Masters at Work
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2009) |
Masters at Work | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | MAW KenLou Sole Fusion Nuyorican Soul |
| Origin | New York, New York, USA |
| 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 |
Masters at Work is the garage house production and remix team of "Little" Louie Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez.
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. The latter moniker came about in 1993, blending their residence in New York City, Puerto Rican heritage, and affinity for soul music.[1] 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 include Vincent Montana Jr., Roy Ayers, George Benson, Jocelyn Brown, Tito Puente, and members of the Salsoul Orchestra. 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 recording of 1977.
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, and Stephanie Mills.
Charted singles
As of 2017, Masters at Work singles have 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 | [2] |
| "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
| Year | Position | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 15 | New Entry | [3] |
| 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
- ^ Advisor, Resident. "RA: Masters At Work". Resident Advisor. Retrieved 2017-08-23.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Masters at Work - Chart history | Billboard". www.billboard.com. Retrieved 2017-08-23.
- ^ https://vk.com/topic-4286148_28357370?offset=0
External links
- MAW official page
- MAW video interview
- Masters at Work discography at Discogs
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| Other | |
- Club DJs
- American record producers
- American musical duos
- American house musicians
- Electronic dance music duos
- Latin American music
- Remixers
- DJs from New York City
- Tommy Boy Records artists
- GRP Records artists
- American dance music groups
- American garage house musicians
- Electronic music groups from New York (state)