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Masters at Work is the American garage house production and remix team of "Little" Louie Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez.[1]
Masters at Work | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | MAW KenLou Sole Fusion Nuyorican Soul |
| Origin | New York, New York, United States |
| Genres | House, garage, Nuyorican soul |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Labels | Cutting Records (1993) MAW Records (1998–present) Tommy Boy Entertainment Giant Step/Blue Thumb/GRP/MCA Records |
| Members | "Little" Louie Vega Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez |
| Past members | Todd Terry |
Biography
They first worked together using the name in 1990. Gonzalez had initially given the name to mutual friend Todd Terry, who recorded several tracks under that name during the 1980s.
The duo has produced music together under the names MAW, KenLou, Sole Fusion, Hardrive, and Nuyorican Soul.[1] The latter moniker came about in 1993, blending their residence in New York City, Puerto Rican heritage, and affinity for soul music.[2] Their Nuyorican Soul project had the duo working extensively with real (as opposed to sampled or synthesized) musicians, in a variety of styles including Latin, disco, jazz, and more. Musicians who took part in this project included Vincent Montana Jr., Roy Ayers, George Benson, Jocelyn Brown, Tito Puente, and members of the Salsoul Orchestra.[1] The self-titled album released under the name Nuyorican Soul in 1996, included original tracks as well as cover versions of songs by the performers with which the duo was working, such as "Sweet Tears" (Roy Ayers), and "Runaway", originally sung by Loleatta Holloway with the Salsoul Orchestra, here sung by India and featuring musicians from the original 1977 recording.
MAW has a history as remixers, having reproduced tracks for various acts both inside and outside the world of dance music. Some of the artists remixed by the two producers include Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson. Madonna, Donna Summer, Aaliyah, Gus Gus, Jody Watley, Jamiroquai, Earth Wind & Fire, Stephanie Mills and Los Amigos Invisibles.[1]
They have been nominated three times for the Grammy Award for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical.
Charted singles
As of 2017, Masters at Work singles reached the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart on four occasions.
| Title | Year | Peak chart position | ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | |||
| "I Can't Get No Sleep"
(featuring India) |
1993 | 1 | [3] |
| "When You Touch Me"
(featuring India) |
1994 | 13 | |
| "Work"
(featuring Puppah Nas-T and Denise) |
2002 | 7 | |
| "Backfired"
(featuring India) |
2002 | 18 |
Discography
DJ Magazine top 100 DJs list
| Year | Peak Position | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 15 | New Entry | [4] |
| 1998 | 14 | Up 1 | |
| 1999 | 12 | Up 2 | |
| 2000 | 23 | Down 11 | |
| 2001 | 34 | Down 11 | |
| 2002 | 34 | No Change | |
| 2003 | 38 | Down 4 |
References
- ^ a b c d Colin Larkin, ed. (2000). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Nineties Music (First ed.). Virgin Books. p. 252. ISBN 0-7535-0427-8.
- ^ "RA: Masters At Workt". Resident Advisor. Retrieved 2017-08-23.
- ^ "Masters at Work - Chart history | Billboard". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2017-08-23.
- ^ "Top 100 (250) DJ MAG 1997 - 2018 | Top 100 DJ MAG DJS VK Music Музыка 2019 2020". M.vk.com. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
External links
- MAW official page
- MAW video interview
- Masters at Work discography at Discogs
