When British prog rock band Babe Ruth recorded 'The Mexican' - a low-slung funk-rock workout that came complete with weighty bass and killer drum breaks - they could have had no idea of the impact it would have during the block party phase of hip-hop's evolution (or, for that matter, that Jellybean Benitez would record a Latin hip-hop cover in the early 80s). It's the track's significance within hip-hop that inspired these revisions from break-digger Mister Mushi. Both of the producer's 'Special Edit' versions - vocal on the A-side, instrumental on the flip - make the most of the track's prototype hip-hop breaks, restless bassline and Latin-tinged fuck-rock guitar licks. They're basically the breaker-friendly revisions the dancers want and need.

It's the album that redefined ambient music, not least for a generation of parasympathetic ravers. Aphex Twin's Selected Ambient Works Volume II marked a stylistic shift away from the first edition in the infamous ambient LP 'series', Selected Ambient Works 85-92. Volume II differed substantially; this time, there would be no 'techno' addendum to 'ambient', and all tracks thereupon would lack the usual indulgence of beats, however easy-on-the-ears these had been beforehand. Known for its many numbered tracks - which on the original edition, rather than track names, denoted references to images of natural forms, textures and geologic readymades, all bathed in orange, and from which fans had to infer the written names - this expanded edition stays faithful to this origin. Even so, it adds two unreleased D. Jamesian treats - 'th1 [evnslower]' and a reversed version of 'Rhubarb' - as well as a the previously vinyl only '#19'.

Johnny Kick's Come On EP on Rawax Germany is a vibrant homage to the early 90s rave sound. On Side-1, things kick off with 'Burnin,' a track that blends classic house and techno with strong melodic stabs, reminiscent of MK or Nu Groove. 'Come On' follows with a fun and clever UK breakbeat style that echoes the energy of 808 State. On Side-2, 'Alright,' is a perfect recreation of the early 90s techno rave sound with classic samples. Closing the EP is 'Everybody,' a breakbeat dancefloor destroyer with keys that pay huge respect to Outlander's 'Vamp.' Each track captures the nostalgic essence of the rave era while delivering a modern punch. Massive!

This limited release offers a rare glimpse into the genius of Jorge Ben, the father of samba rock, with two coveted tracks that any collector would jump at. One track is previously unreleased, while the other is a live performance from 1972 that was originally only available in Japan, making it a cult favourite among a select group of collectors. Featuring the legendary Trio Mocoto as his backing band, Ben's incisive guitar and signature sound shine in two extraordinary live cuts that capture the raw energy and brilliance of samba rock at its peak. Pressed on limited white vinyl, this 7" release is a treasure for anyone seeking rare gems from Brazilian music's golden age.

Mike Bandoni's new outing on Village Live Records is a super good drum outing that has been doing the rounds amongst some top-tier funk DJs. Bandoni is a talented multi-instrumentalist and is also the former drummer for the Craig Charles Fantasy Funk Band so knows his sound inside out. Opener 'Kool Trippin' is an uptempo classic with energy to get any floor going. On the flip is another bit of pure bait for B-boys and girls with irresistible funk breaks and catchy hooks. Both tracks are taken from 'Rhodium Breaks' and come in limited quantities.

Nope, sadly it is not that Prince Philip - the late Queen's husband - though boy would we love to hear what he could do on a mixing desk with those porcine fingers of his. Instead, this is a collection of sounds dedicated to the work of the late "Prince" Philip Smart, who was the first-ever engineer at King Tabby's legendary Tubby studio beside the boss himself. He was key to sharing the early sound of dub though he was rarely credited at the time. Listen to this collection of gems from between 1973 and 1976 across to glorious slabs of wax though and you'll be sure to be a fan.

This unknown label is continuing to do some great work with regard to putting out club-ready reworks of Sade classics. The buttery-voiced soul queen has barely roasted any music since her famous heyday but even years on it still it sounds superb. Here we have a remix of 'Surrender Your Love' with the passionate original vocal draped over some nice cuddly, dusty deep house drums. On the flip, 'Haunt Me' (DJ Sneak mix) finds the House Gangster in tender form, with some supple and soft chords and drums all bubbling away nicely beneath another crucial Sade vocal sample.

This release features two previously unreleased tracks on a beloved 1987 digital riddim. Singing Melody delivers the first, 'Friday Evening', a tune he revisited several times and it brings true dancehall energy. PN the reverse of the 7" is a nice dub that fleshes things out to the max with extra wobble and headiness. Both songs were recorded at Dynamic Sounds during this golden era and are cuts that capture the essence of classic digital dancehall, so are essential additions to the collections of any fans of this period.