DJ/producer Paul Oakenfold forthcoming album, ‘Shine On,’ has already had its first single release with ‘The World Can Wait’, featuring the voice of Luis Fonsi, an artist most recognised for his work in ‘Despacito’ with Justin Bieber. Now, Paul embraces his longtime love affair with hip hop on the second single ‘What’s Your Love Like” featuring Grammy Award-winning rapper/actress Eve and emerging rapper/producer Baby E.
Eve’s vocals kick off the track, with Baby E’s adlibs echoing in the background, a combination of catchy pop toplines, with a dance bassline and Oakenfold’s groove.
Oakenfold is no stranger to the hip hop scene and has played played a role in the careers of some of the genre’s most important artists. Paul managed ‘Britain's number 1 hip hop DJs’ Mastermind (four DJs on 8 decks) and London All Star Breakers, who finished third in the world at the Breakdancing Championship in New York City.
On the label side, Paul was previously head of A&R for Profile Records in Europe which was home to Run DMC and Rob Base and was head of A&R for Champion Records where he signed DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, which had a top ten hit single with ‘Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble.’
Paul was instrumental in signing the rap band Salt N Pepa and was hired by CBS Records / Sony to take care of Public Enemy, LL Cool J and Beastie Boys on all ventures in the United Kingdom. Paul was also one of the original DJs on the Pirate Station on Kiss FM, which now has gone on to become ‘the biggest urban station in the UK, where he was playing hip hop before anyone had access to it.’
Paul’s influence in dance music is well documented.
Eve made her breakthrough in 1999 on the Grammy-nominated The Roots song ‘You Got Me,’ and went on to release four solo albums. In 2002, she received a Grammy Award for ‘Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for the song "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" with Gwen Stefani. As an actress, Eve has had a role in the ‘Barbershop’ film series while also apparently achieving success in fashion with her clothing line, Fetish.
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