Russia’s not the first place you think of when you listen to this exotic, groove-laden, summery mix of hip-hop and reggae – but that’s exactly where the marvellous DJ Vadim is from. St. Petersburg to be precise. But being raised in London exposed him to plenty of cool urban flavours, which he has been giving his own irresistible twist on since way back when in 1994.
Am immensely talented musician, producer and DJ, he’s worked with everyone from Sly & The Family Stone to Stevie Wonder to Prince, and after beginning his career with Ninja Tune in the mid-‘90s, he’s gone on to deliver many a classic oeuvre. 2007’s The Soundcatcher is our favourite, although his new album U Can’t Lurn Imaginashun (sic) is killer too.
If you don’t know already, get to know – and make sure you catch one of his live shows if you ever get to the chance, featuring the vocal talents of his wife Yarah Bravo.
What’s your personal favourite track on it?
The first, the second, the third...I love 'em all and they all come from my heart. It's a special mix I have done after returning from the Holy Land!!
What’s the special ingredient in this mix?
Well if I gave the secret best ingredient away, it wouldn’t be a surprise or a delight. I love it all.
What’s the best gig you’ve played recently?
Tel Aviv - huge. 800 people going crazy hands in the air.
What have you got coming up?
New album - DJ Vadim - U Can't Lurn Imaginashun.
My best album to date!
And finally, do you have a special message for our readers?
Peace love and unity...and bring down the apartheid wall in Israel.
Tracklisting:
DJ VADIM - GAME TIGHT
ROOTS MANUVA - JUGGLE TINGS PROPER
SLY AND ROBBIE - TRIPLET
DJ VADIM - DRUM SONG INST
LIVIN LEGENDS - FALLIN
EWH FT SPACEK - LONG TIME
ONRA - ?
JAY DEE - YESTERDAY
WAJEED -THE DRAGON
DJ VADIM FT TA’RAACH - PARAMOUNT
DJ VADIM FT LA METHOD - MAXIMUM
DJ VADIM FT YARAH BRAVO - YOU ARE YOURS
JORGE BEN - MANU CAETANO
DJ VADIM - SOLDIER
ALBO ROSIE - HERBALIST
HORACE ANDY †- CUSS CUSS
JOHN HOLT - POLICE IN HELICOPTER
SLY AND ROBBIE - DEPTH CHARGE
ALTON ELLIS - YOU ARE MINE
LADI 6 - WALK RITE UP
DJ VADIM - HOPE
DYNAMICS - LIFT ME UP
FAT FREDDYS DROP - PULL THE CATCH
NEXTMEN - LET IT BE
DJ VADIM - WATCH THAT SOUND - J STAR RMX
DIZZIE RASCAL - RASCAL
ALICE RUSSELL - HURRY ON NOW