Back to Khalil

KHALIL: Freeway's "What We Do" was a bit of an anthem at the early Livin’ Proof parties and really resonated with us going against the grain by doing a hip hop party at a time when everyone else in London was moving away from it. It isn't in heavy rotation these days, but it got played a lot around the 10th anniversary of the party last year and really got the crowd going with both the older regulars and the newer crowd. And, of course, it's produced by the big bro Just Blaze who's played Livin' Proof and been a regular guest DJ at Back To Life.

What's one record that convinced you that moving to NYC in 2015 was the right thing to do?
Myself and Sticky Dojah put Sampha's "Without" in a mixtape we made at Chris' apartment in New York when I was just visiting. The track still gives me goosebumps, and just reminds me of discovering the city with fresh eyes and the excitement and opportunity that comes with it. Having lived here close to three years now, it still takes me back to that special feeling.

Donae'o's "Party Hard" has got to be one of the few records that still get's played regularly at Back To Life. It's such a UK funky party classic. It definitely had a lot of plays in clubs in NY before us with its afrobeat influence, but even if people don't know it, they can't help but move to it.