DND. Who are they? What do those forbidding initials stand for? Deep 'N' Dark? Deadly 'N' Destructive? Dave Nick and Dan? Doris Natasha and Daniellle? Whatever it's tempting to view them as a Garage anachronism, a 2000-era US R'n'B remix project, now that we're all blinkin' ardkore rappers. DND have two classics under their belts, first the slamming "Reach and Spin" remix (caned to death for years on the pirates) with its skippy beats and lolopping acid squelch a track that sounded like a rude bwoy in a Porsche overtaking and undertaking on the M6 the tyres gripping the road at thrilling speeds. Then the totally dynamite "Diamond Rings", with its likkle rap loop, also belting out of the gate like a greyhound on it last race.
And guess what they're at it again. The totally f**kin amazing "Down on Me" remix of Ashanti. OK I admit it, I don't have a problem with the remix thing. People have said of Garage: "Oh No, another bleedin' remix", and yes I suppose it contributes to some people's perception of Garage as a music without it's own centre. But if you're a wee bit cleverer you can appreciate that well yes this music is "junk", anonymous white labels, bits and pieces from one hit wonders (no lasting stars), commisioned remixes, sporting a complete lack of interest in packaging, but that's what makes it alive and interesting. It's a big bog of seething life. What would we rather, and I know I'm going to make enemies here but here goes anyway, Horsepower Productions?
"Down on Me" is practically the "Aftermath" for the Noughties. I don't mean Tricky's "Aftermath" either, you've got to take that Garage Rap head off (briefly), but Nightmare on Wax's "Aftermath". Ashanti ripped from her warm R'n'B backing is dropped into a bleak wasteland of smearing pulses and fast-forward snares, cos that is where her head is at. She's lost in a deep frightening love dependant on some heartless beast (played here by Ja Rule) pledging herself in a way any man knows, in spite of her looking as hot as hell, is almost designed to alienate reciprocated affection. "Boy you got me, I will never leave...." over and over again. She's history! She's gonna be inconsolable too, and guess what, you won't be able to take her down the chippy and cheer her up. She doesn't like her beer warm like that Gwyneth Paltrow, she's too good for you and she knows it. It's a classic panic track and no they didn't use a sample like N.O.W. they actually got paid to make it..........
Posted by Woebot at February 16, 2003 12:05 PM