Article: Introducing… 100 dBs
Dan Brenner, better known as 100 dBs, is a New York City DJ/producer. I first heard him on ‘The Adventures of the One Hand Bandit and the Slum Computer Wizard’. It’s a collaboration with the talented reggae-style singer/rapper Ryan O’Neil, who really shines over 100 dBs’ audio soundscapes.
Dan Brenner, better known as 100 dBs, is a New York City DJ/producer. I first heard him on ‘The Adventures of the One Hand Bandit and the Slum Computer Wizard‘. It’s a collaboration with the talented reggae-style singer/rapper Ryan O’Neil, who really shines over 100 dBs’ audio soundscapes.
After hearing ‘The Adventures…’, I ventured over to 100 dBs’ website and found a lot of great free mixes and albums which are available for purchase.
Early Work
On 100 dBs’ 2005 debut, ‘The Argyle Album‘ (free download), you can first hear the potential in this young producer. ‘Argyle’ is a refreshing take on Jay-Z’s ‘The Black Album,’ and ranks among the best iterations of the often remixed classic. Remixing ‘The Black Album’ in ‘05 was a daring choice in the shadow of 2004’s highly acclaimed, ‘The Brown Album’ by Kev Brown and ‘The Grey Album’, released by the one and only Danger Mouse. In spite of the obstacle, Brenner created a fresh approach to the classic album and made it a very enjoyable listen.
Mixes
All of his mixed albums are well thought out and consist of eclectic music. My favorite compilation, ‘Stax of Stax Mix‘ (free download), reminds me of Pete Rock’s ‘Soul Brother Number One: One World Mix’. This soulful blend combines tracks from the famous Stax Records back catalogue. With 15 other free mixes available on the site, any hip hop head or music fan will find something that suits their taste or mood.
Ryan O’Neil (left) and producer 100 dBs (right) working on new music
Produced by
As for albums 100 dBs produced, there are two free albums and two you can buy for cheap on his website. The two available for purchase are ‘The Adventures of…’, which includes the standout tracks ‘Must be Love’ and ‘NYC Burn’ and ‘Brenner’s Breaks Volume 2.’ ‘Breaks’ has material from 100 dBs’ own Drum Attix crew along with support from Count Bass D and Prince Po. It also contains remixes of many hip hop notables like Masta Ace, De La Soul and Lil’ Wayne.
In summation
With an already impressive body of work, 100 dBs has shown the future of hip hop contains an essence of the past combined with fresh new flavors for your audio palette. Listen to one of his free mixes, and if you like it you should pick up ‘The Adventures…‘ for only eight bucks on 100 dBs’ site. Also, be on the lookout for the new album Brenner is working on with Ryan O’Neil.
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