Helps Those' (Spen & Karizma Vocal 2011 Re-Edit).
House Masters - DJ Spen & Karizma is out 19th September
